JP3098619B2 - Fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a plate-like electrolyte layer provided with an oxygen electrode on one side and a fuel electrode on the other side, and
The cells of a fuel cell having an oxygen-containing gas flow path on the side facing the oxygen electrode and having a fuel gas flow path on the side facing the fuel electrode are juxtaposed in a stacked state to form a cell integrated group, and the oxygen-containing group is formed. An oxygen-containing gas supply path communicating with each of the inlets of the gas flow path, an oxygen-containing gas discharge path communicating with each of the outlets of the oxygen-containing gas flow path, and a fuel gas supply path communicating with each of the fuel gas flow path inlets And a fuel gas discharge path communicating with each of the outlets of the fuel gas flow path.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In such a fuel cell, conventionally, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed in the direction of accumulation in the cell accumulation group NC, a wind tunnel 51 forming an oxygen-containing gas supply passage Ks on the outer peripheral portion of the cell accumulation group NC, and an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage Hs
, A wind tunnel 53 forming a fuel gas supply path Kf, and a wind tunnel 54 forming a fuel gas discharge path Hf are separately connected in an airtight state.

[0003]

However, in the conventional fuel cell, the outer periphery of the cell integrated group NC is provided with an oxygen-containing gas supply path, an oxygen-containing gas discharge path, a fuel gas supply path, and a fuel gas discharge path. Since it is necessary to provide each of the four in an airtight state, the number of seal locations increases. Further, since the outer peripheral portion of the cell integrated group NC is covered with an oxygen-containing gas supply path, an oxygen-containing gas discharge path, a fuel gas supply path, and a fuel gas discharge path, for example, a water cooling pipe for cooling is provided between the cells. When installing a water-cooled pipe, the water-supply path and the drainage path for the water-cooled pipe are led out to the outside, and the oxygen-containing gas supply path, oxygen-containing gas discharge path, fuel gas supply path, and fuel gas discharge path are connected. Must be airtight. Therefore, there is a problem that the assembly configuration is very complicated.

Further, since the oxygen-containing gas supply path, the oxygen-containing gas discharge path, the fuel gas supply path, and the fuel gas discharge path are exposed to the outside air, heat loss from them is large, and therefore, in the case of the internal reforming type, Thermal efficiency was low on the surface for maintaining the cell temperature at a temperature at which internal reforming was possible, or on the surface for exhaust heat recovery using cooling water.

The object of the present invention is to solve the above two problems at once by a rational improvement.

[0006]

According to a first characteristic configuration of the fuel cell according to the present invention, the cell integrated group is arranged inside a box.
In the stacking direction in the cell integrated group,
The oxygen-containing gas supply path is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the cell integrated group.
The oxygen-containing gas discharge path, the fuel gas supply path, and the fuel
Gas passages forming any three of the feed gas discharge paths
A forming member is provided, and the oxygen-containing gas supply passage and the acid
Element-containing gas discharge path, the fuel gas supply path, and the fuel gas
The remaining one of the discharge paths is inside the box, and
One outside the cell integration group and the gas passage forming member
The space is configured to function as a gas passage .

A second characteristic configuration is that the oxygen-containing gas discharge path and the fuel gas discharge path are discharged from the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet and the discharged oxygen-containing gas discharged from the fuel gas flow path outlet. In that it is constituted by one gas discharge passage functioning as a combustion chamber for burning the exhausted fuel gas.

The third characteristic configuration is a preferred specific configuration when the second characteristic configuration is implemented. The planar shape of the plate-like electrolyte layer is rectangular, and the plate-like electrolyte layer has a rectangular shape on the side facing the oxygen electrode. A flow path forming member that forms the oxygen-containing gas flow path between the oxygen electrode and the oxygen-containing gas flow path, and opens the oxygen-containing gas flow path entrance at one side edge of the cell and at a side edge facing the one side edge. The cell is formed by providing the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet in an open state, and a plurality of the cells are juxtaposed in a stacked state in a state where the fuel gas flow path is formed between adjacent cells. A cell accumulation group is formed, and the fuel gas flow path inlet is formed on each of both side edges adjacent to the existence side edge of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet in the cell, and the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet in the cell is formed. On the same side edge as the existing side edge, A source gas flow path outlet is formed, the oxygen-containing gas supply path is provided in a state of communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlets, and the oxygen-containing gas discharge path also serves as the fuel gas discharge path. A gas discharge path is provided in communication with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet and each of the fuel gas flow path outlets, and the fuel gas supply path is
The fuel gas passages are provided in communication with each of the inlets.
There to that point.

[0009]

According to the first characteristic configuration, outside the cell integrated group.
Oxygen-containing gas supply path, oxygen-containing gas discharge path and fuel
Three of the feed gas supply path and the fuel gas discharge path
The gas passage forming member to be formedProvide in an airtight state. Follow
In the past, the remaining one was
The outer periphery of the cell integrated group is open to the outside.
There are water-cooled tubes between cells using the open area.
Then, the cell accumulation group is disposed inside the box.
Oxygen-containing gas supply path, oxygen-containing gas discharge path, and fuel gas supply
Connect the remaining one of the supply and fuel gas discharge
Inside and outside of the cell assembly and gas passage forming member
Is configured to function as a gas passage.
In addition, the cell integrated group, the oxygen-containing gas supply path, and the oxygen-containing gas
Either the discharge path, the fuel gas supply path, or the fuel gas discharge path
These three structures are covered with a box.
Radiation loss from the device can be suppressed.

