JP2013243023A - Separator unit for fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a separator unit for a fuel cell capable of reducing the time for building a unit cell and a stack structure while ensuring enough room where a fuel gas, an oxidation gas and cooling water are supplied to by using a separator made of metal thin plate members.SOLUTION: A fuel gas flow distribution plate 53 and an oxidation gas flow distribution plate 51 are made of metal thin plate members. Wave-like parts 81, 81, ... that form a fuel gas room are formed on a plane part on the side of MEA 55 of the fuel gas flow distribution plate 53. First wave-like parts 61, 61, ... that form an oxidation gas room are formed on a plane part on the side of MEA 55 of an oxidation gas flow distribution plate 51. A seal plate 52 made of a frame-shaped thin plate member is laminatedly arranged between the side opposed to MEA 55 of the fuel gas flow distribution plate 53 and the side opposed to MEA 55 of the oxidation gas flow distribution panel 51. A plurality of holes for cooling water passages are formed on the seal plate 52. The fuel gas flow distribution plate 53, the second oxidation gas flow distribution plate 51 and the seal plate 52 are fixed and held in a laminated state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology of a fuel cell separator unit provided in a fuel cell represented by a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, for example.

In recent years, fuel cells that are effective in reducing carbon dioxide gas have been developed in response to environmental issues and resource issues. Among them, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is compact. In addition to being able to obtain a high power density and being able to be operated by a simple system, it has received much attention.
Here, the solid polymer fuel cell is a fuel cell using a polymer electrolyte membrane having hydrogen ion conductivity as an electrolyte, and is a stack structure mainly composed of a plurality of unit cells stacked. Built as.

The unit cell includes a sheet-like polymer electrolyte membrane, a fuel gas separator that forms a fuel gas chamber to which a fuel gas (for example, hydrogen) is supplied on one side surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane, The other side surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane is constituted by an oxidizing gas separator that forms an oxidizing gas chamber to which an oxidizing gas (for example, air) is supplied.
Specifically, each of the fuel gas separator and the oxidizing gas separator is formed of a thin plate member, and the unit cell is formed by sequentially stacking the oxidizing gas separator, the fuel gas separator, and the polymer electrolyte membrane. Composed.
A large number of unit cells having such a configuration are stacked to form a stack structure, and a solid polymer fuel cell is constructed by the stack structure (see, for example, “Patent Document 1”). In addition, a fuel gas separator and an oxidizing gas separator are respectively adjacent to both side surfaces of each polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel gas chamber and an oxidizing gas chamber are formed respectively.
A cooling water chamber is formed between the fuel gas separator and the oxidizing gas separator.

By the way, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell having such a configuration, the fuel gas chamber, the oxidizing gas chamber, the cooling water, and the like described above are conventionally formed by a plurality of wave-shaped portions having a concave shape in cross section formed on the surface of each separator. A room is to be constructed.
Here, when the material of the separator is a metal, the plurality of wavy portions are generally formed by press molding.
At this time, the separator is formed by a thin plate member. For example, if a corrugated portion having a concave shape in cross section is formed on the surface of the separator, a corrugated portion having a convex shape in cross section is formed on the back surface of the separator. It was press-molded in the same shape as the corrugated part, and it was impossible to form another corrugated part on the front and back surfaces of the separator.
Therefore, for example, when a plurality of wave-shaped portions having a concave shape in cross section that constitutes the fuel gas chamber is formed on the surface of the separator according to the flow of the fuel gas, the back surface of the separator The wavy portion having the same shape as the wavy portion and having a convex shape in cross section is formed at the same time, and the flow of the cooling water may be obstructed by the wavy portion on the back surface.

On the other hand, when the separator material is a carbon-based material, it is possible to form a wave-shaped portion having a different shape on the front surface and the back surface of the separator.
However, since the carbon-based material is weak against vibration and brittle, it has a drawback of being easily damaged and having poor durability.

  Furthermore, in the conventional polymer electrolyte fuel cell, since two unit separators and polymer electrolyte membranes are laminated one by one to constitute a unit cell, it takes a lot of man-hours and fine adjustment is necessary. It takes a long time to construct unit cells and stack structures.

JP 2010-238628 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the present problems described above, and a sufficient chamber for supplying fuel gas, oxidizing gas, and cooling water is secured by using a separator made of a thin metal plate member. However, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell separator unit that can shorten the time for constructing a unit cell and a stack structure.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

  That is, in claim 1, a first separator that is adjacent to one side surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane and forms a fuel gas chamber to which fuel gas is supplied between the polymer electrolyte membrane, A separator unit for a fuel cell, comprising: a second separator that is adjacent to the other side surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane and that forms an oxidizing gas chamber to which an oxidizing gas is supplied between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the second separator. The first separator and the second separator are each made of a metal thin plate member, and a plurality of concave portions in cross-section forming a fuel gas chamber are formed on the planar portion of the first separator on the polymer electrolyte membrane side. A wave-shaped portion is formed, and a plurality of wave-shaped portions having a concave shape in cross-section forming an oxidizing gas chamber are formed on the flat surface portion of the second separator on the polymer electrolyte membrane side, and the height in the first separator is increased. A seal plate composed of a frame-shaped thin plate member is laminated between the side facing the subelectrolyte membrane and the side facing the polymer electrolyte membrane in the second separator. A plurality of holes serving as water paths are formed, and the first separator, the second separator, and the seal plate are fixedly held while maintaining a laminated state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell separator unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, a seal member is attached to both the front and back surfaces of the seal plate so as to surround the hole.

  In Claim 3, It is a separator unit for fuel cells as described in any one of Claim 1 or Claim 2, Comprising: A said 1st separator and a 2nd separator are titanium or a titanium alloy. It consists of a thin plate member.

  The fuel cell separator unit according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first separator and the second separator are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. It consists of a thin plate member.

