JP2008103215A - Assembling method of fuel cell stack - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an assembling method of a fuel cell stack in which a required seal load is surely given and deformation of a separator is well controlled and defects such as damage and deterioration of an electrolyte-electrode assembly and a short circuit between separators can be prevented. <P>SOLUTION: The separator is provided with a first fuel gas supplying part 36 as well as a second fuel gas supplying part 60, a first pinching part 40 as well as a second pinching part 64 which are connected with the first fuel gas supplying part 36 and the second fuel gas supplying part 60 through first bridging parts 38, 64, and a first case 44 as well as a second case 68 which are connected with the first pinching part 40 and the second pinching part 64 through second bridging parts 42, 66. To begin with, after a first surface pressure F1 is generated near a fuel gas supplying communication hole 30, a second surface pressure F2 smaller than the first surface pressure F1 is generated near an oxidant gas supplying communication hole 54, and a third surface pressure F3 smaller than the second surface pressure F2 is generated at the electrolyte-electrode assembly 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly configured by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, and a separator, and a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of the fuel cells are stacked. Regarding the method.

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

  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, as shown in FIG. 19, a flat plate stacked fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a separator 1 that is stacked on a power generation cell (not shown). 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.

JP 2006-120589 A (FIG. 4)

  By the way, in said patent document 1, it is desired to make compatible the sealing performance of the manifold parts 2a and 2a, and the contactability of the part 2b which is an electric power generation part. At that time, it is particularly necessary to surely prevent leakage of the fuel gas. In order to improve the sealing performance of the manifold portions 2a and 2a, a large seal load is applied.

  However, the connecting portions 2c and 2c are formed so as to surround the portion 2b which is the power generation unit, and when a large load is applied to the manifold portions 2a and 2a, the connecting portions 2c are likely to approach each other. Thereby, there exists a possibility of inhibiting exhaust gas being discharged | emitted from the periphery of the part 2b. Therefore, a temperature gradient is likely to be generated in the electrolyte / electrode assembly, and the electrolyte / electrode assembly may be defective such as damage or deterioration, or it may be difficult to perform an efficient and reliable power generation reaction.

  In addition, it is desired to reduce the size and weight of the entire fuel cell. For this reason, it is particularly necessary to configure the separator 1 as thin as possible. However, in the thin-walled separator 1, a relatively small load is applied to the portion 2 b, whereas when a large load is applied to the manifold portions 2 a and 2 a, deformation such as wrinkles easily occurs on the separator 1. There is. As a result, the electrolyte / electrode assembly may be damaged or deteriorated, or a short circuit may occur between the separators, making it difficult to perform an efficient and reliable power generation reaction.

  The present invention solves this type of problem, reliably imparts a desired sealing load, suppresses the deformation of the separator well, and causes defects such as damage and deterioration of the electrolyte / electrode assembly, and between the separators. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for assembling a fuel cell stack capable of preventing short circuit.

  The present invention includes a fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly formed by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, and a separator, and the separator sandwiches the electrolyte / electrode assembly. A sandwiching portion provided with at least a fuel gas supply hole for supplying fuel gas along the electrode surface of the anode electrode or an oxidant gas supply hole for supplying oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode And a first bridge part connected to the clamping part and forming a first reaction gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole or supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole And a first reaction gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the first reaction gas supply passage is formed in the stacking direction. 1 reaction gas supply part and a second reaction gas supply passage connected to the sandwiching part for supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole or the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole are formed. A second bridge portion connected to the second bridge portion, and a second reaction gas supply passage for supplying the oxidant gas or the fuel gas to the second reaction gas supply passage is formed in the stacking direction. And a second reaction gas supply unit, and a method for assembling a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of the fuel cells are stacked.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the first reaction gas supply unit generates a first surface pressure (load per unit area) in the stacking direction, and the second reaction gas after the first load application step. And a second load applying step of generating a second surface pressure smaller than the first surface pressure in the stacking direction in the supply unit.

  In the present invention, the first load applying step for applying a first load in the stacking direction to the first reactive gas supply unit, and the second reactive gas supply unit after the first load applying step, A second load applying step of applying a second load in the stacking direction, and the first Young's modulus of the first load receiving member receiving the first load in the stacking direction is the second load applied to the stack It is larger than the second Young's modulus of the second load receiving member received in the direction.

  Further, in the present invention, after the first load applying step for generating the first surface pressure in the stacking direction in the first reaction gas supply unit, and after the first load applying step, the second reaction gas supply unit in the stacking direction. After the second load applying step for generating a second surface pressure smaller than the first surface pressure, and the second load applying step, a third surface pressure smaller than the second surface pressure in the stacking direction in the sandwiching portion. And a third load applying step for generating.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, a first load applying step for applying a first load in the stacking direction to the first reactive gas supply unit, and a second reactive gas supply unit after the first load applying step. A second load applying step of applying a second load in the stacking direction; and a third load applying step of applying a third load in the stacking direction to the sandwiching portion after the second load applying step. And a first Young's modulus of a first load receiving member that receives the first load in the stacking direction, a second Young's modulus of a second load receiving member that receives the second load in the stacking direction, and the third load. The third Young's modulus of the third load receiving member receiving in the laminating direction has a relationship of first Young's modulus> second Young's modulus> third Young's modulus.

  The first reaction gas supply unit is preferably a fuel gas supply unit, while the second reaction gas supply unit is preferably an oxidant gas supply unit.

  In the present invention, first, after a first surface pressure that is a large surface pressure (load per unit area) is generated in the first reactive gas supply unit, a second surface pressure that is relatively small (load per unit area). A surface pressure is generated in the second reaction gas supply unit. For this reason, it is possible to generate a large surface pressure (a load per unit area) in order from the portion where the seal load is most required.

  Therefore, even if the separator is distorted due to the generation of a large surface pressure (load per unit area), this distortion is caused by a small surface pressure (load per unit area) in addition to the first and second bridge portions. It is dispersed and absorbed at the site where it is generated, and the strain does not remain. As a result, even in the case of a thin-walled separator, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the occurrence of deformation due to distortion and the like, thereby preventing a short circuit between the separators, and a desired large surface pressure (per unit area). Load) can be reliably generated, and the gas sealing property can be easily improved.

