JP2009164051A - Fuel battery - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel battery for reducing a usage of a seal material fitted at an end cell. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel battery includes a fuel cell stack with a plurality of fuel battery cells laminated, and an end cell arranged at a lamination direction end part of an opposite side to a lamination direction end part of the fuel cell stack where fluid required for power generation comes and goes. The end cell is made by laminating a plurality of plates in order from a fuel cell stack side. A first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet formed on a first plate among the plurality of plates, are covered by a second plate arranged at an outer side of the laminate direction than the first plate, and a first communication passage communicating between the first fluid inlet and the fist fluid outlet is formed between the first plate and the second plate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell, and more particularly to a technique of an end cell disposed at an end portion of a fuel cell.

  Currently, a fuel cell including a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked has been put into practical use. The fuel cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly including a pair of electrodes (anode electrode and cathode electrode) disposed via an electrolyte membrane, and a pair of fuel cell separators that sandwich the membrane-electrode assembly. At the time of power generation of the fuel cell, when the anode gas supplied to the anode electrode is hydrogen gas and the cathode gas supplied to the cathode electrode is oxygen gas, on the anode electrode side, the hydrogen gas is decomposed into hydrogen ions and electrons. Passes through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode electrode side, and electrons reach the cathode electrode through an external circuit. On the other hand, on the cathode side, hydrogen ions, electrons, and oxygen gas react to generate water to release energy.

  However, since the fuel cell located at the stacking direction end of the fuel cell stack has more heat radiation than the fuel cell positioned at the center in the stacking direction and the temperature tends to decrease, the fuel cell positioned at the stacking direction end. In the cell, condensed water is likely to be generated. If the condensed water stays in the fuel cell located at the end in the stacking direction, the start-up time of the fuel cell in a low-temperature environment may be delayed, resulting in a decrease in power generation performance.

  Therefore, in recent years, an end cell that does not contribute to power generation of the fuel cell is disposed at the stacking direction end of the fuel cell stack (that is, outside the fuel cell positioned at the stacking direction end of the fuel cell stack). By disposing end cells), a fuel cell has been proposed that suppresses heat radiation from the fuel cell located at the end in the stacking direction and suppresses a decrease in power generation performance (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Normally, an end cell is a laminate of a plurality of plates. A communication channel groove communicating with a fluid (anode gas, cathode gas, cooling water) inlet and fluid outlet is formed on the plate, and the end cell is supplied to the fuel cell. There has been proposed a technique for suppressing contamination of the fuel cell by passing the fluid from the fluid inlet of the end cell through a communication channel groove (specifically, a communication channel described later) and discharging the fluid from the fluid outlet (for example, Patent Document 3).

  FIG. 14 (A-1, 2) is a schematic plan view showing one surface of the first and second plates constituting a normal end cell, and FIG. 14 (B-1, 2) shows a normal end cell. It is a schematic plan view which shows the other surface of the 1st, 2nd plate to do. As shown in FIG. 14B-1, a fluid communication channel groove 82 (for example, an anode gas communication channel groove) is formed on the other surface of the first plate 80. By aligning the surface of the first plate 80 in which the fluid communication channel groove 82 is formed with the surface of the second plate 84 shown in FIG. 14 (A-2), the first plate 80 and the second plate 84 are placed between each other. A fluid communication path is formed that communicates the first fluid inlet 86 (for example, the anode gas inlet) and the first fluid outlet 88 (for example, the anode gas outlet). As described above, the fluid communication path that communicates the first fluid inlet 86 and the first fluid outlet 88 is provided, and the fluid is caused to flow through the fluid communication path, whereby the contaminant component in the fluid is captured.

JP-A-10-270066 JP 2006-236681 A JP 2006-332006 A

  However, the end cell as described above has a first fluid inlet 86 and an outlet 88 (for example, an anode gas inlet and an outlet), a second fluid inlet 90 and an outlet 92 (for example, a cathode gas inlet and an outlet) in all of the plurality of plates constituting the end cell. Outlet), a third fluid inlet 94 and an outlet 96 (eg, cooling water inlet and outlet) are formed. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange a sealing material 98 (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 14) for preventing fluid leakage and the like around each fluid inlet and outlet formed in the plate. As a result, the amount of sealing material used increases, and the manufacturing cost of the fuel cell increases.

  The objective of this invention is providing the fuel cell which can reduce the usage-amount of the sealing material provided in an end cell.

