JP2006244716A - Fuel cell generator, fuel cartridge, and fuel cell system using them - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system capable of reducing an exhaust volume outside the system of reaction products such as water produced from electrochemical reaction of a fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system, provided with a case 140 containing a fuel cell inside, an air intake port 142 fitted to the case 140, and an exhaust matter exhaust port, is further provided with a fuel cell power generating device 110 arranged at a different position of the case from the air intake port 142 and the exhaust matter exhaust port, and a fuel cartridge 150 arranged in free detachment from the fuel cell and equipped with a fuel storage part storing fuel, a fuel supply port supplying fuel to the fuel cell, and a removal means removing water exhausted from the fuel cell. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a fuel cell power generation device, a fuel cartridge, and a fuel cell system using the same, and more specifically, a discharge amount of a reaction product such as water generated by an electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell to the outside of the system. It is related with the fuel cell system which can reduce.

  A fuel cell is a device that generates electrical energy from hydrogen and oxygen, and can achieve high power generation efficiency. The main feature of the fuel cell is direct power generation that does not go through the process of thermal energy and kinetic energy as in the conventional power generation method, so high power generation efficiency can be expected even on a small scale, and there is little emission of nitrogen compounds, etc. Noise and vibration are also small, so the environmental performance is good. In this way, fuel cells can effectively use the chemical energy of fuels and have environmentally friendly characteristics, so they are expected to be energy supply systems for the 21st century, and are used on a large scale from space use to automobiles and portable devices. It is attracting attention as a promising new power generation system that can be used in various applications from power generation to small-scale power generation, and technological development is in full swing toward practical application.

  Among them, solid polymer fuel cells are characterized by low operating temperature and high power density compared to other types of fuel cells. In particular, as a form of solid polymer fuel cells, direct methanol A fuel cell (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell: DMFC) is attracting attention. In DMFC, an aqueous methanol solution as a fuel is directly supplied to the anode without modification, and electric power is obtained by an electrochemical reaction between the aqueous methanol solution and oxygen, and carbon dioxide is emitted from the anode to the cathode by this electrochemical reaction. The product water is discharged as a reaction product. Aqueous methanol solution has higher energy per unit volume than hydrogen, is suitable for storage, and has a low risk of explosion, and is expected to be used as a power source for automobiles and portable devices.

Water is generated by the electrochemical reaction (power generation reaction) of these fuel cells, and in particular, it is expected to be used for portable devices such as mobile phones, notebook personal computers, PDAs, MP3 players, digital cameras, and electronic dictionaries (books). In the case of a compact fuel cell using so-called natural diffusion of fuel or air (so-called passive fuel cell), the generated water is directly discharged to the outside together with the exhaust air as liquid or gas. There is a risk that the device itself or the outside of the device may get wet. On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, water is discharged to the outside in a liquid state by covering the outer periphery of the air intake port with a water-absorbing material and bringing the water-generating material into contact with the cathode electrode that generates water. The prevention structure is adopted.
JP 2004-241363 A

  However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the water-absorbing material is in direct contact with the outside of the portable device, and the water retained in the water-absorbing material is easily heated to become water vapor due to the influence of heat generated from the power generation unit. It will be discharged. In Patent Document 1, hydrogen is used as the fuel. In DMFC, methanol aqueous solution (formaldehyde, formic acid, methyl formate) is generated when methanol aqueous solution permeates the electrolyte membrane and reacts on the cathode electrode. There is a risk of doing. That is, in the structure of DMFC using natural diffusion of fuel and air, since the air intake is in direct contact with the external environment, there is an advantage that air can be supplied to the cathode without an air supply means such as a pump. On the other hand, there is a demerit that the periphery of the portable device equipped with DMFC or the contacted portion gets wet with water, or unreacted methanol or methanol oxidation by-product is discharged to the outside.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a fuel cell system capable of reducing the discharge amount of reaction products such as water generated by an electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell to the outside of the system. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell power generator of the present invention includes a fuel cell that generates power using fuel and oxygen in the air, a housing that includes the fuel cell, and a fuel cell that is provided in the housing and is supplied to the fuel cell. An air intake port and an exhaust material discharge port provided in a fuel cell power generation device, comprising: an air intake port that takes in air to be discharged; and an exhaust material discharge port that is provided in the housing and discharges exhaust material discharged from the fuel cell Is characterized by being arranged in different parts of the housing. Thereby, the exhausted substance from the fuel cell can be discharged without hindering the supply of air to the fuel cell.

