JP5135518B2 - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system using a control valve which is small and can be controlled by heat conduction without consuming electric power.

  Due to the recent increase in energy problems, there is a demand for a power source with higher energy density and clean emissions. A fuel cell is a generator having an energy density several times that of an existing cell, has high energy efficiency, and is characterized by no or little nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides contained in exhaust gas. Therefore, it can be said that it is a very effective device that meets the demand as a next-generation power supply device.

  In such a fuel cell, methanol or hydrogen is used as the fuel, and a control valve for opening and closing the flow path is necessary to perform such fuel supply and cooling water control. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the size of such a control valve. Moreover, it is not preferable to use electric power to control the control valve because it results in a decrease in energy density.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a fuel cell system using a control valve that is small and can be controlled without consuming electric power.

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a control valve that switches between an open state in which a first flow path and a second flow path are circulated and a closed state in which the flow path is closed. A sealing portion enclosing the control liquid, a deformation portion that is provided in a part of the partition wall of the sealing portion and deforms from an initial state to a deformation state as the pressure in the sealing portion increases, A valve member that moves with the deformation of the deforming portion to open or close the first flow path and the second flow path, and transfers heat to the control liquid in the sealing section. A control valve having a heating part for a cooling water flow path for cooling a power generation part of a fuel cell system for introducing hydrogen obtained by reacting an aqueous solution for hydrogen generation with a substance for hydrogen reaction, and said power generation part The heat generation part is conducted to the heat transfer section, and the hydrogen generating aqueous solution is used as the cooling water, Serial power generation unit is in the fuel cell system is characterized in that as the cooling water flows to the power generation portion upon heating.

In the first aspect, when the control liquid in the sealing portion is heated and vaporized through the heat transfer portion and the pressure in the sealing portion is increased, the deforming portion is deformed, and the valve member is accompanied by the deformation. Of a fuel cell system that introduces hydrogen obtained by reacting an aqueous solution for hydrogen generation with a substance for hydrogen reaction through a control valve that moves the open and closed states of the first and second flow paths by moving It is used for the flow path of the cooling water that cools the section, and the control valve is controlled as the power generation section generates heat, so that the flow path of the cooling water is opened and the power generation section is cooled.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell system according to the first aspect, the valve member of the control valve includes the first flow path and the second flow when the deforming portion is in an initial state. A fuel cell system , wherein the fuel cell system is located at a position where the path is closed, and the first flow path and the second flow path are moved to an open state when the deforming portion is in the deformed state. It is in.

  In the second aspect, when the deforming portion is in the initial state and is closed, and the control liquid in the sealing portion is heated via the heat transfer portion, the pressure in the sealing portion increases and the deforming portion is The valve member moves along with this deformation, and the first and second flow paths are switched to the open state.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell system according to the second aspect, the control valve includes an urging unit that urges the valve member in a direction to maintain the closed state. The fuel cell system is characterized in that the portion is deformed to the deformed state against the urging force of the urging means.

  In the third state, when the deforming portion is in the initial state, the valve member is urged to a position where the flow path is closed, and the control liquid in the sealing portion is heated via the heat transfer portion. When the pressure in the sealing portion increases, the deforming portion deforms against the urging force of the urging means, the valve member moves, and the first and second flow paths are switched to the open state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell system according to the first aspect, the valve member of the control valve includes the first flow path and the second flow when the deforming portion is in an initial state. The fuel cell system , wherein the fuel cell system is located at a position where the path is in an open state, and moves to a position where the first flow path and the second flow path are closed when the deforming portion is in a deformed state. It is in.

Effect that the fuel cell system of the present invention, can be opened and closed, such as small size using a controllable der Ru control valve without consuming power, flow path for cooling by utilizing the heat generation such as power generation unit Play.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a control valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control valve 10 includes a first flow path 12 and a second flow path 13 provided on the left and right sides of the base body 11 in the drawing, and the flow paths communicating these flow paths. Is a continuous channel consisting of a vertical channel penetrating in the vertical direction in the figure on the first channel 12 side, and a horizontal channel communicating with the vertical channel from the horizontal direction and extending to the second channel 13. A passage 14 is formed.

