JP2006339078A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system capable of eliminating the possibility of lowering of insulation resistance caused by generated water, and shortening the length of piping. <P>SOLUTION: Blocking parts 22, having an upper face 23 formed so as to close a part of width-directional cross section of a pipe 17, are formed in the pipe 17. The blocking parts 22 block downward flow of generated water, by contacting the generated water flowing from above toward below in the pipe 17. The generated water, contacting the upper face 23 of the blocking part 22 spreads on the upper face 23, reaches a peripheral part 24 thereof, and falls as drops of water therefrom. Accordingly, the flow of the generated water is segmented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system that discharges water generated by power generation of a fuel cell.

  In the fuel cell system, water (generated water) is generated by the power generation of the fuel cell. It is known that the conductivity of produced water increases when impurity ions (for example, metal ions) are mixed with the produced water. Due to the increase in the conductivity of the generated water, there is a possibility that a path through which a current flows is formed between the fuel cell system and a mobile body (for example, a vehicle) on which the fuel cell system is mounted, and the insulation resistance of the mobile body may be reduced. is there.

In order to eliminate such a fear, it is possible to use a rubber hose as piping for discharging generated water. However, even when a rubber hose is used, if the generated water flows through the rubber hose in a connected state, the insulation resistance may decrease. For this reason, it was necessary to use a long rubber hose.
JP 2005-50554 A JP 2002-313404 A JP 2003-157881 A JP 2000-26059A

  However, if a long rubber hose is used for the piping, there will be a problem with its handling. In particular, when the fuel cell system is mounted on a moving body, the mounting space is limited. For this reason, there existed a possibility of reducing the freedom degree of design of a fuel cell system.

  The objective of this invention is providing the technique which can eliminate the fear of the fall of the insulation resistance by produced | generated water, and can shorten piping for discharging produced | generated water.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to achieve the object described above.

That is, the present invention is a fuel cell system,
Piping through which water generated by power generation of the fuel cell flows;
It is provided with the dividing mechanism provided in the said piping and changing the direction of the said water which flows the inside of the said piping downward from the upper part, and dividing this water.

  According to the present invention, the direction of the water flowing downward from above is changed by the dividing mechanism, and the water is divided. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that water is connected and flows in the pipe and the insulation resistance is lowered. Moreover, it is not necessary to lengthen the piping by dividing the water by the dividing mechanism. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the fuel cell system can be increased.

In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the length direction of the pipe is arranged in the vertical direction,
The dividing mechanism is provided on the inner wall of the pipe, closes a part of the cross section in the width direction of the pipe, contacts the water flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the pipe, and moves this water downward. It has an upper surface which inhibits, It is characterized by including the at least 1 inhibition part which makes the water which contacted this upper surface fall from the edge of this upper surface.

  If it does in this way, the movement speed of the water which contacted the upper surface of the inhibition part will fall, it will move to the edge part of an upper surface along the upper surface, and it will become a water droplet from an edge part, or will fall. Thereby, the flow of water is divided.

In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, a plurality of the inhibition portions are provided at intervals in the length direction of the pipe,
When the two obstructing portions are viewed in plan, a plurality of the obstructing portions are located on the far side of the cross section in the width direction of the pipe that is not blocked by the upper surface of the obstructing portion located on the near side. It is provided so that it may be obstruct | occluded by the upper surface of the inhibition part.

  If it does in this way, the water which falls from the obstruction part of the near side comes to fall on the upper surface of the obstruction part of the back side. Thereby, water can be divided also in the obstruction part on the back side.

In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the inner wall of the pipe and the plurality of inhibition portions are made of an insulator,
A part of the cross section in the width direction of the pipe that is not blocked by the upper surface of the inhibition portion is formed alternately in the length direction of the pipe.

  If it does in this way, the inside of piping will be in the state where the passage of long water was formed by a plurality of inhibition parts. As a result, even if the water flowing in the pipe is connected, it is possible to maintain a state in which the insulation resistance is ensured.

  In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the dividing mechanism is provided so as to close the pipe, and is formed around an abutting portion where the water flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the pipe abuts, and the abutting portion. And having a plurality of through holes through which the water abutted against the abutting portion passes and falls.

  If it does in this way, the water which contact | abutted to the contact part will change direction and will spread around the contact part. A plurality of through holes are formed around the contact portion, and water is dispersed by passing through each of the through holes, and drops from each through hole as water droplets. In this way, the water is divided.

  In the present invention, the dividing mechanism is disposed with a contact portion having an upper surface with which the water flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the pipe contacts, and a contact portion and a gap provided below the contact portion. And a plate-like portion provided so as to close the pipe, and having a plurality of through-holes for abutting the upper surface of the abutting portion and allowing water falling from the edge to pass therethrough. And If it does in this way, a through-hole can be formed also under a contact part.

The fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a container in which the pipe has an internal space, and an inlet and an outlet of the water communicating with the internal space, and accommodates the dividing mechanism in the internal space,
The dividing mechanism accommodated in the internal space includes a rotating shaft arranged in a vertical direction, and an impeller having a plurality of wings rotating around the rotating shaft,
The inlet is formed above the impeller at a position away from the rotation axis in the lateral direction;
The outlet is formed on a side surface or a bottom surface of the container at a distance from the inlet in the lateral direction.

If it does in this way, the flow of water will be divided because the water which falls from an entrance contacts and distributes to a rotating impeller. Thereby, insulation resistance can be ensured.

In the present invention, the plurality of wings rotate while always in contact with the side surface and the bottom surface of the internal space,
The impeller, the side surface, and the bottom surface are formed of an insulator. In this way, water separated by wings can be insulated.