  The present invention includes a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked, an end cell disposed at a stacking direction end opposite to the stacking direction end of the fuel cell stack in which a fluid required for power generation enters and exits, The end cell is formed by stacking a plurality of plates in order from the fuel cell stack side, and a first fluid inlet and a first fluid formed in the first plate among the plurality of plates. An outlet is covered with a second plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction from the first plate, and the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are communicated between the first plate and the second plate. A first communication passage is formed.

  In the fuel cell, a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet formed in the first plate are covered by the second plate, and the second plate is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. It is preferable that a second communication path that communicates the fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet is formed.

  In the fuel cell, the third fluid inlet and the third fluid outlet formed in the second plate so as to communicate with the third fluid inlet and the third fluid outlet formed in the first plate in the stacking direction are: The third plate is covered with a third plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction than the second plate, and communicates the third fluid inlet and the third fluid outlet between the second plate and the third plate. It is preferable that a triple communication path is formed.

  In the fuel cell, the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet formed in the second plate so as to communicate with the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet formed in the first plate in the stacking direction are: The second plate is covered by a third plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction from the second plate, and communicates the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet between the second plate and the third plate. It is preferable that two communication paths are formed.

  In the fuel cell, a third fluid inlet formed in the third plate so as to communicate with a third fluid inlet and a third fluid outlet formed in the first plate and the second plate in a stacking direction; The third fluid outlet is covered with a fourth plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction from the third plate, and the third fluid inlet and the third fluid outlet are between the third plate and the fourth plate. It is preferable that a third communication path that communicates with each other is formed.

  In the fuel cell, it is preferable that a third fluid inlet and a third fluid outlet formed at an end portion of the fuel cell stack are covered with the first plate.

  In the fuel cell, the material constituting the end cell plate is preferably a conductive resin.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fuel cell which reduces the usage-amount of the sealing material provided in an end cell can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of the configuration of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the fuel cell according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel cell 1 includes a fuel cell stack 12 in which a plurality of fuel cells 10 are stacked, end cells 14 and 16 disposed at both ends of the fuel cell stack 12 in the stacking direction, and end cells. 14 and 16, a terminal plate 18, a cathode gas introduction pipe 20, a cathode gas discharge pipe 22, an anode gas introduction pipe 24, an anode gas discharge pipe 26 arranged at one end of the fuel cell 1, A cooling water introduction pipe 28 and a cooling water discharge pipe 30 are provided.

  The terminal plate 18 has a function as a pressure plate and a current collector for fastening the fuel cell stack 12. In addition, if the end cells 14 and 16 are conductive, the terminal plate 18 is disposed between the fuel cell stack 12 and the end cells 14 and 16 even if the terminal plate 18 is disposed outside the end cells 14 and 16. You may arrange. If the end cells 14 and 16 are insulative, a terminal plate 18 is disposed between the fuel cell stack 12 and the end cells 14 or 16, or a terminal plate 18 (here, a current collector) outside the end cells 14 and 16. The current collector and the current collecting lead are disposed between the fuel cell stack 12 and the end cells 14 and 16 so that power can be taken out from the fuel cell stack 12. There is a need to.

  The cathode gas introduction pipe 20, cathode gas discharge pipe 22, anode gas introduction pipe 24, anode gas discharge pipe 26, cooling water introduction pipe 28, and cooling water discharge pipe 30 are fuel cells via one end cell 14 and terminal plate 18. It is connected to the laminate 12. Each introduction pipe passes a fluid (anode gas, cathode gas, cooling water) supplied to the fuel cell stack 12, and each discharge pipe passes a fluid discharged from the fuel cell stack 12. Is.

  The fuel cell stack 12 is obtained by stacking a plurality of fuel cells 10. In the present embodiment, an example in which 20 layers of fuel cells 10 are stacked will be described below, but the number of stacked fuel cells 10 is not limited to this. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the fuel cell used in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel cell 10 includes a membrane-electrode assembly 32, an anode separator 34 and a cathode separator 36 that sandwich the membrane-electrode assembly 32, and a sealing material 40. The membrane-electrode assembly 32 of the fuel battery cell used in the present embodiment includes an electrolyte membrane 41 and an anode electrode 42 and a cathode electrode 44 that are arranged via the electrolyte membrane 41. The cavity on the electrolyte membrane 41 side of the anode electrode separator 34 is an anode gas channel 46, and the cavity on the electrolyte membrane 41 side of the cathode electrode separator 36 is a cathode gas channel 48, opposite to the electrolyte membrane 41 side. The cavity of the anode separator 34 and the cathode separator 36 on the side is a cooling water channel 50.

  FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the anode separator used in this embodiment, and FIG. 4B shows an example of the configuration of the cathode separator used in this embodiment. It is a schematic plan view. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the anode separator 34 and the cathode separator 36 include a gas channel groove (anode gas channel groove 46a or cathode gas channel groove 48a), an anode gas inlet 52, An anode gas outlet 54, a cathode gas inlet 56, a cathode gas outlet 58, a cooling water inlet 60, a cooling water outlet 62, and a cooling water channel groove (not shown) are provided. The gas flow path groove is divided and formed by a plurality of ribs (not shown).

  In addition, the anode electrode separator 34 has an outer peripheral portion of the anode electrode separator 34, cathode gas inlets and outlets (56, 58) in order to prevent gas leakage such as anode gas, mixed flow of anode gas and other fluids, and the like. The sealing material 40 (represented by dotted lines in the figure) is disposed at the cooling water inlet and outlet (60, 62). In addition, the cathode electrode separator 36 has an outer peripheral portion of the cathode electrode separator 36, an anode gas inlet and an outlet (52, 54) in order to prevent gas leakage such as cathode gas, mixed flow of cathode gas and other fluids, and the like. The sealing material 40 (represented by dotted lines in the figure) is disposed at the cooling water inlet and outlet (60, 62).

  Next, the flow of fluid in the fuel cell 1 will be described. The anode gas is supplied to each fuel cell 10 (and end cell 16) via the terminal plate 18 and the end cell 14 through the anode gas introduction pipe 24 shown in FIG. The anode gas supplied to the fuel cell 10 passes through the anode gas passage groove 46a (substantially the anode gas passage 46 shown in FIG. 3) via the anode gas inlet 52 shown in FIG. The gas is discharged from the anode gas outlet 54, passes through the anode gas discharge pipe 26 shown in FIG. The cathode gas is supplied to each fuel cell 10 (and end cell 16) via the terminal plate 18 and the end cell 14 through the cathode gas introduction pipe 20 shown in FIG. The cathode gas supplied to the fuel cell 10 passes through the cathode gas passage groove 48a (substantially the cathode gas passage 48 shown in FIG. 3) via the cathode gas inlet 56 shown in FIG. The gas is discharged from the cathode gas inlet 58, passes through the cathode gas discharge pipe 22 shown in FIG. Further, the cooling water is supplied to each fuel cell 10 (and the end cell 14) through the terminal plate 18 and the end cell 14 through the cooling water introduction pipe 28 shown in FIG. The cooling water supplied to the fuel battery cell 10 passes through the cooling water inlet 60 shown in FIG. 4, passes through the cooling water flow path 50 shown in FIG. 3, and is discharged from the cooling water outlet 62, and the cooling water discharge pipe shown in FIG. 2. It passes through 30 and is discharged out of the fuel cell 1. The flow of the fluid supplied to the end cell 16 will be described later.

  Next, the end cell will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the end cell provided at the end opposite to the end where fluid enters and exits the fuel cell stack. As shown in FIG. 5, the end cells 16 are arranged in the order of the first plate 64 and the second plate 66 from the fuel cell stack 12 side.

  FIG. 6 (A-1, 2) is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the first and second plates on the fuel cell stack side, and FIG. 6 (B-1, 2) is opposite to the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of a structure of the 1st, 2nd plate of the side (terminal plate side). In this specification, the anode gas is described as the first fluid, the cathode gas as the second fluid, and the cooling water as the third fluid. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cathode gas or the cooling water is defined as the first fluid and the anode gas. Alternatively, the cooling water may be the second fluid, and the anode gas or the cathode gas may be the third fluid.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A-1 and 6B-1, the first plate 64 includes a first fluid inlet 52a (for example, an anode gas inlet), a first fluid outlet 54a (for example, an anode gas outlet), and a second plate. It has a fluid inlet 56a (eg, cathode gas inlet), a second fluid outlet 58a (eg, cathode gas outlet), a third fluid inlet 60a (eg, cooling water inlet), and a third fluid outlet 62a (eg, cooling water outlet). The first fluid inlet 52a of the first plate 64 communicates with the anode gas inlet 52 of the fuel cell 10 in the stacking direction, and the first fluid outlet 54a of the first plate 64 communicates with the anode gas outlet 54 of the fuel cell 10 in the stacking direction. The second fluid inlet 56a of the first plate 64 communicates with the cathode gas inlet 56 of the fuel cell 10 in the stacking direction, and the second fluid outlet 58a of the first plate 64 is the cathode gas outlet of the fuel cell 10. 58, the third fluid inlet 60 a of the first plate 64 communicates with the coolant inlet 60 of the fuel cell 10, and the third fluid outlet 62 a of the first plate 64 communicates with the coolant outlet 62 of the fuel cell 10. Communicate. As shown in FIG. 6B-1, a first fluid communication groove 70 (for example, an anode gas communication groove) is formed on the surface of the first plate 64 on the terminal plate 18 side (second plate 66 side). Accordingly, the first fluid communication path 72 (for example, an anode gas communication path) in FIG. 5 that communicates the first fluid inlet 52a and the first fluid outlet 54a between the first plate 64 and the second plate 66. Is formed. The flow path shape of the first fluid communication path 72 is not particularly limited. In addition, the first fluid communication channel groove 70 is formed on the first plate 64 side as an example, but the first fluid communication channel groove 70 is formed on the second plate 66 side, whereby the first fluid communication channel groove 70 is formed. The communication path 72 may be formed. In this way, by providing the communication path that connects the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the contaminant component that has flowed into the fluid can be effectively captured.

