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WO2012114787A1 - Dispositif et procédé de production d'hydrogène - Google Patents

Dispositif et procédé de production d'hydrogène Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012114787A1
WO2012114787A1 PCT/JP2012/050386 JP2012050386W WO2012114787A1 WO 2012114787 A1 WO2012114787 A1 WO 2012114787A1 JP 2012050386 W JP2012050386 W JP 2012050386W WO 2012114787 A1 WO2012114787 A1 WO 2012114787A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
photoelectric conversion
hydrogen production
gas
conversion unit
electrolysis
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
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PCT/JP2012/050386
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
吉田　章人
正樹 加賀
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Sharp Corp
Original Assignee
Sharp Corp
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Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2011040639A external-priority patent/JP5802403B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2011040628A external-priority patent/JP5785736B2/ja
Application filed by Sharp Corp filed Critical Sharp Corp
Publication of WO2012114787A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012114787A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/01—Products
    • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
    • C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/50—Processes
    • C25B1/55—Photoelectrolysis
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hydrogen production apparatus and a hydrogen production method.
  • renewable energy In recent years, the use of renewable energy is desired from the viewpoint of depletion of fossil fuel resources and the suppression of global warming gas emissions.
  • renewable energy sources such as sunlight, hydropower, wind power, geothermal power, tidal power, and biomass.
  • sunlight has a large amount of available energy, and there are geographical restrictions on other renewable energy sources. Because of the relatively small amount, early development and popularization of technology that can efficiently use energy from sunlight is desired.
  • Possible forms of energy generated from sunlight include electrical energy produced using solar cells and solar thermal turbines, thermal energy by collecting solar energy in a heat medium, and other types of sunlight.
  • Examples include storable fuel energy such as liquid fuel and hydrogen by substance reduction.
  • Many solar cell technologies and solar heat utilization technologies have already been put into practical use, but the energy utilization efficiency is still low, and the cost of producing electricity and heat is still high. Technology development is underway.
  • these forms of electricity and heat can be used to supplement short-term energy fluctuations, it is extremely difficult to supplement long-term fluctuations such as seasonal fluctuations, It is a problem that there is a possibility that the operating rate of the power generation equipment may be reduced due to the increase in power generation.
  • storing energy as a substance, such as liquid fuel and hydrogen is extremely effective as a technology that efficiently supplements long-term fluctuations and increases the operating rate of power generation facilities. It is an indispensable technology to raise and reduce carbon dioxide emissions thoroughly.
  • liquid fuels such as hydrocarbons
  • gaseous fuels such as biogas and hydrogen
  • solid pellets such as biomass-derived wood pellets and metals reduced by sunlight. It can.
  • liquid fuel, gaseous fuel including hydrogen in terms of total utilization efficiency improvement with fuel cells, etc. solid fuel in terms of storability and energy density
  • a hydrogen production technique by decomposing water with sunlight has attracted particular attention from the viewpoint that water that can be easily obtained as a raw material can be used.
  • platinum is supported on a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide, and this substance is put in water to perform light separation in a semiconductor, and an electrolytic solution.
  • the water is decomposed directly at high temperature using the photolysis method by reducing protons and oxidizing water, or by using thermal energy such as a high-temperature gas furnace, or indirectly by coupling with redox of metals, etc.
  • Pyrolysis method that uses the metabolism of microorganisms that use light such as algae, water electrolysis method that combines electricity generated by solar cells and water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, photoelectric conversion used in solar cells
  • the method include a photovoltaic method in which electrons and holes obtained by photoelectric conversion are used in a reaction by a hydrogen generation catalyst and an oxygen generation catalyst by supporting a hydrogen generation catalyst and an oxygen generation catalyst on the material.
  • the one that has the possibility of producing a small hydrogen production device by integrating the photoelectric conversion unit and the hydrogen generation unit is considered to be a photolysis method, a biological method, a photovoltaic method, From the viewpoint of the conversion efficiency of solar energy, the photovoltaic method is considered to be one of the technologies closest to practical use. So far, a hydrogen production apparatus in which photoelectric conversion and hydrogen generation are integrated has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). By using such a hydrogen production apparatus, solar energy can be efficiently stored as hydrogen.
  • the hydrogen production device when the movement of the sun is tracked so that the amount of incident light to be photoelectrically converted is increased in a hydrogen production device that integrates photoelectric conversion and hydrogen generation, depending on the inclination angle of the hydrogen production device, the hydrogen production device May not be discharged and the hydrogen generation efficiency may be reduced.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a hydrogen production apparatus that can increase the amount of incident light that undergoes photoelectric conversion and that does not reduce hydrogen generation efficiency.
  • the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, a first electrolysis electrode and a second electrolysis electrode provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit, and an engagement unit that supports the photoelectric conversion unit.
  • a photoelectric conversion unit having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, a first electrolysis electrode and a second electrolysis electrode provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit, and an engagement unit that supports the photoelectric conversion unit.
  • the electrolysis solution is generated by electrolysis, and the electrolytic solution is electrolyzed to generate the first gas and the second gas, respectively.
  • One of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen and the other is Is an oxygen, and the engaging portion is provided so that the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion with respect to sunlight can be adjusted.
  • the first and second electrolysis electrodes are configured to electrolyze the electrolytic solution using the electromotive force generated by the light received by the photoelectric conversion unit to generate the first gas and the second gas, respectively. Since it is provided, the first gas can be generated on the surface of the first electrolysis electrode, and the second gas can be generated on the surface of the second electrolysis electrode. Moreover, since one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen, hydrogen can be produced. According to the present invention, since the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode are provided on the back side of the photoelectric conversion unit, light can be incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit without using the electrolyte solution. It is possible to prevent absorption of incident light and scattering of incident light.
  • the amount of incident light to the photoelectric conversion unit can be increased, and the light use efficiency can be increased.
  • the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode are provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit, light incident on the light receiving surface is generated from the first and second electrolysis electrodes, respectively. It is not absorbed or scattered by the first gas and the second gas. As a result, the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit can be increased, and the light utilization efficiency can be increased.
  • the engaging portion that supports the photoelectric conversion unit is provided so that the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit with respect to sunlight can be adjusted. Adjustment can be made in accordance with the movement, and the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit can be increased.
  • the engagement portion is provided so that the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit can be adjusted, thereby increasing the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit, and the first gas and the second gas. Since it is possible to optimize the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit so as to balance that it can be discharged without staying in the hydrogen production apparatus, hydrogen can be generated without reducing the water electrolysis efficiency. .
  • FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen production apparatus taken along dotted line AA in FIG. 1 or a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen production module taken along dotted line AA in FIG.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hydrogen production apparatus taken along dotted line BB in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the hydrogen production apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the hydrogen production apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention, or a schematic sectional drawing of the hydrogen production module contained in the hydrogen production apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 It is a schematic plan view in the 1st form of the hydrogen production apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention.
  • (A) is a schematic plan view in the 2nd form of the hydrogen production apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention
  • (b) is the schematic side view.
  • It is a schematic plan view of the hydrogen production module contained in the hydrogen production apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 It is a schematic plan view in the 1st form of the hydrogen production apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention.
  • (A) is a schematic plan view in the 2nd form of the hydrogen production apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention,
  • (b) is the schematic side view.
  • (A) is a schematic side view in the 2nd form of the hydrogen production apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention,
  • (b) is the schematic top view. It is a schematic back view of the hydrogen production module contained in the hydrogen production apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of this embodiment includes a photoelectric conversion unit having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, a first electrolysis electrode and a second electrolysis electrode provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit, and the photoelectric conversion unit.
  • the electrolysis solution generated by receiving light from the conversion unit is used to electrolyze the electrolytic solution to generate the first gas and the second gas, respectively, one of the first gas and the second gas.
  • Is hydrogen and the other is oxygen, and the engaging portion is provided so that the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion relative to sunlight can be adjusted.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment further includes an inclination angle limiting means, a first gas discharge port, and a second gas discharge port, wherein the first and second gas discharge ports are the end portion of the first electrolysis electrode and the second gas discharge port.
  • the inclination angle limiting means is provided close to each end of the electrolysis electrode. It is preferable to limit the inclination angles of the first and second electrolysis electrodes so that the first gas and the second gas move in the electrolytic solution to the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet, respectively, by buoyancy.
  • the first and second tilt angle limiting means move the first gas and the second gas so that the first gas and the second gas move through the electrolyte to the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet, respectively, by buoyancy. Since the inclination angle of the electrode for electrolysis is limited, it is possible to prevent the first gas or the second gas from staying in the apparatus without being discharged from the hydrogen production apparatus, and to prevent a decrease in hydrogen generation efficiency. it can.
  • the engaging portion is rotatable or deformable. According to such a configuration, the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit can be adjusted by rotating or deforming the engaging unit.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus preferably further includes a control unit that controls the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit with respect to sunlight or the movement of the first and second electrolysis electrodes. According to such a configuration, the movement of the hydrogen production apparatus can be automatically controlled.
  • the control unit controls the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit with respect to sunlight based on the elevation angle and direction of the sun. According to such a configuration, the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit can be increased.
  • the control unit controls the movement of the first and second electrolysis electrodes so that the first and second electrolysis electrodes vibrate. According to such a configuration, the discharge of the first gas on the surface of the first electrolysis electrode and the second gas on the surface of the second electrolysis electrode to the outside of the apparatus can be promoted.
  • the control unit includes an input unit for inputting information, a direction of a light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit based on information input from the input unit, or first and second electrolysis.
  • the control unit includes a tilt angle limiting unit that limits a tilt angle of the first and second electrolysis electrodes. According to such a configuration, the inclination angle of the first and second electrolysis electrodes can be restricted without using physical means, and therefore the restriction by the inclination angle restriction means can be easily released.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment further includes a switching unit that can be electrically connected to the first external circuit, and the switching unit outputs an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit receives light to the first external circuit. It is preferable to be able to switch between a circuit and a circuit that outputs an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit receives light to the first and second electrolysis electrodes. According to such a configuration, the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit can be output to the first external circuit or the first or second electrolysis electrode as necessary, and the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit is effectively utilized. be able to.
  • the switching unit can be electrically connected to the second external circuit, and the electromotive force input from the second external circuit is converted to the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis. It is preferable that the circuit can be switched to a circuit that outputs to the working electrode and generates the first gas and the second gas from the electrolyte. According to such a configuration, the first and second electrolysis electrodes can be effectively utilized.
  • the control unit includes an input unit for inputting information, a setting unit for setting a circuit to be switched by the switching unit based on information input from the input unit, and the setting unit It is preferable that an output unit for outputting the information set by the above to the switching unit. According to such a configuration, the control unit can control the circuit that the switching unit switches based on the input information.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment further includes an inclination sensor, an orientation sensor, a position sensor, an illuminance sensor, or a clock, and the input means includes the inclination sensor, the azimuth sensor, the position sensor, the illuminance sensor, or the clock. It is preferable to input information. According to such a configuration, information on the state of the hydrogen production apparatus, information on the position of the sun, information on movement, and information on solar radiation can be detected.
  • the input means inputs information from an electric power company, power sale information, Web information, and solution server information.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus can be controlled based on power demand information and the like.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus according to the present embodiment further includes a base, and the engaging portion is provided such that the photoelectric conversion unit, the first electrolysis electrode, and the second electrolysis electrode move relative to the base. It is preferable. According to such a structure, a base part can be fixed and a photoelectric conversion part etc. can be moved with respect to a base part.
  • the engaging portion includes a first engaging portion that adjusts an inclination angle of a light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion, and a second that adjusts an orientation in which the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion faces. It is preferable that an engagement part is included. According to such a configuration, the direction in which the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit faces can be easily adjusted to the sun. In the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the second engagement portion is provided so that the photoelectric conversion portion moves relative to the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode.
  • the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit can be moved without changing the inclination angles of the first and second electrolysis electrodes, and the first gas and the second gas can be stably supplied. Can be discharged.
  • the engaging portion is provided so that the photoelectric conversion portion moves relative to the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode. According to such a configuration, the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit can be moved without changing the inclination angles of the first and second electrolysis electrodes, and the first gas and the second gas can be stably supplied. Can be discharged.
  • the present invention is a hydrogen production apparatus that can be modified from the first form to the second form or from the second form to the first form, comprising at least one hydrogen production module that is deformably provided,
  • the hydrogen production module includes a photoelectric conversion unit having a light receiving surface and a back surface, and a first electrolysis electrode and a second electrolysis electrode provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit, and the first and second electrolysis electrodes.
  • the electrolysis solution is electrolyzed using the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit receiving light.
  • the first gas and the second gas are provided so as to be decomposed to generate a first gas and a second gas, respectively.
  • One of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen and the other is oxygen.
  • the light reception included in the apparatus The second form is the same or different on the same or different hydrogen production module on the light receiving surface side or the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion part included in one hydrogen production module.
  • a conventional hydrogen production apparatus using solar energy a large installation area is required in order to use as much solar energy as possible.
  • conventional hydrogen production equipment is generally fixedly installed, the installation location can be used for other purposes even at night when sunlight cannot be received or when the installation location is to be used temporarily for other purposes. Can not.
  • This invention is made
  • the first and second electrolysis electrodes are configured to electrolyze the electrolytic solution using the electromotive force generated by the light received by the photoelectric conversion unit to generate the first gas and the second gas, respectively. Since it is provided, the first gas can be generated on the surface of the first electrolysis electrode, and the second gas can be generated on the surface of the second electrolysis electrode. Moreover, since one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen, hydrogen can be produced. According to the present invention, since the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode are provided on the back side of the photoelectric conversion unit, light can be incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit without using the electrolyte solution. It is possible to prevent absorption of incident light and scattering of incident light.
  • the amount of incident light to the photoelectric conversion unit can be increased, and the light use efficiency can be increased.
