JP2005353583A - Fuel cell system and transport equipment using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell capable of effectively and easily recovering water from the fuel cell without using a large apparatus and deteriorating power generation efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell for generating electric energy by electrochemical reaction, a water tank 44 for storing water from the fuel cell, an introduction pipe 106 having an inlet 114b for introducing gas to be discharged containing moisture from the fuel cell into the water tank 44 and connected to the water tank 44, a discharge pipe 110 having an outlet 115 for discharging gas from the water tank 44 and connected to the water tank 44, and a partitioning member 116 provided in the water tank 44 to be positioned under the inlet 114b and partition the inside of the water tank 44 into an upper space 118a and a lower space 118b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system and a transport device using the same, and more particularly to a fuel cell system for storing water from a fuel cell in a water tank and a transport device such as a motorcycle using the fuel cell system.

Conventionally, a technique for recovering water discharged from a fuel cell in a fuel cell system has been proposed.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water recovery apparatus that introduces fuel gas containing moisture from a fuel cell into a pipeline in which a number of partition plates are arranged. In the water recovery apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, water and fuel gas are separated by advancing a pipeline while causing fuel gas containing moisture to collide with a number of partition plates. Thereafter, the water is collected in the water tank, and the fuel gas is discharged from the discharge port.
JP 2002-124290 A

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare a water recovery apparatus including a pipe line in which a plurality of partition plates are arranged, and there is a problem that the apparatus for water recovery becomes large.
Further, in order to cause the fuel gas containing moisture to travel while colliding with a large number of partition plates, it is necessary to increase the output of the air pump that introduces the fuel gas into the pipeline. As a result, there is a problem that the power consumption of the air pump increases and the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell system decreases.

  On the other hand, particularly in a direct methanol fuel cell system, it is necessary to efficiently recover a large amount of water flowing into the water tank and replenish the aqueous solution tank. At this time, if the exhaust from the fuel cell is introduced into the small water tank, the water in the water tank is blown and discharged by the pressure of the exhaust, resulting in a problem that the water recovery rate is lowered.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system and a transport device using the same, which can easily and efficiently recover water from the fuel cell without using a large device or reducing power generation efficiency. That is.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a fuel cell system according to claim 1 is a fuel cell that generates electrical energy, a water tank that contains water from the fuel cell, and an exhaust that contains water from the fuel cell as a water tank. Provided in the water tank so as to divide the water tank into an upper space and a lower space that are located below the introduction port for introducing into the inside, a discharge port for exhausting from the water tank, and the introduction port The partition member is provided.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 2 is the fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the partition member has a plurality of through holes.

  A fuel cell system according to a third aspect is the fuel cell system according to the first aspect, wherein the partition member is provided so as to have a gap between the inner wall of the water tank.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 4 is the fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the fuel cell system has a predetermined gap with the partition member so as to close the gap between the inner wall of the water tank and the partition member when viewed from the vertical direction. It further has a projection provided in the water tank.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 5 is the fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the introduction port and the discharge port are arranged so as not to face each other in the water tank.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 6 further includes a water level sensor provided below the partition member in the water tank in order to detect the water level in the water tank in the fuel cell system according to claim 1. It is characterized by.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 7 is the fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the partition member is arranged such that an upper surface of the partition member is inclined with respect to a water surface in the water tank. .

  The fuel cell system according to claim 8 introduces into the water tank a fuel cell that generates electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction, a water tank that contains water from the fuel cell, and exhaust gas that contains moisture from the fuel cell. An inlet pipe having an expanded inlet for connecting to a water tank.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 9 is the fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fuel cell system is a direct methanol fuel cell system.

