JP4390439B2 - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel cell system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the problem of exhaustion of fossil fuels and the problem of environmental pollution have become serious, and instead of engines that directly burn fossil fuels in motors of automobiles and other vehicles, electric vehicles that use motors driven by secondary batteries, or Development of hybrid vehicles that use them together is progressing. In order to generate electric power for charging the secondary battery, mounting a fuel cell system in an automobile has been intensively researched and developed, and is progressing to practical use.
[0003]
On the other hand, for power assist bicycles, a mechanism that uses a motor driven by a secondary battery for rotating the wheels has been established. In the case of a power-assisted bicycle, recharging the secondary battery uses household power and the charger is connected to a household outlet for charging. There is no power-assisted bicycle equipped with a battery system.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-015379
[0005]
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-071073
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the case of a power assist bicycle, since it is a two-wheeled vehicle, the inclination of the vehicle body is large, and it often falls. Therefore, when developing a fuel cell system to be mounted on a power-assisted bicycle, there is a technical request that it must be able to continuously operate and recharge according to the amount of charge of the secondary battery even when the vehicle body is tilted greatly. .
[0007]
As a fuel cell system mounted for charging a secondary battery of a power assist bicycle, a direct reforming fuel cell using a solid polymer membrane as an electrolyte membrane is desirable from the viewpoint of miniaturization and weight reduction.
[0008]
FIG. 19 shows a layout when such a direct reforming fuel cell system is mounted on a power assist bicycle. This fuel cell system includes a direct reforming fuel cell (cell stack) 1 having a solid polymer membrane as an electrolyte membrane, an air pump 2 for supplying air to the air electrode side of the fuel cell 1, and an aqueous methanol solution as fuel. A methanol / water tank 3 and a solution pump 4 for supplying a methanol aqueous solution of fuel from the methanol / water tank 3 to the fuel electrode side of the fuel cell 1 are configured.
[0009]
An exhaust cylinder 6 is provided in the methanol / water tank 3 to discharge carbon dioxide gas generated by the fuel cell reaction. A gas-liquid separator 7 is connected to the air electrode side, receives unreacted air and reaction product water discharged from the air electrode side, separates the gas and liquid, and removes the unreacted air 51 from the exhaust cylinder 8. The reaction product water 9 is temporarily stored. Reference numeral 23 denotes a communication line for returning reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator 7 to the methanol / water tank 3.
[0010]
The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 1 is fixed in a state where it is inclined by a certain angle in the front-rear direction in consideration of liquid circulation. Methanol as fuel is supplied from the methanol tank 71 to the methanol / water tank 3 via the methanol supply valve 72.
[0011]
This fuel cell system executes methanol concentration control of methanol aqueous solution and output control of generated power by a control circuit (not shown). This control is performed based on the methanol concentration of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank 3, the temperature of the fuel cell 1, and the measurement signal of the generated current / voltage.
[0012]
In such a direct reforming fuel cell system, methanol is used as a raw fuel and reaction product water is also generated. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures against leakage of these liquids, and carbon dioxide gas is generated in the fuel cell reaction. Since it circulates in a form mixed with an aqueous methanol solution, and similarly unreacted air also circulates in a form mixed with reaction product water, gas-liquid separation is necessary to remove them. Therefore, in order to discharge unreacted air from the air electrode of the fuel cell 1 and carbon dioxide generated at the fuel electrode to the outside of the system, the exhaust pipes 6 and 8 are provided in the methanol / water tank 3 and the gas-liquid separator 7 respectively. Provided.
[0013]
However, the proposed fuel cell system has a structure that causes liquid leakage when it is tilted when mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle or a small yacht as it is. In addition, when it is tilted greatly, there are problems such as inability to separate the gas and liquid and inability to circulate the reaction liquid.
[0014]
Further, in the proposed fuel cell system, when it is attached to a two-wheeled vehicle as shown in FIG. 19, the flow of the reaction liquid of the fuel electrode and the reaction product water of the air electrode is taken into consideration, and the fuel cell 1 is perpendicular to the fuel cell 1 in the left-right direction. And has a slight inclination in the front-rear direction. However, since the fuel cell 1 does not take into account the inclination in the left-right direction, the clogging of the flow path occurs when the two-wheeled vehicle is largely inclined, and the fuel cell power generation cannot be continued.
[0015]
As a technique relating to a fuel cell, a gas separator is described in JP-A No. 64-018379, and a gas-liquid separator is described in JP-A No. 64-071073. However, these publications do not describe countermeasures for a large inclination.
