JP2012226972A - Redox fuel cell system and fuel cell vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a redox fuel cell system that improves energy efficiency.SOLUTION: A redox fuel cell system includes: a redox fuel cell 2 for supplying a fuel gas Gfu to an anode 2d and a cathode solution Lca to a cathode 2b to generate power; a fuel gas tank 11 for storing the fuel gas Gfu; a cathode solution regeneration device 32 for oxidizing the cathode solution Lca with an oxidizer Gox to regenerate the cathode solution; a fuel gas supply path 16a etc. for supplying the fuel gas Gfu from the fuel gas tank 11 to the anode 2d; a cathode solution circulation path 35a etc. for circulating the cathode solution Lca between the cathode solution regeneration device 32 and the cathode 2b; an oxidizer supply path 24a etc. for supplying the oxidizer Gox to the cathode solution regeneration device 32; and pressure means 3 for supplying the oxidizer Gox into the cathode solution regeneration device 32 by pressuring the oxidizer Gox with a pressure of the fuel gas Gfu before being supplied to the anode 2d to pressure the cathode solution Lca to circulate between the cathode solution regeneration device 32 and the cathode 2b.

Description

  The present invention relates to a redox fuel cell system including a redox fuel cell and a fuel cell vehicle equipped with the redox fuel cell system.

  As a redox fuel cell system, one that generates power using hydrogen gas supplied to an anode and a cathode solution supplied to a cathode has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The cathode solution is supplied to the cathode and reduced, but is re-oxidized by an oxidant in the reaction chamber (regeneration device), thereby enabling circulation to the cathode.

Special table 2010-541127

  When a redox fuel cell system is mounted on a vehicle, it is conceivable to use a high-pressure hydrogen tank capable of storing a large amount of hydrogen gas by increasing the pressure from the viewpoint of increasing the cruising range. The hydrogen stored in the high-pressure hydrogen tank is depressurized and then supplied to the anode. High-pressure hydrogen expands elastically in the process of being depressurized from high pressure, so it can be considered in the same way as a spring that has been compressed stretches, and the position (elasticity) energy of the spring in the compressed state expands, that is, Inflated and converted to kinetic energy. It is considered that this kinetic energy is finally converted into heat energy and conducted to the outside. It is useful if the positional (elastic) energy or kinetic energy of this high-pressure hydrogen can be used.

  If the so-called position (elastic) energy of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank at high pressure can be effectively used, it is considered that the energy efficiency of the entire redox fuel cell system can be improved.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a redox fuel cell system capable of improving energy efficiency, and further to provide a fuel cell vehicle equipped with the redox fuel cell system and capable of improving energy efficiency.

A first aspect of the present invention is a redox fuel cell that generates electric power using a fuel gas supplied to an anode and a non-volatile cathode solution supplied to a cathode;
A fuel gas tank for storing the fuel gas;
A cathode solution regeneration device for regenerating the cathode solution after flowing through the cathode by oxidizing with an oxidizing agent;
A fuel gas supply path for supplying fuel gas from the fuel gas tank to the anode;
A cathode solution circulation path for circulating the cathode solution between the cathode solution regeneration device and the cathode;
A redox fuel cell system comprising an oxidant supply path for supplying the oxidant to the cathode solution regeneration device,
Pressing the oxidant at the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode, and supplying the oxidant to the cathode solution regeneration device via the oxidant supply path;
Pressing the cathode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode to circulate between the cathode solution regeneration device and the cathode via the cathode solution circulation path;
It has the press means which implements at least any one, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to this, by using a high pressure before being supplied to the anode of a fuel gas such as hydrogen, the oxidant is pressed and compressed to flow and can be supplied to the cathode solution regeneration device. Conventionally, the driving power of the compressor required for this supply can be omitted, and the system efficiency can be improved. In addition, by using a high pressure before the fuel gas such as hydrogen is supplied to the anode, the cathode solution can be circulated between the cathode solution regeneration device and the cathode by pressing and flowing the cathode solution. The drive power of the circulation pump required for this circulation can be omitted, and the system efficiency can be improved.

The first aspect of the present invention includes a fuel gas circulation path for circulating the fuel gas after flowing through the anode and returning the fuel gas to the anode.
The pressing means is
It is preferable that the fuel gas is pressed with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode and circulated to the anode via the fuel gas circulation path.

  According to this, by using the high pressure before the fuel gas such as hydrogen is supplied to the anode, the fuel gas that has been supplied to the anode is lowered and pressed to compress the fuel gas. Therefore, it is possible to flow and circulate to the anode via the fuel gas circulation path, so that the driving power of the circulation pump conventionally required for this circulation can be omitted and the system efficiency can be improved.

A second aspect of the present invention is a redox fuel cell that generates electricity using an anode solution supplied to an anode and a cathode solution supplied to a cathode,
An anode solution regeneration device for regenerating the anode solution after flowing through the anode by reducing the anode solution with a fuel gas;
A cathode regeneration device that regenerates the cathode solution after flowing through the cathode by oxidizing with an oxidizing agent;
A fuel gas tank for storing the fuel gas;
A fuel gas supply path for supplying fuel gas from the fuel gas tank to the anode solution regeneration device;
An anode solution circuit for circulating the anode solution between the anode solution regenerator and the anode;
A cathode solution circulation path for circulating the cathode solution between the cathode solution regeneration device and the cathode;
A redox fuel cell system comprising an oxidant supply path for supplying the oxidant to the cathode solution regeneration device,
Pressing the oxidant at the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regenerator, and supplying it to the cathode solution regenerator via the oxidant supply path;
Pressing the cathode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regenerator to circulate between the cathode solution regenerator and the cathode via the cathode solution circulation path;
Pressing the anode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, and circulating between the anode solution regeneration device and the anode via the anode solution circulation path;
It has the press means which implements at least any one, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to this, by using a high pressure before the fuel gas such as hydrogen is supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, the oxidant is pressed and compressed to flow and can be supplied to the cathode solution regeneration device. Therefore, conventionally, the driving power of the compressor required for the supply can be omitted, and the system efficiency can be improved. In addition, the cathode solution can be circulated between the cathode solution regeneration device and the cathode by pressing and flowing the cathode solution using a high pressure before the fuel gas such as hydrogen is supplied to the anode solution regeneration device. Conventionally, the driving power of the circulation pump required for this circulation can be omitted, and the system efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the anode solution is pressed and fluidized using a high pressure before the fuel gas such as hydrogen is supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, it can be circulated between the anode solution regeneration device and the anode. Conventionally, the driving power of the circulation pump required for this circulation can be omitted, and the system efficiency can be improved.

A third aspect of the present invention is a redox fuel cell that generates electric power using an anode solution supplied to an anode and an oxidant supplied to a cathode;
An anode solution regeneration device for regenerating the anode solution after flowing through the anode by reducing the anode solution with a fuel gas;
A fuel gas tank for storing the fuel gas;
A fuel gas supply path for supplying fuel gas from the fuel gas tank to the anode solution regeneration device;
An anode solution circuit for circulating the anode solution between the anode solution regenerator and the anode;
A redox fuel cell system comprising an oxidant supply path for supplying the oxidant to the cathode,
Pressing the oxidant at the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, and supplying the oxidant to the cathode via the oxidant supply path;
Pressing the anode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, and circulating between the anode solution regeneration device and the anode via the anode solution circulation path;
It has the press means which implements at least any one, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to this, by using a high pressure before the fuel gas such as hydrogen is supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, the oxidant is pressed and compressed to flow and can be supplied to the cathode solution regeneration device. Therefore, conventionally, the driving power of the compressor required for the supply can be omitted, and the system efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the anode solution is pressed and fluidized using a high pressure before the fuel gas such as hydrogen is supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, it can be circulated between the anode solution regeneration device and the anode. Conventionally, the driving power of the circulation pump required for this circulation can be omitted, and the system efficiency can be improved.

