JP2009283240A - Fuel cell, and fuel cell battery - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell can reduce occurrence of a structural fuel drift flow in the case of making a fuel cell battery module or a fuel cell battery by assembling the plurality of fuel cells. <P>SOLUTION: This fuel cell FC1 is equipped with an air electrode support body 20, a fuel electrode 50, an electrolyte part 40, and an interconnector part 60. A flow passage 70 into which air flow is formed inside the air electrode support body 20, and the flow passage 70 includes an forward passage 71 wherein the air flows, and a backward passage 72 wherein the air flowed into the forward passage 71 returns and flows out, and is equipped with a heat exchanging member 30 which exists extended in the vicinity of the opening end of the flow passage 70, and is formed of a material higher in heat conductivity than the material to constitute the air electrode support body 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Aspects of the invention generally relate to fuel cells and fuel cells.

Conventionally, various types of fuel cells have been proposed in order to arrange an air electrode and a fuel electrode with an electrolyte interposed therebetween. One embodiment is a fuel battery cell formed as a bottomed cylinder as shown in FIG. In this fuel cell, an electrolyte layer is formed outside the air electrode support, a fuel electrode layer is formed on the electrolyte layer, and an interconnector is formed so as to be connected to the air electrode support. An air introduction tube is inserted into the bottomed cylindrical air electrode support, and air is introduced through the air introduction tube. Another aspect is a fuel battery cell formed so that an air flow path or a fuel gas flow path is folded back as disclosed in Patent Document 2 below. In the case of this fuel cell, air or fuel gas is introduced from one end of the flow path and is flowed out from the other end of the flow path.
JP 2006-66387 A JP 2006-216408 A

  By the way, even when a fuel cell of any aspect is adopted, when a plurality of fuel cells are electrically connected and housed in a housing to form a fuel cell module or fuel cell, the fuel cell extends. There arises a problem of heat deviation in the direction and the direction orthogonal thereto. Specifically, when forming a fuel cell in which a plurality of fuel cells are incorporated, the temperature of the central part rises more than the temperature at the end of the fuel cell, and the latter is The temperature in the inner portion is higher than the temperature in the outer portion. In such an uneven heat state, the power generation performance is deteriorated due to non-uniform material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell, concentration reduction of the fuel gas or air inside, and the like.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a fuel cell that can reduce the occurrence of structural gas drift when a plurality of fuel cell modules or fuel cells are incorporated, and a fuel cell constituted by the fuel cell. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a fuel cell according to the present invention is a fuel cell operated by a first gas including one of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas and a second gas including the other, wherein the first A first electrode corresponding to one gas; a second electrode corresponding to the second gas; an electrolyte portion disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and the first electrode electrically A connected interconnector portion; and a support for supporting the first electrode, the second electrode, the electrolyte portion, and the interconnector portion, wherein the first gas is disposed inside the support. A flow path through which the first gas flows is formed, and the flow path includes a forward path having an inflow portion into which the first gas flows and a return path having an outflow portion from which the first gas that has flowed into the forward path is folded back. More heat transfer than the material constituting the support. Comprising a soaking member which is formed by a high gender material, and the inflow portion and the outflow portion, characterized in that it is arranged so as to be adjacent to each other across the heat equalizing member.

  According to the present invention, there are provided a fuel cell that can reduce the heat deviation of a structural fuel cell when a plurality of fuel cell modules or fuel cells are incorporated, and a fuel cell constituted by the fuel cell. can do.

  Prior to describing the best mode for carrying out the present invention, the function and effect of the present invention will be described. In order to achieve the above object, the present inventor has repeatedly studied the reduction of gas drift from various angles. As a result, it is possible to achieve the above object by devising the structure of the fuel cell rather than taking measures against the flow of fuel gas or air directly to solve the gas drift. The present invention has been discovered based on the findings.

  A fuel battery cell according to the present invention is a fuel battery cell that operates with a first gas containing one of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas and a second gas containing the other, and a first electrode corresponding to the first gas. A second electrode corresponding to the second gas, an electrolyte part disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, an interconnector part electrically connected to the first electrode, A support for supporting the first electrode, the second electrode, the electrolyte portion, and the interconnector portion, and a flow path through which the first gas flows is formed in the support. The flow path includes an outward path having an inflow portion into which the first gas flows and a return path having an outflow portion from which the first gas that has flowed into the forward path folds out and constitutes the support body. Made of material with higher thermal conductivity than material Comprising a soaking member that is, between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, characterized in that it is arranged so as to be adjacent to each other across the heat equalizing member.

