CA2428959C - Fuel cell stack structure - Google Patents
Fuel cell stack structure Download PDFInfo
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- CA2428959C CA2428959C CA002428959A CA2428959A CA2428959C CA 2428959 C CA2428959 C CA 2428959C CA 002428959 A CA002428959 A CA 002428959A CA 2428959 A CA2428959 A CA 2428959A CA 2428959 C CA2428959 C CA 2428959C
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- gas
- fuel cell
- flow channel
- gas flow
- stack structure
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- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 91
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 170
- 239000002737 fuel gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 229920000867 polyelectrolyte Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 claims 36
- 210000005056 cell body Anatomy 0.000 claims 11
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 abstract description 16
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 15
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 11
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 230000003197 catalytic effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 7
- -1 hydrogen ions Chemical class 0.000 description 6
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003014 ion exchange membrane Substances 0.000 description 3
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910021645 metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dioxygen Chemical compound O=O MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N alstonine Natural products C1=CC2=C3C=CC=CC3=NC2=C2N1C[C@H]1[C@H](C)OC=C(C(=O)OC)[C@H]1C2 WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04291—Arrangements for managing water in solid electrolyte fuel cell systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
- H01M8/0213—Gas-impermeable carbon-containing materials
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
- H01M8/0223—Composites
- H01M8/0228—Composites in the form of layered or coated products
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
- H01M8/0263—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant having meandering or serpentine paths
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0267—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2457—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/2483—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/2484—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by external manifolds
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Fuel Cell (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a fuel cell stack structure (23) capable of suppressing a drop in voltage resulting from flooding ar contamination at an end in a direction in which cells (10) are laminated, particularly in a cell (10) at a gas outlet/inlet end. In this fuel cell stack structure (23), a layer (31) which is irrelevant to power generation and in which a gas flow channel (36) is formed is provided at least at a gas outlet/inlet end of a laminated-cell body of a fuel cell (10) such as a solid- polyelectrolyte fuel cell. The layer (31) is constructed of a dummy cell (31) having a gas flow channel but no MEA. In addition, according to this fuel cell stack structure (23), both a fuel gas flow channel (36a) and an oxidative gas flow channel (36b) are formed in one face of the layer (31) which is irrelevant to power generation and in which the gas flow channels (36) are formed.
Description
FUEL CELL STACK STRUCTURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1_ Field of the Invention [0001] The invention relates to a fuel cell stack structure and, more particularly, to a solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) stack structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1_ Field of the Invention [0001] The invention relates to a fuel cell stack structure and, more particularly, to a solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) stack structure.
2. Description of the Related Art [0002] A solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell is constructed by laminating membrane-electrode assemblies (MEA's) and separators. Each of the MEA's is composed of an electrode membrane made of an ion exchange membrane, an electrode (anode or fuel pole) made of a catalytic layer disposed on one face of the electrode membrane, and an electrode (cathode or air pole) made of a catalytic layer disposed on the other face of the electrode membrane. Each of the separators has a fluid passage for supplying the anode and cathode of a corresponding one of the MEA's with fuel gas (hydrogen) and oxidative gas (oxygen, usually air) respectively.
Each of the separators also has a coolant flow channel through which coolant flows. A diffusion layer is interposed between each of the MEA's and a corresponding one of the separators. One or more cells are laminated to constitute a module. The same modules as this one are laminated to constitute a module group.
A terminal, an insulator, and an end plate are disposed on either side of the module group in a directions in which the cells are laminated (hereinafter referred to as a cell-lamination direction). A laminated-cell body thus constructed is fastened in the cell-lamination direction. The laminated-cell body is fixed on its outside by a fastening member (e.g., a tension plate, a tension bolt, or the like), whereby a stack is constructed.
Each of the separators also has a coolant flow channel through which coolant flows. A diffusion layer is interposed between each of the MEA's and a corresponding one of the separators. One or more cells are laminated to constitute a module. The same modules as this one are laminated to constitute a module group.
A terminal, an insulator, and an end plate are disposed on either side of the module group in a directions in which the cells are laminated (hereinafter referred to as a cell-lamination direction). A laminated-cell body thus constructed is fastened in the cell-lamination direction. The laminated-cell body is fixed on its outside by a fastening member (e.g., a tension plate, a tension bolt, or the like), whereby a stack is constructed.
[0003] On the anode side of the solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell, a reaction of turning one hydrogen molecule into two hydrogen ions and two electrons occurs, and the hydrogen ions move through an electrolytic membrane toward the cathode side. On the cathode side of the solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell, a reaction of producing two water molecules from four hydrogen ions, four electrons, and one oxygen molecule (the electrons produced in the anode of an adjacent one of the MEA's penetrate a corresponding one of the separators, or the electrons produced in the anode of a cell on one end of the laminated-cell body flow to the cathode of a cell on the other end of the laminated-cell body through an external circuit) occurs.
[0004] Anode Side: H2->2H++2e-[0005] Cathode Side: 2H++2e-+ (1/2) 0Z->H20 [0006] In order for hydrogen ions to move through the electrolytic membrane, it is required that the electrolytic membrane be suitably wet. In addition to humidifying gas appropriately and supplying it to the laminated-cell body, water produced by power-generating reactions mentioned above is utilized to keep the electrolytic membrane wet. However, if the electrolytic membrane becomes excessively wet, water pockets (flooding) are created in gas flow channels. This causes a decrease in output of the fuel cell.
[0007] According to a procedure proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-236975, a bypass flow channel for gases irrelevant to power generation is formed in a deep end portion of a fuel cell stack, produced water that has flown through this bypass flow channel to stay in a gas manifold on the gas outlet/inlet side is extruded, and the occurrence of inconveniences resulting from the produced water is restrained.
[00081 However, the fuel cell stack of the related art has a problem, namely, a drop in the voltage of end cells during power generation. This problem is caused mainly because of the following reasons. The first one (1) consists in that condensate and impurities (metal ions contained in a system and the like) tend to mix with the end cells, that flooding or contamination is thus caused, and that cell voltages are decreased as a result. The second one (2) consists in that the end portions are susceptible to external heat and thus tend to be cooled, and that flooding occurs as a result.