  The invention described in claim 2 is the fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, further comprising air circulation means for circulating air from the air intake port toward the exhaust material discharge port. The invention described is the fuel cell power generator according to claim 2, wherein the air circulation means is a fan. Thus, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the roles of the air intake port for taking in air and the exhaust material discharge port for discharging the exhausted material can be separated as much as possible. If so, the fuel cell and its peripheral members can be cooled.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell power generator according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fuel cell power generator further comprises a condensing means for condensing the exhaust material discharged from the fuel cell. The fuel cell power generator described above includes an exhaust material discharge passage that connects the condensing unit and the exhaust material discharge port and causes the exhaust material condensed by the condensing unit to flow out to the exhaust material discharge port. Thus, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the exhaust material can be prevented from being discharged together with the exhaust air in the gaseous state, and the exhaust material discharge flow connecting the condensing means and the exhaust material discharge port. By providing the path, the condensed exhaust material can be reliably discharged from the exhaust material discharge port.

  The fuel cartridge of the present invention includes a fuel storage unit that stores fuel to be supplied to the fuel cell, and a fuel supply port that is connected to the fuel storage unit and supplies fuel to the fuel cell, and is detachable from the fuel cell. The fuel cartridge provided in the apparatus includes a removing unit that removes water contained in the discharged material discharged from the fuel cell from the discharged material. As a result, at least the amount of water generated by the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell is discharged out of the system can be reduced, and the removal means can also be replaced when the fuel cartridge is replaced.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cartridge according to the sixth aspect, the removal means is provided at a position opposite to the discharge substance discharge port from which the discharge substance is discharged from the fuel cell, and discharges the discharge substance taken into the removal means. It is provided with a substance intake. Thus, in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect, the discharged substance can be reliably taken into the removing means.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the fuel cartridge according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a partition member that is provided between the removing means and the fuel storage portion and whose position is moved by a volume change of the removing means. Features. Thereby, in addition to the effect of claim 6 or 7, the fuel can be pushed out from the fuel storage part to the fuel cell, and the pushing force is discharged by the volume change of the removing means, that is, the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell. Since it depends on the amount of emitted material, an amount proportional to the methanol consumed in the fuel cell can be pushed out.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cartridge according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the removing means includes an adsorbent capable of adsorbing a component contained in the discharged substance. According to the present invention, in the fuel cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 9, the fuel contains methanol. Thereby, in addition to the effects of claims 6 to 8 or the effects of claims 6 to 9, since the removing means includes the adsorbent, the discharged substances removed (adsorbed) at the time of replacement are released out of the system. In addition, it is suitable for carrying because it is easy to store.

  Finally, a fuel cell system of the present invention comprises the fuel cell power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the fuel cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 10. . Thereby, the discharge | emission amount to the exterior of reaction products, such as water produced | generated by the electrochemical reaction of a fuel cell, can be reduced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, discharge | emission amount to the exterior of reaction products, such as water produced | generated by the electrochemical reaction of a fuel cell, can be reduced.

  A basic configuration of a fuel cell power generator 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The fuel cell power generator 10 includes an anode electrode 12 to which an aqueous methanol solution or pure methanol (hereinafter referred to as “methanol fuel”) is supplied by capillary action, a cathode electrode 14 to which air is supplied, and the anode electrode 12 and the cathode electrode. 14, a DMFC power generation unit 18 that generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between methanol and oxygen in the air, current collectors 22 and 24, and each current collector are connected to each other. Wiring 20 connecting the power generation units in series, a methanol fuel storage unit 30 for storing methanol fuel supplied to the anode electrode 12, a wick material 34 for supplying methanol fuel from the methanol fuel storage unit 30 to the anode electrode 12, and air And a housing 40 having an intake 42. The methanol fuel storage unit 30 is filled with the wick material 34, and the methanol fuel is supplied from the methanol fuel storage unit 30 to the anode electrode 12 by the capillary phenomenon of the wick material 34.

  FIG. 2 shows the basic structure of the fuel cartridge 50, and the inside is filled with a methanol aqueous solution or pure methanol having a concentration higher than that of the methanol fuel. By connecting the fuel cartridge fuel supply port 52 to the fuel cartridge connection port 36 in FIG. 1, methanol fuel can be supplied to the methanol fuel storage unit 30.

