JP2003223921A - Fuel cell equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide fuel cell equipment, which is advantageous to reduce the power consumption and miniaturization, by sealing the fuel gas or its off-gas. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell equipment has a fuel cell 8, a gas passage component 10 and a discharge way 140. The gas passage component 10 has a room 10r, in which the fuel gas or its off-gas passes, a room bottom face 100, in which water generated based on the moisture contained in the fuel gas or its off-gas can stay, and a discharge port 120 formed in the room bottom face 100. The discharge way 140 is arranged extending downward towards a drain part 6 prepared below the discharge port 120 of the gas passage component 10. In the discharge way 140 or the discharge port 120, a hydraulic pressure operated discharge valve 200 is equipped. The discharge valve 200, usually closed, stops, discharge of water to the drain part 6 from the discharge way 140 with the closing stopped, and, responding to the hydraulic pressure, opens wide, and discharges the water through the discharge way 140 to the drain part 6 with the opening. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement of a fuel cell device, and more particularly to a fuel cell device having a chamber in which water generated from water contained in fuel gas or off gas thereof can be retained.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, fuel cell devices have attracted attention from the viewpoint of environmental protection and the like. The fuel cell device includes a fuel cell for generating power using a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas (generally air), a fuel supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel cell,
An oxidant supply passage for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell. The generated water may stay during the operation of such a fuel cell device. In particular, if the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell is excessively dried, sufficient power generation performance cannot be obtained, so the inside of the fuel cell is often humidified. Therefore, the generated water often stays in each path of the fuel cell device. In view of this, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2656262 discloses a fuel cell power generation system in which a fuel cell is arranged at the uppermost portion, a pipe is inclined, and water generated in the pipe is collected in a condensing section to prevent clogging of a passage due to generated water. The equipment is disclosed.

Another technique for discharging the generated water accumulated in the condenser will be described below. Off-gas of the fuel gas after power generation is discharged from the fuel electrode of the fuel cell. The off-gas of the fuel gas contains unreacted components that have not been consumed for power generation and also has water content. To remove water from the fuel gas offgas, the fuel gas offgas passes through a condenser having a cooling function. Since the off-gas of the fuel gas is cooled in the condensing part, the moisture contained in the off-gas of the fuel gas is generated as condensed water, and the water stays in the chamber of the condensing part. Since the amount of water staying in the chamber of the condenser gradually increases as the fuel cell operates, it is necessary to discharge the water from the discharge port of the chamber of the condenser. However, since the off gas of the fuel gas contains unreacted components that have not been consumed in the power generation reaction, it is not preferable to leak it together with water from the discharge port. Therefore, a certain amount of water is retained in the chamber of the condenser, and the discharge port is covered and sealed with the water retained in the chamber of the condenser.

As described above, in the conventional technique of covering the discharge port with water and sealing the discharge port, an electric high level sensor for detecting the high level position of the height of the water staying in the chamber of the condenser,
An electric low level sensor that detects the low level position of the height of the accumulated water and a solenoid valve that opens based on a signal from the high level sensor and the low level sensor are provided. When the height of water accumulated in the chamber of the condenser increases and exceeds the set value, an electric high-level sensor detects this and the control device opens the solenoid valve to retain the water in the chamber of the condenser. The discharged water was discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the condenser. As a result, it is possible to prevent excess water from accumulating in the condensing part, and to secure the required volume of the chamber of the condensing part. Also, when the height of the water accumulated in the chamber of the condensing unit drops, an electric low level sensor detects this, and the control device closes the solenoid valve, which prevents the discharge of water and prevents a certain amount of water. Is retained in the chamber of the condenser. This makes it possible to employ a water seal structure in which the discharge port of the chamber of the condenser is sealed with water. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the offgas of the fuel gas supplied into the condenser from leaking from the discharge port by the water seal.

[0005]

However, according to the above-mentioned technique, an electric high level sensor, a low level sensor, which detects the height of water staying in the chamber of the condenser,
Furthermore, a solenoid valve that opens based on the detection signals from these sensors is needed. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and size reduction are disadvantageous. In particular, the solenoid valve is equipped with an exciting solenoid, which is disadvantageous in reducing the size, and it is also disadvantageous in reducing power consumption because it is necessary to excite the exciting solenoid.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell device which is advantageous in reducing power consumption and size while sealing fuel gas or off gas thereof. And

[0007]

A fuel cell device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a fuel cell having a fuel electrode and an oxidizer electrode, a chamber through which a fuel gas or off gas thereof passes, and a fuel gas in the chamber or a fuel gas in the chamber. Than a gas passage member having a chamber bottom surface capable of accumulating water generated based on the water content contained in the off-gas, a discharge port formed on the chamber bottom surface, and a discharge port on the chamber bottom surface of the gas passage member. Extending downward from the discharge port of the gas passage member toward the drainage section provided below,
In a fuel cell device having a discharge passage for discharging water accumulated on the bottom surface of the chamber from the discharge port to the drain portion, the discharge passage or the discharge port is normally closed, and the discharge passage to the drain portion is closed. Is provided with a hydraulic pressure responsive discharge valve that prevents the discharge of water and opens in response to the water pressure and discharges the water to the drainage part through the discharge passage with the opening.

The fuel gas or its off gas passes through the chamber of the gas passage member. The hydraulically responsive discharge valve is normally closed. When the discharge valve is closed, it is possible to prevent the fuel gas supplied to the chamber of the gas passage member or the off gas thereof from leaking from the discharge port on the bottom surface of the chamber of the gas passage member to the drain portion.

