JP7656450B2 - Heat generation method and system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a heat generation method and a heat generation system that uses a heat generating material that generates excess heat using hydrogen.

Conventionally, there is a technology that generates thermal energy using a heat generating material that generates excess heat using hydrogen. For example, a technology has been proposed in which a part of a heat generating cell that generates excess heat is identified based on the measurement results from a temperature measuring unit provided in the heat generating cell that generates heat using a hydrogen storage material, and the supply position of the hydrogen-based gas to be supplied into the heat generating cell is determined to be around that part (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-110899 A

In the heat generating system of the conventional technology described above, multiple heat generating modules are provided in consideration of the possibility that the heat generating reaction may become unstable. Heat energy is generated stably by using a heat generating module that is identified as operating normally based on the cell temperature. However, it is expected that it will be difficult to quickly generate heat energy in response to changes in the amount of heat energy required from the outside, and there is room for improvement in terms of responding to changes in the amount of heat energy required from the outside.

The purpose of the present invention is to generate appropriate heat energy in response to an external demand for heat energy.

One aspect of the present invention is a heat generation method using a plurality of heat generation material systems that have a hydrogen storage material and generate excess heat. The heat generation method includes a control step of controlling the operation of each of the plurality of heat generation material systems. In the control step, a difference between an amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside and an amount of heat energy generated per unit time by the plurality of heat generation material systems is calculated. If the difference exceeds a predetermined range and the amount of heat energy required is greater than the amount of heat energy generated, the number of heat generation material systems that are in operation is increased from among the plurality of heat generation material systems so that the difference falls within the predetermined range. On the other hand, if the difference value exceeds a predetermined range and the thermal energy requirement is smaller than the amount of thermal energy generated, the number of heat-generating material systems in operation among the multiple heat-generating material systems is reduced so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range, and the amount of thermal energy generated is calculated by adding up, for the heat-generating material systems in operation, the amount of thermal energy generated per unit mass calculated based on the mass of the heat-generating material systems in operation, the temperature and pressure obtained from the gas phase of the heat-generating material systems, and the amount of thermal energy generated for each heat-generating material system calculated based on the time for which the heat energy is supplied to an external component to which the heat energy is to be supplied .

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate appropriate heat energy in response to an external heat energy demand.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a heat generation system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal energy generating unit 20. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal energy generating unit of FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of control of a thermal energy generating unit when an amount of thermal energy requested from the outside per unit time is smaller than a current amount of thermal energy generated per unit time. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of control of a thermal energy generating unit when an amount of thermal energy requested from the outside per unit time is greater than a current amount of thermal energy generated per unit time. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of control of a thermal energy generating unit when an amount of thermal energy requested from the outside per unit time is greater than a current amount of thermal energy generated per unit time. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of heat generation control in the heat generation system.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

[Example of heat generation system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a heat generating system 100. The heat generating system 100 includes a plurality of heat energy generating units 111 to 113, a heater control unit 120, a hydrogen supply source 130, a hydrogen supply amount control unit 140, and a heat energy generating system control unit 150. In FIG. 1, for ease of explanation, an example in which the heat generating system 100 includes three heat energy generating units 111 to 113 is shown, but is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is similarly applicable to a case in which two or four or more heat energy generating units are included. Since the configurations of the heat energy generating units 111 to 113 are common to each other, the following description will mainly focus on the heat energy generating unit 111. The heat generating system can also be called a heat energy generating system.

The heat generating system 100 can be mounted on a vehicle for use, for example. When the heat generating system 100 is mounted on a vehicle, it can be used for various applications that utilize heat, such as warming up and keeping warm an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle, a battery heater in an electric vehicle, and warming up and keeping warm a stack in a fuel cell vehicle. It can also be used for other parts and devices mounted on a vehicle. For example, it can be used for air conditioning equipment (e.g., air conditioners), temperature-adjustable parts (e.g., steering wheels, seats), etc. In FIG. 1, the parts and devices to which the heat generated in the thermal energy generating units 111 to 113 is supplied are shown as target parts 171 to 173 in a simplified manner. In FIG. 1, three target parts 171 to 173 are shown, but the number of parts and devices to which the heat is supplied may be one, two, four or more.

When heat is required to warm up and keep the internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle warm, or to serve as a battery heater in an electric vehicle, it is necessary to quickly supply the requested thermal energy. In other words, when the heat generating system 100 is installed in a vehicle, it is important to immediately supply the requested thermal energy. Therefore, in this embodiment, a heat generating system 100 capable of quickly supplying the requested thermal energy is used.

The thermal energy generating unit 111 includes a storage unit 10, a heat generating material 11, a heater 12, a temperature sensor 13, and a pressure sensor 14. The thermal energy generating unit 111 is a heat generating material system that has a hydrogen storage material and generates excess heat.

The storage unit 10 contains the heat generating material 11 and the heater 12 inside, and has a structure that allows the interior to be sealed. The storage unit 10 is, for example, configured as a housing that forms a closed space. The storage unit 10 can be made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or steel.

The storage unit 10 is also provided with a purge pipe 165 that connects the inside and outside of the storage unit 10. The purge pipe 165 is connected to a purge valve 161 for adjusting the pressure inside the storage unit 10. The pressure inside the storage unit 10 is adjusted by opening and closing the purge pipe 165 with the purge valve 161. For example, the purge pipe 165 is connected to the other end face of the storage unit 10 that faces the end face of the storage unit 10 to which the supply pipe 141 is connected. The supply pipe 141 supplies hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 130 to the heat generating material 11.

The heater 12 is a heating device that heats the heat-generating material 11. Note that various types of heaters (heating devices, heating appliances) can be used as the heater 12. Specifically, the heater 12 includes an electric resistor and an electrode pair connected to the resistor.

The electrical resistor of the heater 12 is composed of a so-called high electrical resistance material, and the heater 12 generates heat when electrical energy is input via the electrode pair of the heater 12. The high electrical resistance material here is one that has a higher electrical resistance than the metallic materials commonly used as heater members, and in this embodiment, ceramics is used. For example, when used at high voltages such as in a vehicle power source, if the heater member is composed of a metallic material, the large current that flows will cause overheating and accelerate deterioration. In contrast, a high electrical resistance material will suppress the amount of current that flows, ensuring durability.

The ceramic used in this embodiment is, for example, composed mainly of silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon (Si). The term "main component" as used herein means, for example, 50 mass% or more, preferably 90 mass% or more. Silicon functions as a binder that bonds silicon carbide particles together, and the mass ratio of silicon to silicon carbide is preferably in the following relationship:
0.15≦Si/(Si+SiC)≦0.35

For example, when using a sheet-shaped heat generating material 11, the heat generating material 11 can be formed into a multi-layer film and then laminated on the sheet-shaped heater 12. The configuration of the heat generating material 11 and the heater 12 is not limited to a sheet shape, and other shapes may be used. When the system is mounted on a vehicle, the power source that supplies power to the heater 12 is an on-board power source. When the system is for stationary use, a heater power source is added to the configuration shown in FIG. 1.

The heat generating material 11 is a heat generating material having a hydrogen storage function, and is disposed on the surface of the electric resistor of the heater 12. This heat generating material is also called a hydrogen storage material. The hydrogen storage material is a hydrogen storage alloy or a material containing a hydrogen storage alloy that is heated while hydrogen is supplied thereto, and continuously generates excess heat energy relative to the energy used for heating. By using the hydrogen storage material, it is possible to continuously generate excess heat energy, and therefore it is possible to efficiently recover the heat energy supplied to the material to promote the hydrogen absorption/desorption reaction. Below, an example of the configuration and manufacturing method of the hydrogen storage material (heat generating material 11) are shown.

