JP2008071737A - Fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell which can supply reaction gas uniformly and well to whole power generation surfaces of electrolyte/electrode assembly, equalize density of the reaction gas and power generation reaction, and prevent concentration of steam. <P>SOLUTION: A separator 28, a component of the fuel cell 10, comprises a first holding part 36 which holds the electrolyte/electrode assembly 26. The first holding part 36 comprises a plurality of fuel gas supplying holes 38a which showers fuel gas to supply to the electrode surface of an anode 24 and a plurality of emission holes 38b which showers the fuel gas used for the reaction to emit into an exhaust gas emitting passage 66 as exhaust gas. A sealing ring 44 is formed on the periphery of the first holding part 36 to control leakage of the exhaust gas from the periphery. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly configured by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode is laminated between separators.

  In general, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) having a sealless structure uses an oxide ion conductor, for example, stabilized zirconia, as an electrolyte, and an electrolyte and anode / cathode electrode disposed on both sides of the electrolyte. The electrode assembly (MEA) is sandwiched between separators (bipolar plates). This fuel cell is normally used as a fuel cell stack in which a predetermined number of MEAs and separators are stacked.

  In the above fuel cell, in order to supply fuel gas (for example, hydrogen gas) and oxidant gas (for example, air) to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode constituting the electrolyte-electrode assembly, respectively, A fuel gas passage and an oxidant gas passage are formed along the same.

  For example, a flat plate stacked fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a separator 1 stacked on a power generation cell as shown in FIG. In the separator 1, left and right manifold portions 2a and 2a and a portion 2b in which a central power generation cell is disposed are connected by connecting portions 2c and 2c, and the connecting portion 2c has flexibility.

  The manifold portions 2a and 2a are provided with gas holes 3 and 4. One gas hole 3 communicates with the fuel gas passage 3a, and the other gas hole 4 communicates with the oxidant gas passage 4a. ing. The fuel gas passage 3a and the oxidant gas passage 4a extend spirally in the portion 2b, and are opened to a fuel electrode current collector and an air electrode current collector (not shown) near the center of the portion 2b. ing.

  By the way, in this patent document 1, fuel gas and oxidant gas are supplied from the center part of a power generation cell, and are discharged | emitted toward the outer peripheral part of the said power generation cell. For this reason, in the electrode surface of the power generation cell, there is a problem that a concentration difference of the reaction gas occurs between the central portion and the outer peripheral portion, and the current density distribution in the electrode surface is biased, so that the power generation efficiency cannot be improved. is there.

  Moreover, a difference in power generation reaction occurs in the electrode surface of the power generation cell, and a temperature gradient tends to occur in the electrode surface. Therefore, the power generation cell may cause power generation failure such as damage or deterioration due to thermal stress.

  Further, since the fuel gas and the oxidant gas flow from the central portion of the power generation cell toward the outer peripheral portion, water vapor generated by the power generation reaction is concentrated particularly on the outer peripheral portion of the power generation cell. Thereby, there exists a problem that a power generation cell tends to deteriorate.

  Therefore, for example, in the fuel cell separator disclosed in Patent Document 2, as shown in FIG. 31, a hollow portion 5 is provided inside the separator, and the hollow portion 5 communicates with the gas inlet 6. Yes. The separator stack surface 7 is provided with a plurality of gas discharge ports 8 for discharging the reaction gas introduced into the hollow portion 5 from the gas inlet 6 over substantially the entire area of the stack surface 7. Therefore, the reaction gas introduced into the separator is discharged in a shower shape from the plurality of gas discharge ports 8 toward the power generation cell.

JP 2006-120589 A (FIG. 4) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-228734 (FIG. 4)

  However, in Patent Document 2 described above, the reaction gas is discharged in a shower shape toward the power generation cell, while the exhaust gas after the reaction is discharged from the outer periphery of the power generation cell. Tends to decrease. As a result, a difference occurs in the concentration of the reaction gas in the electrode surface of the power generation cell, and there is a problem that the current density distribution in the electrode surface is biased.

  In addition, the exhaust gas concentration is higher at the outer peripheral portion of the power generation cell than in the vicinity of the gas discharge port 8, and a difference occurs in the power generation reaction in the electrode plane. Therefore, a temperature gradient is generated in the power generation cell, and the power generation cell may be damaged or deteriorated due to thermal stress.

  Furthermore, since the exhaust gas is discharged from the outer periphery of the power generation cell, water vapor generated by the power generation reaction tends to concentrate on the outer periphery of the power generation cell. For this reason, there exists a problem that a power generation cell deteriorates.

  The present invention solves this type of problem, and uniformly and satisfactorily supplies the reaction gas over the entire power generation surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly, and makes the reaction gas concentration and the power generation reaction uniform, and the concentration of water vapor. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell that can be blocked.

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly configured by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode is laminated between separators.

  The separator sandwiches the electrolyte / electrode assembly, and is provided with a reaction gas passage for supplying fuel gas along at least the electrode surface of the anode electrode or supplying oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode Is provided.

  The sandwiching portion includes a plurality of reaction gas supply holes for supplying at least a reaction gas passage with a fuel gas or an oxidant gas in a rain bath shape, and at least the fuel gas supplied to the reaction gas passage and used for the reaction. A plurality of exhaust gas exhaust holes for exhausting the oxidant gas as exhaust gas from the reaction gas passage in the form of a rain bath are provided, and the exhaust gas from the peripheral portion to the peripheral portion on the reaction gas passage side of the sandwiching portion is provided. A sealing portion for suppressing the discharge of water is formed.