  In Claim 5, It is a separator unit for fuel cells as described in any one of Claim 1 or Claim 2, Comprising: A said 1st separator and a 2nd separator are thin plate members made from stainless steel It consists of

  In Claim 6, It is a separator unit for fuel cells as described in any one of Claim 3 thru | or 5, Comprising: Both the front and back both surfaces of the said 1st separator and a 2nd separator, or the surface of one side Is subjected to thin film rhodium plating.

As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, according to the separator unit for a fuel cell according to the present invention, using a separator made of a metal thin plate member, while sufficiently securing a chamber to which fuel gas, oxidizing gas, and cooling water are supplied, The time for building the stack structure can be shortened.

The disassembled perspective view which showed the whole structure of the fuel cell provided with the separator unit for fuel cells which concerns on this invention. Similarly, the disassembled perspective view which showed the whole structure of the unit cell provided with the separator unit for fuel cells which concerns on this invention. The front view which showed the shape of the oxidizing gas distribution board. The front view which showed the shape of the seal plate. The front view which showed the shape of the fuel gas distribution board. The front view which showed the shape of MEA plate.

  Next, embodiments of the invention will be described.

[Fuel cell 1]
First, the whole structure of the fuel cell 1 provided with the separator unit 60 for fuel cells (refer FIG. 2) based on this invention is demonstrated using FIG.
In the following description, for convenience, the vertical direction in FIG. 1 is described as the vertical direction of the fuel cell 1. In FIG. 1, the direction of the arrow A is defined as being forward.

The fuel cell 1 in the present embodiment is a so-called “solid polymer fuel cell”, and is a fuel cell including a polymer electrolyte membrane having hydrogen ion conductivity as an electrolyte.
The fuel cell 1 is mainly composed of a laminate 2, an end plate 3, a fastening plate 4, and the like.

The stacked body 2 is a structure provided in the fuel cell 1 in order to express the power supply function of the fuel cell 1.
The stacked body 2 is constructed, for example, as a stack structure composed of a plurality of unit cells 50, 50... Stacked in the horizontal direction and in the front-rear direction (parallel to the arrow A).

The unit cell 50 is provided as a unit constituting the laminate 2, and an MEA plate 54 on which a separator unit 60 (see FIG. 2) according to the present invention and an MEA 55 including a polymer electrolyte membrane are attached. Are stacked together.
Therefore, in the laminate 2, a plurality of separator units 60, 60... And MEA 55, 55... (More specifically, MEA plates 54, 54. It is constituted by.

Next, the end plate 3 will be described.
The end plate 3 is a component provided in the fuel cell 1 in order to extract the electromotive force generated by the stacked body 2 to the outside of the fuel cell 1.
The end plate 3 is made of a rectangular plate member made of a conductive material, and a terminal portion 3a is projected from a part of the side end portion.

  And two end plates 3 and 3 are provided with respect to one set of laminated bodies 2, and the front-back direction of this laminated body 2 (the lamination direction of several unit cell 50 * 50 ... is the same below). On both end surfaces (the foremost surface side and the rearmost surface side of the laminate 2), the laminate 2 is sandwiched and disposed.

  A conductive sheet-like packing (not shown) is sandwiched between the front and rear end faces of the laminate 2 and the end plates 3 and 3, respectively, and the gap (the laminate 2 and the end plate 3 and Therefore, fuel gas (in this embodiment, hydrogen is adopted), oxidizing gas (in this embodiment, air is adopted), and cooling water are prevented from leaking.

Next, the fastening plate 4 will be described.
The fastening plate 4 includes a plurality of restraining bars (not shown), a stacked posture of the stacked body 2 and the end plates 3 and 3 (more specifically, a plurality of unit cells 50, 50,. This is a component provided in the fuel cell 1 in order to hold the shape of the end plates 3 and 3 on the side in the stacking direction (the same applies hereinafter).
The fastening plates 4, 4 are made of a rectangular plate member having a sufficient thickness made of an insulating material, and two fastening plates 4, 4 are provided for a set of laminated bodies 2.

Further, the fastening plates 4 and 4 are provided at both end surfaces in the front-rear direction of the two end plates 3 and 3 disposed on the front and rear sides of the laminate 2 (that is, the front side of the front end plate 3 and On the rear surface side of the rear end plate 3), the stacked body 2 and the end plates 3, 3 are stacked so as to be sandwiched at the same time.
That is, in the fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment, the fastening plate 4, the end plate 3, the laminate 2, the end plate 3, and the fastening plate 4 are sequentially stacked from the rear to the front in the stacking direction.

  The fastening plate 4 is not limited to the insulating material as described above, and can be formed of a conductive metal material. However, in this case, in order to prevent electrical coupling between the fastening plate 4 and the end plate 3, a sheet-like insulating member is sandwiched between the fastening plate 4 and the end plate 3. It is necessary to do.

Here, a plurality of through-holes 4a, 4a,.・ Is provided.
In addition, a plurality of through holes 4b, 4b,... Are formed on the left and right sides of the plane of the fastening plate 4 (hereinafter referred to as “rear fastening plate 4R” as appropriate) disposed on the rear side. Are formed coaxially with respect to the through holes 4a, 4a,.
Further, on the left and right sides of the plane of the end plate 3, a plurality of through holes 3 b, 3 b... With respect to the through holes 4 a, 4 a (or the through holes 4 b, 4 b. Each is formed on the same axis.

Further, a plurality of restraining bars (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction are simultaneously provided to the plurality of through holes 4a, 4a,..., 4b, 4b,. While being arranged so as to penetrate, nuts or the like are fastened to both ends of each restraining bar.
Accordingly, the plurality of unit cells 50, 50,... And the two end plates 3, 3 constituting the laminate 2 are arranged in the front-rear direction via the front fastening plate 4F and the rear fastening plate 4R. Therefore, the stacked body 2 and the end plates 3 and 3 are firmly held in a stacked posture.