In the present invention, the pipe has an internal space formed by a cylindrical surface including a peripheral surface and both end surfaces, and an inlet and an outlet of the water communicating with the internal space, and the dividing mechanism is provided in the internal space. Including a container to contain,
The dividing mechanism accommodated in the internal space has a rotation shaft disposed on the central axis of the internal space, and a plurality of wings that rotate while always contacting the peripheral surface and both end surfaces around the rotation shaft. Including impeller,
The rotating shaft is disposed in a lateral direction;
The inlet and the outlet are formed such that the inlet is disposed above the outlet;
The water falling into the container from the inlet is collected in a space surrounded by two adjacent wings, the peripheral surface and both end faces, and is guided to the outlet by the rotation of the impeller. And

  The fuel cell system according to the present invention is characterized in that the impeller rotates when water falling from the inlet into the internal space contacts the wing. Thus, by using the fall energy of generated water as a power source for the impeller, it is not necessary to prepare a separate power source for the impeller.

The present invention has an inlet and an outlet, and stores the water on the inlet side when the valve is closed, and discharges the water stored on the inlet side to the pipe connected to the outlet when the valve is opened. Further comprising
The drain valve repeatedly performs valve opening and closing operations so that the stored water is intermittently discharged from the outlet.

  In this way, the stored water can be divided. Further, by adjusting the amount of water discharged by the drain valve, it is possible to facilitate the water dividing action by the dividing mechanism provided on the downstream side of the drain valve.

In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the pipes are arranged in the vertical direction,
The pipe includes at least one portion bent into a U-shape.

The present invention is a fuel cell system comprising:
Piping through which water generated by power generation of the fuel cell flows;
A cutting mechanism provided to close the pipe, and having a top surface with which water flowing downward from above in the pipe contacts, and a plurality of through holes through which the water in contact with the top surface passes and falls; It is characterized by including.

The present invention is a fuel cell system comprising:
A reservoir for storing water generated by power generation of the fuel cell;
A drain valve connected to the storage unit, storing the water in the storage unit when the valve is closed, and discharging the water stored in the storage unit when the valve is opened;
Means for detecting the amount of the water stored in the storage unit;
When it is detected that a predetermined amount of water is stored in the storage unit, the exhaust valve is opened and closed so that the water stored in the storage unit is intermittently discharged through the drain valve. And a control means for repeatedly performing the valve operation.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fear of the insulation resistance fall by produced | generated water can be eliminated, and the length of piping can be shortened.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the embodiment is an exemplification, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration example of fuel cell system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a fuel cell system to which the present invention is applied. This fuel cell system is mounted on a moving body (for example, a vehicle). In FIG. 1, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is applied as the fuel cell 1. The fuel cell 1 includes at least one cell.

  The cell includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a fuel electrode (anode) and an air electrode (oxidizer electrode: cathode) that sandwich the polymer electrolyte membrane from both sides, and a fuel electrode side separator and an air electrode that sandwich the fuel electrode and the air electrode. It consists of a side separator.

The fuel electrode has a diffusion layer and a catalyst layer. A fuel containing hydrogen such as hydrogen gas or hydrogen rich gas is supplied to the fuel electrode by the fuel supply system. The fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is diffused in the diffusion layer and reaches the catalyst layer. In the catalyst layer, hydrogen is separated into protons (hydrogen ions) and electrons. Hydrogen ions move to the air electrode through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and electrons move to the air electrode through an external circuit (not shown).

  On the other hand, the air electrode has a diffusion layer and a catalyst layer. An oxidant gas such as air is supplied to the air electrode by the oxidant supply system. The oxidant gas supplied to the air electrode is diffused in the diffusion layer and reaches the catalyst layer. In the catalyst layer, water is generated through a reaction between the oxidant gas, hydrogen ions that have reached the air electrode through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and electrons that have reached the air electrode through the external circuit.

  Electrons passing through the external circuit during the reaction at the fuel electrode and the air electrode as described above are used as electric power for a load (not shown) connected between both terminals of the fuel cell 1.

  A fuel supply / discharge system for supplying and discharging fuel and an oxidant supply / discharge system for supplying and discharging oxidant are connected to the fuel cell 1. In FIG. 1, the fuel supply / discharge system is configured as follows.

In other words, the fuel inlet 1 </ b> A provided in the fuel cell 1 is connected to the hydrogen source (for example, a tank storing high-pressure hydrogen) 2 and the pressure regulating valve 3 through the pipe 4. On the other hand, a fuel outlet 1 B provided in the fuel cell 1 is connected to an inlet of a gas-liquid separator 6 for fuel gas via a pipe 5. Inside the fuel cell 1, there is provided a fuel passage 1C connecting the fuel inlet 1A and the fuel outlet 1B and passing through the fuel electrode of the cell.

  The gas side outlet of the gas-liquid separator 6 is connected to an inlet of a circulation pump 8 driven by a motor via a pipe 7. A pipe 9 is provided at the outlet of the circulation pump 8. The pipe 9 is connected to the pipe 4 via a check valve 10. Further, an exhaust pipe 11 and an exhaust valve 12 are arranged in the pipe 9. The gas discharged from the exhaust valve 12 passes through a diluter (not shown) and is then discharged outside after the hydrogen concentration is reduced.

  With such a configuration, high-pressure hydrogen gas (fuel gas) delivered from the hydrogen source 2 is regulated by the pressure regulating valve 3 and then enters the fuel cell 1 through the pipe 4 and from the fuel inlet 1A. Hydrogen gas is consumed in the electrode reaction at the fuel electrode when passing through the fuel passage 1C. Thereafter, the hydrogen gas that has passed through the fuel electrode is discharged from the fuel outlet 1 </ b> B to the pipe 5 (outside of the fuel cell 1) as a fuel off-gas and sent to the gas-liquid separator 6.

  In the gas-liquid separator 6, the fuel off-gas is separated into a gas phase component and a liquid phase component. The gas phase component is supplied to the pipe 4 again by the circulation pump 8 through the pipe 7. In this way, the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 1 is configured to circulate. As a result, hydrogen in the fuel off-gas that could not be consumed by the fuel electrode (supplied excessively) is supplied to the fuel electrode again. Furthermore, the hydrogen concentration of the fuel gas is maintained within an appropriate range by opening / closing control of the pressure regulating valve 3 and the exhaust valve 11.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 1, the oxidant supply / discharge system is configured as follows. In other words, the oxidant inlet 1 </ b> D provided in the fuel cell 1 is connected to the air compressor 14 via the pipe 13. An oxidant outlet 1 </ b> E provided in the fuel cell 1 is connected to an inlet of an exhaust pipe (muffler) 16 through a pipe 15. Inside the fuel cell 1, there is provided an oxidant passage 1F that connects the oxidant inlet 1D and the oxidant outlet 1E and that passes through the air electrode of the cell.

