JP5099306B2 - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system that generates power using hydrogen generated by a hydrogen generator.

  In a fuel cell system including a power generation unit having an anode and a cathode with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, for example, an impure gas such as nitrogen gas or oxygen gas in the anode of the power generation unit due to crossover from the electrolyte membrane or the like May get mixed in. Since this impure gas causes a decrease in output during power generation and deterioration of the electrode catalyst joined to the electrolyte membrane, the impure gas in the anode is purged with hydrogen gas at a predetermined timing. To increase the hydrogen concentration. Impurity gas mixed in the anode diffuses not only into the anode but also into a space connected to the anode, for example, a space of a hydrogen generator (reformer) that reforms the fuel to generate hydrogen. End up. For this reason, it is necessary to perform purging or the like on the space connected to the anode as well as the anode.

  If the space that needs to be purged increases outside the anode in this way, the amount of fuel (hydrogen) released during the purge increases, and there is a problem that the efficiency of use of the fuel decreases. There is also a problem that it takes time to purge the anode or the like.

  In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to reduce the space of the hydrogen generator connected to the anode. For example, the space of the hydrogen generator (reformer) is reduced by suppressing the amount of hydrogen generated. Is reduced (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By reducing the space in the hydrogen generator, the space that needs to be purged is certainly reduced. However, the space other than the anode must be purged.

JP 2005-225709 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system capable of improving the fuel utilization efficiency and reducing the purge time.

According to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems, a hydrogen generation part having a reaction chamber in which a hydrogen generating substance that causes a hydrogen generation reaction is stored, and hydrogen generated in the reaction chamber in communication with the reaction chamber are supplied. A fuel cell system comprising a power generation unit that generates electricity by electrochemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen, and is provided between the reaction chamber and the power generation unit and stored in the storage unit The fuel cell system further comprises diffusion preventing means for preventing the diffusion of the impure gas in the power generation unit into the reaction chamber by separating the reaction chamber and the power generation unit .

In the first aspect, the reaction chamber and the power generation section are reliably separated by the diffusion preventing means, and the diffusion of impure gas into the reaction chamber is prevented. For this reason, when purging the power generation unit, it is not necessary to purge the reaction chamber at the same time. Therefore, the fuel utilization efficiency at the time of purging is improved and the time required for purging is also shortened. Further, the reaction chamber and the power generation unit are separated by the stored liquid that is a liquid, so that the diffusion of impure gas into the reaction chamber is more reliably prevented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the storage section stores a liquid chamber in which the storage liquid is stored and a supply port to which hydrogen from the reaction chamber is supplied, and the storage liquid in the liquid chamber. The fuel cell system according to the first aspect is characterized in that the fuel cell system according to the first aspect is constituted by a lead-out chamber in which the hydrogen that has passed is stored and a lead-out port for leading the hydrogen to the power generation unit is arranged.

In the second aspect, the reaction chamber and the power generation unit can be reliably separated, and hydrogen can be satisfactorily introduced into the power generation unit through the outlet.

A third aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell system according to the second aspect, wherein the liquid chamber and the outlet chamber are separated by a gas-liquid separation membrane.

In the third aspect, the stored liquid is not supplied to the power generation unit together with hydrogen.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell according to the second or third aspect, characterized in that at least a portion corresponding to the lead-out chamber of the storage portion is a volume variable portion formed to be extendable and deformable. In the system.

In the fourth aspect, purging is performed in a state where the volume of the outlet chamber of the storage unit is reduced, so that the space for purging is further reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reaction chamber in which the hydrogen generation unit stores the hydrogen generation material, and a hydrogen generation catalyst solution that is supplied to the reaction chamber and promotes a hydrogen generation reaction of the hydrogen generation material. A solution chamber to be stored, and the stored liquid stored in the storage portion is the hydrogen generating catalyst solution, and the solution chamber and the storage portion are connected by a liquid feeding pipe and The fuel cell system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising liquid feeding means arranged in a liquid feeding pipe to feed the stored liquid in the storage section to the solution chamber.