  An opening 15 on the lower side of the longitudinal flow path of the communication passage 14 in the figure is sealed by the deforming portion 16, and the opening 17 on the first flow path 12 side is closed by the valve body 18. . A push-up member 19 provided integrally through the longitudinal flow path is provided below the valve body 18, and a lower end portion of the push-up member 19 is connected to the deformable portion 16. On the other hand, on the upper side of the valve body 18, the flexible member 21 is provided on the base 11 and is in contact with or connected to a flexible member 21 provided in the partition wall of the first flow path 12 and sealing the opening 20. The spring body 23 is biased downward by a spring 23 provided between the spring fixing member 22 and the valve body 18 is pressed against the peripheral edge of the opening 17 of the communication passage 14 by the biasing force of the spring 23. It is in a state.

  A sealing portion 31, which is a container in which the control liquid 30 is sealed, is provided below the base 11, and the deformable portion 16 constitutes a part of the partition wall of the sealing portion 31. In addition, a heat transfer member 32 for transferring heat to the sealing portion 31 is provided on the lower surface of the sealing portion 31, and the sealing portion 31 and the heat transfer member 32 are covered with a heat insulating material 33 and are insulated from the outside. Has been.

  Here, the control liquid 30 in the sealing portion 31 is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid that volatilizes when heated from the outside through the heat transfer member 32 and heated to a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, organic solvents such as methanol, acetone, and ethyl methyl ether can be used. The control liquid 30 may be set so as to deform the deforming portion 16 only by thermal expansion without volatilizing.

  Further, the heat transfer member 32 is not limited as long as it is made of a material having good thermal conductivity, and may be configured using, for example, aluminum or copper.

  On the other hand, the deforming portion 16 is one in which the control liquid 30 in the sealing portion 31 volatilizes and deforms as the pressure in the sealing portion 31 rises. From the deformation shown in FIG. As shown in (b), the push-up member 19, the valve body 18, and the flexible member 21 move upward in the figure while resisting the biasing force of the spring 23. Thereby, it will be in the open state which the 1st flow path 12 and the 2nd flow path 13 were connected. On the other hand, when the pressure in the sealing portion 31 decreases and the urging force of the spring 23 becomes relatively large, the state returns to the state (a) from (b), and the first flow path 12 and It will be in the closed state by which communication with the 2nd channel 13 was intercepted. In addition, (a) is an initial state and a closed state, (b) is a deformation | transformation state and is an open state.

  Such a deforming portion 16 is not particularly limited as long as it allows such deformation, and in this embodiment, the return from the deformed state to the initial state is also performed by the biasing force of the spring 23. Any flexible member may be used. The flexible member is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can be deformed and does not transmit a fluid or the like that is in contact with the flexible member 21 as in the case of the flexible member 21. Considering the surface, various plastic sheets can be used.

  Here, the deforming portion 16 is displaced from the initial state to the deformed state at a predetermined pressure or higher and returns to the initial state from the deformed state when the pressure becomes lower than the predetermined pressure. In this case, the spring 23 can be omitted.

  The control valve 10 according to the first embodiment described above is in a closed state in which the communication between the first flow path 12 and the second flow path 13 is blocked when the control valve 10 is in the initial state (normal state). When the pressure in the portion 31 rises and the deforming portion 16 is in a deformed state, the first channel 12 and the second channel 13 are in an open state. Further, such switching from the closed state to the open state may be performed without transmitting electric power by transmitting heat from the outside to the heat transfer member 32 to increase the pressure in the sealing portion 31. . Further, the switching timing can be appropriately set according to the boiling point and the amount of the control liquid 30 in the sealing portion 31, the spring constant of the spring 23, and the like.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a control valve according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which shows the same effect | action as 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control valve 10A includes a first flow path 12 and a second flow path 13 respectively provided on the left and right sides of the base body 11A in the drawing, and these flow paths are formed by a communication path 14A. It is communicated.

  An opening 20A provided in the upper partition wall in the center of the communication path 14A is sealed by a flexible member 21A, and the flow path of the communication path 14A is blocked on the flow path side of the flexible member 21A. A valve body 18A is provided. The flexible member 21A is biased downward by a spring 23A provided between the flexible member 21A and a spring fixing member 22A provided on the base body 11A. As a result, the valve body 18A is communicated by the biasing force of the spring 23A. 14A is pressed against the lower partition wall.

  On the other hand, the base portion 11A below the communication path 14A is provided with a through portion 24, the upper opening 24a of the through portion 24 is sealed by the flow path partition 25, and the lower opening 24b is sealed by the deforming portion 16A. .

