JP2009277384A - Fuel cell system and ion exchange device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of enhancing space use efficiency, and capable of restraining a large quantity of ions from eluting to a cooling medium from respective cell modules, in a fuel cell system having an ion exchange device. <P>SOLUTION: This fuel cell system has a fuel cell having a plurality of laminated cell modules, a pair of plate-like end plates arranged on both ends of a laminated body of the plurality of cell modules, a cooling medium supply manifold for supplying a cooling medium to the respective cell modules and a cooling medium discharge manifold for discharging the cooling medium from the respective cell modules, and an ion exchange device having an end surface abutting on an outside surface of one end plate among the pair of end plates and a cooling medium bypass flow passage having an ion exchanger by connecting the cooling medium supply manifold and the cooling medium discharge manifold. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for removing ions in a cooling medium used in a fuel cell.

  Conventionally, in a fuel cell having a configuration in which a plurality of cell modules each having a configuration in which a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a pair of separators, a cooling medium is circulated in the fuel cell in order to control the temperature of each cell module. Yes. When the separator is made of metal, ions may dissolve into the cooling medium and the conductivity of the cooling medium may increase. Therefore, a fuel cell system has been proposed in which an ion exchange device (filter) is disposed on the flow path of the cooling medium in order to remove the ions in the cooling medium and lower the conductivity (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2005-85482 A

  In the conventional fuel cell system, since the ion exchange device is configured separately from the fuel cell, the cooling path from each cell module to the ion exchange device is long. Therefore, a large ion concentration difference occurs between the ion exchange device and other parts, and ions are eluted from each cell module into the cooling medium until the cooling medium ion concentration reaches a predetermined concentration (steady state concentration). There was a problem. Further, since the fuel cell and the ion exchange device are configured separately from each other, there is a problem in that the space utilization efficiency is low because an arrangement space is required for each.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology capable of improving space utilization efficiency and suppressing elution of a large amount of ions from each cell module to a cooling medium in a fuel cell system including an ion exchange device.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A fuel cell system, in which a plurality of stacked cell modules, a pair of plate-like end plates disposed at both ends of a stacked body of the plurality of cell modules, and the cooling to each cell module A fuel cell having a cooling medium supply manifold for supplying a medium, a cooling medium discharge manifold for discharging the cooling medium from each cell module, and an outer surface of one end plate of the pair of end plates And an ion exchange device having a cooling medium bypass passage connecting the cooling medium supply manifold and the cooling medium discharge manifold and having an ion exchanger.

  In the fuel cell system of Application Example 1, since the ion exchange device can be disposed in contact with the fuel cell, space utilization efficiency can be improved. Further, since the ion exchange device is disposed in contact with the fuel cell, the ion exchanger can be disposed at a position close to each cell module. Therefore, a small amount of cooling medium exists between each cell module and the ion exchange device. Therefore, the steady value of the ion concentration can be lowered between each cell module and the ion exchange device, and deterioration of conductivity can be suppressed. Further, since the ion exchange device abuts on the outer surface of the end plate, the arrangement space is less limited as compared with a configuration arranged inside the end plate (inside the fuel cell). Therefore, the ion exchange device can be increased in size, and the ion removal performance can be improved. In addition, maintenance work such as replacement of the ion exchanger can be easily performed as compared with the configuration in which the ion exchange device is disposed inside the end plate (inside the fuel cell). In addition, since the ion exchange device has a bypass flow path, the ion exchanger is arranged in series with the cooling medium supply manifold or the cooling medium discharge manifold, so that all the cooling media permeate the ion exchanger. Thus, it is possible to suppress excessive inhibition of the flow of the cooling medium.

  Application Example 2 In the fuel cell system according to Application Example 1, the ion exchange device is formed so as to protrude from the end surface, and is inserted into the cooling medium supply manifold and protrudes from the end surface. A fuel cell system comprising: a discharge side insertion portion formed and inserted into the cooling medium discharge manifold.