  Furthermore, the outlet of the liquid phase component of the gas-liquid separator 6 is connected to one end of the pipe 17 via a drain valve 18. The other end of the pipe 17 is connected to the exhaust pipe 16.

According to such a configuration, the air as the oxidant gas is supplied to the fuel cell 1 through the pipe 13 by the driving of the air compressor 14 by the motor. Air enters the fuel cell 1 from the oxidant inlet 1D and is consumed in the electrode reaction at the air electrode when passing through the oxidant passage 1F. Thereafter, the air that has passed through the air electrode is supplied as an oxidant off gas from the oxidant outlet 1E to the pipe 15 (
It is discharged to the outside of the fuel cell 1. The oxidant off-gas sent to the pipe 15 is exhausted from the exhaust pipe 1
6 and discharged to the outside (in the atmosphere).

  Here, part of the water (generated water) generated at the air electrode by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 moves to the fuel electrode through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and is discharged to the pipe 5 together with the fuel off-gas. Thereafter, the produced water reaches the exhaust pipe 16 through the pipe 5, the gas-liquid separator 6, the drain valve 18, and the pipe 17, and is discharged from the exhaust pipe 16. Part of the generated water generated at the air electrode is discharged together with the oxidant off-gas to the pipe 15, reaches the exhaust pipe 16, and is discharged. The pipe 5, the gas-liquid separator 6, the drain valve 18, the pipe 17, the pipe 15, and the exhaust pipe 16 constitute a drainage passage (pipe) for generated water.

  For example, impurity ions (for example, metal ions) eluted from the fuel cell 1 may be eluted in the produced water. When impurity ions are mixed into the produced water, the conductivity increases. When the product water containing impurity ions is connected in the pipe, a current flow path is formed there, and the insulation resistance between the pipe and the moving body (vehicle) component may be reduced.

In such a pipe for draining generated water, the length of the pipe can be shortened, and the configuration that can eliminate the possibility that the insulation resistance between the pipe and the moving body (vehicle) part is reduced (
The fuel cell system drainage device according to the present invention will be described below. In the following description, an example in which the drainage device according to the present invention is applied to the drainage passage (pipe) of generated water between the drainage valve 18 and the exhaust pipe 16 will be shown.

<< Drain valve 18 >>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration related to the gas-liquid separator 6 and the drain valve 18 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the gas-liquid separator 6 is hollow inside, and the cross section in the horizontal plane is circular.

  A pipe 5 is attached to the side wall of the gas-liquid separator 6. The internal space of the pipe 5 communicates with the internal space of the gas-liquid separator 6. A pipe 7 is attached to the upper wall of the gas-liquid separator 6. The internal space of the gas-liquid separator 6 communicates with the internal space of the pipe 7. With such a configuration, the internal space of the gas-liquid separator 6 functions as a gas-liquid separation chamber 6A that produces the following action.

  That is, the fuel off gas containing the generated water from the pipe 5 is introduced into the gas-liquid separation chamber 6A. The pipe 5 is attached to the gas-liquid separator 6 so that the fuel off-gas is introduced in a tangential direction with respect to the horizontal sectional circular shape of the gas-liquid separator 6. For this reason, the fuel off-gas introduced into the gas-liquid separation chamber 6 </ b> A swirls along the inner peripheral surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber 21.

  At this time, the gas phase component (fuel offgas) having a low specific gravity is discharged to the pipe 7 so as to be pushed out from the pipe 5 to the fuel offgas introduced into the gas-liquid separation chamber 6A. On the other hand, the liquid phase component (product water) having a high specific gravity moves to the bottom of the gas-liquid separation chamber 6A. The center of the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 6 is opened, and a drain valve 18 is connected to the opening. A pipe 17 is connected to the outlet of the drain valve 18.

While the drain valve 18 is in the closed state, the generated water is stored in the gas-liquid separation chamber 6A. On the other hand, when the drain valve 18 is opened, the generated water stored in the gas-liquid separation chamber 6 </ b> A is discharged to the pipe 17 through the drain valve 18. The drain valve 18 is configured by an electromagnetic valve that receives a control signal and performs a valve opening / closing operation. The opening / closing control of the drain valve 18 is controlled by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20.

The ECU 20 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory that stores programs and data executed or used by the processor, an input / output interface (I / O) between the sensors, and the like. The ECU 20 controls the operation of the drain valve 18 according to a program executed by the processor.

  The gas-liquid separation chamber 6A is provided with a water level sensor 21 that detects the water level of the stored produced water. The output of the water level sensor 21 is input to the ECU 20. The ECU 20 measures the water level in the gas-liquid separation chamber 6A based on the output of the water level sensor 21, and controls the drain valve 18 according to this water level.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the drain valve 18 by the ECU 20. The process shown in FIG. 3 is started simultaneously with the start of power generation of the fuel cell 1, for example. When the process is started, first, the ECU 20 determines whether or not the water level of the generated water is equal to or higher than a first specified value (stored in the memory) specified in advance (step S1).

If the water level is lower than the first specified value (S1; NO), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, when the water level is equal to or higher than the first specified value (S1; YES), the ECU 20 gives a control signal for repeating the valve opening / closing operation to the drain valve 18 at predetermined time intervals. give(
Step S2).

The valve opening / closing operation of the drain valve 18 is continuously repeated until the water level falls below a second predetermined value defined in advance (loop in step S3). When the water level becomes equal to or lower than the second specified value (S3; YES), the ECU 20 stops the drain valve 18 in the closed state (
Step S4).

  In step S <b> 2, the valve opening time per one time is set so that an amount of generated water that does not need to consider a decrease in insulation resistance passes through the drain valve 18. Further, the valve opening interval is determined in consideration of a time during which the generated water discharged does not catch up with the generated water discharged during the previous valve opening time.

