JP2013149490A - Separator for fuel cell, and fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a separator for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell that reduce the number of components interposed between membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) and form an effective conduit layer.SOLUTION: A first separator plate 23 of a separator SP has first ribs 30 projecting in a dotted line array in the opposite direction to the direction of stacking onto a second separator plate 24. Such first rib groups arranged in dotted lines are juxtaposed. The second separator plate 24 has second ribs 36 projecting in a dotted line array in the opposite direction to the direction of stacking onto the first separator plate 23, and such second rib groups arranged in dotted lines are juxtaposed. The first rib groups and the second rib groups are arranged such that first recessed portions 31 formed on the back side of the first ribs 30, respectively, and second recessed portions 37 formed on the back side of the second ribs 36, respectively, alternately intercommunicate in chains, to form a plurality of cooling medium passages.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell separator and a fuel cell.

  A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane made of an ion exchange membrane, an anode (fuel electrode) disposed on one surface of the membrane, and a cathode (oxygen electrode) disposed on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane. An electrode assembly (MEA: Electro-Assembly Assembly), a gas diffusion layer provided on each of the anode and the cathode, and a fuel gas (hydrogen) and an oxidant gas (oxygen, oxygen) on the anode and the cathode through the gas diffusion layer Usually, separators that form fluid passages for supplying air) are alternately arranged. The fuel cell is composed of a stack in which a laminated body of single cells (single cells) composed of the MEA and the separator is integrated. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is particularly attracting attention as a power source for a moving body such as a vehicle because it is easy to downsize and operates at a low temperature.

  In a fuel cell, heat is generated by an electrochemical reaction in a single cell. For this reason, the cooling medium is circulated inside the fuel cell (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a single cell is sandwiched between two separator plates, and an intermediate plate is sandwiched between both separator plates to form a separator.

  FIG. 11A shows an example of another conventional separator. As shown in the figure, the separator 200 has a configuration in which an intermediate plate 206 is disposed between a pair of flat separator plates 202 and 204. Further, in the same figure, porous bodies 208 and 210 are disposed between both side surfaces of the separator 200 and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (not shown). The porous bodies 208 and 210 separate the generated water generated by the electrochemical reaction from the gas flow path formed between the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and the porous body by capillary action, and the porous bodies 208 and 210 and the flat plate Is discharged to the outside through a flowing water channel (not shown) formed between the side surfaces of the separator 200 (separator plates 202 and 204). As described above, the prior art 1 is characterized in that a flow channel (water transfer layer) for discharging generated water is formed between the separator 200 (separator plates 202 and 204) and the porous bodies 208 and 210. The reason for providing this porous body is as follows.

  When water droplets (product water) adhere to the surface of the gas diffusion layer, the fuel gas (oxidizing gas) is blocked by the water droplets and is not supplied to the portions corresponding to the water droplets in the gas diffusion layer and the electrode (catalyst layer). Sometimes. As a result, in the part where the fuel gas (oxidizing gas) is not supplied to the electrode (catalyst layer), an appropriate electrochemical reaction is not performed, and the power generation efficiency is lowered. Further, when water droplets adhere to the surface of the gas diffusion layer, the passage area of the gas flow path becomes narrow. As a result, the power generation efficiency decreases due to an increase in the pressure loss of the fuel gas (oxidizing gas). A porous body is provided in order to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency due to adhesion of such generated water (water droplets).

In the example of FIG. 11, a plurality of concave coolant flow paths 212 are formed in parallel on the intermediate plate 206 (hereinafter, this example is referred to as Conventional Technology 1).
Further, the prior art 2 and the prior art 3 shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C have also been proposed. In the prior art 2 of FIG. 11B, the intermediate plate 206 of the prior art 1 is omitted, and in one separator plate 204, convex dimples 214 are formed on the side surface on the cooling medium passage side, and the separator plate 204 is also used as a cooling plate.

  In prior art 2, as shown in FIG. 11 (d), a water guide layer 203 is formed between the separator plate 202 and the porous body 208, and a water guide layer 205 is formed between the separator plate 202 and the porous body 210. The generated water is discharged to the outside through the water guide layers 203 and 205.

  11C, the intermediate plate 206 of the prior art 1 is omitted, and in one separator plate 204, a plurality of cooling medium flow paths 216 having a concave shape on the side surface on the cooling medium passage side are parallel to each other. The separator plate 204 is also used as a cooling plate.

JP 2000-228207 A JP 2002-75395 A

  However, in the prior art 1, a total of five members including a pair of porous bodies, a pair of separator plates constituting the separator, and an intermediate plate are required between the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), and the number of parts increases. There is a problem of high costs.

  In the prior art 2, all four members of a pair of porous bodies and a pair of separator plates constituting the separator are interposed between the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), so that the component cost can be reduced as compared with the prior art 1. . However, as shown in FIG. 11D, when water accumulates in the recess 214a on the back surface of the dimple 214, there is a problem that the water accumulated in the same portion cannot be drained.

  In the prior art 3 in FIG. 11C, the porous body 210 and the separator plate 204 have a cooling medium flow path 216 provided in the vertical direction in the figure, so that a water guiding layer can be formed in the vertical direction. Since the direction is divided by the concave portion on the back side of the bowl-shaped protrusion for forming the cooling medium flow path 216, there is a problem that the water guide layer cannot be formed.

As described above, conventionally, there is a problem that a configuration for reducing the number of parts interposed between the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and effectively forming a water guide layer has not been proposed.
An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell separator and a fuel cell that can reduce the number of components interposed between membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and can effectively form a water conducting layer. It is in.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to a fuel cell separator in which a first separator plate having conductivity and a second separator plate having conductivity are disposed in a stacked manner. A first rib protruding in a direction opposite to the direction of stacking with the second separator plate is arranged on the one separator plate so as to be arranged in a dotted line, and a group of the first ribs arranged in the dotted line ( Hereinafter, a plurality of first rib groups are provided side by side, and the second separator plate projects in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first separator plate is laminated. The second ribs are arranged in a dotted line, and a group of second ribs arranged in the dotted line (hereinafter referred to as a second rib group) is regarded as one group, and a plurality of second rib groups are arranged. The first ribs are provided side by side. The first rib group and the first rib group so that the first recesses formed on the back surface side and the second recesses respectively formed on the back surface side of the second ribs are alternately linked and communicated in a chain shape. The gist of the fuel cell separator is that a cooling medium passage is formed by arranging the second rib group.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the plurality of first rib groups are arranged on a plurality of first imaginary lines parallel to each other, and the plurality of second rib groups are parallel to each other. Each of the second virtual lines is arranged on a plurality of second virtual lines.

The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in claim 2, the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line are straight lines, curved lines, or zigzag lines.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the surface area of all the first ribs of the first separator plate disposed on the anode side is the second separator disposed on the cathode side. It is characterized by being larger than the surface area of all the second ribs of the plate.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a fuel cell, wherein the membrane electrode assembly has a first electrode catalyst layer on the anode side and a second electrode catalyst layer on the cathode side, and is disposed to face the membrane electrode assembly. A fuel cell separator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 (hereinafter referred to as a separator), interposed between the first electrode catalyst layer and the first separator plate of the separator, A first gas channel forming body having a first gas channel for supplying, and a second gas for supplying an oxidizing gas interposed between the second electrode catalyst layer and the second separator plate of the separator. A second gas flow path forming body provided with a flow path, the second gas flow path forming body for forming a flat plate material and a second gas flow path formed integrally with the flat plate material. A plurality of protrusions, in front of the second gas flow path forming body A first water channel is formed between the surface of the flat plate and the back surface of the second separator plate corresponding to the second gas channel forming body, and the first water channel and the second gas channel are The first gas flow path is formed by cutting and raising each protrusion of the second gas flow path forming body, and the depth of the first water flow path is set to be shallower than the depth of the second gas flow path. The gist of the fuel cell is characterized in that water sucked into the first water flow path by capillary action from the second gas flow path through the first communication hole is discharged by an external force acting on the water. Yes.

  In claim 5, the generated water in the second gas flow path of the cathode-side gas flow path forming body (second gas flow path forming body) is sucked into the first water flow path by capillary action through the first communication hole, The water in the first water channel is discharged by an external force that acts on the water. In this case, the discharge path is a water guide layer formed by the second gas flow path forming body, which is a porous body. The water guide layer can be effectively formed without being divided between the plurality of second rib groups, The water in the water guide layer formed by the two gas flow path forming body (porous body) can be efficiently discharged.

  For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of oxidizing gas deficiency is avoided and electric power generation efficiency improves. Further, the generated water is prevented from remaining in the second gas flow path, the pressure loss due to the generated water of the oxidizing gas flowing in the second gas flow path is reduced, and the power generation efficiency is improved.

