JP2003308871A - Fuel supply cartridge for fuel cell and fuel cell provided therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel supply cartridge for a fuel cell with the cartridge for fuel supply and power generation in just proportion, without lowering the utilization factor due to cross-over of surplus fuel or vaporization, and quickly starting/stopping the supply of a fuel. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell 10 comprises a cell body (a casing) 10a and a cartridge storage part 10d. The cartridge storage part 10d stores the fuel supply cartridge 17. The cell body 10a and the cartridge storage part 10d are connected to each other via a tube 18. The cartridge 17 comprises a fuel storage tank part for storing the fuel, fuel pressurizing means 19, 20, 21 for supplying the fuel from the fuel storage tank part to a negative electrode 11 in the cell body 10, and a water tank part for filling water. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel supply cartridge for a fuel cell and a fuel cell including the cartridge, and more specifically, an electrolyte between a negative electrode (anode) and a positive electrode (cathode). In order to supply the fuel to the fuel cell, which has a basic structure in which the anode is supplied with hydrogen or methanol as a fuel, and the cathode is supplied with oxygen or the like as an oxidant so that electric energy can be taken out between the both electrodes. And a fuel cell including the cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As such a fuel cell, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC, also called a polymer electrolyte fuel cell) in which the electrolyte is a solid and a polymer is used.
Also, there is known a direct methanol fuel cell that uses methanol as a fuel and can supply the methanol directly to the negative electrode, and these fuel cells are preferably used, for example, as a power source of a portable electronic device. It is a thing.

Although there are many types of electrolytes in fuel cells,
High output type PE with proton conductive polymer as electrolyte
In FC, a fuel cell of a system that supplies high-purity hydrogen generated by externally reforming coal-valent hydrogen as a fuel, or high-purity hydrogen directly produced in a factory is in the state of being almost commercialized.

Such a PEFC can operate at a low temperature, but it must be supplied with hydrogen as a fuel in a gaseous state, and the weight of a hydrogen storage cylinder, a regulator, etc. is large. Not suitable as a small portable power source.

On the other hand, as a fuel cell using a liquid fuel, a fuel cell (DMF) which directly supplies methanol is used.
C) is easy to handle and store fuel,
It is regarded as a potential power source for portable electronic devices.

Such a DMFC directly supplies an aqueous methanol solution to the negative electrode. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the “power generation device” described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-268836 includes a negative electrode 11, a positive electrode 12, an electrolyte membrane 13, a liquid fuel impregnating portion 16, and a liquid that stores a liquid fuel. The fuel storage unit 32 and the ventilation structure 34 are included. Then, as described in the publication, methanol is stored in the fuel impregnating portion 16 made of an assembly of resins or fibers, and the negative electrode 11 is formed by utilizing the capillary force of the resin or fibers.
Fuel to.

In this DMFC, since the forced fuel supply mechanism is not used, the fuel cell can be used as a power source for portable electronic equipment, and the fuel impregnation section 16 controls the fuel supply amount. , Crossover (positive electrode 12
It is also possible to prevent (permeation of methanol to).

As another fuel cell using a liquid fuel, Toyama Prefectural Industrial Technology Center Research Report No. 10, 1
Means for utilizing the polymer actuator described in “Development of Polymer Actuator” of 996 are also considered. As shown in FIG. 7, the small pump which is the polymer actuator includes a liquid tank 46 having a nozzle 47,
It comprises a rubber elastic film 45, a water-supplying resin 44, a stainless steel screen part 3, a water reservoir 42, and an air hole 41.

Then, the water filling resin 44 absorbs the water filled in the water reservoir tank 42, and the rubber elastic film 45 is pushed by the swelling of the water feeding resin 44, and the liquid tank 46.
The liquid inside is discharged through the nozzle 47. According to such a polymer actuator, it becomes possible to inexpensively supply the required fuel to the fuel cell in the required amount.

[0010]

However, since the power generation device is not equipped with an exhaust hole, a check valve, and other control units, no consideration has been given to the control as to whether power generation is necessary or unnecessary. For this reason, it is difficult to supply fuel and generate electricity without excess and deficiency, and there is a risk of causing crossover of excess fuel and deterioration of utilization efficiency due to vaporization.