  As in the fuel battery cell of the present invention, a flow path through which the first gas flows is formed inside the support, and the flow path is supported by the forward path for the first gas to flow into the support and the forward path. When the first gas flowing into the body is provided with a return path for turning back and flowing out of the support body, the first gas is provided in the vicinity of the return part, the inflow part to the outward path, and the outlet part from the return path. Or the temperature of the second gas decreases. Such non-uniform temperature in the direction in which the fuel cells extend extends also causes a decrease in power generation performance at a low temperature portion. Therefore, in the present invention, the soaking member is formed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the material constituting the support, and is disposed between the inflow portion and the outflow portion, so that the temperature of the first gas is high. The received heat is transferred to the lower part. Therefore, the occurrence of such local thermal stress can be suppressed in the vicinity of the inflow portion and the outflow portion where local thermal stress is likely to occur due to a rapid temperature distribution. As a result, heat equalization in the extending direction of the support and the fuel cell is achieved, the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is suppressed, and the power generation performance of the fuel cell is extended. Uniform in direction. Accordingly, the flow of the first gas and the second gas inside and outside the fuel cell can be stably maintained, and even when a fuel cell module or a fuel cell is configured by incorporating a plurality of these fuel cells, it is practical and safe. In addition, highly efficient power generation performance can be obtained.

  Moreover, in the fuel cell according to the present invention, the first reaction part including the first electrode and the second electrode formed with the electrolyte part and the electrolyte part interposed therebetween is part of the outer surface of the support. It is also preferable that the interconnector portion is formed on the outer surface of the support and the remaining portion where the first reaction portion is not formed, and the support is formed of a conductive material. .

  Thus, when the structure which forms a support body with an electroconductive material is employ | adopted and the 1st reaction part containing an electrolyte part, a 1st electrode, and a 2nd electrode is collectively formed in a part of outer surface of a support body, Even so, as described above, the temperature uniformity in the extending direction of the support and the fuel cell is achieved, the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is suppressed, and the fuel cell The power generation performance can be made uniform in the extending direction. Further, since the interconnector portion is arranged on the outer surface of the support, the heat equalizing member can be arranged not only inside the support but also in that portion.

  A fuel battery cell according to the present invention is a fuel battery cell that operates with a first gas containing one of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas and a second gas containing the other, and a first electrode corresponding to the first gas. An electrode support formed of a material; a second electrode corresponding to the second gas; an electrolyte portion disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and the first electrode electrically An interconnector portion connected to the electrode support body, wherein the electrode support supports the second electrode, the electrolyte portion, and the interconnector portion, and the first gas flows inside the electrode support body. A path is formed, and the flow path includes an outward path having an inflow portion into which the first gas flows in, and a return path having an outflow portion from which the first gas that has flowed into the forward path is folded and flows out, More heat than the materials that make up the electrode support Comprising a soaking member which is formed by a high electric resistance material, and the inflow portion and the outflow portion, characterized in that it is arranged so as to be adjacent to each other across the heat equalizing member.

  Like the fuel battery cell of the present invention, a flow path through which the first gas flows is formed inside the electrode support, and the flow path is defined by an outward path for the first gas to flow into the support body, and the forward path. When the first gas that has flowed into the electrode support body has a return path for turning back and out of the electrode support body, in the vicinity of the return part, the inflow part to the outward path, and the outflow part from the return path, The temperature of 1st gas and 2nd gas falls. Such non-uniform temperature in the direction in which the fuel cells extend extends also causes a decrease in power generation performance at a low temperature portion. Therefore, in the present invention, the temperature-uniforming member is formed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the material constituting the electrode support and is disposed between the inflow portion and the outflow portion, so that the temperature of the first gas is high. The heat received in is transferred to the lower part. Therefore, the occurrence of such local thermal stress can be suppressed in the vicinity of the inflow portion and the outflow portion where local thermal stress is likely to occur due to a rapid temperature distribution. As a result, the temperature uniformity in the extending direction of the electrode support and the fuel cell is achieved, the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is suppressed, and the power generation performance of the fuel cell is extended. It can be made uniform in the present direction. Accordingly, the flow of the first gas and the second gas inside and outside the fuel cell can be stably maintained, and even when a fuel cell module or a fuel cell is configured by incorporating a plurality of these fuel cells, it is practical and safe. In addition, highly efficient power generation performance can be obtained.

  In the fuel cell according to the present invention, the electrolyte part is formed on a part of the outer surface of the electrode support, and the second electrode part is formed on the formed electrolyte part. It is also preferable that two reaction parts are formed, and the interconnector part is formed on the outer surface of the electrode support and the remaining part where the electrolyte part is not formed.

  Even when such a configuration is adopted, as described above, the temperature uniformity in the extending direction of the electrode support and the fuel cell is achieved, and the material resistance that depends on the temperature of the fuel cell is reduced. The uniformity is suppressed, and the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be made uniform in the extending direction. Further, since the interconnector portion is arranged on the outer surface of the electrode support, the heat equalizing member can be arranged not only in the electrode support but also in that portion.

  Further, in the fuel cell according to the present invention, the forward path is formed by an inner surface of the support and a first surface of a partition portion arranged inside the support, and the return path is formed by the support. A part corresponding to the inflow part and the outflow part of the partition part, which is formed by an inner surface of the partition part and a second surface different from the first surface of the partition part disposed in the support body However, it is also preferable that the heat equalizing member is configured.