  As a result, an amount of generated water that does not need to consider a decrease in insulation resistance is intermittently discharged from the drain valve 18 to the pipe 17. Therefore, the generated water can be discharged in a state where the insulation resistance is ensured.

<< Piping 17 >>
4A is a plan view of the pipe 17, and FIG. 4B shows a cross section (AA cross section) when the pipe 17 shown in FIG. 4A is cut in the longitudinal direction. FIG.

  The pipe 17 has a cylindrical shape, and the longitudinal direction thereof is arranged in the vertical direction. For example, the central axis of the pipe 17 is arranged to be substantially vertical. However, the pipe 17 may be arranged with a certain degree of inclination. As described above, the upper end of the pipe 17 is connected to the outlet of the drain valve 18, and the lower end of the pipe 17 is connected to the inlet of the exhaust pipe 16.

In the pipe 17, a plurality of obstruction parts (baffle plates) 22 (in FIG.
22i) is a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 17 (equal interval or not)
Is provided.

Each inhibition portion 22 is formed in a semicircular plate shape having a flat upper surface 23, the upper surface (inhibition surface) 23 is arranged in the width direction of the pipe 17, and a part of the side surface (circumferential surface) is It is attached to the inner wall (inner peripheral surface) of the pipe.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, each inhibition portion 22 is attached so that its upper surface 23 is orthogonal to the central axis of the pipe 17. Thereby, the upper surface 23 of the inhibition part 22 is substantially horizontal. However, the upper surface 23 may be provided with the edge 24 facing upward or downward. But if the obstruction part 22 is provided so that the edge part 24 may face downward, the drainage of the upper surface 23 can be improved.

  A part of the cross section in the width direction of the pipe 17 is blocked by the upper surface 23 of the blocking portion 22. The plurality of inhibition portions 22 are blocked by the upper surface 23 of the inhibition portion 22 (22a) on the near side when two arbitrary inhibition portions 22 (for example, inhibition portions 22a and 22b: FIG. 4A) are viewed in plan. The part which is not is provided so that it may be obstruct | occluded by the upper surface 23 of the back | inner side inhibition part 22 (22b).

In the example shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 4A, the two adjacent inhibition portions 22 a and 22 b are configured such that the edge 24 of the upper surface 23 overlaps when viewed in plan. But the end surface 25 of each inhibition part 22 is a virtual plane (for example, piping 17) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the piping 17.
It may be arranged on a plane including the central axis of each other. By this, some (near side)
The generated water that falls from the edge 24 of the inhibition part 22 falls on the upper surface 23 of the inhibition part 22 (the back side) provided next. Further, since the area of the upper surface 23 is increased, the amount of generated water that can stay on the upper surface 23 can be increased.

  Further, the plurality of blocking portions 22 are provided so that portions (openings) that are not blocked by the upper surface 23 are formed alternately in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 17. Accordingly, the pipe 17 is in a state having a long passage through which generated water flows without increasing the length in the longitudinal direction.

  When the drain valve 18 is opened and the generated water stored in the gas-liquid separation chamber 6A is discharged into the pipe 17, the generated water travels along the inner wall of the pipe 17 from above to below (the longitudinal direction of the pipe 17). To the upper surface 23 of the inhibition part 22a located on the uppermost side or the upper surface 23 of the inhibition part 22b located second from the top.

  The generated water in contact with the upper surface 23 of the inhibition part 22a is inhibited from moving downward by the upper surface 23, and is transferred to the upper surface 23 by changing the moving direction to the horizontal direction (the width direction of the pipe 17). The generated water that has moved to the upper surface 23 spreads on the upper surface 23 so as to be pushed by the generated water that subsequently moves from the inner wall of the pipe 17 to the upper surface 23, and eventually reaches the edge 24 and falls.

  At this time, since the upper surface 23 is a horizontal surface, a large amount of generated water is prevented from reaching the edge 24 and dropping at a time. For this reason, a small amount of generated water falls as if dripping from the edge 24. Thereby, the falling generated water reaches the upper surface 23 of the next inhibition part 22b as water droplets. Thus, the flow of generated water is divided because the generated water becomes water droplets.

  The effect | action regarding the above-mentioned produced | generated water similarly arises also in the inhibition part 22b and the inhibition parts 22c-22i provided in the downward direction. In this way, the generated water that moves between the inhibition portions 22 falls as water droplets. As a result, the flow of generated water is divided, and the risk of a decrease in insulation resistance is eliminated. The drain valve 18 is controlled so as to discharge an amount of water that causes the above-described action in the pipe 17 in one valve opening time.

  If the above-described action occurs in any of the obstructions 22 in the pipe 17, it is not necessary to consider a decrease in insulation resistance. For this reason, the number of the obstruction parts 22 provided in the piping 17 may be arbitrary (at least one).

  The material of the pipe 17 and the inhibition member 22 for obtaining the above-described action can be selected from at least one of metal, resin, rubber and the like. However, the following effect | action can be acquired by comprising the piping 17 and the obstruction member 22 with insulators, such as resin and rubber | gum.

  That is, a long insulated drainage passage is formed in the pipe 17 by the configuration of the inhibition portions 22a to 22i described above. For this reason, even when a large amount of generated water is discharged to the pipe 17 and the generated water flowing in the pipe 17 is connected, the state in which the insulation resistance is secured is maintained.

  According to the first embodiment, with the configuration described above, it is possible to ensure insulation resistance with a short length of piping. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the fuel cell system is improved.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the second embodiment has a configuration common to the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted.

  In the second embodiment, a pipe 26 as shown in FIG. 5 is applied instead of the pipe 17 of the fuel cell system (FIG. 1) described in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the pipe 26 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pipe 26 is bent in a continuous U-shape in the middle (
It has a U-shaped part 27). The pipe 26 is arranged in the vertical direction. The upper end of the pipe 26 is connected to the outlet of the drain valve 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and the lower end is connected to the exhaust pipe 16.

  The inner wall 28 of each U-shaped portion 27 facing the upper side of the laterally extending portion comes into contact with the generated water moving downward from above and changes its direction, thereby inhibiting the downward movement of the generated water. Functions as an obstructive surface.