  • the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode are provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit, light incident on the light receiving surface is generated from the first and second electrolysis electrodes, respectively. It is not absorbed or scattered by the first gas and the second gas. As a result, the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit can be increased, and the light utilization efficiency can be increased.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus from the first mode in which substantially the entire light receiving surface included in the hydrogen production apparatus can directly receive sunlight, the light receiving surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit included in one hydrogen production module or It is possible to transform the hydrogen production apparatus into the second form in which the photoelectric conversion unit included in the same or different hydrogen production module is located on the back side, and transform the hydrogen production apparatus from the second form to the first form Therefore, by setting the hydrogen production apparatus to the first configuration when there is solar radiation, the amount of light incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit can be increased and hydrogen can be produced efficiently, and there is no solar radiation. By setting the hydrogen production apparatus to the second form when it is desired to use the installation place of the hydrogen production apparatus for other purposes, the hydrogen production apparatus can be made compact and the installation area can be reduced.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus can be made compact, the vacant space can be used for other purposes, and the installation location of the hydrogen production apparatus can be used effectively.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus can be made compact, the hydrogen production apparatus can be easily accommodated, and the installation location of the hydrogen production apparatus can be easily changed.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus when a hydrogen production apparatus is installed in a cold region, it is considered that the hydrogen production apparatus may be damaged due to freezing of the electrolyte. It becomes possible to protect the manufacturing apparatus from cold.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus can be easily protected when there is a risk of damage to the hydrogen production apparatus, such as during high temperatures or strong winds.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention is used as a water electrolysis apparatus using external electric power, hydrogen generated by using the compact second embodiment can be efficiently recovered.
  • the first mode is a mode in which the hydrogen production modules are arranged so that sunlight can enter the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit of each hydrogen production module.
  • the second form is preferably a form in which the hydrogen production modules are stacked. According to such a configuration, when the hydrogen production apparatus is in the first form, the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit of each hydrogen production module can be increased, and when the hydrogen production apparatus is in the second form, The manufacturing apparatus can be made compact and the installation area can be reduced.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus further includes a connecting portion that connects a plurality of hydrogen production modules. According to such a structure, a some hydrogen production module can be connected by a connection part, and the form of a hydrogen production apparatus can be changed by changing arrangement
  • the connecting portion has a structure including a rotating shaft. According to such a structure, a connection part becomes rotatable with a rotating shaft, and each hydrogen production module can be made movable. Thus, the hydrogen production apparatus can be transformed from the first form to the second form or from the second form to the first form.
  • the connecting portion has a guide groove, and at least one hydrogen production module slides along the guide groove. According to such a configuration, the hydrogen production module can be changed from the first form to the second form or from the second form to the first form by sliding the hydrogen production module along the guide groove. .
  • the respective hydrogen production modules are separable and are connected by the first connection part in the first form and are connected by the second connection part in the second form.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus can be in the first form by connecting the hydrogen production modules with the first connection part, and the hydrogen production module can be connected with the hydrogen by connecting the hydrogen production modules with the second connection part.
  • a manufacturing apparatus can be made into the 2nd form.
  • the first and second connecting portions are separable from each hydrogen production module. According to such a structure, the 1st connection part and the 2nd connection part can be replaced with the 1st form and the 2nd form, and the connection part suitable for the form can be used.
  • the connecting portion includes a magnet.
  • each hydrogen production module can be connected by the attractive force of a magnet. This also makes it possible to easily separate the hydrogen production modules.
  • the connecting portion includes a water supply pipe that supplies an electrolytic solution to each hydrogen production module, a first gas exhaust pipe that discharges a first gas from each hydrogen production module, or a first gas discharge pipe from each hydrogen production module. It is preferable that it is the 2nd gas exhaust pipe which discharges 2 gas.
  • a connection part can be made into a water supply pipe, a 1st gas exhaust pipe, or a 2nd gas exhaust pipe, and can reduce the number of parts.
  • each hydrogen production module includes a water supply port for supplying the electrolyte into the hydrogen production module, a first gas exhaust port for discharging the first gas, and a second gas for discharging the second gas. It is preferable that a water leakage prevention mechanism is provided in the water supply port, the first gas discharge port, or the second gas discharge port. According to such a configuration, when the water supply pipe, the first gas discharge pipe, or the second gas discharge pipe is removed from the hydrogen production module, the electrolyte can be prevented from flowing out.
  • the hydrogen production module has a flexible and rollable sheet shape
  • the first form is an expanded form of the sheet-like hydrogen production module
  • the second form is The sheet-like hydrogen production module is preferably rolled up.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus further includes a switching unit that can be electrically connected to the first external circuit, and the switching unit outputs an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit receives light to the first external circuit. It is preferable that the circuit that outputs the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit receives light to the first and second electrolysis electrodes can be switched. According to such a configuration, the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit can be output to the first external circuit or the first or second electrolysis electrode as necessary, and the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit is effectively utilized. can do.
  • the switching unit can be electrically connected to the second external circuit, and the electromotive force input from the second external circuit is used as the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode. It is preferable that the circuit can be switched to a circuit that outputs to the electrode and generates the first gas and the second gas from the electrolyte. According to such a configuration, the first and second electrolysis electrodes can be effectively utilized. Further, when the hydrogen production apparatus is in the second form, the hydrogen production apparatus can be used as a compact water electrolysis apparatus.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit receives light to generate an electromotive force between the light receiving surface and the back surface
  • the first electrolysis electrode is electrically connected to the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit.
  • the second electrolysis electrode is provided so as to be connectable, and is provided so as to be electrically connected to the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit. According to such a configuration, an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit receives light can be output to the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode.
  • the hydrogen producing apparatus further includes an insulating portion provided between the second electrolysis electrode and the back surface of the photoelectric conversion portion.
  • the 2nd electrode for electrolysis and the back surface of a photoelectric conversion part can be electrically isolate
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of this embodiment it is preferable to further include a first conductive portion that electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrolysis electrode.
  • a first conductive portion that electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrolysis electrode.
  • the first conductive portion is provided in a contact hole that penetrates the photoelectric conversion portion. According to such a structure, the wiring distance between the light-receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion part and the 2nd electrode for electrolysis can be shortened.
  • the insulating part is provided so as to cover the side surface of the photoelectric conversion unit, and the first conductive unit is a part of the insulating unit and covers the side surface of the photoelectric conversion unit. It is preferable to be provided on the top. According to such a configuration, the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit and the first conductive unit can be easily electrically connected.
  • the insulating unit is provided so as to cover a side surface of the photoelectric conversion unit, and the second electrolysis electrode is a part of the insulating unit and covers the side surface of the photoelectric conversion unit. It is preferable that it is provided on the part and is in contact with the first electrode. According to such a configuration, the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit and the first conductive unit can be easily electrically connected.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit preferably includes a photoelectric conversion layer including a p-type semiconductor layer, an i-type semiconductor layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer. According to such a configuration, an electromotive force can be generated when the photoelectric conversion unit receives light.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit receives light to generate a potential difference between the first and second areas on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit, and the first area is electrically connected to the first electrolysis electrode.
  • the second section is provided so as to be electrically connected to the second electrolysis electrode. According to such a configuration, an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit receives light can be easily output to the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode.
  • an insulating unit provided between the first and second electrolysis electrodes and the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit and having openings on the first area and the second area is further provided. It is preferable to provide. According to such a structure, the electron and the hole which arise when a photoelectric conversion part receives light can be isolate
  • the photoelectric conversion part is made of at least one semiconductor material having an n-type semiconductor part and a p-type semiconductor part, and one of the first and second areas is the n-type semiconductor part. It is preferable that the other is a part of the p-type semiconductor part. According to such a structure, the electron and the hole which arise when a photoelectric conversion part receives light can be isolate
  • the photoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion layers connected in series, and the plurality of photoelectric conversion layers generate an electromotive force generated by receiving light from the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode. It is preferably provided so as to be supplied to the electrode for electrolysis. According to such a configuration, the voltage of the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit receives light can be increased.
  • one of the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode is a hydrogen generation unit that generates H 2 from the electrolytic solution, and the other is oxygen that generates O 2 from the electrolytic solution.
  • the hydrogen generation part and the oxygen generation part are a hydrogen generation catalyst that is a catalyst for the reaction that generates H 2 from the electrolytic solution and an oxygen generation catalyst that is a catalyst for the reaction that generates O 2 from the electrolytic solution, respectively. It is preferable to contain. According to such a configuration, hydrogen and oxygen can be efficiently produced from the electrolytic solution.
  • At least one of the hydrogen generation unit and the oxygen generation unit has a catalyst surface area larger than an area of a light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit. According to such a configuration, hydrogen and oxygen can be efficiently produced from the electrolytic solution.
  • the hydrogen generation unit and the oxygen generation unit is a porous conductor carrying a catalyst. According to such a configuration, the surface area of the catalyst can be increased.
  • the hydrogen generation catalyst preferably includes at least one of Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd, Rh, Au, Fe, Ni, and Se. According to such a configuration, hydrogen can be produced efficiently.
  • the oxygen generation catalyst contains at least one of Mn, Ca, Zn, Co, and Ir. According to such a configuration, oxygen can be produced efficiently.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment further includes a translucent substrate and an electrolytic solution chamber, the photoelectric conversion unit is provided on the translucent substrate, and the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode It is preferable that a back substrate is further provided, and the electrolyte chamber is provided between the first and second electrolysis electrodes and the back substrate. According to such a configuration, the electrolytic solution can be introduced into the electrolytic solution chamber, and the electrolytic solution can be brought into contact with the first and second electrolysis electrodes.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment further includes a partition that partitions the electrolyte chamber between the first electrolysis electrode and the back substrate and the electrolyte chamber between the second electrolysis electrode and the back substrate.
  • a partition that partitions the electrolyte chamber between the first electrolysis electrode and the back substrate and the electrolyte chamber between the second electrolysis electrode and the back substrate.
  • the first gas and the second gas can be separated by the partition wall.
  • the partition preferably includes an ion exchanger. According to such a configuration, it is possible to eliminate the uneven proton concentration in the electrolyte chamber.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment is installed so that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, the electrolyte is introduced into the hydrogen production apparatus from the lower part of the hydrogen production apparatus, The first gas and the second gas are generated from the first electrolysis electrode and the second electrolysis electrode by causing sunlight to enter the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit, respectively, and the first gas and A method for producing hydrogen that exhausts the second gas is also provided.
  • hydrogen can be produced by making sunlight enter the photoelectric conversion unit.
  • Diagram 1 of the hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment is a schematic diagram seen from the light receiving surface side of the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment, FIGS. 2 and 3, the dotted line A-A, respectively, hydrogen in dotted line B-B It is a schematic sectional drawing of a manufacturing apparatus.
  • 4 to 12 are schematic cross-sectional views of the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen production apparatus corresponding to FIG. 3, and FIGS. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a corresponding hydrogen production apparatus.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 45 of the first embodiment includes a photoelectric conversion unit 2 having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, a first electrolysis electrode 8 and a second electrolysis electrode 7 provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2, and Engaging portions 22 and 23 that support the photoelectric conversion unit 2, and when sunlight enters the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 come into contact with the electrolytic solution,
  • the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 are capable of electrolyzing the electrolytic solution 46 using the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receiving light to generate the first gas and the second gas, respectively.
  • One of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen and the other is oxygen so that the engaging portions 22 and 23 can adjust the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion 2. It is provided.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment will be described.
  • the translucent substrate 1 may be provided in the hydrogen production apparatus 45 of the present embodiment.
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 may be provided on the translucent board
  • substrate 1 can be abbreviate
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 can be formed on a flexible material such as a resin film, the translucent substrate 1 can be omitted.
  • the translucent substrate 1 is preferably transparent and has high light transmittance. However, it is possible to efficiently enter light into the photoelectric conversion unit 2. If it is a simple structure, there is no restriction
  • a substrate material having a high light transmittance for example, a transparent rigid material such as soda glass, quartz glass, Pyrex (registered trademark), or a synthetic quartz plate, or a transparent resin plate or film material is preferably used. In view of chemical and physical stability, it is preferable to use a glass substrate.
  • a fine uneven structure can be formed so that incident light is effectively irregularly reflected on the surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • This fine concavo-convex structure can be formed by a known method such as reactive ion etching (RIE) treatment or blast treatment.
  • the 1st electrode 4 can be provided on the translucent board
  • the first electrode 4 can be electrically connected to the second electrolysis electrode 7. By providing the first electrode 4, the current flowing between the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be increased.
  • the 1st electrode 4 is unnecessary.
  • the first electrode 4 may be electrically connected to the second electrolysis electrode 7 via the first conductive portion 9 as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, and the second electrolysis electrode 7 as shown in FIG. You may contact with.
  • the 1st electrode 4 can be electrically connected with the electrode 7 for 2nd electrolysis via the switch part 10 and the wiring 52 in the case like FIG.
  • the first electrode 4 may be made of a transparent conductive film such as ITO or SnO 2, or may be made of a metal finger electrode such as Ag or Au.
  • the transparent conductive film can be used to facilitate contact between the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. What is generally used as a transparent electrode can be used. Specifically, In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, SnO 2 and the like can be given.
  • the transparent conductive film preferably has a sunlight transmittance of 85% or more, particularly 90% or more, and particularly 92% or more. This is because the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can absorb light efficiently.
  • a known method can be used, and examples thereof include sputtering, vacuum deposition, sol-gel method, cluster beam deposition method, and PLD (Pulse Laser Deposition) method.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 has a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, and a first electrolysis electrode 8 and a second electrolysis electrode 7 are provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the light receiving surface is a surface that receives light for photoelectric conversion
  • the back surface is the back surface of the light receiving surface.
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 can be provided on the translucent substrate 1 provided with the first electrode 4 with the light receiving surface facing down.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 may generate an electromotive force between the light receiving surface and the back surface as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 to 10. An electromotive force may be generated between the first area and the second area.
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 as shown in FIGS.
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 can be formed by a semiconductor substrate on which the n-type semiconductor region 37 and the p-type semiconductor region 36 are formed.
  • the shape of the photoelectric conversion part 2 is not specifically limited, For example, it can be set as a square shape.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can separate charges by incident light and generates an electromotive force.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit using a silicon-based semiconductor or the photoelectric conversion unit using a compound semiconductor A photoelectric conversion part using a dye sensitizer, a photoelectric conversion part using an organic thin film, and the like.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light in the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. It is necessary to use a material that generates an electromotive force necessary for generating hydrogen and oxygen.
  • the potential difference between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 needs to be larger than the theoretical voltage (1.23 V) for water decomposition, and for this purpose, a sufficiently large potential difference needs to be generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2. There is. Therefore, it is preferable that the photoelectric conversion unit 2 connects two or more junctions in series such as a pn junction to generate an electromotive force.
  • the photoelectric conversion layers arranged side by side as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 can be connected in series by the third conductive portion 33.
  • Examples of materials that perform photoelectric conversion include silicon-based semiconductors, compound semiconductors, and materials based on organic materials, and any photoelectric conversion material can be used.
