JP2007173079A - Fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell for use with a portable equipment without need of heed taken of a direction it should be installed. <P>SOLUTION: In the fuel cell 150 provided with an electrolyte layer 114, a first electrode 110 fitted on a first main face of the electrolyte layer, a second electrode 116 fitted on a second main face of the electrolyte, a case 124 housing the electrolyte, the first electrode and the second electrode, a first reaction product fluid exhaust port 126 fitted to the case, and a second reaction fluid supply port 128 fitted to the case, the first reaction product exhaust port 126 is to be fitted at least on two faces of the case. Or, the first reaction product exhaust ports 128', 128" are to be fitted on a face on which the second reaction fluid supply port 128 is fitted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell, and more specifically to a fuel cell that is used in a portable device and does not require consideration of the installation direction.

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

Among them, solid polymer fuel cells are characterized by low operating temperature and high output density compared to other types of fuel cells. In particular, as a form of solid polymer fuel cells, direct methanol A fuel cell (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell: DMFC) is attracting attention. In DMFC, an aqueous methanol solution as a fuel is directly supplied to the anode without modification, and electric power is obtained by an electrochemical reaction between the aqueous methanol solution and oxygen, and carbon dioxide is emitted from the anode to the cathode by this electrochemical reaction. The product water is discharged as a reaction product. Aqueous methanol solution has higher energy per unit volume than hydrogen, and is suitable for storage and has a low risk of explosion, so it can be used in automobiles and mobile devices (cell phones, notebook personal computers, PDAs, MP3 players, Use for power sources such as digital cameras or electronic dictionaries (books) is expected.
JP 2005-1000083 A

  The planar fuel cell as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is particularly expected to be used for portable devices that are required to be small and light, but when the anode is formed on the main surface below the electrolyte layer, In addition, carbon dioxide, which is a reaction product from the anode, stays in the anode and has problems such as reducing the reaction efficiency.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell that does not need to consider the direction in which the fuel cell is installed in a portable device.

  To achieve the above object, a fuel cell of the present invention is provided with an electrolyte layer and a first main surface of the electrolyte layer, supplied with a liquid first reaction fluid, and a gas first reaction product. A second electrode provided on the second main surface of the electrolyte layer and supplied with a second reaction fluid, an electrolyte layer, the first electrode, and the second electrode. A housing to be housed, a first reaction product fluid discharge port provided in the housing for discharging the first reaction product from the first electrode, and provided in the housing to the second electrode. A fuel cell comprising a second reaction fluid supply port for supplying a second reaction fluid, wherein the first reaction product discharge port is provided on at least two surfaces of the housing. Alternatively, in the same fuel cell, the first reaction product discharge port is provided on a surface on which the second reaction fluid supply port is provided.

  Here, the liquid first reaction fluid may be an alcohol containing methanol, an aqueous solution thereof, or a substance such as formic acid, and the gaseous first reaction product may be carbon dioxide. On the other hand, air (oxygen in the air) is generally used as the second reaction fluid on the earth, but in places such as rockets and submarines, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide supplied from oxygen cylinders are also included. Conceivable.

  In a fuel cell using such a reaction fluid, by providing the first reaction product discharge port on at least two surfaces of the housing, for example, the user can provide the first reaction product discharge port of the housing. Even if the fuel cell is placed so as to block the one surface, the first reaction product can be discharged from the other surface, so that the first reaction product stays in the first electrode. The fuel cell reaction efficiency can be prevented from being lowered, and the user of this fuel cell can use it without considering the direction in which the fuel cell is installed. Also, by providing the first reaction product discharge port on the same surface as the second reaction fluid supply port, for example, the user can provide the second reaction fluid supply port of the housing. Even if the fuel cell is placed so as to close the surface, the second reaction fluid is not supplied to the fuel cell, so that the power generation of the fuel cell is not performed and the first reaction product is not generated. Therefore, the user of this fuel cell can use it without considering the direction of installing the fuel cell.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell according to the first or second aspect, a member having gas permeability and liquid impermeability is disposed at the first reaction product outlet. Here, the gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable member is a member that selectively transmits a gas component but does not allow a liquid component to pass therethrough, and is a fine material composed of a fluorine-based synthetic resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene. It is considered that a planar fill having a perforated hole is suitable. Thus, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, only the gaseous reaction product can be discharged to the outside of the fuel cell, and the liquid reaction fluid can be held inside the fuel cell.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first reaction fluid chamber in which at least two opposing surfaces have a substantially parallel shape and holds the first reaction fluid. It is characterized by providing. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first reaction fluid chamber is provided on one of the substantially parallel surfaces, the electrolyte layer, the first electrode, and the first electrode. A recess that can accommodate the two electrodes, and one surface of the first reaction fluid chamber and the surface of the housing on which the second reaction fluid supply port is provided form the same surface. Features. Here, the shape in which at least two opposing surfaces are substantially parallel is a rectangular parallelepiped (cube), a cylinder, and a chamfered corner or side thereof, and an inclination of less than 10 ° in consideration of usability and design. Any shape having two substantially parallel surfaces as an allowable range may be used. A concave portion is provided on one surface, and a so-called MEA portion is fitted into the concave portion so that one surface of the first reaction fluid chamber and the surface on which the second reaction fluid supply port is provided are flush with each other. Therefore, the volume of the first reaction fluid chamber can be increased as much as possible in designing the miniaturization of the fuel cell. In addition to the effect of the fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Long-term power generation becomes possible.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fuel cell which does not need to consider the direction to install can be provided.

