JP2005302360A - Fuel cell aging device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aging apparatus capable of efficiently aging a large number of fuel cells is provided.
SOLUTION: Battery installation means 4 for installing a plurality of fuel cells 100 in a predetermined arrangement, and supply means 10, 20, 30 for supplying anode gas, cathode gas and refrigerant to the plurality of installed fuel cells 100, respectively. And an electric wiring structure for connecting to the electric load 40 in a state where the plurality of installed fuel cells 100 are connected in series. Supplying anode gas, cathode gas and refrigerant to the plurality of installed fuel cells 100 and supplying output current generated by power generation of these fuel cells 100 to the electric load 40 in parallel are performed simultaneously. Aging of the fuel cell 100 is performed at once.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an aging device for a fuel cell, and more particularly to an aging device suitable for aging a large number of fuel cells in a fuel cell manufacturing factory or the like.

A fuel cell including one or more membrane electrode structures (so-called MEAs) formed by joining electrodes on both surfaces of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided with each electrode (anode electrode) of each membrane electrode structure in order to perform its power generation operation. Anode gas and cathode gas as reaction gases are supplied to the surfaces of the cathode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively. And the electromotive force generate | occur | produces between both electrodes of each membrane electrode structure because those supplied reaction gas reacts with each membrane electrode structure. More specifically, hydrogen gas and air (air containing oxygen) are usually used as the anode gas and the cathode gas, respectively. In this case, hydrogen gas is ionized at the anode electrode, and the hydrogen ions pass through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and are conducted to the cathode electrode. The hydrogen ions conducted to the cathode electrode react with oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode electrode, so that an electromotive force is generated between both electrodes while H ₂ O (water or water vapor) is generated.

  Supplementally, this type of fuel cell generally includes the membrane electrode structure and a conductive separator that is mounted on the surfaces of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode to form a reaction gas flow path between the electrodes. The unit body (minimum unit fuel cell) is provided as a battery body (power generation function unit). A fuel cell including such a battery main body is usually referred to as a fuel cell stack. Further, since the fuel cell generates heat during its power generation operation, a refrigerant is supplied to the fuel cell in order to prevent the fuel cell from becoming excessively hot due to self-heating.

  In this type of fuel cell, the conductivity of reactive gas ions (hydrogen ions) in the solid polymer electrolyte membrane varies depending on the water content of the electrolyte membrane. Specifically, when the electrolyte membrane is dry, the conductivity of the reactive gas ions is low, and the conductivity of hydrogen ions increases as the water content increases. When the fuel cell is assembled at a fuel cell manufacturing factory or the like, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is in a dry state, so that the fuel cell can be hydrated so that the fuel cell can exhibit the required power generation capacity. It is necessary to perform so-called aging.

As this aging technique, conventionally, there has been generally known a technique of supplying water to a solid polymer electrolyte membrane with generated water while supplying a reaction gas to a fuel cell and generating power in the fuel cell (for example, JP 2003-217622 A (Patent Document 1) and the like.
JP 2003-217622 A

  By the way, in the conventional aging technique, a technique for aging individual fuel cells (fuel cell stacks) has only been proposed. On the other hand, when mass production of fuel cells is desired, it is desired to age a large number of fuel cells efficiently. However, the conventional aging technology for individual fuel cells cannot efficiently perform aging of a large number of fuel cells, which may hinder mass production of fuel cells.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and provides a fuel cell aging device capable of efficiently aging a large number of fuel cells and further simplifying the configuration thereof. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve this object, the fuel cell aging device of the present invention (first invention) is an aging device for aging a fuel cell comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane in which the conductivity of reactive gas ions is improved by water retention. A plurality of fuel cells installed in a predetermined arrangement, and a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means connected to each of the fuel cells and an anode gas as a reaction gas Anode gas supply means and cathode gas supply means for supplying cathode gas, respectively, and a refrigerant connected to a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means and supplying a cooling refrigerant for power generation to each fuel cell A supply means, and an electrical load electrically connected to the plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means and energizing an output current at the time of power generation of each fuel cell. Each of the plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means is supplied with anode gas, cathode gas and refrigerant by the anode gas supply means, cathode gas supply means and refrigerant supply means, respectively, and each fuel cell The output current is supplied to the electric load in parallel to all of the plurality of fuel cells.

  According to the present invention (the first invention), in a state where a plurality of fuel cells are installed in the battery installation means, the anode gas and the cathode are respectively supplied to the fuel cells by the anode gas supply means, the cathode gas supply means, and the refrigerant supply means. The aging of the plurality of fuel cells is performed by supplying the gas and the refrigerant and conducting the output current of each fuel cell to the electric load in parallel with respect to all of the plurality of fuel cells. Can be done in a lump. In other words, a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means can be grouped and aging of these fuel cells can be performed simultaneously.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, aging of a large number of fuel cells can be performed efficiently in a fuel cell manufacturing factory or the like. As a result, the mass production efficiency of the fuel cell can be increased.

  The anode gas is preferably hydrogen gas and the cathode gas is preferably air or oxygen gas.

  In the second invention which is one of the more specific forms of the present invention, the anode gas supply means is an anode gas (preferably hydrogen gas) supplied to each of the plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means. And a means for connecting the plurality of fuel cells so as to circulate through each fuel cell in order to form a circulation flow path for the anode gas, and at least one middle portion of the circulation flow path (preferably Comprises means for supplying anode gas to a portion between each pair of fuel cells adjacent to each other along the circulation flow path.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, when aging a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means, the anode gas (for example, hydrogen gas) and the cathode gas (for example, air or oxygen gas) in each fuel cell. The water generated by the reaction and discharged from the fuel cell together with the anode gas is supplied together with the anode gas to the fuel cell adjacent to the downstream side of the fuel cell in the circulation channel. For this reason, water retention of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane of each fuel cell is promoted, and the time required for aging of each fuel cell can be shortened. In addition, even if the humidifying means for adding moisture to the anode gas supplied to the middle part of the circulation channel is omitted, moisture can be supplied to each fuel cell as described above, so the configuration of the anode gas supplying means is small and simple. Can be.

  Supplementally, when anode gas is supplied to a portion between each pair of fuel cells adjacent to each other along the circulation flow path, the anode gas consumed in each fuel cell is supplied to the fuel cell and its downstream side. It can be replenished with the fuel cell (on the downstream side in the circulation channel). For this reason, the flow rate of the anode gas supplied to each fuel cell can be made to be almost the same for all fuel cells, and as a result, variation in time required for aging of each fuel cell can be suppressed. It becomes.

  As the cathode gas, oxygen gas may be used. In that case, it is necessary to prepare a tank or the like for storing oxygen gas. Therefore, air is preferable as the cathode gas. In this case, the cathode gas supply means includes, for example, means for supplying air as cathode gas to a single humidifier, and a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means from the humidifier. And a means for distributing and supplying the humidified air (3rd invention).

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the cathode gas is humidified by the humidifier and then supplied to each fuel cell. Therefore, water retention of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane of each fuel cell is promoted, and aging of each fuel cell is performed. The time required can be shortened. Further, since the cathode gas (air) supplied to each fuel cell is humidified by a single humidifier, the cathode gas supply means can be reduced in size.

  The humidifier in the third invention includes, for example, a tank that stores water, and humidifies the supplied air by passing the supplied air through the water in the tank (fourth invention). . Thereby, the structure of a humidifier can be simplified.

  In addition, when air is used as the cathode gas, the cathode gas supply means includes a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means, and air as cathode gas is provided in a hollow water permeation provided corresponding to each fuel cell. Means for supplying through a membrane member (for example, a member in which a water permeable membrane is formed in a cylindrical shape), and supplying air containing water discharged from each fuel cell to the water permeable membrane member corresponding to the fuel cell Means (5th invention).

