JP2006073312A - Fuel cell generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of the connection of a fuel cell generator requiring various equipment by direct connection. <P>SOLUTION: Since the exit of a fuel passage facing the specified surface of the case of a power generating section and the entrance of a fuel passage facing the specified surface of the case of a fuel mixture section are directly connected, the fuel cell power generator can be made small and an assembling time can be shortened. Furthermore, by reducing the number of connection parts, those places having possibilities of liquid leakage are reduced in number, and shapes of the connection parts and the exit and entrance of the passages facing the specified surface of the cases can be utilized for positioning, and thereby steady and stable connection becomes possible. Furthermore, the entrance of dilute fuel is at a position lower than the exit of the dilute fuel and the entrance of air is at a position higher than the exit of air in the power generation section, discharge characteristics of a water and carbon dioxide preventing the flow of the air and the dilute fuel are improved, and stable power generation becomes possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell power generator. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fuel cell power generator that facilitates handling by directly connecting each device.

  A fuel cell is a power generation element that generates power by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas such as hydrogen or methanol with an oxidant gas such as oxygen. A fuel cell is attracting attention as a power generation element that does not pollute the environment because the product generated by power generation is water. For example, attempts have been made to use it as a drive power source for driving an automobile. Yes.

  Fuel cells are classified into various types depending on the difference in electrolytes and the like, and representatively, fuel cells using a solid polymer electrolyte as an electrolyte are known. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells are promising as drive power sources for electronic devices because they can be reduced in cost, are easy to reduce in size, thickness and weight, and have high output density in terms of battery performance. is there. In this solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, hydrogen is used as a fuel. In addition, a fuel cell that is produced by reforming methanol or natural gas to produce hydrogen has been developed. In recent years, direct methanol fuel cells have also been developed that generate electricity by supplying methanol directly to the fuel cell as fuel.

  FIG. 1 shows a conventional direct / circulation type fuel cell power generation apparatus using a liquid such as methanol as a fuel, connecting a power generation unit 92 and a fuel mixing unit 93, and supplying diluted fuel from the power generation unit 92 to the fuel mixing unit 93. It is the figure which showed an example about the connection in the case of discharging. A joint 94 is provided at the diluted fuel inlet of the fuel mixing section 93, one end of a pipe 96 made of resin or metal is connected to the joint 94, and the other end is connected to a joint 95 provided at the outlet of the power generation section 2.

  In addition, in order to reduce the weight of the fuel cell and suppress the leakage of the reaction gas, each cell stack has an inlet portion and an outlet portion for the fuel that is a reactive gas, and an air inlet portion and an outlet that is the other reactive gas. A power generation unit (for example, see Patent Document 1) having a configuration in which the battery stack is housed in an integral frame by a manifold unit that has a portion and communicates therewith has been reported.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-127965

  A direct / circulation type fuel cell power generator using liquid as a fuel includes a power generation unit that generates power using diluted fuel and air, a fuel supply unit that supplies diluted fuel to the power generation unit, and an air supply unit that supplies air to the power generation unit , A fuel mixing unit for adjusting the concentration of diluted fuel supplied to the power generation unit, a gas-liquid separation unit for separating water from exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit, a fuel storage unit for storing fuel, and a control unit for controlling the device Is configured as the main equipment. Then, as necessary, devices such as a cooling unit that cools the fuel or a power storage unit that stores the generated power are added as components. Therefore, a large number of connecting means are required, which causes problems such as an increase in the number of parts, a deterioration in assembling workability associated therewith, and an increase in the size of the apparatus due to a wasteful space between the devices and difficulty in handling. In addition, since the number of connection points increases, there is a problem that the number of places where fuel may leak increases.

  Although there exists what has the structure where the electric power generation part itself was accommodated in the integral type frame body like patent document 1 in order to reduce weight and to prevent the leakage of a fuel, another apparatus in the whole fuel cell power generator Since these are connected by a joint, Patent Document 1 alone cannot cope with an increase in the size of the apparatus due to a useless space and leakage of fuel from the joint.