On the other hand, the polymer actuator does not have a mechanism for quickly starting or stopping the fuel supply because it is developed for use in biotechnology and medical technology. , A special design for fuel cells is needed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to enable fuel supply and power generation without excess or deficiency, and to reduce use efficiency due to crossover of excess fuel or vaporization. (EN) Provided are a fuel cell fuel supply cartridge capable of promptly starting and stopping fuel supply, and a fuel cell including the cartridge, which is unlikely to cause the fuel supply.

[0013]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for supplying fuel to a fuel cell, the cartridge containing the fuel and supplying the fuel to a negative electrode of the fuel cell. A fuel chamber having a fuel supply port, and a fuel pressurizing means attached to the fuel chamber for pressurizing the fuel in the fuel chamber in order to supply the fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell through the fuel supply port when the fuel is needed. There is provided a fuel supply cartridge for a fuel cell, which comprises:

The cartridge comprises a fuel chamber and fuel pressurizing means attached to the fuel chamber. The fuel chamber is a portion for storing fuel, and is provided with a fuel supply port for supplying fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell. The fuel pressurizing means is a means for pressurizing the fuel in the fuel chamber and supplying the fuel from the fuel supply port to the negative electrode of the fuel cell (fuel cell main body) when the fuel becomes necessary.

In the cartridge constructed as described above, a fuel chamber for accommodating the fuel and having a fuel supply port for supplying the fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell, and attached to this fuel chamber, Since a fuel pressurizing means for pressurizing the fuel in the fuel chamber is provided in order to supply the fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell main body through the fuel supply port when the fuel is needed, it is possible to supply and generate fuel in proper quantity. Therefore, there is no possibility of causing a decrease in utilization efficiency due to crossover of excess fuel or vaporization, and moreover, fuel supply can be started and stopped quickly.

In the cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention, the fuel pressurizing means is provided with an elastic wall portion facing the fuel chamber and a first compartment provided adjacent to the fuel chamber via the elastic wall portion. And a water-absorbent resin body that is housed in the first compartment and expands in volume by absorbing water to pressurize the fuel in the fuel chamber through the elastic wall portion, and to supply water to the water-absorbent resin body when the fuel is needed. Preferably, the water supply means is

In the cartridge constructed as described above, the fuel in the fuel chamber is expanded from the fuel supply port through the elastic wall portion by the volume expansion of the water-absorbent resin body housed in the first compartment to the cell body. Since the fuel is supplied to the inside, it is possible to quickly supply the fuel without excess and deficiency with a simple structure.

As the material forming the elastic wall portion, among the polyurethane resin, SBR resin, PVC resin, SBR resin, silicone resin, etc., the dynamic elastic modulus (log10E ') in the resin composition rubber region is 9.0 dyne. Those having a density of less than / cm ² are preferably used. Examples of the water-absorbent resin portion housed in the first compartment are powdery, granular,
It may be composed of a fibrous starch-based water absorbent resin, a cellulose-based water absorbent resin, or a synthetic polymer-based water absorbent resin. As an example of the water-absorbent resin that constitutes the water-absorbent resin portion, Aqua Pearl (registered trademark) manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Co., Ltd. as a polyacrylate water-absorbent resin, which is one kind of synthetic polymer-based water-absorbent resin, is preferable. Can be used.

The water supply means is means for supplying water to the water absorbent resin body when fuel is needed. The water supply means is, for example, for supplying water to the water-absorbent resin body, is formed on the chamber wall of the first compartment and allows the water to pass therethrough, but prevents the water-absorbent resin body from passing through the screen portion, A second compartment provided adjacent to the first compartment via the screen portion;
From the water contained in the second compartment, the vent hole formed in the second compartment for introducing the outside air, and the sealing means for sealing the vent hole so that the fuel can be opened when necessary. Become.

As a material for forming the screen portion, in addition to a thermoplastic resin such as an acrylic resin, a resin having a glass transition point of room temperature or lower, specifically low density polyethylene (specific gravity 0.91 to 0.93) is used. ), Polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or other soft resin in the form of a mesh, or fibers such as cotton cloth can be used. As the sealing means, for example, a driving means for driving the vent hole to open when fuel is needed is used.

