JP2008171635A - Fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel cell capable of improving power generation performance is provided.
A plurality of fuel cell modules each including a plurality of tube-type fuel cells and a case member that accommodates the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are stacked, and the stack is accommodated. An external case member, the case member is provided with an opening for the heat medium and an opening for the first reaction gas on the front and back of the case member, and an opening for the second reaction gas is provided on the side of the case member. Provided is a fuel cell in which the case member is provided with inflow suppressing means for suppressing the second reactive gas from flowing into between the plurality of adjacent fuel cell modules.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell including a plurality of fuel cell modules each including a plurality of tube-type single cells.

  A fuel cell has a membrane electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as “MEA”) including an electrolyte layer (hereinafter referred to as “electrolyte membrane”) and electrodes (anode and cathode) respectively disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. The electrical energy generated by the electrochemical reaction in (1) is taken out to the outside through current collectors arranged on both sides of the MEA. Among fuel cells, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as “PEFC”) used in a home cogeneration system or an automobile can be operated in a low temperature region. In addition, PEFC has attracted attention as a power source and portable power source for electric vehicles because it exhibits high energy conversion efficiency, has a short start-up time, and is compact and lightweight.

  For the purpose of improving the amount of power generation per unit volume, etc., research on a PEFC having a single cell columnar shape (hereinafter referred to as “tube type PEFC”) has been underway in recent years. A single cell of a tube type PEFC (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “tube type fuel cell”) is generally disposed on a hollow electrolyte membrane and on an inner peripheral surface side and an outer peripheral surface side of the electrolyte membrane, respectively. A hollow MEA including a catalyst layer. For example, an electrochemical reaction is caused by supplying a hydrogen-containing gas to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA and an oxygen-containing gas to the outer peripheral surface side, and the electric energy generated by this electrochemical reaction is converted into the inner energy of the MEA. It is taken out to the outside through current collectors arranged on the peripheral surface side and the outer peripheral surface side, respectively. That is, in the tube type PEFC, one reaction gas (for example, hydrogen-containing gas) is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA provided in each tube type fuel cell, and the other reaction gas (for example, oxygen-containing gas) is provided on the outer peripheral surface side. ) Is taken out, so that the reaction gas supplied to the outer peripheral surface side of two adjacent tubular fuel cells can be made the same. Therefore, according to the tube type PEFC, a separator having gas shielding performance in the conventional flat plate type PEFC is not required, and it is easy to reduce the size of the single cell.

  As a technique related to such a tube-type PEFC, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cell module having a pair of electrodes provided on the inner surface and the outer surface of a hollow electrolyte membrane and a current collector that contacts the pair of electrodes, respectively. A technology related to a fuel cell in which a plurality of assembled cell cartridges are accommodated in an outer container is disclosed, and according to the technology, a fuel cell capable of easily exchanging and repairing parts is provided. It is said.

JP 2005-353494 A

  However, in the fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the adhesion between the cell cartridges is low and a gap is formed between the cell cartridges, there is a possibility that gas supplied from the outside of the cell cartridge passes through the gap. is there. When the gas passes through the gap, the ratio of the gas supplied to the inside of the cell cartridge is reduced, which causes a problem that it is difficult to improve the power generation performance of the fuel cell.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell capable of improving the power generation performance, and more specifically, to provide a fuel cell capable of suppressing the flow of gas passing between the fuel cell modules. The task is to do.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following means. That is,
The present invention provides a laminated body configured by laminating a plurality of fuel cell modules each including a plurality of tube-type fuel cells and a case member that accommodates the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, and accommodates the laminate. An external case member, the case member is provided with an opening for the heat medium and an opening for the first reaction gas on the front and back of the case member, and an opening for the second reaction gas is provided on the side of the case member. The fuel cell is characterized in that the case member is provided with inflow suppressing means for suppressing the second reaction gas from flowing into between the plurality of adjacent fuel cell modules.

  Here, in the present invention, the “tube type fuel cell” refers to a hollow ion conductor, a hollow first electrode disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the ion conductor, and an ion conductor. A hollow structure provided with a hollow second electrode disposed on the outer peripheral surface side, a first current collector disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the first electrode, and an outer peripheral surface of the second electrode And a second current collector disposed on the side. Examples of the tube-type fuel cell include a tube-type PEFC single cell, a columnar oxide solid electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as “tube-type SOFC”), and the like. Furthermore, in the present invention, the “front surface of the case member” means that the outer surface of the two surfaces excluding the side surface of the rectangular parallelepiped when the outer shape of the case member is a rectangular parallelepiped, and “the back surface of the case member” Means the outer surface of the surface excluding the one surface from the two surfaces when the outer shape of the case member is a rectangular parallelepiped. Furthermore, the “heating medium” is a concept including a heating medium and a cooling medium used for the purpose of suppressing the temperature rise of the tubular fuel cell during operation. Examples of the heating medium include hot water, and examples of the cooling medium include cooling water, LLC (“LLC” is a registered trademark of Denso Corporation, the same applies hereinafter), and the like. Further, in the present invention, the “first reaction gas” and the “second reaction gas” mean that when the tube type fuel cell is a single cell of a tube type PEFC, one of the hydrogen-containing gas and the oxygen-containing gas is It corresponds to the first reaction gas and the other corresponds to the second reaction gas. When the tube type fuel cell is a tube type SOFC single cell, one of the hydrogen-containing gas and the oxygen-containing gas corresponds to the first reaction gas, and the other corresponds to the second reaction gas.