  A fuel cell power generator according to the present invention includes a fuel flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of a power generation unit casing, a power generation unit that generates power using diluted fuel and air, and an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the fuel mixing unit casing And a fuel mixing section for adjusting the concentration of diluted fuel supplied to the power generation section, and a fuel flow path outlet of the power generation section and a fuel flow path inlet of the fuel mixing section are directly connected to each other. It is characterized by being.

  The method for connecting the power generation unit and the fuel mixing unit of the fuel cell device according to the present invention is characterized in that it is not necessary to prepare a large number of fixing methods, the fuel cell power generation device can be reduced in size, and the direct connection can be shortened. . The outlet of the fuel flow channel facing the required surface of the power generation unit housing and the inlet of the fuel flow channel facing the required surface of the fuel mixing unit housing are directly connected to connect the fuel mixing unit and the power generation unit. No special space is required, and the volume after connection can be stored in the sum of the volumes of the fuel mixing section and the power generation section. In addition, since there are few connection points without the need for joints, the number of places where liquid leakage may occur is reduced, and by using a sealing material between the connection parts, liquid leakage is eliminated and during assembly. Work time can be reduced. Furthermore, by using the shape of the connecting portion and the entrance / exit of each flow path for positioning, a reliable and stable connection can be achieved, and workability at the time of assembly can be improved. In addition, since each device can be handled as a unit with the power generation unit, it is robust and easy to handle.

  The fuel cell power generator according to the present invention is characterized in that the inlet of the diluted fuel is at a position lower than the outlet of the diluted fuel and the inlet of the air is higher than the outlet of the air inside the power generation unit. Therefore, the carbon dioxide generated by the power generation reaction mixed in the fuel flow path moves to the upper side of the flow path using the density and gravity of the gas and liquid. That is, it is possible to improve the carbon dioxide emission characteristics that hinder the flow of diluted fuel. Moreover, the water generated by the power generation reaction mixed in the air channel similarly moves downward from the channel. That is, it is possible to improve the water discharge characteristics that inhibit the air flow. As a result, water and carbon dioxide are actively discharged to enable stable power generation.

  According to the fuel cell power generation device of the present invention, a special space for connecting the fuel mixing unit and the power generation unit is not required by direct connection, and the volume after connection falls within the sum of the volumes of the fuel mixing unit and the power generation unit. be able to. Moreover, since there are few connection places, the place where a liquid leak may generate | occur | produce reduces and the work time at the time of an assembly can be shortened. Furthermore, by using the shape of the connecting portion and the flow path inlet / outlet for positioning, a reliable and stable connection can be achieved, and workability during assembly can be improved.

  In the fuel cell power generator of the present invention, the inlet of the diluted fuel is at a position lower than the outlet of the diluted fuel, and the air inlet is at a position higher than the outlet of the air inside the power generation unit. Therefore, water and carbon dioxide that obstruct the flow of air and diluted fuel by moving the gas above the channel and moving the liquid below the channel using the density and gravity of the gas and liquid in the channel. The discharge characteristics can be improved. As a result, water and carbon dioxide are actively discharged to enable stable power generation.

  Hereinafter, the fuel cell power generator of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following description, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a layout diagram of the fuel cell power generator of the present invention. The fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape as shown in FIG. 2, and includes a power generation unit 2 having an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode in a casing. The power generation unit 2 can generate electric power by using a methanol aqueous solution of diluted fuel obtained by diluting methanol, which is one of the fuels to be diluted, with water and air, and a fuel flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the casing, and an air flow It has a road.