  By the way, a plurality of recesses (more specifically, first to fourth recesses 41, 42, 43, 44) are formed in the flat portion of one of the clamping plates 4 (the front side clamping plate 4 F in the present embodiment). ), And a plurality of support brackets (more specifically, first to fourth support brackets 5, 6, 7, 8) are detachable from each other via bolts or the like. It is fixed.

  Specifically, on the front surface of the front fastening plate 4F, for example, in the left-right direction (in the plan view, a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the plurality of unit cells 50, 50... ) And a trapezoidal second recess 42 are respectively provided, and a lower portion thereof is provided with a substantially rectangular third recess 43 that also extends in the left-right direction. The square-shaped fourth recess 44 is provided.

A through hole 41a that penetrates in the front-rear direction is formed on the right side of the bottom surface of the first recess 41, and an opening 41b that opens in a substantially inverted triangular shape is formed on the left side. .
In addition, an opening 42 a that opens in a substantially trapezoidal shape is formed at the center of the bottom surface of the second recess 42.
In addition, a through hole 43a penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the bottom surface of the third recess 43, and a rectangular opening 43b extending in the left-right direction is formed on the right side thereof. Has been.
Furthermore, an opening 44 a that opens in a square shape is formed at the center of the bottom surface of the fourth recess 44.

  On the other hand, the first support bracket 5 includes a base plate 5a made of a substantially rectangular plate member, and two pipe members 5b and 5c that are respectively suspended from left and right portions of the plane of the base plate 5a. The shape of the base plate 5a is equivalent to the shape of the first recess 41.

The first support bracket 5 is disposed so that the two piping members 5b and 5c both extend forward, and is fitted into the first recess 41 via the base plate 5a.
Accordingly, a piping member (hereinafter referred to as “first right piping member”) 5 b that is suspended from the right portion of the plane of the base plate 5 a and a through hole 41 a that is formed in the right portion of the bottom surface of the first recess 41. Are connected to each other. In addition, a piping member (hereinafter referred to as “first left-hand piping member”) 5c suspended from the left portion of the plane of the base plate 5a, and an opening 41b formed at the left portion of the bottom surface of the first recess 41 Are connected to each other.

  The second support bracket 6 includes a base plate 6a made of a trapezoidal plate member, and a piping member (hereinafter referred to as “second piping member”) 6b suspended from the center of the plane of the base plate 6a. The shape of the base plate 6a is equivalent to the shape of the second recess 42.

And the 2nd support bracket 6 is arrange | positioned so that the 2nd piping member 6b may extend toward the front, and it is fitted in the 2nd recessed part 42 via the baseplate 6a.
As a result, the second piping member 6b suspended from the center of the plane of the base plate 6a and the opening 42a formed at the center of the bottom surface of the second recess 42 are connected to each other.

  The third support bracket 7 includes a base plate 7a made of a substantially rectangular plate member, and two pipe members 7b and 7c that are respectively suspended from the left and right sides of the plane of the base plate 7a. The shape of the base plate 7 a is equivalent to the shape of the third recess 43.

The third support bracket 7 is arranged such that two pipe members 7b and 7c both extend forward, and is fitted into the third recess 43 via the base plate 7a.
Accordingly, a piping member (hereinafter referred to as “third right-side piping member”) 7b suspended from the right portion of the plane of the base plate 7a, and an opening 43b formed on the right side of the bottom surface of the third recess 43 Are connected to each other. Also, a piping member (hereinafter referred to as “third left-hand piping member”) 7 c that is suspended from the left portion of the plane of the base plate 7 a, and a through hole 43 a that is formed in the left portion of the bottom surface of the third recess 43. Are connected to each other.

  Furthermore, the fourth support bracket 8 includes a base plate 8a made of a square plate member, and a piping member (hereinafter referred to as “fourth piping member”) 8b suspended from the center of the plane of the base plate 8a. The shape of the base plate 8a is equivalent to the shape of the fourth recess 44.

And the 4th support bracket 8 is arrange | positioned so that the 4th piping member 8b may extend toward the front, and it is fitted in the 4th recessed part 44 via the baseplate 8a.
As a result, the fourth piping member 8b suspended from the center of the plane of the base plate 8a and the opening 44a formed at the center of the bottom surface of the fourth recess 44 are connected to each other.

  As described above, the fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment includes the laminate 2, the end plates 3 and 3, the clamping plates 4 and 4 (more specifically, the front clamping plate 4F and the rear clamping plate). 4R) and the like, and a plurality of support brackets (more specifically, first to fourth support brackets 5, 6, 7, 8) are fixedly provided on the front surface of the front fastening plate 4F. .

  And in the 1st support bracket 5, the piping member for cooling water supply (henceforth "cooling water supply piping") 11 is used for the extension end part of the 1st right side piping member 5b. In addition, a pipe member for supplying an oxidant gas (air) (hereinafter referred to as “oxidant gas supply pipe”) 12 is known at the extended end of the first left side pipe member 5c. Connected through.

  Further, in the second support bracket 6, a joint for which a pipe member for supplying fuel gas (hydrogen) (hereinafter referred to as “fuel gas supply pipe”) 13 is known at the extended end of the second pipe member 6 b. It is connected via a member.

  Further, in the third support bracket 7, a pipe member for discharging oxidizing gas (air) (hereinafter referred to as “oxidizing gas discharge pipe”) 14 is known at the extending end of the third right pipe member 7 b. A joint member that is connected via a joint member and has a known pipe member for cooling water discharge (hereinafter referred to as “cooling water discharge pipe”) 15 at the extended end of the third left side pipe member 7c. Connected through.

  Further, in the fourth support bracket 8, a pipe member for discharging a fuel gas (hydrogen) (hereinafter referred to as “fuel gas discharge pipe”) 16 is provided at the extended end of the fourth pipe member 8b. It is connected via a member.