When the amount of accumulated water in the chamber of the gas passage member gradually increases with the operation of the fuel cell and exceeds the set value,
The discharge valve automatically opens in response to the water pressure of the accumulated water. When the discharge valve is opened in this manner, water is automatically discharged to the drainage section through the discharge passage. This prevents excess water from accumulating in the chamber of the gas passage member, and ensures the volume of the chamber of the gas passage member.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In a gas passage member according to the present invention, a chamber through which fuel gas or its off gas passes, and water generated based on the water content contained in the fuel gas or its off gas are retained. It has a chamber bottom surface and a discharge port formed on the chamber bottom surface.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas passage member includes a condenser for condensing the water contained in the off gas of the fuel gas to reduce the water contained in the off gas of the fuel gas. can do. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas passage member may be a manifold attached to the fuel cell so that the fuel gas or an off gas thereof may pass therethrough. Further, the gas passage member is not limited to the condensing part and the manifold, and a pipe member through which fuel gas or off gas thereof passes may be adopted.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drainage part may be a water container provided below the bottom surface of the chamber, but in some cases, it may be in the atmosphere.
A water tank may be used as the water container, but in this case, it is advantageous to collect water and reuse it.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulically responsive discharge valve has a valve portion that can open and close a valve port that communicates with the discharge passage, and an elastic portion that urges the valve portion to close the valve port. Based on the water pressure received by the valve section, the valve section operates and the valve port can be opened. A spring member can be exemplified as the elastic portion. At least one of a metal spring, a resin spring, and a ceramic spring is used as the spring member.
Seeds can be adopted. A known spring such as a coil spring or a leaf spring can be used as the spring member. Alternatively, the elastic portion may be formed mainly of a high molecular weight organic material such as rubber or resin.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the discharge valve has a valve portion that is elastically deformable so as to open and close the valve port communicating with the discharge passage, and the valve portion is based on the water pressure received by the valve portion. Can be elastically deformed to open the valve port. The elastically deformable valve portion can be formed mainly of a polymer organic material such as rubber or resin.

In the fuel cell device according to the present invention, the fuel supplied to the fuel cell includes a reformed gas obtained by reforming the fuel so as to be suitable for use in the fuel cell and an unreformed fuel. Therefore, the fuel cell device according to the present invention may be of a type having a reforming section for reforming the fuel into a reformed gas which is a hydrogen-containing gas preferable for use in the fuel cell,
Alternatively, it may be a type that does not have a reforming section and directly oxidizes a fuel such as methanol at the fuel electrode to form hydrogen.

The fuel cell produces electric power based on the fuel and the oxidant gas, and a system in which battery cells are laminated can be exemplified. A typical fuel is a fuel gas such as hydrocarbon, and at least one of methane, propane, butane, etc.
A gas containing a seed as a main component can be used, and examples thereof include natural gas, methanol, gasoline, and biogas. As the fuel, a hydrogen-containing gas that is a reformed gas obtained by reforming the fuel can be used. An oxygen-containing gas such as air can be used as the oxidant gas. The fuel cell may be a commercial type, a domestic type, a stationary type, an on-vehicle type, a fixed type, a movable type, or a portable type.

[0017]

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment embodying the present invention. The fuel cell device, as shown in FIG.
A fuel cell 8 for generating power based on air as a fuel and an oxidant gas, a condenser 10 as a gas passage member, a water tank 6 provided below the condenser 10 and functioning as a drain, and a condenser. A discharge passage 140 that connects the condenser 10 and the water tank 6 that extend downward from 10 is provided. The fuel cell 8 includes a fuel electrode to which a hydrogen-containing gas as a fuel is supplied, an air electrode as an oxidant electrode to which air that is an oxygen-containing gas as an oxidant gas is supplied, and a fuel cell 8
With a cooling passage 22 for cooling from inside.

As shown in FIG. 1, the condenser 10 has a box shape and has a cooling function. The chamber 10r and the chamber 10r through which the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas containing water passes.
And a discharge port 120 formed in the lower part of the chamber bottom surface 100. Since the part 31e of the heat exchange passage 31 through which the cooling medium such as cooling water flows is arranged in the chamber 10r of the condensing unit 10, the inside of the chamber 10r of the condensing unit 10 is cooled. Condensing part 10
The chamber bottom surface 100 formed at the bottom of the chamber is inclined downward toward the discharge port 120 so that water can flow down.
The discharge passage 140 extends downward from the discharge port 120 on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condensing unit 10.
The water accumulated on the chamber bottom surface 100 is discharged from the discharge port 120 to the water tank 6. The water tank 6 has an atmosphere communication port 6m that communicates with the atmosphere.

The hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 through the hydrogen supply passage 9 and the valve 9a. Air (oxidant gas), which is an oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to the air electrode of the fuel cell 8 via the air supply passage 16. The hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 and the air supplied to the air electrode of the fuel cell 8 generate electric power in the fuel cell 8. The off-gas after the power generation of the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the outlet 8e of the manifold 85 of the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 is supplied to the chamber 10r of the condensing unit 10 via the fuel off-gas passage 12 and the valve 10a. Since the off-gas of the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 is cooled in the heat exchange passage 31, the water contained in the off-gas is condensed to generate condensed water, and the bottom of the chamber of the condenser 10 is condensed. Stay at 100. That is, water is removed from the off gas in the condensing unit 10 and dried. In addition,
The off gas that has passed through the condensing section 10 is supplied to the fuel off gas passage 1
2. It is supplied to a predetermined place through the valve 10c.

According to this embodiment, the check valve 200 functioning as a hydraulic pressure responsive discharge valve that opens and closes in response to water pressure is provided in the discharge port 120 formed on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10. It is provided. The check valve 200 includes a valve port 201 communicating with the discharge passage 140 and a valve port 201.
Has a valve portion 202 that can be opened and closed, and a spring portion 203 as an elastic portion that biases the valve portion 202 in the closing direction. Let P1 be the gas pressure in the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 and P be the water pressure based on the height h1 of the water staying on the chamber bottom 100.
2, the water pressure based on the height h2 of water from the discharge port 120 to the valve portion 202 is P3, and the total pressure of P1 + P2 + P3 is pressure PA. The pressure PA acts as a valve opening force for opening the valve portion 202 of the check valve 200. In a normal state, the spring force F of the spring portion 203 of the check valve 200 is set to overcome the pressure PA, so the check valve 200 is normally closed and the valve portion 202 closes the valve port 201. It is closed. Thus, when the check valve 200 is closed, the chamber bottom surface 100 of the chamber 10r of the condensing unit 10 is closed.
The water accumulated in the discharge port 120 is discharged from the discharge port 120.
Is prevented from being discharged. Therefore, the condenser section 1
On the chamber bottom surface 100 of the 0 chamber 10r, the amount of water necessary for sealing is retained. In this way, the bottom surface 10 of the condenser 10
If the water stays at 0, the discharge port 120 is covered and sealed by the staying water, so that the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas in the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 is discharged from the discharge port 120 of the chamber bottom surface 100. Leakage into the discharge passage 140 and the water tank 6 is suppressed.