  In the present invention, the separator sandwiches the electrolyte / electrode assembly, and supplies the fuel gas along at least the electrode surface of the anode electrode or supplies the oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode. A sandwiching portion provided with a passage, a bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a reaction gas supply passage for supplying at least the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the reaction gas passage, and the bridge portion And a reaction gas supply section that is connected and has at least a reaction gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the reaction gas supply passage.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the clamping portion is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the reaction gas passage and restricts the reaction gas from flowing linearly from the reaction gas supply hole toward the exhaust gas discharge hole. Furthermore, the protrusion is preferably set on an imaginary straight line connecting the exhaust gas discharge hole located at the shortest distance from the reaction gas supply hole, and the shortest distance between the protrusion and the reaction gas supply hole is: It is preferable that the distance is set equal to the shortest distance between the protrusion and the exhaust gas discharge hole.

  This is because the reaction gas can be prevented from blowing from the reaction gas supply hole to the exhaust gas discharge hole, and the utilization rate of the reaction gas can be improved. In addition, since the projecting portion is in contact with the electrode surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly, it is possible to transmit a load to the electrolyte / electrode assembly and collect current from the electrolyte / electrode assembly.

  Further, the protrusion is preferably formed in an oval shape or an ellipse, and the protrusion is long with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the reaction gas supply hole and the exhaust gas discharge hole arranged at the shortest distance. It is preferable to set the long axis of the circular shape or the elliptical shape to be orthogonal. This is because the reaction gas passage length in the reaction gas passage is lengthened, and the reaction gas utilization rate can be further improved.

  Furthermore, the sandwiching portion communicates with the reaction gas supply hole to supply the reaction gas to the reaction gas supply hole, and the exhaust gas exhaust communicates with the exhaust gas discharge hole to discharge the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas discharge hole. It is preferable to provide a chamber.

  The reaction gas supply chamber has a function of adjusting the pressure fluctuation and non-uniformity of the reaction gas before the reaction, and can equalize the reaction gas concentration in the electrode surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly. On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharge chamber has a function of accelerating the exhaust gas discharge and the supply of the reaction gas, and can equalize the exhaust gas concentration in the electrode surface. As a result, the current density distribution in the electrode surface is made uniform to improve the power generation efficiency, the temperature gradient in the electrolyte / electrode assembly is suppressed, and the electrolyte / electrode assembly is damaged or deteriorated due to thermal stress. Can be prevented as much as possible.

  The sandwiching portion includes a first plate portion in which the reaction gas supply hole and the exhaust gas discharge hole are formed, and a second plate portion in which the reaction gas supply chamber and the exhaust gas discharge chamber are formed, and the first plate portion It is preferable that the second plate portion is laminated.

  That is, the reaction gas supply hole and the exhaust gas discharge hole, which are fine holes that require a delicate manufacturing process, need only be formed in the first plate part, and the second plate part does not require a fine manufacturing process. Therefore, the first plate portion and the second plate portion can be configured separately depending on the presence or absence of a fine manufacturing process, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the yield can be easily improved.

  According to the present invention, since the reaction gas is supplied in the form of a rain bath from the plurality of reaction gas supply holes to the entire electrode surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly, the reaction gas concentration in the electrode surface can be equalized. it can. On the other hand, since the exhaust gas is discharged in the form of a rain bath from a plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes, it is possible to equalize the exhaust gas concentration in the electrode surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly.

  Thereby, the current density distribution in the electrode surface can be made uniform, and the power generation efficiency is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to equalize the power generation reaction that is an exothermic reaction in the electrolyte / electrode assembly. For this reason, the temperature gradient of the electrolyte / electrode assembly is suppressed, damage or deterioration of the electrolyte / electrode assembly due to thermal stress is prevented as much as possible, and water vapor generated by the power generation reaction is concentrated. Can be prevented.

  And the sealing part for suppressing that exhaust gas is discharged | emitted from the said peripheral part is formed in the peripheral part by the side of the reaction gas channel of a clamping part. Accordingly, the exhaust gas generated by the power generation reaction can be prevented from concentrating on the peripheral edge of the sandwiching portion, and the current density distribution in the electrode surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly can be prevented from being biased. become. Therefore, power generation efficiency can be improved and stabilized, and the temperature gradient of the electrolyte / electrode assembly can be suppressed to prevent damage or deterioration of the electrolyte / electrode assembly due to thermal stress as much as possible. .

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 12 in which fuel cells 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are stacked in the direction of arrow A. FIG.

  The fuel cell stack 12 is used for various purposes such as in-vehicle use as well as stationary use. The fuel cell 10 is a solid electrolyte fuel cell. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fuel cell 10 is an electrolyte (electrolyte plate) made of an oxide ion conductor such as stabilized zirconia, for example. An electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 provided with a cathode electrode 22 and an anode electrode 24 is provided on both sides of the substrate 20. The electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is formed in a disk shape, and a barrier layer (not shown) is provided at least on the outer peripheral end surface portion to prevent the oxidant gas and fuel gas from entering and discharging. Yes.

  In the fuel cell 10, a plurality of, for example, eight electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26 are arranged between the separators 28 concentrically with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 that is the center of the separator 28.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the separator 28 is composed of, for example, a single metal plate or a carbon plate composed of a sheet metal such as a stainless alloy. The separator 28 has a fuel gas supply part (reactive gas supply part) 32 that forms a fuel gas supply communication hole (reactive gas supply communication hole) 30 at the center. A relatively large-diameter first sandwiching portion (first plate portion) 36 is integrated through a plurality of first bridge portions 34 that are radially spaced apart from the fuel gas supply portion 32 at equal angular intervals. Provided.

  Each first clamping part 36 is set to have substantially the same dimensions as the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. Each first clamping part 36 has a plurality of fuel gas supply holes (reactive gas supply) for supplying fuel gas to the anode electrode 24 constituting the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 in the form of a rain bath (hereinafter referred to as shower). Holes) 38a and a plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38b for discharging the fuel gas used for the reaction in the anode electrode 24 as exhaust gas in a shower shape (see FIGS. 2 to 4). .