  The invention of claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the first gas flow path forming body comprises a flat plate material and a plurality of protrusions for forming a first gas flow channel formed integrally with the flat plate material. A second water flow path is formed between a surface of the flat plate member of the first gas flow path forming body and a back surface of the first separator plate corresponding to the first gas flow path forming body, and the water flow The passage and the first gas flow path are communicated by a second communication hole formed by cutting and raising each protrusion of the first gas flow path forming body, and the depth of the second water flow path is Water that is set shallower than the depth of one gas channel and is sucked into the second water channel by capillary action from the first gas channel through the second communication hole is discharged by an external force that acts on the water. It is characterized by that.

  In claim 6, the permeated water in the first gas flow path of the gas flow path forming body (first gas flow path forming body) on the anode side is sucked into the second water flow path by capillary action through the second communication hole, The water in the second water channel is discharged by an external force that acts on the water. In this case, the discharge path is a water guide layer formed by the first gas flow path forming body, which is a porous body. The water guide layer can be effectively formed without being divided between the plurality of first rib groups, The water in the water guide layer formed by the one gas flow path forming body (porous body) can be efficiently discharged.

  For this reason, fuel gas is appropriately supplied to the first electrode catalyst layer on the anode side, occurrence of fuel deficiency is avoided, and power generation efficiency is improved. Further, since the permeated water does not remain in the first gas flow path, the pressure loss due to the permeated water of the fuel gas flowing through the first gas flow path due to the permeated water is reduced, and the power generation efficiency is improved. Further, since the water from the water guiding layer is prevented from entering the first electrode catalyst layer on the anode side, occurrence of fuel deficiency is avoided in the first electrode catalyst layer. Accordingly, an increase in the potential of the first electrode catalyst layer due to fuel deficiency is prevented, and corrosion of the gas flow path formation body (first gas flow path formation body) due to an increase in the potential of the first electrode catalyst layer is prevented. .

  According to the invention of claim 1, the cooling medium passage can be configured by alternately communicating with the first recess of the first rib of the first separator plate and the second recess of the second rib of the second separator plate, When the first separator plate and the second separator plate of the separator are respectively laminated on the membrane electrode assembly with the porous body interposed therebetween, the water guiding layer formed by the porous body is formed between the plurality of first rib groups and the plurality of second ribs. It can form effectively, without dividing | segmenting between groups, and the water of the water guide layer which the porous body formed can be discharged | emitted efficiently. Moreover, the number of parts interposed between the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) can be reduced.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the plurality of first rib groups are respectively arranged on the plurality of first imaginary lines parallel to each other, and the plurality of second rib groups are arranged on the plurality of second imaginary lines parallel to each other. By disposing each on the line, the cooling medium passage can be formed along the imaginary line, and the effect of claim 1 can be easily realized.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line are straight lines, curved lines, or zigzag lines, so that the coolant passage is formed along the straight lines, curved lines, or zigzag lines. it can.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the surface area of all the first ribs of the first separator plate arranged on the anode side is larger than the surface area of all the second ribs of the second separator plate arranged on the cathode side. As a result, the anode side of the cooling medium passage becomes mainstream, and as a result, the anode side can be more actively cooled than the cathode side, and the high-temperature performance of the fuel cell can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to provide the fuel cell having the effect of any one of claims 1 to 4 and to improve the power generation efficiency.
According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to provide a fuel cell having the effect of any one of claims 1 to 4, improve power generation efficiency, and further form a gas flow path on the anode side. The durability of the electrode catalyst layer on the body and the cathode side can be improved, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of a single cell. The disassembled perspective view which shows a 1st and 2nd flame | frame, an electrode structure, a 1st and 2nd floor flow path formation body, and a separator. The disassembled perspective view of a separator. (A) is a partial perspective view which shows a gas flow path formation body, (b) is explanatory drawing of a 2nd water flow path. (A) is a perspective view of a separator, (b) is sectional drawing of a separator. (A)-(c) is a partial front view of the separator of 2nd-4th embodiment, respectively. (A) The partial front view of the 2nd separator plate of the separator of 5th Embodiment, (b) is the partial front view of the 1st separator plate of 5th Embodiment, (c) is the part of the separator of 5th Embodiment. Front view, (d) is a partial front view of the first separator plate of the separator of the fifth embodiment, (e) is a partial front view of the second separator plate of the sixth embodiment, and (f) is the sixth embodiment. The partial front view of a separator. (A) is a partial front view of the second separator plate of the separator of the seventh embodiment, (b) is a partial front view of the first separator plate of the seventh embodiment, and (c) is a portion of the separator of the seventh embodiment. Front view, (d) is a partial front view of the second separator plate of the separator of the eighth embodiment, (e) is a partial front view of the first separator plate of the eighth embodiment, and (f) is a view of the eighth embodiment. The partial front view of a separator. (A) is a front view of the separator of 9th Embodiment, (b) is a front view of the 1st separator plate of 9th Embodiment, (c) is a front view of the 2nd separator plate of 9th Embodiment. (A), (b), (c) is the exploded perspective view of the separator and porous body of the conventional fuel cell, (d) is principal part sectional drawing of (c).

Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying a fuel cell and a separator of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell stack 11 is a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell, and includes a large number of stacked single cells 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the single cell 12 includes a square frame-shaped first frame 13 and second frame 14 made of synthetic rubber (or synthetic resin), and MEA 15 (Membrane-Electrode Assembly) as a membrane electrode assembly. I have. The first frame 13 defines a fuel gas channel space S1 on the inner side, and the second frame 14 defines an oxidizing gas channel space S2 on the inner side. The MEA 15 is disposed between the frames 13 and 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the single cell 12 includes a first gas flow path forming body 21 made of ferrite SUS (stainless steel) accommodated in a flow path space S1 for fuel gas, and a flow path for the oxidizing gas. And a second gas flow path forming body 22 made of titanium or gold accommodated in the space S2.

  Further, the single cell 12 includes a separator SP including a first separator plate 23 and a second separator plate 24 made of titanium having conductivity. The first separator plate 23 is formed in a flat plate shape and bonded to the upper surfaces of the first frame 13 and the first gas flow path forming body 21 in the drawing. The second separator plate 24 is bonded to the lower surface of the second frame 14 and the second gas flow path forming body 22 in the drawing. The details of the separator SP will be described later. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the configurations of the first gas flow path forming body 21 and the second gas flow path forming body 22 are simplified and illustrated in a flat plate shape.

  1 and 2, the MEA 15 includes a solid electrolyte membrane 16, a first electrode catalyst layer 17 and a second electrode catalyst layer 18, and a first gas diffusion layer 19 and a second gas diffusion layer having conductivity. 20. The first electrode catalyst layer 17 is formed of a catalyst laminated on the anode side surface of the solid electrolyte membrane 16, that is, the upper surface in the figure, and the second electrode catalyst layer 18 is a surface on the cathode side of the solid electrolyte membrane 16. That is, it is formed by a catalyst laminated on the lower surface in the drawing.

  The first gas diffusion layer 19 and the second gas diffusion layer 20 are bonded to the surfaces of the first electrode catalyst layer 17 and the second electrode catalyst layer 18, respectively. When the fuel cell according to the present embodiment is used, the MEA 15 of each single cell 12 of the fuel cell stack 11 shown in FIG. 1 is parallel to the vertical direction.

  The solid electrolyte membrane 16 is formed of a fluorine-based polymer membrane. The first electrode catalyst layer 17 and the second electrode catalyst layer 18 include carbon particles (not shown) that support a catalyst, and a large number of catalyst particles made of platinum (Pt) are attached to the surfaces of the carbon particles. The first electrode catalyst layer 17 and the second electrode catalyst layer 18 are bonded to the solid electrolyte membrane 16 with a paste for forming an electrode catalyst layer. With the catalyst particles as the catalyst, the power generation efficiency can be increased when the power generation of the fuel cell is performed. In the present embodiment, the carbon particles have a particle size of several μm, and the catalyst particles have a particle size of 2 nm. Although the first gas diffusion layer 19 and the second gas diffusion layer 20 are made of carbon paper, the first gas diffusion layer 19 and the second gas diffusion layer 20 are not limited to carbon paper.

(About the 1st gas flow path formation body 21 and the 2nd gas flow path formation body 22)
Next, the first gas flow path forming body 21 and the second gas flow path forming body 22 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Since the first gas flow path forming body 21 positioned on the anode side and the second gas flow path forming body 22 positioned on the cathode side are configured in the same manner, the first gas flow path forming body 21 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the first gas flow path forming body 21 includes a flat plate member 25, and a plurality of first protrusions 26 and second protrusions 27 are dotted at a large number of locations in the flat plate member 25. It is formed to exist. The first protrusion 26 is a protrusion for forming a gas flow path T1 (see FIG. 2) described later as the first gas flow path, and protrudes from the first gas diffusion layer 19 (see FIG. 2). It is cut and raised. The 2nd protrusion 27 is a protrusion for forming the 2nd water flow path 28 mentioned later, and is extruded and formed so that it may protrude to the 1st separator plate 23 side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each first protrusion 26 comes into contact with the first gas diffusion layer 19, whereby a fuel gas gas flow path T <b> 1 (fuel) between the flat plate material 25 and the first gas diffusion layer 19. Gas passage space S1) is also formed. Each second protrusion 27 comes into contact with a later-described first rib 30 of the first separator plate 23, whereby a second water flow path 28 is formed between the flat plate member 25 and the first separator plate 23. .