[0016]
The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems, and as a direct reforming fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle having a large inclination such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a yacht, a fuel capable of continuing fuel cell power generation even when it is largely inclined. An object is to provide a battery system.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is a fuel cell, a methanol / water tank for storing a methanol aqueous solution in which methanol and water as a fuel are mixed, and a methanol aqueous solution from the methanol / water tank to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell. A methanol / water pump, a gas / liquid separator that gas-liquid separates the reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell, and a communication line that returns the reaction product water from the gas / liquid separator to the methanol / water tank. The methanol / water tank has a methanol aqueous solution inlet and a carbon dioxide gas outlet at the upper bottom portion on the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank, and the methanol aqueous solution outlet at the lower bottom portion on the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank. The liquid line and the gas layer of the methanol / water tank are communicated with each other on the communication line, and the liquid level in the methanol / water tank is set at a predetermined level. The reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, and at a liquid level lower than that, the reaction product water is introduced from the gas-liquid separator. A liquid level control means for matching the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the tank is provided, and the liquid level control means is configured such that the methanol in the methanol / water tank is in a state where the system is tilted to a predetermined allowable tilt angle on either side. The liquid level is controlled by setting the level at which the methanol aqueous solution outlet can always be located below the liquid level of the aqueous solution to the predetermined level.
[0019]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell, a methanol / water tank for storing a methanol aqueous solution in which methanol and water as fuel are mixed, and a methanol aqueous solution from the methanol / water tank to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell. A methanol / water pump, a gas / liquid separator that gas-liquid separates the reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell, and a communication line that returns the reaction product water from the gas / liquid separator to the methanol / water tank. The methanol / water tank is provided with a methanol aqueous solution inlet at the upper bottom portion on the left-right center line, and the methanol / water tank is provided with a methanol aqueous solution outlet at the lower bottom portion on the left / right center line.・ Connect one end of the carbon dioxide exhaust pipe to a position higher than the vertical center of each of the left and right sides of the water tank, and Each gas exhaust tube is extended so as to pass horizontally through the front side and the rear side of the methanol / water tank, the respective open ends are opened to the left and right sides, and the methanol / water tank is placed on the communication line. It communicates with each of the liquid layer and gas layer, and stops the inflow of reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator when the liquid level in it rises to a predetermined level. A liquid level control means is provided for allowing water to flow in and the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank to coincide with the liquid level of the reaction product water. The liquid level is controlled by setting the level at which the methanol aqueous solution outlet can always be positioned below the liquid level of the methanol aqueous solution in the methanol / water tank to the predetermined level in a state tilted to an allowable tilt angle. Is shall.
[0020]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell system of the second aspect, instead of the carbon dioxide gas exhaust cylinder, one end of a carbon dioxide gas exhaust cylinder is connected to each of the upper and lower surfaces of the methanol / water tank, and the carbon dioxide gas The exhaust tube is horizontally extended along the upper bottom surface, and the respective opening ends are opened at the opposite ends.
[0021]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell, a methanol / water tank for storing a methanol aqueous solution in which methanol and water as a fuel are mixed, and a methanol aqueous solution from the methanol / water tank to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell. A methanol / water pump, a gas / liquid separator that gas-liquid separates the reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell, and a communication line that returns the reaction product water from the gas / liquid separator to the methanol / water tank. The methanol / water tank is provided with a methanol aqueous solution inlet at the upper bottom portion on the left-right center line, and the methanol / water tank is provided with a methanol aqueous solution outlet at the lower bottom portion on the left / right center line.・ Connect carbon dioxide exhaust pipes to the left and right sides of the water tank. An automatic valve is provided that opens when no pressure is applied and closes when fluid pressure is applied from the inside to the outside. The automatic valve communicates with the liquid layer and gas layer of the methanol / water tank on the communication line, and the liquid contained therein. When the level rises to a predetermined level, the flow of reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, and at a lower liquid level, the reaction product water flows from the gas-liquid separator, and the reaction product water level is A liquid level control means for matching the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank is provided, and the liquid level control means is configured so that the methanol / water tank is in a state where the system is tilted to a predetermined allowable tilt angle on either the left or right The liquid level is controlled by setting the level at which the outlet of the methanol aqueous solution can always be positioned below the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution to the predetermined level.
[0022]
The invention of claim 5 gas-liquid-separates the reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell, the reaction product water inlet is connected to the air electrode side of the fuel cell, and the reaction product water outlet is a methanol / water tank. A fuel cell system comprising a gas-liquid separator connected to a reaction product water return line, wherein the gas-liquid separator is flattened in a state where the shape of a tank part for storing the reaction product water is in an upright state. A reaction product water inlet is provided at the bottom and a reaction product water outlet is provided at the bottom, and when the water level of the reaction product rises to a level just above the appropriate level of the reaction product water on the tank wall. A drain for discharging to the outside is provided.
