JP2004158334A - Fuel cell system and equipment with this fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system, in which downsizing is realized by simplifying structure and convenience is improved. <P>SOLUTION: This fuel cell system 1 is provided with a fuel cell 2 to output electric energy by electrochemical reaction, an auxiliary machine 3 as an auxiliary means to assist the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 2, and energy-supplying means to supply energy to the auxiliary machine 3 to start the fuel cell system 1. Then, the energy-supplying means, by accumulating at least either one of machine energy, position energy, or heat energy, supplies this accumulated energy to the auxiliary machine 3. The auxiliary machine 3 starts the fuel cell system 1 based on the energy from the energy-supplying means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【００５６】
ここで、ロッド３２５Ｏの長さは、適宜、変更可能となっており、すなわち、振り子３２５Ｋの固有振動周期Ｔｏを変更可能となっている。
発電機３２５Ｌは、振り子３２５Ｋの運動に基づいて発電する。この発電機３２５Ｌは、図７または図８に示すように、振り子３２５Ｋに固定された永久磁石３２５Ｑと、この永久磁石３２５Ｑに対向して配置されるコイル３２５Ｒとを備えている。
永久磁石３２５Ｑは、図８に示すように、振り子３２５Ｋの裏面側で、振り子３２５Ｋの円弧状の振動軌跡に沿って複数配置されている（本実施形態では４つ）。
また、各永久磁石３２５Ｑ１，３２５Ｑ２，３２５Ｑ３，３２５Ｑ４は、振り子玉３２５Ｐの厚み方向にＳ極またはＮ極が向くように取り付けられている。さらに、これら永久磁石３２５Ｑは、具体的な図示は省略するが、コイル３２５Ｒに対向する極が、振り子３２５Ｋの振動方向にＳ極とＮ極とが交互となるように、等間隔で取り付けられている。
【００５７】
コイル３２５Ｒは、図８に示すように、ＰＣパーマロイ等で構成された磁心３２５Ｒ１と、この磁心３２５Ｒ１に巻回されるコイル線３２５Ｒ２とを有することで、振り子３２５Ｋの振動によって発電する。
磁心３２５Ｒ１は、図８に示すように、各永久磁石３２５Ｑ１，３２５Ｑ２，３２５Ｑ３，３２５Ｑ４の極に対向する一対の対向部Ｘ，Ｙを有し、これらの対向部Ｘ，Ｙの間隔は、各永久磁石３２５Ｑ１，３２５Ｑ２，３２５Ｑ３，３２５Ｑ４の間隔と同じである。
このような発電機３２５Ｌでは、各永久磁石３２５Ｑ１，３２５Ｑ２，３２５Ｑ３，３２５Ｑ４の極がＳ，Ｎと交互に取り付けられているため、振り子３２５Ｋの振動に伴って、コイル３２５Ｒ内を通過する磁束の大きさが変化するとともに、磁束の向きが交互に逆転する。このため、発電機３２５Ｌには、交流電力が発生する。そして、この発電された電力は、燃料電池システム１の起動時に電気エネルギを必要とする補機３の各構成要素、および、制御手段に供給される。
【００５８】
ここで、制御手段は、発電機３２５Ｌと電気的に接続されており、発電機３２５Ｌで発電された電力で駆動される。そして、制御手段の調速制御部は、水晶振動子と、この水晶振動子からの周波数を分周して基準振動周期Ｔｓの基準信号を出力する発振回路と、発電された交流電流の周波数から振動する振り子３２５Ｋの振動周期Ｔａを検出する検出回路と、検出された振動周期Ｔａと基準振動周期Ｔｓとを比較してその差に応じた出力値を出力する制御回路とを備えている。このうち、制御回路では、振動周期Ｔａと基準振動周期Ｔｓとを比較して、振り子３２５Ｋの振動周期Ｔａを基準振動周期Ｔｓに一致させるように作動する。
具体的に、制御回路は、発電機３２５Ｌで発電された交流信号（交流電流）が入力される第１の交流入力端子に接続された図示しない第１スイッチと、前記交流信号が入力される第２の交流入力端子に接続された第２スイッチとを有し、これらのスイッチを同時にオンすることにより、第１、第２の交流入力端子を短絡等によって閉ループ状態にし、永久磁石３２５Ｑおよびコイル３２５Ｒとの間にショートブレーキを掛けるように作動する。
この結果、振り子３２５Ｋは、制御回路により所定の基準振動周期Ｔｓで振動し、この基準振動周期Ｔｓに応じて駆動部３２４が調速される。
【００５９】
次に、第２実施形態における燃料電池システム１の動作について説明する。
重錘４４が重力の作用にて落下してドラム４３が回転すると、この回転力が一番車４３Ａに噛合する二番車３２５Ａおよび三番車３２５Ｂで増速されながらガンギ３２５Ｍに伝達される。
ガンギ３２５Ｍの回転は、アンクル３２５Ｎに伝達され、振り子３２５Ｋは、所定の長さに設定されたロッド３２５Ｏに応じた所定の振動周期Ｔａで振動する。そして、発電機３２５Ｌは、振り子３２５Ｋの運動により発電する。燃料供給部３２を除く補機３（電気エネルギを必要とする構成要素）は、この発電より得られた電気エネルギにより起動する。制御手段もまた、この発電により得られた電気エネルギにより起動し、補機３の稼動状態を制御する。以下には、補機３の稼動状態の制御のうち、燃料供給部３２の燃料供給量の制御を説明する。
【００６０】
制御手段の調速制御部は、振り子３２５Ｋの振動周期Ｔａが基準振動周期Ｔｓに一致するように調速する。また、この振り子３２５Ｋの基準振動周期Ｔｓでの振動に応じて駆動部３２４が調速される。
駆動部３２４の調速により、所定の回転速度でロータ３２４Ｃが回転を実施する。そして、ロータ３２４Ｃが回転すると、ボール３２４Ａは、押圧ゴム３２４Ｃ２にて押圧されつつ、チューブ３２２上で転動し、ミキシングタンク３１２内に貯蔵された燃料がチューブ３２２を介して連続で燃料電池２に供給される。
そして、補機３は、燃料電池システム１が起動した後には、燃料電池２における電気化学反応により生成する電気エネルギの一部を適宜利用して、燃料電池システム１を稼動する。
【００６１】
〔第２実施形態の効果〕
上述した第２実施形態によれば、上記（１）〜（３）、（５）〜（７）と略同様の効果の他、以下のような効果がある。
（８）エネルギ供給手段４は、ドラム４３と、重錘４４と、ロープ４５と、取っ手４６とを備え、重錘４４の位置の変化を利用することで、エネルギの蓄積を容易に実施できる。また、エネルギ供給手段４は、位置エネルギを駆動機構３２３の駆動力となる機械エネルギに変換するので、エネルギの蓄積および供給を簡単な構造で実現でき、燃料電池システム１の構造を簡素化して小型化が図れる。
【００６２】
（９）振り子３２５Ｋのロッド３２５Ｏの長さは、適宜、変更可能となっており、すなわち、振り子３２５Ｋの固有振動周期Ｔｏを変更可能となっている。このことにより、駆動部３２４の駆動速度を容易に変更できる。
（１０）調速部３２５は、機械式脱進機３２５Ｊを介して振り子３２５Ｋで駆動部３２４の駆動速度を制御し、さらに、制御手段で振り子３２５Ｋの実際の振動周期Ｔａを制御して駆動部３２４の駆動速度を制御するので、二段階で駆動部３２４の速度を制御でき、調速精度、すなわち、燃料の供給速度を高精度に実施できる。
【００６３】
［第３実施形態］
次に、本発明の第３実施形態を説明する。
以下の説明では、前記第１実施形態と同様の構造および同一部材には同一符号を付して、その詳細な説明は省略または簡略化する。
第１実施形態では、エネルギ供給手段４は、ぜんまい４１を備え、燃料電池システム１は、このぜんまい４１の機械エネルギにより起動している。
これに対して第３実施形態の燃料電池システム１では、エネルギ供給手段４は、熱エネルギを蓄積し、この熱エネルギにより起動する。すなわち、燃料供給部３２の構成が相違するのみで、その他の構成は同一である。
【００６４】
図９は、第３実施形態における燃料供給部３２の概略構成を示す図である。
エネルギ供給手段４は、熱エネルギを蓄積するとともに、周囲の温度変化により得られる熱エネルギを機械エネルギに変換する。このエネルギ供給手段４は、図９に示すように、周囲温度の変化により体積が変化する熱変換体４７Ａを収納する熱変換体収納部４７と、熱変換体４７Ａの膨張収縮に応じて進退運動する進退駆動部４８と、この進退駆動部４８における進退運動に応じて回転運動する回転駆動部４９とを備えている。
ここで、熱変換体４７Ａとしては、固体および液体の一方から他方へ相変化し、この相変化により体積が変化する相変化物質を採用でき、本実施形態では、パラフィンワックスを採用している。
【００６５】
熱変換体収納部４７は、有底筒状の容器４７Ｂと、この容器４７Ｂの開口を塞ぐ可撓性を有する蓋部材４７Ｃと、容器４７Ｂの開口側端部と嵌合し、蓋部材４７Ｃを容器４７Ｂの開口側端部とで挟持する筒状のカバー部材４７Ｄとを備えている。
ここで、蓋部材４７Ｃは、例えば、シリコーンゴムまたはテフロン（登録商標）ゴム等を含んで形成された密閉性に優れた強靭な膜を採用する。
進退駆動部４８は、蓋部材４７Ｃに連結されたロッド４８Ａと、カバー部材４７Ｄの外周面に位置し、ロッド４８Ａと連動して摺動自在に設けられた有底筒状の摺動部材４８Ｂと、ロッド４８Ａと連結し、両側に鋸歯状の歯を有するラック４８Ｃとを備えている。
【００６６】
ロッド４８Ａは、熱変換体４７Ａの膨張収縮に応じて、カバー部材４７Ｄに形成されたガイド部４７Ｄ１に案内されながらカバー部材４７Ｄから進退運動し、これに連動して摺動部材４８Ｂおよびラック４８Ｃも進退運動を実施する。
また、摺動部材４８Ｂの開口側の端縁部には、径方向外側へ突出する鍔４８Ｂ１が設けられ、この鍔４８Ｂ１は、コイルスプリング４８Ｄの一端に係合している。さらに、このコイルスプリング４８Ｄの他端は、容器４７Ｂに対して位置が固定された係止部材４８Ｄ１と係合している。このため、進退駆動部４８は、コイルスプリング４８Ｄにより、例えば、図９中下側方向に付勢され、熱変換体４７Ａの収縮時の運動を補助する。
【００６７】
回転駆動部４９は、ラック４８Ｃを挟んで、それぞれ鋸歯状の歯を有する角穴車４９Ａおよび歯車４９Ｂと、歯車４９Ｂの回転を角穴車４９Ａに伝達する歯車４９Ｃとを備えている。
角穴車４９Ａは、同軸に通常の歯車４９Ａ１および４９Ａ２が一体化され、歯車４９Ａ１と歯車４９Ｃが噛合し、歯車４９Ａ２と調速部３２５の二番車３２５Ａのかな３２５Ａ１が噛合する。
歯車４９Ｂは、同軸に通常の歯車４９Ｂ１が一体化され、この歯車４９Ｂ１と歯車４９Ｃとが噛合する。
【００６８】
図１０は、ラック４８Ｃと角穴車４９Ａおよび歯車４９Ｂとの噛合状態を説明する図である。
ラック４８Ｃが前進すると、図１０（Ａ）に示すように、一方の側に設けられた歯４８Ｃ１が角穴車４９Ａの歯に押されて、他方の歯４８Ｃ２が歯車４９Ｂの歯と噛み合い、歯車４９Ｂが反時計回り（図１０（Ａ）中矢印の方向）に回転する。そして、歯車４９Ｂの回転が歯車４９Ｃを介して角穴車４９Ａに伝達され、図１０（Ａ）に示すように、角穴車４９Ａが反時計回り（図１０（Ａ）中矢印の方向）に回転する。
また、ラック４８Ｃが後退すると、図１０（Ｂ）に示すように、歯４８Ｃ２が歯車４９Ｂの歯に押されて、歯４８Ｃ１が角穴車４９Ａの歯と噛み合い、角穴車４９Ａが反時計回り（図１０（Ａ）中矢印の方向）に回転する。
すなわち、進退駆動部４８の進退運動に伴って、角穴車４９Ａは一定方向（反時計回り）に回転する。
駆動部３２４および調速部３２５は、第１実施形態と略同様な構成であり、説明を省略する。
【００６９】
次に、第３実施形態における燃料電池システム１の動作を説明する。
熱変換体４７Ａの膨張収縮により進退駆動部４８が進退運動を実施すると、回転駆動部４９により回転運動に変換され、回転駆動部４９に噛合する調速部３２５で増速されながら調速部３２５の調速ロータ３２５Ｈに伝達される。そして、ステータ３２５Ｉは、調速ロータ３２５Ｈに固定された永久磁石３２５Ｈ２が回転することによって、電気エネルギに変換して発電する。燃料供給部３２を除く補機３（電気エネルギを必要とする構成要素）は、この発電により得られた電気エネルギにより起動する。制御手段もまた、この発電により得られた電気エネルギにより起動し、補機３の稼動状態を制御する。
そして、制御手段の調速制御部は、第１実施形態と同様に調速ロータ３２５Ｈを制動し、駆動部３２４の駆動速度を所定速度に調速し、ミキシングタンク３１２内に貯蔵された燃料がチューブ３２２を介して連続して一定量で燃料電池２に供給される。
そして、補機３は、燃料電池システム１が起動した後には、燃料電池２における電気化学反応により生成する電気エネルギの一部を適宜利用して、燃料電池システム１を稼動する。
【００７０】
［第３実施形態の効果］
上述した第３実施形態によれば、上記（１）〜（３）、（５）〜（７）と略同様の効果の他、以下のような効果がある。
（１１）エネルギ供給手段４は、熱変換体４７Ａを収納する熱変換体収納部４７と、進退駆動部４８と、回転駆動部４９とを備え、周囲の温度変化による熱変換体４７Ａの膨張収縮を利用することで、エネルギの蓄積を容易に実施できる。また、エネルギ供給手段４は、蓄積した熱エネルギを駆動機構３２３の駆動力となる機械エネルギに変換するので、エネルギの蓄積および供給を簡単な構造で実現でき、燃料電池システム１の構造を簡素化して小型化が図れる。
（１２）駆動機構３２３の駆動力を周囲の温度差から得るようにしたので、外部からエネルギを供給しなくとも、駆動機構３２３を半永久的に駆動できる。すなわち、燃料電池システム１の起動時のエネルギとするのみならず、稼動時のエネルギとすることもできる。
【００７１】
［第４実施形態］
次に、本発明の第４実施形態を説明する。
以下の説明では、前記第１実施形態と同様の構造および同一部材には同一符号を付して、その詳細な説明は省略または簡略化する。
第１実施形態では、エネルギ供給手段４のぜんまい４１には、予め機械エネルギが蓄えられ、この蓄えられた機械エネルギを燃料電池システム１の起動時のエネルギとして利用している。
これに対して第４実施形態では、メタノールタンク３１１は、燃料電池システム１を構成する筐体に対して着脱自在なカートリッジとして構成される。そして、エネルギ供給手段４のぜんまい４１は、メタノールタンク３１１を筐体に設置する際の押圧力により機械エネルギを蓄積し、この蓄積した機械エネルギを燃料電池システム１の起動時のエネルギとして利用する。
【００７２】
図１１は、第４実施形態におけるメタノールタンク３１１の概略構成を示す図である。
メタノールタンク３１１は、図１１に示すように、燃料電池システム１を構成する図示しない筐体に設置されたカートリッジホルダ３１３に対して着脱自在であるカートリッジとして構成される。
【００７３】
図１２は、メタノールタンク３１１およびカートリッジホルダ３１３の断面図である。