  In this preferable aspect, since at least a part of the partition portion constituting the inflow portion of the forward path and the outflow portion of the return path is configured as the heat equalizing member, the first gas can be brought into direct contact with the heat equalizing member. Therefore, the efficiency at the time of transferring the heat received in the region where the temperature of the first gas is high to the region where the temperature of the first gas is low can be further increased. In addition, when the temperature of the first gas is low in one of the forward path and the backward path and the temperature is high in the other, heat can be exchanged through the heat equalizing member. As a result, heat equalization in the extending direction of the support and the fuel cell and in the direction crossing the direction is further achieved, and the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is more effectively suppressed. Thus, the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be made uniform in the extending direction.

  Moreover, in the fuel cell according to the present invention, the forward path is formed by an inner surface of the electrode support and a first surface of a partition portion disposed inside the electrode support, and the return path is defined by the Formed by an inner surface of the electrode support and a second surface different from the first surface of the partition disposed inside the electrode support; and on the inflow portion and the outflow portion of the partition It is also preferable that a corresponding part is configured as the soaking member.

  In this preferable aspect, since at least a part of the partition portion constituting the inflow portion of the forward path and the outflow portion of the return path is configured as the heat equalizing member, the first gas can be brought into direct contact with the heat equalizing member. Therefore, the efficiency at the time of transferring the heat received in the region where the temperature of the first gas is high to the region where the temperature of the first gas is low can be further increased. In addition, when the temperature of the first gas is low in one of the forward path and the backward path and the temperature is high in the other, heat can be exchanged through the heat equalizing member. As a result, the temperature uniformity in the direction in which the electrode support and the fuel cell extend and the direction intersecting the direction is further improved, and the non-uniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is more effectively achieved. It is suppressed, and the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be made uniform in the extending direction.

  In the fuel cell according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the first reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path, and the interconnector part is formed at a position corresponding to the return path.

  In this preferred embodiment, since the first reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path, the first gas flowing into the forward path absorbs the heat of the first reaction part and dissipates the heat to the unreacted part side. Continue to the part that wraps around. The first gas that returns and enters the return path proceeds while absorbing heat from the first reaction section side and radiating the heat to the support. Therefore, the temperature uniformity in the extending direction of the support and the fuel cell and the direction crossing the direction is further improved, and the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is more effectively suppressed. The power generation performance of the fuel cell can be made uniform in the extending direction. Furthermore, since the first reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path close to the part where the first gas flows into the support body, even if some condition change occurs due to load fluctuation or the like, it flows into the support body. Since the transfer of heat between the first gas and the soaking member can be conducted quickly and effectively, it is possible to respond to the temperature change of the first reaction part with good response.

  In the fuel cell according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the second reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path, and the interconnector part is formed at a position corresponding to the return path.

  In this preferred embodiment, since the second reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path, the first gas flowing into the forward path absorbs the heat of the second reaction part and dissipates the heat to the unreacted part side. Continue to the part that wraps around. The first gas that returns and enters the return path proceeds while absorbing heat from the second reaction section and radiating the heat to the electrode support. Therefore, the temperature uniformity in the direction in which the electrode support and the fuel cell extend and the direction crossing the direction is further improved, and the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is more effectively suppressed. Thus, the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be made uniform in the extending direction. Furthermore, since the second reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path close to the part where the first gas flows into the electrode support body, even if some condition change occurs due to load fluctuation or the like, Since the heat exchange between the flowing first gas and the soaking member can be conducted quickly and effectively, it is possible to respond to the temperature change of the second reaction section with good response.

  In the fuel cell according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the interconnector portion is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path, and the first reaction portion is formed at a position corresponding to the return path.

  In this preferred embodiment, the first gas that has flowed into the forward path proceeds to a portion that turns back while absorbing the heat of the forward path. Since the first reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the return path, the first gas that has turned back and entered the return path can contribute to the power generation reaction in a sufficiently heated state. Therefore, the temperature uniformity in the extending direction of the support and the fuel cell and the direction crossing the direction is further improved, and the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is more effectively suppressed. The power generation performance of the fuel cell can be made uniform in the extending direction. Furthermore, even when the temperature of the first gas supplied into the support body is low, heat is applied in the forward path corresponding to the interconnector section, so that the first reaction section corresponding to the return path has a sufficiently high temperature. One gas can be supplied. For this reason, when a fuel cell is comprised using this fuel cell, the preheater capacity | capacitance of 1st gas can be made small.

  In the fuel cell according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the interconnector portion is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path, and the second reaction portion is formed at a position corresponding to the return path.