According to the second characteristic configuration, since the oxygen-containing gas discharge path and the fuel gas discharge path are shared by one gas discharge path, an oxygen-containing gas supply path is provided on the outer periphery of the cell integrated group. It is only necessary to provide any two of the fuel gas supply path and the gas discharge path in an airtight state. Further, the oxygen-containing gas discharged from the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet and the fuel gas discharged from the fuel gas flow path outlet are burned in a gas discharge path functioning as a combustion chamber to heat the cell accumulation group. it can.

According to a third characteristic configuration, the oxygen-containing gas flow path is configured so that the oxygen-containing gas flows in a DC state,
By configuring the fuel gas flow path so that the fuel gas flows in a bent flow state, the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet and the fuel gas flow path outlet are the same as the cell integrated group in the stacking direction of the cell integrated group. It is arranged on the side surface, by providing one gas discharge path on the side surface in a state of communicating with the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlets and the fuel gas flow path outlets,
The one gas discharge path can serve both as the oxygen-containing gas discharge path and the fuel gas discharge path. And an illustration
For example, when the oxygen-containing gas supply path and the gas discharge path are provided in an air-tight manner on one side of the cell integration group and on each side facing the one side in the stacking direction of the cell integration group, the oxygen-containing gas supply path may be used. And a pair of opposing side surfaces different from the pair of opposing side surfaces where each of the gas discharge passages is installed is in a state open to the outside, so using these side surfaces,
After installing a water cooling tube or the like between the cells, the cell accumulation group is disposed inside the box. Fuel gas supply path inside the box,
In addition, the space outside the cell integration group and the gas passage forming member is
It is configured to function as a gas passage. In addition, since the cell integrated group, the oxygen-containing gas supply path, and the gas discharge path are covered with a box-shaped body, heat loss from them can be suppressed.

[0012]

According to the first characteristic configuration, the number of sealing locations is reduced as compared with the conventional case, and the oxygen-containing gas supply path, the oxygen-containing gas discharge path, and the fuel gas supply Formation of any one of three routes and fuel gas discharge route
Even in a state where the gas passage forming member to be provided is provided in an airtight state, it is possible to easily install a water cooling tube or the like by using an open portion on the outer peripheral portion of the cell accumulation group, and thereafter, the cell accumulation group is simply formed in a box shape. Since it is only necessary to dispose it inside the body, the assembly configuration can be simplified. Also, a cell integration group,
Since any three of the oxygen-containing gas supply path, the oxygen-containing gas discharge path, the fuel gas supply path, and the fuel gas discharge path are covered with a box-like body, heat loss from them can be suppressed, Thermal efficiency can be improved.

According to the second and third features, the number of seals is further reduced, so that the assembly structure is further simplified.
I can do it. In the third characteristic configuration, for example,
For example, the cell integration
Acid on each side of the group and on each side facing it
Gas-containing gas supply passage and gas discharge passage are provided in an airtight state.
In this case, when viewed in the stacking direction of the cell integrated group, both opposing side surfaces of the cell integrated group can be opened to the outside, and water cooling tubes and the like can be more easily equipped by using the both side surfaces. Therefore, the assembly configuration can be further simplified. In addition, the cell integrated group, the oxygen-containing gas supply path, and the gas discharge path are covered with a box-like body, and the exhausted oxygen-containing gas and the discharged fuel gas are passed through the gas discharge path in a state in which heat radiation loss therefrom is suppressed. Since the cells can be heated by burning them, the thermal efficiency can be further improved.

[0014]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

First, referring to FIG. 1, a cell C of a fuel cell
Will be described.

A plate-shaped solid electrolyte layer 1 having a rectangular planar shape has a film-shaped or plate-shaped oxygen electrode 2 on one surface, and a film-shaped or plate-shaped fuel electrode 3 on the other surface, and the whole surface or almost all. A three-layer plate-like body having a rectangular planar shape for obtaining an electromotive force from the oxygen electrode 2 and the fuel electrode 3 is formed so as to be integrally attached over the entire surface.

The solid electrolyte layer 1 is made of tetragonal ZrO ₂ in which about 3 mol% of Yt is dissolved, and other suitable materials. The oxygen electrode 2 is made of LaMnO ₃ and other suitable materials. The fuel electrode 3 is made of a cermet of Ni and ZrO ₂ , or any other suitable material.

On the oxygen electrode 2 side of the three-layer plate, a conductive separator 4 as a flow path forming member having a pair of ridges 4a is attached to the oxygen electrode 2 over the entire length of the ridges 4a. By providing the oxygen-containing gas flow path s between the oxygen electrode 2 and the separator 4, the periphery of the conductive separator 4 and the three-layer plate-like body in the flow direction of the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is viewed. The fuel gas flow path f is separated from the oxygen-containing gas flow path s, and the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is provided on the side facing the oxygen electrode 2 and on the side facing the fuel electrode 3. A cell C having a fuel gas flow path f is configured.