In the second and third aspects of the present invention, the fuel gas circulation path for circulating the fuel gas after flowing through the anode solution regeneration device and returning the fuel gas to the anode solution regeneration device is provided.
The pressing means is
It is preferable that the fuel gas is pressed with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regeneration device and circulated to the anode solution regeneration device via the fuel gas circulation path.

  According to this, the high pressure before the fuel gas such as hydrogen is supplied to the anode solution regenerator is used to reduce the fuel gas that has been supplied to the anode solution regenerator and the pressure is lowered. By pressing and compressing, it can be made to flow and circulate to the anode solution regenerator via the fuel gas circulation path, so that the drive power of the circulation pump that was conventionally required for this circulation can be saved and the system efficiency can be improved. Can be made.

In the first invention, the second invention, and the third invention,
The pressing means is
A fuel gas cylinder that presses a piston with the pressure of the fuel gas and rotates a crankshaft; and
An oxidant cylinder that moves the piston built in and rotates the oxidant by rotating the crankshaft;
A cathode solution pump for rotating the rotor to press the cathode solution by rotating the crankshaft;
It is preferable to have at least one of an anode solution pump that rotates the rotor and presses the anode solution by rotating the crankshaft.

  According to this, an internal combustion engine (ICE) of a positive displacement type reciprocating (reciprocating) engine can be diverted and used as the pressing means. Specifically, when diverting an internal combustion engine (ICE), which is a positive displacement reciprocating engine, a plurality of cylinders are allocated to a fuel gas cylinder and an oxidizer cylinder to cool the internal combustion engine (ICE). Therefore, the built-in cooling pump can be diverted to either the cathode solution pump or the anolyte pump. Thereby, the cost of design can be reduced. In designing, the flow rate ratio between the fuel gas and the oxidant can be adjusted by adjusting the bores or strokes of the cylinders assigned to the fuel gas cylinder and the oxidant cylinder.

In the first invention, the second invention, and the third invention,
The pressing means is
A first gas-liquid cylinder that presses at least one of the stored cathode solution and anode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas;
Preferably, the first gas-liquid cylinder and a second gas-liquid cylinder connected to each other under the surface of the cathode solution or the anode solution and pressing the stored oxidant with the pressure of the cathode solution or the anode solution are provided. .

  According to this, a reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor of a positive displacement reciprocating (reciprocating) engine can be used as the pressing means. Specifically, the first gas-liquid cylinder functions as a reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor, and can press and feed the stored cathode solution and anode solution by the pressure of the fuel gas. Further, the second gas-liquid cylinder also functions as a reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor, and can press and pump the stored oxidant by the pressure of the cathode solution and anode solution that have been pumped.

In the first invention, the second invention, and the third invention,
The pressing means is
A fuel gas impeller that is pressed by the pressure of the fuel gas and rotates an attached rotary shaft; and
An oxidant impeller attached to the rotating shaft and rotating by rotation of the rotating shaft to press the oxidant;
An impeller for cathode solution that is attached to the rotating shaft and rotates by rotation of the rotating shaft to press the cathode solution;
It is preferable to include at least one of an anode solution impeller that is attached to the rotating shaft and rotates by the rotation of the rotating shaft to press the anode solution.

  According to this, a gas turbine and a turbo compressor whose rotating shafts are connected to each other can be used as the pressing means. Specifically, in the gas turbine, fuel gas is blown onto the fuel gas impeller, whereby the fuel gas impeller is pressed and rotated by the pressure of the fuel gas. And with this rotation, the rotating shaft rotates, and the cathode solution impeller and the anode solution impeller of the centrifugal pump rotate. The cathode solution and the anode solution are pressed by the rotated cathode solution impeller and anode solution impeller. Thereby, the catholyte solution and the anolyte solution can be pumped.

  In addition, the present invention is a fuel cell vehicle equipped with the redox fuel cell system according to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

  According to this, the fuel cell vehicle which can improve energy efficiency can be provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the redox fuel cell system which can improve energy efficiency can be provided, Furthermore, the fuel cell vehicle which can mount this and can improve energy efficiency can be provided.

1 is a configuration diagram of a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a redox fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the mechanism of the electric power generation of the redox fuel cell system of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the fuel cell vehicle carrying the redox fuel cell system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the fuel cell vehicle carrying the redox fuel cell system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the fuel cell vehicle carrying the redox fuel cell system which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the mechanism of the electric power generation of the redox fuel cell system of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the fuel cell vehicle carrying the redox fuel cell system which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

  Next, modes for carrying out the present invention (referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Although the redox fuel cell system according to the embodiment of the present invention is assumed to be mounted on a fuel cell vehicle, it may be mounted on a ship, a motorcycle, a stationary power generator, or the like. It is.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100 equipped with a redox fuel cell system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the fuel cell vehicle 100, a drive motor MOT for driving wheels is connected to the redox fuel cell 2 (redox fuel cell system 1) via a power distribution unit PDU (inverter). The drive motor MOT can drive the fuel cell vehicle 100 by rotating the wheels with the electric power supplied from the redox fuel cell 2 (redox fuel cell system 1).

  The redox fuel cell system 1 mainly includes a redox fuel cell 2, a hydrogen tank (fuel gas tank) 11, a fuel gas supply path (16a-16c, etc.), a fuel gas circulation path (16c-16f, etc.), and a cathode solution. A circulation path (35a to 35d and the like), a cathode solution regenerating apparatus (regenerating apparatus) 32, an oxidant supply path (24a to 24c and the like), and a pressing means 3 are provided.

  In the redox fuel cell 2, the fuel gas Gfu (for example, hydrogen gas) supplied to the anode 2d and the non-volatile cathode solution Lca (for example, vanadium (V)) supplied to the cathode 2b are dissolved in dilute sulfuric acid. To generate electric power. The fuel gas Gfu can reach the anode 2d facing the anode-side flow path 2e by flowing through the anode-side flow path 2e. A proton exchange membrane (PEM) 2c is provided between the anode 2d and the cathode 2b. The cathode solution Lca can reach the cathode 2b facing the cathode side channel 2a by flowing through the cathode side channel 2a. In the redox fuel cell 2, if a plurality of single cells each having a proton exchange membrane (PEM) 2 c sandwiched between an anode 2 d and a cathode 2 b are stacked, it can be taken out at a desired voltage.

  In the hydrogen tank 11, fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is compressed and stored at a high pressure.

  The fuel gas supply paths (16a to 16c, etc.) supply the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu from the hydrogen tank 11 to the anode 2d (anode-side flow path 2e) of the redox fuel cell 2. The fuel gas supply paths (16a to 16c, etc.) include a pipe 16a connected to the hydrogen tank 11, a high-pressure injection device 12 connected to the pipe 16a, a pipe 16b connecting the high-pressure injection device 12 and the expander 13, and an extractor. A pipe 16c that connects the panda 13 and the anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2 is provided. In FIG. 1, the fuel gas supply path pipes 16 a to 16 c are indicated by thick solid lines. The pipe 16a is provided with an electromagnetic valve 11a, a secondary shutoff valve 11b, a filter 11c, a relief valve 19 and the like, but is not provided with a pressure reducing valve, and the high pressure in the hydrogen tank 11 is not provided. Hydrogen is supplied to the high pressure injection device 12 while maintaining a high pressure state.