  The DMFC power generation unit 18 includes an anode electrode 12 containing a catalyst for oxidizing methanol and a proton conductor, an electrolyte membrane 16, a catalyst for reducing oxygen and a cathode electrode 14 containing a proton conductor. These electrodes 12 and 14 are formed on the electrolyte membrane 16 and are fabricated by hot pressing or other methods. Each of the electrodes 12 and 14 may include a conductive diffusion layer such as carbon paper or woven fabric in addition to the catalyst and the proton conductor in order to improve the fuel diffusion and the current collecting function. In addition, the current collectors 22 and 24 have conductivity and corrosion resistance, and have a porous structure in which methanol or air as a fuel can diffuse.

  The wick material 34 represents a material that absorbs liquid by capillary action, and is generally made of a porous material or a particle layer. For example, the wick material 34 is made of a hydrophilic absorbent material that absorbs moisture, and is a bridged polyacrylate, isobutylene / maleate, starch / polyacrylate, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) / polyacryl. It is possible to apply a polymer material such as a system, an acrylic fiber hydrolysis system, and a crosslinked PVA system. In addition, it is desirable to have a function of moving the generated water to a predetermined isolated location and evaporating it. Examples of such materials include porous metals and porous minerals having concave portions on the surface, hydrophilic carbon, Examples thereof include carbon paper, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, paper, pulp, polymer material, natural fiber, and synthetic fiber. Further, a material having high water absorption that causes capillary action is also suitable. For example, a polyester / nylon composite material that is a synthetic fiber in which a thread-like material in which a fine void region is formed in a cross section with respect to the longitudinal direction is woven vertically and horizontally, Synthetic fibers and the like such as polyester may be used.

  Hereinafter, the operation principle will be described.

  A methanol aqueous solution or pure methanol having a higher concentration than methanol fuel is supplied from the fuel cartridge 50 to the methanol fuel storage unit 30 of FIG. The methanol fuel storage unit 30 is filled with a wick material 34, and the methanol fuel is sucked up by capillary action of the wick material 34, passes through the fuel supply port 32 and the current collector 22, and diffuses to the anode electrode 12. Methanol is oxidized above. Protons obtained by oxidizing methanol diffuse through the proton conductor in the anode electrode 12 and the electrolyte membrane 16 and reach the cathode electrode 14. The electricity generated at the anode electrode 12 reaches the current collector 24 on the cathode electrode 14 side via the current collector 22.

  On the other hand, oxygen in the air supplied from the air intake port 42 of the housing 40 reaches the catalyst of the cathode electrode 14 via the current collector 24 and receives protons and electrons obtained from the anode electrode 12. This reduces oxygen and produces water. Thus, the electricity taken out by the DMFC power generation unit 18 can be used to directly drive the portable device by connecting it with the portable device or to charge the secondary battery or the like.

  3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell power generation device 110 of this embodiment, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cartridge 150, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fuel cell power generation system 100 in which the fuel cartridge 150 is mounted on the fuel cell power generation device 110. 3, 4, and 5 are cross-sectional views taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 6. The configurations and functions of the wick material 134 and the DMFC power generation unit 118 are the same as described above.

  The fuel cell power generator 110 shown in FIG. 3 includes an anode electrode 112 to which methanol fuel is naturally supplied by capillary action, a cathode electrode 114 to which air is supplied, and an electrolyte membrane 116 sandwiched between the anode electrode 112 and the cathode electrode 114. A DMFC power generation unit 118 that generates power by an electrochemical reaction between methanol and oxygen in the air, current collectors 122 and 124, a methanol fuel storage unit 130 that stores methanol fuel to be supplied to the anode electrode 112, A wick material 134 for supplying methanol fuel from the methanol fuel storage unit 130 to the anode electrode 112 and a housing 140 having an air intake 142 are provided. A fan is provided on the fuel cartridge 150 connection side of the housing 140. It is a feature of the present embodiment that 144 is provided.

  FIG. 4 shows the structure of the fuel cartridge 150, which includes a fuel storage unit 154 and a reaction product removal unit 156. The fuel storage unit 154 is filled with a methanol aqueous solution or pure methanol having a concentration higher than that of methanol fuel, and the fuel cartridge fuel supply port 152 is connected to the fuel cartridge connection port 136 of FIG. A highly concentrated aqueous methanol solution or pure methanol can be replenished.