  A fuel gas passage (reaction gas passage) 40 for supplying fuel gas along the electrode surface of the anode electrode 24 is formed on the surface 36a of each first sandwiching portion 36 that contacts the anode electrode 24. The surface 36a is formed with a plurality of protrusions 42 that restrict the fuel gas from flowing linearly from the fuel gas supply hole 38a to the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b. A ring-shaped sealing portion (convex portion) 44 for suppressing discharge of fuel gas and exhaust gas from the peripheral portion is formed at the peripheral portion on the surface 36a side of the first sandwiching portion 36.

  The projecting portion 42 is formed on the surface 36a by, for example, a solid portion formed by etching or a hollow portion formed by pressing. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 42 can be set to various shapes such as a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, or a rectangular shape, and the position and density depend on the flow state of the fuel gas, etc. It is changed arbitrarily. The other protrusions described below are configured in the same manner as the protrusions 42 described above.

  The opposite surface 36b of each first clamping part 36 is formed in a substantially flat surface, and the passage member 50 is fixed to the surface 36b side by, for example, brazing, diffusion bonding, laser welding or the like. .

  The passage member 50 is configured in a flat plate shape, and includes a fuel gas supply unit 52 that forms the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 in the center. Eight second bridge parts 54 extend radially from the fuel gas supply part 52, and each second bridge part 54 has a second clamping part (second plate part) 56 integrally (or a separate part). As a joined body).

  A convex portion 58 is provided around each second bridge portion 54 from the fuel gas supply portion 52. This convex portion 58 is joined to the fuel gas supply portion 32 and each first bridge portion 34 of the separator 28, thereby communicating with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 and extending in the separator surface direction. Is formed.

  A fuel gas supply that communicates with the fuel gas supply passage 60 and the fuel gas supply hole 38a on the surface 56a of the second clamping part 56 and supplies the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas supply passage 60 to the fuel gas supply hole 38a. A chamber (reactive gas supply chamber) 62 and an exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 communicating with the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b and exhausting exhaust gas from the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b are provided.

  The fuel gas supply chamber 62 is branched into five corresponding to the fuel gas supply holes 38a arranged in a plurality of rows, for example, five rows, while the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 is, for example, exhaust gas discharged in six rows. The fuel gas supply chamber 62 and the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 are alternately arranged in six branches corresponding to the holes 38b. The exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 communicates with the exhaust gas passage 68 via the exhaust gas discharge passage 66 provided at the outer peripheral outer side end portion of the second sandwiching portion 56.

  A deformable elastic passage portion that forms an oxidant gas passage 70 for supplying an oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode 22 and is in close contact with the cathode electrode 22 on the surface 56b of the second sandwiching portion 56. For example, a conductive mesh member 72 is provided. The mesh member 72 is made of, for example, a stainless steel (SUS material) wire and has a disk shape. The mesh member 72 is set to a thickness capable of desired elastic deformation with respect to a load in the stacking direction (arrow A direction).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the oxidant gas passage 70 provided in the mesh member 72 is formed in the direction of arrow B from between the inner peripheral end of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 and the inner peripheral end of the first clamping portion 36. The oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 for supplying the oxidant gas communicates with the communication hole 74. This oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 is located inward of each first clamping part 36 and second clamping part 56, between the first bridge part 34 and between the second bridge part 54, and in the stacking direction (arrow A direction). It extends to.

  An insulating seal 76 for sealing the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 is disposed between the separators 28. The insulating seal 76 is made of, for example, a mica material, a glass material, or a ceramic material.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell stack 12 includes substantially disc-shaped end plates 80 a and 80 b at both ends in the stacking direction of the plurality of fuel cells 10. A hole 82 is provided at the center of the end plate 80 a corresponding to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and a plurality of holes are provided around the hole 82 corresponding to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74. A portion 84 is provided. The end plates 80a and 80b are fastened in the direction of arrow A by bolts (not shown) screwed into the screw holes 86.

  The operation of the fuel cell stack 12 configured as described above will be described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) is supplied from the hole 82 of the end plate 80 a to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and from the hole 84 to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74. An oxygen-containing gas (hereinafter also referred to as air) that is an oxidant gas is supplied.

  While the fuel gas moves in the stacking direction (arrow A direction) along the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 of the fuel cell stack 12, the fuel gas supply passage 60 provided in each fuel cell 10 has a separator surface direction (arrow). B direction).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the fuel gas is once introduced into the fuel gas supply chamber 62 from the fuel gas supply passage 60. The fuel gas supply chamber 62 communicates with a plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38 a arranged in five rows provided in the first clamping unit 36. Therefore, the fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply chamber 62 through the fuel gas supply holes 38a over the entire electrode surface of the anode electrode 24 constituting the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 in a shower form (see FIG. 6). ).

  The fuel gas supplied to the anode electrode 24 through the fuel gas supply hole 38a passes through the fuel gas passage 40, that is, the flow path formed by the plurality of protrusions 42, and is used for the power generation reaction. A plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38b are discharged into the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 in a shower shape (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 4, the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 communicates with a plurality of exhaust gas exhaust holes 38b arranged in six rows, and the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust gas exhaust holes 38b to the exhaust gas exhaust chamber 64 is The gas is collected in the exhaust gas discharge passage 66 and discharged to the exhaust gas passage 68 (see FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, the air supplied to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 is indicated by an arrow B from between the inner peripheral end portion of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 and the inner peripheral end portions of the first sandwiching portion 36 and the second sandwiching portion 56. It flows in the direction and is sent to the oxidant gas passage 70 formed in the mesh member 72. In the oxidant gas passage 70, air flows from the inner peripheral end portion (center portion of the separator 28) side of the cathode electrode 22 of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 toward the outer peripheral end portion (outer peripheral end portion side of the separator 28). To flow.