  In this preferred embodiment, the first gas that has flowed into the forward path proceeds to a portion that turns back while absorbing the heat of the forward path. Since the second reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the return path, the first gas that has turned back and entered the return path can contribute to the power generation reaction in a sufficiently heated state. Therefore, the temperature uniformity in the direction in which the electrode support and the fuel cell extend and the direction crossing the direction is further improved, and the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is more effectively suppressed. Thus, the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be made uniform in the extending direction. Further, even when the temperature of the first gas supplied into the electrode support body is low, heat is applied in the forward path corresponding to the interconnector part, so that the second reaction part corresponding to the return path has a sufficient temperature. The first gas can be supplied. For this reason, when a fuel cell is comprised using this fuel cell, the preheater capacity | capacitance of 1st gas can be made small.

  Moreover, in the fuel cell according to the present invention, it is also preferable that at least one of the inflow portion and the outflow portion is formed with a retention portion that reduces the flow rate of the first gas. In this preferable aspect, since the flow rate of the first gas is reduced in the staying portion, heat can be effectively transferred from the first gas to the soaking member in that portion. The staying part is provided in at least one of the inflow part and the outflow part having a large temperature difference, and can effectively suppress the occurrence of local thermal stress.

  In the fuel cell according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the staying portion includes a first staying portion in the inflow portion and a second staying portion in the outflow portion.

  In this preferred embodiment, since the first staying portion is formed in the inflow portion and the second staying portion is formed in the outflow portion, the first staying portion and the second staying portion are arranged with the soaking member interposed therebetween. Is done. Therefore, the first gas whose flow velocity is reduced in the first staying portion and the second staying portion can exchange heat with each other, and the generation of local thermal stress can be suppressed. As a result, heat equalization in the extending direction of the support and the fuel cell and the direction crossing the direction is further achieved, and the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell is more effectively suppressed. Thus, the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be made uniform in the extending direction.

  Moreover, in a fuel cell provided with the fuel cell according to the present invention, a fuel cell having the above-described effects can be provided.

  Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  The fuel cell FC1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining the outer shape of the fuel cell FC1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC1 in the xz plane including the AA line of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC1 in the xz plane including the line BB in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC1 in the yz plane including the CC line of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC1 in the yz plane including the DD line of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC1 in the xy plane including the line EE in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC1 in the xy plane including the FF line of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC1 in the xy plane including the GG line of FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the axial direction of the fuel cell FC1 (the direction in which the fuel cell FC1 extends) is defined as the y direction, and the width direction of the fuel cell FC1 perpendicular to the y direction (a flow path 70 described later is connected). Direction) is the x direction, the direction is perpendicular to both the y direction and the x direction, and the thickness direction of the fuel cell FC1 is the z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell FC1 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fuel cell FC1 is a surface including the xy plane and is illustrated as a top surface in FIG. 1, a second surface 102 that is a back surface with respect to the first surface 101, a first surface 101, A side surface connecting the second surface 102 and including the yz plane, a third surface 103 and a fourth surface 104, and an end surface connecting the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 and including the xz plane The fifth surface 105 and the sixth surface 106 are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fifth surface 105 is formed as an open end which is an end surface where the flow path 70 is opened, and the sixth surface 106 is formed as a sealed end which is an end surface where the flow path 70 is sealed.

  The fuel cell FC1 includes an air electrode support 20 (corresponding to a support in the present invention, the first electrode), a heat exchange member 30 (corresponding to a soaking member in the present invention), an electrolyte part 40, a fuel A pole 50 (corresponding to the second electrode in the present invention), an interconnector portion 60, and a flow path 70 are provided.

The air electrode support 20 is a support for supporting the heat exchange member 30, the electrolyte part 40, the fuel electrode 50, and the interconnector part 60, and a flow path 70 is formed therein. The air electrode support 20 is formed of an air electrode material made of a perovskite oxide. As such an air electrode material, for example, LaCoO ₃ , LaMnO ₃ , LaFeO _3, etc., which is doped with Sr, Ca or the like at the La site, or not doped, or a composite material thereof is used.

  A flow path 70 is formed in the air electrode support 20 along the y direction that is the axial direction of the fuel cell FC1 (the direction in which the fuel cell FC1 extends). In the case of this embodiment, four flow paths 70 are formed in a row in the x direction orthogonal to the y direction. Each flow path 70 includes a forward path 71 through which air (oxidant gas) as the first gas flows and a return path 72 through which the flowed-in air flows out. The forward path 71 and the return path 72 are formed so as to penetrate the inside of the air electrode support 20 from the fifth surface 105 as the opening end toward the sixth surface 106 as the sealing end.

  Thus, the flow path 70 including the forward path 71 and the return path 72 is formed by forming a cavity along the y direction that is the axial direction in the air electrode support 20. A heat exchange member 30 is disposed in the vicinity of the open end of the flow path 70. In forming the cavity along the y direction in the air electrode support 20, the air electrode support 20 may be integrally formed by press molding or the like. A groove may be formed.