[00041Even if the bypass flow channel for gases is formed in the deep end at the outlet or inlet of the stack as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-236975, a drop in voltage in those cells at the gas outlet/inlet ends is inevitable. Especially in the cells at the gas outlet/inlet ends, inconveniences are likely to be caused by impurities that have mixed with gas_ These inconveniences cannot be eliminated by the aforementioned related art. In addition, there is caused another problem, which is the occurrence of flooding based on the fact that the cells at the gas outlet/inlet ends tend to be cooled. This problem cannot be solved either.
[00101 It is an object of the invention to provide a fuel cell stack structure capable of suppressing a drop in voltage resulting from flooding or contamination in end portions in the cell-lamination direction, particularly, in the cells at the gas outlet/irilet ends.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention for achieving the object stated above, there is provided a fuel cell stack structure that is characterized by having a laminated-cell body constructed by laminating a predetermined number of fuel cells and a gas flow channel layer which is provided at a gas outlet/inlet end of the laminated-cell body and which includes a gas flow channel formed in the direction of a plane of the gas flow channel layer.
[0012]In this arrangement, since the layer in which the gas flow channel is formed is provided at least at the gas outlet/inlet end, it is possible to restrain the occurrence of a drop in voltage resulting from flooding by water or contamination by impurities at an end in the cell-lamination direction, especially in a cell at the gas outlet/inlet end. In addition, the influence of external temperatures (low temperatures) can be lessened, and condensation of water and flooding can be suppressed.
[0013] In addition, the gas flow channel layer is irrelevant to power generation of the fuel cell.
Further, the fuel cell is a solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell. Still further, the gas flow channel layer is a dummy cell layer having no MEA.
[0014] The gas flow channel layer is provided at either end of the laminated-cell body. In this arrangement, since the layer in which the gas flow channel is formed is provided at either end of the laminated-cell body, it is possible to restrain a drop in voltage resulting from flooding or contamination at either end in the cell-lamination direction.
[0015] Still further, the gas flow channel layer is composed of a plurality of layers.
[0016]Furthermore, both a fuel gas flow channel and an oxidative gas flow channel are formed in one face of the gas flow channel layer. In this arrangement, since both the fuel gas flow channel and the oxidative gas flow channel are formed in one face, the thickness of the layer can be reduced in comparison with a case 5 where the gas flow channels are formed in two faces.
[0017] Furthermore, the fuel gas flow channel- and the oxidative gas flow channel are formed in the direction of a plane of the gas flow channel layer.
Also, a coolant flow channel is formed in one face of the gas flow channel layer. Further, the gas flow channel layer is conductive. Still further, the gas flow channel layer is made of carbon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Fig. 1 is a front view of a layer which belongs to a fuel cell stack structure of an embodiment of the invention and in which gas flow channels are formed.
[0019] Fig. 2 is a front view of a layer which belongs to the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment and in which no gas flow channel is formed, when viewed from the other side of a coolant flow channel.
[0020] Fig. 3 is a front view of a face of a fuel cell which belongs to the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment and in which a fuel gas flow channel for a separator is formed.
[0021] Fig. 4 is a front view of a face of a fuel cell which belongs to the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment and in which an oxidative gas flow channel for a separator is formed.
[0022] Fig. 5 is a front view of a face of a fuel cell which belongs to the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment and in which a coolant flow channel for a separator is formed.
[0023] Fig. 6A is a side view of the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment. Fig. 6B is a side view of a layer irrelevant to power generation and a region in the vicinity of the layer. Fig. 6C is a side view of another layer different from the one shown in Fig. 6B
and a region in the vicinity of the layer.
[0024j Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region in the vicinity of the fuel cell shown in Fig.
6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] The fuel cell stack structure of the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.
E002610ne example of fuel cells to which gas flow channels in accordance with the invention are applied is a solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell 10. The fuel cell 10 is mounted, for example, in a fuel cell powered vehicle. It is also appropriate, however, that the fuel cell be mounted in a non-vehicular object.
[0027] As is apparent from Figs . 6 and 7, the solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell 10 is constructed of a laminated body that is composed of membrane-electrode assemblies (MEA's) and separators. Each of the MEA's is composed of an electrolytic membrane 11 made of an ion exchange membrane, an electrode 14 (anode or fuel pole) made of a catalytic layer 12 and a diffusion layer 13, and an electrode 17 (cathode or air pole) made of a catalytic layer 15 and a diffusion layer 16. The catalytic layer 12 is disposed on one face of the electrolytic membrane 11, while the catalytic layer 15 is disposed on the other face of the electrolytic membrane 11. Gas flow channels (a fuel gas flow channel 27a and an oxidative gas flow channel 27b) for supplying electrodes 14, 17 with fuel gas (hydrogen) and oxidative gas (oxygen, usually air) respectively and a coolant flow channel 26 through which coolant for cooling the fuel cell flows are formed in each of separators 18. One of the MEA's is superimposed on one of the separators 18 so as to form a cell. At least one of cells like this one is laminated to constitute a module 19 (e.g., two cells are made into one module).
The same modules 19 as this one are laminated to constitute a laminated-cell body. A layer 31 that is irrelevant to power generation as will be described later is disposed at least at a gas outlet/inlet end or either end of the laminated-cell body. A terminal 20, an insulator 21, and an end plate 22 are disposed at either side of the laminated-cell body including the layer 31, in the cell-lamination direction. The laminated-cell body is fastened in the cell-lamination direction. The laminated-cell body is fixed on its outside by means of a fastening member 24 (e.g., a tension plate, a through bolt, or the like) extending in the cell-lamination direction and bolts 25 or nuts, whereby a fuel cell stack 23 is constituted.
[00281 The electrolytic membrane 11 is made of a solid-polymer ion exchange membrane. When the electrolytic membrane 11 is wet, hydrogen ions (protons) move therethrough. The electrolytic membrane 11 is a non-conductive membrane.