  Therefore, in the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, fuel gas is supplied in a shower-like manner over the entire electrode surface of the anode electrode 24, and air is supplied in one direction (arrow B direction) of the electrode surface of the cathode electrode 22. The At that time, oxide ions move to the anode electrode 24 through the electrolyte 20, and power is generated by a chemical reaction.

  The air after the power generation reaction discharged to the outer peripheral portion of each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 and the fuel gas after the power generation reaction are discharged from the fuel cell stack 12 through the exhaust gas passage 68 as an off gas (see FIG. 1). ).

  In this case, in the first embodiment, the first clamping unit 36 is supplied to the fuel gas passage 40 and the plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38 a that introduce the fuel gas in a shower shape toward the electrode surface of the anode electrode 24. A plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38b are provided for discharging the fuel gas used for the reaction as exhaust gas from the fuel gas passage 40 in a shower shape.

  Thus, the fuel gas is supplied in a shower form from the plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38a to the entire electrode surface of the anode electrode 24, so that the fuel gas concentration in the electrode surface can be made uniform. On the other hand, since the exhaust gas is discharged in a shower shape from the plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38b, the exhaust gas concentration in the electrode surface can be equalized.

  For this reason, the current density distribution in the electrode surface can be made uniform, and the power generation efficiency can be easily improved. Furthermore, it is possible to equalize the power generation reaction that is an exothermic reaction in the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. Therefore, the temperature gradient of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is suppressed, the damage and deterioration of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 due to thermal stress is prevented as much as possible, and the water vapor generated by the power generation reaction is concentrated. The effect that it can prevent favorably is acquired.

  Therefore, FIG. 7 shows the generation states of the water vapor concentration and the current density in the related art 1 (patent document 1), the prior art 2 (patent document 2), and the first embodiment of the present invention. Yes.

  In the prior art 1, only a single fuel gas supply hole is provided, and there is a large difference between the current density and water vapor density at the center of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 and the current density and water vapor concentration at the periphery. Further, in the related art 2 that includes a plurality of fuel gas supply holes and exhausts exhaust gas to the outside, although the difference in water vapor concentration and current density from the center of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 to the outside is relatively small, As the distance to the periphery of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 increased, the water vapor concentration and the current density differed.

  Thereby, in the prior art 1 and the prior art 2, the current density distribution in the electrode surface becomes non-uniform, the power generation efficiency is lowered, and the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is damaged or deteriorated due to the temperature gradient. easy.

  On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the water vapor concentration and the current density can be substantially uniform over the power generation surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, and the occurrence of the above-described problems can be suppressed. The effect was obtained.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, fuel gas and exhaust gas are prevented from being discharged from the peripheral portion to the peripheral portion on the surface 36 a side of the first sandwiching portion 36. A ring-shaped sealing portion 44 for this purpose is formed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the exhaust gas generated by the power generation reaction from being concentrated on the peripheral portion of the first sandwiching portion 36, and to suppress the occurrence of bias in the current density distribution in the electrode surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. It becomes possible. Therefore, the power generation efficiency is improved and stabilized, the temperature gradient of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is suppressed, and damage or deterioration of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 due to thermal stress is prevented as much as possible. Can do.

  A plurality of protrusions 42 are provided on the surface 36a of the first clamping part 36 between the fuel gas supply hole 38a and the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b. Thus, the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply hole 38a to the fuel gas passage 40 is prevented from immediately passing through the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b, and the fuel gas utilization rate can be improved.

  In addition, since the protrusion 42 is in contact with the electrode surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, the transmission of the load of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 and the current collection from the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 are reliably performed. .

  Further, the second sandwiching portion 56 is provided with a fuel gas supply chamber 62 that communicates with the fuel gas supply hole 38a and an exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 that communicates with the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b. The fuel gas supply chamber 62 has a function of adjusting the pressure fluctuation and non-uniformity of the fuel gas before the reaction, and the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply hole 38a to the electrode surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is The fuel gas concentration in the electrode plane can be equalized. On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 has a function of promoting exhaust gas discharge and fuel gas supply, and can equalize the exhaust gas concentration in the electrode surface of the anode electrode 24.

  As a result, the current density distribution in the electrode surface of the anode electrode 24 is made uniform to improve the power generation efficiency, the temperature gradient in the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is suppressed, and the electrolyte / electrode assembly due to thermal stress is suppressed. 26 can be prevented from being damaged or deteriorated as much as possible.

  Furthermore, fuel gas supply holes 38a and exhaust gas discharge holes 38b, which are fine holes that require a delicate manufacturing process, are formed only in the first holding part 36, and this kind of fine holes are formed in the second holding part 56. A simple manufacturing process becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the first clamping part 36 and the second clamping part 56 can be configured separately depending on the presence or absence of a fine manufacturing process, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the yield can be easily improved.

  FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged exploded perspective view of a separator 90 constituting a fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a passage member 92 joined to the separator 90. FIG. FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of the passage member 92. The same components as those of the fuel cell 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Similarly, in the third to eighth embodiments described below, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  A plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38a and exhaust gas discharge holes 38b are alternately arranged in the first sandwiching portion 94 constituting the separator 90, and fuel gas is discharged from the fuel gas supply holes 38a. A plurality of protrusions 96 are provided to restrict the flow of the straight line toward the hole 38b.

  The protrusion 96 is set on an imaginary straight line connecting the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b located at the shortest distance from the fuel gas supply hole 38a, and the shortest distance between the protrusion 96 and the fuel gas supply hole 38a is the protrusion. It is set equal to the shortest distance between the portion 96 and the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b. The protrusion 96 is set in an oval shape (or an oval shape), and is arranged at a position that is long in a direction orthogonal to the virtual straight line.

  A fuel gas supply chamber 62 that communicates with the fuel gas supply hole 38a and an exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 that communicates with the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b are formed in the second sandwiching portion 98 constituting the passage member 50.