An opening formed by the three-layer plate and the conductive separator 4 at one side edge of the cell C is defined as an oxygen-containing gas channel inlet si, and is formed at a side edge facing the one side edge. An opening formed by the three-layer plate and the conductive separator 4 is defined as an oxygen-containing gas channel outlet so.

The separator 4 is made of LaCrO ₃ having excellent resistance to oxidation and reduction, and other suitable materials.

In the oxygen-containing gas passage s, an oxygen-side conductive material 5
Are arranged in parallel at substantially equal intervals and in close contact with the oxygen electrode 2 and the separator 4, so that the cross-sectional area of the electric passage from the oxygen electrode 2 to the separator 4 as a cell terminal is increased.

The oxygen-side conductive material 5 is made of LaMnO ₃ having excellent heat resistance and oxidation resistance, and other suitable materials.

Next, based on FIG. 1, a plurality of the cells C constructed as described above are juxtaposed in a stacked state and the cell integrated group NC
Will be described.

In the cell C, each of the pair of side surfaces on which the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is closed by the conductive separator 4 has a first substantially same thickness as the cell C and a longer length than the cell C.
The columnar body 11 and the second columnar body 12 are brought into close contact with each other, and the third columnar body 13 having the same thickness and longer than the cell C is provided.
And each of the fourth pillars 14 is connected to the inlet s of the oxygen-containing gas flow path.
i and the outlet so are brought into close contact with each of a pair of edges of the cell C having an opening, and the first column 11 and the second column 12 are respectively provided at both ends thereof with the third column 13 and the fourth column 13. Both ends of each of the columnar bodies 14 are overlapped and adhered. Further, the cell C and the first columnar body 11 and the second columnar body 12 are repeatedly stacked on the third columnar body 13 and the fourth columnar body 14, so that both sides of the cell C are adjacent to each other. The third
The cell accumulation group NC is formed in a state where the fuel gas flow path f separated by the columnar body 13 and the fourth columnar body 14 is formed.

The fuel gas flow path f between the adjacent cells C, C is filled with a fuel-side flexible conductive material 15 that allows gas flow and absorbs thermal distortion in the thickness direction of the cell C. I have. The fuel-side flexible conductive material 15 is made of a Ni felt-like material having excellent heat resistance and reduction resistance, and other suitable materials.

An opening formed by the adjacent first pillars 11 and 11, the third pillar 13 and the fourth pillar 14, and the adjacent second pillars 12 and 12 and the third pillar 1
One of the openings formed by the third and fourth columnar bodies 14 is a fuel gas flow path inlet fi, and the other is a fuel gas flow path outlet fo.

Next, the configuration of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIG.

The two cell integrated groups NC configured as described above are juxtaposed in such a manner that the sides on the installation side of the fuel gas flow path outlet fo are opposed to each other. Are connected to the respective cell integrated groups NC in an airtight manner. Therefore, the inside of the wind tunnel 16
Fuel gas discharge passage H communicating with each fuel gas passage outlet fo
f, and the fuel gas discharge passage Hf is shared by the cell integrated groups NC and NC on both sides.

Each of the wind tunnels 17 having one side opening is connected to the side surface on the installation side of the oxygen-containing gas channel inlet si in each of the cell integrated groups NC in an airtight state with the opening facing. Thus, the inside of the wind tunnel 17 is defined as an oxygen-containing gas supply path Ks that communicates with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlets si.

Further, wind tunnels 18 each having an opening on one side are connected in an air-tight manner to the side of the installation side of the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet so in each of the cell integrated groups NC, with the openings facing the openings. is there. Accordingly, the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage H that communicates the inside of the wind tunnel 18 with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlets so.
s. That is, the wind tunnel 16 is connected to the fuel gas discharge passage Hf.
The wind tunnel 17 corresponds to a gas passage forming member that forms oxygen.
Equivalent to a gas passage forming member forming the contained gas supply passage Ks
And the gas in which the wind tunnel 18 forms the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage Hs
It corresponds to a passage forming member.

With the above configuration, the oxygen-containing gas supply passage Ks, the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage Hs, and the fuel gas discharge passage are provided on each of the three side surfaces of the cell accumulation group NC in the stacking direction of the cell accumulation group NC. Hf are provided. Then, two of the cell integrated groups NC are juxtaposed so as to share the fuel gas discharge passage Hf with each other. In this state, the side surface on the installation side of the fuel gas flow path entrance fi of each of the cell integrated groups NC is open to the outside. Cell C,
A water cooling tube can be installed between C.

Thereafter, the two cell integrated groups NC arranged and juxtaposed as described above are arranged inside the box A. Therefore, each of the fuel gas flow path inlets fi faces the inside of the box A, and the fuel gas supply path Kf is connected to the inside of the box A.
And of the cell accumulation group NC and the wind tunnels 16, 17, 18
The outer space is configured to function as a gas passage
is there.

The box-shaped member A is formed of a ceramic material having excellent heat resistance and reduction resistance, or an iron plate having an inner surface provided with a heat insulating material.

[Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, based on FIG.
Will be described.

