JP2015220142A - Fuel cell stack - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell stack having a simple and compact configuration and capable of surely preventing a temperature drop of an end-part power generation cell and successfully performing warming.SOLUTION: In a fuel cell stack 10, end plates 20a and 20b are disposed at both ends of a laminate 14 in which a plurality of power generating cells 12 are laminated via insulators 18a and 18b. The insulator 18b is provided with heat pipe structures 70a and 70b. A pair of light-receiving units 72a constituting the heat pipe structure 70a are inserted into a pair of cooling medium inlet communication holes 40a. The pair of heat-receiving units 72a extend along a surface direction parallel to a power generating surface of a power generating cell 12, and are integrally coupled to a heat radiating unit 74a which emits the heat received by each heat-receiving unit 72a.

Description

  The present invention comprises a laminate in which a plurality of power generation cells each having an electrolyte / electrode structure and a separator on which electrodes are arranged on both sides of the electrolyte are laminated, and a terminal plate on both sides in the lamination direction of the laminate. The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack in which an insulator and an end plate are disposed.

  For example, a solid polymer fuel cell employs a solid polymer electrolyte membrane made of a polymer ion exchange membrane. This fuel cell comprises an electrolyte membrane / electrode structure in which an anode electrode and a cathode electrode each having an electrode catalyst (electrode catalyst layer) and porous carbon (gas diffusion layer) are disposed on both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane ( MEA). The electrolyte membrane / electrode structure is sandwiched between separators (bipolar plates) to constitute a power generation cell. A fuel cell is used as, for example, an in-vehicle fuel cell stack by stacking a predetermined number of power generation cells.

  By the way, in the fuel cell stack, there is a power generation cell in which a temperature drop is likely to be caused by heat radiation to the outside as compared with other power generation cells. For example, a power generation cell (hereinafter also referred to as an end power generation cell) arranged at the end in the stacking direction has a large amount of heat released from, for example, a power extraction terminal plate (current collector plate) or an end plate. The temperature drop is remarkable.

  Due to this temperature decrease, condensation is more likely to occur in the end power generation cells than in the central power generation cell of the fuel cell stack. For this reason, the malfunction that the discharge | emission property of produced water falls and power generation performance falls is pointed out.

  Thus, for example, a fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In this fuel cell, as shown in FIG. 16, end plates 2 a and 2 b are arranged at each end of the stacked body of cells 1. A cooling system 3 is provided in the fuel cell. The cooling system 3 includes a circulation duct 4 extending in the stacking direction in each cell 1, and a coolant is circulated and supplied to the circulation duct 4 via a fluid pump 5.

  Heat extraction means 6 is disposed outside the end plates 2a and 2b. Each heat extraction means 6 includes a plurality of heat pipes 7, and the heat pipes 7 are inserted into the end plates 2a and 2b. The heat pipe 7 receives the heat of the coolant flowing through the end plates 2a and 2b along the circulation duct 4, and can cool the cell 1 quickly.

Special table 2012-526366 gazette

  However, in the fuel cell described above, the heat extraction means 6 including a plurality of heat pipes 7 extending in the stacking direction of the cells 1 is disposed outside the end plates 2a and 2b. For this reason, there is a problem that the entire system is considerably elongated along the stacking direction of the cells 1.

  Moreover, when the fuel cell is warmed up, the heat pipe 7 receives heat from the end plates 2a and 2b. Thereby, especially in the cell 1 arrange | positioned at an edge part, there exists a problem that the heat retention at the time of warming-up becomes difficult.

  The present invention solves this type of problem, and it is a simple and compact configuration that can reliably prevent a temperature drop of an end power generation cell and can perform warm-up well. The purpose is to provide.

  The fuel cell stack according to the present invention includes a laminate in which a plurality of power generation cells each including an electrolyte / electrode structure in which electrodes are disposed on both sides of an electrolyte and a separator are laminated. The fuel cell stack is formed with fluid communication holes that extend in the stacking direction of the stack and allow a fluid that is a fuel gas, an oxidant gas, or a cooling medium to flow therethrough. A terminal plate, an insulator, and an end plate are disposed on both sides in the stacking direction of the stack.

