JP4884881B2 - Energy station - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for supplying fuel to a vehicle, and more particularly to an energy station that generates hydrogen for a vehicle such as a vehicle and generates electricity and heat for a house or building.

  Hydrogen is important as a fuel with zero emissions. In recent years, the development of hydrogen fuel infrastructure systems has become more important to support the use of hydrogen as a fuel.

  An important part of the hydrogen fuel infrastructure system is the production of hydrogen. In general, two methods are used for the production of hydrogen. One hydrogen generation method includes an electrolysis process in which water molecules are decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen using electric energy. Another method for generating hydrogen includes a reforming step, i.e. converting a hydrocarbon fuel such as natural gas or propane into a hydrogen rich gas. In either method, hydrogen is often purified and / or compressed and stored for use as described below. Electrochemical hydrogen pumps are used for the purification and / or compression of hydrogen-rich gas hydrogen.

An industrial hydrogen energy station featuring simultaneous generation of hydrogen fuel and electricity was run at the Las Vegas Fleet Transportation Service Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The station supplied both hydrogen and compressed natural gas (or compressed hydrogen) to the vehicle. The station had separate stand-alone devices for each of the reformer, fuel cell, storage tank and gas pump. Other hydrogen fuel supply systems and energy supply networks are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below.
US Pat. No. 6,432,283 US Pat. No. 6,745,105

  Further improvements are needed in energy stations that generate hydrogen for vehicles and generate electricity and heat for homes and buildings.

1st aspect WHEREIN: This invention provides an energy station provided with a production | generation part and a supply part. The generation unit includes a first casing having a reformer that generates a reformate from the fuel flow and a storage unit that stores the reformate. A supply part is comprised by the 2nd housing | casing for supplying the modified material from a production | generation part. The generation unit is arranged at the first location, and the supply unit is arranged at the second location away from the first location.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an energy station for a building including a generation unit and a supply unit. The generating unit includes a reformer that generates a reformate from the fuel stream, a first compressor that compresses the reformate, a purifier that purifies the reformate from the compressor, and a high pressure that compresses the refined reformate from the purifier. Compressor, storage section for storing reformate from high-pressure compressor, heat exchanger for supplying heat to building, fuel cell for generating electricity from at least one of reformate and refined reformate, and fuel cell It is comprised with the 1st housing | casing which has an inverter for supplying electricity to a building. The supply unit includes a second casing and a nozzle for supplying at least one of the reformed product and the refined reformed product from the generation unit. At least one of the generation unit and the supply unit includes a controller that controls the generation unit and the supply unit. The generation unit is arranged at the first location, and the supply unit is arranged at the second location apart from the first location.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an energy station for a building including a generation unit and a supply unit. The generating unit includes a reformer that generates a reformate from the fuel stream, an electrochemical cell that generates electricity and purifies the reformed product, and a first housing that stores the purified reformed product from the electrochemical cell. Prepare the body . The supply unit includes a second casing for supplying at least one of the reformed product and the purified reformed product from the generation unit. The controller controls the electrical load from the building to the electrochemical cell so that the electrochemical cell operates as a fuel cell that generates electricity, and the electrochemical cell purifies the reformate from the reformer To control the potential to the electrochemical cell. The generation unit is arranged at the first location, and the supply unit is arranged at the second location apart from the first location.

  In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for generating hydrogen for a vehicle. This method involves preparing an energy station having a generation unit for generating hydrogen and a supply unit for supplying hydrogen as described above, disposing the generation unit at a first location outside the building, and relating to the vehicle. Including disposing the supply portion at a second location remote from the first location. The method also includes providing a generator for generating electricity from hydrogen and supplying the building with electricity.

FIG. 1 illustrates an energy station 10 that is one embodiment of the present invention. The energy station 10 includes a generation unit 12 having a first housing 13 and a separate supply unit 14 having a second housing 15. The energy station 10 generates fuel for vehicles (for example, reformate or hydrogen gas), generates electricity for a house or building, and warms water or air used in the house or building (or an adsorption cooling device). Can be used to generate heat).