When the operation of the fuel cell 8 is continued, the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas is successively supplied from the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 to the chamber 10r of the condensing part 10, so that the chamber 10 of the condensing part 10 is supplied.
The amount of water condensed at r gradually increases. Therefore, the amount of accumulated water on the bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10 gradually increases. When the amount of accumulated water on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10 exceeds a set value, the above-mentioned pressure PA gradually increases and overcomes the spring force of the spring portion 203 of the check valve 200, and the valve portion 202 of the check valve 200. Automatically opens, and the valve port 201 of the check valve 200 is opened. That is, since the check valve 200 is a pressure-responsive type, the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 is
The valve portion 202 of the check valve 200 is automatically opened in response to the water pressure based on the amount of water staying on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the discharge port 12 due to gravity.
It is automatically collected in the water tank 6 through 0 and the discharge path 140. As a result, it is possible to prevent excess water from accumulating on the bottom surface 100 of the condensing unit 10, and to prevent the bottom surface 10 of the condensing unit 10 from remaining.
The volume of the chamber 10r above 0 is secured, and the off gas supplied to the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 can be dried by condensation.

When the amount of staying water on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10 becomes less than the set value, h1 decreases, so that the above-mentioned pressure PA is overcome by the spring force of the spring portion 203 of the check valve 200. Therefore, due to the spring force of the spring portion 203, the check valve 2
00 valve section 202 is automatically closed, and valve port 201 is closed. That is, the chamber bottom 10 of the chamber 10r of the condenser 10
The valve portion 2 of the check valve 200 in response to the amount of water staying at 0
02 is automatically closed. For this reason, the amount of water necessary for the water seal remains on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser unit 10. Therefore, due to the remaining water, the discharge port 120
Since the gas is covered and sealed, the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas in the chamber 10r of the condensing unit 10 is suppressed from leaking from the discharge port 120 of the chamber bottom surface 100 to the discharge passage 140 and the water tank 6.

As described above, according to the fuel cell device according to the present embodiment, unlike the prior art, the electric high level sensor for detecting the high level of the water level in the condensing part 10 and the condensing part 10 are provided. It is possible to eliminate the electric low level sensors that detect the low level of the water level, and further the electromagnetic valve that opens based on the detection signals from these sensors. Therefore, it is advantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction. In particular, since the solenoid valve is equipped with an exciting solenoid, it is disadvantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction, but the fuel cell device according to the present invention can eliminate the solenoid valve having the exciting solenoid. Also, it is advantageous in terms of reduction of power consumption and size reduction.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment has a reforming system for reforming fuel gas. The second embodiment has basically the same configuration as the first embodiment, and basically has the same operational effect. Hereinafter, the different parts will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 2, this fuel cell device includes a fuel cell 8 that generates electric power based on hydrogen-containing gas and air, a condensing section 10 as a gas passage member, and a condensing section 10.
A water tank 6 functioning as a drainage portion provided below the condenser 10 and a condenser 10 extending downward from the condenser 10.
And a discharge path 140 connecting the water tank 6 and the water tank 6. The condensing part 10 has a box shape and has a cooling function, and the chamber 1 through which the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas containing water passes.
0r, a chamber bottom surface 100 that forms the bottom of the chamber 10r and retains water, and a discharge port 1 formed on the chamber bottom surface 100.
20 and. Since the part 31e of the heat exchange passage 31 through which the cooling medium such as cooling water flows is arranged in the chamber 10r of the condensing unit 10, the inside of the chamber 10r of the condensing unit 10 is cooled.
The chamber bottom surface 100 formed on the bottom surface of the condenser 10 is inclined downward toward the discharge port 120 so that water can flow down. The discharge passage 140 is provided on the bottom surface 10 of the condensation unit 10.
It extends downward from the discharge port 120 of 0, and discharges the water accumulated on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10 from the discharge port 120 to the water tank 6.

In this embodiment, a reforming system 1M for performing a reforming reaction of fuel gas is provided. The reforming system 1M includes a combustion section 13 in which fuel gas for combustion is supplied and burned, and a combustion section 1
The combustion section 1 is provided in the vicinity of 3 and in a temperature range suitable for the reforming reaction.
A reforming section 1 heated at 3, a CO removing section 5 for removing CO, and an evaporating section 2 for producing steam used in the reforming reaction from water are provided. Manifold 8 for fuel electrode of fuel cell 8
5 and the condenser 10 are connected by a fuel off gas passage 12 via a valve 10a. The fuel off gas passage 12 is
The off-gas after power generation at the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 is condensed by the condensing unit 10
It is a passage to supply to. The fuel off gas passage 12 is
The condenser 10 and the combustion unit 13 of the reforming system 1M via the valve 10c.
Is connected to. The water inlet 6x of the water tank 6 is connected to the evaporation part 2 of the reforming system 1M via the raw material water supply passage 7, the water transfer pump 7f, and the opening / closing control valve 7h.

