JP4661493B2 - Hydrogen gas leak detector and hydrogen gas leak control device - Google Patents

Hydrogen gas leak detector and hydrogen gas leak control device Download PDF

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JP4661493B2
JP4661493B2 JP2005278310A JP2005278310A JP4661493B2 JP 4661493 B2 JP4661493 B2 JP 4661493B2 JP 2005278310 A JP2005278310 A JP 2005278310A JP 2005278310 A JP2005278310 A JP 2005278310A JP 4661493 B2 JP4661493 B2 JP 4661493B2
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hydrogen gas
hydrogen
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gas leak
disconnection
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純章 仲野
栄 内梨
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Panasonic Corp
Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
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Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
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Description

本発明は、水素ガス漏れ検知器及び水素ガス漏れ制御装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a hydrogen gas leak detector and a hydrogen gas leak control device.

近年、環境汚染問題や石油資源の枯渇問題についての関心の高まりから、水素エネルギーは大きな注目を集めている。水素は、燃焼させても水が生成されるのみで、二酸化炭素や有害な硫化物、窒化物が排出されないクリーンなエネルギー源であり、また、種々の方法で製造することができる。そのため、近い将来、水素ガスが、重要なエネルギー源として家庭や施設に供給されることが予想される。しかしながら、水素は酸素が存在する雰囲気中で爆発する危険性を持ち、例えば、空気中では水素ガスが４％（容量百分率）以上で爆発の可能性があるとされている。したがって、水素ガスの取り扱いには十分な注意が必要である。こうした水素の燃焼・爆発による事故を未然に防ぐためには、水素ガスが供給される供給先や供給過程の経路において、水素ガスが雰囲気中に漏出した場合に、爆発する下限の濃度よりも低い濃度で水素ガスを検知する水素ガス漏れ検知器及びこの検知器により水素ガスが検知された場合に水素ガスの供給を停止させる水素ガス漏れ制御装置が必要とされる。   In recent years, hydrogen energy has attracted a great deal of attention due to increasing interest in environmental pollution problems and oil resource depletion problems. Hydrogen is a clean energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide, harmful sulfides, and nitrides only by generating water even when burned, and can be produced by various methods. Therefore, hydrogen gas is expected to be supplied to homes and facilities as an important energy source in the near future. However, hydrogen has a risk of explosion in an atmosphere in which oxygen is present. For example, hydrogen has a possibility of explosion when hydrogen gas is 4% (volume percentage) or more in air. Therefore, sufficient care must be taken when handling hydrogen gas. In order to prevent such accidents due to hydrogen combustion / explosion, if the hydrogen gas leaks into the atmosphere at the supply destination or supply process where hydrogen gas is supplied, the concentration is lower than the lower limit concentration at which explosion occurs. Therefore, a hydrogen gas leak detector for detecting hydrogen gas and a hydrogen gas leak control device for stopping the supply of hydrogen gas when hydrogen gas is detected by the detector are required.

従来、水素ガスの検知には、酸化スズを用いた半導体センサのような水素センサが用いられてきた。しかし、こうした半導体センサが用いられた水素センサは元来、雰囲気中の水素濃度を定量的に測定するためのセンサであり、構造が複雑で、価格も高いという問題がある。   Conventionally, a hydrogen sensor such as a semiconductor sensor using tin oxide has been used to detect hydrogen gas. However, a hydrogen sensor using such a semiconductor sensor is originally a sensor for quantitatively measuring the hydrogen concentration in the atmosphere, and has a problem that the structure is complicated and the price is high.

また、水素センサに関して特許文献１には、水素を含む気相と接触することにより電気抵抗変化を生じる感応部を備え、この感応部が水素吸蔵性を有する単体金属又は合金で形成されている水素センサが開示されている。しかし、この特許文献１に記載された水素センサは、感応部の電気抵抗を測定する抵抗検出器や、抵抗検出器の検知結果に基づいて水素濃度を導出する演算処理装置が必要となり、やはり構造が複雑となる。   In addition, Patent Document 1 relating to a hydrogen sensor includes a sensitive portion that generates a change in electrical resistance when brought into contact with a gas phase containing hydrogen, and the sensitive portion is formed of a single metal or alloy having hydrogen storage properties. A sensor is disclosed. However, the hydrogen sensor described in Patent Document 1 requires a resistance detector that measures the electrical resistance of the sensitive part and an arithmetic processing device that derives the hydrogen concentration based on the detection result of the resistance detector. Becomes complicated.