  The high-pressure injection device 12 injects the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu with a high pressure and supplies the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu to the expander 13 through the pipe 16b. The high-pressure injection device 12 has a built-in valve, and the high-pressure hydrogen supply to the expander 13 is controlled by opening and closing the valve by an ECU (Engine Control Unit) or the like.

  The fuel gas circulation path (16c to 16f, etc.) circulates the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu after passing through the anode 2d (anode side flow path 2e) of the redox fuel cell 2 to circulate the anode 2d (anode side flow path 2e). ). The fuel gas circulation path (16c to 16f, etc.) includes a pipe 16d that connects the anode side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2 and the discharged hydrogen tank 14, and a fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu discharged from the redox fuel cell 2. The exhaust hydrogen tank 14 once stored, and the gas-liquid separation device 41 that separates the liquid phase (moisture) contained in the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu stored in the exhaust hydrogen tank 14 from the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu. A pipe 16e connecting the exhaust hydrogen tank 14 and the intake valve 15d of the compressor 15, a pipe 16f connecting the exhaust valve 15e of the compressor 15 and the pipe 16c, and an anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2. And a pipe 16c to be connected. In FIG. 1, the fuel gas circulation pipes 16c to 16f are shown by thick solid lines. Moreover, the piping 16c serves as a fuel gas supply path (16a-16c etc.) and a fuel gas circulation path (16c-16f etc.). The liquid phase component (moisture) separated by the gas-liquid separator 41 is discharged to the atmosphere via the drain pipe 43a, the drain valve 42, the drain pipe 43b, the regenerator 32, and the drain pipe 43c in this order. Is done.

  The cathode solution circulation path (35a to 35d, etc.) circulates the cathode solution Lca between the cathode solution regenerating device 32 and the cathode 2b (cathode side channel 2a) of the redox fuel cell 2. The cathode solution circulation path (35a to 35d, etc.) includes a pipe 35a connecting the cathode-side flow path 2a of the redox fuel cell 2 and the radiator (RAD) 31, and the cathode solution heated during power generation by the redox fuel cell 2. A radiator (RAD) 31 for cooling Lca, a pipe 35b for connecting the radiator (RAD) 31 and the cathode solution regenerator 32, a pipe 35c for connecting the cathode solution regenerator 32 and the pump 34, a pump 34 and a redox A pipe 35d for connecting the cathode side flow path 2a of the fuel cell 2; In FIG. 1, the cathode solution circulation pipes 35a to 35d are indicated by thick broken lines.

  The pipe 35c is routed around the cylinders 23a, 13a, and 15a. This is because the cooling pipe is diverted as the pipe 35c when the pressing means 3 is diverted from the reciprocating engine. In the cylinder 13a, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is considered to be so-called adiabatic expansion when being injected, the temperature of the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu decreases, the temperature of the cylinder 13a also decreases, The catholyte solution Lca flowing through the cylinder 13a is also cooled. The cathode solution Lca generates heat due to a chemical reaction at the time of regeneration in the cathode solution regeneration device 32 and is heated, but can be cooled and lowered by flowing in the vicinity of the cylinder 13a. Since the cooled cathode solution Lca can be supplied to the redox fuel cell 2, the temperature load of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) can be reduced, and the life of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) can be extended. In the conventional fuel cell, the reaction membrane inside the main fuel cell is the main heat source. In the redox fuel cell 2, the main heat source is the cathode solution regenerator 32 outside the proton cell. ) Is easy to lower the temperature and can be easily controlled. As described above, the proton exchange membrane (PEM) can be easily cooled by cooling the cathode solution Lca.

  The cathode solution regeneration device 32 regenerates the cathode solution Lca after flowing through the cathode 2b of the redox fuel cell 2 by oxidizing it with an oxidizing agent (for example, oxygen or air) Gox.

  The oxidant supply path (24a to 24c, etc.) sucks the oxidant (for example, oxygen or air) Gox into the atmosphere and supplies it to the cathode solution regeneration device 32. The oxidant supply paths (24a to 24c, etc.) are connected to the intake 21 that takes in the atmosphere as an oxidant (for example, oxygen or air) Gox, the pipe 24a that connects the intake 21 and the filter 22, and the oxidant (air) Gox. A filter 22 that removes foreign matter such as floating dust, a pipe 24b that connects the filter 22 and the suction valve 23d of the compressor 23, a pipe 24c that connects the discharge valve 23e of the compressor 23 and the injection nozzle 33, and a cathode An injection nozzle 33 for injecting and blowing an oxidant (air) Gox into the cathode solution Lca in the solution regenerating apparatus 32 is provided. In FIG. 1, the oxidant supply path pipes 24a to 24c are shown by thin solid lines.

  The pressing means 3 includes an expander (reciprocating (reciprocating) expander) 13, a compressor (for fuel gas circulation: reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor) 15, and a compressor (for oxidizing agent: reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor). ) 23, a pump 34, a crankshaft 51, and cams 37a and 37b. The expander 13 is connected to and linked to the compressors 15 and 23 and the pump 34 via the crankshaft 51, and the pressing means 3 can divert (reuse) an existing reciprocating engine such as a gasoline engine.

  The expander 13 includes a cylinder (fuel gas cylinder) 13a, a piston (fuel gas piston) 13b, a connecting rod 13c, a valve 13d, and the like, similar to the cylinders constituting the reciprocating engine. When high-pressure fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is injected into the cylinder 13a from the high-pressure injection device 12, the pressure inside the cylinder 13a is increased by the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu, and the pressure of the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu causes the piston 13b. Press. When the piston 13b is pushed down by the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu, the connecting rod 13c is lowered and the crankshaft 51 is rotated.

  The valve 13d is installed in the upper part (top dead center side) of the expander 13, and opens and closes according to the operation of the camshaft and the cam 37a. When the valve 13d is closed, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu in the cylinder 13a expands while being confined, and the piston 13b is pushed down. When the valve 13d is opened, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu in the cylinder 13a is pumped to the redox fuel cell 2 through the pipe 16c while being expanded by its own pressure (high pressure). In the case of diversion, the camshaft and cam 37a may be those provided in an existing reciprocating engine. The valve 13d may be a valve that can be controlled to open and close, such as an electromagnetic valve. By doing in this way, cost reduction can be aimed at.

  The compressor 15 returns the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu that has not been reacted in the redox fuel cell 2 to the redox fuel cell 2 again by pressure-feeding it to the pipe 16c. The compressor 15 is also composed of a cylinder 15a, a piston 15b, a connecting rod 15c, a suction valve 15d, a discharge valve 15e, and the like, like the cylinders constituting the reciprocating engine. In FIG. 1, the compressor 15 is described smaller than the expander 13, but it may be the same size as the expander 13. The piston 15 b is configured to be interlocked with the piston 13 b of the expander 13 via the connecting rod 15 c and the crankshaft 51. When the piston 13b of the expander 13 is pushed down by the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu, the connecting rod 13c is lowered and the crankshaft 51 is rotated. Along with that, the connecting rod 15c of the compressor 15 moves up and pushes up the piston 15b. The fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu in the cylinder 15a is pressed and compressed by the piston 15b, and is sent from the exhaust valve 15e to the anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2 via the pipes 16f and 16c. As a result, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu circulates in the fuel gas circulation path (16c to 16f, etc.). The intake valve 15d and the discharge valve 15e are interlocked with the camshaft and cam 37a and the crankshaft 51.