  Further, a push-up member 19A is connected to the lower part of the valve body 18A, and the push-up member 19A passes through the through hole 25a of the flow path partition wall 25 of the communication passage 14A and the lower end portion is connected to the deformed portion 16. Yes. Note that the through hole 25a through which the push-up member 19A passes has a structure having fluid tightness and air tightness so that the fluid flowing through the first and second flow paths 12 and 13 does not leak.

  A sealing portion 31 that is a container in which the control liquid 30 is sealed is provided below the through portion 24 of the base body 11A, and the deforming portion 16A constitutes a part of the partition wall of the sealing portion 31. Yes. In addition, a heat transfer member 32 for transferring heat to the sealing portion 31 is provided on the lower surface of the sealing portion 31, and the sealing portion 31 and the heat transfer member 32 are covered with a heat insulating material 33 and are insulated from the outside. Has been.

  Here, since the structure of the sealing part 31 which enclosed the control liquid 30 is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Further, the deformation portion 16A is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, and the control liquid 30 in the sealing portion 31 volatilizes and deforms as the pressure in the sealing portion 31 rises. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2B, the push-up member 19A, the valve body 18A, and the flexible member 21A move upward in the figure while resisting the urging force of the spring 23A. Thereby, it will be in the open state which the 1st flow path 12 and the 2nd flow path 13 were connected. On the other hand, when the pressure in the sealing portion 31 decreases and the urging force of the spring 23A becomes relatively large, the state returns to the state (a) from (b), and the first flow path 12 and It will be in the closed state by which communication with the 2nd channel 13 was intercepted. In addition, (a) is an initial state and a closed state, (b) is a deformation | transformation state and is an open state.

  Such a deforming portion 16A is not particularly limited as long as it allows such deformation, and in this embodiment, the return from the deformed state to the initial state is also performed by the biasing force of the spring 23A. Any flexible member may be used. The flexible member is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can be deformed and does not transmit the fluid or the like that is in contact with the flexible member, like the flexible member 21A. Considering the surface, various plastic sheets can be used.

  Here, as the deforming portion 16A, a member that is displaced from the initial state to the deformed state at a predetermined pressure or higher and returns to the initial state from the deformed state when the pressure becomes lower than the predetermined pressure is adopted. In this case, the spring 23A can be omitted.

  The control valve 10A of the second embodiment described above is in a closed state in which communication between the first flow path 12 and the second flow path 13 is blocked when in the initial state (normal state), and is sealed When the pressure in the portion 31 rises and the deforming portion 16A is in the deformed state, the first channel 12 and the second channel 13 are in communication with each other. Further, such switching from the closed state to the open state may be performed without transmitting electric power by transmitting heat from the outside to the heat transfer member 32 to increase the pressure in the sealing portion 31. . In addition, the switching timing can be appropriately set according to the boiling point and the amount of the control liquid 30 in the sealing portion 31, the spring constant of the spring 23A, and the like.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a control valve according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which shows the same effect | action as 1st and 2nd embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control valve 10B includes a first flow path 12 and a second flow path 13 respectively provided on the left and right sides of the base body 11B in the drawing, and these flow paths are formed by a communication path 14B. It is communicated.

  An opening 15B provided in the lower partition wall in the center of the communication passage 14B is sealed by the deformation portion 16B. When the upper portion of the deformation portion 16B moves upward, the flow of the communication passage 14B is increased. A valve body 18B having a shape for blocking the path is provided.

  A sealing portion 31 that is a container in which the control liquid 30 is sealed is provided below the opening portion 15B of the base body 11B, and the deforming portion 16B forms a part of the partition wall of the sealing portion 31. Yes. In addition, a heat transfer member 32 for transferring heat to the sealing portion 31 is provided on the lower surface of the sealing portion 31, and the sealing portion 31 and the heat transfer member 32 are covered with a heat insulating material 33 and are insulated from the outside. Has been.

  Note that the configuration of the sealing portion 31 that encloses the control liquid 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Here, the deforming portion 16B is a portion in which the control liquid 30 in the sealing portion 31 volatilizes and deforms as the pressure in the sealing portion 31 rises. To (b), the valve body 18B moves upward in the figure and is pressed against the upper partition wall of the communication path 14B, so that the valve body 18B is in contact with the first flow path 12 and the second flow path. Communication with 13 is cut off and the door is closed. On the other hand, when the pressure in the sealing part 31 falls, the deformation | transformation part 16B returns to the state of (a) from (b), and the open state by which the 1st flow path 12 and the 2nd flow path 13 were connected. It becomes. In addition, (a) is an initial state and an open state, (b) is a deformation | transformation state and is a closed state.