  As shown in FIG. 5A, each first protrusion 26 is formed in a bridge shape, and the first protrusion 26 has a first protrusion along a direction Q perpendicular to the gas flow direction P. A second communication hole 29 penetrating the portion 26 is formed. That is, the second communication hole 29 is formed so as to open at two locations, that is, the left end and the right end of the first protrusion 26 when viewed from the gas flow direction P. The gas passage T1 and the second water passage 28 are communicated with each other through the second communication hole 29 (see FIG. 1). Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the two first protrusions 26 forming a pair are adjacent to each other in a direction Q orthogonal to the gas flow direction P.

  Further, of the pair of first protrusions 26, the downstream end of the protrusion located on the upstream side in the gas flow direction P is the upstream end of the protrusion located on the downstream side in the gas flow direction P. Adjacent. The second protrusion 27 is formed so as to be adjacent to the downstream end of the first protrusion 26 from the downstream side in the gas flow direction P. Note that the position of the second protrusion 27 is not limited to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the first protrusions 26 are arranged in a row at a predetermined interval in the gas flow direction P. The plurality of groups of first protrusions 26 in a row are formed to be separated by a predetermined width D in a direction Q perpendicular to the gas flow direction P. A plurality of strip-shaped flat plate portions 25a parallel to each other are formed on the flat plate material 25, and these strip-shaped flat plate portions 25a extend over the entire length of the flat plate material 25 in the gas flow direction P. As shown in FIG. 5B, a band-shaped water flow path 28 a that is a part of the second water flow path 28 is formed between the band-shaped flat plate portion 25 a and the first separator plate 23. Each strip-shaped water flow path 28 a extends in the gas flow direction P over the entire length of the flat plate 25 and the first separator plate 23. Each pair of first protrusions 26 is separated by a predetermined distance E in the gas flow direction P, and the flat plate member 25 is formed with a flat plate portion 25b that intersects the belt-like flat plate portion 25a. Between the flat plate portion 25 b and the first separator plate 23, a bypass water channel 28 b that is a part of the second water channel 28 is formed.

  As described above, the second gas flow path forming body 22 is configured in the same manner as the first gas flow path forming body 21, so that each part formed in the second gas flow path forming body 22 is Is a number obtained by adding “100” to the number assigned to each part formed in the first gas flow path forming body 21 and replaces the description (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5). .

  Here, the 1st protrusion 126 of the 2nd gas flow path formation body 22 turns into a protrusion for forming gas flow path T2 (refer FIG. 1, FIG. 2) as a 2nd gas flow path. The communication hole 129 corresponds to a first communication hole, and the water channel 128 corresponds to a first water channel.

(About the first frame 13 and the second frame 14)
As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel gas passage space S <b> 1 of the first frame 13 is formed in a square shape in plan view. In the first frame 13, elongated parallel fuel gas inlets 13 a and fuel gas outlets 13 b communicating with the fuel gas flow path space S <b> 1 are formed in parallel sides 131 and 132 facing each other. In the first frame 13, a long hole-like oxidizing gas inlet 13 c and an oxidizing gas outlet 13 d are formed in the sides 133 and 134 adjacent to the sides 131 and 132, respectively. In the first frame 13, a cooling medium inlet 13 e and a cooling medium outlet 13 f are formed on the sides 131 and 132, respectively. In this embodiment, water is used as the cooling medium, but is not limited to water.

  The second frame 14 is configured in the same manner as the first frame 13. The second frame 14 corresponds to the fuel gas inlet 13a, the fuel gas outlet 13b, the oxidizing gas inlet 13c, the oxidizing gas outlet 13d, the cooling medium inlet 13e, and the cooling medium outlet 13f of the first frame 13. Thus, the fuel gas inlet 14a, the fuel gas outlet 14b, the oxidizing gas inlet 14c, the oxidizing gas outlet 14d, the cooling medium inlet 14e, and the cooling medium outlet 14f are formed.

  On the four sides of the first separator plate 23, a fuel gas inlet 13a, a fuel gas outlet 13b, an oxidizing gas inlet 13c, an oxidizing gas outlet 13d, a cooling medium inlet 13e and a cooling medium formed in the first frame 13 are provided. Corresponding to the outlet 13f, a fuel gas inlet 23a, a fuel gas outlet 23b, an oxidizing gas inlet 23c, an oxidizing gas outlet 23d, a cooling medium inlet 23e, and a cooling medium outlet 23f are formed. Similarly, on the four sides of the second separator plate 24, a fuel gas inlet 14a, a fuel gas outlet 14b, an oxidizing gas inlet 14c, an oxidizing gas outlet 14d, and a cooling medium inlet 14e formed in the second frame 14 are provided. Corresponding to the cooling medium outlet 14f, a fuel gas inlet 24a, a fuel gas outlet 24b, an oxidizing gas inlet 24c, an oxidizing gas outlet 24d, a cooling medium inlet 24e, and a cooling medium outlet 24f are formed. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first gas flow path forming body 21 contacts the surface of the first gas diffusion layer 19 and the back surface of the first separator plate 23 in the fuel gas flow path space S <b> 1 of the first frame 13. Has been. The second gas flow path forming body 22 is in contact with the front surface of the second gas diffusion layer 20 and the back surface of the second separator plate 24 in the oxidizing gas flow path space S <b> 2 of the second frame 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fuel gas inlet 23a of the first separator plate 23, the fuel gas inlet 13a of the first frame 13, the fuel gas inlet 14a of the second frame 14, and the second separator plate 24 A supply passage M1 for supplying fuel gas to each single cell 12 is formed by the fuel gas introduction port 24a. The fuel gas outlet 23b of the first separator plate 23, the fuel gas outlet 13b of the first frame 13, the fuel gas outlet 14b of the second frame 14, and the fuel gas outlet 24b of the second separator plate 24 are used for each unit. A fuel gas outlet passage M <b> 2 is formed in the cell 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel gas supplied from the outside of the fuel cell to the fuel gas supply passage M <b> 1 passes through the gas passage T <b> 1 of the first gas passage formation body 21, and is supplied to the power generation. To the lead-out passage M2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the oxidizing gas inlet 23c of the first separator plate 23, the oxidizing gas inlet 13c of the first frame 13, the oxidizing gas inlet 14c of the second frame 14, and the oxidation of the second separator plate 24 are shown. A supply passage R1 for supplying an oxidizing gas to each single cell 12 is formed by the gas inlet 24c. Each single cell is formed by the oxidizing gas outlet 23d of the first separator plate 23, the oxidizing gas outlet 13d of the first frame 13, the oxidizing gas outlet 14d of the second frame 14, and the oxidizing gas outlet 24d of the second separator plate 24. 12 is formed with a lead-out passage R2 for leading out the oxidizing off gas. The oxidizing gas supplied to the oxidizing gas supply passage R1 from the outside of the fuel cell passes through the gas flow path T2 of the second gas flow path forming body 22, is supplied to the power generation, and then oxidized to the oxidizing gas outlet path R2. Guided as off-gas.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling medium introduction port 23 e of the first separator plate 23, the cooling medium introduction port 13 e of the first frame 13, the cooling medium introduction port 14 e of the second frame 14, and the cooling medium introduction of the second separator plate 24. A supply passage J1 for supplying a cooling medium to each single cell 12 is formed by the opening 24e. The cooling medium outlet 23f of the first separator plate 23, the cooling medium outlet 13f of the first frame 13, the cooling medium outlet 14f of the second frame 14, and the cooling medium outlet 24f of the second separator plate 24 are used for each unit. A cooling medium outlet passage J <b> 2 is formed in the cell 12. The cooling medium supplied from the outside of the fuel cell to the supply passage J1 passes through a cooling medium passage 40 (described later) provided in the separator SP and is guided to the outlet passage J2.

  In the present embodiment, the height of the portion of the first protrusion 26 protruding from the belt-like flat plate portion 25a and the portion of the first protrusion 126 protruding from the belt-like flat plate portion 125a is, in other words, the first gas flow path forming body 21 and the second protrusion. The depths of the gas flow paths T1 and T2 of the gas flow path forming body 22 are set, for example, in the range of 30 μm to 1000 μm, desirably in the range of 30 μm to 300 μm, and as an example, set to 200 μm. The height of the part which protrudes from the strip | belt-shaped flat plate parts 25a and 125a of the 2nd protrusion parts 27 and 127, in other words, the shallowest depth of the water flow paths 28 and 128 is set to the range of 10 micrometers-50 micrometers, and an example As 30 μm.