  The compressor 23 (for oxidizer: reciprocating compressor) is also similar to the cylinder constituting the reciprocating engine, such as a cylinder (oxidizer cylinder) 23a, a piston (oxidizer piston) 23b, a connecting rod 23c, and a suction cylinder. It consists of a valve 23d, a discharge valve 23e, and the like. The piston 23 b is configured to be interlocked with the piston 13 b of the expander 13 via the connecting rod 23 c and the crankshaft 51.

  In FIG. 1, the compressor 23 is shown upside down to avoid complication (the same applies to FIGS. 3, 5, and 7). When the piston 13b of the expander 13 is pushed down by the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu, the connecting rod 13c is lowered and the crankshaft 51 is rotated. Along with this, the connecting rod 23c of the compressor 23 rises and pushes up the piston 23b. The oxidant (air) Gox in the cylinder 23a is pressed and compressed by the piston 23b. The compressed (pressed) oxidant (air) Gox is pumped from the discharge valve 23e to the injection nozzle 33 via the pipe 24c. As a result, the oxidant (air) Gox is supplied to the cathode solution regeneration device 32 via the oxidant supply path (24a to 24c, etc.). The intake valve 23d and the discharge valve 23e are interlocked with the camshaft and cam 37b and the crankshaft 51.

  The pump 34 has a rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a that rotates in conjunction with the crankshaft 51, similarly to the cooling water pump that constitutes the reciprocating engine. When the piston 13b of the expander 13 is pushed down by the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu, the connecting rod 13c is lowered and the crankshaft 51 is rotated. With this rotation, the rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a rotates.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality (three in FIG. 1) of expanders 13 are provided, and the attachment angle of the connecting rod 13 c is different for each expander 13 with respect to the rotation shaft of the crankshaft 51. For example, when there are three expanders 13, if the attachment angle of the connecting rod 13c of the first expander 13 as the reference is 0 degree, the attachment angles of the connecting rods 13c of the other two expanders 13 are each 120 degrees. And 240 degrees are set. Then, the crankshaft 51 is continuously connected by shifting the timing at which the high pressure injection device 12 injects the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu and the timing at which the piston 13b (connecting rod 13c) is pushed down by the plurality of expanders 13. And can be rotated. By continuous rotation (rotation) of the crankshaft 51, the rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a also continuously rotates (rotation), and the pump 34 can perform stable pumping. When the rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a rotates (rotates), the cathode solution Lca is pressed by the rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a and is pumped to the cathode-side flow path 2a via the pipe 35d. . As a result, the cathode solution Lca circulates in the cathode solution circulation path (35a to 35d and the like).

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a power generation mechanism in the redox fuel cell system 1 of the first embodiment, particularly in the redox fuel cell 2 and the cathode solution regenerating device 32. When the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu flows through the anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is supplied to the anode 2d. In the anode 2d, hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) and electrons (e ⁻ ) are generated from the fuel gas (hydrogen H ₂ ) Gfu (H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ ). The electrons (e ⁻ ) move from the anode 2d to the cathode 2b via the wiring to which the power distribution unit PDU serving as a load and the drive motor MOT are connected. This movement of electrons (e ⁻ ) is so-called power generation (phenomenon). Hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) move from the anode 2d to the cathode 2b via the proton exchange membrane (PEM) 2c. In the proton exchange membrane (PEM) 2c, hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) pass from the anode 2d side to the cathode 2b side.

When the cathode solution Lca flows through the cathode side channel 2a of the redox fuel cell 2, the cathode solution Lca is supplied to the cathode 2b. To the cathode 2b, vanadium dioxide ions (VO ₂ ⁺ ) are supplied from the cathode solution Lca, hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) are supplied from the proton exchange membrane (PEM) 2c, and electrons (e ⁻ ) are supplied from the wiring. . These, in the cathode 2b, the vanadium dioxide ion _(VO ^{2 +),} and hydrogen ion ^{(H +),} electrons (e ^-) from a, a vanadium oxide ion ^{(VO 2+),} although water _(H 2 O) (VO ₂ ⁺ + 2H ⁺ + e ⁻ → VO ₂ ⁺ + H ₂ O).

The vanadium oxide ions (VO ²⁺ ) and water (H ₂ O) generated at the cathode 2b are dissolved and contained in the cathode solution Lca flowing through the cathode side flow path 2a, and the cathode solution regenerating apparatus together with the cathode solution Lca. 32. Further, the oxidant (air, oxygen O ₂ ) Gox is supplied to the cathode solution regeneration device 32. Oxidizing agent (air, oxygen O ₂ ) Gox is blown into the cathode solution Lca. These, in the cathode solution reproducing apparatus 32, a vanadium oxide ion ^{(VO 2+),} since oxygen _{(O 2),} vanadium dioxide ion _(VO ^{2 +)} are generated (reproduced) ^(VO 2+ + (1/2 ) O ₂ → VO ₂ ⁺ ). The regenerated vanadium dioxide ions (VO ₂ ⁺ ) are supplied again to the cathode side flow path 2a (cathode 2b) of the redox fuel cell 2 together with the cathode solution Lca circulating between the redox fuel cell 2 and the cathode solution regenerating device 32. Is done. The total reaction that combines the chemical reaction in the cathode solution regenerating apparatus 32, the chemical reaction in the cathode 2b, and the chemical reaction in the anode 2d is obtained from oxygen (O ₂ ) and hydrogen (H ₂ ) to water (H ₂ O). ((1/2) O ₂ + H ₂ → H ₂ O). Further, water (H ₂ O) in the cathode solution Lca dissolves in the blown oxidant (air, oxygen O ₂ ) Gox, and together with the oxidant (air, oxygen O ₂ ) Gox, the cathode solution regeneration device 32 It is discharged to the outside, that is, into the atmosphere via the drain pipe 43c. On the other hand, the cathode solution Lca is kept wet by the generated water, and therefore does not need to be humidified before blowing the oxidizing agent Gox.

  The cathode 2b, the proton exchange membrane (PEM) 2c, and the anode 2d are laminated to form a three-layer membrane structure. In the three-layer membrane structure (2b, 2c, 2d), the cathode 2b side is in contact with the cathode solution Lca, and the anode 2d side is in contact with the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu. Therefore, the three-layer film structure (2b, 2c, 2d) is adsorbed to the cathode solution Lca due to the surface tension of the cathode solution Lca. Since the cathode solution Lca is supplied by the pump 34, the pulsation of the pressure of the cathode solution Lca is suppressed. Since the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is supplied by the expander 13 which is a reciprocating (reciprocating) expander and the compressor 15 which is a reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor, the pressure of the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is pulsating. To do. Even if the pressure of the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu pulsates, the three-layer film structures (2b, 2c, 2d) are adsorbed by the cathode solution Lca in which the pulsation is suppressed, so that it is difficult to pulsate. In the three-layer film structure (2b, 2c, 2d), pulsation is suppressed, so that deformation is suppressed and deterioration such as film breakage due to fatigue can be suppressed. In addition, when the inside of the anode side flow path 2e is purged with the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu and the moisture is discharged, the three-layer film structure (2b, 2c, 2d) also applies pressure from the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu. Although received, deformation can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100 equipped with a redox fuel cell system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The redox fuel cell system 1 of the second embodiment is different in the structure of the pressing means 3 from the redox fuel cell system 1 of the first embodiment. The pressing means 3 of the second embodiment includes an oil (liquid) pressure cylinder (first gas-liquid cylinder, reciprocating (reciprocating) expander) 13A and an oil (hydraulic) pressure cylinder (reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor). 15A, oil (liquid) pressure cylinder (second gas-liquid cylinder, reciprocating compressor) 23A, solenoid valve 18, backflow prevention valves 17a and 17b, solenoid valve 26, and backflow prevention valves 36a to 36a. 36d and backflow prevention valves 25a and 25b. Accordingly, a fuel gas supply path (16a-16c, etc.), a fuel gas circulation path (16c-16f, etc.), a cathode solution circulation path (35a-35i, etc.), and an oxidant supply path (24a-24c, etc.). Each configuration is also different.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the piping 16b and the piping 16c are connected to the oil (hydraulic) pressure cylinder 13A in place of the expander 13 in the fuel gas supply paths (16a to 16c, etc.). It is. An electromagnetic valve 18 is provided in the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A of the pipe 16c.

