JP2008059942A - Fuel battery module, and fuel battery - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel battery module easy to manufacture, a fuel battery capable of housing the fuel battery module, and a vehicle capable of loading the fuel battery. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of tube-type fuel battery cells 50, 50, ...and a case member housing the plurality of tube-type cells 50, 50, ...are provided. The case member consists of a first case member 10 and a second case member 20, and is provided with a fuel battery module with the plurality of tube-type fuel battery cells 50, 50, ...arranged in plane in parallel in a row. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell module, a fuel cell, and a vehicle, and more particularly to a fuel cell module that can be easily manufactured, a fuel cell that can accommodate the fuel cell module, and a vehicle on which the fuel cell can be mounted.

  A fuel cell has a membrane electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as “MEA (Membrane Electrode)” including an electrolyte layer (hereinafter referred to as “electrolyte membrane”) and electrodes (anode and cathode) respectively disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. The electrical energy generated by the electrochemical reaction in “Assembly)” is taken out to the outside through current collectors arranged on both sides of the MEA. Among fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells (hereinafter referred to as “PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell)”) used in household cogeneration systems and automobiles can be operated at low temperatures. It is. In addition, PEFC has attracted attention as an optimal power source for electric vehicles and portable power sources because of its high energy conversion efficiency, short start-up time, and small and lightweight system.

  For the purpose of improving the amount of power generation per unit volume, etc., research on a PEFC having a single cell columnar shape (hereinafter referred to as “tube type PEFC”) has been underway in recent years. Tube type PEFC unit cells (hereinafter referred to as “tube type fuel cells”) are generally disposed on a hollow electrolyte membrane and on the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, respectively. A hollow MEA including a catalyst layer. For example, an electrochemical reaction is caused by supplying a hydrogen-containing gas to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA and an oxygen-containing gas to the outer peripheral surface side, and the electric energy generated by this electrochemical reaction is converted into the inner energy of the MEA. It is taken out to the outside through current collectors arranged on the peripheral surface side and the outer peripheral surface side, respectively. That is, in the tube type PEFC, one reaction gas (for example, hydrogen-containing gas) is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA provided in each tube type fuel cell, and the other reaction gas (for example, oxygen-containing gas) is provided on the outer peripheral surface side. ) Is taken out, so that the reaction gas supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of two adjacent unit cells can be made the same. Therefore, according to the tube type PEFC, a separator that has gas shielding performance in the conventional flat plate type PEFC is not required, and it is easy to reduce the size of the unit cell.

As a technique related to such a tube-type PEFC, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cell module having a pair of electrodes provided on the inner surface and the outer surface of a hollow electrolyte membrane and a current collector that contacts the pair of electrodes, respectively. A fuel cell in which a plurality of cell cartridges are accommodated in an outer container, wherein the cell cartridge electrically connects two or more cell modules, a fixing portion for fixing the cell modules, and a current collector of the cell modules. A module connection unit for connecting the cell module, a positive output unit and a negative output unit for integrating the positive and negative electrodes of the connected cell modules, respectively, and the outer container includes a storage unit for storing two or more cell cartridges. A cartridge connecting portion for electrically connecting the positive electrode output portion and the negative electrode output portion of the accommodated cell cartridge, and the connected cell A fuel cell comprising a positive electrode output terminal and a negative electrode output terminal for respectively integrating a positive electrode output portion and a negative electrode output portion of a cartridge, wherein two or more cell cartridges are accommodated in the accommodating portion of the outer container. It is disclosed. According to Patent Document 1, the fuel cell of the above-described form is excellent in maintenance and management because it does not require time and labor for assembly and disassembly. Patent Document 1 shows a cell cartridge including a plurality of cell modules arranged three-dimensionally.
JP 2005-353494 A Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2002-539587 JP-A-9-223507

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, if a plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in a three-dimensional manner in the case, it is difficult to position the tube-type fuel cells, and the tubes are arranged in a three-dimensional manner. In addition, since it is difficult to reliably seal all the tube-type fuel cells, there is a problem that manufacturing is difficult. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to repair or replace the fuel cell.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the fuel cell module which can be manufactured easily, the fuel cell which can accommodate the said fuel cell module, and the vehicle which can mount the said fuel cell.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following means. That is,
A first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of tube-type fuel cells and a case member that accommodates the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, and the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in parallel and in a plane. The fuel cell module is arranged.

  Here, the tubular fuel cell provided in the fuel cell module of the present invention has a hollow shape having a hollow electrolyte membrane and a pair of catalyst layers respectively provided on the inner peripheral surface side and the outer peripheral surface side of the electrolyte membrane. The current collectors are respectively disposed on the inner peripheral surface side and the outer peripheral surface side of the MEA. Then, by supplying a reducing agent (or oxidizing agent) on the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA and an oxidizing agent (or reducing agent) on the outer peripheral surface side of the MEA, an electrochemical reaction is caused, and the electrochemical reaction The electric energy generated by is taken out through the current collector. Specific examples of the reducing agent supplied to the MEA include a hydrogen-containing gas and the like, and specific examples of the oxidizing agent supplied to the MEA include an oxygen-containing gas and the like. Furthermore, in the present invention, “the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in parallel and in a plane” means that the plurality of tube-type fuel cells connected in parallel are two-dimensionally (planar). ) In a row. The same applies to the following present invention.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the case member is provided with the first case member and the second case member, and at least the center part of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells is sandwiched between the first case member and the second case member. It is preferred that

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention (including modifications, the same applies hereinafter), it is preferable that the first case member is formed of a conductive member and the second case member is formed of an insulating member.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first case member is provided with a concave portion in which an adhesive capable of bonding and fixing the first case member and the plurality of tubular fuel cells is disposed.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the second case member is provided with a recess in which an adhesive capable of adhering and fixing the second case member and the plurality of tubular fuel cells is disposed.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, a first end case member capable of accommodating one end side of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, and a second end member capable of accommodating the other end side of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells. An end case member is provided in the case member, and the first case member, the first end case member and the second end case member are connected to each other, and the second case member and the first end case member are connected to each other. And the second end case member are connected, the central portions of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are sandwiched by the first case member and the second case member, and the one end side of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells is the first It is preferable that the other end side of the plurality of tubular fuel cells is accommodated in the second end case member while being accommodated in the one end case member.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, the case member is provided with first permissible means capable of allowing a difference in thermal expansion / contraction between the thermal expansion / contraction of the plurality of tubular fuel cells and the thermal expansion / contraction of the case member. Is preferred.

  Here, the “first permissible means” is means capable of suppressing deformation of the plurality of tubular fuel cells due to the difference between the thermal expansion / contraction of the plurality of tubular fuel cells and the thermal expansion / contraction of the case member. If it is, it will not specifically limit. As a specific form example of the first permissible means, the case member in the fuel cell module of the present invention is configured by dividing the case member and connecting the divided case members, The form etc. which provide the clearance gap which can accept | permit the said thermal expansion / contraction difference in a connection part can be mentioned.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, each of the first case member and the second case member is configured to be split and connectable, and by connecting the split case member and the other case member, It is preferable that a difference in thermal expansion and contraction is allowed.

  Here, “each of the first case member and the second case member is configured to be divided and connectable, and one divided case member and another case member are connected” means, for example, the first case When the member is divided into the first member and the second member, and the second case member is divided into the third member and the fourth member, the divided first member and the second member The first case member is configured by connecting the two members, and the second case member is configured by connecting the divided third member and fourth member.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion of the divided first case member and / or the connecting portion of the divided second case member is provided with an allowable portion that can allow a difference in thermal expansion and contraction. It is preferable.

