JP2010027543A - Fuel battery device and holding mechanism of fuel battery stack - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance vibration-resistant characteristics of a fuel battery stack without spoiling durability as the whole fuel battery stack. <P>SOLUTION: In a fuel battery device 10 having the fuel battery stack 20 wherein a plurality of power generation bodies including an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes formed on the electrolyte membrane are laminated, the fuel battery device 10 has a first or third support section fixed on the fuel battery stack 20 and supporting the fuel battery stack 20, the first support section and a second support section are fixed on the fuel battery stack 20 at positions where positions to the laminating direction of the fuel battery stack 20 are almost the same, and the distance in the laminating direction between the position where the first and second support sections are fixed and the position where the third support section is fixed is shorter than the distance of both ends in the laminating direction of the plurality of the whole laminated power generation bodies. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device and a fuel cell stack holding mechanism.

  In general, a fuel cell has a stack structure in which a plurality of single cells are stacked, and is provided with end plates that are highly rigid members at both ends of the stack structure, and the stack structure is formed by applying a fastening force between the end plates. keeping. When such a fuel cell is installed at a desired location, for example, fixing to the desired location is performed by an installation attachment member provided on the end plate. For example, when such a fuel cell is mounted on a vehicle and used as a power source for driving the vehicle, it is necessary to have durability to withstand vibration of the vehicle. Therefore, as a configuration for improving the vibration resistance of the fuel cell stack, a configuration in which a support member is additionally provided in the intermediate portion in the stacking direction is proposed in addition to the installation mounting member provided on the end plate. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Thus, in addition to the both ends of the fuel cell stack, an additional support member is provided in the middle of the fuel cell stack to improve the vibration resistance of the fuel cell stack.

JP2002-93454 JP-A-5-283097 JP-A-6-013103 JP2004-164969

  However, if a location for providing an attachment member that supports and fixes the fuel cell stack is added to both ends of the fuel cell stack and further to an intermediate portion in the stacking direction, the displacement of the attachment member that supports the fuel cell stack causes the fuel cell It will be entered on the stack. Specifically, for example, when a fuel cell is mounted on a vehicle as a driving power source, bending or twisting in a vehicle body to which the fuel cell stack is fixed is transmitted to the fuel cell stack via the attachment member, and stress is generated in the fuel cell stack. Will occur. For this reason, the durability of the fuel cell stack may become insufficient despite the increase in the vibration resistance by increasing the number of support parts supported by the mounting member. Moreover, since the increase in the location which provides an attachment member is accompanied by the increase in a number of parts and complication of a manufacturing process, it may be difficult to employ | adopt.

  In addition, the request | requirement which improves the vibration resistance and durability in a fuel cell stack is not restricted to mounting in a moving body like a vehicle, For example, it is calculated | required similarly also in a stationary fuel cell system. In a stationary fuel cell system, for example, vibration resistance during an earthquake is important.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to increase the vibration resistance of the fuel cell stack without impairing the durability of the entire fuel cell stack.

  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 device comprising a fuel cell stack formed by laminating a plurality of power generators including an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes formed on the electrolyte membrane,
Comprising first to third support portions fixed to the fuel cell stack and supporting the fuel cell stack;
The first and second support portions are fixed to the fuel cell stack at a position where the positions in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack are substantially the same,
The distance in the stacking direction between the position where the first and second support portions are fixed and the position where the third support portion is fixed is the stacking direction of the plurality of stacked power generators as a whole. The fuel cell device is shorter than the distance between both ends of the fuel cell device.

  In the fuel cell device according to Application Example 1, the distance in the stacking direction between the position at which the first and second support portions are fixed and the position at which the third support portion is fixed is a plurality of stacked layers. Since it is shorter than the length of the both ends in the stacking direction of the entire power generation body, the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack can be increased. Therefore, even when the place where the fuel cell device is fixed vibrates, the resonance of the fuel cell stack can be suppressed and the vibration resistance of the fuel cell stack can be improved. In addition, since the fuel cell stack is fixed at three points by the three support portions, even when the fuel cell device is attached at a location where the fuel cell stack is displaced, distortion of the mounting surface of the fuel cell stack can be suppressed, resulting from distortion of the mounting surface. A decrease in the durability of the fuel cell device can be suppressed. Moreover, the number of parts of a fuel cell apparatus can be suppressed by using three support parts.