  Further, in order to prevent leakage, mixed flow and the like of the fluid flowing through the plate, the outer surface of the first plate 64 is disposed on the surface of the first plate 64 on the fuel cell stack 12 side as shown in FIG. A sealing material 40 (represented by a dotted line in the figure) is disposed on the outer periphery of each fluid inlet and outlet. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (B-1), on the surface of the first plate 64 on the second plate 66 side, the outer periphery of the first plate 64, the second fluid inlet and outlet (56a, 58a), the third fluid Sealing material 40 (represented by a dotted line in the drawing) is disposed on the outer periphery of the inlet and outlet (60a, 62a).

  As shown in FIGS. 6A-2 and B-2, the second plate 66 has a second fluid inlet 56a, a second fluid outlet 58a, a third fluid inlet 60a, and a third fluid outlet 62a. That is, the first fluid inlet 52 a and the first fluid outlet 54 a are not formed in the second plate, and the first fluid inlet 52 a and the first fluid outlet 54 a of the first plate 64 are covered with the second plate 66. It has been broken. Accordingly, the first fluid (for example, the anode gas) passing through the first fluid inlet 52a of the first plate 64 does not flow to the plate after the second plate 66 (the third plate 68 or the like), and the first fluid communication channel groove 70 is. It passes through the first fluid communication path 72 shown in FIG. 5 and is discharged from the first fluid outlet 54a of the first plate 64 (that is, the first fluid is folded back by the second plate 66). When the fluid flows into the first fluid communication channel groove 70, the contamination component in the first fluid can be captured. Since the other fluid inlets and outlets of the first plate 64 and the second plate 66 communicate with each other in the stacking direction, the second fluid (for example, cathode gas) and the third fluid (for example, cooling water) It flows also to the plate after the 2nd plate 66.

  Further, in order to prevent leakage, mixed flow, and the like of the fluid flowing through the plate, the surface of the second plate 66 on the fuel cell stack side, as shown in FIG. Sealing material 40 (represented by a dotted line in the drawing) is disposed on the outer periphery of the two fluid inlet and outlet (56a, 58a) and the third fluid inlet and outlet (60a, 62a). Further, as shown in FIG. 6B-2, on the surface of the second plate 66 on the terminal plate 18 side, the outer periphery of the second plate 64, the second fluid inlet and outlet (56a, 58a), the third fluid inlet. And the sealing material 40 (it represents with a dotted line in a figure) is arrange | positioned on the outer periphery of an exit (60a, 62a). Normally, when the first fluid inlet 52a and the first fluid outlet 54a are formed in the second plate 66, the first fluid inlet 52a and the first fluid outlet 54a on the surface of the second plate 66 on the terminal plate 18 side. It is necessary to arrange the sealing material 40 on the outer periphery. However, in the present embodiment, since the first fluid inlet 52a and the first fluid outlet 54a are not formed in the second plate, the first fluid inlet 52a that is normally formed on the surface of the second plate 66 on the terminal plate 18 side. And it is not necessary to arrange | position the sealing material 40 on the outer periphery of the 1st fluid exit 54a, and the usage-amount of the sealing material 40 can be reduced.

  FIG. 7 (A-1, 2) is a schematic plan view showing another example of the configuration of the first and second plates on the fuel cell stack side, and FIG. 7 (B-1, 2) shows the fuel cell stack side. It is a schematic plan view which shows another example of a structure of the 1st, 2nd plate on the opposite side (terminal plate side).