  As described above, the heat exchange member 30 is formed in a part near the opening end from the fifth surface 105 as the opening end toward the sixth surface 106 as the sealing end (FIGS. 2 and 8). reference). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, in the middle of the fuel cell FC1, the heat exchange member 30 is not disposed, and the flow path 70 (the forward path 71 and the return path 72) is formed only by the air electrode support 20. ing. As shown in FIG. 4, the heat exchange member 30 is formed only at that portion so as to be sandwiched between the inflow portion 71 a of the forward path 71 and the outflow portion 72 a of the return path 72.

  Further, in the vicinity of the sixth surface 106 which is the sealing end, the forward path 71 and the return path 72 are connected to form a connection portion 73 as a predetermined space. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the adjacent forward path 71 is connected in the inflow part 71a, and forms the retention part 74 (1st retention part).

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the present embodiment, the connection portions 73 provided in the four flow paths 70 are formed to communicate with each other. Therefore, when viewed for each flow path 70, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the gas flow direction is widened at the connection portion 73, and the flow velocity of the air as the oxidant gas is reduced in this portion. . Accordingly, the connecting portion 73 functions as a staying portion of the present invention.

The heat exchange member 30 is made of an alloy containing at least one kind of silver, gold, tungsten, rhodium, and iridium, and is formed as a metal plate having a thermal expansion coefficient substantially the same as that of the air electrode support 20. Here, “substantially identical” means that the thermal expansion coefficient of the air electrode support 20 is about 10.5 × 10 ⁻⁶ (cm / cm · K ⁻¹ ), whereas the thermal expansion coefficient of the heat exchange member 30 is about 8 .5 to 12.5 × 10 ⁻⁶ (cm / cm · K ⁻¹ ).

  The electrolyte part 40 is formed in layers so as to cover the second surface 102, the third surface 103, the fourth surface 104, and the sixth surface 106 of the air electrode support 20. The first surface 101 of the air electrode support 20 is formed in layers so as to cover a portion where the interconnector portion 60 is not formed. The electrolyte part 40 includes, for example, zirconia doped with at least one selected from rare earth elements such as Y and Sc, ceria doped with at least one selected from rare earth elements, lanthanum gallate doped with at least one selected from Sr and Mg, Formed from at least one of the following.

  The fuel electrode 50 is formed in layers so as to be connected to the second surface 102, the third surface 103, and the fourth surface 104 of the air electrode support 20. The fuel electrode 50 is made of porous nickel and YSZ cermet.

The interconnector portion 60 is formed in a layer shape so as to cover a part of the first surface 101 of the air electrode support 20. The interconnector portion 60 is formed of LaCrO ₃ doped with Sr, Ca or the like.

In addition, in this 1st embodiment, although comprised as the air electrode support body 20, you may comprise as a fuel electrode support body. In that case, the fuel electrode 50 is configured as an air electrode. When the air electrode support 20 is configured as a fuel electrode support, the air electrode support 20 is formed of porous nickel and YSZ cermet. In that case, in order to configure the fuel electrode 50 as an air electrode, for example, LaCoO ₃ , LaMnO ₃ , LaFeO _3, etc., which is doped with Sr, Ca, etc. at the La site, or not doped, or a composite material thereof Etc. are used.

  In the first embodiment, air (fuel gas when the air electrode support 20 is a fuel electrode support) is used as a reaction part (corresponding to the second reaction part of the present invention). Although it introduce | transduces from the pole 50 side and is derived | led-out from the interconnector part 60 side, it is also preferable to comprise reversely. Specifically, air (in the case of using the air electrode support 20 as the fuel electrode support, fuel gas) is introduced from the interconnector 60 side and led out from the fuel electrode 50 side.

  9 and 10 show simulation results when the fuel cell FC1 configured as described above is actually operated as a fuel cell. FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the temperature of the air supplied into the fuel cell FC1 and the temperature of the fuel gas (for example, a reformed city gas) supplied to flow outside the fuel cell FC1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the power generation performance of the fuel cell FC1 in that case. 9 and 10, the solid line shows the case of the fuel cell FC1 provided with the heat exchange member 30, and the broken line shows the case where the heat exchange member 30 is not provided as a comparison target.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the heat exchange member 30 is not provided, the temperature of the air flowing through the fuel cell rises slightly in the reaction section, but proceeds without being sufficiently heated. The same tendency is shown for the fuel gas flowing outside the fuel cell. On the other hand, when the heat exchange member 30 is provided, soaking is performed in the vicinity of the opening end, and as a result, it contributes to soaking in the axial direction of the fuel cell FC1, and the power generation performance is also in the axial direction. Variations are suppressed and the overall improvement is achieved.