  A heat pipe structure having a rod shape is provided inside the fuel cell stack on at least one end plate side. The heat pipe structure is disposed in each fluid communication hole, and extends along a plane direction parallel to the power generation surface of the power generation cell and a pair of heat reception portions that receive heat from the fluid, and heat received by each heat reception portion. And a heat dissipating part that emits. A heat receiving portion is integrally provided at both ends of the heat radiating portion.

  Moreover, in this fuel cell stack, it is preferable that a cooling medium flow path for flowing the cooling medium along the separator surface is formed between the separators adjacent to each other. At this time, it is preferable that a pair of cooling medium inlet communication holes which are fluid communication holes are provided on the inlet side of the cooling medium flow path so as to sandwich the cooling medium flow path in the flow width direction. On the other hand, it is preferable that a pair of cooling medium outlet communication holes that are fluid communication holes are provided on the outlet side of the cooling medium flow path so as to sandwich the cooling medium flow path in the flow width direction.

  Further, in this fuel cell stack, the heat pipe structure has each heat receiving portion as a pair of cooling medium inlet communication holes, a pair of cooling medium outlet communication holes, or one cooling medium inlet communication hole and one cooling medium outlet. It is preferable to arrange in the communication hole.

  Furthermore, in this fuel cell stack, it is preferable that a plurality of heat pipe structures are attached.

  According to the present invention, in the heat pipe structure, heat is received by the pair of heat receiving portions from the fluid communication hole through which the cooling medium or the reaction gas flows, and from the heat radiating portion connected to the pair of heat receiving portions to the power generation surface. Heat is dissipated along the parallel surface direction. For this reason, by using the both ends of the heat pipe structure as a heat input part (heat receiving part), it is possible to secure a heat receiving area and to suppress an increase in pressure loss of the heat supply fluid path. .

  Therefore, the end of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction, particularly the end power generation cell arranged at the end of the stack, has a temperature equivalent to the temperature of the power generation cell on the center side during power generation. Keep warm.

  Furthermore, heat exchange is performed when the temperature in the vicinity of the heat radiating portion is lower than the fluid temperature of the fluid communication hole. That is, the heat pipe structure has a function as a thermal diode. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a good temperature even when warming up. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent a temperature drop of the end power generation cell and to perform warm-up well.

1 is a perspective explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of the fuel cell stack. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell stack taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. It is a disassembled perspective explanatory drawing of the electric power generation cell which comprises the said fuel cell stack. It is front explanatory drawing of the heat pipe structure which comprises the said fuel cell stack. It is temperature explanatory drawing in each site | part in the said fuel cell stack. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between a cooling medium flow rate and pressure loss. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is front explanatory drawing of the heat pipe structure which comprises the said fuel cell stack. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective explanatory drawing of the electric power generation cell which comprises the said fuel cell stack. It is front explanatory drawing of the heat pipe structure which comprises the said fuel cell stack. FIG. 6 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is front explanatory drawing of the heat pipe structure which comprises the said fuel cell stack. FIG. 9 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel cell stack 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used as, for example, an in-vehicle fuel cell stack mounted on a fuel cell electric vehicle (not shown).

  The fuel cell stack 10 includes a stacked body 14 in which a plurality of power generation cells 12 are stacked in the horizontal direction (arrow A direction) or the vertical direction (arrow C direction). A terminal plate 16a, an insulator (insulating plate) 18a, and an end plate 20a are sequentially disposed at one end in the stacking direction (arrow A direction) of the stacked body 14 outward in the stacking direction (see FIG. 2). At the other end in the stacking direction of the stacked body 14, a terminal plate 16b, an insulator (insulating plate) 18b, and an end plate 20b are sequentially disposed outward in the stacking direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the end plates 20 a and 20 b are made of a metal material or a resin material, have a horizontally long (or vertically long) rectangular shape, and a connecting bar 24 is disposed between each side. Each connecting bar 24 is fixed at both ends in the plane of the end plates 20a, 20b via bolts 26, and applies a tightening load in the stacking direction (arrow A direction) to the plurality of stacked power generation cells 12. Note that the fuel cell stack 10 may include a housing having end plates 20a and 20b as end plates, and the stacked body 14 may be accommodated in the housing.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the power generation cell 12, the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30 is sandwiched between a first separator (cathode separator) 32 and a second separator (anode separator) 34. The 1st separator 32 and the 2nd separator 34 are comprised by the metal separator which press-molded the steel plate, the stainless steel plate, the aluminum plate, the plating processing steel plate, or the metal thin plate, for example. The first separator 32 and the second separator 34 may be a carbon separator, for example.