  • these photoelectric conversion materials can be stacked. In the case of stacking, it is possible to form a multi-junction structure with the same material, but stacking multiple photoelectric conversion layers with different optical band gaps and complementing the low sensitivity wavelength region of each photoelectric conversion layer mutually By doing so, incident light can be efficiently absorbed over a wide wavelength region.
  • the plurality of photoelectric conversion layers preferably have different band gaps. According to such a configuration, the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be increased, and the electrolytic solution can be electrolyzed more efficiently.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 may be a combination of these.
  • the example of the following photoelectric conversion parts 2 can also be made into a photoelectric converting layer.
  • Photoelectric conversion part using a silicon-based semiconductor examples include a single crystal type, a polycrystalline type, an amorphous type, a spherical silicon type, and combinations thereof. Any of them can have a pn junction in which a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor are joined. Further, a pin junction in which an i-type semiconductor is provided between a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor may be provided. Further, it may have a plurality of pn junctions, a plurality of pin junctions, or a pn junction and a pin junction.
  • the silicon-based semiconductor is a semiconductor containing silicon, such as silicon, silicon carbide, or silicon germanium.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 using a silicon-based semiconductor may be a thin film or a thick photoelectric conversion layer formed on the translucent substrate 1, or a pn junction or a wafer such as a silicon wafer.
  • a pin junction may be formed, or a thin film photoelectric conversion layer may be formed on a wafer having a pn junction or a pin junction.
  • a first conductivity type semiconductor layer is formed on the first electrode 4 laminated on the translucent substrate 1 by a method such as a plasma CVD method.
  • a method such as a plasma CVD method.
  • As the first conductive type semiconductor layer a p + type or n + type amorphous Si thin film doped with a conductivity type determining impurity atom concentration of about 1 ⁇ 10 18 to 5 ⁇ 10 21 / cm 3 , A crystalline or microcrystalline Si thin film is used.
  • the material of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer is not limited to Si, and it is also possible to use a compound such as SiC, SiGe, or Si x O 1-x .
  • a polycrystalline or microcrystalline crystalline Si thin film is formed as a crystalline Si photoactive layer by a method such as plasma CVD.
  • the conductivity type is the first conductivity type having a lower doping concentration than the first conductivity type semiconductor, or the i conductivity type.
  • the material for the crystalline Si-based photoactive layer is not limited to Si, and it is also possible to use a compound such as SiC, SiGe, or Si x O 1-x .
  • a second conductivity type semiconductor layer having a conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type semiconductor layer is formed by a method such as plasma CVD.
  • a method such as plasma CVD.
  • the material of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer is not limited to Si, and it is also possible to use a compound such as SiC, SiGe, or Si x O 1-x .
  • the second photoelectric conversion layer includes a first conductive semiconductor layer, a crystalline Si-based photoactive layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer, and each layer corresponds to the first photoelectric conversion layer.
  • the first conductive type semiconductor layer, the crystalline Si-based photoactive layer, and the second conductive type semiconductor layer are formed.
  • the volume crystallization fraction of the crystalline Si photoactive layer of the second photoelectric conversion layer is preferably higher than that of the first crystalline Si photoactive layer.
  • the volume crystallization fraction is preferably increased as compared with the lower layer.
  • the silicon substrate a single crystal silicon substrate, a polycrystalline silicon substrate, or the like can be used, and may be p-type, n-type, or i-type.
  • An n-type semiconductor portion 37 is formed by doping an n-type impurity such as P into a part of the silicon substrate by thermal diffusion or ion implantation, and a p-type impurity such as B is heated on the other part of the silicon substrate.
  • the p-type semiconductor portion 36 can be formed by doping by diffusion or ion implantation.
  • pn junction in the silicon substrate, pin junction can be formed and npp + junction or pnn + junction, it is possible to form a photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • Each of the n-type semiconductor portion 37 and the p-type semiconductor portion 36 can form one region on the silicon substrate as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and either of the n-type semiconductor region 37 and the p-type semiconductor region 36 can be formed. A plurality of these can be formed.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be formed by arranging the silicon substrates on which the n-type semiconductor region 37 and the p-type semiconductor region 36 are arranged side by side and connecting them in series by the third conductive unit 33. Note that, although described with reference to a silicon substrate, pn junction, pin junction, may use other semiconductor substrate or the like can be formed npp + junction or pnn + junction. Further, as long as the n-type semiconductor portion 37 and the p-type semiconductor portion 36 can be formed, the semiconductor layer is not limited to the semiconductor substrate, and may be a semiconductor layer formed on the substrate.
  • Photoelectric conversion part using a compound semiconductor is, for example, GaP, GaAs, InP, InAs, or IId-VI elements composed of group III-V elements, CdTe / CdS, Examples thereof include those in which a pn junction is formed using CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide) composed of the I-III-VI group.
  • CIGS Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide
  • a method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion unit using a compound semiconductor is shown below.
  • MOCVD metal organic chemical vapor deposition
  • a group III element material for example, an organic metal such as trimethylgallium, trimethylaluminum, or trimethylindium is supplied to the growth apparatus using hydrogen as a carrier gas.
  • a gas such as arsine (AsH 3 ), phosphine (PH 3 ), and stibine (SbH 3 ) is used as the material of the group V element.
  • a dopant of p-type impurities or n-type impurities for example, diethyl zinc for p-type conversion, monosilane (SiH 4 ), disilane (Si 2 H 6 ), hydrogen selenide (H 2 Se) for n-type conversion, for example. Etc. are used.
  • These source gases can be thermally decomposed by supplying them onto a substrate heated to, for example, 700 ° C., and a desired compound semiconductor material film can be epitaxially grown.
  • the composition of these growth layers can be controlled by the gas composition to be introduced, and the film thickness can be controlled by the gas introduction time.
  • a known window layer on the light receiving surface side or a known electric field layer on the non-light receiving surface side may be provided to improve carrier collection efficiency.
  • a buffer layer for preventing diffusion of impurities may be provided.
  • the photoelectric conversion part using a dye sensitizer is mainly composed of, for example, a porous semiconductor, a dye sensitizer, an electrolyte, a solvent, and the like.
  • a material constituting the porous semiconductor for example, one or more kinds of known semiconductors such as titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, zinc oxide, barium titanate, strontium titanate, cadmium sulfide can be selected.
  • a paste containing semiconductor particles is applied by a screen printing method, an ink jet method and the like, dried or baked, a method of forming a film by a CVD method using a raw material gas, etc. , PVD method, vapor deposition method, sputtering method, sol-gel method, method using electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction, and the like.
  • the dye sensitizer adsorbed on the porous semiconductor various dyes having absorption in the visible light region and the infrared light region can be used.
  • the carboxylic acid group, carboxylic anhydride group, alkoxy group, sulfonic acid group, hydroxyl group, hydroxylalkyl group, ester group, mercapto group, phosphonyl in the dye molecule It is preferable that a group or the like is present.
  • These functional groups provide an electrical bond that facilitates electron transfer between the excited state dye and the conduction band of the porous semiconductor.
  • dyes containing these functional groups include ruthenium bipyridine dyes, quinone dyes, quinone imine dyes, azo dyes, quinacridone dyes, squarylium dyes, cyanine dyes, merocyanine dyes, and triphenylmethane dyes.
  • ruthenium bipyridine dyes quinone dyes, quinone imine dyes, azo dyes, quinacridone dyes, squarylium dyes, cyanine dyes, merocyanine dyes, and triphenylmethane dyes.
  • Xanthene dyes porphyrin dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, berylene dyes, indigo dyes, naphthalocyanine dyes, and the like.
  • Examples of the method of adsorbing the dye to the porous semiconductor include a method of immersing the porous semiconductor in a solution in which the dye is dissolved (dye adsorption solution).
  • the solvent used in the dye adsorption solution is not particularly limited as long as it dissolves the dye, and specifically, alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, ketones such as acetone, ethers such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran.
  • Nitrogen compounds such as acetonitrile, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, esters such as ethyl acetate, water, and the like.
  • the electrolyte is composed of a redox pair and a solid medium such as a liquid or polymer gel holding the redox pair.
  • a redox pair iron- and cobalt-based metals and halogen substances such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine are preferably used as the redox pair, and metal iodides such as lithium iodide, sodium iodide, and potassium iodide and iodine are used.
  • the combination of is preferably used.
  • imidazole salts such as dimethylpropylimidazole iodide can also be mixed.
  • the solvent examples include carbonate compounds such as propylene carbonate, nitrile compounds such as acetonitrile, alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, water, aprotic polar substances, and the like. Of these, carbonate compounds and nitrile compounds are preferred. Used.
  • Photoelectric conversion part using organic thin film Photoelectric conversion part 2 using an organic thin film is an electron hole transport layer composed of an organic semiconductor material having electron donating properties and electron accepting properties, or an electron transport layer having electron accepting properties. And a hole transport layer having an electron donating property may be laminated.
  • the electron-donating organic semiconductor material is not particularly limited as long as it has a function as an electron donor, but it is preferable that a film can be formed by a coating method, and among them, an electron-donating conductive polymer is preferably used.
  • the conductive polymer refers to a ⁇ -conjugated polymer, which is composed of a ⁇ -conjugated system in which double bonds or triple bonds containing carbon-carbon or hetero atoms are alternately connected to single bonds, and exhibits semiconducting properties. Point.
  • Examples of the electron-donating conductive polymer material include polyphenylene, polyphenylene vinylene, polythiophene, polycarbazole, polyvinyl carbazole, polysilane, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polyfluorene, polyvinyl pyrene, polyvinyl anthracene, and derivatives, Examples thereof include a polymer, a phthalocyanine-containing polymer, a carbazole-containing polymer, and an organometallic polymer.
  • thiophene-fluorene copolymer polyalkylthiophene, phenylene ethynylene-phenylene vinylene copolymer, fluorene-phenylene vinylene copolymer, thiophene-phenylene vinylene copolymer and the like are preferably used.
  • the electron-accepting organic semiconductor material is not particularly limited as long as it has a function as an electron acceptor. However, it is preferable that a film can be formed by a coating method, and among them, an electron-donating conductive polymer is preferably used.
  • the electron-accepting conductive polymer include polyphenylene vinylene, polyfluorene, and derivatives and copolymers thereof, or carbon nanotubes, fullerene and derivatives thereof, CN group or CF 3 group-containing polymers, and —CF Examples thereof include 3- substituted polymers.
  • an electron-accepting organic semiconductor material doped with an electron-donating compound an electron-donating organic semiconductor material doped with an electron-accepting compound, or the like can be used.
  • the electron-accepting conductive polymer material doped with the electron-donating compound include the above-described electron-accepting conductive polymer material.
  • a Lewis base such as an alkali metal such as Li, K, Ca, or Cs or an alkaline earth metal can be used. The Lewis base acts as an electron donor.
  • the electron-donating conductive polymer material doped with the electron-accepting compound include the above-described electron-donating conductive polymer material.
  • a Lewis acid such as FeCl 3 , AlCl 3 , AlBr 3 , AsF 6 or a halogen compound can be used.
  • Lewis acid acts as an electron acceptor.
  • photoelectric conversion unit 2 In the photoelectric conversion unit 2 shown above, it is assumed that sunlight is received and photoelectric conversion is primarily performed. However, it is emitted from a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, an LED, or a specific heat source depending on the application. It is also possible to perform photoelectric conversion by irradiating artificial light such as light.
  • the second electrode 5 can be provided on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the second electrode 5 can also be provided between the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the first electrolysis electrode 8 and between the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the insulating unit 11.
  • the second electrode 5 can be electrically connected to the first electrolysis electrode 8.
  • the second electrode 5 may be in contact with the first electrolysis electrode 8. Further, the second electrode 5 may be electrically connected to the first electrolysis electrode 8 via the switching unit 10 and the wiring 52.
  • the 2nd electrode 5 has the corrosion resistance with respect to electrolyte solution, and the liquid shielding property with respect to electrolyte solution. Thereby, corrosion of the photoelectric conversion part 2 by electrolyte solution can be prevented.
  • the 2nd electrode 5 has electroconductivity
  • it is a metal thin film, for example, is thin films, such as Al, Ag, Au. These can be formed by, for example, sputtering.
  • a transparent conductive film such as In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, and SnO 2 is used.
  • Engaging unit, base, power unit The engaging units 22 and 23 are provided so as to support the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and to adjust the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the engaging portions 22 and 23 may be rotatable or may be deformable. The direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be adjusted by rotating or deforming the engaging units 22 and 23.
  • the engaging portions 22 and 23 can be provided, for example, between the back substrate 14 and the base portions 27 and 26 as shown in FIG. 3, and the photoelectric conversion portion 2 and the first and second electrolysis as shown in FIG. It can be provided between the electrodes 8 and 7 for use.
  • the engaging portions 22 and 23 may have, for example, a rotation shaft, a gear, or a bearing.
  • the engaging portions 22 and 23 can be freely rotated.
  • the engaging parts 22 and 23 may have a ball joint. Thereby, the engaging portions 22 and 23 can be freely rotated.
  • the engaging portions 22 and 23 may be made of a deformable material such as rubber or a spring. Thereby, the engaging portions 22 and 23 can be deformed.
  • the engaging portions 22 and 23 include a first engaging portion 22 that adjusts the inclination angle of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion 2 and a second engaging portion 23 that adjusts the direction in which the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion 2 faces. be able to. Thereby, the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be changed in accordance with the position of the sun that changes depending on the season and time.
  • the first engagement portion 22 can be formed, for example, by engaging the first base portion 26 and the second base portion 27 with a rotation shaft as shown in FIG. As a result, the second base 27 connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 2 rotates relative to the first base 26, whereby the orientation of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be changed.
  • the second engaging portion 23 can be formed, for example, by providing a rotation shaft between the second base portion 27 and the back substrate 14 as shown in FIG. This makes it possible to change the elevation angle in the direction in which the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 faces the second base 27.
  • the 2nd engaging part 23 can be provided in hinge shape so that the photoelectric conversion part 2 may move relatively with respect to the 1st and 2nd electrodes 8 and 7, for example, as shown in FIG.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 45 includes a substrate 51a provided on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2, and a substrate 51b provided on the photoelectric conversion unit 2 side of the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7. The substrate 51a and the substrate 51b can be moved like a hinged door.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 that are movable by the engagement units 22 and 23 may be provided so as to be manually movable.
  • the amount of light incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be increased by manually changing the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 according to the season and time zone.
  • manual operation can reduce manufacturing cost, installation cost, maintenance cost, and the like.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 that are movable by the engagement units 22 and 23 may be provided so as to be moved by the power units 24 and 25.