  As shown in FIG. 7B-1, a first fluid communication channel groove 70 (for example, an anode gas communication channel groove) and a second fluid communication channel groove 74 are formed on the surface of the first plate 64 on the terminal plate 18 side. The first fluid communication path that communicates the first fluid inlet 52a and the first fluid outlet 54a and the second fluid inlet 56a and the second fluid outlet 58a are provided between the first plate 64 and the second plate 66. A communicating second fluid communication path is formed. When the first fluid and the second fluid flow in the first fluid communication channel groove 70 and the second fluid communication channel groove 74, contamination components in the first fluid and the second fluid can be captured.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A-2 and B-2, the second plate 66 has first and second fluid inlets (52a, 56a) and first and second fluid outlets (54a, 58a). The first and second fluid inlets (52a, 56a) and the first and second fluid outlets (54a, 58a) of the first plate 64 are covered with the second plate 66. Usually, when the first and second fluid inlets (52a, 56a) and the first and second fluid outlets (54a, 58a) are formed in the second plate 66, the surface of the second plate 66 on the terminal plate 18 side is changed. It is necessary to arrange the sealing material 40 on the outer circumferences of the first and second fluid inlets (52a, 56a) and the first and second fluid outlets (54a, 58a). However, in this embodiment, since the fluid inlet and outlet are not formed, it is necessary to dispose the sealing material 40 on the outer periphery of the fluid inlet and outlet that are normally formed on the surface of the second plate 66 on the terminal plate 18 side. No, the usage amount of the sealing material 40 can be reduced. The second plate covers the first to third fluid inlets and the first to third fluid outlets of the first plate, and the first fluid communication path and the second fluid communication are between the first plate and the second plate. A passage and a third fluid communication passage may be formed.

  When the third fluid inlet 60a and the outlet 62a (for example, the cooling water inlet and outlet) communicating with the first plate 64 and the second plate 66 in the stacking direction are formed in the first plate 64 and the second plate 66, the second plate 66, the third fluid inlet 60a and the outlet 62a are covered by a third plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction from the second plate 66, and the third fluid inlet 60a and the third plate are disposed between the second plate 66 and the third plate. It is preferable that a third fluid communication path that communicates with the third fluid outlet 62a is formed. FIG. 8 (A-1 to 3) is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the first to third plates on the fuel cell stack side, and FIG. 8 (B-1 to 3) is opposite to the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of a structure of the 1st-3rd plate of the side (terminal plate side). The same components as those shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the similar components is omitted. As shown in FIG. 8A-3, a third fluid communication channel groove 78 (for example, a cooling water communication channel groove) is formed on the surface of the third plate 68 on the fuel cell stack 12 side, and the second plate 66 is formed. A third fluid communication path that connects the third fluid inlet 60a and the third fluid outlet 62a is formed between the first plate 68 and the third plate 68. When the third fluid flows into the third fluid communication channel groove 78, the contamination component in the third fluid can be captured.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A-3 and B-3, the third plate 68 disposed outside the second plate 66 in the stacking direction has a third fluid inlet and outlet (60a, 62a). The third fluid inlet and outlet (60a, 62a) of the second plate 66 are covered with the third plate 68. Thus, in this embodiment, since the fluid inlet and the outlet are not formed in the third plate, it is not necessary to arrange the sealing material 40 on the surface of the third plate 68 on the terminal plate 18 side. The amount of 40 used can be further reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the second fluid inlet and outlet (56a, 58a) are formed in the second plate 66, the second fluid inlet and outlet (56a, 58a) in the second plate 66 are Preferably, the second plate 66 is covered with a third plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction than the second plate 66, and a second communication path is formed between the second plate 66 and the third plate. One example will be described below. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the end cell provided at the end opposite to the end where fluid enters and exits the fuel cell stack. As shown in FIG. 9, the end cells 16 are arranged in the order of the first plate 64, the second plate 66, and the third plate 68 from the fuel cell stack 12 side. FIG. 10 (A-1 to 3) is a schematic plan view showing another example of the configuration of the first to third plates on the fuel cell stack side, and FIG. 10 (B-1 to 3) shows the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows another example of a structure of the 1st-3rd plate on the opposite side (terminal plate side). The same components as those in the plate shown in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the similar components is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A-3 and B-3, the third plate 68 has a third fluid inlet 60a and a third fluid outlet 62a. 10A-3, a second fluid communication channel groove 74 is formed on the surface of the third plate 68 on the fuel cell stack 12 side, and the third plate 68 and the second plate 66 are connected to each other. A second fluid communication path 76 (shown in FIG. 9) is formed between the second fluid inlet 56a and the second fluid outlet 58a. Further, the second fluid inlet and outlet (56a, 58a) are not formed in the third plate 68, and the second fluid inlet and outlet (56a, 58a) of the second plate 66 are formed in the third plate 68. Covered. Accordingly, the second fluid (for example, the cathode gas) passing through the second fluid inlet 56a of the second plate 66 (the first plate 64 and the second plate 66) does not flow to the plate after the third plate 68 (the terminal plate 18 and the like), The fluid passes through the second fluid communication channel groove 74 (second fluid communication channel 76 shown in FIG. 9) and is discharged from the second fluid outlet 58a of the second plate 66. When the second fluid flows into the second fluid communication channel groove 74, contamination components in the second fluid can be captured. In particular, the formation of the first fluid communication channel groove 70 and the second fluid communication channel groove 74 in separate plates can effectively prevent mixed fluid from being formed on the same surface of the same plate. This is preferable.