  Further, in the fuel gas circulation path (16c to 16f, etc.), the point that the pipe 16e and the pipe 16f are connected to the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A instead of the compressor 15 is different from the first embodiment. ing. Further, a backflow prevention valve 17b for suppressing the flow from the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A is provided in the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A of the pipe 16e. In the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A of the pipe 16f, a backflow prevention valve 17b that suppresses the flow to the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A is provided.

  The cathode solution circulation path (35a to 35i, etc.) includes a pipe 35a, a radiator (RAD) 31, a pipe 35b, a cathode solution regenerating device 32, and a pipe 35c that connects the liquid chamber 13i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A. A pipe 35d that connects the liquid chamber 13i to the liquid chamber 15i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A (below the liquid level of the cathode solution Lca), the liquid chamber 13i (below the liquid level of the cathode solution Lca), and the oil A pipe 35e connecting the liquid chamber 23i (under the liquid level of the cathode solution Lca) of the (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A and the liquid chamber 23i (under the liquid level of the cathode solution Lca) of the plurality of oil (liquid) pressure cylinders 23A. ) Connecting pipes 35f and 35g, connecting the liquid chamber 23i (below the liquid surface of the cathode solution Lca) and the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A side of the solenoid valve 26 of the pipe 35i. When, and a pipe 35i that connects the oil (liquid) fluid chambers 15i of the pressure cylinder 15A (cathode solution Lca below the liquid surface) and a redox fuel cell 2 cathode side flow passage 2a. Further, a backflow prevention valve 36a that suppresses the flow from the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A is provided in the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A of the pipe 35c. A reverse flow prevention valve 36c that suppresses the flow from the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A is provided in the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A of the pipe 35d. In the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A of the pipe 35e, a backflow prevention valve 36b that suppresses the flow from the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A is provided. The pipe 35h is provided with a backflow prevention valve 36d that suppresses the flow to the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A. An electromagnetic valve 26 is provided in the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A of the pipe 35i.

  Further, in the oxidant supply path (24a to 24c, etc.), a backflow prevention valve 25a for suppressing the flow from the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A is provided in the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A of the pipe 24b. This is different from the first embodiment. Further, a backflow prevention valve 25b for suppressing the flow to the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A is provided in the vicinity of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A of the pipe 24c.

  An oil (liquid) pressure cylinder (first gas-liquid cylinder, reciprocating expansion (reciprocating) expander) 13A of the pressing means 3 includes a cylinder (fuel gas cylinder) 13a, a piston (fuel gas piston) 13b, a spring 13e, and the like. It is configured. The liquid chamber 13i and the gas chamber 13j are partitioned by the piston 13b. A spring 13e is connected to the piston 13b. The spring 13e presses the piston 13b in a direction in which the volume of the liquid chamber 13i expands and the volume of the gas chamber 13j decreases. When the high-pressure fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is injected from the high-pressure injector 12 into the gas chamber 13j of the cylinder 13a while the solenoid valve 18 is closed, the gas chamber 13j has a fuel gas (hydrogen ) Gfu becomes high pressure, and the pressure of the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu presses the piston 13b and the cathode solution Lca. Thereby, the piston 13b is pushed down by the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu, and the cathode solution Lca flows out from the liquid chamber 13i of the cylinder 13a to the pipe 35d and the pipe 35e. The reason why it flows out into the pipe 35d and the pipe 35e and does not flow out into the pipe 35c is that the backflow prevention valves 36a to 36c are provided. As a result, the cathode solution Lca is pumped from the liquid chamber 13i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A to the liquid chamber 15i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A and the liquid chamber 23i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A. The

  The oil (liquid) pressure cylinder (reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor) 15 </ b> A returns the unreacted fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu to the pipe 16 c by the redox fuel cell 2 and returns it to the redox fuel cell 2 again. is there. Similarly to the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A, the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A is also configured by a cylinder 15a, a piston (partition member (liquid level)) 15b, a spring 15h, and the like. The liquid chamber 15i and the gas chamber 15j are partitioned by the piston 15b. A spring 15h is connected to the piston 15b. The spring 15h presses the piston 15b in a direction in which the volume of the liquid chamber 15i is reduced and the volume of the gas chamber 15j is expanded. In FIG. 3, the oil (fluid) pressure cylinder 15A is described smaller than the oil (fluid) pressure cylinder 13A, but may be the same size as the oil (fluid) pressure cylinder 13A.

  When the cathode solution Lca is pumped from the liquid chamber 13i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A to the liquid chamber 15i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A, the electromagnetic valve 26 is closed at this timing. The solution Lca is stored in the liquid chamber 15i. The inside of the liquid chamber 15i becomes high pressure by the cathode solution Lca, and the piston 15b and further the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu are pressed by the pressure of the cathode solution Lca. The volume of the liquid chamber 15i increases, pushes up the piston 15b, the volume of the gas chamber 15j decreases, and the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu in the gas chamber 15j is compressed. As a result, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu flows out of the gas chamber 15j of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A into the pipes 16f and 16c. The reason for flowing out into the pipes 16f and 16c but not into the pipe 16e is that the backflow prevention valves 17a and 17b are provided. The fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is pumped from the gas chamber 15j of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A to the anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2 so as to circulate through the fuel gas circulation paths (16c to 16f, etc.). Become.

  Similarly to the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A, the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder (second gas-liquid cylinder, reciprocating (reciprocating) compressor) 23A has a cylinder (oxidizer cylinder) 23a and a piston (oxidizer piston). ) 23b, a spring 23h, and the like. The piston 23b is provided with a partition member 23f and a partition member 23g. A liquid chamber 23i is defined by a partition member 23f of the cylinder 23a and the piston 23b. A gas chamber 23j is defined by a partition member 23g between the cylinder 23a and the piston 23b. A spring 23h is connected to the piston 23b. The spring 23h presses the piston 23b in a direction in which the volume of the liquid chamber 23i is reduced and the volume of the gas chamber 23j is expanded. In FIG. 3, the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A and the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 15A are each one, and the three oil (liquid) pressure cylinders 23A are described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of oil (liquid) pressure cylinders 13A and a plurality of oil (liquid) pressure cylinders 15A may be provided, or one oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A may be provided. The cross-sectional area of the cylinder 23a in the liquid chamber 23i is larger than the cross-sectional area of the cylinder 23a in the gas chamber 23j. Thereby, a large amount of the oxidant Gox in the gas chamber 23j can be flowed out only by flowing a small amount of the cathode solution Lca into the liquid chamber 23i.