  Then, the concentration of the diluted fuel supplied to the power generation unit 2 is adjusted, and the temperature of the fuel mixing unit 3 including a fuel flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the fuel mixing unit housing, and the temperature of the methanol aqueous solution as the diluted fuel A cooling unit 4 to be adjusted, an air supply unit 5 that supplies air to the power generation unit 2 and has an air passage having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the air supply unit housing, and stores high-concentration methanol as fuel. A fuel storage unit 6, a gas-liquid separation unit 7 having an air channel that separates water from exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 2 and has an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the gas / liquid separation unit housing, and the power generation unit 2 The power storage unit 8 that stores the electric power generated by the power supply unit, the fuel supply unit 9 that includes the fuel flow path that supplies the diluted fuel to the power generation unit 2 and faces the required surface of the fuel supply unit housing, and the apparatus are controlled. And a control unit 10.

  The power generation unit 2 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing, and includes a fuel flow path through which diluted fuel flows and an air flow path through which air flows. The entrance / exit of the fuel flow path is provided so as to face a required surface of the casing. The entrance and exit of the air channel is also provided so as to face the required surface of the housing. The outlet of the fuel channel of the power generation unit 2 is directly connected to the inlet of the fuel channel of the fuel mixing unit 3 described below, and the inlet of the fuel channel of the power generation unit 2 is connected to the fuel flow of the fuel supply unit 9. Directly connected to the exit of the road. The outlet of the air flow path of the power generation unit 2 is directly connected to the inlet of the air flow path of the gas-liquid separation unit 7, and the inlet of the air flow path of the power generation unit 2 is connected to the air flow path outlet of the air supply unit 5. Connected directly.

  The power generation unit 2 can generate power by supplying a methanol aqueous solution as a fuel from the fuel supply unit 9 and air as an oxidant from the air supply unit 5, and the generated power is generated from an external circuit and a power storage unit. 8 is supplied. The power generation unit 2 may include a temperature sensor. Thereby, for example, the temperature of the power generation unit 2 may be controlled by controlling the cooling unit 4 from the temperature sensor via the control unit 10.

  The fuel mixing section 3 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing, and includes a fuel flow path through which diluted fuel flows, and the inlet / outlet of the fuel flow path is provided to face a required surface of the casing. . The outlet of the fuel channel of the fuel mixing unit 3 is connected to a cooling unit 4 described below, and the inlet of the fuel channel of the fuel mixing unit 3 is the fuel channel of the power generation unit 2 and the fuel storage unit 6. Connected directly to the exit.

  The fuel mixing unit 3 is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit 7 in order to supply the water separated by the gas-liquid separation unit 7 to the fuel mixing unit 3. Thus, the concentration is adjusted by mixing the fuel discharged from the power generation unit 2, the water separated by the gas-liquid separation unit 7, and the high-concentration methanol of the diluted fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit 6. Then, the methanol aqueous solution of the diluted fuel can be supplied to the power generation unit 2 through the cooling unit 4. Further, for example, the fuel mixing unit 3 may include a concentration sensor or the like, and the concentration of the aqueous methanol solution mixed in the fuel mixing unit 3 may be adjusted via the control unit 10 from the value of the concentration sensor.

  The cooling unit 4 is connected to the fuel mixing unit 3 and the fuel supply unit 9 and the fuel flow path, and can lower the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution supplied from the fuel mixing unit 3 to an appropriate temperature. As a result, the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution heated by the operation of the fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention can be lowered, and overheating of the power generation unit 2 can be prevented.

  The cooling unit 4 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. In addition, as a method for connecting the fuel flow path between the cooling unit 4 and the fuel mixing unit 3, for example, a connection may be provided by providing a flow path inside the power generation unit 2 between them. It is not limited. Further, the control of the cooling unit 4 may be performed by the control unit 10. For example, the cooling unit 4 may be controlled to operate only when the temperature of the power generation unit 2 is high. And the cooling part 4 will not limit an installation position if the temperature of the methanol aqueous solution supplied to the electric power generation part 2 can be lowered | hung.

  The air supply unit 5 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing, and includes an air flow path through which air flows. The outlet of the air flow path is provided to face a required surface of the casing. The outlet of the air flow path of the air supply unit 5 is directly connected to the inlet of the air flow path of the power generation unit 2. Moreover, it has an opening so that outside air can be taken in. As a result, oxygen used for power generation can be taken in from the outside air as air. Examples of the air supply unit 5 include a pump and a fan, but are not limited to these as long as air can be supplied to the power generation unit 2. Further, the control of the air supply unit 5 may be performed by the control unit 10. For example, the air supply amount of the air supply unit 5 may be controlled according to the power generation amount required by the power generation unit 2.