Fuel gas for reforming city gas or the like is reforming section 1
When the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas, the fuel gas reacts with the water vapor from the evaporation unit 2, a reforming reaction occurs in the reforming unit 1, and a hydrogen-containing gas is generated. The generated hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 via the hydrogen supply passage 9 and the valve 9a. Air (oxidant gas), which is an oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to the air electrode of the fuel cell 8 via the air supply passage 16. The hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 and the air supplied from the air supply passage 16 to the air electrode of the fuel cell 8 generate electricity in the fuel cell 8. The off-gas after power generation of the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the outlet 8e of the manifold 85 of the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 is supplied into the condenser 10 through the fuel off-gas passage 12 and the valve 10a. The off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas supplied into the condensing unit 10 is used as the heat exchange passage 3
Since it is cooled by 1, the water contained in the off-gas is condensed to water and stays on the bottom surface 100 of the chamber of the condenser 10. That is, water is removed from the off gas in the condensing unit 10 and dried. The off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas, the water content of which has been reduced in the condensing unit 10, is supplied to the combustion unit 13 via the fuel off gas passage 12 and the valve 10c, and is consumed in the combustion unit 13 as a combustion reaction. Since the moisture of the offgas of the hydrogen-containing gas is removed by the condensing unit 10 as described above, even if the offgas is supplied to the combusting unit 13, the temperature of the combusting unit 13 can be maintained well, and the combustion reaction in the combusting unit 13 can be performed. Can be maintained well.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a check valve 200 that opens and closes in response to water pressure is provided at the discharge port 120 formed on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10.
Is provided. The check valve 200 is capable of opening and closing the valve port 201 communicating with the discharge passage 140.
02 and a spring portion 203 as an elastic portion that biases the valve portion 202 in the closing direction. In a normal state, the check valve 20
Since the spring force F of the spring portion 203 of 0 is set so as to overcome the above-mentioned pressure PA, the check valve 200 is normally closed and the valve portion 202 is closing the valve port 201. Thus, when the check valve 200 is closed, the water retained on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 is prevented from being discharged from the discharge port 120 to the discharge passage 140. Therefore, the chamber 10r of the condenser 10
A large amount of water necessary for sealing is retained on the chamber bottom 100. When water is accumulated on the bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10 in this manner, the discharge port 120 is covered and sealed by the accumulated water, so that the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas in the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 is , Discharge port 1 on chamber bottom 100
Leakage from the discharge passage 140 and the water tank 6 from 20 can be suppressed.

When the operation of the fuel cell 8 is continued, the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas is successively supplied from the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 to the chamber 10r of the condensing part 10, so that the chamber 10 of the condensing part 10 is supplied.
The amount of accumulated water on the chamber bottom surface 100 of r gradually increases. When the amount of accumulated water on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10 exceeds the set value, the above-mentioned pressure PA gradually increases and overcomes the spring force of the spring portion 203 of the check valve 200.
The valve portion 202 of the check valve 200 is automatically opened, and the check valve 2
00 valve port 201 is opened. That is, the condenser 10
In response to the water pressure based on the amount of water staying on the bottom surface 100 of the chamber 10r, the valve portion 202 of the check valve 200 is automatically opened, and the water on the bottom surface 100 of the condenser portion 10 is discharged from the discharge port 12
It is collected in the water tank 6 through 0 and the discharge path 140.
As a result, excess water is suppressed from accumulating on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condensing unit 10, the volume of the chamber 10r above the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condensing unit 10 is secured, and the off-gas supplied to the chamber 10r of the condensing unit 10 is secured. Can be dried by condensation.

When the amount of accumulated water on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10 becomes less than the set value, the above-mentioned pressure PA becomes smaller, so that the spring force of the spring portion 203 of the check valve 200 causes the pressure P to rise.
Beat A. Therefore, the valve portion 202 of the check valve 200 is automatically closed by the spring force of the spring portion 203, and the valve port 2
01 is closed. That is, the valve portion 202 of the check valve 200 is automatically closed in response to the amount of water staying on the bottom surface 100 of the chamber 10r of the condensing portion 10. Therefore, the condensing unit 10
The required amount of water will remain on the bottom 100 of the room.
Since the discharge port 120 is covered and sealed by the remaining water, the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas in the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 leaks from the discharge port 120 of the chamber bottom surface 100 to the discharge passage 140 and the water tank 6. Can be suppressed.

As described above, also in the fuel cell device according to the present embodiment, unlike the prior art, like the first embodiment, an electric high level sensor, a low level sensor, and further these sensors are used. The solenoid valve that opens based on the detection signal from can be abolished. Therefore, it is advantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction. In particular, since the solenoid valve is equipped with an exciting solenoid, it is disadvantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction, but the fuel cell device according to the present invention can eliminate the solenoid valve having the exciting solenoid. Also, it is advantageous in terms of reduction of power consumption and size reduction.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment has basically the same configuration as the second embodiment, and basically has the same effect. Hereinafter, the different parts will be mainly described. According to the present embodiment, the discharge port 12 on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser unit 10
The check valve 20 is provided in the discharge passage 140 extending downward from 0.
0 is provided. Further, in the fuel cell 8, a second discharge port 120B is formed in the second chamber bottom surface 100B which is the bottom of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell 8 through which the off-gas after generation of the hydrogen-containing gas passes, and the second discharge port 120B is formed. Port 12
The second discharge passage 140B extends downward from 0B toward the water tank 6. In the second discharge passage 140B,
Pressure-responsive second check valve 200 that opens and closes in response to water pressure
B is provided. The second check valve 200B has the same configuration as the check valve 200 described above, and has a second discharge passage 140B.
Has a second valve portion 202B capable of opening and closing the second valve port 201B, and a second spring portion 203B as an elastic portion for biasing the second valve portion 202B in the closing direction. The second valve portion 202B includes a manifold 8 of the fuel cell 8.
5, chamber 85r pressure, manifold 85 second chamber bottom 10
Water pressure based on the height of water staying at 0B, water pressure based on the height of water from the second discharge port 120B of the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the manifold 85 to the second valve portion 202B of the second check valve 200B. Let PB be the total pressure of the above. This pressure PB acts on the second valve portion 202B of the second check valve 200B as its valve opening force. In a normal state, the second check valve 2
Since the spring force F2 of the second spring portion 203B of 00B is set so as to overcome the pressure PB described above, the second check valve 200B is normally closed and the second check valve 200B is closed.
The second valve portion 202B of B closes the second valve port 201B. In this way, when the second check valve 200B is closed, the second of the chamber 85r of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell 8 is closed.
The water retained on the chamber bottom surface 100B is discharged from the second discharge port 120B of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell 8 to the second discharge passage 1 through the second discharge port 120B.
It is not discharged to the water tank 6 via 40B. Therefore, the second chamber bottom surface 10 of the chamber 85r of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell 8 is
A necessary amount of water is retained in 0B. As described above, if the second discharge port 120B of the manifold 85 is covered and sealed by the staying water when the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell 8 is retained, the chamber 85r of the manifold 85 is sealed. The off-gas of the hydrogen-containing gas in the inside is the second discharge port 1 of the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the manifold 85.
Leakage from 20B to the second discharge passage 140B and the water tank 6 side is suppressed.

