JP2008192454A - Fuel cell and its voltage measuring method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out voltage measurement of unit batteries using a voltage measuring means which is easy in mounting, and furthermore, in which attachment and detachment are possible according to necessity in a fuel cell with the external manifold system. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell has a fuel cell laminate 50 constituted by laminating unit batteries 1, and gas manifolds 4, 5, 6, 7 disposed neighboring side surfaces of the fuel cell laminate 50 and equipped with gas chambers 51, 52, 57 in order to supply fuel and oxidizer to the respective fuel gas flow passages and oxidizer gas flow passages of each unit battery of the fuel cell laminate 50. In the gas chamber 52 of the gas manifolds 4, 5, 6, 7, a gas chamber opening 9 is formed, and a gas chamber cover 12 covering the gas chamber opening 9 and hermetically sealing the gas chamber 52 is disposed. A voltage measuring terminal 10 disposed in a voltage measuring part of the unit batteries 1, and a conductive part 11 which is in order to connect a voltage measuring device 55 disposed outside and the voltage measuring terminal 10 is air-tightly pinched between the gas chamber opening 9 and the gas chamber cover 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an external manifold type fuel cell and a method for measuring the voltage of the unit cell.

  In general fuel cells, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are arranged on both sides of an electrolyte, and a plurality of unit cells each composed of a fuel gas flow passage and an oxidant gas flow passage arranged in contact with the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively. It has a fuel cell stack constructed by stacking individual pieces. A gas manifold having one or a plurality of gas chambers for supplying fuel and oxidant to the respective fuel gas flow passages and oxidant gas flow passages of the fuel cell stack is formed. A fuel such as hydrogen and an oxidant such as air are supplied to the fuel cell stack and reacted electrochemically to convert the chemical energy of the fuel directly into electrical energy and take it out.

Here, when an abnormality such as failure or deterioration occurs in the unit cell of the fuel cell stack during the operation of the fuel cell, the voltage between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the unit cell decreases. However, even if the voltage across the entire fuel cell stack is measured, the unit cell in which an abnormality has occurred cannot be identified. Therefore, it is effective to monitor the voltage of all unit cells or a plurality of unit cells in order to check the operation status, identify the location of the abnormality, and estimate the cause of the abnormality, and a method for measuring the voltage of each unit cell Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 11-339828 A

  It is not always necessary to check the operating status of the fuel cell, identify the location of the abnormality, and estimate the cause of the abnormality, but it is sufficiently effective if the voltage distribution of the unit cell can be confirmed when an abnormality occurs or at regular intervals. On the other hand, the method according to Patent Document 1 has a problem that the manufacturing cost of the fuel cell increases because components for measuring the unit voltage are permanently installed in each unit cell.

  In general, the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell are electrically conductive and have a plate-like component in which a number of grooves are formed in a gas-impermeable member (hereinafter referred to as a separator). The voltage of the unit cell can be measured by measuring the potential difference between adjacent separators with the electrolyte in between. Here, since the fuel cell of patent document 1 is an internal manifold system, the separator side surface of the unit cell is exposed on the side surface of the fuel cell stack, and the continuity made up of a potential line or the like for measuring the voltage of the unit cell. The parts can be easily connected. However, the internal manifold type means that there are a plurality of through holes penetrating in the stacking direction in the separator constituting the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell, and the through holes are connected to form a plurality of gas chambers. The structure which comprises.