  Exhaust air containing water, methanol oxidation by-products (formaldehyde, formic acid, methyl formate), and unreacted methanol generated at the cathode electrode 114 by the electrochemical reaction in the DMFC power generation unit 118 is contained in the housing 140 by the fan 144. Due to the negative pressure, it is difficult for the air to be discharged from the air intake port 142 to the outside, and the air is discharged from the fan 144. Exhaust air exhausted from the fan 144 enters the reaction product removal unit 156 of the fuel cartridge 150 from the exhaust material intake 157 and is filled with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing reaction products such as methanol oxidation by-products. After the adsorbing portion 158 is diffused, the fuel is discharged from the exhaust air outlet 159 of the fuel cartridge 150 to the outside. At this time, the reaction product is adsorbed on the adsorption unit 158 filled in the reaction product removal unit 156 and discharged. Thereby, product content in the exhausted air discharged | emitted outside can be reduced.

  FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the fuel cartridge 160. A deformable or movable partition member 163 is provided between the fuel storage unit 164 and the reaction product removal unit 156. The main difference. Due to the partition material 163, the adsorption unit 168 filled in the reaction product removal unit 166 expands and deforms due to adsorption, and pushes the partition material 163 toward the fuel storage unit 154, whereby the methanol fuel is stored in the methanol fuel storage unit 130. Can be sent to. Further, the exhaust air exhausted from the fan 144 enters the reaction product removal unit 166 of the fuel cartridge 160 from the exhaust material intake 167, and an adsorbent capable of adsorbing a reaction product such as a methanol oxidation by-product. After diffusing the filled adsorbing portion 168, it is discharged from the exhaust air outlet 159 of the fuel cartridge 160 to the outside. At this time, the reaction product is adsorbed and discharged on the adsorption unit 168 filled in the reaction product removal unit 166. Thereby, product content in the exhausted air discharged | emitted outside can be reduced.

  The material constituting the adsorbing unit 168 may be any material as long as it adsorbs or holds a product (water, formaldehyde, formic acid, methyl formate, methanol) in exhaust air generated by power generation. For example, the same as the wick material In addition to these water-absorbing materials, adsorbent materials having a large surface area such as zeolite, activated carbon and silica gel, sepiolite, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine which is stabilized by reacting with aldehyde, calcium hydroxide and the like can be mentioned.

  7B-B ′ and FIG. 7C-C ′ are cross-sectional views of the fuel cell power generator 210 of this embodiment, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cartridge 250, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the fuel cell power generator 210 mounted with the fuel cartridge 250. FIG. 7B-B ′, FIG. 7C-C ′, and FIG. 8 are cross-sectional views taken along the line BB ′ CC ′ of FIG. 9. The structure of the wick material 234 and the structure of the fuel cartridge 250 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the DMFC power generation unit 218 has the same configuration or function as the DMFC power generation unit 18 described above.

  The fuel cell power generator 210 shown in FIGS. 7B-B ′ and 7C-C ′ includes an anode electrode 212 to which methanol fuel is supplied by capillary action, a cathode electrode 214 to which air is supplied, and the anode electrode 212 and the cathode electrode 214. And a methanol fuel to be supplied to the anode 212 and a DMFC power generation unit 218 that generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between methanol and oxygen in the air. A methanol fuel storage unit 230, a wick material 234 for supplying methanol fuel from the methanol fuel storage unit 230 to the anode electrode 212, and a housing 240. The inside of the housing 240 (the power generation unit 218 side) Are connected to the heat radiating portion 246 connected to the outside of the housing 240, and the liquid reservoir 247 of the heat radiating portion 246. It is a feature of the present embodiment is provided with a tubular channel (emissions discharge passage) 248.

  FIG. 8 shows the structure of the fuel cartridge 250, which is composed of a fuel storage unit 254 and a reaction product removal unit 256. The fuel storage unit 254 is filled with a methanol aqueous solution or pure methanol having a concentration higher than that of the methanol fuel, and the fuel cartridge fuel supply port 252 is connected to the fuel cartridge connection port 236 in FIGS. 7B 'and 7C-C'. By doing so, the methanol fuel storage unit 230 can be replenished with a highly concentrated aqueous methanol solution or pure methanol.