Bottom of the second chamber 1 of the chamber 85r of the manifold 85
When the amount of accumulated water in 00B gradually increases and the amount of accumulated water in the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the manifold 85 exceeds the set value, the pressure PB gradually increases and the second check valve 2
Overcome the spring force of the spring portion 203 of 00B. At this time, the second valve portion 202B of the second check valve 200B is automatically opened, and the second valve port 201B of the second check valve 200B is opened. Then, the water on the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the chamber 85r of the manifold 85 is automatically collected in the water tank 6 through the second discharge port 120B and the second discharge passage 140B. This prevents excess water from accumulating on the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the manifold 85.

When the amount of accumulated water on the bottom surface 100B of the second chamber of the manifold 85 is less than the set value, the pressure PB is overcome by the spring force of the second spring portion 203B of the second check valve 200B, and the second check valve 200B moves to the first position. The second valve portion 202B is automatically closed by the spring force of the second spring portion 203B, and the second valve port 2
01B is closed. That is, the chamber 85r of the manifold 85
The second valve portion 202B of the second check valve 200B is automatically closed in response to the water pressure of the amount of water accumulated on the second chamber bottom surface 100B. Therefore, the second chamber bottom surface 10 of the manifold 85 is
Since a necessary amount of water remains in 0B, the remaining water covers and seals the second discharge port 120B, and the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas in the chamber 85r of the manifold 85 is
Leakage from the second discharge port 120B of the second chamber bottom surface 100B to the discharge passage 140B and the water tank 6 side can be suppressed.

As described above, also in the fuel cell device according to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, unlike the prior art, an electric high level sensor, a low level sensor, and further these sensors are used. The solenoid valve that opens based on the detection signal from can be abolished. Therefore, it is advantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction. In particular, since the solenoid valve is equipped with an exciting solenoid, it is disadvantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction, but the fuel cell device according to the present invention can eliminate the solenoid valve having the exciting solenoid. Also, it is advantageous in terms of reduction of power consumption and size reduction.

Further, according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the discharge passage 140 is formed with the water passage resistance portion 160 by bending the discharge passage 140. Water resistance part 1
60 is provided below the check valve 200 in the discharge passage 140. According to the present embodiment, even when the closing operation of the valve portion 202 of the check valve 200 is delayed due to circumstances, or even when the pressure in the chamber 10r of the condenser portion 10 becomes momentarily excessive. Since the water flow resistance portion 160 is formed in the discharge passage 140, the chamber bottom surface 10 of the condenser portion 10
It is possible to prevent excessive discharge of the sealing water staying at 0 from the discharge port 120. Therefore, the amount of water required for the seal is kept at the bottom of the chamber 1 of the condenser 10.
It is advantageous to stay at 00.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the second portion extending from the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell.
A second water passage resistance portion 160B is also formed in the discharge passage 140B by bending the second discharge passage 140B. The second water passage resistance portion 160B is provided below the second check valve 200B in the second discharge passage 140B. According to the present embodiment, even when the closing operation of the second valve portion 202B of the second check valve 200B is delayed due to circumstances, or when the pressure in the manifold 85 becomes momentarily excessive. Also, the second water flow resistance portion 160B has the second discharge passage 14
Since it is formed in 0B, the manifold 8 of the fuel cell 8
5, it is possible to prevent the sealing water staying on the second chamber bottom surface 100B from being excessively discharged from the second discharge port 120B, and to seal the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell 8 on the second chamber bottom surface 100B. It is advantageous to retain the water.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment has basically the same configuration as the third embodiment, and basically has the same operational effect. Hereinafter, the different parts will be mainly described. According to this embodiment, the discharge passage 140 is provided with the throttle 180 that functions as a water resistance portion. Valve part 2 of the check valve 200
Even when the closing operation of 02 is delayed, or even when the pressure of the chamber 10r of the condensing section 10 becomes momentarily excessive, the throttle 180 serving as a water passage resistance section is provided with the throttle 180.
Since it is formed at 0, it is possible to prevent the sealing water staying on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condensing unit 10 from being excessively discharged from the discharge port 120, and to seal the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condensing unit 10. It is advantageous to retain water for use.