  Here, "the connecting portion of the divided first case member and / or the connecting portion of the divided second case member is provided with an allowable portion capable of allowing a difference in thermal expansion and contraction", for example, When the first case member is divided into the first member and the second member, and the second case member is divided into the third member and the fourth member, the divided first member A configuration in which a permissible portion (for example, a gap or the like; the same applies hereinafter) capable of allowing a thermal expansion / contraction difference is provided only in a connection portion (hereinafter referred to as a “first connection portion”) between the first member and the second member. In addition to a configuration in which an allowable portion capable of allowing a difference in thermal expansion and contraction is provided only in the connecting portion between the third member and the fourth member (hereinafter referred to as “second connecting portion”), the first connecting portion And that the second connecting portion is assumed to be provided with an allowable portion capable of allowing a difference in thermal expansion and contraction. That.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, the case member may be provided with second allowing means that can allow a difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the thermal expansion and contraction of the first case member and the thermal expansion and contraction of the second case member. preferable.

  Here, the “second permitting means” is a means capable of suppressing a change in the outer shape of the case member by allowing a difference between the thermal expansion / contraction of the first case member and the thermal expansion / contraction of the second case member. If it is, it will not specifically limit. As a concrete example of the second permitting means, the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the first case material constituting the first case member and the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the second case material constituting the second case member The form etc. which select a 1st case material and a 2nd case material can be mentioned so that a difference may be in a predetermined range.

Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, the difference between the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the first case material constituting the first case member and the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the second case material constituting the second case member. It is preferable that the thermal expansion / contraction difference is allowed by selecting the first case material and the second case material so that the absolute value is 5 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ] or less.

Here, when the first case material is, for example, an aluminum die-cast material having a surface plated with gold or the like, the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the die-cast material generally available in the market at present is about 21 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ] to about 25 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ]. Therefore, a second case material (for example, phenol resin or glass fiber reinforced resin) having a linear thermal expansion coefficient value of about 21 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ] to about 25 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ] is used. If it chooses, the 1st case material and the 2nd case material from which the above-mentioned absolute value will be ^5x10-6 [C- ¹ ] or less can be chosen.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, a third thermal expansion / contraction difference between the thermal expansion / contraction of the first case member and the thermal expansion / contraction of the first end case member and / or the second end case member may be allowed. It is preferable that the allowing means is provided in the case member.

  Here, as a specific form example of the “third permitting means”, in addition to a form in which a gap is provided in the connecting portion between the first case member and the first end case member and / or the second end case member. When the first case member is thermally expanded and contracted, the first end case member and / or the second end portion is made of a material that can be deformed following the thermal expansion and contraction (for example, fluorine rubber or silicone rubber). The form etc. which a case member is comprised can be mentioned.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, an allowance portion is provided at a connecting portion between the first case member and the first end case member and / or the second end case member, so that the allowance is allowed by the first allowance means. It is preferable that at least one of the difference in thermal expansion / contraction that can be allowed, the difference in thermal expansion / contraction that can be allowed by the second permitting means, and the difference in thermal expansion / contraction that can be allowed by the third permitting means is allowed.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, a fourth difference that allows a thermal expansion / contraction difference between the thermal expansion / contraction of the second case member and the thermal expansion / contraction of the first end case member and / or the second end case member. It is preferable that the allowing means is provided in the case member.

  Here, as a specific form example of the “fourth allowance means”, an allowance portion is provided at a connecting portion between the second case member and the first end case member and / or the second end case member. In addition, when the second case member is thermally expanded and contracted, the first end case member and / or the second end is made of a material (for example, fluorine rubber or silicone rubber) that can be deformed following the thermal expansion and contraction. The form etc. which a part case member is comprised can be mentioned.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, an allowance portion is provided at a connecting portion between the second case member and the first end case member and / or the second end case member, so that the allowance is allowed by the first allowance means. At least one of a difference in thermal expansion and contraction that can be allowed, a difference in thermal expansion and contraction that can be allowed by the second permitting means, a difference in thermal expansion and contraction that can be allowed by the third allowing means, and a difference in thermal expansion and contraction that can be allowed by the fourth allowing means The above is preferably allowed.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the manifold of the fluid supplied to the plurality of fuel cells is constituted by a part of the case member.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a fluid manifold is provided in parallel in a case member that accommodates end portions of a plurality of fuel cells.

  Here, the “end portion of the fuel cell” means one end side and the other end side of the tube type fuel cell, and specifically, a collection disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA. It means a portion where the surface of the electric body (hereinafter referred to as “internal current collector”) is exposed inside the case member. That is, the plurality of tubular fuel cells provided in the fuel cell module of the present invention are provided with a hollow MEA on the surface of the central portion of the internal current collector, and on the end surface of the internal current collector with a hollow shape. The MEA is not provided, and the end surface of the internal current collector is exposed inside the case. Then, a reducing agent (or oxidizing agent) is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the hollow MEA through the end surface of the exposed internal current collector. Therefore, the “case member that accommodates the ends of the plurality of fuel cells” means a part of the case member that houses the internal current collector whose surface is exposed inside the case member. Further, “a fluid manifold is provided in parallel” means that a plurality of fluid manifolds are provided on each of one end side and the other end side of the plurality of fuel cells, and the fluid manifold provided on the one end side is A1. And A2, and the fluid manifolds provided on the other end side are B1 and B2, A1 and B1 are provided on the center side of the plurality of fuel cells, A2 is provided outside A1, and A2 is provided outside B1. B2 means that each is provided.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, the fluid is a heat medium capable of controlling the temperature of the plurality of fuel cells, and a gas supplied to the plurality of fuel cells, and the center of the plurality of fuel cells. It is preferable that a gas manifold is provided on the part side and a heat medium manifold is provided outside the gas manifold.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a seal member is provided on the peripheral edge of the fluid manifold.

  Here, as a material constituting the “seal member”, a material that can constitute a seal member used for the purpose of ensuring the airtightness of a single cell of a conventional flat plate type PEFC can be used.

  The second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of stacked fuel cell modules and an outer case member that houses the stacked plurality of fuel cell modules, and the fuel cell module includes a plurality of tube-type fuel cell cells, A plurality of tubular fuel cells, and the plurality of tubular fuel cells are arranged in parallel and in a plane in a row.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the case member is provided with an energization portion capable of energizing an adjacent fuel cell module.

  Here, “the case member is provided with an energization section that can be energized with an adjacent fuel cell module” means that one of the stacked fuel cell modules is in contact with each other. This means that the case member of the module is provided with a current-carrying part that can be energized with the other fuel cell module. In the present invention, it is preferable that a case member having a portion that can be energized with another adjacent fuel cell module is provided in all of the stacked fuel cell modules.

  Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention (including modifications, the same applies hereinafter), it is preferable that an energization portion capable of energizing an adjacent fuel cell module is provided in a form penetrating the case member.

  Here, “an energizing portion capable of energizing adjacent fuel cell modules is provided in a form penetrating the case member” means that the fuel cell modules in contact with each other among the plurality of stacked fuel cell modules. It means that one fuel cell module is provided with an energization part capable of energizing with the other fuel cell module, and the energization part is provided in a form penetrating the case member of the one fuel cell module. In the present invention, it is preferable that all of the plurality of stacked fuel cell modules are provided with a current-carrying portion that can be energized with another adjacent fuel cell module.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of stacked fuel cell modules are restrained by a restraining member.

  Here, the “restraint member” is not particularly limited as long as it can be restrained in a form in which the stacked fuel cell modules do not fall off at least in a temperature environment of −40 ° C. or more and 120 ° C. or less. A restraint member provided with a belt-shaped member made of a metal typified by aluminum or the like or various resins can be used.

  Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the outer case member is provided with a gas supply means capable of supplying gas to the plurality of fuel cell modules.

  Here, the “gas supply means” is not particularly limited as long as gas can be supplied to the plurality of fuel cell modules. Specific examples of the gas supply means include an electric fan that can supply an oxygen-containing gas to a plurality of fuel cell modules.

  Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a seal member is disposed between the plurality of stacked fuel cell modules and the outer case member.

  Here, the “seal member” is particularly limited as long as the gas supplied from the gas supply means during the operation of the fuel cell can fulfill the function of efficiently reaching the plurality of fuel cell modules. It is not a thing. As a specific example of the material that can constitute the seal member, a material that can constitute the seal member used for the purpose of ensuring the air tightness of a single cell of a conventional flat plate type PEFC can be used.

  Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, the fuel cell module is preferably the fuel cell module of the first aspect of the present invention.

  A third aspect of the present invention is a vehicle comprising the fuel cell according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the gas supply means is provided on the front side.

  Here, “front side” means the front side of a vehicle including a fuel cell having gas supply means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in parallel and in a plane, the fuel cell module capable of easily and reliably sealing the plurality of tube-type fuel cells. Can be provided. Further, since the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in parallel and in a plane, the current collectors provided in each tube-type fuel cell can also be arranged in a plane in a row, and a fuel cell that is easy to collect current Can provide modules. Furthermore, since the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in a plane, the plurality of tube-type fuel cells accommodated therein can be easily positioned, and a fuel cell module that can be easily manufactured can be provided.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, the case member is provided with a first case member and a second case member, the first case member is constituted by a conductive member, and the second case member is constituted by an insulating member, It is possible to provide a fuel cell module that can easily connect a plurality of tubular fuel cells electrically in series. In addition, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first case member and / or the second case member may be provided with a recess capable of arranging an adhesive, thereby improving workability during manufacturing. .

  Further, in the first aspect of the present invention, the end portion of the tube type fuel cell is accommodated in a member (first end case member, second end case member) different from the central portion, so that the case member and the tube type are accommodated. It becomes possible to suppress deformation of the tubular fuel cell due to the difference in thermal expansion and contraction from the fuel cell. In addition, this effect can be made more remarkable by adopting a configuration in which the case member is provided with the first allowing means.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, the case member is provided with the second permission means to the fourth permission means, for example, the deformation of the case member that accommodates a plurality of tubular fuel cells therein, and / Or deformation of the tubular fuel cell due to the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the case member and the tubular fuel cell can be prevented. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve sealing performance and / or to suppress a decrease in power generation performance of the tube-type fuel cell.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, by forming a fluid manifold by a part of the case member, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of members constituting the fuel cell module. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which fluid manifolds are provided in parallel, the fuel cell module can be easily downsized. Furthermore, in the first aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell module capable of reliably sealing a fluid can be provided by adopting a configuration in which the peripheral portion of the manifold is provided with a seal member.

  On the other hand, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in parallel and in a plane, so that the plurality of tube-type fuel cells can be reliably sealed and A fuel cell module is provided that is easy to generate electricity and can be easily manufactured. Therefore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell that can improve the sealing performance and the current collection efficiency and can be easily manufactured.

  Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of fuel cell modules to be stacked are electrically connected in series by providing the energization part in the case member and / or through the case member. A fuel cell that can be easily connected can be provided.

  Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, the structure in which the plurality of stacked fuel cell modules are constrained by the constraining member can simplify the structure of the fuel cells and The pressure required to reduce the contact resistance can be applied via the restraining member.

  Further, in the second aspect of the present invention, since the gas supply means is provided in the outer case member, a large amount of reaction gas can be supplied to the plurality of tube-type fuel cells. The power generation performance can be improved. This effect can be further improved by adopting a configuration in which the seal member is disposed between the plurality of stacked fuel cell modules and the outer case member.

  Further, if the fuel cell according to the second aspect of the present invention is provided with the fuel cell module according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is easy to improve the sealing performance and the current collection efficiency, and the manufacture is easy. become.

  On the other hand, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the traveling wind amplified by the gas supply means can be supplied to the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, so that the utilization efficiency of traveling wind can be improved. A vehicle can be provided.

  The fuel cell module of the present invention and the fuel cell of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an oxygen-containing gas (hereinafter referred to as “air”) is supplied to the outer peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA provided in the tubular fuel cell, and the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA. Although a mode in which a gas (hereinafter referred to as “hydrogen”) is supplied and a refrigerant is supplied to the tubular fuel cell is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this mode. It is also possible to supply hydrogen to the outer peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA and supply air to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA in the tubular fuel cell. Instead of the refrigerant, a hot medium such as hot water can be supplied.

1. Fuel cell module 1.1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing an example of the fuel cell module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a bottom view schematically showing an example of the fuel cell module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view in which a part indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 1 is omitted, and a plurality of tubular fuel cells accommodated in the fuel cell module of the present invention are indicated by broken lines. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the XX cross section of FIG. 1, and a part thereof is omitted. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which the fuel cell modules of the present invention according to the first embodiment are stacked. In order to prevent the figure from becoming complicated, the reference numerals are appropriately omitted. 1 to 5 and FIG. 7 indicate the direction of gravity, and in FIG. 6, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the direction of gravity. The fuel cell module according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 as appropriate.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the fuel cell module 100 according to the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “fuel cell module 100”) includes a first case member 10 and a second case as case members. The first case member 10 and the second case member 20 that are each integrally formed with the member 20 are provided with refrigerant manifolds 31 and 32 and hydrogen manifolds 33 and 34, respectively. An air inlet 35 is provided on the side surface. When the fuel cell module 100 is operated, a refrigerant (for example, LLC or the like) is supplied from the upper side in the direction of gravity, and the tube-type fuel cell (hereinafter simply referred to as “cell”) 50, 50,. The subsequent refrigerant is discharged from the lower side in the gravity direction. On the other hand, since hydrogen is lighter than air, it is supplied from the lower side in the gravitational direction and moves upward in the gravitational direction, and hydrogen not used in the cells 50, 50,... Is discharged from the upper side in the gravitational direction. To be recovered. Further, bead gaskets 40, 40,... Are provided at the peripheral portions of the refrigerant manifolds 31, 32 and the hydrogen manifolds 33, 34, and the bead gaskets 40, 40,. Sulfur bonded. When the fuel cell modules 100 having such a configuration are stacked and compression pressure is applied in the stacking direction, the bead gaskets 40, 40,... Function as seal members (see FIG. 7).

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Accommodated in the fuel cell module 100 are arranged in a plane in parallel and in a row, and the cells 50, 50,. And the second case member 20. Here, the first case member 10 is configured, for example, by performing gold plating on the surface of an aluminum die-cast material molded into a predetermined shape, and the second case member 20 is a glass fiber reinforced resin that is an insulating material. It is configured by molding (FRP) into a predetermined shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the cell 50 sandwiched between the first case member 10 and the second case member 20 includes a coolant channel 55 inside, and a reaction gas channel 54 on the outer surface. 54,..., A hollow MEA 51 disposed on the outer surface of the internal current collector 52, and an external current collector 53 wound around the outer surface of the MEA 51. I have. In the fuel cell module 100, an insulating sheet-like member (insulating sheet) 57 is provided between the external current collector 53 and the first case member 10, thereby preventing a short circuit. Then, the external current collector 53 and the external current collector plates 56 and 56 are in contact with each other at the parts indicated by B and B in FIG. 5, and the internal current collector 52 and the first case member 10 are Contact is made at a site indicated by A,. Here, the internal current collector 52, the external current collector 53, and the external current collector plates 56 and 56 are made of a conductive material such as copper whose surface is plated with gold.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first case member 10 includes recesses 11, 12, and 13 in which an adhesive can be disposed, and the second case member 20 has recesses 21 and 22 in which an adhesive can be disposed. , 23 are provided. Therefore, for example, an adhesive is disposed in the recesses 21, 22, and 23, and on the second case member 20 in which the external current collectors 56 and 56 are disposed in the holes 24 and 24 for the external current collectors 56 and 56. , Cells 50, 50,... Are arranged in a plane in parallel and in a row, and further on the external current collectors 53, 53,... Provided in the cells 50, 50,. After the insulating sheet 57 is disposed, the first case member 10 in which the adhesive is disposed in the recesses 11, 12, and 13 is configured such that the recess 11 of the first case member 10 and the recess 21 of the second case member 20 face each other. The fuel cell module 100 can be easily assembled (manufactured) through the steps of arranging and the like.