  Moreover, the deepest depth of the water flow paths 28 and 128 is set according to the height of the part which the 1st rib 30 and the 2nd rib 36 which are mentioned later protrude. The deepest depth is shallower than the depths of the gas flow paths T1 and T2 of the first gas flow path forming body 21 and the second gas flow path forming body 22, and based on this criterion, the first depth is set. The height of the protruding portion of the rib 30 and the second rib 36 is set. That is, the deepest depth of the water flow path 28 (128) is the height of the portion of the second protrusion 27 (127) protruding from the belt-like flat plate portion 25a (125a) and the first rib 30 (second rib 36). This is the total height of the protruding parts.

  As described above, since the water channels 28 and 128 are formed in a slit shape and the depth of the water channels 28 and 128 is shallower than the depth of the gas channels T1 and T2, the slit-shaped water channels 28 and 128 are formed. Due to the capillary action, water in the gas flow paths T1, T2 is easily sucked into the water flow paths 28, 128 through the communication holes 29, 129. The width D of the strip-shaped flat plate portions 25a and 125a shown in FIG. 5 is set to 100 μm to 300 μm, and the interval E between the flat plate portions 25b and 125b is set to 50 μm to 150 μm.

(About Separator SP)
As shown in FIG. 3, the first separator plate 23 of the separator SP has a rectangular plate shape such as a rectangle (or a square), and is formed such that the first ribs 30 are scattered at a number of locations. Yes. The first rib 30 is formed by extrusion so as to protrude toward the first gas flow path forming body 21, and a pair of ends are provided on the side provided with the cooling medium introduction port 23e and the side provided with the cooling medium outlet port 23f. It is extended to go to each. In other words, the first rib 30 is disposed along a direction orthogonal to the side where the cooling medium introduction port 23e is provided and the side where the cooling medium outlet 23f is provided. Hereinafter, the orthogonal direction is referred to as a longitudinal direction of the first rib 30. The length of the first rib 30 in the longitudinal direction is A. A first recess 31 (see FIG. 1) is formed on the surface on the opposite side from which the first rib 30 is projected, that is, on the surface on the second separator plate 24 side.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, each 1st rib 30 is arrange | positioned at predetermined intervals F at equal intervals, and is each dotted-line-like along the some 1st virtual line L1 mutually parallel. The first ribs 30 disposed along the common first imaginary line L1 are disposed apart from each other by a gap G (<A). In the present embodiment, the first virtual line L1 is a straight line. Here, a group of the first ribs 30 arranged along the common first imaginary line L1 is referred to as a first rib group. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of first rib groups are provided as many as the number of the first virtual lines L1 and arranged side by side.

  Further, among the plurality of first virtual lines L1, the first ribs 30 arranged along the even-numbered and odd-numbered first virtual lines L1 (that is, in the column direction) are shifted so as to overlap each other. Arranged, and those located on the even-numbered first virtual line L1 and those located on the odd-numbered first virtual line L1 are arranged without shifting.

In order to overlap in this way, in the present embodiment, the first rib 30 is arranged along the first imaginary line L1 and the distance G <length A is realized.
As described above, a gap is formed around the first rib 30, that is, between the first ribs 30 adjacent to each other. This gap forms a part of the second water flow path 28, and this gap Due to the gap, the deepest depth described above is obtained in the second water flow path 28.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the first separator plate 23, the portion between the cooling medium introduction port 23 e and the cooling medium outlet 23 f and the first rib 30 at the nearest position is the same as the first rib 30. A plurality of ribs 32 and 33 are formed so as to protrude toward the first gas flow path forming body 21 side. A plurality of introduction grooves 32 a and a plurality of lead-out grooves 33 a extending in the longitudinal direction of the first rib 30 are formed on the back side of the ribs 32 and 33. One end of each of the plurality of introduction grooves 32a communicates with the cooling medium introduction port 23e, and each other end (closed end) extends to a position sandwiching the first recess 31 located at the nearest position. In addition, each one end of the plurality of lead-out grooves 33a communicates with the cooling medium lead-out port 23f, and each other end (closed end) extends to a position sandwiching the first recess 31 located at the nearest position.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second separator plate 24 of the separator SP has a rectangular plate shape such as a rectangle (or a square), and is formed such that the second ribs 36 are scattered at a number of locations. Yes. The second rib 36 is formed by extrusion so as to protrude toward the second gas flow path forming body 22, and has a pair of ends on the side where the oxidizing gas inlet 24 c is provided and the side where the oxidizing gas outlet 24 d is provided. It is extended to go to each. In the present embodiment, the second ribs 36 have the same shape as the first ribs 30 and the same number of the second ribs 36 as the first ribs 30, so that the surface areas are the same.

  That is, the second rib 36 is disposed along a direction orthogonal to the side where the oxidizing gas inlet 24c is provided and the side where the oxidizing gas outlet 24d is provided. Hereinafter, the orthogonal direction is referred to as a longitudinal direction of the second rib 36. The length of the second rib 36 in the longitudinal direction is B. A second recess 37 (see FIG. 1) is formed on the opposite surface from which the second rib 36 is projected, that is, on the surface on the first separator plate 23 side.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second ribs 36 are arranged at equal intervals with a predetermined pitch H, and are formed in a dotted line shape along a plurality of second imaginary lines L2 parallel to each other. The second ribs 36 arranged along the common second imaginary line L <b> 2 are arranged so as to be aligned, and are spaced apart from each other by a distance C. In the present embodiment, the second virtual line L2 is a straight line, and is arranged so as to intersect with the first virtual line L1 at right angles. In the present embodiment, the interval C is the same as the pitch F. Here, a group of the second ribs 36 arranged along the common second imaginary line L2 is referred to as a second rib group. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of second rib groups are provided and provided as many as the number of the second virtual lines L2.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second ribs 36 arranged along the second virtual lines L2 adjacent to each other and the other second virtual lines L2 adjacent to each other. Unlike the first ribs 30, the arranged second ribs 36 are not arranged to be shifted from each other adjacent second rib groups, but are arranged in alignment.

  Further, in the second separator plate 24, the second gas flow path is provided in a portion between the cooling medium inlet 24 e and the cooling medium outlet 24 f and the second rib 36 at the nearest position in the same manner as the second rib 36. A pair of ribs 38 and 39 are respectively formed by extrusion so as to protrude toward the forming body 22 side. A distribution recess 38a and a collection recess 39a are formed on the back sides of the ribs 38 and 39, respectively. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, reference numerals of the distribution recesses 38 a and the collection and delivery recesses 39 a are attached on the protruding direction side of the ribs 38 and 39. The ribs 38 and 39 (distribution recess 38a and collection recess 39a) each extend over the entire length of the second rib group at the nearest position.

The first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are flat plate portions 23g and 24g where the ribs are not provided.
The distribution recess 38a of the second separator plate 24 is a state in which the first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are bonded and laminated by the flat plate portions 23g and 24g (hereinafter simply referred to as a laminated state). The distribution recesses 38 a of the two separator plates 24 are arranged so as to face each other so as to communicate with the closed end sides of the respective introduction grooves 32 a of the first separator plate 23.

  When the first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are stacked, the distribution recess 38a includes the first recess 31 positioned closest to the introduction groove 32a, and the longitudinal direction of the first recess 31. It arrange | positions so that it may communicate with each upstream end of all the 1st recessed parts located in a direction orthogonal to. In addition, the first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are stacked, and the collecting and delivering recesses 39a of the second separator plate 24 are relatively communicated with the closed end sides of the respective outlet grooves 33a of the first separator plate 23. Are arranged to be.

  When the first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are stacked, the collecting and delivering recess 39a includes the first recess 31 positioned closest to the lead-out groove 33a and the longitudinal direction of the first recess 31. It arrange | positions so that it may communicate with each downstream end of all the 1st recessed parts 31 located in a direction orthogonal to.

  In addition, the first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are stacked, and the downstream ends (and upstream ends) of the first recesses 31 of the first separator plate 23 are adjacent to each other in one direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the upstream end (and downstream end) of the first recess 31 and the ends of the second recess 37 of the second separator plate 24 are opposed to each other so as to be linked in a chain shape. . As a result, a plurality of cooling medium passages 40 are formed in parallel as shown in FIG. When viewed in plan, the cooling medium passage 40 of the present embodiment has a shape in which a plurality of rectangular pulse waveforms are arranged at equal intervals.

(Operation of the embodiment)
Now, the operation of the fuel cell configured as described above will be described.
In FIG. 2, when the fuel gas supplied to the supply passage M1 flows in the gas flow path T1 of the first gas flow path forming body 21 in the direction of the arrow, it collides with a large number of first protrusions 26, and the fuel Gas turbulence occurs. As a result, the fuel gas is diffused in the gas flow path T1. The fuel gas is further appropriately diffused by passing through the first gas diffusion layer 19 and is uniformly supplied to the first electrode catalyst layer 17.