[0024]
Claim 6 In the invention, the reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell is gas-liquid separated, the reaction product water inlet is connected to the air electrode side of the fuel cell, and the reaction product water outlet is the reaction product water of the methanol / water tank. A fuel cell system comprising a gas-liquid separator connected to a return line, and the methanol / water tank connected to the gas-liquid separator via the reaction product water return line, the gas-liquid separator The tank portion for storing the reaction product water is flat in an upright state, provided with a reaction product water inlet at the upper bottom portion and a reaction product water outlet at the lower bottom portion. A drain that is discharged to the outside when the water level of the reaction product water rises to that position is provided at a height that is directly above the level, and the methanol / water tank has an upper bottom portion on its left and right center line. The methanol aqueous solution inlet is installed in , A methanol aqueous solution outlet is provided at the lower bottom portion on the left and right center line, one end of a carbon dioxide exhaust pipe is connected to each of the left and right sides of the upper bottom face of the methanol / water tank, and the carbon dioxide exhaust pipe is horizontally disposed along the upper bottom face. The reaction product water return line communicates with each of the liquid layer and gas layer of the methanol / water tank, and the liquid level therein is When it reaches a predetermined level, the flow of the reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, and at a lower liquid level, the reaction product water is flowed from the gas-liquid separator, and the methanol A liquid level control means for matching the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the water tank is provided, the methanol / water tank is positioned below the gas-liquid separator, and the reaction product water return line extends left and right In It is characterized in that the.
[0025]
Claim 7 In the invention, the reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell is gas-liquid separated, the reaction product water inlet is connected to the air electrode side of the fuel cell, and the reaction product water outlet is the reaction product water of the methanol / water tank. A fuel cell system comprising a gas-liquid separator connected to a return line, and the methanol / water tank connected to the gas-liquid separator via the reaction product water return line, the gas-liquid separator The tank portion for storing the reaction product water is flat in an upright state, provided with a reaction product water inlet at the upper bottom portion and a reaction product water outlet at the lower bottom portion. A drain that is discharged to the outside when the water level of the reaction product water rises to that position is provided at a height that is directly above the level, and the methanol / water tank has an upper bottom portion on its left and right center line. The methanol aqueous solution inlet is installed in In addition, a methanol aqueous solution outlet is provided at the lower bottom portion on the left and right center line, and a carbon dioxide exhaust pipe is connected to each of the left and right side surfaces of the methanol / water tank, so that no hydraulic pressure is applied from the inside to the outside in the carbon dioxide exhaust cylinder. An automatic valve is provided that opens in the state and closes when the hydraulic pressure is applied from the inside to the outside. The automatic valve communicates with each of the liquid layer and the gas layer of the methanol / water tank on the reaction product water return line. When the level rises to a predetermined level, the flow of reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, and at a lower liquid level, the reaction product water flows from the gas-liquid separator, and the reaction product water level is A liquid level control means for matching the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank is provided, and the methanol / water tank is located below the gas-liquid separator, and the reaction product water return line In addition, a check valve was installed to prevent reaction product water from flowing from the gas-liquid separator in the upright state, and to prevent reaction product water from flowing backward from the methanol / water tank to the gas-liquid separator in a largely inclined state. It is characterized by.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The overall configuration of the direct reforming fuel cell system of one embodiment of the present invention is the same as the proposed system configuration of FIG.
[0028]
The fuel cell system according to this embodiment is a system that is incorporated into a motorcycle such as a power assist bicycle, a motorcycle, and a motorbike. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment is characterized by the methanol / water tank 3 and the gas-liquid separator so that the fuel cell system can continue the fuel cell power generation even if the two-wheeled vehicle on which the system is mounted is largely inclined. 7 is an improved mechanical structure. In particular, when the two-wheeled vehicle is largely inclined, there is a high possibility that the fuel cell power generation cannot be normally performed due to air entrainment or the like in the configuration shown in FIG.
[0029]
<Anode (fuel electrode) side configuration>
1 and 2 show the structure of the methanol / water tank 3 in the system of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show the structure of the liquid level control unit 24. In order to continue fuel cell power generation even when the two-wheeled vehicle is greatly inclined, it is necessary to have a structure without air entrainment, and the methanol / water tank 3 has a methanol aqueous solution inlet at the upper bottom portion on the left and right center line (axle). 21, a carbon dioxide exhaust port 26 and a methanol inlet 25 are provided. A methanol aqueous solution outlet 22 is provided at the lower bottom portion of the methanol / water tank 3 on the left and right center line. Further, a cathode communication line 23 for returning reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator 7 on the cathode (air electrode) side is connected to the methanol / water tank 3. The cathode communication line 23 is provided with a liquid level controller 24 as detailed in FIG.