[Application Example 2]
The fuel cell device according to Application Example 1, wherein the fuel cell stack is stacked inside the fuel cell stack together with a pair of end plates disposed at both ends of the fuel cell stack and a plurality of the power generators. One or more intermediate plates, and two plates including at least one intermediate plate selected from the end plate and the intermediate plate, the power generator constituting the entire fuel cell stack The first and second support portions are fixed to the first plate, which is one of the two plates between which a plurality of power generators smaller in number are disposed, and the 2 A fuel cell device in which the third support portion is fixed to a second plate which is the other of the plates. According to the fuel cell device described in the application example 2, two support portions are fixed on one plate out of two plates including at least one intermediate plate selected from a pair of end plates and an intermediate plate. Since one support portion is fixed on the other plate, the distance between the support members in the stacking direction is shortened compared to the case where the support portion is provided on each end plate to support the fuel cell stack. can do. Thereby, the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack can be increased as compared with the case where the support portion is provided on each of the end plates to support the fuel cell stack.

[Application Example 3]
The fuel cell device according to Application Example 2, wherein the fuel cell stack includes two intermediate plates in which a plurality of power generators smaller than the number of power generators constituting the entire fuel cell stack are disposed. A fuel cell device in which one of the two intermediate plates is the first plate, and the other of the two intermediate plates is the second plate. According to the fuel cell device described in Application Example 3, since the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack is a value corresponding to the distance in the stacking direction between the two intermediate plates, a support portion is provided on each of the end plates. Thus, the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack can be increased as compared with the case of supporting the fuel cell stack.

[Application Example 4]
The fuel cell device according to Application Example 2, wherein the fuel cell stack includes one intermediate plate, and one of the pair of end plates and the intermediate plate is the first plate. A fuel cell device in which the other is the second plate. According to the fuel cell device described in Application Example 4, the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack depends on the distance in the stacking direction between the intermediate plate to which the support portion is fixed and the end plate to which the support portion is attached. Therefore, the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack can be increased as compared to the case where the support portion is provided on each end plate to support the fuel cell stack.

[Application Example 5]
5. The fuel cell device according to any one of application examples 1 to 4, wherein the fuel cell device is mounted on a vehicle as a power source for driving the vehicle and is fixed by the first to third support portions. A fuel cell device in which the natural frequency in the battery stack is 100 Hz or more. According to the fuel cell device described in Application Example 5, by setting the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack to 100 Hz or more, it is possible to enhance the effect of suppressing the fuel cell stack from resonating when the vehicle travels.

[Application Example 6]
5. The fuel cell device according to any one of application examples 1 to 4, wherein the fuel cell device is a stationary power source, and the natural frequency in the fuel cell stack fixed by the first to third support portions is A fuel cell device of 10 Hz or higher. According to the fuel cell device described in Application Example 6, by setting the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack to 10 Hz or more, it is possible to enhance the effect of suppressing the fuel cell stack from resonating when an earthquake occurs.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms other than those described above. For example, the present invention can be realized in the form of a holding mechanism for a fuel cell stack, a moving body on which the fuel cell device of the present invention is mounted, and the like.

A. Overall configuration of the device:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing the appearance of a fuel cell device 10 which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell device 10 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and used as a power source for driving the vehicle. The fuel cell device 10 includes a fuel cell stack 20 and a mount portion 25 that fixes the fuel cell stack 20 to the vehicle body. In FIG. 1, a state in which the fuel cell device 10 is viewed from one side surface of the fuel cell stack 20 is shown in a plan view. The fuel cell device 10 of this embodiment is characterized by the configuration related to the support of the fuel cell stack 20 by the mount portion 25. First, the configuration of the fuel cell stack 20 will be described. In FIG. 1, the up and down directions are indicated by arrows. In the following description, the upper surface is called the upper surface and the lower surface is the upper surface of the fuel cell stack 20 or each member constituting the fuel cell stack 20. Called the bottom.