  When such a deforming portion 16B performs the return from the deformed state to the initial state by, for example, the load of the valve body 18B (it is assumed that the valve body 18B is used in a posture in which the valve body 18B is positioned on the upper side). Any flexible member may be used. The flexible member is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that allows deformation, does not transmit the fluid to be contacted, and is durable, but various plastic sheets may be used in consideration of ease of manufacture and cost. It is possible to use.

  Further, as the deforming portion 16B, a member that is displaced from the initial state to the deformed state at a predetermined pressure or higher and that returns to the initial state from the deformed state when the pressure becomes lower than the predetermined pressure is adopted. You can also Examples of such a material include a thin metal plate formed into a predetermined shape.

  The control valve 10B of the third embodiment described above is in an open state in which the first flow path 12 and the second flow path 13 are communicated when in the initial state (normal state), and the sealing portion 31 When the internal pressure rises and the deforming portion 16B is in the deformed state, the communication between the first channel 12 and the second channel 13 is closed. The switching from the open state to the closed state may be performed without transmitting power by consuming heat from the outside to the heat transfer member 32 to increase the pressure in the sealing portion 31. . In addition, the switching timing can be appropriately set according to the boiling point of the control liquid 30 of the sealing unit 31, the amount of sealing, and the like.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a control valve according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which shows the same effect | action as 1st-3rd embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control valve 10 </ b> C includes a first flow path 12 and a second flow path 13 provided on the left and right sides of the base body 11 </ b> C, respectively, and these first and second flow paths. 12 and 13 are provided at different positions in the height direction, and these are communicated with each other by a communication path 14C provided below the end of the first flow path 12, and are connected to the communication path 14C and the first path. The flow path 12 is in communication with the opening 17C.

  An opening 15C provided in the lower partition wall in the center of the communication path 14C is sealed by the deforming part 16C, and when the upper part of the deforming part 16C moves upward, the opening of the communication path 14C is opened. A valve body 18C for sealing the portion 17C and a push-up member 19C connected to the lower side of the valve body 18C are provided, and a lower end portion of the push-up member 19C is fixed to the deforming portion 16C.

  A sealing portion 31 that is a container in which the control liquid 30 is sealed is provided below the opening portion 15C of the base 11C, and the deforming portion 16C forms a part of the partition wall of the sealing portion 31. Yes. In addition, a heat transfer member 32 for transferring heat to the sealing portion 31 is provided on the lower surface of the sealing portion 31, and the sealing portion 31 and the heat transfer member 32 are covered with a heat insulating material 33 and are insulated from the outside. Has been.

  Note that the configuration of the sealing portion 31 that encloses the control liquid 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Here, the deformation portion 16C is a portion in which the control liquid 30 in the sealing portion 31 volatilizes and deforms as the pressure in the sealing portion 31 rises. To (b), the valve body 18C moves upward in the drawing and is pressed against the peripheral edge of the opening 17C of the communication passage 14C, so that the valve body 18C is connected to the first flow path 12 and the first flow path 12C. The communication with the second flow path 13 is blocked and the closed state is established. On the other hand, when the pressure in the sealing part 31 falls, the deforming part 16C returns from the state (b) to the state (a), and the first channel 12 and the second channel 13 are in communication with each other. It becomes. In addition, (a) is an initial state and an open state, (b) is a deformation | transformation state and is a closed state.

  Such a deforming portion 16C is returned from the deformed state to the initial state by, for example, the load of the valve body 18C and the push-up member 19C (it is assumed that the valve body 18C is used in a posture positioned on the upper side). What is necessary is just to be a flexible member when performing. The flexible member is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that allows deformation, does not transmit the fluid to be contacted, and is durable, but various plastic sheets may be used in consideration of ease of manufacture and cost. It is possible to use.

  Further, as the deforming portion 16C, a member that is displaced from the initial state to the deformed state at a predetermined pressure or higher and that returns to the initial state from the deformed state when the pressure becomes lower than the predetermined pressure is adopted. You can also Examples of such a material include a thin metal plate formed into a predetermined shape.