In the fifth aspect, since the storage liquid (hydrogen generation catalyst solution) stored in the storage section can be supplied to the solution chamber, the volume of the solution chamber can be reduced to downsize the hydrogen generation section. it can.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the fuel cell system according to the fifth aspect, wherein at least a part of the solution chamber is a deformable portion formed to be extendable and deformable.

In the sixth aspect, the stored liquid (hydrogen generation catalyst solution) stored in the storage section can be supplied satisfactorily to the solution chamber.

  As described above, in the present invention, since the power generation unit and the hydrogen generation unit are separated by the diffusion prevention unit, the impure gas in the power generation unit does not diffuse into the hydrogen generation unit. For this reason, it is only necessary to purge only the power generation section, and the space for purging is minimized. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen released to the outside when purging can be suppressed to a small amount, and the fuel utilization efficiency is greatly improved. In addition, since the time required for purging is shortened, for example, the power generation stop time is shortened, it is possible to always supply power to the external load satisfactorily.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 1 according to this embodiment includes a hydrogen generation unit 20, a power generation unit 30, and a diffusion prevention unit (diffusion) disposed between the hydrogen generation unit 20 and the power generation unit 30. Prevention means) 40.

  The hydrogen generating unit 20 includes, for example, a solution chamber 22 in which a hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21 is stored and a reaction chamber 24 in which a hydrogen generating material 23 is stored. The solution chamber 22 and the reaction chamber 24 are connected to each other. They are connected by (connection path) 25. The connecting pipe 25 is provided with a solution supply means 26 such as a pump for supplying the hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21 in the solution chamber 22 to the reaction chamber 24. Then, the hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21 in the solution chamber 22 is sent to the reaction chamber 24 via the connecting pipe 25 by the solution supply means 26, and the hydrogen generating substance 23 and the hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21 react in the reaction chamber 24. Hydrogen is generated by (hydrogen generation reaction). The reaction chamber 24 and a later-described diffusion prevention unit 40 are connected via a supply pipe 27 so that hydrogen generated in the reaction chamber 24 is supplied to the diffusion prevention unit 40.

  Examples of the hydrogen generating material used in the hydrogen generating unit 20 include borohydride salt, aluminum hydroxide salt, sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydroxide, etc., and particularly sodium borohydride. Is preferred. Examples of the hydrogen generation catalyst include sulfuric acid, malic acid, and citric acid water, and malic acid is particularly preferable. These hydrogen generating substance and hydrogen generating catalyst are not particularly limited, and any hydrogen generating substance can be applied as long as it is a hydrolyzed metal hydride. Examples of the hydrogen generating catalyst include organic acids and inorganic acids. Alternatively, any hydrogen generation catalyst such as ruthenium is applicable. Furthermore, any combination of a hydrogen generating material and a hydrogen generating catalyst, such as sodium hydrogen borohydride aqueous solution and malic acid powder as a hydrogen generating catalyst, can be applied to any material that generates hydrogen by mixing. is there. Further, the hydrogen generation unit 20 may obtain hydrogen by a reaction between a metal and a basic or acidic aqueous solution. In addition, a methanol reforming type that obtains hydrogen by steam reforming alcohols, ethers, and ketones, and a hydrocarbon reforming type that obtains hydrogen by steam reforming hydrocarbons such as gasoline, kerosene, and natural gas. It may be configured to generate hydrogen.