The water supply means constructed as described above works together with the elastic wall portion as follows. When the vent hole of the second compartment is opened by opening the drive means by turning on the power source, outside air flows into the second compartment from the vent hole. Then, the water contained in the second compartment which was in a decompressed state is absorbed by the water-supplying resin body contained in the first compartment, and the resin body expands. As a result, the resin body elastically pushes the elastic wall portion toward the fuel chamber. Then, the volume of the fuel chamber is reduced, and the fuel filled in the fuel chamber is supplied into the cell body through the fuel supply port. When the power supply is turned off and the ventilation hole is closed by the closing drive of the driving means, the outside air does not enter, so that the second compartment becomes in a depressurized state, the resin body does not absorb water newly, and the fuel supply is performed. Is stopped. When the power is turned on again, the vent hole is opened again, and the fuel supply as described above is restarted.

In the cartridge according to the present invention, the driving means in the sealing means stores the electricity generated by the fuel cell in which the cartridge is used, and the vent hole by utilizing the electricity stored in the electricity storage section. It is preferable that it comprises an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the, and an operating portion for operating the opening / closing mechanism. Here, as the actuating portion, in addition to the electromagnetic coil and the small motor, it is possible to preferably use an electrode terminal for applying a predetermined potential to the opening / closing mechanism. The opening / closing mechanism includes a permanent magnet when the operating portion is an electromagnetic coil, a crank mechanism when the operating portion is a small motor, and a piezoelectric material or polymer that deforms at a predetermined potential when the operating portion is an electrode terminal. Each gel can be preferably used.

When the driving means is constructed as described above, the electricity generated by the fuel cell can be effectively utilized to easily open and close the vent hole.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for supplying fuel of a fuel cell, the cartridge containing a solid substance for generating fuel and supplying the fuel to a negative electrode of the fuel cell. And a fuel chamber having a fuel supply port, which is attached to the fuel chamber, reacts with a solid substance to generate fuel, and supplies the fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell through the fuel supply port. There is provided a fuel supply cartridge for a fuel cell, comprising a reactant supply means for supplying a reactant.

The fuel chamber contains a solid substance such as metal hydroxide or powder of metal containing zinc / copper for generating fuel. As the reactant supply means, for example, a partition wall portion facing the fuel chamber and having a check valve, a reactant tank chamber for containing the reactant, an elastic wall portion facing the reactant tank chamber, and an elastic wall A first compartment provided adjacent to the reactant tank chamber via a wall portion, and a first compartment chamber for pressurizing the reactant in the reactant tank chamber via the elastic wall portion and absorbing water. It is preferable to use a water absorbent resin body that expands in volume by means of the above, and a water supply means for supplying water to the water absorbent resin body when fuel is needed.

In the case where the reactant supply means is constructed in this way, the reactant tank chamber stores the reactant such as water or steam or an acid solution containing dilute sulfuric acid / dilute hydrochloric acid. As described above, the outside air flows into the second compartment from the ventilation hole, the water contained in the second compartment is absorbed by the resin body, the resin body expands, and pressure is applied to the reactant in the reactant tank chamber. As a result, the reactant is supplied to the fuel chamber through the check valve and can react with the solid material to generate fuel.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a negative electrode,
A positive electrode, and a battery main body having an electrolyte provided between these two electrodes, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention, and a cartridge storage portion attached to the battery main body and detachably storing the cartridge. The fuel cell fuel cell is characterized in that the cartridge housing portion has a fuel introduction port that is releasably engaged with the fuel supply port of the cartridge and that guides the supplied fuel to the negative electrode of the cell body. Provided.

The cell body is provided between the negative electrode for oxidizing the fuel of the fuel cell to extract protons and electrons, the positive electrode for reducing oxygen generated by the oxidation at the negative electrode, and the both electrodes. And an electrolyte membrane for promoting the reaction between oxygen and the negative electrode. The size and shape of the battery body and the cartridge storage portion are not particularly limited. The material of the battery main body and the cartridge storage portion is not particularly limited, but a polymer material having a glass transition point of room temperature or higher, specifically, polystyrene, polycarbonate, hard polyvinyl chloride (added 0.5% by weight of a plasticizer). ), And a hard resin such as polyphenylene oxide is preferably used.