  The control valve 10 </ b> C of the fourth embodiment described above is in an open state in which the first flow path 12 and the second flow path 13 communicate with each other in the initial state (normal state), and the sealing portion 31. When the internal pressure rises and the deforming portion 16C is in the deformed state, the communication between the first channel 12 and the second channel 13 is closed. The switching from the open state to the closed state may be performed without transmitting power by consuming heat from the outside to the heat transfer member 32 to increase the pressure in the sealing portion 31. . In addition, the switching timing can be appropriately set according to the boiling point of the control liquid 30 of the sealing unit 31, the amount of sealing, and the like.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a control valve according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an embodiment in which a fuel such as a fuel cell is used as the control liquid 30 and a fuel storage unit 40 is attached to the control valve 10D. Basically, the control valve 10B of the third embodiment Since they are the same, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control valve 10 </ b> D is provided with a fuel storage unit 40, and is provided with an introduction path 42 for introducing the fuel 41 stored in the fuel storage unit 40 into the sealing unit 31. A check valve 43 for preventing the backflow of the fuel 41 is provided in the middle of the path 42.

  In this embodiment, it is not necessary to enclose the control liquid 30 in the sealing portion 31 in advance, and there is an advantage that the fuel 41 in the fuel storage unit 40 can be appropriately encapsulated. Further, by making it possible to appropriately adjust the amount of sealing in the sealing portion 31, there is an effect that the opening / closing timing can be adjusted as appropriate.

  Note that a control liquid storage unit may be provided in the same manner instead of the fuel storage unit 40 so that the amount of the control liquid 30 enclosed in the sealing unit 31 can be appropriately adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the control valve 10C of the third embodiment is used, but the control valves of other embodiments can be used in the same manner.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 6 shows a configuration of an example of a fuel cell system to which the control valve of the present invention described above is applied.

  In the following embodiments, the control valve is in an open state when the initial state (normal state) is in a closed state and becomes a deformed state by heat transfer as in the first and second embodiments. Close valve—Open control valve 101, and open the valve that is in the closed state when the initial state (normal state) is in the open state and becomes deformed by heat transfer as in the third to fourth embodiments— The closed control valve 102 will be described. That is, as the close-open control valve 101, a control valve that is closed in a normal state such as the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or other modifications can be used, and the open-close control valve 102 is the third embodiment. It is possible to use a control valve that is open in a normal state, such as the form to the fifth embodiment and other modifications.

  Moreover, although the heat transfer with respect to the control valve is illustrated by an arrow, the heat transfer member 32 is actually extended from the heat source to the control valve, and the heat transfer through the heat transfer member 32 is performed. Is shown.

  FIG. 6 shows an application of the control valve of the present invention to a cooling system of a fuel cell system such as a polymer solid type. This fuel cell system is provided with a hydrogen introduction path 111 and an oxygen introduction path 112 for introducing hydrogen as a fuel into a power generation unit 110 of a polymer solid fuel cell that generates electricity by electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. is there. Further, the power generation unit 110 is provided with a cooling channel 113 for circulating cooling water to cool the power generation unit 110, and the cooling water channel is provided with a close-open control valve 101. The heat of the section 110 is transferred to the close-open control valve 101.

  In such a configuration, when hydrogen is supplied to the power generation unit 110 to generate power and the power generation unit 110 generates heat, the heat of the power generation unit 110 is conducted to the close-open control valve 101, and the close-open control valve 101 is open. become. Thereby, the cooling water flows to the power generation unit 110, and the power generation unit 110 is cooled. Further, when the power generation unit 110 is cooled, the heat of the close-open control valve 101 is dissipated, and the power supply unit 110 is closed and the flow of the cooling water is blocked. In order to circulate the cooling water when the close-open control valve 101 is in the open state, the cooling water is kept in a predetermined pressurizing state, or a liquid feeding means using a pump or the like. Needless to say, it is necessary to provide the In addition, according to the differential pressure type, the power consumption of the entire system can be suppressed.

  In such an embodiment, it is possible to control the close-open control valve 101 by heat generation / cooling of the power generation unit 110 without using power consumption, and to flow cooling water only when necessary. In addition, when the power generation unit 110 is heated to a high temperature in a fuel cell such as a polymer solid type, there are problems such as a decrease in power generation characteristics due to a decrease in moisture retention in the polymer film, deterioration of the electrolyte film, and heat leakage. These problems are solved by the configuration.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 7 shows a configuration of an example of a fuel cell system to which the control valve of the present invention described above is applied.
The fuel cell system of the present embodiment is for the purpose of cooling the power generation unit as in the sixth embodiment, but this fuel cell system employs the hydrogen generation facility 120 as the hydrogen supply unit, and the hydrogen generation facility The hydrogen generation aqueous solution 123 used in 120 is used as cooling water.