  One end edge of the power generation cell 12 in the direction of arrow B (the horizontal direction in FIG. 4) communicates with each other in the direction of arrow A, which is the stacking direction. An outlet communication hole (fluid communication hole) 38b is provided. The oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b are arranged in the direction of arrow C (vertical direction). The oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a supplies an oxidant gas, for example, an oxygen-containing gas, while the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b discharges a fuel gas, for example, a hydrogen-containing gas.

  A fuel gas inlet communication hole (fluid communication hole) 38a and an oxidant gas outlet communication hole (fluid communication hole) 36b communicate with each other in the arrow A direction at the other end edge of the power generation cell 12 in the arrow B direction. Arranged in the direction of arrow C. The fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a supplies fuel gas, while the oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b discharges oxidant gas.

  Cooling medium inlet communication holes (fluid communication holes) 40a are provided on one side of both ends in the direction of arrow C of the power generation cell 12, that is, on the oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a and fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b side. It is done. Cooling medium outlet communication holes (fluid communication holes) 40b are provided on the other side of both ends in the direction of arrow C of the power generation cell 12, that is, on the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a and oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b side. It is done.

  An oxidant gas flow path 42 communicating with the oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a and the oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b is provided on the surface 32a of the first separator 32 facing the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30. The oxidant gas flow path 42 has a plurality of flow path grooves (wave-like flow path grooves or linear flow path grooves) 42a extending in the horizontal direction (the direction of arrow B).

  A fuel gas passage 44 communicating with the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b is provided on the surface 34a of the second separator 34 facing the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30. The fuel gas channel 44 has a plurality of channel grooves (wave-like channel grooves or linear channel grooves) 44a extending in the horizontal direction (the direction of arrow B).

  A pair of cooling medium inlet communication holes 40a and a pair of cooling medium outlet communication holes 40b are provided between the surface 32b of the first separator 32 and the surface 34b of the second separator 34 constituting the power generation cells 12 adjacent to each other. A cooling medium flow path 46 that communicates is provided. The cooling medium flow path 46 has a plurality of flow path grooves (wave-like flow path grooves or linear flow path grooves) 46a extending in the horizontal direction (the direction of arrow B).

  The first separator 32 and the second separator 34 are provided with a first seal member 48 and a second seal member 50 integrally or individually. As the first seal member 48 and the second seal member 50, for example, EPDM, NBR, fluororubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene rubber, chloroprene, acrylic rubber or the like sealant or cushion A seal member having elasticity such as a material or a packing material is used.

  The electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30 includes, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 52 in which a perfluorosulfonic acid thin film is impregnated with water, and a cathode electrode 54 and an anode electrode 56 that sandwich the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 52. Prepare.

  The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 52 has a larger planar dimension than the cathode electrode 54 and the anode electrode 56. In addition, although the cathode electrode 54 and the anode electrode 56 are set to the same surface dimension, you may comprise what is called level | step difference MEA set to a mutually different planar dimension.

  The cathode electrode 54 and the anode electrode 56 are an electrode catalyst formed by uniformly applying a gas diffusion layer made of carbon paper or the like and porous carbon particles carrying a platinum alloy on the surface thereof to the surface of the gas diffusion layer. And having a layer. The electrode catalyst layer is formed on both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 52, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, terminal terminal plates (terminal terminals) 58 a and 58 b projecting outward in the surface direction are provided on one side of the terminal plates 16 a and 16 b. Harnesses 60a and 60b are connected to the terminal terminal plates 58a and 58b.