[0029] The catalytic layers 12, 15 are made of platinum (Pt), carbon (C), and an electrolyte. The diffusion layers 13, 16 have gas permeability and are made of carbon (C). The separators 18 are impervious to gas and water, have conductivity, and are generally made of any one of carbon (including graphite), a metal, and a conductive resin. In addition, the separators 18 separate fuel gas from oxidative gas, fuel gas from coolant, or oxidative gas from coolant, and form a passage through which electrons flow from the anode of a certain one of the cells to the cathode of another one of the cells adjacent thereto.
[0030] The fuel gas flow channel 27a is formed in the separator on one side of the MEA shown in Fig. 7, while the oxidative gas flow channel 27b is formed in the separator on the other side of the MEA shown in Fig_ 7. The coolant flow channel 26 is provided for each cell or for a plurality of cells. In the example shown in Fig. 7, two cells are used to constitute one module, and the coolant flow channel 26 is provided for each module (i.e., for every two cells). In addition, according to the example shown in Fig. 7, the separators 18 are classified into two sorts of separators, that is, a separator 18A for separating one of fuel gas and oxidative gas from coolant and a separator 18B for separating fuel gas from oxidative gas. The MEA is also provided. A portion to which fuel gas is supplied is on one side of the MEA, while a portion to which oxidative gas is supplied is on the other side of the MEA. These portions constitute a power generation portion 33 of the fuel cell.
[003I) The separators 18 are generally quadrangular or substantially quadrangular in shape. It is not absolutely required, however, that the separators 18 be quadrangular in shape_ [0032] Each of the gas flow channels 27 (the fuel gas flow channel 27a and the oxidative gas flow channel 27b) is constructed of a fuel channel group in which a plurality of flow channel grooves are arranged in parallel or a flow channel in whose grooves a plurality of protrusions are formed. The flow channels are formed by partitions in such a manner as to serpentine in a direction within a separator plane, thus constituting so-called serpentine flow channels. A coolant manifold 28 (whose inlet side is denoted by 28a and whose outlet side is denoted by 28b), a fuel gas manifold 29 (whose inlet side is denoted by 29a and whose outlet side is denoted by 29b), and an oxidative gas manifold 30 (whose inlet side is denoted by 30a and whose outlet side is denoted by 30b) are formed in each of the separators 18 at its end portions that are opposed to each other with respect to the power generation portion 33. These manifolds 28, 29, and 30 are sealed from one another, so that different kinds of fluids do not mix with one another. Referring to Fig. 6A, feed/exhaust (outlet/inlet) pipes for fluids (water, fuel gas, and oxidative gas) are denoted by 34. These pipes 34 communicate with the manifolds 28, 29, and 30 respectively. As shown in Fig. 6, the fluids are supplied to or discharged from one end of the fuel cell stack 23 in the cell-lamination direction.
[0033]Fig_ 3 shows an exemplary fuel gas flow channel pattern within the separator plane in the region of the laminated-cell body_ Fig. 4 shows an exemplary oxidative gas flow channel pattern within the separator plane in the region of the laminated-cell body. Fig. 5 shows an exemplary coolant flow channel within the separator plane in the region of the laminated-cell body. It is to be noted, however, that the flow channel patterns are not limited to those shown in Figs. 3 to S.
[0034] As shown in Fig. 6A, a layer 31 which is irrelevant to power generation and in which a flow channel is formed is provided at least at a gas outlet/inlet end or either end (the layer 31 is provided at either end according to the example shown in Fig. 6A) of the laminated-cell body of the fuel cell stack 23 in the cell-lamination direction. The layer 31 is constructed, for example, of a dummy cell layer 31 that has gas flow channels 36a and 36b but no MEA. The layer 31 is provided so as to trap impurities and condensate. If 5 one layer alone does not suffice to trap impurities or condensate, a plurality of the same layers as the layer 31 may be provided. Detailed description will be made hereinafter with reference to an exemplary case where one layer is provided.
[00081 However, the fuel cell stack of the related art has a problem, namely, a drop in the voltage of end cells during power generation. This problem is caused mainly because of the following reasons. The first one (1) consists in that condensate and impurities (metal ions contained in a system and the like) tend to mix with the end cells, that flooding or contamination is thus caused, and that cell voltages are decreased as a result. The second one (2) consists in that the end portions are susceptible to external heat and thus tend to be cooled, and that flooding occurs as a result.
[00041Even if the bypass flow channel for gases is formed in the deep end at the outlet or inlet of the stack as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-236975, a drop in voltage in those cells at the gas outlet/inlet ends is inevitable. Especially in the cells at the gas outlet/inlet ends, inconveniences are likely to be caused by impurities that have mixed with gas_ These inconveniences cannot be eliminated by the aforementioned related art. In addition, there is caused another problem, which is the occurrence of flooding based on the fact that the cells at the gas outlet/inlet ends tend to be cooled. This problem cannot be solved either.
[00101 It is an object of the invention to provide a fuel cell stack structure capable of suppressing a drop in voltage resulting from flooding or contamination in end portions in the cell-lamination direction, particularly, in the cells at the gas outlet/irilet ends.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention for achieving the object stated above, there is provided a fuel cell stack structure that is characterized by having a laminated-cell body constructed by laminating a predetermined number of fuel cells and a gas flow channel layer which is provided at a gas outlet/inlet end of the laminated-cell body and which includes a gas flow channel formed in the direction of a plane of the gas flow channel layer.
[0012]In this arrangement, since the layer in which the gas flow channel is formed is provided at least at the gas outlet/inlet end, it is possible to restrain the occurrence of a drop in voltage resulting from flooding by water or contamination by impurities at an end in the cell-lamination direction, especially in a cell at the gas outlet/inlet end. In addition, the influence of external temperatures (low temperatures) can be lessened, and condensation of water and flooding can be suppressed.
[0013] In addition, the gas flow channel layer is irrelevant to power generation of the fuel cell.