[Unit cell 50]
Next, the configuration of the unit cell 50 that constructs the stacked body 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.
In the following description, for convenience, the vertical direction of FIGS. 2 to 6 corresponds to the unit cell 50 (more specifically, the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51, the seal plate 52, the fuel gas distribution plate 53, and the MEA plate 54). The vertical direction is specified. In FIG. 2, the direction of the arrow A is defined as the forward direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the unit cell 50 is mainly composed of an oxidizing gas distribution plate 51, a seal plate 52, a fuel gas distribution plate 53, an MEA plate 54, and the like.
Here, the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51, the seal plate 52, and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 are stacked in order from the front to the rear and are subjected to “caulking” or the like, and are integrated as a separator unit 60 in advance. Yes. An MEA plate 54 is stacked on the rear end surface of the separator unit 60 (that is, the rear surface side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53).
Thus, the unit cell 50 is constructed as a laminated structure of the separator unit 60 and the MEA plate 54 integrated in advance.

The oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 is a unit cell serving as a separator that forms an oxidizing gas chamber to which oxidizing gas (air) is supplied on the other side surface (the rear side surface in the present embodiment) of the MEA 55 including the polymer electrolyte membrane. 50, which also has a function as a current collector.
The oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 is made of a rectangular thin plate member made of a conductive material, and the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction (in the side view, the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the plurality of unit cells 50, 50... The same)) and stacked in the front-rear direction.

Rectangular openings 51e and 51f extending in the left-right direction are formed in both the upper and lower portions of the plane of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51, respectively.
Also, rectangular protrusions 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D are formed on the upper and lower portions of the right end portion and the upper and lower portions of the left end portion of the oxidant gas distribution plate 51, respectively. Rectangular openings 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d are formed in the central portions of 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of corrugated portions are formed on the plane of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 by embossing.
Specifically, an opening 51e formed in the upper part (hereinafter referred to as “upper opening 51e”) and an opening 51f formed in the lower part (hereinafter referred to as “lower opening 51f”). .. Are formed in parallel with each other in a straight line shape extending in the vertical direction (hereinafter, referred to as “first wavy portion”).
Further, the upper opening 51e, the lower opening 51f, and the plurality of first wavy parts 61, 61,... 62) is formed.
Further, a plurality of rectangular frame-like wave-like portions (hereinafter referred to as “third wave-like portions”) so as to surround the openings 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d in the protruding portions 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D, respectively. 63, 63... Are formed.

The first to third wave-like portions 61, 62, and 63 are formed so as to be convex on the front surface of the oxidizing gas flow distribution plate 51 and concave on the rear surface.
When a later-described MEA plate 54 is laminated on the front surface side of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51, the protruding end portions of the plurality of first wavy portions 61, 61,. It becomes.
As a result, a straight space portion 70 surrounded by the front surface of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the rear surface of the MEA 55 is formed between the first wavy portions 61 and 61 adjacent to each other. The portion 70 is used as an oxidizing gas chamber to which oxidizing gas (air) is supplied.

Next, the seal plate 52 will be described.
The seal plate 52 is a member provided in the unit cell 50 in order to ensure a cooling water flow path between the oxidizing gas flow plate 51 and a fuel gas flow plate 53 described later.
As shown in FIG. 4, the seal plate 52 is made of a thin plate member made of a conductive material, has an outer shape substantially equivalent to the above-described oxidizing gas flow plate 51, and has a wave-like portion formed by embossing on a plane. It is different from the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 in that a plurality of openings are formed.
In the following description, differences from the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 are mainly described, and descriptions of points that are the same as the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 are omitted.

  A plurality of long holes 64, 64... And a pair of round holes 65, 65 are formed at both the upper and lower portions of the flat surface of the seal plate 52 below the upper opening 52e and above the lower opening 52f. Each is formed.

The long holes 64, 64,... Are formed so as to be inclined to one side, and are arranged so as to be parallel to each other in the left-right direction. Further, round holes 65 and 65 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the long holes 64 and 64.
And the area | region (area | region X in FIG. 4) in which these long holes 64 * 64 ... and the round holes 65 * 65 are arrange | positioned is the left side of protrusion part 52A (or right side of protrusion part 52D). And is set to have a vertical width dimension substantially equal to the vertical dimension of the opening 52a (or the opening 52d).

In the plane of the seal plate 52, a plurality of long holes 64, 64... And round holes 65, 65 (hereinafter, referred to as “upper long hole group 66” as appropriate) disposed at the top thereof, A rectangular opening 68 is formed between the plurality of long holes 64, 64,... And the round holes 65, 65 (hereinafter referred to as “lower long hole group 67” as appropriate). It is formed so as to leave edges with a slight width on both the left and right sides while extending in the vertical direction.
In other words, the seal plate 52 is formed as a frame-shaped thin plate member having the opening 68 inside.

A plurality of seal members formed by applying a sealant (caulking material) are fixed to both front and rear surfaces of the seal plate 52.
Specifically, a rectangular frame-shaped seal member (hereinafter referred to as “first seal member”) 71 is formed so as to surround the upper elongated hole group 66, the lower elongated hole group 67, and the opening 68 at the same time. It is fixed.
Also, rectangular frame-shaped seal members (hereinafter referred to as “second seal members”) 72 and 72 are fixed to surround the upper opening 52e and the lower opening 52f, respectively.
Further, a plurality of rectangular frame-shaped seal members (hereinafter referred to as “third seal members”) so as to surround the openings 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d in the protrusions 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D, respectively. 73, 73... Are fixed respectively.

Although not shown, between the opening 52a of the protrusion 52A and the upper long hole group 66 on the rear surface of the seal plate 52 (region Y1 shown in FIG. 4; however, the region on the rear surface of the seal plate 52 is shown. ), The seal member is removed.
Further, although not shown, between the opening 52d of the protrusion 52D and the lower long hole group 67 on the rear surface of the seal plate 52 (region Y2 shown in FIG. 4; however, the region on the rear surface of the seal plate 52 is shown. .)), A seal member having a lower height than other regions is fixed.