Further, the second discharge passage 140B extending from the bottom surface 100B of the second chamber of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell is also provided with a second throttle 180B functioning as a water passage resistance portion. Even when the closing operation of the second valve portion 202B of the second check valve 200B is delayed due to circumstances, or even when the pressure in the manifold 85 momentarily becomes excessive, it functions as a water passage resistance portion. The second throttle portion 180B of the fuel cell 8 is formed in the second discharge passage 140B.
It is possible to prevent the sealing water staying on the second chamber bottom surface 100B of the manifold 85 from being excessively discharged from the second discharge port 120B. Therefore, it is advantageous to retain a necessary amount of sealing water on the bottom surface 100B of the second chamber of the manifold 85 of the fuel cell 8. The throttle 180 is provided below the check valve 200 in the discharge passage 140, and the second throttle 180B is provided in the second discharge passage 140B.
Of these, it is provided below the second check valve 200B, but is not limited to this.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment has basically the same configuration as the first embodiment, and basically has the same operational effect. Hereinafter, the different parts will be mainly described. The check valve 200C that functions as a discharge valve includes a valve portion 20 that can open and close a valve port 201C that communicates with the discharge passage 140.
2C and a coil-shaped spring portion 203C as an elastic portion that urges the valve portion 202C in the direction of closing the valve port 201C.
And a base portion 205C having a valve port 201C while holding the valve portion 202C and the spring portion 203C. When the water pressure received by the pressure receiving surface 204C of the valve portion 202C overcomes the spring force of the spring portion 203C, the valve portion 202C operates in the opening direction to open the valve port 201C of the base portion 205C. When the water pressure received by the pressure receiving surface 204C of the valve portion 202C decreases, the valve portion 202C operates in the closing direction to close the valve port 201C of the base portion 205C.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment has basically the same configuration as the first embodiment, and basically has the same operational effect. Hereinafter, the different parts will be mainly described. The check valve 200D that functions as a discharge valve includes a valve portion 20 that can open and close a valve port 201D that communicates with the discharge passage 140.
2D, a spring portion 203D as an elastic portion that urges the valve portion 202D in the direction of closing the valve port 201D, and the valve portion 2
02D and the spring portion 203D are held, and the valve port 2
And the base 205D having 01D. Valve part 20
When the water pressure received by the 2D pressure receiving surface 204D overcomes the spring force of the spring portion 203D, the valve portion 202D operates in the opening direction to open the valve port 201D of the base portion 205D.
When the water pressure received by the pressure receiving surface 204D of the valve portion 202D decreases, the valve portion 202D operates in the closing direction to move to the base portion 205.
The valve port 201D of C is closed. The female screw portion 206D of the base portion 205D has a male screw portion 208 of the movable portion 207D.
D is screwed so as to be able to advance and retract. If a tool is fitted in the groove 209D of the movable portion 207D and the movable portion 207D is rotated and the male screw portion 208D is appropriately advanced and retracted, the movable portion 207D is moved.
Can be adjusted in the direction of the spring force of the spring portion 203D, whereby the spring force of the spring portion 203D can be adjusted, and consequently the amount of water pressure when the check valve 200D is opened can be adjusted.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment has basically the same configuration as the first embodiment, and basically has the same operational effect. Hereinafter, the different parts will be mainly described. The check valve 200E, which functions as a discharge valve, includes a valve portion 202E formed mainly of rubber or resin as an elastically deformable polymer organic material capable of opening and closing the valve port 201E communicating with the discharge passage 140. , And a base portion 205E having a valve port 201E while holding the valve portion 202E. When the water pressure received by the pressure receiving surface 204E of the valve portion 202E increases, the valve portion 202E elastically deforms in response to the water pressure,
The valve port 201E is opened. When the water pressure received by the pressure receiving surface 204E of the valve portion 202E decreases, the valve portion 202E operates in the closing direction and the valve port 201E of the base portion 205E.
Will be closed.

(Application Example) An application example of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 8 shows a conceptual diagram of a stationary fuel cell device. As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell device according to the present example is provided with a reforming system 1M that produces a hydrogen-containing gas suitable for power generation by causing a reforming reaction between a fuel gas as a fuel and steam. . The reforming system 1M includes a reforming unit 1 that reacts a fuel gas and steam to generate a reforming reaction to generate a hydrogen-containing gas suitable for power generation, and evaporates raw material water to generate steam used in the reforming reaction. It is composed of a vaporizing section 2 for generation, a combustion section 13 for heating the reforming section 1 to a temperature range suitable for the reforming reaction, and a CO removing section 5. Since the heat of the combustion section 13 is transferred to the reforming section 1, the reforming section 1 is heated to a high temperature suitable for the reforming reaction. The CO removing unit 5 removes carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas generated in the reforming unit 1. The CO removal unit 5 has a CO shift unit that reduces carbon monoxide by a shift reaction and a CO selective oxidation unit that reduces carbon monoxide by using air, but the CO removal unit 5 is not limited to these.

A fuel gas supply passage (fuel supply passage) 4 for supplying the fuel gas to the reforming portion 1 via the heat exchange portion 3 is provided. A fuel gas source 15 is provided at the upstream end of the fuel gas supply passage 4.
It is connected to (city gas piping) and supplies fuel gas containing at least one of methane, propane, butane, etc. as a main component. The fuel gas supply passage 4 is provided with a dual valve 29 including two valves 27 and 28 arranged in parallel, a fuel gas transfer pump 4p, a desulfurization section 4a, a valve 4b, and a confluence section 4c. The merging unit 4 c merges and mixes the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply passage 4 and the water vapor evaporated in the evaporation unit 2, and supplies the fuel gas to the reforming unit 1 via the heat exchange unit 3.

A combustion section communication passage 14 for supplying combustion fuel gas to the combustion section 13 is provided. Combustion section communication passage 14
Connects the fuel gas supply passage 4 and the combustion portion 13 via the branch portion 4m. The combustion section communication passage 14 is provided with a pump 14p as a gas carrier source for carrying the combustion fuel gas toward the combustion section 13. The fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply passage 4 is supplied to the combustion portion 13 through the combustion portion communication passage 14 by the pump 14p and used for the combustion reaction in the combustion portion 13, so that the combustion portion 13 has a high temperature. Since the reforming section 10 is heated by the combustion section 13, the reforming section 1
The temperature can be maintained in the temperature range suitable for the reforming reaction, and the hydrogen-containing gas can be effectively generated by the reforming reaction in the reforming section 1.

As shown in FIG. 8, a fuel cell 8 is provided. The fuel cell 8 generates electricity by using air (oxidant gas) as an oxygen-containing gas and hydrogen-containing gas. The fuel cell 8 is a polymer electrolyte type, and is composed of a stack in which a plurality of cells using a proton conductive polymer membrane as an electrolyte are laminated. A hydrogen supply passage 9 (fuel supply passage) for supplying the hydrogen-containing gas generated in the reforming section 1 to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 via the valve 9a is provided.

As shown in FIG. 8, an air supply passage 16 (oxidant supply passage) for supplying the power generation air as the oxygen-containing gas to the air electrode of the fuel cell 8 is provided. The air supply passage 16 is provided with an air purifying filter 16a, an air carrying fan 16b, and an air humidifying unit 20. The humidifying unit 20 humidifies the air that is the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell 8. When the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell 8 is excessively dried, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 8 is reduced, so the air supplied to the air electrode of the fuel cell 8 is humidified.

A fuel off-gas passage 12 is provided to allow the off-gas of the hydrogen-containing gas after power generation, which is discharged from the outlet 8e of the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8, to flow to the combustion section 13. A valve 10a is provided in the fuel off-gas passage 12, a condensing section 10 on the fuel electrode side, a valve 1
0c is provided. The fuel electrode side condensing portion 10 is provided so as to be located between the combustion portion 13 and the fuel cell 8 in the fuel off-gas passage 12, and the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the fuel electrode outlet 8e of the fuel cell 8 is discharged. To remove the water contained in the off-gas. As a result, the off gas from which the moisture has been removed passes through the fuel off gas passage 12 and the combustion part 13
And used as a combustion reaction. The off gas from which the moisture has been removed is supplied to the combustion section 13 and used as a combustion reaction, so that the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas can be reused. At this time, since the water contained in the offgas of the hydrogen-containing gas is removed, the temperature decrease of the combustion section 13 is suppressed, and the combustion reaction in the combustion section 13 can be favorably performed.

