JP2002050389A - Fuel cell stack and its operating method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively reduce the area of seal portion by installing the inner manifold inside the electrode face. SOLUTION: The fuel cell stack comprises a single first opening 28 which constitutes an inner manifold 17 that is formed inside the electrode face of the unit fuel cell 12, single second openings 32a, 32b which are formed corresponding to the first opening 28 on the face of the first and second separator 14, 16, and a partition member 36 on which six manifolds are formed by being inserted integrally in the first and second openings 28, 32a, 32b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of unit fuel cells each comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are stacked via a separator. It relates to the driving method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is a unit in which an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are opposed to each other on both sides of an electrolyte membrane composed of a polymer ion exchange membrane (cation exchange membrane). The fuel cell is constituted by sandwiching the fuel cell between separators. This polymer electrolyte fuel cell is usually used as a fuel cell stack by stacking a predetermined number of unit fuel cells and separators.

In this type of fuel cell stack, a fuel gas, for example, a hydrogen-containing gas, supplied to an anode electrode is hydrogen-ionized on a catalyst electrode, and is humidified through a moderately humidified electrolyte membrane. Move to. The electrons generated during that time are taken out to an external circuit and used as DC electric energy. Since an oxidant gas, for example, an oxygen-containing gas or air is supplied to the cathode side electrode, the hydrogen ions, the electrons, and the oxygen gas react with each other to generate water at the cathode side electrode.

By the way, in the above fuel cell stack,
A plurality of, for example, 6
The fuel gas, the oxidizing gas, and the cooling medium are introduced through the two passages in the stacking direction, and the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas, and the cooling medium are introduced into the passage on the supply side. An internal manifold structure is employed in which the cooled cooling medium is discharged to the passage on the outlet side.

[0005] At this time, it is necessary to seal each passage provided on the outer peripheral edge side of the separator. This seal portion is considerably large, and the outer peripheral edge is an unused area. As a result, it becomes difficult to increase the electrode utilization rate of the separator, and there is a problem that the entire fuel cell stack cannot be effectively reduced in size.

Therefore, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-45520 and US Pat. No. 5,484,666, a fuel gas and an oxidizing agent are formed in the electrode surfaces of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. A plurality of openings for flowing the gas and the cooling medium in the laminating direction are provided, and a plurality of openings corresponding to the openings are formed also in the separator surface, and these openings communicate with each other to form an internal manifold. Techniques for doing so are known.

[0007]

However, in each of the above-mentioned prior arts, an opening for inlet and an outlet for outlet of three fluids (fuel gas, oxidizing gas and cooling medium) are included in the electrode surface. The two openings are independently formed. For this reason, in the electrode plane, 6
One seal is required, and the area of the seal portion becomes large. As a result, it has been pointed out that it is difficult to reduce the size of the entire fuel cell stack.

The present invention solves this kind of problem, and can effectively reduce the area of the seal portion of the internal manifold provided in the electrode surface, and can easily achieve miniaturization with a simple configuration. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell stack and an operation method thereof.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell stack comprising: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; A single first opening is formed, and a single second opening is formed in the plane of the separator corresponding to the first opening, and the first and second openings are formed.
The partition member is integrally inserted into a single communication hole formed by the opening. For this reason, six manifold parts are formed via the partition part provided in the partition member,
Each of the manifold sections is used for supplying a fuel gas, discharging the fuel gas, supplying an oxidizing gas, discharging the oxidizing gas, supplying a cooling medium, and discharging the cooling medium.

As described above, only a single communication hole constituting the internal manifold is formed in the electrode surface. Therefore, only one seal is required for the communication hole, and the area of the seal portion can be significantly reduced. Moreover, it is only necessary to insert the partition member having the partition into the first and second openings, and the configuration is not complicated.

In the fuel cell stack according to a second aspect of the present invention, the supply manifold for supplying the fuel gas or the oxidizing gas is adjacent to the discharge manifold for discharging the fuel gas or the oxidizing gas. The partition, which is set and separates the supply manifold from the discharge manifold, is composed of a moisture-permeable member.

Therefore, the generated water contained in the discharged fuel gas or the oxidized gas flowing through the discharge manifold section is smoothly supplied to the fuel gas or the oxidized gas flowing through the supply manifold section, and the fuel gas or the oxidized gas is discharged. Can be reliably humidified. This makes it possible to effectively reduce the size of the humidifying device for humidifying the fuel gas or the oxidizing gas outside the fuel cell stack, or to eliminate the humidifying device.