  In the second embodiment configured as described above, the protrusion 96 suppresses the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply hole 38a to the fuel gas passage 40 from being immediately discharged to the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b. Can do. For this reason, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, such as improving the fuel gas utilization rate, enabling transmission of the load to the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 and collecting current.

  Moreover, the protrusion 96 is formed in an oval shape (or an oval shape). Therefore, there is an advantage that the flow length of the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply hole 38a arranged at the shortest distance to the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b is effectively lengthened, and the fuel gas utilization rate can be further improved. .

  FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged perspective explanatory view of the separator 100 and the passage member 92 constituting the fuel cell according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  A plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38a and exhaust gas discharge holes 38b are alternately arranged in a staggered manner in the first sandwiching portions 102 constituting the separator 100. The first clamping part 102 is provided with an elliptical (or elliptical) protrusion 104 in a virtual straight line connecting the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b located at the shortest position from the fuel gas supply hole 38a. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

  FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged exploded perspective view of the separator 110 and the passage member 112 constituting the fuel cell according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a part of the separator 110 and the passage member 112. It is a plane explanatory view.

  The first sandwiching portion 114 constituting the separator 110 is provided with a fuel gas supply hole 38a in the central portion, and a plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38a are provided concentrically with the central portion at predetermined angular intervals. . A predetermined number of exhaust gas discharge holes 38b are concentrically arranged at predetermined angular intervals inside and outside the plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38a arranged concentrically around the central fuel gas supply hole 38a. They are spaced apart.

  In the first clamping portion 114, the fuel gas supply holes 38a and the exhaust gas discharge holes 38b are alternately provided along the diameter direction, and the exhaust gas discharge holes 38b located at the shortest distance from the fuel gas supply hole 38a are connected. A protrusion 116 is formed on the virtual straight line. The protrusion 116 is set in an oval shape (or an oval shape) that is long in a direction substantially perpendicular to the virtual straight line at a substantially central portion on the virtual straight line.

  A fuel gas supply chamber 120 that communicates with the fuel gas supply hole 38a and an exhaust gas discharge chamber 122 that communicates with the exhaust gas discharge hole 38b are formed in the second sandwiching portion 118 that constitutes the passage member 112. The fuel gas supply chamber 120 has a linear portion on the center side, and is set to have a shape in which arc-shaped portions communicate with each other on both sides of the linear portion.

  In the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the same effect as in the first to third embodiments can be obtained. In addition, in the fifth and subsequent embodiments described below, the first to fourth embodiments can be applied. However, for the sake of simplification of description, for example, the first clamping of the second embodiment. The part 94 and the second clamping part 98 are used.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell 140 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  A passage member 144 is joined to the separator 142 constituting the fuel cell 140, and an oxidant gas passage 146 is provided on a surface 98 b of the second clamping portion 98 constituting the passage member 144. The oxidant gas passage 146 includes a plurality of protrusions 148 formed on the surface 98b of each second holding part 98 by, for example, etching or pressing (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

  In the fifth embodiment configured as described above, the load in the stacking direction is efficiently transmitted through the plurality of protrusions 148 provided in the second clamping unit 98. Therefore, the fuel cell 140 can be stacked with a small load, and the distortion of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 and the separator 142 can be reduced.

  FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell 150 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  The fuel cell 150 includes a separator 152. A plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38a and a plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38b are alternately formed in the first clamping portion 154 constituting the separator 152.

  The first sandwiching portion 154 is formed with a fuel gas passage 40 for supplying fuel gas along the electrode surface of the anode electrode 24, and a deformable elastic passage portion that is in close contact with the anode electrode 24, for example, conductive A mesh member 156 is disposed (see FIGS. 16 and 17). By using this mesh member 156, the first clamping unit 154 may not require a protrusion.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the air that is the oxidant gas is supplied outward from the central side of the separator 28 or the like. For example, on the contrary, the air is supplied from the outer side. You may comprise so that air may be supplied toward inward.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 202 in which fuel cells 200 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention are stacked in the direction of arrow A.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the fuel cell 200 is configured by sandwiching an electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 between a pair of separators 204. The separator 204 includes first, second, and third plates 206, 208, and 210 that are stacked on each other. The first to third plates 206, 208, and 210 are made of, for example, a sheet metal such as a stainless alloy, and the first plate 206 and the third plate 210 are, for example, brazed on both surfaces of the second plate 208. Bonding, diffusion bonding or laser welding.

  The first plate 206 includes a first fuel gas supply unit 212 in which a fuel gas supply communication hole 30 for supplying fuel gas along the stacking direction (arrow A direction) is formed. The first fuel gas supply unit 212 is integrally provided with a first sandwiching unit 216 having a relatively large diameter via a narrow bridge unit 214. The first clamping part 216 is set to have substantially the same dimensions as the anode electrode 24 of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26.

  The third plate 210 includes a first oxidant gas supply unit 228 in which an oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 for supplying an oxidant gas along the stacking direction (arrow A direction) is formed. The first oxidant gas supply unit 228 is integrally provided with a second sandwiching unit 232 having a relatively large diameter via a narrow bridge unit 230.

  The second sandwiching portion 232 has a plurality of oxidant gas supply holes 38c for supplying an oxidant gas in a shower shape to the entire electrode surface of the cathode electrode 22 on the surface of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 in contact with the cathode electrode 22; A plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38d for discharging the oxidant gas used for the reaction at the cathode electrode 22 as exhaust gas in a shower shape are alternately arranged. A protrusion 96 is provided between the oxidant gas supply hole 38c and the exhaust gas discharge hole 38d (see FIGS. 19 and 20).

  As shown in FIG. 19, the second plate 208 includes a second fuel gas supply part 238 in which the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 is formed and a second oxidant gas supply part in which the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 is formed. 240. The second fuel gas supply unit 238 and the second oxidant gas supply unit 240 are integrally configured with a relatively large-diameter third clamping unit 246 via narrow bridge portions 242 and 244. The 3rd clamping part 246 is set to the same diameter as the 1st and 2nd clamping parts 216 and 232.

