JP6421226B2 - Manifold - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a manifold.

  The fuel cell stack includes a manifold and a plurality of fuel cells. The manifold is configured to distribute gas to each fuel cell. The manifold has a manifold body and an introduction pipe. A fuel battery cell is attached to the manifold body. For example, the fuel cells are joined to the manifold body by a joining material or the like. The introduction pipe is attached to the manifold body. The fuel gas introduced into the manifold body through the introduction pipe is supplied to the fuel battery cell.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-76339

  During the operation of the fuel cell stack as described above, a crack may occur at the joint between the fuel cell and the manifold body. An object of the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of cracks at the joint between the fuel battery cell and the manifold body.

  As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that the following is one of the causes of cracks generated at the joint between the manifold body and the fuel cell. That is, when a load acts on the introduction pipe during operation of the fuel cell stack, the load is transmitted to the manifold body. This load deforms the manifold body, and the deformation of the manifold body may cause a crack at the joint between the manifold body and the fuel cell. Therefore, the present invention is characterized in that the influence of the load applied to the introduction pipe on the manifold body is reduced. That is, a manifold according to a certain aspect of the present invention includes a manifold main body and an introduction pipe. The manifold main body has a bottom wall, a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall, and a top wall. The introduction tube has an extending portion extending upward and a deformation portion. The deforming portion is configured to be deformed before the manifold main body portion when a load is applied in a horizontal direction while gradually increasing a point 100 mm above the lower end of the extending portion.

  According to this configuration, when a load is applied to the introduction pipe during operation of the fuel cell stack, the deforming portion is deformed before the manifold main body is deformed. Due to the deformation of the deforming portion, the load transmitted from the introduction pipe to the manifold main body is absorbed, and as a result, the influence of the load acting on the introduction pipe on the manifold main body can be suppressed. As a result, the deformation of the manifold main body can be suppressed, and as a result, the occurrence of cracks at the joint between the manifold main body and the fuel cell can be suppressed.

  Preferably, the introduction pipe further includes a horizontal portion extending laterally from the side wall. The extending part extends upward from the horizontal part.

  Preferably, the introduction pipe has an introduction pipe main body portion including an extending portion, and a joint portion that joins the introduction pipe main body portion and the manifold main body portion. And a deformation | transformation part is comprised by the junction part. According to this configuration, the influence on the manifold body can be reduced by deforming the joint.

  Preferably, the side wall has an inclined portion that is inclined so as to spread outward. The gas inlet is formed in the inclined portion. According to this configuration, the gas introduced from the gas inlet into the internal space of the manifold is diffused upward.

  Preferably, the entire side wall is configured as an inclined portion. That is, the entire side wall is inclined so as to spread outward.

  Preferably, the side wall has a pair of first side walls and a pair of second side walls. The first side walls oppose each other in the first direction. The second side walls oppose each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

  Preferably, the gas inlet is formed in one first side wall of the pair of first side walls. The 1st side wall in which the gas inlet was formed is comprised as an inclination part. That is, the entire first side wall in which the gas inlet is formed is inclined so as to spread outward.

  Preferably, the inner side surface of the first boundary portion between the first side wall and the second side wall has an R shape.

  Preferably, the inner side surface of the second boundary portion between the bottom wall and the side wall has an R shape.

  Preferably, the manifold further includes a first flange portion extending outward from an upper end portion of the side wall. The upper wall is fixed to the first flange portion.

  Preferably, the inner side surface of the third boundary portion between the side wall and the first flange portion has an R shape.

  Preferably, a first gap portion is formed between the third boundary portion and the upper wall. Compared to a manifold that does not have the first gap portion, the manifold is easily deformed in the first gap portion. For this reason, for example, when the fuel cell is fixed to the manifold with a bonding material, the stress generated in the bonding material is reduced, so that the reliability of the fuel cell stack is improved.

  Preferably, the inner side surface of the fourth boundary portion between the upper wall and the side wall has an R shape.

  Preferably, the manifold further includes a second flange portion extending outward from a lower end portion of the side wall. The bottom wall is fixed to the second flange portion.

  Preferably, the inner side surface of the fifth boundary portion between the side wall and the second flange portion has an R shape.

  Preferably, a second gap portion is formed between the fifth boundary portion and the bottom wall.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can suppress that a crack arises in the junction part of a fuel cell and a manifold main-body part.

The perspective view of a fuel cell stack. Sectional drawing of a fuel cell stack. III-III sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. The expanded sectional view of a manifold. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 3. The expanded sectional view of a manifold. The top view of an upper wall. The perspective view of a fuel cell. Sectional drawing of a fuel cell. The expanded sectional view of a fuel cell stack. Sectional drawing of the manifold which concerns on a modification. Sectional drawing of the manifold which concerns on a modification. The expanded sectional view of the manifold which concerns on a modification. The expanded sectional view of the manifold which concerns on a modification. The expanded sectional view of the manifold which concerns on a modification. The expanded sectional view of the manifold which concerns on a modification. The expanded sectional view of the manifold which concerns on a modification.

[Fuel cell stack]
Hereinafter, embodiments of a fuel cell stack in which a manifold according to the present invention is employed will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fuel cell stack 100 includes a plurality of fuel cells 1 and a manifold 2.