  As described above, according to the fuel cell module 100, the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Are arranged in parallel and in a plane, so that the first case member 10, the plurality of cells 50, 50,. 20 can be easily and reliably sealed by fixing them with an adhesive. Further, as described later, the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Accommodated in the fuel cell module 100 are positioned only by arranging the plurality of cells 50, 50,. be able to. In addition, since the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Are arranged in parallel and in a plane, all the cells 50, 50,... And the first case member 10 are indicated by A, A,. It is possible to make contact through the part, and it is possible to easily collect the current on the anode side. Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 100, not only the manufacture becomes easy, but also the positioning of the cells 50, 50,..., The sealing performance, and the current collection efficiency can be improved.

  During the operation of the fuel cell module 100, the refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerant inlet 31 a of the refrigerant manifold 31 located on the upper side in the gravity direction. A part of the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet 31a is branched into the refrigerant flow paths 55, 55,... Of the plurality of cells 50, 50,. To the refrigerant flow paths 55, 55,. On the other hand, the remaining refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet 31 flows out of the fuel cell module 100 from the refrigerant outlet 31b and is stacked adjacent to the fuel cell module 100. The refrigerant flows into the other fuel cell module from the refrigerant inlet (see FIG. 7). The refrigerant that has flowed from the refrigerant manifold 31 into the refrigerant flow path 55 through the above steps cools the cell 50 while flowing in the refrigerant flow path 55, whereby the MEA 51 is brought to a predetermined temperature (for example, around 80 ° C.). Act to maintain. Thereafter, the refrigerant that has flowed out from the cooling flow path 55 to the refrigerant manifold 32 located on the lower side in the gravity direction, together with the refrigerant that has flowed in from the other adjacent fuel cell modules via the refrigerant inlet 32a, is the refrigerant outlet 32b. To the outside of the fuel cell module 100 and collected.

  On the other hand, when the fuel cell module 100 is operated, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen inlet 33a of the hydrogen manifold 33 located on the lower side in the gravity direction. A part of the hydrogen flowing in from the hydrogen inlet 33a is branched into the reaction gas flow paths 54, 54,... Of the plurality of cells 50, 50,. Are flowed into the reaction gas flow paths 54, 54, ..., and hydrogen is supplied from the reaction gas flow paths 54, 54, ... to the inner peripheral surfaces of the MEAs 51, 51, .... On the other hand, the remaining hydrogen flowing in from the hydrogen inlet 33a flows out of the fuel cell module 100 through the hydrogen outlet 33b and is stacked adjacent to the fuel cell module 100. Flows into the other fuel cell module 100 from the hydrogen inlet. The hydrogen supplied to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEAs 51, 51,... Through the above steps is then used for the electrochemical reaction in the MEAs 51, 51,..., And the first current collectors 52, 52,. .. Are collected through the member 10 on the anode side of the MEAs 51, 51,. The hydrogen that has not been used for the electrochemical reaction in the MEAs 51, 51,... Then reaches the hydrogen manifold 34 located on the upper side in the gravity direction. The hydrogen that has reached the hydrogen manifold 34 in this way, together with the hydrogen that has flowed in from the other adjacent fuel cell module 100 via the hydrogen inlet 34a, goes out of the fuel cell module 100 from the hydrogen outlet 34b. It flows out and is collected.

  That is, in the fuel cell module 100, the refrigerant and hydrogen are supplied to the cells 50, 50,... Via the refrigerant manifold 31 and the hydrogen manifold 33 constituted by a part of the case member, and a part of the case member is obtained. The refrigerant and hydrogen flow out of the fuel cell module 100 through the refrigerant manifold 32 and the hydrogen manifold 34 configured by the above. As described above, the fuel cell module 100 includes the refrigerant manifold and the hydrogen manifold by a part of the case member, and the refrigerant manifold and the hydrogen manifold are provided in parallel. The increase in the number of members to be performed can be suppressed, and the fuel cell module can be easily downsized. As shown mainly in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the fuel cell module 100, the refrigerant manifolds 31 and 32 and the hydrogen manifolds 33 and 34 (more precisely, the refrigerant inlets 31a and 32a and the refrigerant Since the bead gaskets 40, 40,... Are provided around the outflow ports 31b, 32b, the hydrogen inflow ports 33a, 34a, and the hydrogen outflow ports 33b, 34b), the hydrogen and the refrigerant are surely sealed. Can do. Furthermore, since the refrigerant manifolds 31 and 32 are disposed outside the hydrogen manifolds 33 and 34, the hydrogen supplied in the supercooled state can be warmed by the refrigerant supplied via the refrigerant manifolds 31 and 32. Can be supplied to the cells 50, 50,...

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, when the fuel cell module 100 is in operation, air is supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the MEAs 51 and 51 through the air inlet 35 provided on the side surface of the fuel cell module 100. . The air supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the MEAs 51 and 51 is used for the electrochemical reaction in the MEAs 51 and 51, and current is collected on the cathode side via the external current collectors 53 and 53 and the external current collector plate 56. The The air that has not been used for the electrochemical reaction in the MEAs 51 and 51 is then moved out of the fuel cell module 100 through an air outlet (not shown) provided on the side opposite to the side provided with the air inlet 35. And discharged.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the external current collector plate 56 provided in the fuel cell module 100 is provided with a recess on the surface on the cell 50, 50 side, and the recess corresponds to the external current collector 53, 53. The shape is made. Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 100, the cells 50, 50,... Can be positioned only by arranging the cells 50, 50,. Therefore, the fuel cell module 100 can be easily assembled (manufactured).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Are stacked such that the external current collector plates 56, 56,. Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 100, the plurality of fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Via the external current collector plates 56, 56,. Can be electrically connected in series.

Further, as described above, in the fuel cell module 100, the first case member 10 is made of an aluminum die-cast material whose surface is plated with gold, and the second case member 20 is made of FRP. Here, the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the aluminum die-cast material is about 21 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ] to about 25 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ], and the FRP constituting the second case member 20. The linear thermal expansion coefficient value of is about 21 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ] to about 25 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ]. That is, the absolute value of the difference between the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the material constituting the first case member 10 and the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the material constituting the second case member 20 is 5 × 10 ⁻⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ]. Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 100, the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the first case member 10 and the second case member 20 is small. If the difference in thermal expansion and contraction is large, there is a concern about the deformation of the case member of the fuel cell module, for example, a gap is likely to be generated between the first case member and the second case member. The deformation of the case member due to the thermal expansion / contraction difference can be suppressed.