  Further, in the present invention, after the first load is applied to the first load receiving member having the first Young's modulus having a large Young's modulus, the second load is applied to the second load receiving member having the second Young's modulus having a small Young's modulus. Is granted. For this reason, it is possible to generate a large surface pressure (a load per unit area) in order from the part where the seal load is most required, and the deformation of the separator is effectively performed through the load absorbing action by the second load receiving member. It is possible to suppress the short circuit between the separators and improve the gas sealing performance.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, first, after the first surface pressure, which is a large surface pressure (load per unit area), is generated in the first reaction gas supply unit, the surface pressure is relatively small (load per unit area). A second surface pressure is generated in the second reaction gas supply unit, and a third surface pressure, which is a smaller surface pressure (load per unit area), is generated in the clamping unit. For this reason, it is possible to generate a large surface pressure (load per unit area) in order from the part where the seal surface pressure is most required, and to ensure the electrical contact of the electrolyte / electrode assembly that is the power generation part. In addition, it is possible to effectively prevent damage and deterioration of the electrolyte / electrode assembly. Therefore, the deformation of the separator is suppressed, the occurrence of a short circuit between the separators is prevented, the reaction gas is surely prevented from leaking, and an efficient and reliable power generation reaction can be performed.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, after the first load is applied to the first load receiving member having the first Young's modulus having a large Young's modulus, the second load receiving member having the second Young's modulus having a small Young's modulus is applied to the second load receiving member. A load is applied, and a third load is applied to a third load receiving member having a third Young's modulus, which is a smaller Young's modulus.

  For this reason, it is possible to generate a large surface pressure (load per unit area) in order from the part where the seal surface pressure is most required, and to reliably maintain the electrical contact property of the electrolyte / electrode assembly. It is possible to effectively prevent damage and deterioration of the electrolyte / electrode assembly. Thereby, deformation of the separator can be effectively suppressed to prevent a short circuit between the separators, and the gas sealing property can be improved satisfactorily, and an efficient and reliable power generation reaction can be performed.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack 12 in which the assembly method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adopted, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell stack 12 in FIG. It is line sectional drawing.

  In the fuel cell stack 12, a plurality of fuel cells 10 are stacked in the direction of arrow A. The fuel cell 10 is a solid oxide fuel cell and is used for various purposes such as in-vehicle use as well as stationary use.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fuel cell 10 is provided with a cathode electrode 22 and an anode electrode 24 on both surfaces of an electrolyte (electrolyte plate) 20 made of an oxide ion conductor such as stabilized zirconia, for example. The electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is provided. The electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is formed in a disc shape.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel cell 10 includes a plurality of (for example, four) electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26 sandwiched between a pair of separators 28. Between the separators 28, 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 28, and concentrically with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30. 26 is arranged.

  Separator 28 has the 1st plate 32 and the 2nd plate 34 which consist of sheet metal, such as stainless steel, for example. The first plate 32 and the second plate 34 are formed in a thin shape. The first plate 32 and the second plate 34 are joined to each other by diffusion bonding, laser welding, brazing, or the like. The first plate 32 and the second plate 34 may be constituted by, for example, a carbon plate or the like (the bonding method is omitted) instead of the metal plate.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first plate 32 has a fuel gas supply communication hole (first reaction gas supply communication hole) for supplying fuel gas along the stacking direction (arrow A direction) to the center portion. 30 includes a first fuel gas supply unit (first reaction gas supply unit) 36 formed therein. A relatively large-diameter first sandwiching portion 40 is integrally provided via four first bridge portions 38 that extend radially away from the first fuel gas supply portion 36 at equal angular intervals. The first clamping part 40 is set to have substantially the same dimensions as the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, and each first clamping part 40 has an annular first housing part 44 via a short second bridge part 42. Are provided integrally.

  A plurality of protrusions 48 that form fuel gas passages 46 for supplying fuel gas along the electrode surface of the anode electrode 24 are provided on the surface of the first sandwiching portion 40 that contacts the anode electrode 24. The protrusion 48 constitutes a current collector. A fuel gas supply hole 52 that is eccentric to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 side and that supplies fuel gas toward the substantially central part of the anode electrode 24 is formed at the approximate center of the first clamping part 40.

  The first casing portion 44 has an oxidant gas supply communication hole (second reaction gas supply communication hole) 54 for supplying an oxidant gas to an oxidant gas supply passage 78 to be described later. A gas supply unit (second reaction gas supply unit) 56 is provided. The first housing portion 44 is provided with a plurality of bolt insertion holes 58 spaced apart by a predetermined angular interval. The fuel gas supply communication hole 30, the first bridge part 38, the first clamping part 40, the second bridge part 42, and the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 are arranged on a straight line along the separator surface direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the second plate 34 has a second fuel gas supply part (first reaction gas supply part) 60 in which the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 is formed in the center. A second sandwiching portion 64 having a relatively large diameter is integrally provided via four first bridge portions 62 that extend radially away from the second fuel gas supply portion 60 at equal angular intervals. Similar to the first clamping unit 40, the second clamping unit 64 is set to have substantially the same dimensions as the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, and each second clamping unit 64 is provided with a short second bridge 66. The annular second casing 68 is integrally provided.

  A plurality of grooves 70 communicating with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 are radially formed on the surface of the second fuel gas supply part 60 joined to the first fuel gas supply part 36 with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 as a center. Formed. Each groove portion 70 communicates integrally with the circumferential groove 72, and four fuel gas supply passages (first reaction gas supply passages) 74 communicate with the circumferential groove 72. Each fuel gas supply passage 74 extends from each first bridge portion 62 to the vicinity of the center portion of each second clamping portion 64 and ends corresponding to the fuel gas supply hole 52 of the first plate 32.

  The second casing 68 is provided with an oxidant gas supply part 56 in which an oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 is formed in the stacking direction, and a bolt insertion hole 58. A filling chamber 76 for filling the oxidant gas supplied from the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 is formed on the surface joined to the first case 44 of the second case 68.

  The filling chambers 76 communicate with oxidant gas supply passages (second reaction gas supply passages) 78 extending from the second bridge portions 66 to the vicinity of the central portion of the second holding portions 64. An oxidant gas supply hole 80 penetrating the second clamping part 64 communicates with the tip of the oxidant gas supply passage 78.