  In this way, when the ion exchange device is placed in contact with the fuel cell, the supply side insertion portion is inserted into the cooling medium supply manifold, and the discharge side insertion portion is inserted into the cooling medium discharge manifold. Can do. Therefore, the strength of the connection portion between the ion exchange device and the fuel cell can be improved. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the cooling medium from leaking from the connection portion between the ion exchange device and the fuel cell.

  Application Example 3 In the fuel cell system according to Application Example 2, in the fuel cell system, the surfaces of the supply side insertion portion and the discharge side insertion portion are both covered with an insulating member.

  In this way, even in the case where the amount of ions in the cooling medium increases and the conductivity of the cooling medium increases, insulation in the fuel cell can be ensured, and the fuel cell can be secured via the cooling medium. It is possible to suppress a short circuit between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

  Application Example 4 In the fuel cell system according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 3, the ion exchange device includes a seal member for maintaining airtightness at the end face.

  By doing in this way, a seal member can also be replaced | exchanged by exchanging an ion exchange apparatus by the maintenance etc. of an ion exchanger, and the maintenance operation | work of a fuel cell system can be simplified.

  Application Example 5 An ion exchange device for a cooling medium supplied to a fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell is disposed at both ends of a plurality of stacked cell modules and a stack of the plurality of cell modules. A pair of plate-shaped end plates, a cooling medium supply manifold for supplying the cooling medium to each cell module, and a cooling medium discharge manifold for discharging the cooling medium from each cell module, The ion exchange device can connect an end surface that can contact an outer surface of one end plate of the pair of end plates, the cooling medium supply manifold, and the cooling medium discharge manifold, and has an ion exchanger. An ion exchange device comprising: a bypass flow path for a cooling medium.

  Since the ion exchange device of Application Example 5 can be disposed in contact with the fuel cell, space utilization efficiency can be improved. Moreover, since this ion exchange apparatus can be disposed in contact with the fuel cell, the ion exchanger can be disposed at a position close to each cell module. Therefore, when the ion exchange device is disposed in contact with the fuel cell, the steady ion concentration of the cooling medium existing between each cell module and the ion exchange device can be reduced. Therefore, the insulation resistance value can be reduced. In addition, since the ion exchange device has a bypass flow path, when the ion exchange device is placed in contact with the fuel cell, the circulation of the cooling medium is excessive compared to the configuration in which all the cooling medium passes through the ion exchanger. Can be inhibited.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Variations:

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell system as an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system 1000 includes a fuel cell 100, an ion exchange device 200, a hydrogen tank 500, a radiator 400, a circulation pump P1, and an air compressor P2. This fuel cell system 1000 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system, and can be used while being installed or mounted on an electric vehicle (not shown).

  The fuel cell 100 includes a stacked body 10 in which a plurality of cell modules 20 are stacked, a pair of end plates 30a and 30b, two tension plates 31a and 31b, a bolt 32, two insulators 33a and 33b, a positive electrode The terminal plate 34a and the negative electrode terminal plate 34b are provided. The cell module 20 can be configured, for example, by sandwiching a seal-integrated membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with a pair of separators (not shown). As this separator, for example, a thin plate made of a conductive member such as a metal such as SUS (stainless steel) or a titanium alloy, or carbon can be used. The laminated body 10 is sandwiched between insulators 33a and 33b, terminal plates 34a and 34b, and end plates 30a and 30b disposed at both ends of the fuel cell 100, respectively. Each cell module 20 is fastened with a predetermined pressing force in the stacking direction by connecting two tension plates 31 a and 31 b to the end plates 30 a and 30 b with bolts 32. The positive electrode terminal plate 34 a forms a positive electrode as the entire laminate 10. Similarly, the negative electrode terminal plate 34b forms a negative electrode as the entire laminate 10.

  The ion exchange device 200 is disposed in contact with the outer surface of the end plate 30a. The ion exchange device 200 adsorbs ions in the cooling medium supplied to the fuel cell 100. Specifically, the ion exchange device 200 adsorbs ions that elute into the cooling medium from members (separators and seal-integrated MEAs) constituting each cell module 20.