  A transportation device according to a tenth aspect uses the fuel cell system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 1, by providing the partition member so as to partition the inside of the water tank, an upper space into which the exhaust gas containing moisture is introduced and a lower space in which water is stored are formed. . As a result, most of the exhaust gas having a high flow velocity introduced into the water tank collides with the partition member, turns in the upper space, and is hardly given to the water stored in the lower space. As a result, it is possible to prevent the water in the water tank from being swung up and discharged from the discharge port by the swirling flow of the exhaust. Therefore, even if the volume of the water tank is not increased to reduce the speed of the swirl flow, in other words, even a small water tank can recover water easily and efficiently. In addition, a large-sized water recovery device is not required, and no power is required to drive the device, so that power generation efficiency is not lowered. Furthermore, when the amount of water in the water tank exceeds the volume of the lower space, the water overflowing into the upper space is swept up by the swirling flow around the upper space and discharged from the discharge port, so the water level is substantially adjusted. it can. Therefore, there is no need for a device for preventing overflow of water in the water tank or power for driving the device, and power generation efficiency does not decrease from this point.

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 2, the plurality of through holes are provided in the partition member, so that the water introduced into the upper space easily flows down to the lower space through the plurality of through holes. Can be recovered. Further, the exhaust gas introduced into the upper space from the fuel cell is heated and contains water vapor. By providing a plurality of through holes in the partition member, the exhaust cooling space is increased by the volume of the plurality of through holes, so that the water vapor contained in the exhaust can be easily liquefied and more water can be recovered.

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 3, the partition member is provided so as to have a gap between the inner wall of the water tank, so that the water introduced into the upper space can easily flow into the lower space through the gap. Therefore, water can be collected efficiently.

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 4, even if a swirl flow enters the lower space and tries to scoop up the stored water, the protrusion prevents the water from rising, so that the water can be scooped up into the upper space. The water can be recovered efficiently.

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 5, the water introduced from the introduction port is immediately led to the discharge port by shifting the positions of the introduction port and the discharge port so as not to face each other in the water tank. It is possible to prevent water from being discharged and to efficiently collect water.

  In the fuel cell system according to the sixth aspect, since the water level sensor detects the water level in the water tank in a lower space that is less susceptible to swirling flow and can stably store water, the water level in the water tank can be accurately detected.

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 7, since the partition member is disposed such that the upper surface of the partition member is inclined with respect to the water surface in the water tank, the water introduced into the upper space flows down on the partition member. It becomes easy to flow down into the space and water can be collected efficiently.

  In the fuel cell system according to the eighth aspect, the exhaust gas containing moisture from the fuel cell is introduced into the water tank by the introduction pipe having the expanded introduction port. As a result, the speed of the exhaust gas when introduced into the water tank is reduced, and consequently the speed of the swirling flow generated in the water tank is reduced. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the water in the water tank to be scraped up, and the water can be easily and efficiently recovered.

  In the direct methanol fuel cell system, since the aqueous methanol solution is directly supplied to the fuel cell, a reformer is not required, and the system configuration can be simplified. For these reasons, the direct methanol fuel cell system is suitably used for devices that require portability and devices that require downsizing. In order to reduce the size of a device in which the direct methanol fuel cell system and thus the direct methanol fuel cell system is used, it is necessary to efficiently collect water discharged from the fuel cell in a small water tank. Since the present invention can efficiently recover water even in a small water tank, a direct methanol fuel cell suitably used for a device requiring portability or a device requiring miniaturization as described in claim 9 This is particularly effective in the system.

  Since the water tank can be made small and the entire fuel cell system can be made small, the above-described fuel cell system is suitably used for transportation equipment as described in claim 10.

  According to this invention, even if it is a small water tank, the water discharged | emitted from a fuel cell can be collect | recovered easily and efficiently. Moreover, a large apparatus is not required and the power generation efficiency is not lowered.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fuel cell system 10 of one Embodiment of this invention is comprised as a direct methanol type fuel cell system. Since the direct methanol fuel cell system does not require a reformer, it is suitably used for equipment that requires portability or equipment that requires downsizing. Here, the case where the fuel cell system 10 is used for a motorcycle which is an example of a transportation device will be described. FIG. 2 shows only the body frame 200 for the motorcycle. The fuel cell system 10 is disposed along the vehicle body frame 200.

  Referring mainly to FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 10 includes a fuel cell 12. The fuel cell 12 includes a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of direct methanol fuel cells including an electrolyte 12a and an anode (fuel electrode) 12b and a cathode (air electrode) 12c sandwiching the electrolyte 12a from both sides are connected (stacked) in series. Configured as

  The fuel cell system 10 also includes a fuel tank 14 that contains a high-concentration methanol fuel (an aqueous solution containing about 50 wt% of methanol), and the fuel tank 14 contains an aqueous methanol solution S through a fuel supply pipe 16. Connected to an aqueous solution tank 18. A fuel pump 20 is inserted into the fuel supply pipe 16, and the methanol fuel F in the fuel tank 14 is supplied to the aqueous solution tank 18 by driving the fuel pump 20.