  The first plate 32 has a plurality of protrusions 48 formed by, for example, etching, and the second plate 34 has a groove 70, a circumferential groove 72, a fuel gas supply passage 74, a filling chamber 76, and an oxidant gas. The supply passage 78 is formed by etching, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the surface of the second plate 34 facing the cathode electrode 22 has a deformable elastic passage portion, for example, a conductive felt member (third load receiving member) that is a conductive nonwoven fabric such as metal felt. 84 is disposed. The felt member 84 forms an oxidant gas passage 86 between the second sandwiching portion 64 and the cathode electrode 22. Instead of the felt member 84, a mesh member (conductive woven fabric such as a metal mesh), foam metal, expanded metal, punching metal, press embossed metal, or the like may be employed. An exhaust gas passage 88 for discharging the reacted fuel gas and oxidant gas as exhaust gas is provided on the outer periphery of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26.

  As shown in FIG. 7, between each separator 28, a first insulating seal (first load receiving member) 90 for sealing the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 and an oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 are sealed. The second insulating seal (second load receiving member) 92 is provided. The first insulating seal 90 and the second insulating seal 92 have high sealing properties and are hard and not easily crushed. For example, a crust component material, a glass material, a composite material of clay and plastic, or the like is used. The second insulating seal 92 is preferably a heat insulating member that prevents diffusion of thermal energy. The second insulating seal 92 is formed in a substantially ring shape corresponding to the first casing portion 44 and the second casing portion 68.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel cell stack 12 has a substantially disc-shaped first end plate 94 a disposed at one end in the stacking direction of the plurality of fuel cells 10, and a partition wall at the other end in the stacking direction. A plurality of second end plates 94b each having a small diameter and a substantially disk shape with a large number 95 interposed, and a fixing ring 94c having a large diameter and a substantially ring shape. The partition walls 95 have a function of preventing the exhaust gas from diffusing to the outside of the fuel cell 10, while four second end plates 94 b are arranged corresponding to the stack positions of the electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26. .

  The first end plate 94 a and the fixing ring 94 c have a plurality of holes 96 that communicate with the bolt insertion holes 58 of the separator 28. The first housing 44 and the second housing 68 of the separator 28 are connected to the first end plate via the bolt 98 inserted into the bolt insertion hole 58 from the hole 96 and the nut 100 screwed into the bolt 98. Fastened to 94a.

  The first end plate 94a includes a single fuel gas supply pipe 102 communicating with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, four oxidant gas supply pipes 104 communicating with the respective oxidant gas supply communication holes 54, and exhaust gas. Four exhaust gas discharge pipes 105 communicating with the passage 88 are provided.

  The support plate 112 is fixed to the first end plate 94 a via a plurality of bolts 98, nuts 108 a and 108 b and a plate-like collar member 110. Between the support plate 112 and the first end plate 94a, a first tightening load T1 is applied in the stacking direction with respect to the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60 (first reaction gas supply unit). A first load applying mechanism 114 to be applied; a second load applying mechanism 116 for applying a second tightening load T2 in the stacking direction to the oxidant gas supply unit 56 (second reaction gas supply unit); A third load application mechanism 118 that applies a third tightening load T3 in the stacking direction to each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 via the part 40 and the second clamping part 64 is provided.

  In the first embodiment, the first contact pressure (load per unit area) F1 and the second tightening load T2 generated in the first reaction gas supply unit by applying the first tightening load T1 are applied. The second surface pressure (load per unit area) F2 generated in the second reaction gas supply unit and the third surface pressure (load per unit area) generated in the clamping unit by applying the third tightening load T3. ) F3 is set such that the first surface pressure F1> the second surface pressure F2> the third surface pressure F3. The first Young's modulus E1 of the first insulating seal 90 that receives the first tightening load T1 in the stacking direction, the second Young's modulus E2 of the second insulating seal 92 that receives the second tightening load T2 in the stacking direction, and the third tightening load The third Young's modulus E3 of the felt member 84 that receives T3 in the stacking direction is set such that the first Young's modulus E1> the second Young's modulus E2> the third Young's modulus E3.

  Specifically, while the Young's modulus of the metallic separator 28 such as stainless steel is about 200 GPa, the first Young's modulus E1 is about 1 GPa to about 20 GPa, the second Young's modulus E2 is about 100 MPa to about 1 GPa, and The third Young's modulus E3 is preferably about 100 MPa or less.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first load applying mechanism 114 is configured to prevent the fuel gas from leaking from the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 (the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas). A pressing member 120 disposed in the central portion of the gas supply unit 60, and the pressing member 120 is positioned near the arrangement center of the four second end plates 94 b and presses the fuel cell 10 via the partition wall 95. To do. A first spring 124 is disposed on the pressing member 120 via a first receiving member 122a and a second receiving member 122b. The tip of the first pressing bolt 126 abuts on the second receiving member 122b. The first pressing bolt 126 is screwed into a first screw hole 128 formed in the support plate 112 and is fixed through a first nut 130 so that the position can be adjusted.

  The second load applying mechanism 116 includes a bolt 98 inserted into the bolt insertion hole 58 from the hole 96 and a nut 100 screwed into the bolt 98, and an oxidant gas is supplied from the oxidant gas supply unit 56. It has a function to prevent leakage.

  The third load applying mechanism 118 includes a third receiving member 132 a disposed on the second end plate 94 b corresponding to each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. The third receiving member 132a is positioned and supported by the second end plate 94b via the pins 134. One end of the second spring 136 contacts the third receiving member 132a, while the other end of the second spring 136 contacts the fourth receiving member 132b. The tip of the second pressing bolt 138 contacts the fourth receiving member 132b. The second pressing bolt 138 is screwed into a second screw hole 140 formed in the support plate 112 and is fixed via a second nut 142 so that the position can be adjusted.

  The operation of the fuel cell stack 12 configured as described above will be described below in relation to the assembling method according to the first embodiment.

  First, after a predetermined number of separators 28 sandwiching the four electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26 are stacked on the first end plate 94a, the partition wall 95, the pressing member 120, the fixing ring 94c, and each electrolyte / electrode Four second end plates 94b are arranged corresponding to the position where the electrode assembly 26 is stacked. Next, the first load applying mechanism 114 and the third load applying mechanism 118 are disposed, and the support plate 112 is fixed to the first end plate 94a via the bolts 98, nuts 108a and 108b, and the plate-like collar member 110. . In this state, the first load applying mechanism 114 is operated.

  In the first load applying mechanism 114, the first pressing bolt 126 is screwed into the first screw hole 128 of the support plate 112, so that the tip of the first pressing bolt 126 pushes the second receiving member 122b to the pressing member 120 side. Press on. For this reason, the first tightening load T1 is applied to the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60, which are the first reaction gas supply units, in the stacking direction via the first spring 124, and One surface pressure F1 is generated.

