JPH0610567B2 - Heat pump device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a heat pump device using a metal hydride.

<Prior Art> A metal hydride called a hydrogen storage (occlusion) alloy or metal hydride (Metal Hydride) based on rare earths, titanium, magnesium, and other metals rapidly initiates a hydrogenation reaction. It is known that hydrogen is exothermically occluded and that the metal hydride reversibly causes a dehydrogenation reaction to endothermically release hydrogen.

This chemical reaction formula is shown by the following formula.

M + n / 2H ₂ MH _n + ΔH M: Hydrogen storage (storage) alloy ΔH: Heat of reaction MH _n : Metal hydride However, once the hydrogenation reaction occurs and becomes a metal hydride, it must be completely restored to its original state. May be represented by the following equation because it is very difficult.

MH _{(m + n)} MH _m + n / 2H ₂ ± ΔH That is, m always represents a hydrogen atom that is bound to a hydrogen storage (storage) alloy to form a metal hydride, and n is practically a metal hydrogen. It represents the hydrogen that can be extracted from the alloyed alloy.

In the present specification, the above M, MH _n , MH _{(m + n)} ,
MH _m is generically referred to as a metal hydride and is simply indicated by the symbol M.

The hydrogen equilibrium decomposition pressure P of these metal hydrides is generally a function of temperature T as shown in FIG. Various chemical heat pump devices have been proposed which can release hydrogen endothermically from this metal hydride and utilize such properties.

For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-92690, a metal hydride is transferred from one end to the other end in one closed cylinder by a screw, and a high temperature heat exchange section and a low temperature heat exchange section are provided along the transfer direction. An apparatus has been proposed which is designed to sequentially pass. According to this device, when the high-pressure hydrogen supplied from the outside to this portion is exothermically stored in the metal hydride when passing through the high temperature heat exchange section, the hydrogen-absorbed metal hydride is stored in the same cylinder. The hydrogen is transferred from the metal hydride to the low temperature heat exchange section by a screw, and the hydrogen can be released endothermically from the metal hydride in this low temperature heat exchange section, which functions as a heat pump.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> In this type of device, each heat exchange section needs to be shut off by pressure in order to maintain a predetermined pressure. However, in the conventional device as described above, since it is necessary to shut off each heat exchange part while transferring the solid metal hydride by the screw means, there is a problem in the sealing property of the pressure shutoff, and the screw is used. There is a drawback that mechanical troubles such as are likely to occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and has as its object to provide a heat pump device utilizing a metal hydride, which can eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, can reliably shut off each heat exchange portion in pressure, and is unlikely to cause mechanical trouble. It is a thing.

<Means for Solving Problems> That is, the heat pump device of the present invention includes a rotating body in which a plurality of closed containers filled with a metal hydride are arranged in a radial direction with respect to a rotating shaft, and the rotating body. With the rotation of each closed container, the low-temperature heat medium chamber and the high-temperature heat medium chamber are arranged around the rotating body so as to alternately pass through the low-temperature heat medium chamber and the high-temperature heat medium chamber, and the vicinity of the rotor. A high-pressure hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet provided in each, and each closed container and a hydrogen conduit connected to the high-pressure hydrogen inlet or the hydrogen outlet, each hydrogen conduit and the high-pressure hydrogen inlet or hydrogen outlet The connection is such that when one closed container is in the high temperature heat transfer medium chamber, the hydrogen conduit extending from this closed container communicates only with the high pressure hydrogen inlet,
When the closed container is in the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber, the hydrogen conduits extending from the closed container communicate with only the hydrogen outlet so that each hydrogen conduit is sequentially connected to the high pressure hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet as the rotor rotates. It is characterized by being connected or disconnected.

According to the apparatus of the present invention as described above, the metal hydride in the closed container is rotationally moved from the high temperature heat transfer medium chamber to the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber or from the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber to the high temperature heat transfer medium chamber as the rotor rotates. In this case, the metal hydride in the high temperature heat transfer medium chamber exothermically absorbs the high pressure hydrogen that is pressurized and supplied from the high pressure hydrogen inlet port to the closed container via the hydrogen conduit, and this metal hydride is stored in the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber. When it comes to, the hydrogen is released endothermically in a closed container in a low-pressure hydrogen atmosphere which communicates with the hydrogen outlet through a hydrogen conduit.