  Exhaust air containing water, methanol oxidation byproducts (formaldehyde, formic acid, methyl formate), and unreacted methanol generated at the cathode electrode 214 by the electrochemical reaction in the DMFC power generation unit 218 is connected to the outside of the housing 240. A tubular flow path that condenses inside the heat radiating section 246 formed on the power generation section 218 side, falls as a liquid by gravity on the heat radiating section 246, and is collected in a liquid reservoir section of the heat radiating plate 246 and then connected. It is discharged out of the housing from 247. The discharged liquid enters the reaction product removal unit 256 from the exhaust material intake port 257 of the fuel cartridge 250, and the adsorption unit 258 filled with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing a reaction product such as a methanol oxidation byproduct. To be adsorbed. Exhaust gas that has not been condensed is discharged outside through the air intake port 242. Thereby, product content in the exhausted air discharged | emitted outside can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, any means for collecting the liquid condensed by the heat radiating plate 246 may be used as long as the liquid is guided to the exhaust material intake port 257 of the fuel cartridge 250. For example, the water absorbing material is radiated. It is also possible to adopt a structure that is disposed between the portion 246 and the exhaust material inlet 257 of the fuel cartridge 250 or a structure in which there is no liquid reservoir and the heat radiating portion continues to the exhaust material intake 257 of the fuel cartridge 250 as it is.

  The material constituting the adsorbing portion 258 may be any material that adsorbs or holds a product (water, formaldehyde, formic acid, methyl formate, methanol) in exhausted air generated by power generation, as in Example 1. For example, in addition to water-absorbing materials similar to wick materials, adsorbent materials with large surface areas such as zeolite, activated carbon, silica gel, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, calcium hydroxide, etc. that are stabilized by reacting with sepiolite, aldehyde, etc. Can be mentioned.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell power generator 310 of this embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cartridge 350. The wick material 334 and the DMFC power generation unit 318 of the present embodiment have the same configuration or function as the DMFC power generation unit 18 described above.

  A fuel cell power generator 310 shown in FIG. 10 includes an anode electrode 312 to which methanol fuel is supplied by capillary action, a cathode electrode 314 to which air is supplied by a fan 344, and an electrolyte sandwiched between the anode electrode 312 and the cathode electrode 314. DMFC power generation unit 318 that includes a membrane 316 and generates power by an electrochemical reaction between methanol and oxygen in the air, current collectors 322 and 324, and methanol fuel storage unit 330 that stores methanol fuel to be supplied to anode electrode 312. And a wick material 334 for supplying methanol fuel from the methanol fuel storage unit 330 to the anode electrode 312 and a housing 340, and almost all the electrodes are covered inside the housing 340 (on the power generation unit 318 side). Tubing connected to the heat radiating portion 346 of the size and the liquid reservoir 347 of the heat radiating portion 346 Flow path (emissions discharge passage) 348a, that fan 344 to further facilitate the supply of air is arranged between the heat radiating portion 346 and the housing 340 is a feature of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 11 shows the structure of the fuel cartridge 350, which includes a fuel storage unit 354 and a reaction product removal unit 356. The fuel storage unit 354 is filled with a methanol aqueous solution or pure methanol having a higher concentration than methanol fuel, and the fuel cartridge fuel supply port 352 is connected to the fuel cartridge connection port 336 of FIG. A highly concentrated aqueous methanol solution or pure methanol can be replenished.

  Exhaust air containing water, methanol oxidation by-products (formaldehyde, formic acid, methyl formate), and unreacted methanol generated at the cathode electrode 314 by the electrochemical reaction in the DMFC power generation unit 318 is sufficiently cooled by the wind of the fan 344. The exhaust material discharge channel to be connected after condensing inside the heat radiating plate 346 (power generation unit 318 side), falling on the heat radiating unit 346 as a liquid by gravity, and being collected in the liquid reservoir 347 of the heat radiating unit 346 It passes through 348a and is discharged to a discharge port outside the housing. The discharged waste liquid is stored in the fuel cartridge drain storage part 354b from the drain inlet 355 of the fuel cartridge 350, and is separated from the methanol fuel storage part 354a by a deformable partition film 353. The methanol fuel in the fuel cartridge can be sent out to the methanol fuel storage unit 330 by the deformation power of the partition film 353.

  On the other hand, the exhaust gas that has not condensed passes through the exhaust port (exhaust material discharge channel) 348b, enters the reaction product removal unit 356 from the exhaust material intake port 357, and adsorbs reaction products such as methanol oxidation by-products. Is diffused through the adsorbing portion 358 filled with, and discharged from the fuel cartridge exhaust outlet 359. Thereby, product content in the exhausted air discharged | emitted outside can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, any means for collecting the liquid condensed by the heat radiating plate 346 may be used as long as the liquid is guided to the drainage intake port 355 of the fuel cartridge 350. A structure that is disposed between the portion 346 and the drainage inlet 355 of the fuel cartridge 350 or a structure in which there is no liquid reservoir and the heat radiating part continues to the exhaust material inlet 357 of the fuel cartridge 350 is also possible.