  The third clamping unit 246 is formed by separating the fuel gas supply chamber 62 and the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 on the surface facing the first clamping unit 216. As shown in FIG. 21, the third sandwiching portion 246 is formed on the surface facing the second sandwiching portion 232 by separating the oxidant gas supply chamber 62a and the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64a. The oxidant gas supply chamber 62a communicates with the oxidant gas supply hole 38c, and the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64a communicates with the exhaust gas discharge hole 38d.

  A fuel gas supply passage 60 that communicates with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 is provided between the bridge portions 214 and 242 (see FIGS. 19 and 22). An oxidant gas supply passage 252 communicating with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 is provided between the bridge portions 230 and 244.

  The first plate 206 is joined to one surface of the second plate 208 by brazing, diffusion bonding, laser welding, or the like, so that the fuel gas passage 40 is communicated between the first and second plates 206, 208. A fuel gas supply passage 60 is provided. Similarly, the second plate 208 is joined to the third plate 210 by brazing, diffusion bonding, or laser welding, so that an oxidation gas communicating with the oxidant gas passage 70 is provided between the second and third plates 208, 210. An agent gas supply passage 252 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the fuel cell stack 202, end plates 270 a and 270 b are arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the plurality of fuel cells 200. The end plate 270a or the end plate 270b is electrically insulated from the fastening bolt 272. A first pipe 274 that communicates with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 of the fuel cell 200 and a second pipe 276 that communicates with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 are connected to the end plate 270a.

  In the fuel cell stack 202 configured as described above, the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 from the first pipe 274 connected to the end plate 270a. On the other hand, air, which is an oxygen-containing gas, is supplied from the second pipe 276 connected to the end plate 270a to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the fuel gas supplied to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 moves in the fuel gas supply passage 60 in the separator 204 constituting each fuel cell 200 while moving in the stacking direction (arrow A direction). Supplied. The fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas supply chamber 62 along the fuel gas supply passage 60.

  A plurality of fuel gas supply holes 38 a communicate with the fuel gas supply chamber 62, and the fuel gas is supplied in a shower shape from the fuel gas supply holes 38 a to the fuel gas passage 40. The fuel gas used for the power generation reaction is discharged in a shower shape from the plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38b to the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64 (see FIG. 22).

  On the other hand, the air supplied to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 moves through the oxidant gas supply passage 252 in the separator 204 and is supplied to the oxidant gas supply chamber 62a. Further, the air is supplied in a shower form from the plurality of oxidant gas supply holes 38 c to the oxidant gas passage 70. The oxidant gas used for the power generation reaction is discharged from the plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38d into the exhaust gas discharge chamber 64a in a shower shape.

  In this case, in the seventh embodiment, the oxidant gas is supplied in a shower form from the plurality of oxidant gas supply holes 38c to the entire electrode surface of the cathode electrode 22, so that the oxidant gas concentration in the electrode surface is equalized. Can be On the other hand, since the exhaust gas (used oxidant gas) is discharged in a shower form from the plurality of exhaust gas discharge holes 38d, the exhaust gas concentration in the electrode surface of the cathode electrode 22 can be equalized.

  This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as in the first to sixth embodiments, such as making the current density distribution in the electrode plane uniform and suppressing the temperature gradient.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 302 in which fuel cells 300 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention are stacked in the direction of arrow A. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the fuel cell 300 is configured by sandwiching a plurality of, for example, four electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26 between a pair of separators 306. Between the separators 306, four electrolyte / electrode assemblies are spaced apart at equal angular intervals around the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, which is the center of the separator 306, and concentrically with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30. 26 is arranged.

  The separator 306 includes a first plate 308 and a second plate 310 made of a sheet metal such as a stainless alloy. The first plate 308 and the second plate 310 are joined to each other by diffusion bonding, laser welding, brazing, or the like. The first plate 308 and the second plate 310 may be constituted by, for example, a carbon plate or the like (the bonding method is omitted) instead of the metal plate.

  The first plate 308 has a fuel gas supply portion (reactive gas supply portion) 312 in which a fuel gas supply communication hole 30 for supplying fuel gas along the stacking direction (arrow A direction) is formed at the center. A first sandwiching portion (first plate portion) 316 is integrally provided via four first bridge portions 314 that are radially spaced apart from the fuel gas supply portion 312 at equal angular intervals. The first clamping part 316 is set to have substantially the same dimensions as the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26.

  Each first clamping part 316 is integrally provided with an annular first housing part 324 via a short second bridge part 322. The first housing part 324 has an oxidant gas supply part 326 in which an oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 for supplying an oxidant gas to an oxidant gas supply passage 348 described later is formed in the stacking direction. The first housing portion 324 is provided with a plurality of bolt insertion holes 328 spaced apart by a predetermined angular interval.

  The fuel gas supply communication hole 30, the first bridge part 314, the first clamping part 316, the second bridge part 322, and the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 are arranged on a straight line along the separator surface direction (FIG. 24 to FIG. 24). (See FIG. 26).

  As shown in FIGS. 24 and 27, the second plate 310 has a fuel gas supply part (reactive gas supply part) 330 in which the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 is formed at the center. A second clamping portion (second plate portion) 334 is integrally provided via four first bridge portions 332 that extend radially away from the fuel gas supply portion 330 at equal angular intervals. Similar to the first clamping unit 316, the second clamping unit 334 is set to have substantially the same dimensions as the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26.

  Each of the second holding portions 334 is integrally provided with an annular second housing portion 342 via a short second bridge portion 340. The second housing part 342 is provided with an oxidant gas supply part 326 in which an oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 is formed in the stacking direction, and a bolt insertion hole part 328. A filling chamber 346 for filling the oxidant gas supplied from the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 is formed on the surface of the second case 342 joined to the first case 324.