  The radiator 400 is connected to the fuel cell 100 via a cooling medium supply path 302 and a cooling medium discharge path 304, and takes heat from the cooling medium that has reached a high temperature in the fuel cell 100. A circulation pump P <b> 1 for circulating the cooling medium is disposed in the cooling medium discharge path 304. Note that the arrangement position of the circulation pump P1 may be the cooling medium supply path 302 instead of the cooling medium discharge path 304. Here, a cooling medium supply path 302 and a cooling medium discharge path 304 are connected to the ion exchange device 200 described above. A cooling medium circulation path 310 is formed by the ion exchange device 200, the fuel cell 100, the radiator 400, the circulation pump P 1, the cooling medium supply path 302, and the cooling medium discharge path 304. Further, the ion exchange device 200 forms a part of the cooling medium circulation path 310 and also forms a bypass 280 from the cooling medium supply path 302 to the cooling medium discharge path 304.

  In addition to the above-described cooling medium, the fuel cell 100 is supplied with a reaction gas used for an electrochemical reaction. Specifically, hydrogen gas as fuel gas is supplied from the hydrogen tank 500 via the fuel gas supply path 322. The anode-side off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 100 (hydrogen gas not used in the electrochemical reaction) is returned to the fuel gas supply path 322 via the fuel gas discharge path 324 and supplied to the fuel cell 100. . In addition, air as an oxidant gas is supplied to the fuel cell 100 via the oxidant gas supply path 312 by the air compressor P2. The cathode-side off-gas (air that has not been used for the electrochemical reaction) discharged from the fuel cell 100 is released into the atmosphere through the oxidant gas discharge path 314.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the fuel cell 100 and the ion exchange device 200 shown in FIG. The fuel cell 100 includes six manifolds for circulating reaction gas (hydrogen gas and air) and a cooling medium. Specifically, a cooling medium supply manifold 102a is provided on the lower left side in FIG. In addition, the oxidant gas supply manifold 103a is arranged in the left middle, the fuel gas supply manifold 104a is arranged in the upper left, the cooling medium discharge manifold 102b is arranged in the upper right, the oxidant gas discharge manifold 103b is arranged in the right middle. A fuel gas discharge manifold 104b is provided in the lower stage.

  These six manifolds 102a, 103a, 104a, 102b, 103b, and 104b are all formed through the fuel cell 100 in the stacking direction. The end plate 30a includes through holes (not shown) that form a part of each manifold at positions corresponding to these six manifolds. Similarly, each of the insulator 33a, the positive electrode terminal plate 34a, and each cell module 20 includes a through hole (not shown) that forms a part of each manifold at a position corresponding to six manifolds.

  The ion exchange apparatus 200 includes a plate-like portion 210 having a predetermined thickness in the stacking direction, a first supply side insertion portion 222, a second supply side insertion portion 224, a first discharge side insertion portion 242, and a second discharge. Side insertion portion 244. The plate-like portion 210 has a hollow structure and includes an ion exchanger (not shown) inside. Each of the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244 has a hollow cylindrical structure. The plate-like portion 210 and the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244 can be manufactured by processing a metal such as SUS. In addition, the surface of the plate-shaped part 210 and each insertion part 222,224,242,244 is covered with the insulating member. As the insulating member, for example, rubber or synthetic resin can be used.

  The first supply side insertion portion 222 is disposed to protrude in the + Z direction at the lower left portion of the plate-like portion 210. The second supply side insertion portion 224 is disposed to protrude in the −Z direction at the lower left portion of the plate-like portion 210. The first supply side insertion portion 222 and the second supply side insertion portion 224 are arranged so that the hollow portions are in a straight line with the plate-like portion 210 interposed therebetween. Note that an inner portion of the plate-like portion 210 sandwiched between the first supply side insertion portion 222 and the second supply side insertion portion 224 is a hollow portion 223. The first discharge side insertion portion 242 is disposed so as to protrude in the + Z direction at the upper right portion of the plate-like portion 210. The second discharge side insertion portion 244 is arranged to protrude in the −Z direction at the upper right portion of the plate-like portion 210. The first discharge side insertion portion 242 and the second discharge side insertion portion 244 are arranged so that the hollow portions are in a straight line with the plate-like portion 210 interposed therebetween. Note that an inner portion of the plate-like portion 210 sandwiched between the first discharge side insertion portion 242 and the second discharge side insertion portion 244 is a hollow portion 243.