  When the cathode solution Lca is pumped from the liquid chamber 13i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A to the liquid chamber 23i of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A, the electromagnetic valve 26 is closed at this timing. The solution Lca is stored in the liquid chamber 23i. The inside of the liquid chamber 23i becomes a high pressure by the cathode solution Lca, and the piston 23b and further the oxidant Gox are pressed by the pressure of the cathode solution Lca. The volume of the liquid chamber 23i is increased, the piston 23b is pushed up, the volume of the gas chamber 23j is reduced, and the oxidant Gox in the gas chamber 23j is compressed. As a result, the oxidant Gox flows out from the gas chamber 23j of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A to the pipe 24c. The reason for flowing out into the pipe 24c and not into the pipe 24a is that the backflow prevention valves 25a and 25b are provided. The oxidant Gox is pumped from the gas chamber 23j of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 23A through the injection nozzle 33 to the cathode solution regenerator 32, and flows through the oxidant supply paths (24a to 24c, etc.).

  When the piston 13b is sufficiently pushed down in the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A, the high-pressure injection device 12 stops the injection of the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu and opens the solenoid valves 18 and 26 by a control unit (not shown). . The pressure in the gas chamber 13j becomes low, the piston 13b is pushed up by the spring 13e, and the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu in the gas chamber 13j flows out to the pipe 16c. As a result, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is pumped from the gas chamber 13j of the oil (liquid) pressure cylinder 13A to the anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2. The fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu flows through the fuel gas supply path (16a to 16c, etc.).

  When the piston 13b is pushed up by the spring 13e, the pressure in the liquid chamber 13i also becomes low, and the cathode solution Lca flows from the pipe 35c into the liquid chamber 13i of the cylinder 13a. The reason why the flow does not flow from the piping 35d and the piping 35e but flows from the piping 35c is that the backflow prevention valves 36a to 36c are provided. As a result, the cathode solution Lca circulates in the cathode solution circulation path (35a to 35i, etc.) while being stored in the liquid chamber 13i. Since the electromagnetic valve 26 is also opened, the cathode solution Lca in the liquid chambers 15i and 23i flows out to the pipe 35i so as to constitute a part of the circulation flow. The cathode solution Lca in the liquid chambers 15i and 23i is pressed by the springs 15h and 23h and pushed out from the liquid chambers 15i and 23i. That is, when the cathode solution Lca pushed out from the liquid chambers 15i and 23i is stored in the liquid chamber 13i, the cathode solution Lca circulates in the cathode solution circulation path (35a to 35i, etc.). Can think.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a configuration diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100 equipped with a redox fuel cell system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The redox fuel cell system 1 of the third embodiment is different in the structure of the pressing means 3 from the redox fuel cell system 1 of the first embodiment. The pressing means 3 of the third embodiment includes a turbine 13B, a compressor (turbo compressor) 15B, a compressor (turbo compressor) 23B, and a centrifugal pump 34B.

  The turbine 13B has a fuel gas impeller 13k. The fuel gas impeller 13k is pressed by the pressure of the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu and rotates the rotary shaft 38 attached thereto.

  The compressor (turbo-type compressor) 15B has a fuel gas circulation impeller 15k. The fuel gas circulation impeller 15k is attached to the rotary shaft 38, rotates by the rotation of the rotary shaft 38, presses and compresses the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu, and pumps it.

  The compressor (turbo compressor) 23B has an oxidant impeller 23k. The oxidant impeller 23k is attached to the rotary shaft 38, and is rotated by the rotation of the rotary shaft 38, pressing and compressing the oxidant Gox, and pumping it.

  The centrifugal pump 34B has a rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a. The rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a is attached to the rotary shaft 38 and is rotated by the rotation of the rotary shaft 38 to press and feed the cathode solution Lca.

  In addition, when an anode solution is used, a centrifugal pump is provided separately. This centrifugal pump has an anolyte impeller. The impeller for the anolyte solution is attached to the rotary shaft 38 and is rotated by the rotation of the rotary shaft 38 to press and feed the anode solution Lan.

  Accordingly, a fuel gas supply path (16a-16c, etc.), a fuel gas circulation path (16c-16f, etc.), a cathode solution circulation path (35a-35d, etc.), and an oxidant supply path (24a-24c, etc.). Each configuration is also different.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the pipe 16b and the pipe 16c are connected to the turbine 13B instead of the expander 13 in the fuel gas supply paths (16a to 16c and the like).

  Further, in the fuel gas circulation path (16c to 16f, etc.), the point that the pipe 16e and the pipe 16f are connected to a compressor (turbo type compressor) 15B instead of the compressor 15 is the first embodiment. Is different.

  Further, the cathode solution circulation path (35a to 35d etc.) is different from the first embodiment in that the pipe 35c and the pipe 35d are connected to the centrifugal pump 34B instead of the compressor 23.

  Further, in the oxidant supply path (24a to 24c, etc.), the first embodiment is that the pipe 24b and the pipe 24c are connected to the compressor (turbo type compressor) 23B instead of the compressor 23. Is different.

  When high-pressure fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is injected from the high-pressure injector 12 into the fuel gas impeller 13k of the turbine 13B, the fuel gas impeller 13k is pressed by the pressure of the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu. ,Rotate. By this. The rotating shaft 38 rotates. A fuel gas impeller 13k, a fuel gas circulation impeller 15k, an oxidant impeller 23k, and a rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a are connected to the rotary shaft 38. As the rotary shaft 38 rotates, the fuel gas circulation impeller 15k, the oxidant impeller 23k, and the rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a rotate. Further, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu injected into the fuel gas impeller 13k flows out from the turbine 13B to the pipe 16c. As a result, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is pumped to the anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2 through the pipe 16c, and flows through the fuel gas supply paths (16a to 16c, etc.).

  When the fuel gas circulation impeller 15k of the compressor (turbo type compressor) 15B rotates, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is pressed and compressed. As a result, the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu flows out of the compressor (turbo type compressor) 15B into the pipes 16f and 16c. The fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu is pumped from the compressor (turbo-type compressor) 15B to the anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2, and circulates through the fuel gas circulation paths (16c to 16f, etc.).

  When the oxidant impeller 23k of the compressor (turbo compressor) 23B rotates, the oxidant Gox in the compressor (turbo compressor) 23B is compressed. As a result, the oxidizing agent Gox flows out from the compressor (turbo compressor) 23B to the pipe 24c. The oxidant Gox is pumped from the compressor (turbo type compressor) 23B through the injection nozzle 33 to the cathode solution regenerator 32, and flows through the oxidant supply path (24a to 24c, etc.).

  When the rotor (cathode solution impeller) 34a of the centrifugal pump 34B rotates, the cathode solution Lca in the centrifugal pump 34B is pressed. Thereby, the cathode solution Lca flows out from the centrifugal pump 34B to the pipe 35d. The cathode solution Lca is pumped from the centrifugal pump 34B through the pipe 35d to the cathode side channel 2a of the redox fuel cell 2, and flows and circulates in the cathode solution circuit (35a to 35d, etc.).

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 5 shows a configuration diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100 equipped with a redox fuel cell system 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The redox fuel cell system 1 of the fourth embodiment is different from the redox fuel cell system 1 of the first embodiment in the redox fuel cell 2. In the redox fuel cell 2 of the fourth embodiment, the anode solution Lan supplied to the anode 2d (anode side flow path 2e) and the oxidant Gox supplied to the cathode 2b (cathode side flow path 2a) are used. Generate electricity.

  Accordingly, an anode solution regeneration device (regeneration device) 47 that regenerates the anode solution Lan after flowing through the anode 2d (anode-side flow path 2e) by reducing with the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu, and the anode solution Lan. Are circulated between the anode solution regenerator 47 and the anode 2d (anode side channel 2e), and an anode solution pump (pump) 44 for circulation is provided. . The anode solution pump 44 rotates the rotor (anode solution impeller) 44 a by rotating the crankshaft 51, and presses and pressures the anode solution Lan.