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when aging a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means, the anode gas (for example, hydrogen gas) and the air as the cathode gas (specifically, in each fuel cell) Moisture generated by the reaction of oxygen in the air and discharged from the fuel cell together with the air is supplied to the hollow water permeable membrane member corresponding to the fuel cell, and the water permeable membrane member is moistened. The Rukoto. For this reason, moisture is contained in the air supplied to the fuel cell through the water permeable membrane member (the air is humidified). Accordingly, water retention of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane of each fuel cell is promoted, and the time required for aging of each fuel cell can be shortened. Further, since the humidifying means in this case does not require a tank for storing moisture, the structure of the humidifying means can be made small, and as a result, the structure of the anode gas supply means can be made small. . When the hollow water permeable membrane member is formed by, for example, forming a water permeable membrane into a cylindrical shape, the flow path of the air supplied to the fuel cell has the air inside the hollow water permeable membrane member. The air flow path configured to pass through and discharged from the fuel cell may be configured to apply the air to the outer peripheral surface of the water permeable membrane member. Alternatively, on the contrary, the flow path of the air supplied to the fuel cell is configured to apply the air to the outer peripheral surface of the hollow water permeable membrane member, and the flow path of the air discharged from the fuel cell is What is necessary is just to comprise so that air may pass the inside of a hollow water-permeable membrane member.

  Supplementally, when oxygen gas (pure oxygen) is used as the cathode gas, the cathode gas supply means may adopt the same configuration as the anode gas supply means in the second invention.

  In the present invention, a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means are connected in series, and the series load voltage of the series connected fuel cells is applied to the electrical load. Is preferably electrically connected to the fuel cell group (sixth invention).

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when aging a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means, the same current flows through each fuel cell. For this reason, it is possible to suppress variations in time required for aging of each fuel cell.

  Further, in the present invention, the battery installation means is configured to install, for example, the plurality of fuel cells arranged annularly (seventh invention). According to this, the gas delivery source (hydrogen gas tank, etc.) of the anode gas supply means, and the gas delivery source of the cathode gas supply means (compressor that sucks and sends the atmosphere (air), oxygen gas tank, etc.) are annular. Since it can be arranged at the center of a plurality of arranged fuel cells, the length of the gas supply path for supplying gas from these gas delivery sources to each fuel cell is the minimum necessary for any fuel cell. It is possible to make almost the same while keeping the limit. For this reason, it is possible to make the pressure loss of each gas supply path substantially the same for any fuel cell. As a result, the flow rate of the anode gas or cathode gas supplied to each fuel cell is made uniform, Variations in time required for aging can be suppressed.

  In the present invention, the battery installation means may be configured to install the plurality of fuel cells arranged in a straight line (eighth invention).

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, since the fuel cells are arranged in a straight line, the fuel cell for aging is transferred from the conveyance path of the fuel cell production line to the battery installation means, or the fuel for which aging has been completed. It becomes easy to transfer the battery to the battery installation means.

  The refrigerant supply means connects the plurality of fuel cells so that the refrigerant supplied to each of the plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means circulates through each fuel cell in turn, for example. And a means for forming a circulation flow path for the anode gas, and a refrigerant storage means and a pump respectively interposed in the middle of the circulation flow path. In this case, a cooler that cools the refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell on the upstream side of the circulation flow path at a position between each pair of fuel cells adjacent to each other along the circulation flow path of the refrigerant, and the refrigerant And a control means for controlling the operation / stop of each of the heaters so that the refrigerant supplied to each fuel cell in the circulation channel is within a predetermined temperature range. It is desirable to control the operation / stop of each heater by the control means.

  Alternatively, the refrigerant supply means includes, for example, a means for distributing and supplying each of the plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means from a single refrigerant storage tank, and a refrigerant discharged from each fuel cell to the refrigerant storage tank. And a return means. In this case, the refrigerant supply means includes a single cooler for introducing the refrigerant discharged from each fuel cell to cool the refrigerant, a refrigerant in the refrigerant storage tank, or a refrigerant derived from the refrigerant storage tank. And a single heater for heating before distributing to each fuel cell, and a control means for controlling the operation / stop of the heater, and a refrigerant supplied to each fuel cell in a circulation channel is predetermined. It is desirable to control the operation / stop of the heater by the control means so that it falls within the temperature range.

  A first embodiment of the aging device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the aging device of the first embodiment.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a transport path for transporting a fuel cell stack 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as stack 100) as a fuel cell in the present invention to an aging station ES which is a station for performing aging, and 2 is an aging station ES Is an aging device. The conveyance path 1 is constituted by a belt conveyor or the like. The aging device 2 includes an annular conveyance path 3 and a plurality (five in this embodiment) of stack installation bases 4 arranged at equal intervals on the circumference C inside the conveyance path 3. The stack installation table 4 corresponds to the battery installation means in the present invention, and the stack 100 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) can be installed at a predetermined position and posture on each stack installation table 4. .

  The transport path 3 is constituted by a belt conveyor or the like, and the stack 100 is transferred to and from the transport path 1 by a transfer device (not shown) at a point A illustrated in the transport path 1. And the conveyance path 3 can convey the stack | stuck 100 mounted on this in the anticlockwise rotation direction as shown, for example by the white arrow Y1 in a figure.

  In addition, transfer of the stack 100 between the conveyance path 3 and each stack installation base 4 is a transfer which is not shown in the line segment (radial direction of the conveyance path 3) which connects the center of the conveyance path 3 and each stack installation base 4. Done by the device.

  In addition, the aging device 2 is arranged such that the central portion (mainly piping) of the aging device 2 disposed so as to be surrounded by the stack installation base 4 at the central portion (the central portion of the circumference C) inside the transport path 3. And the center module 5 which is a device other than wiring and the like) and the devices of the center module 5 and the stack 100 installed on each stack installation table 4 are connected to each other or installed on the adjacent stack installation tables 4 and 4. And stacks 100 and 100 are connected to each other.

  Here, a schematic configuration of the stack 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of a main part of the stack 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the stack 100 includes a membrane electrode structure (so-called MEA) 104 in which an anode electrode 102 and a cathode electrode 103 are bonded to both surfaces of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 101, and the membrane electrode structure 104. By stacking a plurality of unit cells (minimum unit fuel cells) in the normal direction of the membrane electrode structure 101, which are composed of the conductive separators 105 mounted on the surfaces of the electrodes 102 and 103, the battery body unit (Power generation function part) is configured. Of the separators 105 and 105 on both sides of each membrane electrode structure 104, the separator 105 facing the anode electrode 102 forms a hydrogen gas flow path 106 between the surface of the anode electrode 102 and the cathode electrode 103. The separator 105 facing the surface forms an air flow path 107 as a cathode gas between the surface of the cathode electrode 103. In the present embodiment, the separators 105, 105 interposed between the adjacent membrane electrode structures 104, 104 form a refrigerant flow path 108 therebetween. The flow paths 106, 107, 108 as described above are usually formed by forming a groove in a separator made of a carbon material, or by forming a separator made of a metal plate into a corrugated plate by pressing. 2 exemplifies the separator 105 formed by pressing a metal plate to form the flow paths 106, 107, and 108, for example.

  Although not shown, the battery main body of the stack 100 is housed in a housing, and the housing is provided with a hydrogen gas main passage through which the hydrogen gas flow paths 106 communicate with each other and each air flow path 107. Are connected to the main air passage and the main refrigerant passage is connected to each of the refrigerant flow paths 108. And inflow / outflow of hydrogen gas, air, and a refrigerant to each channel 106, 107, 108 is performed via these main passages, respectively.

  Returning to the description of the aging device 2, the center module 5 and the pipes / wirings 6 include a hydrogen gas supply means (anode gas supply means), an air supply means (cathode gas supply means), and a refrigerant supply means described below. In addition to the components, it includes the electrical load of the stack 100 and the electrical wiring associated therewith.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the hydrogen gas supply means 10. 3 and FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 to be described later, the same number of stacks 100 as the stack installation bases 4 are shown installed on each stack installation base 4. FIG. As shown in the figure, the hydrogen gas supply means 10 stores pressurized hydrogen gas, a hydrogen gas tank 11 provided in the center module 5, and a plurality ( In this embodiment, the same number of distribution supply pipes 13 as the stack installation bases 4 and the connection pipes 14 connecting the stacks 100 and 100 installed on the stack installation bases 4 and 4 adjacent to each other are provided.