[Hydrogen storage materials]
The hydrogen storage material of this embodiment contains at least two kinds of metals. Here, of the two kinds of metals, the one with a lower melting point is called the first metal, and the one with a higher melting point is called the second metal. The melting point of the first metal must be 230° C. or higher. In addition, at least one of the first metal and the second metal has a hydrogen solubility greater than that of silver at a temperature lower than the melting point of the second metal. The value of the hydrogen solubility for a certain metal may be a value obtained experimentally or may be a value obtained by calculation using a computer simulation.

Furthermore, the hydride of at least one of the first metal or the second metal has a standard enthalpy of formation equal to or greater than the standard enthalpy of formation of CaH2 (-186.2 kJ/mol). This allows sufficient desorption of hydrogen for the repeated phase transitions of the hydride alloy that occur when the hydrogen storage material generates a large amount of heat. The value of the standard enthalpy of formation of a hydride of a certain metal may also be a value determined experimentally, or may be a value determined by calculation using a computer simulation.

When at least a metal that satisfies the first and second metal specifications is included, it can be used as a hydrogen storage material in this embodiment. In other words, even if three or more metals are included, it can be used as long as two of the metals satisfy the above specifications. There are no particular restrictions on the form in which these metals are contained. However, it is preferable that the first metal and the second metal exist in the form of an alloy having multiple phases with different composition ratios.

There is no particular restriction on the specific types of the first metal and the second metal, and any combination that satisfies the above regulations can be selected. Whether a metal corresponds to the first metal or the second metal is a relative matter determined in relation to the other metals to be combined. For this reason, depending on the combination of these metals, there are both cases where a metal corresponds to the first metal and the second metal. As an example, the first metal may be aluminum (Al), tin (Sn), or lead (Pb). As the second metal, nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), vanadium (V), or calcium (Ca) may be mentioned. Using these metals is preferable because it is possible to configure a hydrogen storage material with a large calorific value. Also, from the viewpoint of being able to function even when the heating temperature is relatively low, it is preferable to use tin (Sn), which has a relatively low melting point, as the first metal. Also, from the viewpoint of a large calorific value, it is preferable to use aluminum (Al) as the first metal. Furthermore, examples of combinations of "first metal-second metal" include nickel-zirconium, aluminum-nickel, aluminum-titanium, aluminum-manganese, aluminum-zinc, tin-titanium, and aluminum-calcium. From the viewpoint of being able to form a hydrogen storage material with a particularly large calorific value, combinations of aluminum-nickel, aluminum-titanium, and tin-titanium are preferred, combinations of aluminum-nickel, and tin-titanium are more preferred, and combinations of aluminum-nickel are particularly preferred. However, combinations other than these may of course be used.

[Method of manufacturing hydrogen storage material]
The method for producing the hydrogen storage material used in this embodiment is not particularly limited, and can be produced by referring to the conventionally known technical common sense (e.g., WO2020/080303). As an example, a case in which aluminum is used as the first metal and nickel is used as the second metal will be described.

First, prepare aluminum powder and nickel powder. The metals do not necessarily need to be in powder form, but it is preferable for them to be in powder form in order to mix them uniformly. Weigh out the two types of powder in the desired ratio and mix them using a mortar and pestle. The mortar and pestle can be made of any material, such as agate or alumina.

Then, the composite particles obtained above are alloyed by heat treatment. Note that it is not necessary to alloy them beforehand, and they may be alloyed during firing after being applied to the surface of the heater. The alloying method is not limited to heat treatment, and may be chemical alloy plating or mechanical alloying, which uses a ball mill to mechanically mix.

If it is necessary to adjust the particle size of the alloy after alloying, the particle size may be reduced by crushing, etc.

[Example of heat generation system configuration]
1 , the temperature sensor 13 is a sensor that is installed in the storage unit 10 and detects the temperature inside the storage unit 10. The pressure sensor 14 is a sensor that is installed in the storage unit 10 and detects the pressure inside the storage unit 10. The pressure sensor 14 and the temperature sensor 13 are each disposed such that their detection portions face the inside of the storage unit 10.

A circulation pipe (not shown) for circulating the refrigerant is installed on the outer periphery of the storage section 10. This circulation pipe is installed so as to communicate the inside and outside of the thermal energy generating section 111. The heat generated in the heat generating material 11 and the heater 12 is exchanged with the refrigerant flowing through the circulation pipe, and the refrigerant supplies thermal energy to the outside. It is preferable that the periphery of the storage section 10 is covered with a heat insulating material except for the part that contacts the circulation pipe, so that the radiation of thermal energy and the thermal convection with the surrounding outside air hardly occur. Here, an example is shown in which the circulation pipe is installed around the storage section 10, but the circulation pipe may be installed around the thermal energy generating section 111. In this case, it is preferable that the periphery of the thermal energy generating section 111 is covered with a heat insulating material except for the part that contacts the circulation pipe, so that the radiation of thermal energy and the thermal convection with the surrounding outside air hardly occur.

As the refrigerant, liquids such as water and ethylene glycol can be used. Note that, instead of liquids, gases (e.g., air) can also be used as the refrigerant.

For example, when the heat generating system 100 is used as a heat source for warming up and keeping warm an internal combustion engine, a part of the coolant piping of the internal combustion engine is provided as a circulation piping so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the storage section 10. This causes the temperature of the coolant to increase through heat exchange with the storage section 10, whose temperature has increased due to the thermal energy generated by the heat generating material 11, making it possible to warm up and keep warm the internal combustion engine.

The heater control unit 120 adjusts the power supplied to each of the heaters 12, 22, and 32 of the thermal energy generating units 111 to 113 based on the control of the thermal energy generating system control unit 150, and individually controls the heaters 12, 22, and 32.

The hydrogen supply source 130 is a hydrogen gas supply device that supplies hydrogen (H2) to the heat generating materials 11, 21, and 31 of the thermal energy generating units 111 to 113 via supply pipes 141 to 143. The hydrogen supply source 130 also includes a hydrogen tank filled with hydrogen gas, a pump and pipes for supplying hydrogen gas to the storage unit 10, and the like. The hydrogen (H2) is absorbed by the heat generating materials 11, 21, and 31 when they are heated, causing an exothermic reaction. The hydrogen (H2) may be held in a tank in the form of hydrogen gas, or may be a gas that is generated as needed by reforming methanol or biomass, for example. Instead of a hydrogen tank, a tank for holding ethanol or biomass and a reformer may be provided, and hydrogen gas may be generated as needed by reforming.

The hydrogen supply amount control unit 140 adjusts the amount of hydrogen supplied to the heat generating materials 11, 21, and 31 based on the control of the thermal energy generation system control unit 150. As the hydrogen supply amount control unit 140, for example, a flow rate control valve interposed in the supply pipes 141 to 143 that supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 130 to the heat generating materials 11, 21, and 31, or a vacuum (suction) pump that recovers excess gas in the storage units 10, 20, and 30 can be used.