When the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 is laminated on the front side of the seal plate 52 having such a shape, the first seal member 71 and the second seal members 72 and 72 of the seal plate 52 It will be inserted simultaneously into the second wavy portion 62 having a concave shape in cross section formed on the rear surface of the flow distribution plate 51.
The plurality of third seal members 73, 73, 73, 73 fixed to the respective protrusions 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D are rear surfaces of the respective protrusions 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51. Are inserted into the third wavy portions 63, 63, 63, 63 having a concave shape in cross section.

  On the other hand, the fuel gas distribution plate 53 is laminated on the rear surface side of the seal plate 52. At this time, the first to third seal members 71, 72, 73 fixed to the rear surface of the seal plate 52 are provided. As will be described later, each is inserted into a plurality of corrugated portions formed in the front surface of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 and having a concave shape in cross section.

  Thus, between the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53, an area surrounding the upper elongated hole group 66, the lower elongated hole group 67, and the opening 68 in the seal plate 52, the upper opening 52e, The lower opening 52f and the openings 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d of the protrusions 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D are sealed by the first to third seal members 71, 72, and 73, respectively. Prevention of leakage of fuel gas (hydrogen), oxidizing gas (air), cooling water, and the like.

Further, a seal plate 52 is stacked between the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53, so that between the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 (more specifically, A gap in the front-rear direction is formed in a range surrounded by the opening 68 of the seal plate 52, and in this embodiment, the cooling water chamber is formed with the gap and the flow path of the cooling water is defined. We are going to secure it.
Therefore, the flow of the cooling water is not hindered by the shape of the wavy portions formed in the separators (that is, the oxidizing gas distribution plate and the fuel gas distribution plate) as seen in the conventional fuel cell. .

Next, the fuel gas distribution plate 53 will be described.
The fuel gas distribution plate 53 serves as a unit cell as a separator that forms a hydrogen gas chamber to which fuel gas (hydrogen) is supplied on one side surface (the front side surface in the present embodiment) of the MEA 55 including the polymer electrolyte membrane. 50, which also has a function as a current collector.
As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel gas distribution plate 53 is made of a thin plate member made of a conductive material and has an outer shape substantially equivalent to that of the above-described oxidizing gas distribution plate 51. It is partially different from the oxidizing gas flow plate 51.
In the following description, differences from the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 are mainly described, and descriptions of points that are the same as the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 are omitted.

On the plane of the fuel gas distribution plate 53, a plurality of corrugated portions are formed by embossing.
Specifically, below the upper opening 53e, a plurality of straight wavy portions (hereinafter referred to as “fourth wavy portions”) 76, 76,. The plurality of fourth wavy portions 76, 76... Are communicated with the opening 53a of the projecting portion 53A at one (right) end portion.
In addition, a plurality of straight wavy portions (hereinafter referred to as “fifth wavy portions”) 77, 77... Extending in the left-right direction are formed in parallel above the lower opening 53f. The plurality of fifth wavy portions 77, 77... Communicate with the opening 53d of the protruding portion 53D at the other (left) end.

In addition, a rectangular frame-like wave-like portion (hereinafter referred to as “sixth wave-like portion”) 78 is formed so as to surround these fourth wave-like portions 76, 76... And the opening 53 a simultaneously. The
Further, a rectangular frame-like wave-like portion (hereinafter referred to as “seventh wave-like portion”) 79 is formed so as to surround these fifth wave-like portions 77, 77... And the opening 53 d simultaneously. The

  Further, a plurality of rectangular frame-like wave-like portions (hereinafter referred to as “eighth wave-like portions”) are provided so as to surround the upper opening 53e, the lower opening 53f, and the openings 53b and 53d in the protrusions 53B and 53D. 80, 80, 80, 80 are formed respectively.

Further, a plurality of “L-shaped” wavy portions (hereinafter referred to as “ninth”) extending in the vertical direction between the fourth wavy portions 76, 76... And the fifth wavy portions 77, 77. .. 81) (described as “wavy portions”) are formed in parallel.
Further, a rectangular frame-like wave-like portion (hereinafter referred to as “tenth wave-like portion”) 82 is formed so as to simultaneously surround the plurality of ninth wave-like portions 81.

These fourth to tenth wave-like portions 76, 77,... 82 are formed so as to be concave on the front surface of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 and convex on the rear surface.
When a later-described MEA plate 54 is laminated on the rear surface side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53, the protruding end portions of the plurality of ninth wave-like portions 81, 81, ... are brought into contact with the front surface of the MEA 55. It becomes.
As a result, an “L-shaped” space portion 83 surrounded by the rear surface of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 and the front surface of the MEA 55 is formed between the ninth wave-like portions 81 and 81 adjacent to each other. The space 83 is used as a fuel gas chamber to which fuel gas (hydrogen) is supplied.

In addition, the seal plate 52 is laminated on the front side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53. At this time, the first seal member 71 of the seal plate 52 is the sixth wavy portion of the fuel gas distribution plate 53. 78, the seventh wavy portion 79, and the tenth wavy portion 82 are simultaneously inserted.
Further, the second seal members 72 and 72 of the seal plate 52 are respectively fitted into the eighth wavy portions 80 and 80 formed around the upper opening 53e and the lower opening 53f of the fuel gas distribution plate 53, respectively. Is done.
Further, in the seal plate 52, the third seal member 73 provided in the lower protruding portion 52 </ b> B of the right end portion and the third seal member 73 provided in the upper protruding portion 52 </ b> C of the left end portion are arranged in the fuel gas distribution plate 53. It is inserted into the eighth wavy portion 80 provided in the lower protruding portion 53B of the right end portion and the eighth wavy portion 80 provided in the upper protruding portion 53C of the left end portion.
Further, in the seal plate 52, the third seal member 73 provided on the upper protrusion 52 </ b> A at the right end and the third seal member 73 provided on the lower protrusion 52 </ b> D on the left end are provided on the fuel gas distribution plate 53. It is inserted into the sixth wavy portion 78 and the seventh wavy portion 79. However, as described above, the third seal member 73 in the region Y1 is removed, and the height of the third seal member 73 in the region Y2 is lower than the other regions. Are connected to the opening 53a of the projecting portion 53A, and the fifth wavy portions 77, 77 ... are connected to the opening 53d of the projecting portion 53D. The state is not blocked (sealed) by the third seal members 73 and 73, respectively.