  • the power units 24 and 25 can be provided so that the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 that are movable by the engagement units 22 and 23 can be moved.
  • the power units 24 and 25 are, for example, motors connected to the rotation shafts included in the engagement units 22 and 23.
  • the orientation of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be changed by the power of the motor. As a result, the amount of light incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be increased.
  • FIG. 3 shows that the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 that are movable by the engagement units 22 and 23 can be moved.
  • the power units 24 and 25 are, for example, motors connected to the rotation shafts included in the engagement units 22 and 23.
  • FIG. 3 by connecting a motor that is the first power unit 24 to the rotation shaft included in the first engagement portion 22 provided between the first base portion 26 and the second base portion 27,
  • the outputs of the power units 24 and 25 can be controlled by the control unit 12.
  • the direction in which the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 faces can be controlled by the control unit 12, and the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 can be controlled to vibrate.
  • the control unit 12 controls the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through the motors and the time during which the current flows, so that the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the first and second electrolysis electrodes Can control the movement.
  • limiting means The 1st gas exhaust port 20 and the 2nd gas exhaust port 19 are the edge part of the electrode 8 for 1st electrolysis, and the edge part of the electrode 7 for 2nd electrolysis Are provided close to each other.
  • the first gas can be recovered from the first gas discharge port 20 and the second gas can be recovered from the second gas discharge port 19.
  • the first gas discharge port 20 is a surface that can contact the electrolyte of the first electrolysis electrode 8 when the hydrogen production device 45 is installed so that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. It can be provided close to the upper end.
  • the second gas discharge port 19 is a surface that can contact the electrolyte solution of the second electrolysis electrode 7 when the hydrogen production device 45 is installed so that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. It can be provided close to the upper end.
  • the first gas can be raised as bubbles in the electrolyte solution and recovered from the first gas discharge port 20, and the second gas generated at the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be raised as bubbles in the electrolyte solution to be second. It can be recovered from the gas outlet 19.
  • the 1st gas exhaust port 20 and the 2nd gas exhaust port 19 can be formed by providing opening in the sealing material 16, for example.
  • An inflow prevention valve may be provided so that the electrolyte does not flow into the first gas outlet 20 and the second gas outlet 19.
  • first gas discharge port 20 can be connected to the first gas discharge passage 48, and the second gas discharge port 19 can be connected to the second gas discharge passage 48.
  • first gas discharge path 48 can be electrically connected to the plurality of first gas discharge ports 20, and the second gas exhaust path can be electrically connected to the plurality of second gas discharge ports 19.
  • first gas discharge path 48 or the second gas discharge path can be connected to the hydrogen storage device 45.
  • hydrogen generated in the hydrogen production device 45 can be stored in the hydrogen storage device.
  • the tilt angle limiting means 21 can be provided.
  • the tilt angle limiting means 21 tilts the first and second electrolysis electrodes so that the first gas and the second gas move to the first gas discharge port 20 and the second gas discharge port 19 by buoyancy in the electrolytic solution, respectively. Limit the corners. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first gas and the second gas from staying on the surfaces of the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7, and to prevent a reduction in hydrogen production efficiency.
  • the inclination angle limiting means 21 performs first and second electrolysis so that the first gas and the second gas float as bubbles in the electrolyte and move to the first gas outlet 20 and the second gas outlet 19, respectively. The inclination angle of the working electrode can be limited.
  • the tilt angle limiting means 21 may be a means for physically limiting the movable range generated by the second engaging portion 23 as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and the first and second electrolysis electrodes as shown in FIG. A means for fixing the inclination angles of 8 and 7 may be used, and a program included in the control unit 12 to limit the movable range generated by the second engagement unit 23 may be used.
  • a gas or liquid such as a check valve structure in the vicinity of the gas outlet so that no gas is generated or the electrolyte does not flow out when the hydrogen production apparatus exceeds a certain inclination. It may be a known means for restricting the flow.
  • the first conductive part 9 can be provided in contact with the first electrode 4 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the first electrode 4 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 that are in contact with the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion 2 can be easily electrically connected.
  • the 1st electroconductive part 9 may be provided in the contact hole which penetrates the photoelectric conversion part 2 like FIG.
  • the contact hole provided with the first conductive portion 9 may be one or plural, and may have a circular cross section.
  • the 1st electroconductive part 9 may be provided so that the side surface of the photoelectric conversion part 2 may be covered like FIG.
  • the material of the first conductive portion 9 is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity.
  • a paste containing conductive particles for example, a carbon paste, an Ag paste or the like applied by screen printing, an inkjet method, etc., dried or baked, a method of forming a film by a CVD method using a raw material gas, a PVD method, Examples thereof include a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a sol-gel method, and a method using an electrochemical redox reaction.
  • Insulating part The insulating part 11 can be provided in order to prevent the occurrence of leakage current.
  • the insulating part 11 can be provided in the side wall of a contact hole. Further, the insulating part 11 can be provided between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back surface of the photoelectric conversion part 2 as shown in FIGS. This can prevent a leak current from being generated between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light as shown in FIGS.
  • the insulation part 11 has the corrosion resistance with respect to electrolyte solution, and the liquid shielding property with respect to electrolyte solution. Thereby, generation
  • the insulating part 11 can be used regardless of an organic material or an inorganic material.
  • organic polymers and inorganic materials include metal oxides such as Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 such as porous silica films, fluorine-added silicon oxide films (FSG), SiOC, HSQ (Hydrogen Silsesquioxane) films, SiN x , It is possible to use a method of forming a film by dissolving silanol (Si (OH) 4 ) in a solvent such as alcohol and applying and heating.
  • a film containing a paste containing an insulating material is applied by a screen printing method, an ink jet method, a spin coating method, etc., dried or baked, or a CVD method using a source gas is used. And a method using a PVD method, a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a sol-gel method, and the like.
  • the second conductive part 29 can be provided between the insulating part 11 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 or between the insulating part 11 and the first electrolysis electrode 8. .
  • the second conductive portion 29 can be provided, for example, as shown in FIGS.
  • the second conductive portion 29 preferably has corrosion resistance to the electrolytic solution and liquid shielding properties to the electrolytic solution. Thereby, an increase in ohmic resistance can be prevented, and corrosion of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 due to the electrolytic solution can be prevented.
  • the 3rd electroconductive part 33 can be provided so that a photoelectric converting layer may be connected in series like FIG.
  • the second conductive portion 29 or the third conductive portion 33 is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity.
  • the second conductive portion 29 or the third conductive portion 33 is a metal thin film, for example, a thin film such as Al, Ag, or Au. These can be formed by, for example, sputtering.
  • a transparent conductive film such as In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, and SnO 2 is used.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 are provided on the back side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 may be provided on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2, and a substrate or a space between the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit as shown in FIG. It may be provided across. Moreover, the electrode 8 for 1st electrolysis and the electrode 7 for 2nd electrolysis can each have the surface of the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion part 2, and the surface which is the back surface and can contact electrolyte solution. Thus, the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 do not block light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the electrolysis solution is electrolyzed by using the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receiving light, and the first gas is obtained.
  • the second gas can be generated.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 is electrically connected to the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 as shown in FIGS.
  • the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be electrically connected to the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 is connected to the first area and the second area as shown in FIGS.
  • the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be electrically connected to the other of the first area and the second area.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 when the first electrolysis electrode 8 is not in contact with the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the second electrode 5, the first electrolysis electrode 8 is photoelectrically converted via the switching unit 10. It can be electrically connected to the back surface of the portion 2. 4, 5, 7, and 10, the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be electrically connected to the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 via the switching unit 10.
  • At least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 may be plural, and each may have a surface that can contact the strip-shaped electrolyte solution, and the long sides of the surfaces are adjacent to each other. Alternatively, they may be provided alternately. In this way, by providing the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7, the distance between the portion where the reaction generating the first gas occurs and the portion where the reaction generating the second gas occurs is increased. It can be shortened, and the ion concentration imbalance generated in the electrolyte can be reduced. Moreover, the 1st gas and 2nd gas can be collect
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 preferably have corrosion resistance to the electrolytic solution and liquid shielding properties to the electrolytic solution. Thereby, the first gas and the second gas can be stably generated, and corrosion of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 due to the electrolytic solution can be prevented.
  • a metal plate or a metal film having corrosion resistance against the electrolytic solution can be used for the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • At least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 has a catalyst surface area larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2. According to such a configuration, the first gas or the second gas can be generated more efficiently by the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • at least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 is preferably a porous conductor carrying a catalyst. According to such a configuration, the surface area of at least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be increased, and the first gas or the second gas can be generated more efficiently. Can do.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 or the second electrolysis electrode 7 can also have a two-layer structure of a portion having a liquid shielding property against the electrolytic solution and a porous portion.
  • One of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 may be a hydrogen generation unit, and the other may be an oxygen generation unit.
  • one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen, and the other is oxygen.
  • the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 may be controlled so as to vibrate by the control unit 12 within a movable range generated by the engagement unit 22.
  • the first gas generated on the surface of the first electrolysis electrode 8 or the second gas generated on the surface of the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be easily made into bubbles in the electrolytic solution.
  • the gas can be recovered from the first gas outlet 20, and the second gas can be recovered from the second gas outlet 19.
  • the hydrogen generating part is a part for generating H 2 from the electrolytic solution, and is one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. Further, the hydrogen generation unit may include a catalyst for a reaction in which H 2 is generated from the electrolytic solution. Thereby, the reaction rate of the reaction in which H 2 is generated from the electrolytic solution can be increased.
  • the hydrogen generation part may consist only of a catalyst for the reaction in which H 2 is generated from the electrolytic solution, or this catalyst may be supported on a support. Further, the hydrogen generation unit may have a catalyst surface area larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2. Thereby, the reaction in which H 2 is generated from the electrolytic solution can be set to a faster reaction rate.
  • the hydrogen generation part may be a porous conductor carrying a catalyst. This can increase the catalyst surface area. In addition, a change in potential due to a current flowing between the light receiving surface or the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the catalyst included in the hydrogen generation unit can be suppressed. Furthermore, the hydrogen generation unit may include a hydrogen generation catalyst, and the hydrogen generation catalyst may include at least one of Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd, Rh, Au, Fe, Ni, and Se. According to such a configuration, hydrogen can be generated at a higher reaction rate by the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the catalyst for the reaction of generating H 2 from the electrolyte is a catalyst that promotes the conversion of two protons and two electrons into one molecule of hydrogen, is chemically stable, and generates hydrogen overvoltage.
  • platinum group metals such as Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd, Rh, and Au, which have catalytic activity for hydrogen, and alloys or compounds thereof, Fe, Ni, and Se that constitute the active center of hydrogenase that is a hydrogen-producing enzyme.
  • An alloy or a compound, a combination thereof, or the like can be preferably used.
  • a nanostructure containing Pt and Pt has a small hydrogen generation overvoltage and can be suitably used.
  • Materials such as CdS, CdSe, ZnS, and ZrO 2 whose hydrogen generation reaction is confirmed by light irradiation can also be used.
  • the metal material contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ti, Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, and W from the viewpoint that there are few other chemical side reactions.
  • These metal materials have a relatively small electric resistance, and can suppress a decrease in voltage even when a current is extracted in the surface direction.
  • a metal material having poor corrosion resistance in an acidic atmosphere such as Cu, Ag, Zn, etc.
  • noble metals and metals having corrosion resistance such as Au, Pt, Pd, carbon, graphite, glassy carbon
  • a metal surface having poor corrosion resistance may be coated with a conductive polymer, a conductive nitride, a conductive carbide, a conductive oxide, or the like.
  • the carbonaceous material a chemically stable and conductive material is preferable.
  • examples thereof include carbon powders and carbon fibers such as acetylene black, vulcan, ketjen black, furnace black, VGCF, carbon nanotube, carbon nanohorn, and fullerene.
  • Examples of the inorganic material having conductivity include In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, SnO 2 , and antimony oxide-doped tin oxide. .
  • examples of the conductive polymer include polyacetylene, polythiophene, polyaniline, polypyrrole, polyparaphenylene, polyparaphenylene vinylene, and the like
  • examples of the conductive nitride include carbon nitride, silicon nitride, gallium nitride, indium nitride, and nitride. Germanium, titanium nitride, zirconium nitride, thallium nitride, etc.
  • conductive carbides include tantalum carbide, silicon carbide, zirconium carbide, titanium carbide, molybdenum carbide, niobium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, hafnium carbide, tungsten carbide. , Vanadium carbide, chromium carbide, and the like.
  • conductive oxide include tin oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO), and antimony oxide-doped tin oxide.
  • the structure of the conductor supporting the hydrogen generation catalyst includes a plate shape, a foil shape, a rod shape, a mesh shape, a lath plate shape, a porous plate shape, a porous rod shape, a woven fabric shape, a nonwoven fabric shape, a fiber shape, and a felt shape. It can be used suitably. Further, a grooved conductor in which the surface of the felt-like electrode is pressure-bonded in a groove shape is preferable because the electric resistance and the flow resistance of the electrode liquid can be reduced.
  • the oxygen generating portion is a portion that generates O 2 from the electrolytic solution, and is one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the oxygen generation unit may include a catalyst for a reaction in which O 2 is generated from the electrolytic solution. Thereby, the reaction rate of the reaction in which O 2 is generated from the electrolytic solution can be increased.
  • the oxygen generation part may consist only of a catalyst for the reaction that generates O 2 from the electrolytic solution, or the catalyst may be supported on a carrier.
  • the oxygen generation unit may have a catalyst surface area larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2. Thereby, the reaction in which O 2 is generated from the electrolytic solution can be set to a faster reaction rate.
  • the oxygen generation part may be a porous conductor carrying a catalyst. This can increase the catalyst surface area. In addition, a change in potential due to a current flowing between the light receiving surface or the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the catalyst included in the oxygen generation unit can be suppressed. Furthermore, the oxygen generation unit may include an oxygen generation catalyst, and the oxygen generation catalyst may include at least one of Mn, Ca, Zn, Co, and Ir. According to such a configuration, oxygen can be generated at a higher reaction rate by the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit.
  • the catalyst for the reaction of generating O 2 from the electrolyte is a catalyst that promotes the conversion of two water molecules into one molecule of oxygen, four protons, and four electrons, and is chemically stable.
  • a material having a small oxygen generation overvoltage can be used.
  • oxides or compounds containing Mn, Ca, Zn, Co, which are active centers of Photosystem II, which is an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of generating oxygen from water using light and platinum such as Pt, RuO 2 , IrO 2
  • compounds containing group metals, oxides or compounds containing transition metals such as Ti, Zr, Nb, Ta, W, Ce, Fe, Ni, and combinations of the above materials.