  In the above description regarding the fuel cell module 100, the mode in which the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Are sandwiched by the integrally formed first case member 10 and second case member 20 is illustrated. The battery module is not limited to this form. As shown in FIG. 5, the first case member 10 and the second case member 20 are bonded and fixed by an adhesive disposed in the recess 11 and the recess 21, and the internal current collector 52, the first case member 10 and the second case member 20 are fixed. The case member 20 is bonded and fixed by an adhesive disposed in the recess 12 and the recess 22, and the MEA 51, the first case member 10 and the second case member 20 are bonded and fixed by an adhesive disposed in the recess 13 and the recess 23. Has been. That is, both ends of the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Accommodated in the fuel cell module 100 are fixed with an adhesive. Here, when the fuel cell module 100 is operated or stopped, the temperature of the fuel cell module 100 may vary within a range of −40 ° C. to 120 ° C., for example. Therefore, the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Accommodated in the fuel cell module 100 can be thermally expanded or contracted. In the fuel cell module 100, since at least the MEA 51 and the first case member 10 and the second case member 20 are made of different materials, the thermal expansion / contraction degree of the first case member 10 and the thermal expansion / contraction degree of the cell 50 are the same. However, the thermal expansion / contraction degree of the second case member 20 and the thermal expansion / contraction degree of the cell 50 are also different. Therefore, in the fuel cell module 100, it is considered that stress resulting from the difference in thermal expansion / contraction degree can occur. However, as described above, since both ends of the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Accommodated in the fuel cell module 100 are fixed, the degree of freedom of thermal expansion / contraction is limited, and as a result, external collection is performed. There is a possibility that the central portion of the cells 50, 50,. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing such deformation, the fuel cell module of the present invention according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a first case member configured by connecting two or more members that can be divided and connected, and It is preferable that the second case member is provided. If it does in this way, since the said stress can be disperse | distributed in the division | segmentation and connection part of a 1st case member and a 2nd case member, it becomes possible to suppress a deformation | transformation of cell 50, 50, ....

1.2. Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a top view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing a form example of the fuel cell module according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a bottom view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a ZZ cross section of FIG. 8, and a part thereof is omitted. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the portion indicated by C in FIG. 11 in an enlarged manner. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which the fuel cell modules of the present invention according to the second embodiment are stacked. In order to prevent the figure from becoming complicated, the reference numerals are appropriately omitted. 8 to 13, parts and members having the same configurations as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 to 7, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, the fuel cell module according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13. Here, the fuel cell module of the present invention according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of tube-type fuel cells arranged in parallel and in a plane in the same manner as the fuel cell module 100 described above. Therefore, also by the fuel cell module of the present invention according to the second embodiment, the above-described effect obtained by arranging a plurality of tube type fuel cells in parallel and in a plane can be obtained.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the fuel cell module 200 of the present invention according to the second embodiment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “fuel cell module 200”) has a central portion of the cells 50, 50,. A first case member 61 and a second case member 62 that can be sandwiched, and a first end case member 63 and a second end case member 64 that can accommodate the ends of the cells 50, 50,. The first end case member 63 is provided with a refrigerant manifold 31 and a hydrogen manifold 34, and the second end case member 64 is provided with a refrigerant manifold 32 and a hydrogen manifold 33. Here, the first case member 61 is constituted by an integral member in which the surface of an aluminum die-cast material formed into a predetermined shape is plated with gold, and the second case member 62 is reinforced with glass fiber which is an insulating material. It is comprised by the integral member which shape | molded resin (FRP) in the predetermined shape. On the other hand, the first end case member 63 and the second end case member 64 are configured by molding phenol resin into a predetermined shape.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the fuel cell module 200, the first case member 61 and the first end case member 63 are connected via a fitting claw 63e, and the first case member 61 and the first end case member are connected. In the connecting portion with 63, gaps 63f, 63f,... As allowing portions are provided. Further, the first case member 61 and the second end case member 64, the second case member 62 and the first end case member 63, and the second case member 62 and the second end case member 64 are fitted to each other. It is connected via a fitting claw similar to the claw 63e, and each connecting part is provided with a gap (allowing part) similar to the gaps 63f, 63f,.

  In the fuel cell module 200, the first end case member 63 and the internal current collector 52 are bonded and fixed by an adhesive disposed in the recesses 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d, thereby sealing the refrigerant and hydrogen. Is secured. Similarly, the second end case member 64 and the internal current collector 52 are bonded and fixed by an adhesive disposed in the recesses 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d, thereby ensuring the sealability of the refrigerant and hydrogen. Has been. On the other hand, the first case member 61, the second case member 62, and the cell 50 are not bonded and fixed. Therefore, only the end portion of the cell 50 is bonded and fixed to the first end case member 63 and the second end case member 64, and the first end case member 63 and the second end case member 64 The first case member 61 and the second case member 62 are connected via the gap (allowable portion). Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 200, even when the cell 50 is thermally expanded / contracted, the displacement due to the thermal expansion / contraction can be absorbed (allowed) by the gap (allowable part). The deformation of the cell 50 can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the fuel cell modules 200, 200,... Include the external current collecting plates 56, 56,... Of one fuel cell module 200 and the other fuel cell module adjacent to the one fuel cell module 200. The first case members 61, 61,... 200 are stacked in contact with each other. Here, since the first case member 61 is in contact with the internal current collector 52 at the portions indicated by A and A in FIG. 12, in the fuel cell module 200, the internal current collector 52 and the first case member 61 are in contact. The current on the anode side is collected via. On the other hand, since the external current collector plates 56 and 56 are in contact with the external current collector 53 at portions indicated by B and B in FIG. 12, in the fuel cell module 200, the external current collector 53 and the external current collector plate Current collection on the cathode side is performed via 56, 56. Accordingly, the fuel cell modules 200, 200,... Can be electrically connected in series by stacking the fuel cell modules 200, 200,.

  In the above description of the fuel cell module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion between the first end case member and the first case member, the connecting portion between the first end case member and the second case member, A gap (allowable) functioning as a permitting means capable of allowing a difference in thermal expansion and contraction at a connecting portion between the two end case member and the first case member and a connecting portion between the second end case member and the second case member. However, the fuel cell module of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In addition to the above-described form, for example, a gap that functions as an allowance means only in the connecting portion between the first end case member and the first case member and the connecting portion between the first end case member and the second case member ( Function only as a permitting means, in a form provided with a permissible portion), a connecting portion between the second end case member and the first case member, and a connecting portion between the second end case member and the second case member. A configuration in which a gap (allowable portion) is provided is also possible. However, as the number of gaps (allowable portions) as the allowance means increases, the effect of suppressing cell deformation due to the difference in thermal expansion and contraction is considered to increase. When the member is provided, the fuel cell module 200 is preferably used.

  In the above description of the fuel cell module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the case member is provided with a gap (allowable portion) that functions as a permitting means that can allow a difference in thermal expansion and contraction. The form of the accepting means provided in the fuel cell module of the invention is not limited to this. In addition to the above form, by configuring the first end case member and / or the second end case member with a material (for example, fluorine rubber, silicone rubber, etc.) that can absorb the stress caused by the difference in thermal expansion and contraction. Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which the deformation of the cell due to the thermal expansion / contraction difference is suppressed.

  In the above description of the fuel cell module according to the second embodiment, the central portion of the plurality of cells 50, 50,... Is narrowed by the integrally formed first case member 61 and second case member 62. Although the held form was illustrated, the fuel cell module of the present invention including the first end case member and the second end case member is not limited to the form. For example, the first case member and the second case member that sandwich the central portion of the cells 50, 50,... May be configured by two members that can be divided and connected at the center of the cells 50, 50,. . In this way, the stress caused by the thermal expansion / contraction difference can be dispersed also in the divided / connecting portion of the first case member and the second case member, so that the cells 50, 50,. It becomes possible to suppress.