A1. Configuration of the fuel cell stack 20:
The fuel cell stack 20 is configured by stacking a plurality of single cells 50. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of the single cell 50. Each single cell 50 includes an MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) 30 formed by forming an anode and a cathode as electrodes on an electrolyte membrane, and a gas diffusion layer 31 (in FIG. 1) arranged on the electrode. , Only the gas diffusion layer 31 disposed on one surface of the MEA 30 is shown), and gas separators 32 and 33 disposed on the gas diffusion layer 31.

  The electrolyte membrane constituting the MEA 30 can be a proton conductive ion exchange membrane formed of a solid polymer material such as a fluorine resin. The gas diffusion layer 31 can be formed of a conductive member having gas permeability, such as carbon paper or carbon cloth. The gas separators 32 and 33 can be formed of a gas-impermeable conductive member, for example, a dense carbon that has been made gas impermeable by compressing carbon, a fired carbon, or a metal material such as stainless steel.

  The gas separators 32 and 33 are members that form walls of a flow path of a reaction gas (a fuel gas containing hydrogen or an oxidizing gas containing oxygen) formed between the gas separators 32 and 33. An uneven shape for forming the flow path is formed. Between the gas separator 32 having the groove 40 formed on the surface and the MEA 30, an in-cell oxidizing gas channel, which is an oxidizing gas channel, is formed. In addition, an in-cell fuel gas flow path, which is a flow path of the fuel gas, is formed between the gas separator 33 having the groove 41 formed on the surface and the MEA 30. When the single cell 50 is assembled, a seal portion (not shown) is arranged on the outer periphery of the MEA 30 to join the gas separators 32 and 33 while ensuring the sealing performance of the gas flow path in the single cell 50. .

  Here, in the gas separators 32 and 33, a recess 42 is formed on the back surface of the surface provided with the grooves 40 and 41 for forming the in-cell gas flow path (however, on the back surface of the gas separator 32). The formed recess 42 is not shown in FIG. The recesses 42 formed in each of the gas separators 32 and 33 have shapes corresponding to each other. When a fuel cell is assembled by stacking a plurality of single cells 50, the gas of one adjacent single cell 50 is The concave portion 42 formed in the separator 32 and the concave portion 42 formed in the gas separator 33 of the other adjacent single cell 50 are just overlapped to form an inter-cell refrigerant flow path.

  The gas separators 32 and 33 are provided with holes 34 to 39 which are a plurality of holes at positions corresponding to each other near the outer periphery thereof. When a fuel cell is assembled by stacking a plurality of single cells 50, holes provided at corresponding positions of the separators overlap each other to form a flow path that penetrates the fuel cell in the stacking direction of the gas separators. That is, the holes 34 to 37 form a gas manifold that is a supply / exhaust gas flow path for supplying and discharging reaction gas to / from the in-cell gas flow path. The holes 38 and 39 form a refrigerant manifold that supplies and discharges the refrigerant to and from the inter-cell refrigerant flow path.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell stack 20 includes a first intermediate plate 60 that is a plate-like member disposed between the single cells 50 and stacked together with the single cells 50 in the stacked structure of the single cells 50. A second intermediate plate 61 is provided. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of the intermediate plates 60 and 61. In the intermediate plates 60 and 61, holes 34 to 39 having the same shape are formed at the same positions as the gas separators 32 and 33. The holes 34 to 39 formed in the intermediate plates 60 and 61 are formed in the holes 34 to 39 formed in the gas separators 32 and 33 when the intermediate plates 60 and 61 are incorporated in the fuel cell stack 20. At the same time, each manifold described above is formed. The intermediate plates 60 and 61 can be formed of a conductive material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel, and are preferably formed of a member having higher rigidity than the gas separators 32 and 33.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell stack 20 includes current collecting plates (terminals) 51 and 52 having output terminals and an insulating plate (insulator) 53 on the outside of the laminated structure of the single cells 50 as described above. , 54 and end plates 55, 56 are sequentially laminated. In any one of the current collecting plates 51 and 52 and any of the corresponding insulating plates 53 and 54 and any of the end plates 55 and 56, the holes 34 to 39 formed in the gas separators 32 and 33, respectively. Is provided with an opening communicating with the manifold formed by these holes. A supply device or a discharge device for each fluid (fuel gas, oxidizing gas, refrigerant) is connected to these openings (not shown).