Further, in the fuel cell stack according to claim 3 of the present invention, the supply manifold for supplying the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas is adjacent to the supply manifold for supplying the cooling medium, A discharge manifold for discharging the oxidizing gas is set adjacent to the discharge manifold for discharging the cooling medium.

As described above, the cooling medium, which has been used for cooling the unit fuel cell and whose temperature has increased, flows close to the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas discharged from the unit fuel cell. Therefore, the temperature of the exhaust fuel gas and the exhaust oxidant gas flowing through the exhaust manifold section is maintained at a high temperature, and it is possible to reliably prevent water vapor contained in the exhaust fuel gas and the exhaust oxidant gas from dew condensation. Becomes possible.

Further, in the fuel cell stack according to claim 4 of the present invention, the supply manifold section for supplying the oxidizing gas has a larger opening cross-sectional area than the supply manifold section for supplying the fuel gas. The discharge manifold for discharging the oxidizing gas has a larger opening cross-sectional area than the discharge manifold for discharging the fuel gas.
Therefore, the oxidizing gas and the fuel gas are substantially unaffected by each unit fuel cell in the fuel cell stack without being affected by differences in flow rate, viscosity, pressure loss, and the like between the oxidizing gas and the fuel gas. It is possible to flow evenly.

Further, in the fuel cell stack according to claim 5 of the present invention, since the fastening bolt is inserted into the manifold portion, the whole fuel cell stack can be further downsized.

Further, in the fuel cell stack operating method according to claim 6 of the present invention, the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas supplied to the inlet side of the reaction gas communication passage forming the internal manifold are supplied to the reaction gas communication passage. The cooling medium discharged to the outlet side of the cooling medium communication passage which is set adjacent to the outlet side of the reaction gas communication passage is connected to the cooling medium supplied to the inlet side of the cooling medium communication passage constituting the internal manifold. Discharge to the exit side. Thereby, the temperature on the outlet side of the reaction gas communication passage increases, and the saturated water vapor partial pressure can be maintained at or below the saturation, and it is ensured that dew condensation of the reaction product water vaporized in the reaction gas communication passage occurs. It becomes possible to prevent.

[0018]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an internal perspective view of the fuel cell stack 10, and FIG. 3 shows a relationship between a unit fuel cell 12, first and second separators 14 and 16, and an internal manifold 17 constituting the fuel cell stack 10. It is an exploded perspective view.

The fuel cell stack 10 includes a unit fuel cell 12 and first and second separators 14 and 16 sandwiching the unit fuel cell 12, and a plurality of these units are arranged in a horizontal direction (direction of arrow A). While being laminated on
At the center of the fuel cell stack 10, an internal manifold 17 is formed extending in the direction of arrow A. The fuel cell stack 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and is arranged with the short side direction (arrow B direction) oriented in the gravity direction and the long side direction (arrow C direction) oriented in the horizontal direction. .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the unit fuel cell 12 includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 18 and a cathode electrode 20 and an anode electrode 22 provided with the electrolyte membrane 18 interposed therebetween. And the cathode-side electrode 20 and the anode-side electrode 22 include, for example,
First and second gas diffusion layers 24 and 26 made of a porous layer such as porous carbon paper are provided. In the electrode surface of the unit fuel cell 12, a single first opening 28 constituting the internal manifold 17 is formed so as to penetrate in the direction of arrow A.

First and second gaskets 30a and 30b are provided on both sides of the unit fuel cell 12, and the first gasket 30a is provided with the cathode 20 and the first gasket 30a.
The second gasket 30b has a large opening 33b for accommodating the anode 22 and the second gas diffusion layer 26, while having a large opening 33a for accommodating the gas diffusion layer 24. The unit fuel cell 12 and the first and second gaskets 30a, 30b are sandwiched between the first and second separators 14, 16.

At the center of the first and second separators 14 and 16, a single second opening 32 a constituting the internal manifold 17 corresponding to the first opening 28 formed in the unit fuel cell 12. , 32b are formed. As shown in FIG. 4, a single communication hole 34 is formed by the first and second openings 28, 32a, and 32b, and the partition member 36 is integrally inserted into the communication hole 34. Unit fuel cell 1
2 and the first and second separators 14 and 16
A seal member 37 is interposed corresponding to the single communication hole 34.

The partition member 36 has a plate shape, is integrally formed with a vertical partition portion 38 and horizontal partition portions 40 and 42, and is formed of a non-conductive material, for example, resin. Vertical partition 38 and horizontal partition 4
A seal member 43 is provided at an end of each of 0 and 42.