A plate-shaped solid electrolyte layer 1 having a rectangular planar shape has a film-shaped or plate-shaped oxygen electrode 2 on one surface and a film-shaped or plate-shaped fuel electrode 3 on the other surface. A three-layer plate-like body having a rectangular planar shape for obtaining an electromotive force from the oxygen electrode 2 and the fuel electrode 3 is formed so as to be integrally attached over the entire surface.

On the oxygen electrode 2 side of the three-layer plate, a conductive separator 4 as a flow path forming member having a pair of ridges 4a is attached to the oxygen electrode 2 over the entire length of the ridges 4a. By providing the oxygen-containing gas flow path s between the oxygen electrode 2 and the separator 4, the periphery of the conductive separator 4 and the three-layer plate-like body in the flow direction of the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is viewed. The fuel gas flow path f is separated from the oxygen-containing gas flow path s, and the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is provided on the side facing the oxygen electrode 2 and on the side facing the fuel electrode 3. A cell C having a fuel gas flow path f is configured.

In the oxygen-containing gas flow path s, the oxygen-side conductive material 5
Are arranged in parallel at substantially equal intervals and in close contact with the oxygen electrode 2 and the separator 4, so that the cross-sectional area of the electric passage from the oxygen electrode 2 to the separator 4 as a cell terminal is increased.

To further describe the cell C, an opening formed by the three-layer plate and the conductive separator 4 at one side edge of the cell C is defined as an oxygen-containing gas channel inlet si. An opening formed by the three-layer plate and the conductive separator 4 on the side edge facing the side edge is defined as an oxygen-containing gas channel outlet so that the oxygen-containing gas flows in a DC state. is there.

In a state where a plurality of cells C are juxtaposed in a stacked state with a gap between adjacent cells, a side end of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet si between adjacent cells is provided at a side end thereof. The seal member 28 is arranged in close contact with each of the adjacent cells. Thus, a fuel gas flow path f is defined between adjacent cells, and fuel gas flow path entrances fi and fi are formed on both side edges adjacent to the side edge of the oxygen-containing gas flow path entrance si in the cell C, respectively. The fuel gas passage outlet f is provided on the same side edge as the existing side edge of the content gas passage outlet so.
o, and the fuel gas flows into the fuel gas flow path inlets fi, fi.
It is configured to be able to flow from each of them to the fuel gas flow path outlet fo in a bent flow state.

Next, the configuration of the cell integrated group NC and the configuration of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS.

The first plate-like member 21 having substantially the same thickness as the cell C,
And a second plate-like body 22 that is superimposed on the first plate-like body 21 at a predetermined relative phase. A cell storage opening 23 is formed in the first plate-like body 21, and the cell storage opening 23 is formed. 23
Is an oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet s between the cell end faces on the side where the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is closed by the separator 4 in the cell C and the opening inner surface portions facing the cell end faces.
The cell storage portion 23a for storing the cell C in an airtight state in the vicinity of i, the first void portion 23b is arranged on one side of the cell storage portion 23a, and the second void portion 23c is placed on the other side. It is configured to be placed.

Thus, the cell C and the flow path outlets so and fo of the cell C are respectively connected to the first cavity 2 with respect to the cell storage opening 23.
3b, and the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet s of the cell C
i is stored in a state of facing the second gap 23c.

On the other hand, the second plate 22 has the first plate 2
An opening 24 for forming an inter-cell flow path is formed in the same phase as that of the first cell storage portion 23a, and both sides of the opening 24 for forming an inter-cell flow path communicate with the first gap 23b of the first plate-shaped body 21. The first communication opening 25 is formed through the first partition 26, and the second communication opening 27 is formed through the second partition 28 to communicate with the second gap 23c of the first plate-shaped body 21. I have.

The first partition wall 26 is provided with a communication recess 26A for communicating the inter-cell flow path forming opening 24 with the first communication opening 25. In each of the frame portions 29 and 30 on both sides of the inter-cell flow path forming opening 24, a portion close to the second communication opening 27 is provided with the inter-cell flow path forming opening 2.
Flow passage inlet forming recesses 29A, 30 for communicating the outside 4 with the outside
A Each is formed.

The second partition wall 28 divides the inter-cell flow path forming opening 24 and the second communication opening 27 of the second plate-like body 22, and also forms the inter-cell flow path of the second plate-like body 22. Forming opening 24
To provide an airtight state between the first plate-shaped body 21 and the second gap 23c of the cell storage opening 23,
In addition, it functions as the seal member.

Then, the first plate-like body 21 containing the cell C
And the second plate-like body 22 is allowed to flow gas through the inter-cell flow path forming opening 24 of the second plate-like body 22 with a predetermined relative phase, and the thermal distortion of the cell C in the thickness direction is allowed. Is filled with a fuel-side flexible conductive material 15 capable of absorbing the gas and alternately overlapped to form a cell integrated group NC. Further, the first gap portion 23b of the cell storage opening 23 in each first plate-like body 21 and the first communication opening 25 in each second plate-like body 22 are formed.
Thus, a series of first spaces H in the direction in which the plate-like bodies are superposed are formed. In addition, a second space 23c of the cell storage opening 23 in each first plate-like body 21 and a second communication opening 27 in each second plate-like body 22 form a series of second spaces in the plate-like body overlapping direction. Ks is formed.