  The ion exchange device 200 is disposed such that the end surface S200 in the + Z direction of the plate-like portion 210 abuts on the outer surface S100 of the end plate 30a. At this time, the first supply side insertion portion 222 is inserted into the cooling medium supply manifold 102a of the fuel cell 100. The first discharge side insertion portion 242 is inserted into the cooling medium discharge manifold 102b of the fuel cell 100. The second supply side insertion portion 224 is connected to a pipe (not shown) constituting the cooling medium supply passage 302 (FIG. 1), and the second discharge side insertion portion 244 (FIG. 2) is a cooling medium discharge passage 304 (FIG. 1). Are respectively inserted into pipes (not shown). Therefore, the cooling medium that has passed through the cooling medium supply path 302 from the radiator 400 (FIG. 1) is the second supply side insertion portion 224, the hollow portion 223, and the first supply side insertion portion in the ion exchange device 200 (FIG. 2). 222 in this order, and flows into the coolant supply manifold 102a of the fuel cell 100. The cooling medium discharged from the cooling medium discharge manifold 102b of the fuel cell 100 passes through the first discharge side insertion portion 242, the hollow portion 243, and the second discharge side insertion portion 244 in this order in the ion exchange device 200. Then, it flows into the cooling medium discharge path 304 (FIG. 1). Apart from such a flow of the cooling medium, a bypass of the cooling medium is formed in the ion exchange device 200.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the ion exchange device 200 connected to the fuel cell 100. In the example of FIG. 3, the ion exchanger 250 disposed inside the plate-like portion 210 is shown for convenience. A hollow portion of the plate-like portion 210 is filled with an ion exchanger 250. As the ion exchanger 250, for example, a cation (cation) exchange resin can be used. In addition, the ion exchanger 250 is filled in the joining portion (the hollow portion 223 in FIG. 2) with the cooling medium supply manifold 102a and the joining portion (the hollow portion 243 in FIG. 2) with the cooling medium discharge manifold 102b. Absent. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the four manifolds 103a, 104a, 103b, 104b other than the cooling medium supply manifold 102a and the cooling medium discharge manifold 102b do not pass through the ion exchange device 200.

  A part of the cooling medium supplied to the cooling medium supply manifold 102 a flows into the ion exchanger 250 in the hollow portion 223 (FIG. 2) inside the ion exchange apparatus 200. Since the pressure loss of the ion exchanger 250 is sufficiently larger than the pressure loss in the fuel cell 100 when the same flow rate is passed, a small amount of cooling medium flows into the ion exchanger 250 and the remaining large amount of cooling medium. Is supplied to the fuel cell 100. The cooling medium that has flowed into the ion exchanger 250 travels through the ion exchanger 250 toward the cooling medium discharge manifold 102b. That is, a cooling medium bypass 280 is formed in the ion exchanger 250. When the cooling medium passes through the bypass 280, ions in the cooling medium are adsorbed by the ion exchanger 250. The cooling medium from which ions have been removed is discharged from the ion exchange device 200 in the hollow portion 243 (FIG. 2) and discharged to the cooling medium discharge path 304 (FIG. 1). As described above, in the ion exchange device 200, ions in the cooling medium are removed by bypassing a part of the cooling medium supplied to the fuel cell 100 in the ion exchanger 250.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a cross section AA shown in FIG. The first supply side insertion portion 222 is inserted into the cooling medium supply manifold 102a, and the tip portion reaches the insulator 33a. On the other hand, the second supply side insertion portion 224 is inserted into a pipe constituting the cooling medium supply path 302. On the end surface S200 of the ion exchange apparatus 200, a seal portion 252 is disposed so as to surround the first supply side insertion portion 222. As the seal portion 252, for example, a rubber O-ring can be employed.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a BB cross section shown in FIG. The first discharge side insertion portion 242 is inserted into the cooling medium discharge manifold 102b, and the tip portion reaches the insulator 33a. On the other hand, the second discharge side insertion portion 244 is inserted into a pipe constituting the cooling medium discharge path 304. A seal portion 254 is disposed on the end surface S200 of the ion exchange device 200 so as to surround the first discharge side insertion portion 242. The seal portion 254 can have the same configuration as the seal portion 252 described above. As can be understood from FIG. 5 and the example of FIG. 4 described above, the ion exchange apparatus 200 is arranged at a position very close to each cell module 20.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the merit of insulating the plate-like portion 210 and the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244. In FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, the fuel cell 100 is mounted and used in an electric vehicle, and is fixed to the electric vehicle by connecting an end plate 30a and a body Bd by a metal installation member Br.