  A water level sensor 15 is attached to the fuel tank 14 to detect the water level of the methanol fuel F in the fuel tank 14. A water level sensor 22 is attached to the aqueous solution tank 18 to detect the water level of the aqueous methanol solution S in the aqueous solution tank 18. The aqueous solution tank 18 is connected to the anode 12 b of the fuel cell 12 through the aqueous solution pipe 24. An aqueous solution pump 26, a heat exchanger 30 having a cooling fan 28, and an aqueous solution filter 32 are inserted into the aqueous solution pipe 24 in this order from the upstream side. The aqueous methanol solution S in the aqueous solution tank 18 is supplied to the anode 12b by the aqueous solution pump 26, cooled by the heat exchanger 30 as necessary, further purified by the aqueous solution filter 32, and supplied to the anode 12b.

  On the other hand, an air pump 34 is connected to the cathode 12 c of the fuel cell 12 via an air side pipe 36, and an air filter 38 is inserted into the air side pipe 36. Therefore, air containing oxygen from the air pump 34 is purified by the air filter 38 and then given to the cathode 12c.

  The anode 12b and the aqueous solution tank 18 are connected via a pipe 40, and the unreacted aqueous methanol solution S discharged from the anode 12b and the generated carbon dioxide are supplied to the aqueous solution tank 18.

  Further, a water tank 44 is connected to the cathode 12c through a pipe 42. A gas-liquid separator 48 having a cooling fan 46 is inserted in the pipe 42. Exhaust gas containing water (water and water vapor) discharged from the cathode 12 c is supplied to the water tank 44 through the pipe 42.

The aqueous solution tank 18 and the water tank 44 are connected via a CO ₂ vent pipe 50. A methanol trap 52 for separating the aqueous methanol solution S is inserted in the CO ₂ vent pipe 50. As a result, the carbon dioxide discharged from the aqueous solution tank 18 is given to the water tank 44.

  A water level sensor 54 is attached to the water tank 44 to detect the water level in the water tank 44. An exhaust gas pipe 56 is attached to the water tank 44, and carbon dioxide and exhaust gas from the cathode 12c are discharged from the exhaust gas pipe 56.

  The water tank 44 is connected to the aqueous solution tank 18 through a water reflux pipe 58, and a water pump 60 is inserted into the water reflux pipe 58. The water in the water tank 44 is returned to the aqueous solution tank 18 by driving the water pump 60 when necessary according to the situation of the aqueous solution tank 18.

  In the aqueous solution pipe 24, a bypass pipe 62 is formed between the heat exchanger 30 and the aqueous solution filter 32.

  Referring also to FIG. 4, in the fuel cell system 10, a concentration sensor 64 for detecting the concentration of the aqueous methanol solution S is provided in the bypass pipe 62, and a temperature sensor 66 for detecting the temperature of the fuel cell 12. Is mounted on the fuel cell 12, and an outside air temperature sensor 68 for detecting the outside air temperature is provided in the vicinity of the air pump.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel cell system 10 includes a control circuit 70.
The control circuit 70 performs necessary calculations and controls the operation of the fuel cell system 10, a clock circuit 74 that gives a clock to the CPU 72, programs, data and calculation data for controlling the operation of the fuel cell system 10, etc. The fuel cell 12 is connected to a memory 76 made of, for example, an EEPROM, a reset IC 78 for preventing malfunction of the fuel cell system 10, an interface circuit 80 for connecting to an external device, and a motor 202 for driving a motorcycle. A voltage detection circuit 84 for detecting a voltage in the electric circuit 82, a current detection circuit 86 for detecting a current flowing through the electric circuit 82, an ON / OFF circuit 88 for opening and closing the electric circuit 82, and an electric circuit 82, voltage protection circuit 90 for preventing overvoltage, and electric circuit Diode 92 is provided in 2, and the electric circuit 82 includes a power circuit 94 for supplying a predetermined voltage.