In the cell integrated group NC, adjacent cells C and C are supported by both ends of the first partition 26 (projections on both sides of the communication recess 26A) and the second partition 28. In addition, the distance is maintained.

The opening 24 for forming the inter-cell flow passage in each second plate-like body 22 is used as the fuel gas flow passage f of the cell C, and the flow passage inlet forming recesses 29A, 30A in the fuel gas flow passage f. The portions facing each are defined as fuel gas channel inlets fi, fi, and the portions facing the communication recess 26A communicating with the first communication opening 25 in the fuel gas channel f are defined as the fuel gas channel outlet fo. That is, the fuel gas flow path entrances fi and fi are formed on both side edges adjacent to the side edge where the oxygen-containing gas flow path entrance si exists in the cell C, respectively.
The fuel gas passage outlet fo is formed on the same side edge as the existence side edge of the oxygen-containing gas passage outlet so.

With the above configuration, the second space Ks is formed so as to face each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet si, and the first space H is formed with the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet so and the fuel gas flow so. It is formed so as to face each of the road exits fo.
In addition, the fuel gas flow path inlets fi, fi formed on the pair of opposed side edges of the cell C, respectively, face the outside.

The second space Ks is used as an oxygen-containing gas supply path for supplying an oxygen-containing gas from the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet si to each of the oxygen-containing gas flow paths s. The gas exhaust passage H functions as a combustion chamber for burning the exhausted oxygen-containing gas discharged from the contained gas passage outlet so and the exhaust fuel gas discharged from the fuel gas passage outlet fo.
The oxygen-containing gas discharge path Hs communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlets so and the fuel gas discharge path Hf communicating with each of the fuel gas flow path outlets fo are also used. That is, the first plate
Body 21 and second plate body 22 are connected to oxygen-containing gas supply passage K
s and a gas passage forming member forming a gas discharge passage H
You.

That is, as viewed in the stacking direction of the cell integration group NC, an oxygen-containing gas supply passage Ks communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlets si is provided on one side surface of the cell integration group.
In addition, a gas discharge path H that serves both as the oxygen-containing gas discharge path Hs and the fuel gas discharge path Hf is provided on a side surface facing the one side surface. In this state, when viewed in the stacking direction of the cell integration group NC, a pair of opposite side surfaces different from the pair of opposite side surfaces in which the oxygen-containing gas supply passage Ks and the gas discharge passage H are installed in the cell integration group NC, namely, A pair of opposing side surfaces on the installation side of the fuel gas flow path entrances fi, fi are open to the outside. Therefore, the fuel gas flow path entrances fi, fi of the respective side surfaces are used to utilize the respective fuel gas flow path entrances fi, although not shown. A water cooling tube or the like can be provided between the adjacent cells C.

Thereafter, the cell integrated group N configured as described above
C is disposed inside the box A. Therefore, each of the fuel gas flow path inlets fi and fi faces the inside of the box A, and the fuel gas supply passage Kf is inside the box A and
Of the cell integrated group NC and the first and second plate-shaped members 21 and 22
The outer space is configured to function as a gas passage
is there.

The gas discharge path H is connected to an exhaust port 31 formed on the upper surface of the box-shaped body A, and exhausts the combustion exhaust gas from the exhaust port 31.

Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In the first plate-shaped body 21, two cell storage openings 23 are formed in parallel at a predetermined interval with a third partition 32 interposed therebetween. The cell accommodating opening 23 is provided between the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet si between the cell end faces on the side where the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is closed by the separator 4 in the cell C and the opening inner surface portions facing the cell end faces. Two cell storage portions 23a for storing the cells C in an airtight state in the vicinity are arranged with the first gap portion 23b disposed between the cell storage portions 23a, 23a, and both ends of the opening. The second gap 23c and the third gap 23d are respectively arranged in the first and second gaps. The first gaps 23b and 23b of the two cell storage openings 23 and 23 are respectively connected to the third partition 32.
The communication portion 32A is formed in the communication section 32A.

On the other hand, the second plate 22 is provided with the first plate 2
1 is a common inter-cell flow path forming opening 2 for each of the two cell housing openings 23a, 23a.
4 are formed, and the two openings 2 for forming inter-cell flow paths are formed.
Between the first and second gaps 23b, 4b, 24 via the two first partition walls 26, 26.
23b are formed with a common first communication opening 25 which communicates with each other, and two second gaps 2 in the first plate-shaped body 21 are formed.
Common second communication opening 2 communicating with each of 3c and 23c
7 is formed via the second partition 28 and the first plate-like body 2
A common third communication opening 33 communicating with each of the two third gap portions 23d, 23d in FIG. 1 is formed via a fourth partition wall portion.

In the first partition walls 26, 26, communication recesses 26A, 26A for communicating the first communication opening 25 with the openings 24, 24 for forming the inter-cell flow paths on both sides are formed. . In each of the frame portions 29, 30 on both sides of the inter-cell flow path forming openings 24, 24, a portion adjacent to the second communication opening 27 and the third communication opening 33 is provided with an inter-cell flow path forming opening. The recesses 24A and 30A for forming the passage inlets are formed to allow the passages 24 and 24 to communicate with the outside.