  Next, the nut 100 constituting the second load applying mechanism 116 is screwed into the bolt 98, whereby a tightening force is applied in the stacking direction between the first end plate 94a and the fixing ring 94c. As a result, the second tightening load T2 is applied to the oxidant gas supply unit 56, which is the second reaction gas supply unit, in the stacking direction, and a second surface pressure F2 is generated.

  Further, the second pressing bolt 138 constituting the third load applying mechanism 118 is screwed into the second screw hole 140 of the support plate 112. For this reason, the tip of the second pressing bolt 138 presses the fourth receiving member 132b toward the third receiving member 132a. Therefore, a pressing force is applied to each second end plate 94b via the second spring 136, and each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 is stacked in the stacking direction via the first clamping part 40 and the second clamping part 64. The third tightening load T3 is applied to the third surface pressure F3. In that case, it has the relationship of 1st surface pressure F1> 2nd surface pressure F2> 3rd surface pressure F3.

  On the other hand, the first Young's modulus E1 of the first insulating seal 90 that receives the first tightening load T1 applied first in the stacking direction and the second insulating seal that receives the second tightening load T2 applied next in the stacking direction. The second Young's modulus E2 of 92 and the third Young's modulus E3 of the felt member 84 that receives the last applied third tightening load T3 in the laminating direction are: first Young's modulus E1> second Young's modulus E2> first It has a relationship of 3 Young's modulus E3.

  In the fuel cell stack 12 assembled as described above, fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply pipe 102 connected to the first end plate 94a to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, as shown in FIG. At the same time, air, which is an oxygen-containing gas, is supplied from the oxidant gas supply pipe 104 to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the fuel gas supplied to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 moves in the stacking direction (arrow A direction), and the second plate 34 of the separator 28 constituting each fuel cell 10. The fuel gas is supplied to each fuel gas supply passage 74 through a circumferential groove 72 from the groove portion 70 formed in the above. The fuel gas moves along the fuel gas supply passage 74 and is then introduced into the fuel gas passage 46 from the fuel gas supply hole 52 formed in the first plate 32.

  The fuel gas supply hole 52 is provided corresponding to the approximate center position of the anode electrode 24 of each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. Accordingly, the fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply hole 52 to the anode electrode 24 and flows through the fuel gas passage 46 from the substantially central portion of the anode electrode 24 toward the outer peripheral portion.

  On the other hand, the air supplied to the oxidant gas supply unit 56 is once filled into a filling chamber 76 provided between the first housing unit 44 of the first plate 32 and the second housing unit 68 of the second plate 34. Is done. An oxidant gas supply passage 78 communicates with the filling chamber 76, and the oxidant gas moves along the respective oxidant gas supply passages 78 to the center side of the first sandwiching portion 40 and the second sandwiching portion 64. To do.

  An oxidant gas supply hole 80 communicates in the vicinity of the center of the second sandwiching portion 64, and the oxidant gas supply hole 80 is provided corresponding to a substantially central position of the cathode electrode 22 of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. It has been. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, air is supplied from the oxidant gas supply hole 80 to the cathode electrode 22, and the oxidant formed on the felt member 84 from the substantially central portion of the cathode electrode 22 toward the outer peripheral portion. The gas passage 86 flows.

  Accordingly, in each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, fuel gas is supplied from the substantially central portion of the anode electrode 24 toward the outer peripheral portion, and air is supplied from the substantially central portion of the cathode electrode 22 toward the outer peripheral portion, Power generation is performed. The fuel gas and air used for power generation are exhausted from the outer periphery of each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 to the exhaust gas passage 88 as exhaust gas.

  In this case, the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60 need to prevent leakage of the fuel gas as much as possible, and are required to have highly accurate gas sealing properties. Similarly, the oxidant gas supply unit 56 needs to ensure a desired gas sealing property in order to effectively prevent leakage of the oxidant gas, but has a sealing property against gas leakage as compared with the fuel gas. The demand is relatively low. Further, in the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, it is necessary to ensure electrical contact with the separator 28, while it is necessary to prevent the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 from being damaged by applying an excessive load. .

  Therefore, the first surface pressure F1 generated in the stacking direction in the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60, and the second surface pressure F2 generated in the stacking direction in the oxidant gas supply unit 56 The third surface pressure F3 generated in the laminating direction in the first sandwiching portion 40 and the second sandwiching portion 64 has a relationship of first surface pressure F1> second surface pressure F2> third surface pressure F3. Yes.

  On the other hand, the first Young's modulus E1 of the first insulating seal 90, the second Young's modulus E2 of the second insulating seal 92, and the third Young's modulus E3 of the felt member 84 are first Young's modulus E1> second Young's modulus E2>. The relationship is the third Young's modulus E3.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, first, after the first surface pressure F1 is generated in the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60 via the first load application mechanism 114, the second load application is performed. A second surface pressure F2 is generated in the oxidant gas supply unit 56 via the mechanism 116, and a third surface pressure F3 is applied to the first clamping unit 40 and the second clamping unit 64 via the third load applying mechanism 118. It has occurred.

  Accordingly, when the first surface pressure F1, which is the maximum surface pressure, is generated in the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60, the first bridge portion 38, 62, the second bridge portions 42 and 66, the followability (load absorbing function) in the stacking direction of the second insulating seal 92 that generates the second surface pressure F2, and the felt member 84 that generates the third surface pressure F3. The strain of the separator 28 can be effectively absorbed by the followability (load absorbing function) in the stacking direction.

  Furthermore, when the second tightening load T2 is applied to the oxidant gas supply unit 56, the distortion generated in the separator 28 is similarly felt in addition to the second bridge portions 42 and 66 and the first bridge portions 38 and 62, and the felt member. 84 can be absorbed well by the followability in the stacking direction (load absorbing function). Thereby, particularly when the first clamping load T1 and the second clamping load T2 are applied to the thin-walled separator 28, the distortion generated in the separator 28 can be reliably absorbed, and the separator 28 is not deformed. It becomes possible to prevent remaining, and the effect of preventing a short circuit between the separators 28 can be obtained. In addition, the gas sealability of the first fuel gas supply unit 36, the second fuel gas supply unit 60, and the oxidant gas supply unit 56 and the electrical contact properties of each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 can be achieved. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26.

  FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell 160 constituting the fuel cell stack according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the fuel cell 160.