  The hydrogen generation facility 120 includes a reaction unit 122 that stores a hydrogen reaction substance 121 and generates hydrogen, and a liquid storage unit 124 that stores a hydrogen generation aqueous solution 123. Is introduced into the power generation unit 110 through the hydrogen introduction path 111.

  Here, the flow path 125 for introducing the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 into the reaction unit 122 includes a first flow path 126 that directly flows from the liquid storage unit 124 to the reaction unit 122, and the liquid storage unit 124 through the power generation unit 110. It is branched into two systems: a second flow path 127 that circulates to the reaction unit 122. The first flow path 126 is provided with the open / close control valve 102, the second flow path 127 is provided with the close / open control valve 101, and the heat of the power generation unit 110 is opened / closed and the close / open control valve 102. Heat is transferred to 101. The first flow path 126 and the second flow path 127 merge to form a flow path 128 that is introduced into the reaction unit 122.

  With such a configuration, the flow path of the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 is switched and the power generating unit 110 is cooled by the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 only when the power generating unit 110 is at a high temperature. Specifically, in the normal state, the open-close control valve 102 is in the open state and the close-open control valve 101 is in the closed state, so that the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 passes through the first flow path 126 and the liquid storage unit 124. To the reaction unit 122 directly. On the other hand, when the power generation unit 110 generates heat and the heat of the power generation unit 110 is transferred to the open-close control valve 102 and the close-open control valve 101 so that they are deformed, the open-close control valve 102 is closed, The close-open control valve 101 is opened. As a result, the first channel 126 is closed, the second channel 127 is opened, and the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 passes through the second channel 127 from the liquid storage unit 124 via the power generation unit 110. As a result, the power generation unit 110 is cooled. Further, when the power generation unit 110 is cooled, the heat of the open-close control valve 102 and the close-open control valve 101 is radiated, the open-close control valve 102 is opened, and the close-open control valve 101 is closed. Thus, the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 is introduced directly from the liquid storage unit 124 to the reaction unit 122 through the first flow path 126.

  In such an embodiment, the open-close control valve 102 and the close-open control valve 101 can be controlled by heat generation / cooling of the power generation unit 110 without using power consumption, and can be cooled only when necessary.

  Here, as a combination of the hydrogen generation aqueous solution 123 and the hydrogen reaction substance 121, water or an aqueous solution obtained by adding an additive to water is used as the hydrogen generation aqueous solution 123, and hydrogen is obtained by hydrolysis as the hydrogen reaction substance 121. Examples include a metal hydride that is generated or a mixture of an additive added to the metal hydride. Such metal hydrides are alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, complex metal and hydrogen compounds, such as sodium hydride, sodium borohydride, sodium aluminum hydride, lithium aluminum hydride, lithium borohydride, hydrogenated Examples include lithium, calcium hydride, aluminum hydride, and magnesium hydride. In addition, as an additive to be mixed with a metal hydride, a solid organic acid or a salt thereof, a metal chloride, a metal composed of platinum, gold, copper, nickel, iron, titanium, zirconium, and ruthenium and alloys thereof And at least one selected from these may be used. As a result, the hydrogen generation reaction promoter and catalyst are mixed in the metal hydride, so that the reaction rate becomes extremely fast, and when the water is supplied to the metal hydride, the internal pressure of the reaction section can be immediately increased. It becomes like this.

  On the other hand, as the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123, it is preferable to use an aqueous solution obtained by mixing water with an organic acid or a salt thereof, an inorganic acid or a salt thereof, and a metal chloride in addition to water itself. As a result, an aqueous accelerator solution that promotes the hydrogen generation reaction can be obtained. Therefore, the reaction rate becomes extremely fast, and when the hydrogen generation reaction occurs, the internal pressure of the reaction part can be immediately increased. The substance added to such water is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include organic acids or salts thereof, inorganic acids or salts thereof, metal chlorides, etc. Examples of acids include sulfuric acid, malic acid, and citric acid. Examples of succinic acid and metal chlorides include cobalt chloride, iron chloride, nickel chloride, and platinum group chlorides.

  Further, as a combination of the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 and the hydrogen reaction substance 121, a case where the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 uses an acid or base aqueous solution and the hydrogen reaction substance 121 is a metal can be cited. Here, preferably, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or the like is used as an acid, and a base metal is used as a metal applied to these acids. On the other hand, examples of the base aqueous solution include a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and a potassium hydroxide aqueous solution, and the metal applied to such a base aqueous solution is an amphoteric metal. By mixing these, hydrogen can be obtained at a high speed.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a configuration in which the embodiment described above is converted into a product form. 8 and 9 show the range of the portion A in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell system includes a power generation unit exterior 201 that forms the exterior of the fuel cell, and a power generation unit negative electrode that is disposed in contact with the negative electrode of the fuel cell power generation unit and supplies hydrogen to the inside. A cooling channel plate 203 disposed on the back surface of the power generation unit negative electrode plate 202 and provided with a cooling channel inside, and cooled to the cooling channel formed in the cooling channel plate 203. The power generation unit 110 is cooled by flowing water. The hydrogen introduction path 111 passes through the cooling flow path plate 203 and is connected to the power generation unit negative electrode plate 202. The power generation unit exterior 201 is preferably made of resin in order to prevent heat dissipation, but the power generation unit negative electrode plate 202 is preferably made of metal in order to transmit heat of the power generation unit 110.

  The cooling flow path plate 203 is integrally provided with a close / open control valve 101 and an open / close control valve 102. The flow path 125 connected to the liquid storage section 124 is branched to be branched into a valve introduction section 126a of the first flow path 126 and a valve introduction section 127a of the second flow path 127, and an open / close control valve, respectively. 102 and the close-open control valve 101, respectively. In addition, the power generation section introduction portion 127b of the first flow path 127 exiting from the close-open control valve 101 is connected to the flow path for cooling the power generation section 110 by being connected to the cooling flow path plate 203, and the power generation section discharge section 127c. Is joined to the valve discharge part 126 b from the open-close control valve 102 to form a flow path 128 and connected to the reaction part 122.

  With such a configuration, as described above, in order to circulate the hydrogen generating aqueous solution 123 by opening and closing the open-close control valve 102 and the close-open control valve 101, the inside of the liquid storage unit 124 is kept in a predetermined pressurized state. Needless to say, it is necessary to hold the liquid by a pressure difference with the reaction unit 122 or use a pump, but according to the differential pressure type, the power consumption of the entire system is reduced. Can be suppressed.

  As for the fuel cell system, any of a flow system that discharges unreacted hydrogen to the outside of the fuel cell after hydrogen reaches the fuel cell and a closed system that does not discharge the hydrogen to the outside can be used. However, it is needless to say that a closed system is required when performing differential pressure type liquid feeding.

  In the fuel cell system described above, when the temperature of the fuel cell becomes high, power generation characteristics decrease due to a decrease in moisture retention moisture in the membrane, electrolyte membrane degradation, and heat leakage problems occur. However, the present invention avoids this problem.

  On the other hand, the problem is that pressure loss occurs when the aqueous solution flows through the cooling flow path. As a result, in the case of aqueous solution feeding using a pump, the power consumption in the pump increases, and in the case of differential pressure type feeding, a delay in the supply speed to the reaction unit occurs, and the hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell Problems such as a decrease in pressure occur. In this case, in any case, the output power from the system is reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the output power of the fuel cell in order to compensate for the power reduction. Therefore, in order to avoid these problems, it is necessary to devise the cross-sectional area and shape of the cooling channel. However, these problems are temporary problems. However, the problems listed as effective effects include the stoppage of power generation, irreversible film damage, and safety problems due to heat. It can be said that the problem is more important.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 9 shows an example in which a control valve is applied to adjust the methanol concentration in a direct methanol fuel cell system.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the power generation unit 110A is a methanol direct type power generation unit to which a methanol aqueous solution is supplied as a fuel. The water supplied from the water tank 301 and the methanol supplied from the methanol tank 302 are mixed with each other. 303 is mixed and supplied to the power generation unit 110 </ b> A, but the close-open control valve 101 is provided in the flow path from the water tank 301, and the heat of the power generation unit 110 </ b> A is supplied to the close-open control valve 101. Heat is transmitted.

  In such direct methanol system (DMFC), there is a phenomenon that methanol permeates (crosses over) the electrolyte membrane and oxidizes (exothermic reaction) at the cathode. This is a serious problem because it consumes fuel wastefully.

  In DMFC, the reaction between methanol and water in the power generation section is almost 1: 1 in terms of molar ratio in a complete reaction. Moreover, the higher the methanol concentration, the higher the efficiency of the fuel cell reaction, but the higher the crossover amount. On the other hand, when the methanol concentration decreases, the crossover amount decreases, and the fuel utilization rate improves.