  The power generation unit (power generation cell) 30 includes a cathode electrode 31, an MEA 32, and an anode electrode 33. The cathode electrode 31 includes a cathode end plate 34, a gas diffusion layer and a current collector layer (not shown), and the MEA 32 is an electrolyte (not shown). In this configuration, catalyst layers are arranged on both sides. The anode 33 includes an anode end plate 35, an anode chamber 36, and a gas diffusion layer (not shown). The anode electrode 33 may include a current collector layer (not shown). In the case where the anode electrode 33 does not include a current collector layer, a current may be collected by connecting a conductive wire to the anode end plate 35. A lead pipe 37 is connected to the anode chamber 36, and hydrogen generated in the reaction chamber 24 of the hydrogen generator 20 is introduced through the lead pipe 37. The outlet pipe 37 is provided with a connection valve 38 capable of separating the power generation unit 30 and the hydrogen generation unit 20. The connection valve 38 has a function of preventing fuel leakage at the time of separation and preventing entry of gas or solid from the outside. In the present embodiment, the connection valve 38 is provided between the diffusion prevention unit 40 and the power generation unit (power generation cell) 30, but is connected to the supply pipe 27 that connects the hydrogen generation unit 20 and the diffusion prevention unit 40. It may be provided. Although not shown, the anode chamber 36 is provided with a discharge port for discharging water staying inside during power generation to the outside. Further, the anode chamber 36 of the power generation unit 30 has a discharge valve 39 made of, for example, an electromagnetic valve, an electric valve, or the like for discharging impurity gases in the anode chamber 36 such as nitrogen gas and oxygen gas to the outside. Is provided. The discharge valve 39 may be a check valve that is opened when the inside of the anode chamber 36 becomes a predetermined pressure or higher.

  In addition, a diffusion prevention unit 40 is provided between the power generation unit 30 and the hydrogen generation unit 20 to prevent the impure gas in the power generation unit 30 from diffusing into the reaction chamber 24 of the hydrogen generation unit 20. It has been. In this embodiment, the diffusion prevention unit 40 includes a storage unit 42 in which a predetermined storage liquid 41 is stored. The reaction chamber 24 and the power generation unit 30 are separated by the storage liquid 41, so that the inside of the power generation unit 30. Impurity gas is prevented from diffusing into the reaction chamber 24. Specifically, the storage part 42 has a liquid chamber 43 in which the stored liquid 41 is stored and a discharge chamber 44 in which gas (hydrogen) discharged to the power generation unit 30 is stored. That is, in the storage part 42, there are a region where the stored liquid 41 is stored (liquid chamber 43) and a region where gas (hydrogen) is stored (lead-out chamber 44).

  The storage unit 42 is connected to the reaction chamber 24 by a supply pipe 27 and is connected to the anode chamber 36 of the power generation unit 30 by a lead-out pipe 37. And the supply pipe | tube 27 is distribute | arranged so that it may open in the liquid chamber 43 of a storage part. That is, a supply port for supplying hydrogen from the reaction chamber 24 is arranged in the liquid chamber 43. The hydrogen supplied from the reaction chamber 24 to the storage unit 42 via the supply pipe 27 passes through the storage liquid 41 in the liquid chamber 43 and is accumulated in the storage unit 42. For example, in the present embodiment, the supply pipe 27 is connected to the vicinity of the lower end surface of the storage part 42 in the top-and-bottom direction. On the other hand, the outlet pipe 37 is arranged so as to open into the outlet chamber 44 (a space filled with gas) of the storage section 42. In other words, a lead-out port for leading hydrogen to the power generation unit 30 is arranged in the lead-out chamber 44. Then, the hydrogen that has passed through the stored liquid 41 in the storage section 42 and accumulated in the storage section 42 (outflow chamber 44) is introduced into the power generation section 30 through the discharge pipe 37. For example, in this embodiment, the lead-out pipe 37 is connected to the upper end surface of the storage part 42 in the vertical direction.

  The storage liquid 41 stored in the storage unit 42 is not particularly limited as long as it does not react with a gas such as hydrogen supplied into the storage unit 42. For example, in this embodiment, water is used. Yes.