The partition member 36 and the first and second openings 2
Six manifold portions are formed between the inner wall surfaces of 8, 32a and 32b. These six manifold parts
As shown in FIG. 5, the oxidizing gas supply manifold 44
a, an oxidizing gas discharge manifold 44b, a fuel gas supply manifold 46a, a fuel gas discharge manifold 46b, a cooling medium supply manifold 48a, and a cooling medium discharge manifold 48b. The oxidizing gas supply manifold portion 44a and the oxidizing gas discharge manifold portion 44b constitute a reaction gas communication passage, and the fuel gas supply manifold portion 46a and the fuel gas discharge manifold portion 46b constitute a reaction gas communication passage.
Further, the cooling medium supply manifold section 48a and the cooling medium discharge manifold section 48b form a cooling medium communication passage.

The oxidizing gas supply manifold section 44a and the fuel gas supply manifold section 46a are composed of an oxidizing gas discharge manifold section 44b and a fuel gas discharge manifold section 4.
6b. Horizontal partitions 40, 42
The water permeable members 50a, 50a, and 50b are provided at a portion that separates the oxidant gas supply manifold portion 44a and the oxidant gas discharge manifold portion 44b and a portion that separates the fuel gas supply manifold portion 46a and the fuel gas discharge manifold portion 46b.
0b is provided. The moisture permeable members 50a, 50b
Is formed of, for example, a member incorporating a hollow system, an ion exchange membrane, or the like.

The oxidizing gas supply manifold section 44a and the fuel gas supply manifold section 46a are adjacent to the cooling medium supply manifold section 48a and are connected to the outlet of the reaction gas communication passage.
b and the fuel gas discharge manifold portion 46b are provided at the outlet side of the cooling medium communication passage.
8b.

The first separator 14 is a cathode-side electrode 2
The surface 14a facing 0 and the surface 14b on the opposite side are set in a rectangular shape. For example, the long side is oriented in the horizontal direction, and the short side is oriented in the direction of gravity. The surface 14a of the first separator 14 is provided with a plurality of oxidant gas flow channels 52 communicating with the oxidant gas supply manifold 44a and the oxidant gas discharge manifold 44b formed in the second opening 32a. The oxidizing gas passage groove 52 extends over substantially the entire surface 14a.

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of cooling medium flow grooves 54 are formed on a surface 16b of the second separator 16 opposite to the surface 16a facing the anode 22. The cooling medium passage groove 54 has both ends communicating with a cooling medium supply manifold portion 48a and a cooling medium discharge manifold portion 48b partitioned in the second opening 32b, and extends over substantially the entire surface 16b. .

As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of fuel gas flow grooves 56 communicating with the fuel gas supply manifold 46a and the fuel gas discharge manifold 46b are formed on the surface 16a of the second separator 16. Is formed over substantially the entire surface of the substrate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first and second end plates 60 and 62 are disposed at both ends in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 10, and
The channel member 64 is fixed to the end plate 60. The flow path member 64 includes an oxidizing gas supply manifold section 4.
An oxidizing gas supply pipe 66a communicating with the fuel gas supply manifold 4a, an oxidizing gas discharge pipe 66b communicating with the oxidizing gas discharge manifold part 44b, a fuel gas supply pipe 68a communicating with the fuel gas supply manifold part 46a, and a fuel gas discharge manifold. The fuel gas discharge pipe 68b communicating with the cooling medium supply pipe 48b and the cooling medium supply pipe 7 communicating with the cooling medium supply manifold 48a.
0a and a cooling medium discharge pipe 70b communicating with the cooling medium discharge manifold portion 48b.

From the flow path member 64 to the first end plate 60
Through the second end plate 62 as a fastening member.
The tightening bolts 72 are arranged, and nuts 74 are screwed into ends of the tightening bolts 72 to tighten the entire fuel cell stack 10 in the direction of arrow A.

The fastening bolt 72 is inserted into, for example, the oxidizing gas discharge manifold portion 44b, the cooling medium supply manifold portion 48a, the fuel gas supply manifold portion 46a, and the cooling medium discharge manifold portion 48b. It is supported by a stepped hole 76 formed in the member 64 via a spacer member 78. The spacer member 78 is provided with an escape 78a for allowing the oxidizing gas, the fuel gas, and the cooling medium to pass therethrough. In order to make the tightening pressure by the tightening bolts 72 uniform, the tightening bolts 72 may be provided on an outer peripheral portion in the power generation surface or on an outer portion of the fuel cell stack 10 outside the power generation surface.