  Further, in order to prevent leakage, mixed flow, etc. of the fluid passing through the plate, the outer surface of the third plate 64 is formed on the surface of the third plate 68 on the fuel cell stack side as shown in FIG. Sealing material 40 (represented by a dotted line in the figure) is arranged on the outer periphery of the third fluid inlet and outlet (60a, 62a). Further, as shown in FIG. 10B-3, on the surface of the third plate 68 on the terminal plate 18 side, on the outer periphery of the third plate 64 (a part of the third fluid inlet and outlet (60, 62)). Sealing material 40 (represented by a dotted line in the figure) is arranged. Usually, when the first fluid inlet 52a, the first fluid outlet 54a, the second fluid inlet 56a, and the second fluid outlet 58a are formed in the third plate 66, the first fluid inlet 52a and the first fluid outlet 54a are formed. The sealing material 40 is disposed on the outer periphery of the second fluid inlet 56a and the second fluid outlet 58a. However, in the present embodiment, the first fluid inlet and outlet (52a, 54a) are not formed in the second plate 66, and the first fluid inlet and outlet (52a, 54a) are not formed in the third plate 68. 54a), since the second fluid inlet and outlet (56a, 58a) are not formed, it is not necessary to dispose the sealing material 40 on the outer periphery of the part, and the amount of the sealing material 40 used can be reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the third fluid inlet and outlet (60a, 62a) are formed in the first to third plates, the third fluid inlet and outlet (60a, 62a) of the third plate 68 are formed. 62a) is covered by a fourth plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction from the third plate 68, and the third fluid inlet 60a and the third fluid outlet 62a are communicated between the third plate 68 and the fourth plate. Preferably, a third fluid communication path is formed. FIG. 11 (A-1 to 4) is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of the configuration of the first to fourth plates on the fuel cell stack side, and FIG. 11 (B-1 to 4) is opposite to the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of a structure of the 1st-4th plate by the side (terminal plate side). Components similar to those of the plate shown in FIG. 10 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of similar components are omitted. As shown in FIG. 11A-4, a third fluid communication channel groove 78 (for example, a cooling water communication channel groove) is formed on the surface of the fourth plate 69 on the fuel cell stack 12 side, and the third plate 68 is formed. A third fluid communication path that connects the third fluid inlet 60a and the third fluid outlet 62a is formed between the first plate 69 and the fourth plate 69. And when the 3rd fluid flows into the 3rd fluid communication channel groove 78, the contamination ingredient in the 3rd fluid is caught. As shown in FIGS. 11A-4 and B-4, the third fluid inlet and outlet (60a, 62a) are formed in the fourth plate 69 disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction from the third plate 68. The third fluid inlet and outlet (60 a, 62 a) of the third plate 68 are covered with the fourth plate 68. Thus, in this embodiment, since the fluid inlet and the outlet are not formed on the fourth plate, it is not necessary to arrange the sealing material 40 on the surface of the fourth plate 68 on the terminal plate 18 side. The amount of 40 used can be reduced.