  On the other hand, in an external manifold type fuel cell, in general, four sides of a rectangular unit cell are each covered with a manifold, and the range in which the side surface of the separator is exposed to the outside is narrow, and a conducting part that measures voltage is used. There is also a problem that it is difficult to connect to the unit battery. However, an external manifold type fuel cell refers to a box-shaped structure having an opening on the surface in contact with the outer surface of the fuel cell stack, instead of installing a through-hole penetrating the unit cell in the stacking direction. A fuel cell having a structure that constitutes a gas chamber for supplying fuel and an oxidant to the fuel gas flow passage and the oxidant gas flow passage by being fixed so as to be in contact with the separator side surface of the battery stack.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a voltage that can be easily attached and detached as required in an external manifold type fuel cell. The object is to make it possible to easily measure the voltage of a unit battery using a measuring means.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell of the present invention comprises an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode arranged adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, respectively. A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells each including a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed in a manner adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, A gas manifold provided with a gas chamber for supplying fuel and an oxidant to the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack; A gas chamber opening is formed in at least one of the gas chambers of the manifold, and a gas chamber cover that covers the gas chamber opening and seals the gas chamber is disposed. A voltage measurement terminal is disposed in the voltage measurement unit of the unit battery, and a conduction unit for connecting the voltage measurement terminal and the voltage measurement terminal disposed outside the gas manifold is provided in the gas chamber opening and the unit. It is characterized by being airtightly sandwiched between the gas chamber cover.

  The fuel cell of the present invention includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode arranged adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas formed adjacent to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively. A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells each having a flow path and an oxidant gas flow path, and disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, A gas manifold having a gas chamber for supplying fuel and an oxidant to the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell, wherein at least one of the gas manifolds A gas chamber opening is formed in the gas chamber, and a gas chamber cover that covers the opening and seals the gas chamber and has a cover opening is disposed. A voltage measurement terminal is disposed in the voltage measurement unit of the unit battery, and a conduction unit for connecting the voltage measurement terminal and the voltage measurement terminal disposed outside the gas manifold passes through the cover opening. A portion where the conducting portion passes through the cover opening is configured to be airtight.

  The fuel cell of the present invention includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode arranged adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas formed adjacent to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively. A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells each having a flow path and an oxidant gas flow path, and disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, A gas manifold having a gas chamber for supplying fuel and an oxidant to the fuel gas flow passage and the oxidant gas flow passage of each unit cell, and at least one portion of the gas manifold. A through hole penetrating the side surface of the fuel cell stack and the outside of the gas manifold without passing through the gas chamber is formed. A voltage measurement terminal is arranged in the voltage measurement part of the battery, and a conduction part for connecting the voltage measurement terminal installed outside the gas manifold and the voltage measurement terminal is arranged through the through hole. It is characterized by.

  Further, the voltage measurement method for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode arranged adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, respectively. A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells each having a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed, and disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, And a gas manifold having a gas chamber for supplying fuel and an oxidant to the fuel gas flow passage and the oxidant gas flow passage of each unit cell of the battery stack. In the measuring method, a gas chamber opening is formed in at least one gas chamber of the gas manifold, the gas chamber opening is covered, and the gas chamber is sealed. A gas chamber cover, a voltage measuring terminal in the voltage measuring part of the unit cell, a voltage measuring device outside the gas manifold, and connecting the voltage measuring device and the voltage measuring terminal. The conducting portion is hermetically sandwiched between the gas chamber opening and the gas chamber cover.

  Further, the voltage measurement method for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode arranged adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, respectively. A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells each having a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed, and disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, Unit cell voltage in a fuel cell having a gas manifold for supplying fuel and oxidant to the fuel gas flow passage and the oxidant gas flow passage of each unit cell of the battery stack A gas chamber opening is formed in at least one of the gas chambers of the gas manifold, the gas chamber is covered and covered with the opening. A gas chamber cover having a bar opening is arranged, a voltage measuring terminal is arranged in the voltage measuring unit of the unit battery, a voltage measuring device is arranged outside the gas manifold, and the voltage measuring device and the voltage measuring terminal are arranged. A conductive portion for connection is disposed so as to penetrate the cover opening, and a portion where the conductive portion penetrates the cover opening is hermetically configured.