The operation of the fuel cell stack 10 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

In a flow path member 64 provided in the first end plate 60, a fuel gas (for example, a gas containing hydrogen obtained by reforming a hydrocarbon) is supplied to a fuel gas supply pipe 68a, and an oxidizing gas supply Air or an oxygen-containing gas (hereinafter simply referred to as air) is supplied to the pipe 66a as an oxidant gas. Further, a cooling medium such as pure water, ethylene glycol, or oil is supplied to the cooling medium supply pipe 70a.

The fuel gas supplied to the fuel gas supply pipe 68a is sent to the fuel gas supply manifold 46a constituting the internal manifold 17, and moves in the direction of arrow A along the fuel gas supply manifold 46a. At this time, in the internal manifold 17 constituting each unit fuel cell 12, the inlet side of the fuel gas flow channel 56 formed on the surface 16a of the second separator 16 communicates with the fuel gas supply manifold portion 46a.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fuel gas moves along the surface direction of the surface 16a of the second separator 16, and the hydrogen gas in the fuel gas flows through the second gas diffusion layer 26. Then, it is supplied to the anode 22. The unused fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas passage groove 56.
Is discharged to the fuel gas discharge manifold part 46b from the outlet side of the fuel cell. The unused fuel gas is introduced from the fuel gas discharge manifold section 46b to the fuel gas discharge pipe 68b provided in the flow path member 64, and discharged from the fuel cell stack 10.

On the other hand, the air supplied to the oxidizing gas supply pipe 66a is sent to the oxidizing gas supply manifold section 44a constituting the internal manifold 17. The air flowing through the oxidizing gas supply manifold section 44a is applied to the surface 14a of the first separator 14 constituting each unit fuel cell 12.
5 is introduced into the oxidizing gas flow channel groove 52 formed in FIG.
reference). This air moves along the oxidizing gas channel groove 52, and oxygen gas in the air is supplied from the first gas diffusion layer 24 to the cathode electrode 20. Further, unused air is discharged from the outlet side of the oxidizing gas flow channel groove 52 to the oxidizing gas discharge manifold portion 44b, and is sent from the oxidizing gas discharge pipe 66b provided in the flow channel member 64 to the fuel cell stack 1.
It is discharged out of 0.

As a result, power is generated in each unit fuel cell 12 and the load connected to the fuel cell stack 10
For example, electric power is supplied to a motor (not shown), and the operation of the vehicle or the like is started.

The cooling medium supplied to the cooling medium supply pipe 70a is introduced into a cooling medium supply manifold section 48a constituting the internal manifold 17. As shown in FIG. 6, this cooling medium is applied to the surface 16 b of the second separator 16.
After being introduced into the cooling medium flow channel 54 formed in the cooling medium flow passage 54 and cooling each unit fuel cell 12, it is discharged to the cooling medium discharge manifold portion 48b. The cooling medium used for cooling is the cooling medium discharge pipe 7 provided in the flow path member 64.
0b.

In this case, in the first embodiment, a single first opening 28 is formed in the electrode surface of each unit fuel cell 12, and the first and second separators 14, 1 are formed.
The second openings 32a and 32b are formed at substantially the center of the nozzle 6 corresponding to the first openings 28, and a single communication hole 34 is provided.

Therefore, as compared with the conventional structure in which six communication holes are individually provided in the electrode surfaces of the unit fuel cells 12, only a single sealing member 37 is required, and the area of the sealing portion is effectively reduced. can do. As a result, an effective use of the electrode surface is achieved, and an effect that the size of the entire fuel cell stack 10 is easily reduced is obtained.

In addition, the first and second openings 28, 32
a, 32b, only by inserting the plate-shaped partition member 36, 6
An oxidizing gas supply manifold section 44a, an oxidizing gas discharge manifold section 44b, a fuel gas supply manifold section 46a, a fuel gas discharge manifold section 46b, a cooling medium supply manifold section 48a, and a cooling medium discharge manifold section 48b are formed. (See FIG. 5). Accordingly, there is an advantage that the configuration of the entire internal manifold 17 is effectively simplified and economical.

Further, in the first embodiment, the fuel gas supply manifold section 46a and the fuel gas discharge manifold section 46b are adjacent to each other, and are separated by a moisture permeable member 50b. For this reason, the generated water contained in the discharged fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas discharge manifold portion 46b is smoothly supplied from the moisture permeable member 50b to the fuel gas supply manifold portion 46a side, and is supplied to the fuel gas supply manifold portion 46a. The humidified fuel gas can be effectively humidified.