  A basic configuration of the fuel cell 50 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a fuel cell 50 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view when the casing 24a on the anode side of the fuel cell 50 is removed. In the present embodiment, the fuel cell 50 is a DMFC in which an aqueous methanol solution or pure methanol (hereinafter referred to as “methanol fuel”) is supplied to the anode 10. A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) 12 that is a power generation unit is formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane 14 between an anode 10 and a cathode 16.

The methanol fuel supplied to the anode 10 is supplied from the outside of the fuel cell 50 to the fuel chamber 22 through the methanol fuel supply hole 20. Each fuel chamber 22 is in communication, and is supplied to each anode 10 from methanol fuel stored in each fuel chamber 22. At the anode 10, methanol reaction as shown in the formula (1) occurs, H ⁺ moves to the cathode 16 through the electrolyte membrane 14, and electric power is taken out.

式（１）からも明らかなように、この反応により、アノード１０からは二酸化炭素が発生する。そこで、燃料室２２と、燃料電池５０のアノード側の筐体２４ａに設けられたアノード側生成物排出孔２６との間には、気液分離フィルタ３０を配置する。

As is clear from the equation (1), carbon dioxide is generated from the anode 10 by this reaction. Therefore, the gas-liquid separation filter 30 is disposed between the fuel chamber 22 and the anode-side product discharge hole 26 provided in the anode-side casing 24 a of the fuel cell 50.

  The gas-liquid separation filter 30 is a planar filter having fine pores that selectively transmit a gas component but not a liquid component, and is composed of polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, tetrafluoro, and the like. Ethylene-ethylene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer Polymer (E / TFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), chlorotrifluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (E / CTFE), perfluorocyclic polymer, or polyvinyl fluoride Fluorine-based synthetic resins such as Ride (PVF) are suitable as a material for the gas-liquid separation filter 30 because they have methanol (alcohol) resistance.

  The casing 24 is made of a lightweight, rigid, and corrosion-resistant material. Specifically, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, glass epoxy resin, silicon resin, cellulose, nylon, polyamideimide, Polyallylamide, polyallyl ether ketone, polyimide, polyurethane, polyether imide, polyether ether ketone, polyether ketone ether ketone ketone, polyether ketone ketone, polyether sulfone, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, Polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, polyglycolic acid, polydimethylsiloxane, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphthalaldehyde De, polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, synthetic resins such as rigid polyvinyl chloride or aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, a metal such as stainless steel is suitable. Further, tempered glass or skeleton resin may be used. And like the gas-liquid separation filter 30, the casing 24 also has a portion that comes into contact with the methanol fuel. Therefore, particularly in the portion that comes into contact with the methanol fuel, a composite in which the synthetic resin or the metal is overlapped with a fluorine-based synthetic resin. Use materials. Further, reference numeral 32 denotes a support member 32 that forms the fuel chamber 22 and fastens the MEA 12, and the support member 32 may also be made of the same material as that of the portion of the housing 24 that contacts the methanol fuel.