[0030]
The liquid level controller 24 communicates with each of the liquid layer and gas layer of the methanol / water tank 3. When the liquid level of the reaction product water accumulated in the liquid level controller 24 rises, the float 24A rises with the liquid level to block the pipe end of the cathode communication line 23 and stop the flow of the reaction product water. At a liquid level lower than that, reaction product water is returned from the gas-liquid separator 7 through the cathode communication line 23. Since the liquid level controller 24 communicates with both the liquid layer and the gas layer with the methanol / water tank 3, the liquid level in the liquid level controller 24 and the liquid level in the methanol / water tank 3 are always at the same level. Can be maintained. The liquid level when the float 24A of the liquid level controller 24 blocks the pipe end of the cathode communication line 23 and stops the return of the reaction product water is set to the upper limit liquid level L in the methanol / water tank 3. .
[0031]
In the methanol / water tank 3 having such a structure, as shown in FIG. 2, the methanol aqueous solution outlet 22 is located below the liquid level and the carbon dioxide exhaust port 26 is above the liquid level even when the motorcycle is largely inclined. Therefore, the carbon dioxide gas or air alone or a mixture of a large amount of them in the methanol aqueous solution is not supplied from the methanol / water tank 3 to the anode (fuel electrode) of the fuel cell 1. The fuel cell 1 can continue the power generation reaction.
[0032]
Also, as shown in FIG. 4, since the liquid level control unit 24 is installed at a position passing through the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank 3, the liquid level control is performed even if the two-wheeled vehicle is largely inclined to the left or right side. This can be carried out without any trouble, so that a stable fuel cell reaction can be continued.
[0033]
FIG. 5 shows another example of the installation position of the carbon dioxide gas exhaust port in the methanol / water tank 3. The mounting position and structure of the liquid level controller 24 are the same as in the example shown in FIG.
[0034]
In this example, a methanol aqueous solution inlet 21 is formed in the upper bottom portion and a methanol aqueous solution outlet 22 is formed in the lower bottom portion at the center of the front, rear, left and right, and the carbon dioxide gas exhaust ports 26A and 26B are located at the upper and lower central portions of the side surface of the tank 3. The tanks 3 are arranged so as to make a substantially half turn in a substantially horizontal position at a high position.
[0035]
As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the methanol aqueous solution outlet 22 in the tank 3 is located below the liquid level and does not bite the carbon dioxide gas even in the inclined state in which the motorcycle is tilted to the left or right almost horizontally, An aqueous methanol solution containing almost no gas can be continuously supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 1. In addition, by the arrangement described above, one of the carbon dioxide gas exhaust ports 26A and 26B is positioned higher than the liquid level L, and the carbon dioxide gas in the tank 3 can be released into the air. . As a result, fuel cell power generation can be continued even when the two-wheeled vehicle is greatly inclined, and can be used for charging the secondary battery.
[0036]
The connection positions of the carbon dioxide exhaust ports 26A and 26B may be arranged at the upper bottom portion of the methanol / water tank 3 as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), for example.
[0037]
8 to 10 show a third example of the carbon dioxide gas exhaust port in the methanol / water tank 3. The mounting position and structure of the liquid level controller 24 are the same as in the example shown in FIG.
[0038]
In this example, a methanol aqueous solution inlet 21 is formed in the upper bottom portion and a methanol aqueous solution outlet 22 is formed in the lower bottom portion at the front, rear, left and right centers. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, each of the carbon dioxide gas exhaust ports 26A and 26B is provided with an automatic valve 27 that opens when no hydraulic pressure is applied from the inside to the outside and closes when the hydraulic pressure is applied from the inside to the outside. It is.
[0039]
Thus, if the upright state shown in FIG. 8 is largely inclined as shown in FIG. 9, the methanol aqueous solution outlet 22 in the tank 3 is located below the liquid level, and carbon dioxide gas can be caught. In addition, a methanol aqueous solution containing almost no gas can be continuously supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 1. In addition, the automatic valve 27 is closed at the carbon dioxide exhaust port (here, 26A) that is immersed in the liquid to prevent liquid leakage, and the other carbon dioxide exhaust port (here, 26B) is open. The release of carbon dioxide in the tank 3 into the air can be continued in the state. As a result, fuel cell power generation can be continued even when the two-wheeled vehicle is greatly inclined, and can be used for charging the secondary battery.
[0040]
Instead of the automatic valve 27, an automatic valve 28 having a structure shown in FIG. In the automatic valve 28, the carbon dioxide exhaust ports 26A and 26B are opened when the tank 3 is upright. However, if the tank 3 is largely inclined as shown in FIG. A spherical valve element closes the opening on the gas exhaust port side and acts to prevent leakage of the methanol aqueous solution.
[0041]
Note that the liquid level control unit 24 shown in FIG. 3 which is the liquid level detection means in the methanol / water tank 3 and the liquid level sensor 31 shown in FIG. (Axle) It is arranged on C, or as shown in FIG. 13, it is arranged in a bilaterally symmetrical position with respect to a vertical plane passing through the left and right center line C of tank 3. As a result, the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution can be continuously detected (controlled) regardless of whether the tank 3 is largely inclined to the left or right.