Next, the MEA plate 54 will be described.
The MEA plate 54 includes a membrane / electrode assembly (MEA) 55 and is a member provided in the unit cell 50 as an electromotive component.
The MEA plate 54 is made of a thin plate member made of a thermoplastic resin, and has an outer shape substantially equivalent to that of the above-described oxidizing gas distribution plate 51. On the plane, no wave-like portion is formed by embossing. It differs from the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 in that it includes a joined body (hereinafter simply referred to as “MEA”) 55.
In the following description, differences from the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 are mainly described, and descriptions of points that are the same as the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 are omitted.

In the plane of the MEA plate 54, a rectangular opening 69 extends in the vertical direction between the upper opening 54e and the lower opening 54f so as to leave edges with a slight width on both the left and right sides. Formed.
In other words, the MEA plate 54 is formed as a frame-shaped thin plate member having the opening 69 inside.

  The opening 69 is formed in a shape equivalent to the opening 68 of the seal plate 52 (see FIG. 4) described above. Further, in a state where the MEA plate 54 is laminated on the rear end surface of the separator unit 60 (that is, the rear surface side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53), the opening 69 and the opening 68 of the seal plate 52 are seen in front view. Are formed at the overlapping positions.

  The MEA 55 is stuck to the opening 68 so as to close the opening 68.

Here, although not shown, the MEA 55 is mainly composed of a sheet-like polymer electrolyte membrane, a fuel electrode, and an oxidizing gas electrode.
The polymer electrolyte membrane is a substance provided in the MEA 55 as an electrolyte, and is formed of a perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid resin, for example, an ion exchange resin such as Nafion (trade name, manufactured by DuPont).
On the other hand, the fuel electrode and the oxidizing gas electrode are materials provided in the MEA 55 as a negative electrode and a positive electrode, respectively, and conductive fine particles carrying a catalyst such as platinum, palladium, or an alloy thereof are made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The porous body is held while being bound by such a resin binder.

  The MEA 55 is configured by laminating the polymer electrolyte membrane, the fuel electrode, and the oxidizing gas electrode so that the polymer electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode.

  The MEA 55 always has the fuel electrode on the front side (that is, the fuel gas distribution plate) in a state where the MEA plate 54 is laminated on the rear end surface of the separator unit 60 (that is, the rear surface side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53). 53), and the oxidizing gas electrode is disposed in the opening 69 of the MEA plate 54 so that the oxidizing gas electrode is on the rear surface side (that is, the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 side).

By the way, on both front and rear surfaces of the MEA plate 54, band-like seal members 75 made of an elastic member are respectively attached.
Therefore, the rear end surface of the separator unit 60 (that is, the rear surface side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53) is laminated on the front surface side of the MEA plate 54, or the front end surface of the separator unit 60 (that is, the rear surface side of the MEA plate 54). , The upper opening 54e and the lower opening 54f formed on both upper and lower portions of the MEA plate 54, and a plurality of protrusions 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D. Each of the openings 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and the MEA 55 attached to the opening 69 are securely sealed by the seal member 75.

The stacked body 2 is configured by regularly stacking a plurality of unit cells 50, 50... Having the above-described configuration.
Then, the fuel gas (hydrogen), the oxidizing gas (air), and the cooling water supplied to the fuel cell 1 having such a laminate 2 are circulated in each unit cell 50 as shown below. The fuel cell 1 is discharged to the outside.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel gas (hydrogen) supplied to the fuel cell 1 by the fuel gas supply pipe 13 passes through the second support bracket 6 to the opening 42a of the front side clamping plate 4F. After being guided and passed through the end plate 3, it is supplied to the laminate 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel gas (hydrogen) supplied to the stacked body 2 first passes through the opening 51 c formed in the protruding portion 51 </ b> C of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 in each unit cell 50. Then, it passes through the opening 52c formed in the protrusion 52C of the seal plate 52, and then passes through the opening 53c formed in the protrusion 53C of the fuel gas distribution plate 53.

  Then, a part of the fuel gas (hydrogen) that has passed through the opening 53c then passes through the opening 54c formed in the protrusion 54C of the MEA plate 54 to another unit cell 50 located at the rear. Supplied.

  On the other hand, the remaining other portion of the fuel gas (hydrogen) that has passed through the opening 53c is then a plurality of spaces 83, 83,... (See FIG. 5) formed on the rear surface side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53. ) And flows between the rear surface of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 and the front surface of the MEA plate 54 (more specifically, the MEA 55) from above to below, and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 protrudes. Guided to part 53B.

  Thereafter, the remaining part of the fuel gas (hydrogen) that has reached the protrusion 53B of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 passes through the opening 53b of the protrusion 53B, and subsequently reaches the protrusion 52B of the seal plate 52. It passes through the opening 52b to be formed, and further passes through the opening 51b of the protrusion 51B of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51.

  The remaining portion of the fuel gas (hydrogen) passes through the end plate 3 (see FIG. 1), and is then guided to the opening 44a of the front fastening plate 4F, via the fourth support bracket 8. Then, it is guided to the fuel gas discharge pipe 16 and discharged to the outside of the fuel cell 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the oxidizing gas (air) supplied to the fuel cell 1 by the oxidizing gas supply pipe 12 passes through the first support bracket 5 to the opening 41b of the front side clamping plate 4F. After being guided and passed through the end plate 3, it is supplied to the laminate 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the oxidizing gas (air) supplied to the stacked body 2 includes an upper opening 51 e of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and an upper opening 52 e of the seal plate 52 in each unit cell 50. Then, the fuel gas distribution plate 53 passes through the upper opening 53e of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 and the upper opening 54e of the MEA plate 54 in this order, and is supplied to another unit cell 50 located behind.