  The insulators 18a and 18b are formed of an electrically insulating material such as polycarbonate (PC) or phenol resin. The insulators 18a and 18b are formed with recesses 62a and 62b for receiving the terminal plates 16a and 16b. Insulators 18a and 18b are formed with groove portions 64a and 64b that are connected at one end to the recesses 62a and 62b and into which the terminal terminal plates 58a and 58b are inserted. The insulators 18 a and 18 b are set to have substantially the same planar dimensions as the stacked body 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, at least one end plate side, for example, the end plate 20 b side, is disposed in the fuel cell stack 10, for example, the insulator 18 b, and has a plurality of rod-like heat pipe structures 70 a and 70 b. Is provided. Heat pipe structures 70a and 70b may also be provided on the end plate 20a side.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, in the insulator 18b, for example, the three heat pipe structures 70a are respectively disposed in a pair of upper and lower cooling medium inlet communication holes (fluid communication holes) 40a. In the insulator 18b, for example, the three heat pipe structures 70b are respectively disposed in a pair of upper and lower cooling medium outlet communication holes (fluid communication holes) 40b.

  At both ends of the heat pipe structure 70a, a pair of heat receiving portions 72a that are directly disposed in the respective cooling medium inlet communication holes 40a and receive heat from the cooling medium (fluid) are provided. The pair of heat receiving portions 72a extends along a plane direction parallel to the power generation surface of the power generation cell 12, and is integrally connected to a single heat radiating portion 74a that releases heat received by each heat receiving portion 72a. The heat dissipating part 74a is arranged along the bottom surface of the recess 62b of the insulator 18b or partially embedded in the bottom surface. The three heat radiating portions 74a are arranged at substantially equal intervals from the central portion in the power generation region to the cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a side.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, a pair of heat receiving portions 72 b that are directly disposed in the respective cooling medium outlet communication holes 40 b and receive heat from the cooling medium (fluid) are provided at both ends of the heat pipe structure 70 b. It is done. The pair of heat receiving portions 72b extends along a plane direction parallel to the power generation surface of the power generation cell 12, and is integrally connected to a single heat radiating portion 74b that releases heat received by each heat receiving portion 72b. The heat dissipating part 74b is arranged along the bottom surface of the recess 62b of the insulator 18b or partially embedded in the bottom surface. The three heat radiating portions 74b are arranged at substantially equal intervals from the central portion in the power generation region to the cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b side.

  The terminal plate 16b may be configured to have a flat surface that contacts each of the heat radiating portions 74a and 74b, or may be configured to have an arcuate surface that curves along the outer peripheral surface shape of the heat radiating portions 74a and 74b. Good. Alternatively, the heat dissipating parts 74a and 74b may be formed with a flat surface in contact with the terminal plate 16b, and the heat dissipating parts 74a and 74b may be entirely or partially embedded in the terminal plate 16b.

  In addition, the arrangement | positioning site | part of the heat receiving parts 72a and 72b is not limited to the cooling-medium inlet communication hole 40a and the cooling-medium outlet communication hole 40b. The heat receiving portion 72a may be disposed in the oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a or the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a. The heat receiving portion 72b may be disposed in the oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b or the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b. Further, the heat radiation portions 74a and 74b may be provided on the terminal plate 16a side, or may be provided on the surface of the insulator 18b facing the end plate 20b, the surface of the end plate 20b, or the inside thereof. The same applies to the second and subsequent embodiments described below.