  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 sixth embodiments described below, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The separator 162 constituting the fuel cell 160 includes a first plate 164 and a second plate 166. The first clamping portion 40 constituting the first plate 164 has a flat surface in contact with the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, and fuel gas is supplied to the surface along the electrode surface of the anode electrode 24. A conductive felt member (conductive non-woven fabric such as metal felt) 167 that forms a fuel gas passage 46 for close contact with the anode electrode 24 is disposed (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

  In place of the conductive felt member, a mesh member (conductive woven fabric such as a metal mesh), a foam metal, an expanded metal, a punching metal, or a press embossed metal may be employed.

  The second sandwiching portion 64 constituting the second plate 166 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 168 that form the oxidant gas passage 86 on the surface that contacts the cathode electrode 22. The protrusion 168 is formed by etching, for example.

  In the second embodiment, the first surface pressure F1 generated in the stacking direction in the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60, and the first surface pressure F1 generated in the stacking direction in the oxidant gas supply unit 56. The second surface pressure F2 and the third surface pressure F3 generated in the stacking direction in each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 via the first sandwiching portion 40 and the second sandwiching portion 64 are: first surface pressure F1> second The surface pressure F2> the third surface pressure F3 is set.

  Further, the first Young's modulus E1 of the first insulating seal 90 that receives the first tightening load T1 in the stacking direction, the second Young's modulus E2 of the second insulating seal 92 that receives the second tightening load T2 in the stacking direction, and the third The third Young's modulus E3 of the felt member 167 that receives the tightening load T3 in the stacking direction is set such that the first Young's modulus E1> the second Young's modulus E2> the third Young's modulus E3.

  In the second embodiment, after the first surface pressure F1 is generated, the second surface pressure F2 is generated, and further the third surface pressure F3 is generated. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the separator 162 from remaining strain.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory side view of a fuel cell stack 170 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The fuel cell stack 170 holds the plurality of fuel cells 10 between the first end plate 94a and the second end plate 94d. The second end plate 94d has a substantially donut shape, and is substantially set to a configuration in which the second end plate 94b and the fixing ring 94c used in the first embodiment are integrated. A first load applying mechanism 114 and a second load applying mechanism 116 are provided on the second end plate 94d side.

  In the third embodiment, first, after the first surface pressure F1 is generated in the stacking direction in the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60 via the first load applying mechanism 114, the second pressure is applied. A second surface pressure F <b> 2 is generated in the oxidant gas supply unit 56 in the stacking direction via the load applying mechanism 116.

  At that time, the second load applying mechanism 116 generates the second surface pressure F2 in the stacking direction in the oxidant gas supply unit 56 by tightening the bolt 98 between the first end plate 94a and the second end plate 94d. The third surface pressure F3 is generated in each of the electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26 in the stacking direction.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, first, since the first surface pressure F1 that is the maximum surface pressure is generated via the first load applying mechanism 114, the strain generated by the first surface pressure F1 is the first bridge. In addition to the portions 38 and 62 and the second bridge portions 42 and 66, the portion is surely absorbed by a portion where a surface pressure smaller than the first surface pressure F1 is generated. Thereby, in the fuel cell stack 170, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory side view of a fuel cell stack 180 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The plurality of fuel cells 10 constituting the fuel cell stack 180 are sandwiched between the first end plate 94a and the second end plate 94e. A first load applying mechanism 182 and a second load applying mechanism 116 are provided between the first end plate 94a and the second end plate 94e.

  The first load applying mechanism 182 is provided in the vicinity of the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60 and includes a plurality of bolts 184 and nuts 186. The first end plate 94a and the second end plate 94e circulate around the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, for example, a hole 188 for inserting a bolt 184 correspondingly between the first bridge portions 38 and 62. Is formed.

  In the fourth embodiment configured as described above, first, after a tightening load is applied in the vicinity of the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 by the first load applying mechanism 182, the oxidant is passed through the second load applying mechanism 116. A tightening load is applied in the vicinity of the gas supply communication hole 54.

  For this reason, in each fuel cell 10, after the first surface pressure F1 is generated in the first fuel gas supply unit 36 and the second fuel gas supply unit 60, the second surface pressure F2 is generated in the oxidant gas supply unit 56. At the same time, a third surface pressure F3 is generated in each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. Therefore, in the fuel cell stack 180, the same effect as in the first to third embodiments can be obtained.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 192 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of fuel cells 190 are stacked in the direction of arrow A. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the fuel cell 190 is configured by sandwiching an electrolyte / electrode assembly 26 between a pair of separators 194. The separator 194 includes first and second plates 196 and 198 and a third plate 200 disposed between the first and second plates 196 and 198. The first to third plates 196, 198 and 200 are made of, for example, a thin sheet metal such as a stainless alloy, and the first plate 196 and the second plate 198 are formed on both surfaces of the third plate 200, for example. And joined by brazing.

  The first plate 196 includes a first fuel gas supply unit 202 in which a fuel gas supply communication hole 30 for supplying fuel gas along the stacking direction (arrow A direction) is formed, and the first fuel gas supply unit A first sandwiching portion 206 having a relatively large diameter is integrally provided at 202 via a narrow first bridge portion 204. The first clamping part 206 is set to have substantially the same dimensions as the anode electrode 24 of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26.

  A number of first convex portions 208 that form the fuel gas passage 46 are provided from the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge portion to the central portion on the surface of the first sandwiching portion 206 that contacts the anode electrode 24. A substantially ring-shaped convex portion 210 is provided on the outer peripheral edge. The 1st convex part 208 and the substantially ring-shaped convex part 210 comprise a current collection part. A fuel gas supply hole 52 for supplying fuel gas toward the central portion of the anode electrode 24 is formed in the central portion of the first sandwiching portion 206 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). In addition, you may comprise the 1st convex part 208 by forming a several recessed part in the same plane as the substantially ring-shaped convex part 210. FIG.

  The second plate 198 includes a first oxidant gas supply unit 212 in which an oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 for supplying an oxidant gas along the stacking direction (arrow A direction) is formed. The first oxidant gas supply part 212 is integrally provided with a second sandwiching part 216 having a relatively large diameter via a narrow second bridge part 214.

  A plurality of second convex portions 217 for forming the oxidant gas passage 86 are provided over the entire surface of the second sandwiching portion 216 on the surface in contact with the cathode electrode 22. An oxidant gas supply hole 80 for supplying an oxidant gas toward the center of the cathode electrode 22 is formed at the center of the second sandwiching part 216.