Further, the fuel cell is a solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell. Still further, the gas flow channel layer is a dummy cell layer having no MEA.
[0014] The gas flow channel layer is provided at either end of the laminated-cell body. In this arrangement, since the layer in which the gas flow channel is formed is provided at either end of the laminated-cell body, it is possible to restrain a drop in voltage resulting from flooding or contamination at either end in the cell-lamination direction.
[0015] Still further, the gas flow channel layer is composed of a plurality of layers.
[0016]Furthermore, both a fuel gas flow channel and an oxidative gas flow channel are formed in one face of the gas flow channel layer. In this arrangement, since both the fuel gas flow channel and the oxidative gas flow channel are formed in one face, the thickness of the layer can be reduced in comparison with a case 5 where the gas flow channels are formed in two faces.
[0017] Furthermore, the fuel gas flow channel- and the oxidative gas flow channel are formed in the direction of a plane of the gas flow channel layer.
Also, a coolant flow channel is formed in one face of the gas flow channel layer. Further, the gas flow channel layer is conductive. Still further, the gas flow channel layer is made of carbon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Fig. 1 is a front view of a layer which belongs to a fuel cell stack structure of an embodiment of the invention and in which gas flow channels are formed.
[0019] Fig. 2 is a front view of a layer which belongs to the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment and in which no gas flow channel is formed, when viewed from the other side of a coolant flow channel.
[0020] Fig. 3 is a front view of a face of a fuel cell which belongs to the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment and in which a fuel gas flow channel for a separator is formed.
[0021] Fig. 4 is a front view of a face of a fuel cell which belongs to the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment and in which an oxidative gas flow channel for a separator is formed.
[0022] Fig. 5 is a front view of a face of a fuel cell which belongs to the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment and in which a coolant flow channel for a separator is formed.
[0023] Fig. 6A is a side view of the fuel cell stack structure of the embodiment. Fig. 6B is a side view of a layer irrelevant to power generation and a region in the vicinity of the layer. Fig. 6C is a side view of another layer different from the one shown in Fig. 6B
and a region in the vicinity of the layer.
[0024j Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region in the vicinity of the fuel cell shown in Fig.
6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] The fuel cell stack structure of the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.
E002610ne example of fuel cells to which gas flow channels in accordance with the invention are applied is a solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell 10. The fuel cell 10 is mounted, for example, in a fuel cell powered vehicle. It is also appropriate, however, that the fuel cell be mounted in a non-vehicular object.
[0027] As is apparent from Figs . 6 and 7, the solid-polyelectrolyte fuel cell 10 is constructed of a laminated body that is composed of membrane-electrode assemblies (MEA's) and separators. Each of the MEA's is composed of an electrolytic membrane 11 made of an ion exchange membrane, an electrode 14 (anode or fuel pole) made of a catalytic layer 12 and a diffusion layer 13, and an electrode 17 (cathode or air pole) made of a catalytic layer 15 and a diffusion layer 16. The catalytic layer 12 is disposed on one face of the electrolytic membrane 11, while the catalytic layer 15 is disposed on the other face of the electrolytic membrane 11. Gas flow channels (a fuel gas flow channel 27a and an oxidative gas flow channel 27b) for supplying electrodes 14, 17 with fuel gas (hydrogen) and oxidative gas (oxygen, usually air) respectively and a coolant flow channel 26 through which coolant for cooling the fuel cell flows are formed in each of separators 18. One of the MEA's is superimposed on one of the separators 18 so as to form a cell. At least one of cells like this one is laminated to constitute a module 19 (e.g., two cells are made into one module).
The same modules 19 as this one are laminated to constitute a laminated-cell body. A layer 31 that is irrelevant to power generation as will be described later is disposed at least at a gas outlet/inlet end or either end of the laminated-cell body. A terminal 20, an insulator 21, and an end plate 22 are disposed at either side of the laminated-cell body including the layer 31, in the cell-lamination direction. The laminated-cell body is fastened in the cell-lamination direction. The laminated-cell body is fixed on its outside by means of a fastening member 24 (e.g., a tension plate, a through bolt, or the like) extending in the cell-lamination direction and bolts 25 or nuts, whereby a fuel cell stack 23 is constituted.
[00281 The electrolytic membrane 11 is made of a solid-polymer ion exchange membrane. When the electrolytic membrane 11 is wet, hydrogen ions (protons) move therethrough. The electrolytic membrane 11 is a non-conductive membrane.
[0029] The catalytic layers 12, 15 are made of platinum (Pt), carbon (C), and an electrolyte. The diffusion layers 13, 16 have gas permeability and are made of carbon (C). The separators 18 are impervious to gas and water, have conductivity, and are generally made of any one of carbon (including graphite), a metal, and a conductive resin. In addition, the separators 18 separate fuel gas from oxidative gas, fuel gas from coolant, or oxidative gas from coolant, and form a passage through which electrons flow from the anode of a certain one of the cells to the cathode of another one of the cells adjacent thereto.
[0030] The fuel gas flow channel 27a is formed in the separator on one side of the MEA shown in Fig. 7, while the oxidative gas flow channel 27b is formed in the separator on the other side of the MEA shown in Fig_ 7. The coolant flow channel 26 is provided for each cell or for a plurality of cells. In the example shown in Fig. 7, two cells are used to constitute one module, and the coolant flow channel 26 is provided for each module (i.e., for every two cells). In addition, according to the example shown in Fig. 7, the separators 18 are classified into two sorts of separators, that is, a separator 18A for separating one of fuel gas and oxidative gas from coolant and a separator 18B for separating fuel gas from oxidative gas. The MEA is also provided. A portion to which fuel gas is supplied is on one side of the MEA, while a portion to which oxidative gas is supplied is on the other side of the MEA. These portions constitute a power generation portion 33 of the fuel cell.
