JP2007005247A - Fuel cell and cartridge for fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell of which remaining quantity of liquid fuel can be grasped without requiring an extra power and space, capable of generating power by supplying the fuel always stably regardless of installation direction and a cartridge for fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell is provided with a fuel storage part, a fuel supply part, an oxygen introduction part, and a power generating part; and the fuel storage part comprises a first fuel storage part which has a cavity capable of storing a liquid fuel and a transparent or semi-transparent fuel window enabling viewing of the liquid fuel stored from the outside, and a second fuel storage part which is installed continuously adjoining respectively a first face, a second face opposed to the first face, and a face extended between the first face and the second face of the first fuel storage part, and is filled with a medium which diffuses the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage part, and a plurality of fuel passages which are installed between the first fuel storage part and the second fuel storage part and let pass the liquid fuel. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell and a fuel cell cartridge, and more particularly to a spontaneous breathing type fuel cell and a fuel cell cartridge that can be attached thereto.

As a power source for small electronic devices such as notebook computers, small audio players, and wireless headsets, fuel cells using methanol or the like as fuel are being put into practical use. These direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are self-breathing fuel cells, and methanol as a fuel is spontaneously transported to the fuel electrode by capillarity or diffusion. Then, an electrochemical reaction occurs between the activated hydrogen element (hereinafter referred to as proton) and electrons generated at the fuel electrode and oxygen gas taken in from the air through the electrolyte membrane to generate electric power (for example, patents) Reference 1).
Regarding the fuel supply method, for example, a fuel cell is disclosed in which a cartridge containing fuel is attached to a receiving cartridge provided in a main body and liquid fuel is supplied (Patent Document 2).

  With respect to this cartridge, if the user cannot grasp the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel cartridge, the lifetime cannot be predicted, and for example, a problem such as sudden occurrence of “out of fuel” may occur during use of the device.

In addition, if the supply of fuel supplied from the cartridge changes depending on the direction of the fuel cell, the degree of freedom in using the fuel cell is limited, which may cause a problem that the convenience of the device is impaired.
JP 2000-106201 A JP 2004-349087 A

  The present invention provides a fuel cell and a fuel cell cartridge that can grasp the remaining amount of liquid fuel without requiring extra power and space, and can always supply fuel stably and generate power regardless of the mounting direction. For the purpose.

According to one aspect of the invention,
A fuel storage section for storing fuel;
A fuel supply unit for supplying fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit;
An oxygen introduction part for introducing oxygen from the outside;
A power generation unit that generates electric power from the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and oxygen supplied from the oxygen introduction unit;
With
The fuel storage unit
A first fuel storage unit having a cavity capable of storing liquid fuel, and having a transparent or translucent fuel window that allows the stored liquid fuel to be visually recognized from the outside;
Any one of the first fuel storage section extending between the first surface, the second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first surface and the second surface. And a second fuel storage unit that is continuously extended adjacent to each other and is filled with a medium that diffuses the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage unit,
A plurality of fuel paths provided between the first fuel storage unit and the second fuel storage unit, and through which the liquid fuel passes;
A fuel cell is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention,
A fuel storage section for storing fuel;
A fuel supply unit for supplying fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit;
An oxygen introduction part for introducing oxygen from the outside;
A power generation unit that generates electric power from the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and oxygen supplied from the oxygen introduction unit;
With
The fuel storage unit
A first fuel storage unit having a cavity capable of storing liquid fuel, and having a transparent or translucent fuel window that allows the stored liquid fuel to be visually recognized from the outside;
A second fuel storage unit filled with a medium for diffusing the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage unit;
A fuel path provided between the first fuel storage unit and the second fuel storage unit and allowing the liquid fuel to pass therethrough;
Have
The fuel cell is provided, wherein the first fuel storage unit further includes a porous or fibrous diffusion layer laid on the inner wall of the cavity and connected to the medium via the fuel path. The

According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
A fuel storage section for storing fuel;
A fuel supply unit for supplying fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit;
An oxygen introduction part for introducing oxygen from the outside;
A power generation unit that generates electric power from the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and oxygen supplied from the oxygen introduction unit;
With
The fuel storage unit
A first fuel storage unit having a cavity capable of storing liquid fuel, and having a transparent or translucent fuel window that allows the stored liquid fuel to be visually recognized from the outside;
A second fuel storage unit filled with a medium for diffusing the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage unit;
A plurality of fuel paths provided between the first fuel storage unit and the second fuel storage unit, and through which the liquid fuel passes;
Have
The first fuel storage unit further includes a porous or fibrous diffuser protruding from each of the plurality of fuel paths into the cavity and connected to the medium. Is done.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
A fuel storage section for storing fuel;
A fuel supply unit for supplying fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit;
An oxygen introduction part for introducing oxygen from the outside;
A power generation unit that generates electric power from the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and oxygen supplied from the oxygen introduction unit;
With
The fuel storage unit
A first fuel storage unit having a cavity capable of storing liquid fuel, and having a transparent or translucent fuel window that allows the stored liquid fuel to be visually recognized from the outside;
A second fuel storage unit filled with a medium for diffusing the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage unit;
A fuel path provided between the first fuel storage unit and the second fuel storage unit and allowing the liquid fuel to pass therethrough;
Have
The first fuel storage section partitions the cavity and is provided so as to be movable, and a biasing means that is provided on the opposite side of the fuel path from the partition and applies a pressing force to the partition. Further, a fuel cell is provided.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell cartridge comprising any one of the above fuel storage units and detachable from the fuel supply unit.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell and a fuel cell cartridge capable of grasping the remaining amount of liquid fuel without requiring extra power and space, and capable of generating power by always stably supplying fuel regardless of the mounting direction. There are significant industrial advantages.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a specific example of a fuel storage part of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1 (a) is a cross-sectional view thereof, and FIG. 1 (b) is a schematic view of a cross-sectional structure taken along line AA ′. It is.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of FIG.