  The generated water discharged from the drain valve 18 travels from the upper side to the lower side along the inner wall of the pipe 26, and contacts the inner wall 28 (28 a) of the U-shaped part 27 formed at the uppermost side in the pipe 26. The moving direction is changed from the lower side to the side (left direction in FIG. 5). Then, the generated water that has moved to the inner wall 28 is pushed by the generated water that moves from above, and reaches the portion that is bent below the U-shaped portion 27 (the edge 29 of the obstruction surface). Reach and fall from there.

Here, since the inner wall 28 is disposed in the lateral direction, a large amount of generated water does not fall from the edge 29 at a time. For this reason, the generated water drops or falls from the edge 29 (drops as water droplets), and the inner wall 28 facing upward from the portion (folded portion) of the U-shaped portion 27 bent in the lateral direction again. (28b) is reached. Such an action also occurs in the following and subsequent U-shaped portions 27.

According to 2nd Embodiment, the piping 26 has the U-shaped part 27, and the U-shaped part 27 functions as a division mechanism of generated water. That is, the generated water flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the pipe 26 comes into contact with the inner wall (inhibiting surface) 28 and changes its direction, and is prevented from moving downward. After that, the generated water is the inner wall 2
Eight edges 29 fall as water droplets. Thereby, the flow of generated water is divided. Therefore, a decrease in insulation resistance is prevented.

  In addition, it is preferable that the inner wall 28 is comprised by a plane. Further, the number of the U-shaped portions 27 may be at least one as long as the sanitized water can be divided. The material of the pipe 26 can be the same as that of the pipe 17.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted.

  In the third embodiment, instead of the pipe 17 of the fuel cell system (FIG. 1) described in the first embodiment, a pipe 31 having a drainage particle size controller 30 as shown in FIG. 6 is applied. FIG. 6 (A) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the pipe 31 in the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 (B) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the drainage particle size controller 30, and FIG. ) Is a plan view of the disk-shaped member 35 constituting the drainage particle size controller 30.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the pipe 31 is formed by connecting an introduction pipe 32, a drainage particle size controller 30, and a drainage pipe 33 in order from the top in the vertical direction. The upper end of the introduction pipe 32 is connected to the drain valve 18 (
1 and 2), the lower end of the drain pipe 33 is connected to the exhaust pipe 16 (FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the drainage particle size controller 30 has a container portion 34 having a larger diameter than the introduction pipe 32 and the drainage pipe 33. The lower end of the introduction pipe 32 is inserted into the container part 34 through an opening formed in the upper wall of the container part 34.

In the container part 34, the outer edge of the disk-shaped member 35 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the introduction tube 32, as shown in FIG. It is connected to the lower end of the introduction pipe 32 via 36. The upper surface of the disk-shaped member 35 is disposed in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the introduction pipe 32. Further, the disk-shaped member 35 is disposed at a distance from the bottom surface in the container portion 34.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the disk-shaped member 35 is arranged coaxially with the introduction tube 32. The upper surface of the disk-shaped member 35 is formed into a flat surface, and the central portion functions as a contact portion 37 (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 6 (C)) where generated water falling from the lower end of the introduction pipe 32 contacts. A plurality of through holes 38 are formed around the contact portion 37 to penetrate the disk-like member 35 in the thickness direction (vertical direction). The diameter of the through hole 38 is configured such that water that passes through the through hole 38 and falls into water drops.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the upper surface of the disk-shaped member 35 is a flat surface. But the said upper surface may be comprised so that it may become low toward the circumference | surroundings (through-hole 38) from the center (contact position of generated water). Further, the contact portion 37 may be one step higher than the periphery where the through hole 38 is provided.

  An opening is provided at the center of the inner bottom surface of the container portion 34, and the upper end of the drain pipe 33 is connected to the opening. The inner bottom surface of the container part 34 is formed so as to become lower toward the center (FIG. 6B), and the generated water falling through the through hole 38 is configured to gather at the opening part. But you may comprise the inner bottom face of the container part 34 with a plane.

  Next, the operation of the drainage particle size control unit 30 will be described. The generated water discharged into the introduction pipe 32 moves from the upper side to the lower side in the introduction pipe 32, falls from its lower end toward the upper surface of the disk-like member 35, and comes into contact with the contact portion 37. As a result, the generated water changes its flow direction from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction and spreads radially on the contact portion 37. The generated water that spreads on the contact portion 37 passes through the plurality of through holes 38 around the contact portion 37, becomes water droplets from the lower surface of the disk-shaped member 35, and falls toward the bottom wall of the container portion 34. The generated water (water droplets) dropped from the disk-shaped member 35 is discharged to the drain pipe 33 along the bottom surface of the container part 35.

  According to the third embodiment, the generated water is divided and dispersed by the drainage particle size controller 30 as the dividing mechanism. That is, the generated water that falls from the lower end of the introduction pipe 32 abuts (collises) with the upper surface of the disk-shaped member 35 and changes its direction, and is dispersed and dropped from the plurality of through holes 38. At this time, the generated water becomes water droplets and falls from the lower surface of the disk-shaped member 35. Thereby, the flow of generated water is divided. Therefore, a decrease in insulation resistance is prevented.

  The third embodiment can be modified as shown in FIG. FIGS. 7A and 7B are views showing a modification of the drainage particle size controller in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7A, a contact member 39 is disposed in a space surrounded by the upper surface of the disk-shaped member 35A and the inner surface of the tapered portion 36.

  The contact member 39 is supported by a support member (not shown) attached to the inner surface of the tapered portion 36 in a state where a gap is provided between the upper surface of the disk-shaped member 35A and the upper surface of the disk-shaped member 35A. Thereby, the contact member 39 is in a state of floating from the disk-shaped member 35A. The contact member 39 is formed in a disc shape having an upper surface that is larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the introduction tube 32, is coaxial with the introduction tube 32, and its upper surface is orthogonal to the central axis of the introduction tube.