  As will be described below, the generation unit 12 and the supply unit 14 are configured separately, and the supply unit 14 is arranged away from the generation unit 12, so that the generation unit and the supply unit are in the same place. Many problems that arise when deployed are overcome. For example, the present invention provides a supply section that is smaller than the generation section. Thus, when the supply unit is installed near a garage in a house or building, the visual pressure from the supply unit is much less. The generation unit is usually larger than the supply unit and is installed in an inconspicuous place such as one side of a house or building or behind. The generating unit is often installed in a place that is used for an air conditioner or other external device.

  The supply unit is configured not to store fuel. Thus, the applicable legal and official standards may allow the supply section to be installed in a building, such as inside a house or building garage. The storage unit is built in a generating unit arranged outside the garage.

  Furthermore, the exhaust containing the combustible mixed gas discharged from the energy station through, for example, a vent is discharged at the place where the generation unit is installed. Since the generation unit is installed in different places such as one side or the back of a house or building, the legal standard and the official standard are satisfied even if the supply unit is allowed to be placed in a place where it contacts the vehicle. For example, the generator is installed away from the doors and windows of the building, so that fuel such as hydrogen gas is prevented from entering the building.

  Also, the supply is designed to have a high profile, such as a height that a typical adult can use. Since the separated generation part is formed to have a lower height and outer shape, it does not have a pressure-sensitive structure, and does not obstruct the window or view.

  FIG. 2 shows the entire energy station 10 including the generation unit 12. This generator 12 is typically a catalytic partial oxidation (Catalytic) for converting natural gas, hydrocarbons such as methane, methanol, or other fuel (eg, supplied by a fuel company) into a hydrogen-rich gas stream. Partial Oxidation (CPO) reformer, steam reformer, autothermal reformer 20 such as a reformer, fuel cell 30 for generating electricity, and first compressor for compressing the reformed product 40 (eg, piston compression, diaphragm compressor, scroll compressor, or other type of compressor) and a cleaning device or purifier 42 (eg, pressure vibration absorber, diffusion membrane purifier) to remove impurities , Thermal vibration absorbers, electrochemical hydrogen pumps, or other types of purifiers), hydrogen storage 50 for storing the reformate, and warming homes or buildings (or cooling via adsorption chillers). Used for The heat with a heat exchanger 60 for moving from the fuel cell, and a controller 70. These various components are connected by a conduit suitable for transporting fluid.

  The controller 70 includes one or a plurality of mechanical switches for controlling the flow of power supply to the house or building via the inverter 35, and includes a microprocessor or a microcontroller that is automated. The controller is operably connected to the reservoir to receive a signal from a sensor 52 that is provided on or in the reservoir to determine the height or amount of reformate in the reservoir. In addition, the controller controls the vent 54 so as to depressurize the inside of the conduit to the supply unit after the supply of hydrogen gas to the supply unit and the vehicle. The controller is operably connected to the fuel cell, the reformer, the compressor, and the heat exchanger. The controller is operably coupled to these various components and sensors connected to one or more wires or a suitable radio. This controller is also suitable for the features of the controllers disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,745,105 relating to “Energy Distribution Network” and US Pat. No. 6,432,283 relating to “Hydrogen Fuel Replenishment Systems”. Used. In the following, the entire main contents of these patents will be cited and described.

  The supply 14 includes a user interface or input / output device 90 and a dispenser 95, such as a nozzle or connector (best shown in FIG. 1). The input / output device 90 includes a touch screen display (best shown in FIG. 1). One or more wires or cables and suitable pipes operably connect the supply 14 to the controller 70 of the generator 12.

  The fuel cell 70 is supplied with fuel by the reformate stored in the storage unit 50, and is controlled by the controller 70 via the valve 22.

  FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a fuel cell 70 in the present invention. The fuel cell 70 generates electricity from the supply of fuel containing hydrogen such as reformate and the supply of oxygen such as air. The fuel cell 70 includes an anode separator or separator 72 and a cathode separator or separator 74. The anode separator or separator 72 is mounted at the anode inlet that receives the fuel supply and has a flow channel 73 for distributing the fuel supply. The cathode separation plate or separation unit 74 is attached to a cathode inlet that receives the supply of oxygen, and has a flow channel 75 for distributing the supply of oxygen. The fuel cell 70 includes a proton conductive electrochemical cell provided with an anode separator plate 72 and a cathode separator plate 74 interposed therebetween.

  The proton conducting electrochemical cell includes an anode gas diffusion layer 76 and an anode electrode 77 disposed adjacent to the anode separator plate 72, a cathode gas diffusion layer 78 and a cathode disposed adjacent to the cathode separator plate 74. An electrode 79 and a proton conducting medium 80 disposed between the anode electrode 77 and the cathode electrode 79 are provided.

  The anode electrode is composed of a platinum or platinum-ruthenium alloy catalyst layer. The proton conducting medium comprises a proton exchange membrane (PEM), such as a NAFION® copolymerized perfluorosulfonic acid polymer membrane (provided by EI DuPont de Nemours and Co., USA). ing.

  When the fuel cell is driven, fuel is supplied to the anode side, oxygen is supplied to the cathode side, and a load is applied to both electrodes. Hydrogen moves from the fuel stream to the porous hydrogen permeable anode electrode, where the hydrogen gas forms protons (H +) and electrons. The protons then travel through the proton conducting medium and are conducted through the non-porous hydrogen permeable cathode electrode. Protons combine with oxygen and electrons to form water. Impurities on the anode side and / or products of impurities (for example, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, etc.) are immediately discharged from the anode outlet.

  Although the fuel cell is illustrated as comprising a single proton conducting electrochemical cell, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a fuel cell according to the present invention may be of multiple or multiple structures for generating electricity. A proton conducting electrochemical cell may be provided.

  FIG. 4 shows an energy station 100 according to another embodiment. The energy station 100 is the same as the energy station 10 of FIG. 1 except for the following points. That is, the controller 170 is disposed not in the generation unit 112 but in the supply unit 114 and is operatively connected to various components of the generation unit. Such supply units and controllers are installed inside garages and other buildings.

  FIG. 5 shows an energy station 200 that is yet another embodiment of the present invention. The energy station 200 includes an electrochemical cell or stack that is driven in a fuel cell mode for generating electricity or a hydrogen pump mode for purifying and / or compressing hydrogen. In contrast to the case with two separate devices, such as a fuel cell for generating electricity and a hydrogen pump for purifying and / or compressing hydrogen, according to the illustrated configuration, it has two separate devices. Compared to the case, cost and required space can be reduced.

  The energy station 200 includes a generation unit 212. This generator 212 is typically a reformer using catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) to convert natural gas, hydrocarbons such as methane, methanol, or other fuels into a hydrogen-rich gas stream, A reformer 220 such as a steam reformer or an autothermal reformer, and a fuel cell or stack 230 (a hydrogen pump for purifying a hydrogen-rich gas stream, a fuel cell for generating electricity, which will be described later) The compressor 240 for compressing the reformed product, the hydrogen storage unit 250 for storing the purified hydrogen gas and the reformed product, and heating the house or building (or cooling through an adsorption cooling device). A heat exchanger 260 for transferring the heat used from the fuel cell and a controller 270 are provided. The controller 270 includes one or a plurality of mechanical switches and an inverter 35 for controlling the flow of power supply to a house or a building, and is automated and includes a microprocessor or a microcontroller.

The controller is operably connected to the reservoir to receive a signal from a sensor 252 provided on or in the reservoir to determine the height or amount of reformate and hydrogen in the reservoir. . The controller also controls the vent 254 in order to depressurize the inside of the conduit to the supply unit after the reformed product or hydrogen gas is transferred to the supply unit or the vehicle. Controller 270 and valve 256 operatively control filling of reservoir 250 with compressed purified hydrogen gas from stack 230 and reformate from reformer 220. Further, controller 270, valve 256, and valve 258 are used to allow reformate or hydrogen stored in reservoir 250 to fuel stack 230 to generate electricity. The controller is operably connected to the fuel cell, the reformer, the compressor, and the heat exchanger.