[003I) The separators 18 are generally quadrangular or substantially quadrangular in shape. It is not absolutely required, however, that the separators 18 be quadrangular in shape_ [0032] Each of the gas flow channels 27 (the fuel gas flow channel 27a and the oxidative gas flow channel 27b) is constructed of a fuel channel group in which a plurality of flow channel grooves are arranged in parallel or a flow channel in whose grooves a plurality of protrusions are formed. The flow channels are formed by partitions in such a manner as to serpentine in a direction within a separator plane, thus constituting so-called serpentine flow channels. A coolant manifold 28 (whose inlet side is denoted by 28a and whose outlet side is denoted by 28b), a fuel gas manifold 29 (whose inlet side is denoted by 29a and whose outlet side is denoted by 29b), and an oxidative gas manifold 30 (whose inlet side is denoted by 30a and whose outlet side is denoted by 30b) are formed in each of the separators 18 at its end portions that are opposed to each other with respect to the power generation portion 33. These manifolds 28, 29, and 30 are sealed from one another, so that different kinds of fluids do not mix with one another. Referring to Fig. 6A, feed/exhaust (outlet/inlet) pipes for fluids (water, fuel gas, and oxidative gas) are denoted by 34. These pipes 34 communicate with the manifolds 28, 29, and 30 respectively. As shown in Fig. 6, the fluids are supplied to or discharged from one end of the fuel cell stack 23 in the cell-lamination direction.
[0033]Fig_ 3 shows an exemplary fuel gas flow channel pattern within the separator plane in the region of the laminated-cell body_ Fig. 4 shows an exemplary oxidative gas flow channel pattern within the separator plane in the region of the laminated-cell body. Fig. 5 shows an exemplary coolant flow channel within the separator plane in the region of the laminated-cell body. It is to be noted, however, that the flow channel patterns are not limited to those shown in Figs. 3 to S.
[0034] As shown in Fig. 6A, a layer 31 which is irrelevant to power generation and in which a flow channel is formed is provided at least at a gas outlet/inlet end or either end (the layer 31 is provided at either end according to the example shown in Fig. 6A) of the laminated-cell body of the fuel cell stack 23 in the cell-lamination direction. The layer 31 is constructed, for example, of a dummy cell layer 31 that has gas flow channels 36a and 36b but no MEA. The layer 31 is provided so as to trap impurities and condensate. If 5 one layer alone does not suffice to trap impurities or condensate, a plurality of the same layers as the layer 31 may be provided. Detailed description will be made hereinafter with reference to an exemplary case where one layer is provided.
10 [0035] As shown in Figs. 6B and 6C and Figs. 1 and 2, the layer 31 which is irrelevant to power generation and in which the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed is composed of two layers 31a and 31b that are superimposed on each other with no MEA being interposed between them. The layers 31a and 31b are conductive as is the case with the separators 18, and are made, for example, of carbon plates. However, the carbon plates may be replaced with a combination of a plurality of metal plates or conductive resin plates.
[0036]The gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed in one face of one of the two layers 31a and 31b, namely, the layer 31a. On the other hand, no flow channel is formed in the other layer 3lb_ The face of the layer 31a where the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed is brought into close contact with the other layer 31b where no gas flow channel is formed, whereby the layer 31 irrelevant to power generation is constituted. In the stack 23, the layer 31 irrelevant to power generation is disposed between the end cell of the laminated-cell body and the terminal 20.
[0037] Also, as shown in Fig. 1, both the fuel gas flow channel 36a and the oxidative gas flow channel 36b are formed on one face of the layer 31a. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the fuel gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed in the first half region of one face of the layer 31a, Il and the oxidative gas flow channel 36b is formed in the second half region of the face_ The fuel gas flow channel 36a and the oxidative gas flow channel 36b are sealed from each other, so that different kinds of gases do not mix with one another. The flow channel pattern of the fuel gas flow channel 36a is different from that of the fuel gas flow channel 27a formed in the cells. The flow channel pattern of the oxidative gas flow channel 36b is different from that of the oxidative gas flow channel 27b formed in the cells.
[0038] No gas flow channel is formed in one of the two layers 31a and 31b, namely, the layer 31b. One face of the layer 31b is brought into close contact with the layer 31a, whereas the other face of the layer 31b is not. On this face, preferably, a coolant flow channel 35 (indicated by broken lines in Fig. 2) constructed of a groove is formed. The flow channel pattern of the coolant flow channel 35 is identical with that of the coolant flow channel 26 formed in the separators 18 of the laminated-cell body.
[0039] As shown in Fig. 6B, the layer 31b in which no gas flow channel is formed is arranged by being brought into contact with the end cell of the laminated-cell body with the face where the coolant flow channel 35 is formed being directed toward the end cell of the laminated-cell body. At this moment, the coolant flow channel 35 of the layer 31b coincides with the coolant flow channel 26 formed in the separator 18 of the end cell. Thus, the flow channels 35, 26 cooperate with each other to constitute a composite coolant flow channel having the same cross-sectional area as the coolant flow channels of other cells.
[0040] In one of the two layers 31a and 31b, namely, the layer 31a, the gas flow channel is formed. The gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed in one face of the layer 31a, whereas no gas flow channel is formed on the other face of the layer 31a. On this face (that is to come into close contact with the terminal 20) as well, preferably, the coolant flow channel 35 is formed. This is because the influence of external heat can be excluded.
[0041] An arrangement shown in Fig. 6C, which will be described hereinafter, may be adopted in place of the arrangement shown in Fig. 6B. The gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed on one face of one of the two layers 31a and 31b,-namely, the layer 31a. The layer 31a is disposed on the side of the laminated-cell body.
The layer 31b in which no gas flow channel is formed is disposed on the side of the terminal 20. The flow channel 35 that is identical in flow channel pattern with the coolant flow channel 26 formed in the separators 18 of the laminated-cell body is formed in the face of the layer 31a which is to come into close contact with the laminated-cell body. The coolant flow channel 26 is formed also in the face of the layer 31b which is to come into close contact with the terminal 20.
[0042] Next, the operation of the aforementioned arrangement will be described. As is apparent from Fig.