The fuel storage part 40 of this embodiment has the 1st fuel storage part 5 and the 2nd fuel storage part 10 provided so that the circumference | surroundings might be surrounded. The first fuel storage unit 5 is formed in a hollow shape and is filled with the liquid fuel LF. As the liquid fuel LF, for example, methanol, ethanol, an aqueous solution of saccharides such as glucose and sugar, and the like can be used.
The second fuel storage unit 10 includes a first surface of the first fuel storage unit 5 (for example, the surface opposite to the mounting surface 7 in FIG. 1A) and the first fuel storage facing the first surface. The second surface of the portion 5 (for example, the surface on the side of the mounting surface 7 in FIG. 1A) and any surface (for example, the figure) extending between the first and second surfaces. 1 (b), the first fuel storage section 5 is continuously extended adjacent to each of the upper, left, and lower surfaces. For example, in the case where the first surface of the first fuel storage unit 5 is the “upper surface”, the first fuel storage unit 5 is surrounded from above and below by wrapping around the lower surface through at least one of the side surfaces from the upper surface. The second fuel storage unit 10 is extended.

  The second fuel storage unit 10 is filled with a porous or fibrous medium, and the liquid fuel LF permeates and diffuses due to a capillary force or the like. A plurality of fuel paths 15 are provided between the first fuel storage section 5 and the second fuel storage section 10, and as indicated by an arrow F1, the first fuel storage section 5 and the second fuel storage section 10 are connected to the first fuel storage section 5 and the second fuel storage section 10, respectively. 2 Fuel is supplied to the fuel storage unit 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the placement surface 7 is placed vertically downward, the liquid supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10 via the fuel path 15 as represented by the arrow F <b> 1. As shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. 2, the fuel penetrates and diffuses through the porous or fibrous medium filled in the second fuel storage unit 10 and passes through the fuel cell connection unit 23. , And supplied to the fuel cell main body as indicated by an arrow F. As will be described in detail later, the porous or fibrous medium filled in the second fuel storage unit 10 can diffuse liquid fuel very rapidly and spread it at a uniform concentration.

  The first fuel storage unit 5 is provided with a transparent or translucent fuel window 35. For this reason, the user can check the remaining amount of fuel with the naked eye, and can prevent sudden “out of fuel”. Further, by surrounding the first fuel storage unit 5 with the second fuel storage unit 10 and providing a plurality of fuel passages 15 therebetween, the liquid fuel is always stably supplied regardless of the mounting direction of the fuel cell. In addition, the liquid fuel filled in the first fuel storage unit 5 can be almost completely used up.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a basic configuration of a fuel cell including the fuel storage unit of the present embodiment.

  First, the basic configuration of this fuel cell will be described.

  In the fuel cell of the present embodiment, a fuel supply unit 45, a power generation unit 50, and an oxygen introduction unit 55 are stacked in this order on the fuel storage unit 40, and these are accommodated in the anode-side casing unit 65. Has a structure. A cathode-side casing 60 is provided on the anode-side casing 65, and is protected from external stress and the like.

  The fuel storage unit 40 may be provided fixed to the fuel cell, or may be provided as a cartridge that is detachable from the fuel cell. A fuel supply port (not shown) may be provided in the cathode side casing 65 so that liquid fuel such as methanol can be filled in the fuel storage unit 40. Alternatively, a desorption port (not shown) may be provided in the cathode side casing 65 to provide a cartridge type. The fuel supply unit 40 can be replaced.

  When fuel is supplied from the fuel storage unit 40 to the fuel supply unit 45 as indicated by an arrow F, the fuel diffuses and is supplied to the power generation unit 50 in the fuel supply unit 45. The movement of the fuel on the cathode electrode side can be caused, for example, by using a capillary force as a driving force.

On the other hand, as shown by the arrow A, the oxygen introduction unit 55 takes in oxygen from the outside and supplies it to the power generation unit 50. In order to introduce oxygen into the oxygen introduction part 55, it is desirable to provide an opening (not shown) in the cathode side casing part 60 to ensure sufficiently good air permeability.
In the power generation unit 50, electric power is generated by an electrochemical reaction between the liquid fuel and oxygen. The specific structure of each element will be described in detail later.

  And the fuel storage part 40 which concerns on this embodiment has the structure which can grasp | ascertain the residual amount of liquid fuel, without requiring electric power and space, and does not inhibit electric power generation performance irrespective of a mounting direction.

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, a specific example of the fuel storage unit of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cartridge 40 of this specific example has a structure in which the first fuel storage unit 5 is surrounded by the second fuel storage unit 10. The housing 20 of the first fuel storage unit 5 is provided with a plurality of fuel paths 15 for supplying liquid fuel from the first fuel storage unit 5 to the second fuel storage unit 10. By providing a plurality of fuel paths 15 in this way, liquid fuel can be supplied constantly and stably regardless of the mounting direction.