  • iridium oxide, manganese oxide, cobalt oxide, and cobalt phosphate can be suitably used because they have low overvoltage and high oxygen generation efficiency.
  • the oxygen generating catalyst can be supported on the conductor.
  • the conductor carrying the catalyst include metal materials, carbonaceous materials, and conductive inorganic materials. These explanations apply as long as there is no contradiction in the explanation of the hydrogen generation catalyst described in “8. Hydrogen generation part”.
  • a promoter can be used. Examples thereof include oxides or compounds of Ni, Cr, Rh, Mo, Co, and Se.
  • the method for supporting the hydrogen generating catalyst and the oxygen generating catalyst can be applied directly to a conductor or semiconductor, PVD methods such as vacuum deposition, sputtering, and ion plating, dry coating methods such as CVD,
  • the method can be appropriately changed depending on the material such as an analysis method.
  • a conductive material can be appropriately supported between the photoelectric conversion unit and the catalyst.
  • the reaction surface area is increased by supporting it on porous materials such as metals and carbon, fibrous materials, nanoparticles, etc., and the hydrogen and oxygen generation rates are improved. It is possible to make it.
  • the back substrate 14 can be provided on the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 so as to face the translucent substrate 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 are separated, the back substrate 14 faces the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7. Can be provided.
  • the back substrate 14 can be provided such that a space is provided between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back substrate 14. This space can be used as the electrolytic solution chamber 15, and the first electrolytic electrode 8 and the second electrolytic electrode 7 can be brought into contact with the electrolytic solution by introducing the electrolytic solution into the electrolytic solution chamber 15.
  • the back substrate 14 may be the bottom part of a box.
  • the back substrate 14 is a material that constitutes the electrolytic solution chamber 15 and confines the generated first gas and second gas, and a highly confidential substance is required. It is not particularly limited whether it is transparent or opaque, but it is preferably a transparent material in that it can be visually confirmed that the first gas and the second gas are generated. .
  • the transparent back substrate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a transparent rigid material such as quartz glass, Pyrex (registered trademark), and a synthetic quartz plate, a transparent resin plate, and a transparent resin film. Among them, it is preferable to use a glass material because it is a gas that is not chemically permeable and is chemically and physically stable.
  • the partition wall 13 includes an electrolyte chamber 15 that is a space between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the back substrate 14 and an electrolyte chamber 15 that is a space between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back substrate 14. It can be provided so as to partition.
  • the partition wall 13 can also be provided between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 as shown in FIG. As a result, the first gas and the second gas generated by the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be prevented from mixing, and the first gas and the second gas can be separated. It can be recovered.
  • the partition wall 13 may include an ion exchanger.
  • the ion concentration that is unbalanced by the electrolytic solution in the space between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the back substrate 14 and the electrolytic solution in the space between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back substrate 14 is reduced. Can be kept constant.
  • an inorganic film such as porous glass, porous zirconia, or porous alumina or an ion exchanger
  • an ion exchanger any ion exchanger known in the art can be used, and a proton conductive membrane, a cation exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane, or the like can be used.
  • the material of the proton conductive film is not particularly limited as long as it is a material having proton conductivity and electrical insulation, and a polymer film, an inorganic film, or a composite film can be used.
  • polymer membrane examples include Nafion (registered trademark) manufactured by DuPont, Aciplex (registered trademark) manufactured by Asahi Kasei Co., and Flemion (registered trademark) manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., which are perfluorosulfonic acid electrolyte membranes.
  • membranes and hydrocarbon electrolyte membranes such as polystyrene sulfonic acid and sulfonated polyether ether ketone.
  • Examples of the inorganic film include films made of phosphate glass, cesium hydrogen sulfate, polytungstophosphoric acid, ammonium polyphosphate, and the like.
  • Examples of the composite membrane include a membrane made of a sulfonated polyimide polymer, a composite of an inorganic material such as tungstic acid and an organic material such as polyimide, and specifically, Gore Select membrane (registered trademark) or pores manufactured by Gore. Examples thereof include a filling electrolyte membrane.
  • a high temperature environment for example, 100 ° C.
  • sulfonated polyimide 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS)
  • APMS 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid
  • sulfonated polybenzimidazole phosphonated polybenzimidazole
  • sulfuric acid examples include cesium hydrogen and ammonium polyphosphate.
  • the cation exchange membrane may be any solid polymer electrolyte that can move cations.
  • fluorine ion exchange membranes such as perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid membranes and perfluorocarbon carboxylic acid membranes, polybenzimidazole membranes impregnated with phosphoric acid, polystyrene sulfonic acid membranes, sulfonated styrene / vinylbenzene copolymers Examples include membranes.
  • an anion exchange membrane a solid polymer electrolyte capable of transferring anions can be used.
  • a polyorthophenylenediamine film, a fluorine-based ion exchange film having an ammonium salt derivative group, a vinylbenzene polymer film having an ammonium salt derivative group, a film obtained by aminating a chloromethylstyrene / vinylbenzene copolymer, etc. can be mentioned.
  • the sealing material 16 is a material for adhering the translucent substrate 1 and the back substrate 14 and sealing the electrolyte in the hydrogen production apparatus 45 and the first gas and the second gas generated in the hydrogen production apparatus 45. It is. When a box-shaped substrate is used for the back substrate 14, a sealing material 16 is used for bonding the box body and the translucent substrate 1.
  • an ultraviolet curable adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive, or the like is preferably used, but the type thereof is not limited.
  • UV curable adhesives are resins that undergo polymerization when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 200 to 400 nm and undergo a curing reaction within a few seconds after light irradiation, and are classified into radical polymerization type and cationic polymerization type.
  • the polymerization type resin include acrylates, unsaturated polyesters, and examples of the cationic polymerization type include epoxy, oxetane, and vinyl ether.
  • thermosetting polymer adhesive include organic resins such as phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, urea resin, and thermosetting polyimide.
  • thermosetting polymer adhesive is heated and polymerized in a state where pressure is applied at the time of thermocompression bonding, and then cooled to room temperature while being pressurized. I don't need it.
  • a hybrid material having high adhesion to the glass substrate can be used. By using a hybrid material, mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and hardness are improved, and heat resistance and chemical resistance are dramatically improved.
  • the hybrid material is composed of inorganic colloidal particles and an organic binder resin. For example, what is comprised from inorganic colloidal particles, such as a silica, and organic binder resin, such as an epoxy resin, a polyurethane acrylate resin, and a polyester acrylate resin, is mentioned.
  • the sealing material 16 is described.
  • the sealing material 16 is not limited as long as it has a function of adhering the translucent substrate 1 and the back substrate 14, and a member such as a screw is externally used using a resin or metal gasket. It is also possible to appropriately use a method of applying pressure physically to increase confidentiality.
  • Electrolyte Chamber 15 can be a space between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the back substrate 14 and a space between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back substrate 14. Further, the electrolyte chamber 15 can be partitioned by the partition wall 13.
  • the water supply port 18 can be provided by making an opening in a part of the sealing material 16 included in the hydrogen production apparatus 45 or a part of the back substrate 14.
  • the water supply port 18 is arranged to replenish the electrolytic solution that has been decomposed into the first gas and the second gas, and the arrangement location and shape of the water supply port 18 are such that the electrolytic solution as a raw material can be efficiently supplied to the hydrogen production device 45. If it does, it will not be limited in particular.
  • Electrolytic Solution is not particularly limited as long as it is a raw material for the first gas and the second gas.
  • the electrolytic solution is an aqueous solution containing an electrolyte, for example, an electrolytic solution containing 0.1 M H 2 SO 4 , 0.1M potassium phosphate buffer.
  • hydrogen and oxygen can be produced from the electrolytic solution as the first gas and the second gas.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 45 may include a sensor unit 17.
  • FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a control unit, a sensor unit, and the like included in the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment.
  • the sensor unit 17 can include, for example, an inclination sensor, an orientation sensor, a position sensor, an illuminance sensor, a clock, and the like. Further, these sensors can output information obtained by the sensors to the control unit 12.
  • the plurality of sensors and the timepiece included in the sensor unit 17 may be installed at different locations of the hydrogen production apparatus 45.
  • the sensor unit 17 By providing the sensor unit 17 with an inclination sensor and an orientation sensor, it is possible to detect the orientation, elevation angle, and the like in the direction in which the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 faces, and the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode. The inclination angle of the electrode 7 can be detected.
  • the control unit 12 inputs these pieces of information, the control unit 12 can accurately control the orientation of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the movement of the first and second electrolysis electrodes 7.
  • the position and movement of the sun can be calculated.
  • the control unit 12 can control the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 so as to track the sun.
  • the position sensor is, for example, a GPS.
  • the sensor unit 17 includes an illuminance sensor, the sunshine condition can be detected.
  • the control unit 12 inputs this information, the amount of solar radiation can be detected, and whether or not there is solar radiation can be detected.
  • the control unit 12 inputs this information, when there is solar radiation, the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is controlled to track the sun, and when there is no solar radiation, the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is fixed. Can be controlled. When there is no solar radiation, even if the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is controlled to track the sun, the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit 2 does not change significantly. The energy required to move the part 2 can be saved.
  • the switching unit 10 includes a circuit that outputs an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light to the first external circuit, and an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light. It is possible to switch between the circuits that output to the second electrolysis electrode 7 and generate the first gas and the second gas from the electrolyte, respectively. As a result, the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light can be supplied as power to the first external circuit, and the first gas and the second gas are generated using the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light. A gas can be produced.
  • the method for electrically connecting the switching unit 10 to the first external circuit is not particularly limited. For example, even if the switching unit 10 includes an output terminal and is electrically connected to the first external circuit via the output terminal. Good.
  • the switching unit 10 can be electrically connected to the second external circuit, and outputs an electromotive force input from the second external circuit to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. It can switch to the circuit which produces
  • the method for electrically connecting the switching unit 10 to the second external circuit is not particularly limited.
  • the switching unit 10 may include an input terminal and be electrically connected to the second external circuit via the input terminal. .
  • FIGS. 4 and 7 are schematic circuit diagrams of the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment.
  • SW switch
  • SW3 When SW4 is in the OFF state, the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light can be output to the first external circuit.
  • SW1, SW2, SW5, and SW6 are in the OFF state and SW3 and SW4 are in the ON state, the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light is used as the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode. 7 can be output.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 45 of this embodiment has a cross section as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 and an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 15, for example, SW1 and SW2 are in an ON state, and SW3 and SW4 are in an OFF state. In the state, the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light can be output to the first external circuit. Further, when SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW5 are in the OFF state and SW4 is in the ON state, the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light is applied to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. Can be output.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 45 of this embodiment has a cross section as shown in FIG. 6 and an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 16, for example, SW1 and SW2 are in the ON state, and SW3 and SW4 are in the OFF state.
  • an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light can be output to the first external circuit.
  • SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW5 are in the OFF state and SW4 is in the ON state, the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light is applied to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. Can be output.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 45 of this embodiment has a cross section as shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 9, 11, and 12 and an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 17, for example, SW1 and SW2 are in an ON state. , SW3, SW4 are in the OFF state, and when the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit receiving light does not reach the electrolytic voltage of the electrolyte, the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receiving the light is first 1 It is possible to output to an external circuit.
  • SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 are in the OFF state, and the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit receiving light reaches the electrolytic voltage of the electrolytic solution, the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives the light.
  • the electromotive force can be output to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. Accordingly, even when the electric circuit as shown in FIG. 17 is provided, the switching unit 10 causes the photoelectric conversion unit 2 to receive the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receiving light and the photoelectric conversion unit 2 to receive light. It is possible to switch between the circuit that outputs the electromotive force generated by the above to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. When SW3 and SW4 are in the ON state and SW1 and SW2 are in the OFF state, the electromotive force input from the second external circuit or the electromotive force input from the second external circuit and the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receive light. Both the electromotive forces generated by this can be output to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the switching unit 10 can input information from the control unit 12 and can switch circuits based on the input information. Thereby, the switching unit 10 can switch to the circuit selected by the control unit 12.
  • the switching unit 10 can also switch circuits based on the magnitude of the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light. As a result, when the electric power output to the first external circuit is generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2, the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be output to the first external circuit and output to the first external circuit. When the power to be generated is not generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2, the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be output to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the switching unit 10 can also switch circuits based on the magnitude of the electromotive force of the second external circuit. Thereby, when the electric power supplied from the second external circuit is larger than the electric demand, the first gas and the second gas can be produced using the electric power supplied from the second external circuit.
  • Control Unit The control unit 12 can control the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2. Accordingly, the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be moved so as to track the sun, and the amount of incident light of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be increased. As a result, the power generation amount of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be increased. Further, the control unit 12 can control the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 to vibrate. Accordingly, the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 can be vibrated, and the discharge of the first gas or the second gas can be promoted. Further, the control unit 12 can set a circuit to be switched by the switching unit 10 and output the set information to the switching unit 10. Thereby, the circuit which the switching part 10 switches can be controlled, and the energy which the photoelectric conversion part 2 generates can be utilized effectively. Further, the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 can be used effectively.
  • the control part 12 can be comprised from a semiconductor device and a program, for example.
  • the control unit 12 sets input means for inputting information, and the direction of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the movement of the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 based on the information input from the input means.
  • a setting unit, an output unit for outputting information set by the setting unit, and power units 24 and 25 for moving at least the photoelectric conversion unit 2 based on the information output by the output unit can be provided.
  • the control unit 12 can control the movement of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7.
  • the control unit 12 also includes an input unit for inputting information, a setting unit for setting a circuit to be switched by the switching unit 10 based on the information input from the input unit, and the information set by the setting unit. Output means for outputting to the output.
  • the control unit 12 can control the circuit that the switching unit 10 switches.
  • the control unit 12 can be connected to the switching unit 10, the power units 24 and 25, the sensor unit 17, and the information wiring as shown in FIG.
  • the input means included in the control unit 12 can input information from information wiring or wirelessly.
  • the input means included in the control unit 12 can input information from an electric power company, power sale information, Web information, solution server information, and the like via information wiring or wireless.
  • the control unit 12 can control the movement of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7. Further, based on this information, the control unit 12 can control the circuit that the switching unit 10 switches. Further, the control unit 12 can include a program that serves as the tilt angle limiting means 21.