  The fuel storage unit 6 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing, and includes a fuel flow path through which diluted fuel flows, and an outlet of the fuel flow path is provided so as to face a required surface of the casing. . The fuel channel outlet of the fuel storage unit 6 is directly connected to the fuel channel inlet of the fuel mixing unit 3. The fuel storage unit 6 can store high-concentration methanol as the fuel to be diluted and send it to the fuel mixing unit 3 as necessary.

  The gas-liquid separation unit 7 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing, and includes an air flow path through which air flows. The inlet of the air flow path is provided so as to face a required surface of the casing. . The inlet of the air flow path of the gas-liquid separation unit 7 is directly connected to the power generation unit 2. The gas-liquid separation unit 7 is connected to the fuel mixing unit 3 in order to supply the separated water to the fuel mixing unit 3. Moreover, the gas-liquid separation part 7 has a discharge port so that exhaust gas can be discharged. The gas-liquid separation unit 7 can perform gas-liquid separation of the exhaust gas containing moisture output from the power generation unit 2, and can discharge the exhaust gas from which moisture has been removed to the outside. Then, the separated water can be supplied to the fuel mixing unit 3. The water is used for diluting the fuel discharged from the power generation unit 2 and the diluted fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit 6 in the fuel mixing unit 3.

  The power storage unit 8 can store the power generated by the power generation unit 2. For example, electric power can be supplied to the fuel supply unit 9, the air supply unit 5, the control unit 10, and the like.

  The fuel supply unit 9 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing, and includes a fuel flow path through which diluted fuel flows, and an outlet of the fuel flow path is provided so as to face a required surface of the casing. . The fuel channel outlet of the fuel supply unit 9 is directly connected to the inlet of the power generation unit 2, and the fuel channel inlet of the fuel supply unit 9 is connected to the cooling unit 4. Thereby, the aqueous methanol solution fed from the cooling unit 4 can be supplied to the power generation unit 2. As a result, the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution heated by the operation of the fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention can be lowered, and overheating of the power generation unit 2 can be prevented. Further, the control of the fuel supply unit 9 may be performed by the control unit 10. For example, the supply amount of the aqueous ethanol solution in the fuel supply unit 9 may be controlled according to the power generation amount required by the power generation unit 2. The shape of the fuel supply unit 9 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a pump.

  The control unit 10 controls each device based on the required power generation amount, temperature sensor, concentration sensor, and other values, and generates the power generation amount of the power generation unit 2, the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution in the cooling unit 4, and the aqueous methanol solution in the fuel mixing unit 3. The concentration of the can be adjusted. For example, the control unit 10 controls the fuel supply unit 9 and the air supply unit 5 to control the supply amount of air and aqueous methanol solution to the power generation unit 2. Thereby, the electric power generation part 2 can generate electric power according to the electric power generation amount required.

  In the case of this example, the fuel cell power generation device has the largest and most rigid structure, and both the flow of diluted fuel and air exists, and the power generation unit 2 that is functionally central for power generation is the center. It makes sense to compose. By directly connecting the fuel mixing unit 3, the air supply unit 5, the gas-liquid separation unit 7 and the fuel supply unit 9 to the power generation unit 2 as will be described below, these can be handled as an integral unit in the fuel cell power generation device 1 Can be fixed at one place of the power generation unit 2. Thus, it is not necessary to prepare a large number of fixing methods, the fuel cell power generation device 1 can be reduced in size, and the assembly time can be shortened.