  Further, the housing 20 of the first fuel storage unit 5 is provided with a fuel window 35, and liquid fuel can be grasped from the outside of the fuel storage unit 40 through the fuel window 35.

  Further, since the fuel supply port 30 penetrating the second fuel storage unit 10 and reaching the first fuel storage unit 5 is provided, even when the liquid fuel is exhausted, the liquid fuel is supplied through the fuel supply port 30. Can be filled. By allowing the liquid fuel to be filled, the fuel cell can be used repeatedly, and the fuel cartridge 40 can be recycled even when the fuel storage unit 40 is of a cartridge type.

Hereinafter, the structure of the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the supply path of the liquid fuel with respect to the mounting direction of the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment.
When the fuel path 15 is provided in the vicinity of the portion of the casing 20 of the first fuel storage portion that contacts the fuel window 35, the fuel window 35 is placed on the mounting surface 7 (vertically below) as shown in FIG. Even in such a case, the liquid fuel can be stably supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10, and the filled fuel can be used up. Further, when the fuel path 15 is provided in the vicinity of the portion of the housing 20 of the first fuel storage portion that contacts the fuel supply port 30, as shown in FIG. 4B, the fuel supply port 30 is placed on the placement surface 7 ( The liquid fuel can be stably supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10 and used up even when the vertical downward direction is set.
Also, as shown in FIG. 1A, liquid fuel is supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10 via the fuel path 15 provided vertically below when the fuel storage unit 40 is horizontally placed. Then, the fuel is diffused as shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. 2, so that the fuel is stably supplied from the fuel cell connection portion 23 to the fuel cell main body, and the liquid fuel stored in the first fuel storage portion 5 is supplied. Can be used up.

  As described above, by appropriately providing the fuel path 15, fuel can be supplied constantly and stably regardless of the direction of the fuel cell, and the filled liquid fuel can be used up almost completely without leaving. For this purpose, the second fuel storage unit 10 is continuously extended over the upper and lower surfaces of the first fuel storage unit 5 and at least one of the side surfaces, and the cavity of the first fuel storage unit 5 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. In the case of the shape, the fuel path 15 may be provided close to each of the corners.

  Here, if the total cross-sectional area of the fuel path 15 is within 10% of the cell area, the liquid fuel can be supplied without excess or deficiency in many cases.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the appearance of the fuel storage unit 40 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5A, a transparent or translucent fuel window 35 is provided on the side surface of the housing 25, and the liquid fuel LF stored in the first fuel storage unit 5 is visually confirmed. it can.
With such a structure, it is possible to grasp the remaining amount of liquid fuel without requiring extra power or space. As a material of the fuel window 35, for example, a material such as a transparent acrylic resin or a dielectric material can be used. Further, a UV cut film may be provided in the fuel window 35 in order to prevent the liquid fuel from being deteriorated by light irradiation. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, by providing “scale” in the fuel window 35, the user can grasp the remaining amount of liquid fuel more quantitatively.

  In the fuel cell connection portion 23, for example, a porous or fibrous medium filled in the second fuel storage portion 10 is exposed, or a medium such as a different porous body or fibrous body is exposed. Can be configured as The fuel supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10 is supplied to the fuel supply unit 45 (FIG. 3) of the fuel cell via the fuel cell connection unit 23.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the concentration change of the liquid fuel in the second fuel storage unit 10 that can be used in the fuel storage unit 40 according to the present embodiment.

Here, the second fuel storage unit 10 is filled with a porous polyester having a porosity of 70%, and is provided only on one side of the first fuel storage unit 5 for simplicity. Further, the first fuel storage unit 5 and the second fuel storage unit 10 are partitioned by a housing 20 (not shown), and a fuel path 15 is provided at one end thereof. Here, the size of the porous polyester filling the second fuel storage unit 10 was 56 mm in length, 70 mm in width, and 2 mm in thickness. As shown in FIG. 6A, the fuel path 15 is provided at the end of the first fuel storage unit 5 with a length (L): 1 mm × width (W): 56 mm. The second fuel storage unit 10 is provided so as to be in contact therewith. The fuel consumption obtained from this structure was assumed to be a flux equivalent to 40 mA / cm ² .