  The supply 214 includes a user interface or input / output device and a dispenser such as a nozzle. The input / output device comprises a touch screen display. One or more wires or cables and suitable pipes operably connect the supply 214 to the controller 270 of the generator 212.

The stack 230 generally comprises at least one electrochemical cell (eg, as shown in FIG. 3). The electrochemical cell includes an anode inlet 322 that receives fuel such as reformate or purified hydrogen gas, an anode outlet 324 that discharges fuel, a cathode inlet 326 that receives oxygen such as air, oxygen such as air, and purified hydrogen. And a cathode outlet 328 for discharging the gas. In addition, the electrochemical cell includes a first electrical connector 332 and a second electrical connector 334 for providing an electrical load or potential to the stack 230.

  A first valve 346 is mounted at the cathode inlet 326 and controls oxygen to the stack 230. The second valve 348 is, for example, a three-branch valve, and is attached to the cathode outlet 328 and discharges oxygen discharged from the stack 230 in the first direction or purified hydrogen different from the first direction. Drain in the direction of 2.

The controller 270 is mounted to the first electrical connector 332 and second electrical connector 334, or an electrical load to produce electricity supplied to the stack 230, or potential for purifying hydrogen by applying to the stack 230. The controller 270 includes output terminals 362 and 364 for applying an electrical load to the stack 230. The controller 270 also includes input terminals 372 and 374 for applying a potential to the stack 230. The controller 270 comprises one or more mechanical switches or is automated and comprises a microprocessor or microcontroller.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration related to an operation of generating the supply of purified hydrogen in the generation unit 212 of the energy station 200. In this embodiment, the stack operates as a hydrogen pump to separate, transfer, and / or compress pure hydrogen from an input supply that contains hydrogen, such as reformate.

  For example, fuel such as reformate is supplied to the anode inlet 322 and exhausted via the anode outlet 324, and the first valve 346 is driven to close or block the supply of oxygen to the cathode inlet 326; The second valve 348 is driven to direct purified hydrogen in the second direction (eg, the first direction leading to oxygen exhaust is closed or blocked, as shown in FIG. 6). Input terminals 372 and 374 of the controller 270 are connected to a power source that applies a potential to the stack 230 via electrical connectors 332 and 334.

  In the hydrogen pump mode configuration, fuel flows to the anode of the electrochemical cell, and electrical energy is applied between the electrodes to exceed the internal resistance of the electrochemical cell, separating the hydrogen in the gas being processed into protons, Protons are driven through the membrane to the other side, and purified and / or decompressed hydrogen is restored at the anode outlet. The hydrogen stream is stored as is or after being humidified by the introduction of water. In addition, humidified purified hydrogen is produced using an electrochemical cell having a NAFION membrane that allows the movement of water in the same manner as hydrogen.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration related to an operation of generating electricity in the generation unit 212 of the energy station 200. In this embodiment, the stack operates as a fuel cell for generating electricity.

For example, fuel is supplied to the anode inlet 322 and discharged through the anode outlet 324, the first valve 346 is driven to allow the supply of oxygen to the cathode outlet 326, and the second valve 348 is Driven to discharge oxygen from the cathode outlet 328 in a first direction, eg, to a vent. Output terminal 362 of the controller 270 and 364 is connected to an electrical load applied to the entire region of the stack 230 via the electrical connectors 332 and 334.

  In the fuel cell mode configuration, fuel such as reformate flows to the anode of the electrochemical cell, and the catalyst coating on the anode facilitates the reaction of separating the gas into protons (hydrogen ions). The center membrane allows only protons to permeate the membrane to the cathode side of the electrochemical cell. The electrons cannot pass through this membrane, form a current and flow through an external circuit. Oxygen (eg, oxygen in the air) flows to the cathode of the fuel cell, and the catalyst coating on the cathode facilitates the reaction where oxygen, protons, and electrons combine to produce pure water and heat.