  The heat pipe structures 70a and 70b constitute a sealed container. Although not shown, when the working fluid absorbs heat and evaporates on the inner walls of the heat receiving portions 72a and 72b, which are high-temperature portions, the working fluid vapor passes through the cavities. It moves to each heat radiation part 74a, 74b which is a low temperature part. The working fluid vapor cooled by the heat radiating portions 74a and 74b aggregates and returns to the liquid, and is absorbed by the wick (capillary structure core) on the inner wall. Further, the hydraulic fluid travels through the wick and is returned to the heat receiving portions 72a and 72b. The heat receiving portions 72a and 72b are preferably disposed below the heat radiating portions 74a and 74b in the direction of gravity. This is because the condensed liquid returns to the heat receiving portions 72a and 72b by the action of gravity. However, since the heat pipe structures 70a and 70b are provided with wicks therein, the arrangement direction is not particularly limited.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the end plate 20a includes an oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a, an oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b, a fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a, a fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b, a cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a, and A cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b is formed. In addition, you may form and distribute a predetermined communicating hole in the end plate 20a and the end plate 20b. For example, one end plate (end plate 20a or 20b) may be provided with an oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a, an oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b, a fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a, and a fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b. In that case, the other end plate (end plate 20b or 20a) can be provided with the cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b.

  The operation of the fuel cell stack 10 configured as described above will be described below.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, an oxidant gas such as an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a of the end plate 20a. Fuel gas such as hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a of the end plate 20a. A cooling medium such as pure water, ethylene glycol, or oil is supplied to the pair of upper and lower cooling medium inlet communication holes 40a of the end plate 20a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the oxidant gas is introduced into the oxidant gas flow path 42 of the first separator 32 from the oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a. The oxidant gas is supplied to the cathode electrode 54 constituting the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30 while flowing in the horizontal direction (arrow B direction) along the oxidant gas flow path 42.

  On the other hand, the fuel gas is introduced into the fuel gas flow path 44 of the second separator 34 from the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a. The fuel gas is supplied to the anode electrode 56 constituting the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30 while flowing in the horizontal direction (arrow B direction) along the fuel gas flow path 44.

  Therefore, in the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30, the oxidant gas supplied to the cathode electrode 54 and the fuel gas supplied to the anode electrode 56 are consumed by an electrochemical reaction in the electrode catalyst layer to generate power. Is called.

  Next, the oxidant gas consumed by being supplied to the cathode electrode 54 is discharged in the direction of arrow A along the oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b. On the other hand, the fuel gas consumed by being supplied to the anode electrode 56 is discharged in the direction of arrow A along the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b.

  Further, the cooling medium supplied to the pair of cooling medium inlet communication holes 40 a provided above and below the opposing long sides is introduced into the cooling medium flow path 46 between the first separator 32 and the second separator 34. The cooling medium once flows along the inside of the arrow C direction (the separator short side direction) and then moves in the arrow B direction (the separator long side direction) to cool the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30. After the cooling medium moves outward in the direction of arrow C, the cooling medium is discharged in the direction of arrow A along the pair of cooling medium outlet communication holes 40b.

  In this case, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the pair of heat receiving portions 72 a configuring each heat pipe structure 70 a are inserted into the pair of upper and lower cooling medium inlet communication holes 40 a. . For this reason, each heat receiving part 72a can receive heat from the cooling medium flowing through each cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the pair of heat receiving portions 72b constituting each heat pipe structure 70b is inserted into the pair of upper and lower cooling medium outlet communication holes 40b. Therefore, each heat receiving portion 72b can receive heat from the used cooling medium flowing through each cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b, that is, the cooling medium heated by cooling each power generation cell 12.

  The heat received by the heat receiving portions 72 a and 72 b is radiated to the entire terminal plate 16 b from the heat radiating portions 74 a and 74 b extending along the power generation surface inside the fuel cell stack 10. As a result, the terminal plate 16a that is the end portion in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 10 is quickly heated, and it is possible to satisfactorily suppress heat dissipation from the end power generation cells 12e disposed at the end portions of the stack 14. (See FIG. 3).

  In FIG. 6, the temperature (representative temperature) of each part of the fuel cell stack 10 based on the presence or absence of the heat pipe structures 70a and 70b was detected. As a result, when the heat pipe structures 70a and 70b are used, the temperature is maintained within an appropriate MEA temperature range from the inside of the fuel cell stack 10 to the outer surface of the end plate 20b. On the other hand, when the heat pipe structures 70a and 70b are not used, the temperature outward from the end power generation cells 12e is less than the appropriate MEA temperature range as compared to the internal temperature of the fuel cell stack 10.