  The filling chamber 346 communicates with an oxidant gas supply passage (reaction gas supply passage) 348 extending from each second bridge portion 340 to the vicinity of the center of each second clamping portion 334. An oxidant gas supply hole 350 that penetrates through the second clamping part 334 communicates with the tip of the oxidant gas supply passage 348.

  As shown in FIG. 28, between each separator 306, a first insulating seal 76a for sealing the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and a second insulating seal 76b for sealing the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74, Is provided. The first insulating seal 76a and the second insulating seal 76b have high sealing properties and are hard and not easily crushed. For example, a crustal component material, a glass material, a composite material of clay and plastic, or the like is used. The second insulating seal 76b is preferably a heat insulating member that prevents diffusion of thermal energy.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the fuel cell stack 302 has a substantially disc-shaped first end plate 352a disposed at one end in the stacking direction of the plurality of fuel cells 300, and a partition wall (not shown) at the other end in the stacking direction. A plurality of second end plates 352b having a small diameter and a substantially disk shape and a fixing ring 352c having a large diameter and a substantially ring shape are disposed. The partition walls have a function of preventing the exhaust gas from diffusing to the outside of the fuel cell 300, while four second end plates 352 b are disposed corresponding to the stack positions of the electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26.

  The first housing portion 324 and the second housing portion 342 of the separator 306 are connected to the first end plate 352a via a bolt 358 inserted into the bolt insertion hole 328 of the separator 306 and a nut 360 screwed into the bolt 358. Tightened and fixed.

  The first end plate 352a includes a single fuel gas supply pipe 362 communicating with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, four oxidant gas supply pipes 364 communicating with the oxidant gas supply communication holes 74, and exhaust gas. Four oxidant gas discharge pipes 368 communicating with the passage 68 are provided.

  A support plate 372 is fixed to the first end plate 352a. Between the support plate 372 and the first end plate 352a, a first load applying unit 374 that applies a tightening load to the fuel gas supply units 312 and 330, and a second load that applies a tightening load to the oxidant gas supply unit 326. A load applying unit 376 and a third load applying unit 378 for applying a tightening load to each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 are provided.

  The first load applying unit 374 is a pressing member 380 disposed at the center of the fuel cell 300 (the center of the fuel gas supply units 312 and 330) in order to prevent the fuel gas from leaking from the fuel gas supply communication hole 30. The pressing member 380 is positioned near the arrangement center of the four second end plates 352b and presses the fuel cell 300 via a partition wall (not shown). A first spring 384 is disposed on the pressing member 380 via a first receiving member 382a and a second receiving member 382b.

  The second load applying portion 376 includes a bolt 358 inserted into the bolt insertion hole 328 and a nut 360 screwed into the bolt 358, and the oxidant gas leaks from the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74. Has the function of blocking.

  The third load applying portion 378 includes a third receiving member 392a disposed on the second end plate 352b corresponding to each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. The third receiving member 392a is positioned and supported by the second end plate 352b via a pin (not shown). One end of the second spring 396 contacts the third receiving member 392a, while the other end of the second spring 396 contacts the fourth receiving member 392b.

  The operation of the fuel cell stack 302 configured as described above will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply pipe 362 connected to the first end plate 352a to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and the oxidant gas is supplied from the oxidant gas supply pipe 364. Air that is an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the supply communication hole 74.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the fuel gas supplied to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 moves in the stacking direction (arrow A direction), and travels from the fuel gas supply passage 60 of the separator 306 constituting each fuel cell 300 to the fuel gas. The gas is once supplied to the gas supply chamber 62. The fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply chamber 62 through the fuel gas supply holes 38a over the entire electrode surface of the anode electrode 24 constituting the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 in the form of a shower.

  The fuel gas used for the power generation reaction at the anode electrode 24 is discharged as exhaust gas into the exhaust gas exhaust chamber 64 from the plurality of exhaust gas exhaust holes 38b, and then discharged from the exhaust gas exhaust passage 66 to the exhaust gas passage 68 (see FIG. 29).

  On the other hand, the air supplied to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 74 temporarily enters the filling chamber 346 provided between the first housing portion 324 of the first plate 308 and the second housing portion 342 of the second plate 310. Filled. An oxidant gas supply passage 348 communicates with the filling chamber 346, and the oxidant gas moves along the respective oxidant gas supply passages 348 toward the center of the first sandwiching portion 316 and the second sandwiching portion 334. To do.

  An oxidant gas supply hole 350 communicates with the vicinity of the center of the second clamping part 334, and the oxidant gas supply hole 350 is provided corresponding to the substantially central position of the cathode electrode 22 of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. It has been. As a result, air is supplied to the cathode electrode 22 from the oxidant gas supply hole 350, and is formed on the mesh member (conductive woven fabric such as a metal mesh) 72 from the substantially central portion to the outer peripheral portion of the cathode electrode 22. The oxidant gas passage 70 flows (see FIG. 28).

  Instead of the mesh member 72, a conductive felt member (conductive non-woven fabric such as metal felt), foam metal, expanded metal, punching metal, or the like may be employed. In addition, a plurality of protrusions (bosses) that form an oxidant gas passage 70 for supplying an oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode 22 are formed on the surface of the second sandwiching part 334 on the cathode electrode 22 side. The protrusions may be formed by etching or pressing.