  FIG. 6B shows the fuel concentration distribution in the porous polyester. The concentration distribution of the liquid fuel in the porous polyester filled in the second storage unit 10 tends to slightly decrease as the distance from the fuel path 15 increases. Within 4%. That is, when the second fuel storage unit 10 is formed of such a porous body or fiber body, the liquid fuel supplied through the narrow fuel path 15 can be permeated and diffused very quickly and distributed at a uniform concentration. Can do. As a result, fuel can be supplied almost uniformly from the second fuel storage unit 10 to the entire surface of the fuel supply unit 45 (FIG. 3), and the power generation unit 50 (FIG. 3) can generate power uniformly.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another specific example of the concentration change of the liquid fuel in the second fuel storage unit 10.
In this specific example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the dimensions of the fuel path 15 are length (L): 1 millimeter × width (W): 2 millimeters × 6. Also in this case, the fuel supplied through these six fuel paths 15 penetrates and diffuses almost uniformly in the porous polyester filled in the second fuel storage unit 10, and is shown in FIG. As described above, the fluctuation range of the concentration is as extremely small as 0.4% or less. That is, the liquid fuel stored in the first fuel storage unit 5 can be supplied to the fuel supply unit 45 (FIG. 3) with a uniform distribution.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another specific example of the second fuel storage unit 10 of the fuel storage unit 40 according to the present embodiment.
In this specific example, the second fuel storage unit 10 is filled with a medium having a plurality of porosity region distributions in the plane. That is, as the distance from the fuel path 15 increases, different media are arranged so that the void ratio and the volume occupation ratio increase. Here, the vicinity of the fuel path 15 is a porous medium 80 having a porosity of 70% (volume occupation ratio 20%), and the porous medium 90 having a porosity of 80% (volume occupation ratio in order) as the distance from the fuel path 15 increases. 30%) and a porous medium 100 (volume occupancy 50%) having a porosity of 90%. By doing so, the fuel concentration difference in the in-plane direction of the second fuel storage unit 10 is asymptotically made zero, and the liquid fuel can be supplied to the fuel supply unit 45 more uniformly.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing still another specific example of the second fuel storage unit 10 of the fuel storage unit 40 according to the present embodiment.
In this specific example, the medium of the second fuel storage unit 10 above the corresponding one of the fuel paths 15 provided at both ends of the first fuel storage unit 5 is a porous body 80 (volume) having a porosity of 70%. The medium near the center sandwiched between them is a porous body 90 (volume occupancy 60%) with a porosity of 80%. In this way, the fuel can be supplied more uniformly by increasing the porosity as the distance from the fuel path 15 increases.

  10 and 11 are a schematic view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a first specific example in which an on-off valve is provided in the fuel storage unit according to this embodiment.

  That is, (a) represents a state where the fuel path 15 communicating the first fuel storage unit 5 and the second fuel storage unit 10 is not closed by the partition plate 120, and (b) represents the fuel path 15 Represents a state closed by the partition plate 120. Here, the partition plate 120 functions as an on-off valve and is controlled to open and close by the switching knob 115 along the guide rail 110.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the fuel path 15 and the partition plate 120 are respectively provided on the upper surface and the lower surface of the first fuel storage unit 5, and are uniform regardless of the mounting direction. Liquid fuel can be supplied.

  By providing such a partition plate 120, when power generation is unnecessary, the partition plate 120 can be closed to suppress fuel consumption. Further, for example, when the fuel storage unit 40 is a cartridge type that is detachable from the fuel cell, when the fuel storage unit 40 is mounted, the switching knob 115 is hooked on a part of the anode side casing of the fuel cell main body. If installed, the system may be such that the partition plate 120 is automatically opened. The on-off valve may be mechanically manually operated, or may be controlled to open / close by sending an electric signal from a fuel cell or an electronic device including the fuel cartridge.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a specific example in which an on-off valve is provided between the fuel storage unit 40 and the fuel supply unit 45. That is, FIG. 4A shows a state where the on-off valve is open and FIG. 5B shows a closed state.

  In this specific example, a slide shutter 125 is provided between the fuel supply unit 45 and the fuel storage unit 40. The slide shutter 125 can adjust the conductance of the communication path from zero to a predetermined value by relatively sliding two plate-like members each having an opening. That is, by sliding the slide shutter 125 in parallel with the main surface of the fuel supply unit 45, the supply of liquid fuel can be stopped or the supply amount can be controlled.

  Typically, as shown in FIG. 13, by opening the slide shutter 125 when power is used, liquid fuel is supplied and power is generated (step S200). On the other hand, when the power is not used, the slide shutter 125 is closed to stop the supply of the liquid fuel and the power is stopped (step S210). As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, the fuel storage unit 40 is provided with the second fuel storage unit 10 filled with a porous medium. By providing such a slide shutter 125 between the fuel storage unit 40 and the fuel supply unit 45, when no electric power is required, the slide shutter 125 is closed and the second fuel storage unit 10 is filled with fuel. The state can be maintained. When power is required and the slide shutter 125 is opened, fuel is immediately supplied from the second fuel storage unit 10 to the fuel supply unit 45, and power generation can be started quickly.

  It is also possible to control the fuel consumption by adjusting the slide shutter 125 to an intermediate position between these fully closed and fully opened positions. By providing such a slide shutter 125, wasteful consumption of fuel can be prevented and efficient use can be achieved.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example in which the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment is a detachable cartridge type.

  That is, by sliding the claw 130 provided on the anode side casing 165 of the fuel cell, the cartridge type fuel storage unit 40 can be fixed or removed. At this time, if the slide shutter 125 as illustrated in FIG. 12 is provided in the fuel storage unit 40, fuel consumption can be prevented by closing the slide shutter 125 in a state where it is not attached to the fuel cell body.

  Further, in the case where the fuel storage unit 40 is a cartridge type in this way, it is possible to prevent fuel consumption by covering the fuel cell connection unit 23 that supplies fuel to the fuel supply unit 45 with a plastic film or the like.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a usage mode of the cartridge-type fuel storage unit of this example.
That is, the fuel storage unit (cartridge) 40 before use is in a state in which the fuel cell connection unit 23 is sealed with, for example, a plastic film to prevent the liquid fuel from decreasing (step S100).
When the fuel storage unit (cartridge) 40 is used, when the plastic film of the fuel cell connection unit 23 is peeled off and the sealed state is broken and then mounted on the fuel cell main body, the liquid fuel is supplied to the fuel supply unit 45. The (Step S110).