  Furthermore, using the configuration without the heat pipe structure, the comparative example in which the heat receiving portion is provided only on one side, and the configuration of the first embodiment, the relationship between the cooling medium flow rate and the flow path pressure loss of the cooling medium communication hole is The detected result is shown in FIG. For this reason, when the heat pipe structure secures a necessary heat receiving area, by using the heat pipe structure 70a (70b) provided with the heat receiving portions 72a (72b) at both ends, the one-side heat receiving portion structure (comparative example) is used. In comparison, the effect that the flow path pressure loss of the cooling medium communication hole is favorably reduced can be obtained.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, with a simple and compact configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the temperature reduction of the end power generation cells 12e arranged at the end portions in the stacking direction, and to perform warm-up well. The effect that it becomes possible is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell stack 80 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a rod-like heat disposed inside the terminal plate 16b or between the surface of the terminal plate 16b and the insulator 18b. Pipe structures 82a and 82b are provided. Note that the same components as those of the fuel cell stack 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the insulator 18b, for example, two heat pipe structures 82a are arranged in an upper cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and an upper cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b. In the insulator 18b, for example, the two heat pipe structures 82b are disposed in the lower cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the lower cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b.

  At both ends of the heat pipe structure 82a, a pair of heat receiving portions 84a that are directly disposed in the upper cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the upper cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b and receive heat from the cooling medium (fluid) are provided. The pair of heat receiving portions 84a extends along a plane direction parallel to the power generation surface of the power generation cell 12, and is integrally connected to a single heat radiating portion 86a that releases heat received by each heat receiving portion 84a. The heat radiating portion 86a is arranged along the bottom surface of the recess 62b of the insulator 18b or partially embedded in the bottom surface. The two heat radiating portions 86a are arranged at a predetermined interval upward from the central portion in the power generation region.

  At both ends of the heat pipe structure 82b, a pair of heat receiving portions 84b that are directly disposed in the lower cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the lower cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b and receive heat from the cooling medium (fluid) are provided. The pair of heat receiving portions 84b extends along a plane direction parallel to the power generation surface of the power generation cell 12, and is integrally connected to a single heat radiating portion 86b that releases heat received by each heat receiving portion 84b. The heat radiating portion 86b is arranged along the bottom surface of the recess 62b of the insulator 18b or partially embedded in the bottom surface. The two heat radiating portions 86b are arranged at a predetermined interval from the central portion in the power generation region to the lower side.

  The terminal plate 16b may be configured to have a flat surface that contacts each of the heat radiating portions 86a and 86b, or may be configured to have an arcuate surface that curves along the outer peripheral surface of the heat radiating portions 86a and 86b. Good. Alternatively, the whole or part of the heat radiating portions 86a and 86b may be embedded in the terminal plate 16b.

  In the second embodiment configured as described above, the pair of heat receiving portions 84a constituting each heat pipe structure 82a is disposed in the upper cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the upper cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b. ing. For this reason, the pair of heat receiving portions 84a can receive heat from the cooling medium flowing through the cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the cooling medium flowing through the cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b, and can radiate heat from the heat radiating portion 86a to the terminal plate 16b. .

  On the other hand, the pair of heat receiving portions 84b constituting each heat pipe structure 82b is disposed in the lower cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the lower cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b. Therefore, the pair of heat receiving portions 84b can receive heat from the cooling medium flowing through the cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the cooling medium flowing through the cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b, and can radiate heat from the heat radiating portion 86b to the terminal plate 16b. Become. As a result, the entire terminal plate 16b can be heated quickly and reliably, the temperature reduction of the end power generation cell 12e can be reliably prevented, and the warm-up can be performed satisfactorily. The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a fuel cell stack 90 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a stacked body in which a plurality of power generation cells 92 are stacked in the horizontal direction (arrow A direction) or the vertical direction (arrow C direction). 94. A terminal plate 16a, an insulator (insulating plate) 96a, and an end plate 98a are sequentially arranged at one end in the stacking direction (arrow A direction) of the stack 94 in the stacking direction outward. At the other end in the stacking direction of the stacked body 94, a terminal plate 16b, an insulator (insulating plate) 96b, and an end plate 98b are sequentially disposed outward in the stacking direction.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the power generation cell 92 includes an electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 100, and a first separator 102 and a second separator 104 that sandwich the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 100. The first separator 102 and the second separator 104 are constituted by a metal separator or a carbon separator.