  Here, more specifically, each connecting pipe 14 connects the hydrogen gas inlet 100a of one stack 100 of the adjacent stacks 100 and 100 to the hydrogen gas outlet 100b of the other stack 100. Therefore, by connecting the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 with these connecting pipes 14, a circulation flow path 15 for circulating hydrogen gas through each stack 100 in order is configured. Yes. That is, the circulation flow path 15 includes the connection pipe 14 and a hydrogen gas flow path (including the flow path 106) inside the stack 100. A distribution supply pipe 13 x extending toward the connection pipe 14 x of the distribution supply pipe 13 is connected to one connection pipe 14 x of the connection pipe 14 via an ejector 16. Each of the other distribution supply pipes 13 extends toward each of the other connection pipes 14 and is connected to the connection pipes 14 via a connection jig 17. Gas is introduced. In this case, the ejector 16 is for defining the direction of the hydrogen gas flow in the connecting pipe 14x and, in turn, the direction of the hydrogen gas flow in the circulation passage 15 in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in the present embodiment). It is. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of hydrogen gas flow.

  In addition, when the moisture contained in the hydrogen gas flowing through the circulation channel 15 becomes excessive, a drain pipe 18 for discharging the moisture is provided in one of the connection pipes 14, for example, the connection pipe 14 x and the on-off valve 19. Connected through.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the air supply means 20. As shown in the drawing, the air supply means 20 includes a compressor 21 that sucks in air (air), pressurizes and delivers the air, a humidifier 22 that humidifies (includes moisture) the air sent from the compressor 21, A plurality of distribution supply pipes 23 (the same number as the stack installation bases 4) distributed and derived from the humidifier 22 toward each stack installation base 4, and each of the distribution supply pipes 23 is a stack 100 on each stack installation base 4. It is connected to the air inlet 100c. The compressor 21 and the humidifier 22 are arranged in the center module 5. Further, air (humidified air) supplied from the humidifier 22 to each stack 100 on each stack installation base 4 via each distribution supply pipe 23 is an air flow path (the flow path 107 described above) inside the stack 100. Etc.) and is discharged from the air outlet 100d of the stack 100 to the outside. The arrows in the figure indicate the air flow in the air supply means 20.

  Here, a schematic configuration of the humidifier 22 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the humidifier 22 includes a tank 24 that stores water, and the pressurized air from the compressor 21 is supplied to the water in the tank 14 from below the tank 24. . The air supplied into the tank 24 is foamed and passes through the water in the tank 24, and then flows into the distribution supply pipe 23 connected to the upper portion of the tank 24. In this case, moisture is contained in the air supplied into the tank 24 in the process of passing the water in the tank 24.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the refrigerant supply means 30. As shown in the figure, the refrigerant supply means 30 includes a refrigerant tank 31 that stores refrigerant, and a pump 32 (circulation pump) that sucks and sends the refrigerant from the refrigerant tank 31 in the center module 5 and is adjacent to each other. A connecting pipe 33 is provided for connecting the stacks 100, 100 mounted on the installation tables 4, 4. In this case, one of the connection pipes 33, for example, the upper left connection pipe 33x in the drawing, has an intermediate part drawn into the center module 5, and the refrigerant tank 31 and the pump 32 are interposed in the intermediate part. It is disguised. More specifically, each connection pipe 33 connects the refrigerant introduction port 100e of one stack 100 of the adjacent stacks 100 and 100 and the refrigerant outlet port 100f of the other stack 100.

  Therefore, by connecting the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 with these connection pipes 33, the circulation flow path 34 circulates the refrigerant from the refrigerant tank 31 through the pump 32 and each stack 100 in order. Is configured. That is, the circulation flow path 34 includes the connection pipe 33 and the refrigerant flow path (such as the flow path 108) inside the stack 100. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of the refrigerant flow in the circulation flow path 34. The pump 32 may be interposed in a connection pipe 33 other than the connection pipe 33x.

  Each connecting pipe 33 is provided with a cooler 35 composed of a radiator such as a radiator and a heater 36 containing a heater (not shown). In the connection pipe 33 x, the cooler 35 and the heater 36 are provided on the downstream side of the pump 32.

  The cooler 35 radiates and cools the refrigerant heated in each stack 100 during aging described later. The heater 36 heats the refrigerant as appropriate so that the temperature of the refrigerant does not decrease too much.

  FIG. 7 schematically shows the electrical wiring structure of the aging device 2. In this electrical wiring structure, the center module 5 is provided with an electrical load 40 and a controller 41 that is a control means of the aging device 2. The electric load 40 is composed of, for example, a variable resistor, and the resistance value can be controlled by the controller 41. In addition, the stacks 100 adjacent to each other are placed between the stack mounting tables 4 and 4 except for a portion between the stack mounting tables 4x and 4y. , 100 are connected. In this case, each connection line 42 connects the positive terminal 100p of one stack 100 of the stacks 100, 100 at both ends thereof to the negative terminal 100m of the other stack 100. Therefore, the stacks 100 installed on each stack installation base 4 are connected in series by their connection lines 42.

  Further, the positive load terminal 100p of the stack 100 installed on the stack installation table 4x and the negative electrode terminal 100m of the stack 100 installed on the stack installation table 4y, respectively, of the set of stack installation tables 4x and 4y are electrically loaded 40 respectively. Connection lines 43p and 43m are provided. In this case, the positive terminal 100p connected to the connection line 43p and the negative terminal 100m connected to the connection line 43m are the stacks connected in series when the stack 100 on the stack mounting base 4 is connected in series by the connection line 42. This is a terminal for generating a total voltage (series composite voltage) of 100 (stack group) output voltages. Therefore, the series composite voltage is applied to the electric load 40.

  The controller 41 controls the resistance value of the electric load 40 (variable resistance), and operates the motor operated valve 12 of the hydrogen gas supply means 10, the compressor 21 of the air supply means 20, and the pump 32 of the refrigerant supply means 30. Control is performed via an actuator (not shown).

  Next, the operation of the aging device 2 of this embodiment will be described.

  The stack 100 transported from the upstream side of the transport path 1 is transferred to the transport path 3 of the aging device 2 by a transfer device (not shown) at the point A, and the transport path 3 is transferred to the stack installation table 4. It is transported to the opposite position. Then, the same number of stacks 100 as the stack installation bases 4 are transferred onto the transport path 3, and the stacks 100 are stopped on the transport path 3 at positions facing the stack installation bases 4. In this state, that is, in the state of the stack 100 indicated by the solid line on the transport path 3 in FIG. 1, each stack 100 on the transport path 3 is transferred to the stack mounting table 4 facing it by a transfer device (not shown). The

  Next, the pipe connection of the hydrogen gas supply means 10, the air supply means 30, and the refrigerant supply means 40 to the stack 100 on these stack installation bases 4 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 4). 6) and electrical wiring is connected as shown in FIG.

  Next, by operating a start switch (not shown) of the controller 41, aging is performed on all the stacks 100 (five stacks 100 in this embodiment) installed on each stack installation base 4 at the same time. . Specifically, the controller 41 first opens the motor-operated valve 12 of the hydrogen gas supply unit 10, operates the compressor 21 of the air supply unit 20, and further operates the pump 32 of the refrigerant supply unit 30. That is, the hydrogen gas supply means 10, the air supply means 20, and the refrigerant supply means 30 are operated.

  At this time, in the hydrogen gas supply means 10 of FIG. 3, hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen gas tank 11 to each connection pipe 14 via the distribution supply pipe 13. In this case, since the connection pipe 14 of the connection pipes 14 is connected to the distribution supply pipe 13x via the ejector 16, the flow direction of the hydrogen gas in the connection pipe 14x, and consequently the hydrogen gas in the circulation flow path 15 is achieved. The flow direction is regulated in the clockwise direction as indicated by the arrows in the figure. Accordingly, the hydrogen gas introduced into each connection pipe 14 from each distribution supply pipe 13 is transferred from the hydrogen gas inlet 100a of the stack 100 connected to the downstream end of the connection pipe 14 to the hydrogen gas flow path in the stack 100. After flowing through (including the flow path 106), it flows from the hydrogen gas outlet 100b of the stack 100 to the connecting pipe 14 connected to the hydrogen gas outlet 100b. In this way, hydrogen gas circulates in the clockwise direction flowing through the circulation channel 15 constituted by the connection pipe 14 and the stack 100. Thereby, hydrogen gas is supplied to all the stacks 100 (more specifically, the surface of each anode electrode 102 of each stack 100) on the stack mounting table 4 all at once (collectively).