In such a fuel cell, since the cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention is provided, it is possible to supply fuel and generate electric power without excess or deficiency, and to utilize excess fuel by crossover or vaporization. There is no possibility of causing a decrease in efficiency, and furthermore, the fuel supply can be started and stopped quickly.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a negative electrode,
A positive electrode, and a battery main body having an electrolyte provided between these two electrodes, a cartridge according to another aspect of the present invention, and a cartridge storage portion attached to the battery main body for detachably storing the cartridge. A fuel cell is provided in which the cartridge housing portion has a fuel introduction port that is releasably engaged with the fuel supply port of the cartridge and that guides the supplied fuel to the negative electrode of the cell body. It In such a fuel cell, since it is provided with the cartridge according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to supply fuel and generate power without excess or deficiency, and reduce the utilization efficiency due to crossover of excess fuel or vaporization. In addition, the fuel supply can be started and stopped quickly.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Two embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows II ′ of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of this fuel cell along the line.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, this fuel cell 1
0 is a polystyrene resin battery main body (housing) 10a having a length of 30 mm, a width of 50 mm, and a height of 8 mm, and a length of 30 mm.
It is provided with a cartridge storage portion 10d made of the same resin and having a width of 10 mm and a height of 8 mm.

The cell body 10a has a negative electrode 11 for oxidizing fuel, a positive electrode 12 for reducing oxygen, and an electrolyte membrane 13 provided between the both electrodes 11. Further, in the housing of the battery body 10a, a plurality of air holes 16 for evaporating water generated in the positive electrode 12 by introduction of outside air, and a positive electrode terminal 8 and a negative electrode terminal made of aluminum alloy for extracting electricity. 9 is also provided. The cell body 10a is also provided with an excess fuel discharge port 7 for discharging unreacted vaporized gas of liquid fuel or liquid fuel.

The negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 are provided so as to face each other with the electrolyte membrane 13 interposed therebetween. The negative electrode 11 is for oxidizing the fuel and extracting protons and electrons from the fuel. As a catalyst material for the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12, D
A catalyst-integrated electrolyte membrane was used in which porous electrode catalyst layers 11b and 12b made of 5 g of carbon supporting 10 weight percent platinum were fixed by hot pressing on both sides of a 50 μm-thickness electrolyte membrane 13 made of uPont.

As the electrolyte membrane 13, a resin membrane, specifically, a copolymer membrane of a trifluoroethylene derivative, a phosphoric acid-impregnated polybenzimidazole membrane, or the like can be used, but a perfluorosulfonic acid-based membrane is preferable. DuPo
A Nafion membrane manufactured by nt is used. In addition to the Nafion membrane, there are Flemion membrane manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. and Aciplex membrane manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation.

Catalyst layer 1 used for negative electrode 11 and positive electrode 12
An alloy of platinum and a transition metal such as platinum, iron, nickel, cobalt, or ruthenium, or a carbon material containing fine particles of an oxide thereof as a catalyst can be used for 1b and 12b. Platinum is preferable when the fuel is pure hydrogen, and platinum-ruthenium alloy is preferable when the fuel contains hydrocarbons.

A porous carbon material such as carbon paper or carbon fiber is used for the gas diffusion layers 11a and 12a. A fuel space 14 surrounded by a 0.5 mm-thick acrylic resin thin plate is provided on the opposite side of the gas diffusion layer 11 a of the negative electrode 11 from the electrolyte membrane 13.

The housing lid 10c is provided with an electromagnetic coil 21 as an actuating portion composed of an electromagnetic coil.
A vent hole 19 that can be opened and closed is provided in the storage lid 10c.
Is also provided. A permanent magnet 20 as an opening / closing mechanism is used to open / close the vent hole 19.

A fuel supply cartridge 17 is stored in the cartridge storage portion 10d. As shown in FIG. 2, the cell body 10a and the cartridge storage portion 10d are connected by a stainless steel thin tube 18 as a fuel supply portion. The thin tube 18 is provided from the cartridge 17 to the fuel supply hole 10e of the cell body 10a,
The inner diameter is 1.5 mm and the outer diameter is 2.0 mm.