  The fuel cell stack 20 further includes a tension plate 58 that extends in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 20 and has a length that is substantially the same as the length of the fuel cell stack 20 in the stacking direction. The tension plate 58 is connected to end plates 55 and 56 provided at both ends of the fuel cell stack 20 by bolts 59, thereby applying a pressing force to each laminated member constituting the fuel cell stack 20. It is concluded in the state that was.

  Various modifications can be made to the shape and the like of each member constituting the fuel cell stack 20, and the fuel cell stack 20 is formed by stacking a plurality of plate-like members to form a pair formed on the electrolyte membrane and the electrolyte membrane. It suffices to have a structure in which a plurality of power generators including these electrodes are stacked. Here, the number of stacked single cells 50 in the fuel cell stack 20 can be arbitrarily set according to the output required for the fuel cell stack 20. Further, the fuel cell stack 20 of the present embodiment is a solid polymer fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane as an electrolyte membrane, but may be other types of fuel cells such as a solid oxide fuel cell.

A2. Fuel cell stack 20 holding mechanism:
The fuel cell device 10 of the present embodiment is provided with three mounting portions 25 as support portions for fixing the fuel cell stack 20 as described above to the vehicle body (side frame 15 in the present embodiment) while supporting the fuel cell stack 20 on the bottom surface side. It has a mechanism. Of the three mount portions 25, two mount portions 25 are attached to the first intermediate plate 60, and the remaining one mount portion 25 is attached to the second intermediate plate 61. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a planar arrangement of the mount portion 25 when the fuel cell device 10 is viewed from above (upper surface side). In FIG. 4, the position of the mount portion 25 disposed on the bottom side is indicated by a circle represented by a broken line. In the first intermediate plate 60, two mount portions 25 are provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the bottom surface. In the second intermediate plate 61, the mount portion 25 is provided at the center of the bottom surface.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the mount portion 25. FIG. 5 shows the state of the cross section 5-5 in FIG. 4 with respect to one mount portion 25 attached to the first intermediate plate, but the other two mount portions 25 also have the same configuration.

  The mount portion 25 includes a first mount member 70, a second mount member 71, a third mount member 72, a fourth mount member 73, an intermediate plate fixing bolt 74, and a mount fixing bolt 75. In the present embodiment, the first mount member 70 and the third mount member 72 are made of a metal material, and the second mount member 71 and the fourth mount member 73 are made of insulating elastic members. However, different configurations may be used. . For example, all of them may be constituted by an insulating elastic member, as long as the fuel cell stack 20 can be supported while insulating the fuel cell stack 20 and the vehicle body. The first mount member 70 to the fourth mount member 73 are sequentially stacked, the first mount member 70 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first intermediate plate 60, and the fourth mount member 73 is disposed in contact with the side frame 15. .

  Each of the first mount member 70 to the third mount member 72 has a hollow portion that overlaps and communicates when stacked. The intermediate plate fixing bolt 74 passes through the hollow portion, and the tip portion is screwed to the first intermediate plate 60. Thereby, the first mount member 70 to the third mount member 72 are fixed to the first intermediate plate 60. Similarly, the third mount member 72 and the fourth mount member 73 each have a hollow portion that overlaps and communicates when stacked. The mount fixing bolt 75 is disposed so as to penetrate the side frame 15, and further penetrates the hollow portion, and a tip end portion thereof is fastened with a nut on the third mount member 72. As a result, the third mount member 72 and the fourth mount member 73 are fixed to the side frame 15. As a result, the fuel cell stack 20 is fixed to the side frame 15 via the mount portion 25 in the first intermediate plate 60.