  Unlike the disk-shaped member 35, the disk-shaped member 35 </ b> A has a through hole 38 formed at a position corresponding to the contact portion of the disk-shaped member 35. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the plurality of through-holes 38 are uniformly formed radially from the center of the upper surface toward the periphery.

In such a modification, the generated water falling from the lower end of the introduction pipe 32 abuts on the upper surface of the abutting member 39 and then spreads toward the edge of the upper surface, and from the edge of the disc-shaped member 35A. Fall to the top. Thereafter, the generated water is dispersed by passing through each through hole 38, falls as water droplets from the lower end of the through hole 38, and the flow of water is divided.

  According to the above modification, the number of the through holes 38 can be increased, so that efficient drainage is possible.

  In addition, it is also possible to use a drainage particle size controller except for the contact member 39 from the configuration shown in FIG. In this case, the through hole 38 may be provided in the same direction as the direction in which the generated water drops from the introduction pipe 32, or may be provided so as to be inclined with respect to the dropping direction. When it is provided obliquely, the generated water changes its direction when passing through the through hole 38.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, a pipe 41 having a drainage particle size controller 40 as shown in FIG. 8 is applied instead of the pipe 17 of the fuel cell system (FIG. 1) described in the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a configuration example of the piping 41 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
It is the figure which planarly viewed the state which cut | disconnected the container part 44 by the XX line of A).

  In FIG. 8A, a pipe 41 is connected to an introduction pipe 42 arranged in the vertical direction, a drainage particle size controller 40 connected to the lower end of the introduction pipe 42, and a side wall of the drainage particle size controller 40. And a drain pipe 44.

  The drainage particle size controller 40 has a container portion 44 having an internal space constituted by a cylindrical surface. A rotation shaft 45 is disposed on the central axis of the internal space. The rotating shaft 45 is erected perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the internal space. An impeller 46 that rotates about the rotation shaft 45 is attached to the rotation shaft 45.

  The impeller 46 includes a hub 47 that is coaxially and rotatably attached to the rotation shaft 45, and a plurality of blades 48 that extend from the outer peripheral surface of the hub 47 toward the inner peripheral surface (side surface of the internal space) of the container portion 44. It consists of. Each wing 48 is formed in a planar rectangular parallel plate shape, and is attached in a direction parallel to the rotation shaft 45.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (B), each wing 48 extends from the outer peripheral surface of the hub 47 so as to partition the inner peripheral surface of the container portion 44 and the outer peripheral surface of the hub 47, and its outer end is a container. It is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the portion 44. The lower end (lower surface) of the hub 47 and each wing 48 is in contact with the bottom surface (floor surface) of the internal space. As a result, when the impeller 46 rotates, the lower end of the hub 47 and each wing 48 is always in sliding contact with the bottom surface of the internal space, and the outer end of each wing is always in sliding contact with the side surface of the internal space. Yes.

  The impeller 46 rotates as the rotating shaft 45 rotates. The rotating shaft 45 rotates in a predetermined direction (for example, counterclockwise or clockwise) by driving a motor (not shown). The motor can be driven using, for example, the fuel cell 1 as a power source.

On the upper wall of the container portion 44, an opening (inlet 49) to which the lower end of the introduction pipe 42 is connected is formed. The inlet 49 is arranged on a straight line parallel to the rotation shaft 45. That is, the inlet 49 is located away from the rotation shaft 45 in the direction (lateral direction) orthogonal to the rotation shaft 45 and the impeller 46.
Is formed above.

  On the other hand, an opening (exit 50) to which the drain pipe 43 is connected is formed in the lower part of the side wall of the container part 44. The outlet 50 is formed at a position away from the inlet 49 in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) and at a position lower than the upper end of the wing 48.

  Next, the operation of the drainage particle size controller 40 will be described. The generated water discharged to the introduction pipe 42 flows from the upper side to the lower side in the introduction pipe 42 and falls from the lower end of the introduction pipe 42 through the inlet 49 to the internal space of the container portion 44.

  The impeller 46 disposed below the inlet 49 is rotated in a predetermined direction (for example, counterclockwise) by power generation of the fuel cell 1, for example. As a result, the generated water falling from the inlet 49 comes into contact with the blades 48 of the rotating impeller 46. By contact with the wings 48, the generated water is repelled and becomes granular and scatters. Further, the generated water enters between the wings 48 and is guided to the outlet 50 so as to be pushed by the side surface of the rotating wings 48. When the space defined by the two adjacent wings 48 and the outlet 50 are in communication with each other, the generated water is blown off from the outlet 50 into the drain pipe 43 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the impeller 46. Move.

  In this manner, the produced water introduced into the container portion 44 is agitated by the rotation of the impeller 46, whereby the produced water is dispersed in a granular form. Thereby, the flow of generated water is divided. As a result, the generated water can be discharged while maintaining the insulation resistance. Further, the rotation of the impeller 66 promotes the dispersion of the generated water.

Further, the generated water falling from the inlet 49 enters a state between the wings 48. At this time, since the impeller 46 is rotating, the generated water that has entered between the wings 48 is separated from the wings 48 positioned on the front side in the rotation direction. It will be in the state which adheres to the wing 48) to push.

For example, in FIG. 8B, the generated water that has entered between the wings 48a and 48b moves away from the rear side surface of the wings 48b and pushed by the front side surface of the wings 48a. On the other hand, the generated water that has entered between the wings 48b and 48c moves away from the rear side surface of the wings 48c and is pushed by the front side surface of the wings 48b (in hatching in FIG. 8B). See generated water shown). Thereby, the generated water existing between the wings 48a-48b and the generated water existing between the wings 48b-48c are divided. Also by such an action, it is possible to maintain an insulation resistance ensured state.

In the structure mentioned above, the inner surface of the container part 44 and the impeller 46 can be comprised using insulators, such as resin. In this case, the following effects can be further obtained. The produced water falling from the inlet 49 is surrounded by two adjacent wings 48 and the bottom and side surfaces of the internal space, and enters only one of the open spaces. Here, the internal space (bottom surface and side surface) and the impeller 46 are insulated. For this reason, even if the generated water that has entered one of the spaces comes into contact with the two wings 48 that define the space, the generated water exists in the space adjacent to the space via the wings 48. Insulated from water. This also maintains the state in which the insulation resistance is secured.