On the side of the gas diffusion layer 12a of the positive electrode 12 opposite to the electrolyte membrane 13, an oxidant space 15 is provided by utilizing the casing of the battery body 10a. In order to sufficiently supply oxygen to the positive electrode 12 and to sufficiently remove water generated in the positive electrode 12, the air hole 16 in the casing of the battery body 10a is a rectangular shape of 5 mm × 15 mm here. Five are provided. However, this number is not particularly limited.

The discharge port 7 for discharging the unreacted surplus fuel is a square having a size of 1 mm × 1 mm, and is provided so as to face the fuel space 14. This outlet 7
It also has the function of a check valve to prevent the entry of outside air. Further, in order to decompose the surplus fuel into a harmless and safe substance, a platinum catalyst is provided on the side opposite to the fuel space through the discharge port 7. This catalyst needs to be capable of decomposing surplus fuel into a harmless and safe substance at room temperature, and is appropriately selected depending on the fuel. In the case of a fuel used in a general fuel cell, platinum, Palladium and ruthenium are preferred.

FIG. 3 shows a fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a switch of an electronic device using the electric power generated by the fuel cell as a power source, and a secondary battery 36 separately provided in the electronic device. The opening / closing mechanism (permanent magnet) 2 shown in FIG.
It is a circuit diagram which connected 0 and the operating part (electromagnetic coil) 21.

When the switch of this electronic device is turned on, the electric current stored in the secondary battery 36 causes a current to flow in the electromagnetic coil 21 to generate a magnetic field. Then, the permanent magnet 20 provided so as to repel it slides to the side opposite to the electromagnetic coil 21.

By the control circuit shown in FIG. 3, the surplus electric power in use of the electronic device is stored in the secondary battery 36 as a power storage unit. As the secondary battery 36, lithium ion 2
In addition to a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged midway such as a secondary battery and a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery, a capacitor or a capacitor can be used.

FIG. 4A is a vertical sectional view of the cartridge in this fuel cell taken along the line II-II 'of FIG.

In FIG. 4A, the cartridge 17
Is a fuel storage tank portion 22 as a fuel chamber for storing fuel, and water supply as a part of fuel pressurizing means for supplying the fuel in the cartridge 17 to the negative electrode 11 in the cell body 10. It comprises means 23, a water tank portion 24 as a second compartment for storing water, and a vent hole 19 provided in the water tank portion 24 for introducing outside air.

The outside of the vent hole 19 is releasably closed by a permanent magnet 20 slidably attached. The inside of the vent hole 19 is closed by a moisture-proof liquid permeable membrane 25 having water repellency and air permeability for the purpose of preventing water from leaking from the vent hole 19. This liquid permeable membrane 25
Is composed of a GORE-TEX film manufactured by Japan GORE-TEX.

On the side of the fuel storage tank portion 22 opposite to the water supply means 23, there is provided a filter 29 for removing foreign matters which may be mixed in the fuel storage tank portion 22, and FIG.
The thin tube 18 facing the fuel supply hole 10e shown in FIG.

The water supply means 23 is provided with a water tank portion 24 and a first compartment which is arranged adjacent to the water tank portion 24 on the fuel storage tank portion 22 side and in which the water absorbent resin body 28 is stored. The screen portion 26 for supplying water of the water tank portion 24 to the resin body 28 and preventing the resin body 28 from leaking to the water tank portion 24, and the screen portion 26 provided on the resin body 28 on the fuel storage tank portion 22 side. The elastic wall portion 27 is provided.

The resin body 28 is 0.2 g of Aqua Pearl (registered trademark) manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, which is a kind of water-absorbent resin.
It is composed of. The screen portion 26 has a φ =
It is composed of a 0.5 mm thick porous acrylic plate having 100 holes / cm ^{3 of} 0.2 mm. Elastic wall 27
Is composed of a rubber wall made of polyurethane resin having a rubber elastic film.

FIG. 4 (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view when fuel is supplied to the fuel cell of FIG. 4 (a).