  The third plate 200 includes a second fuel gas supply unit 218 in which the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 is formed, and a second oxidant gas supply unit 220 in which the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 is formed. The second fuel gas supply unit 218 and the second oxidant gas supply unit 220 are configured integrally with a relatively large-diameter third sandwiching unit 228 via a narrow first bridge unit 224 and second bridge unit 226. Is done. The 3rd clamping part 228 is set to the same diameter as the 1st and 2nd clamping parts 206 and 216. FIG.

  On the surface of the third plate 200 facing the first plate 196, the second fuel gas supply unit 218 is formed with a plurality of slits 230 communicating with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and the slit 230 includes the slits 230. The recess 232 communicates around the second fuel gas supply unit 218. A fuel gas supply passage 233 is formed between the first bridge portions 204 and 224 through the slit 230 from the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and this fuel gas supply passage 233 is formed between the first sandwiching portion 206 and the third sandwiching portion 228. Extend to. A plurality of third convex portions 234 are formed in the third clamping portion 228, and the third convex portions 234 constitute a part of the fuel gas supply passage 233.

  On the surface of the third plate 200 that contacts the second plate 198, the second oxidant gas supply unit 220 is formed with a plurality of slits 236 communicating with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 in a radial manner. A recess 238 communicates with the first and second recesses 238. An oxidant gas supply passage 240 is formed between the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 and the second bridge portions 214 and 226 through the slit 236, and the oxidant gas supply passage 240 is connected to the second sandwiching portion 216 and the third sandwiching portion. Extending between the sections 228.

  By brazing the first plate 196 to one surface of the third plate 200, a fuel gas supply passage 233 communicating with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 is provided between the first and third plates 196, 200. It is done. The fuel gas supply passage 233 covers the electrode surface of the anode electrode 24 with the first sandwiching portion 206 sandwiched between the first and third sandwiching portions 206 and 228, and the fuel gas is supplied to supply the first gas. A fuel gas pressure chamber 242 capable of press-contacting the sandwiching portion 206 to the anode electrode 24 is configured (see FIG. 15).

  By brazing the second plate 198 to the third plate 200, an oxidant gas supply passage 240 communicating with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 is formed between the second and third plates 198, 200. . The oxidant gas supply passage 240 covers the electrode surface of the cathode electrode 22 with the second sandwiching part 216 sandwiched between the second and third sandwiching parts 216 and 228, and is supplied with the oxidant gas. An oxidant gas pressure chamber 244 that can press-contact the second sandwiching portion 216 to the cathode electrode 22 is configured (see FIG. 15).

  Between each separator 194, a first insulating seal 246 for sealing the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 and a second insulating seal 248 for sealing the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 are provided. The first insulating seal 246 is formed of the same material as the first insulating seal 90, and the second insulating seal 248 is formed of the same material as the second insulating seal 92.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the fuel cell stack 192, first and second end plates 250a and 250b are disposed at both ends of the plurality of fuel cells 190 in the stacking direction. Between the first end plate 250a and the second end plate 250b, a first surface pressure F1 is applied to the first fuel gas supply unit 202 and the second fuel gas supply unit 218, which are first reaction gas supply units, in the stacking direction. The second load generating mechanism 252 to be generated, and the second oxidant gas supply unit 212 and the second oxidant gas supply unit 220, which are second reaction gas supply units, generate a second surface pressure F2 in the stacking direction. A load application mechanism 254 is provided.

  The first load applying mechanism 252 includes a pair of tightening bolts 256 disposed at positions close to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and the tightening bolts 256 are formed on the first end plate 250a and the second end plate 250b. The bolt hole 258 is inserted. A nut 260 is screwed to the tip of each fastening bolt 256.

  Similarly, the second load applying mechanism 254 includes a pair of tightening bolts 262 disposed close to the oxidizing gas supply communication hole 54, and the tightening bolts 262 include the first end plate 250a and the second end plate 250b. Is inserted into the bolt hole 264. A nut 266 is screwed to the tip of each fastening bolt 262.

  The fastening bolt 256 is externally provided with a cylindrical portion 268 that adjusts the distance between the first end plate 250a and the second end plate 250b as necessary. A first pipe 270 that communicates with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 and a second pipe 272 that communicates with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 are connected to the first end plate 250a.

  Therefore, when assembling the fuel cell 190, as shown in FIG. 13, first, the first plate 196 constituting the separator 194 is joined to one surface of the third plate 200, and the second plate 198 is connected to the first plate 198. It is joined to the other surface of the third plate 200. Therefore, in the separator 194, the fuel gas supply passage 233 and the oxidant gas supply passage 240 are formed independently by being partitioned by the third plate 200 (see FIG. 14).

  Further, a fuel gas pressure chamber 242 is formed between the first and third sandwiching portions 206 and 228, while an oxidant gas pressure chamber 244 is formed between the second and third sandwiching portions 216 and 228. (See FIG. 15).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, separators 194 and electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26 are alternately stacked, and first and second end plates 250a and 250b are disposed at both ends in the stacking direction. First, the first surface pressure is applied to the first fuel gas supply unit 202 and the second fuel gas supply unit 218 in the stacking direction under the screwing action of the tightening bolt 256 and the nut 260 constituting the first load applying mechanism 252. F1 is generated.

  After the tightening operation by the first load applying mechanism 252 is completed, the second oxidant gas supply unit 220 and the first oxidant gas are engaged under the screwing action of the tightening bolt 262 and the nut 266 constituting the second load applying mechanism 254. A second surface pressure F2 is generated in the supply unit 212 in the stacking direction.

  The first load applying mechanism 252 and the second load applying mechanism 254 apply a tightening load to the first end plate 250a and the second end plate 250b, and the first holding unit 206, the second holding unit 216, and the like. A third surface pressure F3 is generated in the third clamping unit 228. Thereby, in 5th Embodiment, the effect similar to said 1st-4th embodiment is acquired.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell stack 192 will be described. Fuel gas is supplied from the first pipe 270 connected to the first end plate 250a to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and the first end plate 250a is also supplied to the first end plate 250a. Oxidant gas is supplied from the connected second pipe 272 to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the fuel gas supplied to the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 moves in the fuel gas supply passage 233 in the separator 194 constituting each fuel cell 190 while moving in the stacking direction (arrow A direction). Supplied. The fuel gas is introduced into the fuel gas pressure chamber 242 formed between the first and third sandwiching portions 206 and 228 along the fuel gas supply passage 233, and moves between the plurality of third convex portions 234 to move to the first. It is introduced into the fuel gas supply hole 52 formed at the center of the sandwiching portion 206.