  According to the fuel cell device 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the fuel cell stack 20 is supported by the intermediate plates 60 and 61 arranged on the inner side in the stacking direction than the end plates 55 and 56. The natural frequency of the fuel cell stack 20 can be increased. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing the state in which the fuel cell stack is supported by the mount portion as seen from the same direction as in FIG. 6A shows the fuel cell device 10 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 6B shows a fuel cell device that supports the fuel cell stack on the end plates 55 and 56 without providing the intermediate plates 60 and 61. Represents. When analyzing the state when such a fuel cell device vibrates, since the stacking direction is generally the longitudinal direction in the fuel cell device, the stacking direction between the mount portions provided apart from each other in the stacking direction The distance at can be considered as a model of a doubly supported beam supported at both ends, where the length of the string is the length of the string. As shown in FIG. 6, by providing two intermediate plates 60 and 61 at a position from the center of the fuel cell stack 20 to support the fuel cell stack 20, the fuel cell stack 20 is supported by the end plates 55 and 56. The chord length of the doubly supported beam can be made shorter than in the case of supporting. Here, it is known that the natural frequency ω of the cantilever beam is expressed by the following equation (1).

ω = λ ² (1 / l ² ) √ (EI / ρA) (1)
Where λ: eigenvalue, l: chord length, EI: rigidity, ρ: density, A: cross-sectional area.

  Thus, since the natural frequency ω is inversely proportional to the square of the length of the string, the intermediate plate 60, 61 for providing the mount portion 25 is further provided to shorten the length of the string. The value of the natural frequency ω of the stack 20 can be increased. In this way, by increasing the value of the natural frequency ω of the fuel cell stack 20, even if vibration is input to the fuel cell device 10 during traveling of the vehicle, the resonance of the fuel cell stack 20 is suppressed, and the fuel cell device 10 Can increase the durability. That is, the natural frequency of the fuel cell stack 20 when the fuel cell stack 20 is fixed by the end plate is relatively close to the frequency of vibration that is input to the fuel cell stack 20 when the vehicle travels, causing resonance. Even if it is a case where it obtains, resonance can be easily suppressed by the simple structure which provides an intermediate plate and changes the position of a support part. Since the vibration frequency input when the vehicle travels on a rough road is generally about 100 Hz, the length of the string, which is the distance between the intermediate plates 60 and 61, is unique to the fuel cell stack 20. It is desirable that the frequency ω is 100 Hz or more. In addition, the fuel cell device 10 can be mounted on a moving body other than the vehicle and used as a driving power source. In this case, too, resonance is suppressed according to the frequency of vibration generated in the moving body. The distance (string length) between the intermediate plates 60 and 61 may be made sufficiently short so that it can be done.

  Here, the natural frequency ω of the fuel cell stack 20 is a value that varies depending on the stiffness, density, or cross-sectional area as described above in addition to the length of the string. Factors other than the lengths of the strings are specifically values determined by the material of each member constituting the fuel cell stack 20, the fastening pressure applied to the fuel cell stack 20, and the like. Accordingly, when the fuel cell stack 20 is manufactured by assembling members made of a predetermined material, an intermediate plate is further provided to shorten the string length of the fuel cell stack 20 as in the present embodiment. In addition, it is possible to increase the natural frequency ω of the fuel cell stack and suppress the resonance.

  Furthermore, according to the fuel cell device 10 of the present embodiment, the fuel cell stack 20 is fixed by the three mount portions 25 on the two intermediate plates 60 and 61, and the fuel cell stack 20 is supported at three points. Therefore, the effect that the input to the fuel cell stack 20 due to bending or twisting of the vehicle body can be suppressed can be obtained. That is, when the fuel cell stack 20 is supported and fixed at four or more points, if the vehicle body is bent or twisted during running or the like, the fixing surface of the fuel cell stack 20 is distorted, and the fuel cell stack 20 is generated on the vehicle body. Such a displacement is input to the fuel cell stack 20 via a support portion such as the mount portion 25. When the displacement of the vehicle body is input to the fuel cell stack 20, stress is generated in the fuel cell stack 20, and the durability of the fuel cell stack 20 may be reduced. On the other hand, when the fuel cell stack 20 is supported at three points as in the present embodiment, even if a displacement such as bending or twisting occurs in the vehicle body, such displacement is mainly fixed to the fuel cell stack 20. It only causes a change in the inclination of the surface, and the distortion of the entire fixed surface can be kept small. Therefore, in the case of three-point support, input of the displacement of the vehicle body to the fuel cell stack 20 can be suppressed, and the durability of the fuel cell stack 20 can be improved. Further, by supporting the fuel cell stack 20 at three points, the number of parts for fixing the fuel cell stack 20 can also be suppressed.