  Further, the voltage measurement method for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode arranged adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, respectively. A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells each having a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed, and disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, And a gas manifold having a gas chamber for supplying fuel and an oxidant to the fuel gas flow passage and the oxidant gas flow passage of each unit cell of the battery stack. In the measuring method, the side surface portion of the fuel cell stack and the gas manifold are not passed through the gas chamber in at least one place of the gas manifold. A through hole penetrating the outside of the unit battery, a voltage measuring terminal disposed in the voltage measuring portion of the unit cell, a voltage measuring device installed outside the gas manifold, and the voltage measuring device and the voltage measuring terminal The conductive portion for connection is disposed so as to pass through the through hole.

  According to the present invention, in an external manifold type fuel cell, it is possible to easily measure the voltage of a unit cell by using voltage measuring means that is easy to attach and can be attached and detached as necessary. Thereby, it is not necessary to permanently install a part for measuring the voltage of each unit battery, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Embodiments of a fuel cell system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover of the fuel cell is removed, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the fuel cell, FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a unit cell, and FIG. 4 is an oxidant of the fuel cell. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the voltage measurement terminal of the fuel cell, and FIG. 6 shows an operating state with the conduction part of the fuel cell removed, taken along the plane where the gas flow passage is formed. It is a perspective view.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the fuel cell according to the present embodiment includes a fuel cell stack 50 in which a plurality of unit cells 1 are stacked, and one clamp that is installed at both ends of the fuel cell stack 50 in the stacking direction. It has the board 2 and the tie rod 3 which clamps the two clamping plates 2 in the direction which adjoins mutually. The fuel cell stack 50 has a substantially quadrangular prism (rectangular) shape, and the air inlet side gas manifold 4, the air outlet side gas manifold 5, the fuel inlet side gas manifold 6, and the fuel outlet side gas manifold are respectively provided on the side surfaces thereof. 7 are arranged.

  Each of the gas manifolds 4, 5, 6, and 7 is a box-shaped structure having an opening on the side surface of the fuel cell stack 50 that is in contact with each of the gas manifolds 4, and is a separator of the fuel cell stack 50 (the oxidant side separator described later). 24 and the fuel separator 26 (see FIG. 3) are fixed so as to be in contact with the side surfaces. As a result, gas chambers 51, 52, and 57 for supplying fuel and oxidant to the fuel gas flow passage 25 and the oxidant gas flow passage 23 are formed (see FIG. 4 and the like).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, partition plates 4 a and 5 a are installed inside the box-shaped housings of the air inlet side gas manifold 4 and the air outlet side gas manifold 5, respectively. The facing internal space is divided into two, and in addition to gas chambers 51 and 52 for supplying an oxidant, a cooling water chamber 53 for flowing cooling water through the fuel cell stack 50 is formed. In addition, each gas manifold is provided with a piping portion 8 through which air as fuel gas and oxidant gas and cooling water for cooling the fuel cell are supplied or discharged.

  The gas chamber 52 of the air outlet side gas manifold 5 is provided with a gas chamber opening 9 that opens to the outside of the fuel cell. Further, each unit cell 1 is connected to a voltage measurement terminal 10 for measuring the voltage of the unit cell 1 and a voltage measurement terminal 10 and a voltage measurement device 55 installed outside the fuel cell. The conduction part 11 is drawn out of the fuel cell through the gas chamber opening 9 provided in the gas chamber 52 of the air outlet side gas manifold 5.