  In the above description of the fuel cell module of the present invention, the form in which the bead gasket as the seal member is vulcanized and bonded to the first case member is illustrated, but the fuel cell module of the present invention is not limited to this form. Absent. However, if the seal member is bonded and fixed to the first case member, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the seal member falls during the assembly operation of the fuel cell module, and the workability during the assembly operation is easy. Therefore, it is preferable.

  In the said description regarding the fuel cell module of this invention, the 2nd case member comprised by the 1st case member comprised by an electrically-conductive member and the insulating member is respectively comprised by the material with a linear thermal expansion coefficient value close | similar. Although illustrated, the fuel cell module of the present invention is not limited to this form. However, if the first case member and the second case member are made of materials having greatly different linear thermal expansion coefficient values, the difference between the thermal expansion / contraction amount of the first case member and the thermal expansion / contraction amount of the second case member. , The case member may be deformed, and the sealing performance of the refrigerant and / or hydrogen may be reduced. Therefore, from the viewpoint of maintaining the sealability of the refrigerant and / or hydrogen, it is preferable that the first case member and the second case member are each made of a material having a close linear thermal expansion coefficient value.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, the “conductive member” and the “insulating member” are not particularly limited as long as they can be used in a temperature environment of at least −40 ° C. to 120 ° C. It is preferable to have corrosion resistance that can withstand an environment equivalent to that in a single cell. Specific examples of the “conductive member” include metals such as aluminum, silver, platinum, and gold. The “insulating member” is not particularly limited as long as it can be molded, and specific examples thereof include engineering plastic, phenol resin, glass fiber reinforced resin, and the like.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, the external electrode plate in contact with the external current collector is provided on the second case member side, and the second of the adjacent fuel cell modules when the plurality of fuel cell modules are stacked. If it is provided in a form that can contact one case member, the form is not particularly limited. Here, when a plurality of fuel cell modules are stacked to form a stack type fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as “stack”), pressure is applied from both ends of the stack to reduce contact resistance between the fuel cell modules. Is added. Therefore, from the viewpoint of enabling a plurality of fuel cell modules to be electrically connected in series by contacting the external electrode plate and the first case member in a state where the pressure is applied, the external electrode plate is It is preferable to be provided in a form that slightly protrudes from the two case members (for example, about 50 to 100 μm). Furthermore, from the viewpoint of enabling a plurality of fuel cell modules to be electrically connected in series, the external current collector and the external current collector plate are in contact with each other in a single fuel cell module in the state where the pressure is applied. In other words, it is required that the external current collector plate is not detached from the outside of the fuel cell module. Therefore, in the fuel cell module of the present invention, it is preferable that the external current collector plate is provided in a form to be caught by the second case member in a state where the pressure is applied. In this mode, for example, a hole having a T-shaped cross section is formed at the location of the second case member where the external current collector plate is to be disposed, as in the fuel cell modules according to the first and second embodiments. In addition, the external current collector plate can be configured by arranging the external current collector plate in the hole of the second case member after making the cross-sectional shape of the external current collector plate T-shaped corresponding to the hole.

  In the above description of the fuel cell module according to the present invention, the case member in which a plurality of cells are housed is exemplified by a plurality of members. However, the fuel cell module according to the present invention is not limited to this mode. Alternatively, a case in which a case member made of a single member is provided is also possible. Even in such a form, if the plurality of cells accommodated in the case member are arranged in parallel and in a plane, the cells can be easily positioned and collected. Can be provided. However, from the viewpoint of making the structure easier to assemble, etc., it is preferable to have a form in which a case member composed of a plurality of members is provided.

  As described above, according to the fuel cell module of the present invention, it can be easily manufactured, current collection can be facilitated, and cell positioning can be easily performed. Therefore, if it says from another viewpoint, the fuel cell module of this invention can be decomposed | disassembled easily compared with the conventional fuel cell module provided with a tube-type fuel cell. Therefore, according to the fuel cell module of the present invention, repairability and exchangeability can be improved.

2. Fuel cell and vehicle equipped with the same 2.1. First Embodiment FIG. 14 is a side view showing an example of the fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of stacked fuel cell modules, refrigerant pipes and hydrogen pipes, and end plates And the arrangement of the electrode elements are schematically shown. The straight arrow in FIG. 14 indicates the direction of gravity. FIG. 15 is a top view showing an example of a fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of stacked fuel cell modules, refrigerant pipes and hydrogen pipes, electrode terminals, and an outer case are shown. Is schematically shown. The dotted arrows in FIG. 15 indicate the direction of air flow. In FIG. 15, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the direction of gravity. 14 and 15, parts and members that have the same configuration as in FIGS. 1 to 7 are assigned the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 to 7, and descriptions thereof are omitted. Hereinafter, the fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIGS. 14 and 15.

  The fuel cell 1000 of the present invention according to the first embodiment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “fuel cell 1000”) includes a plurality of fuel cell modules 100, 100,. A body-shaped end plate 505 (hereinafter referred to as “manifold 505”), an end plate 506, and electrode elements 601, 602 are provided. The manifold 505 includes refrigerant pipes 501, 502 and hydrogen pipes 503, 504. Is connected. And the pressure which can reduce the contact resistance between fuel cell modules is given from the both ends of the lamination direction of several fuel cell modules 100,100, ... by the pressure provision means (not shown). In the fuel cell 1000, hydrogen supplied via the hydrogen pipe 503 is supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Via the manifold 505 and used for power generation. Then, the hydrogen discharged from the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Is recovered via the manifold 505 and the hydrogen pipe 504. On the other hand, the refrigerant supplied via the refrigerant pipe 501 is supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Via the manifold 505, and the refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. And through the refrigerant pipe 502. The external current collector plates 56, 56 and electrodes provided in the fuel cell module 100 located on the outermost side (the left side in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) of the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. The first case member 10 provided in the fuel cell module 100 connected to the element 601 and located on the outermost side (the right side in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) opposite to the fuel cell module 100 to which the electrode element 601 is connected. Are connected to the electrode element 602. Therefore, according to the fuel cell 1000, electric energy can be taken out via the electrode element 601 and the electrode element 602.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the fuel cell 1000 includes an outer case member 700, and each member shown in FIG. 14 is accommodated in the outer case member 700. The outer case member 700 is provided with an opening through which permeable membranes 701, 701,... Capable of removing dust and dust and the like and capable of transmitting air can be disposed, and the air that has passed through the permeable membranes 701, 701,. Are supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,.

  As described above, the fuel cell 1000 includes the fuel cells 100, 100,... That can be easily manufactured. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fuel cell 1000 that can be easily manufactured.

  In the above description related to the fuel cell of the present invention according to the first embodiment, the mode in which the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Are provided is illustrated, but the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to this mode. In addition to the form in which the fuel cell modules 200, 200,... Are provided, the form in which the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... And the fuel cell modules 200, 200,. The fuel cell module of the present invention having the first case member and the second case member made of various members may be provided. As described above, since the fuel cell module of the present invention can be easily manufactured, even if the fuel cell module of the present invention other than the fuel cell module 100 is provided, it can be easily manufactured. A fuel cell can be provided.

  In the above description of the fuel cell according to the first embodiment, the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Are stacked in a line, but the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to this mode. As shown in FIG. 17 to be described later, it is possible to stack two or more rows.