  In FIG. 1, when the oxidizing gas supplied to the supply passage R1 flows in the gas flow path T2 of the second gas flow path forming body 22 in the direction of the arrow, it collides with a number of first protrusions 126 to oxidize. Gas turbulence occurs. As a result, the oxidizing gas is diffused in the gas flow path T2. The oxidizing gas is further appropriately diffused by passing through the second gas diffusion layer 20 and is uniformly supplied to the second electrode catalyst layer 18.

  By supplying the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas, an electrochemical reaction occurs in the MEA 15 to generate power. A desired electric power is output from the fuel cell stack 11 constituted by the plurality of stacked single cells 12.

  In the power generation state described above, generated water is generated in the gas flow path T2 of the second gas flow path forming body 22 on the cathode side by the electrochemical reaction. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the fuel gas (hydrogen gas) that has not been used during power generation passes through the gas passage T1 of the first gas passage formation body 21 and the fuel gas outlet passage M2 as a fuel off-gas. Discharged outside.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a part of the oxidizing gas that was not used at the time of power generation passes to the outside through the lead-out passage R2 formed in the first frame 13 and the second frame 14 as an oxidizing off gas together with the nitrogen gas. Discharged. A part of the generated water penetrates the second electrode catalyst layer 18 on the cathode side, the solid electrolyte membrane 16, the first electrode catalyst layer 17 and the first gas diffusion layer 19 to form the first gas flow path forming body 21. It flows into the gas flow path T1 as osmotic water.

  The fuel gas collides with a number of first protrusions 26 shown in FIG. 5 when flowing through the gas flow path T1 as indicated by arrows in FIG. At this time, the permeated water contained in the fuel gas becomes water droplets and adheres to the front surface of the first protrusion 26. This water droplet W (penetrated water) flows into the first protrusion 26 through a communication hole 29 formed in the first protrusion 26 by the flow pressure of the fuel gas. The permeated water flows into the second water flow path 28 formed in a slit shape. The permeated water sucked into the second water channel 28 is held as retained water in the second water channel 28 by the surface tension of the water. Due to the action of the retained water, when the water droplet (permeated water) in the gas channel T1 comes into contact with the retained water through the communication hole 29, the water droplet is retained in the second water channel 28 due to the nature of the water droplet to reduce the surface area. Inhaled into the water. The retained water (permeated water) flowing into the second water flow path 28 is gas by external force acting on the retained water, that is, the flow pressure of the fuel gas flowing in the gas flow path T1, gravity, the surface tension of the water, and the like. The fuel flows to the downstream side in the longitudinal direction P and is discharged to the fuel gas outlet passage M2.

  When discharged to the lead-out passage M2, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first ribs 30 are formed in an island shape, and the gaps around the first ribs 30 adjacent to each other are also formed. Since it becomes the 2nd water flow path 28, the retention water U (permeation water) can be discharged | emitted, without dividing the connection of water.

  On the other hand, the generated water V (see FIG. 6B) generated in the gas flow path T2 of the cathode-side second gas flow path forming body 22 is the drainage action of the anode-side retained water (permeated water) described above. Similarly, the external force acting on the generated water, that is, the flow pressure of the oxidizing gas, gravity, the surface tension of the water, and the like are discharged to the oxidizing gas outlet passage R2 side as shown in FIG.

Next, the flow of the cooling medium in the separator SP will be described.
In FIG. 2, the cooling medium supplied to the supply passage J1 is introduced into the distribution recess 38a of the second separator plate 24 through the cooling medium introduction port 23e of the first separator plate 23 and the introduction groove 32a. The cooling medium introduced into the distribution recess 38a is distributed to the plurality of cooling medium passages 40 shown in FIG. In each cooling medium passage 40, the cooling medium repeatedly and repeatedly moves a plurality of times into the first recess 31 (in the first rib 30) and the second recess 37 (in the second rib 36). As a result, the anode side (first separator plate 23 side) and the cathode side (second separator plate 24 side) are cooled by the cooling medium. When the cooling medium reaches each of the collection and delivery recesses 39a of the second separator plate 24 shown in FIG. 2 from each cooling medium passage 40, it passes through the cooling medium outlet 23f via the outlet groove 33a of the first separator plate 23, and passes through the outlet passage. It is discharged outside through J2.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The separator SP of the present embodiment is arranged on the first separator plate 23 such that the first ribs 30 protruding in the direction opposite to the direction of stacking with the second separator plate 24 are arranged in a dotted line. The first rib group (first rib group) arranged in the dotted line form one group, and a plurality of first rib groups are provided side by side. The second separator plate 24 is provided with second ribs 36 protruding in the direction opposite to the direction of stacking with the first separator plate 23 so as to be arranged in a dotted line, and the second rib 36 arranged in the dotted line form. A plurality of second rib groups are provided side by side with a group of two ribs (second rib group) as one group. And the 1st recessed part 31 each formed in the back surface side of each 1st rib 30 and the 2nd recessed part 37 each formed in the back surface side of each 2nd rib 36 are linked in a chain shape alternately, and are connected. As described above, the plurality of cooling medium passages 40 are formed by arranging the first rib group and the second rib group.

  As a result, according to the separator SP of the present embodiment, the cooling medium passage 40 passes through the first recess 31 of the first rib 30 of the first separator plate 23 and the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 of the second separator plate 24. The first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are respectively connected to the MEA 15 by interposing the first gas flow path forming body 21 and the second gas flow path forming body 22 which are porous bodies. When laminated on the (membrane electrode assembly), the second water flow path 28 formed by the porous body, the layer in which the osmotic water is formed in the water flow path 128 and the layer in which the generated water is formed (water conduction layer) It can form effectively, without dividing | segmenting between 1 rib groups and between several 2nd rib groups, and can discharge | emit the water of the said water conveyance layer which the porous body formed efficiently. In addition, the number of parts disposed between the MEAs 15 (membrane electrode assemblies) can be reduced.

  (2) In the separator SP of the present embodiment, the plurality of first rib groups are respectively disposed on the plurality of first virtual lines L1 parallel to each other, and the plurality of second rib groups are parallel to each other. They are arranged on the plurality of second virtual lines L2. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the cooling medium passage 40 can be formed along those imaginary lines.

  (3) In the separator SP of the present embodiment, the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 are straight lines. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the cooling medium passage 40 can be formed along a straight line.

  (4) The fuel cell of the present embodiment is arranged to face the MEA 15 and the MEA 15 (membrane electrode assembly) having the first electrode catalyst layer 17 on the anode side and the second electrode catalyst layer 18 on the cathode side. The separator according to (1) to (3) is provided. Further, a first gas flow path forming body that is interposed between the first electrode catalyst layer 17 and the first separator plate 23 of the separator SP and includes a gas flow path T1 (first gas flow path) for supplying fuel gas. 21, a second gas flow path formed with a gas flow path T <b> 2 (second gas flow path) interposed between the second electrode catalyst layer 18 and the second separator plate 24 of the separator SP for supplying an oxidizing gas. A body 22 is provided.

  The second gas flow path forming body 22 includes a flat plate material 125 and a plurality of first protrusions 126 for forming a gas flow channel T2 (second gas flow channel) formed integrally with the flat plate material 125. (Protrusions) between the surface of the flat plate 125 of the second gas flow path forming body 22 and the back surface of the second separator plate 24 corresponding to the second gas flow path forming body 22 1 water flow path) is formed. The water flow path 128 (first water flow path) and the gas flow path T2 (second gas flow path) are communication holes formed by cutting and raising each first protrusion 126 of the second gas flow path forming body 22. 129 (first communication hole). The depth of the water channel 128 (first water channel) is set to be shallower than the depth of the gas channel T2 (second gas channel), and the communication hole 129 extends from the gas channel T2 (second gas channel). The water sucked into the water channel 128 (first water channel) by capillary action through the (first communication hole) is caused by the external force acting on the water, that is, the flow pressure of the generated gas, gravity, the surface tension of the water, etc. Discharged.

As a result, according to the fuel cell of the present embodiment, the effects (1) to (3) can be achieved and the power generation efficiency can be improved.
(5) In the fuel cell of the present embodiment, the first gas flow path forming body 21 forms the flat plate material 25 and the gas flow channel T1 (first gas flow channel) formed integrally with the flat plate material 25. For this purpose, a plurality of first protrusions 26 (protrusions) are provided. Further, a second water flow path 28 is formed between the flat plate material 25 surface of the first gas flow path forming body 21 and the back surface of the first separator plate 23 corresponding to the first gas flow path forming body 21, The second water flow path 28 and the gas flow path T1 (first gas flow path) are communicated with each other by a second communication hole 29 formed by cutting and raising each first protrusion 26 of the first gas flow path forming body 21. ing. The depth of the second water flow path 28 is set to be shallower than the depth of the gas flow path T1 (first gas flow path), and passes through the second communication hole 29 from the gas flow path T1 (first gas flow path). The water sucked into the second water flow path 28 by the capillary action is discharged by the external force acting on the water, that is, the flow pressure of the fuel gas, gravity, the surface tension of the water, and the like.