  • FIG. 18 is an example of a control flowchart of the control unit 12.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 45 By controlling the hydrogen production apparatus 45 as in this flowchart, the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be increased, and the electric power generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be used effectively.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of the first form of the hydrogen production apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 20A is a hydrogen production of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic plan view in the 2nd form of an apparatus, (b) is the schematic side view.
  • FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of a hydrogen production module included in the hydrogen production apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen production module taken along a dotted line AA in FIG. 22 and 29 are schematic back views of the hydrogen production module included in the hydrogen production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of a hydrogen production module included in the hydrogen production apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen production module taken along a dotted line AA in FIG. 22 and 29 are schematic back views of the hydrogen production module included in the hydrogen production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic
  • FIG. 23 is a schematic plan view of the first embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 24 is a schematic top view of the hydrogen production apparatus shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 25 is a schematic plan view of the first embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 26A is a schematic view of the second embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view and FIG.26 (b) is the schematic side view.
  • FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view of the first embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28A is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28B is a side view
  • FIG. 28B is a schematic top view thereof.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 of the second embodiment is a hydrogen production apparatus 121 that can be deformed from the first form to the second form or from the second form to the first form, and is at least one hydrogen that can be deformed.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 includes a photoelectric conversion unit 2 having a light receiving surface and a back surface, and a first electrolysis electrode 8 and a second electrolysis electrode 7 provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 are arranged such that when light enters the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 come into contact with the electrolytic solution, the photoelectric conversion unit 2 Is provided so that the electrolysis solution can be electrolyzed using the electromotive force generated by receiving light to generate the first gas and the second gas, respectively, and one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen. And the other is oxygen, the first form
  • the substantially entire light receiving surface included in the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is capable of directly receiving sunlight, and the second mode is the light receiving surface side or the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in one hydrogen production module 6. It is the form which the photoelectric conversion part 2 contained in the same or different hydrogen production module 6 is located in the side.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 of the present embodiment can be modified from the first form to the second form, or from the second form to the first form.
  • a 1st form is a form which the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can take, and the whole light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion part 2 contained in the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is a form which can receive sunlight directly.
  • the first form may be a form in which 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 or 99% or more of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can directly receive sunlight, This directly receivable range may be between two of the above numerical values.
  • the first form may be a form in which the hydrogen production module 6 is spread laterally or may be a form in which the hydrogen production module 6 is spread vertically, as compared with the second form, and is spread obliquely or randomly. Form may be sufficient.
  • the second form is a form that the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can take, and is included in the same or different hydrogen production module 6 on the light receiving surface side or the back side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 contained in one hydrogen production module 6. In this configuration, the photoelectric conversion unit is located. In the second embodiment, a part of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in one hydrogen production module 6 and a part of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the same or different hydrogen production module 6 are provided. The form which overlaps may be sufficient.
  • 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 99% or more of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6 is the same or different in the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6.
  • the light-receiving surface may be overlapped, and the overlapping range may be between two numerical values among the above numerical values. Further, among the light receiving surfaces of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production apparatus 121, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 99% or more of the light reception surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the same or different hydrogen production module 6
  • the form which overlapped may be sufficient and this overlapping range may be between two numerical values among the said numerical values.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 may be provided so that it can be automatically deformed between the first form and the second form by a power unit such as a motor, and manually between the first form and the second form. It may be provided so that it can be modified. Further, when the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is provided so as to be automatically deformable, it may be controlled by the control unit so as to be automatically deformed according to the time zone, weather, season, or the like.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 of the present embodiment may consist of one hydrogen production module 6 or a plurality of hydrogen production modules 6. For example, it may consist of a plurality of hydrogen production modules 6 as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 23 to 26, or may consist of one hydrogen production module 6 as shown in FIGS.
  • the at least one hydrogen production module provided in a deformable manner may be one in which one hydrogen production module 6 is deformed, and a plurality of hydrogen production modules 6 change their positional relationship. It may be something that deforms.
  • each hydrogen production module 6 can be connected by the connecting portion 112.
  • the connecting part 112 is a member that enables the hydrogen production apparatus 121 of the present embodiment to take both the first form and the second form.
  • the connecting portion 112 may have a structure including a rotating shaft such as the hinge member 126 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, for example, the guide groove 55 and the rail portion 54 shown in FIGS.
  • the at least one hydrogen production module 6 may have a structure that slides along the guide groove.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 may have a magnet such as the magnet portion 57 shown in FIGS. May be.
  • the connection part 112 is piping which connects each hydrogen production modules like the 1st gas exhaust pipe 122, the 2nd gas exhaust pipe 123, or the water supply pipe 124 which were shown in FIG. It may be.
  • the hinge member 126 (connecting portion 112) is provided between two adjacent hydrogen production modules 6, and a plurality of hydrogen The production modules 6 can be connected in a row.
  • the two adjacent hydrogen production modules 6 can be opened and closed with the hinge member 126 as a rotation axis.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be folded into a bellows fold. For example, as shown in FIG.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is converted into the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production apparatus 121. It is possible to adopt a first configuration in which substantially the entire light receiving surface of the first light can directly receive sunlight. As a result, the amount of light incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 of the hydrogen production modules 6a to 6d can be increased, and the amount of hydrogen generation can be increased.
  • the first embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus 121 as shown in FIG. 19 is modified so that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the first hydrogen production module 6a as shown in FIG. It can be set as the form with which the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion part 2 contained in the module 6b overlapped.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is configured so that the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production modules 6b, 6c, and 6d is positioned on the back side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6a. can do.
  • the hydrogen production modules 6a to 6d connected by the hinge member 126 shown in FIG. 19 can be folded into a bellows fold to be deformed into the second form as shown in FIG.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be made compact, and the installation area of the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be reduced.
  • the 1st gas exhaust pipe 122, the 2nd gas exhaust pipe 123, or the water supply pipe 124 which connected each hydrogen production module 6 in the 1st form shown in FIG. Can be provided.
  • the 1st gas exhaust pipe 122, the 2nd gas exhaust pipe 123, or the water supply pipe 124 is isolate
  • the liquid leakage prevention mechanism 125 can be provided in the first gas discharge port 20, the second gas discharge port 19, the water supply port 18, or the water supply pipe 124 of the hydrogen production module 6.
  • the liquid leakage prevention mechanism 125 may be composed of, for example, a backflow prevention valve including a spring and a valve body, or may be composed of a marble check valve.
  • the 1st gas exhaust pipe 122, the 2nd gas exhaust pipe 123, or the water supply pipe 124 may consist of a member with a different form by the case where the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is a 1st form, and the case of a 2nd form. Accordingly, for example, the first gas exhaust pipe 122, the second gas exhaust pipe 123, or the water supply pipe 124 shown in FIG. 19, and the first gas exhaust pipe 122, the second gas exhaust pipe 123 shown in FIG. Or like the water supply pipe
  • the piping distance for recovering hydrogen can be shortened, and when hydrogen is generated by electrolyzing the electrolyte using external power in the hydrogen production apparatus 121 of the second embodiment, Hydrogen can be recovered efficiently.
  • the 1st gas exhaust pipe 122, the 2nd gas exhaust pipe 123, or the water supply pipe 124 may consist of a pipe
  • the connecting portion 112 has the guide groove 55 and the at least one hydrogen production module 6 slides along the guide groove 55, more specifically, as shown in FIGS.
  • the hydrogen production modules 6b, c, d are connected so as to slide along the guide groove 55.
  • the part 112 can be provided, and the hydrogen production modules can be connected in a row by the connecting part 112.
  • the hydrogen production modules 121 b, c, d slide along the guide groove 55 provided on the back surface of the adjacent hydrogen production module 6, so that the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is
  • the first form can be changed to the second form, and the second form can be changed to the first form.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is fitted with the end of the guide groove 55 provided in the hydrogen production module 6a and the end of the rail portion 54 provided in the hydrogen production module 6b.
  • the end of the guide groove 55 of the hydrogen production module 6b and the end of the rail portion 54 of the hydrogen production module 6c are fitted, and the end of the guide groove 55 of the hydrogen production module 6c and the end of the rail portion 54 of the hydrogen production module 6d are fitted.
  • the hydrogen producing apparatus 121 can be changed to a first form in which substantially the entire light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen producing apparatus 121 can directly receive sunlight. .
  • the amount of light incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 of the hydrogen production modules 6a to 6d can be increased, and the amount of hydrogen generation can be increased.
  • the hydrogen production modules 6a to 6d can be stacked, and the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be placed on the back side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6a on the photoelectric contained in the hydrogen production modules 6b, 6c, and 6d. It can be set as the 2nd form in which the conversion part 2 is located.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be deformed so that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 of the hydrogen production module 6b and the light reception surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 of the hydrogen production module 6a overlap. As a result, the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be made compact, and the installation area of the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be reduced.
  • the guide groove is provided on the back surface of the hydrogen production module 6.
  • the guide groove may be provided on the light receiving surface of the hydrogen production module 6, or may be provided on the upper part. It may be provided in the lower part.
  • the guide groove may be provided in the connecting portion 112 which is a separate member from the hydrogen production module 6, and may be in the form of a groove for standing a door or a shoji, for example.
  • connection part 112 may be such that each hydrogen production module can be separated.
  • each hydrogen production apparatus module may be connected by the magnetic force of a magnet, or each hydrogen production module may be connected by a built-in structure.
  • Each hydrogen production module may be connected by a combination of a structure and a female screw structure.
  • the connecting portion 112 is connected to the first gas exhaust pipe 122, the second gas exhaust pipe 123, or the water supply. It may be a tube 124.
  • the hydrogen production modules 6 may be connected by different connection parts 112 depending on whether the hydrogen production apparatus 121 takes the first form or the second form.
  • each hydrogen production module 6 is connected by a connecting part including a magnet
  • the connecting part 112 has a fitting structure, a screw structure, a pipe structure, and the like. This is the case as long as there is no contradiction when the description of the part 112 is replaced.
  • each hydrogen production module 6 when the connecting portion 112 includes the magnet portion 57 and each hydrogen production module 6 has the magnet portion 57 (first connecting portion 112) on its side surface, the magnet portion is provided between the side surfaces of each hydrogen production module 6. 57 can be connected.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be in a first form in which substantially the entire light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can directly receive sunlight.
  • the amount of light incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 of the hydrogen production modules 6a to 6d can be increased, and the amount of hydrogen generation can be increased.
  • each hydrogen production module in which the first gas exhaust pipe 122, the second gas exhaust pipe 123, and the water supply pipe 124 are removed from each hydrogen production module 6 and connected by each magnet unit 57. By separating 6, each hydrogen production module 6 can be separated.
  • the connecting portion 112 is composed of the magnet portion 57 and each hydrogen production module 6 has the magnet portion 57 (second connecting portion 112) on the light receiving surface side and the back surface side, two adjacent hydrogen producing units are produced.
  • the light receiving surface and the back surface of the module 6 can be connected.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is set to the second configuration in which the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production modules 6b, 6c, and 6d is positioned on the back side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6a. Can do.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be configured such that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6b and the light reception surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6a overlap. As a result, the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be made compact, and the installation area of the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be reduced.
  • the example in case the hydrogen production apparatus 121 mentioned above consists of the several hydrogen production module 6 can also be combined, respectively.
  • the 2nd form may be the form which combined the some hydrogen production apparatus 121 by the connection part. Thereby, the installation place of the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be used more effectively.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 of this embodiment consists of one hydrogen production module 6
  • the hydrogen production module 6 can be formed into a flexible sheet.
  • a hydrogen production module 6 can be produced, for example, by forming the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the first and second electrolysis electrodes on a flexible sheet.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 included in the hydrogen production apparatus 121 has a flexible sheet shape, the hydrogen production module 6 is deformed, so that the hydrogen production apparatus 121 changes from the first form to the second form or the second form. It can deform
  • the flexible sheet-like hydrogen production module 6 may be rollable.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is configured so that substantially the entire light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is included. It can be set as the 1st form which can receive sunlight directly.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be in the first configuration. As a result, the amount of light incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 of the hydrogen production module 6 can be increased, and the amount of hydrogen generated can be increased.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can receive light from a part of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6. It can be set as the 2nd form by which the other one part photoelectric conversion part 2 contained in the same hydrogen production module 6 is located in the surface side or a back surface side.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is connected to a part of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production module 6 and the other light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the same hydrogen production module 6. It can be set as the form which a part overlaps. For example, when the hydrogen production module 6 is rolled up as shown in FIG.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be in the second form. As a result, the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be made compact, and the installation area of the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be reduced.
  • the form of the hydrogen production apparatus in the second form is not limited to the form in which the hydrogen production module 6 is wound up.
  • the form in which the hydrogen production module 6 is folded in a bellows may be used. It may be a folded form.
  • the example in which the hydrogen production apparatus 121 includes one hydrogen production module 6 may be combined with the example in which the hydrogen production apparatus 121 includes a plurality of hydrogen production modules 6.
  • the 2nd form may be the form which combined the some hydrogen production apparatus 121 by the connection part. Thereby, the installation place of the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be used more effectively.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 includes a photoelectric conversion unit 2 having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, a first electrolysis electrode 8 and a second electrolysis electrode 7 provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2, When light is incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 are in contact with the electrolytic solution, the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 are received by the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the electrolytic solution is electrolyzed using the electromotive force generated by the generation, and the first gas and the second gas can be generated, respectively.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 may include one hydrogen production module 6 or a plurality of hydrogen production modules 6. 5 to 12 are schematic cross-sectional views of the hydrogen production module 6 included in the hydrogen production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and correspond to the schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen production module taken along the dotted line AA in FIG.
  • the translucent substrate 1 may be provided in the hydrogen production module 6 of the present embodiment.
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 may be provided on the translucent board
  • substrate 1 can be abbreviate
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 can be formed on a flexible material such as a resin film, the translucent substrate 1 can be omitted.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 can be formed into a flexible sheet, and the hydrogen production module 121 is deformed to deform the hydrogen production device 121. Can be changed from the first form to the second form or from the second form to the first form.
  • the translucent substrate 1 is preferably transparent and has high light transmittance. However, it is possible to efficiently enter light into the photoelectric conversion unit 2. If it is a simple structure, there is no restriction
  • a substrate material having a high light transmittance for example, a transparent rigid material such as soda glass, quartz glass, Pyrex (registered trademark), or a synthetic quartz plate, or a transparent resin plate or film material is preferably used. In view of chemical and physical stability, it is preferable to use a glass substrate.
  • a fine uneven structure can be formed so that incident light is effectively irregularly reflected on the surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • This fine concavo-convex structure can be formed by a known method such as reactive ion etching (RIE) treatment or blast treatment.