In FIG. 4A, the fuel storage tank portion 2
Liquid fuel 2 was filled with 10 cc of 70% methanol and 10 cc of pure water was filled in the water tank 24, and a power switch of an electronic device using the power generated by this fuel cell as a power source was turned on.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined potential is generated in the secondary battery 36 separately attached to the electronic device,
An electric current flowed through the electromagnetic coil 21, which is the operating portion, to generate a magnetic force. Then, the permanent magnet 20 attached so as to repel the electromagnetic coil 21 slid to open the vent hole 19.

When the vent hole 19 is opened, the water tank portion 2
The pure water stored in 4 passes through the screen portion 26 and is supplied to the water absorbent resin body 28 stored in the first compartment.
The volume of the resin body 28 supplied with pure water expands, and
As shown in (b), the rubber wall 27 is attached to the fuel storage tank portion 22.
Elastically deformed toward.

Then, the 70% methanol stored in the fuel storage tank portion 22 was supplied to the fuel space 14 of the cell body 10 through the narrow tube 18.

The methanol supplied to the fuel space 14 is
The catalyst layer 11b on the negative electrode 11 side is catalytically oxidized to generate protons. The protons generated in the negative electrode 11 reach the positive electrode 12 via the electrolyte membrane 13.

Oxygen stored in the positive electrode 12 is supplied to the oxidant space 15 by natural diffusion through the air holes 16 provided in the casing of the battery body 10, and electrons generated by the oxygen being reduced therein are generated. , Reacts with the protons transferred from the negative electrode 11 to generate water. As a result, a predetermined potential difference is generated between the positive electrode 12 and the negative electrode 11, and power is generated. The generated water is removed from the air holes 16 by natural evaporation. The generated charges are collected through a collector (not shown) to generate electricity.

When the power of this electronic device is off, the ventilation hole 19 is closed by the attractive force of the permanent magnet 20 and the supply of pure water is stopped, so that the supply of fuel is stopped.

Embodiment 2 In the cartridge shown in FIG. 5 (a), a portion corresponding to the fuel storage tank portion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1 is a diaphragm 30 having a check valve 31 and is used as a fuel chamber. It is divided into two parts, a solid substance storage part 22a and a liquid storage part 22b as a reaction substance tank chamber. This solid substance storage portion 22a was filled with 5 g of sodium borohydride as a solid substance, and the liquid storage portion 22b was filled with 10 cc of pure water as a reaction substance.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the vent holes 19 are opened and pure water is supplied to the water absorbent resin body 28.
When the rubber wall 27 swells and pressure is applied to the liquid storage portion 22b, pure water opens the check valve 31 and the solid substance storage portion 22a.
Is supplied to.

The pure water supplied to the solid substance accommodating portion 22a reacts with sodium borohydride therein to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is supplied to the battery body 10 through the thin tube 18.

When the power of this electronic device is off, the ventilation hole 19 is closed by the attractive force of the permanent magnet 20 and the supply of pure water is stopped, so that the supply of fuel is stopped.

The reaction of hydrogen generation can be easily considered in addition to the above, and a combination of a metal powder such as zinc or copper and an aqueous acid solution such as dilute sulfuric acid or dilute hydrochloric acid, or a metal hydride and water or steam is used. Combinations of are also possible.
However, when an acid aqueous solution is used, it is necessary to take measures such as using acid-resistant hard polyvinyl chloride for the housing and using an acid-resistant resin containing fluoroethylene vinyl ether resin and blocked isocyanate for the thin tube.

In addition, the form-hydrate was added to the reaction product.
A hydrogen-producing enzyme such as gen lyase can also be used. In this case, the same effect can be expected by using a liquid that the enzyme feeds.

FIG. 8 shows the result of the power generation test when the vent hole 19 is opened and closed by applying a constant current of 1 A using the first embodiment.
Shown in. Similarly, FIG. 9 shows the result of the power generation test when the vent hole 19 is opened and closed by applying a constant current of 2 A using the second embodiment. 8 and 9 that the fuel supply cartridge for a fuel cell according to the present invention makes it possible to arbitrarily start or stop the fuel supply to the fuel cell main body.