At this time, the metal hydride absorbs high-pressure hydrogen while being cooled in the closed container in the high-temperature heat transfer medium chamber, and the metal hydride absorbs heat in the closed container under the low-pressure hydrogen atmosphere in the low-temperature heat transfer medium chamber. In the mode of releasing hydrogen, if a cooling load is connected to the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber, it can function as a cooling device. Also, in the mode in which the metal hydride releases hydrogen while being heated in the closed container in the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber, and the metal hydride exothermically stores hydrogen in the closed container in the high temperature heat transfer medium chamber. In addition, if a heating load is connected to the high temperature heating medium, it can function as a heating device.

<Examples> The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing one embodiment of a heat pump device of the present invention, in which three disk-shaped rotating bodies 1 are provided.
The a, 1b, and 1c are fixed to the rotary shaft 2, and the rotary shaft is supported by a bearing 3 so that the rotary body can rotate with the rotation of the rotary shaft 2. Although three rotating bodies are used in this embodiment, even one rotating body can function as a heat pump device.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 2, each rotary body 1 is divided into four parts by a partition wall 4 and annular walls 5 and 5 arranged in the radial direction, and each chamber is sealed by one. The container 6 is formed. The number of closed containers 6 formed in each rotating body 1 does not necessarily have to be four, and a plurality, preferably three or more, of any number can be formed.

If the partition wall 4 of each closed container 6 is a heat insulating wall using a heat insulating material, the influence of heat transfer between the closed containers 6 can be prevented, which is preferable. Furthermore, the technology of the conventional rotary heat exchanger such as a means for enlarging a heat transfer surface such as a heat transfer fin and a heat transfer means such as a heat pipe is provided on the inside and outside of each closed container for this invention. be able to.

Each of the metal hydrides M is contained in the closed container 6 on each rotating body.
Is filled. Further, a hydrogen conduit 7 is drawn out from each of the hermetically sealed containers 6, and the three hydrogen conduits of the hermetically sealed containers located at the same position in the radial direction of each of the rotating bodies 1a, 1b, 1c are combined into one hydrogen. It becomes the conduit 8 and extends to one end of the rotating shaft. Although only two coalesced hydrogen conduits are shown in FIG. 1, since there are four sealed containers 6 provided in each rotor, a total of four coalesced hydrogen conduits extend to one end of the rotary shaft. ing. The metal hydride M filled in the closed container 6 is preferably the same kind of metal hydride M in the closed containers 6 communicating with each other via the combined hydrogen conduit 8, but a high temperature heat transfer medium chamber described later. As long as the hydrogen reaction occurs in 14 and the dehydrogenation reaction occurs in the low-temperature heat transfer medium chamber 15, the same kind does not have to be used. Also, metal hydride M
May be finely divided by repeating the hydrogenation reaction and the dehydrogenation reaction. In such a case, a filter (not shown) such as a laminated wire mesh is provided at the opening of the hydrogen conduit in the closed container 6 so that the fine particles of the metal hydride do not flow into the hydrogen conduit 7.
May be attached. Further, although it is possible to extend along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft of the combined hydrogen conduit 8, it is also possible to make the rotating shaft 2 hollow as shown in the drawing and pass the combined hydrogen conduit inside.

At one end of the rotary shaft 2, a high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and a hydrogen outlet 10 that individually communicate with or shut off from the respective closed containers 6 via the hydrogen conduit 7 and the combined hydrogen conduit 8 as the rotary shaft 2 rotates. Is provided.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B), the tip of the hollow rotating shaft 2 is closed by the end plate 20, and the hollow portion of the rotating shaft is attached by the flange 21 in the vicinity of this end. Two
It is partitioned by 2, and each coalesced hydrogen conduit 8 is opened at the tube sheet 22. Rotating shaft peripheral wall 2 between the end plate 20 and the tube plate 22
An annular member 24 having a high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and a hydrogen outlet 10 opened is fixed at a predetermined position around 3, and a solid portion is provided in the hollow portion of the rotary shaft 2 between the end plate 20 and the tube plate 22. The central axis 25 of is arranged. In the annular space formed between the central shaft 25 and the rotary shaft peripheral wall 23, four partition members 26 arranged radially from the central shaft 25
Four cavities 2 corresponding to the four closed containers 6 of each rotating body 1
7 is formed, and the combined hydrogen conduit 8 from each closed container communicates with each cavity 27 at the opening of the tube sheet 22. Further, the rotary shaft peripheral wall 23 is formed with an opening 28 communicating with each cavity 27. Reference numeral 29 is one member forming the annular member 24, and is a time period during which each united hydrogen conduit 8 communicates with each of the high pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and the hydrogen outlet 10 through the cavity 27 and the opening 28. And the timing is adjusted. Thus, as the rotary shaft 2 rotates, its peripheral wall 2
3 slides and rotates on the inner peripheral surface of the member 29, and each united hydrogen conduit 8
Will repeat the cycle of communication with the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 through the cavity 27 and the opening 28, shutoff; and communication with the hydrogen outlet 10 and shutoff.