An air off-gas passage (oxidant off-gas passage) 18 is provided for causing an off-gas of the air after power generation discharged from the air electrode of the fuel cell 8 to flow into the atmosphere. A humidifying section 20 is provided in the air off-gas passage 18.

A raw water supply passage 7 is provided which connects a water pipe as a water supply source and the evaporator 2. The water supplied from the raw material water supply passage 7 to the evaporator 2 is heated in the evaporator 2 to become steam, which is used for the reforming reaction in the reformer 1. In the raw material water supply passage 7, a filter 7a for purifying raw material water, a valve 7b, a valve 7c, a water purifying device 7d for enhancing the degree of purification of raw material water, a water tank 6, and a pump 7 for conveying raw material water.
An open / close control valve 7h is provided. The water tank 6 is arranged below the condensing unit 10, and the condensing unit 10 and the water tank 6 are connected via the discharge passage 140. The water staying in the condensing part 10 on the chamber bottom 100 is discharged through the discharge passage 14
0, the check valve 200 is passed to the water tank 6.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a cooling passage 22 for the cell through which cooling water that removes heat of the fuel cell 8 flows is provided. A pump 22p and a heat exchange unit 23 are provided in the battery cooling passage 22. A hot water storage unit 26 that removes heat generated in the entire fuel cell device and stores it as hot water is provided together with a hot water temperature sensor 26n. Discharge port 26 of hot water storage unit 26
The heat exchange passage 31 extending from i is provided with a pump 31p for transporting cooling water and a condenser section 10 on the fuel side,
Further, a plurality of heat exchange parts (not shown) are provided at appropriate portions. Therefore, the cooling water flowing from the hot water storage section 26 through the heat exchange passage 31 flows through the condenser section 10 on the fuel side and further through a plurality of heat exchange sections (not shown) provided at appropriate portions, and is heated by heat exchange to generate heat. It returns to the suction port 26o of the hot water storage unit 26 via the exchange unit 23. Therefore, the cooling water stored in the hot water storage unit 26 becomes hot and becomes hot water. The hot water that is the cooling water for the hot water storage unit 26 can be used as a hot water supply source for other purposes. Hot water storage section 26
Is supplied with water from a water supply source via a supply passage 26k. Various signals (S1, S2
Etc.) is input.

Also in this example, the check valve 2 as the discharge valve
00 is normally closed. In this way, the check valve 200
Is closed, the water retained on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 is prevented from being discharged from the discharge port 120 to the discharge passage 140. Therefore, a necessary amount of water is retained on the bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10. If water is accumulated on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser unit 10 in this way, the discharge port 120 on the chamber bottom surface 100 is covered and sealed by the accumulated water.
The off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas of 0 is suppressed from leaking from the discharge port 120 of the chamber bottom surface 100 to the discharge passage 140 and the water tank 6.

When the operation of the fuel cell 8 is continued, the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas is successively supplied from the outlet 8e of the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 8 to the condensing part 10, so that the accumulated water on the bottom surface 100 of the condensing part 10 is retained. The amount of water increases gradually. When the amount of accumulated water on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condensing unit 10 exceeds the set value, the valve unit 202 of the check valve 200 automatically opens,
The valve port 201 of the check valve 200 is opened. That is, the valve portion 202 of the check valve 200 is automatically opened in response to the water pressure based on the amount of water staying on the bottom surface 100 of the chamber 10r of the condensing portion 10, and the water on the bottom surface 100 of the condensing portion 10 is It is collected in the water tank 6 through the discharge port 120 and the discharge passage 140. As a result, it is possible to prevent excess water from accumulating on the bottom surface 100 of the condensing unit 10, and to prevent the bottom surface 10 of the condensing unit 10 from remaining.
The volume of the chamber 10r above 0 is secured, and the off gas supplied to the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 can be dried by condensation. The water collected in the water tank 6 is sent to the evaporator 2 and reused as steam used for the reforming reaction.

When the amount of accumulated water on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10 becomes less than the set value, the spring force of the spring portion 203 automatically closes the valve portion 202 of the check valve 200. That is,
The check valve 200 is automatically closed in response to the amount of water staying on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the chamber 10r of the condenser 10. Therefore, a necessary amount of water remains on the chamber bottom surface 100 of the condenser 10, and the remaining water causes the discharge port 120 to remain.
Since the gas is covered and sealed, the off gas of the hydrogen-containing gas in the condenser 10 is prevented from leaking from the discharge port 120 of the chamber bottom surface 100 to the discharge passage 140 and the water tank 6.

As described above, also in the fuel cell device according to the present example, unlike the prior art, the electric high level sensor, the low level sensor, and further, based on the detection signals from these sensors, they are opened. The solenoid valve can be abolished. Therefore, it is advantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction. In particular, since the solenoid valve is equipped with an exciting solenoid, it is disadvantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction, but the fuel cell device according to the present invention can eliminate the solenoid valve having the exciting solenoid. ,
It is advantageous in terms of reduction of power consumption and size reduction.

(Others) In the above-described first embodiment, the check valve 200 is provided in the discharge passage 140 extending from the condenser 10 through which the hydrogen-containing gas or the off gas flows.
The present invention is not limited to this, and a discharge passage that connects a gas passage member other than the condenser 10 provided in the passage through which the hydrogen-containing gas or the off-gas flows to the water tank 6 is provided, and a check valve may be provided in this discharge passage. good.

Although the fuel gas source 15 is a city gas pipe in the above-described first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a gas tank filled with a fuel gas such as hydrogen gas may be used. Although fuel gas (city gas, etc.) is used as the fuel, it is not limited to this. Although air is used as the oxygen-containing gas that is the oxidant, the present invention is not limited to this. In the above-described first embodiment, the check valve 200 is provided in the discharge passage 140 extending downward from the discharge port 120.
The check valve 200 may be provided in the discharge port 120 itself. In this case, it is necessary to retain the water that exerts the water pressure for opening the check valve 200 on the chamber bottom surface 100.