  Detection signals from the concentration sensor 64, the temperature sensor 66, and the outside air temperature sensor 68 are input to the CPU 72 of such a control circuit 70, and detection signals, various settings and information from the overturning switch 96 for detecting the presence or absence of overturning. A signal is given from an input unit 98 for input. Further, the CPU 72 is also provided with detection signals from the water level sensors 15, 22 and 54.

  The CPU 72 controls auxiliary equipment such as the fuel pump 20, the aqueous solution pump 26, the air pump 34, the heat exchanger cooling fan 28, the gas-liquid separator cooling fan 46, and the water pump 60. Further, the CPU 72 controls the display unit 100 for displaying various information and notifying the various passengers of the motorcycle.

  A secondary battery 102 is connected in parallel to the fuel cell 12. The secondary battery 102 is also connected in parallel to the motor 202. The secondary battery 102 complements the output from the fuel cell 12, is charged by the electric energy from the fuel cell 12, and gives electric energy to the motor 202 and the auxiliary machines by the discharge.

  A meter 204 for measuring various data of the motor 202 is connected to the motor 202, and the data measured by the meter 204 and the status of the motor 202 are given to the CPU 72 via the interface circuit 104.

Here, the water tank 44 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the water tank 44 is made of, for example, FRP, is configured to be small in size so as to correspond to the location of the body frame 200, and is configured to bulge the lower part from the upper part. .

  Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the water tank 44 is attached so that introduction pipes 106 and 108 and discharge pipes 110 and 112 made of, for example, SUS304 are fitted.

  The introduction pipe 106 includes a cylindrical portion 106 a that fits into the water tank 44 from the front and slightly above the water tank 44, and a substantially trumpet-shaped expanded portion 106 b that bends downward in the water tank 44. The opening area of the inlet 114b of the expansion part 106b is set larger than that of the inlet 114a of the cylindrical part 106a. A pipe 42 is connected to the cylindrical portion 106a.

  The discharge pipe 110 is a cylindrical pipe that fits into the water tank 44 from the back surface of the water tank 44, and is provided in the water tank 44 so that the discharge port 115 is positioned above the expanded portion 106 b of the introduction pipe 106. It is done. In this way, the expanding portion 106b and the discharge pipe 110 are arranged so that the introduction port 114b and the discharge port 115 do not face each other in the water tank 44. An exhaust gas pipe 56 is connected to the discharge pipe 110.

The introduction pipe 108 is a cylindrical pipe that fits into the water tank 44 from the top corner of the water tank 44, and is disposed above the discharge pipe 110 in the water tank 44. A CO ₂ vent pipe 50 is connected to the introduction pipe 108.

  The discharge pipe 112 is a cylindrical pipe that fits into the water tank 44 from the back and near the bottom of the water tank 44, and the water return pipe 58 is connected to the discharge pipe 112.

Therefore, the exhaust gas containing moisture from the cathode 12 c is introduced into the water tank 44 from the introduction pipe 106 via the pipe 42. Carbon dioxide via the aqueous solution tank 18 and the CO ₂ vent pipe 50 is introduced into the water tank 44 from the introduction pipe 108. The water in the water tank 44 flows into the water return pipe 58 via the discharge pipe 112. Exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide in the water tank 44 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe 110 and the exhaust gas pipe 56.

  Further, a partition member (also referred to as a windproof member or a partition member) 116 is provided in the water tank 44. The partition member 116 is made of, for example, SUS304, and includes a substantially rectangular and plate-like separator 116a and a mounting portion 116b that is bent at a substantially right angle with respect to the separator 116a. The attachment portion 116b is attached to the inner wall of one side surface of the water tank 44 so that the separator 116a is substantially horizontal, and the partition member 116 is fixed in the water tank 44. The interior of the water tank 44 is partitioned into an upper space 118a and a lower space 118b by the separator 116a. The introduction pipes 106 and 108 and the discharge pipe 110 are provided on the upper space 118a side, and the discharge pipe 112 is provided on the lower space 118b side.

  The attachment position of the partition member 116 is set to a height that allows the lower space 118b to contain water necessary and sufficient for replenishment to the aqueous solution tank 18. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the partition member 116 does not come into contact with the inner wall of the water tank 44 except for the attachment portion 116b, that is, the three outer edges of the separator 116a and the corresponding inner wall 3 surface of the water tank 44 have a gap. The partition member 116 is positioned to have 120.

  The separator 116a is provided with a plurality (here, 21) of small diameter through holes 122a and a plurality (here, 13) of large diameter through holes 122b. The small-diameter through-hole 122a faces the introduction port 114b and is concentratedly provided at an exhaust discharge location containing moisture from the introduction port 114b. Preferably, the diameter of the small diameter through hole 122a is set to 4 mm, and the diameter of the large diameter through hole 122b is set to 6 mm. By providing the small-diameter through-hole 122a at such a position, water can be efficiently recovered while suppressing the entry of exhaust gas into the lower space 118b.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, a projection (baffle plate) 124 is provided on the inner wall of the front surface on the lower space 118b side below the separator 116a and at a position having a predetermined gap from the separator 116a. The protrusion 124 is provided so as to close the gap 120 between the inner wall on the front surface of the water tank 44 and the separator 116a when viewed from the vertical direction.

  Further, in the lower space 118b, a water level sensor 54 including a float sensor for detecting the water level in the water tank 44 is provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the water level sensor 54 includes a sensor main body 54a and a float portion 54b attached to the sensor main body 54a. In the water level sensor 54, the water level in the lower space 118b can be detected by the float portion 54b floating as the water level in the lower space 118b changes.

The operation of the fuel cell system 10 during power generation will be described.
At the start of power generation, a high-concentration aqueous methanol solution S accommodated in the aqueous solution tank 18 is sent to the fuel cell 12 by driving the aqueous solution pump 26, cooled as necessary by the heat exchanger 30, and by the aqueous solution filter 32. It is purified and supplied to the anode 12b. On the other hand, air containing oxygen is sent toward the fuel cell 12 by driving the air pump 34, purified by the air filter 38, and supplied to the cathode 12c.

  In the anode 12b of the fuel cell 12, methanol and water of the aqueous methanol solution S are electrochemically reacted to generate carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions, and the generated hydrogen ions flow into the cathode 12c through the electrolyte 12a. The hydrogen ions electrochemically react with oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode 12c to generate water and electric energy.

Carbon dioxide generated at the anode 12b of the fuel cell 12 is supplied to the water tank 44 through the pipe 40, the aqueous solution tank 18, the CO ₂ vent pipe 50 and the introduction pipe 108, and is discharged from the exhaust gas pipe 56 via the discharge pipe 110. Is done.

  On the other hand, most of the water vapor generated at the cathode 12c of the fuel cell 12 is liquefied and discharged as water, but the saturated water vapor is discharged in a gas state. A part of the water vapor discharged from the cathode 12 c is liquefied by lowering the dew point with the gas-liquid separator 48. Moisture (water and water vapor) and unreacted air from the cathode 12 c are supplied to the water tank 44 via the pipe 42 and the introduction pipe 106. Further, the water moved to the cathode 12 c due to the water crossover is discharged from the cathode 12 c and supplied to the water tank 44. Further, water and carbon dioxide generated at the cathode 12 c due to methanol crossover are discharged from the cathode 12 c and supplied to the water tank 44.

  The water crossover is a phenomenon in which several moles of water move to the cathode 12c as the hydrogen ions generated at the anode 12b move to the cathode 12c. The methanol crossover is a phenomenon in which methanol moves to the cathode 12c as hydrogen ions move to the cathode 12c. At the cathode 12c, methanol reacts with the air supplied from the air pump 34 and is decomposed into water and carbon dioxide.

  The exhaust gas containing water (water and water vapor) from the cathode 12c is introduced into the upper space 118a from the introduction port 114b of the introduction pipe 106 as shown by an arrow W in FIG. A strong swirl flow is generated inside. Most of the exhaust gas collides with the separator 116a of the partition member 116, turns in the upper space 118a, and does not flow so much into the lower space 118b. The water introduced into the upper space 118a from the introduction port 114b flows down through the plurality of small diameter through holes 122a and the plurality of large diameter through holes 122b of the separator 116a, and the gap 120 between the separator 116a and the inner wall of the water tank 44. It flows down through and is stored in the lower space 118b. Even if the water stored in the lower space 118b is picked up by the swirling flow, it collides with the protrusion 124 as shown by the arrow X in FIG. 5, so that the water does not flow back into the upper space 118a.