  As a result, according to the fuel cell of this embodiment, the fuel cell having the effects (1) to (4) can be provided, the power generation efficiency can be improved, and the anode-side gas flow path can be formed. The durability of the electrode catalyst layer on the body and the cathode side can be improved, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

(Other embodiment: 2nd Embodiment-4th Embodiment)
Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C show the layout of the first rib 30 (first recess 31) in the first separator plate 23 of the separator SP and the second rib 36 (second recess 37) in the second separator plate 24. FIG. The introduction groove 32a, the lead-out groove 33a, various introduction ports and the lead-out port are omitted for convenience of explanation, and the outline of the first separator plate 23 or the second separator plate 24 in FIG. Please understand that it is not the actual outline.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7A shows the separator SP as viewed from the first separator plate 23 side of the second embodiment, and the second separator plate 24 is located on the back side of the first separator plate 23. As shown in the figure, both the first imaginary line L1 and the second imaginary line L2 are straight lines as in the first embodiment, and are arranged so as to intersect each other at right angles. In this embodiment, L1a-L1d is set to the 1st virtual line L1 in order of multiple sets. Further, alphabetical characters (a, b, c...) Are attached to L2 in order from the top of the drawing on the second virtual line L2.

  In the present embodiment, the first ribs 30 arranged on the first imaginary line L1 (L1a, L1b...) Are arranged so as to be shifted in the column direction as in the first embodiment. Moreover, the 2nd recessed part 37 of the 2nd rib 36 arrange | positioned at each 2nd virtual line L2 (L2a, L2b ...) is not arrange | positioned by shifting in the row direction. In this embodiment, in FIG. 7A, the upper end of the first rib 30 is the upstream end, and the lower end is called the downstream end.

  The downstream ends of the first recesses 31 of the pair of first ribs 30 on the first virtual lines L1b and L1d are arranged so as to communicate with the second recesses 37 of the second ribs 36 on the second virtual line L2a, respectively. Yes. The upstream end of the first recess 31 of the pair of first ribs 30 on the first virtual lines L1a and L1c further communicates with the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 on the second virtual line L2a. Is arranged. Arranged so that the downstream end of the first recess 31 of the pair of first ribs 30 on the first virtual lines L1a and L1c communicates with the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 on the next second virtual line L2b. Has been. Hereinafter, in this manner, the first ribs 31 of the first ribs 30 on the first virtual lines L1a to L1d are alternately arranged in the same manner in the second virtual lines L2b, L2c. It arrange | positions so that the 2nd recessed part 37 may be connected. In this way, a plurality of cooling medium passages 40 are formed. Even if comprised in this way, there exists an effect similar to 1st Embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7B shows that the length of the first rib 30 is the same as that of the second rib 36 in the configuration of the first embodiment. It is longer than the length of. That is, the width direction (direction orthogonal to the length direction) of the first rib 30 and the second rib 36 is the same. The other separators SP are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. With this configuration, the surface area of all the first ribs 30 in the first separator plate 23 is larger (wider) than the surface area of all the second ribs 36. As a result, in the third embodiment, the cooling medium passage 40 becomes mainstream on the anode side, and as a result, the anode side can be more actively cooled than the cathode side, thereby improving the high-temperature performance of the fuel cell. be able to.

  Note that the surface area of all the first ribs 30 of the first separator plate 23 can be increased by increasing the number of ribs by making the cross-sectional area of the first rib and the second rib large and small. You may make it enlarge.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 7C is a plan view of the separator SP of the fourth embodiment viewed from the first separator plate 23 side. In the present embodiment, the first virtual line L1 is a straight line, and the first virtual lines L1a to L1c having an equal pitch are set in the order of a plurality of sets. The second virtual line L2 is a straight line, and alphabets (a, b, c...) Are attached to L2 in order from the top of the drawing. The first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2a are orthogonal to each other. In this embodiment, in FIG. 7A, the upper end of the first rib 30 is an upstream end, and the lower end is called a downstream end. In the present embodiment, the first rib 30 a having a short length and the first rib 30 b having a long length are provided on the first separator plate 23.

  Specifically, a first rib 30a and a pair of first ribs 30b are arranged in a dotted line on the first virtual line L1a, and a plurality of first ribs 30a are provided on the first virtual line L1b. A pair of first ribs 30b and a first rib 30b are disposed on the first virtual line L1c. Then, it is assumed that the arrangement of the combinations of the first ribs is repeated up and down.

The second virtual lines L2 (L2a, L2b...) Are arranged at an equal pitch.
Here, the leftmost cooling medium passage 40 in FIG. 7C will be described. In the second virtual line L2b, a second rib 36 having an upstream end and a downstream end located on the first virtual lines L1a and L1b is disposed on the second separator plate 24, and a second recess 37 of the second rib 36 is The downstream end of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30a of the first imaginary line L1a and the upstream end of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30a of the first imaginary line L1b are respectively communicated. On the second imaginary line L2c, a second rib 36 having an upstream end and a downstream end positioned on the first imaginary lines L1a and L1b is disposed in the second separator plate 24, and a second recess 37 of the second rib 36 is provided. Communicates with the upstream end of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30b of the first virtual line L1a and the downstream end of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30a of the first virtual line L1b. In the second virtual line L2f, a second rib 36 having an upstream end and a downstream end located on the first virtual lines L1a and L1b is disposed on the second separator plate 24, and a second recess 37 of the second rib 36 is formed on the second virtual line L2f. The first imaginary line L1a communicates with the downstream end of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30b and the upstream end of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30a of the first imaginary line L1b.

  On the second imaginary line L2j, a second rib 36 having an upstream end and a downstream end located on the first imaginary lines L1a and L1b is disposed in the second separator plate 24, and a second recess 37 of the second rib 36 is provided. Is communicated with the downstream end of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30b of the first imaginary line L1a and the upstream end (not shown) of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30a of the first imaginary line L1b although not shown. To do. As described above, the cooling medium passage 40 on the leftmost side in FIG.

  Next, the cooling medium passage 40 adjacent to the cooling medium passage 40 is disposed on the L2a, L2d, L2e, L2h, and L2i, respectively, and the second rib 36 having both ends positioned on the first virtual lines L1b and L1c. The second recesses 37 are arranged in communication with the upstream end or the downstream end of the second recesses 37 of the first ribs 30b located on the first imaginary line L1c, respectively. The other cooling medium passages 40 are configured similarly in the following.

  In the present embodiment, the length of the first rib 30b of the first separator plate 23 is increased (the cross-sectional area is the same for the first ribs 30a, 30b, and 36), and thus the third embodiment. Similarly, the anode side of the cooling medium passage 40 becomes mainstream. As a result, the anode side can be cooled more actively than the cathode side, and the high-temperature performance of the fuel cell can be improved. Further, the surface area of all the first ribs 30 of the first separator plate 23 can be increased by increasing the number of ribs by making the cross-sectional area of the first rib and the second rib large and small. You may make it enlarge.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, the separator SP of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 (a), (c), (d), (f), FIGS. 9 (a), (c), (d), (f), and FIG. 10 (a) including this embodiment. In the embodiments of (c) and (c), the second recess 37 and the distribution recess 38a of the second rib 36 of the second separator plate 24 are recessed toward the back of the drawing. The outline is indicated by a dotted line.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of first virtual lines L1 on the first separator plate 23 are straight lines and are arranged at an equal pitch. The second imaginary line L2 on the second separator plate 24 is also a straight line and is arranged at the same pitch as the first imaginary line L1. And in the state which laminated | stacked the 1st separator plate 23 and the 2nd separator plate 24, as shown in FIG.8 (c), the 1st virtual line L1 and the 2nd virtual line L2 are piled up and arrange | positioned. .

  The plurality of first ribs 30 (first recesses 31) arranged along the first imaginary line L1 have the same length and are arranged in a row at a predetermined pitch. Then, the first ribs 30 on the odd first virtual lines L1 counted from one end side (right end side in the present embodiment) are arranged without being shifted in the column direction as shown in FIG. 8B. The first ribs 30 on the even-numbered first virtual lines L1 are arranged so as to be shifted in the column direction.