  More specifically, a flow path 70 through which air as the first gas flows is formed inside the air electrode support 20 as in the fuel battery cell FC1 of the present embodiment. A forward path 71 for flowing into the electrode support 20 and a return path 72 for returning the air flowing into the air electrode support 20 through the forward path 71 and flowing out of the air electrode support 20 are provided. In this case, the temperatures of the air as the first gas and the fuel gas as the second gas are lowered in the vicinity of the turning-back portion, the inlet portion to the forward path 71 and the outlet portion from the return path 72. Such non-uniform temperature in the direction in which the fuel cell FC1 extends also causes a decrease in power generation performance in a portion where the temperature is low. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by forming the heat exchange member 30 as a soaking member with a material having higher thermal conductivity than the material constituting the air electrode support 20, and arranging it in the vicinity of the opening end of the flow path 70, Heat exchange is performed between the inflowing first gas and the outflowing first gas. As a result, the temperature uniformity in the extending direction of the air electrode support 20 and the fuel cell FC1 is achieved, the nonuniformity of the material resistance depending on the temperature of the fuel cell FC1 is suppressed, and the fuel cell FC1 The power generation performance can be made uniform in the extending direction, and particularly in the vicinity of the opening end. Therefore, the flow of air and fuel gas inside and outside the fuel cell FC1 can be stably maintained. Even when a plurality of fuel cells FC1 are incorporated to constitute a fuel cell module or a fuel cell, it is practical and safe. Highly efficient power generation performance can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since a plurality (four) of the flow paths 70 are continuously provided inside the air electrode support 20, the air electrode support 20 is provided between the connected flow paths 70. There are a portion in which the air electrode member 20 is continuous through the heat exchange member 30 and a portion in which the air electrode support 20 is directly continuous. Accordingly, since the path of the current flowing between the fuel electrode 50 and the interconnector 60 can be configured to be the shortest path, the internal resistance is small compared to the case where the flow path is formed as a single unit. Power generation performance is further improved.

  Further, when a staying portion having a mode in which the flow path is enlarged and the flow velocity is reduced is provided in the vicinity of the reaction section (corresponding to the second reaction section of the present invention) in the middle of the flow path 70, the staying section is provided. In the portion, there is no electrical path connected from the air electrode support 20 via the heat exchange member 30, and the electrical resistance locally increases. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in local reaction activity in the reaction part (corresponding to the second reaction part of the present invention).

  Next, the fuel cell FC2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining the outer shape of the fuel battery cell FC2. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC2 in the xz plane including the line A2-A2 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC2 in the xz plane including the line B2-B2 of FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC2 in the yz plane including the C2-C2 line of FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC2 in the yz plane including the D2-D2 line of FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC2 in the xy plane including the line E2-E2 of FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell FC2 in the xy plane including the F2-F2 line of FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the axial direction of the fuel cell FC2 (the direction in which the fuel cell FC2 extends) is defined as the y direction, and the width direction of the fuel cell FC2 perpendicular to the y direction (a flow path 702 described later is connected). Direction) is the x direction, the direction is perpendicular to both the y direction and the x direction, and the thickness direction of the fuel cell FC2 is the z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the fuel cell FC2 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fuel cell FC2 includes a first surface 121 that is a surface including the xy plane and is drawn as a top surface in FIG. 11, a second surface 122 that is a back surface with respect to the first surface 121, a first surface 121, The third surface 123 and the fourth surface 124 that are side surfaces that connect the second surface 122 and include the yz plane, and the end surfaces that connect the first surface 121 and the second surface 122 and include the xz plane The fifth surface 125 and the sixth surface 126 are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fifth surface 125 is formed as an open end which is an end surface where the flow path 702 is opened, and the sixth surface 126 is formed as a sealed end which is an end surface where the flow path 702 is sealed.

  The fuel cell FC2 includes a support 202 (corresponding to a support in the present invention), a heat exchange member 302 (corresponding to a soaking member in the present invention), and an air electrode 902 (corresponding to the first electrode in the present invention). ), An electrolyte portion 402, a fuel electrode 502 (corresponding to the second electrode in the present invention), an interconnector portion 602, and a flow path 702.

The support body 202 is a support body for supporting the heat exchange member 302, the air electrode 902, the electrolyte part 402, the fuel electrode 502, and the interconnector part 602, and a flow path 702 is formed therein. . The support 202 is made of a conductive material, and is made of, for example, LaCrO ₃ used when forming an interconnector, doped with Sr, Ca, or the like.

  A flow path 702 is formed in the support 202 along the y direction that is the axial direction of the fuel cell FC2 (the direction in which the fuel cell FC2 extends). In the case of this embodiment, four channels 702 are formed in the x direction orthogonal to the y direction. Each flow path 702 includes a forward path 712 through which air (oxidant gas) as the first gas flows, and a return path 722 through which the flowed-in air flows out. The forward path 712 and the return path 722 are formed so as to penetrate the inside of the support body 202 from the fifth surface 125 as an opening end toward the sixth surface 126 as a sealing end.

  Thus, the flow path 702 including the forward path 712 and the return path 722 is formed by forming a cavity along the y direction, which is the axial direction, in the support 202. A heat exchange member 302 is disposed near the open end of the flow path 702. In forming the cavity in the y direction in the support 202, it may be formed integrally by press molding or the like, and the support 202 is divided into two to form a semicircular cavity groove in each. May be.