  In this embodiment, the intermediate plates 60 and 61 are arranged so that the distance between the first intermediate plate 60 and the end plate 55 and the distance between the second intermediate plate 61 and the end plate 56 are substantially equal. Different configurations may be used. Regardless of the distance between the end plate and the intermediate plate, the natural frequency ω of the fuel cell stack 20 is adjusted to a desired value by adjusting the distance (string length) between the intermediate plates 60 and 61. Is possible.

  Further, when the fuel cell device 10 is fixed to the vehicle body, the fuel cell stack 20 may be stored in the case. In this case, for example, the case is fixed to the vehicle body, The fuel cell stack 20 may be fixed to the case via the intermediate plates 60 and 61 and the mount portion 25. As described above, the fuel cell stack 20 is directly supported by the intermediate plate, which is a laminated member, and the length of the strings of the cantilever beams is shortened as compared with the case where the fuel cell stack 20 is supported by the end plates at both ends. If is fixed, the same effect as the embodiment can be obtained.

B. Variation:
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.

B1. Modification 1:
In the embodiment, two intermediate plates 60 and 61 are provided in the fuel cell stack 20, and the fuel cell stack 20 is supported at two locations on one intermediate plate and one location on the other intermediate plate. It is also good. For example, only one intermediate plate may be provided, and one end plate may be used instead of the other intermediate plate. Of the two plates selected from two end plates and one or more intermediate plates and including at least one intermediate plate, two mount portions 25 are provided in one plate, and the other If one mount portion 25 is provided in this plate, an effect of increasing the value of the natural frequency ω of the fuel cell stack 20 can be obtained by shortening the string as in the embodiment.

B2. Modification 2:
In the embodiment, an intermediate plate is further provided in the fuel cell stack 20 in order to attach the mount portion 25. However, if the fuel cell stack 20 is supported at three points in any of the laminated members constituting the fuel cell stack 20, as shown in FIG. For example, you may attach a support part in the member different from the intermediate | middle plate of an Example. It is only necessary to prevent a short circuit between the fuel cell stack 20 and the installation location (the side frame 15 in the embodiment). For example, a resin belt provided so as to surround the outer periphery of a predetermined single cell 50 constituting the fuel cell is used. Can do. That is, at two locations where the fuel cell stack 20 should be supported and spaced a distance corresponding to the desired string length, a resin belt is wrapped around the outer periphery of the single cell 50 located at that location. A support portion may be attached to the resin belt portion. In this case, it is not necessary to further stack a special member in the fuel cell stack 20. Further, when the fuel cell stack 20 is fixed through the insulating member arranged on the outer periphery of the single cell 50 as described above, the fixing location may be a location corresponding to the specific single cell 50. Alternatively, it may be a place over a plurality of adjacent single cells 50. At this time, the two support portions to be arranged side by side with respect to the stacking direction like the two mount portions 25 provided on the first intermediate plate 60 in the embodiment correspond to the same single cell 50. It is not necessary to be provided, and a slight shift in the stacking direction is allowed. Even in such a case, the fuel cell stack 20 is supported at three points, and the two points are substantially the same position in the stacking direction, so that the value of the natural frequency ω can be reduced by shortening the string. A similar effect can be obtained.