These series of usage modes can be adapted to the distribution form from the manufacturer to the user. That is, the manufacturer sells a fuel cartridge sealed with a plastic film. The user purchases the fuel cartridge 40, peels off the plastic film, sets it in the fuel cell, and activates the device.
Here, the same effect can be obtained when the fuel cell connecting portion 23 is covered with, for example, a plastic case or a metal case.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a recycling system using the usage mode shown in FIG. 15.
That is, when the liquid fuel in the fuel storage unit (cartridge) 40 becomes empty (step S150), the user removes the fuel storage unit 40 and submits it in a predetermined method, and the manufacturer collects these fuel cartridges (step S150). S160). It is also possible to construct a recycling system that repeats the flow of filling the liquid fuel (step S170) and then selling the fuel cartridge to the user (step S180). As a result, material resources and energy resources can be saved, and the environmental load can be reduced.

Hereinafter, another specific example of the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 17A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another specific example of the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of FIG. In the drawings subsequent to FIG. 17, the same elements as those described above with reference to the previous drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
In this specific example, the second fuel storage unit 10 is provided on the first fuel storage unit 5. On the inner wall of the first fuel storage unit 5, a diffusion layer 137 is laid from the fuel path 15 in almost all other parts except the fuel window 35. The diffusion layer 137 is made of a porous or fibrous medium, like the medium filled in the second fuel storage unit 10. The liquid fuel is supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10 through the diffusion layer 137 via the fuel path 15. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the fuel path 15 may be provided only at one location near the center, or may be provided dispersed in several locations. As the opening shape, various shapes such as a circular shape, a square shape, a slit shape, and a polygonal shape can be appropriately employed.
The second fuel storage unit 10 is filled with a porous or fibrous medium, and as described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the liquid fuel is rapidly permeated and diffused over the entire surface of the fuel cell connection unit 23. Supply evenly.

  In this specific example, by laying the porous layer 137 over almost the entire inner peripheral wall of the first fuel storage unit 5, the fuel storage unit 40 (fuel cell) is installed in any direction with respect to the vertical direction. Even during the operation, some part of the diffusion layer 137 is in contact with the liquid fuel stored in the first fuel storage unit 5. That is, regardless of the orientation of the fuel cell, the liquid fuel stored in the first fuel storage unit 5 can be sucked out and supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10 for stable power generation. The liquid fuel can be used up to the end.

  Further, since the fuel window 35 is installed in the first fuel storage unit 5, the user can confirm the remaining amount of liquid fuel reliably and easily. The fuel storage unit may be fixedly provided in the fuel cell main body, or may be a cartridge type that is detachable from the fuel cell.

FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram illustrating still another specific example of the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 19B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′.
Also in this specific example, the second fuel storage unit 10 is provided on the first fuel storage unit 5. And the porous body 135 protrudes from the 2nd fuel storage part 10 to the bottom face of the 1st fuel storage part 5 via the some fuel path 15 provided among these. These diffusers 135 are made of a porous or fibrous medium. These diffusers 135 are preferably provided in at least four corners of the first fuel storage unit 5.
Also in this specific example, the fuel storage unit 40 (fuel cell) is installed in any direction with respect to the vertical direction by extending the plurality of diffusers 135 to the bottom surface of the first fuel storage unit 5. Sometimes, the diffuser 135 extending from some fuel path 15 is in contact with the liquid fuel. As a result, the liquid fuel stored in the first fuel storage unit 5 is sucked out and supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10 for stable power generation regardless of the orientation of the fuel cell. However, the liquid fuel can be used up to the end.
Further, the user can reliably and easily check the remaining amount of fuel through the fuel window 35. This fuel storage section may also be provided fixed to the fuel cell main body, or may be a cartridge type that is detachable from the fuel cell.

FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating still another specific example of the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 20B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′.
In this specific example, liquid fuel is supplied uniformly regardless of the orientation of the fuel cell by applying pressure to the partition plate 120 using the biasing force of the spring 140 provided in the first fuel storage unit 5. It can be used up to the end. Also in this specific example, by providing the fuel window 35 in the first fuel storage unit 5, the remaining amount of liquid fuel can be reliably and easily confirmed visually. This fuel storage unit may also be provided fixed to the fuel cell main body, or may be a detachable cartridge type.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a specific example in which the slide shutter 125 is provided in the fuel storage unit 40 illustrated in FIG. 20. That is, FIG. 4A shows a state where the slide shutter 125 is open, and FIG. 5B shows a state where the slide shutter 125 is closed.
With such a structure, when power is not generated, fuel consumption can be prevented by closing the slide shutter 125, which is economical. Further, even when the cartridge-type fuel storage unit 40 is removed from the fuel cell, the liquid fuel can be prevented from evaporating.