  Further, in the operating state of the fuel cell, as shown in FIG. 2, the gas chamber cover 12 is provided with air through a sealing material 13 made of an elastic body such as silicon rubber or a putty-like filler in the gas chamber opening 9. It is fixed to the outlet side gas manifold 5, and the conducting portion 11 is sandwiched between the sealing material 13 and the gas chamber cover 12. At this time, the unevenness caused by the conducting portion 11 is absorbed by the deformation of the sealing material 13, and the gas chamber 52 of the air outlet side gas manifold 5 is in a sealed state. As the gas chamber cover 12, any material can be used as long as it has a function of sealing the gas chamber 52 and the amount of contaminants (contaminants) scattered in the gas chamber 52 is below a certain reference value. It is. By using a transparent material such as glass epoxy resin, the connection state of the voltage measuring terminal 10 can be visually confirmed from the outside, which is more preferable.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the unit cell 1 includes an oxidant side separator 24 that sandwiches an electrolyte membrane 20 between a cathode electrode 21 and an anode electrode 22 and is disposed in contact with each electrode to form an oxidant gas flow passage 23. A fuel-side separator 26 that forms a fuel gas flow passage 25 is used. A cooling water flow passage 27 is formed on the back surface of the surface on which the oxidant gas flow passage 23 of the oxidant side separator 24 is formed.

  Next, details of the vicinity of the voltage measurement terminal 10 and the conductive portion 11 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The voltage measuring terminal 10 is formed by connecting a potential pin 30 made of a rod-shaped gold wire and a conducting portion 11 made of a coated conducting wire by a crimping sleeve 31 and then covering the outer surface of the crimping sleeve 31 with an insulating coating 32 for insulation treatment. The oxidant gas flow passage 23 is inserted.

  Here, since the potential pin 30 is fixed by being inserted into the oxidant gas flow passage 23, it can be easily inserted and removed. The oxidant gas flow passage 23 is partially blocked by the potential pin 30, but the oxidant gas is supplied from the adjacent oxidant gas flow passage through the gas diffusion layer constituting the cathode electrode 21. There is no substantial obstacle in driving. However, by installing the potential pin 30 on the downstream side along the flow path of the oxidant gas, the influence due to the blockage of the oxidant gas flow path 23 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows the appearance of the fuel cell in a state in which components from the potential pin 30 installed in each unit cell 1 to the conduction portion 11 are removed. In FIG. 6, an opening closing cover 40 is installed instead of the gas chamber cover 12, and the gas chamber 52 of the air outlet side gas manifold 5 is sealed even in the absence of the conducting portion 11, and the fuel cell is normal. Drive to. Here, as the gas chamber cover 12 and the opening portion closing cover 40, the same parts can be used.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the potential pin 30 connected to the conducting portion 11 is connected to the oxidant without attaching a new voltage measurement terminal to the separator of the unit battery 1 with the gas manifold attached. After the gas passage 23 is inserted, the voltage of the unit cell 1 can be easily measured by attaching the gas chamber cover 12. Furthermore, the components from the potential pin 30 to the conducting portion 11 can be easily attached and detached, and when voltage measurement is unnecessary, the fuel cell can be operated normally even when the voltage measurement terminal product is removed. Thereby, there is no need to permanently install a component for measuring the voltage of each unit cell 1, and a fuel cell capable of reducing the manufacturing cost can be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
The configuration of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the operating state of the fuel cell of this embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. The fuel cell of the present embodiment is further provided with a cover opening 14 in the gas chamber cover 12 of the gas chamber opening 9 in the fuel cell of the first embodiment, and the conduction portion 11 is provided outside the fuel cell through the cover opening 14. By pulling out, the airtightness between the gas chamber opening 9 and the gas chamber cover 12 can be secured more easily. Here, the gap between the cover opening 14 and the conducting portion 11 is closed by a sealing material 15 made of an elastic body such as silicon rubber or a putty-like filler, and the gas chamber 52 of the air outlet side gas manifold 5 is sealed. Become.

  As described above, the present embodiment can provide a fuel cell that can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment and can more easily ensure the airtightness between the gas chamber opening 9 and the gas chamber cover 12.

[Third Embodiment]
The configuration of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane where the oxidant gas flow passage of the fuel cell of the third embodiment is formed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. The fuel cell according to the third embodiment is different from the gas cell opening 9 and the gas chamber cover 12 in the fuel cell according to the first embodiment in that it does not pass through the gas chamber and faces the fuel cell stack. A through hole 16, a through hole cover 17 and a sealing material 18 penetrating the outside of the manifold were installed.