  3 (a), 3 (b), 4 (a) and 4 (b) show the connection of the power generation unit 2 and the fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention taking the fuel mixing unit 3 as an example. An example is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped convex connection portion 16 is formed on a required surface of the fuel mixing portion 3. The convex connection part 16 is formed with an inlet of the fuel flow path 14 in the fuel mixing part 3 of the fuel mixing part 3. Moreover, the corresponding concave connection part 17 is formed in the required surface of the housing | casing of the electric power generation part 2 so that the convex connection part 16 can be inserted. In the concave connection portion 17, an outlet of the power generation unit fuel flow path 15 of the power generation unit 2 is formed so as to be directly connected to the inlet of the fuel mixing unit fuel flow path 14. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the power generation unit 2 and the fuel mixing unit 3 are provided with a pipe for the fuel flow path outside the housing by fitting the convex connection part 17 into the concave connection part 16. Instead, the inlet of the fuel flow path 14 in the fuel mixing section and the outlet of the fuel flow path 15 in the power generation section can be connected.

  Moreover, a sealing agent can be provided between the concave connection part and the convex connection part. The sealing agent 18 is disposed so as to be sufficiently pressurized by a force for fixing the fuel mixing unit 3 and the power generation unit 2. Thereby, a sealing degree can be increased and leakage of the methanol aqueous solution of a diluted fuel can be prevented.

  By connecting in this way, a special space for connecting the fuel mixing unit 3 and the power generation unit 2 is unnecessary, and the volume after connection can be stored in the sum of the volumes of the fuel mixing unit 3 and the power generation unit 2. . Moreover, since there are few connection places, the place where a liquid leak may generate | occur | produce reduces, Furthermore, by using the sealing material 18, while eliminating a liquid leak, the working time at the time of an assembly can be shortened. Furthermore, by using the unevenness of the connecting portion for positioning, a reliable and stable connection can be achieved, and the workability during assembly can be improved. In this example, a convex connection part is provided in the fuel mixing part 3 and a concave connection part is provided in the power generation part 2, but conversely, a concave connection part is provided in the fuel mixing part 3 and a convex connection is provided in the power generation part 2. Even if the portion is provided, the same effect can be obtained.

  In addition, the fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention has a connection method that can obtain substantially the same effect without the above-described uneven connection portion. As shown in FIG. 4A, for example, an inlet of the fuel flow path 14 in the fuel mixing section 3 is formed on a required surface of the fuel mixing section 3 and the fuel mixing section 3 is connected to the power generation section 2. Is connected to the inlet of the fuel flow path 14 in the fuel mixing section, the outlet of the fuel flow path 15 in the power generation section 2 is formed on a required surface of the power generation section 2 corresponding to the inlet of the fuel mixing section 2. 2 can also be connected. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the inlet of the fuel flow path 14 in the fuel mixing section and the outlet of the fuel flow path 15 in the power generation section can be connected without providing a fuel flow path pipe outside the housing. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the fuel cell power generator 1 of the present invention has the sealing material 18 at the inlet of the fuel flow channel 14 in the fuel mixing section and the outlet of the fuel flow path 15 in the power generation section. When the sealing material 18 is sufficiently pressurized by the force for fixing the fuel mixing unit 3 and the power generation unit 2, the connection as in this example is similar to the connection shown in FIG. It is possible to prevent the aqueous methanol solution from leaking out. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the guide groove for arranging the seal material 18 is the same in the power generation unit 2 and the fuel mixing unit 3. Can be prevented from leaking.

  Even with such a connection, a special space for connecting the fuel mixing unit 3 and the power generation unit 2 is not necessary, and the volume after the connection can be contained in the sum of the volumes of the fuel mixing unit 3 and the power generation unit 2. Moreover, since there are few connection places, the place where a liquid leak may generate | occur | produce reduces, Furthermore, by using the sealing material 18, while eliminating a liquid leak, the working time at the time of an assembly can be shortened. Furthermore, since the position of the flow passage entrance facing the required surface of the housing is determined, it can be used for positioning, enabling a reliable and stable connection and improving workability during assembly. .