The second partition part 28 divides the inter-cell flow path forming opening 24 and the second communication opening 27 of the second plate-shaped body 22 and the inter-cell flow path of the second plate-shaped body 22. Forming opening 24
To provide an airtight state between the first plate-shaped body 21 and the second gap 23c of the cell storage opening 23,
In addition, the third partition 34 divides the inter-cell flow path forming opening 24 and the third communication opening 33 of the second plate-shaped body 22, and
An opening 24 for forming an inter-cell flow passage in the second plate 22 and a third void 23d of the cell storage opening 23 in the first plate 21
Is provided to make the space between the
Each of the third partition portions 28 and 34 functions as the seal member.

Then, the two cells C, C constructed in the same manner as in the above-described second embodiment are respectively connected to the two cell storage openings 23 of the first plate-shaped body 21 by the respective channel outlets so, fo. The second plate-like body 2 is housed in a state where the cell pairs in which the side edges on the side are arranged facing each other are housed and the cell pairs are housed in two rows.
The fuel-side flexible conductive material 15 that allows gas flow and absorbs thermal strain in the thickness direction of the cell C is filled in each of the inter-cell flow path forming openings 24, 24, and is stacked alternately. Thus, the four cell integrated groups NC are formed, and the four cell integrated groups NC are positioned in a state where the two cell integrated groups NC, NC face each other on the side where the flow path outlets so, fo are installed. Are arranged in parallel with each other.

The first gaps 23b, 23b of the cell storage openings 23 in each first plate-like body 21 and the first communication openings 25 in each second plate-like body 22 form a series in the plate-like body overlapping direction. Of the first space H is formed. Also, the second gap portion 23 of the cell storage opening 23 in each first plate-like body 21 is formed.
c and the second communication opening 27 in each of the second plate-like bodies 22, and the third gap 23 d of the cell storage opening 23 in each of the first plate-like bodies 21 and the second communication opening 27 in each of the second plate-like bodies 22. A series of second spaces Ks, Ks in the plate-like body overlapping direction are formed by the three communication openings 33.

In each of the cell integrated groups NC, the projections of the first partition 26 and the second partition 28 or the first
The adjacent cells C and C are supported by the protrusions of the partition wall portion 26 and the third partition wall portion 34 and are held at intervals.

Each of the two inter-cell flow path forming openings 24 in each second plate-like body 22 is a series of fuel gas flow paths f extending over the cells C in the column direction. f, concave portions 29A, 30A for forming the flow channel inlet
Each of the portions facing each other is referred to as a fuel gas channel inlet fi, fi, and the first communication opening 25 in the fuel gas channel f.
The portions facing the communication recesses 26A communicating with the fuel gas passages are defined as fuel gas flow path outlets fo.

With the above configuration, the second space Ks is formed so as to face each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet si, and the first space H is formed with the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet so and the fuel gas flow so. It is formed so as to face each of the road exits fo.
In addition, the fuel gas passage inlet fi of the cell C is in a state of facing the outside.

The second space Ks is used as an oxygen-containing gas supply passage for supplying an oxygen-containing gas from the oxygen-containing gas passage inlet si to each of the oxygen-containing gas passages s, and the first space H is used as an oxygen-containing gas supply passage. The gas exhaust passage H functions as a combustion chamber for burning the exhausted oxygen-containing gas discharged from the contained gas passage outlet so and the exhaust fuel gas discharged from the fuel gas passage outlet fo.
The oxygen-containing gas discharge path Hs communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlets so and the fuel gas discharge path Hf communicating with each of the fuel gas flow path outlets fo are also used. That is, the first plate
Body 21 and second plate body 22 are connected to oxygen-containing gas supply passage K
s and a gas passage forming member forming a gas discharge passage H
You.

That is, with respect to each of the four cell integrated groups NC, when viewed in the stacking direction in the cell integrated group NC, the oxygen-containing gas supply communicated with the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet si on one side surface of the cell integrated group NC. A path Ks is provided, and a gas discharge path H serving both as an oxygen-containing gas discharge path Hs and a fuel gas discharge path Hf is provided on a side surface facing the one side surface. In addition, the gas discharge path H is connected to the respective flow path outlets so,
The four cell integrated groups NC arranged side by side in a state where two rows of cell integrated group pairs sharing the gas discharge path H are located with the side surfaces on the fo installation side facing each other and shared. .

In this state, as viewed in the stacking direction of the cell integrated groups NC, the side surfaces on the installation side of the fuel gas flow path entrances fi in the respective cell integrated groups NC are open to the outside. Fuel gas channel inlet fi
Although not shown, a water cooling tube or the like can be provided between the adjacent cells C.

Thereafter, as described above, the four cell integrated groups N
In a state where C is connected, it is arranged inside the box-shaped body A. Therefore, the fuel gas channel inlet fi of each of the cell integrated groups NC is:
The fuel gas supply path Kf is a state facing the inside of the box-shaped body A.
Is inside the box-shaped body A, and the cell integrated group NC and the
1. The space outside the second plate-like bodies 21 and 22 is used as a gas passage.
It is configured to function.

[Fourth Embodiment] Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described based on.

First, a plurality of cells C constructed in the same manner as in the above-described second embodiment are juxtaposed in a stacked state to form a cell integrated group NC.
Will be described.