  The configuration of the drainage particle size controller 40 described above can be modified as follows. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, an opening as an outlet 50A may be formed in the bottom wall of the container portion 44, and the drain pipe 43 may be connected to the opening.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the impeller 46 has a rotating shaft 4 coaxially with the rotating shaft 45 at its lower end.
5 and a circular bottom plate 51 that covers the bottom surface of the internal space. In this case, the lower end of each wing 48 is erected on the bottom plate 51 so as to contact the upper surface of the bottom plate 51. Such a configuration eliminates the need for sliding the lower ends of the hub 47 and the wings 48 against the bottom surface of the internal space, thereby reducing the resistance associated with the rotation of the impeller 46 and reducing the power consumption required for the rotation. Can do. Moreover, it can prevent that the wing | blade 48 is worn out by the sliding contact with the bottom surface and a gap is generated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, a rotating body 53 configured such that an impeller 46 having a bottom plate 51 further has a cylindrical peripheral wall 52 in contact with an edge of the upper surface of the bottom plate 51 is provided as an impeller. It is provided instead of 46. In the rotating body 53, a portion corresponding to the wing 48 functions as a partition plate 48 </ b> A that partitions the inner surface of the peripheral wall 52 and the peripheral surface of the hub 47.

  In the lower part of the peripheral wall 52, a slot 54 for discharging generated water that has entered the space is formed for each space surrounded by two adjacent partition plates 48A, the upper surface of the bottom plate 51, and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 52. Is done. Each slot 54 is formed at a position facing (corresponding to) the outlet 50 by the rotation of the rotating body 53, and makes the space and the drain pipe 43 communicate with each other. Furthermore, a sealing material may be provided between the outer surface of the peripheral wall 52 and the side surface of the inner space so as to surround the slot 54.

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to make the outer end of the partition plate 48A slidably contact the side surface of the internal space. For this reason, resistance related to the rotation of the rotating body 53 is reduced, and power consumption required for the rotation can be suppressed. Further, the partition plate 48A is not worn by sliding contact with the side surface with the internal space, and a gap is not formed.

  In the fourth embodiment, the case where the impeller is rotated by the motor has been described. However, the impeller is configured to rotate by using the falling energy of the generated water as power by contact with the generated water falling. Is also possible.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted.

  In the fifth embodiment, a pipe 61 as shown in FIG. 10 is applied instead of the pipe 17 of the fuel cell system (FIG. 1) described in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 (A) is a front view of the pipe 61 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 (B) shows a state in which the container part 64 is cut along the YY line of FIG. 10 (A). It is a side view.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the pipe 61 is arranged in the vertical direction, and in order from the top, the introduction pipe 62, the container part 63 to which the lower end of the introduction pipe 62 is connected, and the container part 63. The drain pipe 64 is connected to the upper end of the drain pipe 64.

The upper end of the introduction pipe 62 is connected to the outlet of the drain valve 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and the lower end of the drain pipe 64 is connected to the exhaust pipe 16 (FIG. 1). The container part 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose both end faces are arranged in the vertical direction. The container part 63 has an internal space defined by a cylindrical surface (circular both end surfaces and a peripheral surface connecting both end surfaces).

In the container part 63, the following structure is provided as a parting mechanism. A fixed rotation shaft 65 is disposed on the central axis of the internal space, and an impeller 66 that rotates about the rotation shaft 65 is attached to the rotation shaft 65. The impeller 66 includes a hub 67 that is coaxially and rotatably mounted on the rotation shaft 65, and a plurality of flat rectangular parallel plate-like wings 68 that extend from the outer peripheral surface of the hub 67 toward the peripheral surface of the internal space. 68a to 68f).

  The wings 68 are arranged at equal intervals so as to be orthogonal to the rotation shaft 65. The outer end and both side ends of each wing 68 are in sliding contact with both side surfaces and the peripheral surface of the internal space, respectively. In the upper part of the peripheral wall of the container 63, an opening serving as an inlet for generated water is formed, and the lower end of the introduction pipe 62 is connected to the inlet. The generated water falling from the lower end of the introduction pipe 62 abuts on one of the wings 68 positioned in the dropping direction, and applies a rotational force to the impeller 66. Moreover, the opening part used as the exit of produced | generated water is formed in the lower part of the surrounding wall of the container part 63, and the upper end of the drain pipe 64 is connected with this exit.

  Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described. The generated water flowing from the upper side to the lower side of the introduction pipe 62 falls into the internal space of the container part 63 from the inlet and comes into contact with one of the wings 68. The generated water accumulates in a space surrounded by the abutted wing 68, the wing 68 adjacent to the wing, the outer peripheral surface of the hub 67, both side surfaces of the internal space, and the peripheral surface.

Here, it is assumed that the generated water from the introduction pipe 62 accumulates in a space (referred to as space 1) between the wings 68b and 68c, for example. The impeller 66 rotates by obtaining a rotational force by contact with the generated water from the introduction pipe 62. Thereby, in the rotation direction of the impeller 66 (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 10B), a space (space 2) between the wings 68a-68b existing next to the space 1 (referred to as space 2) is introduced into the introduction pipe. 62 is communicated. Accordingly, the generated water from the introduction pipe 62 is accumulated in the space 2.

At this time, the water accumulated in the space 1 is separated from the wing 68b by gravity and comes into contact with the wing 68c. As a result, the generated water from the introduction pipe 62 is divided into the space 1 and the space 2 (see FIG. 10B). Thereafter, the space 1 is in communication with the outlet (drainage pipe 64) by the rotation of the impeller 66. As a result, the generated water accumulated in the space 1 is discharged to the drain pipe 64.

  In this manner, in the fifth embodiment, the generated water from the introduction pipe 62 is divided in the container portion 63. Therefore, the state in which the insulation resistance is ensured is maintained. In addition, in 5th Embodiment, although the impeller 66 is comprised so that it may rotate with produced | generated water, you may be comprised so that the driving force from a motor may be acquired and rotated.