メタノールタンク３１１において、底面には燃料取出部３１１Ａが形成され、上面側にはカートリッジホルダ３１３と係合する係合部３１１Ｂが形成されている。
燃料取出部３１１Ａは、燃料取り出し用の孔３１１Ａ１と、不使用時に孔３１１Ａ１からメタノールタンク３１１外部に燃料が漏れることを防止する弁体３１１Ａ２と、孔３１１Ａ１を封止するように貼着されたシール３１１Ａ３とを備えている。
係合部３１１Ｂは、メタノールタンク３１１の上面側から該上面と略平行に延出し、先端部分が上方に折曲して略Ｌ字状に形成されている。そして、この係合部３１１Ｂは、カートリッジホルダ３１３の蓋材３１３Ｂの案内部３１３Ｂ３と係合し、案内部３１３Ｂ３に案内されることで、メタノールタンク３１１がカートリッジホルダ３１３の所定位置に設置される。
【００７４】
カートリッジホルダ３１３は、内周形状がメタノールタンク３１１の外周形状と略同一である略箱状に形成されている。このカートリッジホルダ３１３は、上部が開口したホルダ本体３１３Ａと、ホルダ本体３１３Ａの開口部分を開閉自在とする蓋材３１３Ｂとを備えている。
ホルダ本体３１３Ａは、その底面に、上方に突出した燃料取入部３１３Ａ１が設けられている。この燃料取入部３１３Ａ１は、ミキシングタンク３１２とパイプを介して連通した孔であり、ホルダ本体３１３Ａの所定位置にメタノールタンク３１１が搭載された時に、シール３１１Ａ３を貫通して弁体３１１Ａ２を上方に押し上げて、メタノールタンク３１１内部と連通する。
【００７５】
蓋材３１３Ｂは、断面略Ｖ字状に設けられ、ホルダ本体３１３Ａの開口部分の辺縁に開口部分を開閉するように断面略Ｖ字状の谷部分が回動自在に設けられている。この蓋材３１３Ｂは、断面略Ｖ字状の一方の面に、ホルダ本体３１３Ａと係合して設置状態を保持する突起部３１３Ｂ１と、メタノールタンク３１１をホルダ本体３１３Ａに対して押圧するタンク押圧部３１３Ｂ２とが形成されている。また、他方の面には、メタノールタンク３１１を所定位置に案内する案内部３１３Ｂ３と、洗浄機構（隔壁２６１Ａ）を押圧する洗浄機構押圧部３１３Ｂ４とが形成されている。さらに、蓋材３１３Ｂの断面略Ｖ字状の谷部分には、蓋材３１３Ｂの開閉に連動して回動する後述する外部エネルギ伝達機構５の第１伝達部５１が設けられている。
【００７６】
図１３は、メタノールタンク３１１、カートリッジホルダ３１３およびエネルギ供給手段４の配置関係を示す図である。
図１３に示すように、カートリッジホルダ３１３と燃料供給部３２のエネルギ供給手段４との間に外部エネルギ伝達機構５が設けられている。
外部エネルギ伝達機構５は、メタノールタンク３１１をカートリッジホルダ３１３に設置する際のカートリッジホルダ３１３の蓋材３１３Ｂの開閉運動（外部エネルギ）をエネルギ供給手段４に伝達する。そして、エネルギ供給手段４は、この伝達されたエネルギを蓄積する。この外部エネルギ伝達機構５は、カートリッジホルダ３１３の蓋材３１３Ｂの開閉運動を回転運動で伝達するものであり、蓋材３１３Ｂに設けられた第１伝達部５１と、この第１伝達部５１に噛合して回転する第２伝達部５２とを備えている。
【００７７】
このうち、第２伝達部５２は、同軸にかな５２１と歯車５２２とが一体化して構成される。そして、第２伝達部５２は、第１伝達部５１の回転を、第１伝達部５１と噛合するかな５２１を介して、歯車５２２にてエネルギ供給手段４に伝達する。この歯車５２２は、エネルギ供給手段４の香箱真４２Ａに固定された角穴車４２Ｃと噛合する。
ここで、角穴車４２Ｃは、外部エネルギ伝達機構５の回転運動に連動して反時計方向には回転するが時計方向には回転しないように、図示しないこはぜと噛み合っており、外部エネルギ伝達機構５の回転により、角穴車４２Ｃを一方向に回転させてぜんまい４１を巻き上げる。
【００７８】
次に、第４実施形態における燃料電池システム１の動作について説明する。
利用者は、カートリッジホルダ３１３の蓋材３１３Ｂを開いて、新しい燃料が貯蔵されたメタノールタンク３１１をホルダ本体３１３Ａ内に装填する。この際、メタノールタンク３１１の係合部３１１Ｂが蓋材３１３Ｂの案内部３１３Ｂ３に受け止められ、メタノールタンク３１１の係合部３１１Ｂとは反対側の端部がホルダ本体３１３Ａの内周部分に支持される。
この状態で蓋材３１３Ｂを閉めると、案内部３１３Ｂ３が下方に回動してメタノールタンク３１１が案内され、メタノールタンク３１１の燃料取出部３１１Ａが燃料取入部３１３Ａ１の先端に接触する。
【００７９】
さらに蓋材３１３Ｂを回動させると、タンク押圧部３１３Ｂ２がメタノールタンク３１１をホルダ本体３１３Ａに押圧し、燃料取入部３１３Ａ１がシール３１１Ａ３を貫通して、弁体３１１を上方に押し上げて、メタノールタンク３１１とミキシングタンク３１２が燃料を流通可能に連通する。そして、蓋材３１３Ｂの突起部３１３Ｂ１がホルダ本体３１３Ａに係合してメタノールタンク３１１がカートリッジホルダ３１３に固定される。
また、同時に、蓋材３１３Ｂに設けられた外部エネルギ伝達機構５の第１伝達部５１が回転し、第２伝達部５２を介してエネルギ供給手段４のぜんまい４１が巻き上がる。
そして、エネルギ供給手段４は、上述した外部エネルギにより蓄積した機械エネルギを燃料電池システム１の起動時のエネルギとして供給する。
なお、燃料電池システム１の起動動作および稼動動作については、第１実施形態と同様に実施でき、説明を省略する。
【００８０】
上述した第４実施形態によれば、上記（１）〜（７）と略同様の効果の他、以下のような効果がある。
（１３）メタノールタンク３１１は、カートリッジとして構成される。そして、メタノールタンク３１１をカートリッジホルダ３１３に設置する際に、カートリッジホルダ３１３の蓋材３１３Ｂの開閉動作に連動して外部エネルギ伝達機構５が回転し、エネルギ供給手段４に起動エネルギが蓄積される。このことにより、メタノールタンク３１１をカートリッジホルダ３１３に設置することで燃料電池システム１の起動エネルギを蓄積できるので、外部エネルギを効率的に利用し、エネルギ供給手段４に予め起動エネルギを蓄積することなく、利用者による作業効率を向上させ、燃料電池システム１の利便性の向上を図れる。
【００８１】
［実施形態の変形］
尚、本発明は、前記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、以下に示すような変形をも含むものである。
前記各実施形態では、燃料電池２は、直接メタノール型燃料電池として説明したが、これに限らず、例えば、以下に示すように、固体高分子型燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）とする構成を採用してもよい。
【００８２】
図１４は、固体高分子型燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）を用いた燃料電池システム１を模式的に示す図である。
この燃料電池システム１は、前記各実施形態の燃料電池２と略同様の構成である固体高分子型燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）２と、補機３とを備えている。
補機３は、固体高分子型燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）２に燃料として水素ガスを供給し、固体高分子型燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）２にて電気化学反応を生じさせる。この補機３は、燃料を貯蔵するタンク３１と、タンク３１に貯蔵された燃料を流通させる燃料供給部３２と、燃料供給部３２にて流通された燃料を改質する改質器３０とを備えている。
【００８３】
ここで、タンク３１に貯蔵される燃料としては、水酸化ホウ素ナトリウム（ＮａＢＨ_４）と、水酸化ナトリウム（ＮａＯＨ）と、水（Ｈ_２Ｏ）とが混合した混合液を使用する。なお、燃料としては、この混合液の他、前記各実施形態で用いたメタノール溶液等、その他の燃料を使用してもよい。
また、燃料供給部３２の構成は、前記各実施形態で用いたものを採用できる。改質器３０は、タンク３１から燃料供給部３２により移動された混合液を反応させる触媒を収容する触媒収容タンク３０１と、触媒収容タンク３０１にて反応した混合液において水素ガスを固体高分子燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）２に供給するセパレータ３０２とを備えている。
【００８４】
触媒収容タンク３０１は、触媒として、水素吸蔵合金であるＭｇ_２ＮｉＨ_４を収容する。なお、触媒としては、Ｍｇ_２ＮｉＨ_４に限らない。固体高分子燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）の用途および燃料に応じて種々のものを採用でき、例えば、その他のマグネシウム系水素吸蔵合金、チタン系またはジルコニウム系金属を用いた水素吸蔵合金、希土類系水素吸蔵合金、ランタン・ニッケル・アルミニウム系およびミッシュメタル・ニッケル・アルミニウム系水素吸蔵合金等を採用できる。そして、触媒収容タンク３０１において、燃料供給部３２を介して流入した混合液は、触媒により反応し、水素、水蒸気、未反応の混合液、および、混合液に含まれていたその他の不純物として、セパレータ３０２側に流出する。
【００８５】
セパレータ３０２は、気液分離膜として機能し、触媒収容タンク３０１から流入した水素、水蒸気、未反応の混合液、および、混合液に含まれていたその他の不純物を分離して、水素を固体高分子燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）に供給し、その他を排出する。
すなわち、エネルギ供給手段４から機械エネルギ、位置エネルギまたは熱エネルギの供給を受けることで、燃料供給部３２がタンク３１に貯蔵された燃料を改質器３０に移動させる。そして、改質器３０から水素が固体高分子燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）２に供給され、固体高分子燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）２にて電気化学反応が生じて電気エネルギが生成し、燃料電池システム１が起動する。起動した後は、燃料電池システム１にて発電された電気エネルギの一部を利用して燃料電池システム１が稼動する。
【００８６】
なお、上述した固体高分子燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）２を用いた燃料電池システム１において、補機３に前記各実施形態で用いたコンプレッサ３３、加熱器３４、ラジエータ３５、セパレータ３６、凝縮器３７、スプリッタ３８、および、制御手段等を備えた構成としてもよい。このような構成では、燃料の再利用および反応により生成した水分を利用でき燃料電池システム１の効率化を図れる。また、適宜、固体高分子燃料電池（ＰＥＦＣ）に水素を供給する際に、加湿する加湿器等を用いてもよい。
【００８７】
前記各実施形態では、補機３は、コンプレッサ３３、加熱器３４、ラジエータ３５、セパレータ３６、凝縮器３７、および、スプリッタ３８を具備して燃料電池システム１の効率化を図っていたが、これに限らない。例えば、以下に示すようにこれらを省略した構成としてもよい。
図１５は、前記各実施形態において、補機３の構成を簡略化した図である。
この燃料電池システム１では、補機３は、タンク３１と、燃料供給部３２のみを備えて構成される。
このような構成では、エネルギ供給手段４から機械エネルギ、位置エネルギまたは熱エネルギの供給を受けることで、燃料供給部３２がタンク３１に貯蔵された燃料を燃料電池２に供給する。そして、燃料電池２にて電気化学反応が生じ、電気エネルギが生成して燃料電池システム１が起動する。起動した後は、燃料電池システム１にて発電された電気エネルギの一部を利用して燃料電池システム１が稼動するように構成する。このような構成では、補機３は、エネルギ供給手段４から供給される機械エネルギ、位置エネルギまたは熱エネルギにより電気エネルギを生成する発電機を具備する構成としなくとも、燃料電池システム１を起動でき、補機３の構成を簡略化して燃料電池システム１の小型化を図れる。この場合には、発電機を構成する調速ロータ３２５Ｈおよびステータ３２５Ｉを省略する構成とするため、駆動部３２４の調速をガンギおよびアンクル等の機械式調速機を用いる。このような構成では、電子回路等の制御手段を具備する必要がなく、燃料電池システム１の構成を簡素化できる。
【００８８】
前記各実施形態では、燃料供給部３２は、チューブポンプとして構成されていたが、これに限らず、例えば、シリンジポンプ、ダイヤフラムポンプ等にて構成してもよい。
例えば、シリンジポンプとして構成した場合には、駆動部３２４をカム、ラック等で構成してシリンジポンプのピストンを進退移動させて燃料を流入および流出するように構成すればよい。
同様に、例えば、ダイヤフラムポンプとして構成した場合には、駆動部３２４をカム、ラック等で構成してダイヤフラムポンプのダイヤフラムを変形させることで、ポンプ内の容積を増減させ燃料を流入および流出するように構成すればよい。
【００８９】
前記各実施形態では、エネルギ供給手段４は、機械エネルギ、位置エネルギおよび熱エネルギのうちのいずれかを蓄積していたが、これに限らず、機械エネルギ、位置エネルギおよび熱エネルギのうちの２つまたは全てを蓄積するように構成してもよい。また、エネルギ供給手段４を複数設けるように構成してもよい。このような構成では、燃料電池システム１を起動するためのエネルギ量を大幅に増加でき、燃料電池システム１を稼動するエネルギとしても利用できる。また、燃料の粘性が高く、チューブ３２２内を流通させるために比較的高いエネルギを必要とする場合などでも、駆動機構３２３の駆動力を補って、燃料電池２に燃料を良好に供給できる。
【００９０】
前記第１実施形態において、外部エネルギにより回転自在に構成される回転錘を設け、ぜんまい４１を回転錘と連結させ、回転錘の回転によりぜんまい４１を巻き上げ可能に構成してもよい。
このような構成では、携帯性を有する電子機器に燃料電池システムを具備した場合に、外部エネルギとして該電子機器の動きに応じた運動エネルギによって回転錘が回転するように構成すれば、電子機器を携帯している人の運動等によりぜんまい４１が自動的に巻き上げられ、エネルギ供給手段４は機械エネルギを常に蓄積できる。
【００９１】
前記第１実施形態において、第２実施形態または第３実施形態における位置エネルギまたは熱エネルギを用いてぜんまい４１を巻き上げるように構成してもよい。
例えば、第１実施形態において、第２実施形態にて説明した位置エネルギを蓄積するエネルギ供給手段をさらに設ける。そして、このエネルギ供給手段と巻き上げ機構３２６とを接続し、ぜんまい４１がほどけた状態において、重錘４４の重力の作用による位置の変化を利用して、ぜんまい４１を巻き上げる。
また、例えば、第１実施形態において、第３実施形態にて説明した熱エネルギを蓄積するエネルギ供給手段をさらに設ける。そして、このエネルギ供給手段と巻き上げ機構３２６とを接続し、ぜんまい４１がほどけた状態において、熱変換体４７Ａの膨張収縮を利用してぜんまい４１を巻き上げる。
【００９２】
第２実施形態において、第１実施形態または第３実施形態における機械エネルギまたは熱エネルギを用いて位置エネルギを蓄積するように構成してもよい。