  The water collected in the water tank 44 is appropriately returned to the aqueous solution tank 18 via the water reflux pipe 58 by driving the water pump 60 and used as water of the methanol aqueous solution S.

  When the amount of water in the water tank 44 exceeds the volume of the lower space 118b, the water overflowing the upper space 118a is picked up by the swirling flow and discharged from the discharge port 115 together with the exhaust gas. Is always the right amount.

  The liquefaction operation of the water vapor by the gas-liquid separator 48 is performed by operating the cooling fan 46 to lower the dew point. This operation may be controlled based on the output from the water level sensor 54 provided in the water tank 44. Good. In this way, power consumption in the cooling fan 46 can be reduced.

  According to such a fuel cell system 10, by providing the partition member 116, it becomes difficult for the swirling flow of the exhaust gas in the upper space 118 a to reach the water stored in the lower space 118 b, and the swirling flow causes the swirl flow in the water tank 44. It is possible to prevent water from being picked up and discharged from the discharge port 115.

  In particular, in a motorcycle, a large amount of exhaust gas is supplied to a small water tank, so that the wind speed in the water tank is considerably increased, and the water in the water tank is easily blown off and discharged. However, in the fuel cell system 10, since the lower space 118 b can be kept calm by using the partition member 116, unnecessary drainage can be prevented, and water can be easily and efficiently collected in the small water tank 44.

  Further, there is no need for a device for controlling the speed of the exhaust gas containing moisture introduced into the water tank 44 or power for driving the device, and the power generation efficiency does not decrease.

  Further, when the amount of water in the water tank 44 exceeds the volume of the lower space 118b, the water overflowing into the upper space 118a is picked up by the swirling flow around the upper space 118a and discharged from the discharge port 115. The water level in the tank 44 is automatically controlled.

  Further, the separator 116a of the partition member 116 is provided with a plurality of small diameter through holes 122a and a plurality of large diameter through holes 122b, so that the water introduced into the upper space 118a can have a plurality of small diameter through holes 122a and a plurality of large diameter through holes. The water flows down to the lower space 118b through the hole 122b, and water can be efficiently recovered. Further, since the upper space 118a and the cooling space become larger by the volume of the plurality of small diameter through holes 122a and the plurality of large diameter through holes 122b, the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas can be easily liquefied, and more water can be collected. .

  Further, by providing the partition member 116 so as to have a gap 120 between the inner wall of the water tank 44 and the separator 116a, the water introduced into the upper space 118a flows down to the lower space 118b through the gap 120, Water can be collected efficiently.

  Further, even if the swirl flow enters the lower space 118b and tries to scoop up the stored water, the protrusion 124 prevents the water from rising, so that the water in the lower space 118b is picked up and discharged from the discharge port 115. It is possible to recover water efficiently without being carried out.

  Further, by shifting the positions of the introduction port 114b and the discharge port 115 so that they do not face each other in the water tank 44, the exhaust gas introduced into the water tank 44 can be discharged once swirled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the exhaust gas containing moisture introduced from the introduction port 114b into the upper space 118a from being immediately guided to the discharge port 115 and discharged and efficiently collect water.

  In general, a small water tank cannot detect the water level with high accuracy because the water surface in the water tank undulates due to the swirling flow of the exhaust gas introduced into the water tank. However, in the fuel cell system 10, by providing the partition member 116, the lower space 118 b is not significantly affected by the swirling flow, water can be stably stored in the lower space 118 b, and the water level sensor 54 is stored in the water tank 44. The water level can be detected accurately.