[0042]
Further, the carbon dioxide gas exhaust port may have a structure integrated with the methanol / water tank 3 by integral molding, or may have a structure in which another member is connected to the tank 3 as shown in the figure.
[0043]
Next, a structural example of the gas-liquid separator 7 on the cathode (air electrode) side in the fuel cell system of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This gas-liquid separator 7 is also a two-wheeled vehicle. Therefore, it is necessary to enable the gas-liquid separation action and the continuous supply action of the reaction product water to the methanol / water tank 3 even when the container body is largely inclined.
[0044]
Therefore, in this example, the tank shape of the gas-liquid separator 7 is an upright and flat shape, the reaction product water inlet 41 is provided at the upper bottom part, the reaction product water outlet 42 is provided at the lower bottom part, and the tank wall A drain 43 (corresponding to the drain 10 in FIG. 19) is provided at a height just above the appropriate level of the reaction product water. The reaction product water inlet 41 communicates with the air electrode side of the fuel cell 1, and the reaction product water outlet 42 communicates with the reaction product water return line (communication line) 23 of the methanol / water tank 3. Further, the diameter of the reaction product water outlet 42 is larger than the diameter of the reaction product water inlet 41. The drain 43 may be integrated with the gas-liquid separator 7 by integral molding, or may be constituted by a separate member as shown.
[0045]
In the gas-liquid separator 7 of this example, when the reaction product water reaches this installation position, the drain 43 functions to discharge excess reaction product water to the outside and maintain the water level L2 below that. Combined with this, even when the tank shape of the gas-liquid separator 7 is flattened, as shown in FIG. 15, the two-wheeled vehicle is largely inclined to the left or right, and the gas-liquid separator 7 is also greatly inclined. The liquid level L3 is located below the reaction product water inlet 41, so that the reaction product water can be prevented from flowing back to the fuel cell 1 and the power generation reaction of the fuel cell 1 can be continued.
[0046]
Next, an example of the structure of the communication portion between the methanol / water tank 3 and the gas-liquid separator 7 in the fuel cell system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The methanol / water tank 3 has the liquid level control function shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and the carbon dioxide discharge function (shown in the structure shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11) having the structure shown in FIG. Further, the gas-liquid separator 7 is positioned on the upper side, the methanol / water tank 3 is positioned on the lower side, and the communication product water communication line 23 between them is formed in a shape that runs to the left and right.
[0047]
Accordingly, in the upright state of FIG. 16A, the reaction product water 9 generated in the fuel cell 1 is caused to flow into the gas-liquid separator 7, the unreacted gas is exhausted to the atmosphere, and the reaction product water 9 is drained. It accumulates below 43. The reaction product water 9 flows down from the outlet 42 through the communication line 23 and is returned to the methanol / water tank 3.
[0048]
By adopting the structure of this example, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the two-wheeled vehicle is largely inclined to the left or right, as described above, the reaction occurs in the gas-liquid separator 7 as described in each example. The generated water 9 stays without flowing backward on the fuel cell 1 side. In the methanol / water tank 3, the carbon dioxide gas can be exhausted from the carbon dioxide gas outlet (26B in this case) on the open side. Furthermore, in the structure of this example, the liquid level L3 in the gas-liquid separator 9 and the liquid level L1 in the methanol / water tank 3 are different in level in a largely inclined state, but the communication line 23 that is running is different. The reaction product water is prevented from flowing backward from the methanol / water tank 3 to the gas-liquid separator 7 by the descending portion 23A which is at a high position with a large inclination. As a result, an aqueous methanol solution flows backward from the methanol / water tank 3 having a high liquid level L1 to the gas-liquid separator 7 through the communication line 23, and the liquid level L3 rises to reach the fuel cell 1 through the reaction product water inlet 41. It is possible to prevent reverse flow and stop the fuel cell reaction, and it is possible to continue the fuel cell reaction even in a largely inclined state.
[0049]
Next, another structural example of the communication portion between the methanol / water tank 3 and the gas-liquid separator 7 in the fuel cell system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the methanol / water tank 3 having the liquid level control function shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the carbon dioxide discharge function having the configuration shown in FIG. Uses a liquid level adjusting function shown in FIG. Then, the gas-liquid separator 7 is positioned on the upper side, the methanol / water tank 3 is positioned on the lower side, and the communication product water communication line 23 between them is formed so as to extend left and right. The row portions 23A and 23B of the communication line 23 have a dimensional relationship in which only D is projected outward from the carbon dioxide gas discharge ports 26A and 26B.
[0050]
Thus, in the upright state shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the reaction product water 9 generated in the fuel cell 1 is caused to flow into the gas-liquid separator 7 and the unreacted gas is exhausted into the atmosphere to react. The generated water 9 is stored below the drain 43. The reaction product water 9 flows down from the outlet 42 through the communication line 23 and is returned to the methanol / water tank 3.