The thermal energy generation system control unit 150 is a control unit that can individually switch between the operating state and the non-operating state of the thermal energy generation units 111 to 113. Specifically, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 controls the hydrogen supply amount control unit 140 to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 130 to the storage unit 10, and controls the heater control unit 120 to supply power to the heater 12 to continue heating the heat generating material 11, so that the temperature of the storage unit 10 rises and the heat generating material 11 starts a hydrogen absorption/desorption reaction to generate excess heat energy. Furthermore, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 controls the heater control unit 120 to supply power to the heater 12 to continue heating the heat generating material 11, controls the purge valve 161 to adjust the pressure, monitors the temperature detection value in the storage unit 10 by the temperature sensor 13 and the pressure detection value inside the storage unit 10 by the pressure sensor 14, and controls the hydrogen supply amount control unit 140, the heater control unit 120, and the purge valve 161 to fix these temperature and pressure conditions when a state in which excess heat energy is stably generated is reached. Note that whether or not a state in which excess heat energy is stably generated is reached may be determined according to the needs of the heat energy supply destination, and is not particularly limited. For example, the criterion may be that the fluctuation range of the heat generation amount of the heat generating material 11 falls within a predetermined range of the control target value by the thermal energy generating system control unit 150. The predetermined range of the control target value may be in the range of -9% to +9% of the control target value. Also, it is preferably in the range of -7% to +7% of the control target value, and more preferably in the range of -5% to +5% of the control target value.

In this way, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 controls the heater control unit 120, the hydrogen supply amount control unit 140, and the purge valve 161 based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor 13 and the pressure information from the pressure sensor 14, thereby adjusting the temperature and pressure in the storage unit 10 and controlling the amount of heat generated by the heat generating material 11. That is, by controlling the amount of heat generated by the heat generating material 11, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 switches between the operating state and the non-operating state of the heat energy generating unit 111. In this way, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 maintains the operating conditions of the heat generating material system that continues to operate by individually switching between the operating state and the non-operating state of the heat energy generating units 111 to 113. The thermal energy generating system control unit 150 is composed of one or more microcomputers equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an input/output interface (I/O interface). The operating state and non-operating state of the heat energy generating units 111 to 113 will be described in the specific examples of the heat generating materials and operating conditions described later.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 is provided inside the heat generation system 100, but instead of providing the thermal energy generation system control unit 150, a control unit external to the heat generation system 100 may be used. For example, when this system is mounted on a vehicle, a controller provided in the vehicle may function as the thermal energy generation system control unit.

[Specific examples of heat generating materials and operating conditions]
As described above, the heat generating material (hydrogen storage material) of this embodiment can be one containing at least two kinds of metals. Here, an example of a heat generating material having a hydrogen storage function that can generate thermal energy in a time-series stable oscillation manner is shown, together with an example of the conditions (pressure, temperature, etc.) for operating the heat generating material system (hydrogen storage reaction). Note that the example shown here is an example for realizing this embodiment, and is not limited thereto.

[Example of heat generating material configuration]
The heat generating material is made of a hydrogen storage alloy. When this hydrogen storage alloy is heated in the presence of hydrogen gas (H2), it releases a very large amount of heat to the outside. Such a hydrogen storage alloy is suitably applied as a heat generating material to a thermal energy generating system. In addition, the heat generating material according to this embodiment is heated in the presence of hydrogen gas to absorb hydrogen and become a hydride alloy, and the hydride alloy undergoes repeated phase transitions to repeatedly absorb and desorb hydrogen, thereby generating excess heat.

The mechanism by which the heat generating material according to this embodiment is capable of generating a very large amount of heat (excess heat) is not fully understood. However, the inventors speculate that the mechanism is that the repeated phase transitions of the hydride alloy result in repeated absorption and desorption of hydrogen, resulting in the large amount of heat generated as described above.

The heat generating material according to this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it can generate excess heat in the presence of hydrogen gas, but an example of such a material is a palladium (Pd)-nickel (Ni)-zirconium (Zr) system.

For example, a palladium (Pd)-nickel (Ni)-zirconium (Zr) based hydrogen storage alloy is produced by melt spinning a palladium (Pd)-nickel (Ni)-zirconium (Zr) based alloy into an amorphous ribbon, then oxidizing it in the air and grinding it. The melt spinning method is a method of obtaining an amorphous ribbon by spraying an alloy molten at high temperature onto the surface of a copper roll rotating at high speed, and quenching it in a time much shorter than the crystallization time. By oxidizing the amorphous ribbon, the constituent element zirconium (Zr) is oxidized to produce ZrO2, and a microstructure is formed in which palladium (Pd) and nickel (Ni) are precipitated as nano-metal particles.

As an example of a palladium (Pd)-nickel (Ni)-zirconium (Zr) based hydrogen storage alloy, an alloy made using the melt spinning method with an atomic ratio of palladium (Pd):nickel (Ni):zirconium (Zr) = 4:31:65 can be sintered in air at 450°C for 60 hours to produce a plate-shaped heat generating material with a thickness of approximately 35 μm and a length of 30 to 300 μm.

[Examples of operating (reaction) conditions]
Next, the conditions for operating a thermal energy generating system (corresponding to the heat generating system 100) using a hydrogen storage alloy will be described.

<First step>
First, in the thermal energy generating system, the hydrogen storage alloy is heated and depressurized to a reference temperature and pressure to remove impurities from the surface of the hydrogen storage alloy. The reference temperature and pressure are so-called normal temperature and normal pressure, and for example, the reference temperature can be 25° C. and the reference pressure can be 0.1 MPa (about 1 atm).

To explain the first step in more detail, the hydrogen storage alloy is pretreated (vacuum degassing and thermal degassing) to remove impurities from the alloy surface. This pretreatment is performed by heating and reducing pressure to a standard temperature and pressure. The temperature for this heating is not particularly limited, but is, for example, about 200°C. The pressure for reducing pressure is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a vacuum (on the order of 1.0 x 10-2 Pa). The time for which the heating and reduced pressure are maintained is also not particularly limited, but is, for example, 50 to 100 minutes. In the case of a palladium (Pd)-nickel (Ni)-zirconium (Zr) based hydrogen storage alloy, the temperature is 200°C and the pressure is vacuum (0.01 Pa).

<Second step>
Next, the gas phase of the system (corresponding to the storage units 10, 20, 30) containing the hydrogen storage alloy and hydrogen gas is heated and pressurized to a first temperature higher than the reference temperature and to a first pressure higher than the reference pressure to store hydrogen in the alloy phase of the hydrogen storage alloy. Here, the gas phase of the system refers to the space inside the storage units 10, 20, 30 where hydrogen gas exists.

Here, the first temperature and the first pressure are not particularly limited since they differ depending on the hydrogen storage alloy used, but the first temperature is, for example, 400 to 800°C, and the first pressure is, for example, a pressure in the range of higher than 0.1 MPa (abs) (about 1 atm) and lower than 1 MPa (abs) (about 10 atm). The time for which the first temperature and the first pressure are maintained is not particularly limited since they differ depending on the hydrogen storage rate characteristics of the hydrogen storage alloy used, but is, for example, 1 to 60 hours. In the case of a palladium (Pd)-nickel (Ni)-zirconium (Zr)-based hydrogen storage alloy, the temperature is 500 to 800°C and the pressure is greater than 0.1 to 1 MPa.

<Third step>
Next, a process for reliably generating the vibration heating phenomenon is performed, specifically, a process for maintaining the gas phase of the system containing the hydrogen storage alloy and hydrogen gas at a second temperature higher than the reference temperature and lower than the first temperature, and at a second pressure lower than the first pressure.

Here, the second temperature and the second pressure are not particularly limited because they differ depending on the hydrogen storage alloy used. For example, the second temperature is 200 to less than 800°C (but lower than the first temperature), and the second pressure is, for example, 0.01 MPa (abs) (about 0.1 atm) to 0.3 MPa (abs) (about 3 atm) (but lower than the first pressure). Even if the second temperature and the second pressure are maintained, the vibration heat continues for a predetermined time (for example, about 100 hours) although the vibration amplitude gradually decreases with time. In the case of a palladium (Pd)-nickel (Ni)-zirconium (Zr)-based hydrogen storage alloy, it is 450°C and 0.01 MPa. For example, the range of the second temperature may be set to 20°C to 900°C, or 100°C to 700°C. It is also preferable to set it to 200°C to 500°C.