  As described above, the heat exchange member 302 is formed in a part near the opening end from the fifth surface 125 as the opening end toward the sixth surface 126 as the sealing end (FIGS. 12 to 17). reference). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the heat exchange member 302 is not disposed in the middle of the fuel cell FC2, and the flow path 702 (the forward path 712 and the return path 722) is formed only by the air electrode support 202. ing. As shown in FIG. 14, the heat exchange member 302 is formed only at that portion so as to be sandwiched between the inflow portion 712 a of the forward path 712 and the outflow portion 722 a of the return path 722.

  Further, the forward path 712 and the return path 722 are connected in the vicinity of the sixth surface 106 that is the sealing end, and a connection portion 732 as a predetermined space is formed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the adjacent forward path 712 is connected in the inflow part 712a, and forms the retention part 742 (1st retention part). Moreover, the adjacent return path 722 is connected in the outflow part 722a, and forms the retention part 752 (2nd retention part). The stagnation part 742 and the stagnation part 752 are formed so as to be adjacent to each other via the heat exchange member 302, and are configured so that heat can be effectively exchanged between the inflowing gas and the outflowing gas in this part. Has been.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the case of this embodiment, the connection portions 732 provided in the four flow paths 702 are formed so as to communicate with each other. Therefore, when viewed for each flow path 702, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the gas flow direction is widened at the connection portion 732, and the flow rate of the air as the oxidant gas is reduced in this portion. . Therefore, the connection part 732 functions as a stay part of the present invention.

The heat exchange member 302 is made of an alloy containing at least one kind of silver, gold, tungsten, rhodium, and iridium, and is formed as a metal plate having a thermal expansion coefficient substantially the same as that of the support 202. Here, “substantially identical” means that the thermal expansion coefficient of the heat exchange member 302 is about 8.5 while the thermal expansion coefficient of the support 202 is about 10.5 × 10 ⁻⁶ (cm / cm · K ⁻¹ ). It points to some extent at ˜12.5 × 10 ⁻⁶ (cm / cm · K ⁻¹ ).

The air electrode 902 is formed in layers so as to be connected to the second surface 122, the third surface 123, and the fourth surface 124 of the support 202. The air electrode 902 is formed of an air electrode material made of a perovskite oxide. As such an air electrode material, for example, LaCoO ₃ , LaMnO ₃ , LaFeO _3, etc., which is doped with Sr, Ca or the like at the La site, or not doped, or a composite material thereof is used.

  The electrolyte part 402 is formed in layers so as to cover the second surface 122, the third surface 123, the fourth surface 124, and the sixth surface 126 of the support 202. The first surface 121 of the support 202 is formed in layers so as to cover a portion where the interconnector portion 602 is not formed. The electrolyte part 402 includes, for example, zirconia doped with at least one selected from rare earth elements such as Y and Sc, ceria doped with at least one selected from rare earth elements, lanthanum gallate doped with at least one selected from Sr and Mg, Formed from at least one of the following.

  The fuel electrode 502 is formed in a layered manner so as to be connected to the second surface 122, the third surface 123, and the fourth surface 124 of the support 202. The fuel electrode 502 is formed of porous nickel and YSZ cermet.

The interconnector portion 602 is formed in a layer shape so as to cover a part of the first surface 121 of the support 202. The interconnector portion 602 is formed of LaCrO ₃ doped with Sr, Ca, or the like.

  In the second embodiment, air (or fuel gas) is introduced from the interconnector portion 602 side, and an air electrode 902 formed as a reaction portion (corresponding to the first reaction portion of the present invention) and Although it is derived from the fuel electrode 502 side, it is also preferable to converse the configuration. Specifically, air (or fuel gas) is introduced from the air electrode 902 and fuel electrode 502 sides formed as reaction parts (corresponding to the second reaction part of the present invention), and the interconnector part 602 side is introduced. This is a mode derived from

  In addition, as a formation aspect of the retention part in this invention, it is not restricted to what was mentioned above. The modification of the formation aspect of a retention part is shown in FIG.18 and FIG.19. In the form of formation of the staying portion shown in FIG. 18, the support 203 is formed so that a staying portion 773 in which the passing gas meanders is provided in the middle of the flow path 703. More specifically, a pair of projecting portions 703a are provided at a predetermined distance from both side surfaces of the flow path 703, and a cross-shaped island portion 703b is provided between the pair of projecting portions 703a. When a flow path in which the passing gas is meandering is formed in this way, the path through which the gas passes becomes substantially longer, and the flow velocity decreases in the y direction in which the flow path 703 extends.

  The formation mode of the staying portion shown in FIG. 19 is such that the support body 204 is formed in the middle of the flow path 704 so that the staying portion 774 that disturbs the flow of the passing gas is provided. More specifically, a large number of cylindrical protrusions 704a (18 in the illustrated example) are provided in the middle of the flow path 774. If a flow path that disturbs the flow of gas passing in this way is formed, the flow rate of the gas decreases.