  The supply pipe 27 that connects the reaction chamber 24 and the storage unit 42 is preferably provided with a first on-off valve 28 that prevents the stored liquid 41 in the storage unit 42 from flowing back into the reaction chamber 24. . For example, in the present embodiment, as the first on-off valve 28, only the flow of hydrogen from the reaction chamber 24 to the storage section 42 is allowed and the flow of the stored liquid 41 from the storage section 42 to the reaction chamber 24 is restricted. A stop valve is provided. That is, when the inside of the reaction chamber 24 exceeds a predetermined pressure, the first on-off valve 28 is opened, and hydrogen in the reaction chamber 24 flows into the storage portion 42 through the supply pipe 27.

  In the present embodiment, a gas-liquid separation film 45 is provided in the storage portion 42, and the gas-liquid separation film 45 separates the lead-out chamber 44 and the liquid chamber 43 in which the lead-out pipe 37 is opened. Yes. For example, in this embodiment, the storage part 42 is formed in a columnar shape, and the gas-liquid separation film 45 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end surface of the storage part 42 in the vertical direction. This prevents the stored liquid 41 in the storage section 42 (liquid chamber 43) from being introduced into the power generation section 30 together with hydrogen.

Here, the gas-liquid separation membrane 45 is a membrane that simultaneously exhibits waterproofness (water repellency) and air permeability, and is formed, for example, by stretching a resin material, and has a diameter of 0.1 to 0.1. It consists of a porous resin film having many fine pores of about 10 μm. Specifically, for example, a porous film made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin and having hundreds of millions of fine pores per 1 (cm ² ) can be mentioned.

  In addition, arrangement | positioning in the storage part 42 of this gas-liquid separation film | membrane 45 is not specifically limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, gas-liquid separation films 45 are provided in the vicinity of the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the storage portion 42 formed in a columnar shape, and a plurality of outlet chambers 44 are provided in the storage portion 42. It may be. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, four outlet chambers 44 are formed by providing outlet chambers 44 separated from the liquid chamber 43 by the gas-liquid separation film 45 at the four corners of the quadrangular columnar storage portion 42. It may be. When a plurality of outlet chambers 44 are formed in the storage section 42, a plurality of outlet pipes 37 communicating with the outlet chambers 44 may be connected to the storage section. For example, as shown in FIG. In addition, a communication pipe 46 that communicates the outlet chambers 44 may be provided in the storage unit 42. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a lead-out chamber 44 separated from the liquid chamber 43 by the gas-liquid separation film 45 is continuously provided in the outer peripheral portion of the columnar storage portion 42 in the circumferential direction. May be. By disposing the liquid chamber 43 and the lead-out chamber 44 by arranging the gas-liquid separation film 45 in this way, hydrogen can be favorably flown into the lead-out chamber 44 regardless of the posture of the storage portion 42.

  In the fuel cell system having such a configuration, for example, the hydrogen supply catalyst solution in the solution chamber 22 is actuated by the operation of the solution supply unit 26 based on a request for power supply to an external load (not shown) connected to the power generation unit 30. When 21 is supplied to the reaction chamber 24 continuously or intermittently, the power is generated and supplied by the power generation unit 30. Specifically, when the hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21 is supplied to the reaction chamber 24, hydrogen is generated by the hydrogen generating material 23 in the reaction chamber 24 reacting with the hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21. When the reaction chamber 24 is filled with hydrogen and the pressure in the reaction chamber 24 exceeds a predetermined pressure, the first on-off valve 28 provided in the supply pipe 27 is opened and hydrogen is supplied into the storage portion 42. The hydrogen supplied into the storage section 42 passes through the storage liquid 41, further passes through the gas-liquid separation membrane 45, and is supplied to the anode chamber 36 of the power generation section 30 through the outlet pipe 37. As a result, power is generated by the power generation unit 30 and supplied to the external load.

  Then, the power generation unit 30 (anode chamber 36) is purged, that is, the power generation unit at a predetermined timing, for example, before power generation is started in the power generation unit 30 or when a decrease in the output of the power generation unit 30 is detected. The operation of filling hydrogen into 30 and discharging the impure gas accumulated inside is performed. Further, since the impure gas in the power generation unit 30 diffuses into the space communicating with the power generation unit 30, it is necessary to purge the space simultaneously with the power generation unit 30. The impure gas is, for example, a gas such as nitrogen or oxygen that enters from the cathode electrode side of the power generation unit 30.