6A, the layer.(dummy cell) 31 which is irrelevant to power generation and in which the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed is provided in the laminated-cell body of the fuel cell stack 23 at least at the gas outlet/inlet end or at either end (the layer 31 is provided at either end according to the example shown in Fig. 6A) in the cell-lamination direction. Owing to the layer 31, therefore, substances coming from a gas feed line, that is, the condensate of humidified gas and impurities such as metal ions originating from the gas feed line and auxiliaries are trapped in the gas flow channels 36a and 36b of the dummy cell 31 while they flow therethrough. Thus, these substances are prevented from flowing into a power-generating cell of the laminated-cell body. As a result, the occurrence of a drop in voltage as caused heretofore in a cell, especially in an end cell (the end cell at the end of the gas feed side in particular) due to impurities and condensate is restricted. Since the dummy cell 31 is originally not intended for power generation, the voltage applied to the fuel cell does not drop even if the dummy cell 31 has been contaminated.
[0043] In addition, the layer (dummy cell) 31 which is irrelevant to power generation and in which the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed is provided at the end of the laminated-cell body. Therefore, the laminated-cell body is inhibited from being affected by external temperatures (low temperatures). Consequently, flooding can be inhibited from becoming likely to occur due to a drop in saturation vapor pressure resulting from a decrease in gas temperature. If flooding occurs, the supply of gases to the electrodes is hindered and a drop in voltage is caused. However, the occurrence of such a phenomenon is restricted by the invention.
[0044] Further, the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed on only one face of the layer 31a. In comparison with a case where the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed on both the faces of the layer 31a (the gas flow channel 36a is formed on one of the faces and the gas flow channel 36b is formed on the other), therefore, the thickness of the layer 31 can be reduced by the depth of one of the gas flow channels. Thus, the increase in stack length ascribable to the insertion of the dummy cell can be minimized.
[0036]The gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed in one face of one of the two layers 31a and 31b, namely, the layer 31a. On the other hand, no flow channel is formed in the other layer 3lb_ The face of the layer 31a where the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed is brought into close contact with the other layer 31b where no gas flow channel is formed, whereby the layer 31 irrelevant to power generation is constituted. In the stack 23, the layer 31 irrelevant to power generation is disposed between the end cell of the laminated-cell body and the terminal 20.
[0037] Also, as shown in Fig. 1, both the fuel gas flow channel 36a and the oxidative gas flow channel 36b are formed on one face of the layer 31a. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the fuel gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed in the first half region of one face of the layer 31a, Il and the oxidative gas flow channel 36b is formed in the second half region of the face_ The fuel gas flow channel 36a and the oxidative gas flow channel 36b are sealed from each other, so that different kinds of gases do not mix with one another. The flow channel pattern of the fuel gas flow channel 36a is different from that of the fuel gas flow channel 27a formed in the cells. The flow channel pattern of the oxidative gas flow channel 36b is different from that of the oxidative gas flow channel 27b formed in the cells.
[0038] No gas flow channel is formed in one of the two layers 31a and 31b, namely, the layer 31b. One face of the layer 31b is brought into close contact with the layer 31a, whereas the other face of the layer 31b is not. On this face, preferably, a coolant flow channel 35 (indicated by broken lines in Fig. 2) constructed of a groove is formed. The flow channel pattern of the coolant flow channel 35 is identical with that of the coolant flow channel 26 formed in the separators 18 of the laminated-cell body.
[0039] As shown in Fig. 6B, the layer 31b in which no gas flow channel is formed is arranged by being brought into contact with the end cell of the laminated-cell body with the face where the coolant flow channel 35 is formed being directed toward the end cell of the laminated-cell body. At this moment, the coolant flow channel 35 of the layer 31b coincides with the coolant flow channel 26 formed in the separator 18 of the end cell. Thus, the flow channels 35, 26 cooperate with each other to constitute a composite coolant flow channel having the same cross-sectional area as the coolant flow channels of other cells.
[0040] In one of the two layers 31a and 31b, namely, the layer 31a, the gas flow channel is formed. The gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed in one face of the layer 31a, whereas no gas flow channel is formed on the other face of the layer 31a. On this face (that is to come into close contact with the terminal 20) as well, preferably, the coolant flow channel 35 is formed. This is because the influence of external heat can be excluded.
[0041] An arrangement shown in Fig. 6C, which will be described hereinafter, may be adopted in place of the arrangement shown in Fig. 6B. The gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed on one face of one of the two layers 31a and 31b,-namely, the layer 31a. The layer 31a is disposed on the side of the laminated-cell body.
The layer 31b in which no gas flow channel is formed is disposed on the side of the terminal 20. The flow channel 35 that is identical in flow channel pattern with the coolant flow channel 26 formed in the separators 18 of the laminated-cell body is formed in the face of the layer 31a which is to come into close contact with the laminated-cell body. The coolant flow channel 26 is formed also in the face of the layer 31b which is to come into close contact with the terminal 20.
[0042] Next, the operation of the aforementioned arrangement will be described. As is apparent from Fig.
6A, the layer.(dummy cell) 31 which is irrelevant to power generation and in which the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed is provided in the laminated-cell body of the fuel cell stack 23 at least at the gas outlet/inlet end or at either end (the layer 31 is provided at either end according to the example shown in Fig. 6A) in the cell-lamination direction. Owing to the layer 31, therefore, substances coming from a gas feed line, that is, the condensate of humidified gas and impurities such as metal ions originating from the gas feed line and auxiliaries are trapped in the gas flow channels 36a and 36b of the dummy cell 31 while they flow therethrough. Thus, these substances are prevented from flowing into a power-generating cell of the laminated-cell body. As a result, the occurrence of a drop in voltage as caused heretofore in a cell, especially in an end cell (the end cell at the end of the gas feed side in particular) due to impurities and condensate is restricted. Since the dummy cell 31 is originally not intended for power generation, the voltage applied to the fuel cell does not drop even if the dummy cell 31 has been contaminated.