2.2. Second Embodiment FIGS. 16 and 17 are front views showing examples of a plurality of fuel cell modules provided in a fuel cell of the present invention according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 16 shows a plurality of fuel cell modules. FIG. 17 schematically shows a state before being restrained by the restraining means, and FIG. 17 schematically shows a state after the plurality of fuel cell modules are restrained by the restraining means. 18 is a view taken along arrow XVIII-XVIII in FIG. FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a form example of the restraining means. FIG. 20 is a top view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell according to the second embodiment mounted on a vehicle, and the lower side of the drawing is the front side of the vehicle. FIG. 21 is an XXI-XXI arrow view in FIG. 20, and the straight arrow indicates the direction of gravity. 16 to 21, parts and members that have the same configuration as in FIGS. 1 to 15 are assigned the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 to 15, and descriptions thereof are omitted. 20 and 21, members having the same configuration as in FIGS. 16 to 19 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 16 to 19, and description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the fuel cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 20, the fuel cell 2000 of the present invention according to the second embodiment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “fuel cell 2000”) includes fuel cell module stacks 171 to 174. The fuel cell module stacks 171 to 174 include a plurality of fuel cell modules 100, 100,. An end plate 175 is provided on one end side of the fuel cell module stacks 171 to 174, and a manifold integrated end plate 176 is provided on the other end side. The manifold integrated end plate 176 includes a refrigerant pipe. 501, 502 and hydrogen pipes 503, 504 are connected. A restraining member 177 is disposed around the fuel cell module stacks 171 to 174, the end plate 175, and the manifold integrated end plate 176 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “stack constituent members”). The stack member is restrained by the restraining member 177 (see FIGS. 17 and 18).

  On the other hand, at positions indicated by α, β, and γ in FIG. 17, current plates (not shown) made of conductive members are provided, and the fuel cell module stacks 171 to 174 are configured via the current plates. All of the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... That are electrically connected are connected in series. Then, the external current collector plates 56 and 56 (see FIG. 5) provided in the fuel cell module 100 on one end side of the fuel cell module stack 171 and the electrode element 601 are connected, and one end side of the fuel cell module stack 174 is connected. The first case member 10 (see FIG. 5) provided in the fuel cell module 100 and the electrode element 602 are connected. Therefore, according to the fuel cell 2000, electric energy can be taken out via the electrode element 601 and the electrode element 602.

  As described above, in the fuel cell 2000, the stack constituent members are restrained by the restraining members 177, and the fuel cell module stacks 171 to 174 are electrically connected in series. Here, in order to reduce the contact resistance between the fuel cell modules, it is desirable to apply a compression pressure in the stacking direction of the fuel cell module stacks 171 to 174 via the end plate 175 and the manifold integrated end plate 176. However, according to the fuel cell 2000, the compression pressure can be applied via the restraining member 177, and the restraint member 177 can be applied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. It is possible to adjust the compression pressure.

  In the fuel cell 2000, the shape of the restraining member 177 is particularly limited as long as the restraint member 177 restrains the periphery of the stack constituent members so that the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. It is not a thing. The restraining member 177 can be configured to include a restraining body 177a and a band portion 177b as shown in FIG. 19, for example. When the restraining member 177 has the form shown in FIG. 19, the material of the band portion 177 b is particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the above function of the restraining member 177 in a temperature environment of −40 ° C. to 120 ° C., for example. It is not something. Specific examples of the material constituting the band portion 177b include metals typified by aluminum and the like, various resins, and the like. In the fuel cell 2000, from the viewpoint of the restraining member 177 capable of applying a compression pressure that can reduce the contact resistance between the fuel cell modules, the band portion 177b is preferably made of a high-strength material. Specific examples of the high-strength material include a metal typified by aluminum and the like, a resin subjected to glass fiber reinforcement, and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the fuel cell 2000 includes a plurality of fuel cell modules 100, 100,..., An end plate 175 and a manifold integrated end plate 176 that are restrained by a restraining member 177, a seal member 803, an emergency shut-off. Relays 804 and 804, service plug 805, and high-voltage wiring 806 are accommodated in the outer case member 800. The outer case member 800 is provided with an opening in which permeable membranes 801, 801,... Capable of removing dust and dust and the like and capable of passing air can be disposed, and further air is supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. Electric fans 802 and 802 are provided as air supply means capable of supplying air.

  The traveling wind that reaches the fuel cell 2000 when the operation of the vehicle equipped with the fuel cell 2000 is started is amplified by the electric fans 802 and 802, and the amplified traveling wind (air) is amplified by the fuel cell module 100, 100,... In the fuel cell 2000, most of the amplified air is supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,..., While some of the air bypasses around the stack constituent members restrained by the restraining members 177. Are supplied to high voltage system components such as the service plug 805 and the high voltage system wiring 806, and used to cool the high voltage system components. Here, the electric fans 802 and 802 are members provided mainly for the purpose of being able to supply a large amount of air to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,..., So that the air amplified by the electric fans 802 and 802 It is preferable that most of the air is supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,..., And the air supplied to the high voltage system parts remains in the remaining part. Therefore, in the fuel cell 2000, in order to keep a part of the amount of air that reaches the high-voltage system parts by bypassing the stack constituent member restrained by the restraining member 177, between the outer case member 800 and the stack constituent member. A seal member 803 is disposed. As described above, if the electric fan 802, 802 is provided in the outer case member 800 and the seal member 803 is provided inside the outer case member 800, the traveling wind is efficiently supplied to the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. Since the air can be supplied well, the efficiency of supplying air to the outside of the cells 50, 50,... Can be improved, and as a result, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 2000 can be improved.

  In the fuel cell 2000, the sealing member 803 is not particularly limited as long as the sealing member 803 is made of a material capable of exhibiting the above functions. Specific examples of materials that can form the sealing member 803 are as follows. Examples thereof include resins represented by fluorine rubber, silicone rubber, and engineering plastics. Here, when the fuel cell 2000 is operated, water is generated inside the fuel cell modules 100, 100,..., And high-humidity air is discharged from the fuel cell modules 100, 100,. Therefore, when the fuel cell 2000 is operated, there is a possibility that water may accumulate inside the outer case 800, and this water may cause a short circuit. Therefore, it is preferable that the sealing member 803 is made of an insulating material from the viewpoint of suppressing a short circuit during the operation of the fuel cell 2000.

  Further, in the fuel cell 2000, the material constituting the outer case member 800 is not particularly limited, but the fuel cell 2000 can be reduced in weight, and the rigidity when mounted on the vehicle can be easily ensured. From this point of view, it is preferable to use a light metal typified by aluminum or the like, a high-strength resin subjected to glass fiber reinforcement, or the like.

  In the above description regarding the fuel cell according to the second embodiment, the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... Are illustrated. However, the fuel cell according to the present invention is not limited to this mode. In addition to the form in which the fuel cell modules 200, 200,... Are provided, the form in which the fuel cell modules 100, 100,... And the fuel cell modules 200, 200,. The fuel cell module of the present invention having the first case member and the second case member made of various members may be provided. As described above, since the fuel cell module of the present invention can be easily manufactured, even if the fuel cell module of the present invention other than the fuel cell module 100 is provided, it can be easily manufactured. A fuel cell can be provided.

  Further, in the above description regarding the fuel cell of the present invention, the form in which the manifold integrated end plate is provided is illustrated, but the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to this form, and the manifold and the end plate are separated. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which a manifold and an end plate are configured and connected so that refrigerant and hydrogen can flow in and out of each other.