  The fuel gas supply hole 52 is provided corresponding to the center position of the anode electrode 24 of each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. Therefore, the fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply hole 52 to the anode electrode 24 and flows in the anode electrode 24 from the central portion toward the outer peripheral portion.

  On the other hand, the oxidant gas supplied to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 moves through the oxidant gas supply passage 240 in the separator 194, and the oxidant gas pressure chamber 244 between the second and third sandwiching portions 216 and 228. To be supplied. Further, the oxidant gas is introduced into the oxidant gas supply hole 80 provided at the center position of the second sandwiching portion 216.

  The oxidant gas supply hole 80 is provided corresponding to the center position of the cathode electrode 22 of each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26. Therefore, the oxidant gas is supplied from the oxidant gas supply hole 80 to the cathode electrode 22 and flows from the center part of the cathode electrode 22 toward the outer peripheral part.

  Accordingly, in each electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, fuel gas is supplied from the central portion of the anode electrode 24 toward the outer peripheral portion, and oxidant gas is supplied from the central portion of the cathode electrode 22 toward the outer peripheral portion. Power generation is performed. And the fuel gas and oxidant gas which were used for electric power generation are exhausted from the outer peripheral part of the 1st-3rd clamping parts 206, 216, and 228 as waste gas.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 302 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of fuel cells 300 are stacked in the direction of arrow A, and FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective explanatory view of the fuel cell 300. It is.

  The fuel cell 300 includes a plurality of, for example, 15 electrolyte / electrode assemblies 26 sandwiched between a pair of separators 308. The separator 308 includes first and second plates 310 and 312 that are stacked on each other, and a third plate 314 that is disposed between the first and second plates 310 and 312. The first to third plates 310, 312 and 314 are made of a thin sheet metal such as a stainless alloy, for example.

  The first plate 310 includes a first fuel gas supply part 315 that forms the fuel gas supply communication hole 30, and the first fuel gas supply part 315 is first sandwiched via a narrow first bridge part 316. A portion 318 is provided integrally. The first sandwiching portions 318 are provided in a total of fifteen, three and five in the direction of the arrow B and the direction of the arrow C, respectively, which are orthogonal to the direction of the arrow A that is the stacking direction. The third bridge 320 is connected.

  In addition, although the 1st clamping part 318 of the arrow B direction both ends is connected with the 1st clamping part 318 of the arrow B direction center part only by the 3rd bridge part 320, for example, it adjoins to the arrow C direction. The first clamping parts 318 may be connected to each other by the third bridge part 320.

  A plurality of first convex portions 208 and substantially ring-shaped convex portions 210 are formed on the surface of each first sandwiching portion 318 in contact with the anode electrode 24 of the electrolyte / electrode assembly 26, and at the central portion in the surface. A fuel gas supply hole 52 is formed.

  The second plate 312 includes a first oxidant gas supply part 322 in which an oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 is formed, and the second oxidant gas supply part 322 is connected to the second oxidant gas supply part 322 via a second bridge part 324. The clamping part 326 is provided integrally.

  The second holding portions 326 are provided integrally with each other via the fourth bridge portion 328, and the number of the second holding portions 326 is three in the direction of the arrow B and the arrow C similarly to the first holding portion 318. There are a total of 15 in the direction. A plurality of second convex portions 217 are formed in the surface in contact with the cathode electrode 22 of the second sandwiching portion 326, and an oxidant gas supply hole 80 is formed in the central portion of the surface.

  The third plate 314 includes a second fuel gas supply part 330 in which the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 is formed, and a second oxidant gas supply part 332 in which the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 is formed, and A third clamping unit 338 is connected to the second fuel gas supply unit 330 and the second oxidant gas supply unit 332 via the first bridge unit 334 and the second bridge unit 336.

  There are a total of 15 third sandwiching portions 338, 3 in the direction of arrow B and 5 in the direction of arrow C, and the third sandwiching portions 338 are connected to each other via the fifth bridge portion 340. A plurality of third convex portions 234 are formed on the surface facing the first plate 310 in each third sandwiching portion 338.

  The first plate 310 is joined to the third plate 314 by, for example, brazing, so that a fuel gas supply passage 233 is formed therebetween. The fuel gas supply passage 233 includes a fuel gas pressure chamber 242 formed between the first bridge portions 316 and 334 and between the first and third sandwiching portions 318 and 338 (see FIG. 18).

  The second plate 312 is joined to the third plate 314 by, for example, brazing, thereby forming an oxidant gas supply passage 240 therebetween. The oxidant gas supply passage 240 has an oxidant gas pressure chamber 244 formed between the second bridge portions 324 and 336 and the second and third sandwiching portions 326 and 338 (see FIG. 18).

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the fuel cell stack 302, first and second end plates 342a and 342b having a substantially rectangular shape are arranged at both ends of the plurality of fuel cells 300 in the stacking direction. A first pipe 344 communicating with the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 and a second pipe 346 communicating with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54 are connected to the first end plate 342a. The first end plate 342a and the second end plate 324b are provided with a first load applying mechanism 252 in the vicinity of the fuel gas supply communication hole 30 and a second load in the vicinity of the oxidant gas supply communication hole 54. An application mechanism 254 is provided.

  First, after the first surface pressure F1 is generated in the first fuel gas supply unit 315 and the second fuel gas supply unit 330 via the first load application mechanism 252, the first load application mechanism 254 performs the first A second surface pressure F2 smaller than the first surface pressure F1 is generated in the first oxidant gas supply unit 322 and the second oxidant gas supply unit 332. Thereby, in 6th Embodiment, the effect similar to said 5th Embodiment is acquired.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack according to a first embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell stack taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. 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. It is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the said fuel cell. It is a disassembled perspective view of the fuel cell which comprises the fuel cell stack which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the said fuel cell. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the fuel cell stack which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the fuel cell stack which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked in the direction of arrow A. It is a disassembled perspective view of the said fuel cell. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating a gas flow state of the 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 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked in the direction of arrow A. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell. It is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the said fuel cell. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a fuel cell of Patent Document 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10, 160, 190, 300 ... Fuel cells 12, 170, 180, 192, 302 ... Fuel cell stack 20 ... Electrolyte 22 ... Cathode electrode 24 ... Anode electrode 26 ... Electrolyte / electrode assembly 28, 162, 194, 308 ... Separator 30 ... Fuel gas supply communication holes 32, 34, 164, 166, 196, 198, 200, 310, 312, 314 ... Plates 36, 60, 202, 218, 315, 330 ... Fuel gas supply sections 38, 42, 62, 66, 204, 214, 224, 226, 316, 320, 324, 328, 334, 336, 340 ... Bridge part 40, 64, 206, 216, 228, 318, 326, 338 ... Clamping part 44, 68 ... Case Portion 46 ... Fuel gas passage 52 ... Fuel gas supply hole 54 ... Oxidant gas supply communication hole 56, 212, 220, 322 332 ... Oxidant gas supply part 74, 233 ... Fuel gas supply passage 76 ... Filling chamber 78, 240 ... Oxidant gas supply passage 80 ... Oxidant gas supply hole 84, 167 ... Felt member 86 ... Oxidant gas passage 88 ... Exhaust gas passages 90, 92 ... insulating seals 94a, 94b, 94d, 94e, 250a, 250b, 342a, 342b ... end plate 94c ... fixing ring 98, 184 ... bolt 112 ... support plates 114, 116, 118, 182, 252, 254 ... Load application mechanism 124, 136 ... Springs 126, 138 ... Pressing bolts 256, 262 ... Tightening bolts