  A preferred fuel cell and hydrogen pump configuration that can be used with the present invention is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 658,123. This application is published in US Patent Publication No. 20050053813. The entire main content of this publication is cited and explained above.

  FIG. 8 shows an energy station 400 that is another embodiment. The energy station 400 is the same as the energy station 200 of FIG. 5 except for the following points. That is, the controller 470 is disposed not in the generation unit 412 but in the supply unit 414 and is operatively connected to various components of the generation unit. Such supply units and controllers are installed inside garages and other buildings.

  FIG. 9 shows an energy station 500 according to another embodiment. The energy station 500 includes a generation unit 512 and a supply unit 514 separated from the generation unit 512. In this embodiment, the reformer from the reformer 520 is supplied to the fuel cell 530 in the generation unit, and the discharge of the reformate from the fuel cell is processed by a hydrogen pump such as a hydrogen pump stack, and purified by the purifier 542. And further compressed by the compressor 544 and stored in the storage unit 550.

  FIG. 10 shows an energy station 600 according to another embodiment. The energy station 600 includes a generation unit 612 and a supply unit 614 separated therefrom. The energy station 600 produces hydrogen but not electricity. In this embodiment, in the generation unit, the reformed product from the reformer 620 is supplied to the compressor 640, purified by the purifier 642, further compressed by the compressor 644, and stored in the storage unit 650.

  FIG. 11 shows an energy station 700 according to another embodiment. This energy station 700 is the same as the energy station 600 of FIG. 10 except that the reformed product from the reformer 720 is supplied to a hydrogen pump 740 such as a hydrogen pump stack. Then, the hydrogen from the hydrogen pump is purified by the purifier 742, further compressed by the compressor 744, and stored in the storage unit 750.

  FIG. 12 shows an energy station 800 that is another embodiment. The energy station 800 is the same as the energy station 10 of FIG. 2 except that water (eg, from a water supply) is supplied to the electrolytic cell 820. Electric power such as a DC power input is supplied to the electrolytic cell, and hydrogen generated in the electrolytic cell is supplied to the purifier 842, further compressed by the compressor 844, and stored in the storage unit 850.

  FIG. 13 shows an energy station 900 according to another embodiment. The energy station 900 includes a generation unit 912 and a supply unit 914 separated from the generation unit 912 in the same manner as that of the energy station of FIG. 10 except that water (for example, from a water supply) is supplied to the electrolytic cell 920. Yes. The energy station 900 generates hydrogen but not electricity. In this embodiment, in the production unit, hydrogen from the electrolytic cell is supplied to the purifier 942, further compressed by the compressor 944, and stored in the storage unit 950.

  As a further embodiment of the present invention, the storage capacity may be system modularized. This is achieved by placing fuel inventory storage in a separate enclosure or modularizing it in the enclosure within the generator. By modularizing the storage capacity, energy station users can select different amounts of hydrogen storage capacity according to family and work needs. For example, if the user owns two vehicles, the user can select twice the standard fuel storage capacity. Alternatively, if the user has a large family, the user can select a larger storage capacity so as to be able to generate more power than the power during peak usage periods. Alternatively, if the grid lives in a particularly unreliable area, the user can use 5 to 10 times the normal storage capacity to ensure that large stock fuel can be used during a grid outage. Double storage capacity can be selected.

  A single controller is shown in the figure to control the hydrogen supply from the fuel cell or stack, as well as the supply, but with two or more controllers, two or more different states of the energy station May be controlled. For example, it is assumed that the fuel cell or stack is controlled by one controller and the hydrogen supply to the vehicle is controlled by another controller.