B3. Modification 3:
In the embodiment, the fuel cell device 10 is mounted on the moving body as a driving power source, but may have a different configuration. For example, the fuel cell device 10 can be a stationary power source. In order to increase the output of the stationary power source, it is necessary to increase the number of unit cells 50 stacked in series. When an attempt is made to support such a fuel cell stack 20 on the end plate, the stacked unit cells In accordance with the number of 50, the length of the string increases and the value of the natural frequency ω decreases. Even in such a high-power fuel cell device, the value of the natural frequency ω can be sufficiently increased by applying the present invention. Here, when a large earthquake that should be taken into consideration when considering the durability of the stationary fuel cell device is a problem, the frequency of such an earthquake is generally about 0.5 to 2 Hz. In the fuel cell apparatus, the distance (string length) between the support portions when the fuel cell stack is supported at three points is adjusted so that the natural frequency value of the fuel cell stack is 10 Hz or more. It is desirable to do.

1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the appearance of a fuel cell device 10. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of a configuration of a single cell 50. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of intermediate plates 60 and 61. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the mount unit 25. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a mount unit 25. It is explanatory drawing which represents a mode that a fuel cell stack is supported by the mount part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fuel cell apparatus 15 ... Side frame 20 ... Fuel cell stack 25 ... Mount part 30 ... MEA
31 ... Gas diffusion layer 32, 33 ... Gas separator 34-39 ... Hole 40, 41 ... Groove 42 ... Recess 50 ... Single cell 55, 56 ... End plate 58 ... Tension plate 59 ... Bolt 60 ... First intermediate plate 61 ... Second intermediate plate 70 ... first mount member 71 ... second mount member 72 ... third mount member 73 ... fourth mount member 74 ... intermediate plate fixing bolt 75 ... mount fixing bolt

Claims (7)

A fuel cell device comprising a fuel cell stack formed by laminating a plurality of power generators including an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes formed on the electrolyte membrane,
Comprising first to third support portions fixed to the fuel cell stack and supporting the fuel cell stack;
The first and second support portions are fixed to the fuel cell stack at a position where the positions in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack are substantially the same,
The distance in the stacking direction between the position where the first and second support portions are fixed and the position where the third support portion is fixed is the stacking direction of the plurality of stacked power generators as a whole. The fuel cell device is shorter than the distance between both ends of the fuel cell device. The fuel cell device according to claim 1,
The fuel cell stack includes a pair of end plates disposed at both ends of the fuel cell stack, and one or more intermediate plates stacked inside the fuel cell stack together with the plurality of power generators,
A plurality of power generators selected from the end plate and the intermediate plate and including at least one intermediate plate, the number of power generators being smaller than the number of power generators constituting the entire fuel cell stack The first and second support portions are fixed to the first plate, which is one of the two plates disposed between the two plates, and the other of the two plates is The fuel cell device, wherein the third support is fixed to a second plate. The fuel cell device according to claim 2, wherein
The fuel cell stack includes two intermediate plates each having a plurality of power generation bodies smaller than the number of power generation bodies constituting the entire fuel cell stack,
One of the two intermediate plates is the first plate, and the other of the two intermediate plates is the second plate. The fuel cell device according to claim 2, wherein
The fuel cell stack includes one intermediate plate,
One of the pair of end plates and the intermediate plate, one is the first plate and the other is the second plate. The fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The fuel cell device is mounted on a vehicle as a power source for driving the vehicle,
The fuel cell device has a natural frequency of 100 Hz or more in the fuel cell stack fixed by the first to third support portions. The fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The fuel cell device is a stationary power source,
The fuel cell device has a natural frequency of 10 Hz or more in the fuel cell stack fixed by the first to third support portions. A fuel cell stack holding mechanism in which a plurality of power generators including an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes formed on the electrolyte membrane are stacked,
Comprising first to third support portions fixed to the fuel cell stack and supporting the fuel cell stack;
The first and second support portions are fixed to the fuel cell stack at a position where the positions in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack are substantially the same,
The distance in the stacking direction between the position where the first and second support portions are fixed and the position where the third support portion is fixed is the stacking direction of the plurality of stacked power generators as a whole. The fuel cell stack holding mechanism is shorter than the distance between both ends of the fuel cell stack.

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