  Here, a part of the hydrogen gas flowing into each stack 100 is consumed by a power generation operation described later of the stack 100, and the consumed hydrogen gas is connected to the hydrogen gas outlet 100b of the stack 100. It is replenished with hydrogen gas supplied to the connected pipe 14. That is, hydrogen gas is supplied from each distribution supply pipe 13 to each connection pipe 14 so that the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing into each stack 100 is substantially the same for any stack 100. Further, by performing a power generation operation described later of each stack 100, moisture is generated inside each stack 100, and the moisture is discharged from the hydrogen gas outlet 100b of each stack 100 together with hydrogen gas. Then, the hydrogen gas containing moisture flows from the hydrogen gas inlet 100a into the adjacent stack 100 connected to the hydrogen gas outlet 100b of the stack 100 via the connection pipe 14. Therefore, the hydrogen gas is humidified inside each stack 100 in the process of circulating the hydrogen gas through the circulation passage 15 as described above. For this reason, in the hydrogen gas supply means 10 of this embodiment, the humidifier is omitted. In the present embodiment, the moisture content in the hydrogen gas flowing through the circulation channel 15 is monitored using, for example, a humidity sensor, and the moisture content exceeds a predetermined amount and becomes excessive. Opens the on-off valve 19 so that excess water is discharged from the circulation channel 15.

  Immediately after the operation of the hydrogen gas supply means 10 is started, there is little moisture in the hydrogen gas flowing through each stack 100 in the circulation channel 15, so the initial operation of the hydrogen gas supply means 10 (after the start of operation, The hydrogen gas may be humidified using an appropriate humidifier during a period until a predetermined time elapses.

  In the air supply means 20 of FIG. 4, after the air pressurized by the compressor 21 is humidified by the humidifier 22, it is distributed and supplied to each stack 100 via the distribution supply pipe 23. After flowing through an air gas flow path (including the flow path 107) in the stack 100 from the air inlet 100c of each stack 100, the air is discharged to the outside from the air outlet 100d of the stack 100. Thereby, the humidified air is supplied to all the stacks 100 (specifically, the surface of each cathode electrode 103 of each stack 100) on the stack mounting base 4 all at once (collectively). It should be noted that the flow rate of air flowing into each stack 100 from each distribution supply pipe 23 is substantially the same for any stack 100.

  Supplementally, the means for supplying air to each stack 100 may adopt a configuration in which air is circulated through each stack 100 on the stack installation base 4, as with the hydrogen gas supply means 10. It is. However, since each stack 100 consumes only oxygen in the supplied air by performing its power generation operation, a separate oxygen supplier is required to replenish the consumed oxygen. Therefore, in this embodiment, the structure of the air supply means 20 shown in FIG. 4 is adopted. When pure oxygen is supplied to each stack 100, the supply unit may adopt the same configuration as the hydrogen gas supply unit 10. In such a case, the humidifier may be omitted similarly to the hydrogen gas supply means 10.

  Further, in the refrigerant supply means 30 of FIG. 6, the refrigerant circulates through the circulation flow path 34 in the direction of the arrow in the drawing while passing through each stack 100 in order. More specifically, the refrigerant flowing through each connection pipe 33 of the circulation flow path 34 flows from the refrigerant introduction port 100e of the stack 100 connected to the downstream end of the connection pipe 33 to the refrigerant flow path (the flow path in the stack 100). 108), the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant outlet 100f of the stack 100 to the connecting pipe 33 connected to the refrigerant outlet 100f. As a result, the refrigerant is supplied to all the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 all at once (collectively). Further, in the refrigerant supply means 30, the heater 36 of each connection pipe 33 is turned on / off under the control of the controller 41. In this case, the temperature of each stack 100 is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) and input to the controller 41. Then, the controller 41 heats the connection pipe 33 connected to the refrigerant inlet 100e of the stack 100 so that the detected temperature of each stack 100 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range (for example, 50 ° C. to 90 ° C.). The device 36 is turned ON / OFF. The refrigerant flowing into each stack 100 rises in temperature by absorbing heat generated during the power generation operation described later of the stack 100, and the raised temperature is connected to the refrigerant outlet 100f of the stack 100. The connection pipe 33 is cooled by the cooler 35. As a result, the temperature of each stack 100 is maintained at an appropriate temperature (a temperature suitable for aging of each stack 100) without being excessively high or too low.

As described above, when the hydrogen gas supply means 10, the air supply means 20, and the refrigerant supply means 30 are operated, in each stack 100, the hydrogen gas supplied to the anode electrode 102 of each membrane electrode structure 104 and Oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode electrode 103 reacts to generate electromotive force between the electrodes 102 and 103 while generating H ₂ O. As a result, the positive electrode terminal 100p and the negative electrode terminal 100m of each stack 100 are generated. An electromotive force is generated during More specifically, hydrogen gas supplied to the anode electrode 10 is ionized at the anode electrode 10, and the hydrogen ions are conducted to the cathode electrode 103 through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 101 of the membrane electrode structure 104. The hydrogen ions react with oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode electrode 103, thereby generating an electromotive force between the electrodes 102 and 103 while generating H ₂ O. The electromotive force generated between the positive electrode terminal 100p and the negative electrode terminal 100m of each stack 100 is a combined electromotive force of the electromotive force generated in each membrane electrode structure 104 included in the stack 100. Supplementally, the hydrogen ion conduction in the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 101 is performed more smoothly (containing water) than when the electrolyte 101 is dry (hydrogen ion conduction). The power generation capacity of each membrane electrode structure 104 is increased.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 are connected in series, and the stack group connected in series (the set of stacks 100 on each stack installation base 4) is an electrical load. 40 is electrically connected. Thereby, the output current of each stack 100 on the stack installation base 4 is energized to the electric load 40, and the power generation operation of all the stacks 100 is performed simultaneously (collectively). At this time, since each stack 100 is connected in series, the current flowing through each stack 100 is the same for any stack 100.

Thus, H ₂ O (moisture) is generated in the membrane electrode structure 104 of each stack 100 by performing the power generation operation of each stack 100. Further, the hydrogen gas and air supplied to each stack 100 are humidified and contain moisture as described above. As a result, the solid polymer electrolyte 101 of each membrane electrode structure 104 of each stack 100 contains water, and the stack 100 is aged.

  This aging is performed until the output voltage of each stack 100 is saturated to a substantially constant voltage. That is, the controller 41 monitors the output voltage of each stack 100 by a voltage sensor (not shown), and when this output voltage becomes almost constant for any stack 100 (amount of change in output voltage per unit time). The operation of the hydrogen gas supply means 10, the air supply means 20 and the refrigerant supply means 30 is stopped.

  Supplementally, in order to smoothly perform the aging of each stack 100, in the present embodiment, as previously proposed by the applicant of this application in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2004-47219 and 2004-55726, the controller 41 is electrically connected. By controlling the variable resistor constituting the load 40, the average current of the output current is gradually increased while increasing or decreasing the output current of each stack 100 in a short time period. By doing in this way, the aging of each stack 100 can be completed in a relatively short time while avoiding excessive rapid water content of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 101 of each stack 100. In this case, since the current flowing through each stack 100 is the same, the aging of each stack 100 is performed in the same manner for each stack 100. In the present invention, the current control during aging of each stack 100 is not necessarily performed as described above, and a known method may be adopted.

  After the aging of each stack 100 is completed as described above, the operator removes the piping such as the connection pipe 14 and the wiring such as the connection line 42 from each stack 100. Then, each stack 100 is transferred from the stack mounting base 4 to the transport path 3 by a transfer device (not shown). Further, each transferred stack 100 is transported to the point A in FIG. 1 by the operation of the transport path 3, and is transferred to the transport path 1 by a transfer device (not shown) at the point A. Each stack 100 transferred to the transport path 1 is transported downstream on the transport path 1.