[0043] In addition, the layer (dummy cell) 31 which is irrelevant to power generation and in which the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed is provided at the end of the laminated-cell body. Therefore, the laminated-cell body is inhibited from being affected by external temperatures (low temperatures). Consequently, flooding can be inhibited from becoming likely to occur due to a drop in saturation vapor pressure resulting from a decrease in gas temperature. If flooding occurs, the supply of gases to the electrodes is hindered and a drop in voltage is caused. However, the occurrence of such a phenomenon is restricted by the invention.
[0044] Further, the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed on only one face of the layer 31a. In comparison with a case where the gas flow channels 36a and 36b are formed on both the faces of the layer 31a (the gas flow channel 36a is formed on one of the faces and the gas flow channel 36b is formed on the other), therefore, the thickness of the layer 31 can be reduced by the depth of one of the gas flow channels. Thus, the increase in stack length ascribable to the insertion of the dummy cell can be minimized.
Claims (15)
1. A fuel cell stack structure comprising:
a laminated-cell body constructed by laminating a plurality of power-generating fuel cells;
said body having a gas inlet and a gas outlet located at the same end of said body, said gas inlet receiving gas from a gas supply for said fuel cells;
a power-generating fuel cell at the gas supply end of said body being provided on an outer side thereof with a dummy non-power-generating cell in the form of at least one gas flow channel layer having a gas flow channel formed in the direction of a plane of the gas flow channel layer, said gas flow channel communicating said gas inlet with said gas supply and providing a gas flow path between said gas inlet and said gas outlet in parallel with gas flow through said power-generating fuel cells to trap condensate from gas supplied to said power-generating fuel cells from said gas supply.
a laminated-cell body constructed by laminating a plurality of power-generating fuel cells;
said body having a gas inlet and a gas outlet located at the same end of said body, said gas inlet receiving gas from a gas supply for said fuel cells;
a power-generating fuel cell at the gas supply end of said body being provided on an outer side thereof with a dummy non-power-generating cell in the form of at least one gas flow channel layer having a gas flow channel formed in the direction of a plane of the gas flow channel layer, said gas flow channel communicating said gas inlet with said gas supply and providing a gas flow path between said gas inlet and said gas outlet in parallel with gas flow through said power-generating fuel cells to trap condensate from gas supplied to said power-generating fuel cells from said gas supply.
2. The fuel cell stack structure according to claim 1, wherein each fuel cell is a solid polyelectrolyte fuel cell.
3. The fuel cell stack structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the dummy cell is devoid of any membrane-electrode assemblies.
4. The fuel cell stack structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dummy cell is composed of a plurality of gas flow channel layers.
5. The fuel cell stack structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fuel cells have a fuel gas inlet and an oxidative gas inlet, fuel gas flow and oxidative gas flow channels are formed in one face of the gas flow channel layer, and said channels respectively communicate said fuel gas and oxidative gas inlets with fuel gas and oxidative gas supplies for said fuel cells.
6. The fuel cell stack structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a coolant flow channel is formed in one face of said gas flow channel layer.
7. The fuel cell stack structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each gas flow channel layer is conductive.
8. The fuel cell stack structure according to claim 7 wherein each gas flow channel layer is made of carbon.
9. The fuel cell stack structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second dummy cell is provided at an end of said body remote from said gas supply end.
10. A fuel cell stack structure comprising:
a laminated power generating fuel cell body constructed by laminating a plurality of power generating fuel cells, each having a membrane-electrode assembly;
a gas inlet and a gas outlet for said fuel cells, said gas inlet and said gas outlet located at the same end of said body;
a gas feed pipe which feeds gas into the laminated power generating fuel cell body through said gas inlet and a gas exhaust pipe which exhausts gas passing from the laminated power generating fuel cell body through said gas outlet; and a gas flow channel provided between the gas feed pipe and the laminated power generating fuel cell body and communicating said feed pipe with said exhaust pipe to trap condensate from gas supplied to said power-generating fuel cells from said gas supply by providing a gas flow path between said gas inlet and said gas outlet in parallel with gas flow through said power-generating fuel cells.
a laminated power generating fuel cell body constructed by laminating a plurality of power generating fuel cells, each having a membrane-electrode assembly;
a gas inlet and a gas outlet for said fuel cells, said gas inlet and said gas outlet located at the same end of said body;
a gas feed pipe which feeds gas into the laminated power generating fuel cell body through said gas inlet and a gas exhaust pipe which exhausts gas passing from the laminated power generating fuel cell body through said gas outlet; and a gas flow channel provided between the gas feed pipe and the laminated power generating fuel cell body and communicating said feed pipe with said exhaust pipe to trap condensate from gas supplied to said power-generating fuel cells from said gas supply by providing a gas flow path between said gas inlet and said gas outlet in parallel with gas flow through said power-generating fuel cells.
11. A fuel cell stack structure comprising:
a laminated power generating fuel cell body constructed by laminating a plurality of power generating fuel cells, each having a membrane-electrode assembly;
a gas inlet manifold and a gas outlet manifold for said fuel cells;
a gas feed pipe which feeds gas into the laminated power generating fuel cell body through said gas inlet manifold and a gas exhaust pipe which exhausts gas passing from the laminated power generating fuel cell body through said gas outlet manifold; and a first gas flow channel provided between the gas feed pipe and the laminated power generating fuel cell body at a gas supply end of said body and communicating said feed pipe with said exhaust pipe to trap condensate from gas supplied to said power-generating fuel cells from said gas supply by providing a gas flow path between said gas inlet manifold and said gas outlet manifold in parallel with gas flow through said power-generating fuel cells; and a second gas flow channel communicating said gas inlet manifold with said gas outlet manifold at an end of said body remote from said gas supply end of said body.
a laminated power generating fuel cell body constructed by laminating a plurality of power generating fuel cells, each having a membrane-electrode assembly;
a gas inlet manifold and a gas outlet manifold for said fuel cells;
a gas feed pipe which feeds gas into the laminated power generating fuel cell body through said gas inlet manifold and a gas exhaust pipe which exhausts gas passing from the laminated power generating fuel cell body through said gas outlet manifold; and a first gas flow channel provided between the gas feed pipe and the laminated power generating fuel cell body at a gas supply end of said body and communicating said feed pipe with said exhaust pipe to trap condensate from gas supplied to said power-generating fuel cells from said gas supply by providing a gas flow path between said gas inlet manifold and said gas outlet manifold in parallel with gas flow through said power-generating fuel cells; and a second gas flow channel communicating said gas inlet manifold with said gas outlet manifold at an end of said body remote from said gas supply end of said body.