[0051]
By adopting the structure of this example, when the two-wheeled vehicle is greatly inclined to the left or right, the reaction product water 9 is not flown back to the fuel cell 1 side as in the case described with reference to FIG. Stays in the liquid separator 7. In the methanol / water tank 3, carbon dioxide can be exhausted from the carbon dioxide outlet 26A or 26B on the open side. Furthermore, in the structure of this example, the liquid level L3 in the gas-liquid separator 9 and the liquid level L1 in the methanol / water tank 3 are different in level in a largely inclined state, but the communication line 23 that is running is different. The reaction product water is prevented from flowing backward from the methanol / water tank 3 to the gas-liquid separator 7 by the descending portion 23A which is at a high position with a large inclination. As a result, an aqueous methanol solution flows backward from the methanol / water tank 3 having a high liquid level L1 to the gas-liquid separator 7 through the communication line 23, and the liquid level L3 rises to reach the fuel cell 1 through the reaction product water inlet 41. It is possible to prevent reverse flow and stop the fuel cell reaction, and it is possible to continue the fuel cell reaction even in a state of being largely inclined.
[0052]
Next, still another structural example of the communication portion between the methanol / water tank 3 and the gas-liquid separator 7 in the fuel cell system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the methanol / water tank 3 having the liquid level control function shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the carbon dioxide discharge function having the configuration shown in FIG. Uses a liquid level adjusting function shown in FIG. The gas-liquid separator 7 is positioned on the upper side, the methanol / water tank 3 is positioned on the lower side, and the check valve 230 is provided with the communication line 23 of the reaction product water between them as a straight pipe. The check valve 230 prevents the reaction product water from flowing backward from the methanol / water tank 3 to the gas-liquid separator 7.
[0053]
Accordingly, in the upright state shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the reaction product water 9 generated in the fuel cell 1 is caused to flow into the gas-liquid separator 7 and the unreacted gas is exhausted into the atmosphere to react. The generated water 9 is stored below the drain 43. The reaction product water 9 flows down the communication line 23 from the outlet 42, returns to the liquid level controller 24 through the check valve 230, and returns to the methanol / water tank 3 from here.
[0054]
By adopting the structure of this example, when the two-wheeled vehicle is greatly inclined to the left or right, the reaction product water 9 is contained in the fuel cell 1 in the gas-liquid separator 7 as in the case described with reference to FIG. Stay without backflowing on the side. In the methanol / water tank 3, carbon dioxide can be exhausted from the carbon dioxide outlet 26A or 26B on the open side. Furthermore, in the structure of this example, the liquid level L3 in the gas-liquid separator 9 and the liquid level L1 in the methanol / water tank 3 are different in level while being largely inclined, but the check valve 230 in the communication line 23 is different. Prevents the reaction product water from flowing backward from the methanol / water tank 3 to the gas-liquid separator 7. As a result, an aqueous methanol solution flows backward from the methanol / water tank 3 having a high liquid level L1 to the gas-liquid separator 7 through the communication line 23, and the liquid level L3 rises to reach the fuel cell 1 through the reaction product water inlet 41. It is possible to prevent reverse flow and stop the fuel cell reaction, and it is possible to continue the fuel cell reaction even in a state of being largely inclined.
[0055]
In addition, the piping in each of the above embodiments can be integrated with a tank, a gas-liquid separator, etc. by integral molding if possible in manufacturing, and as in the illustrated embodiments. It can also be configured as a separate member.
[0056]
Further, the present invention can be widely applied to a vehicle that is often inclined greatly like a yacht.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, fuel cell power generation can be continued even when a large inclination occurs as a direct reforming fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle that is often in a largely inclined state such as a motorcycle or a yacht. A fuel cell system can be provided.
[0058]
The present invention can also provide a two-wheeled vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system capable of continuing fuel cell power generation even in a large inclined state.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a methanol / water tank in a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an inclined state of the methanol / water tank of the above example.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the methanol / water tank in the example.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing an inclined state of the methanol / water tank shown in FIG. 3;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are a plan view and a side view of another example of a methanol / water tank in the fuel cell system of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction and a cross-sectional view in the left-right direction showing a greatly inclined state of another example of the methanol / water tank.
7 is a plan view and a side view of still another example of a methanol / water tank in the fuel cell system of the embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a fourth example of a methanol / water tank in the fuel cell system of the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a front sectional view showing a largely inclined state of the fourth example of the methanol / water tank.
FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of an automatic valve in the methanol / water tank of the fourth example.
FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of another example of an automatic valve in the methanol / water tank of the fourth example.
FIG. 12 is a front sectional view showing a mounting state of the liquid level sensor in the methanol / water tank of each of the above examples.