  Specifically, similarly to the above-described power generation, the hydrogen supply catalyst solution 21 in the solution chamber 22 is supplied to the reaction chamber 24 by the solution supply unit 26, thereby introducing hydrogen into the anode chamber 36 of the power generation unit 30. . Then, the discharge valve 39 is opened in a state where a predetermined amount of hydrogen is introduced into the power generation unit 30, and the impure gas is discharged to the outside together with the hydrogen in the space communicating with the power generation unit 30 and the power generation unit 30.

  For this reason, if the space communicating with the power generation unit 30 is wide, there is a problem that the amount of hydrogen released to the outside by the purge increases and the fuel use efficiency decreases, and the purge takes a relatively long time. Will occur. However, in the configuration of the present invention, the power generation unit 30 (anode chamber 36) and the hydrogen generation unit 20 (reaction chamber 24) are separated by the stored liquid 41 of the storage unit 42 that constitutes the diffusion prevention unit 40. Only the outlet chamber 44 of the section 30 and the storage section 42 may be purged. Therefore, the space for purging is minimized, the amount of hydrogen released to the outside when purging can be suppressed to a small amount, and the fuel utilization efficiency is greatly improved. In addition, since the time required for purging is shortened, for example, the power generation stop time is shortened, it is possible to always supply power to the external load satisfactorily.

  It is conceivable that the power generation unit 30 and the hydrogen generation unit 20 are separated by, for example, an on-off valve or the like, but by opening the on-off valve, impure gas diffuses into the hydrogen generation unit 20 regardless of the flow direction. There is a risk of it.

  In the present embodiment, the hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21 is supplied from the solution chamber 22 to the reaction chamber 24 by the solution supply means 26 during continuous power generation. For example, as shown in FIG. A configuration in which so-called passive continuous power generation is performed so that no power is required to supply the hydrogen-generating catalyst solution 21 to the reaction chamber 24 during continuous power generation by pressurizing the solution chamber 22 constituting the chamber with atmospheric pressure or a spring or air pressure. It is also possible. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the hydrogen generation unit 20 and the storage unit 42 that constitutes the diffusion prevention unit 40 are disposed in the case 50, and the pressure in the case 50 is equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure. A part of the solution chamber 22 constituting the hydrogen generating unit 20 is, for example, a bellows-shaped stretchable stretchable portion 51. The stretchable portion 51 is stretched so that the volume of the solution chamber 22 is increased. By changing, the internal pressure of the solution chamber 22 also becomes a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. Further, the connecting pipe 25 connecting the solution chamber 22 and the reaction chamber 24 constituting the hydrogen generating unit 20 allows the flow of the hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21 from the solution chamber 22 to the reaction chamber 24 instead of the supply means. A second on-off valve 52 is provided. In addition, the thing of the type shown in FIG. 2 is used for the storage part 42. FIG.

  In such a configuration, when hydrogen in the power generation unit 30 (anode chamber 36) is consumed by power generation, the pressure in the anode chamber 36 decreases, and the pressure in the storage unit 42 and the reaction chamber 24 accompanies this pressure decrease. Decreases. Then, the hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21 in the solution chamber 22 is brought into the reaction chamber 24 by the pressure difference generated between the reaction chamber 24 and the solution chamber 22, that is, the pressure difference in the reaction chamber 24 and the pressure in the solution chamber 22. Hydrogen supplied and newly generated in the reaction chamber 24 is introduced into the power generation unit 30. By repeating such an operation, the power generation unit 30 continuously generates power and secures a predetermined output.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell system according to the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the volume of the outlet chamber 44 of the storage unit 42 is variable. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a portion of the outlet chamber 44 of the storage portion 42 is, for example, a bellows shape and is a volume variable portion 47 that can be expanded and contracted. Moreover, it is the same as that of Embodiment 1 except the 3rd on-off valve 60 which consists of a solenoid valve, an electrically operated valve etc., and is controlled by the opening / closing is provided between the storage part 42 and the reaction chamber 24, for example. .