  The connection between the power generation unit 2 and the fuel mixing unit 3 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is an example, and the air supply unit 5, the gas-liquid separation unit 7, and the fuel supply, which are other devices, are used in the same manner. The unit 9 can also be connected to the power generation unit 2. Further, for example, like the fuel storage unit 6 and the fuel mixing unit 3, devices other than the power generation unit can be connected in the same manner.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the components of the fuel cell power generation apparatus 1 using a liquid such as methanol of the present invention as a fuel, its connection, and the flow of fuel, and corresponds to the example of FIG. In addition, the control part 10 and the electrical storage part 8 which are not directly connected with the flow of fuel are abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, the arrow 22 in a figure shows typically the flow of methanol aqueous solution, and the arrow 23 shows the flow of air typically. As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention includes a power generation unit 2 composed of an electrolyte membrane 21 sandwiched between an anode 19 and a cathode 20, exhaust fuel discharged from the power generation unit 2, and diluted fuel. Water is separated from the exhaust gas discharged in the power generation reaction in the fuel mixing unit 3 for adjusting the aqueous methanol solution by mixing water, the fuel storage unit 6 for storing high-concentration methanol supplied to the fuel mixing unit 3, and the power generation unit 2 A gas-liquid separation unit 7 for supplying water to the fuel mixing unit 3, an air supply unit 5 for supplying air to the cathode 20, a fuel supply unit 9 for supplying a methanol aqueous solution as fuel to the anode 19, and a methanol aqueous solution as fuel. A cooling unit 4 for cooling is provided.

  The power generation unit 2 includes a membrane electrolyte membrane 21 that allows protons to permeate, an anode 19 and a cathode 20 that have a catalyst in a power generation reaction, and the electrolyte membrane 21 is sandwiched between the anode 19 and the cathode 20 and bonded together. The electrolyte membrane 21 that allows protons to permeate is formed of a material that has permeability, oxidation resistance, and heat resistance. The anode 19 and the cathode 20 are configured using a metal material, a carbon material, a conductive non-woven cloth, and the like. For example, when a carbon material is used, a catalyst such as platinum may be supported on the surface of the porous chamber of the carbon material. . The size and shape of the electrolyte 21, the anode 19, and the cathode 20 are appropriately changed according to the size and shape of the power generation unit 2. The power generation unit 2 can cause a power generation reaction by supplying an aqueous methanol solution to the anode 19 and air to the cathode 20.

  The anode 19 is connected to the fuel mixing unit 3 through the fuel supply unit 9 so as to circulate the aqueous methanol solution. Thereby, the methanol aqueous solution adjusted with the fuel mixing part 3 can be supplied to the anode 19, and can be used for an electric power generation reaction. And after completion | finish of reaction, methanol aqueous solution can be returned to the fuel mixing part 3 from the anode 19. FIG.

  The cathode 20 is connected to the air supply unit 5 so as to supply air, and is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit 7 that collects water generated by the power generation reaction. Thereby, air is supplied to the cathode 20, and a power generation reaction can be caused by the methanol aqueous solution supplied to the anode 19. In addition, water generated by the power generation reaction in the power generation unit 2 can be discharged by the gas-liquid separation unit 7, and a reduction in reaction efficiency caused by water adhering to the surface of the cathode 20 can be prevented. The generated water can be used for adjusting the aqueous methanol solution.

The fuel cell power generation apparatus 1 supplies the methanol aqueous solution adjusted by the fuel mixing unit 3 to the anode 19 and supplies air to the cathode 20 via the air supply unit 5, thereby generating the following in the power generation unit 2. Such a reaction can be performed. The methanol aqueous solution undergoes a reaction of CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → CO ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ by the water and methanol in the aqueous methanol solution at the anode 19. Protons (H ⁺ ) generated by this reaction pass through the electrolyte membrane 21 and move to the cathode 20. The generated electrons (e ⁻ ) move from the anode 19 to the cathode 20 through the external circuit. The protons and electrons that have moved cause a reaction of 3/2 O ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ → 3H ₂ O with oxygen in the air supplied from the air supply unit 5 at the cathode 20. Therefore, a power generation reaction can be performed by supplying a methanol aqueous solution and air to the power generation unit 2 of the fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention.