In this way, by performing each of the first to third steps in the thermal energy generation system, it is possible to reliably generate excess heat in a pulsed manner.

The control device of the thermal energy generation system (corresponding to the thermal energy generation system control unit 150) maintains the gas phase of the system under the atmosphere conditions shown in the second step for a predetermined time or more, and then executes control to maintain the gas phase of the system under the atmosphere conditions shown in the third step until the heat generation amount per unit mass of the heat generating material starts to vibrate at an amplitude equal to or greater than the threshold value.

Here, we will explain the operating and non-operating states of the thermal energy generating units (corresponding to thermal energy generating units 111 to 113).

The processes in steps 1 to 3 described above are performed once, for example, at the time of shipment from the factory (e.g., when inspecting whether the thermal energy generation system is operating properly).

When the thermal energy generation system is put into operation, it is started from room temperature, the first and second steps described above are omitted, and the third step described above is carried out. That is, by carrying out each of the first to third steps once at the time of factory shipment, etc., hydrogen gas is absorbed and remains in the heat generating material, so a new absorption step is not necessary. Therefore, when the thermal energy generation system is put into operation, the thermal energy generation system can be started up quickly by carrying out only the third step described above.

In addition, in the thermal energy generating system, when a thermal energy generating unit in a non-operating state is put into an operating state, hydrogen gas is supplied and heat is applied from a heater to control the temperature and pressure of the thermal energy generating unit in a non-operating state. Specifically, the temperature and pressure of the thermal energy generating unit in a non-operating state are controlled to be the second temperature and second pressure shown in the third step. That is, the thermal energy generating unit in a non-operating state can be put into an operating state by increasing the temperature of the gas phase part of the thermal energy generating unit and pressurizing or depressurizing the gas phase of the thermal energy generating unit. This makes it possible to control the thermal energy generating unit in a non-operating state to become a thermal energy generating unit in an operating state that stably generates oscillatory heat.

In addition, in the thermal energy generating system, when an operating thermal energy generating unit is put into a non-operating state, the supply of hydrogen gas is stopped and the supply of heat from the heater is stopped, and the temperature and pressure of the operating thermal energy generating unit are controlled. Note that in this example, an example is shown in which the supply of hydrogen gas and the supply of heat from the heater are stopped, but the operating thermal energy generating unit may be put into a non-operating state by stopping or adjusting one of them. That is, the operating thermal energy generating unit can be put into a non-operating state by lowering the temperature of the gas phase of the operating thermal energy generating unit or by depressurizing the gas phase of the thermal energy generating unit.

In this way, in this embodiment, instead of changing the amount of heat energy generated by carrying out complex hydrogen gas supply control, temperature control, and pressure control each time in response to the amount of heat energy required from the outside, heat energy can be continuously generated in the most efficient heat energy generation mode (constant temperature and pressure) set at startup.

[Example of configuration of heat energy generating unit]
2 and 3 are diagrams showing examples of the configuration of a plurality of thermal energy generating units. Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration in which twenty thermal energy generating units 251 to 270 are arranged in a stacked structure. Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration in which five thermal energy generating units 331 to 335 are arranged in a stacked structure.

Figure 2 shows a housing 200 in which 20 spaces 211 to 230 are formed. The housing 200 is made of a material in which the thermal energy generating units 251 to 270 can be installed. Examples of such materials include aluminum, iron, and steel. The housing 200 can be shaped like a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped, and the spaces 211 to 230 can also be shaped like a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped. The spaces 211 to 230 may be closed spaces or spaces that are partially open. In order to reduce radiation of thermal energy and thermal convection with the surrounding outside air, it is preferable to use a heat insulating material as a material for the spaces 211 to 230.

The configuration of the thermal energy generating units 251 to 270 is similar to that of the thermal energy generating units 111 to 113 shown in FIG. 1, so illustrations of the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and other components are omitted, and detailed descriptions of each component are omitted.

Each of the spaces 211 to 230 is provided with a storage section 231 to 250 for installing the thermal energy generating section 251 to 270. In addition, a circulation pipe (not shown) is installed inside each of the storage sections 231 to 250 to supply the heat generated in the thermal energy generating section 251 to 270 to the outside.

Specifically, a circulation pipe (not shown) that connects the inside and outside of the storage section 231 and circulates the refrigerant is installed around the thermal energy generating section 251. For example, the circulation pipe is installed on the end face of the thermal energy generating section 251 (at a position close to the heat-generating material inside the thermal energy generating section 251). The heat generated in the thermal energy generating section 251 is exchanged with the refrigerant flowing through the circulation pipe, and the heat energy is supplied to the outside by the refrigerant. The circulation pipe that circulates the refrigerant may be provided inside the thermal energy generating section 251. The same applies to the circulation pipes installed in the other thermal energy generating sections 252 to 270.

In addition, in FIG. 2, in order to identify the thermal energy generating units 251 to 270, consecutive numbers (No. 1 to 20) are added within the rectangles representing the thermal energy generating units 251 to 270.

Figure 3 shows a housing 300 in which five spaces 311 to 315 are formed. The housing 300 is made of a material in which thermal energy generating units 331 to 335 can be installed. Furthermore, each of the spaces 311 to 315 is provided with a storage unit 321 to 325 for installing the thermal energy generating unit 331 to 335.

The configurations shown in FIG. 3 are the same as those shown in FIG. 2, except that the number of spaces 311 to 315, storage sections 321 to 325, and thermal energy generating sections 331 to 335 is five. Therefore, a description of the parts that are the same as those shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted.

In addition, inside each of the storage sections 321 to 325, a circulation pipe (not shown) is installed to supply the heat generated in the thermal energy generating sections 331 to 335 to the outside. The configuration of the circulation pipe is the same as that of the example shown in FIG. 2, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, by arranging multiple thermal energy generating parts in a stacked structure, each thermal energy generating part can be arranged in a similar regular structure, making layout easier. In addition, because there is regularity, the devices can be made to have a similar structure, which reduces manufacturing costs.

Note that although Figures 2 and 3 show an example in which multiple thermal energy generating units are arranged in a stacked structure, multiple thermal energy generating units may also be arranged side-by-side on a flat surface.

Although Figures 2 and 3 show examples in which the thermal energy generating unit is cubic or rectangular, this embodiment can also be applied to cases in which the thermal energy generating unit has other shapes, such as a cylindrical (tubular) shape. For example, if the thermal energy generating unit is cylindrical (tubular), the thermal energy generating unit can be inserted into a cylindrical housing, and multiple cylindrical housings can be stacked on top of each other. Alternatively, multiple cylindrical housings can be arranged side by side on a flat surface.

[Example of control of heat energy generating unit]
Next, a method for controlling the thermal energy generating unit will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. For ease of explanation, the heat generating system having the configuration shown in Figure 3 will be used as an example.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a method for controlling a heat energy generating unit when the amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside is smaller than the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time. The configuration example shown in Figure 4 corresponds to the configuration shown in Figure 3, so some symbols are omitted.