  On the other hand, the plurality of second ribs 36 (second recesses 37) arranged along the second imaginary line L <b> 2 have the same length as the first rib 30 and the same predetermined pitch as the first rib 30. Are arranged in rows. The second ribs 36 on the odd-numbered second virtual lines L2 counted from the right end are arranged without being shifted in the column direction as shown in FIG. 8A, and the even-numbered second virtual lines L2 are arranged. The upper second ribs 36 are arranged so as to be shifted in the row direction. Further, the first rib group on the odd first virtual line L1 counted from the right end has the same phase in the column direction as the second rib group on the even second virtual line L2 counted from the right end. In addition, the first rib group on the even-numbered first virtual line L1 counted from the right end has the same phase in the column direction as the second rib group on the odd-numbered second virtual line L2 counted from the right end.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, in the state where the first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are stacked, the first concave portion of the first rib 30 on the odd-numbered first virtual line L1. The downstream end of 31 communicates with the upstream end of the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 on the odd second virtual line L2, and the downstream end of the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 is the first rib. The cooling medium passage 40 is configured by communicating with the upstream end of the 30 second concave portion 37 and alternately connecting them in a chain shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, in the state in which the first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are stacked, the first concave portion of the first rib 30 on the even-numbered first virtual line L1. The downstream end of 31 communicates with the upstream end of the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 on the even-numbered second virtual line L2, and the downstream end of the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 is the first rib. The cooling medium passage 40 is configured by communicating with the upstream end of the 30 second concave portion 37 and alternately connecting them in a chain shape.

  Thus, even if the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 are straight lines and are parallel to each other, a plurality of second virtual lines arranged along the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 are used. The cooling medium passage 40 can be configured by connecting the one recess 31 and the plurality of second recesses 37 in a chain shape.

In this embodiment, the surface area of the total first ribs 30 arranged on the anode side and the surface area of the total second ribs 36 are the same area.
(Sixth embodiment)
The separator SP of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The arrangement configuration of the first virtual lines L1 and the first ribs 30 (first concave portions 31) arranged in the first virtual lines L1 of the present embodiment is set substantially the same as the first virtual lines L1 of the fifth embodiment. ing. On the other hand, the second imaginary line L2 is arranged so as to intersect perpendicularly with the first imaginary line L1 and is a straight line.

  And the structure of the 2nd rib 36 (2nd recessed part 37) arrange | positioned at the 2nd virtual line L2 differs. That is, two types of second ribs 36 (second recesses 37) having different lengths are combined and arranged on the second virtual line L2. In this embodiment, as shown to Fig.8 (a), the 1st rib 30 of 1st rib 30 arrange | positioned along with the some 1st virtual line L1 in combination with a long thing and a short thing, respectively. It arrange | positions so that it may each communicate with the upstream end of the recessed part 31, or a downstream end. By this combination, as shown in FIG. 8F, the cooling medium passage 40 can be combined with another cooling medium passage 40 or combined so as to flow.

This embodiment is an example in which the surface area of the total first rib 30 and the surface area of the total second rib 36 arranged on the anode side can be the same area.
In the present embodiment, there are two types having different lengths, but the lengths may be different from three or more types.

(Seventh embodiment)
Separator SP of 7th Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to Fig.9 (a)-(c). This embodiment is a modification of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 7C already described. As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, in the fourth embodiment, the first ribs 30a and 30b are provided. However, in this embodiment, the knowledge of the first rib 30a and the first rib 30b is provided. The first rib 30c having a length between them is further added. Thus, you may arrange | position the 1st rib from which 3 or more types of lengths differ along the 1st virtual line L1.

(Eighth embodiment)
The separator SP of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is a modification of the fifth embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 are straight lines, but in the present embodiment, the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 are zigzag lines. A plurality of first virtual lines L1 and second virtual lines L2 are arranged in parallel at the same pitch. And in the state which laminated | stacked the 1st separator plate 23 and the 2nd separator plate 24 as shown in FIG.9 (f), the 1st virtual line L1 and the 2nd virtual line L2 are piled up and arrange | positioned. .

The plurality of first ribs 30 (first recesses 31) have the same length as each other as shown in FIG. 9E, and are arranged in a zigzag so as to be placed on the first virtual line L1. Yes.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9D, the plurality of second ribs 36 (second recesses 37) have the same length and are arranged in a zigzag so as to be placed on the second virtual line L2. Yes. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the first rib 30 and the cross-sectional area of each second rib 36 are the same, and the length of the first rib 30 is longer than the length of the second rib 36. That is, the width direction (direction orthogonal to the length direction) of the first rib 30 and the second rib 36 is the same.

  As shown in FIG. 9F, in the state where the first separator plate 23 and the second separator plate 24 are stacked, the downstream end of the first recess 31 of the first rib 30 on the first imaginary line L1. Is communicated with the upstream end of the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 on the second imaginary line L2, and the downstream end of the second recess 37 of the second rib 36 is the second recess of the next first rib 30. 37 is set so as to communicate with the upstream end of 37, and these are alternately connected in a chain shape to constitute the cooling medium passage 40. Thus, even if the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 are zigzag lines and are parallel to each other, a plurality of the virtual lines arranged along the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 are arranged. The coolant passage 40 can be configured by connecting the first recess 31 and the plurality of second recesses 37 in a chain shape.

  In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first rib 30 is the same as the cross-sectional area of each second rib 36, and the length of the first rib 30 is shorter than that of the second rib 36. The surface area of the total first ribs 30 is made larger than the surface area of the total second ribs 36 on the cathode side. In the eighth embodiment, the cooling medium passage 40 is mainstream on the anode side, and the anode side can be more actively cooled than the cathode side, so that the high-temperature performance of the fuel cell can be improved.

(Ninth embodiment)
With reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C, a separator SP of the ninth embodiment will be described. First, the outline of the cooling medium passage 40 of the present embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, a pair of ribs 32 (introduction grooves 32 a) are formed on the first separator plate 23 with respect to the long hole-shaped cooling medium introduction port 23 e of the first separator plate 23. In addition to being disposed along the longitudinal direction, a pair of ribs 33 (leading grooves 33a) are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the first separator plate 23 with respect to the oblong cooling medium outlet 23f.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10A, a pair of cooling medium passages 40 (shown schematically with arrows) formed between the cooling medium inlet 23e and the cooling medium outlet 23f of the first separator plate 23. Is) from the left end side of the first separator plate 23 to the vicinity of the right end distal from the cooling medium introduction port 23e when viewed as a whole, then folded back to the left end side of the first separator plate 23, and then the first separator plate The plate 23 is arranged so as to communicate with the cooling medium outlet 23f at the right end of the plate 23 via the outlet groove 33a.

One cooling medium passage 40 (40a) shown in FIG. 10A will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10B, the first imaginary line L1 of the present embodiment is given a to l in order from the bottom of the drawing to L1 from the oxidizing gas inlet 23c side. In the present embodiment, the first virtual lines L1a to K1l are straight lines and are arranged in parallel to each other as shown in FIG. The first virtual lines L1a and L1c are arranged so as to include a pair of ribs 32 (32a). The first virtual lines L1j and L1l are arranged so as to include a pair of ribs 33 (33a).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B, the first ribs 30 (first concave portions 31) are arranged in dotted lines on the first virtual lines L <b> 1 a to K <b> 1 l. Of the first virtual lines L1a to K1l, the first ribs 30 arranged along the even-numbered and odd-numbered first virtual lines L1 (that is, in the column direction) from the bottom in the figure overlap each other. While being shifted, the ones located on the even-numbered first virtual lines L1b, L1d and the like and the ones located on the odd-numbered first virtual lines L1a, L1c, etc. are arranged without shifting. . The first ribs 30 (first recesses 31) have the same size.

  The rib 30 (first recess 31) on the rightmost end side (cooling medium outlet 23f side) of the first virtual lines L1d and L1f is the same as the rib 30 (first recess 31) on the adjacent first virtual line L1. Arranged in phase. Further, the rib 30 (first recess 31) on the leftmost end side (fuel gas introduction port 23a side) of the first imaginary lines L1g and L1i is the same as the rib 30 (first recess 31) on the adjacent first imaginary line L1. Arranged in phase.

  The second virtual line L2 is a straight line, and a plurality of second virtual lines L2 are arranged at an equal pitch and orthogonal to the first virtual line L1a as shown in FIG. On the second imaginary line L2, as shown in FIG. 10C, a plurality of second ribs 36 (second recesses 37) are arranged in a dotted line. Most of the second ribs 36 (second recesses 37) except for a small number are formed to have the same size and are arranged in rows and columns.

The cooling medium passage 40a includes a first path to a fifth path.
The first path is disposed on the rib 32 (introduction groove 32a), the first recess 31 (first rib 30) disposed on each of the first virtual lines L1a and L1b, and all the second virtual lines L2. , The upstream end and the downstream end of each of the second recesses 37 (second ribs 36) located closest to the oxidizing gas introduction port 23c side, or the downstream end and the upstream end are in communication with each other. Thus, a plurality of rectangular pulse waveforms are arranged at equal intervals. By configuring the first path in this way, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), the cooling medium inlet 23e of the first separator plate 23 (second separator plate 24) is close to the fuel gas outlet 23b side. It extends to the place.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the second path includes a first recess 31 (first rib 30) positioned at the rightmost end on the first virtual lines L1a and L1c to L1g, In the imaginary line L2, the imaginary line located on the rightmost side and the upstream end and the downstream end of the second recess 37 (second rib 36) adjacent to the imaginary line, or the downstream end and the upstream end are relatively arranged to communicate with each other. Is configured. In addition, as shown in FIG.10 (c), the 2nd rib 36 (2nd recessed part 37) which comprises the head of the 2nd path | route most connected with a 1st path | route is the other part which comprises this 2nd path | route. It is made longer than the 2nd rib 36 (2nd recessed part 37). In this way, the second path is configured by arranging a plurality of rectangular pulse waveforms. The upstream end of the second recess 37 constituting the starting end of the second path (which is longer than the other second rib 36 (second recess 37) constituting the second path described above) It communicates with the downstream end of the first recess 31 (first rib 30) disposed at the end.