  An insulator 33a is disposed between the positive electrode terminal plate 34a and the end plate 30a, and the positive electrode (positive electrode terminal plate 34a) and the negative electrode (negative electrode terminal plate 34b) of the fuel cell 100 are connected via the installation member Br and the body Bd. Preventing short circuit. If the plate-like portion 210 and the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244 are not insulated, if the amount of ions in the cooling medium increases and the conductivity increases, the positive electrode terminal plate 34a and the ion exchange device 200 Then, it is conducted through the cooling medium. Therefore, the positive terminal plate 34a and the body Bd are electrically connected to the body Bd via the first supply side insertion part 222 and the first discharge side insertion part 242, and the positive terminal plate 34a and the negative terminal plate 34b are connected to each other. Short circuit. However, as described above, since the plate-like portion 210 and the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244 are insulated, it is possible to suppress a short circuit between the positive terminal plate 34a and the negative terminal plate 34b.

  FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the fuel cell 100 and the circulation pump P1. In the fuel cell system 1000, as shown in FIG. 7A, the circulation pump P1 is disposed close to the outer surface of the ion exchange device 200. Therefore, an empty space AR3 that can be used for other purposes is generated above the circulation pump P1 and adjacent to the space AR1 used in the fuel cell system 1000. As described above, in the fuel cell system 1000, the ion exchange device 200 is in contact with the fuel cell 100 (end plate 30a). Therefore, space utilization efficiency can be improved by arranging the circulation pump P1 outside the ion exchange device 200. In addition, the space utilization efficiency in the fuel cell system 1000 can be improved by arranging not only the circulation pump P1 but also any other auxiliary machine such as the air compressor P2 outside the ion exchange device 200.

  FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the fuel cell 100 and the circulation pump P1 in the comparative example. The fuel cell system in this comparative example is different from the above-described fuel cell system 1000 in that the positional relationship between the ion exchange device 200 and the fuel cell 100 is different, and the other configurations are the same. Specifically, the ion exchange device 200 is not arranged adjacent to the fuel cell 100, the circulation pump P1 is arranged outside the fuel cell 100, and the ion exchange device 200 is arranged outside thereof. Yes. In this configuration, as in FIG. 7A, an empty space AR4 is generated above the circulation pump P1, but the fuel cell 100 and the ion exchange device 200 are installed on both sides of the space AR4. It is difficult to use for the purpose. Accordingly, the space AR2 used in the fuel cell system includes the space AR4 and is larger than the space AR1 shown in FIG. Therefore, the space utilization efficiency is low in the fuel cell system in the comparative example.