Thus, the amount of humidification of the fuel gas outside the fuel cell stack 10 can be reduced, and the humidification device (not shown) can be reduced in size or the humidification device can be eliminated. The size and cost can be easily reduced.

Similarly, the oxidizing gas supply manifold section 4
4a and the oxidizing gas discharge manifold portion 44b are arranged close to each other in a state of being partitioned by a moisture permeable member 50a. Therefore, the water contained in the discharged oxidizing gas can be supplied to the oxidizing gas before being supplied to each unit fuel cell 12, and the oxidizing gas can be effectively humidified.

Further, the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 44b and the fuel gas discharge manifold 46b are
It is set adjacent to the cooling medium discharge manifold portion 48b. The discharged oxidizing gas and discharged fuel gas flowing through the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 44b and the fuel gas discharge manifold 46b contain moisture (produced water). Water condensation easily occurs.

Therefore, the cooling medium discharge manifold 48b for discharging the cooling medium heated by cooling the unit fuel cells 12 is disposed adjacent to the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 44b and the fuel gas discharge manifold 46b. With this arrangement, it is possible to maintain the saturated oxidant gas exhaust gas flowing through the oxidant gas discharge manifold portion 44b and the fuel gas exhaust manifold portion 46b and the saturated steam partial pressure of the exhaust fuel gas to be equal to or less than the saturation, and It is possible to reliably prevent dew condensation from occurring in the manifold section 44b and the fuel gas discharge manifold section 46b.

FIG. 8 is a front view of one surface 80a of a first separator 80 constituting a fuel cell stack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the other surface 82a of FIG.
It is a front view of one surface 82a of the separator 82. The same components as those of the fuel cell stack 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the surface 80a of the first separator 80, a plurality of oxidizing gas passage grooves 84 are formed meandering in the horizontal and vertical directions over substantially the entire surface of the surface 80a.
The oxidizing gas passage groove 84 has an inlet communicating with the oxidizing gas supply manifold 44a, and an outlet communicating with the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 44b.

A plurality of cooling medium flow grooves 86 are provided on the surface 82b of the second separator 82 so as to meander in the horizontal and vertical directions. The inlet side communicates with the cooling medium supply manifold 48a, and the outlet side communicates with the cooling medium supply manifold 48a. The side communicates with the cooling medium discharge manifold portion 48b. Surface 82 of second separator 82
Similarly, a plurality of fuel gas flow channel grooves 88 are provided in a horizontal and vertical meandering manner, the inlet side of which is communicated with the fuel gas supply manifold 46a, and the outlet side of which is the fuel gas discharge manifold 46b. Communicate with

In the second embodiment configured as described above, the oxidizing gas, the fuel gas, and the cooling medium move while meandering along the surfaces 80a, 82a, and 82b, respectively, and are sent to the unit fuel cells 12. That is
By incorporating the internal manifold 17, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the first and second embodiments, the oxidizing gas supply manifold 44a, the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 44b, and the fuel gas supply manifold 46 are used.
a, the opening cross-sectional areas of the fuel gas discharge manifold section 46b, the cooling medium supply manifold section 48a, and the cooling medium discharge manifold section 48b are set to be substantially the same,
The cross-sectional area can be changed based on the relationship between the flow rate, viscosity, pressure loss and the like of each fluid.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the oxidizing gas supply manifold section 44a and the oxidizing gas discharge manifold section 44b are connected to the fuel gas supply manifold section 46.
The opening cross-sectional area is set larger than that of the fuel gas exhaust manifold a and the fuel gas discharge manifold part 46b. This is because the viscosity of the oxidizing gas is larger than the viscosity of the fuel gas, and air is supplied as the oxidizing gas, so that the flow rate of oxygen in the air decreases. Thus, the oxidizing gas, the fuel gas, and the cooling medium are supplied to and discharged from the internal manifold 17 in a better condition.

[0054]

In the fuel cell stack according to the present invention, single first and second openings are formed in the electrode surfaces of the unit fuel cell and the separator, and the partition members are formed in the first and second openings. Are integrally inserted to form six manifold portions via the partition portions. For this reason, as compared with the case where a seal is used for each manifold portion, as in the case where each manifold portion is formed independently,
Only a single seal needs to be incorporated, and the area of the seal portion can be effectively reduced.