In addition, reference numeral 24a indicates the rotary shaft peripheral wall 23 and the annular member 24.
The sealing material provided on the sliding edge portion of and.

The rotating bodies 1a, 1 integrally assembled as described above
As shown in FIG. 1, b and 1c and the rotary shaft 2 are surrounded by an outer duct 12, and the inside of the outer duct is divided into two duct parts by a partition wall 13 that extends with the rotary shaft 2 interposed therebetween. .

The partition wall 13 is provided with a slight gap therebetween so that there is no support for the rotation of the rotary shaft 2 and the rotary bodies 1a, 1b, 1c. In this case, if the rotating shaft 2 is hollow as shown in the drawing and the hydrogen conduit 7 and the combined hydrogen conduit 8 are passed through the rotating shaft, the gap between the rotating shaft 2 and the partition wall 13 can be made small, and the ducts of the respective duct parts can be reduced. The sealing property between them can be improved. Thus, by flowing the high-temperature heat medium or the low-temperature heat medium into each duct, the high-temperature heat medium chamber 14 is formed on one side, for example, the upper side of the rotary shaft 2, and the low-temperature heat medium on the other side, for example, the lower side of the rotary shaft 2. A chamber 15 is formed. With such a configuration, the closed container 6 of each rotating body can alternately pass through the high-temperature heat medium chambers 14 and the low-temperature heat medium chambers 15 alternately in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft 2 by the external drive source (not shown). Has been done.

The type of the heat medium flowing in each of the heat medium chambers 14 and 15 is not particularly limited as long as it is a fluid, but in general, gas can be preferably used. Further, when the fluid heat medium is supplied to the heat medium chambers at substantially the same pressure, it is not necessary to strictly seal the heat medium chambers.

The hydrogen supplied to the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 is supplied from the compressor 30 and the high-pressure hydrogen tank 31, while the hydrogen outlet 10
The low-pressure hydrogen flowing out of the compressor is pressurized by the compressor 30 and circulated. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen outlet 10
The low-pressure hydrogen may be positively sucked by the suction device 32 and the hydrogen may be stored in the low-pressure hydrogen tank 33.

The operation of the heat pump device of the present invention having the above-described structure will be described below. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view in which one of the rotating bodies arranged as shown in FIG. 1 is taken out, and the same members as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 4 shows a freezing (cooling) mode applied to the cooling device. As described above, each closed container of the rotating body 1 is positioned (within the high temperature heat transfer medium chamber 14) as the rotating shaft 2 rotates.
Position (between high temperature heat medium chamber 14 and low temperature heat medium chamber 15) →
The position (inside the low temperature heat medium chamber 15) → the position (between the low temperature heat medium chamber 15 and the high temperature heat medium chamber 14) rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

Considering now that one of the closed containers 6 is in the position, the hydrogen conduit 7 and the combined hydrogen conduit 8 extending from the closed container in this position communicate with the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 via the cavity 27 ( (See FIG. 3). Therefore, the high-pressure hydrogen gas is introduced from the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9, and is supplied to the closed container 6 located in the high-temperature heat transfer medium chamber 14 through the cavity 27, the combined hydrogen conduit 8 and the hydrogen conduit 7. Wherein the metal hydride in the closed casing 6 while being cooled to a temperature T _H (with heating) to absorb high-pressure hydrogen gas.

Next, when the closed container is rotated and comes to a position between the high temperature heat transfer medium chamber 14 and the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber 15, that is, the hydrogen conduit 7 and the combined hydrogen conduit 8 extending from the closed container are connected to the high pressure hydrogen inlet port 9. And the hydrogen outlet 10 do not communicate with each other and remain in the shut-off state, and the temperature of the metal hydride in the closed container decreases.

When the closed container 6 further rotates and reaches the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber 15, that is, the position, the hydrogen conduit 7 and the combined hydrogen conduit 8 extending from the closed container are filled with hydrogen via the cavity 27 and the opening (FIG. 3). By communicating with the outflow port 10 and further suctioning by a suction device 32 (FIG. 1) as needed, the inside of this closed container becomes a low-pressure hydrogen atmosphere, and the metal hydride absorbs heat from the heat medium at the temperature T _L. While releasing hydrogen. A cooling load is connected to the heat medium that has absorbed heat. On the other hand, the released hydrogen flows out from the hydrogen outlet 10 and flows into the compressor 30 (first
).

When the closed container 6 is rotated further to the position,
Hydrogen conduit 7 and combined hydrogen conduit 8 extending from this closed container
Does not communicate with either the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 or the hydrogen outlet 10 and remains in a blocked state, and the metal hydride after hydrogen release gradually moves to the position while raising the temperature.

As described above, the four closed containers of each rotating body are →→
→→ While rotating, the exothermic occlusion of high-pressure hydrogen at high temperature → Endothermic release of hydrogen at low temperature can be repeated to provide cold heat to the low-temperature heat medium continuously. Function as a heat pump.

On the other hand, when this apparatus is operated in the temperature rising mode, if hydrogen is removed from the closed container in the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber 15 and high pressure hydrogen is supplied to the closed container in the high temperature heat transfer medium chamber 14, metallic hydrogen The compound releases hydrogen while being heated (absorbing heat) in the low temperature heat medium chamber 15, and occludes hydrogen in the high temperature heat medium chamber 14 exothermically. Therefore, by connecting a heating load to the high-temperature heat medium, it can function as a heat pump in the temperature rising mode.

By the way, a metal hydride that has undergone a hydrogenation reaction and occludes hydrogen is slightly heavier than a metal hydride that has undergone a dehydrogenation reaction to release hydrogen. It is also possible to apply a rotational force to 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the hydrogen storage reaction of the metal hydride occurs in the closed container 6 of the rotating body 1 at the position, and this
The positions of the high-temperature heat transfer medium chamber 14 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium chamber 15 as well as the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and the hydrogen outlet 1 so that the hydrogen-releasing reaction of the metal hydride occurs in the closed container 6 located at a position shifted by 180 °.
By determining the position of 0, a weight difference is generated between the weight of the hydride metal hydride at the position and the weight of the dehydrogenation metal hydride at the position, and this weight difference causes a rotational force as indicated by an arrow in the figure. It can be constantly applied to the rotating body.
As a result, the external drive source of the rotary shaft can be eliminated, or the external power for rotating the rotary shaft can be reduced.

As described above, the closed vessels 6 of the rotating body and the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and the hydrogen outlet 10 are connected and disconnected via the hydrogen conduit 7 and the combined hydrogen conduit 8, but these hydrogen conduits 7, 8 does not necessarily have to be formed in a tubular shape separate from the rotary shaft 2, and is divided by a cross-shaped partition member 40 extending in the longitudinal direction inside the hollow rotary shaft 2 as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, for example. Then, the partition member 40 is attached to the rotary shaft peripheral wall 23.
The four flow paths 41 formed by and can also be used as hydrogen conduits. In this case, each flow path 41 is connected to the conduit 4
2 to communicate with each closed container 6. Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a high pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and a hydrogen outlet 10 are arranged at one end of the rotary shaft 2 in substantially the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. You can Incidentally, in FIGS. 6 to 8, the same members as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The heat pump device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, a large number of partition walls 13 may be extended from the rotary shaft 2 in the radial direction, and a plurality of sets of high-temperature heat medium chambers and low-temperature heat medium chambers may be provided as a pair around the rotary shaft. Also, the rotating body does not necessarily have to be a disc shape,
It may be spherical or polygonal. Further, the plurality of closed containers filled with the metal hydride are the rotors 1a, 1 shown in the figure.
It is not necessary to form an integral structure like b and 1c, but it is sufficient if they are scattered radially in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft so that they can rotate together with the rotary shaft.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, a plurality of cylindrical closed containers 60 filled with metal hydride are annularly arranged in parallel so as to be parallel to each other, and the endless transfer member 61 such as a chain or a belt is provided. And a plurality of rotary gears 64 arranged in the
By arranging the endless transfer transfer member 61 between (corresponding to the rotating shaft of the embodiment of FIG. 1), the rotating body 62 can be formed. Then, the high-temperature heat transfer medium chambers 65 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium chambers 66 are alternately arranged in the traveling direction of the endless transfer transfer member 61 so that they function in the same manner as the apparatus of the embodiment of FIG. You can

In this embodiment, the hydrogen conduit 7 connected to the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 or the hydrogen outlet 10 is made of a partially flexible material and can be connected to the cavity 27 shown in FIG.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the high pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and the hydrogen outlet 10 are arranged at predetermined intervals so that the cavity moves in parallel with the endless transfer member 61.
A cylindrical annular member 67 that is repeatedly opened and has substantially the same shape as the shape of the endless continuous transfer member 61 is disposed on the side surface of the endless continuous transfer member 61, and the internal space of the cylindrical annular member 67 of FIG. A plurality of chambers 68 having cavities 69 corresponding to the cavities 27 are slidably arranged, and the hydrogen conduit 7 from each closed container 60 is communicated with each chamber 68, whereby each chamber 68 is transferred to the endless transfer member 61. It is also possible to move them in parallel with the respective closed containers 60 above. The chamber 68 has an opening 70 communicating with the cavity 69.
Are formed, and the hydrogen conduits 7 communicate with and shut off from the high-pressure hydrogen inlet 9 through the cavity 69 and the opening 70 as the endless transfer member 61 travels; and the hydrogen outlet 10 communicates and shuts off. Repeat the cycle of.

Reference numeral 71 in FIGS. 10 to 12 is one member that constitutes the tubular annular member 67, and each inlet / outlet of the high pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and the hydrogen outlet 10 and each hydrogen conduit 7 is a cavity 6.
The time and the timing for communicating with each other through the opening 9 and the opening 70 are adjusted. Reference numeral 72 is a seal plate made of a flexible material that connects surfaces having the openings 70 of the adjacent chambers 68, and is a member 71 of the tubular annular member 67.
Sliding against the high pressure hydrogen inlet 9 and hydrogen outlet 10
It works to prevent short-circuiting between hydrogen flowing in and out. Reference numeral 73 is a flexible connecting member that connects the bottom surfaces of the adjacent chambers 68 to each other, so that the plurality of chambers 68 can be connected together and can be fed through the tubular annular member 67. Further, reference numeral 74 is a slit formed in the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the tubular annular member 67, whereby each hydrogen conduit 7 can move in a state of communicating with the chamber 68.

<Effects of the Invention> As described above, according to the heat pump device of the present invention, the solid metal hydride itself is transferred to the location between the high temperature heat exchange section and the low temperature heat exchange section at which pressure is to be shut off. Instead, since the closed container filled with metal hydride is rotated around the rotation axis, it is possible to provide a reliable pressure shut-off sealing property between both heat exchange parts and also as a metal hydride transfer means. Since no screw or the like is used, there is an advantage that mechanical trouble of the transfer means hardly occurs.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of a heat pump device of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of a rotating body in FIG. 1; FIG.
(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of the high-pressure hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the operation (refrigeration mode) of the apparatus of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the operation of another embodiment of the apparatus, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; FIG. 7 is A of FIG.
-A sectional view; FIG. 8 is a BB sectional view of FIG. 6; FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing still another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
0 is a sectional view of the hydrogen inlet / outlet combined with the apparatus of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 10; and FIG. It is a graph which shows the hydrogen equilibrium decomposition pressure characteristic of a general metal hydride. 1, 62 ... Rotating body, 2 ... Rotating shaft, 6, 60 ... Closed container, 7 ... Hydrogen conduit, 8 ... Combined hydrogen conduit, 9 ... High-pressure hydrogen inlet, 10 ... Hydrogen outlet, 12 ... Outer duct, 13 ... Partition wall, 14, 65 ... High temperature heat transfer chamber, 1
5, 66 ... Low temperature heat medium chamber, 64 ... Rotating gear.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A rotating body comprising a plurality of closed containers filled with a metal hydride in a radial direction with respect to a rotation axis, and each closed container has a low-temperature heat transfer medium chamber as the rotating body rotates. A low-temperature heat medium chamber and a high-temperature heat medium chamber arranged around the rotating body so as to alternately pass through the high-temperature heat medium chamber, and a high-pressure hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet provided near the rotor, Each closed vessel comprises a hydrogen conduit connected to the high-pressure hydrogen inlet or the hydrogen outlet, and the connection between each hydrogen conduit and the high-pressure hydrogen inlet or the hydrogen outlet is such that one closed vessel is a high-temperature heat transfer medium chamber. So that the hydrogen conduit extending from the closed container communicates only with the high-pressure hydrogen inlet when the sealed container is in the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber, and the hydrogen conduit extends from the sealed container communicates only with the hydrogen outlet when the sealed container is in the low temperature heat transfer medium chamber. High-pressure hydrogen inlet as the hydrogen pipe rotates as the rotor rotates Heat pump apparatus which is characterized in that so as to be successively communicated or shut off from the hydrogen outlet and. 2. A high-pressure hydrogen inlet or a hydrogen flow provided at one end of the rotary shaft, wherein the rotary shaft is hollow, and a hydrogen conduit from each closed container is extended through the inside of the rotary shaft to one end of the rotary shaft. Claim 1 characterized in that it is connected to an outlet.
The device according to the item.