  12 (A-1, 2) and 13 (A-1 to 3) are schematic plan views showing another example of the configuration of the plate on the fuel cell stack side, and FIG. FIGS. 13A to 13 are schematic plan views showing another example of the configuration of the plate on the side opposite to the fuel cell stack (terminal plate side). In the plates shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the same components as those in the plates shown in FIGS. 6 and 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first plate is not provided with a third fluid inlet and outlet. Therefore, the third fluid inlet and outlet (for example, the cooling water inlet and outlet of the fuel cell separator) of the fuel cell stack are covered with the first plate. Therefore, since it is not necessary to arrange the sealing material 40 on the outer periphery of the normally formed third fluid inlet and outlet, the amount of the sealing material used can be further reduced. If the third fluid is a fluid with a small amount of contamination component compared to other fluids, for example, cooling water, it is almost unnecessary to capture the contamination component by the communication channel groove provided in the end cell. It is not always necessary to provide the third fluid inlet / outlet and the third fluid communication channel groove.

  Next, the end cell 14 provided at the end on the side where the fluid enters and exits the fuel cell stack 12 will be described. The end cell 14 is a laminate of a plurality of plates. For example, the fuel shown in FIG. 4 is provided on the plate because it is necessary to supply the fluid flowing through each fluid introduction pipe to the fuel cell stack 12 and to allow the fluid discharged from the fuel cell stack 12 to flow to each fluid discharge pipe. Each fluid inlet and outlet is formed like a battery separator. In addition, a fluid communication path that connects the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may be formed between the plates in order to capture contaminant components.

  Examples of the material constituting the plates of the end cells 14 and 16 include metals, resins, and conductive resins. However, the materials are conductive resins in terms of suppression of heat dissipation at the end of the fuel cell stack 12 and conductivity. Is preferred. When a metal is used as the material constituting the plate, the thermal conductivity of the end cells 14 and 16 is high, and the heat dissipation at the end of the fuel cell stack 12 may not be sufficiently suppressed. It is preferable to dispose a heat insulating resin sheet between the battery stacks 12 or at least one of the plates and the terminal plates 18. Examples of the material constituting the heat insulating resin sheet include thermosetting resins such as phenol resins and epoxy resins, and thermoplastic resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polyamide. When resin is used as the material constituting the plate, the end cell is insulative, so that, for example, a collection between the fuel cell stack 12 and the end cells (14, 16) can be taken out of the fuel cell stack 12. It is necessary to arrange an electric plate or current collecting lead. When a conductive resin is used as a material constituting the plate, the heat insulating resin sheet, the current collector plate, and the like are not required. Therefore, the configuration of the fuel cell 1 is simplified and space saving of the fuel cell 1 is achieved. be able to. The conductive resin is a mixture of carbon and a thermosetting resin such as a phenol resin or an epoxy resin, or a resin such as a thermoplastic resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyamide.

  The fuel cell separator (anode electrode separator 34, cathode electrode separator 36) used in the present embodiment is not particularly limited, such as a metal separator or a carbon separator.

  The electrolyte membrane 41 used in the present embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it does not have electron transferability but has proton conductivity. For example, a perfluorosulfonic acid resin film, a copolymer film of a trifluorostyrene derivative, a polybenzimidazole film impregnated with phosphoric acid, an aromatic polyether ketone sulfonic acid film, and the like can be given.

  The anode electrode 42 and the cathode electrode 44 each include a catalyst layer and a diffusion layer. The diffusion layer is not particularly limited as long as it is a material having a high reaction gas diffusibility. Examples thereof include porous carbon materials such as carbon cloth and carbon paper. The catalyst layer is, for example, formed by mixing carbon carrying a metal catalyst such as platinum or ruthenium with a perfluorosulfonic acid-based electrolyte or the like on a diffusion layer or an electrolyte membrane. Examples of the carbon include carbon black such as acetylene black, furnace black, channel black, and thermal black.

  As the sealing material 40 used in the present embodiment, a thermosetting resin that is generally used, for example, a silicon resin, an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, or the like is used.

  The fuel cell and the fuel cell laminate according to the present embodiment can be used as, for example, a small power source for mobile devices such as a mobile phone and a portable personal computer, a power source for automobiles, and a household power source.