FIG. 22A is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of the first fuel storage unit 5 of the fuel storage unit according to this embodiment, and FIG. 22B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′.
In the case of this example, the first fuel storage unit 5 is a fuel cartridge, and the second fuel storage unit 10 is incorporated in the fuel cell main body. The first fuel storage unit 5 includes a supply mechanism similar to that shown in FIG. That is, the spring 140 provided in the first fuel storage unit 5 pushes up the partition plate 120, so that the liquid fuel is supplied and the fuel can be supplied constantly and stably regardless of the direction of the fuel cell. Moreover, the fuel window 35 is provided in the 1st fuel storage part 5, and the residual amount of fuel can be confirmed visually.
When not in use, the fuel path 15 of the cartridge-type fuel storage unit 5 is sealed with, for example, a plastic film, and when the fuel cell is attached to or after the fuel cell is attached, the plastic film is peeled off to start supplying fuel. Can be made.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the fuel cartridge illustrated in FIG. 22 is mounted on the fuel cell. In the case of this example, an on-off valve is provided on the fuel path side of the first fuel storage unit 5. This on-off valve is composed of a slide shutter 125. FIG. 23A shows an open state, and FIG. 23B shows a closed state.
By sliding the slide shutter 125, it is possible to control whether or not liquid fuel is supplied from the cartridge-type fuel storage unit 5 to the second fuel storage unit 10 attached to the fuel cell body, and to efficiently use the fuel. Can do.

FIG. 24A is a schematic diagram illustrating still another specific example of the first fuel storage unit 5 of the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 24B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′. .
In this specific example, a diffusion layer 137 is laid on the inner wall of the cartridge-type first fuel storage unit 5, and liquid fuel is supplied through a diffuser 135 connected to the diffusion layer 137. The diffusion layer 137 and the diffuser 135 are each made of a porous or fibrous medium. The shape of the diffuser 135 is a convex shape, and the connecting portion of the opposing second fuel storage unit 10 is a concave shape, and fuel is supplied by fitting each of them together.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing how the cartridge-type first fuel storage unit 5 shown in FIG. 22 is attached to and detached from the fuel cell body. That is, FIG. 25A shows a state where the first fuel storage unit 5 is attached to the fuel cell body, and FIG. 25B shows a state where the first fuel storage unit 5 is removed from the fuel cell body.
In a state where the fuel cell body is detached from the fuel cell body, it is possible to prevent evaporation of the liquid fuel by covering the convex diffuser 135 of the first fuel storage unit 5 with a cap or the like.

FIG. 26A is a schematic diagram illustrating still another specific example of the first fuel storage unit 5 of the fuel storage unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 26B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′. .
In this specific example, a spring 140 extending in a direction parallel to the main surface is provided inside the first fuel storage unit 5. When the spring 140 presses the partition plate 120, the liquid fuel is always stably supplied to the second fuel storage unit 10 via the fuel path 15 regardless of the direction of the fuel cell. Further, the fuel path 15 is provided with an on-off valve 145 that can be controlled to open and close. Moreover, the fuel window 35 is provided in the 1st fuel storage part 5, and the residual amount of liquid fuel can be confirmed visually.

FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first fuel storage unit 5 shown in FIG. 26 is attached to the fuel cell main body. FIG. 4A shows a state where the on-off valve 145 is open, and FIG.
FIGS. 28A and 28B are schematic views of the cut surface taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 27A as viewed from above. FIG. 28A shows a state in which the on-off valve is open, and FIG. 28B shows a state in which it is closed. Respectively.
The on-off valve 145 is a disc provided with an opening 150 having the same shape as that of the fuel path 15. When the opening / closing valve 145 is rotated around the rotation shaft 152, the opening shape of the fuel path 15 and the opening 150 overlap each other. The supply of liquid fuel can be controlled. 24 to 26 show specific examples in which the fuel storage unit 5 is a cartridge type, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fuel storage unit 5 is fixedly provided in the fuel cell body. It may be.

  As described above, the fuel storage unit 40 according to the present embodiment can always supply fuel stably regardless of the orientation of the fuel cell, and the remaining amount of liquid fuel can be obtained without requiring extra power or space. You can check the amount. Furthermore, a cartridge type that is detachable from the fuel cell main body may be used.

FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a specific structure of a fuel cell that can be used in the embodiment of the invention.
That is, the fuel cell of this specific example includes a fuel storage unit 40 including a first fuel storage unit 5 and a second fuel storage unit 10, a fuel electrode side current collector 100, a fuel side gas diffusion layer 50, a fuel The electrode 130, the electrolyte plate 70, the oxidant electrode 80, the oxidant side gas diffusion layer 90, the oxidant side current collector 120, and the moisturizing sheet 160 are laminated in this order. These elements are accommodated in the anode-side casing 65, and the upper part is protected by the cathode-side casing 60. A fuel supply port 30 and a fuel window 35 are provided on the side surface of the anode-side housing portion 65. A tank filled with a liquid fuel such as methanol is connected to the fuel supply port 30, and the liquid fuel is supplied to the first fuel storage unit 5 through the fuel supply port 30. The fuel reservoir 40 has a structure similar to that described above with respect to FIG.

Next, the power generation mechanism in the fuel cell of this example will be described.
First, the fuel electrode 130 side generates protons (H ⁺ ) and electrons (e ⁻ ) by a half reaction based on an electrochemical reaction of methanol and water represented by the following formula (1).