  • the 1st electrode 4 can be provided on the translucent board
  • the first electrode 4 can be electrically connected to the second electrolysis electrode 7. By providing the first electrode 4, the current flowing between the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be increased.
  • the 1st electrode 4 is unnecessary.
  • the first electrode 4 may be electrically connected to the second electrolysis electrode 7 via the first conductive portion 9 as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, and the second electrolysis electrode 7 as shown in FIG. You may contact with.
  • the 1st electrode 4 can be electrically connected with the electrode 7 for 2nd electrolysis via the switch part 10 and the wiring 52 in the case like FIG.
  • the first electrode 4 may be made of a transparent conductive film such as ITO or SnO 2, or may be made of a metal finger electrode such as Ag or Au.
  • the transparent conductive film can be used to facilitate contact between the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. What is generally used as a transparent electrode can be used. Specifically, In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, SnO 2 and the like can be given.
  • the transparent conductive film preferably has a sunlight transmittance of 85% or more, particularly 90% or more, and particularly 92% or more. This is because the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can absorb light efficiently.
  • a known method can be used, and examples thereof include sputtering, vacuum deposition, sol-gel method, cluster beam deposition method, and PLD (Pulse Laser Deposition) method.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 has a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, and a first electrolysis electrode 8 and a second electrolysis electrode 7 are provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the light receiving surface is a surface that receives light for photoelectric conversion
  • the back surface is the back surface of the light receiving surface.
  • the light receiving surface of the hydrogen production device 121 is the surface of the hydrogen production device 121 on the same side as the light reception surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2, and the back surface of the hydrogen production device 121 is the same side as the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2. This is a surface of the hydrogen production apparatus 121 of FIG.
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 can be provided on the translucent substrate 1 provided with the first electrode 4 with the light receiving surface facing down.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 may generate an electromotive force between the light receiving surface and the back surface as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 to 10.
  • An electromotive force may be generated between the first area and the second area.
  • the photoelectric conversion part 2 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 can be formed by a semiconductor substrate on which the n-type semiconductor region 37 and the p-type semiconductor region 36 are formed.
  • the shape of the photoelectric conversion part 2 is not specifically limited, For example, it can be set as a square shape.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can separate charges by incident light and generates an electromotive force.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit using a silicon-based semiconductor or the photoelectric conversion unit using a compound semiconductor A photoelectric conversion part using a dye sensitizer, a photoelectric conversion part using an organic thin film, and the like.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light in the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. It is necessary to use a material that generates an electromotive force necessary for generating hydrogen and oxygen.
  • the potential difference between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 needs to be larger than the theoretical voltage (1.23 V) for water decomposition, and for this purpose, a sufficiently large potential difference needs to be generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2. There is. Therefore, it is preferable that the photoelectric conversion unit 2 connects two or more junctions in series such as a pn junction to generate an electromotive force.
  • the photoelectric conversion layers arranged side by side as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 can be connected in series by the third conductive portion 33.
  • Examples of materials that perform photoelectric conversion include silicon-based semiconductors, compound semiconductors, and materials based on organic materials, and any photoelectric conversion material can be used.
  • these photoelectric conversion materials can be stacked. In the case of stacking, it is possible to form a multi-junction structure with the same material, but stacking multiple photoelectric conversion layers with different optical band gaps and complementing the low sensitivity wavelength region of each photoelectric conversion layer mutually By doing so, incident light can be efficiently absorbed over a wide wavelength region.
  • the plurality of photoelectric conversion layers preferably have different band gaps. According to such a configuration, the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be increased, and the electrolytic solution can be electrolyzed more efficiently.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 may be a combination of these.
  • the example of the following photoelectric conversion parts 2 can also be made into a photoelectric converting layer.
  • Photoelectric conversion part using a silicon-based semiconductor examples include a single crystal type, a polycrystalline type, an amorphous type, a spherical silicon type, and combinations thereof.
  • the description in the column of “3-1. Photoelectric conversion unit using silicon-based semiconductor” for the hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment is the same as that of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production apparatus of the second embodiment. This also applies to the case of “a photoelectric conversion unit using a semiconductor” as long as there is no contradiction.
  • Photoelectric conversion part using a compound semiconductor is, for example, GaP, GaAs, InP, InAs, or IId-VI elements composed of group III-V elements, CdTe / CdS, Examples thereof include those in which a pn junction is formed using CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide) composed of the I-III-VI group.
  • CIGS Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide
  • Photoelectric conversion part using a dye sensitizer The photoelectric conversion part using a dye sensitizer is mainly composed of, for example, a porous semiconductor, a dye sensitizer, an electrolyte, a solvent, and the like.
  • Photoelectric conversion unit using a dye sensitizer” for the hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment is the same as that of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production apparatus of the second embodiment. This also applies to the case of a “photoelectric conversion unit using a sensitizer” as long as there is no contradiction.
  • Photoelectric conversion part using organic thin film is an electron hole transport layer composed of an organic semiconductor material having electron donating properties and electron accepting properties, or an electron transport layer having electron accepting properties. And a hole transport layer having an electron donating property may be laminated.
  • the description in the column of “3-4. Photoelectric Conversion Unit Using Organic Thin Film” for the hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment is the same as that of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 included in the hydrogen production apparatus of the second embodiment. The same applies to the case of “the photoelectric conversion unit used” as long as there is no contradiction.
  • photoelectric conversion unit 2 In the photoelectric conversion unit 2 shown above, it is assumed that sunlight is received and photoelectric conversion is primarily performed. However, it is emitted from a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, an LED, or a specific heat source depending on the application. It is also possible to perform photoelectric conversion by irradiating artificial light such as light.
  • the second electrode 5 can be provided on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the second electrode 5 can also be provided between the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the first electrolysis electrode 8 and between the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 and the insulating unit 11.
  • the second electrode 5 can be electrically connected to the first electrolysis electrode 8.
  • the second electrode 5 may be in contact with the first electrolysis electrode 8. Further, the second electrode 5 may be electrically connected to the first electrolysis electrode 8 via the switching unit 10 and the wiring 52.
  • the 2nd electrode 5 has the corrosion resistance with respect to electrolyte solution, and the liquid shielding property with respect to electrolyte solution. Thereby, corrosion of the photoelectric conversion part 2 by electrolyte solution can be prevented.
  • the 2nd electrode 5 has electroconductivity
  • it is a metal thin film, for example, is thin films, such as Al, Ag, Au. These can be formed by, for example, sputtering.
  • a transparent conductive film such as In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, and SnO 2 is used.
  • the first conductive part 9 can be provided in contact with the first electrode 4 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the first electrode 4 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 that are in contact with the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion portion 2 can be easily electrically connected.
  • the 1st electroconductive part 9 may be provided in the contact hole which penetrates the photoelectric conversion part 2 like FIG.
  • the contact hole provided with the first conductive portion 9 may be one or plural, and may have a circular cross section.
  • the 1st electroconductive part 9 may be provided so that the side surface of the photoelectric conversion part 2 may be covered like FIG.
  • the material of the first conductive portion 9 is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity.
  • a paste containing conductive particles for example, a carbon paste, an Ag paste or the like applied by screen printing, an inkjet method, etc., dried or baked, a method of forming a film by a CVD method using a raw material gas, a PVD method, Examples thereof include a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a sol-gel method, and a method using an electrochemical redox reaction.
  • Insulating part The insulating part 11 can be provided in order to prevent the occurrence of leakage current.
  • the insulating part 11 can be provided in the side wall of a contact hole. Further, the insulating part 11 can be provided between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back surface of the photoelectric conversion part 2 as shown in FIGS. This can prevent a leak current from being generated between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light as shown in FIGS.
  • the insulation part 11 has the corrosion resistance with respect to electrolyte solution, and the liquid shielding property with respect to electrolyte solution. Thereby, generation
  • the insulating part 11 can be used regardless of an organic material or an inorganic material.
  • organic polymers and inorganic materials include metal oxides such as Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 such as porous silica films, fluorine-added silicon oxide films (FSG), SiOC, HSQ (Hydrogen Silsesquioxane) films, SiN x , It is possible to use a method of forming a film by dissolving silanol (Si (OH) 4 ) in a solvent such as alcohol and applying and heating.
  • a film containing a paste containing an insulating material is applied by a screen printing method, an ink jet method, a spin coating method, etc., dried or baked, or a CVD method using a source gas is used. And a method using a PVD method, a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a sol-gel method, and the like.
  • the second conductive part 29 can be provided between the insulating part 11 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 or between the insulating part 11 and the first electrolysis electrode 8. .
  • the second conductive portion 29 can be provided, for example, as shown in FIGS.
  • the second conductive portion 29 preferably has corrosion resistance to the electrolytic solution and liquid shielding properties to the electrolytic solution. Thereby, an increase in ohmic resistance can be prevented, and corrosion of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 due to the electrolytic solution can be prevented.
  • the 3rd electroconductive part 33 can be provided so that a photoelectric converting layer may be connected in series like FIG.
  • the second conductive portion 29 or the third conductive portion 33 is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity.
  • the second conductive portion 29 or the third conductive portion 33 is a metal thin film, for example, a thin film such as Al, Ag, or Au. These can be formed by, for example, sputtering.
  • a transparent conductive film such as In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, and SnO 2 is used.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 are provided on the back side of the photoelectric conversion unit 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second electrolysis electrodes 8 and 7 may be provided on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2. Moreover, the electrode 8 for 1st electrolysis and the electrode 7 for 2nd electrolysis can each have the surface of the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion part 2, and the surface which is the back surface and can contact electrolyte solution. Thus, the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 do not block light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the electrolysis solution is electrolyzed by using the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receiving light, and the first gas is obtained.
  • the second gas can be generated.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 is connected to the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 as shown in FIGS.
  • the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be electrically connected to the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 is connected to the first area and the second area as shown in FIGS.
  • the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be electrically connected to the other of the first area and the second area.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 when the first electrolysis electrode 8 is not in contact with the back surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 or the second electrode 5, the first electrolysis electrode 8 is connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 2 via the switching unit 10. It can be electrically connected to the back surface of. 5, 7, and 10, the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be electrically connected to the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 via the switching unit 10.
  • At least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 may be plural, and each may have a surface that can contact the strip-shaped electrolyte solution, and the long sides of the surfaces are adjacent to each other. Alternatively, they may be provided alternately. In this way, by providing the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7, the distance between the portion where the reaction generating the first gas occurs and the portion where the reaction generating the second gas occurs is increased. It can be shortened, and the ion concentration imbalance generated in the electrolyte can be reduced. Moreover, the 1st gas and 2nd gas can be collect
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be provided as shown in FIG.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 preferably have corrosion resistance to the electrolytic solution and liquid shielding properties to the electrolytic solution.
  • the first gas and the second gas can be stably generated, and corrosion of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 due to the electrolytic solution can be prevented.
  • a metal plate or a metal film having corrosion resistance against the electrolytic solution can be used for the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • At least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 has a catalyst surface area larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2. According to such a configuration, the first gas or the second gas can be generated more efficiently by the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2.
  • at least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 is preferably a porous conductor carrying a catalyst. According to such a configuration, the surface area of at least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be increased, and the first gas or the second gas can be generated more efficiently. Can do.
  • the first electrolysis electrode 8 or the second electrolysis electrode 7 can also have a two-layer structure of a portion having a liquid shielding property against the electrolytic solution and a porous portion.
  • One of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 may be a hydrogen generation unit, and the other may be an oxygen generation unit.
  • one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen, and the other is oxygen.
  • Hydrogen generating part is a part for generating H 2 from the electrolytic solution, and is one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the description in the column “11. Hydrogen generation unit” for the hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment applies to the “hydrogen generation unit” included in the hydrogen production apparatus of the second embodiment as long as there is no contradiction.
  • Oxygen generating portion is a portion that generates O 2 from the electrolytic solution, and is one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the description in the column “12. Oxygen generation section” for the hydrogen production apparatus according to the first embodiment applies to the “oxygen generation section” included in the hydrogen production apparatus according to the second embodiment as long as there is no contradiction.
  • a promoter can be used. Examples thereof include oxides or compounds of Ni, Cr, Rh, Mo, Co, and Se.
  • the method for supporting the hydrogen generating catalyst and the oxygen generating catalyst can be applied directly to a conductor or semiconductor, PVD methods such as vacuum deposition, sputtering, and ion plating, dry coating methods such as CVD, The method can be appropriately changed depending on the material such as an analysis method.
  • a conductive material can be appropriately supported between the photoelectric conversion unit and the catalyst.
  • the reaction surface area is increased by supporting it on porous materials such as metals and carbon, fibrous materials, nanoparticles, etc., and the hydrogen and oxygen generation rates are improved. It is possible to make it.
  • the back substrate 14 can be provided on the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 so as to face the translucent substrate 1.
  • the back substrate 14 can be provided such that a space is provided between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back substrate 14. This space can be used as the electrolytic solution chamber 15, and the first electrolytic electrode 8 and the second electrolytic electrode 7 can be brought into contact with the electrolytic solution by introducing the electrolytic solution into the electrolytic solution chamber 15.
  • the back substrate 14 may be the bottom part of a box.
  • the back substrate 14 is a material that constitutes the electrolytic solution chamber 15 and confines the generated first gas and second gas, and a highly confidential substance is required. It is not particularly limited whether it is transparent or opaque, but it is preferably a transparent material in that it can be visually confirmed that the first gas and the second gas are generated. .
  • the transparent back substrate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a transparent rigid material such as quartz glass, Pyrex (registered trademark), and a synthetic quartz plate, a transparent resin plate, and a transparent resin film. Among them, it is preferable to use a glass material because it is a gas that is not chemically permeable and is chemically and physically stable.
  • the partition wall 13 includes an electrolyte chamber 15 that is a space between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the back substrate 14 and an electrolyte chamber 15 that is a space between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back substrate 14. It can be provided so as to partition.
  • the partition wall 13 can also be provided between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 as shown in FIG. When at least one of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 is provided, the partition walls 13 can be provided so as to be arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. As a result, the first gas and the second gas generated by the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be prevented from mixing, and the first gas and the second gas can be separated. It can be recovered.
  • Partition wall” for the hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment is applicable to the “partition wall” included in the hydrogen production apparatus of the second embodiment as long as there is no contradiction.