In the first embodiment described above, the water generated in the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 is retained on the bottom surface 100 of the chamber 10r of the condenser 10 as described above. The water may be retained only in the discharge passage 140 between the discharge port 120 and the check valve 200, and the discharge port 120 may be sealed by the accumulated water.

The fuel cell device according to the present invention is not limited to the example having the piping system shown in the above-mentioned embodiments and application examples. Further, although the application example described above is applied to the stationary fuel cell device, the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a fuel cell device mounted on a vehicle. Besides, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope not departing from the gist.

The following technical idea can be understood from the above description. (Additional Item 1) A fuel cell having a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode,
A fuel gas, an off gas thereof, an oxidant gas, a chamber bottom surface capable of accumulating water generated based on water contained in at least one of the off gases, and a discharge port formed on the chamber bottom surface. A gas passage member having, and extending downward from the discharge port of the gas passage member toward a drain portion provided below the discharge port on the bottom surface of the chamber of the gas passage member, on the bottom surface of the chamber. In a fuel cell device comprising a discharge passage for discharging accumulated water from the discharge port to the drainage part, the discharge passage or the discharge port is normally closed, and the discharge passage causes A water pressure responsive discharge valve is provided which prevents discharge of water to the drainage portion, opens in response to water pressure, and causes water to be discharged to the drainage portion through the discharge passage upon opening. That the fuel cell device. (Additional Item 2) A fuel cell having a fuel electrode to which a fuel is supplied and an oxidant electrode to which an oxidant gas is supplied, and at least one of a fuel gas, an off gas thereof, an oxidant gas, and an off gas thereof. A gas passage member having a chamber bottom surface capable of accumulating water generated based on the water content contained in the chamber and a discharge port formed on the chamber bottom surface; and the discharge port on the chamber bottom surface of the gas passage member. Also extends downward from the discharge port on the bottom surface of the chamber of the gas passage member toward a drainage part such as a water tank provided below, and collects water accumulated on the bottom surface of the chamber from the discharge port. In a fuel cell device having a discharge passage for discharging to a water tank, the discharge passage or the discharge port is normally closed, and along with closing the discharge port on the bottom surface of the chamber with water, A discharge valve of a water pressure responsive type is provided, which is opened in response to the water pressure of the accumulated water on the bottom surface of the storage chamber, and causes the water on the bottom surface of the chamber to be discharged to the water tank through the discharge passage with the opening. Fuel cell device. (Appendix 3) In each of the claims and the appendixes, a fuel cell device, wherein a discharge resistance portion is provided in the discharge passage. Excessive discharge of accumulated water is suppressed.

[0060]

According to the fuel cell device of the present invention, a water pressure responsive discharge valve is provided in the discharge passage or the discharge port. This discharge valve is normally closed.When the discharge valve is closed, the fuel gas supplied to the chamber of the gas passage member or its off gas leaks from the discharge port on the bottom of the chamber of the gas passage member to the drain. Can be suppressed.
When the amount of accumulated water increases and the water pressure increases, the discharge valve opens in response to the increased water pressure, discharges the accumulated water to the drainage part such as the water tank through the discharge passage, and discharges excess accumulated water. be able to.

According to the fuel cell device according to the present invention as described above, an electric high level sensor which has been conventionally used,
It is possible to eliminate the low level sensors and further the solenoid valve that opens based on the detection signals from these sensors. Therefore, it is advantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction. In particular, since the solenoid valve is equipped with an exciting solenoid, it is disadvantageous in reduction of power consumption and size reduction, but the fuel cell device according to the present invention can eliminate the solenoid valve having the exciting solenoid. Also, it is advantageous in terms of reduction of power consumption and size reduction.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing the inside of the check valve according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view schematically showing the inside of the check valve according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view schematically showing the inside of the check valve according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell device according to an application example.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the figure, 6 is a water tank (drainage part), 8 is a fuel cell, 10 is a condensation part, 10r is a chamber, 100 is a chamber bottom surface, 120 is a discharge port, 140 is a discharge passage, and 200 is a check valve (discharge valve). Two
10 is a valve port, 202 is a valve portion, and 203 is a spring portion.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shinki Hattori             1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Auto             Car Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5H026 AA02 CX08 CX10                 5H027 AA02 KK01 MM08

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A fuel cell having a fuel electrode and an oxidizer electrode, a chamber through which a fuel gas or an off gas thereof passes, and a fuel cell in the chamber or water contained in the off gas thereof. A gas passage member having a chamber bottom surface capable of accumulating water, and a discharge port formed on the chamber bottom surface, and a gas passage member facing the drainage portion provided below the discharge port on the chamber bottom surface of the gas passage member. And a discharge passage that extends downward from the discharge port of the gas passage member and discharges water accumulated on the bottom surface of the chamber from the discharge port to the drain portion, the discharge passage or the discharge passage. The discharge port is normally closed, and when it is closed, discharge of water from the discharge passage to the drainage section is blocked, and in response to water pressure, the discharge port is opened and water is discharged through the discharge passage as described above. Drainage A fuel cell device characterized in that a water pressure responsive discharge valve for discharging to a portion is provided. 2. The gas passage member according to claim 1,
A fuel cell device comprising: a condensing unit configured to reduce the water contained in the offgas of the fuel gas by condensing the water contained in the offgas of the fuel gas. 3. The gas passage member according to claim 1, wherein
A fuel cell device comprising a manifold attached to the fuel cell so that fuel gas or off gas thereof passes. 4. The discharge valve according to claim 1, wherein the discharge valve has a valve portion capable of opening and closing a valve port communicating with the discharge passage, and the valve portion closes the valve port. A fuel cell device having an elastic portion that urges in a direction, and the valve portion operates to open the valve port in response to water pressure received by the valve portion. 5. The discharge valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge valve is mainly made of a polymer organic material elastically deformable to open and close the valve port communicating with the discharge passage. A fuel cell device comprising a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is elastically deformed in response to water pressure received by the valve portion to open the valve port.