  Methanol, which is a fuel, supplies high-concentration methanol stored in the fuel storage unit 6 to the fuel mixing unit 3, and is diluted to, for example, 3 to 6 wt% by the fuel mixing unit 3. Is supplied to the power generation unit 2 through the cooling unit 4 and contributes to power generation, and then returns to the fuel mixing unit 3 from the power generation unit 2. The other fuel, oxygen, is taken in as air from the outside air by the air supply unit 5 and supplied to the power generation unit 2. After contributing to the power generation, the oxygen is exhausted from the power generation unit 2 in the state of moisture. It is supplied to the separation unit 7. The gas-liquid separation unit 7 separates water and air, the air is discharged out of the fuel cell power generator, and the water is supplied to the fuel mixing unit 3 to be used for dilution of methanol.

  In addition, the structure shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the fuel cell power generator 1 of the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, the cooling unit 4 may be omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a device directly connected to the power generation unit 2 and a fuel system flow inside the power generation unit 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention has an air supply unit 5 connected to the upper part on one end side of the power generation unit 2, and a gas-liquid separator 7 connected to the lower part on the opposite side of the power generation unit 2, The fuel supply unit 9 is connected to the lower part of the power generation unit 2 on the same side as the air supply unit 5, and the fuel mixing unit 3 is connected to the upper part of the power generation unit 2 on the same side as the gas-liquid separation unit 7.

  The air supplied from the upper part of the power generation unit 2 by the air supply unit 5 is discharged from the lower part of the power generation unit 2 to the gas-liquid separation unit 7, and the aqueous methanol solution supplied from the lower part of the power generation unit 2 by the fuel supply unit 9 is The fuel is returned from the upper part of the power generation unit 2 to the fuel mixing unit 3. At this time, the fuel flow path inside the power generation unit 2 is formed so as to rise from the flow path inlet toward the flow path outlet, and the air flow path inside the power generation unit 2 extends from the flow path inlet to the flow path outlet. A flow path is formed so as to descend toward the bottom.

  Here, the slanted arrow indicating the flow of the methanol aqueous solution which is the diluted fuel inside the power generation unit 2 and the air is a schematic expression, and does not actually flow diagonally. If the outlet from the power generation unit 2 is at a low position with respect to the inlet, and the outlet from the power generation unit 2 is at a higher position than the inlet to the power generation unit 2 of the aqueous methanol solution as a liquid Absent. In the example of FIG. 6, the flow of air and aqueous methanol solution in the power generation unit 2 is in the same direction, but by devising the arrangement of each device, the flow of air and aqueous methanol solution in the power generation unit 2 is changed. The reverse is also possible.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the fuel cell power generation device 1 of the present invention, in the power generation unit 2, the methanol aqueous solution inlet is at a position lower than the methanol aqueous solution outlet, and the air inlet is higher than the air outlet. It is characterized by being. In the power generation unit 2, carbon dioxide and water are generated by a power generation reaction. Carbon dioxide is mixed in the fuel flow path of the power generation unit 2, and water is mixed in the air flow path of the power generation unit 2. Carbon dioxide and water mixed in both flow paths obstruct the aqueous methanol solution and the air flow. Therefore, in the fuel flow channel, the flow channel inlet is positioned lower than the flow channel outlet, so that the density of the gas and the liquid and gravity are used to bring the carbon dioxide gas above the flow channel. The methanol aqueous solution which is a liquid is moved further down the flow path. Therefore, carbon dioxide that inhibits the flow of the methanol aqueous solution can be easily moved from the inlet of the channel to the outlet of the channel provided at a position higher than the inlet, and can be easily discharged.