CH ₃ OH (l) + H ₂ O (l) → CO ₂ (g) ↑ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ (1)

Here, the methanol spontaneously moves in the porous or fibrous medium filled in the second fuel storage unit 10 using the capillary phenomenon as a driving force, and the opening provided in the fuel electrode side current collector 100. (Not shown) and supplied to the fuel electrode 130 via the fuel-side gas diffusion layer 50.

Correspondingly, on the oxidant electrode 80 side, oxygen is taken into the fuel cell system from the moisturizing sheet 160, and oxygen (O ₂ ) gas in the atmosphere is removed by a half reaction represented by the following formula (2). Electricity is generated by performing an electrochemical reaction with H ⁺ and e ⁻ from the fuel side.

3 / 2O ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ → 3H ₂ O (2)

The water (H ₂ O) generated by this electrochemical reaction passes through the electrolyte plate 70, moves to the fuel electrode 130, and is reused as fuel again in the half reaction based on the electrochemical reaction (1). It is possible.

Here, specific examples of the material of the main part constituting this fuel cell are listed below.
First, the fuel supply port 30 is made of thermoplastic polyester, and the porous medium filled in the second fuel storage unit 10 is, for example, porous polyester. The air permeability of the film is, for example, about 2 seconds / 100 cm ³ . The moisture permeability can be formed by setting it to about 4000 g / m ² · 24 h.
Further, the fuel electrode 130 can be formed using a platinum group element simple metal (for example, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir, Oa, Pd, etc.), an alloy having a white metal element, or the like. Although it is desirable to use a Pt—Ru alloy having high resistance to carbon, it is not limited to this. Further, a supported catalyst using a conductive support such as a carbon material can be used as the material of the fuel electrode 130.
For example, a fluorine resin having a sulfonic acid group, a hydrocarbon resin having a sulfonic acid group, an inorganic material such as tungstic acid or phosphotungstic acid, and the like can be used for the electrolyte plate 70, but the electrolyte plate 70 is not limited thereto. On the other hand, the oxidant electrode 80 includes a conductive carrier such as a carbon material such as a simple substance of a platinum group element (for example, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, Pd, etc.), an alloy containing the platinum group element. A supported catalyst using can also be used.

  The external dimensions of the fuel cell can be, for example, a plate shape having a length of about 75 mm × width: 60 mm × thickness: 5 mm.

  According to the present embodiment, in such a fuel cell, the fuel storage unit having the unique structure as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 28 is provided, so that the fuel is always stably supplied regardless of the direction of the fuel cell. And the filled liquid fuel can be used up. Moreover, by providing the fuel window 35, the remaining amount of liquid fuel can be confirmed visually and reliably.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples.
For example, the material, size, shape, arrangement relationship and the like of each element constituting the fuel cell and the fuel cell cartridge of the present invention include the gist of the present invention even if those skilled in the art have made appropriate changes. As long as it is included in the scope of the present invention.

  In addition, regarding the fuel window 35, those skilled in the art also appropriately determine the size, number, location, coloring, etc., or the shape, number, location, etc. of the fuel path, or the material, shape, etc. of each fuel storage section regarding the cartridge structure. Even modifications are included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention. Still further, the fuel used in the fuel cell is not necessarily limited to methanol, and can be, for example, ethanol, glucose, sugar, sucrose saccharides, and is not limited to liquid ones. A fuel using a solid fuel, a fluid fuel, a critical fluid fuel in a mixed state of a gas phase and a liquid phase, and the like are also included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a device provided with an auxiliary power supply other than the fuel cartridge is also included in the scope of the present invention.

It is (a) sectional drawing showing the 1st specific example of the fuel cartridge concerning this embodiment, and (b) The top view of the A-A 'line. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ′ of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing showing the basic composition of the fuel cell which can be used for this invention. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the supply path | route of the liquid fuel with respect to the mounting direction of the fuel cartridge concerning this embodiment. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the external appearance of the fuel cartridge concerning this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the concentration of liquid fuel in a second fuel storage unit 10 that can be used in the fuel cartridge 40 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the concentration of liquid fuel in another second fuel storage unit 10 that can be used in the fuel cartridge 40 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another second fuel storage unit 10 that can be used in the fuel cartridge 40 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another second fuel storage unit 10 that can be used in the fuel cartridge 40 according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the 1st specific example which the on-off valve provided in the fuel cartridge concerning this embodiment is opening and closing, (a) The state which is open, (b) The state which is closed is represented. . FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of FIG. 10, showing (a) an open state and (b) a closed state. It is sectional drawing which illustrates the 2nd example in which the on-off valve provided in the fuel cartridge concerning this embodiment is opening and closing, (a) The state which is open, (b) The state which is closed is represented. . 13 is a flowchart corresponding to the usage state shown in FIGS. It is sectional drawing showing the specific example of the usage pattern at the time of the attachment or detachment which can be used for the fuel cartridge concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the usage condition of the fuel cartridge of the specific example of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the recycling system using the usage type represented to FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a second specific example of the fuel cartridge according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′. FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line B-B ′ of FIG. It is (a) schematic diagram showing the 3rd specific example of the fuel cartridge concerning this embodiment, and (b) It is sectional drawing of A-A 'line. It is (a) schematic diagram showing the 4th specific example of the fuel cartridge concerning this embodiment, and (b) Sectional drawing of the A-A 'line. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third specific example in which an on-off valve provided in the fuel cartridge illustrated in FIG. 20 is opened and closed, showing (a) an open state and (b) a closed state. . FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth specific example of the fuel cartridge according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′. It is sectional drawing with which the fuel cell was mounted | worn using the fuel cartridge of FIG. 22 mentioned above. It is (a) schematic diagram showing the 6th specific example of the fuel cartridge which concerns on this embodiment, and (b) It is sectional drawing of A-A 'line. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view in which the fuel cartridge 40 of FIG. 23 described above is detached from the fuel cell main body. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a seventh specific example of the fuel cartridge 40 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′. FIG. 27 is a sectional view in which the fuel cartridge of FIG. 26 described above is mounted on a fuel cell main body. It is sectional drawing seen from the upper surface of the A-A 'line | wire of Fig.27 (a) mentioned above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which illustrates the specific structure of the fuel cell which can be used for embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Fuel storage part 7 Mounting surface 10 Fuel storage part 15 Fuel path 20 Fuel storage part housing | casing 23 Fuel cell connection part 25 Cartridge housing | casing 30 Fuel supply port 35 Fuel window 40 Fuel cartridge 45 Fuel supply part 50 Fuel side gas diffusion layer 55 Oxygen introduction part 60 Cathode side casing part 65 Anode side casing part 70 Electrolyte plate 80 Oxidant electrode 90 Oxidant side gas diffusion layer 110 Guide rail 115 Knob 125 Slide shutter 130 Fuel electrode 135 Diffuser 137 Diffusion layer 145 Casing 140 Spring 145 On-off valve 150 Moisturizing sheet 150 Opening 152 Rotating shaft 154 Stopper 160 Moisturizing sheet