[0067]

A fuel supply cartridge for a fuel cell according to one aspect of the present invention contains a fuel chamber and a fuel chamber having a fuel supply port for supplying fuel to a negative electrode of the fuel cell. A fuel pressurizing means, which is attached to the fuel chamber and pressurizes the fuel in the fuel chamber so as to supply the fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell main body through the fuel supply port when the fuel is needed, is therefore sufficient in fuel quantity. Can be supplied and generated,
There is no risk of causing a decrease in utilization efficiency due to excess fuel crossover or vaporization, and moreover, fuel supply can be started and stopped quickly.

A fuel supply cartridge for a fuel cell according to another aspect of the present invention contains a solid substance for generating fuel and has a fuel supply port for supplying fuel to a negative electrode of the fuel cell. Chamber and this fuel chamber,
Since the fuel is generated by reacting with the solid substance and the fuel is supplied to the negative electrode of the fuel cell through the fuel supply port, the reactant supply means for supplying the reactant into the fuel chamber is provided. It is possible to supply fuel and generate electricity without deficiency, there is no fear of causing a decrease in utilization efficiency due to crossover of excess fuel and vaporization, and moreover, fuel supply can be started and stopped quickly.

A fuel cell according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a battery main body having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte provided between the both electrodes, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention, and a battery main body. A cartridge storage part that is attached and that stores the cartridge in a detachable manner. The cartridge storage part releasably engages with the fuel supply port of the cartridge and guides the supplied fuel to the negative electrode of the cell body. Since it has a fuel inlet, it is possible to supply and generate fuel without excess or deficiency, and there is no risk of crossover of excess fuel or deterioration of utilization efficiency due to vaporization, and fuel supply can be started quickly. You can start or stop.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a negative electrode,
A positive electrode, and a battery main body having an electrolyte provided between these two electrodes, a cartridge according to another aspect of the present invention, and a cartridge storage portion attached to the battery main body for detachably storing the cartridge. Since the cartridge housing portion has a fuel inlet port that releasably engages with the fuel supply port of the cartridge and guides the supplied fuel to the negative electrode of the cell body, there is no excess or deficiency in fuel supply and power generation. Therefore, there is no possibility of causing a decrease in utilization efficiency due to crossover of excess fuel or vaporization, and moreover, fuel supply can be started and stopped quickly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fuel cell taken along the line II ′ of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the fuel cell of FIG. 1, a switch of an electronic device using electric power generated by the fuel cell as a power source, a secondary battery separately provided in the electronic device, a permanent magnet, and a driving source. It is a circuit diagram in which (electromagnetic coil) is connected.

FIG. 4 (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge in this fuel cell taken along the line II-II ′ of FIG. FIG. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view when the fuel is supplied to the fuel cell of FIG.

FIG. 5 (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fuel cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a vertical cross-sectional view when fuel is supplied to the fuel cell of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional power generation device.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional polymer actuator.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a power generation test result when the fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used to flow a constant current of 1 A to open and close the vent hole.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing a power generation test result when the fuel cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention is used to flow a constant current of 1 A to open and close the vent hole.

[Explanation of symbols]

8 Positive terminal 9 Negative electrode terminal 10 Fuel cell 10a Battery main body (housing) 10c storage lid 10d Cartridge compartment 10e Fuel supply hole 11 Negative electrode 12 Positive electrode 12a gas diffusion layer 12b catalyst layer 13 Electrolyte membrane 14 Fuel space 15 Oxidant space 16 air holes 17 cartridges 18 Thin tube (fuel supply hole) 19 vents 20 Permanent magnet (opening / closing mechanism) 21 Electromagnetic coil (operating part) 22 Fuel storage tank (fuel chamber) 22a Solid substance storage (fuel chamber) 22b Liquid storage (reactant tank room) 23 Water Supply Means (Fuel Pressurizing Means) 24 Water tank section 26 Screen section 27 Rubber wall (elastic wall) (fuel pressurizing means) 28 Resin body 29 filters 30 diaphragm 31 Check valve

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tomohisa Yoshie             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company (72) Inventor Noriyuki Yamamoto             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company F-term (reference) 5H026 AA06 AA08                 5H027 AA06 AA08 BA13 BA14 DD03                       MM08