Figure 4 shows an example in which the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 each generate 100 W of heat per unit time. The rectangles representing the heat energy generating units are marked with a numerical value (100 W) indicating the amount of heat generated per unit time. The left side of Figure 4 shows an example in which the heat energy generating units 331 to 333 of the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 are in an operating state. In this case, when the amount of heat energy requested per unit time from the outside becomes 200 W, the difference between the amount of heat energy requested per unit time from the outside (200 W) and the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time (300 W) becomes -100 W. In this case, the heat energy generating system control unit 150 controls the operating state of the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 so that the heat energy is reduced by the difference value (-100 W).

Specifically, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4, heat energy generating unit 333, which is in an operating state, is controlled to be in an inoperating state. As a result, of heat energy generating units 331 to 335, heat energy generating units 331 and 332 are in an operating state, and the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time becomes 200 W. Therefore, the difference value between the amount of heat energy requested per unit time from outside (200 W) and the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time (200 W) becomes 0.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a method for controlling a heat energy generating unit when the amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside is greater than the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time. The configuration example shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the configuration shown in Figure 3, so some symbols are omitted.

5 shows an example in which the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 each generate 100 W of heat per unit time. The rectangles showing the heat energy generating units are marked with a value (100 W) indicating the heat generation per unit time. The left side of FIG. 5 shows an example in which the heat energy generating units 331 to 333 of the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 are in operation. In this case, when the heat energy request per unit time from the outside becomes 400 W, the difference between the heat energy request per unit time from the outside (400 W) and the current heat energy generation per unit time (300 W) becomes +100 W. In this case, the heat energy generation system control unit 150 controls the operation state of the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 so that the heat energy increases by the difference value (+100 W).

Specifically, as shown on the right side of FIG. 5, heat energy generating unit 334, which is in an operating state, is controlled to be in an operating state. As a result, of heat energy generating units 331 to 335, heat energy generating units 331 to 334 are in an operating state, and the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time becomes 400 W. Therefore, the difference value between the amount of heat energy requested per unit time from outside (400 W) and the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time (400 W) becomes 0.

[Comparative Example]
3, it is assumed that the heat generation amount per unit time of each of the thermal energy generating units 331 to 335 is 1 kW. It is also assumed that the thermal energy generating units 331 to 335 are mounted on a vehicle, and that a heat generation amount of 5 kW is required for heating the interior of the vehicle during initial operation in winter, and that 1 to 2 kW is required for heating the interior of the vehicle during normal operation. In other words, it is assumed that the heat generation system has a maximum capacity of a heat generation amount of 5 kW in preparation for heating the interior of the vehicle during initial operation in winter.

In this example, assuming that the conventional technology is used, 5 kW of heat generation is effectively used for heating the interior of the vehicle during early winter operation. However, since the required amount is 1 to 2 kW during normal operation, at least 3 kW of heat generation (5 kW - 2 kW) of the maximum capacity of 5 kW is surplus. Therefore, unless there is a special heat storage means, the surplus 3 kW of heat generation is discarded outside the vehicle. In this case, the actual thermal energy generation efficiency based on the required amount of 2 kW remains at 0.8 (= 2 kW / 2.5 kW). The generation efficiency COP (Coefficient Of Performance) is calculated by the following formula. The input energy is 2.5 kW (= 1 kW x 5/2).
COP = Heat generation amount/Input energy

In contrast, in this embodiment, during initial operation in winter, the heat generation amount of 5 kW is effectively used for indoor heating. Also, during normal operation, one or two of the thermal energy generating units 331 to 335 can be operated and the others can be put into a non-operating state according to the required amount of 1 to 2 kW. This can eliminate the amount of heat generated that is wasted as excess heat, thereby improving the thermal energy generation efficiency. For example, the effective thermal energy generation efficiency based on the required amount of 2 kW is 2 (= 2 kW / 1.0 kW). The input energy is 1.0 kW (= 1 kW x 2/2). In other words, the effective thermal energy generation efficiency during normal operation is about twice (= 2/0.8) better than the conventional technology.

[Example of control when the amount of thermal energy generated by the thermal energy generating unit differs]
4 and 5 show an example in which the amount of thermal energy generated from one thermal energy generating unit (100 W) is the same. However, this embodiment can also be applied to a case in which the amount of thermal energy generated from a plurality of thermal energy generating units is different. Therefore, this control method will be described below with reference to FIG. 6. Here, for ease of explanation, the heat generation system having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 will be described as an example.

Figure 6 shows an example of a method for controlling a heat energy generating unit when the amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside is greater than the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the thermal energy generating unit 331 includes 10 heat generating materials with a heat generation amount of 100 W per unit time, and is configured as a thermal energy generating unit with a heat generation amount of 1 kW per unit time. The thermal energy generating unit 332 includes 5 heat generating materials with a heat generation amount of 100 W per unit time, and is configured as a thermal energy generating unit with a heat generation amount of 500 W per unit time. The thermal energy generating unit 333 includes 2 heat generating materials with a heat generation amount of 100 W per unit time, and is configured as a thermal energy generating unit with a heat generation amount of 200 W per unit time. The thermal energy generating units 334 and 335 include one heat generating material with a heat generation amount of 100 W per unit time, and are configured as thermal energy generating units with a heat generation amount of 100 W per unit time. The configuration example shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, so some of the symbols are omitted. A numerical value indicating the heat generation amount is added inside the rectangle indicating the thermal energy generating unit. Thus, Figure 6 shows an example of a heat generation system equipped with five thermal energy generating units with four different heat output levels.

The left side of FIG. 6 shows an example in which heat energy generating units 331 and 333 are in operation among heat energy generating units 331 to 335. In this case, the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time is 1200 W (1 kW + 200 W).

In the operating state shown on the left side of FIG. 6, when the amount of heat energy requested per unit time from outside becomes 1800 W, the difference between the amount of heat energy requested per unit time from outside (1800 W) and the current amount of heat energy generated per unit time (1200 W) becomes +600 W. In this case, the heat energy generation system control unit 150 controls the operating state of the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 so that the heat energy increases by the difference value (+600 W).

Specifically, as shown on the right side of FIG. 6, the thermal energy generating units 332 and 334 in a non-operating state are controlled to be in an operating state. As a result, of the thermal energy generating units 331 to 335, the thermal energy generating units 331 to 334 are in an operating state, and the current amount of thermal energy generated per unit time becomes 1800 W. Therefore, the difference value between the thermal energy request per unit time from the outside (1800 W) and the current amount of thermal energy generated per unit time (1800 W) becomes 0. Note that while FIG. 6 shows an example in which the thermal energy generating units 332 and 334 in a non-operating state are in an operating state, the thermal energy generating units 332 and 335 in a non-operating state may also be in an operating state.

In this way, the number of heat energy generating units in an operating state is increased or decreased so that the total amount of heat energy generated per unit time by the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 corresponds to the total amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside. In other words, the heat energy generating units to be in an operating state are determined so that the difference between the total amount of heat energy generated per unit time by the heat energy generating units 331 to 335 and the total amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside is minimized.

[Example of heat generation system operation]
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of heat generation control processing in the heat generation system 100. Note that this processing procedure is executed based on a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). Also, this processing procedure is repeatedly executed at a predetermined calculation period. Fig. 7 will be described with reference to the configuration shown in Fig. 1.

In step S401, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 compares the amount of thermal energy required per unit time from outside the heat generation system 100 with the amount of thermal energy generated per unit time by the thermal energy generating unit (amount of thermal energy generated), and calculates the difference between them based on the comparison result. The amount of thermal energy generated can also be referred to as the amount of thermal energy supplied per unit time by the thermal energy generating unit.