  Such staying portions 773 and 774 are preferably formed in the highly active reaction portions of the fuel cells FC1 and FC2. If the staying portions 773 and 774 are formed in such a portion, the amount of heat exchange can be increased by lowering the gas flow rate or expanding the substantial contact area with the gas. As a result, the heat of the reaction part can be effectively dissipated to the heat exchange members 30 and 302, and the local reaction activity can be prevented from increasing.

  Using the fuel cells FC1 and FC2 described above, the fuel cell module can be configured by placing it in a module container, disposing a heat insulating material and a current collecting member, and further providing a header and a gas tank for supplying gas. This is a matter of course without needing to explain it in detail. Further, it is needless to say that a fuel cell system can be configured by using such a fuel cell module to mount a control device, an air supply device, a gas supply device, a power extraction device, and the like. Of course.

It is a perspective view which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the simulation result at the time of using the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the simulation result at the time of using the fuel battery cell which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel battery cell which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of a retention part. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of a retention part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Air electrode support body 30 ... Heat exchange member 40 ... Electrolyte part 50 ... Fuel electrode 60 ... Interconnector part 70 ... Flow path 71 ... Outward path 72 ... Return path 73 ... Connection part 202 ... Support body 203 ... Support body 204 ... Support body 302 ... Heat exchange member 402 ... Electrolyte part 502 ... Fuel electrode 602 ... Interconnector part 702 ... Channel 703 ... Channel 703a ... Projection part 703b ... Island part 704 ... Channel 704a ... Projection part 712 ... Outward path 722 ... Return path 732 ... Connection part 742 ... Retention part 752 ... Retention part 762 ... Retention part 773, 774 ... Retention part 774 ... Flow path 902 ... Air electrode FC1, FC2 ... Fuel cell

Claims (13)

A fuel cell that operates by a first gas containing one of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas and a second gas containing the other,
A first electrode corresponding to the first gas; a second electrode corresponding to the second gas; an electrolyte portion disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; Interconnected interconnector parts, and a support for supporting the first electrode, the second electrode, the electrolyte part, and the interconnector part,
A flow path through which the first gas flows is formed inside the support, and the flow path includes an outward path having an inflow portion into which the first gas flows, and the first gas flowing into the forward path. Including a return path having an outflow portion that folds out and flows out,
A heat equalizing member formed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the material constituting the support,
The fuel cell, wherein the inflow portion and the outflow portion are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other with the heat equalizing member interposed therebetween. A first reaction part composed of the first electrode and the second electrode formed across the electrolyte part and the electrolyte part is formed on a part of the outer surface of the support;
The interconnector portion is formed on the outer surface of the support and the remaining portion where the first reaction portion is not formed,
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the support is made of a conductive material. A fuel cell that operates by a first gas containing one of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas and a second gas containing the other,
An electrode support formed of a first electrode material corresponding to the first gas, a second electrode corresponding to the second gas, and an electrolyte portion disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode And an interconnector portion electrically connected to the first electrode,
The electrode support supports the second electrode, the electrolyte part, and the interconnector part,
A flow path through which the first gas flows is formed inside the electrode support, and the flow path includes a forward path having an inflow portion into which the first gas flows, and the first gas flowing into the forward path. And a return path having an outflow part that folds out and flows out,
Comprising a heat equalizing member formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the material constituting the electrode support,
The fuel cell, wherein the inflow portion and the outflow portion are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other with the heat equalizing member interposed therebetween. The electrolyte portion is formed on a part of the outer surface of the electrode support, and the second electrode portion is formed on the formed electrolyte portion to form a second reaction portion,
4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the interconnector part is formed on a remaining part of the outer surface of the electrode support body where the electrolyte part is not formed. 5. The forward path is formed by an inner surface of the support and a first surface of a partition portion disposed inside the support,
The return path is formed by an inner surface of the support and a second surface different from the first surface of the partition portion disposed inside the support,
3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a part of the partition portion corresponding to the inflow portion and the outflow portion is configured as the heat equalizing member. The forward path is formed by an inner surface of the electrode support and a first surface of a partition portion disposed inside the electrode support,
The return path is formed by an inner surface of the electrode support and a second surface different from the first surface of the partition portion disposed in the electrode support,
5. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein a part of the partition portion corresponding to the inflow portion and the outflow portion is configured as the heat equalizing member. The first reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path,
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the interconnector portion is formed at a position corresponding to the return path. The second reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path,
The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the interconnector portion is formed at a position corresponding to the return path. The interconnector portion is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path,
6. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the first reaction part is formed at a position corresponding to the return path. The interconnector portion is formed at a position corresponding to the forward path,
The fuel cell according to any one of claims 3, 4, and 6, wherein the second reaction portion is formed at a position corresponding to the return path.   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a staying portion that reduces a flow rate of the first gas is formed in at least one of the inflow portion and the outflow portion. .   The fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the staying portion is formed with a first staying portion in the inflow portion and a second staying portion in the outflow portion.   A fuel cell comprising a plurality of fuel cells according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fuel cells are electrically connected to each other.

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