In the present embodiment, the MEA 12 uses Nafion 115 (manufactured by Dupont) as the electrolyte membrane 14, and Pt-Ru black and a 5 wt% Nafion solution (manufactured by DuPont) are mixed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane 14. The anode 10 was formed by applying an anode catalyst paste, and the cathode 16 was formed by applying a cathode catalyst paste in which Pt black and a 5 wt% Nafion solution (manufactured by DuPont) were mixed on the other surface. In this embodiment, Nafion 115 is used for the electrolyte membrane 14. However, the electrolyte membrane 14 may be an electrolyte membrane having a thickness of 50 to 200 μm having ion conductivity, and methanol fuel is used as the fuel as in this embodiment. In the case of the DMFC using the electrolyte membrane, an electrolyte membrane that can suppress a phenomenon called so-called cross leak in which methanol permeates the electrolyte membrane 14 and moves to the cathode side is still desirable. Moreover, although the method of forming the anode 10 and the cathode 16 on the electrolyte membrane 14 was adopted, the production method may be a configuration and a method of forming a catalyst layer on an electrode substrate such as carbon paper. Furthermore, if the catalyst has a catalytic function to generate H ⁺ from methanol or water from H ⁺ and oxygen, it is not particles made of Pt—Ru or Pt (Pt—Ru black or Pt black). Alternatively, catalyst-supported carbon in which a catalyst is supported on carbon may be used.

Air is supplied to the cathode 16 through the cathode-side product discharge hole 28, and the H ⁺ that has moved to the cathode 16 through the electrolyte membrane 14 and oxygen in the air are expressed by the formula (2). Reaction occurs, and water is produced.

カソード１６へ空気を供給すると共に、カソ−ド１６からの生成水を排出するカソード側生成物排出孔２８は、アノード側生成物排出孔２６と総面積としては同等になるように設けられているが、アノード側生成物排出孔２６よりも径の小さい孔を多数配している。また、カソード側生成物排出孔２８の内壁およびカソード側生成物排出孔２８が設けられている部分のカソード側の筐体２４ｂ表面は、酸化チタンなどの光触媒を含む機能性コーティング材にて被覆されている。小さい孔を多数配することにより、カソード１６より排出される生成水が滴下する虞がなく、また、内壁に機能性コーティング材を被覆することにより、生成水が孔を塞ぐことなく、内壁表面に薄く広がって蒸発しやすくなると共に、微生物の繁殖などを防ぐことができる。この機能性コーティング材には、燃料電池５０に、太陽光など光触媒が機能する特定の波長を含む光が照射されないときにも、有機物分解機能あるいは抗菌機能が作用するように、銀、銅、亜鉛などの金属が含まれていると良い。さらに、筐体２４の表面全体に、機能性コーティング材を被覆すれば、燃料電池５０の利用者が、燃料電池５０に触ることにより付着する有機物を分解し、燃料電池５０に防汚機能あるいは抗菌機能を付与することができる。

The cathode side product discharge hole 28 for supplying air to the cathode 16 and discharging the generated water from the cathode 16 is provided so as to have the same total area as the anode side product discharge hole 26. However, a large number of holes having a diameter smaller than that of the anode-side product discharge hole 26 are arranged. Further, the inner wall of the cathode side product discharge hole 28 and the surface of the cathode side housing 24b where the cathode side product discharge hole 28 is provided are covered with a functional coating material containing a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide. ing. By arranging a large number of small holes, there is no risk that the generated water discharged from the cathode 16 will drip, and by covering the inner wall with a functional coating material, the generated water does not block the holes and the inner wall surface is covered. It spreads thinly and is easy to evaporate, and can prevent the growth of microorganisms. This functional coating material is silver, copper, zinc so that the organic substance decomposition function or the antibacterial function acts even when the fuel cell 50 is not irradiated with light including a specific wavelength such as sunlight where the photocatalyst functions. It is good that metal such as is included. Further, if the entire surface of the casing 24 is covered with a functional coating material, the user of the fuel cell 50 decomposes the organic matter adhering to the fuel cell 50 by touching it, and the fuel cell 50 has an antifouling function or antibacterial function. Functions can be added.

  In order to prevent methanol fuel from flowing from the anode 10 to the cathode 16, O-rings 34 (an anode-side O-ring 34 a and a cathode-side O-ring 34 c) are arranged so as to surround the plurality of MEAs 12. In the present embodiment, the fuel is pressed by the casing 24c on the cathode side and the support member 32 to prevent methanol fuel from flowing from the anode 10 to the cathode 16, and also to prevent oxygen from flowing into the anode 10. Yes. The O-ring 34 is preferably one having flexibility and corrosion resistance. Natural rubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, urethane rubber, silicon rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene / propylene rubber, fluorine rubber, chloroprene rubber, isobutylene. Rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, acrylonitrile / butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, urethane rubber, etc. are suitable for the material.