Also, from the above, the proton conducting medium includes an anhydrous solid (ie, no water) proton conducting medium. For example, solid phase conductors such as inorganic and ceramic based stations, perovskite structure ceramics, solid acids such as cesium dihydrogen phosphate (CsH ₂ PO ₄ ), and other suitable An anhydrous solid proton conducting medium may be mentioned. Furthermore, as a proton conducting medium, polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymer membrane, polyetherketone (PEEK), sulfonated polysulfones membrane, polyimide, hydrocarbon membrane, 3-fluoro-styrenesulfonic acid (Polytrifluoro-styrenesulfonic acid), a variant of a copolymerized perfluorosulfonic acid membrane, or other polymer or non-polymeric proton conductor containing some strong acid.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many more changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an energy station according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the energy station of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an electrochemical cell in the fuel cell of the energy station of FIGS. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an energy station according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an energy station according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram relating to hydrogen generation in the energy station of FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram relating to electricity generation of the energy station of FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an energy station according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an energy station according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an energy station according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an energy station according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an energy station according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an energy station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Energy station, 12 ... Production | generation part, 13 ... 1st housing | casing , 14 ... Separate supply part, 15 ... 2nd housing | casing .

Claims (13)

A reformer for generating reformate from a fuel stream, an electrochemical cell having a fuel cell mode for generating electricity and a hydrogen pump mode for generating purified hydrogen, and controlling an electrical load on the electrochemical cell in the fuel cell mode And a controller for controlling the potential to the electrochemical cell in the hydrogen pump mode, and a storage unit for storing the purified hydrogen from the electrochemical cell or the reformate from the reformer . A generating unit including a housing;
A supply unit for supplying the reformate or the purified hydrogen from the generation unit, including a second casing and a user interface;
A first valve mounted in a conduit between the reformer and the electrochemical cell;
A second valve mounted at the cathode outlet of the electrochemical cell;
Connected to a conduit leading to the reservoir, a conduit leading to the first valve, and a conduit leading to the supply, and allows flow of the reformate or purified hydrogen from the reservoir to the supply And a third valve that
The controller is
An output terminal for applying an electrical load to the electrochemical cell; and an input terminal for applying a potential to the electrochemical cell;
Connected to a pair of electrical connectors of the electrochemical cell;
In order to store the reformate from the reformer or the purified hydrogen from the electrochemical cell in the hydrogen pump mode in the storage unit, the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve Control the valve,
Controlling the first valve and the third valve to guide the reformate or the purified hydrogen stored in the storage unit to the electrochemical cell in the fuel cell mode;
The energy station is characterized in that the generation unit is disposed at a first location and the supply unit is disposed at a second location separated from the generation unit. The energy station according to claim 1,
The first housing of the generating unit has a first height, and the second housing of the supply unit has a second height that is greater than the first height. Energy station. The energy station according to claim 1,
The energy station may further include at least one of a compressor and a hydrogen pump for supplying a compressed reformate to the storage unit. The energy station according to claim 1,
The generating unit includes at least one of a first compressor and a hydrogen pump for compressing a reformed product, a purifier for purifying the reformed product from the compressor, and a compressed purified reformed product in the storage unit. An energy station, further comprising a high-pressure compressor for supplying to the apparatus. The energy station according to claim 1,
The energy station further includes a vent for allowing the reformed product from the supply unit to escape after the reformed product is supplied to the vehicle. The energy station according to claim 1,
The said supply part is equipped with the nozzle for supplying a reformed material to a vehicle, The energy station characterized by the above-mentioned. The energy station according to claim 1,
The energy station further includes a heat exchanger for supplying heat to the building. The energy station according to claim 1,
The energy station further includes a controller for controlling the reformer, the electrochemical cell, and the supply unit. The energy station according to claim 1,
The energy station further includes an inverter for supplying electricity from the electrochemical cell to a building. A method for generating at least one of a reformate and hydrogen for a vehicle and energy for a building,
Providing an energy station according to claim 1, comprising a generation unit for generating hydrogen and electricity and a supply unit for supplying hydrogen;
Disposing the generator in a first location outside the building;
Disposing the supply associated with a vehicle at a second location separated from the first location. The method of claim 10, wherein:
The method of claim 1, wherein the first location is on one side or behind the building. The method of claim 10, wherein:
The method of claim 2, wherein the second location is indoors. The method of claim 10, wherein:
The method further comprises supplying heat from the generator to the building.

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