  The above is the operation of the aging device 2 of the present embodiment. In such an aging device 2, aging of all the stacks 100 installed on each stack installation base 4 is performed at the same time. That is, aging of the assembled stack 100 is performed in batches by the number of the stack installation bases 4. Therefore, the aging of the stack 100 in the manufacturing plant of the stack 100 can be efficiently performed without performing the individual stack 100 individually.

  In the hydrogen supply means 10 of the aging device 2, since hydrogen gas is circulated through each stack 100 on the stack installation table 4, the hydrogen gas is discharged from the stack 100 without being consumed in each stack 10. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the stack 100 adjacent to the stack 100. For this reason, the utilization efficiency of hydrogen gas increases, and the amount of hydrogen gas used when aging the stacks 100 corresponding to the number of stack installation bases 4 can be saved. In addition, by providing the circulation flow path 15 for circulating the hydrogen gas through all the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 in order, the hydrogen gas supplied to each stack 100 can be supplied to the upstream stack 100. Since the water is humidified by the water generated inside, the humidifier for adding water to the hydrogen gas can be omitted. As a result, the configuration of the hydrogen gas supply means 10 can be made small and simple.

  Further, in the air supply means 20, the air distributed and supplied to each stack 100 is humidified by a single humidifier 22 common to all the stacks 100, so that the configuration of the air supply means 20 is simplified. It can be.

  Furthermore, in the refrigerant supply means 30, since the refrigerant is circulated through all the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 in order, the piping configuration for supplying the refrigerant to each stack 100 is simplified. Can be.

  Further, in the electrical wiring structure, all the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 are connected in series, and the stack group connected in series is connected to the electrical load 40. Therefore, the wiring structure is simplified. can do. At the same time, since the current flowing through each stack 100 can be made the same for all the stacks 100, it is possible to prevent a situation where the time required for aging varies greatly for each stack 100.

  In addition, the stack mounting base 4 is provided so that the stacks 100 installed in the ring are arranged in a ring at regular intervals, and the hydrogen gas tanks 11 serving as hydrogen gas supply sources are arranged in the center of the ring 100. Since the length of the flow path from the hydrogen gas tank 11 of the hydrogen gas supply means 10 to each of the stacks 100 is made substantially the same for any flow path, The pressure loss can be made substantially the same. Moreover, in this embodiment, the length of the connecting pipe 14 that connects the adjacent stacks 100, 100 can be made substantially the same for any connecting pipe 14, and the pressure loss of these connecting pipes 14 can be made substantially the same. As a result, variations in the flow rate of the hydrogen gas supplied to each stack 100 can be suppressed, and the flow rates thereof can be made substantially the same.

  Similarly, even in the air supply means 20, since the compressor 21 serving as an air supply source is provided in the center module 5, the length of the distribution supply pipe 23 extending from the compressor 21 to each stack 100 is set to any distribution. The supply pipes 23 can also have substantially the same length, and the pressure loss of the distribution supply pipes 23 can be made substantially the same. As a result, variation in the flow rate of air supplied to each stack 100 can be suppressed, and the flow rates thereof can be made substantially the same. Since the flow rates of hydrogen gas and air supplied to each stack 100 can be made substantially the same for any stack 100, the power generation output of each stack 100 can be made almost the same for any stack 100, and thus The variation in time required for aging of each stack 100 can be suppressed.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the air supply means (cathode gas supply means). Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, the description of the configuration other than the air supply unit is omitted. Further, among the air supply means in the present embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the same components or the same functional parts as those in the air supply means 20 in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

  FIG. 8 schematically shows the configuration of the air supply means 50 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the air supply means 50 of this embodiment distributes and supplies pressurized air to each stack 100 installed on each stack installation base 4 from the compressor 21 provided in the center module 5. The distribution supply pipes 51 are led out toward the respective stack installation bases 4, and each distribution supply pipe 51 is connected to the air inlet 100 c of the stack 100 corresponding to each distribution supply pipe 51. In this case, each distribution supply pipe 51 is provided with a humidifier 52. Further, a connecting pipe 53 that connects the air outlet 100 d of each stack 100 to the humidifier 52 of the distribution supply pipe 51 connected to the stack 100 is provided. The arrows in the figure indicate the air flow in a state where each distribution supply pipe 51 and each connection pipe 53 are connected to the stack 100 on the corresponding stack installation base 4.

  Here, the humidifier 52 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an outline of the internal structure of the humidifier 52. As shown in the drawing, inside the humidifier 52, a plurality of hollow water permeable membrane members 52a each formed in a cylindrical shape from a membrane material that does not allow gas to pass therethrough, with their axial directions oriented in the same direction. Arranged in a grid. These hollow water permeable membrane members 52a are supplied with air pressurized from the compressor 21 in the axial direction of each hollow water permeable membrane member 52a, for example, as indicated by an arrow Y9 in the figure. It is like that. Then, the supplied air passes through the inside of each hollow water permeable membrane member 52a in the axial direction, and then is supplied from the humidifier 52 to the stack 100 as indicated by an arrow Y10. Yes. In other words, the humidifier 52 is interposed in the distribution supply pipe 51 such that the axial direction of each hollow water permeable membrane member 52 a is directed to the flow path direction of the distribution supply pipe 51. Further, the air discharged from the stack 100 is supplied to the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a from the connecting pipe 53 in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a, as indicated by an arrow Y11. After it flows around the outer periphery of the hollow membrane member 52a, it is discharged from the exhaust port 52b of the humidifier 52 to the outside as indicated by an arrow Y12. That is, the flow path from the connection pipe 53 to the exhaust port 52b of the humidifier 52 is provided in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a.

  In such a humidifier 52, since the air discharged from the stack 100 contains moisture generated by the power generation operation of the stack 100, the air is supplied from the connecting pipe 53, The moisture in the air soaks into each hollow water permeable membrane member 52a. The air supplied from the compressor 21 to the humidifier 52 via the distribution supply pipe 51 penetrates into the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a in the process of passing through the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a of the humidifier 52. It will be humidified by moisture.

  The configuration other than that described above is the same as that of the aging device 2 of the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation at the time of aging of the stack 100 in the present embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the operation of the air supply means 50. That is, in the air supply means 50 in the present embodiment, when the compressor 21 is operated by the controller 41, the air pressurized by the compressor 21 is supplied to the distribution supply pipes 51 and the humidifiers 52 (specifically, the humidifiers). The inside of the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a of the vessel 52) is supplied to the stack 100 connected to the distribution supply pipe 51. The supplied air flows from the air inlet 100c of the stack 100 through the air flow path (including the flow path 107) in the stack 100, and then from the air outlet 100d of the stack 100. Is supplied to a humidifier 52 corresponding to the stack 100 through a connecting pipe 53 connected to the exhaust pipe 52, and further discharged from the exhaust port 52b to the outside through the outer periphery of the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a inside the humidifier 52. Is done.

  In this case, as in the first embodiment, the air discharged from each stack 100 includes the moisture generated inside the stack 100 when the power generation operation of each stack 100 is performed. Therefore, as described above, the air supplied to each stack 100 is humidified in the process of passing through the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a in the humidifier 52 corresponding to the stack 100. Thereby, the humidified air flows into each stack 100.

  In the present embodiment, since the air supply means 50 is configured as described above, the humidifier tank 24 as used in the first embodiment is not necessary, and the air supply means 50 can be configured in a small size. Except for the air supply means 50, the same operational effects as the first embodiment are obtained.

  Supplementally, in this embodiment, the air sent from the compressor 21 is passed through the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a, and the air discharged from the stack 100 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a. However, conversely, air sent from the compressor 21 is supplied to the stack 100 while being applied to the outer peripheral surface of the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a, and air discharged from the stack 100 is supplied to the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a. You may make it pass inside. The same applies to a fifth embodiment described later that employs the humidifier 52 in the present embodiment.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This third embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the refrigerant supply means. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, the description of the configuration other than the refrigerant supply unit is omitted. Further, among the refrigerant supply means in the present embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the same components or the same functional parts as the refrigerant supply means 30 in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

  FIG. 10 schematically shows the configuration of the refrigerant supply means 60 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the refrigerant supply means 60 of the present embodiment is provided with a refrigerant tank 31 that stores refrigerant in the center module 5 and a pump 32 that sucks and sends out the refrigerant from the refrigerant tank 31. A cooler 61 composed of a radiator such as a radiator for cooling the refrigerant returned from the stack 100 on each stack installation base 4 to the refrigerant tank 31 is provided. In this case, in this embodiment, the heater 62 which heats the refrigerant | coolant in the refrigerant | coolant tank 31 suitably is incorporated. The heater 62 includes a heater (not shown) that is ON / OFF controlled by the controller 41.

  Further, a plurality of (the same number as the stack installation bases 4) distribution supply pipes 63 distributed and led out from the pump 32 toward the respective stack installation bases 4 and the refrigerant discharged from the stack 100 on each stack installation base 4 are cooled. A plurality of refrigerant return pipes 64 (the same number as the stack installation base 4) connected to the cooler 61 for introduction into the cooler 61 are provided. Each distribution supply pipe 63 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 100e of the stack 100 on each stack installation base 4, and each refrigerant return pipe 64 is connected at its upstream end to the refrigerant outlet 100f of each stack 100. It is like that. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of refrigerant when the distribution supply pipes 63 and the refrigerant return pipes 64 are connected to the stacks 100 and the refrigerant supply means 60 is operated.

  Configurations other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation at the time of aging of the stack 100 in this embodiment will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the operation of the refrigerant supply means 60. That is, in the refrigerant supply means 60 in the present embodiment, when the pump 32 is operated by the controller 41, the refrigerant in the refrigerant tank 31 flows from the pump 32 through the distribution supply pipes 63 to the distribution supply pipes. 63 is supplied to the stack 100 connected to 63. Then, the supplied refrigerant flows from the refrigerant introduction port 100e of the stack 100 through the refrigerant flow path (including the flow path 108) in the stack 100, and then from the refrigerant outlet port 100f of the stack 100. The refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 61 via the refrigerant return pipe 64 connected to, and is further returned from the cooler 61 to the refrigerant tank 31. At this time, the refrigerant that absorbs the heat energy generated during the power generation operation of each stack 100 in each stack 100 radiates the absorbed heat energy by the cooler 61. In the present embodiment, the controller 41 detects and monitors the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant tank 31 by a temperature sensor (not shown), and the detected temperature of the refrigerant, and thus the temperature of each stack 100, falls within a predetermined temperature range. The heater 62 is turned ON / OFF so as to be maintained at (for example, 50 ° C. to 90 ° C.). As a result, the temperature of each stack 100 is maintained at an appropriate temperature (a temperature suitable for aging of each stack 100) without being excessively high or too low.

  In the present embodiment, the refrigerant cooling means 60 can centrally control the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to each stack 100 with the common cooler 61 and heater 62 for all the stacks 100, so that the temperature control of the refrigerant is performed. Becomes easier. In addition, there exists an effect similar to 1st Embodiment except this refrigerant | coolant supply means 60. FIG.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first to third embodiments, the stacks 100 that perform aging are arranged in a ring shape and are installed on the stack installation base 4. However, the aging device of the fourth embodiment includes a plurality of stacks 100 that perform aging. Are arranged in a straight line. In the present embodiment, the basic configuration other than the arrangement of the stack 100 that performs aging is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same configuration or the same function as the first embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Detailed description will be omitted using the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 11 schematically shows the overall configuration of the aging apparatus of the present embodiment. With reference to the figure, an aging device 2 ′ of the present embodiment is arranged at an aging station ES adjacent to the conveyance path 1. The aging device 2 ′ is provided with a plurality (5 in the present embodiment) of stack installation bases 4 (battery installation means) arranged at equal intervals on a straight line L parallel to the transport path 1. The structure of each stack installation base 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this case, when the same number of stacks 100 as the stack mounting tables 4 that have been transported on the transport path 1 reach a position facing the stack mounting tables 4, the stacks 100 are transferred to this by a transfer device (not shown). After the stacks 100 are transferred to the opposing stack installation tables 4 and the aging of the stacks 100 is completed, the stacks 100 on the stack installation tables 4 are again returned to the transport path 1 (in the drawing). (See solid arrow).

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the aging device 2 ′ includes a center module 5 ′ that is a main part of the aging device 2 ′ (mainly equipment other than piping and wiring), and equipment of the center module 5. Are connected to the stack 100 installed on each stack installation table 4, and are connected to the stacks 100, 100 installed on the adjacent stack installation tables 4, 4. The center module 5 ′ and the piping / wiring 6 ′ include a hydrogen gas supply means (anode gas supply means), an air supply means (cathode gas supply means), a refrigerant supply means, and a refrigerant supply means in the aging device 2 ′ of the present embodiment. Includes electrical loads and associated electrical wiring.

  FIG. 12 schematically shows the configuration of the hydrogen gas supply means 10 ′ of the aging device 2 ′ of this embodiment. The configuration of the hydrogen gas supply means 10 ′ is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the stack 100 is linearly arranged on each stack installation base 4. That is, the hydrogen gas supply means 10 ′ stores the pressurized hydrogen gas, a hydrogen gas tank 11 provided in the center module 5 ′, and a plurality ( The same number of distribution supply pipes 13 as the stack mounting bases 4, the hydrogen gas inlet 100 a of one stack 100 of the stacks 100, 100 installed on the stack mounting bases 4, 4 adjacent to each other, and the other stack 100. The connecting pipe 14 is connected to the hydrogen gas outlet 100b. In the present embodiment, the stack installation tables 4 and 4 at both ends (upper and lower ends in FIG. 12) of the arrangement of the stack installation tables 4 are also considered to be adjacent to each other. By connecting adjacent stacks 100, 100 to each other by a connecting pipe 14, a circulation flow path 15 is configured to circulate hydrogen gas through each stack 100 in order.

  Then, one of the distribution pipes 13 is connected to one of the connection pipes 14, for example, the connection pipe 14 x connecting the stacks 100, 100 at both ends of the arrangement of the stacks 100 on the stack mounting base 4. A distribution supply pipe 13 x is connected via an ejector 16, and a distribution supply pipe 13 extending toward the other connection pipe 14 is connected via a connection jig 17. With this connection configuration, as shown by the arrows in the figure, hydrogen gas is introduced into each connection pipe 14 from the hydrogen gas tank 11 through the distribution supply pipe 13, and the connection pipe 14 and the stack 100 are configured. Hydrogen gas flows through the circulation channel 15. At this time, the flow direction of the hydrogen gas in the circulation flow path 15 is regulated by the ejector 16 (in the drawing, regulated in the clockwise direction). Further, a drain pipe 18 for discharging excess moisture in the circulation flow path 15 as needed is led out from one of the connection pipes 14, for example, the connection pipe 14 x through an on-off valve 19. .

  In FIG. 11, the hydrogen gas inlet port 100a and the hydrogen gas outlet port 100b of each stack 100 are shown at positions different from those shown in FIG. 3 for convenience of illustration, but those shown in FIG. Of course, it may be the same.

  FIG. 13 schematically shows the configuration of the air supply means 20 ′ of the aging device 2 ′ of this embodiment. The configuration of the air supply unit 20 ′ is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the stack 100 is linearly arranged on each stack installation base 4. That is, the air supply means 20 ′ includes a compressor 21 that sucks in air (air), pressurizes and delivers the air, and a humidifier 22 that humidifies (includes moisture) the air sent from the compressor 21 (shown in FIG. 4). The center module 5 ′ is provided with the structure shown in FIG. Then, a plurality of distribution supply pipes 23 distributed from the humidifier 22 (the same number as the stack installation base 4) are respectively connected to the air inlets 100c of the stack 100 installed on each stack installation base 4. ing. The arrows in the figure indicate the air flow in the air supply means 20 '.

  FIG. 14 schematically shows the configuration of the refrigerant supply means 30 ′ of the aging device 2 ′ of this embodiment. The configuration of the refrigerant supply means 30 ′ is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the stack 100 is linearly arranged on each stack installation base 4. That is, the refrigerant supply means 30 ′ includes a refrigerant tank 31 that stores refrigerant, and a pump 32 (circulation pump) that sucks and delivers the refrigerant from the refrigerant tank 31 in the center module 5 ′ and is adjacent to each other. Of the stacks 100, 100 placed on the installation tables 4, 4, a connecting pipe 33 is provided for connecting the refrigerant inlet 100 e of one stack 100 and the refrigerant outlet 100 f of the other stack 100. Then, one of the connection pipes 33, for example, an intermediate portion of the connection pipe 33x connecting the stacks 100 and 100 at both ends in the arrangement of the stack 100 on the stack mounting base 4 is drawn into the center module 5 ′. A refrigerant tank 31 and a pump 32 are interposed in the intermediate portion. Thereby, the circulation flow path 34 is configured to circulate the refrigerant from the refrigerant tank 31 through the pump 32 and the stacks 100 in order. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of the refrigerant flow in the circulation flow path 34. Furthermore, in each connecting pipe 33 (in the connecting pipe 33x, a location downstream of the pump 32), a cooler 35 that cools (dissipates heat) the refrigerant and an excessive temperature drop of the refrigerant are prevented. A heater 36 for appropriately heating the refrigerant is interposed.

  FIG. 15 schematically shows the electrical wiring structure of the aging device 2 ′ of this embodiment. This electrical wiring structure is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the stacks 100 are linearly arranged on each stack installation base 4. That is, the center module 5 ′ is provided with an electric load 40 composed of a variable resistor and a controller 41 that controls the operation of the aging device 2 such as control of the resistance value of the electric load 40. Further, between the stack installation tables 4 and 4 adjacent to each other (however, a place between a set of stack installation tables 4x and 4y (in this embodiment, the stack installation table at the upper limit end of the arrangement of the stack installation tables 4). The connecting line 42 that connects the positive terminal 100p of one stack 100 and the negative terminal 100m of the other stack 100 out of the stacks 100, 100 that are adjacent to each other on the stack mounting bases 4, 4). Is provided. By connecting the stacks 100 on each stack installation base 4 to each other by the connection line 42, the stacks 100 are connected in series.

  Also, the positive terminal 100p of the stack 100 installed on the stack installation table 4x (the uppermost stack installation table in the figure) of the set of stack installation tables 4x and 4y, and the stack installation table 4y (the lowermost stack in the figure). The negative electrode terminal 100m of the stack 100 installed on the installation table) is connected to the electric load 40 via connection lines 43p and 43m, respectively.

  Next, the operation of the aging measure 2 'of this embodiment will be described. When the stack 100 transported from the upstream side of the transport path 1 reaches the position where the same number of stacks 100 (stacks 100 that have not yet been aged) as the stack mounting bases 4 face each of the stack mounting bases 4, It is transferred to each stack installation base 4 by a transfer device (not shown).

  Next, the pipe connection of the hydrogen gas supply means 10 ′, the air supply means 30 ′, and the refrigerant supply means 40 ′ to the stack 100 on the stack mounting base 4 by the operator (FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14) and electrical wiring is connected as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, aging is performed on the stack 100 on the stack installation base 4 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Then, after the aging of each stack 100 is completed, the operator removes the piping such as the connecting pipe 14 and the wiring such as the connecting line 42 from each stack 100. Then, each stack 100 is transferred from each stack installation base 4 to the conveyance path 1 by a transfer apparatus (not shown) by a transfer apparatus (not shown), and is conveyed downstream on the conveyance path 1.

  In the aging device 2 ′ of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, aging of all the stacks 100 installed on each stack installation base 4 is performed at the same time, so the stack 100 in the manufacturing plant of the stack 100 is performed. This aging can be performed efficiently without performing each aging individually.

  Further, in the hydrogen supply means 10 ', since the hydrogen gas is circulated through each stack 100 on the stack installation table 4, the use efficiency of the hydrogen gas is increased and the stack is installed as in the first embodiment. The amount of hydrogen gas used when aging the stacks 100 corresponding to the number of the bases 4 can be reduced, and a humidifier for adding moisture to the hydrogen gas can be omitted. As a result, the configuration of the hydrogen gas supply means 10 'can be made small and simple.

  Further, in the air supply means 20 ′, the air distributed and supplied to each stack 100 is humidified by a single humidifier 22 common to all the stacks 100, so that the air is the same as in the first embodiment. The configuration of the supply means 20 ′ can be simplified.

  Further, in the refrigerant supply means 30 ′, since the refrigerant is circulated through all the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 in order, the refrigerant is supplied to each stack 100 as in the first embodiment. The piping configuration for supplying can be simplified.

  Moreover, in the electrical wiring structure, all the stacks 100 on the stack installation base 4 are connected in series, and the stack group connected in series is connected to the electrical load 40. Therefore, as in the first embodiment. The wiring structure can be simplified, and a situation in which the time required for aging varies greatly for each stack 100 can be prevented.

Further, by arranging the stack installation bases 4 in a straight line, it is not necessary to interpose the transport path 3 between the transport path 1 and the stack installation base 4 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the space of the structure for aging can be saved by making the structure of aging apparatus 2 'including a conveyance means and a transfer apparatus small.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment only in the configuration of the air supply means (cathode gas supply means), and the configuration of a part of the air supply means is the same as that of the second embodiment. Is. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, the description of the configuration other than the air supply unit is omitted. Of the air supply means in the present embodiment, the same components or the same functional parts as the air supply means 20 ′ or 50 of the fourth embodiment or the second embodiment are the same as those in the fourth embodiment or the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are used and detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 16 schematically shows the configuration of the air supply means 50 ′ in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the air supply means 50 'of the present embodiment is installed on each stack installation base 4 (these are arranged in a straight line) from the compressor 21 provided in the center module 5'. A distribution supply pipe 51 for distributing and supplying pressurized air to each stack 100 is led out toward each stack installation base 4, and each distribution supply pipe 51 is connected to an air inlet 100 c of the corresponding stack 100. It has come to be. In this case, each distribution supply pipe 51 is provided with the humidifier 52 (humidifier 52 in FIG. 9) described in the second embodiment. Further, a connecting pipe 53 that connects the air outlet 100 d of each stack 100 to the humidifier 52 of the distribution supply pipe 51 connected to the stack 100 is provided. The arrows in the figure indicate the air flow in a state where each distribution supply pipe 51 and each connection pipe 53 are connected to the stack 100 on the corresponding stack installation base 4.

  The configuration other than that described above is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, only the operation of the air supply means 50 'is different from the fourth embodiment. And since air supply means 50 'employ | adopts the structure similar to 2nd Embodiment, there exists an effect similar to 2nd Embodiment. That is, the air discharged from each stack 100 (which contains moisture generated by the power generation operation of the stack 100) causes the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a inside the humidifier 52 corresponding to the stack 100 to Since it is moistened, the air supplied to each stack 100 via the distribution supply pipe 51 passes through the humidifier 52 corresponding to the stack 100 (more specifically, inside the hollow water permeable membrane member 52a of the humidifier 52). It is humidified in the process. Accordingly, the tank for storing the water for the humidifier becomes unnecessary, and the air supply means 50 'can be configured in a small size. Except for the air supply means 50 ', the same operational effects as in the fourth embodiment are obtained.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This sixth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment only in the configuration of the refrigerant supply means, and the configuration of a part of the refrigerant supply means is the same as that of the third embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, the description of the configuration other than the air supply unit is omitted. Further, among the air supply means in the present embodiment, the same components or the same functional parts as those of the refrigerant supply means 30 ′ or 60 of the fourth embodiment or the third embodiment are described in the fourth embodiment or the third embodiment. The same reference numerals are used and detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 17 schematically shows the configuration of the refrigerant supply means 60 'in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, similarly to the third embodiment, the refrigerant supply means 60 ′ of the present embodiment sucks the refrigerant from the refrigerant tank 31 that stores the refrigerant in the center module 5 ′, and the refrigerant tank 31. A pump 32 for feeding is provided, and a cooler 61 for cooling the refrigerant returned from the stack 100 on each stack installation base 4 to the refrigerant tank 31 is provided. The refrigerant tank 31 has a built-in heater 62 that is ON / OFF controlled by the controller 41 in order to appropriately heat the refrigerant.

  Also, a plurality (the same number as the stack installation base 4) of distribution supply pipes 63 distributed and led out from the pump 32 toward the stack installation bases 4 and connected to the refrigerant inlets 100e of the stack 100 on the stack installation base 4; In order to introduce the refrigerant discharged from the stack 100 on each stack installation base 4 into the cooler 61, a plurality of refrigerant return ports (the same number as the stack installation base 4) connect the refrigerant outlet 100f of the stack 100 and the cooler 61. A tube 64 is provided. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the refrigerant when the distribution supply pipes 63 and the refrigerant return pipes 64 are connected to the stacks 100 and the refrigerant supply means 60 is operated.

  Configurations other than those described above are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

  In this embodiment, only the operation of the refrigerant supply means 60 'is different from the fourth embodiment. And since the refrigerant | coolant supply means 60 'employ | adopts the structure similar to 3rd Embodiment, the operation | movement is the same as the refrigerant | coolant supply means 60 of 3rd Embodiment. Therefore, the refrigerant cooling means 60 ′ can control the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to each stack 100 intensively with the common cooler 61 and heater 62 for all the stacks 100, so that the temperature control of the refrigerant is easy. become. Except for the refrigerant supply means 60 ', the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained.

  Supplementally, the air supply means 20 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), the air supply means 50 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 8), the refrigerant supply means 60 of the third embodiment (see FIG. 10), the fourth. The air supply means 20 ′ (see FIG. 13) of the embodiment, the air supply means 50 ′ (see FIG. 16) of the fifth embodiment, and the refrigerant supply means 60 ′ (see FIG. 17) of the sixth embodiment When (air or refrigerant) is distributed and supplied from the fluid supply source (compressor 21 or refrigerant tank 31) to each stack 100 (when the fluid does not circulate through each stack 100 in turn) In order to equalize the flow rate and flow rate of the fluid supplied to each stack 100 with respect to all the stacks 100 (in order to make the distribution of the fluid to each stack 100 uniform), the distribution connected to each stack 100 is the same. Of by adjusting the length and / or diameter, it is desirable that the pressure loss of those pipes kept aligned to be substantially the same for any stack 100.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8, and FIG. 10, when the length of the pipe from the fluid (air or refrigerant) supply source provided in the center module 5 to each stack 100 can be made substantially the same. By making the diameters of these pipes the same, the pressure loss of those pipes can be made almost uniform for any stack 100.

  Further, as in the case of FIGS. 13, 16, and 17, the lengths of the pipes from the fluid (air or refrigerant) supply source provided in the center module 5 ′ to each stack 100 must be different. The diameter of the pipe may be increased as the distance from the fluid supply source to the stack 100 increases (the pipe length from the fluid supply source to the stack 100 increases). In other words, the diameter of the pipe may be reduced as the distance from the fluid supply source to the stack 100 becomes shorter (as the length of the pipe from the fluid supply source to the stack 100 becomes shorter). By doing in this way, the pressure loss of piping with respect to each stack 100 can be made substantially uniform with respect to any stack 100.

  When reducing the diameter of the pipe, a part of the pipe should be narrowed, and at least the diameter of the pipe at the inlet of each stack 100 should be the same for all stacks 100. Is desirable.

  As described above, the pipe configuration of the air supply means (cathode gas supply means) for distributing and supplying air to each stack 100 and the refrigerant supply means for distributing and supplying refrigerant is adjusted by adjusting the length and diameter of the pipes. It is desirable that the flow rate and flow rate of the fluid supplied (introduced) to be substantially the same for any stack 100. The same applies to the hydrogen gas supply means when the hydrogen gas supply means (anode gas supply means) is configured to distribute and supply hydrogen gas to each stack 100.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figure which shows schematically the whole structure of the aging apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the fuel cell (fuel cell stack) which performs aging. The figure which shows typically the structure of the hydrogen gas supply means with which the aging apparatus of 1st Embodiment was equipped. The figure which shows typically the structure of the air supply means with which the aging apparatus of 1st Embodiment was equipped. The figure which shows the structure of the humidifier of the air supply means of FIG. The figure which shows typically the structure of the refrigerant | coolant supply means with which the aging apparatus of 1st Embodiment was equipped. The figure which shows typically the electrical wiring structure with which the aging apparatus of 1st Embodiment was equipped. The figure which shows typically the structure of the air supply means of the aging apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the humidifier of the air supply means of FIG. The figure which shows typically the structure of the refrigerant | coolant supply means of the aging apparatus of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows schematically the whole structure of the aging apparatus of 4th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the structure of the hydrogen gas supply means with which the aging apparatus of 4th Embodiment was equipped. The figure which shows typically the structure of the air supply means with which the aging apparatus of 4th Embodiment was equipped. The figure which shows typically the structure of the refrigerant | coolant supply means with which the aging apparatus of 4th Embodiment was equipped. The figure which shows typically the electrical wiring structure with which the aging apparatus of 4th Embodiment was equipped. The figure which shows typically the structure of the air supply means of the aging apparatus of 5th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the structure of the refrigerant | coolant supply means of the aging apparatus of 6th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2,2 '... Aging apparatus, 4 ... Stack installation stand (battery installation means), 10, 10' ... Hydrogen gas supply means (anode gas supply means), 15 ... Hydrogen gas circulation flow path, 20, 20 ', 50 , 50 '... Air supply means, 22, 52 ... Humidifier, 24 ... Humidifier tank, 30, 30', 60, 60 '... Refrigerant supply means, 40 ... Electric load, 52a ... Hollow water permeable membrane member, 100 ... fuel cell stack (fuel cell), 101 ... solid polymer electrolyte membrane.

Claims (8)

In an aging device for aging a fuel cell provided with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane in which the conductivity of reactive gas ions is improved by water retention,
A battery installation means provided to install a plurality of fuel cells in a predetermined arrangement, and an anode gas and a cathode gas, which are reaction gases, are connected to the plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means. The anode gas supply means and the cathode gas supply means, respectively, and the refrigerant supply means connected to the plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means, and supplies each fuel cell with a cooling refrigerant during power generation A plurality of fuels installed in the battery installation means, and electrically connected to a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means and energizing an output current during power generation of each fuel cell. Supplying anode gas, cathode gas, and refrigerant to each battery by the anode gas supply means, cathode gas supply means, and refrigerant supply means, respectively; Cells in a fuel cell of the aging device is characterized in that to perform in parallel for all of the fuel cell and the plurality causing the output current is energizing the electric load.   The anode gas supply means connects the plurality of fuel cells so that the anode gas supplied to each of the plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means circulates through each fuel cell in turn. 2. The fuel cell aging device according to claim 1, further comprising means for forming a circulation flow path for the anode gas, and means for supplying the anode gas to at least one midway of the circulation flow path.   The cathode gas supply means includes means for supplying air as cathode gas to a single humidifier, and air humidified from the humidifier to the plurality of installed fuel cells installed in the battery installation means. The fuel cell aging device according to claim 1, further comprising a means for distributing and supplying the fuel.   4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the humidifier includes a tank that stores water, and humidifies the supplied air by passing the supplied air through the water in the tank. Aging device.   The cathode gas supply means supplies air as cathode gas to a plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means via hollow water-permeable membrane members provided corresponding to the fuel cells; 3. The fuel cell aging device according to claim 1, further comprising means for supplying air containing moisture discharged from each fuel cell to the water permeable membrane member corresponding to the fuel cell.   A plurality of fuel cells installed in the battery installation means are connected in series, and the electric load is applied to the fuel cell group so that a series composite voltage of the fuel cells connected in series is applied to the electric load. The fuel cell aging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aging device is electrically connected.   The fuel cell aging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery installation means is configured to install the plurality of fuel cells in an annular arrangement.   The fuel cell aging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery installation means is configured to install the plurality of fuel cells in a linear arrangement.

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