  The third road intersects the first recesses 31 (first ribs 30) respectively disposed on the first virtual lines L1g and L1h and the first virtual lines L1g and L1h, and is the most in FIG. Starting from the second imaginary line L2 that is the second from the right side, the upstream end and the downstream end or the downstream of the second recess 37 (second rib 36) located on the second imaginary line L2 from the leftmost side to the fourth side It is comprised by arrange | positioning relatively so that an edge and an upstream end may connect. In this way, the third path is configured by arranging a plurality of rectangular pulse waveforms at equal intervals. The upstream end of the first recess 31 (first rib 30) constituting the start end portion of the third path is communicated with the downstream end of the second recess 37 (second rib 36) constituting the end portion of the second path. Yes. The fourth path is arranged on the third second virtual line L2 from the leftmost side, and the second recess 37 (second rib) arranged so as to intersect the first virtual line L1h and the first virtual line L1j. 36). The upstream end of the second recess 37 that constitutes the fourth path communicates with the downstream end of the first recess 31 (first rib 30) that constitutes the end of the third path. The fifth path intersects the first recess 31 (first rib 30) disposed on each of the first virtual lines L1j and L1i and the first virtual lines L1j and L1i and Starting from the fourth second imaginary line L2 from the left side, the upstream end and the downstream end or the downstream end and the upstream end of the second recess 37 (second rib 36) located on the rightmost second imaginary line L2 Are arranged so as to communicate with each other. In this way, the fifth path is configured by arranging a plurality of rectangular pulse waveforms at equal intervals. The upstream end of the fifth path is in communication with the downstream end of the second recess 37 constituting the fourth path. Further, the downstream end of the fourth path communicates with the lead-out groove 33a.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the other cooling medium passage 40b includes first to fifth passages corresponding to the first to fifth passages of the cooling medium passage 40a. The first concave portion 31 (first rib 30) of the first virtual lines L1a to K1l and the second concave portion 37 (second rib 36) on the second virtual line L2 are combined in substantially the same manner. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  In the separator SP of the ninth embodiment, the cooling medium passages 40a and 40b are formed by being folded back. In the present embodiment, the total surface area of the first ribs 30 and the total surface area of the second ribs 36 constituting the cooling medium passages 40a and 40b are the same in number, length, width, etc. on the anode side and the cathode side. Is set.

In addition, you may change this embodiment as follows.
-You may combine the structure of the cooling-medium channel | path 40 provided in separator SP of 1st Embodiment-9th Embodiment in the partial area | region of the 1st separator plate 23 and the 2nd separator plate 24, respectively.

  -In 1st Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the 2nd communicating hole 29 is formed so that it may open to the left end and right end seeing from the flow direction P of gas. Not only this but the 2nd communicating hole 29 may be formed so that it may open in one place or three places or more.

  -In 1st Embodiment, the downstream end part of the protrusion located in the upstream of the gas flow direction P among a pair of each 1st protrusions 26 is a protrusion located in the downstream of the gas flow direction P However, the arrangement is not limited to this arrangement, and the first protrusions 26 may be arranged in a staggered manner.

In the first embodiment, the first protrusions 26 have the same bridge length in a bridge shape, but may be formed in a bridge shape having a plurality of different lengths.
-You may form the 1st protrusion 26 in a semi-cylindrical shape.

  Although not shown, in each of the embodiments, the second water flow path 28 may be formed only on the anode side. With such a configuration, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved, and the durability of the second gas flow path forming body 22 on the anode side and the second electrode catalyst layer 18 on the cathode side can be improved. it can. In addition, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved by such a configuration in which a water channel may be provided only on the cathode side.

-In the fuel cell of each said embodiment, the 1st gas diffusion layer 19 and the 2nd gas diffusion layer 20 may be abbreviate | omitted.
In each of the above embodiments, the first virtual line and the second virtual line are straight lines or zigzag lines, but may be curved lines.

  In the first embodiment, instead of overlapping the end portions of the adjacent first ribs 30 in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the first ribs 30 are formed in, for example, an arc shape or viewed in plan In this case, it may be formed in a bent shape such as a “heavy” shape.

L1, L1a, L1b, L1c, L1d, L1f, L1g, L1h, L1i, L1j, L1l, L1a-K1l, L1a-L1c, L1a-L1d, L1c-L1g ... first virtual line,
L2, L2a, L2b, L2c, L2f, L2j ... second virtual line,
SP ... separator, 17 ... first electrode catalyst layer, 18 ... second electrode catalyst layer,
21 ... 1st gas flow path formation body, 22 ... 2nd gas flow path formation body,
23 ... 1st separator plate, 24 ... 2nd separator plate,
25 ... Flat plate material, 28 ... Second water flow path, 29 ... Second communication hole,
30, 30a, 30b, 30c ... 1st rib,
31 ... 1st recessed part, 36 ... 2nd rib, 37 ... 2nd recessed part,
40, 40a, 40b ... Cooling medium passages.

Claims (6)

In the fuel cell separator in which the first separator plate having conductivity and the second separator plate having conductivity are arranged to be laminated,
In the first separator plate, first ribs protruding in a direction opposite to the direction of stacking with the second separator plate are arranged so as to be arranged in a dotted line, and the first ribs arranged in the dotted line are arranged. A group (hereinafter referred to as a first rib group) is provided as a group, and a plurality of first rib groups are provided side by side.
In the second separator plate, second ribs protruding in a direction opposite to the direction of stacking with the first separator plate are arranged so as to be arranged in a dotted line, and the second ribs arranged in the dotted line are arranged. A group (hereinafter referred to as a second rib group) is provided as a group, and a plurality of second rib groups are provided side by side.
The first recesses formed on the back side of the first ribs and the second recesses formed on the back side of the second ribs are alternately linked in a chain shape to communicate with each other. A fuel cell separator, wherein a cooling medium passage is formed by arranging a first rib group and the second rib group.   The plurality of first rib groups are respectively disposed on a plurality of first imaginary lines parallel to each other, and the plurality of second rib groups are respectively disposed on a plurality of second imaginary lines parallel to each other. The fuel cell separator according to claim 1.   The fuel cell separator according to claim 2, wherein the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line are straight lines, curved lines, or zigzag lines.   The surface area of all the first ribs of the first separator plate arranged on the anode side is larger than the surface area of all the second ribs of the second separator plate arranged on the cathode side. The fuel cell separator according to claim 3. A fuel cell,
A membrane electrode assembly having a first electrode catalyst layer on the anode side and a second electrode catalyst layer on the cathode side;
The fuel cell separator (hereinafter referred to as a separator) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is disposed to face the membrane electrode assembly,
A first gas flow path forming body provided between the first electrode catalyst layer and the first separator plate of the separator and having a first gas flow path for supplying fuel gas;
A second gas flow path forming body that is interposed between the second electrode catalyst layer and the second separator plate of the separator and includes a second gas flow path for supplying an oxidizing gas;
With
The second gas flow path forming body includes a flat plate material and a plurality of protrusions for forming a second gas flow channel formed integrally with the flat plate material,
A first water flow path is formed between a surface of the flat plate member of the second gas flow path forming body and a back surface of the second separator plate corresponding to the second gas flow path forming body;
The first water flow path and the second gas flow path are communicated by a first communication hole formed by cutting and raising each protrusion of the second gas flow path forming body,
The depth of the first water channel is set shallower than the depth of the second gas channel,
The fuel cell, wherein water sucked into the first water channel by capillary action from the second gas channel through the first communication hole is discharged by an external force acting on the water. The first gas flow path forming body includes a flat plate material and a plurality of protrusions for forming a first gas flow channel formed integrally with the flat plate material,
A second water flow path is formed between a surface of the flat plate member of the first gas flow path forming body and a back surface of the first separator plate corresponding to the first gas flow path forming body,
The second water flow path and the first gas flow path are communicated by a second communication hole formed by cutting and raising each protrusion of the first gas flow path forming body,
The depth of the second water flow path is set shallower than the depth of the first gas flow path,
6. The fuel according to claim 5, wherein water sucked into the second water flow path by capillary action from the first gas flow path through the second communication hole is discharged by an external force acting on the water. battery.