FIG. 13 is a front sectional view and a front view showing another example of the mounting state of the liquid level sensor in the methanol / water tank of each of the above examples.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a gas-liquid separator in the fuel cell system of the above-described embodiment, and a cross-sectional view in a largely inclined state.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the gas-liquid separator in the fuel cell system of the above embodiment is largely inclined.
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of an example of a gas-liquid separator and a methanol / water tank in the fuel cell system of the above embodiment, in an upright state and a largely inclined state.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of another example of the gas-liquid separator and the methanol / water tank in the fuel cell system of the above embodiment, in an upright state and a largely inclined state.
FIG. 18 is a sectional view of still another example of the gas-liquid separator and the methanol / water tank in the fuel cell system according to the above embodiment, in a state of being largely inclined.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a proposed direct reforming fuel cell system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Fuel cell
2 Air pump
3 Methanol / water tank
4 Solution pump
6 Exhaust pipe
7 Gas-liquid separator
8 Exhaust pipe
9 Reaction water
21 Methanol aqueous solution inlet
22 Methanol aqueous solution outlet
23 Communication line
24 Liquid level controller
24A float
25 Methanol inlet
26 Carbon dioxide exhaust
26A, B Carbon dioxide exhaust
27 Automatic valve
28 Automatic valve
31 Liquid level sensor
41 Reaction product water inlet
42 Reaction product water outlet
43 Drain
71 Methanol tank
72 Methanol pump

Claims (7)

A fuel cell, a methanol / water tank for storing a methanol aqueous solution in which methanol and water as a fuel are mixed, a methanol / water pump for supplying the methanol aqueous solution from the methanol / water tank to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell, A fuel cell system comprising: a gas-liquid separator that gas-liquid separates reaction product water generated at an air electrode of the fuel cell; and a communication line that returns the reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator to a methanol / water tank. ,
A methanol aqueous solution inlet and a carbon dioxide gas outlet are provided in the upper bottom portion on the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank,
A methanol aqueous solution outlet is provided in the lower bottom part on the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank,
The communication line communicates with each of the liquid layer and gas layer of the methanol / water tank, and when the liquid level therein rises to a predetermined level, the flow of reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, At the liquid level, reaction level water is introduced from the gas-liquid separator, and a liquid level control means is provided to match the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank to the liquid level of the reaction level water.
The liquid level control means has a level at which the methanol aqueous solution outlet can always be positioned below the liquid level of the methanol aqueous solution in the methanol / water tank in a state where the system is tilted to a predetermined allowable tilt angle on either side. A fuel cell system that controls the liquid level at the predetermined level. A fuel cell, a methanol / water tank for storing a methanol aqueous solution in which methanol and water as a fuel are mixed, a methanol / water pump for supplying the methanol aqueous solution from the methanol / water tank to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell, A fuel cell system comprising: a gas-liquid separator that gas-liquid separates reaction product water generated at an air electrode of the fuel cell; and a communication line that returns the reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator to a methanol / water tank. ,
A methanol aqueous solution inlet is provided in the upper bottom part on the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank,
A methanol aqueous solution outlet is provided in the lower bottom part on the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank,
One end of the carbon dioxide gas exhaust pipe is connected to a position higher than the vertical center of each of the left and right side surfaces of the methanol / water tank, and the carbon dioxide gas exhaust pipe passes through the front and rear sides of the methanol / water tank horizontally. And open each open end to the opposite side,
The communication line communicates with each of the liquid layer and gas layer of the methanol / water tank, and when the liquid level therein rises to a predetermined level, the flow of reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, At the liquid level, reaction level water is introduced from the gas-liquid separator, and a liquid level control means is provided to match the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank to the liquid level of the reaction level water.
The liquid level control means has a level at which the methanol aqueous solution outlet can always be positioned below the liquid level of the methanol aqueous solution in the methanol / water tank in a state where the system is tilted to a predetermined allowable tilt angle on either side. A fuel cell system that controls the liquid level at the predetermined level.   Instead of the carbon dioxide exhaust cylinder, one end of the carbon dioxide exhaust cylinder is connected to each of the upper and lower surfaces of the methanol / water tank, and the carbon dioxide exhaust cylinder extends horizontally along the upper bottom surface. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the open end is opened at an end opposite to the left and right sides. A fuel cell, a methanol / water tank for storing a methanol aqueous solution in which methanol and water as a fuel are mixed, a methanol / water pump for supplying the methanol aqueous solution from the methanol / water tank to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell, A fuel cell system comprising: a gas-liquid separator that gas-liquid separates reaction product water generated at an air electrode of the fuel cell; and a communication line that returns the reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator to a methanol / water tank. ,
A methanol aqueous solution inlet is provided in the upper bottom part on the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank,
A methanol aqueous solution outlet is provided in the lower bottom part on the left and right center line of the methanol / water tank,
Connect carbon dioxide exhaust pipes to the left and right sides of the methanol / water tank,
In the carbon dioxide exhaust cylinder, an automatic valve is provided that opens when no hydraulic pressure is applied from the inside to the outside, and closes when the hydraulic pressure is applied from the inside to the outside.