It is a top view which shows the example of a form of the fuel cell module of this invention concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the example of the form of the fuel cell module of this invention concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a bottom view which shows the example of the form of the fuel cell module of this invention concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view in which a part indicated by a dotted line in FIG. It is an enlarged view which shows the XX cross section of FIG. It is YY sectional drawing of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the form with which the fuel cell module of this invention concerning 1st Embodiment was laminated | stacked. It is a top view which shows the example of a form of the fuel cell module of this invention concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the example of a form of the fuel cell module of this invention concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a bottom view which shows the example of the form of the fuel cell module of this invention concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is an enlarged view which shows the ZZ cross section of FIG. It is the schematic which expands and shows the site | part shown by C in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the form on which the fuel cell module of this invention concerning 2nd Embodiment was laminated | stacked. It is a side view which shows the example of the form of the fuel cell of this invention concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the example of the form of the fuel cell of this invention concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the example of a form before a some fuel cell module is restrained. It is a front view which shows the example of a form after the several fuel cell module is restrained. It is a XVIII-XVIII arrow line view in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the example of a form of a restraint means. It is a top view which shows roughly the example of the form of the fuel cell of this invention concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a XXI-XXI arrow line view in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 First case member 11, 12, 13 Recess 20 Second case member 21, 22, 23 Recess 31, 32 Refrigerant manifold 31a, 32a Refrigerant inlet 31b, 32b Refrigerant outlet 33, 34 Hydrogen manifold 33a, 34a Hydrogen Inlet 33b, 34b Hydrogen outlet 35 Air inlet 40 Bead gasket (seal member)
50 Tube type fuel cell 51 MEA
52 Internal current collector 53 External current collector 54 Reactive gas flow channel 55 Refrigerant flow channel 56 External current collector plate 57 Insulating sheet 61 First case member 62 Second case member 63 First end case member 63a, 63b Recessed portion 63c, 63d recess 63e fitting claw 63f clearance (allowable part)
64 Second end case member 64a, 64b Recess 64c, 64d Recess 100 Fuel cell module 171, 172 Fuel cell module laminate 173, 174 Fuel cell module laminate 175 End plate 176 Manifold integrated end plate 177 Restraint member 177a Restraint 177b Band portion 200 Fuel cell module 501, 502 Refrigerant piping 503, 504 Hydrogen piping 505 Manifold integrated end plate 506 End plate 601, 602 Electrode element 700 External case member 701 Permeation membrane 800 External case member 801 Permeation membrane 802 Electric fan (Gas supply means)
803 Seal member 804 Emergency cut-off relay 805 Service plug 806 High voltage system wiring 1000 Fuel cell 2000 Fuel cell

Claims (27)

A plurality of tube-type fuel cells, and a case member that accommodates the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, wherein the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in parallel and in a plane. A fuel cell module. The case member includes a first case member and a second case member, and at least central portions of the plurality of tubular fuel cells are sandwiched by the first case member and the second case member. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell module is characterized. 3. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, wherein the first case member is made of a conductive member, and the second case member is made of an insulating member. 4. The recess according to claim 2, wherein the first case member includes a recess in which an adhesive capable of bonding and fixing the first case member and the plurality of tubular fuel cells is provided. Fuel cell module. 5. The recess according to claim 2, wherein the second case member is provided with a recess in which an adhesive capable of bonding and fixing the second case member and the plurality of tube-type fuel cells is provided. The fuel cell module according to claim 1. The first end case member capable of accommodating one end side of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, and the second end case member capable of accommodating the other end side of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, the case Provided in the member,
The first case member, the first end case member, and the second end case member are coupled, and the second case member, the first end case member, and the second end case are connected. The parts are connected,
A center portion of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells is sandwiched between the first case member and the second case member, and the one end side of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells is accommodated in the first end case member. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, wherein the other end side of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells is accommodated in the second end case member. . The case member is provided with first permissible means capable of allowing a difference in thermal expansion and contraction between thermal expansion and contraction of the plurality of tubular fuel cells and thermal expansion and contraction of the case member. The fuel cell module according to any one of 2 to 6. Each of the first case member and the second case member is configured to be divided and connectable, and by connecting one divided case member and another case member, the difference in thermal expansion and contraction is allowed. The fuel cell module according to claim 7, wherein: The split connecting portion of the first case member and / or the split connecting portion of the second case member may be provided with a allowing portion capable of allowing the difference in thermal expansion and contraction. Item 9. The fuel cell module according to Item 8. 3. The case member is provided with a second permissible means capable of allowing a thermal expansion / contraction difference between the thermal expansion / contraction of the first case member and the thermal expansion / contraction of the second case member. The fuel cell module according to any one of? 9. The absolute value of the difference between the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the first case material constituting the first case member and the linear thermal expansion coefficient value of the second case material constituting the second case member is 5 × 10 ⁻ 11. The thermal expansion / contraction difference is allowed by selecting the first case material and the second case material so as to be ⁶ [° C. ⁻¹ ] or less. Fuel cell module. Third permitting means capable of allowing a thermal expansion / contraction difference between the thermal expansion / contraction of the first case member and the thermal expansion / contraction of the first end case member and / or the second end case member is the case member. The fuel cell module according to claim 6, wherein the fuel cell module is provided in the fuel cell module. The thermal expansion and contraction that can be permitted by the first permission means by providing a permission portion at a connecting portion between the first case member and the first end case member and / or the second end case member. 13. At least one of the difference, the thermal expansion / contraction difference that can be allowed by the second permission means, and the thermal expansion / contraction difference that can be allowed by the third permission means is allowed. A fuel cell module according to claim 1. Fourth permitting means capable of allowing a thermal expansion / contraction difference between the thermal expansion / contraction of the second case member and the thermal expansion / contraction of the first end case member and / or the second end case member is the case member. The fuel cell module according to claim 6, wherein the fuel cell module is provided in the fuel cell module. The thermal expansion and contraction that can be permitted by the first permission means by providing a permission portion at a connecting portion between the second case member and the first end case member and / or the second end case member. At least one of the difference, the thermal expansion / contraction difference allowed by the second permission means, the thermal expansion / shrinkage difference allowed by the third permission means, and the thermal expansion / shrinkage difference allowed by the fourth permission means. The fuel cell module according to claim 14, wherein one or more is allowed. The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a manifold of fluid supplied to the plurality of fuel cells is configured by a part of the case member. The fuel cell module according to claim 16, wherein a manifold of the fluid is provided in parallel to the case member that accommodates end portions of the plurality of fuel cells. The fluid is a heat medium capable of controlling the temperature of the plurality of fuel cells, and a gas supplied to the plurality of fuel cells.
18. The fuel cell module according to claim 17, wherein the gas manifold is provided at a central portion side of the plurality of fuel cells, and the heat medium manifold is provided outside the gas manifold. The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein a seal member is provided at a peripheral edge portion of the fluid manifold. A plurality of fuel cell modules to be stacked; and an outer case member that houses the plurality of fuel cell modules stacked,
The fuel cell module includes a plurality of tube-type fuel cells and a case member that accommodates the plurality of tube-type fuel cells, and the plurality of tube-type fuel cells are arranged in parallel and in a plane. A fuel cell. 21. The fuel cell according to claim 20, wherein an energization part capable of energizing the adjacent fuel cell module is provided in the case member. The fuel cell according to claim 20 or 21, wherein an energization portion capable of energizing the adjacent fuel cell module is provided in a form penetrating the case member. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the plurality of stacked fuel cell modules are restrained by a restraining member. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the outer case member is provided with gas supply means capable of supplying gas to the plurality of fuel cell modules. The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein a seal member is disposed between the plurality of stacked fuel cell modules and the outer case member. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the fuel cell module is the fuel cell module according to any one of claims 2 to 21. 27. A vehicle comprising a fuel cell according to claim 24, wherein the gas supply means is provided on the front side.

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