Claims (5)

A fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly configured by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode and a separator are laminated,
The separator sandwiches the electrolyte-electrode assembly, and at least supplies a fuel gas supply hole for supplying a fuel gas along the electrode surface of the anode electrode or an oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode. A sandwiching portion provided with an oxidant gas supply hole for supplying;
A first bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a first reaction gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole or supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole;
A first reaction gas supply unit that is connected to the first bridge portion and has a first reaction gas supply communication hole formed in the stacking direction for supplying the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the first reaction gas supply passage. When,
A second bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a second reaction gas supply passage for supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole or the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole;
Second reaction gas supply connected to the second bridge portion and having a second reaction gas supply communication hole for supplying the oxidant gas or the fuel gas to the second reaction gas supply passage is formed in the stacking direction. And
With
A method of assembling a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of the fuel cells are stacked,
A first load applying step of generating a first surface pressure in the stacking direction in the first reactive gas supply unit;
After the first load application step, the second load application step of generating a second surface pressure smaller than the first surface pressure in the stacking direction in the second reaction gas supply unit;
A method for assembling a fuel cell stack, comprising: A fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly configured by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode and a separator are laminated,
The separator sandwiches the electrolyte-electrode assembly, and at least supplies a fuel gas supply hole for supplying a fuel gas along the electrode surface of the anode electrode or an oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode. A sandwiching portion provided with an oxidant gas supply hole for supplying;
A first bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a first reaction gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole or supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole;
A first reaction gas supply unit that is connected to the first bridge portion and has a first reaction gas supply communication hole formed in the stacking direction for supplying the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the first reaction gas supply passage. When,
A second bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a second reaction gas supply passage for supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole or the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole;
Second reaction gas supply connected to the second bridge portion and having a second reaction gas supply communication hole for supplying the oxidant gas or the fuel gas to the second reaction gas supply passage is formed in the stacking direction. And
With
A method of assembling a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of the fuel cells are stacked,
A first load applying step of applying a first load in the stacking direction to the first reactive gas supply unit;
After the first load application step, a second load application step of applying a second load in the stacking direction to the second reaction gas supply unit;
And
The first Young's modulus of the first load receiving member that receives the first load in the stacking direction is greater than the second Young's modulus of the second load receiving member that receives the second load in the stacking direction. How to assemble a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly configured by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode and a separator are laminated,
The separator sandwiches the electrolyte-electrode assembly, and at least supplies a fuel gas supply hole for supplying a fuel gas along the electrode surface of the anode electrode or an oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode. A sandwiching portion provided with an oxidant gas supply hole for supplying;
A first bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a first reaction gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole or supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole;
A first reaction gas supply unit that is connected to the first bridge portion and has a first reaction gas supply communication hole formed in the stacking direction for supplying the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the first reaction gas supply passage. When,
A second bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a second reaction gas supply passage for supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole or the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole;
Second reaction gas supply connected to the second bridge portion and having a second reaction gas supply communication hole for supplying the oxidant gas or the fuel gas to the second reaction gas supply passage is formed in the stacking direction. And
With
A method of assembling a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of the fuel cells are stacked,
A first load applying step of generating a first surface pressure in the stacking direction in the first reactive gas supply unit;
After the first load application step, the second load application step of generating a second surface pressure smaller than the first surface pressure in the stacking direction in the second reaction gas supply unit;
After the second load applying step, a third load applying step of generating a third surface pressure smaller than the second surface pressure in the stacking direction in the sandwiching portion;
A method for assembling a fuel cell stack, comprising: A fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly configured by sandwiching an electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode and a separator are laminated,
The separator sandwiches the electrolyte-electrode assembly, and at least supplies a fuel gas supply hole for supplying a fuel gas along the electrode surface of the anode electrode or an oxidant gas along the electrode surface of the cathode electrode. A sandwiching portion provided with an oxidant gas supply hole for supplying;
A first bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a first reaction gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole or supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole;
A first reaction gas supply unit that is connected to the first bridge portion and has a first reaction gas supply communication hole formed in the stacking direction for supplying the fuel gas or the oxidant gas to the first reaction gas supply passage. When,
A second bridge portion connected to the sandwiching portion and forming a second reaction gas supply passage for supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply hole or the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply hole;
Second reaction gas supply connected to the second bridge portion and having a second reaction gas supply communication hole for supplying the oxidant gas or the fuel gas to the second reaction gas supply passage is formed in the stacking direction. And
With
A method of assembling a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of the fuel cells are stacked,
A first load applying step of applying a first load in the stacking direction to the first reactive gas supply unit;
After the first load application step, a second load application step of applying a second load in the stacking direction to the second reaction gas supply unit;
After the second load applying step, a third load applying step of applying a third load in the stacking direction to the clamping portion;
And
The first Young's modulus of the first load receiving member that receives the first load in the stacking direction, the second Young's modulus of the second load receiving member that receives the second load in the stacking direction, and the third load. 3. A method of assembling a fuel cell stack, characterized in that the third Young's modulus of the third load receiving member received in the direction has a relationship of first Young's modulus> second Young's modulus> third Young's modulus.   5. The assembly method according to claim 1, wherein the first reaction gas supply unit is a fuel gas supply unit, while the second reaction gas supply unit is an oxidant gas supply unit. A method for assembling a fuel cell stack.

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