Method for generating hydrogen by using a fuel cell power generation system

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus for generating hydrogen and a fuel cell power generation system that have the same. The apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention include: an electrolytic bath configured to contain electrolyte solution; an anode placed inside the electrolytic bath and configured to generate an electron; a cathode placed inside the electrolytic bath and configured to generate hydrogen by receiving the electron from the anode; a controller electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, and configured to control flow of electricity between the anode and the cathode; and a mechanical switch electrically connected to the controller in parallel and configured to flow electricity between the anode and the cathode in order to start the controller.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0035506, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Apr. 17, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating hydrogen and a fuel cell power generation system having the same.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art A fuel cell performs a function of directly converting chemical energy of fuel such as hydrogen, LNG, LPG, methanol etc., and air into electricity and heat through an electrochemical reaction. While a conventional power generation technology adopts fuel combustion, vapor generation, a turbine-driven process and a power generator-driven process, the fuel cell has neither the combustion process nor a drive device. Accordingly, the fuel cell is a new high efficiency, environmentally-friendly power generation technolog...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an apparatus for generating hydrogen and a fuel cell power generation system that can make their whole size smaller and reduce their manufacturing cost without an auxiliary power source for starting a controller. The apparatus includes an electrolytic bath, an anode, a cathode, a controller, and a mechanical switch. The controller controls the flow of electricity between the anode and the cathode, and the mechanical switch flows electricity to start the controller. The fuel cell converts the chemical energy of the hydrogen generated from the cathode into electrical energy. The technical effects of the invention are smaller size and lower manufacturing cost of the apparatus and system without the need for an auxiliary power source.

Problems solved by technology

While a conventional power generation technology adopts fuel combustion, vapor generation, a turbine-driven process and a power generator-driven process, the fuel cell has neither the combustion process nor a drive device.

If a hydrogen storage tank, etc., are used so as to supply hydrogen, the PEMFC has a large volume and may have a danger which may be caused by keeping the hydrogen therein.

However, depending on methods of generating hydrogen in accordance with the conventional technology, the size and manufacturing cost of an apparatus for generating hydrogen are increased by using an auxiliary power source like a battery in order to primarily drive a controller that controls the connection / disconnection of a metal electrode.

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