  In addition to the above configuration, although not shown in the figure, porous Teflon (which allows air and generated water to circulate between the cathode 16 and the casing 24c on the cathode side so that the user does not contact the cathode 16). It is recommended to insert a registered trademark sheet. Alternatively, the diameter of the cathode-side product discharge hole 28 and the thickness of the casing 24 in the portion where the cathode-side product discharge hole 28 is provided are adjusted. It is possible to design the housing so that the user does not touch the cathode 16 even if the user touches the surface of the housing 24 of the fuel cell 50. Furthermore, providing a lid that covers the portion where the cathode-side product discharge hole 28 is provided prevents the MEA 12, in particular, the electrolyte membrane 14 from drying while the fuel cell 50 is stopped. It is possible to prevent an organic matter such as dust or bacteria (mold) from entering the 16 side. If this lid is a sliding lid, it can be provided without taking up space.

  In the present embodiment, the fuel chamber 22 is described as a space filled with methanol fuel. However, a three-dimensional porous body (fuel absorber) such as a sponge that absorbs methanol fuel is inserted into the fuel chamber 22. May be. Examples of such a fuel absorber include nylon, polyester, rayon, cotton, polyester / rayon, polyester / acryl, fiber woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, felt, and the like. By inserting a fuel absorber into the fuel chamber 22, a capillary phenomenon occurs, and methanol fuel is uniformly supplied to the anode 10 regardless of the direction (posture) in which the fuel cell 50 is installed. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the housing 24 is coated with a functional coating material including a photocatalyst has been described. However, the surface of the housing 24 is coated with a metal such as silver, copper, zinc, or the housing 24. The antibacterial function can be secured at least by mixing a metal such as silver, copper, or zinc into the material forming the film.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A ′ in FIG. 1, schematically showing the internal structure of the fuel cell 150 of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of anodes (110a, 110b, 110c,...) 110 and a plurality of cathodes (116a, 116b, 116c,...) 116 so as to face these anodes are formed on one electrolyte membrane 114. Each MEA 112 is connected in series by connecting, for example, the anode 110a and the cathode 116b by a wiring (not shown) or the like.

  The feature of this embodiment is that not only the position where the anode-side product discharge hole 126 faces the anode 110 via the fuel chamber 122 of the anode-side casing 124a, but also the side surface of the casing 124 and the support member 132 are provided. This is the point. All anode-side product discharge holes 126 are provided with a gas-liquid separation filter 130, and as described above, gaseous components such as carbon dioxide generated from the anode 110 are selectively permeated and discharged, and methanol fuel Such liquid components do not permeate and can be held in the fuel chamber 122. By providing the anode-side product discharge hole 126 in the support member 132 and further providing the cathode-side product discharge hole 128 in a region outside the cathode-side O-ring 134c of the cathode-side housing 124c as shown in FIG. Among the cathode side product discharge holes, 128 ′ and 128 ″ serve to discharge gas components generated from the anode 110.

  With the above-described configuration, even if the fuel cell 150 is disposed so that the anode 110 is positioned on the upper surface of the electrolyte membrane 114, the fuel cell 150 is disposed so that the cathode 116 is positioned on the upper surface of the electrolyte membrane 114. However, the reaction product from the anode 110 can be discharged without staying in the anode 110 or the fuel chamber 122, and the anode-side product discharge hole 126 is also provided on the side surface of the casing 124. Even if the fuel cell 150 is arranged in such a direction that the membrane 114 stands vertically, a reaction product from the anode 110 can be discharged without staying in the anode 110 or the fuel chamber 122. Therefore, in the fuel cell 150 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to consider the installation direction.

  In addition, a housing is provided outside the casing 124 (particularly the anode-side casing 124a), and the reaction product discharged from the anode-side product discharge hole 126 is discharged to the outside of the housing from a fluid circulation hole provided in the housing. You may be made to do. By providing the housing outside the casing 124, the strength of the fuel cell 150 can be improved, and if a gas-liquid separation filter is provided in the fluid circulation hole, methanol fuel leakage from the fuel chamber 122 can be more effectively prevented. Can be prevented. Further, if the fluid circulation hole is provided on the cathode side product discharge hole 128 side, the air around the cathode side product discharge hole 128 is agitated by the discharge flow of the reaction product, and air is easily supplied to the cathode 116. .