The two cells C are opposed to each other on the side on which the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is closed by the conductive separator 4, and each of the side faces is formed to have the same thickness as the cell C. C are arranged side by side in close contact with the sixth columnar body 42 which is longer than C, and each of the side surfaces where the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is closed by the conductive separator 4 different from the side surface is substantially equal to the cell C. Fifth columnar bodies 41, 41 having the same thickness and longer than the cell C are adhered to each other. Also, the seventh pillar 43
Are brought into close contact with the respective edges of the side-by-side cells C, C where the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet si is opened, and both ends of the seventh columnar body 43 are respectively connected to the fifth columnar bodies 41, 41, respectively. Are in intimate contact with each other. Further, the eighth columnar body 44 having the same thickness as the seventh columnar body 43 is brought into close contact with each of the edges of the side-by-side cells C and C where the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet so is opened, and Each of both ends of the eight columnar body 44 is connected to the fifth columnar body 4.
Each of the other end portions of each of the 1, 41 is in close contact with each other. Further, two cells C, C and two fifth columnar bodies 41, 41 and a sixth column C are placed on the seventh columnar body 43 and the eighth columnar body 44.
By repeatedly stacking the columnar body 42, two cell integrated groups NC are formed, and the two cell integrated groups NC are juxtaposed to form a cell integrated group row. still,
The seventh pillar 43 functions as the seal member.

In the cell integrated group row, each between adjacent cells in the stacking direction is used as a common fuel gas flow path f for the parallel cells C, C. The fuel gas flow path f will be further described. Each end of the eighth columnar body 44 has an opening 45 on the side of the seventh columnar body 43 between the adjacent fifth columnar bodies 41, 41.
The first and second flow path inlet forming members 45 and 46 are additionally provided in a state where A and 46A are formed respectively. The eighth columnar body 44 has two recesses 44A for opening the fuel gas flow path f to the outside. The portions of the fuel gas flow channel f facing the openings 45A and 46A are the fuel gas flow channel inlets fi and fi, and the portion of the fuel gas flow channel f facing the concave portion 44A of the eighth columnar body 44 is the fuel. It is provided as a gas flow path outlet fo.

Each fuel gas flow path f is filled with a fuel-side flexible conductive material 15 that allows gas flow and absorbs thermal distortion in the thickness direction of the cell C.

Next, the structure of a fuel cell using the cell integrated group array configured as described above will be described.

The two of the cell integrated group rows are connected to each other's channel outlets s.
o and fo are juxtaposed in such a manner that the side surfaces on the installation side are opposed to each other, and in the opposed portion, both ends of the wind tunnel 47 having both open ends are connected to the respective side surfaces of the cell integrated group in an airtight manner. is there. Accordingly, the inside of the wind tunnel 47 is provided with a gas discharge path functioning as a combustion chamber for burning the exhausted oxygen-containing gas discharged from the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet so and the discharged fuel gas discharged from the fuel gas flow path outlet fo. H, the gas discharge path H allows the oxygen-containing gas discharge path Hs communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlets so as to also serve as the fuel gas discharge path Hf communicating with each of the fuel gas flow path outlets fo. I have. In addition, the gas discharge path H is shared by the cell integrated groups on both sides.

A wind tunnel 4 having an open side is provided on the side of the cell integrated group row on the side where the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet si is installed.
8 is connected in an airtight state with its opening facing. Thus, the inside of the wind tunnel 48 is defined as an oxygen-containing gas supply path Ks that communicates with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlets si. That is, the wind tunnel 47 is connected to the oxygen-containing gas
Forming a gas discharge passage Hf which also serves as the feed gas discharge passage Hf.
The wind tunnel 48 corresponds to an oxygen-containing gas.
The gas supply path Ks.

Further, both sides of the fuel gas flow path inlets fi, fi on the installation side of each of the cell integrated group rows are open to the outside. Therefore, the fuel gas flow path inlets fi are used for illustration. However, a water cooling tube or the like can be provided between the adjacent cells C.

Thereafter, the two cell integrated groups arranged and arranged side by side as described above are arranged inside the box A. Therefore, each of the fuel gas flow path inlets fi faces the inside of the box A, and the fuel gas supply path Kf is connected to the inside of the box A.
And the outside of the cell integration group NC and the wind tunnels 47 and 48
The space is configured to function as a gas passage.

[Another Embodiment] Next, another embodiment will be described.

In the first embodiment, the case where the inside of the box-shaped body A is configured to function as the fuel gas supply passage Kf has been exemplified. In addition, the inside of the box-shaped body A is provided with an oxygen-containing gas. Supply path Ks, oxygen-containing gas discharge path H
s and the fuel gas discharge passage Hf.

In the third embodiment, two rows of the cell integrated group pairs that share the gas discharge passage H and that are located in a state where the side surfaces on the side where the flow path outlets so and fo are installed face each other are arranged in parallel. Although the case where the gas discharge channel H is shared by each of the cell integrated groups NC is illustrated, the number of columns in the case where the cell integrated groups NC are arranged in parallel can be changed. Or three or more rows.

In the third embodiment, the case where the separator 4 is attached to the oxygen electrode 2 side and the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is formed between the separator 4 and the oxygen electrode 2 is exemplified. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the separator 4 may be provided on the fuel electrode 3 side to form a fuel gas flow path f between the separator 4 and the fuel electrode 3.