  In the above-described configuration, the flow from the water tank 301 is initially set to zero or slight, and when the power generation unit 110A generates heat due to the methanol crossover, the heat causes the close-open control valve 101 to open. A state is reached, the flow path is opened, the amount of water supplied is increased, and the methanol concentration is lowered. Thereby, the amount of crossover is reduced and the amount of heat generation is reduced.

  For such control, the above-described close-open control valve 101 may allow a predetermined flow even in the initial state. Or you may prepare the bypass which ensures the minimum flow volume separately.

(Ninth embodiment)
FIG. 10 shows an example in which a control valve is applied to a fuel supply system of a direct methanol fuel cell system.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the power generation unit 110A is a methanol direct type power generation unit to which a methanol aqueous solution is supplied as fuel, and fuel from the fuel tank 304 is supplied to the power generation unit 110A. An open / close control valve 102 is provided in a flow path from the tank 304 so that heat of the power generation unit 110 </ b> A is transferred to the open / close control valve 102.

  In such a direct methanol system (DMFC), methanol permeates (crosses over) the electrolyte membrane and oxidizes (exothermic reaction) at the cathode. However, such methanol crossover occurs even when power generation is stopped. Because it occurs, it generates heat even when stopped. When the ambient temperature of the power generation unit 110A is low, the power generation unit 110A is not cooled too much, and thus it is possible to perform highly efficient operation even at the start of power generation. There is a problem.

  In the configuration described above, when the power generation unit 110A exceeds a predetermined temperature, the supply of fuel is stopped to reduce the methanol crossover, thereby reducing the heat generation amount.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used not only in the industrial field of fuel cell systems but also in various fields in which a small channel is controlled without consuming electric power.

It is a schematic block diagram of the control valve which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the control valve which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the control valve which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the control valve which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the control valve which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the fuel cell system to which the control valve of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the fuel cell system to which the control valve of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the fuel cell system to which the control valve of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the fuel cell system to which the control valve of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the fuel cell system to which the control valve of this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10A to 10D Control valve 11, 11A to 11C Base 12 First flow path 13 Second flow path 14, 14A to 14C Communication path 15, 15B, 15C Opening portion 16, 16A to 16C Deformation portion 17, 17C Opening Part 18, 18A-18C Valve element 19, 19A, 19C Push-up member 20, 20A Opening part 21, 21A Flexible member 22, 22A Spring fixing member 23 Spring 30 Control liquid 31 Sealing part 32 Heat transfer member 33 Heat insulating material DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Close-open control valve 102 Open-close control valve 110, 110A Power generation part 111 Hydrogen introduction path 112 Oxygen introduction path 113 Cooling flow path 120 Hydrogen generation equipment 121 Hydrogen reaction substance 122 Reaction part 123 Hydrogen generation aqueous solution 124 Liquid storage part

Claims (4)

A control valve that switches between an open state in which a first flow path and a second flow path are circulated and a closed state in which the flow path is closed, the control liquid, a sealing portion in which the control liquid is sealed, and the seal A deformed portion that is provided in a part of the partition wall of the stopper and deforms from an initial state to a deformed state as the pressure in the sealing portion increases, and moves along with the deformation of the deformed portion to move the first flow A control valve comprising a valve member that opens or closes the passage and the second flow path, and a heat transfer section that transfers heat to the control liquid in the sealing section. The cooling water is used in a cooling water flow path for cooling a power generation part of a fuel cell system for introducing hydrogen obtained by reacting with a reaction substance, and heat generated in the power generation part is conducted to the heat transfer part. The hydrogen generating aqueous solution is used as a cooling water, and when the power generation unit generates heat, cooling water flows to the power generation unit. Fuel cell system is characterized in that the so that. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein
The valve member of the control valve is in a position where the first flow path and the second flow path are closed when the deforming portion is in an initial state, and when the deforming portion is in a deformed state, A fuel cell system, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are moved to a position where they are opened. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein
The control valve includes an urging unit that urges the valve member in a direction to maintain the closed state, and the deforming portion is deformed to the deformed state against an urging force of the urging unit. A fuel cell system . The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein
The valve member of the control valve is in a position where the first flow path and the second flow path are opened when the deforming portion is in an initial state, and when the deforming portion is in the deformed state, A fuel cell system, wherein the first flow channel and the second flow channel are moved to a closed position.

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