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A ′ in FIG. 1 schematically showing the internal structure of the fuel cell 250 of the present embodiment. Also in this embodiment, a plurality of anodes (210a, 210b, 210c,...) 210 and a plurality of cathodes (216a, 216b, 216c,...) 216 so as to face these anodes are formed on one electrolyte membrane 214. Each MEA 212 is connected in series by connecting, for example, the anode 210a and the cathode 216b by a wiring or the like (not shown).

  The feature of this embodiment is that the fuel chamber 222 is provided in a U-shape in cross section so as to surround the MEA 212, and the anode-side product discharge hole 226 is provided in the fuel of the anode-side casing 224a. This is that the anode 210 is provided not only at a position facing the anode 210 through the chamber 222 but also on the side surface of the housing 224 and the same surface as the cathode-side product discharge hole 228. All anode-side product discharge holes 226 are provided with a gas-liquid separation filter 230, and as in Example 1, gaseous components such as carbon dioxide generated from the anode 210 are selectively permeated and discharged, Liquid components such as methanol fuel do not permeate and can be held in the fuel chamber 222.

  With the above-described configuration, even if the fuel cell 250 is arranged so that the anode 210 is located on the upper surface of the electrolyte membrane 214, the fuel cell 250 is arranged so that the cathode 216 is located on the upper surface of the electrolyte membrane 214. However, even if the fuel cell 250 is arranged in such a direction that the electrolyte membrane 214 stands vertically, the reaction product from the anode 210 can be discharged without staying in the anode 210 or the fuel chamber 222. . Therefore, in the fuel cell 250 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to consider the installation direction, and the capacity of the fuel chamber 222 can be increased by the amount of the protruding portion of the fuel chamber 222 surrounding the MEA 212. Therefore, the operation time of the fuel cell 250 can be lengthened.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an external appearance when the fuel cell 350 of the present embodiment is applied to a notebook personal computer (notebook PC) 360. In this embodiment, the methanol fuel supplied to the anode 310 is supplied from the fuel cartridge 352 provided on one side of the fuel cell 350 to the fuel chamber 322 through the methanol fuel supply hole 320. In this embodiment, the housing 324 (particularly the main surface of the housing 324a) is not provided with the anode-side product discharge holes as in Embodiments 1 and 2, and the opening provided in the housing 324 is the cathode-side product discharge hole. 328. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ′ in FIG. 5 schematically showing the internal structure of the fuel cell 350 of the present embodiment. Also in this embodiment, a plurality of anodes (310a, 310b, 310c,...) 310 and a plurality of cathodes (316a, 316b, 316c,...) 316 so as to face these anodes are formed on one electrolyte membrane 314. Each MEA 312 is connected in series by connecting, for example, the anode 310a and the cathode 316b by a wiring or the like (not shown).

  As described above, the present embodiment is characterized in that the anode-side product discharge hole 326 is not provided at a position of the anode-side housing 324a facing the anode 310 via the fuel chamber 322. The anode-side product discharge hole 326 is provided on the side surface of the housing 324 depending on the height of the support member 332 and the fuel chamber 322, and the gas-liquid separation filter 330 is provided in all the anode-side product discharge holes 326. The gas component such as carbon dioxide generated from the anode 310 is selectively discharged, and the liquid component such as methanol fuel is held in the fuel chamber 322. Similar to Example 1, by providing a cathode-side product discharge hole 328 in a region outside the cathode-side O-ring 334c of the cathode-side housing 324c, among the cathode-side product discharge holes, 328 'and 328 " Serves to discharge the gas component generated from the anode. At this time, the path for discharging the gas component generated from the anode 310, such as the cathode side product discharge holes 328 ′ and 328 ″, is active in oxidizing the fuel. By filling a metal-based catalyst or activated carbon capable of adsorbing fuel vapor, zeolite, sepiolite, mordenite and the like that can remove or adsorb fuel, methanol fuel leakage from the fuel chamber 322 can be more effectively prevented. it can.

  With the configuration as described above, the reaction product from the anode 310 is discharged from the cathode product discharge hole 328. Therefore, depending on the application for supplying the power generated by the fuel cell 350 such as the notebook PC 360, the fuel cell 350 Even when one main surface is blocked, the oxidizing agent (air) can be supplied to the cathode 316 and the reaction products from the anode 310 and the cathode 316 can be discharged. Further, when the cathode product discharge hole 328 is also blocked, the oxidant is not supplied to the cathode 316, so that the fuel cell 350 cannot generate power and the reaction product needs to be discharged from the anode 310 and the cathode 316. Nor. Therefore, in the fuel cell 350 of the present embodiment, there is no need to consider the installation direction.

  In addition, as a modification of the fuel cell 350, a configuration such as a fuel cell 350 (a) or a fuel cell 350 (b) shown in FIG. In the case of the fuel cell 350 (a), the same material as the cathode 316 (Pt black and 5 wt% Nafion solution (DuPont company) 316x) The anode side product discharge hole 326 is not provided on the side surface of the housing 324, and the anode side product discharge hole 326 provided in the support member 332 is gas-liquid separated. A filter 330 is disposed to selectively discharge gas components such as carbon dioxide generated from the anode 310, and liquid components such as methanol fuel are held in the fuel chamber 322. In the case of the fuel cell 350 (b). The cathode 310 is not provided with the cathode-side O-ring 334c, and the cathode 310 (here, 316a and 316c) on the outer peripheral portion is opposed to the anode 310. Similarly to the fuel cell 350 (a), the anode-side product discharge hole 326 is not provided on the side surface of the housing 324, and the anode-side product discharge hole 326 provided in the support member 332 is gas-liquid. A separation filter 330 is arranged to selectively discharge gas components such as carbon dioxide generated from the anode 310 and hold liquid components such as methanol fuel in the fuel chamber 322. Fuel cell 350 (a) or (b ), The number of materials or parts constituting the fuel cell 350 can be reduced, and the fuel cell 350 can be provided at a lower cost.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing an external appearance when the fuel cell 450 of this embodiment is applied to the mobile phone 470. In this embodiment, the methanol fuel supplied to the anode 410 is supplied from the fuel cartridge 452 provided on one side of the fuel cell 450 to the fuel chamber 422 through the methanol fuel supply hole 420. 8 shows a housing 454 constituting the fuel cell 450 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the main portion of the fuel cell 450 provided inside the housing 454 is shown in FIG. The configuration is the same as that of the fuel cell 150 of Example 1. Therefore, the description of the internal configuration of the main body portion of the fuel cell 450 is omitted, but this main body portion is not limited to the fuel cell 150 of the first embodiment, and may be the fuel cell of the second or third embodiment. It may not be the fuel cell of the invention.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ in FIG. 8 schematically showing the internal structure of the fuel cell 450 of this embodiment. The feature of this embodiment is that the opening 456 s is formed on the side surface of the housing 454. An air supply pump 458 is provided inside the opening 456s. The air supply pump 458 takes outside air (air) from the outside of the fuel cell 450 (housing 454) and introduces it into the fuel cell 450. The air taken in by the air feed pump 458 flows through the air flow passage 460 and the air flow hole 462 in order, and is introduced into the air flow passage 464 provided in the gap between the housing 424 and the housing 454. The air introduced into the air flow passage 464 is supplied to the cathode 416 via the cathode side product discharge hole 428, and the reaction product discharged from the cathode 416 passes through the cathode side product discharge hole 428 and the air flow passage 464. Then, the fuel is discharged from the opening 456f to the outside of the fuel cell 450 (housing 454).

  That is, by providing the air supply pump 458, the opening 456s, the air flow passage 460, the air flow hole 462, the air flow passage 464, the cathode side product discharge hole 428, the cathode 416, the cathode side product discharge hole 428, the air A flow of air (oxidant) such as the flow passage 464 and the opening 456f can be created in a predetermined direction. The reaction product discharged from the anode 410 is also discharged through the anode-side product discharge hole 426 and the cathode-side product discharge holes 428 ′ and 428 ″ to ride on the air flow and discharged from the opening 456f. Since the fluid can flow in a predetermined direction around the body portion of the fuel cell 450, the oxidant intake air or the reaction product can be smoothly exhausted. Since the fluid (heat medium) can flow, the effect of cooling the fuel chamber 422 can be obtained by using a material having good thermal conductivity for the casing 424 (particularly, the anode-side casing 424a).

  In FIG. 8, the fuel cell 450 is arranged in the vicinity of the hinge part 470h of the mobile phone 470 in consideration of the balance of the center of gravity, but the arrangement is not limited to this, and the fuel cell 450 is arranged in the vicinity of the microphone part 470m. May be. In this case, the opening 456f in FIG. 8 is provided on the side surface of the housing 454 in the vicinity of the hinge portion 470h, and the reaction product discharged from the anode 410 and the cathode 416 is near the microphone portion 470m (that is, the mobile phone 470). If it is in use, it will be discharged from a location far from the vicinity of the human mouth), and the influence of the reaction product on the human body can be made smaller and safety can be ensured.

  The present invention is not limited to DMFC but can be used for a fuel cell for portable devices. In particular, a liquid is supplied as a fuel to be supplied to the anode or an oxidant to be supplied to the cathode, and a reaction product thereof is supplied from the anode or the cathode. The present invention can be used in a fuel cell of a type in which substances having greatly different specific gravities (densitys) such as gas are discharged in and out of the electrode.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a fuel cell according to the present invention. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing which represented typically the internal structure of the fuel cell which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which represented typically the internal structure of the fuel cell which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is the perspective view which represented typically the external appearance when the fuel cell which concerns on Example 3 of this invention is applied to a notebook type personal computer. It is sectional drawing which represented typically the internal structure of the fuel cell which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which represented typically the internal structure of the fuel cell which concerns on the modification of Example 3 of this invention. It is the perspective view which represented typically the external appearance when the fuel cell which concerns on Example 4 of this invention is applied to a mobile phone. It is sectional drawing which represented typically the internal structure of the fuel cell which concerns on Example 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 110, 210, 310, 410 Anode 12, 112, 212, 312, 412 MEA (cell)
14, 114, 214, 314, 414 Electrolyte membrane (electrolyte layer)
16, 116, 216, 316, 416 Cathode 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 Methanol fuel supply hole 22, 122, 222, 322, 422 Fuel chamber 24, 124, 224, 324, 424 Housing 26, 126, 226 326, 426 Anode-side product discharge hole 28, 128, 228, 328, 428 Cathode-side product discharge hole 30, 130, 230, 330, 430 Gas-liquid separation filter 32, 132, 232, 332, 432 Support member 34 , 134, 234, 334, 434 O-ring 50, 150, 250, 350, 450 Fuel cell 352, 452 Fuel cartridge 360 Notebook personal computer 454 Housing 456 Opening 458 Air supply pump 460, 464 Air flow passage 462 Air flow hole 470 mobile Story

Claims (5)

An electrolyte layer; a first electrode provided on a first main surface of the electrolyte layer; supplied with a liquid first reaction fluid to generate a gas first reaction product; and a first electrode of the electrolyte layer. 2, a second electrode to which a second reaction fluid is supplied, a case in which the electrolyte layer, the first electrode, and the second electrode are housed, and the case A first reaction product fluid outlet for discharging the first reaction product from the first electrode, and the second reaction fluid provided in the housing and to the second electrode. A second reaction fluid supply port for supplying
The fuel cell, wherein the first reaction product discharge port is provided on at least two surfaces of the casing. An electrolyte layer; a first electrode provided on a first main surface of the electrolyte layer; supplied with a liquid first reaction fluid to generate a gas first reaction product; and a first electrode of the electrolyte layer. 2, a second electrode to which a second reaction fluid is supplied, a case in which the electrolyte layer, the first electrode, and the second electrode are housed, and the case A first reaction product fluid outlet for discharging the first reaction product from the first electrode, and the second reaction fluid provided in the housing and to the second electrode. A second reaction fluid supply port for supplying
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the first reaction product discharge port is provided on a surface on which the second reaction fluid supply port is provided. The fuel cell according to claim 1 or 2,
A fuel cell comprising a gas permeable member and a liquid impervious member disposed at the first reaction product outlet. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A fuel cell comprising a first reaction fluid chamber for holding the first reaction fluid while at least two opposing surfaces have a substantially parallel shape. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein
The first reaction fluid chamber has a recess provided in one of two substantially parallel surfaces and capable of accommodating the electrolyte layer, the first electrode, and the second electrode;
1. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein one surface of the first reaction fluid chamber and the surface of the housing on which the second reaction fluid supply port is provided form the same surface.

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