また、特許文献２には、マグネシウム薄膜の表面に触媒層が形成された水素センサ材料であって、水素と反応して電気抵抗又は光学的性質が変化することに基づいて水素を検知する水素センサ材料が開示されている。しかし、この水素センサ材料を用いて水素を検知する場合も、例えば電気抵抗を測定する場合は水素センサの電気抵抗を測定する抵抗検出器や、抵抗検出器の検知結果に基づいて水素濃度を導出する演算処理装置が必要となり、例えば光学的性質を測定する場合は、半導体レーザやフォトダイオードを用いた測定システムが必要となり、やはり構造が複雑となる。
特開２００４−１２５５１３号公報 特開２００４−５３５４０号公報 Patent Document 2 discloses a hydrogen sensor material in which a catalyst layer is formed on the surface of a magnesium thin film, and detects hydrogen based on a change in electrical resistance or optical properties by reacting with hydrogen. A material is disclosed. However, even when hydrogen is detected using this hydrogen sensor material, for example, when measuring the electrical resistance, the hydrogen concentration is derived based on the resistance detector that measures the electrical resistance of the hydrogen sensor and the detection result of the resistance detector. For example, when measuring optical properties, a measurement system using a semiconductor laser or a photodiode is required, and the structure becomes complicated.
JP 2004-125513 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-53540

本発明は、上述した点に鑑みてなされたものであり、水素濃度を検知する複雑な構造を必要とせず、爆発限界未満の所定濃度に達した水素ガスを検知することができる水素ガス漏れ検知器及びその水素ガス漏れ検知器を備える水素ガス漏れ制御装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and does not require a complicated structure for detecting the hydrogen concentration, and can detect hydrogen gas that has reached a predetermined concentration below the explosion limit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrogen gas leak control device including a gas detector and a hydrogen gas leak detector.

本願発明の一態様によれば、雰囲気中の水素ガス漏れを検知する水素ガス漏れ検知器であって、水素吸蔵性を有する単体金属又は合金（以下、単に「水素吸蔵合金」という場合もある。）で形成され、水素を含む気体と接触することにより体積膨張し断線に至る丸棒形状の検知部を備え、検知部の両端部には、検知部の弾性域内の張力が加えられている水素ガス漏れ検知器であることを要旨とする。 According to one aspect of the present invention, there is a hydrogen gas leak detector for detecting hydrogen gas leak in the atmosphere, which may be simply referred to as a single metal or alloy having hydrogen storage properties (hereinafter simply referred to as “hydrogen storage alloy”). ), Which is provided with a round bar-shaped detection unit that expands by volume when contacted with a gas containing hydrogen, and that has a tension in the elastic region of the detection unit applied to both ends of the detection unit . The gist is that it is a gas leak detector.

本願発明の他の態様によれば、水素吸蔵性を有する単体金属又は合金で形成され、水素を含む気体と接触することにより体積膨張し断線に至る丸棒形状の検知部を備える水素ガス漏れ検知器と、水素ガス漏れ検知器に接続し、水素ガス漏れ検知器の検知部の断線を検知する断線検知部と、断線検知部に接続し、断線検知部が水素ガス漏れ検知器の検知部の断線を検知したときに、水素ガスの流路に設けられた遮断手段を駆動させる駆動部と、水素ガスの流路に設けられ水素ガスの流れを遮断する遮断手段とを備え、検知部の両端部には、検知部の弾性域内の張力が加えられてる水素ガス漏れ制御装置であることを要旨とする。 According to another aspect of the present invention, hydrogen gas leak detection is provided with a round bar-shaped detection unit that is formed of a single metal or an alloy having hydrogen storage properties and that expands by volume when contacted with a gas containing hydrogen. Connected to the gas detector and the hydrogen gas leak detector to detect disconnection of the detection part of the hydrogen gas leak detector and to the disconnection detector, and the disconnection detector is connected to the detector of the hydrogen gas leak detector. When a disconnection is detected, a drive unit for driving a blocking unit provided in the hydrogen gas flow path and a blocking unit provided in the hydrogen gas flow path for blocking the hydrogen gas flow are provided at both ends of the detection unit. The gist of the present invention is that it is a hydrogen gas leakage control device to which tension within the elastic range of the detection unit is applied .

本願発明の水素ガス漏れ制御装置は、駆動部に接続する警報器を更に備え、かつ、駆動部が、水素ガス漏れ検知器の検知部の断線を検知したときに、水素ガスの流路に設けられた遮断手段を駆動させると共に、警報器を作動させることを要旨とする。   The hydrogen gas leak control device of the present invention further includes an alarm device connected to the drive unit, and is provided in the hydrogen gas flow path when the drive unit detects a disconnection of the detection unit of the hydrogen gas leak detector. The gist is to drive the shut-off means and to activate the alarm.