Specifically, the amount of heat energy required per unit time from outside the heat generating system 100 is calculated based on the mass of the device or component to which the heat energy is to be supplied (hereinafter referred to as the target component), the specific heat of the target component, the temperature of the target component, and the time to supply the requested heat energy (requested supply time). For example, it can be calculated for each target component using the following formula 1.

Heat energy demand per unit time from the outside of the heat generating system 100 [J/sec]=
Mass of target part [g] × specific heat of target part [J/g·K] × (target temperature of target part−actual temperature of target part) [K]/required supply time [sec] ...Equation 1

The thermal energy generation system control unit 150 calculates the sum of the values for each target component calculated using Equation 1 (total value) as the amount of thermal energy required per unit time from outside the heat generation system 100.

The mass and specific heat of the target part are stored in the storage unit. The target temperature and required supply time of the target part are set appropriately according to the outside air temperature, the application, etc. The actual temperature of the target part can be determined using sensor information acquired by a temperature sensor installed in the target part. In this way, the actual temperature can be acquired from the temperature sensor of the target part, and the thermal energy requirement can be calculated for each target part based on the preset part data (e.g., mass, specific heat, target temperature) and the actual temperature. If the target part or its peripheral device is equipped with a control unit capable of calculating the thermal energy requirement per unit time, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 may acquire and use the value calculated by the control unit through communication with the control unit.

The amount of heat energy (amount of heat energy generated) generated by the heat energy generating unit per unit time is calculated based on the number of heat energy generating units generating heat energy (the number of heat energy generating units in operation), the mass of each of the heat energy generating units, the amount of heat energy supply per unit mass expected at the temperature and pressure of the gas phase when each of the heat energy generating units generates the maximum amount of heat energy (maximum amount of heat energy supply per unit mass), and the required supply time from the outside. For example, it can be calculated using the following formula 2. The mass of the heat energy generating unit means the mass of the heat generating material 11, 21, 31 having the hydrogen storage material.
Amount of heat energy generated per unit time [J/sec] =
Mass of thermal energy generating part [g] × maximum thermal energy supply amount per unit mass [J/g] / required supply time [sec] ... Equation 2

The thermal energy generation system control unit 150 calculates the sum of the values for each thermal energy generation unit calculated using Equation 2 (total value) as the amount of thermal energy generated (amount of thermal energy supplied).

The mass of the heat energy generating unit and the maximum amount of heat energy supply per unit mass are stored in the memory unit. In addition, the required supply time from the outside is set appropriately depending on the outside temperature, application, etc.

In this example, a preset value is used to calculate the amount of heat energy generated per unit mass, but it is also possible to obtain the temperature and pressure of the gas phase of each heat energy generating unit, and calculate the amount of heat energy generated per unit mass for each heat energy generating unit based on the temperature and pressure.

The thermal energy generating system control unit 150 calculates a difference between the amount of thermal energy required per unit time from the outside of the heat generating system 100 and the amount of thermal energy generated per unit time by the thermal energy generating unit. For example, the difference can be calculated using the following formula 3.
Difference value=amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside of the heat generating system 100−amount of heat energy generated per unit time by the heat energy generating unit ...Equation 3

In this example, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 calculates the amount of thermal energy required per unit time from outside the heat generating system 100, the amount of thermal energy generated per unit time by the thermal energy generating unit, and the difference between them. However, some or all of these may be calculated by an external control unit, and the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 may use these values. For example, when this system is mounted on a vehicle, a controller provided in the vehicle may be configured to execute some or all of the above-mentioned calculation processes.

In step S402, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 determines whether the difference value calculated in step S401 is within a predetermined range. In other words, it determines whether the demand exceeds the predetermined range. Here, the predetermined range is an allowable range set to maintain good thermal energy generation efficiency. Specifically, the predetermined range is a range for determining whether the number of operating thermal energy generating units and their operating conditions should be maintained as they are. For example, the predetermined range can be set to a range of -5% to +5% of the thermal energy demand per unit time. Note that other ranges (for example, a range of -7 to 4% to +4 to 7%, a range of -9 to 3% to +3 to 9%) may also be set.

If the difference value calculated in step S401 is not within the predetermined range, proceed to step S403. On the other hand, if the difference value calculated in step S401 is within the predetermined range, proceed to step S408.

In step S403, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 determines whether the difference value calculated in step S401 is a positive value or a negative value. If the difference value calculated in step S401 is a positive value (i.e., the amount of thermal energy required per unit time from the outside is greater than the amount of thermal energy generated per unit time by the thermal energy generating unit), the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if the difference value calculated in step S401 is a negative value (i.e., the amount of thermal energy required per unit time from the outside is less than the amount of thermal energy generated per unit time by the thermal energy generating unit), the process proceeds to step S406.

In step S404, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 selects a thermal energy generating unit to be in an operating state from among the thermal energy generating units in a non-operating state. Specifically, the thermal energy generating unit to be in an operating state is selected so that the amount of thermal energy increases by the difference value calculated in step S401. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the difference value is +100 W. Therefore, from among the thermal energy generating units 334 and 335 in a non-operating state, the thermal energy generating unit 334 is selected as the thermal energy generating unit to be in an operating state so that the amount of thermal energy increases by +100 W. Note that the thermal energy generating unit 335 may be selected instead of the thermal energy generating unit 334. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the difference value is +600 W. Therefore, from among the thermal energy generating units 332, 334, and 335 in a non-operating state, the thermal energy generating units 332 and 334 are selected as the thermal energy generating units to be in an operating state so that the amount of thermal energy increases by +600 W. Note that instead of thermal energy generating unit 334, thermal energy generating unit 335 may be selected.

Predetermined selection conditions may be set, and the thermal energy generating unit to be put into an operating state may be selected based on these selection conditions. For example, selection conditions may be adopted that give priority to the thermal energy generating unit that was put into an inoperable state the latest, that give priority to the thermal energy generating unit that was put into an inoperable state the earliest, or that select randomly.

In step S405, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 executes control to bring the thermal energy generation unit selected in step S404 in a non-operating state into an operating state.

In this way, in steps S404 and S405, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 executes control to increase the number of thermal energy generation units in operation.

In step S408, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 executes control to generate thermal energy from the thermal energy generating units in operation for the requested supply time from outside. That is, control is executed to operate an optimal number of thermal energy generating units so that the difference between the amount of thermal energy requested per unit time from outside the heat generation system 100 and the amount of thermal energy per unit time supplied by the thermal energy generating units is within a predetermined range.

In step S406, the thermal energy generating system control unit 150 selects a thermal energy generating unit to be put into a non-operating state from among the thermal energy generating units in an operating state. Specifically, the thermal energy generating unit to be put into a non-operating state is selected so that the amount of thermal energy is reduced by the difference value calculated in step S401. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the difference value is -100 W. Therefore, from among the thermal energy generating units 331 to 333 in an operating state, the thermal energy generating unit 333 is selected as the thermal energy generating unit to be put into a non-operating state so that the amount of thermal energy is reduced by 100 W. Note that instead of the thermal energy generating unit 333, the thermal energy generating unit 331 or 332 may be selected.

It is also possible to set a predetermined selection condition, and select the thermal energy generating unit to be put into a non-operating state based on this selection condition. For example, a selection condition that gives priority to the thermal energy generating unit that was put into an operating state the latest, a selection condition that gives priority to the thermal energy generating unit that was put into an operating state the earliest, or a selection condition that selects randomly can be adopted.

In step S407, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 executes control to put the thermal energy generation unit in an operational state selected in step S406 into an inoperative state.

In this way, in steps S406 and S407, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 executes control to reduce the number of thermal energy generation units in operation.