  Further, since the exhaust gas containing moisture from the fuel cell 12 is introduced into the water tank 44 through the expanded inlet 114b of the introduction pipe 106, the speed of the exhaust gas containing moisture introduced into the water tank 44 is reduced. As a result, the speed of the swirling flow generated in the water tank 44 is reduced. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the water in the water tank 44 to scatter, and water can be collected efficiently. In particular, in the case of a motorcycle, the pipe 42 cannot be made thick due to the necessity of configuring the fuel cell system 10 to be small, so that the flow speed increases. However, the introduction pipe 106 having such an expanded introduction port 114b should be used. Therefore, the flow rate can be effectively suppressed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the partition member 126 may be fixed in the water tank 44 so that the surface of the separator 126 a is inclined with respect to the water surface in the water tank 44. As a result, the water introduced into the upper space 118a flows on the surface of the separator 126a and flows down to the lower space 118b, so that the water can be recovered more efficiently.

  In addition, what is necessary is just to adjust the magnitude | size and number of the through-holes formed in a separator based on the ratio of the water | moisture content contained in exhaust_gas | exhaustion so that water can be collect | recovered efficiently.

  Further, as long as water can flow from the upper space 118a to the lower space 118b and the water in the lower space 118b can be prevented from being blown off by strong wind, the partition member is a slender board, a fine mesh, a coarse cloth, or the like. May be.

  Furthermore, the protrusion 124 may be provided in the water tank 44 at a position below the separator 116a and at a position having a predetermined gap with the separator 116a so as to block all the gap 120 when viewed from the vertical direction.

  In addition, an introduction port for introducing exhaust gas containing moisture from the fuel cell 12 into the water tank 44 and an exhaust port for exhausting the water tank 44 from the water tank 44 may be provided on the wall of the water tank 44, respectively. .

  The fuel cell system 10 can be suitably used not only for motorcycles but also for any transportation equipment such as automobiles and ships.

  The present invention can also be applied to a fuel cell system equipped with a methanol steam reformer or a fuel cell system of supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell. The present invention can also be applied to a small installation type fuel cell system.

It is an illustration figure which shows the principal part of the fuel cell system of this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fuel cell system is mounted on a frame of a motorcycle. It is an illustration figure which shows the principal part of a fuel cell system. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a fuel cell system. It is a side view which shows a water tank and its vicinity. It is a cross-sectional solution figure which shows a water tank and its vicinity. It is a top view which shows a water tank and its vicinity. It is a rear view which shows a water tank and its vicinity. It is AA sectional drawing in FIG. It is a side view which shows the water tank by which the division member was inclinedly arranged, and its vicinity.

Explanation of symbols

10 The fuel cell system 12 fuel cell 15,22,54 water level sensor 34 air pump 40 pipe 44 of water tank 50 CO ₂ vent pipe 56 exhaust gas pipe 58 the water return pipe 106, 108 inlet pipe 110, 112 discharge pipe 114b inlet 115 exhaust Exit 116, 126 Partition member 118a Upper space 118b Lower space 120 Gap 122a Small-diameter through-hole 122b Large-diameter through-hole 124 Projection 200 Car body frame 202 Motor

Claims (10)

Fuel cells that produce electrical energy,
A water tank for containing water from the fuel cell;
An inlet for introducing exhaust gas containing moisture from the fuel cell into the water tank;
A discharge port for exhausting from the water tank; and a partition member provided in the water tank so as to be positioned below the introduction port and partition the interior of the water tank into an upper space and a lower space , Fuel cell system.   The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the partition member has a plurality of through holes.   The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the partition member is provided so as to have a gap between an inner wall of the water tank.   4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a protrusion provided in the water tank with a predetermined gap from the partition member so as to close the gap between the inner wall of the water tank and the partition member when viewed from a vertical direction. Fuel cell system.   The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the introduction port and the discharge port are disposed so as not to face each other in the water tank.   The fuel cell system according to claim 1, further comprising a water level sensor provided below the partition member in the water tank in order to detect a water level in the water tank.   The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the partition member is disposed such that an upper surface of the partition member is inclined with respect to a water surface in the water tank. A fuel cell that generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction;
A water tank for containing water from the fuel cell, and an introduction having an expanded inlet for introducing exhaust gas containing moisture from the fuel cell into the water tank and connected to the water tank A fuel cell system including a pipe.   The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is a direct methanol fuel cell system. A transportation device using the fuel cell system according to claim 1.

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