[Others]
In the first to fifth embodiments, the generated water whose discharge amount is controlled by the control of the drain valve 18 flows through the piping in each embodiment. However, the continuous opening / closing control control of the drain valve 18 (the control shown in FIG. 3) and the provision of the drain valve on the upstream side are not indispensable constituent requirements. According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure insulation resistance with the configuration of the piping (partitioning mechanism) shown in the first to fifth aspects.

  In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the piping for draining the generated water separated by the gas-liquid separator 6 for the fuel off gas has been described. But the structure of piping demonstrated in 1st-5th embodiment is applied to the piping of oxidizing agent off gas, and you may make it apply it about the produced water contained in oxidizing agent off gas. For example, the configuration of the piping explained in the first to fifth embodiments can be applied to the piping 15 shown in FIG.

  Further, the fuel cell system to which the first to fifth embodiments can be applied can be applied to fuel cell systems of types other than PEFC as long as there is a possibility that impurity ions are eluted in the generated water and the conductivity is increased. Is possible.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example related to the gas-liquid separator and drain valve for the fuel off gas shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the drain valve by the ECU. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the piping in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pipe in the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pipe including a drainage particle size controller in the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view showing a modification of the piping including the drainage particle size controller in the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pipe in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a modification of the piping in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pipe in the fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel cell 6 ... Gas-liquid separator 17, 26, 31, 41, 61 ... Pipe 18 ... Drain valve 20 ... ECU (control means)
22 ... Inhibition part (severing mechanism)
27 ... U-shaped part (parting mechanism)
30, 40 ... Drainage particle size controller (cutting mechanism)
35, 35A ... plate-like member 37 ... contact portion 38 ... through hole 39 ... contact member 46, 66 ... impeller 48, 68 ... blade 45 ... rotating shaft 49 ... Inlet 50 ... Outlet 53 ... Rotating body

Claims (14)

Piping through which water generated by power generation of the fuel cell flows;
A fuel cell system, comprising: a dividing mechanism provided in the pipe and configured to divide the water by changing a direction of the water flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the pipe. The length direction of the pipe is arranged in the vertical direction,
The dividing mechanism is provided on the inner wall of the pipe, closes a part of the cross section in the width direction of the pipe, contacts the water flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the pipe, and moves this water downward. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one inhibition portion that has an upper surface that inhibits and causes water that contacts the upper surface to fall from an edge of the upper surface. A plurality of the inhibiting portions are provided at intervals in the length direction of the pipe;
When the two obstructing portions are viewed in plan, a plurality of the obstructing portions are located on the far side of the cross section in the width direction of the pipe that is not blocked by the upper surface of the obstructing portion located on the near side. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell system is provided so as to be blocked by an upper surface of the inhibition portion. The inner wall of the pipe and the plurality of inhibition portions are made of an insulator,
4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein a part of the cross section in the width direction of the pipe that is not blocked by the upper surface of the inhibition portion is formed alternately in the length direction of the pipe. The dividing mechanism is provided so as to close the pipe, and is formed around a contact portion where the water flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the pipe contacts, and around the contact portion. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of through holes through which the water in contact passes and falls. The dividing mechanism is disposed with an abutting portion having an upper surface against which the water flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the pipe abuts, and a lower side of the abutting portion with a gap between the abutting portion and the pipe. And a plate-like portion having a plurality of through-holes for allowing water falling from an edge of the abutting portion to pass through and fall on the upper surface of the abutting portion. Item 5. The fuel cell system according to any one of Items 1 to 4. The pipe has an internal space and an inlet and an outlet of the water communicating with the internal space, and includes a container that accommodates the dividing mechanism in the internal space,
The dividing mechanism accommodated in the internal space includes a rotating shaft arranged in a vertical direction, and an impeller having a plurality of wings rotating around the rotating shaft,
The inlet is formed above the impeller at a position away from the rotation axis in the lateral direction;
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is formed on a side surface or a bottom surface of the internal space at a distance from the inlet in a lateral direction. The plurality of wings rotate while always in contact with a side surface and a bottom surface of the internal space,
The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein the impeller, the side surface, and the bottom surface are formed of an insulator. The pipe has an internal space formed by a cylindrical surface composed of a peripheral surface and both end faces, and an inlet and an outlet of the water communicating with the internal space, and a container that accommodates the dividing mechanism in the internal space. Including
The dividing mechanism accommodated in the internal space has a rotation shaft disposed on the central axis of the internal space, and a plurality of wings that rotate while always contacting the peripheral surface and both end surfaces around the rotation shaft. Including impeller,
The rotating shaft is disposed in a lateral direction;
The inlet and the outlet are formed such that the inlet is disposed above the outlet;
The water falling into the container from the inlet is collected in a space surrounded by two adjacent wings, the peripheral surface and both end faces, and is guided to the outlet by the rotation of the impeller. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the impeller rotates when water falling from the entrance to the internal space comes into contact with the wing. A drain valve that has an inlet and an outlet, stores the water on the inlet side when the valve is closed, and discharges the water stored on the inlet side to the pipe connected to the outlet when the valve is opened;
The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drain valve repeatedly opens and closes the valve so that the stored water is intermittently discharged from the outlet. system. The piping is arranged in the vertical direction,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the pipe includes at least one portion bent into a U-shape. Piping through which water generated by power generation of the fuel cell flows;
A cutting mechanism provided to close the pipe, and having a top surface with which water flowing downward from above in the pipe contacts, and a plurality of through holes through which the water in contact with the top surface passes and falls; A fuel cell system comprising: A reservoir for storing water generated by power generation of the fuel cell;
A drain valve connected to the storage unit, storing the water in the storage unit when the valve is closed, and discharging the water stored in the storage unit when the valve is opened;
Means for detecting the amount of the water stored in the storage unit;
When it is detected that a predetermined amount of water is stored in the storage unit, the exhaust valve is opened and closed so that the water stored in the storage unit is intermittently discharged through the drain valve. And a control means for repeatedly performing the valve operation.

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