1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a configuration of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic cross section which shows an example of a structure of the fuel battery cell used for embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of a structure of the separator for fuel cells used for this embodiment. It is a schematic cross section showing an example of the configuration of the end cell provided at the end opposite to the end where fluid enters and exits the fuel cell stack. (A) is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the first and second plates on the fuel cell stack side, and (B) is the configuration of the first and second plates on the opposite side (terminal plate side) from the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example. (A) is a schematic plan view showing another example of the configuration of the first and second plates on the fuel cell stack side, and (B) is the first and second plates on the opposite side (terminal plate side) from the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows another example of this structure. (A) is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the first to third plates on the fuel cell stack side, and (B) is the configuration of the first to third plates on the opposite side (terminal plate side) from the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example. It is a schematic cross section which shows another example of the structure of the end cell provided in the edge part on the opposite side to the edge part by which the fluid enters / exits to a fuel cell laminated body. (A) is a schematic plan view showing another example of the configuration of the first to third plates on the fuel cell stack side, and (B) is the first to third plates on the opposite side (terminal plate side) from the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows another example of this structure. (A) is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the first to fourth plates on the fuel cell stack side, and (B) is the configuration of the first to fourth plates on the opposite side (terminal plate side) from the fuel cell stack. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example. (A) is a schematic plan view showing another example of the configuration of the plate on the fuel cell stack side, and (B) shows another example of the configuration of the plate on the side opposite to the fuel cell stack (terminal plate side). It is a schematic plan view. (A) is a schematic plan view showing another example of the configuration of the plate on the fuel cell stack side, and (B) shows another example of the configuration of the plate on the side opposite to the fuel cell stack (terminal plate side). It is a schematic plan view. (A) is a schematic plan view showing one surface of first and second plates constituting a normal end cell, and (B) is a schematic plan view showing the other surface of first and second plates constituting a normal end cell. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell, 10 Fuel cell, 12 Fuel cell laminated body, 14, 16 End cell, 18 Terminal plate, 20 Cathode gas introduction pipe, 22 Cathode gas discharge pipe, 24 Anode gas introduction pipe, 26 Anode gas discharge pipe, 28 Cooling Water inlet pipe, 30 Cooling water discharge pipe, 32 Membrane-electrode assembly, 34 Anode pole separator, 36 Cathode pole separator, 40, 98 Sealing material, 41 Electrolyte membrane, 42 Anode pole, 44 Cathode pole, 46 Anode gas flow path, 46a Anode gas channel groove, 48 Cathode gas channel, 48a Cathode gas channel groove, 50 Cooling water channel, 52 Anode gas inlet, 52a, 86 First fluid inlet, 54 Anode gas outlet, 54a, 88 First fluid outlet 56 cathode gas inlet, 56a, 90 second fluid inlet, 58 Cathode gas outlet, 58a, 92 Second fluid outlet, 60 Cooling water inlet, 60a, 94 Third fluid inlet, 62 Cooling water outlet, 62a, 96 Third fluid outlet, 64, 66, 68, 69, 80, 84 Plate, 70, 84 First fluid communication channel, 72 First fluid communication channel, 74 Second fluid communication channel, 76 Second fluid communication channel, 78 Third fluid communication channel groove

Claims (7)

A fuel cell comprising: a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked; and an end cell disposed at a stacking direction end opposite to the stacking direction end of the fuel cell stack in which a fluid required for power generation enters and exits. The end cell is a laminate of a plurality of plates in order from the fuel cell stack side,
Of the plurality of plates, a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet formed in the first plate are covered by a second plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction than the first plate,
A fuel cell, wherein a first communication path that connects the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet is formed between the first plate and the second plate. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet formed in the first plate are covered by the second plate,
A fuel cell, wherein a second communication path that communicates the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet is formed between the first plate and the second plate. 3. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein a third fluid inlet and a third fluid inlet formed in the second plate so as to communicate with a third fluid inlet and a third fluid outlet formed in the first plate in a stacking direction. The three fluid outlet is covered by a third plate disposed outside the second plate in the stacking direction,
A fuel cell characterized in that a third communication path that connects the third fluid inlet and the third fluid outlet is formed between the second plate and the third plate. 2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet formed in the second plate so as to communicate with the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet formed in the first plate in the stacking direction. The two fluid outlet is covered by a third plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction than the second plate,
A fuel cell, wherein a second communication path that communicates the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet is formed between the second plate and the third plate. 5. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein the third plate is formed in the third plate so as to communicate with a third fluid inlet and a third fluid outlet formed in the first plate and the second plate in a stacking direction. The three fluid inlet and the third fluid outlet are covered by a fourth plate disposed on the outer side in the stacking direction than the third plate,
A fuel cell, wherein a third communication path that connects the third fluid inlet and the third fluid outlet is formed between the third plate and the fourth plate.   5. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein a third fluid inlet and a third fluid outlet formed at an end of the fuel cell stack are covered with the first plate. 6. .   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a material constituting the plate of the end cell is a conductive resin.

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