That is, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22
In the alternate lamination structure, the opening 24 for the inter-cell passage in each second plate 22 is used as the oxygen-containing gas passage s of the cell C, and the opening for cell storage in each first plate 21 is formed. A series of second spaces Ks in the plate member overlapping direction formed by the second gap portion 23c of the second member 23 and the second communication opening 27 of each second plate member 22 are used as a fuel gas supply path, and oxygen Each of the contained gas flow path inlets si is in a state of facing the inside of the box A, and with the inside Kf of the box A,
It functions as an oxygen-containing gas supply path.

In each of the embodiments described above, the case where the planar shape of the cell C is rectangular is illustrated, but various shapes can be applied to the planar shape of the cell C, for example, a circle may be used.

In the claims, reference numerals are provided for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the attached drawings by the description.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cell integrated group in a solid oxide fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cell in a solid oxide fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a solid oxide fuel cell according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a solid oxide fuel cell device showing another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of a solid oxide fuel cell showing another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a conventional solid oxide fuel cell.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 plate electrolyte layer 2 oxygen electrode 3 fuel electrode 4 flow path forming member 16 gas passage forming member 17 gas passage forming member 18 gas passage forming member 21 gas passage forming member 22 gas passage forming member 47 gas passage forming member 48 gas passage forming Member f Fuel gas flow path fi Fuel gas flow path entrance fo Fuel gas flow path exit s Oxygen-containing gas flow path si Oxygen-containing gas flow path entrance so O Oxygen-containing gas flow path exit A Box-shaped body C cell Kf Fuel gas supply path Ks Oxygen-containing gas supply path H gas discharge path Hf Fuel gas discharge path Hs Oxygen-containing gas discharge path NC cell integrated group

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] An oxygen electrode (2) is provided on one surface of a plate-like electrolyte layer (1) and a fuel electrode (3) is provided on the other surface, and oxygen is provided on a side facing the oxygen electrode (2). The cells (C) of the fuel cell having the gas flow path (s) and having the fuel gas flow path (f) on the side facing the fuel electrode (3) are juxtaposed in a stacked state to form a cell integrated group (NC) Are formed, an oxygen-containing gas supply path (Ks) communicating with each of the inlets (si) of the oxygen-containing gas flow path (s), and the oxygen-containing gas flow path (s).
Oxygen-containing gas discharge channel (H)
s), a fuel gas supply path (Kf) communicating with an inlet (fi) of the fuel gas flow path (f), and a fuel gas discharge communicating with an outlet (fo) of the fuel gas flow path (f). A fuel cell provided with a passage (Hf), wherein the cell integrated group (NC) is disposed inside a box-shaped body (A).
In the stacking direction in the cell integration group (NC).
In addition, the oxygen-containing group is provided around the outer periphery of the cell integration group (NC).
Gas supply path (Ks) and the oxygen-containing gas discharge path (Hs)
And the fuel gas supply path (Kf) and the fuel gas discharge path
Gas passage forming any three of (Hf)
The members (16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 47, 48)
The oxygen-containing gas supply path (Ks) and the oxygen
Contained gas discharge path (Hs) and the fuel gas supply path (Kf)
And the remaining one of the fuel gas discharge paths (Hf)
Inside the box-shaped body (A) and the cell integrated group (N
C) and the gas passage forming member (16, 17, 18, 2)
1, 22, 47, 48) as a gas passage
A fuel cell configured to function . 2. An oxygen-containing gas discharge path (Hs) and a fuel gas discharge path (Hf) are provided between the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet (so) and the discharged oxygen-containing gas and the fuel gas flow path. 2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell comprises one gas discharge path (H) functioning as a combustion chamber for burning an exhaust fuel gas discharged from an outlet (fo). 3. A planar shape of the plate-like electrolyte layer (1) is rectangular, and the oxygen-containing gas flow path (s) is provided between the plate-like electrolyte layer (1) and the oxygen electrode (2) on a side facing the oxygen electrode (2). ), The oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet (si) is opened at one side edge of the cell (C), and the oxygen-containing gas is formed at a side edge facing the one side edge. The cell (C) is formed so as to open the flow path outlet (so), and a plurality of the cells (C) are provided between the adjacent cells (C) and (C) respectively. (F) are formed and juxtaposed in a stacked state to form the cell integrated group (N
C) is formed, and the fuel gas flow path inlets (fi) and (fi) are formed on both side edges adjacent to the existence side edge of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlet (si) in the cell (C). The fuel gas flow path outlet (fo) is formed on the same side edge as the existence side edge of the oxygen-containing gas flow path outlet (so) in the cell (C), and the oxygen-containing gas supply path (K
s) is provided in communication with each of the oxygen-containing gas flow path inlets (si), and the oxygen-containing gas discharge path (Hs) is provided.
The gas exhaust passage (H), which also serves as a fuel gas exhaust passage (Hf), is provided so as to communicate with the oxygen-containing gas passage outlet (so) and the fuel gas passage outlet (fo), respectively. And the fuel gas supply path (Kf) is
Flow channel inlets (fi) and (fi).
3. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein