JP2000299118A - Solid polymer fuel cell and manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To compose a fuel cell provided with a lamination constructed of a three-dimensionally constructed power generating layers using polymer films having no physical strength. SOLUTION: A cell 21 for a solid polymer fuel cell is provided with end part supporting members 23 forming a grid horizontally and an axial supporting member 24 supporting the end part supporting members 23 vertically. The end part supporting member 23 is formed of a conductive material and installed to the end part of an oxygen electrode 30 clamping an electrolyte film 26 in the cell 21 for supporting the cell 21 and connected to a fuel electrode 28 in a cell 21 vertically adjacent to the cell 21 via the oxygen terminal 31 and a fuel electrode terminal 29. Consequently, vertical and lateral physical strength can be provided by means of the end part supporting members 23 and the axial supporting member 24, so that the cells 21 can be laminated three-dimensionally, and the cells 21 arranged horizontally can be electrically connected in parallel by means of the end part supporting member 23.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a method in which a power generation layer comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane and two electrodes sandwiching the polymer electrolyte membrane is connected in series. And a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a fuel cell of this type has a three-dimensional structure in which electrodes are arranged on the inner and outer surfaces of a solid electrolyte formed in a grid and are stacked in the axial direction of the grid. A solid oxide fuel cell having a body has been proposed (for example, JP-A-63-166159). The laminate of the solid oxide fuel cell has a three-dimensional structure based on the fact that the electrolyte is solid and has physical strength.

[0003]

However, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, since the polymer membrane serving as the electrolyte has no physical strength, the polymer membrane is formed in a lattice shape and the polymer membrane in a lattice shape is formed. Could not be laminated in the axial direction of the lattice to form a laminate having a three-dimensional structure. For this reason, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a power generation layer composed of a polymer membrane and two electrodes sandwiching the polymer membrane has been stacked such that books are arranged on a bookshelf to form a stacked body.

[0004] A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention has an object to constitute a fuel cell including a laminate in which a power generation layer using a polymer film having no physical strength is three-dimensionally laminated. .

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects The polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention employs the following means to achieve the above object.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention has a power generation layer stack in which a plurality of power generation layers each comprising a solid polymer membrane as an electrolyte and two electrodes sandwiching the solid polymer membrane are stacked in series. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising a body, wherein the power generation layer is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the power generation layer laminate is formed by laminating a plurality of the power generation layers in series in the axial direction of the power generation layer, The point is to provide a support member for supporting the power generation layer laminate.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention,
The support member supports the power generation layer laminate. As a result, even if the solid polymer film does not have physical strength, the power generation layer can be formed into a cylindrical shape, and the power generation layer can be laminated in the axial direction of the cylinder.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention, the support member supports an end of the power generation layer, and supports the end support member in the axial direction of the power generation layer. An axial support member may be provided. With this configuration, the end support member supports the end of the power generation layer, and the axial support member supports the end support member in the axial direction of the power generation layer, thereby supporting the power generation layer laminate.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to this aspect of the present invention, an insulating material formed of an insulating material and disposed between the solid polymer films of the power generation layers stacked adjacent to each other in series with the power generation layer laminate. A member may be provided.
In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the aspect of the present invention, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell is formed of a conductive material, sandwiched by the insulating member, and sandwiched by a solid polymer membrane between power generation layers that are stacked in series and adjacent to each other. A connection member for electrically connecting one electrode and the other electrode of the other power generation layer may be provided, and in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to this aspect, the connection member is connected by the connection member. A portion of one of the two electrodes facing the connection member may be attached to the end support member.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention, the support member is a member formed of a porous material in a cylindrical shape, and the power generation layer is formed in close contact with an outer surface of the support member. It can also be. In this case, the power generation layer can be formed in close contact with the support member. In addition, since the support member is formed of a gas-permeable porous material, the inside of the cylinder can be used as a fuel flow path.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to this aspect of the present invention, one electrode and the other electrode sandwiching a solid polymer film formed of a conductive material and sandwiching a solid polymer film between power generation layers stacked adjacent in series. A connection member for electrically connecting the other electrode of the power generation layer may be provided. In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the aspect of the present invention, the support member is formed with protrusions at predetermined intervals in the axial direction, and the power generation layer is formed between the protrusions of the support member. ,
The connection member may be formed in close contact with the outer surface of the projection of the support member.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention including these embodiments, the power generation layer laminate is formed by sealing the inside and the outside of a tubular shape between the power generation layers stacked adjacent in series. You can also.

Further, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention, the electrodes arranged in the same plane of the power generation layers stacked adjacent to each other in series of the power generation layer laminate are electrically insulated from each other. It can also be.

Further, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, a plurality of the power generation layers are connected in parallel by connecting a plurality of power generation layers of each layer of the power generation layer stack in parallel. You can also. In this case, a fuel cell having a large power generation capacity can be configured. In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the aspect of the present invention, the end support member may be a member that electrically connects the power generation layers connected in parallel to each other in parallel. In this case, the power generation layers can be electrically connected in parallel and the ends of the power generation layers can be supported.

Alternatively, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention, the power generation layer may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a rectangular cross section, and the power generation layer may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a circular cross section. It can also be made.

The method for manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention comprises a plurality of power generation layers each comprising a solid polymer membrane as an electrolyte and two electrodes sandwiching the solid polymer membrane, which are stacked in series. A method for manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a power generation layer laminate, comprising: a support member forming step of forming a cylindrical support member by using a porous material; and a shaft formed on an outer surface of the formed support member. A first electrode forming step of forming one of the two electrodes with a gap at predetermined intervals in a direction, a film forming step of forming the solid polymer film on the surface of the formed electrode, A second electrode forming step of forming the other of the two electrodes on the surface of the polymer film; and an electrode connecting step of electrically connecting one and the other of the two electrodes adjacent via the gap. That is the gist.

In the method of manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention, one electrode, a polymer electrolyte membrane, and the other electrode can be formed on a support member. As a result, even if the solid polymer membrane has no physical strength, the power generation layer is made cylindrical,
This power generation layer can be laminated in the axial direction of the cylinder. Moreover, since the support member is formed of a gas-permeable porous material, the inside thereof can be used as a fuel flow path.

In the method for manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention, the supporting member forming step is a step of forming a supporting member having convex portions at predetermined intervals in the axial direction. May be a step of forming one of the electrodes by using a portion of the support member where the convex portion is formed as the gap.

The method for manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention may further comprise a parallel connection step of electrically connecting a plurality of the support members after the electrode connection step in parallel. In this case, a fuel cell having a large power generation capacity can be manufactured.

[0020]

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a power generation layer comprising a solid polymer membrane as an electrolyte and two electrodes sandwiching the solid polymer membrane. The gist of the invention is to provide a porous member which is disposed in close contact with at least one of the two electrodes and is formed of a porous material.

In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to another aspect, fuel is supplied to an electrode in which a porous member formed of a porous material is in close contact. By providing such a porous member, physical strength can be given to the power generation layer even if the solid polymer film does not have physical strength.

[0022]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a cell 21 of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a support frame 22 that supports the structure of the cell 21 of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line BB of the cell 21 of FIG. 1, and FIG. C
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line DD in the cell 21 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the EE plane of the cell 21 in FIG. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 6, the cell 21 has a square pillar shape, and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 is formed by repeating the three-dimensional structure by the plurality of square pillar-shaped cells 21. I have.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the cell 21 is supported by a support frame 22. As shown in FIG.
The support frame 22 includes an end support member 23 that supports both ends of the square column cell 21 and an axial support member 24 that supports the end support member 23 in the axial direction. The end support member 23 is formed of a metal having high corrosion resistance and high conductivity (for example, nickel or iron), and electrically connects adjacent cells 21 in parallel. The axial support member 24 is formed of a material (for example, fluororesin or the like) having an insulating property and a thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of an electrolyte membrane 26 described later.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3 to 6,
The cell 21 is roughly formed so as to cover an electrolyte membrane 26 formed in the shape of a quadrangular prism, a fuel electrode 28 attached so as to cover an inner wall surface of the electrolyte membrane 26, and an outer wall surface of the electrolyte membrane 26. And an attached oxygen electrode 30.

The electrolyte membrane 26 is formed of an ion exchange membrane formed of a polymer material, for example, a fluorine-based resin, and exhibits good electric conductivity in a wet state. In the embodiment, Nafion manufactured by DuPont is used as the electrolyte membrane 26.
122. The fuel electrode 28 and the oxygen electrode 30
It is formed of carbon paper or carbon cloth supported on at least the contact surface of the electrolyte membrane 26 using platinum or an alloy of platinum and another metal as a catalyst.

At both upper and lower ends of the electrolyte membrane 26, insulating members 32 and 34 made of an insulating material (for example, fluororesin) are provided. The insulating members 32, 3
Numeral 4 insulates cells 21 adjacent above and below the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20. The lower end of the fuel electrode 28 in FIG. 1 extends beyond the insulating member 34, and a fuel electrode terminal 29 formed of a highly conductive metal is attached to the outer wall surface at the end. The upper end of the oxygen electrode 30 in FIG. 1 also extends beyond the insulating member 32 similarly to the fuel electrode 28, and an oxygen electrode terminal 31 made of a highly conductive metal is attached to the inner wall surface at the end. The outer wall surface is attached to the inner wall surface of the end support member 23. The fuel electrode terminal 29 and the oxygen electrode terminal 31 are joined, and the fuel electrode 28 provided on the inner wall surface of the cell 21 located at the upper part in FIG.
1 is electrically connected to an oxygen electrode 30 provided on the outer wall surface of the cell 21 adjacent to the cell 21 below. By joining the fuel electrode terminal 29 and the oxygen electrode terminal 31, the upper and lower cells 21 in FIG. 1 are connected in series. Fuel electrode terminal 29 and oxygen electrode terminal 3
1 is sandwiched by insulating members 32 and 34 disposed above and below the electrolyte membrane 26 so as to be insulated from other members. Note that a space is provided between the fuel electrode 28 and the oxygen electrode 30 of the vertically adjacent cells 21, and the space insulates the fuel electrode 28 and the oxygen electrode 30 from each other. Alternatively, the insulating member 34 may be extended to fill this space to insulate the fuel electrodes 28 and the oxygen electrodes 30 from each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cell 21 has a rectangular cylindrical electrolyte membrane 26, insulating members 32 and 34 attached to the upper and lower sides thereof, and a fuel electrode terminal 29 sandwiched between the insulating members 32 and 34. The oxygen electrode terminal 31 seals the inside and the outside of the cylindrical prism. By sealing in this manner, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 has the cell 2
A fuel gas flow path 36, which is a flow path of a fuel gas containing hydrogen, is formed in a vertical direction in FIG. 1 inside the fuel cell 1 and an oxidizing gas flow path, which is a flow path of an oxidizing gas containing oxygen outside thereof. 38 are formed. Since the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 has a three-dimensional structure, as shown in FIGS.
In the cross section of each cell 21 electrically connected in parallel, a fuel gas passage 36 and an oxidizing gas passage 38 are formed alternately.

FIG. 7 shows a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 2 of the embodiment.
It is an external view which illustrates the external appearance of No. 0. As shown in the figure, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 has a stacked body 40 in which the above-described cells 21 are stacked in a three-dimensional structure, a negative electrode side end member 41 attached to both ends of the stacked body 40, and a positive electrode side. And an end member 51.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view schematically showing a part of the structure of the negative electrode side end member 41. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the negative electrode side end member 41 is electrically connected to the end support member 23 of the support frame 22 electrically connected to the fuel electrode 28 at the end of the stacked body 40. A negative electrode terminal 42, a fuel gas inlet 43, and a fuel gas distribution pipe communicating with the inlet 43 and distributing the fuel gas taken in from the inlet 43 to each fuel gas passage 36 formed in the laminate 40. 45 and the laminate 4
An oxidizing gas collecting pipe 47 for collecting the exhaust gas of the oxidizing gas discharged from each of the oxidizing gas channels 38 formed at zero is provided with an oxidizing gas outlet 49 communicating with the oxidizing gas collecting pipe 47. The positive-electrode-side end member 51 is configured to be symmetrical to the negative-electrode-side end member 41, and a configuration diagram corresponding to FIG. A positive electrode terminal 52 electrically connected to an end support member 23 of the support frame 22 electrically connected to the oxygen electrode 30 at an end;
An oxidizing gas inlet 53, and an oxidizing gas distribution pipe 55 communicating with the inlet 53 and distributing the oxidizing gas introduced from the inlet 53 to each of the oxidizing gas passages 38 formed in the laminate 40.
And a fuel gas collecting pipe 5 for collecting exhaust gas of fuel gas discharged from each fuel gas passage 36 formed in the stacked body 40.
7 and a fuel gas outlet 59 communicating with the fuel gas collecting pipe 57.

A fuel gas is supplied to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 configured as described above from the fuel gas inlet 43 of the negative end member 41, and is supplied from the oxidizing gas inlet 53 of the positive end member 51. When an oxidizing gas (for example, air) is supplied, an electrode reaction represented by the following formulas (1) and (2) occurs at the fuel electrode 28 and the oxygen electrode 30 of each cell 21, and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 Energy is converted directly into electrical energy to generate electricity.

Anode reaction (fuel electrode) H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ (1) Cathode reaction (oxygen electrode) 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ + (1/2) O ₂ → H ₂ O (2)

According to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the embodiment described above, even if the fuel cell uses a polymer membrane as an electrolyte having no physical strength, the use of the support frame 22 allows the fuel cell to be vertically and horizontally oriented. Of the cell 21
Can be laminated three-dimensionally. Moreover, since the space formed when the three-dimensional structure is formed is used as a flow path for the fuel gas or the oxidizing gas, no member is required for forming the flow path for the fuel gas or the oxidizing gas. As a result, the weight of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 can be reduced.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the embodiment
According to the above, the electrolyte membranes 2 of the cells 21 located at the top and bottom in FIG.
6 is insulated by the insulating member 32 and the insulating member 34, and the fuel electrodes 28 and the oxygen electrodes 30 are insulated from each other by the space. Therefore, the upper and lower cells 21 are not short-circuited.

Alternatively, according to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the embodiment, the fuel gas flow path 36 and the oxidizing gas flow path 38 of the cell 21 located at the top and bottom in FIG. The fuel gas and the oxidizing gas are not mixed because they are sealed by 34, the fuel electrode terminal 29, and the oxygen electrode terminal 31.

Further, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 2 of the embodiment
According to 0, since the cells 21 are connected in parallel by the end support members 23 of the support frame 22, variations in the potential between the cells can be eliminated. Moreover, even if a part of the end support member 23 is broken, the end support members 23 are connected in a mesh shape as shown in FIG. it can.

In addition, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 2 of the embodiment
In the case of 0, the size of one side of the cross section of the cell 21 can be reduced to increase the electrode reaction contributing area per unit volume, so that the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 can be made compact.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the embodiment,
Although the cross section of the cell 21 is configured as a rectangular prism, the cross section may be a triangle, a polygon having five or more angles, a circle, an ellipse, or any other shape.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the embodiment,
Although the fuel electrode 28 is mounted on the inner wall surface of the electrolyte membrane 26 and the oxygen electrode 30 is mounted on the outer wall surface, the oxygen electrode 30 may be mounted on the inner wall surface of the electrolyte membrane 26 and the fuel electrode 28 may be mounted on the outer wall surface. In this case, the inside of the electrolyte membrane 26 becomes an oxidizing gas flow path, and the outside thereof becomes a fuel gas flow path.

In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the embodiment,
The end support member 23 of the support frame 22 is formed of a material having high conductivity, but may be formed of an insulating material. In this case, a connection member for electrically connecting the adjacent cells 21 in parallel may be provided. When the end supporting members 23 are formed of such an insulating material, the adjacent cells 21 may not be electrically connected in parallel.

Next, a description will be given of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a structural view schematically showing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to the second embodiment. As shown, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment has a plurality of cylindrical power generation layer stacks 122.
And a parallel member 125 that bundles and supports a plurality of the power generation layer stacks 122 in parallel.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing, on an enlarged scale, a portion of the AA plane of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, and FIG. Laminate 1
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the cross-section of No. 22. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the power generation layer laminate 122 includes a support member 123 formed of a porous material (eg, a metal oxide such as alumina) in a cylindrical shape, and a support member 123 formed of a porous material.
3 and a cell 121 as a unit cell formed on the outer peripheral surface. Four projections 124 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support member 123 at predetermined intervals in the axial direction at an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction, and the cells 121 are formed between the projections 124. The cell 121 has a fuel electrode 128 formed in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the support member 123 and an electrolyte membrane 126 formed in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fuel electrode 128.
And an oxygen electrode 130 formed in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the electrolyte membrane 126. The electrolyte membrane 126, the fuel electrode 128, and the oxygen electrode 130 are the same as the electrolyte membrane 26 and the fuel electrode 2 described in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the first embodiment.
8. It is formed of the same material as the oxygen electrode 30. The fuel electrode 128 and the oxygen electrode 130 of the cell 121 adjacent to the support member 123 with the protrusion 124 interposed therebetween are connected by a conductive member 132 formed in close contact with the protrusion 124.
The adjacent cells 121 are stacked in the axial direction of the support member 123.

As shown in FIG. 10, the parallel member 125
This is a frame formed of a conductive material in a lattice shape, and supports each of the power generation layer laminates 122 by being bonded and fixed to a conductive member 132 which is formed in close contact with the surface of the convex portion 124 of the support member 123. The corresponding cells 121 of each power generation layer stack 122 are electrically connected in parallel. By attaching each of the power generation layer stacks 122 to the parallel members 125 in this manner, a fuel gas flow path 136 is formed inside the power generation layer stack 122 and an oxidizing gas flow path 138 is formed outside the power generation layer stack 122.

Next, the manner of manufacturing the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 shows a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a state of the production of the power generation layer laminate 122. The manufacture of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to the second embodiment starts with the formation of the support member 123 (step S100). The support member 123 is formed by a ceramic manufacturing process in which alumina powder or the like is formed and fired. Next, the fuel electrode 12 is placed between the convex portions 124 of the support member 123.
8 is formed (step S102).
In this step, as shown in FIG.
The material that forms the fuel electrode 128 while rotating the support member 123 in a state where a predetermined distance (about 1 mm to 3 mm in the embodiment) between the protrusions 124 of the support member 123 in the drawing is masked by 0. Is sprayed.

Subsequently, a step of forming an electrolyte membrane 126 in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the formed fuel electrode 128 is performed (step S104). In this step, as shown in FIG. 13C, a predetermined interval (1 mm in the embodiment) between the convex portions 124 of the support member 123 on the left side in the drawing by the mask 160 is used.
(About 3 mm) while supporting the support member 12
This is performed by spraying a material for forming the electrolyte membrane 126 while rotating 3. Therefore, fuel electrode 1
An electrolyte membrane 126 is formed in close contact with a predetermined interval on the right side of the projection 124 masked in the step of forming
The electrolyte membrane 126 is not formed on the fuel electrode 128 at a predetermined interval on the left side of FIG.

Next, a step of forming an oxygen electrode 130 in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the formed electrolyte membrane 126 (step S10).
6) a step of forming the conductive member 132 in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 124 (step S108). This step is performed by spraying a material for forming the oxygen electrode 130 and a material for forming the conductive member 132 while rotating the support member 123, as shown in FIG. At this time, a portion where the electrolyte membrane 126 is not formed in close contact with the fuel electrode 128 at a predetermined interval on the left side of the protrusion 124 in FIG. 13C, and an oxygen electrode which is formed in close contact with this portion with the protrusion 124 interposed therebetween. The oxygen electrode 130 and the conductive member 132 are formed so that the conductive member 132 and the oxygen electrode 130 are electrically connected to each other. Due to the formation of the conductive member 132, the protrusion 1
The cells 121 adjacent to each other with 24 interposed therebetween are stacked.

Then, the formed power generation layer laminate 122 is assembled to the parallel member 125 (step S110) to complete the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a state in which a power generation layer laminate 122 is assembled to a parallel member 125. Power generation layer laminate 12
2 is inserted into the parallel member 125 such that the four convex portions 124 are at the four corners of the rectangular space formed by the parallel member 125, and when the position of the power generation layer laminate 122 in the axial direction with respect to the parallel member 125 is determined, the power generation layer By rotating the stacked body 122 by 45 degrees, the protrusion 124 is brought into contact with the parallel member 125. Then, in this state, the parallel member 125 and the convex portion 124 are fixed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the second embodiment is also provided with a negative electrode end member 141 and a positive electrode end member 151 at its lamination end. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a part of the structure of the negative electrode side end member 141. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 15, the negative electrode side end member 141 has a fuel electrode 128 at its end.
Terminal 142 electrically connected to the fuel cell, an inlet 143 for fuel gas, and an inlet 143 communicating with the inlet 143.
A fuel gas distribution pipe 145 for distributing the fuel gas taken in from each other to each fuel gas flow path 136 formed inside each power generation layer stack 122, and each oxidizing gas flow path 138 formed in each power generation layer stack 122 Gas collecting pipe 147 for collecting exhaust gas of oxidizing gas discharged from
7 and an outlet 149 for oxidizing gas communicating with the oxidizing gas. The positive-electrode-side end member 151 has a symmetrical structure with the negative-electrode-side end member 141, similarly to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the first embodiment.

A fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas inlet 143 of the negative electrode end member 141 to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment thus manufactured, and the oxidation of the positive electrode end member 151 is performed. When an oxidizing gas (for example, air) is supplied from the gas inlet 153, the electrode reactions shown in the above equations (1) and (2) occur at the fuel electrode 128 and the oxygen electrode 130 of each cell 121, and the solid polymer type Fuel cell 1
Reference numeral 20 directly converts chemical energy into electric energy to generate electric power.

According to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment described above, the support member 123 is formed by closely forming the cell 121 on the outer peripheral surface of the support member 123 having sufficient physical strength. Therefore, even in a fuel cell using a polymer film as an electrolyte having no physical strength, the cells 121 can be stacked in a three-dimensional structure. Moreover, since the support member 123 is formed of a gas-permeable porous material on a cylindrical shape and the inside and outside thereof are used as a flow path for the fuel gas or the oxidizing gas, the flow path for the fuel gas or the oxidizing gas is formed. No member is required. As a result, the weight of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 can be reduced. Of course,
The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to the second embodiment has various effects achieved by the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 according to the first embodiment, for example, prevention of short-circuit of the cell 121 and prevention of fuel gas and oxidizing gas by sealing. Effects such as prevention of mixing, elimination of variation in potential between the cells 121, and downsizing of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 are achieved.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment
According to the manufacturing method described above, the material for forming the fuel electrode 128, the electrolyte film 126, the oxygen electrode 130, and the conductive member 132 is sprayed while masking a predetermined range with the mask 160, and the fuel electrode 128, the electrolyte film 126, and the oxygen electrode Since the 130 and the conductive member 132 are formed, the power generation layer laminate 122 can be easily manufactured. Further, a convex portion 124 is formed on the support member 123, and the power generation layer laminate 122 is inserted into the parallel member 125 so that the convex portion 124 does not contact the parallel member 125. Since the part 124 and the parallel member 125 are fixed, the power generation layer laminate 122 can be easily assembled to the parallel member 125. As a result, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment can be easily manufactured.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment
In the above, the support member 123 having a circular cross section is used, but the cross section may use a support member 123 having a triangular shape, a pentagonal or more polygonal shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and other shapes.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment
In the embodiment, the fuel electrode 128, the electrolyte membrane 126, and the oxygen electrode 130 are formed in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the support member 123 in this order, but the oxygen electrode 130, the electrolyte film 126, and the fuel electrode 128 are formed in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the support member 123 in this order. It may be a thing. In this case, the inside of the formed power generation layer laminate serves as an oxidizing gas passage, and the outside serves as a fuel gas passage.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment
In the above, the convex portion 124 is formed on the support member 123. However, the power generation layer laminate may be formed using a support member without the convex portion 124.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of the second embodiment
In the above, the parallel member 125 is formed of a material having high conductivity, but may be formed of an insulating material. In this case, a connection member that electrically connects adjacent cells 121 in parallel may be provided. When the parallel member 125 is formed using such an insulating material, the adjacent cells 121 may not be electrically connected in parallel.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various embodiments may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, it can be carried out.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a cell 21 of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cell 2 of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a support frame 22 that supports the structure of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along a line BB in the cell 21 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line CC of the cell 21 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line DD of the cell 21 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the EE plane in the cell 21 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an external view illustrating the external appearance of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 20 of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view schematically showing a part of the structure of a negative electrode side end member 41.

FIG. 9 is a structural diagram schematically illustrating a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing, on an enlarged scale, a portion of the AA plane of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the cross section of the power generation layer laminate 122.

FIG. 12 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a manufacturing process diagram illustrating an example of manufacturing.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a state of manufacturing the power generation layer laminate 122.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a state in which the power generation layer laminate 122 is assembled to the parallel member 125.