  As described above, in the fuel cell system 1000, the plate-like portion 210 that is a main member of the ion exchange device 200 has a plate-like shape and can be disposed in contact with the fuel cell 100. Therefore, the space utilization efficiency in the fuel cell system 1000 can be improved. Therefore, the fuel cell system 1000 can be disposed even in an electric vehicle or the like having a small space for disposing the fuel cell system. Further, since the ion exchange device 200 is disposed in contact with the outside of the end plate 30a, the ion exchanger 250 can be disposed at a position very close to each cell module 20. Therefore, the stationary ion concentration of the cooling medium existing between each cell module 20 and the ion exchange device 200 can be reduced, and a large amount of ions can be prevented from being eluted into the cooling medium. In addition, since the ion exchange device 200 abuts on the outside of the end plate 30a, the arrangement space is less limited as compared with the configuration arranged on the inside of the end plate 30a (inside the fuel cell 100). Therefore, the ion exchange device 200 can be easily increased in size and the ion removal performance can be improved. In addition, maintenance work such as replacement of the ion exchanger 250 can be easily performed as compared with the configuration in which the ion exchange device 200 is disposed inside the end plate 30a (inside the fuel cell 100). Further, since the ion exchange device 200 (ion exchanger 250) is connected in parallel to the fuel cell 100 by the bypass 280, it is cooled as compared with a configuration in which the ion exchange device 200 (ion exchanger 250) is connected in series to the cooling medium supply path 302 and the cooling medium discharge path 304. It is possible to suppress excessive inhibition of the distribution of the medium. In addition, since the ion exchange device 200 includes the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244, the strength of the connection portion with the fuel cell 100, the cooling medium supply path 302, and the cooling medium discharge path 304 is improved. be able to. Further, since the plate-like portion 210 and the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244 are insulated, insulation in the fuel cell 100 can be ensured even when the conductivity of the cooling medium is high. Further, in the fuel cell system 1000, seal portions 252 and 254 for ensuring airtightness between the fuel cell 100 and the ion exchange device 200 are formed on the end surface S200 of the ion exchange device 200. Therefore, by exchanging the ion exchange device 200 by maintenance of the ion exchanger 250 or the like, these seal portions 252 and 254 can also be replaced together, and the maintenance work can be simplified.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the fuel cell 100 and the ion exchange device 200a in the second embodiment. The detailed configuration of the ion exchange apparatus of the fuel cell system of the second embodiment is different from the fuel cell system 1000 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, unlike the ion exchange apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, the ion exchange apparatus 200a of the second embodiment does not include four insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244. Other configurations are the same as those of the ion exchange apparatus 200. The fuel cell system of the second embodiment having the above configuration also has the same effect as that of the first embodiment.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing detailed configurations of the fuel cell 100 and the ion exchange device 200b in the third embodiment. The fuel cell system of the third embodiment differs from the fuel cell system 1000 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment in the detailed configuration of the ion exchange device, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the ion exchange apparatus 200b of the third embodiment, the plate-like portion 210b is different from the plate-like portion 210 (FIG. 2) in the first embodiment, and the cross section of the XY plane is rectangular. . Further, the plate-like portion 210b includes eight insertion portions in addition to the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244 described above. Specifically, an insertion portion 232 is provided at a position corresponding to the oxidant gas supply manifold 103a on the end surface S201 that contacts the fuel cell 100. Moreover, the insertion part 234 is provided on the opposite side to the insertion part 232 across the plate-like part 210b. Similarly, on the end surface S201, an insertion portion 262 is provided at a position corresponding to the fuel gas supply manifold 104a, and an insertion portion 264 is provided on the opposite side of the insertion portion 262 across the plate-like portion 210b. Further, in the end surface S201, an insertion portion 272 is provided at a position corresponding to the fuel gas discharge manifold 104b, and an insertion portion 274 is provided on the opposite side of the insertion portion 272 with the plate-like portion 210b interposed therebetween. Further, in the end surface S201, an insertion portion 282 is provided at a position corresponding to the oxidant gas discharge manifold 103b, and an insertion portion 284 is provided on the opposite side of the insertion portion 282 across the plate-like portion 210b.