  Further, on the same plane as the oxidant gas flow passage 23, there is formed a voltage measurement groove 19 that is open to the through hole 16 and through which the oxidant gas does not flow, for measuring the voltage of the unit cell. The voltage measurement terminal 10 is constituted by a potential pin 30 inserted in the voltage measurement groove 19.

  Here, if the sealing performance between the constituent members of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack is sufficiently secured around the voltage measurement groove 19, the fuel cell does not have to be provided in the through hole 16. Can operate normally.

  As described above, in this embodiment, voltage measurement of the unit cell 1 can be easily performed by inserting the potential pin 30 connected to the conduction portion 11 into the voltage measurement groove 19 with the gas manifold attached. It becomes. Furthermore, the components from the potential pin 30 to the conducting portion 11 can be easily attached and detached, and when voltage measurement is unnecessary, the fuel cell can be operated normally even when the voltage measurement terminal product is removed. Therefore, there is no need to permanently install components for measuring the voltage of each unit cell 1, and a fuel cell capable of reducing manufacturing costs can be provided.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The configuration of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Here, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane where the oxidant gas flow passage of the fuel cell of the fourth embodiment is formed, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the voltage measurement terminal of the fuel cell. It is. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as 1st or 3rd embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. The fuel cell of this embodiment is installed so as to contact the oxidant side separator 24 or the fuel side separator 26 from the side surface direction of the separator of the fuel cell stack instead of the potential pin 30 in the fuel cell of the third embodiment. The voltage was measured by the measured voltage measuring terminal 10.

  The voltage measuring terminal 10 includes a conductive material 34 formed in a band shape at equal intervals in the stacking direction of the unit cells 1 that measure voltage on the surface of the plate-shaped insulating material 33, and the side surface of the separator of the fuel cell stack 50. It is formed by being installed so as to contact the oxidant side separator 24 or the fuel side separator 26 from the direction. The conducting portion 11 is composed of a portion of the conductive material 34 that is not in contact with the unit cell and a covered conductive wire connected to the conductive material 34.

  The insulating material 33 and the conductive material 34 are fixed to the through hole cover 17. The conductive material 34 is attached by attaching the through hole cover 17 to the air outlet side gas manifold 5 and tightening the seal material 18 in a crushing direction. Is pressed against the fuel cell stack 50, and the voltage of the unit cell 1 can be measured at the contact portion.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the voltage of the unit cell 1 can be easily measured by bringing the conductive material 34 connected to the conduction part 11 into contact with the fuel cell stack 50 with the gas manifold attached. It becomes. Further, the components from the conductive material 34 to the conductive portion 11 can be easily attached and detached, and when voltage measurement is unnecessary, the fuel cell can be normally operated even when the voltage measurement terminal product is removed. Therefore, it is not necessary to permanently install a part for measuring the voltage of each unit cell 1, and a fuel cell capable of reducing the manufacturing cost can be provided.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the gas chambers of each gas manifold do not need to be one room for each gas manifold, but a partition plate is provided in the gas chamber, and the gas flow path is between the inlet side gas chamber and the outlet side gas chamber. The gas manifold may be configured to flow back through another gas chamber, and the through hole of the gas manifold may be installed at the position of the partition plate.

  Even when the gas chamber opening 9 is provided in the gas chamber, the voltage measuring groove 19 in which the oxidant gas does not flow is formed on the same plane as the oxidant gas flow passage 23 within the range of the gas chamber opening 9. You may comprise a voltage measurement part.

  More preferably, the gas chamber opening 9 or the through hole 16 is installed in the air outlet side gas manifold 5. However, an opening or a through hole is installed in the other gas manifold, and the fuel gas flow passage 25 or the cooling water flow. The voltage measurement terminal 10 may be installed in the passage 27.