In addition, in the air flow path, since the inlet of the flow path is at a higher position than the outlet of the flow path, the air, which is a gas, is placed above the flow path in the same manner as the carbon dioxide mixed in the fuel flow path. The water which is is moved below the flow path. Therefore, it is possible to easily move water that obstructs the flow of air from the inlet of the channel to the outlet of the channel provided at a position lower than the inlet, and to discharge easily. That is, the discharge characteristics of carbon dioxide and water generated by the power generation reaction can be improved. As a result, carbon dioxide and water are actively discharged to enable stable power generation.

  As mentioned above, it is embodiment regarding the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus 1 of this invention. The diluted fuel methanol used in the present embodiment is not limited to this, and a fuel used in a normal fuel cell can also be used. For example, ethanol or dimethyl ether can also be used.

It is a figure which shows the connection between each apparatus using the conventional coupling and piping. It is a figure which shows the shape of the fuel cell power generator of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a connection of the electric power generation part and fuel mixing part in this invention. It is a top view which shows the state which connected the concave connection part of the electric power generation part in this invention, and the convex connection part of the fuel mixing part. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a connection of the electric power generation part and fuel mixing part in this invention. It is a top view which shows the state which connected the electric power generation part and fuel mixture in this invention on the plane. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection and flow of each apparatus of the fuel cell power generator of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of the fuel system inside the apparatus directly connected to the power generation part and the power generation part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell power generator 2, 92 Electric power generation part 3, 93 Fuel mixing part 4 Cooling part 5 Air supply part 6 Fuel storage part 7 Gas-liquid separation part 8 Power storage part 9 Fuel supply part 10 Control part 14 Fuel flow path 15 in fuel mixing part Fuel flow path 16 in the power generation section Convex connection section 17 Concave connection section 18 Sealing material 19 Anode 20 Cathode 21 Electrolyte membranes 94, 95 Joint 96 Piping

Claims (11)

A power generation unit that includes a fuel flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the power generation unit housing and generates power using diluted fuel and air; and
A fuel mixing section that includes a fuel flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the fuel mixing section housing and adjusts the concentration of diluted fuel supplied to the power generation section,
An outlet of the fuel flow path of the power generation unit and an inlet of the fuel flow path of the fuel mixing unit are directly connected.   The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the power generation unit and the fuel mixing unit is in close contact with each other through a sealing material.   The fuel cell power generator according to claim 2, further comprising a guide groove for arranging the seal material. A convex connecting portion provided at an inlet of the fuel flow path of the fuel mixing portion;
2. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell power generator is connected by a concave connection provided at an outlet of the fuel flow path of the power generation unit. A convex connection provided at the outlet of the fuel flow path of the power generation unit;
2. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell power generator is connected by a concave connection portion provided at an inlet of the fuel flow path of the fuel mixing portion.   6. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 4, further comprising a sealing material between the concave connection portion and the convex connection portion.   The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, wherein a cooling unit that cools the diluted fuel is connected to the fuel mixing unit or the power generation unit. For the power generation unit
The diluted fuel inlet is lower than the diluted fuel outlet;
2. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet is positioned higher than the air outlet. A power generation unit that includes a fuel flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the power generation unit housing and generates power using diluted fuel and air; and
A fuel supply unit having a fuel flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the fuel supply unit housing and supplying the diluted fuel to the power generation unit;
The fuel cell power generator, wherein an inlet of the fuel flow path of the power generation unit and an outlet of the fuel flow path of the fuel supply unit are directly connected. A power generation unit that includes an air flow path having an entrance facing a required surface of the power generation unit housing and generates power using diluted fuel and air; and
An air supply unit having an air flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the air supply unit housing and supplying the air to the power generation unit;
The fuel cell power generator, wherein an inlet of the air flow path of the power generation unit and an outlet of the air flow path of the air supply unit are directly connected. A power generation unit that includes an air flow path having an entrance facing a required surface of the power generation unit housing and generates power using diluted fuel and air; and
A gas-liquid separator having an air flow path having an inlet / outlet facing a required surface of the gas-liquid separator, and separating water from the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit;
The fuel cell power generator, wherein an outlet of the air flow path of the power generation unit and an inlet of the air flow path of the gas-liquid separation unit are directly connected.