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A cartridge for supplying fuel to a fuel cell, the fuel chamber containing the fuel and having a fuel supply port for supplying fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell; A fuel supply device for a fuel cell, which is provided with: a fuel pressurizing means for pressurizing the fuel in the fuel chamber to supply the fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell through the fuel supply port when the fuel is needed. cartridge. 2. The fuel pressurizing means comprises an elastic wall portion facing the fuel chamber, a first compartment provided adjacent to the fuel chamber through the elastic wall portion, and a fuel through the elastic wall portion. In order to pressurize the fuel in the room, it is comprised of a water-absorbent resin body that is housed in the first compartment and expands in volume by absorbing water, and water supply means for supplying water to the water-absorbent resin body when fuel is needed. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is a cartridge. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell is a direct methanol fuel cell in which the fuel is methanol. 4. A fuel chamber cartridge for supplying fuel, the fuel chamber containing a solid substance for generating fuel, and having a fuel supply port for supplying fuel to a negative electrode of the fuel cell. And a reactant supply which is attached to the fuel chamber and supplies a reactant into the fuel chamber to generate a fuel by reacting with a solid substance and supply the fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell through the fuel supply port. A fuel supply cartridge for a fuel cell, comprising: 5. The reactant supply means faces the fuel chamber,
A partition wall portion having a check valve, a reactant tank chamber for containing a reactant, an elastic wall portion facing the reactant tank chamber, and a reaction material tank chamber provided adjacent to the reactant wall chamber via the elastic wall portion. A first compartment, and a water-absorbent resin body that is housed in the first compartment to pressurize the reactant in the reactant tank chamber through the elastic wall portion and expands in volume by absorbing water;
The cartridge according to claim 4, comprising water supply means for supplying water to the water-absorbent resin body when fuel is required. 6. A water supply means is formed on a chamber wall of the first compartment to supply water to the water absorbent resin body, and allows the water to pass therethrough, but prevents the water absorbent resin body from passing therethrough. A screen section, a second compartment provided adjacent to the first compartment via the screen section, water contained in the second compartment, and a second compartment for introducing outside air. 6. The cartridge according to claim 2 or 5, comprising a formed vent hole and a sealing means for sealing the vent hole so that the vent hole can be opened when fuel is needed. 7. The sealing means comprises drive means for driving the vent hole to open when fuel is needed.
The cartridge described in. 8. The drive means stores an electricity storage unit for storing electricity generated by a fuel cell, an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing a vent hole by using electricity stored in the electricity storage unit, and for operating the opening / closing mechanism. 8. The cartridge according to claim 7, further comprising: 9. The water-absorbent resin body comprises a powdery, granular or fibrous starch-based water-absorbent resin body, a cellulose-based water-absorbent resin body or a synthetic polymer-based water-absorbent resin body. 8. The cartridge according to any one of 8. 10. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the synthetic polymer water absorbent resin body is made of a polyacrylic acid resin body. 11. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the fuel is hydrogen. 12. The solid substance / reactant is hydrogenated metal / water or water vapor, powder of metal containing zinc / copper / acid solution containing dilute sulfuric acid / dilute hydrochloric acid, or hydrogen-producing enzyme / hydrogen generating source of the enzyme. It is a substance to be
11. The cartridge according to any one of 11. 13. The cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the metal hydride is sodium borohydride. 14. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the fuel cell for supplying hydrogen as a fuel is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which an electrolyte is a solid polymer electrolyte. 15. A battery main body having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte provided between the both electrodes, a cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, and a cartridge attached to the battery main body for detachably storing the cartridge. A cartridge accommodating portion, wherein the cartridge accommodating portion has a fuel introduction port that is releasably engaged with the fuel supply port of the cartridge and that guides the supplied fuel to the negative electrode of the cell body. And a fuel cell. 16. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein the fuel cell is a direct methanol fuel cell in which the fuel is methanol. 17. A battery main body having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte provided between these electrodes, a cartridge according to any one of claims 4 to 14, and a cartridge attached to the battery main body, And a cartridge receiving portion for removably storing therein, the cartridge storing portion having a fuel introduction port that releasably engages with the fuel supply port of the cartridge and guides the supplied fuel to the negative electrode of the cell body. A fuel cell characterized in that 18. The fuel cell according to claim 17, wherein the fuel cell is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which the electrolyte is a solid polymer electrolyte and the fuel is hydrogen.