FIG. 15 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 120 of a second embodiment.
3 is a schematic view schematically showing a part of the structure of a negative electrode side end member 141 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

20,120 solid polymer fuel cell, 21,121
Cell, 22 support frame, 23 end support member, 24 axial support member, 26, 126 electrolyte membrane, 28, 128
Fuel electrode, 29 Fuel electrode terminal, 30, 130 Oxygen electrode, 3
1 oxygen electrode terminal, 32, 34 insulating member, 36, 136
Fuel gas passage, 38, 138 oxidizing gas passage, 40
Laminated body, 41, 141 Negative electrode side end member, 42, 142
Negative electrode terminal, 43,143 inflow port, 45,145 fuel gas distribution pipe, 47,147 oxidizing gas collection pipe, 49,
149 Outflow port, 51, 151 Positive electrode side end member, 52
Positive electrode terminal, 53 inflow port, 55 oxidizing gas distribution pipe, 57
Fuel gas collecting pipe, 59 outlet, 122 power generation layer laminate, 123 support member, 124 convex portion, 125 parallel member, 132 conductive member.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yukimasa Nishiide 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Corporation F-term (reference) 5H026 AA06 CV05

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising a power generation layer stack in which a plurality of power generation layers each comprising a solid polymer membrane as an electrolyte and two electrodes sandwiching the solid polymer membrane are stacked in series. The power generation layer is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the power generation layer laminate includes a plurality of the power generation layers laminated in series in the axial direction of the power generation layer, and a support member that supports the power generation layer laminate. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising: 2. The power generator according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes an end support member that supports an end of the power generation layer, and an axial support member that supports the end support member in an axial direction of the power generation layer. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the above. 3. The solid polymer type according to claim 2, further comprising an insulating member formed of an insulating material and disposed between the solid polymer films of the power generation layer stacked adjacent to each other in series with the power generation layer stack. Fuel cell. 4. An electrode formed of a conductive material, sandwiched by the insulating member, and sandwiched by a solid polymer film between power generation layers stacked in series and adjacent to each other. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 3, further comprising a connection member that electrically connects the other electrode. 5. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein a portion of one of the two electrodes connected by the connection member facing the connection member is attached to the end support member. . 6. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a member formed in a cylindrical shape from a porous material, and the power generation layer is an outer surface of the support member. A solid polymer fuel cell formed in close contact with a fuel cell. 7. An electrode, which is formed of a conductive material and sandwiches a solid polymer film between power generation layers stacked adjacent in series, and electrically connected to the other electrode of the other power generation layer. 7. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 6, further comprising a connecting member. 8. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein the support member is formed with protrusions at predetermined intervals in an axial direction, and the power generation layer is provided on each of the support members. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell formed between convex portions, wherein the connection member is formed in close contact with the outer surface of the convex portion of the support member. 9. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the power generation layer laminate has a cylindrical inside and an outside sealed between power generation layers stacked adjacent in series. . 10. The solid height according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes arranged on the same plane of the power generation layers stacked adjacent to each other in series in the power generation layer laminate are electrically insulated from each other. Molecular fuel cell. 11. The solid polymer according to claim 1, further comprising a parallel member that connects a plurality of power generation layer laminates in parallel by connecting a plurality of power generation layers of each layer of the power generation layer laminate in parallel. Type fuel cell. 12. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the parallel member is a member that electrically connects the power generation layers connected in parallel electrically in parallel. 13. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the power generation layer is formed in a tubular shape having a rectangular cross section. 14. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the power generation layer is formed in a cylindrical shape having a circular cross section. 15. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising a power generation layer laminate in which a plurality of power generation layers each including a solid polymer film as an electrolyte and two electrodes sandwiching the solid polymer film are stacked in series. A supporting member forming step of forming a cylindrical supporting member from a porous material; and forming the two electrodes with a gap at predetermined intervals in an axial direction on an outer surface of the formed supporting member. A first electrode forming step of forming one of the two electrodes; a film forming step of forming the solid polymer film on the surface of the formed electrode; and the other of the two electrodes on the surface of the formed solid polymer film. Forming a second electrode, and an electrode connecting step of electrically connecting one and the other of the two electrodes adjacent to each other via the gap. 16. The method for manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein the supporting member forming step is a step of forming a supporting member having convex portions at predetermined intervals in an axial direction. The method of manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, wherein the first electrode forming step is a step of forming one of the electrodes using a portion of the support member where the convex portion is formed as the gap. 17. The method for manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 15, further comprising a parallel connection step of electrically connecting a plurality of the support members after the electrode connection step in parallel.