  • Seal material 16 is a material for adhering the translucent substrate 1 and the back substrate 14 and sealing the electrolyte in the hydrogen production module 6 and the first gas and the second gas generated in the hydrogen production module 6. It is. When a box-shaped substrate is used for the back substrate 14, a sealing material 16 is used for bonding the box body and the translucent substrate 1.
  • the sealing material 16 for example, an ultraviolet curable adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive, or the like is preferably used, but the type thereof is not limited.
  • UV curable adhesives are resins that undergo polymerization when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 200 to 400 nm and undergo a curing reaction within a few seconds after light irradiation, and are classified into radical polymerization type and cationic polymerization type.
  • the polymerization type resin include acrylates, unsaturated polyesters, and examples of the cationic polymerization type include epoxy, oxetane, and vinyl ether.
  • thermosetting polymer adhesive include organic resins such as phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, urea resin, and thermosetting polyimide.
  • thermosetting polymer adhesive is heated and polymerized in a state where pressure is applied at the time of thermocompression bonding, and then cooled to room temperature while being pressurized. I don't need it.
  • a hybrid material having high adhesion to the glass substrate can be used. By using a hybrid material, mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and hardness are improved, and heat resistance and chemical resistance are dramatically improved.
  • the hybrid material is composed of inorganic colloidal particles and an organic binder resin. For example, what is comprised from inorganic colloidal particles, such as a silica, and organic binder resin, such as an epoxy resin, a polyurethane acrylate resin, and a polyester acrylate resin, is mentioned.
  • the sealing material 16 is described.
  • the sealing material 16 is not limited as long as it has a function of adhering the translucent substrate 1 and the back substrate 14, and a member such as a screw is externally used using a resin or metal gasket. It is also possible to appropriately use a method of applying pressure physically to increase confidentiality.
  • Electrolyte Chamber 15 can be a space between the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the back substrate 14 and a space between the second electrolysis electrode 7 and the back substrate 14. Further, the electrolyte chamber 15 can be partitioned by the partition wall 13.
  • Water supply port, water supply pipe The water supply port 18 can be provided by making an opening in a part of the sealing material 16 included in the hydrogen production module 6 or a part of the back substrate 14.
  • the water supply port 18 is arranged to replenish the electrolytic solution that has been decomposed into the first gas and the second gas, and the arrangement location and shape of the water supply port 18 are such that the electrolytic solution as a raw material can be efficiently supplied to the hydrogen production module 6. If it does, it will not be limited in particular.
  • the water supply port 18 can be connected to the water supply pipe 124, and the water supply port 18 and the water supply pipe 124 can be conducted.
  • the electrolytic solution can be supplied to the hydrogen production module 6 through the water supply pipe 124.
  • the water supply pipe 124 can be provided so as to be removable from the water supply port 18. Thereby, the water supply pipe 124 can be removed from the hydrogen production module 6 and the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be transformed from the first configuration to the second configuration.
  • the water supply pipes 124 can be connected to the water supply ports of the respective hydrogen production modules 6, and the water supply pipes 124 can connect the plurality of hydrogen production modules 6.
  • the water supply pipe 124 can be used as the connecting portion 112.
  • the water supply port 18 and the water supply pipe 124 can have a liquid leakage prevention mechanism.
  • the liquid leakage prevention mechanism may be composed of, for example, a backflow prevention valve including a spring and a valve body, or may be composed of a marble check valve.
  • the first gas exhaust port, the second gas exhaust port, the first gas exhaust tube and the second gas exhaust tube are the end portion of the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second gas exhaust port. It can be provided close to the end of the electrode 7 for electrolysis. Thus, the first gas can be recovered from the first gas discharge port 20 and the second gas can be recovered from the second gas discharge port 19.
  • first gas discharge port 20 contacts the electrolytic solution of the first electrolysis electrode 8 when the hydrogen generator 121 of the first form is installed so that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. It can be provided close to the upper end of the possible surface.
  • the second gas discharge port 19 is in contact with the electrolytic solution of the second electrolysis electrode 7 when the hydrogen production device 121 of the first form is installed so that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. It can be provided close to the upper end of the possible surface.
  • the first electrolysis electrode when the hydrogen production apparatus 121 of the first embodiment is installed such that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and sunlight is incident on the light receiving surface, the first electrolysis electrode
  • the first gas generated in 8 can be raised as bubbles in the electrolytic solution and recovered from the first gas discharge port 20, and the second gas generated in the second electrolysis electrode 7 can be recovered as bubbles in the electrolytic solution. It can be raised and recovered from the second gas outlet 19.
  • the 1st gas exhaust port 20 and the 2nd gas exhaust port 19 can be formed by providing opening in the sealing material 16, for example.
  • An inflow prevention valve may be provided so that the electrolyte does not flow into the first gas outlet 20 and the second gas outlet 19.
  • first gas discharge port 20 can be connected to and connected to the first gas discharge tube 122
  • second gas discharge port 19 can be connected to and connected to the second gas discharge tube 123.
  • the 1st gas exhaust pipe 122 and the 2nd gas exhaust pipe 123 can be provided so that it can remove from the 1st gas exhaust port 20 and the 2nd gas exhaust port 19, respectively. Thereby, the 1st gas exhaust pipe 122 and the 2nd gas exhaust pipe 123 can be removed from the hydrogen production module 6, and the hydrogen production apparatus 121 can be changed from a 1st form to a 2nd form.
  • the first gas exhaust pipe 122 and the second gas exhaust pipe 123 are respectively connected to the first gas exhaust port 20 and the second gas exhaust pipe of each hydrogen production module 6.
  • the first gas exhaust pipe 122 and the second gas exhaust pipe 123 can be connected to the plurality of hydrogen production modules 6, and the first gas exhaust pipe 122 or the second gas exhaust pipe 123 can be connected to the outlet 19.
  • the connecting portion 112 can also be used.
  • the first gas outlet 20 and the second gas outlet 19 can have a liquid leakage prevention mechanism.
  • the liquid leakage prevention mechanism may be composed of, for example, a backflow prevention valve including a spring and a valve body, or may be composed of a marble check valve.
  • Electrolytic Solution is not particularly limited as long as it is a raw material for the first gas and the second gas.
  • the electrolytic solution is an aqueous solution containing an electrolyte, for example, an electrolytic solution containing 0.1 M H 2 SO 4 , 0.1M potassium phosphate buffer.
  • hydrogen and oxygen can be produced from the electrolytic solution as the first gas and the second gas.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 or the hydrogen production module 6 can have the switching unit 10.
  • the switching unit 10 outputs the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light to the first external circuit and the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light from the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrode. It is possible to switch between a circuit that outputs to the electrode 7 for electrolysis and generates a first gas and a second gas from the electrolyte.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is in the first form and light is incident on the photoelectric conversion unit 2 of the hydrogen production module 6, the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receiving light is supplied to the first external circuit.
  • the first gas and the second gas can be produced using the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light.
  • the method for electrically connecting the switching unit 10 to the first external circuit is not particularly limited. For example, even if the switching unit 10 includes an output terminal and is electrically connected to the first external circuit via the output terminal. Good.
  • the switching unit 10 can be electrically connected to the second external circuit, and outputs an electromotive force input from the second external circuit to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. It can switch to the circuit which produces
  • the first gas and the second gas can be produced from the electrolyte using the electromotive force input from the second external circuit.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 121 is in the first form or the second form, the first gas and the second gas can be produced using the electromotive force input from the second external circuit.
  • the first gas and the second gas are produced by using the electromotive force input from the second external circuit with the hydrogen production device 121 as the second form, thereby reducing the piping distance between the first gas and the second gas.
  • the first gas and the second gas can be efficiently recovered.
  • the method for electrically connecting the switching unit 10 to the second external circuit is not particularly limited.
  • the switching unit 10 may include an input terminal and be electrically connected to the second external circuit via the input terminal. .
  • 14 to 17 are schematic circuit diagrams of the hydrogen production apparatus of the present embodiment.
  • 14 to 17 are schematic circuit diagrams when the hydrogen production apparatus 121 has one hydrogen production module 6.
  • each hydrogen production module 6 The first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 may be connected in parallel or in series, and the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7 of each hydrogen production module 6 may be connected in parallel.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 has a cross section as shown in FIG. 7 and an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 14, for example, SW (switch) 1 and SW2 are in the ON state, and SW3 and SW4 are in the OFF state.
  • an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light can be output to the first external circuit.
  • SW1, SW2, SW5, and SW6 are in the OFF state and SW3 and SW4 are in the ON state
  • the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light is used as the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode. 7 can be output.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 has a cross section as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 and an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 15, for example, SW1 and SW2 are in an ON state, and SW3 and SW4 are in an OFF state.
  • the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light can be output to the first external circuit.
  • SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW5 are in the OFF state and SW4 is in the ON state, the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light is applied to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. Can be output.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 of this embodiment has a cross section as shown in FIG. 6 and an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 16, for example, SW1 and SW2 are in an ON state, and SW3 and SW4 are in an OFF state.
  • an electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light can be output to the first external circuit.
  • SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW5 are in the OFF state and SW4 is in the ON state, the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light is applied to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7. Can be output.
  • the hydrogen production module 6 has a cross section as shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 9, 11, and 12 and an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 17, for example, SW1 and SW2 are in an ON state, and SW3 and SW4
  • the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receiving light is sent to the first external circuit. Can be output.
  • SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 are in the OFF state, and the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit receiving light reaches the electrolytic voltage of the electrolytic solution, the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives the light.
  • the electromotive force can be output to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the switching unit 10 causes the photoelectric conversion unit 2 to receive the electromotive force generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receiving light and the photoelectric conversion unit 2 to receive light. It is possible to switch between the circuit that outputs the electromotive force generated by the above to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • SW3 and SW4 are in the ON state and SW1 and SW2 are in the OFF state, the electromotive force input from the second external circuit or the electromotive force input from the second external circuit and the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receive light. Both the electromotive forces generated by this can be output to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the switching unit 10 can input information from the control unit, and can switch circuits based on the input information. Thereby, the switching unit 10 can switch to the circuit selected by the control unit.
  • the switching unit 10 can also switch circuits based on the magnitude of the electromotive force generated when the photoelectric conversion unit 2 receives light. As a result, when the electric power output to the first external circuit is generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2, the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be output to the first external circuit and output to the first external circuit. When the power to be generated is not generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2, the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 2 can be output to the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7.
  • the switching unit 10 can also switch circuits based on the magnitude of the electromotive force of the second external circuit. Thereby, when the electric power supplied from the second external circuit is larger than the electric demand, the first gas and the second gas can be produced using the electric power supplied from the second external circuit.
  • the hydrogen production apparatus 45 (121) is installed so that the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the electrolyte is introduced into the electrolyte chamber 15, and the solar By making light incident on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 2, the first gas and the second gas are generated from the first electrolysis electrode 8 and the second electrolysis electrode 7, respectively, and the first gas outlet 20 and the second gas are generated. The first gas and the second gas can be discharged from the discharge port 19, respectively. Thus, the first gas and the second gas can be produced, and hydrogen can be produced.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de production d'hydrogène qui permet d'augmenter la quantité de lumière incidente destinée à une conversion photoélectrique et qui ne présente aucune diminution de l'efficacité de la génération d'hydrogène. Un tel dispositif de production d'hydrogène est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend : une partie de conversion photoélectrique comportant une surface de réception de lumière et une surface arrière ; des première et seconde électrodes conçues pour une électrolyse et disposées sur la surface arrière de la partie de conversion photoélectrique ; et une partie de mise en prise permettant de supporter la partie de conversion photoélectrique. Un tel dispositif de production d'hydrogène est en outre caractérisé en ce que : les première et seconde électrodes conçues pour une électrolyse sont disposées d'une manière telle que, quand la lumière du soleil est incidente sur la surface de réception de lumière de la partie de conversion photoélectrique et que les première et seconde électrodes conçues pour une électrolyse viennent en contact avec un électrolyte, une force électromotrice produite par la lumière reçue par la partie de conversion photoélectrique est utilisée pour électrolyser l'électrolyte, ce qui génère des premier et second gaz, l'un d'eux étant de l'hydrogène, l'autre de l'oxygène ; et la partie de mise en prise est disposée de manière à pouvoir ajuster l'orientation de la surface de réception de lumière de la partie de conversion photoélectrique vers la lumière du soleil.
PCT/JP2012/050386 2011-02-25 2012-01-11 Dispositif et procédé de production d'hydrogène Ceased WO2012114787A1 (fr)

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JP2011040639A JP5802403B2 (ja) 2011-02-25 2011-02-25 水素製造装置および水素製造方法
JP2011-040628 2011-02-25
JP2011-040639 2011-02-25
JP2011040628A JP5785736B2 (ja) 2011-02-25 2011-02-25 水素製造装置および水素製造方法

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9774052B2 (en) 2013-02-21 2017-09-26 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Hydrogen producing device and hydrogen producing unit and energy system including the hydrogen producing device and the hydrogen producing unit
US10597787B2 (en) 2014-05-20 2020-03-24 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Electrochemical reaction device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS57111202A (en) * 1980-09-08 1982-07-10 Engelhard Min & Chem Simultaneous manufacture of hydrogen and oxygen from water
JPH03121915U (fr) * 1990-03-27 1991-12-12
JP2003096587A (ja) * 2001-09-21 2003-04-03 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd ガス発生装置
JP2004197167A (ja) * 2002-12-18 2004-07-15 Honda Motor Co Ltd 水素製造装置
JP2008507464A (ja) * 2004-05-18 2008-03-13 ハイドロジェン ソーラー リミテッド 光電気化学システムおよびその方法
JP2009193887A (ja) * 2008-02-15 2009-08-27 Sign Create:Kk 照明装置

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS57111202A (en) * 1980-09-08 1982-07-10 Engelhard Min & Chem Simultaneous manufacture of hydrogen and oxygen from water
JPH03121915U (fr) * 1990-03-27 1991-12-12
JP2003096587A (ja) * 2001-09-21 2003-04-03 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd ガス発生装置
JP2004197167A (ja) * 2002-12-18 2004-07-15 Honda Motor Co Ltd 水素製造装置
JP2008507464A (ja) * 2004-05-18 2008-03-13 ハイドロジェン ソーラー リミテッド 光電気化学システムおよびその方法
JP2009193887A (ja) * 2008-02-15 2009-08-27 Sign Create:Kk 照明装置

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9774052B2 (en) 2013-02-21 2017-09-26 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Hydrogen producing device and hydrogen producing unit and energy system including the hydrogen producing device and the hydrogen producing unit
US10597787B2 (en) 2014-05-20 2020-03-24 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Electrochemical reaction device

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