  The material constituting the adsorbing part 358 may be any material that adsorbs or holds a product (water, formaldehyde, formic acid, methyl formate, methanol) in exhaust air generated by power generation, as in the first and second embodiments. Well, for example, in addition to water-absorbing materials similar to wick materials, adsorbent materials with a large surface area such as zeolite, activated carbon, silica gel, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, calcium hydroxide that reacts and stabilizes with sepiolite and aldehyde Etc.

  In the best mode for carrying out the invention, a DMFC that directly supplies methanol to the fuel has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a portable fuel that supplies hydrogen gas by a hydrogen cylinder, a hydrogen storage alloy, or the like. It can also be used for batteries and fuel cells for vehicles.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a basic configuration of a fuel cell power generator according to the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the basic composition of the fuel cartridge concerning the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell power generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cartridge which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cartridge which concerns on the other Example of this invention. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell power generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cross section different from FIG. 7 of the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cartridge which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a perspective view of the fuel cell power generation system concerning the 2nd example of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cartridge which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 110, 210, 310 Fuel cell power generator 12, 112, 212, 312 Anode electrode 14, 114, 214, 314 Cathode electrode 16, 116, 216, 316 Electrolyte membrane 18, 118, 218, 318 Power generation unit (MEA)
20 Wiring (conductive wire)
22, 122, 222, 322 Anode current collector 24, 124, 224, 324 Cathode current collector 30, 130, 230, 330 Methanol fuel storage unit 32, 132, 232, 332 Methanol fuel supply port 34, 134, 234, 334 Wick material 36, 136, 236, 336 Fuel cartridge connection port 40, 140, 240, 340 Housing 42, 142, 242, 342 Air intake port 50, 150, 160, 250, 350 Fuel cartridge 52, 152, 162, 252, 352 Fuel supply port 100, 200 Fuel cell system 144, 344 Fan 154, 164, 254, 354 Fuel storage unit 156, 166, 256, 356 Reaction product removal unit 157, 167, 257, 357 Exhaust substance intake port 158 168, 258, 358 Reaction product adsorbing part 159, 169, 259, 359 Exhaust outlet 163 Partition material 246, 346 Radiating part 247, 347 Liquid reservoir part 248, 348 Exhaust substance discharge channel 353 Partition film 355 Drain inlet

Claims (11)

A fuel cell that generates power using fuel and oxygen in the air; a housing that includes the fuel cell; an air intake port that is provided in the housing and takes in air to be supplied to the fuel cell; and the housing In a fuel cell power generation device, comprising: an exhaust discharge port for discharging exhaust material discharged from the fuel cell,
The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, wherein the air intake port and the exhaust material discharge port are arranged in different parts of the casing. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, wherein
2. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, further comprising air circulation means for circulating air from the air intake port toward the exhaust material discharge port.   3. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 2, wherein the air circulation means is a fan. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, wherein
2. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, further comprising condensing means for condensing the exhaust material discharged from the fuel cell. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 4, wherein
The fuel according to claim 4, further comprising an exhaust material discharge passage that connects the condensing unit and the exhaust material discharge port and allows the exhaust material condensed by the condensing unit to flow out to the exhaust material discharge port. Battery power generator. A fuel cartridge, comprising: a fuel storage unit that stores fuel to be supplied to the fuel cell; and a fuel supply port that is connected to the fuel storage unit and supplies the fuel to the fuel cell, and is detachable from the fuel cell. In
A fuel cartridge, comprising: removal means for removing water contained in an exhaust material discharged from the fuel cell from the exhaust material.   The removing means is provided at a position opposite to an exhaust material discharge port from which the exhaust material is discharged from the fuel cell, and includes an exhaust material intake port for taking the exhaust material into the removal device. Item 7. The fuel cartridge according to Item 6.   8. The fuel cartridge according to claim 6, further comprising a partition member provided between the removing unit and the fuel storage unit, the position of which is moved by a volume change of the removing unit.   The fuel cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the removing unit includes an adsorbent capable of adsorbing a component contained in the exhausted substance.   The fuel cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the fuel contains methanol. A fuel cell system comprising: the fuel cell power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and the fuel cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

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