  The configurations of the fuel gas supply path (16a to 16c, etc.), the fuel gas circulation path (16c, 16e, 16f, etc.), and the oxidant supply path (24a to 24f, etc.) are also different.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the piping 16c is connected to the injection nozzle 48 in place of the redox fuel cell 2 in the fuel gas supply paths (16a to 16c and the like). The fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu injected from the injection nozzle 48 is supplied to the anode solution regeneration device 47 by being blown into the anode solution Lan in the anode solution regeneration device 47.

  Further, in the fuel gas circulation path (16c, 16e, 16f, etc.), the point that the pipe 16e connected to the intake valve 15d of the compressor 15 is connected to the anode solution regeneration device 47 is the same as in the first embodiment. Is different. Thus, the fuel gas circulation path (16c, 16e, 16f, etc.) circulates the fuel gas (hydrogen) Gfu after flowing through the anode solution regeneration device 47 and returns it to the anode solution regeneration device 47.

  Further, in the oxidant supply path (24a to 24f, etc.), the oxidant Gox is supplied to the cathode 2b (cathode side flow path 2a) of the redox fuel cell 2 via the humidifier 49. This is different from the first embodiment. In the humidifier 49, the oxidant (air) Gox sucked into the atmosphere enters from the pipe 24c, is humidified, and exits from the pipe 24d. In the cathode-side flow path 2a of the redox fuel cell 2, the humidified oxidant (air) Gox enters from the pipe 24d, and the humidified oxidant (air) Gox contains water generated by a chemical reaction accompanying power generation. , Exit from the pipe 24e. In the humidifying device 49, the oxidizing agent (air) Gox exhausted in a humidified state from the cathode side flow path 2a of the redox fuel cell 2 enters from the pipe 24e, and the contained moisture enters from the pipe 24c. It is given to the agent (air) Gox and humidified (it is dehumidified itself), and is discharged from the pipe 24f to the atmosphere.

  The anode solution circulation path (45a to 45d, etc.) includes a pipe 45a that connects the anode-side flow path 2e of the redox fuel cell 2 and the radiator (RAD) 46, and the anode solution heated during power generation by the redox fuel cell 2. A radiator (RAD) 46 that cools Lan, a pipe 45b that connects the radiator (RAD) 46 and the anode solution regenerator 47, a pipe 45c that connects the anode solution regenerator 47 and the pump 44, a pump 44 and a redox A pipe 45d for connecting the anode side flow path 2e of the fuel cell 2; In FIG. 5, the anode solution circulation lines 45 a to 45 d are indicated by thick dashed lines.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism of power generation in the redox fuel cell system 1 of the fourth embodiment, particularly in the redox fuel cell 2 and the anode solution regenerating apparatus 47. The anode solution reproducing apparatus 47, the fuel gas (hydrogen) GFUs to be through flow blown, in the anode solution reproducing apparatus 47, a fuel gas (hydrogen _H 2) from GFUs (hydrogen _{H 2} is oxidized (up valence) ), Hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) are generated, and trivalent chromium ions (Cr ³⁺ ) in the anode solution Lan are reduced (decrease in valence) to generate divalent chromium ions (Cr ²⁺ ) ( 2Cr ³⁺ + H ₂ → 2Cr ²⁺ + 2H ⁺ ). The divalent chromium ions (Cr ²⁺ ) and hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) generated by the anode solution regenerating device 47 are dissolved and contained in the anode solution Lan, and together with the anode solution Lan, the anode side of the redox fuel cell 2 It flows into the flow path 2e. When the anode solution Lan flows through the anode side channel 2e, the anode solution Lan is supplied to the anode 2d. The anode 2d is supplied with divalent chromium ions (Cr ²⁺ ) and hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) from the anode solution Lan. In the anode 2d, the divalent chromium ions (Cr ²⁺ ) are oxidized to generate trivalent chromium ions (Cr ³⁺ ) and electrons (e ⁻ ) (2Cr ²⁺ (+ 2H ⁺ ) → 2Cr ³⁺ (+ 2H ⁺ ) + 2e ⁻ ). In the anode 2d, hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) do not undergo a redox reaction. Hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) move from the anode 2d to the cathode 2b via the proton exchange membrane (PEM) 2c. Electrons (e ⁻ ) generated at the anode 2d move from the anode 2d to the cathode 2b via the wiring to which the power distribution unit PDU serving as a load and the drive motor MOT are connected. This movement of electrons (e ⁻ ) is so-called power generation (phenomenon).

When the oxidant (air, oxygen O ₂ ) Gox flows through the cathode side flow path 2a of the redox fuel cell 2, the oxidant (air, oxygen O ₂ ) Gox is supplied to the cathode 2b. Oxygen (O ₂ ) is supplied from the oxidant (air, oxygen O ₂ ) Gox to the cathode 2b, hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) are supplied from the proton exchange membrane (PEM) 2c, and electrons (e ⁻ ) are supplied from the wiring. Is supplied. As a result, water (H ₂ O) is generated from oxygen (O ₂ ), hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ), and electrons (e ⁻ ) in the cathode 2b ((1/2) O ₂ + 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ O). The generated water humidifies the exhausted oxidant (air, oxygen O ₂ ) Gox. The total reaction of the chemical reaction in the anode solution regenerating apparatus 47, the chemical reaction in the cathode 2b, and the chemical reaction in the anode 2d is determined from oxygen (O ₂ ) and hydrogen (H ₂ ), and water (H ₂ O) is generated ((1/2) O ₂ + H ₂ → H ₂ O). The anode 2d oxidizes divalent chromium ions (Cr ²⁺ ) to generate trivalent chromium ions (Cr ³⁺ ), whereas the anode solution regenerator 47 uses trivalent chromium. Since the ions (Cr ³⁺ ) are reduced to generate divalent chromium ions (Cr ²⁺ ), the anode solution regenerating device 47 uses the divalent chromium ions (Cr ²⁺ ).
In the fourth embodiment, as a modification of the first embodiment, the case where the anodic solution Lan is used instead of the cathodic solution Lca after using the pressing means 3 of the first embodiment has been described. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pressing means 3 of the second embodiment and the anode solution Lan may be used, or the pressing means 3 of the third embodiment and the anode solution Lan may be used. is there.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100 equipped with a redox fuel cell system 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The redox fuel cell system 1 of the fifth embodiment is different from the redox fuel cell system 1 of the first embodiment in the redox fuel cell 2. In the redox fuel cell 2 of the fifth embodiment, the anode solution Lan supplied to the anode 2d (anode side channel 2e) and the cathode solution Lca supplied to the cathode 2b (cathode side channel 2a) are used. Generate electricity.

  Accordingly, the anode solution regenerating apparatus (regenerating apparatus) 47, the anode solution circulation path (45a to 45d, etc.) and the anode solution pump (pump) 44 described in the fourth embodiment are provided. And each structure of a fuel gas supply path (16a-16c etc.) and a fuel gas circulation path (16c, 16e, 16f etc.) is also the same as 4th Embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, as a modified example of the first embodiment, the case where the anodic solution Lan is used in addition to the cathodic solution Lca after using the pressing unit 3 of the first embodiment has been described. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pressing means 3 of the second embodiment, the cathode solution Lca, and the anode solution Lan may be used, or the pressing means 3, the cathode solution Lca, and the anode solution of the third embodiment. You may use Lan.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Redox fuel cell system 2 Redox fuel cell 2a Cathode side flow path 2b Cathode 2c Proton exchange membrane (PEM)
2d anode 2e anode side flow path 3 pressing means 11 hydrogen tank (fuel gas tank)
11a Solenoid valve 11b Secondary shutoff valve 11c Filter 12 High pressure injection device (fuel gas supply path)
13 Expander (Reciprocating expansion machine)
13a cylinder (cylinder for fuel gas)
13b Piston (piston for fuel gas, partition member (liquid level))
13c Connecting rod 13d Valve 13e Spring 13i Liquid chamber 13j Gas chamber 13k Impeller for fuel gas 13A Oil (liquid) pressure cylinder (first gas-liquid cylinder, reciprocating (reciprocating) expander)
13B Turbine 14 Exhaust hydrogen tank 15 Compressor (For fuel gas circulation: Reciprocating compressor)
15a Cylinder 15b Piston (partition member (liquid level))
15c Connecting rod 15d Suction valve 15e Discharge valve 15h Spring 15i Liquid chamber 15j Gas chamber 15k Fuel gas circulation impeller 15A Oil (liquid) pressure cylinder (reciprocating compressor)
15B Compressor (turbo type compressor)
16a, 16b Anode piping (fuel gas supply passage)
16c Anode piping (also serves as fuel gas supply path and fuel gas circulation path)
16d to 16f Anode piping (fuel gas circulation path)
17a, 17b Backflow prevention valve 18 Solenoid valve 19 Relief valve 21 Intake 22 Filter 23 Compressor (for oxidizer: reciprocating compressor)
23a Cylinder (oxidizer cylinder)
23b Piston (Piston for oxidizing agent)
23c Connecting rod 23d Suction valve 23e Discharge valve 23f, 23g Partition member 23h Spring 23i Liquid chamber 23j Gas chamber 23k Oxidant impeller 23A Oil (liquid) pressure cylinder (second gas-liquid cylinder, reciprocating compressor) )
23B Compressor (turbo type compressor)
24a-24f piping (oxidant supply path)
24d Piping 25a, 25b Backflow prevention valve 26 Solenoid valve 31 Radiator (RAD)
32 (Cathode solution) regeneration device 33 Injection nozzle 34 Pump 34a Rotor (Cathode solution impeller)
34B Centrifugal pump 35a-35i Piping (Cathode solution circulation path)
36a-36d Backflow prevention valve for cathode solution 37a, 37b Cam 38 Rotating shaft 41 Gas-liquid separator 42 Drain valve 43a-43c Drain pipe 44 Pump (compressor, turbo compressor)
44a Rotor (Anode solution impeller)
45a-45d Piping (Anode solution circuit)
46 Radiator (RAD)
47 (Anode Solution) Regeneration Device 48 Injection Nozzle 49 Humidification Device 51 Crankshaft 100 Fuel Cell Vehicle Gfu Fuel Gas Gox Oxidant Gas Lca Cathode Solution Lan Anode Solution

Claims (9)

A redox fuel cell that generates electricity using a fuel gas supplied to the anode and a non-volatile cathode solution supplied to the cathode;
A fuel gas tank for storing the fuel gas;
A cathode solution regeneration device for regenerating the cathode solution after flowing through the cathode by oxidizing with an oxidizing agent;
A fuel gas supply path for supplying fuel gas from the fuel gas tank to the anode;
A cathode solution circulation path for circulating the cathode solution between the cathode solution regeneration device and the cathode;
A redox fuel cell system comprising an oxidant supply path for supplying the oxidant to the cathode solution regeneration device,
Pressing the oxidant at the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode, and supplying the oxidant to the cathode solution regeneration device via the oxidant supply path;
Pressing the cathode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode to circulate between the cathode solution regeneration device and the cathode via the cathode solution circulation path;
A redox fuel cell system comprising a pressing means for performing at least one of them. A fuel gas circulation path for circulating the fuel gas after flowing through the anode and returning it to the anode;
The pressing means is
2. The redox fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel gas is pressed by the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode and is circulated to the anode through the fuel gas circulation path. 3. . A redox fuel cell that generates electricity using an anode solution supplied to the anode and a cathode solution supplied to the cathode;
An anode solution regeneration device for regenerating the anode solution after flowing through the anode by reducing the anode solution with a fuel gas;
A cathode solution regeneration device for regenerating the cathode solution after flowing through the cathode by oxidizing with an oxidizing agent;
A fuel gas tank for storing the fuel gas;
A fuel gas supply path for supplying fuel gas from the fuel gas tank to the anode solution regeneration device;
An anode solution circuit for circulating the anode solution between the anode solution regenerator and the anode;
A cathode solution circulation path for circulating the cathode solution between the cathode solution regeneration device and the cathode;
A redox fuel cell system comprising an oxidant supply path for supplying the oxidant to the cathode solution regeneration device,
Pressing the oxidant at the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regenerator, and supplying it to the cathode solution regenerator via the oxidant supply path;
Pressing the cathode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regenerator to circulate between the cathode solution regenerator and the cathode via the cathode solution circulation path;
Pressing the anode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, and circulating between the anode solution regeneration device and the anode via the anode solution circulation path;
A redox fuel cell system comprising a pressing means for performing at least one of them. A redox fuel cell that generates electricity using an anode solution supplied to the anode and an oxidant supplied to the cathode;
An anode solution regeneration device for regenerating the anode solution after flowing through the anode by reducing the anode solution with a fuel gas;
A fuel gas tank for storing the fuel gas;
A fuel gas supply path for supplying fuel gas from the fuel gas tank to the anode solution regeneration device;
An anode solution circuit for circulating the anode solution between the anode solution regenerator and the anode;
A redox fuel cell system comprising an oxidant supply path for supplying the oxidant to the cathode,
Pressing the oxidant at the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, and supplying the oxidant to the cathode via the oxidant supply path;
Pressing the anode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regeneration device, and circulating between the anode solution regeneration device and the anode via the anode solution circulation path;
A redox fuel cell system comprising a pressing means for performing at least one of them. A fuel gas circulation path for circulating the fuel gas after flowing through the anode solution regeneration device and returning the fuel gas to the anode solution regeneration device;
The pressing means is
4. The pressure of the fuel gas before being supplied to the anode solution regenerating apparatus, the fuel gas is pressed and circulated to the anode solution regenerating apparatus through the fuel gas circulation path. The redox fuel cell system according to claim 4. The pressing means is
A fuel gas cylinder that presses a piston with the pressure of the fuel gas and rotates a crankshaft; and
An oxidant cylinder that moves the piston built in and rotates the oxidant by rotating the crankshaft;
A cathode solution pump for rotating the rotor to press the cathode solution by rotating the crankshaft;
An anode solution pump for rotating the rotor to press the anode solution by rotating the crankshaft;
6. The redox fuel cell system according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following. The pressing means is
A first gas-liquid cylinder that presses at least one of the stored cathode solution and anode solution with the pressure of the fuel gas;
The first gas-liquid cylinder and a second gas-liquid cylinder connected to each other under the surface of the cathode solution or the anode solution and pressing the stored oxidant with the pressure of the cathode solution or the anode solution. The redox fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The pressing means is
A fuel gas impeller that is pressed by the pressure of the fuel gas and rotates an attached rotary shaft; and
An oxidant impeller attached to the rotating shaft and rotating by rotation of the rotating shaft to press the oxidant;
An impeller for cathode solution that is attached to the rotating shaft and rotates by rotation of the rotating shaft to press the cathode solution;
An impeller for an anodic solution that is attached to the rotating shaft and rotates by the rotation of the rotating shaft to press the anolyte solution;
6. The redox fuel cell system according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following.   A fuel cell vehicle equipped with the redox fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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