例えば、第２実施形態において、第３実施形態にて説明した熱エネルギを蓄積するエネルギ供給手段をさらに設ける。そして、重力の作用により重錘４４が落下した状態において、熱変換体４７Ａの膨張収縮を利用してドラム４３を回転させ、ロープ４５を巻き上げ、エネルギ供給手段４に位置エネルギを蓄積する。
また、例えば、第２実施形態において、ドラム４３の軸に第１実施形態にて説明したぜんまい４１を備えたエネルギ供給手段を設け、ぜんまい４１を利用してドラム４３を回転させてロープ４５を巻き上げる。
【００９３】
前記第１実施形態では、エネルギ供給手段４は、ぜんまい４１にて構成されていたが、これに限らず、弾性を有する弾性部材であればよく、例えば、ばね、板ばね、ゴム等にて構成してもよい。
【００９４】
前記第２実施形態では、永久磁石３２５Ｑは、振り子玉３２５Ｐの正面側に配置された構成を説明したが、これに限らず、以下のような構成としてもよい。
例えば、永久磁石３２５Ｑを振り子玉３２５Ｐの表裏を貫通するように配置してもよい。また、例えば、永久磁石３２５Ｑを振り子玉３２５Ｐの両面にそれぞれ配置してもよい。さらに、例えば、永久磁石３２５Ｑを振り子玉３２５Ｐの下側に配置してもよい。
【００９５】
前記第２実施形態では、永久磁石３２５ＱのＳ極およびＮ極は、振り子玉３２５Ｐの厚み方向に向くように配置されていたが、これに限らない。例えば、永久磁石３２５ＱのＳ極およびＮ極を、振り子玉３２５Ｐの振動方向に向くように配置してもよい。この際にも、永久磁石３２５Ｑ（３２５Ｑ１，３２５Ｑ２，３２５Ｑ３，３２５Ｑ４）は、振り子玉３２５Ｐの振動方向にＳ極とＮ極とが交互になるように配置されるとともに、振り子玉３２５Ｐの円弧状の振動軌跡に沿って配置される。
前記第３実施形態では、熱変換体４７Ａとしてパラフィンワックスを用いた構成を説明したが、これに限らない。例えば、液体および気体の相変化で体積が変化するアンモニア、二酸化炭素および塩化メチル等でもよく、相変化により体積が増減するものであればよい。また、熱変換体４７Ａの動作温度範囲を適宜変更するために、相変化物質と融点が異なる添加剤を混合してもよい。
【００９６】
前記第４実施形態における外部エネルギ伝達機構５の構成を前記第２実施形態に採用してもよい。
例えば、第２実施形態において、外部エネルギ伝達機構５とエネルギ供給手段４のドラム４３とを接続し、メタノールタンク３１１をカートリッジホルダ３１３に設置する際の蓋材３１３Ｂの開閉運動を外部エネルギ伝達機構５が伝達し、ドラム４３を回転させて重錘４４が取り付けられたロープ４５を巻き上げる。すなわち、外部から与えられる外部エネルギをエネルギ供給手段４が燃料電池システム１の起動エネルギとして蓄積する。
【００９７】
前記第４実施形態では、外部エネルギ伝達機構５は、第１伝達部５１と第２伝達部５２とを備えた構成を説明したが、これに限らない。外部から与えられる外部エネルギをエネルギ供給手段４に伝達する機構であればよく、歯車の他、カムやラック等を用いた構成としてもよい。
前記第４実施形態では、外部エネルギ伝達機構５の第１伝達部５１は、カートリッジホルダ３１３の蓋材３１３Ｂに形成されていたが、これに限らない。すなわち、外部から与えられる外部エネルギとして、カートリッジホルダ３１３にメタノールタンク３１１を設置する際の押圧力を利用すればよく、蓋材３１３Ｂに限らず、その他の位置に外部エネルギ伝達機構５を設けてもよい。
前記第４実施形態では、外部から与えられる外部エネルギとして、カートリッジホルダ３１３にメタノールタンク３１１を設置する際の押圧力とする構成を説明したが、これに限らない。例えば、利用者が燃料電池システム１を操作する際、すなわち、操作ボタンの押下等による押圧力を外部エネルギとして利用してもよい。
【発明の効果】
以上に述べたように、本発明の燃料電池システムによれば、構造を簡素化して小型化を図るとともに、利便性の向上を図れる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の各実施形態に係る燃料電池システムを模式的に示す図。
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態における燃料供給部の概略構成を示す図。
【図３】前記実施形態における燃料供給部の断面図。
【図４】前記実施形態におけるチューブの配置を説明する図。
【図５】前記実施形態における駆動機構を図３の上方から見た平面図。
【図６】前記実施形態における駆動機構の断面図。
【図７】本発明の第２実施形態における燃料供給部の概略構成を示す図。
【図８】前記実施形態における駆動機構を正面側から見た図。
【図９】本発明の第３実施形態における燃料供給部の概略構成を示す図。
【図１０】前記実施形態におけるラックと角穴車および歯車との噛合状態を説明する図。
【図１１】本発明の第４実施形態におけるメタノールタンクの概略構成を示す図。
【図１２】前記実施形態におけるメタノールタンクおよびカートリッジホルダの断面図。
【図１３】前記実施形態におけるメタノールタンク、カートリッジホルダおよびエネルギ供給手段の配置関係を示す図。
【図１４】本発明における変形例を示す図。
【図１５】本発明における変形例を示す図。
【符号の説明】
１・・・燃料電池システム、２・・・燃料電池、３・・・補機（補助手段）、４・・・エネルギ供給手段、３１・・・タンク（燃料貯蔵部）、３２・・・燃料供給部、４１・・・ぜんまい、３２２・・・チューブ（ポンプ）、３２４・・・駆動部、３２５・・・調速部、３２５Ｈ・・・調速ロータ（発電機）、３２５Ｉ・・・ステータ（発電機）、３２５Ｌ・・・発電機。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel cell system including a fuel cell that outputs electric energy by an electrochemical reaction, and an apparatus including the fuel cell system.
[0002]
[Background Art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell and auxiliary equipment as auxiliary means for supplying fuel and oxidizing gas to the fuel cell, and generates electricity by causing an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
This fuel cell has anode and cathode electrodes on both sides of an electrolyte membrane, receives fuel (reducing agent) such as hydrogen or hydrocarbon from an auxiliary machine to the anode, and oxidizes gas (such as oxygen or air) on the cathode. Oxidizing agent) to generate an electrochemical reaction to generate electricity.
The auxiliary equipment includes a tank as a fuel storage unit for storing fuel, a pump as a fuel supply unit for supplying fuel, a compressor for supplying oxidizing gas, and the like, for driving the fuel cell. Have.
Such a fuel cell system includes a secondary battery, and the auxiliary machine obtains the electric energy stored in the secondary battery and activates the fuel cell system.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-153476
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described fuel cell system, since a secondary battery is used as an energy source at the time of starting the system, there is a problem that the fuel cell system cannot be downsized.
In addition, when the amount of power stored in the secondary battery is insufficient, a problem such as causing the user to perform a complicated operation such as charging the secondary battery is cited as an example.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system capable of simplifying the structure, reducing the size, and improving the convenience in view of such problems.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The fuel cell system according to the present invention is a fuel cell system including a fuel cell that outputs electric energy by an electrochemical reaction, wherein the fuel cell system includes an auxiliary unit that assists the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell, Energy supply means for supplying start-up energy to the auxiliary means, wherein the energy supply means accumulates at least one of mechanical energy, potential energy and heat energy as the start-up energy, and stores the accumulated energy. Starting energy is supplied to the auxiliary means.
Here, as the fuel cell, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) in which a fuel such as methanol or methane is reformed into hydrogen gas, and an electrochemical reaction is generated using the hydrogen gas and the oxidizing gas, Alternatively, a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) that generates an electrochemical reaction without reforming a fuel such as methanol can be employed.
As auxiliary means, a pump for supplying fuel to the fuel cell, a sensor for detecting the concentration of fuel such as methanol, a heating element for applying heat to the fuel cell to promote an electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell, and an oxidizing gas are used. A compressor or the like for supplying the fuel cell can be employed. The fuel cell is not limited to these, and when a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is used as the fuel cell, a reformer that reforms a fuel such as methanol or methane into hydrogen gas can be used.
Further, as the energy supply means, an elastic member such as a mainspring, a spring, a leaf spring, or rubber, which can store mechanical energy, can be employed.
According to the present invention, the auxiliary means starts the fuel cell system by at least one of mechanical energy, potential energy, and heat energy from the energy supply means. There is no need to provide a secondary battery or the like that supplies energy. Since the user is not required to perform complicated operations such as charging the secondary battery or the like, the convenience of the fuel cell system can be improved. In addition, since the fuel cell system is started by at least one of mechanical energy, potential energy, and heat energy, the structure of the fuel cell system can be simplified and downsized.
[0007]
In the fuel cell system according to the aspect of the invention, the auxiliary unit may include a fuel storage unit that stores fuel used in the fuel cell, and a fuel supply unit that supplies the fuel stored in the fuel storage unit to the fuel cell. Preferably, the energy supply unit supplies the starting energy to the fuel supply unit to supply the fuel to the fuel cell.
According to the present invention, the auxiliary unit includes the fuel storage unit and the fuel supply unit, and the fuel supply unit supplies the fuel stored in the fuel storage unit to the fuel cell by the energy from the energy supply unit. To cause an electrochemical reaction to generate electric energy. In addition, since the fuel supply unit is configured to be driven by at least one of mechanical energy, potential energy, and heat energy, the configuration of the fuel supply unit has a simple structure and can be easily manufactured.
[0008]
In the fuel cell system according to the aspect of the invention, the auxiliary unit includes a generator that converts startup energy from the energy supply unit into electric energy, and operates the fuel cell system using the electric energy generated by the generator. Energy is preferred.
According to the present invention, since the auxiliary means includes the generator, the fuel cell system can be operated using electric energy generated by the energy from the energy supply means. Therefore, when the fuel cell system is started and operated, the energy to be used can be properly used, and the fuel cell system can efficiently generate electric energy.
[0009]
In the fuel cell system according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the energy supply unit is a mainspring that stores mechanical energy and supplies the auxiliary unit with the mechanical energy.
According to the present invention, since the energy supply means is constituted by a mainspring, the energy supply means as a drive source can be constituted with a simple structure. Further, mechanical energy can be easily generated by human power, and the generated mechanical energy can be easily accumulated.
[0010]
In the fuel cell system of the present invention, it is preferable that the fuel cell system further includes a rotary weight configured to be rotatable by external energy, and the rotary weight is configured to be able to wind up the mainspring by rotating.
According to the present invention, for example, when a fuel cell system is mounted on an electronic device (notebook personal computer, mobile phone, digital camera, video camera, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)) which is reduced in size and has portability, If the rotary weight is configured to rotate by kinetic energy corresponding to the movement of the electronic device as external energy, the mainspring is automatically wound up by the movement of a person carrying the electronic device, and the energy supply means is provided by a machine. Energy can always be stored.
[0011]
In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the energy supply means accumulates potential energy obtained by a change in the position of the object, and converts the accumulated potential energy into mechanical energy.
According to the present invention, the energy supply means can easily store energy by using the change in the position of the object. Further, since the energy supply means converts potential energy into mechanical energy, energy can be stored and supplied with a simple structure, and the structure of the fuel cell system can be simplified and downsized.
[0012]
In the fuel cell system of the present invention, it is preferable that the energy supply means accumulates heat energy obtained by a change in ambient temperature and converts the accumulated heat energy into mechanical energy.
According to the present invention, the energy supply means can easily store energy by using a change in ambient temperature. Further, since the energy supply means converts heat energy into mechanical energy, energy can be stored and supplied with a simple structure, and the structure of the fuel cell system can be simplified and downsized.
[0013]
In the fuel cell system according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the energy supply unit accumulates external energy given from outside and supplies the accumulated energy to the auxiliary unit as the start-up energy.
Here, as the external energy given from outside, an operation performed by the user on the fuel cell system or the like can be adopted. For example, when the fuel storage unit is configured as a cartridge that is detachable from a housing constituting the fuel cell system, a pressing force when the cartridge is installed in the housing can be employed as external energy.
In the present invention, the energy supply means stores, for example, external energy such as a user's operation on the fuel cell system, and supplies the stored energy to the auxiliary means as starting energy. Thus, the fuel cell system can be started by external energy such as operation of the fuel cell system by the user, so that the external energy can be used efficiently.
[0014]
In the fuel cell system according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that, after activating the fuel cell system, the auxiliary unit operate the fuel cell system with a part of the electric energy generated by the fuel cell.
According to the present invention, the auxiliary means receives energy supply from the energy supply means when the fuel cell system is started. The auxiliary means receives a part of the power generated by the fuel cell after the activation. As a result, it is possible to selectively use the energy to be used when the fuel cell system is started and when the fuel cell system is operated, and to efficiently generate electric energy in the fuel cell system. Further, since the auxiliary means operates the fuel cell system by supplying a part of the power generated by the fuel cell, the fuel cell system can be operated at all times until the fuel supplied to the fuel cell becomes insufficient.
[0015]
On the other hand, a device according to the present invention includes the above-described fuel cell system.
According to the present invention, for example, if the above-described fuel cell system is mounted on a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a video camera, a PDA, or the like as a device, the function and effect of the fuel cell system described above can be enjoyed, and the device can be enjoyed. Since the size of the fuel cell system serving as a driving source for the device is reduced, the size of the device itself can be reduced.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of fuel cell system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment.
The fuel cell system 1 generates electric energy by an electrochemical reaction using a fuel such as a methanol solution and an oxidizing gas such as oxygen and air. The fuel cell system 1 includes a fuel cell 2, auxiliary equipment 3 as auxiliary means, and energy supply means 4.
[0017]
The fuel cell 2 is a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), and has a stack structure in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked via a diffusion layer. In the present embodiment, for simplicity of description, as shown in FIG. 1, a fuel cell 2 composed of a single fuel cell is illustrated.
This fuel cell 2 includes a solid electrolyte membrane 21, an anode electrode 22 and a cathode electrode 23 that are arranged to sandwich the solid electrolyte membrane 21 from both sides, a fuel diffusion layer 24, and an air diffusion layer 25. The fuel cells are liquid-tight from both sides by gaskets (not shown) or the like.
[0018]
The solid electrolyte membrane 21 is made of, for example, a proton conductive polymer such as a Nafion membrane (trade name of Dupont).
The anode electrode 22 is disposed on the side to which a fuel such as a methanol solution is supplied, and is formed of a carbon catalyst electrode film supporting a catalyst for the reaction between methanol and water. Here, as the catalyst, for example, an alloy of platinum and ruthenium can be adopted. At the anode electrode 22, the supplied methanol and water react to generate carbon dioxide, protons, and electrons.
The cathode electrode 23 is disposed on a side to which an oxidizing gas such as oxygen or air is supplied, and is formed of, for example, a carbon catalyst electrode carrying platinum as a catalyst. In the cathode electrode 23, the supplied oxidizing gas, the protons passing through the solid electrolyte membrane 21, and the electrons that reach the cathode electrode 23 after working through an external load react with each other to generate water. .
[0019]
The fuel diffusion layer 24 and the air diffusion layer 25 are porous films made of mesh metal foam (for example, steel wool), and diffuse the supplied fuel and oxidizing gas to the anode electrode 22 and the cathode electrode 23, respectively. Lead each. Further, the fuel diffusion layer 24 has an inlet 24A for sucking fuel and an outlet 24B for discharging exhaust components (unreacted methanol, water, carbon dioxide). Similarly, the air diffusion layer 25 also has an inlet 25A for sucking in oxidizing gas and an outlet 25B for discharging generated water and air.
Each of the fuel diffusion layer 24 and the air diffusion layer 25 may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or the like, or may be made of a porous metal material such as sponge titanium, carbon paper on carbon paper, carbon cloth, or the like. There may be.
[0020]
The auxiliary machine 3 operates the fuel cell system 1 to assist the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 2. The auxiliary device 3 includes a tank 31 as a fuel storage unit, a fuel supply unit 32, a compressor 33, a heater 34, a radiator 35, a separator 36, a condenser 37, a splitter 38, a sensor 39, And control means (not shown). In addition, circulation channels 3A and 3B are formed in the auxiliary device 3 to reuse the surplus fuel supplied to the fuel cell 2 and the water generated by the electrochemical reaction in order to use the fuel efficiently. ing.
[0021]
The tank 31 includes a methanol tank 311 for storing a pure methanol solution, and a mixing tank 312 for mixing and storing water and a pure methanol solution at a predetermined mixing ratio. The methanol tank 311 and the mixing tank 312 are connected by a pipe via a valve (not shown), and a pure methanol liquid is supplied from the methanol tank 311 to the mixing tank 312 as appropriate. The mixing tank 312 and a tank (not shown) for storing water are connected by a pipe via a valve, and water is supplied to the mixing tank 312 as appropriate. In addition, the above-described circulation flow path 3A is formed between the mixing tank 312 and the outlet 24B of the fuel diffusion layer 24 of the fuel cell 2, and the circulation flow path 3B is formed between the mixing tank 312 and the air diffusion layer of the fuel cell 2. And 25 discharge ports 25B.
[0022]
The fuel supply unit 32 supplies the methanol solution mixed in the mixing tank 312 to the fuel cell 2. Here, the mixing tank 312 and the inlet of the fuel supply unit 32 are connected by a pipe, and the outlet of the fuel supply unit 32 and the suction port 24A of the fuel diffusion layer 24 are connected by a pipe. As described above, the fuel supply unit 32 is driven by mechanical energy from an energy supply unit 4 described below that stores mechanical energy. In the present embodiment, the fuel supply unit 32 is configured as a tube pump.
Details of the fuel supply unit 32 will be described later.
[0023]
The compressor 33 is connected to a suction port 25 </ b> A of the air diffusion layer 25 by a pipe, and supplies air in the atmosphere to the fuel cell 2. In the present embodiment, the compressor 33 is used, but the invention is not limited thereto, and a blower or the like may be used.
The heater 34 heats the fuel cell 2 at a desired temperature and promotes an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 2. In the present embodiment, the heater 34 heats the fuel cell 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, air heated to a desired temperature by the compressor 33 is supplied to the fuel cell 2. The fuel cell 2 may be heated. In such a configuration, the heater 34 can be omitted.
[0024]
The radiator 35 is located in the circulation flow path 3A, is connected to the discharge port 24B of the fuel diffusion layer 24 by a pipe, and radiates heat of components discharged from the anode electrode 22. For example, the radiator 35 may be configured to cool the exhaust component passing therethrough through cooling water inside the radiator 35, or a cooling fan may be separately arranged so that cooling air is sent to the radiator 35. It may be. Here, the components discharged from the anode electrode 22 include an unreacted methanol solution and carbon dioxide generated by the reaction.
The separator 36 functions as a gas-liquid separation membrane, and includes a first separator 361 located in the circulation channel 3A and a second separator 362 located in the circulation channel 3B. Then, the first separator 361 separates the discharged component cooled by the radiator 35 into an unreacted methanol solution and carbon dioxide, returns the unreacted methanol to the mixing tank 312, and discharges carbon dioxide.
[0025]
The condenser 37 is connected to the outlet 25B of the air diffusion layer 25 by a pipe, and collects water generated by the fuel cell 2. Then, the second separator 362 of the separator 36 separates the moisture collected by the condenser 37 and the air excessively supplied to the cathode electrode 23, and discharges the separated air.
The splitter 38 is located in the circulation channel 3B, and appropriately drains water flowing in the circulation channel 3B under the control of a control unit (not shown).
[0026]
The sensor 39 detects the methanol concentration of the mixed methanol solution in the mixing tank 312, and outputs the detected value to the control means. The sensor 39 may be provided with a water level detection sensor that detects the water level of the methanol solution stored in the mixing tank 312 in addition to the detection of the methanol concentration. Further, a temperature sensor or the like for detecting the temperature of the fuel cell 2, the supplied fuel and the air may be provided.
The control means controls the entire accessory 3. For example, based on a signal output from the sensor 39, control of the supply amount of the pure methanol liquid from the methanol tank 311 to the mixing tank 312, control of the fuel supply amount of the fuel supply unit 32, and control of the air supply amount of the compressor 33 , The control of the amount of water discharged from the splitter 38, the heating control in the heater 34, and the like.
[0027]
Since the energy supply unit 4 is used to drive the fuel supply unit 32 constituting the auxiliary machine 3, it will be described below together with the fuel supply unit 32.
[0028]
[Configuration of Fuel Supply Unit and Energy Supply Means]
Next, the configuration of the fuel supply unit 32 configured as a tube pump will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fuel supply unit 32 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel supply unit 32 according to the first embodiment.
The fuel supply unit 32 includes a housing 321 forming an outer shell, a tube 322 housed in the housing 321, and a drive mechanism 323 for feeding the fuel in the tube 322.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the housing 321 is formed in a substantially circular box shape, and includes a first housing 321A disposed above and a second housing 321B disposed below. .
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first housing 321A is a hollow member formed in a substantially disk shape, and has a hole 321A1 opened on the second housing 321B side and a driving mechanism 323 described later inside. A substantially circular accommodating portion 321A2 to be accommodated is formed. Here, the housing portion 321A2 is formed eccentrically from the center position of the second housing 321B. A lid 321A3 is provided on the upper surface of the first housing 321A, and the housing 321A2 is closed by closing the upper surface of the first housing 321A with the lid 321A3.
The second housing 321B is formed in a substantially square shape on a plane. As shown in FIG. 3, a concave portion 321B1 serving as a space for installing a tube 322 as a pump and a driving mechanism 323 to be described later is formed on the upper surface thereof. Have been. Further, a guide groove 321B2 for regulating the arrangement position of the tube 322 is formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion 321B1.
In this case 321, the second case 321B is integrally fixed to the lower surface of the first case 321A by screwing or the like.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the tube 322. Specifically, it is a view of the housing 321 viewed from above with the first housing 321A removed.
The fuel flows through the tube 322. As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, the tube 322 extends from the outside of the second housing 321B through a hole 321B3 formed in the second housing 321B and along the guide groove 321B2 of the second housing 321B. It is arranged in a substantially circular arc shape, penetrates the other hole 321B3, and is again arranged outside. The gap between the hole 321B3 and the tube 322 is sealed with a sealing material 321B4. As a material of the tube 322, silicone rubber, polyurethane, or another elastic material can be adopted.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the drive mechanism 323 of the fuel supply unit 32 as viewed from above in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism 323 of the fuel supply unit 32.
The drive mechanism 323 moves and distributes the fuel inside the tube 322. As shown in FIG. 5, the drive mechanism 323 includes an energy supply unit 4 that accumulates and supplies mechanical energy, and a drive unit 324 (which circulates fuel inside the tube 322 based on the mechanical energy from the energy supply unit 4). FIG. 6) and a speed control unit 325 for controlling the drive speed of the drive unit 324. That is, in this embodiment, the fuel supply unit 32 includes the energy supply unit 4.
[0033]
The energy supply means 4 includes a mainspring 41 and a barrel 42 for accommodating the mainspring 41.
The barrel 42 is rotatable about a barrel 42A formed at the center thereof, and a barrel wheel 42B meshing with a center wheel & pinion 325A of the speed control unit 325 is formed on the outer periphery.
The mainspring 41 has one end fixed to the barrel barrel 42A and the other end fixed to the inner periphery of the barrel barrel 42B. When the mainspring 41 is released, the barrel 41 rotates about the barrel 42A, and the mechanical energy of the mainspring 41 is transmitted to the speed adjusting unit 325 and the drive unit 324 (FIG. 6).
In addition, a square wheel 42C is fixed to the barrel true 42A, and the square wheel 42C is not shown in the winding stem 326A (FIGS. 2, 5) of the hoisting mechanism 326 provided to protrude outside the housing 321. They are connected via a hoist train. By turning the crown 326B (FIG. 2) provided at the end of the winding stem 326A, the barrel 42A can be rotated to wind up the mainspring 41.
[0034]
The driving unit 324 includes a ball 324A that rolls on the tube 322 to move the fuel in the tube 322 and a rotor driving unit that rotates together with the center wheel & pinion 325A of the speed control unit 325, as shown in FIG. 324B, a rotor 324C that is rotatably fixed to the second housing 321B and moves the ball 324A while pressing it against the tube 322, and a retainer 324D that regulates the movement of the ball 324A.
As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the ball 324A rolls on the tube 322 while pressing the tube 322 by driving of the driving mechanism 323, and moves the fuel in the tube 322. A plurality of the balls 324A are provided (two in the present embodiment). The balls 324A are held by a ball holding portion 324D2 of a retainer 324D described later, and roll on a tube 322 arranged in a substantially arc shape by driving of a driving mechanism 323. .
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 6, the rotor driving section 324B has a substantially disk shape, and has a central portion connected to a cylindrical pinion 325A3 fixed to the center wheel & pinion 325A of the speed adjusting section 325. Therefore, the rotor drive unit 324B rotates around the position of the second wheel & pinion 325A in conjunction with the rotation of the second wheel & pinion 325A accompanying the rotation of the barrel 42. Further, a plurality of protrusions 324B1 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the rotor driving portion 324B so as to protrude substantially vertically below the disk-shaped portion (two in the present embodiment).
[0036]
The rotor 324C rolls on the tube 322 while pressing the ball 324A. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotor 324C is formed in a substantially disk shape, and is rotatably supported via a bearing 321B6 on a support shaft 321B5 fixed to the center of the guide groove 321B2 of the second housing 321B. I have. In addition, a track hole 324C1 that fits with the protrusion 324B1 of the rotor driving unit 324B is formed on the inner peripheral side of the rotor 324C, and the rotor 324C rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor driving unit 324B. Further, a pressing rubber 324C2 is provided on a surface of the rotor 324C facing the ball 324A, and is in contact with the ball 324A. Therefore, the ball 324A is hardly slipped with respect to the rotor 324C, and satisfactorily rolls on the tube 322 with the rotation of the rotor 324C.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 3, the retainer 324D is formed in a substantially disk shape, and is provided between the rotor 324C and the second housing 321B. As shown in FIG. 4, a hole 324D1 is formed in the center of the retainer 324D, and the lower end of the support shaft 321B5, the bearing 321B6, and the rotor 324C of the second housing 321B penetrates. Here, the hole 324D1 of the retainer 324D is formed to be larger than the entire dimensions at the lower ends of the penetrating support shaft 321B5, the bearing 321B6, and the rotor 324C. For this reason, the retainer 324D is not fixed to the rotor 324C but is independently placed on the second housing 321B. Further, a ball holding portion 324D2 that holds the ball 324A is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the retainer 324D. The ball holding portions 324D2 are formed at equal intervals around the retainer 324D and at the same number of places (two in the present embodiment) as the balls 324A, and the balls 324A are disposed therein. Further, a convex portion 324D3 is formed near the ball holding portion 324D2. Further, a leaf spring 321B7, which is swingably fixed to the second housing 321B, is pressed against the side surface of the retainer 324D with an appropriate urging force. Then, the tip of the leaf spring 321B7 comes into contact with and separates from the detection unit 321B8 fixed to the second housing 321B by the rotational movement of the projection 324D3 of the retainer 324D.
The rotor drive unit 324B, the rotor 324C, and the retainer 324D can be made of, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, or the like.
[0038]
The speed control unit 325 controls the rotation speed of the rotor drive unit 324B of the drive unit 324. As shown in FIG. 5, the speed control unit 325 includes a second wheel & pinion 325A meshing with the barrel wheel 42B, a third wheel & pinion 325B engaged with increasing speed in the following order, a fourth wheel & pinion 325C, and a fifth wheel & pinion 325C. An intermediate wheel 325D, a fifth wheel intermediate wheel 325E, a fifth wheel & pinion 325F, a sixth wheel & pinion 325G, a speed control rotor 325H, and a stator 325I that outputs electric energy by rotation of the speed control rotor 325H are provided. ing.
Then, as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, the rotation of the barrel wheel 42B is transmitted to the pinion 325A1 of the center wheel & pinion 325A, and then the speed is increased from the gear 325A2 of the center wheel & pinion 325A, and the rotation of the wheel & pinion 325B is controlled. The speed is increased from the gear of the third wheel & pinion 325B and transmitted to the kana 325C1 of the fourth wheel & pinion 325C. Further, the speed is increased from the gear 325C2 of the fourth wheel & pinion 325C via the fifth intermediate wheel &amp; The speed is increased from the gear of the fifth wheel & pinion 325F to the pinion of the fifth wheel & pinion 325F, and the speed is increased from the gear of the sixth wheel & pinion 325G and transmitted to the speed control rotor 325H. Each of these members is pivotally supported by a train wheel bridge and a base plate that are appropriately formed above and below.
[0039]
The speed control rotor 325H includes a rotor pinion 325H1 that meshes with the sixth wheel & pinion 325G, a permanent magnet 325H2, and an inertia plate 325H3 that smoothes the rotation of the speed control rotor 325H.
The stator 325I forms a magnetic circuit that links the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 325H2 by the rotation of the governing rotor 325H, and outputs electric energy by a change in the magnetic flux. The stator 325I includes a pair of stator members 325I1 and a pair of coils 325I2 wound around the stator members 325I1, respectively.
[0040]
The stator member 325I1 is arranged substantially in parallel, and the permanent magnet 325H2 of the governing rotor 325H is arranged in a hole formed at the tip portion in a state where a pair is arranged.
The coil 325I2 converts a magnetic flux change in the stator material 325I1 caused by the rotation of the permanent magnet 325H2 into electric power. The AC output from the stator 325I is rectified through a rectification circuit including step-up rectification, full-wave rectification, half-wave rectification, transistor rectification, and the like, and charged and supplied to a power supply circuit including a capacitor and the like. Then, the electric power charged in the power supply circuit is supplied to each component (including the control means) of the auxiliary machine 3 which needs electric energy when the fuel cell system 1 is started.
That is, the generator according to the present invention corresponds to the governing rotor 325H and the stator 325I.
[0041]
Here, the control means constituting the auxiliary machine 3 is electrically connected to the coil 325I2, and is driven by the electric power generated by the governing rotor 325H and the stator 325I. The control unit includes a speed control unit that controls the fuel supply amount of the fuel supply unit 32, that is, controls the drive speed of the drive unit 324.
The speed control unit includes a crystal oscillator, an oscillation circuit that divides the frequency from the crystal oscillator and outputs a reference signal, a detection circuit that detects the frequency of the generated AC current, A control circuit that compares the frequency with the reference frequency and outputs an output value according to the difference. The oscillation circuit outputs a reference signal using a signal from the crystal resonator. The control circuit compares the reference signal with the rotation detection signal from the detection circuit, brakes the speed control rotor 325H according to the phase difference, etc., and controls the drive of the drive unit 324 via the speed control units 325A to 325G. The rotation cycle of the unit 324B is controlled. As a braking method of the governing rotor 325H, a short brake may be applied by short-circuiting the output terminals of the stator 325I, or a braking amount may be controlled by controlling a current value flowing through the coil 325I2. Thereby, the rotation cycle (rotation speed) of the speed control rotor 325H is maintained at a predetermined cycle (speed), and the rotation cycle (rotation speed) of the speed control units 325A to 325G and the rotor drive unit 324B is adjusted.
Here, the number of turns, the size, the material, and the like of the mainspring 41 are set so that a time for operating the fuel cell system 1, for example, at least 12 hours can be obtained.
[0042]
[Operation of fuel cell system]
Next, the operation of the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.
When the mainspring 41 is released and the barrel 42 rotates, this rotational force is transmitted while being increased in speed by the speed governor 325 meshing with the barrel car 42B, and the governor rotor 325H of the governor 325 rotates. Then, the stator 325I converts electric energy into electric energy and generates electric power by rotating the permanent magnet 325H2 fixed to the governing rotor 325H. The auxiliary equipment 3 (components requiring electric energy) except the fuel supply unit 32 is activated by the electric energy obtained by the power generation. The control means is also activated by the electric energy obtained by the power generation, and controls the operating state of the auxiliary machine 3. Hereinafter, the control of the fuel supply amount of the fuel supply unit 32 among the control of the operation state of the auxiliary machine 3 will be described.
[0043]
The speed control unit of the control means brakes the speed control rotor 325H to adjust the rotational speeds of the speed control units 325A to 325G to a predetermined speed.
When the speed of the second wheel & pinion 325A is adjusted, the rotor drive unit 324B connected to the cannon pinion 325A3 rotates at a predetermined rotation speed and transmits a rotational motion to the rotor 324C. Then, the rotor 324C rotates in the direction of arrow R shown in FIG.
When the rotor 324C rotates, the ball 324A pressed by the pressing rubber 324C2 rolls while crushing the tube 322 by friction. As a result, the fuel sandwiched between the two balls 324A in the tube 322 moves. When one ball 324A moves to one end of the guide groove 321B2, the ball 324A continues to rotate around the support shaft 321B5 together with the pressing rubber 324C2, so that the pressing of the tube 322 is released. In this state, the other ball 324A rolls and pushes the fuel along the guide groove 321B2, whereby the fuel in the tube 322 flows. One ball 324A is disposed on the guide groove 321B2 again during that time, and crushes the tube 322 to move the fuel sandwiched between the other ball 324A. By repeating this, the fuel stored in the mixing tank 312 is continuously supplied to the fuel cell 2 via the tube 322.
[0044]
Here, the rotation speed of the ball 324A is detected by the retainer 324D. The ball 324A pushes the ball holding portion 324D2 of the retainer 324D with the rolling, whereby the retainer 324D rotates. At this time, the projection 324D3 of the retainer 324D contacts the leaf spring 321B7, and then moves the leaf spring 321B7 in a direction away from the retainer 324D against the urging force. Here, when the distal end of the leaf spring 321B7 is in contact with the detecting portion 321B8, it is in an electrically conductive state. When the distal end of the leaf spring 321B7 separates from the detecting portion 321B8, the detecting portion 321B8 rotates the ball 324A. Is detected. That is, if the rotation of the ball 324A is detected twice, it means that the driving unit 324 has made one rotation. Using this, a control unit (not shown) controls the operating state of the fuel supply unit 32 by calculating the number of revolutions of the drive unit 324 and the flow rate of the fuel.
After the fuel cell system 1 is started, the auxiliary device 3 operates the fuel cell system 1 by appropriately using a part of the electric energy generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 2. For example, the fuel supply unit 32 includes a motor (not shown). When the fuel cell system 1 is operated, the motor uses a part of the electric energy generated by the fuel cell 2 to supply the fuel to the fuel cell 2. It is configured to supply fuel.
[0045]
[Effects of First Embodiment]
The above embodiment has the following effects.
(1) The fuel supply unit 32 of the auxiliary machine 3 supplies fuel to the fuel cell 2 with energy (mechanical energy) from the energy supply means 4 having the mainspring 41 to start the fuel cell system. There is no need to provide a secondary battery or the like that supplies energy to the fuel supply unit 32 when the system 1 is started. Since the user is not required to perform complicated operations such as charging the secondary battery or the like, the convenience of the fuel cell system 1 can be improved. Further, since the fuel cell system 1 is activated by the mainspring 41 that stores and supplies mechanical energy, the structure of the fuel cell system 1 can be simplified and downsized.
[0046]
(2) Since the fuel supply unit 32 includes the tube 322, the drive unit 324, and the speed control unit 325, a fixed amount of fuel can be supplied to the fuel cell, and power generation in the fuel cell can be efficiently performed. .
(3) Since the speed control unit 325 of the drive mechanism 323 includes the speed control rotor 325H and the stator 325I as generators, it uses electric energy generated by energy (mechanical energy) from the energy supply unit 4. To operate the fuel cell system 1. Further, since the speed control unit 325 is provided with the speed control rotor 325H and the stator 325I as generators, the fuel cell system 1 can be made compact and downsized.
[0047]
(4) Since the energy supply means 4 is constituted by the mainspring 41, the energy supply means 4 as a drive source can be constituted with a simple structure. Further, if the winding mechanism 326 is used, mechanical energy can be easily generated by human power, and the generated mechanical energy can be easily stored.
(5) The auxiliary equipment 3 receives the supply of energy from the energy supply means 4 when the fuel cell system 1 is started. Then, after the fuel cell system 1 is started, the auxiliary machine 3 operates the fuel cell system 1 by receiving a part of the power generated by the fuel cell 2. Thus, for example, even if the mechanical energy stored in the energy supply means 4 is insufficient after the fuel cell system 1 is started and the fuel cell system 1 cannot be operated, the energy generated by the fuel cell 2 can be used. Thus, the fuel cell system 1 can be operated. Therefore, the fuel cell system 1 can be reliably started and operated, and the fuel cell system 1 can efficiently generate electric energy. In addition, since the auxiliary device 3 operates the fuel cell system 1 by supplying a part of the energy generated by the fuel cell, the fuel cell system 1 can always be operated until the fuel supplied to the fuel cell 2 becomes insufficient.
(6) Since the energy supply means 4 is provided in the fuel supply section 32 and is integrally formed in the fuel supply section 32, the size of the fuel cell system 1 can be reduced.
(7) If the fuel cell system 1 is mounted on an electronic device such as a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a video camera, or a PDA, the electronic device itself can be reduced in size by reducing the size of the fuel cell system 1. I can do it.
[0048]
[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the following description, the same structures and the same members as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified.
In the first embodiment, the energy supply unit 4 includes the mainspring 41, and the fuel cell system 1 is activated by the mechanical energy of the mainspring 41.
On the other hand, in the fuel cell system 1 of the second embodiment, the energy supply means 4 stores the potential energy and is activated by the potential energy. That is, only the configuration of the fuel supply unit 32 is different, and the other configurations are the same.
[0049]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fuel supply unit 32 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, the housing 321 is omitted as appropriate in order to explain the internal structure of the fuel supply unit 32.
As shown in FIG. 7, the outer periphery of the fuel supply unit 32 is formed by a housing 321 including a first housing 321A arranged on the right side and a second housing 321B arranged on the left side. .
The first housing 321A is formed in a substantially box shape, and a hole 321A1 that opens to the second housing 321B side is formed on one end surface facing the second housing 321B. The drive mechanism 323 is provided inside the first housing 321A.
The second housing 321B is formed in a substantially box shape with one open end facing the first housing 321A. A part of the tube 322 is installed inside the second housing 321B along the guide groove 321B2, and a part of the drive mechanism 323 is installed via the hole 321A1 of the first housing 321A.
[0050]
FIG. 8 is a view of the driving mechanism 323 viewed from the front side. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a view of the driving mechanism 323 viewed from the right side of FIG.
The energy supply means 4 stores the potential energy of the object and converts the potential energy obtained by the change in the position of the object into mechanical energy. As shown in FIG. 7, the energy supply means 4 includes a drum 43, a weight 44 having a predetermined weight, a rope 45 having one end attached to the drum 43, and the other end attached to the weight 44, and a drum 43. And a rotatable handle 46.
In such an energy supply means 4, when the handle 46 is rotated, the rope 45 is wound around the drum 43, and the weight 44 is lifted. A force to fall by the action of gravity acts on the weight 44, and the force to fall is pulled by a rope 45 wound around the drum 43, so that a rotational force is applied to the drum 43, And the first wheel 43A provided on the same axis rotates.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 8, a ratchet mechanism 43B is formed on the first wheel 43A so as to rotate in the winding direction of the weight 44 but not to rotate in the opposite direction. It can be easily implemented.
The ratchet mechanism 43B includes a center wheel 43B1 formed integrally with the drum 43, and a hammer 43B2 attached to the first wheel 43A. Then, when the drive mechanism 323 is driven, the rotational force from the drum 43 is transmitted to the first wheel 43A in a state where the rear wheel 43B1 and the hammer 43B2 are engaged. Also, only when the weight 44 is wound, the hammer 43B2 escapes from the claw formed on the wheel 43B1 and the mesh 43 is disengaged, so that the hoist can be wound.
[0052]
The drive unit 324 includes a rotor 324C connected to the center wheel & pinion 325A of the speed control unit 325, and a retainer 324D. Then, the rotor 324C rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the center wheel & pinion 325A, and rolls on the tube 322 while pressing the ball 324A with the pressing rubber 324C2.
The speed control unit 325 controls the rotation speed of the drive unit 324. The speed control unit 325 includes a second wheel & pinion 325A meshed with the first wheel 43A, a third wheel & pinion 325B meshed to increase speed, a mechanical escapement 325J interlocked with the third wheel & pinion 325B, A pendulum 325K for intermittently moving the mechanical escapement 325J and a generator 325L are provided.
The mechanical escapement 325J includes an escape wheel 325M to which the rotation of the third wheel & pinion 325B is transmitted, and an pallet 325N for intermittently moving the escape wheel 325M.
The escape wheel 325M has a plurality of teeth (not shown), and these teeth are formed so as to alternately mesh with the claws 325N1 and 325N2 (FIG. 8) of the ankle 325N.
As shown in FIG. 8, the ankle 325N swings left and right about the rotation axis Rax as viewed from the front side, and the two claws 325N1 and 325N2 alternately stop the rotation of the escape wheel 325M. Is rotated intermittently one tooth at a time.
[0053]
The pendulum 325K causes the pallet 325N to oscillate at a constant cycle due to the vibration. In the present embodiment, the pendulum 325K controls the drive speed of the drive unit 324, that is, the supply speed of the fuel in the tube 322, according to the oscillation period. The pendulum 325K includes a rod 325O connected to the rotation axis Rax of the pallet 325N, and a circular pendulum ball 325P installed on the tip 325O1 (FIG. 7) of the rod 325O.
In addition, the pendulum 325K receives the driving force from the escapement 325M, so that the swinging motion at a constant cycle is continued without attenuating.
Further, the pendulum 325K is in a state where the rotation axis Rax is up and the pendulum ball 325P is down. If no force is applied from the pallet 325N, a straight line connecting the center of gravity of the pendulum 325K and the center of the rotation axis Rax. Is set parallel to the direction of gravity and at the center of amplitude.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 7, if the length L from the fulcrum 325O2 of the rod 325O to the center of gravity 325K1 of the pendulum 325K is constant, the natural oscillation period To of the pendulum 325K is constant regardless of the amplitude.
Theoretically, the natural oscillation period To (s) is represented by the following Equation 1. The length from the fulcrum 325O2 to the center of gravity 325K1 of the pendulum 325K is L (m), and the gravitational acceleration is G (m / s). ² ). Here, the center of gravity position 325K1 of the pendulum 325K indicates the position of the center of gravity including all of the rod 325O and the pendulum ball 325P.
[0055]
(Equation 1)

[0056]
Here, the length of the rod 325O can be changed appropriately, that is, the natural oscillation period To of the pendulum 325K can be changed.
The generator 325L generates electric power based on the motion of the pendulum 325K. The generator 325L includes, as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, a permanent magnet 325Q fixed to a pendulum 325K, and a coil 325R arranged to face the permanent magnet 325Q.
As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of permanent magnets 325Q are arranged on the back side of the pendulum 325K along the arc-shaped vibration locus of the pendulum 325K (four in the present embodiment).
Further, each of the permanent magnets 325Q1, 325Q2, 325Q3, 325Q4 is attached such that the S pole or the N pole faces the thickness direction of the pendulum ball 325P. Further, although not specifically shown, these permanent magnets 325Q are attached at equal intervals so that the poles facing the coil 325R are alternately S poles and N poles in the vibration direction of the pendulum 325K. I have.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 8, the coil 325R has a magnetic core 325R1 made of PC permalloy and the like, and a coil wire 325R2 wound around the magnetic core 325R1, thereby generating electric power by the vibration of the pendulum 325K.
As shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic core 325R1 has a pair of opposed portions X and Y facing the poles of the permanent magnets 325Q1, 325Q2, 325Q3 and 325Q4, and the distance between the opposed portions X and Y is It is the same as the interval between the magnets 325Q1, 325Q2, 325Q3, and 325Q4.
In such a generator 325L, since the poles of the permanent magnets 325Q1, 325Q2, 325Q3, 325Q4 are alternately attached to S and N, the magnitude of the magnetic flux passing through the coil 325R with the vibration of the pendulum 325K. And the direction of the magnetic flux alternately reverses. Therefore, AC power is generated in the generator 325L. Then, the generated electric power is supplied to each component of the auxiliary machine 3 that requires electric energy when the fuel cell system 1 is started, and to control means.
[0058]
Here, the control unit is electrically connected to the generator 325L, and is driven by the power generated by the generator 325L. The speed control unit of the control means includes: a quartz oscillator; an oscillation circuit that divides a frequency from the quartz oscillator to output a reference signal having a reference oscillation period Ts; The control circuit includes a detection circuit that detects a vibration period Ta of the vibrating pendulum 325K, and a control circuit that compares the detected vibration period Ta with the reference vibration period Ts and outputs an output value according to the difference. Among these, the control circuit operates by comparing the oscillation cycle Ta with the reference oscillation cycle Ts so as to make the oscillation cycle Ta of the pendulum 325K coincide with the reference oscillation cycle Ts.
Specifically, the control circuit includes a first switch (not shown) connected to a first AC input terminal to which an AC signal (AC current) generated by the generator 325L is input, and a first switch to which the AC signal is input. And a second switch connected to the second AC input terminal, and by simultaneously turning on these switches, the first and second AC input terminals are brought into a closed loop state by a short circuit or the like, and the permanent magnet 325Q and the coil 325R It operates to apply a short brake between and.
As a result, the pendulum 325K is vibrated by the control circuit at a predetermined reference vibration cycle Ts, and the speed of the drive unit 324 is adjusted according to the reference vibration cycle Ts.
[0059]
Next, the operation of the fuel cell system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.
When the weight 44 falls by the action of gravity and the drum 43 rotates, this rotational force is transmitted to the escape wheel 325M while being accelerated by the second wheel & pinion 325A and the third wheel & pinion 325B that mesh with the first wheel 43A.
The rotation of the escapement 325M is transmitted to the pallet 325N, and the pendulum 325K vibrates at a predetermined vibration cycle Ta corresponding to the rod 325O set to a predetermined length. Then, the generator 325L generates power by the movement of the pendulum 325K. The auxiliary equipment 3 (components requiring electric energy) except the fuel supply unit 32 is activated by the electric energy obtained from the power generation. The control means is also activated by the electric energy obtained by the power generation, and controls the operating state of the auxiliary machine 3. Hereinafter, the control of the fuel supply amount of the fuel supply unit 32 among the control of the operation state of the auxiliary machine 3 will be described.
[0060]
The speed control unit of the control means controls the speed so that the vibration period Ta of the pendulum 325K matches the reference vibration period Ts. Further, the speed of the drive unit 324 is adjusted according to the vibration of the pendulum 325K at the reference vibration period Ts.
By controlling the speed of the drive unit 324, the rotor 324C rotates at a predetermined rotation speed. When the rotor 324C rotates, the ball 324A rolls on the tube 322 while being pressed by the pressing rubber 324C2, and the fuel stored in the mixing tank 312 is continuously transferred to the fuel cell 2 via the tube 322. Supplied.
After the fuel cell system 1 is started, the auxiliary device 3 operates the fuel cell system 1 by appropriately using a part of the electric energy generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 2.
[0061]
[Effect of Second Embodiment]
According to the above-described second embodiment, the following effects are obtained in addition to the effects substantially similar to the above (1) to (3) and (5) to (7).
(8) The energy supply means 4 includes the drum 43, the weight 44, the rope 45, and the handle 46, and can easily store energy by utilizing a change in the position of the weight 44. Further, since the energy supply means 4 converts the potential energy into mechanical energy which is a driving force of the driving mechanism 323, the energy storage and supply can be realized with a simple structure, and the structure of the fuel cell system 1 is simplified to reduce the size. Can be achieved.
[0062]
(9) The length of the rod 325O of the pendulum 325K can be changed as appropriate, that is, the natural oscillation period To of the pendulum 325K can be changed. Thus, the drive speed of the drive unit 324 can be easily changed.
(10) The speed control unit 325 controls the drive speed of the drive unit 324 with the pendulum 325K via the mechanical escapement 325J, and further controls the actual vibration period Ta of the pendulum 325K with the control unit. Since the drive speed of the 324 is controlled, the speed of the drive unit 324 can be controlled in two stages, and the speed regulation accuracy, that is, the fuel supply speed can be performed with high accuracy.
[0063]
[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the following description, the same structures and the same members as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified.
In the first embodiment, the energy supply unit 4 includes the mainspring 41, and the fuel cell system 1 is activated by the mechanical energy of the mainspring 41.
On the other hand, in the fuel cell system 1 according to the third embodiment, the energy supply means 4 accumulates heat energy and is activated by the heat energy. That is, only the configuration of the fuel supply unit 32 is different, and the other configurations are the same.
[0064]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fuel supply unit 32 according to the third embodiment.
The energy supply means 4 stores heat energy and converts heat energy obtained by a change in ambient temperature into mechanical energy. As shown in FIG. 9, the energy supply means 4 includes a heat conversion element storage section 47 for storing a heat conversion element 47A whose volume changes due to a change in ambient temperature, and a reciprocating movement in accordance with expansion and contraction of the heat conversion element 47A. And a rotary drive unit 49 that rotates in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the forward and backward drive unit 48.
Here, as the heat conversion body 47A, a phase change substance that changes its phase from one of a solid and a liquid to the other and changes its volume by this phase change can be adopted. In this embodiment, paraffin wax is adopted.
[0065]
The heat conversion body housing part 47 is fitted with a bottomed cylindrical container 47B, a flexible lid member 47C for closing the opening of the container 47B, and an open end of the container 47B. And a cylindrical cover member 47D sandwiched between the opening-side end of the container 47B.
Here, as the lid member 47C, a tough film having excellent sealing properties and formed of, for example, silicone rubber or Teflon (registered trademark) rubber is used.
The advance / retreat driving unit 48 includes a rod 48A connected to the lid member 47C and a bottomed tubular sliding member 48B located on the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 47D and slidably provided in conjunction with the rod 48A. , A rack 48C connected to the rod 48A and having serrated teeth on both sides.
[0066]
The rod 48A moves forward and backward from the cover member 47D while being guided by the guide portion 47D1 formed on the cover member 47D according to the expansion and contraction of the heat conversion body 47A, and in conjunction with this, the sliding member 48B and the rack 48C also move. Carry out retreats.
A flange 48B1 that protrudes radially outward is provided at an edge of the sliding member 48B on the opening side, and the flange 48B1 is engaged with one end of a coil spring 48D. Further, the other end of the coil spring 48D is engaged with a locking member 48D1 whose position is fixed to the container 47B. For this reason, the forward / backward drive unit 48 is urged, for example, in the downward direction in FIG. 9 by the coil spring 48D, and assists the movement of the heat converter 47A during contraction.
[0067]
The rotation driving unit 49 includes a square wheel 49A and a gear 49B each having saw-toothed teeth, with a rack 48C interposed therebetween, and a gear 49C for transmitting the rotation of the gear 49B to the square wheel 49A.
In the square wheel 49A, the normal gears 49A1 and 49A2 are coaxially integrated, the gear 49A1 and the gear 49C mesh with each other, and the gear 49A2 meshes with the pinion 325A1 of the second wheel & pinion 325A of the speed control unit 325.
The gear 49B is coaxially integrated with a normal gear 49B1, and the gear 49B1 and the gear 49C mesh with each other.
[0068]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a meshing state between the rack 48C, the square wheel 49A, and the gear 49B.
When the rack 48C advances, as shown in FIG. 10A, the teeth 48C1 provided on one side are pushed by the teeth of the square wheel 49A, and the other teeth 48C2 mesh with the teeth of the gear 49B, and 49B rotates counterclockwise (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10A). Then, the rotation of the gear 49B is transmitted to the square wheel 49A via the gear 49C, and as shown in FIG. 10A, the square wheel 49A rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10A). Rotate.
When the rack 48C retreats, as shown in FIG. 10B, the teeth 48C2 are pushed by the teeth of the gear 49B, and the teeth 48C1 mesh with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 49A, and the ratchet wheel 49A rotates counterclockwise. (In the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10A).
That is, with the forward / backward movement of the forward / backward drive section 48, the square wheel 49A rotates in a fixed direction (counterclockwise).
The drive unit 324 and the speed control unit 325 have substantially the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0069]
Next, the operation of the fuel cell system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.
When the advancing / retracting drive unit 48 performs an advancing / retracting motion due to expansion and contraction of the heat conversion body 47A, the advancing / retracting motion is converted by the rotation driving unit 49 into a rotational motion. Is transmitted to the speed control rotor 325H. Then, the stator 325I converts electric energy into electric energy and generates electric power by rotating the permanent magnet 325H2 fixed to the governing rotor 325H. The auxiliary equipment 3 (components requiring electric energy) except the fuel supply unit 32 is activated by the electric energy obtained by the power generation. The control means is also activated by the electric energy obtained by the power generation, and controls the operating state of the auxiliary machine 3.
Then, similarly to the first embodiment, the speed control controller of the control means brakes the speed control rotor 325H, adjusts the drive speed of the drive unit 324 to a predetermined speed, and controls the fuel stored in the mixing tank 312. The fuel is continuously supplied to the fuel cell 2 at a constant amount via the tube 322.
After the fuel cell system 1 is started, the auxiliary device 3 operates the fuel cell system 1 by appropriately using a part of the electric energy generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 2.
[0070]
[Effects of Third Embodiment]
According to the above-described third embodiment, the following effects are obtained in addition to the effects substantially similar to the above (1) to (3) and (5) to (7).
(11) The energy supply means 4 includes a heat conversion element storage section 47 for storing the heat conversion element 47A, an advance / retreat driving section 48, and a rotation driving section 49, and expands and contracts the heat conversion element 47A due to a change in ambient temperature. By utilizing the energy, energy can be easily stored. Further, since the energy supply means 4 converts the accumulated thermal energy into mechanical energy which is a driving force of the driving mechanism 323, the energy can be stored and supplied with a simple structure, and the structure of the fuel cell system 1 can be simplified. Downsizing.
(12) Since the driving force of the driving mechanism 323 is obtained from the ambient temperature difference, the driving mechanism 323 can be driven semi-permanently without supplying external energy. That is, the energy can be used not only when the fuel cell system 1 is started but also when the fuel cell system 1 is operated.
[0071]
[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the following description, the same structures and the same members as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified.
In the first embodiment, the mainspring 41 of the energy supply means 4 stores mechanical energy in advance, and uses the stored mechanical energy as energy at the time of starting the fuel cell system 1.
On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the methanol tank 311 is configured as a cartridge that is detachable from the housing that configures the fuel cell system 1. Then, the mainspring 41 of the energy supply means 4 accumulates mechanical energy by a pressing force when the methanol tank 311 is installed in the housing, and uses the accumulated mechanical energy as energy at the time of starting the fuel cell system 1.
[0072]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a methanol tank 311 according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the methanol tank 311 is configured as a cartridge that is detachable from a cartridge holder 313 installed in a casing (not shown) of the fuel cell system 1.
[0073]
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the methanol tank 311 and the cartridge holder 313.
In the methanol tank 311, a fuel outlet 311 </ b> A is formed on the bottom surface, and an engaging portion 311 </ b> B that engages with the cartridge holder 313 is formed on the upper surface side.
The fuel take-out part 311A has a hole 311A1 for taking out fuel, a valve element 311A2 for preventing fuel from leaking from the hole 311A1 to the outside of the methanol tank 311 when not in use, and a seal attached to seal the hole 311A1. 311A3.
The engaging portion 311B extends from the upper surface side of the methanol tank 311 substantially in parallel with the upper surface, and has a distal end portion bent upward to have a substantially L-shape. The engaging portion 311B engages with the guide portion 313B3 of the lid member 313B of the cartridge holder 313, and is guided by the guide portion 313B3, so that the methanol tank 311 is set at a predetermined position of the cartridge holder 313.
[0074]
The cartridge holder 313 is formed in a substantially box shape whose inner peripheral shape is substantially the same as the outer peripheral shape of the methanol tank 311. The cartridge holder 313 includes a holder main body 313A having an open upper part, and a lid member 313B for opening and closing the opening of the holder main body 313A.
The holder main body 313A is provided with a fuel intake portion 313A1 projecting upward on the bottom surface thereof. The fuel intake portion 313A1 is a hole communicating with the mixing tank 312 via a pipe. When the methanol tank 311 is mounted at a predetermined position of the holder main body 313A, the fuel intake portion 313A1 penetrates through the seal 311A3 and pushes up the valve body 311A2. To communicate with the inside of the methanol tank 311.
[0075]
The cover member 313B is provided with a substantially V-shaped cross section, and a valley portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section is rotatably provided at an edge of the opening of the holder body 313A so as to open and close the opening. The lid member 313B has, on one surface having a substantially V-shaped cross section, a protrusion 313B1 that engages with the holder main body 313A to maintain the installed state, and a tank pressing part that presses the methanol tank 311 against the holder main body 313A. 313B2. On the other surface, a guide portion 313B3 for guiding the methanol tank 311 to a predetermined position and a cleaning mechanism pressing portion 313B4 for pressing the cleaning mechanism (partition wall 261A) are formed. Further, a first transmission portion 51 of an external energy transmission mechanism 5 described later, which rotates in conjunction with opening and closing of the lid member 313B, is provided in a valley portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section of the lid member 313B.
[0076]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between the methanol tank 311, the cartridge holder 313, and the energy supply unit 4.
As shown in FIG. 13, an external energy transmission mechanism 5 is provided between the cartridge holder 313 and the energy supply means 4 of the fuel supply section 32.
The external energy transmission mechanism 5 transmits the opening and closing movement (external energy) of the cover member 313B of the cartridge holder 313 when the methanol tank 311 is installed in the cartridge holder 313 to the energy supply means 4. Then, the energy supply means 4 accumulates the transmitted energy. The external energy transmission mechanism 5 transmits the opening and closing movement of the lid member 313B of the cartridge holder 313 by rotational movement, and meshes with the first transmission portion 51 provided on the lid member 313B. And a second transmitting portion 52 that rotates.
[0077]
Among them, the second transmission unit 52 is formed by integrally integrating a pinion 521 and a gear 522 coaxially. Then, the second transmission unit 52 transmits the rotation of the first transmission unit 51 to the energy supply unit 4 by the gear 522 via the pinion 521 that meshes with the first transmission unit 51. The gear 522 meshes with a square wheel 42C fixed to the barrel true 42A of the energy supply means 4.
Here, the square wheel 42C is engaged with a not-shown kage so as to rotate in the counterclockwise direction but not in the clockwise direction in conjunction with the rotational movement of the external energy transmission mechanism 5. With the rotation of 5, the square wheel 42C is rotated in one direction to wind up the mainspring 41.
[0078]
Next, the operation of the fuel cell system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.
The user opens the lid 313B of the cartridge holder 313, and loads the methanol tank 311 storing the new fuel into the holder main body 313A. At this time, the engaging portion 311B of the methanol tank 311 is received by the guide portion 313B3 of the lid 313B, and the end of the methanol tank 311 opposite to the engaging portion 311B is supported by the inner peripheral portion of the holder body 313A. .
When the lid 313B is closed in this state, the guide portion 313B3 rotates downward to guide the methanol tank 311 and the fuel take-out portion 311A of the methanol tank 311 comes into contact with the tip of the fuel take-in portion 313A1.
[0079]
When the lid member 313B is further rotated, the tank pressing portion 313B2 presses the methanol tank 311 against the holder main body 313A, and the fuel intake portion 313A1 penetrates the seal 311A3 to push the valve body 311 upward, thereby causing the methanol tank 311 to move upward. And the mixing tank 312 communicate the fuel so that the fuel can flow therethrough. Then, the projection 313B1 of the lid member 313B is engaged with the holder main body 313A, and the methanol tank 311 is fixed to the cartridge holder 313.
At the same time, the first transmission unit 51 of the external energy transmission mechanism 5 provided on the lid member 313B rotates, and the mainspring 41 of the energy supply unit 4 winds up via the second transmission unit 52.
Then, the energy supply unit 4 supplies the mechanical energy accumulated by the above-described external energy as energy at the time of starting the fuel cell system 1.
Note that the start-up operation and the operation of the fuel cell system 1 can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0080]
According to the above-described fourth embodiment, the following effects are obtained in addition to the effects substantially similar to the above (1) to (7).
(13) The methanol tank 311 is configured as a cartridge. When the methanol tank 311 is installed in the cartridge holder 313, the external energy transmission mechanism 5 rotates in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the lid member 313B of the cartridge holder 313, and the starting energy is stored in the energy supply means 4. Thus, the starting energy of the fuel cell system 1 can be stored by installing the methanol tank 311 in the cartridge holder 313, so that the external energy can be efficiently used without storing the starting energy in the energy supply means 4 in advance. Thus, the work efficiency of the user can be improved, and the convenience of the fuel cell system 1 can be improved.
[0081]
[Modification of Embodiment]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes the following modifications.
In each of the above embodiments, the fuel cell 2 is described as a direct methanol fuel cell. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a solid polymer fuel cell (PEFC) is used as shown below is adopted. Is also good.
[0082]
FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a fuel cell system 1 using a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC).
The fuel cell system 1 includes a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) 2 having substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 2 of each of the above-described embodiments, and an auxiliary device 3.
The auxiliary device 3 supplies hydrogen gas as fuel to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) 2 to cause an electrochemical reaction in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) 2. The auxiliary machine 3 includes a tank 31 for storing fuel, a fuel supply unit 32 for circulating the fuel stored in the tank 31, and a reformer 30 for reforming the fuel circulated in the fuel supply unit 32. Have.
[0083]
Here, the fuel stored in the tank 31 is sodium borohydroxide (NaBH). ₄ ), Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and water (H ₂ O) is used. As the fuel, other fuels such as the methanol solution used in each of the above-described embodiments may be used in addition to the mixed liquid.
The configuration of the fuel supply unit 32 may be the same as that used in each of the above embodiments. The reformer 30 includes a catalyst storage tank 301 that stores a catalyst that reacts the mixed liquid transferred from the tank 31 by the fuel supply unit 32, and hydrogen gas in the mixed liquid reacted in the catalyst storage tank 301. And a separator 302 for supplying the battery (PEFC) 2.
[0084]
The catalyst storage tank 301 includes a hydrogen storage alloy, Mg, as a catalyst. ₂ NiH ₄ To accommodate. The catalyst used was Mg ₂ NiH ₄ Not limited to Various types can be adopted according to the use and fuel of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). For example, other magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys, titanium-based or zirconium-based metal hydrogen storage alloys, rare earth-based hydrogen storage alloys And a lanthanum-nickel-aluminum and a misch metal-nickel-aluminum hydrogen storage alloy. Then, in the catalyst storage tank 301, the mixed liquid flowing through the fuel supply unit 32 reacts with the catalyst, and as hydrogen, steam, an unreacted mixed liquid, and other impurities contained in the mixed liquid, It flows out to the separator 302 side.
[0085]
The separator 302 functions as a gas-liquid separation membrane, and separates hydrogen, water vapor, unreacted mixed liquid, and other impurities contained in the mixed liquid flowing from the catalyst storage tank 301 to separate hydrogen into a solid Supply to molecular fuel cell (PEFC) and discharge others.
That is, the fuel supply unit 32 moves the fuel stored in the tank 31 to the reformer 30 by receiving the supply of the mechanical energy, the potential energy, or the heat energy from the energy supply unit 4. Then, hydrogen is supplied from the reformer 30 to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) 2, an electrochemical reaction occurs in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) 2, and electric energy is generated. to start. After the activation, the fuel cell system 1 operates using a part of the electric energy generated by the fuel cell system 1.
[0086]
In the fuel cell system 1 using the solid polymer fuel cell (PEFC) 2 described above, the compressor 33, the heater 34, the radiator 35, the separator 36, the condenser 37, A configuration including a splitter 38, a control unit, and the like may be employed. With such a configuration, it is possible to utilize the water generated by the reuse and reaction of the fuel, and to improve the efficiency of the fuel cell system 1. When supplying hydrogen to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), a humidifier or the like for humidifying may be used as appropriate.
[0087]
In each of the above embodiments, the auxiliary device 3 includes the compressor 33, the heater 34, the radiator 35, the separator 36, the condenser 37, and the splitter 38 to improve the efficiency of the fuel cell system 1. Not limited to For example, a configuration in which these are omitted as shown below may be adopted.
FIG. 15 is a diagram in which the configuration of the auxiliary device 3 is simplified in each of the above embodiments.
In the fuel cell system 1, the auxiliary device 3 includes only the tank 31 and the fuel supply unit 32.
In such a configuration, the fuel supply unit 32 supplies the fuel stored in the tank 31 to the fuel cell 2 by receiving the supply of the mechanical energy, the potential energy, or the heat energy from the energy supply unit 4. Then, an electrochemical reaction occurs in the fuel cell 2 to generate electric energy, and the fuel cell system 1 starts. After startup, the fuel cell system 1 is configured to operate using a part of the electric energy generated by the fuel cell system 1. In such a configuration, the auxiliary equipment 3 can start the fuel cell system 1 without using a generator that generates electric energy by using mechanical energy, potential energy, or heat energy supplied from the energy supply unit 4. The configuration of the auxiliary equipment 3 can be simplified, and the fuel cell system 1 can be downsized. In this case, in order to omit the speed control rotor 325H and the stator 325I constituting the generator, the speed control of the drive unit 324 is performed by using a mechanical speed control such as an escape wheel and an pallet. In such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide a control unit such as an electronic circuit, and the configuration of the fuel cell system 1 can be simplified.
[0088]
In each of the above embodiments, the fuel supply unit 32 is configured as a tube pump, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured with, for example, a syringe pump, a diaphragm pump, or the like.
For example, when configured as a syringe pump, the drive unit 324 may be configured with a cam, a rack, or the like, and may be configured to move the piston of the syringe pump forward and backward so that fuel flows in and out.
Similarly, for example, when configured as a diaphragm pump, the drive unit 324 is formed of a cam, a rack, or the like, and the diaphragm of the diaphragm pump is deformed so as to increase or decrease the volume in the pump so that fuel flows in and out. May be configured.
[0089]
In each of the above embodiments, the energy supply means 4 stores any one of mechanical energy, potential energy, and heat energy. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two of mechanical energy, potential energy, and heat energy are stored. Alternatively, it may be configured to accumulate all. Further, a plurality of energy supply means 4 may be provided. In such a configuration, the amount of energy for starting the fuel cell system 1 can be greatly increased, and can be used as energy for operating the fuel cell system 1. In addition, even when the viscosity of the fuel is high and relatively high energy is required to flow through the tube 322, the driving force of the driving mechanism 323 can be supplemented, and the fuel can be satisfactorily supplied to the fuel cell 2.
[0090]
In the first embodiment, a rotary weight configured to be rotatable by external energy may be provided, the mainspring 41 may be connected to the rotary weight, and the mainspring 41 may be wound up by rotation of the rotary weight.
In such a configuration, when a portable electronic device is provided with a fuel cell system, if the rotating weight is rotated by kinetic energy according to the movement of the electronic device as external energy, the electronic device can be configured as follows. The mainspring 41 is automatically wound up by the movement of the person carrying it, and the energy supply means 4 can always store mechanical energy.
[0091]
In the first embodiment, the mainspring 41 may be wound using the potential energy or the heat energy in the second embodiment or the third embodiment.
For example, in the first embodiment, an energy supply unit for storing the potential energy described in the second embodiment is further provided. Then, the energy supply means and the hoisting mechanism 326 are connected, and in a state where the mainspring 41 is unwound, the mainspring 41 is hoisted by utilizing a change in position of the weight 44 due to the action of gravity.
Further, for example, in the first embodiment, an energy supply unit for accumulating heat energy described in the third embodiment is further provided. Then, the energy supply means and the winding mechanism 326 are connected, and in a state where the mainspring 41 is unwound, the mainspring 41 is wound by utilizing expansion and contraction of the heat converter 47A.
[0092]
In the second embodiment, the potential energy may be stored using the mechanical energy or the heat energy in the first embodiment or the third embodiment.
For example, in the second embodiment, an energy supply unit for storing heat energy described in the third embodiment is further provided. Then, in a state where the weight 44 is dropped by the action of gravity, the drum 43 is rotated by utilizing the expansion and contraction of the heat converter 47A, the rope 45 is wound up, and the potential energy is accumulated in the energy supply means 4.
Further, for example, in the second embodiment, an energy supply unit including the mainspring 41 described in the first embodiment is provided on the shaft of the drum 43, and the drum 43 is rotated using the mainspring 41 to wind up the rope 45. .
[0093]
In the first embodiment, the energy supply means 4 is constituted by the mainspring 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The energy supply means 4 may be any elastic member having elasticity, such as a spring, a leaf spring, or rubber. May be.
[0094]
In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the permanent magnet 325Q is disposed on the front side of the pendulum ball 325P has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may have the following configuration.
For example, the permanent magnet 325Q may be arranged to penetrate the front and back of the pendulum ball 325P. Further, for example, permanent magnets 325Q may be arranged on both surfaces of pendulum ball 325P. Further, for example, the permanent magnet 325Q may be arranged below the pendulum ball 325P.
[0095]
In the second embodiment, the S pole and the N pole of the permanent magnet 325Q are arranged so as to face in the thickness direction of the pendulum ball 325P, but are not limited to this. For example, the S pole and the N pole of the permanent magnet 325Q may be arranged so as to face the vibration direction of the pendulum ball 325P. Also in this case, the permanent magnets 325Q (325Q1, 325Q2, 325Q3, 325Q4) are arranged so that the S pole and the N pole are alternately arranged in the vibration direction of the pendulum ball 325P, and the arc shape of the pendulum ball 325P is formed. It is arranged along the vibration trajectory.
In the third embodiment, the configuration using paraffin wax as the heat converter 47A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, ammonia, carbon dioxide, methyl chloride, or the like, whose volume changes due to a phase change between a liquid and a gas, may be used, as long as the volume changes according to the phase change. Further, in order to appropriately change the operating temperature range of the heat converter 47A, an additive having a melting point different from that of the phase change material may be mixed.
[0096]
The configuration of the external energy transmission mechanism 5 in the fourth embodiment may be adopted in the second embodiment.
For example, in the second embodiment, when the external energy transmission mechanism 5 is connected to the drum 43 of the energy supply means 4 and the lid member 313B is opened and closed when the methanol tank 311 is installed in the cartridge holder 313, the external energy transmission mechanism 5 is used. Is transmitted, and the drum 43 is rotated to wind up the rope 45 to which the weight 44 is attached. That is, the energy supply means 4 accumulates external energy given from outside as the starting energy of the fuel cell system 1.
[0097]
In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the external energy transmission mechanism 5 includes the first transmission unit 51 and the second transmission unit 52 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. Any mechanism that transmits external energy given from outside to the energy supply means 4 may be used, and a configuration using a cam, a rack, or the like in addition to a gear may be used.
In the fourth embodiment, the first transmission portion 51 of the external energy transmission mechanism 5 is formed on the cover 313B of the cartridge holder 313, but the invention is not limited to this. That is, as the external energy given from the outside, the pressing force at the time of installing the methanol tank 311 in the cartridge holder 313 may be used, and the external energy transmission mechanism 5 may be provided not only in the cover member 313B but also in other positions. Good.
In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the external energy given from the outside is the pressing force when the methanol tank 311 is installed in the cartridge holder 313 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the user operates the fuel cell system 1, that is, the pressing force by pressing the operation button or the like may be used as the external energy.
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the fuel cell system of the present invention, the structure can be simplified and the size can be reduced, and the convenience can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a fuel cell system according to each embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel supply unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a fuel supply unit in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the arrangement of tubes in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the driving mechanism in the embodiment as viewed from above in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the drive mechanism in the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fuel supply unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a view of the driving mechanism in the embodiment as viewed from the front side.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fuel supply unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a meshing state of a rack, a square wheel and a gear in the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a methanol tank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a methanol tank and a cartridge holder in the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between a methanol tank, a cartridge holder, and energy supply means in the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modification of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modification of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel cell system, 2 ... Fuel cell, 3 ... Auxiliary equipment (auxiliary means), 4 ... Energy supply means, 31 ... Tank (fuel storage part), 32 ... Fuel Supply part, 41 ... spring, 322 ... tube (pump), 324 ... drive part, 325 ... governor, 325H ... governor rotor (generator), 325I ... stator (Generator), 325L ... Generator.

Claims (10)

A fuel cell system including a fuel cell that outputs electric energy by an electrochemical reaction,
Auxiliary means for assisting an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell;
Energy supply means for supplying start-up energy to the auxiliary means when the fuel cell system is started,
A fuel cell system, wherein the energy supply means stores at least one of mechanical energy, potential energy, and heat energy as the start-up energy, and supplies the stored start-up energy to the auxiliary means. . The fuel cell system according to claim 1,
The auxiliary means includes a fuel storage unit that stores fuel used in the fuel cell, and a fuel supply unit that supplies the fuel cell with the fuel stored in the fuel storage unit.
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the energy supply unit supplies the fuel to the fuel cell by supplying the starting energy to the fuel supply unit. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 or 2,
The auxiliary means includes a generator for converting the starting energy from the energy supply means into electric energy, and uses the electric energy generated by the generator as energy for operating the fuel cell system. Fuel cell system. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the energy supply unit is a mainspring that stores mechanical energy and supplies the auxiliary unit with the mechanical energy. The fuel cell system according to claim 4,
Equipped with a rotary weight that is rotatable by external energy,
The fuel cell system, wherein the rotary weight is configured to be able to wind up the mainspring by rotating. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the energy supply means stores potential energy obtained by a change in the position of the object, and converts the stored potential energy into mechanical energy. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the energy supply means stores heat energy obtained by a change in ambient temperature and converts the stored heat energy into mechanical energy. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein said energy supply means accumulates external energy given from outside and supplies the stored energy to said auxiliary means as said starting energy. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary means operates the fuel cell system by using a part of the electric energy generated by the fuel cell after starting the fuel cell system. An apparatus comprising the fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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