  Each of the insertion portions 232, 234, 262, 264, 272, 274, 282, and 284 described above has a hollow cylindrical structure like the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244. However, in these insertion portions 232, 234, 262, 264, 272, 274, 282, and 284, the space between the insertion portions corresponding to each other (the space inside the plate-like portion 210 b) is a tunnel-like shape. It is not connected to the ion exchanger 250 (not shown) inside 210b. With such a configuration, the ion exchange device 200b has a fuel gas supply path 322 (FIG. 1) and a fuel gas supply manifold 104a (FIG. 9) by a flow path including the insertion portion 262, the insertion portion 264, and the plate-like portion 210b. And connected. Similarly, in the ion exchange apparatus 200b, the oxidant gas supply path 312 and the oxidant gas supply manifold 103a are connected by a flow path including the insertion portion 232, the insertion portion 234, and the plate-like portion 210b. Further, the ion exchange device 200b connects the fuel gas discharge path 324 (FIG. 1) and the fuel gas discharge manifold 104b through a flow path including the insertion portion 272, the insertion portion 274, and the plate-like portion 210b. In addition, the ion exchange device 200b connects the oxidant gas discharge path 314 and the oxidant gas discharge manifold 103b through a flow path including the insertion portion 282, the insertion portion 284, and the plate-like portion 210b.

  The fuel cell system of the third embodiment having the above configuration also has the same effect as the fuel cell system 1000 of the first embodiment. Further, since the end surface S201 that contacts the fuel cell 100 is rectangular, the plate-like portion 210b can take a large accommodation space for the ion exchanger 250 (not shown). Moreover, the outer surface (end surface opposite to the end surface S201) of the ion exchange device 200b can be widened, and a wide space can be secured as a space for attaching an auxiliary machine (circulation pump P1 or the like). In addition, since the ion exchange device 200b includes insertion portions that are inserted into the manifolds of the fuel cell 100, the ion exchange device 200b can be firmly fixed to the fuel cell 100.

D. Variations:
In addition, elements other than the elements claimed in the independent claims among the constituent elements in each of the above embodiments are additional elements and can be omitted as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

D1. Modification 1:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the ion exchanger 250 is made of a cation (cation) exchange resin. However, instead of this, a chelate resin that selectively captures only a specific metal may be employed. Further, in addition to the cation exchange resin, an ion exchange device using an anion (anion) exchange resin may be arranged in parallel with the ion exchange devices 200, 200a, and 200b. An inorganic ion exchanger can be employed instead of the organic ion exchange resin. Each separator can be made of carbon instead of metal. In this case, an ion exchange resin that adsorbs carbon eluted in the refrigerant can be used as the ion exchanger 250. That is, in general, any ion exchanger that can adsorb and absorb ions eluted from the fuel cell 100 into the cooling medium can be employed in the fuel cell system of the present invention.

D2. Modification 2:
In each of the embodiments described above, the surfaces of the ion exchange devices 200, 200a, and 200b are all covered with the insulating member, but instead, a part of the surface may be configured not to be covered with the insulating member. Specifically, for example, in the ion exchange apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) in the first embodiment, the surfaces of the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244 are covered with an insulating member, and the surface of the plate-like portion 210 is insulated. It can also be set as the structure which is not covered with a member. In this configuration, insulation can be ensured by arranging the end surface S200 and the outer surface S100 of the end plate 30a so as to abut only at the seal portions 252 and 254 and not the other portions. For example, the surface of each insertion part 222,224,242,244 in a 1st Example can also be made not to be covered with an insulating member. Even in this case, insulation can be ensured by covering the inner surfaces of the cooling medium supply manifold 102a and the cooling medium discharge manifold 102b with an insulating member.

D3. Modification 3:
In the third embodiment described above, each insertion portion (except for the insertion portions 222, 224, 242, and 244 through which the cooling medium passes) formed in the ion exchange device 200b is used for each flow of reaction gas (hydrogen gas and air). Although the paths 312, 314, 322, and 324 and the manifolds 103 a, 103 b, 104 a, and 104 b of the fuel cell 100 are connected on a one-to-one basis, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the fuel cell is configured to include a plurality of fuel gas supply manifolds, the ion exchange device 200b distributes the hydrogen gas supplied from the fuel gas supply path 322 to the plurality of fuel gas supply manifolds. It can also function as. By doing in this way, compared with the structure which provides a distribution pipe separately from the ion exchange apparatus 200b, a number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost of a fuel cell system can be held down.

D4. Modification 4:
In the third embodiment described above, the insertion portion is provided corresponding to all the manifolds 102a, 103a, 104a, 102b, 103b, and 104b included in the fuel cell 100. The insertion portion may be omitted. Further, as in the second embodiment, all the insertion portions can be omitted.