12. The fuel cell stack structure according to claim 10, further comprising:
an inlet gas manifold and an outlet gas manifold provided in the laminated power generating fuel cell body;
wherein the gas flow channel connects the inlet gas manifold and the outlet gas manifold outside of the laminated power generating fuel cell body.
an inlet gas manifold and an outlet gas manifold provided in the laminated power generating fuel cell body;
wherein the gas flow channel connects the inlet gas manifold and the outlet gas manifold outside of the laminated power generating fuel cell body.
13. The fuel cell stack structure according to claim 10, wherein the membrane-electrode assemblies are planar and the gas flow channel is formed in a direction parallel to the plane of said assemblies.
14. The fuel cell stack structure according to claim 11, wherein said first gas flow channel connects the inlet gas manifold and the outlet gas manifold outside of the laminated power generating fuel cell body.
15. The fuel cell stack structure according to claim 11, wherein the membrane-electrode assemblies are planar and said first gas flow channel is formed in a direction parallel to the plane of said assemblies.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002-144934 | 2002-05-20 | ||
| JP2002144934A JP3801096B2 (en) | 2002-05-20 | 2002-05-20 | Fuel cell having a stack structure |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2428959A1 CA2428959A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
| CA2428959C true CA2428959C (en) | 2008-08-26 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CA002428959A Expired - Lifetime CA2428959C (en) | 2002-05-20 | 2003-05-16 | Fuel cell stack structure |
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| US (1) | US7588851B2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3801096B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2428959C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE10322537B4 (en) |
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| JP6445391B2 (en) * | 2015-05-22 | 2018-12-26 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| JP6606351B2 (en) * | 2015-05-25 | 2019-11-13 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Manufacturing method of fuel cell stack |
| CN108134123A (en) * | 2016-12-01 | 2018-06-08 | 中国科学院大连化学物理研究所 | A kind of pile of redox flow batteries |
| JP6519576B2 (en) * | 2016-12-14 | 2019-05-29 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| JP6848580B2 (en) * | 2017-03-24 | 2021-03-24 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| KR102371604B1 (en) | 2017-05-26 | 2022-03-07 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Fuel cell stack |
| GB201713141D0 (en) * | 2017-08-16 | 2017-09-27 | Ceres Ip Co Ltd | Fuel cell unit |
| JP6659770B2 (en) * | 2018-06-08 | 2020-03-04 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| JP7484763B2 (en) | 2021-02-18 | 2024-05-16 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Fuel Cell Module |
| JP7274517B2 (en) | 2021-03-19 | 2023-05-16 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | fuel cell stack |
| WO2026008134A1 (en) * | 2024-07-02 | 2026-01-08 | Ceres Power Limited | Plate for an electrochemical cell assembly and electrochemical cell assembly |
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| JPH0689730A (en) | 1992-09-10 | 1994-03-29 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| US5863671A (en) * | 1994-10-12 | 1999-01-26 | H Power Corporation | Plastic platelet fuel cells employing integrated fluid management |
| JPH08329959A (en) | 1995-06-06 | 1996-12-13 | Toshiba Corp | Fuel cell |
| JPH09120833A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1997-05-06 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| JP3815518B2 (en) | 1997-02-13 | 2006-08-30 | 石川島播磨重工業株式会社 | Molten carbonate fuel cell |
| CN1122322C (en) | 1998-04-17 | 2003-09-24 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell and method for producing the same |
| JP3632468B2 (en) * | 1998-04-22 | 2005-03-23 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Gas separator for fuel cell and fuel cell using the gas separator for fuel cell |
| JP2000067890A (en) * | 1998-08-27 | 2000-03-03 | Toshiba Corp | Fuel cell |
| WO2000036680A1 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2000-06-22 | International Fuel Cells, Llc | A cooling plate for a fuel cell stack assembly |
| JP3519987B2 (en) | 1999-06-17 | 2004-04-19 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| US6322919B1 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2001-11-27 | Alliedsignal Inc. | Fuel cell and bipolar plate for use with same |
| JP4812920B2 (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2011-11-09 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| DE10006472A1 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2001-08-23 | Siemens Ag | Fuel cell block |
| AU2001277017A1 (en) * | 2000-07-20 | 2002-02-05 | Proton Energy Systems | Compression member for proton exchange membrane electrochemical cell system |
| JP3983530B2 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2007-09-26 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| US6544681B2 (en) * | 2000-12-26 | 2003-04-08 | Ballard Power Systems, Inc. | Corrugated flow field plate assembly for a fuel cell |
| US6869717B2 (en) * | 2001-07-09 | 2005-03-22 | Hydrogenics Corporation | Manifold for a fuel cell system |
| US6875535B2 (en) * | 2002-04-15 | 2005-04-05 | Hydrogenics Corporation | Manifold for a fuel cell system |
-
2002
- 2002-05-20 JP JP2002144934A patent/JP3801096B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-05-12 US US10/435,388 patent/US7588851B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-05-16 CA CA002428959A patent/CA2428959C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-05-19 DE DE10322537.4A patent/DE10322537B4/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
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|---|---|
| DE10322537A1 (en) | 2004-01-08 |
| JP3801096B2 (en) | 2006-07-26 |
| US7588851B2 (en) | 2009-09-15 |
| US20030215693A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
| DE10322537B4 (en) | 2016-09-15 |
| CA2428959A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
| JP2003338305A (en) | 2003-11-28 |
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