  On the other hand, the remaining other portion of the oxidizing gas (air) supplied to the laminate 2 is formed into a plurality of space portions 70, 70 (see FIG. 3) formed on the front side of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51. While flowing along the front surface of the oxidant gas distribution plate 51 and the rear surface of the MEA plate 54 (more specifically, the MEA 55), the oxidant gas distribution plate 51 has a lower opening. Guided to part 51f.

  Thereafter, the remaining other portion of the oxidizing gas (air) that has reached the lower opening 51f of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 is supplied to another unit cell 50 located in front, and the lower opening of the MEA plate 54 It passes through the part 54f, the lower opening 53f of the fuel gas distribution plate 53, the lower opening 52f of the seal plate 52, and the lower opening 54f of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 in this order.

  The remaining portion of the oxidizing gas (air) passes through the end plate 3 (see FIG. 1), and is then guided to the opening 43b of the front fastening plate 4F, via the third support bracket 7. Then, the gas is led to the oxidizing gas discharge pipe 14 and discharged to the outside of the fuel cell 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cooling water supplied to the fuel cell 1 by the cooling water supply pipe 11 is guided to the through hole 41a of the front side clamping plate 4F through the first support bracket 5, After passing through the end plate 3, the laminate 2 is supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling water supplied to the stacked body 2 first passes through the opening 51 a formed in the protruding portion 51 </ b> A of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 in each unit cell 50, and then continues. Then, it passes through the opening 52 a formed in the protrusion 52 A of the seal plate 52, and is guided to the opening 53 a formed in the protrusion 53 A of the fuel gas distribution plate 53.

  Then, a part of the cooling water that has reached the opening 53a then passes through the opening 53a, and further passes through the opening 54a formed in the protruding portion 54A of the MEA plate 54 to be positioned rearward. Is supplied to another unit cell 50.

On the other hand, the remaining other part of the cooling water that has reached the opening 53a is a plurality of fourth wave-like portions 76, 76 (see FIG. 5) formed on the front side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 thereafter. , And flows from the right to the left between the front surface of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 and the rear surface of the seal plate 52.
At this time, the cooling water oozes out to the front side of the seal plate 52 through the upper elongated hole group 66 of the seal plate 52.

  Thereafter, the remaining remaining part of the cooling water that has reached the opening 53a is located between the rear surface of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the front surface of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 from above in the opening 68 of the seal plate 52. It flows downward and is guided to the lower long hole group 67 of the seal plate 52.

The remaining other part of the cooling water that has reached the lower long hole group 67 of the seal plate 52 will ooze out to the rear surface side of the seal plate 52 through the lower long hole group 67.
Then, the cooling water flows along the front surface of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 along a plurality of fifth wavy portions 77, 77... (See FIG. 5) formed on the front surface side of the fuel gas distribution plate 53. The gas flows from the right side to the left side between the rear surface of the seal plate 52 and is guided to the opening 53d formed in the protrusion 53D of the fuel gas distribution plate 53.

  The remaining portion of the cooling water that has reached the protrusion 53D of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 passes through the opening 52d formed in the protrusion 52D of the seal plate 52, and then the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51. Passes through the opening 51d of the protrusion 51D.

  Thereafter, the remaining other portion of the cooling water passes through the end plate 3 (see FIG. 1), and is then led to the through hole 43a of the front fastening plate 4F, and the cooling water is passed through the third support bracket 7. It is guided to the discharge pipe 15 and discharged to the outside of the fuel cell 1.

By the way, as described above, both the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 have a function as a current collector in the unit cell 50. The usage environment is generally a high current density environment and a severe corrosive environment.
Therefore, it is necessary for the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 to have sufficient durability against such a use environment.

  Therefore, in the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 in the present embodiment, titanium (or titanium alloy) or aluminum (or, which can form a corrosion-resistant anodic oxide film in the presence of current) The vibration resistance characteristics of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 can be improved.

Further, in the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 in the present embodiment, base plating is applied to a material made of titanium (or titanium alloy), aluminum (or aluminum alloy), or stainless alloy. Without any problem, thin film rhodium plating that is extremely excellent in migration resistance is applied.
As a result, in the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve both durability against the use environment and electrical conductivity.

  As described above, the separator unit 60 in the present embodiment is adjacent to one side surface of the MEA 55 including the polymer electrolyte membrane, and fuel gas is supplied between the separator unit 60 and the MEA 55 (polymer electrolyte membrane). A fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53 forming a fuel gas chamber (that is, a plurality of spaces 83, 83...) And the other side surface of the MEA 55 (polymer electrolyte membrane). In addition, an oxidizing gas distribution plate (second separator) that forms an oxidizing gas chamber (that is, a plurality of space portions 70, 70...) To which an oxidizing gas is supplied between the MEA 55 (polymer electrolyte membrane). 51, the fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53 and the oxidizing gas distribution plate (second separator) 51 are made of metal thin plate members. The planar portion of the fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53 on the MEA 55 (polymer electrolyte membrane) side has a plurality of corrugated portions 81, 81,. A plurality of first wavy portions 61 and 61 having a concave shape in cross section forming an oxidizing gas chamber are formed on the planar portion of the oxidizing gas distribution plate (second separator) 51 on the MEA 55 (polymer electrolyte membrane) side. Are formed on the fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53 facing the MEA 55 (polymer electrolyte membrane), and the oxidation gas distribution plate (second separator) 51 on the MEA 55 (polymer). A seal plate 52 made of a frame-shaped thin plate member is stacked between the side facing the electrolyte membrane), and the seal plate 52 has a plurality of holes (that is, upper lengths) serving as cooling water paths. Hole group 6 And the lower elongated hole group 67 and the opening 68) are formed, and the fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53, the second dioxide gas distribution plate (second separator) 51, and the seal plate 52 are stacked together. It is supposed to be held fixed while holding.