  In such a configuration of the present embodiment, the power generation unit 30 can be purged while the volume of the outlet chamber 44 is reduced. For example, when the third on-off valve 60 is closed during the continuous power generation operation, the hydrogen in the storage unit 42 (outflow chamber 44) is supplied to the power generation unit 30 and consumed by power generation, so that the pressure in the outflow chamber 44 is increased. Decreases. As the pressure in the outlet chamber 44 decreases, the volume variable section 47 is deformed and the volume of the outlet chamber 44 decreases. That is, by closing the third on-off valve 60 by applying pressure from the outside of the variable volume portion 47 so that the pressure in the anode chamber 36 is reduced at a pressure lower than that during normal power generation and higher than atmospheric pressure. The volume of the outlet chamber 44 decreases.

  Then, it is only necessary to purge only the power generation unit 30 by purging the power generation unit 30 in a state where the volume of the outlet chamber 44 is reduced in this way. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen released to the outside when performing the purge can be further reduced, and the fuel utilization efficiency is greatly improved. Further, the time required for purging, that is, the power generation stop time can be further shortened.

  In addition, the volume variable part 47 should just be formed so that expansion-contraction is possible, for example, may be formed with the material etc. which have elasticity or a softness | flexibility. In the present embodiment, the first open / close valve 28 and the third open / close valve 60 are provided separately in the supply pipe 27, but these may be integrated. That is, you may make it provide one on-off valve which has the function as a non-return valve and the function as a control valve in which opening and closing is controlled.

  In addition, in the configuration of the second embodiment, similarly to the configuration of the first embodiment, a configuration in which power generation is performed passively is possible. The configuration shown in FIG. 7 is a modification of the fuel cell system according to the second embodiment. The configuration corresponding to the outlet chamber 44 of the storage unit 42 is the variable volume unit 47 except that the configuration shown in FIG. The configuration is the same as the fuel cell system shown.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the hydrogen generation catalyst solution 21 stored in the solution chamber 22 is stored as a storage liquid 41 in the storage unit 42. Then, the solution chamber 22 and the storage section 42 are connected by a liquid supply pipe 61, and a storage liquid 41 that is a hydrogen generation catalyst solution in the storage section 42 is supplied to the liquid supply pipe 61 to the solution chamber 22. For example, liquid feeding means 62 such as a pump is provided.

  In such a configuration of the present embodiment, the storage liquid 41 that is the hydrogen generation catalyst solution 21 is stored in the storage section 42. For this reason, even if an unreacted hydrogen generating substance is mixed in the hydrogen supplied from the reaction chamber 24 to the storage unit 42, a hydrogen generation reaction occurs in the storage unit 42, so that the raw material is used more efficiently. Will be able to. Further, since the storage liquid 41 can be appropriately supplied from the storage section 42 to the solution chamber 22 by the liquid supply means 62, the volume of the solution chamber 22 can be reduced and the hydrogen generation section can be downsized. .

  In addition, as liquid feeding means 62, you may make it provide opening-and-closing valves, such as a solenoid valve, a motor operated valve, or a non-return valve, for example. In this case, when the pressure in the reservoir 42 rises to a predetermined value or more due to hydrogen generated in the reaction chamber 24, the open / close valve that is the liquid feeding means 62 is opened, so that the reservoir 41 ( A hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21) is fed into the solution chamber 22.

  Further, in such a configuration in which the storage liquid 41 (hydrogen generating catalyst solution 21) is sent from the storage section 42 to the solution chamber 22, the solution chamber 22 can be deformed according to the amount of the storage liquid 41 to be sent. It is preferable to be formed. For example, in this embodiment, a deformed portion 29 that is formed in, for example, a bellows shape and can be deformed in a stretchable manner is provided in a part of the solution chamber 22. The deformation portion 29 may be formed to be freely stretchable and deformed, and may be formed of, for example, a material having elasticity or flexibility.