  Thereby, in 8th Embodiment, the effect similar to said 1st-7th embodiment can be acquired.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack incorporating a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell. It is a partially exploded perspective view showing the gas flow state of the fuel cell. It is a partially expanded explanatory view of one surface of a separator. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the fuel cell taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the fuel cell taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. It is a related explanatory drawing of water vapor concentration and current density of a prior art and a 1st embodiment. It is a partially expanded exploded perspective view of the separator and passage member which constitute the fuel cell concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial plane explanatory view of the separator and the passage member. It is a partially expanded exploded perspective view of the separator and passage member which constitute the fuel cell concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially expanded exploded perspective view of the separator and passage member which constitute the fuel cell concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial plane explanatory view of the separator and the passage member. It is a disassembled perspective explanatory drawing of the fuel cell which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is front explanatory drawing of the passage member which comprises the said fuel cell. It is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the said fuel cell. It is a disassembled perspective explanatory drawing of the fuel cell which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the said fuel cell. It is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack incorporating a fuel cell according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell. It is a partially exploded perspective view showing the gas flow state of the fuel cell. It is front explanatory drawing of the 2nd plate which comprises the said fuel cell. It is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the said fuel cell. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack in which fuel cells according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention are stacked in the direction of arrow A. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell. It is a partially exploded perspective view showing the gas flow state of the fuel cell. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st plate which comprises a separator. It is explanatory drawing of the 2nd plate which comprises the said separator. FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the fuel cell taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the fuel cell taken along line XXIX-XXIX in FIGS. 26 and 27. It is explanatory drawing of the separator which comprises the fuel cell of patent document 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a fuel cell separator of Patent Document 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10, 140, 150, 200, 300 ... Fuel cell 12, 202, 302 ... Fuel cell stack 20 ... Electrolyte 22 ... Cathode electrode 24 ... Anode electrode 26 ... Electrolyte / electrode assembly 28, 90, 100, 110, 142, 152 , 204, 306 ... separator 30 ... fuel gas supply communication holes 32, 52, 212, 238, 312, 330 ... fuel gas supply unit 34, 54, 214, 230, 242, 244, 314, 322, 332, 340 ... bridge Portions 36, 56, 94, 98, 102, 114, 118, 154, 216, 232, 246, 316, 334 ... clamping portion 38a ... fuel gas supply holes 38b, 38d ... exhaust gas discharge holes 38c, 350 ... oxidant gas supply Hole 40 ... Fuel gas passage 42, 96, 104, 116, 148 ... Projection 44 ... Ring-shaped sealing part 50, 9 112, 144 ... passage member 58 ... convex portion 60 ... fuel gas supply passage 62, 120 ... fuel gas supply chamber 64, 64a, 122 ... exhaust gas discharge chamber 66 ... exhaust gas discharge passage 68 ... exhaust gas passage 70, 146 ... oxidant gas Passage 72, 156 ... Mesh member 74 ... Oxidant gas supply communication holes 206, 208, 210, 308, 310 ... Plates 228, 240, 326 ... Oxidant gas supply sections 252, 348 ... Oxidant gas supply passages 324, 342 ... Case

Claims (9)

An electrolyte / electrode assembly constituted by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode is a fuel cell in which separators are stacked,
The separator sandwiches the electrolyte-electrode assembly, and has a reaction gas passage for supplying fuel gas along at least the electrode surface of the anode electrode or supplying oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode. Provided with a clamping part provided,
The sandwiching portion includes a plurality of reaction gas supply holes for supplying at least the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the reaction gas passage in a rain bath shape,
A plurality of exhaust gas exhaust holes for discharging at least the fuel gas or the oxidant gas supplied to the reaction gas passage and used for the reaction as exhaust gas from the reaction gas passage in a rain bath shape;
And providing
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a sealing portion for suppressing discharge of the exhaust gas from the peripheral portion is formed at a peripheral portion of the sandwiching portion on the reaction gas passage side. An electrolyte / electrode assembly constituted by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode is a fuel cell in which separators are stacked,
The separator sandwiches the electrolyte-electrode assembly, and has a reaction gas passage for supplying fuel gas along at least the electrode surface of the anode electrode or supplying oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode. A clamping part to be provided;
A bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and formed with a reaction gas supply passage for supplying at least the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the reaction gas passage;
A reaction gas supply part connected to the bridge part and having a reaction gas supply communication hole for supplying at least the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the reaction gas supply passage in the stacking direction;
With
The sandwiching portion includes a plurality of reaction gas supply holes for supplying at least the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the reaction gas passage in a rain bath shape,
A plurality of exhaust gas exhaust holes for discharging at least the fuel gas or the oxidant gas supplied to the reaction gas passage and used for the reaction as exhaust gas from the reaction gas passage in a rain bath shape;
And providing
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a sealing portion for suppressing discharge of the exhaust gas from the peripheral portion is formed at a peripheral portion of the sandwiching portion on the reaction gas passage side.   3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the clamping portion protrudes toward the reaction gas passage and restricts the reaction gas from flowing linearly from the reaction gas supply hole toward the exhaust gas discharge hole. A fuel cell characterized in that a portion is provided.   4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion is set on a virtual straight line connecting the exhaust gas discharge holes located at a shortest distance from the reaction gas supply hole.   5. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein the shortest distance between the protrusion and the reaction gas supply hole is set equal to the shortest distance between the protrusion and the exhaust gas discharge hole.   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the protrusion is formed in an oval shape or an elliptical shape.   7. The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the long axis of the elliptical shape or the elliptical shape is orthogonal to the virtual straight line connecting the reaction gas supply hole and the exhaust gas discharge hole arranged at the shortest distance. A fuel cell, which is set to perform. 8. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the sandwiching portion communicates with the reaction gas supply hole and supplies the reaction gas to the reaction gas supply hole.
An exhaust gas discharge chamber communicating with the exhaust gas discharge hole and discharging the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas discharge hole;
A fuel cell comprising: 9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the sandwiching portion includes a first plate portion in which the reaction gas supply hole and the exhaust gas discharge hole are formed,
A second plate part in which the reaction gas supply chamber and the exhaust gas discharge chamber are formed;
With
The fuel cell, wherein the first plate portion and the second plate portion are stacked.

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