  With such a configuration, according to the fuel cell separator unit 60 in the present embodiment, each separator made of a thin metal plate member, that is, the fuel gas distribution plate 53, the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51, and the seal plate 52. By using this, it is possible to shorten the time for constructing the stacked body 2 composed of the unit cells 50 and the stack structure while sufficiently securing a chamber to which fuel gas, oxidizing gas, and cooling water are supplied.

More specifically, the space portions 83 formed by the plurality of wavy portions 81 81 of the fuel gas distribution plate 53 (fuel gas chamber) and the plurality of first portions of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 are provided. A seal plate 52 is laminated between the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 together with the space portions 70, 70... (Oxidation gas chamber) formed by the wavy portions 61, 61. Thus, a gap in the front-rear direction is formed between the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 (more specifically, a range surrounded by the opening 68 of the seal plate 52). Thus, in the present embodiment, the cooling water chamber is configured with the gap, and the flow path of the cooling water can be secured.
Further, in the present embodiment, the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51, the seal plate 52, and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 are fixed and held while being held in a stacked state by, for example, “caulking” (that is, the oxidizing gas distribution plate). The plate 51, the seal plate 52, and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 are integrally fixed by “caulking” or the like), and the time for constructing the laminate 2 composed of the unit cell 50 and the stack structure is shortened. It can be done.

  Further, in the fuel cell separator unit 60 according to the present embodiment, the holes (that is, the upper long hole group 66, the lower long hole group 67, the opening 68, etc.) are surrounded on both the front and back surfaces of the seal plate 52. First to third seal members 71, 72, and 73 are to be attached.

  Thus, in the fuel cell separator unit 60 in the present embodiment, the upper long hole group 66, the lower long hole group 67 in the seal plate 52, between the oxidizing gas flow distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas flow distribution plate 53, And the region surrounding the opening 68 at the same time, the upper opening 52e, the lower opening 52f, and the openings 52a, 52b, 52C, and 52D of the protrusions 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D The three seal members 71, 72, 73 are sealed, and leakage of fuel gas (hydrogen), oxidizing gas (air), cooling water, etc. is prevented.

In the fuel cell separator unit 60 according to the present embodiment, the fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53 and the oxidizing gas distribution plate (second separator) 51 are made of a thin plate member made of titanium or a titanium alloy. It is supposed to be.
Alternatively, in the fuel cell separator unit 60 according to the present embodiment, the fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53 and the oxidizing gas distribution plate (second separator) 51 are made of a thin plate member made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. It is supposed to be.
Alternatively, in the fuel cell separator unit 60 in the present embodiment, the fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53 and the oxidizing gas distribution plate (second separator) 51 are made of a thin plate member made of an aluminum stainless alloy. It has become.

  As described above, in the fuel cell separator unit 60 in the present embodiment, the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 that are generally exposed to a high current density environment and a severe corrosive environment. In addition, it is possible to form a corrosion-resistant anodic oxide film in the presence of an electric current, and it is formed by a thin plate member made of titanium (or titanium alloy) or aluminum (or aluminum alloy), and these oxidizing gas distributions The vibration resistance characteristics of the plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 can be improved.

  In the fuel cell separator unit 60 according to the present embodiment, a thin film is formed on both the front and back surfaces of the fuel gas distribution plate (first separator) 53 and the oxidizing gas distribution plate (second separator) 51, or on one surface. Rhodium plating is to be applied.

  As described above, in the fuel cell separator unit 60 in the present embodiment, both the durability against the use environment and the electrical conductivity of the oxidizing gas distribution plate 51 and the fuel gas distribution plate 53 are improved. It is.

51 Oxidizing gas distribution plate (second separator)
52 Seal plate 53 Fuel gas distribution plate (first separator)
55 MEA
60 Separator unit 61 First wave-like portion 66 Upper long hole group 67 Lower long hole group 68 Opening portion 70 Space portion 71 First seal member 72 Second seal member 73 Third seal member 81 Ninth wave portion 83 Space portion

Claims (6)

A first separator which is adjacent to one side surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane and forms a fuel gas chamber to which fuel gas is supplied between the polymer electrolyte membrane;
A second separator which is adjacent to the other side surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane and forms an oxidizing gas chamber to which an oxidizing gas is supplied between the polymer electrolyte membrane;
A fuel cell separator unit comprising:
The first separator and the second separator are each made of a thin metal plate member,
A plurality of undulating portions that are concave in cross-section to form a fuel gas chamber are formed in the plane portion of the first separator on the polymer electrolyte membrane side,
A plurality of undulating portions that are concave in cross-section to form an oxidizing gas chamber are formed in the planar portion of the second separator on the polymer electrolyte membrane side,
Between the opposite side of the first separator to the polymer electrolyte membrane and the opposite side of the second separator to the polymer electrolyte membrane, a seal plate made of a frame-shaped thin plate member is laminated,
The seal plate is formed with a plurality of holes serving as cooling water paths,
The first separator, the second separator, and the seal plate are fixed and held while maintaining a laminated state.
A fuel cell separator unit. On both front and back surfaces of the seal plate, a seal member is attached so as to surround the hole,
The fuel cell separator unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first separator and the second separator are made of a thin plate member made of titanium or a titanium alloy.
The fuel cell separator unit according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell separator unit is a fuel cell separator unit. The first separator and the second separator are made of a thin plate member made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.
The fuel cell separator unit according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell separator unit is a fuel cell separator unit. The first separator and the second separator are made of a stainless steel thin plate member,
The fuel cell separator unit according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell separator unit is a fuel cell separator unit. The first separator and the front and back surfaces of the second separator, or the surface on one side is subjected to thin film rhodium plating,
The fuel cell separator unit according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the separator unit is a fuel cell separator unit.

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