Claims (10)

A fuel storage section for storing fuel;
A fuel supply unit for supplying fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit;
An oxygen introduction part for introducing oxygen from the outside;
A power generation unit that generates electric power from the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and oxygen supplied from the oxygen introduction unit;
With
The fuel storage unit
A first fuel storage unit having a cavity capable of storing liquid fuel, and having a transparent or translucent fuel window that allows the stored liquid fuel to be visually recognized from the outside;
Any one of the first fuel storage section extending between the first surface, the second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first surface and the second surface. And a second fuel storage unit that is continuously extended adjacent to each other and is filled with a medium that diffuses the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage unit,
A plurality of fuel paths provided between the first fuel storage unit and the second fuel storage unit, and through which the liquid fuel passes;
A fuel cell comprising:   2. The fuel path according to claim 1, wherein the fuel path is provided in each of the first surface, the second surface, and any one of the surfaces of the first fuel storage unit. The fuel cell as described. The cavity has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape,
3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fuel path is provided adjacent to each of the corners of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped. A fuel storage section for storing fuel;
A fuel supply unit for supplying fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit;
An oxygen introduction part for introducing oxygen from the outside;
A power generation unit that generates electric power from the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and oxygen supplied from the oxygen introduction unit;
With
The fuel storage unit
A first fuel storage unit having a cavity capable of storing liquid fuel, and having a transparent or translucent fuel window that allows the stored liquid fuel to be visually recognized from the outside;
A second fuel storage unit filled with a medium for diffusing the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage unit;
A fuel path provided between the first fuel storage unit and the second fuel storage unit and allowing the liquid fuel to pass therethrough;
Have
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the first fuel storage unit further includes a porous or fibrous diffusion layer laid on the inner wall of the cavity and connected to the medium via the fuel path.   5. The fuel cell cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the diffusion layer is laid over substantially the entire inner wall of the cavity excluding the fuel window. A fuel storage section for storing fuel;
A fuel supply unit for supplying fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit;
An oxygen introduction part for introducing oxygen from the outside;
A power generation unit that generates electric power from the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and oxygen supplied from the oxygen introduction unit;
With
The fuel storage unit
A first fuel storage unit having a cavity capable of storing liquid fuel, and having a transparent or translucent fuel window that allows the stored liquid fuel to be visually recognized from the outside;
A second fuel storage unit filled with a medium for diffusing the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage unit;
A plurality of fuel paths provided between the first fuel storage unit and the second fuel storage unit, and through which the liquid fuel passes;
Have
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the first fuel storage unit further includes a porous or fibrous diffuser protruding from each of the plurality of fuel paths into the cavity and connected to the medium.   The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein a tip of the diffuser reaches an inner wall of the cavity facing the fuel path. A fuel storage section for storing fuel;
A fuel supply unit for supplying fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit;
An oxygen introduction part for introducing oxygen from the outside;
A power generation unit that generates electric power from the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and oxygen supplied from the oxygen introduction unit;
With
The fuel storage unit
A first fuel storage unit having a cavity capable of storing liquid fuel, and having a transparent or translucent fuel window that allows the stored liquid fuel to be visually recognized from the outside;
A second fuel storage unit filled with a medium for diffusing the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel storage unit;
A fuel path provided between the first fuel storage unit and the second fuel storage unit and allowing the liquid fuel to pass therethrough;
Have
The first fuel storage section partitions the cavity and is provided so as to be movable, and a biasing means that is provided on the opposite side of the fuel path from the partition and applies a pressing force to the partition. And a fuel cell.   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a scale is provided at or near the fuel window. A fuel cell cartridge comprising the fuel storage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cartridge is detachable from the fuel supply unit.