It is also possible that, for some reason, the heat generation state of a heat energy generating unit that has been controlled to be in an operating state may deteriorate. In such a case, it is possible to detect the heat energy generating unit with a poor heat generation state based on a temperature sensor, put the heat energy generating unit with a poor heat generation state in a non-operating state, and control another heat energy generating unit to be in an operating state in place of the heat energy generating unit.

Here, it is assumed that the temperature of multiple thermal energy generating units is measured, and the amount of thermal energy generated is increased by controlling the hydrogen supply, temperature, and pressure while identifying thermal energy generating units that are operating normally and those that are not. In this case, it is assumed that it will be difficult to respond quickly to changes in the amount of thermal energy required.

In contrast, in this embodiment, multiple thermal energy generating units (heat generating material systems) having a hydrogen storage function are used, which can generate thermal energy in a stable and oscillating manner in time series by simply adjusting the temperature and pressure in response to changes in the thermal energy demand from the outside. This makes it possible to maintain each thermal energy generating unit in a stable and appropriate condition without complexly controlling the temperature, pressure, and hydrogen supply of each thermal energy generating unit. In addition, for multiple thermal energy generating units, the number of thermal energy generating units in operation can be increased or decreased in response to changes in the thermal energy demand, thereby improving the responsiveness. Specifically, when the amount of thermal energy generated is small compared to the thermal energy demand, the number of thermal energy generating units in operation is increased by the difference value. On the other hand, when the amount of thermal energy generated is large compared to the thermal energy demand, the number of thermal energy generating units in operation is decreased by the difference value. In this case, the thermal energy generating unit to be in operation is selected so that the difference value is minimized.

In addition, in this embodiment, the heat generating material system is operated only under the most efficient temperature and pressure, so the efficiency of heat energy generation can be improved. In other words, there is no need to adjust the operating conditions of the heat energy generating unit to follow increases and decreases in the amount of heat energy required from the outside. This makes it possible to improve the ability to follow changes in the amount of heat energy required from the outside, and also to increase the heat energy generation efficiency of the heat energy generating unit.

For example, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the heat-generating material system is operated under the most efficient conditions, so the temperature and pressure can be set and adjusted simply, and the system can be started or stopped quickly, providing good responsiveness. For example, if this system is installed in a vehicle, it can quickly respond to requests from equipment whose thermal energy requirements change dynamically. An example of an equipment whose thermal energy requirements change dynamically is an air conditioner installed in a vehicle.

[Configuration and Effects of the Present Embodiment]
The heat generating method according to the present embodiment is a heat generating method using a plurality of heat energy generating units 111 to 113 (one example of a heat generating material system) that have a hydrogen storage material and generate excess heat. This heat generating method includes a control step (steps S401 to S407) for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of heat energy generating units 111 to 113. In this control step, a difference value between a heat energy request amount per unit time from the outside and a heat energy generation amount per unit time generated by the heat energy generating units 111 to 113 is calculated. Then, when the difference value exceeds a predetermined range and the heat energy request amount is larger than the heat energy generation amount, the number of heat generating material systems to be operated for the heat energy generating units 111 to 113 is increased so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range. On the other hand, when the difference value exceeds a predetermined range and the heat energy request amount is smaller than the heat energy generation amount, the number of heat generating material systems to be operated for the heat energy generating units 111 to 113 is decreased so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range. Note that the difference value is calculated, for example, using the above-mentioned formula 3.

According to this heat generation method, by increasing or decreasing the number of heat energy generating units in an operating state, it is possible to follow the increase or decrease in the amount of heat energy required from the outside, thereby improving the ability to follow the amount of heat energy required from the outside. That is, it is possible to generate appropriate heat energy in response to the heat energy request from the outside. In addition, since the amount of heat energy supplied by the heat energy generating units in an operating state is kept to a minimum necessary to meet the request from the outside, heat energy can be utilized without waste. That is, it is possible to minimize the excess or deficiency of the amount of heat energy supplied while ensuring responsiveness to requests from the outside. In addition, it is possible to improve the ability to follow the increase or decrease in the amount of heat energy required from the outside by appropriately determining the number of heat energy generating units in an operating state.

In addition, in the heat generation method according to this embodiment, in the control steps (steps S401, S402, S408), if the difference between the amount of heat energy required and the amount of heat energy generated is within a predetermined range, the number of heat energy generating units (an example of a heat generating material system) in operation is not changed.

According to this heat generation method, when the difference between the amount of thermal energy required and the amount of thermal energy generated is within a predetermined range (tolerable range), the number of thermal energy generating units in operation and their operating conditions are maintained as they are, so that the thermal energy generation efficiency can be maintained at a good level. In other words, the thermal energy generation efficiency can be maintained at a good level within the range where a decrease in tracking ability is tolerable.

In addition, in the heat generation method according to this embodiment, the thermal energy requirement is calculated as the sum of the thermal energy requirement of each component, which is calculated based on the mass of the external component to which the thermal energy is to be supplied, the specific heat of the component, the temperature of the component, and the time for which the thermal energy is supplied to the component. For example, the thermal energy requirement of each component is calculated using the above-mentioned formula 1. Note that the target temperature (set temperature) of the component and the actual temperature of the component can be used as the temperature of the external component.

With this type of heat generation method, the amount of heat energy required from the outside can be estimated simply and accurately by calculating the total value for each component, and this can be quickly reflected in the control of the amount of heat energy supplied (control of the number of components in operation).

In addition, in the heat generation method according to this embodiment, the amount of heat energy generated is calculated by adding up, for each heat energy generating unit in an operating state, the amount of heat energy generated for each heat energy generating unit, which is calculated based on the mass of the heat energy generating unit (an example of a heat generating material system) in an operating state, the amount of heat energy per unit mass that can be expected from the heat energy generating unit, and the time it takes to supply the heat energy to an external component that is the destination of the heat energy. For example, the amount of heat energy generated for each heat energy generating unit is calculated using the above-mentioned formula 2.

With this type of heat generation method, the current amount of heat energy generated (amount of heat energy supplied) can be estimated simply and accurately by calculating the total value for each heat energy generating unit, and this can be quickly reflected in the control of the amount of heat energy supplied (control of the number of units in operation).

In the heat generation method according to this embodiment, in the control steps (steps S405 and S407), for a heat energy generating unit that is in an operating state among a plurality of heat energy generating units (one example of a heat generating material system), the temperature of the gas phase of the heat energy generating unit is controlled to be the reference temperature, and the pressure of the gas phase is controlled to be the reference pressure. For example, when a palladium (Pd)-nickel (Ni)-zirconium (Zr) based hydrogen storage alloy is used, the reference temperature can be 450°C, and the reference pressure can be 0.01 MPa.

According to this heat generation method, the operating thermal energy generating units are operated at efficient temperatures and pressures, allowing thermal energy to be generated in a time-series stable oscillation. In other words, operating conditions (gas phase pressure and temperature) are set for each thermal energy generating unit, and thermal energy is generated in a time-series stable manner. This stabilizes the amount of thermal energy generated per unit time, improving the accuracy of control over the increase and decrease of the number of operating units.