The communication line communicates with each of the liquid layer and gas layer of the methanol / water tank, and when the liquid level therein rises to a predetermined level, the flow of reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, At the liquid level, reaction level water is introduced from the gas-liquid separator, and a liquid level control means is provided to match the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank to the liquid level of the reaction level water.
The liquid level control means has a level at which the methanol aqueous solution outlet can always be positioned below the liquid level of the methanol aqueous solution in the methanol / water tank in a state where the system is tilted to a predetermined allowable tilt angle on either side. A fuel cell system that controls the liquid level at the predetermined level. The reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell is gas-liquid separated, the reaction product water inlet is connected to the air electrode side of the fuel cell, and the reaction product water outlet is connected to the reaction product water return line of the methanol / water tank. A fuel cell system equipped with a gas-liquid separator,
In the gas-liquid separator, the shape of the tank part for storing the reaction product water is flattened in an upright state, the reaction product water inlet is provided at the upper bottom part, and the reaction product water outlet is provided at the lower bottom part. A fuel cell system, characterized in that a drain that is discharged to the outside when the water level of the reaction product water rises to the position at a position immediately above the appropriate level of the reaction product water is provided. The reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell is gas-liquid separated, the reaction product water inlet is connected to the air electrode side of the fuel cell, and the reaction product water outlet is connected to the reaction product water return line of the methanol / water tank. A fuel cell system comprising: a gas-liquid separator to be connected; and the methanol / water tank connected to the gas-liquid separator via the reaction product water return line,
In the gas-liquid separator, the shape of the tank part for storing the reaction product water is flattened in an upright state, the reaction product water inlet is provided at the upper bottom part, and the reaction product water outlet is provided at the lower bottom part. A drain that is discharged to the outside when the water level of the reaction product water rises to the position at a position immediately above the appropriate level of the reaction product water is provided.
The methanol / water tank is provided with an aqueous methanol solution inlet at the upper bottom portion on the left and right center line, and is provided with an aqueous methanol solution outlet at the lower bottom portion on the left and right center line.
One end of a carbon dioxide gas exhaust cylinder is connected to each of the left and right upper and lower surfaces of the methanol / water tank, the carbon dioxide gas exhaust cylinder extends horizontally along the upper bottom surface, and the respective open ends are opposite end portions on the left and right sides. Open to
The reaction product water return line communicates with each of the liquid layer and gas layer of the methanol / water tank, and when the liquid level therein rises to a predetermined level, the flow of the reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, At a liquid level lower than that, a reaction level water is introduced from the gas-liquid separator, and a liquid level control means is provided to match the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank to the liquid level of the reaction product water,
Position the methanol / water tank below the gas-liquid separator,
A fuel cell system characterized in that the reaction product water return line has a shape that runs to the left and right. The reaction product water generated at the air electrode of the fuel cell is gas-liquid separated, the reaction product water inlet is connected to the air electrode side of the fuel cell, and the reaction product water outlet is connected to the reaction product water return line of the methanol / water tank. A fuel cell system comprising: a gas-liquid separator to be connected; and the methanol / water tank connected to the gas-liquid separator via the reaction product water return line,
In the gas-liquid separator, the shape of the tank part for storing the reaction product water is flattened in an upright state, the reaction product water inlet is provided at the upper bottom part, and the reaction product water outlet is provided at the lower bottom part. A drain that is discharged to the outside when the water level of the reaction product water rises to the position at a position immediately above the appropriate level of the reaction product water is provided.
The methanol / water tank is provided with an aqueous methanol solution inlet at the upper bottom portion on the left and right center line, and is provided with an aqueous methanol solution outlet at the lower bottom portion on the left and right center line.
Connect carbon dioxide exhaust pipes to the left and right sides of the methanol / water tank,
In the carbon dioxide exhaust cylinder, an automatic valve is provided that opens when no hydraulic pressure is applied from the inside to the outside, and closes when the hydraulic pressure is applied from the inside to the outside.
The reaction product water return line communicates with each of the liquid layer and gas layer of the methanol / water tank, and when the liquid level therein rises to a predetermined level, the flow of the reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is stopped, At a liquid level lower than that, a reaction level water is introduced from the gas-liquid separator, and a liquid level control means is provided to match the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the methanol / water tank to the liquid level of the reaction product water,
Position the methanol / water tank below the gas-liquid separator,
In the reaction product water return line, the reaction product water from the gas-liquid separator is allowed to flow down in the upright state, and the reaction product water is prevented from flowing backward from the methanol / water tank to the gas-liquid separator in the state of being largely inclined. A fuel cell system comprising a check valve that performs the check.

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