  In the above-mentioned present invention, as the inflow suppressing means, a connection configured by connecting a gasket disposed around the opening for the heat medium and a gasket disposed around the opening for the first reaction gas. A gasket is preferably provided.

  Here, the “connection gasket” provided as the inflow suppressing means of the present invention has a function as an inflow suppressing means in addition to the function of ensuring the sealing performance of the heat medium and the first reaction gas.

  Further, in the present invention in which the connection gasket is provided as the inflow suppressing means, the opening for the heat medium and the opening for the first reaction gas are provided on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the case member. It is preferable that the connection gasket provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the front or back side and the connection gasket provided at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the front side or the back side provided with the connection gasket are connected.

  Here, the “longitudinal direction of the case member” means the longitudinal direction of the tubular fuel cell housed in the case member. Further, “a connection gasket provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the front surface or the back surface of the case member (hereinafter also referred to as“ first connection gasket ”in this paragraph), and the front surface or the back surface provided with the connection gasket. The connection gasket provided on the other end in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “second connection gasket” in this paragraph) is connected ”means that the first connection gasket and the second connection gasket are connected. On the front surface of the case member, or the first connection gasket and the second connection gasket are provided on the back surface of the case member, and the gasket is integrated by connecting between the first connection gasket and the second connection gasket (hereinafter, "Sometimes referred to as" integrated gasket ") means that the case member is provided on the front surface or the back surface. The “integrated gasket” of the present invention has a function as an inflow suppression means in addition to the function of ensuring the sealing performance of the heat medium and the first reaction gas, like the connection gasket. In the present invention, "the first connection gasket and the second connection gasket are provided on the front surface of the case member" means that the first connection gasket and the second connection gasket are provided on the outer surface of the case member front surface, “The first connection gasket and the second connection gasket are provided on the back surface of the case member” means that the first connection gasket and the second connection gasket are provided on the outer surface of the case member back surface.

  In the present invention, as the inflow suppressing means, it is preferable that a convex portion is provided on the back surface of the case member and a concave portion is provided on the front surface.

  Here, in the present invention, as a specific example of the form of the “convex portion” provided on the back surface of the case member, the member that should form the convex portion is attached to the back surface of the case member so as to be integrated with the case member. In addition to the configuration in which the convex portion is configured by the case member, a configuration in which the case member itself is preliminarily molded such that the convex portion is provided on the back surface of the case member can be exemplified. Furthermore, in the present invention, as a specific example of the form of the “recessed portion” provided on the front surface of the case member, the member that forms the convex portion surrounding the recessed portion is attached to the front surface of the case member so as to be integrated with the case member. In addition to the configuration in which the concave portion is formed, the case member itself may be formed in advance so that the concave portion is provided in front of the case member.

  In the present invention, the case member includes a first end case member that houses one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of tubular fuel cells, and a second member that houses the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of tube fuel cells. And an end case member, and a case main body that accommodates a plurality of tube-type fuel cell parts sandwiched between the first end case member and the second end case member. An opening for one reactive gas is provided in the first end case member and the second end case member, and each of the first end case member and the second end case member serves as an inflow suppressing means as a heat medium. And a connecting gasket configured by connecting a gasket disposed around the opening for the first reaction gas and a gasket disposed around the opening for the first reaction gas, and a case as an inflow suppressing means. With the convex portion is provided on the back of the wood, it is preferred that the recess is provided in front of the case member.

  Here, “the case body that accommodates the portions of the plurality of tubular fuel cells sandwiched between the first end case member and the second end case member” means a plurality of cases accommodated in the first end case member. Accommodates a plurality of tube-type fuel cell portions excluding one end side in the longitudinal direction of the tube-type fuel cell and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells accommodated in the second end case member It means that the member to do is a case main body. Further, “as the inflow suppressing means, a convex portion is provided on the back surface of the case member and a concave portion is provided on the front surface of the case member” means that the case main body, the first end case member, and It means that a convex portion is provided on the back surface of one or more members of the second end case member, and a concave portion is provided on the front surface of the member provided with the convex portion. That is, in the case where convex portions are provided on the back surface of the case body, the back surface of the first end case member, and the back surface of the second end case member, the front surface of the case body, the front surface of the first end case member And, it means that a recess is provided in front of the second end case member. In the case where the convex portion is provided only on the back surface of the case main body, the same applies to other embodiments, such as a concave portion provided only on the front surface of the case main body.

  In the present invention in which the first end case member and the second end case member are provided with a connecting gasket, and a convex portion is provided on the back surface of the case main body and a concave portion is provided on the front surface of the case main body. It is preferable to be provided on the front surface of the end case member and on the front surface of the second end case member, respectively.

  According to the present invention, since the inflow suppression means is provided in the case member, the inflow of the second reaction gas between the plurality of adjacent fuel cell modules is suppressed. Therefore, since the second reactive gas supplied from the outside of the fuel cell module is easily supplied to the inside of the case member, the present invention can provide a fuel cell capable of improving the power generation performance.

  In the present invention, the connection gasket is provided as the inflow suppressing means, so that the gap between the gasket disposed around the heat medium opening and the gasket disposed around the first reaction gas opening is first increased. 2 It can be set as the form where reaction gas cannot pass easily. In addition, the number of parts can be reduced by connecting two gaskets, which is conventionally a two-membered gasket, so that the productivity of the fuel cell can be improved.

  In the present invention, since the integral gasket is provided as the inflow suppressing means, the second reaction gas can be more difficult to pass through. In addition, since the number of parts can be reduced by integrating the connecting gasket into a one-piece integrated gasket, the productivity of the fuel cell can be further improved.

  In the present invention, by providing the case member with the convex portion and the concave portion as the inflow suppressing means, it is possible to fit the convex portion of one adjacent fuel cell module and the concave portion of the other fuel cell module. It can be set as a form with which it is hard to form a clearance gap between adjacent fuel cell modules. Therefore, by setting it as such a form, the inflow of the 2nd reaction gas between adjacent fuel cell modules can be suppressed. In addition, since the adjacent fuel cell module and another fuel cell module can be stacked by fitting the convex portion and the concave portion, positioning of the plurality of fuel cell modules is facilitated. Therefore, the fuel cell productivity can be improved by adopting such a configuration.

  In the present invention, the first end case member and the second end case member are provided with the connection gasket, and the case main body is provided with the convex portion and the concave portion, so that it is difficult to form a gap between the adjacent fuel cell modules. It can be in the form. In addition, since the connecting gasket can be provided only in the first end case member and the second end case member, it is possible to improve the sealing performance of the heat medium and the first reaction gas. .

  In the present invention, a connecting gasket is provided on the front face of the first end case member and the second end case member, and a recess is provided on the front face of the case body, thereby further increasing the gap between adjacent fuel cell modules. It can be made into the form which is hard to form.

  The fuel cell module and fuel cell of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The illustrated form is merely an example of the present invention, and the fuel cell module and the fuel cell of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated form. In the following description, a case in which a plurality of single cells of the tube type PEFC are accommodated in the case member is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, a single cell of the tube type SOFC is provided in the case member. It is also possible to adopt a form in which a plurality of are accommodated. In the following description, an oxygen-containing gas (hereinafter referred to as “air”) is supplied to the outer peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA provided in the tubular fuel cell, and to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA. A mode in which a hydrogen-containing gas (hereinafter referred to as “hydrogen”) is supplied and a refrigerant is supplied to the tube-type fuel cell is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this mode. It is also possible to supply hydrogen to the outer peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA and supply air to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA in the tubular fuel cell. For example, at the time of starting, a hot medium such as hot water can be supplied instead of the refrigerant. Further, in the following description, “provided with convex portions / concave portions on the front surface” means that convex portions / concave portions are provided on the outer surface of the front surface, and “provided with convex portions / concave portions on the back surface”. Means that a convex portion / concave portion is provided on the outer surface of the back surface.

1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module provided in a fuel cell of the present invention according to a first embodiment. 1 is the longitudinal direction of the case member, and the left-right direction of FIG. 1 is the width direction of the case member. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a form example of the fuel cell module provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the first embodiment. 2 is the longitudinal direction of the case member, the right side of FIG. 2 is the front side of the case member, and the left side is the back side of the case member. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the form of the fuel cell module provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the first embodiment, in which the lower side in FIG. 3 is the front side of the case member and the upper side is the case member. It is the back side. FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1, and is shown with a gap along with a partial cross section of another fuel cell module adjacent when the fuel cell modules are stacked. 4 is the longitudinal direction of the case member. FIG. 5 is a view showing a VV cross section of the region indicated by A in FIG. 1, and shows a space along with a partial cross section of another fuel cell module adjacent when the fuel cell modules are stacked. 5 is the longitudinal direction of the case member, the right side of FIG. 5 is the front side of the case member, and the left side is the back side of the case member. FIG. 6 is a view showing a VI-VI cross section of the region indicated by A in FIG. 1, and shows a gap with a partial cross section of another fuel cell module adjacent when the fuel cell modules are stacked. 6 is the longitudinal direction of the case member, the right side of FIG. 6 is the front side of the case member, and the left side is the back side of the case member. FIG. 7 is a side view showing an embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention according to the first embodiment, and schematically shows the arrangement of the laminate, the refrigerant pipe and the hydrogen pipe, the end plate, and the electrode element. It shows. The straight arrow in FIG. 7 indicates the direction of gravity. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention according to the first embodiment, and schematically shows the arrangement of the laminate, the refrigerant pipe and the hydrogen pipe, the electrode element, and the outer case member. Is shown. The dotted arrows in FIG. 8 indicate the air flow direction. Hereinafter, the fuel cell of the present invention according to the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel cell module 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “fuel cell module 100”) provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the first embodiment includes a case body 1x and a first end case member. 1y and a case member 1 having a second end case member 1z. In the case member 1, a plurality of tube-type fuel cells 2, 2,... (Hereinafter simply referred to as “cells 2, 2,...”) And a plurality of external current collectors 7, 7,. , Cells 2, 2,..., And external current collectors 7, 7,..., The longitudinal center part is the case body 1x, the longitudinal direction one end is the first end case member 1y, and the other longitudinal direction other end. The sides are respectively accommodated in the second end case member 1z. The case main body 1x is provided with projections 3 and 3, and the projections 3 and 3 are fitted into the openings 4 and 4 provided in the first end case member 1y and the second end case member 1z, respectively. Thus, the case main body 1x and the first end case member 1y, and the case main body 1x and the second end case member 1z are connected. The first end case member 1y includes an opening 5 of the refrigerant manifold and an opening 6 of the hydrogen manifold (hereinafter referred to as an opening 5 and an opening 6 provided in the first end case member 1y. 5y "and" opening 6y "), and the groove 12 provided around the opening 5y and the opening 6y functions as a seal member for refrigerant and hydrogen and also serves as an inflow suppressing means. 8 (hereinafter referred to as “connection gasket 8y”) is disposed. On the other hand, the second end case member 1z also includes the refrigerant manifold opening 5 and the hydrogen manifold opening 6 (hereinafter referred to as the opening 5 and the opening 6 provided in the second end case member 1z. The opening 5z "and the" opening 6z ") are provided, and the groove 12 provided around the opening 5z and the opening 6z functions as a seal member for refrigerant and hydrogen and also functions as an inflow suppressing means. A connection gasket 8 (hereinafter referred to as “connection gasket 8z”) is provided. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the case main body 1x side portion in front of the first end case member 1y, the front of the case main body 1x, and the front of the second end case member 1z. The concave portion 9 (hereinafter referred to as the “concave portion 9y”, which is provided in the first end case member 1y, serves as a refrigerant and hydrogen sealing member and also serves as an inflow suppressing means. The concave portion 9 provided in the second end case member 1z is referred to as a "concave portion 9x".

  2, the side surface of the case body 1x is provided with openings 11, 11,... That allow air to flow in. When the fuel cell module 100 is in operation, the case 11, 1. Air is supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of cells 2, 2,... Accommodated in the member 1. Moreover, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, the width direction both ends of the 1st end case member 1y back surface, the width direction both ends of the case main body 1x back surface, and the width direction both ends of the 2nd end case member 1z back surface Convex portions 10 and 10 (hereinafter referred to as convex portions 10 and 10y provided on the first end case member 1y are referred to as “convex portions 10y and 10y”, and convex portions 10 provided on the case body 1x. 10 are referred to as “convex portions 10x and 10x”, and the convex portions 10 and 10 included in the second end case member 1z are referred to as “convex portions 10z and 10z”).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of cells 2, 2,... Accommodated in the case member 1 are arranged in a form sandwiched between the case member 1 and the plurality of external current collectors 7, 7,. Two modules including cells 2, 2, ... arranged in two rows and external current collectors 7, 7, ... arranged between the cells 2, 2, ... arranged in the two rows The units 13 and 13 are accommodated in a form that is separated by a partition wall 1 a that constitutes the case member 1. .. Are provided inside the external current collectors 7, 7,. Here, the fuel cell module 100 whose cross section is shown in FIG. 4 for the cells 2, 2,... And the external current collectors 7, 7,. The fuel cell module 100 adjacent to the fuel cell module 100a is referred to as “fuel cell module 100b”, and the fuel cell module 100 disposed below the fuel cell module 100a and adjacent to the fuel cell module 100a is referred to as “fuel cell module 100c”. And When the stacked body 200 is manufactured by stacking the fuel cell modules 100a, 100b, and 100c, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the front surface of the first end case member 1y constituting the fuel cell module 100b. The first end case member constituting the fuel cell module 100a meshes with the recesses 9y, 9y provided in the first and second end case members 1y constituting the fuel cell module 100a. The concave portions 9y and 9y provided on the front surface of 1y mesh with the convex portions 10y and 10y provided on the back surface of the first end case member 1y constituting the fuel cell module 100c. By forming the laminated body 200 in such a form, it is difficult to form a gap between the fuel cell module 100a and the fuel cell module 100b and between the fuel cell module 100a and the fuel cell module 100c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air supplied from the outside of the fuel cell modules 100a, 100b, and 100c from flowing into the gap. Therefore, according to the fuel cell of the present invention including the stacked body 200 configured by stacking the fuel cell modules 100, it is possible to increase the ratio of air flowing from the side surface of the case member 1 to the inside of the case member 1. Therefore, the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the fuel cell module 100 in which the concave portion 9 is provided on the front surface of the case member 1 and the convex portions 10 and 10 are provided on the back surface of the case member 1, the fuel cell module 100 is adjacent when the stacked body 200 is manufactured. The protrusions 10, 10,... Of the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... And the recesses 9, 9,. Therefore, according to the fuel cell of the present invention including the fuel cell module 100, productivity can be improved. Further, the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Are easily positioned in this manner, so that, for example, the refrigerant manifold openings 5 and 5 and the hydrogen manifold provided in one adjacent fuel cell module 100 are provided. It is easy to align the openings 6 and 6 with the openings 5 and 5 of the refrigerant manifold and the openings 6 and 6 of the hydrogen manifold provided in the other fuel cell modules 100. The fuel cell modules 100, 100 are stacked in such a manner that the positions of the openings 5, 5,... Of the refrigerant manifolds of the adjacent fuel cell modules 100, 100 and the openings 6, 6,. Thus, the refrigerant and hydrogen can be easily supplied to the inside of the case members 1 and 1. Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 100 in which the case member 1 is provided with the convex portions 10 and 10 and the concave portion 9 that function as inflow suppressing means, the power generation performance can be further improved.

  The fuel cell of the present invention according to the first embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the following description, FIGS. 5 and 6 show the fuel cell module 100 in which the cross section of the case member 1 and the cross sections of the external current collectors 7 and 7 or the cells 2, 2,. "Fuel cell module 100a", the fuel cell module 100 in which only the cross section of the case member 1 and the cross section of the gasket 35 are shown on the left side of the fuel cell module 100a is "fuel cell module 100b", and the case member 1 on the right side of the fuel cell module 100a The fuel cell module 100 in which only the cross section is shown may be referred to as a “fuel cell module 100c”.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, recesses 9 y, 9 x, and 9 z are formed in front of the case main body 1 x, the first end case member 1 y, and the second end case member 1 z provided in the fuel cell module 100. And the convex portions 10y, 10x, and 10z are provided on the back surfaces of the case body 1x, the first end case member 1y, and the second end case member 1z. Therefore, when the stacked body 200 is manufactured by stacking the fuel cell modules 100a, 100b, and 100c, the first end case member 1y, the case main body 1x, and the second end portion of the fuel cell module 100b. Recesses 9y, 9x, and 9z provided on the front surface of the case member 1z, and the back surfaces of the first end case member 1y, the case body 1x, and the second end case member 1z of the fuel cell module 100a, respectively. The convex portions 10y, 10x, and 10z to be engaged with each other. The first end case member 1y, the case main body 1x, and the second end case member 1z of the fuel cell module 100a are respectively provided with the recesses 9y, 9x, and 9z, and the first end case member 1y of the fuel cell module 100c. The convex portions 10y, 10x, and 10z provided on the back surfaces of the one end case member 1y, the case main body 1x, and the second end case member 1z mesh with each other. Therefore, according to the fuel cell of the present invention including the laminate 200 manufactured in this manner, the ratio of air flowing from the side surface of the case member 1 to the inside of the case member 1 can be increased. In addition to improving the power generation performance of the fuel cell, the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Can be easily positioned, so that productivity can be improved.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fuel cell 1000 of the present invention includes a plurality of fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Electrically connected in series and a manifold integrated end plate 505 (hereinafter referred to as “manifold 505”). And an end plate 506 and electrode elements 601 and 602, and refrigerant pipes 501 and 502 and hydrogen pipes 503 and 504 are connected to the manifold 505. And the pressure which can reduce the contact resistance between fuel cell modules is given from the both ends of the lamination direction of several fuel cell modules 100,100, ... by the pressure provision means (not shown). In the fuel cell 1000, hydrogen supplied via the hydrogen pipe 503 is supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Via the manifold 505 and used for power generation. Then, the hydrogen discharged from the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Is recovered via the manifold 505 and the hydrogen pipe 504. On the other hand, the refrigerant supplied via the refrigerant pipe 501 is supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Via the manifold 505, and the refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. And through the refrigerant pipe 502. And an external current collecting member (not shown) provided in the fuel cell module 100 located on the outermost side (the left side in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) of the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. An internal current collecting member provided in the fuel cell module 100 connected to the electrode element 601 and located on the outermost side (the right side in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) opposite to the fuel cell module 100 to which the electrode element 601 is connected. (Not shown) and the electrode element 602 are connected. Therefore, according to the fuel cell 1000, electric energy can be taken out via the electrode element 601 and the electrode element 602.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell 1000 includes an outer case member 700, and each member shown in FIG. 7 is accommodated in the outer case member 700. The outer case member 700 is provided with an opening through which permeable membranes 701, 701,... Capable of removing dust and dust and the like and capable of transmitting air can be disposed, and the air that has passed through the permeable membranes 701, 701,. Are supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. As described above, in the fuel cell 1000, it is possible to improve the power generation performance by making it difficult for air to flow between the adjacent fuel cell modules 100, 100,. The fuel cell modules 100, 100,. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the fuel cell 1000 capable of improving the power generation performance and productivity.

  In the above description regarding the fuel cell of the present invention, the mode in which the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Are stacked in a row is illustrated, but the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to this mode and is electrically It is also possible to stack two or more rows in a form connected in series.

  Further, in the above description regarding the fuel cell of the present invention, the form in which the manifold integrated end plate is provided is illustrated, but the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to this form, and the manifold and the end plate are separated. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a manifold and an end plate are configured so that the refrigerant and hydrogen are connected to each other so that they can flow in and out.

2. Second Embodiment FIG. 9 is a front view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module provided in a fuel cell of the present invention according to a second embodiment. 9 is the longitudinal direction of the case member, and the left-right direction of FIG. 9 is the width direction of the case member. FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing an example of the form of the fuel cell module provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the second embodiment. 10 is the longitudinal direction of the case member, the right side of FIG. 10 is the front side of the case member, and the left side is the back side of the case member. FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module provided in the fuel cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The lower side of FIG. 11 is the front side of the case member, and the upper side is the case member. It is the back side. FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a configuration of a laminated body provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the second embodiment. In order to facilitate understanding of the structure, three pieces provided in the laminated body are shown. Only the fuel cell modules are extracted, and the three fuel cell modules are arranged at intervals. 9 to 12, components having the same configuration as the members shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 to 8, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, the fuel cell of the present invention according to the second embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. It should be noted that the inside form of the case member of the fuel cell module provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the second embodiment (arrangement form of the tube type fuel cell etc.) Since it is the same as that of form, description of sectional drawing is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a fuel cell module 110 (hereinafter simply referred to as “fuel cell module 110”) provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the second embodiment includes a case main body 21x, a first end case member. And a case member 21 having a second end case member 21z. A plurality of cells 2, 2,... And a plurality of external current collectors 7, 7,... Are accommodated in the case member 21, and the cells 2, 2,. The central portion in the longitudinal direction is accommodated in the case body 21x, one end in the longitudinal direction is accommodated in the first end case member 21y, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is accommodated in the second end case member 21z. The width direction both ends of the front surface of the case body 21x, the portion including the periphery of the opening 5 and the opening 6 on the front of the first end case member 21y, and the opening 5 and the opening 6 on the front of the second end case member 21z. The portion including the periphery is provided with grooves 22, 22, 23, and 23. The grooves 22, 22, 23, and 23 function as a seal member for refrigerant and hydrogen and also function as an inflow suppressing means. An integral gasket 24 is provided. That is, in the fuel cell module 110, the connection gasket 8y and the connection gasket 8z provided in the fuel cell module 100 are connected by gaskets (portions 24x and 24x shown in FIG. 9) disposed therebetween. , An integral gasket 24 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the side surface of the case main body 21x is provided with openings 11, 11,... That allow air to flow in. When the fuel cell module 110 is in operation, the case 11, 21. Air is supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of cells 2, 2, ... accommodated in the member 21. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, an integrated gasket 24 is disposed on the front surface of the first end case member 21y, the front surface of the case body 21x, and the front surface of the second end case member 21z. On the other hand, no integral gasket is provided on the back surface of the first end case member 21y, the back surface of the case body 21x, and the back surface of the second end case member 21z, and the back surface is provided with inflow suppressing means. Not.

  Even in such a form of the fuel cell module 110, the front surface of the one fuel cell module 110 (the integrated gasket 24 disposed on the front surface) and the back surface of the other fuel cell module 110 are in contact with each other. When the laminated body 210 is produced by laminating the fuel cell modules 110, 110,..., The gap that can be formed between one adjacent fuel cell module 110 and another fuel cell module 110 is formed in the case member 21. The integrated gasket 24 is disposed over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the fuel cell of the present invention according to the second embodiment configured by replacing the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Provided in the fuel cell 1000 shown in FIG. (Not shown) can also reduce the gap that can be formed between the adjacent fuel cell modules 110 and 110, so that the air supplied from the outside of the fuel cell modules 110, 110,. It can suppress flowing into the gap. Therefore, according to the fuel cell of the present invention including the stacked body 210 configured by stacking the plurality of fuel cell modules 110, 110,..., The air flowing into the inside of the case member 21 from the side surface of the case member 21. Since the ratio can be increased, the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be improved.

  In the above description relating to the fuel cell of the present invention according to the second embodiment, only the integrated gasket 24 that functions as an inflow suppressing means is provided on the front surface of the case member 21, and the inflow suppression is provided on the front surface and the back surface of the case member 21. Although the embodiment in which the concave portion and the convex portion that function as means are not provided is illustrated, the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. From the standpoint of improving the productivity of the fuel cell by making it possible to easily position the stacked fuel cell modules, the front and back surfaces of the case member with the integrated gasket are provided, It is preferable that a concave portion and a convex portion functioning as inflow suppressing means are provided.

3. Third Embodiment FIG. 13 is a front view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module provided in a fuel cell of the present invention according to a third embodiment. 13 is the longitudinal direction of the case member, and the left-right direction of FIG. 13 is the width direction of the case member. FIG. 14 is a side view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the third embodiment. 14 is the longitudinal direction of the case member, the right side of FIG. 14 is the front side of the case member, and the left side is the back side of the case member. FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module provided in the fuel cell according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The lower side of FIG. 15 is the front side of the case member, and the upper side is the case member. It is the back side. FIG. 16 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a configuration of a laminated body provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the third embodiment. In order to facilitate understanding of the structure, three pieces provided in the laminated body are shown. Only the fuel cell modules are extracted, and the three fuel cell modules are arranged at intervals. In FIGS. 13 to 16, the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 to 8 are assigned to the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, the fuel cell of the present invention according to the third embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. In addition, the inner form of the case member of the fuel cell module provided in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the third embodiment (arrangement form of the tube type fuel cell etc.) Since it is the same as that of form, description of sectional drawing is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a fuel cell module 120 (hereinafter simply referred to as “fuel cell module 120”) included in the fuel cell of the present invention according to the third embodiment includes a case main body 31x and a first end case member. A case member 31 having 31y and a second end case member 31z is provided. A plurality of cells 2, 2,... And a plurality of external current collectors 7, 7,... Are accommodated in the case member 31, and the cells 2, 2,. The longitudinal direction central portion is accommodated in the case body 31x, the longitudinal direction one end side is accommodated in the first end case member 31y, and the longitudinal direction other end side is accommodated in the second end case member 31z. The first end case member 31y is provided with an opening 5 and an opening 6, and the groove 12 provided around the opening 5 and the opening 6 functions as a seal member for refrigerant and hydrogen and has an inflow suppressing means. The connecting gasket 8 is also provided. On the other hand, the second end case member 31z is also provided with the opening 5 and the opening 6, and functions as a seal member for refrigerant and hydrogen and flows into the groove 12 provided around the opening 5 and the opening 6. A connecting gasket 8 that also functions as a suppression means is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the side surface of the case body 31x is provided with openings 11, 11,... That allow air to flow in. When the fuel cell module 120 is in operation, the case 11, 31. Air is supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of cells 2, 2, ... accommodated in the member 31. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 13-16, while connecting gaskets 8 and 8 are arrange | positioned in the front of the 1st end case member 31y and the front of the 2nd end case member 31z, it is 1st end The back surface of the case member 31y, the front and back surfaces of the case body 31x, and the back surface of the second end case member 31z are not provided with inflow suppressing means such as a connecting gasket.

  Even in the fuel cell module 120 of this form, the connection gaskets 8 and 8 disposed on the front surface of the one fuel cell module 120 (the front surface of the first end case member 31y and the front surface of the second end case member 31z). ) And the back surface of another fuel cell module 120 are in contact with each other, and a stacked body 220 is manufactured by stacking a plurality of fuel cell modules 120, 120,. Air can be prevented from flowing into the back surface of another fuel cell module 120 and the space surrounded by the opening 5 and the opening 6. Therefore, the fuel cell of the present invention according to the third embodiment configured by replacing the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Provided in the fuel cell 1000 shown in FIG. (Not shown) can also reduce the gap that can be formed between the adjacent fuel cell modules 120, so that the air supplied from the outside of the fuel cell modules 120, 120,. It can suppress flowing into the gap. Therefore, according to the fuel cell of the present invention including the stacked body 220 configured by stacking the plurality of fuel cell modules 120, 120,... Since the ratio can be increased, the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be improved.

  In the above description regarding the present invention, the case members 1, 21, 31 include the case main bodies 1x, 21x, 31x, the first end case members 1y, 21y, 31y, and the second end case members 1z, 21z, 31z. Although the form provided is illustrated, the case member provided in the fuel cell module of the present invention is not limited to the above form, and may be provided with a plurality of members capable of accommodating a plurality of tubular fuel cells. . As another example of the case member provided in the fuel cell module of the present invention, the case member is constituted by two members that can be divided / connected at substantially the center in the axial direction of a plurality of tubular fuel cells accommodated in the case member. And the like.

  In the present invention, the case main body, the first end case member, and the second end case member (hereinafter simply referred to as “case member”) have at least an inner surface thereof from the viewpoint of preventing a short circuit. An insulating material (for example, an insulating resin typified by vinyl chloride resin) is used. When the case member is made of metal, it is preferable to form at least an inner surface of the case member with an insulating coating. In addition, from the viewpoint of providing a case member having rigidity capable of withstanding the pressure applied when the fuel cell modules are stacked, when the case member is made of an insulating resin, the thickness of the case member and / or Alternatively, it is preferable to have a configuration having the rigidity by appropriately adjusting the structure and the like.

  In the present invention, the number of cells 2, 2,... Accommodated in the case members 1, 21, 31 is determined by electrically connecting the cells 2, 2,. , 120 is not particularly limited as long as the current value required for 120 can be reached. The number of cells 2, 2,... Accommodated in the case members 1, 21, 31 can be, for example, about several tens to one hundred and several tens. In the above description, the case in which the two module units 13 and 13 are accommodated in the case members 1, 21, and 31 has been illustrated, but the fuel cell module of the present invention is not limited to this form. The number of module units accommodated in the case member can be an appropriate number of one or more in consideration of the degree of cell integration, the current value required for the fuel cell module, and ease of assembly. .

  In the present invention, the cell 2 includes a hollow solid polymer membrane having proton conductivity, a hollow first electrode disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the solid polymer membrane, and an outer periphery of the solid polymer membrane. A hollow second electrode disposed on the surface side, a first current collector disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the first electrode, and a second current collector disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the second electrode If it has an electric body, the form will not be specifically limited. Specific examples of the proton conductive polymer contained in the hollow solid polymer membrane include a fluorine-based polymer having at least one of a sulfonic acid group, a phosphonic acid group, and a phosphoric acid group with a fluorine-containing polymer as a skeleton. And a hydrocarbon-based polymer having a hydrocarbon skeleton such as polyolefin. Specific examples of the electrolyte membrane containing the fluorine polymer include Nafion (“Nafion” is a registered trademark of DuPont, USA) and Flemion (“Flemion” is a registered trademark of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.). . On the other hand, as a specific example of the electrolyte membrane containing the hydrocarbon-based polymer, there can be mentioned Selemion and the like (“Selemion” is a registered trademark of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.).

  The first electrode and the second electrode provided in the cell 2 are not particularly limited as long as they include a substance (catalyst) that functions as a catalyst for electrochemical reaction and a proton conductive substance. The catalyst layer which can be used can be used suitably. Specific examples of the catalyst contained in the first electrode and the second electrode include Pt, Co, Ru, Ir, Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, Fe, Cr, Mn, V, Ti, Mo, Pd, Examples thereof include a Pt alloy having one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Rh and W and Pt. In addition, specific examples of the proton conductive material contained in the first electrode and the second electrode include the proton conductive polymer that can be contained in the hollow solid polymer membrane.

  In addition, the first current collector and the second current collector provided in the cell 2 have good electron conductivity and can withstand the environment during operation of the fuel cell (for example, heat resistance and water resistance). Etc., the same applies hereinafter), the constituent material is not particularly limited. Specific examples of materials constituting the first current collector and the second current collector include copper, aluminum, silver, gold, and platinum. When copper or aluminum is used as the base material of the first current collector and / or the second current collector, the surface is preferably covered with gold or the like from the viewpoint of improving acid resistance.

  In the present invention, the material for the external current collector 7 is not particularly limited as long as the external current collector 7 has good electron conductivity and has a property that can withstand the environment during operation of the fuel cell. . Specific examples of the material constituting the external current collector 7 include metals such as copper, silver, gold, and platinum. When copper is used as the base material of the external current collector 7, the surface is preferably covered with gold or the like from the viewpoint of improving acid resistance. Furthermore, when the refrigerant flow path is provided inside the external current collector 7 made of metal, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path is an insulating refrigerant from the viewpoint of preventing leakage. It is preferable.

  In the present invention, the connecting gasket 8 and the integrated gasket 24 are made of a material that can exhibit the function as the inflow suppressing means of the present invention in addition to the function of sealing the refrigerant and hydrogen during the operation of the fuel cell. The constituent material is not particularly limited. Further, when the case members 1, 21, and 31 are made of a metal whose inner surface is coated with an insulating coating, the connecting gasket 8 is used from the viewpoint of making the fuel cell in a form in which productivity is easily improved. It is preferable to use a bead gasket as the integral gasket 24 and vulcanize and bond the bead gasket to the case members 1, 21, 31.

In the above description related to the present invention, the case in which the convex portions 10 and 10 are provided at both ends in the width direction of the case member 1 is illustrated, but the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In addition to the above-described form, the fuel cell of the present invention has, for example, substantially the entire length in the width direction of the case member excluding a portion that should mesh with a frame-shaped convex portion surrounding a concave portion as an inflow suppressing means provided in an adjacent fuel cell module. It is also possible to have a configuration in which a convex portion is provided. However, from the viewpoint of facilitating weight reduction of the fuel cell by reducing the members constituting the convex portions, it is preferable that the convex portions are provided at both end portions in the width direction of the case member.
In the present invention, when the case member is provided with a convex portion and a concave portion that function as inflow suppressing means, the height of the convex portion and the depth of the concave portion can be made to function as the inflow suppressing means. There is no particular limitation.

1 is a front view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 100. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 100. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the IV-IV cross section of FIG. It is a figure which shows the VV cross section of the area | region shown by A in FIG. It is a figure which shows the VI-VI cross section of the area | region shown by A in FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a form of a fuel cell 1000. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a form of a fuel cell 1000. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 110. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 110. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 110. FIG. It is a side view which shows the example of a form of the laminated body 210 roughly. 2 is a front view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 120. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 120. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a form of a fuel cell module 120. FIG. It is a side view which shows the example of a form of the laminated body 220 roughly.

Explanation of symbols

1, 21, 31 ... case member 1x, 21x, 31x ... case main body 1y, 21y, 31y ... first end case member 1z, 21z, 31z ... second end case member 2 ... cell (tube type fuel cell)
3 ... convex part 4 ... opening part 5 ... opening part (opening part for heat medium)
6 ... Opening (Opening for the first reactive gas)
7 ... External current collector 8, 8y, 8z ... Connection gasket (inflow suppressing means)
9 ... concave portion (inflow suppression means)
9x, 9y, 9z ... concave portion (inflow suppressing means)
10 ... convex part (inflow suppression means)
10x, 10y, 10z ... convex portion (inflow suppression means)
11 ... Opening (second reactive gas opening)
12 ... groove 13 ... module unit 22, 23 ... groove 24 ... integrated gasket (inflow suppression means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 110, 120 ... Fuel cell module 200, 210, 220 ... Laminated body 501, 502 ... Refrigerant piping 503, 504 ... Hydrogen piping 505, 506 ... Manifold 601, 602 ... Electrode element 700 ... Outer case member 701 ... Permeation | transmission Membrane 1000 ... Fuel cell

Claims (6)

A laminate comprising a plurality of tube-type fuel cells and a fuel cell module comprising a case member containing the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, and an outer case member containing the laminate. With
An opening for the heat medium and an opening for the first reaction gas are provided on the front surface and the back surface of the case member, and an opening for the second reaction gas is provided on the side surface of the case member.
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the case member is provided with inflow suppressing means for suppressing the second reaction gas from flowing into between the plurality of adjacent fuel cell modules. As the inflow suppression means, there is a connecting gasket configured by connecting a gasket disposed around the opening for the heat medium and a gasket disposed around the opening for the first reactive gas. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell is provided. The opening for the heat medium and the opening for the first reaction gas are provided on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the case member,
The connection gasket provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the front surface or the back surface of the case member, and the connection gasket provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the front surface or the back surface provided with the connection gasket, The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the fuel cells are connected. 3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion is provided on the back surface of the case member and a concave portion is provided on the front surface as the inflow suppressing means. 4. A first end case member that houses one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of tubular fuel cells in the case member, and a second end portion that houses the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of tube fuel cells. A case member, and a case main body that accommodates portions of the plurality of tubular fuel cells sandwiched between the first end case member and the second end case member,
The opening for the heat medium and the opening for the first reaction gas are provided in the first end case member and the second end case member,
In each of the first end case member and the second end case member, as the inflow suppressing means, a gasket disposed around the opening for the heat medium and the opening for the first reactive gas And a connecting gasket configured by connecting with a gasket disposed around
2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein as the inflow suppression means, a convex portion is provided on the back surface of the case member, and a concave portion is provided on the front surface of the case member. The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein the connection gasket is provided on the front surface of the first end case member and on the front surface of the second end case member.

Images