Thus, the electrode surface can be used efficiently, and the size of the entire fuel cell stack can be easily reduced. Moreover, it is only necessary to insert the partition member into the first and second openings, without complicating the configuration.
It will be economical.

In the method for operating the fuel cell stack according to the present invention, the temperature of the outlet side of the reaction gas communication passage can be increased and the saturated steam partial pressure can be maintained at or below the saturation. It is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of condensation of vaporized reaction product water.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an internal perspective view of the fuel cell stack.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a relationship between unit fuel cells, first and second separators, and an internal manifold that constitute the fuel cell stack.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory sectional view of a main part of the fuel cell stack.

FIG. 5 is a front view of one surface of a first separator.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the other surface of the second separator.

FIG. 7 is a front view of one surface of the second separator.

FIG. 8 is a front view of one surface of a first separator constituting a fuel cell stack according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the other surface of the second separator constituting the fuel cell stack.

FIG. 10 is a front view of one surface of the second separator.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an internal manifold having different opening cross-sectional areas.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fuel cell stack 12 ... Unit fuel cell 14, 16, 80, 82 ... Separator 17 ... Internal manifold 18 ... Electrolyte membrane 20 ... Cathode side electrode 22 ... Anode side electrode 28, 32a, 32b ... Opening 34 ... Communication hole 36 ... Partitioning members 37, 43 ... Sealing members 40, 42 ... Horizontal partition 44a ... Oxidizing gas supply manifold 44b ... Oxidizing gas discharge manifold 46a ... Fuel gas supply manifold 46b ... Fuel gas discharge manifold 48a ... Cooling Medium supply manifold section 48b Cooling medium discharge manifold section 50a, 50b Moisture permeable member 52 Oxidant gas flow path groove 54 Cooling medium flow path groove 56 Fuel gas flow path groove 64 Flow path member 66a Oxidant Gas supply pipe 66b: Oxidant gas discharge pipe 68a: Fuel gas supply pipe 68b: Fuel A gas exhaust pipe 70a ... coolant supply pipe 70b ... coolant discharge pipe 72 ... tightening bolt

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Yoshinori Wariishi 1-4-1 Chuo, Wako-shi, Saitama F-term in Honda R & D Co., Ltd. (Reference) 5H026 AA06 CC03 CC08 5H027 AA06 MM02

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A fuel cell stack in which a plurality of unit fuel cells each comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween. A single first opening formed in the electrode surface of the battery cell and forming an internal manifold for flowing a fuel gas, an oxidizing gas, and a cooling medium in the stacking direction; and the first opening in the surface of the separator. A single second opening formed corresponding to one opening and constituting the internal manifold; and six manifolds which are inserted integrally with the first and second openings and are provided with a partition therebetween. A fuel cell stack, comprising: a partition member in which a portion is formed. 2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the supply manifold for supplying the fuel gas or the oxidant gas is set adjacent to the discharge manifold for discharging the fuel gas or the oxidant gas. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein a partitioning section for separating the supply manifold section and the discharge manifold section is formed of a moisture-permeable member. 3. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the supply manifold section for supplying the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas is adjacent to the supply manifold section for supplying the cooling medium, and the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack, wherein the discharge manifold for discharging the oxidizing gas is set adjacent to the discharge manifold for discharging the cooling medium. 4. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the supply manifold section for supplying the oxidizing gas has an opening cross-sectional area larger than that of the supply manifold section for supplying the fuel gas. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the discharge manifold portion for discharging the oxidizing gas has a larger opening cross-sectional area than the discharge manifold portion for discharging the fuel gas. 5. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, further comprising a tightening bolt inserted into any one of the manifold portions formed in the partition member and tightening the entire fuel cell stack. stack. 6. A plurality of unit fuel cells each comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween, and an electrode surface of said unit fuel cell is provided. A method of operating a fuel cell stack in which an internal manifold for flowing a fuel gas, an oxidizing gas, and a cooling medium along a laminating direction is formed, wherein an inlet side of a reaction gas communication passage forming the internal manifold is provided. Supplying the supplied fuel gas and the oxidizing gas,
The cooling medium discharged to the outlet side of the reaction gas communication passage and the cooling medium supplied to the inlet side of the cooling medium communication passage forming the internal manifold is set adjacent to the outlet side of the reaction gas communication passage. A method for operating a fuel cell stack, characterized in that a saturated water vapor partial pressure in the reaction gas communication passage is maintained at or below saturation by discharging the cooling water to an outlet side of the cooling medium communication passage.