  An oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a, a cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a, and a fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b communicate with each other in the arrow A direction at one end edge of the power generation cell 92 in the arrow B direction, which is the long side direction. Provided. A fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a, a coolant outlet communication hole 40b, and an oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b communicate with each other in the arrow A direction at the other end edge of the power generation cell 92 in the arrow B direction. Are provided in an array.

  As shown in FIG. 10, on at least one end plate side, for example, the end plate 98b side, a plurality of rod-like heat pipe structures 106 are provided inside the fuel cell stack 90, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, in the insulator 96b, for example, the four heat pipe structures 106 each extend in the horizontal direction, and between the cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b. Placed in.

  At both ends of each heat pipe structure 106, a pair of heat receiving portions 108 a and 108 b that are directly disposed in the cooling medium inlet communication hole 40 a and the cooling medium outlet communication hole 40 b and receive heat from the cooling medium (fluid) are provided. The heat receiving portions 108a and 108b extend along a plane direction parallel to the power generation surface of the power generation cell 92, and are integrally connected to a single heat radiating portion 110 that releases heat received by each of the heat receiving portions 108a and 108b. . The heat radiating part 110 is arranged along the bottom surface of the recess 62b of the insulator 96b or partially embedded in the bottom surface. The four heat radiating portions 110 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the height direction in the power generation region and extend in the horizontal direction.

  In the third embodiment configured as described above, the pair of heat receiving portions 108a and 108b constituting each heat pipe structure 106 are directly arranged in the cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b. Yes. For this reason, the pair of heat receiving portions 108a and 108b receive heat from the cooling medium flowing through the cooling medium inlet communication hole 40a and the cooling medium flowing through the cooling medium outlet communication hole 40b, and radiate heat from the heat radiating portion 110 to the terminal plate 16b. Can do.

  Therefore, the entire terminal plate 16b can be heated quickly and reliably, the temperature reduction of the end power generation cells can be reliably prevented, and the warm-up can be performed satisfactorily. And the same effect as 2nd Embodiment is acquired.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the fuel cell stack 120 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a heat pipe structure 122. Note that the same components as those of the fuel cell stack 90 according to the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, a plurality of rod-like heat pipe structures 122 are provided on the end plate 98 b side so as to be disposed inside the fuel cell stack 120. In the insulator 96b, for example, the three heat pipe structures 122 each extend in the horizontal direction and are disposed between the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b.

  At both ends of each heat pipe structure 122, a pair of heat receiving portions 124a and 124b that are directly disposed in the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b and receive heat from the fuel gas (fluid) are provided. The heat receiving portions 124a and 124b extend along a plane direction parallel to the power generation surface of the power generation cell 92, and are integrally connected to a single heat radiating portion 126 that releases heat received by the heat receiving portions 124a and 124b. . The heat dissipating part 126 is arranged along the bottom surface of the recess 62b of the insulator 96b or partially embedded in the bottom surface. The three heat radiating portions 126 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the height direction in the power generation region and extend in the horizontal direction. The heat pipe structure 122 may be provided between the oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36a and the oxidant gas outlet communication hole 36b.

  In the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the pair of heat receiving portions 124a and 124b constituting each heat pipe structure 122 is directly disposed in the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b. Yes. For this reason, the pair of heat receiving portions 124a and 124b receive heat from the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas inlet communication hole 38a and the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas outlet communication hole 38b, and dissipate heat from the heat dissipation portion 126 to the terminal plate 16b. Can do.