The heat generating system 100 according to this embodiment is a heat generating system including a plurality of heat energy generating units 111 to 113 (an example of a heat generating material system) that have a hydrogen storage material and generate excess heat, and a heat energy generating system control unit 150 (an example of a control unit) that controls the operation of each of the plurality of heat energy generating units 111 to 113. The heat energy generating system control unit 150 calculates a difference between the amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside and the amount of heat energy generated per unit time by the plurality of heat energy generating units 111 to 113. If the difference value exceeds a predetermined range and the amount of heat energy required is greater than the amount of heat energy generated, the heat energy generating system control unit 150 increases the number of heat generating material systems that are in operation for the plurality of heat energy generating units 111 to 113 so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range. On the other hand, if the difference value exceeds the predetermined range and the amount of required heat energy is smaller than the amount of generated heat energy, the heat energy generation system control unit 150 reduces the number of heat generating material systems that are in operation for the multiple heat energy generating units 111 to 113 so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range.

With this type of heat generation system 100, the number of heat energy generating units in operation can be increased or decreased to track increases or decreases in the amount of heat energy required from the outside, thereby improving the ability to track the amount of heat energy required from the outside.

In addition, in the heat generating system 100 according to this embodiment, the thermal energy generating section 111 (an example of a heat generating material system) includes a heat generating material 11 having a hydrogen storage function, a heater 12 for heating the heat generating material 11, and a storage section 10 for storing the heat generating material 11 and the heater 12.

According to this type of heat generation system 100, in the storage section 10, the heat generation material 11 is heated by the heater 12 in the presence of hydrogen gas, thereby generating excess heat (thermal energy greater than the heating energy). This allows for efficient supply of thermal energy.

In addition, the heat generating system 100 according to this embodiment further includes a temperature sensor 13 installed in the storage unit 10 and detecting the temperature of the gas phase of the heat energy generating unit 111 (an example of a heat generating material system) containing the heat generating material 11 and hydrogen gas, a pressure sensor 14 installed in the storage unit 10 and detecting the pressure of the gas phase of the heat energy generating unit 111, a heater control unit 120 that controls the heater 12, a hydrogen supply source 130 that supplies hydrogen to the heat generating material 11, and a hydrogen supply amount control unit 140 that controls the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply source 130. The heat energy generating system control unit 150 (an example of a control unit) controls the temperature and pressure of the gas phase of the heat energy generating unit 111 by controlling the heater control unit 120 and the hydrogen supply amount control unit 140 based on information from the temperature sensor 13 and information from the pressure sensor 14. That is, the thermal energy generation system control unit 150 sends commands to the heater control unit 120 and the hydrogen supply amount control unit 140 to maintain the temperature and pressure of the gas phase at which the thermal energy generation unit 111 can generate the maximum amount of thermal energy. The thermal energy generation system control unit 150 then controls the operating state of each of the multiple thermal energy generation units 111 to 113.

According to this type of heat generation system 100, in the storage section 10, the pressure and temperature of the gas phase of the thermal energy generating section are controlled to efficient conditions such as maximum energy generation conditions, while the heat generating material is heated by a heater in the presence of hydrogen. This allows excess heat (thermal energy greater than the heating energy) to be generated efficiently and stably.

The processes shown in this embodiment are executed based on a program for causing a computer to execute each processing procedure. Therefore, this embodiment can also be understood as an embodiment of a program that realizes the function of executing each of these processes, and a recording medium that stores the program. For example, the program can be stored in the vehicle's storage device by an update operation for adding a new function to the vehicle. This makes it possible to execute each of the processes shown in this embodiment on the updated vehicle. The update can be performed, for example, during regular vehicle inspection. The program can also be updated via wireless communication.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely show some of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

10, 20, 30, 231-250, 321-325 Container, 11, 21, 31 Heat generating material, 12, 22, 32 Heater, 13, 23, 33 Temperature sensor, 14, 24, 34 Pressure sensor, 100 Heat generating system, 111-113, 251-270, 331-335 Thermal energy generating unit, 120 Heater control unit, 130 Hydrogen supply source, 140 Hydrogen supply amount control unit, 141-143 Supply piping, 150 Thermal energy generating system control unit, 161-163 Purge valve, 165-167 Purge piping, 171-173 Target part, 200, 300 Housing, 211-230, 311-315 Space

Claims (7)

1. A method of generating heat using a plurality of heat generating material systems having hydrogen storage materials and generating excess heat, comprising:
A control step of controlling the operation of each of the plurality of heat generating material systems,
In the control step, a difference between an amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside and an amount of heat energy generated per unit time by the plurality of heat generating material systems is calculated, and when the difference exceeds a predetermined range and the amount of heat energy required is greater than the amount of heat energy generated, the number of the plurality of heat generating material systems to be in operation is increased so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range, while when the difference exceeds the predetermined range and the amount of heat energy required is smaller than the amount of heat energy generated, the number of the plurality of heat generating material systems to be in operation is decreased so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range ,
The amount of heat energy generated is calculated by summing up, for the heat generating material systems in operation, the amount of heat energy generated per unit mass calculated based on the mass of the heat generating material systems in operation, the temperature and pressure obtained from the gas phase of the heat generating material systems, and the amount of heat energy generated for each heat generating material system calculated based on the time it takes to supply the heat energy to an external component that is the destination of the heat energy .
Heat generation method. The heating method according to claim 1,
in the control step, when the difference value is within the predetermined range, the number of heat generating material systems to be put into an operating state is not changed.
Heat generation method. The heating method according to claim 1 or 2,
the thermal energy requirement is calculated based on a total value of the thermal energy requirement of each of the external components, the total value being calculated based on a mass of the external component to which the thermal energy is to be supplied, a specific heat of the component, a temperature of the component, and a time for supplying the thermal energy to the component;
Heat generation method. The heating method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
In the control step, for a heat generating material system to be put into operation among the plurality of heat generating material systems, the temperature of the gas phase part of the heat generating material system is controlled to a reference temperature, and the pressure of the gas phase part is controlled to a reference pressure.
Heat generation method. A heat generation system including a plurality of heat generation material systems each having a hydrogen storage material and generating excess heat, and a control unit for controlling operation of each of the plurality of heat generation material systems,
the control unit calculates a difference between an amount of heat energy required per unit time from the outside and an amount of heat energy generated per unit time by the plurality of heat generating material systems, and when the difference value exceeds a predetermined range and the amount of heat energy required is greater than the amount of heat energy generated, increases the number of the plurality of heat generating material systems to be in operation so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range, while when the difference value exceeds the predetermined range and the amount of heat energy required is smaller than the amount of heat energy generated, decreases the number of the plurality of heat generating material systems to be in operation so that the difference value falls within the predetermined range ,
The amount of heat energy generated is calculated by summing up, for the heat generating material systems in operation, the amount of heat energy generated per unit mass calculated based on the mass of the heat generating material systems in operation, the temperature and pressure obtained from the gas phase of the heat generating material systems, and the amount of heat energy generated for each heat generating material system calculated based on the time it takes to supply the heat energy to an external component that is the destination of the heat energy .
Heat generation system. 6. The heating system of claim 5 ,
The heat generating material system includes a heat generating material having a hydrogen storage function, a heater for heating the heat generating material, and a thermal energy generating unit including a housing for housing the heat generating material and the heater.
Heat generation system. 7. The heating system of claim 6 ,
a temperature sensor that is installed in the container and detects a temperature of the gas phase of the heat generating material system that contains the heat generating material and hydrogen gas;
A pressure sensor installed in the storage section and configured to detect a pressure in the gas phase section;
A heater control unit that controls the heater;
A hydrogen supply source that supplies hydrogen to the heat generating material;
and a hydrogen supply amount control unit that controls the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply source.
the control unit controls the heater control unit and the hydrogen supply amount control unit based on information from the temperature sensor and information from the pressure sensor to control the temperature and pressure of the gas phase unit and to control the operating states of each of the plurality of heat generating material systems.
Heat generation system.

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