  Further, since the components for measuring the voltage are detachable, in addition to the case where the voltages of all the unit cells are individually measured, a stack of a plurality of unit cells is considered as a sub-stack, and a specific unit cell or The voltage of the sub stack can be constantly monitored, and the voltage of other unit cells or sub stacks can be measured by attaching / detaching components for measuring the voltage as necessary.

It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the cover of the fuel cell of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the driving | running state of the fuel cell of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the unit cell of the fuel cell of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a cross-sectional view when it cut | disconnects in the plane in which the oxidizing gas flow path of the fuel cell of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention was formed. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the voltage measurement terminal vicinity of the fuel cell of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the driving | running state which removed the conduction | electrical_connection part of the fuel cell of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the driving | running state of the fuel cell of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a cross-sectional view when it cut | disconnects by the plane in which the oxidizing gas flow path of the fuel cell of the 3rd Embodiment which concerns on this invention was formed. It is a cross-sectional view when it cut | disconnects in the plane in which the oxidizing gas flow path of the fuel cell of 4th Embodiment which concerns on this invention was formed. It is a perspective view which shows the voltage measurement terminal of the fuel cell of 4th Embodiment which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Unit battery 2 ... Clamping plate 3 ... Tie rod 4 ... Air inlet side gas manifold 4a ... Partition plate 5 ... Air outlet side gas manifold 5a ... Partition plate 6 ... Fuel inlet side gas manifold 7 ... Fuel outlet side gas manifold 8 ... Pipe portion 9 ... Gas chamber opening 10 ... Voltage measurement terminal 11 ... Conducting portion 12 ... Gas chamber cover 13 ... Sealing material 14 ... Cover opening 15 ... Sealing material 16 ... Through hole 17 ... Through hole cover 18 ... Sealing material 19 ... Voltage measurement groove 20 ... electrolyte membrane 21 ... cathode electrode 22 ... anode electrode 23 ... oxidant gas flow path 24 ... oxidant side separator 25 ... fuel gas flow path 26 ... fuel side separator 27 ... cooling water flow path 30 ... potential pin 31 ... Crimp sleeve 32 ... Insulating coating 33 ... Insulating material 34 ... Conductive material 40 ... Opening closing cover 50 ... Fuel cell stack 51, 52 ... Gas chamber 53 ... Cooling water chamber 55 ... Voltage measuring device 57 ... Gas chamber

Claims (14)

An electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode disposed adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed adjacent to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells comprising:
A gas chamber disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, for supplying fuel and oxidant to the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack; A gas manifold with
In a fuel cell having
A gas chamber opening is formed in at least one of the gas chambers of the gas manifold, and a gas chamber cover that covers the gas chamber opening and seals the gas chamber is disposed. A voltage measurement terminal is arranged, and a conduction part for connecting the voltage measurement terminal and the voltage measurement device arranged outside the gas manifold is airtightly sandwiched between the gas chamber opening and the gas chamber cover A fuel cell, characterized in that An electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode disposed adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed adjacent to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells comprising:
A gas chamber disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, for supplying fuel and oxidant to the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack; A gas manifold with
In a fuel cell having
A gas chamber opening is formed in at least one of the gas chambers of the gas manifold, and a gas chamber cover that covers the opening and seals the gas chamber and has a cover opening is disposed. A voltage measurement terminal is arranged in the voltage measurement unit, a conduction part for connecting the voltage measurement terminal arranged outside the gas manifold and the voltage measurement terminal passes through the cover opening, and the conduction part covers A fuel cell characterized in that a portion penetrating the opening is configured to be airtight.   The gas chamber cover is detachable, and the conducting portion can be attached and detached with the gas chamber cover removed, and the gas chamber opening is sealed with the conducting portion removed from the voltage measuring portion. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a detachable opening closing cover. An electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode disposed adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed adjacent to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells comprising:
A gas chamber disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, for supplying fuel and oxidant to the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack; A gas manifold with
In a fuel cell having
A through hole penetrating the side surface of the fuel cell stack and the outside of the gas manifold without passing through the gas chamber is formed in at least one location of the gas manifold,
A voltage measurement terminal is arranged in the voltage measurement part of the unit cell, and a conduction part for connecting the voltage measurement terminal installed outside the gas manifold and the voltage measurement terminal is arranged through the through hole. A fuel cell.   It has a through hole cover that covers the through hole and can seal the inside of the through hole, and the conduction portion is airtightly sandwiched between the through hole and the through hole cover, The fuel cell according to claim 4.   5. The device according to claim 4, further comprising a through-hole cover that covers the through-hole and seals the inside of the through-hole, and the conductive portion is installed through the through-hole cover. Fuel cell.   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the conductive portion is configured to be detachable while the gas manifold is attached to the fuel cell stack.   8. The fuel cell according to claim 7, further comprising a detachable through hole closing cover capable of sealing the through hole in a state where the conducting portion is detached from the voltage measuring unit. The voltage measuring unit of the unit cell is at least one gas flow path of the fuel gas flow path or the oxidant gas flow path,
The voltage measuring terminal comprises a rod-like portion inserted into the voltage measuring portion;
The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The voltage measuring unit of the unit cell includes a groove or a hole opened to face the gas manifold separately from the gas flow passage in at least one of the components constituting the fuel gas flow passage or the oxidant gas flow passage. Formed into a shape,
The voltage measuring terminal comprises a rod-like portion inserted into the voltage measuring portion;
The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:   The voltage measuring terminal comprises a conductive member installed so as to contact at least one of the members constituting the fuel gas flow path or the oxidant gas flow path from the side surface of the fuel cell stack; The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: An electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode disposed adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed adjacent to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells comprising:
A gas chamber disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, for supplying fuel and oxidant to the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack; A gas manifold with
In a method for measuring the voltage of a unit cell in a fuel cell having
Forming a gas chamber opening in at least one gas chamber of the gas manifold;
A gas chamber cover that covers the gas chamber opening and seals the gas chamber;
A voltage measurement terminal is arranged in the voltage measurement unit of the unit battery,
A voltage measuring device is arranged outside the gas manifold,
Holding a conduction part for connecting the voltage measuring device and the voltage measuring terminal in an airtight manner between the gas chamber opening and the gas chamber cover;
A method for measuring the voltage of a fuel cell. An electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode disposed adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed adjacent to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells comprising:
A gas chamber disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, for supplying fuel and oxidant to the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack; A gas manifold with
A method of measuring a voltage of a unit cell in a fuel cell having
Forming a gas chamber opening in at least one gas chamber of the gas manifold;
A gas chamber cover that covers the opening and seals the gas chamber and has a cover opening;
A voltage measurement terminal is arranged in the voltage measurement unit of the unit battery,
A voltage measuring device is arranged outside the gas manifold,
A conductive part for connecting the voltage measuring device and the voltage measuring terminal is arranged so as to penetrate the cover opening,
Configuring the portion where the conducting portion penetrates the cover opening to be airtight;
A method for measuring the voltage of a fuel cell. An electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode disposed adjacent to both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path formed adjacent to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively A fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells comprising:
A gas chamber disposed adjacent to a side surface of the fuel cell stack, for supplying fuel and oxidant to the fuel gas flow path and the oxidant gas flow path of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack; A gas manifold with
In a method for measuring the voltage of a unit cell in a fuel cell having
Forming a through-hole penetrating the side surface of the fuel cell stack and the outside of the gas manifold without passing through the gas chamber in at least one location of the gas manifold;
A voltage measurement terminal is arranged in the voltage measurement unit of the unit battery,
A voltage measuring device is installed outside the gas manifold,
Disposing a conduction portion for connecting the voltage measuring device and the voltage measuring terminal so as to pass through the through hole;
A method for measuring the voltage of a fuel cell.

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