  Therefore, the entire terminal plate 16b can be heated quickly and reliably, the temperature reduction of the end power generation cells can be reliably prevented, and the warm-up can be performed satisfactorily. The same effects as those of the third embodiment are obtained.

  FIG. 15 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack 130 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those of the fuel cell stack 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Terminal portions 132a and 132b extending outward in the stacking direction are provided at substantially the center of the terminal plates 16a and 16b. The terminal portion 132a is inserted into the insulating cylinder 134, passes through the hole 136a of the insulator 18a and the hole 138a of the end plate 20a, and protrudes outside the end plate 20a. The terminal portion 132b is inserted into the insulating cylinder 134, passes through the hole 136b of the insulator 18b and the hole 138b of the end plate 20b, and protrudes outside the end plate 20b.

  The insulator 18b is provided with heat pipe structures 70a and 70b. Instead of the heat pipe structures 70a and 70b, the heat pipe structures 82a and 82b may be used, or the heat pipe structure 106 may be used. Furthermore, the heat pipe structure 122 can be used instead of the heat pipe structures 70a and 70b.

  In the fifth embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as in the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.

10, 80, 90, 120, 130 ... Fuel cell stacks 12, 92 ... Power generation cells 14, 94 ... Laminated bodies 16a, 16b ... Terminal plates 18a, 18b, 96a, 96b ... Insulators 20a, 20b, 98a, 98b ... End plates 30, 100 ... Electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 32, 34, 102, 104 ... Separator 36a ... Oxidant gas inlet communication hole 36b ... Oxidant gas outlet communication hole 38a ... Fuel gas inlet communication hole 38b ... Fuel gas outlet communication hole 40a ... cooling medium inlet communication hole 40b ... cooling medium outlet communication hole 42 ... oxidant gas flow path 44 ... fuel gas flow path 46 ... cooling medium flow path 48, 50 ... seal member 52 ... solid polymer electrolyte membrane 54 ... cathode electrode 56 ... Anode electrodes 70a, 70b, 82a, 82b, 106, 122 ... Heat pipe structures 72a, 72 b, 84a, 84b, 108a, 108b, 124a, 124b ... heat receiving portions 74a, 74b, 86a, 86b, 110, 126 ... heat radiating portions

Claims (4)

A power generation cell having an electrolyte / electrode structure in which electrodes are disposed on both sides of an electrolyte and a separator is provided with a stack in which a plurality of stacks are stacked, and extends in the stacking direction of the stacks to form a fuel gas and an oxidant gas Alternatively, a fuel cell stack in which a fluid communication hole for flowing a fluid as a cooling medium is formed and a terminal plate, an insulator, and an end plate are disposed on both sides in the stacking direction of the stack,
At least one end plate side is provided with a rod-shaped heat pipe structure inside the fuel cell stack,
The heat pipe structure is disposed in each of the individual fluid communication holes, and a pair of heat receiving portions that receive heat from the fluid;
Extending along a plane direction parallel to the power generation surface of the power generation cell, and a heat radiating part that releases heat received by each heat receiving part, and
With
The fuel cell stack, wherein the heat receiving portion is integrally provided at both ends of the heat radiating portion.   2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein a cooling medium flow path for circulating a cooling medium along a separator surface is formed between the separators adjacent to each other, and the cooling medium flow path is provided at an inlet side of the cooling medium flow path. A pair of cooling medium inlet communication holes, which are the fluid communication holes, are provided across the medium flow path in the flow path width direction, and the cooling medium flow path is disposed on the outlet side of the cooling medium flow path. A fuel cell stack, wherein a pair of cooling medium outlet communication holes, which are the fluid communication holes, are provided across the width direction.   3. The fuel cell stack according to claim 2, wherein the heat pipe structure includes a heat receiving portion connected to the pair of cooling medium inlet communication holes, the pair of cooling medium outlet communication holes, or one cooling medium inlet communication hole. A fuel cell stack, which is disposed in one cooling medium outlet communication hole.   The fuel cell stack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the heat pipe structures are attached.

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