  Also in the configuration of the third embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a so-called passive power generation can be performed. The configuration shown in FIG. 9 has a liquid supply pipe 61 that connects the storage section 42 and the solution chamber 22, and the flow of the stored liquid 41 from the storage section 42 to the solution chamber 22 is transferred to the liquid supply pipe 61. The fuel cell system has the same configuration as that of the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 7 except that the liquid feeding means 62 including an allowable check valve is provided.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, of course, this invention is not limited to these embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the diffusion prevention unit separates the hydrogen generation unit and the power generation unit with the stored liquid to prevent the diffusion of impure gas into the hydrogen generation unit. As long as the structure can prevent the diffusion of impure gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen generation unit, it is not particularly limited. Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described by exemplifying a type in which hydrogen is generated by reacting a hydrogen generating substance with a hydrogen generating catalyst solution by the hydrogen generating unit. However, for example, Embodiments 1 and 2 This configuration can also be applied to a fuel cell system of a type that generates hydrogen using a hydrogen storage metal.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the front view and side view which show the outline of the modification of a storage part. It is the front view and side view which show the outline of the modification of a storage part. It is the front view and side view which show the outline of the modification of a storage part. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell system 20 Hydrogen generating part 21 Hydrogen generating catalyst solution 22 Solution chamber 23 Hydrogen generating substance 24 Reaction chamber 25 Connection pipe 26 Solution supply means 27 Supply pipe 28 First on-off valve 29 Deformation part 30 Power generation part 31 Cathode pole 33 Anode Electrode 34 Cathode end plate 35 Anode end plate 36 Anode chamber 37 Lead-out pipe 38 Connection valve 39 Drain valve 40 Diffusion prevention part 41 Storage liquid 42 Storage part 43 Liquid chamber 44 Lead-out chamber 45 Gas-liquid separation membrane 46 Communication pipe 47 Volume variable part 50 Case 51 Expandable / contracting section 52 Second on-off valve 60 Third on-off valve 61 Liquid feed pipe 62 Liquid feed means

Claims (6)

A hydrogen generating part having a reaction chamber in which a hydrogen generating substance that causes a hydrogen generating reaction is stored, and hydrogen generated in the reaction chamber in communication with the reaction chamber are supplied, and the hydrogen and oxygen are electrochemically reacted to generate power. A fuel cell system comprising:
Impurity gas in the power generation unit is diffused into the reaction chamber by separating the reaction chamber and the power generation unit by a stored liquid that is provided between the reaction chamber and the power generation unit and stored in the storage unit. the fuel cell system characterized by having a diffusion preventing means for preventing. The storage unit stores a liquid chamber in which the stored liquid is stored and a supply port to which hydrogen from the reaction chamber is supplied, and hydrogen that has passed through the stored liquid in the liquid chamber is stored in the storage chamber. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein the fuel cell system includes a lead-out chamber in which a lead-out port for leading out hydrogen to the power generation unit is arranged. The fuel cell system according to claim 2 , wherein the liquid chamber and the outlet chamber are separated by a gas-liquid separation membrane. 4. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the storage portion corresponding to the lead-out chamber is a volume-variable portion formed to be extendable and deformable. 5. The hydrogen generation unit includes a reaction chamber in which the hydrogen generation material is stored, and a solution chamber in which a hydrogen generation catalyst solution that is supplied to the reaction chamber and promotes a hydrogen generation reaction of the hydrogen generation material is stored. The storage liquid stored in the storage part is the hydrogen generating catalyst solution, and the solution chamber and the storage part are connected by a liquid supply pipe and are arranged in the liquid supply pipe to store the liquid. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a liquid feeding means for feeding the stored liquid in a section to the solution chamber. The fuel cell system according to claim 5 , wherein at least a part of the solution chamber is a deformable portion formed to be extendable and deformable.

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