本発明の水素ガス漏れ検知器によれば、水素吸蔵合金の断線により雰囲気中の水素ガスを爆発限界未満の濃度で検知することができるので、単純な構造であり、検知器の単純化、小型化を実現できる。   According to the hydrogen gas leak detector of the present invention, the hydrogen gas in the atmosphere can be detected at a concentration below the explosion limit due to disconnection of the hydrogen storage alloy, so the structure is simple, the detector is simplified, and the size is small. Can be realized.

本発明の水素ガス漏れ制御装置によれば、空間中に水素ガス漏れが生じたときに水素供給システムを停止させることができ、安全性を確保することができる。   According to the hydrogen gas leakage control device of the present invention, the hydrogen supply system can be stopped when hydrogen gas leakage occurs in the space, and safety can be ensured.

以下、本発明の実施の形態を、図面を用いて具体的に説明する。   Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明の水素ガス漏れ検知器の一実施例を示す模式図である。同図において、水素ガス検知器１は、丸棒の形状を有する水素吸蔵合金よりなる検知部２と、この検知部２の両端部に電気的に接続された端子３とを有している。端子３は、後述する水素ガス漏れ制御装置の断線検知部などに電気的に接続される。   FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the hydrogen gas leak detector of the present invention. In the figure, a hydrogen gas detector 1 has a detection unit 2 made of a hydrogen storage alloy having a round bar shape, and terminals 3 electrically connected to both ends of the detection unit 2. The terminal 3 is electrically connected to a disconnection detector of a hydrogen gas leakage control device described later.

検知部２に用いられる水素吸蔵性を有する金属又は合金としては、例えばＭｇ９０Ｐｄ１０合金やＴｉ２Ｎｉが挙げられる。また、単体金属としてはＮｉが挙げられる。もっとも、検知部２に用いられる水素吸蔵性を有する金属又は合金は、Ｍｇ９０Ｐｄ１０合金等に限定されず、水素を吸蔵し体積膨張により断線に至る金属又は合金であれば、本発明の検知器に用いることができる。 Examples of the metal or alloy having a hydrogen storage property used in the detection unit 2 include Mg 90 Pd 10 alloy and Ti 2 Ni. Moreover, Ni is mentioned as a single metal. However, the metal or alloy having a hydrogen storage property used in the detection unit 2 is not limited to the Mg 90 Pd 10 alloy or the like, and may be any metal or alloy that stores hydrogen and breaks due to volume expansion. It can be used for a vessel.

このような水素吸蔵合金は、水素ガスを含む気体に接触した場合に、水素を吸蔵するとともに、それに伴って体積の膨張を示す。一般的に、水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵し、脆化を起こすことは知られていて、この現象を利用した合金の粉末化プロセス等も存在する。しかしながら、水素吸蔵合金の粉末化プロセスをそのまま適用したとしても、本発明のように水素ガスの検知をすることはできない。   When such a hydrogen storage alloy comes into contact with a gas containing hydrogen gas, the hydrogen storage alloy absorbs hydrogen and expands its volume accordingly. In general, it is known that hydrogen storage alloys store hydrogen and cause embrittlement, and there are powdering processes of alloys using this phenomenon. However, even if the powdering process of the hydrogen storage alloy is applied as it is, the hydrogen gas cannot be detected as in the present invention.

また、水素吸蔵合金の水素の吸蔵量は、雰囲気中の水素濃度に依存する。このような水素吸蔵合金の原理を応用した水素濃度のセンシング技術も知られているが、水素濃度を測定するセンシング技術では、既に述べたように構造が複雑となってしまう。   Further, the hydrogen storage amount of the hydrogen storage alloy depends on the hydrogen concentration in the atmosphere. A hydrogen concentration sensing technique using the principle of such a hydrogen storage alloy is also known, but the structure of the sensing technique for measuring the hydrogen concentration is complicated as described above.

そこで、本発明の実施形態の水素ガス検知器１は、検知部２が、水素吸蔵し体積膨張により断線に至る水素吸蔵合金より形成されているものとしている。検知部２に、断線に至る水素吸蔵合金を用いることにより、水素を含む気体と接触した場合には水素吸蔵合金が水素を選択的に吸蔵し体積膨張により断線に至る。この断線を電気的な導通の有無として検知することができる。すなわち、本実施形態の水素ガス検知器１は、単に電気的な導通の有無、あるいは電気回路の開閉により、水素ガスが爆発限界以下の所定濃度に達したことを検知することができるので、従来技術のように水素ガス濃度を算出するための演算装置などを必要とせず、単純な構造により検知することができ、また、装置の単純化、小型化が実現できる。   Therefore, in the hydrogen gas detector 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 2 is formed of a hydrogen storage alloy that stores hydrogen and breaks due to volume expansion. By using a hydrogen storage alloy that leads to disconnection in the detection unit 2, the hydrogen storage alloy selectively stores hydrogen when it comes into contact with a gas containing hydrogen, and disconnection occurs due to volume expansion. This disconnection can be detected as the presence or absence of electrical continuity. That is, the hydrogen gas detector 1 of the present embodiment can detect that the hydrogen gas has reached a predetermined concentration below the explosion limit simply by the presence or absence of electrical continuity or by opening and closing the electric circuit. It does not require an arithmetic device for calculating the hydrogen gas concentration as in the technology, and can be detected by a simple structure, and simplification and miniaturization of the device can be realized.

図１に示した水素ガス検知器１の丸棒形状の検知部２のサイズは、例えば、直径１ｍｍ、長さ１ｃｍとすることができる。このような形状、サイズにする水素吸蔵合金の成形法は、水素吸蔵合金の成形法として公知の成形法を用いることができ、例えば、鋳型鋳造法を用いることができる。   The size of the round bar-shaped detector 2 of the hydrogen gas detector 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be, for example, 1 mm in diameter and 1 cm in length. As a method for forming the hydrogen storage alloy having such a shape and size, a known forming method can be used as a method for forming the hydrogen storage alloy, for example, a mold casting method can be used.

また、検知部２は、雰囲気が所定の水素濃度であるときに速やかに断線するように、例えば両端部に弾性域内の微小な張力を加えておいたり、丸棒の一部に切り欠きを形成したりすることもできる。   In addition, the detection unit 2 applies, for example, a minute tension in the elastic region to both ends or forms a notch in a part of the round bar so that the atmosphere is quickly disconnected when the atmosphere has a predetermined hydrogen concentration. You can also do it.

図１に示した水素ガス検知器１は、実際の使用においては、不慮の外部応力を受けて検知部２が断線するのを防止するために、通気性を有する保護カバーを水素ガス検知器１の周囲に配設することができることは言うまでもない。   In actual use, the hydrogen gas detector 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a gas-permeable protective cover in order to prevent the detector 2 from being disconnected due to unexpected external stress. Needless to say, it can be arranged around the rim.

検知部２の検知速度を向上させるためには、その形状を薄膜状又は細線状にすることが好ましい。この薄膜状又は細線状の検知部を備える水素ガス漏れ検知器の例を図２〜図４に、それぞれ平面図及び正面図で示す。   In order to improve the detection speed of the detection unit 2, the shape is preferably a thin film or a thin line. Examples of a hydrogen gas leak detector provided with this thin-film or thin-line detector are shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 as a plan view and a front view, respectively.

図２に示す水素ガス検知器１は、絶縁基板４の上に水素吸蔵合金よりなる検知部２が、例えば５ｍｍ×１０ｍｍの平面サイズで、膜厚５ｎｍの薄膜状に形成されている。この検知部２の両端部には、端子３が電気的に接続して設けられている。   In the hydrogen gas detector 1 shown in FIG. 2, a detection unit 2 made of a hydrogen storage alloy is formed on an insulating substrate 4 in a thin film shape having a film thickness of 5 nm, for example, with a planar size of 5 mm × 10 mm. Terminals 3 are electrically connected to both ends of the detection unit 2.

図３に示す水素ガス検知器１は、絶縁基板４の上に水素吸蔵合金よりなる検知部２が、例えば図２に示した検知部２と同程度の長さ（１０ｍｍ）で、線幅０．５ｍｍ、線厚５ｎｍの直線の細線状に形成されている。この検知部２の両端部には、端子３が電気的に接続して設けられている。   A hydrogen gas detector 1 shown in FIG. 3 has a detection unit 2 made of a hydrogen storage alloy on an insulating substrate 4 having a length (10 mm) that is substantially the same as the detection unit 2 shown in FIG. It is formed in the shape of a straight thin line having a thickness of 5 mm and a thickness of 5 nm. Terminals 3 are electrically connected to both ends of the detection unit 2.

図４に示す水素ガス検知器１は、絶縁基板４の上に水素吸蔵合金よりなる検知部２が、例えば図３に示した検知部２と同じ線幅、線厚を有する蛇行の細線状に形成されている。この検知部２の両端部には、端子３が電気的に接続して設けられている。   The hydrogen gas detector 1 shown in FIG. 4 has a detecting portion 2 made of a hydrogen storage alloy on an insulating substrate 4 in a meandering thin line shape having the same line width and line thickness as the detecting portion 2 shown in FIG. Is formed. Terminals 3 are electrically connected to both ends of the detection unit 2.

絶縁基板４上に検知部２を図２に示すような薄膜状に形成する方法としては、予め端子３が形成された絶縁基板４に対してスパッタ法を適用して形成することができる。また、絶縁基板４条に検知部２を図３及び図４に示すような細線状に形成する方法としては、予め端子３が形成された絶縁基板上に、マスク材を選択的に形成させておき、スパッタ法を適用して水素吸蔵合金を所定の厚みで形成し、その後、マスク材を除去することにより、絶縁基板上でマスクが形成されていなかった領域に、水素吸蔵合金を細線状に形成させることができる。   As a method of forming the detection unit 2 in a thin film shape as shown in FIG. 2 on the insulating substrate 4, it can be formed by applying a sputtering method to the insulating substrate 4 on which the terminals 3 are formed in advance. Further, as a method of forming the detection portion 2 on the insulating substrate 4 in a thin line shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a mask material is selectively formed on the insulating substrate on which the terminals 3 are formed in advance. Then, a hydrogen storage alloy is formed in a predetermined thickness by applying a sputtering method, and then the mask material is removed, thereby forming the hydrogen storage alloy in a thin line shape in a region where the mask is not formed on the insulating substrate. Can be formed.

図２〜図４に示さされた検知部２の水素吸蔵合金の種類は、図１に示した丸棒形状の検知器と同様に、例えば、Ｍｇ９０Ｐｄ１０合金やＴｉ２Ｎｉを用いることができ、また、単体金属としてＮｉを用いることができる。更に、これらの合金又は単体金属に限られず、水素を吸蔵して断線に至る水素吸蔵合金を用いることができる。 The type of the hydrogen storage alloy of the detector 2 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is, for example, Mg 90 Pd 10 alloy or Ti 2 Ni, as in the round bar detector shown in FIG. In addition, Ni can be used as a single metal. Furthermore, it is not limited to these alloys or single metals, but a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen and breaks can be used.

下地の絶縁基板４は、絶縁性を有するものであれば、材料を選ばず、例えば、ガラス、硬質プラスチックなどの硬い材料から、ビニールシートのような可撓性を有する材料、さらには、ラップフィルムのような軟らかい材料まで、様々な種類の材料の上に形成させることができる。   The underlying insulating substrate 4 may be any material as long as it has insulating properties, for example, a hard material such as glass or hard plastic, a flexible material such as a vinyl sheet, and a wrap film. Can be formed on various types of materials, such as soft materials.

図２〜図４に示された薄膜上又は細線状の検知部２は、図１に示した丸棒状の検知部２よりも厚み方向（径方向）が薄くなっているので、早く断線し、例えば、Ｍｇ９０Ｐｄ１０合金（直径０．１ｍｍ、長さ１０ｍｍ）の場合であれば、水素が３％の雰囲気中において１秒後に断線を起こす。したがって、検知速度が向上し、ガス漏れが生じていることを速やかに検知することができる。この検知速度は、検知部２の厚みを調整することにより、適切な時間に調整することができる。 The thin-film or thin-line detection unit 2 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is thinner in the thickness direction (radial direction) than the round bar-shaped detection unit 2 shown in FIG. For example, in the case of Mg 90 Pd 10 alloy (diameter 0.1 mm, length 10 mm), disconnection occurs after 1 second in an atmosphere containing 3% hydrogen. Therefore, the detection speed is improved, and it is possible to quickly detect that a gas leak has occurred. This detection speed can be adjusted to an appropriate time by adjusting the thickness of the detection unit 2.

以上説明したような検知器を用いた水素ガス漏れ制御装置の一例を説明する。   An example of a hydrogen gas leakage control apparatus using the detector as described above will be described.

図５は、本発明の水素ガス漏れ制御装置の一実施形態の説明図である。同図において、水素供給源５に、ガス配管等よりなる水素ガス通過経路６が接続されている。この水素ガス通過経路６は、閉鎖空間７内を経由するように設けられている。この閉鎖空間７内に水素ガス通過経路６から水素ガスが漏れた場合に、水素ガス通過経路６内の水素ガスの流れを止めるために、水素ガス漏れ制御装置が設けられている。図５に示した水素ガス漏れ制御装置は、閉鎖空間７内に配設された水素ガス検知器１と、この水素ガス検知器１に接続して検知器の水素吸蔵合金が断線したことを検知する断線検知回路８と、この断線検知回路８と接続して、断線検知回路８が断線を検知したときに操作機器に駆動信号を出力して駆動させるバルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９と、このバルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９と接続し、水素供給源５と閉鎖空間７との間の水素ガス通過経路６に設けられて流路を開閉可能なバルブ１０と、このバルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９と接続する警報器１１とを備えている。   FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the hydrogen gas leakage control apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, a hydrogen gas passage 6 comprising a gas pipe or the like is connected to a hydrogen supply source 5. The hydrogen gas passage 6 is provided so as to pass through the closed space 7. A hydrogen gas leakage control device is provided to stop the flow of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen gas passage 6 when hydrogen gas leaks from the hydrogen gas passage 6 in the closed space 7. The hydrogen gas leakage control device shown in FIG. 5 detects that the hydrogen gas detector 1 disposed in the closed space 7 and the hydrogen storage alloy of the detector connected to the hydrogen gas detector 1 are disconnected. A disconnection detection circuit 8 that connects to the disconnection detection circuit 8, and when the disconnection detection circuit 8 detects a disconnection, outputs a drive signal to the operation device to drive it, A valve 10 connected to the valve drive and alarm device operating circuit 9 and provided in the hydrogen gas passage 6 between the hydrogen supply source 5 and the closed space 7 and capable of opening and closing the flow path, and this valve drive and alarm operation An alarm device 11 connected to the circuit 9 is provided.

水素ガス検知器１は、図１〜図４を用いて説明した本発明の水素ガス検知器１であり、水素を含む気体と接触することにより、水素を吸蔵し体積膨張により断線に至る検知部２を備えるものである。水素ガス検知器１の検知部２は、水素ガスが爆発・燃焼する下限の濃度よりも低い濃度で断線するように設計されている。水素ガス検知器１の検知部２は、薄膜状又は細線状であることが、検知速度の向上のために好ましい。   The hydrogen gas detector 1 is the hydrogen gas detector 1 of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, and a detector that occludes hydrogen and breaks due to volume expansion by contacting with a gas containing hydrogen. 2 is provided. The detection unit 2 of the hydrogen gas detector 1 is designed to be disconnected at a concentration lower than the lower limit concentration at which hydrogen gas explodes and burns. The detection unit 2 of the hydrogen gas detector 1 is preferably in the form of a thin film or a thin line in order to improve the detection speed.

また、断線検知回路８は、水素ガス検知器１の端子３に接続され、この端子３間の検知部２の断線を電気的な導通の有無により、あるいは電気回路の開閉により検知し、検知信号をバルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９に出力する機能を有している。   The disconnection detection circuit 8 is connected to the terminal 3 of the hydrogen gas detector 1 and detects the disconnection of the detection unit 2 between the terminals 3 based on the presence or absence of electrical continuity or by opening and closing the electrical circuit, and a detection signal Is output to the valve drive and alarm device operating circuit 9.

また、バルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９は、前記断線検知回路８から入力された検知信号により、バルブ１０及び警報器１１を作動させるための信号を出力する機能を有している。   Further, the valve drive and alarm device operating circuit 9 has a function of outputting a signal for operating the valve 10 and the alarm device 11 based on the detection signal input from the disconnection detection circuit 8.

また、バルブ１０は、バルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９から駆動信号が入力されて、水素供給源５から供給される水素ガスの流れを遮断可能なものである。   Further, the valve 10 can receive a drive signal from the valve drive and alarm device operating circuit 9 and can block the flow of hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen supply source 5.

警報器１１は、音、光、これらの組み合わせ又はその他の手段により警報するものである。   The alarm device 11 gives an alarm by sound, light, a combination thereof, or other means.

このような構成を備える水素ガス漏れ制御装置の動作について説明する。水素ガスが水素供給源５から流れる水素ガス通過経路６は、通常は閉鎖空間７内を通過するのみであるから、水素ガス通過経路６から閉鎖空間７内に水素ガスが漏れ出すことはない。この場合、検知器１は、水素ガスが閉鎖空間中に存在しないので断線していない。この状況で断線検知回路８は、検知器１の検知部２の断線を検知せず、バルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９はバルブ１０を開いた状態、警報器の作動をオフの状態にしておく。   The operation of the hydrogen gas leakage control apparatus having such a configuration will be described. Since the hydrogen gas passage 6 through which the hydrogen gas flows from the hydrogen supply source 5 normally only passes through the closed space 7, the hydrogen gas does not leak into the closed space 7 from the hydrogen gas passage 6. In this case, the detector 1 is not disconnected because hydrogen gas does not exist in the closed space. In this situation, the disconnection detection circuit 8 does not detect the disconnection of the detector 2 of the detector 1, and the valve drive and alarm device operating circuit 9 keeps the valve 10 open and the alarm device off. .

次に、水素ガス通過経路６の管壁の損傷、その他の何らかの原因により、水素ガス通過経路６から閉鎖空間７内に水素ガスが漏れ出した場合は、閉鎖空間７内の検知器１は、水素吸蔵合金よりなる検知部２が水素ガスを吸蔵して体積膨張し、断線する。断線したとき、断線検知回路８は、検知器１の水素吸蔵合金の断線を、電気的な導通の有無等により検知し、検知信号をバルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９に出力する。バルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路９は、前記検知信号が入力されることにより、バルブ１０を閉じる駆動信号をバルブ１０に出力するとともに、警報器１１の作動信号を警報器１１に出力する。バルブ１０は、駆動信号が入力されて駆動し、水素ガス通過経路６を閉じ、水素ガスの流れを遮断する。また、警報器１１は、作動信号が入力されて作動し、音、光などにより水素ガスが漏れたことを警報する。   Next, when hydrogen gas leaks from the hydrogen gas passage 6 into the closed space 7 due to damage to the pipe wall of the hydrogen gas passage 6 or some other cause, the detector 1 in the closed space 7 The detection unit 2 made of a hydrogen storage alloy stores hydrogen gas, expands in volume, and is disconnected. When the disconnection occurs, the disconnection detection circuit 8 detects the disconnection of the hydrogen storage alloy of the detector 1 based on the presence or absence of electrical continuity and outputs a detection signal to the valve drive and alarm device operating circuit 9. When the detection signal is input, the valve driving and alarm device operating circuit 9 outputs a driving signal for closing the valve 10 to the valve 10 and outputs an operating signal for the alarm device 11 to the alarm device 11. The valve 10 is driven by receiving a drive signal, closes the hydrogen gas passage 6 and blocks the flow of hydrogen gas. Also, the alarm device 11 operates upon receiving an operation signal, and warns that hydrogen gas has leaked due to sound, light, or the like.

本実施形態のガス漏れ制御装置は、上述した制御を行うことにより、水素漏洩が引き起こす水素燃焼、爆発などを未然に防ぐことができる。ひいては、水素エネルギーシステムを含む系の安全性を確保することができる。   The gas leakage control device of the present embodiment can prevent hydrogen combustion and explosion caused by hydrogen leakage by performing the above-described control. As a result, the safety of the system including the hydrogen energy system can be ensured.

なお、本発明の水素ガス漏れ制御装置は、警報器１１を具備しない構成とすることもできる。水素ガスが漏出した場合に、水素ガス通過経路６の水素ガスの流れをバルブ１０により遮断すれば、警報器１１を具備しなくても水素燃焼、爆発は未然に防止することができるからである。もっとも、水素ガスが漏出した場合に、警報器１１により警報する構成は、より好ましい構成である。   In addition, the hydrogen gas leak control apparatus of this invention can also be set as the structure which does not comprise the alarm device 11. FIG. This is because when hydrogen gas leaks, if the hydrogen gas flow in the hydrogen gas passage 6 is blocked by the valve 10, hydrogen combustion and explosion can be prevented without the alarm 11 being provided. . However, when hydrogen gas leaks, the configuration in which an alarm is issued by the alarm device 11 is a more preferable configuration.

本発明の水素ガス漏れ検知器の一実施例を示す模式図。The schematic diagram which shows one Example of the hydrogen gas leak detector of this invention. 水素ガス漏れ検知器の一例の説明図。An explanatory view of an example of a hydrogen gas leak detector. 水素ガス漏れ検知器の一例の説明図。An explanatory view of an example of a hydrogen gas leak detector. 水素ガス漏れ検知器の一例の説明図。An explanatory view of an example of a hydrogen gas leak detector. 水素ガス漏れ制御装置の一実施形態の説明図。Explanatory drawing of one Embodiment of a hydrogen gas leak control apparatus.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 水素ガス漏れ検知器
２ 検知部
３ 端子
８ 断線検知回路（断線検知部）
９ バルブ駆動及び警報器作動回路（駆動部）
１０ バルブ（遮断手段）
１１ 警報器
1 Hydrogen gas leak detector 2 Detector 3 Terminal 8 Disconnection detection circuit (disconnection detector)
9 Valve drive and alarm operation circuit (drive unit)
10 Valve (blocking means)
11 Alarm

Claims (3)

雰囲気中の水素ガス漏れを検知する水素ガス漏れ検知器であって、
水素吸蔵性を有する単体金属又は合金で形成され、水素を含む気体と接触することにより体積膨張し断線に至る丸棒形状の検知部を備え、
前記検知部の両端部には、前記検知部の弾性域内の張力が加えられていることを特徴とする水素ガス漏れ検知器。 A hydrogen gas leak detector for detecting hydrogen gas leak in the atmosphere,
It is formed of a single metal or an alloy having hydrogen storage properties, and has a round bar-shaped detection unit that comes into contact with a gas containing hydrogen and reaches a disconnection,
A hydrogen gas leak detector , wherein tension in an elastic region of the detection unit is applied to both ends of the detection unit. 水素吸蔵性を有する単体金属又は合金で形成され、水素を含む気体と接触することにより体積膨張し断線に至る丸棒形状の検知部を備える水素ガス漏れ検知器と、
前記水素ガス漏れ検知器に接続し、前記水素ガス漏れ検知器の前記検知部の断線を検知する断線検知部と、
前記断線検知部に接続し、前記断線検知部が前記水素ガス漏れ検知器の前記検知部の断線を検知したときに、水素ガスの流路に設けられた遮断手段を駆動させる駆動部と、
前記水素ガスの流路に設けられ水素ガスの流れを遮断する遮断手段と
を備え、前記検知部の両端部には、前記検知部の弾性域内の張力が加えられていることを特徴とする水素ガス漏れ制御装置。 A hydrogen gas leak detector comprising a round bar-shaped detector that is formed of a single metal or an alloy having hydrogen storage properties and comes into contact with a gas containing hydrogen, resulting in volume expansion and disconnection;
A disconnection detecting unit that is connected to the hydrogen gas leak detector detects the disconnection of the detecting portion of the hydrogen gas leak detector,
The Connect to disconnection detecting unit, when the disconnection detecting unit detects the disconnection of the detecting portion of the hydrogen gas leak detector, and a driver for driving the shut-off means provided in the flow path of hydrogen gas,
The hydrogen gas flow path is provided with blocking means for blocking the flow of hydrogen gas, and tension within the elastic region of the detection unit is applied to both ends of the detection unit. Gas leak control device. 前記駆動部に接続する警報器を更に備え、かつ、
前記駆動部が、前記水素ガス漏れ検知器の前記検知部の断線を検知したときに、前記水素ガスの流路に設けられた前記遮断手段を駆動させると共に、前記警報器を作動させるものであることを特徴とする請求項２記載の水素ガス漏れ制御装置。 An alarm device connected to the drive unit; and
Wherein the drive unit is, when detecting the disconnection of the detecting portion of the hydrogen gas leak detector, together with driving the shut-off means provided in the flow path of the hydrogen gas, it is intended to operate the alarm The hydrogen gas leakage control device according to claim 2 .
JP2005278310A 2005-09-26 2005-09-26 Hydrogen gas leak detector and hydrogen gas leak control device Expired - Fee Related JP4661493B2 (en)

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JP2004053540A (en) * 2002-07-24 2004-02-19 National Institute Of Advanced Industrial & Technology Hydrogen sensor using magnesium thin film and hydrogen concentration measuring method
JP2004125513A (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-22 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Hydrogen sensor and electrolytic water generator equipped with hydrogen sensor
JP2004191164A (en) * 2002-12-11 2004-07-08 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Gas sensor, fuel cell system using the same, and automobile using the same
JP2005069834A (en) * 2003-08-22 2005-03-17 Alps Electric Co Ltd Hydrogen gas sensor, hydrogen gas detecting device and detecting method for hydrogen gas

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004053540A (en) * 2002-07-24 2004-02-19 National Institute Of Advanced Industrial & Technology Hydrogen sensor using magnesium thin film and hydrogen concentration measuring method
JP2004125513A (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-22 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Hydrogen sensor and electrolytic water generator equipped with hydrogen sensor
JP2004191164A (en) * 2002-12-11 2004-07-08 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Gas sensor, fuel cell system using the same, and automobile using the same
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