D5. Modification 5:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the seal portions 252 and 254 are all formed on the ion exchange device 200, 200a, and 200b side, but instead of or in addition to this, the seal portions 252 and 254 are formed on the fuel cell 100 side. You can also

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the fuel cell system as one Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the fuel cell 100 and the ion exchange apparatus 200 which are shown in FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an ion exchange device 200 connected to a fuel cell 100. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the AA cross section shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the BB cross section shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the merit of making the plate-shaped part 210 and each insertion part 222,224,242,244 into insulation. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the positional relationship of the fuel cell 100 and the circulation pump P1 in a 1st Example and a comparative example, Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the fuel cell 100 in the 2nd Example, and the ion exchange apparatus 200a. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the fuel cell 100 and the ion exchange apparatus 200b in a 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Laminated body 20 ... Cell module 30a, 30b ... End plate 31a, 31b ... Tension plate 32 ... Bolt 33a, 33b ... Insulator 34a ... Positive electrode terminal plate 34b ... Negative electrode terminal plate 100 ... Fuel cell 102a ... Cooling medium supply manifold 102b ... Cooling medium discharge manifold 103a ... Oxidant gas supply manifold 103b ... Oxidant gas discharge manifold 104a ... Fuel gas supply manifold 104b ... Fuel gas discharge manifold 200, 200a, 200b ... Ion exchange device 210, 210b ... Plate-like part 222 ... First Supply side insertion part 223 ... Hollow part 224 ... Second supply side insertion part 242 ... First discharge side insertion part 243 ... Hollow part 244 ... Second discharge side insertion part 250 ... Ion exchanger 252,254 ... 232, 234, 262, 264, 272, 274, 282, 284 ... Insertion part 280 ... Bypass 302 ... Cooling medium supply path 304 ... Cooling medium discharge path 310 ... Cooling medium circulation path 312 ... Oxidant gas supply path 314 ... Oxidant gas discharge path 322 ... Fuel gas supply path 324 ... Fuel gas discharge path 400 ... Radiator 500 ... Hydrogen tank 1000 ... Fuel cell system S200, S201 ... End face S100 ... Outer face P1 ... Circulation pump P2 ... Air compressor Bd ... Body Br ... Installation members AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4 ... Space

Claims (5)

A fuel cell system,
A plurality of stacked cell modules, a pair of plate-like end plates disposed at both ends of the stacked body of the plurality of cell modules, a cooling medium supply manifold for supplying the cooling medium to each cell module, A cooling medium discharge manifold for discharging the cooling medium from each cell module, and a fuel cell,
An end surface that contacts the outer surface of one end plate of the pair of end plates, a cooling medium bypass passage that connects the cooling medium supply manifold and the cooling medium discharge manifold, and has an ion exchanger. An ion exchange device;
A fuel cell system comprising: The fuel cell system according to claim 1,
The ion exchange device
A supply-side insertion portion that protrudes from the end face and is inserted into the cooling medium supply manifold;
A discharge side insertion portion that is formed to protrude from the end face and is inserted into the cooling medium discharge manifold;
A fuel cell system comprising: The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein
Both the supply side insertion portion and the discharge side insertion portion are fuel cell systems, the surfaces of which are covered with an insulating member. In the fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The ion exchange device is a fuel cell system having a seal member for maintaining airtightness at the end face. An ion exchange device for a cooling medium supplied to a fuel cell,
The fuel cell includes a plurality of stacked cell modules, a pair of plate-like end plates disposed at both ends of the stacked body of the plurality of cell modules, and cooling for supplying the cooling medium to each cell module. A medium supply manifold and a cooling medium discharge manifold for discharging the cooling medium from each cell module;
The ion exchange device
An end surface capable of abutting against an outer surface of one end plate of the pair of end plates;
The cooling medium supply manifold and the cooling medium discharge manifold can be connected, and a cooling medium bypass flow path having an ion exchanger;
An ion exchange apparatus comprising:

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