[Manifold]
The manifold 2 is configured to distribute gas to each fuel cell 1. The manifold 2 is hollow and has an internal space. A gas such as fuel gas is introduced into the internal space of the manifold 2. The manifold 2 has a plurality of through holes 27 that allow the internal space to communicate with the outside. The manifold 2 supports each fuel cell 1. The manifold 2 includes a manifold main body 21 and an introduction pipe 201.

[Manifold body]
The manifold main body 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has an internal space. Specifically, the manifold body 21 has a frustum shape. The manifold body 21 has a bottom wall 23, a pair of first side walls 24, a pair of second side walls 25, and an upper wall 22. Further, the manifold main body portion 21 may have a first flange portion 26.

  The bottom wall 23, the pair of first side walls 24, the pair of second side walls 25, and the upper wall 22 define an internal space of the manifold body 21. Of the manifold main body 21, the bottom wall 23, the pair of first side walls 24, and the pair of second side walls 25 are integrally formed with each other. And the upper wall 22 is comprised by the member different from these. The upper wall 22 is joined to the bottom wall 23, each first side wall 24, and each second side wall 25 by a bonding material, welding, or the like. The top wall 22 may be formed integrally with the bottom wall 23, the pair of first side walls 24, and the pair of second side walls 25.

  The bottom wall 23 has a rectangular shape in plan view (viewed in the x-axis direction). Each first side wall 24 and each second side wall 25 extend upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 23. The pair of first side walls 24 are disposed so as to face each other in the depth direction (z-axis direction) of the internal space of the manifold main body 21. The pair of second side walls 25 are disposed so as to face each other in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the internal space of the manifold main body 21. The depth direction (z-axis direction) corresponds to the first direction of the present invention. The width direction (y-axis direction) corresponds to the second direction of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 are inclined so as to spread outward. That is, the whole of the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 is configured as an inclined portion of the present invention. Although not particularly limited, for example, the angle α formed by the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 and the bottom wall 23 can be about 90.1 to 135 °. Since the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 are inclined in this way, the cross-sectional area obtained by cutting the internal space of the manifold main body portion 21 with a plane parallel to the bottom wall 23 (yz plane) increases as it goes upward. Become. Moreover, the cross section which cut | disconnected the internal space of the manifold main-body part 21 with the surface (xy plane) perpendicular | vertical to the bottom wall 23 and extended in the width direction (y-axis direction) becomes trapezoid. Moreover, the cross section which cut | disconnected the internal space of the manifold main-body part 21 with the surface (xz plane) perpendicular | vertical to the bottom wall 23 and extended in a depth direction (z-axis direction) becomes trapezoid.

  One first side wall 24 of the pair of first side walls 24 has a gas inlet 241. An introduction pipe 201 is attached to the first side wall 24 in which the gas introduction port 241 is formed. The gas inlet 241 is preferably formed at the center in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the first side wall 24. Gas is introduced into the internal space of the manifold body 21 from the gas inlet 241.

  The gas inlet 241 opens in the depth direction (z-axis direction). Further, since the first side wall 24 in which the gas introduction port 241 is formed is inclined so as to face upward, the gas introduction port 241 is also inclined so as to face upward. The gas inlet 241 is formed in a circular shape.

  The flow rate of the gas introduced into the internal space of the manifold main body 21 is preferably about 0.60 to 45 m / s in the internal space. This flow rate is a flow rate in terms of 0 ° C./1 atm when the fuel cell 1 generates power. The flow velocity can be calculated from the flow rate introduced into the manifold body 21 and the cross-sectional area of the internal space.

  The first flange portion 26 extends outward from the upper end portions of the first side walls 24 and the second side walls 25. The first flange portion 26 is annular.

The bottom wall 23, each first side wall 24, each second side wall 25, and each first flange portion 26 are configured by one member. For example, the manifold body 21 is formed of a metal having heat resistance or an insulating ceramic. More specifically, the manifold body 21 is made of ferritic stainless steel, austenitic stainless steel, and Ni-based alloy, MgO (magnesium oxide), Al ₂ O ₃ (aluminum oxide), MgAl ₂ O ₄ (magnesia alumina spinel). ), MgO.SiO ₂ (steatite), and 2MgO.SiO ₂ (forsterite).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the inner side surface of the first boundary portion 20 a between the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 has an R shape. The curvature radius of the inner surface of the first boundary portion 20a can be about 3 to 30 mm. The inner side surface of the first boundary portion 20 a is a surface that faces the inner space of the manifold main body portion 21.

  As shown in FIG.4 and FIG.7, the inner surface of the 2nd boundary part 20b of the bottom wall 23 and the 1st side wall 24 and the 2nd side wall 25 is R shape. The radius of curvature of the inner surface of the second boundary portion 20b can be about 2 to 20 mm. The inner side surface of the second boundary portion 20b is a surface facing the internal space of the manifold main body portion 21.

  The inner side surface of the third boundary portion 20c between the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 and the first flange portion 26 has an R shape. The curvature radius of the inner surface of the third boundary portion 20c can be about 1 to 10 mm. The inner side surface of the third boundary portion 20 c is a surface that faces the inner space of the manifold main body portion 21.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a first gap portion 28 is formed between the third boundary portion 20 c and the upper wall 22 in the height direction (x-axis direction) of the internal space of the manifold main body portion 21. That is, the lower surface of the upper wall 22 and the upper surface of the first flange portion 26 are in contact with each other, while the lower surface of the upper wall 22 and the inner surface of the third boundary portion 20c are not in contact with each other. The first gap 28 is formed over the entire circumference.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the upper wall 22 is disposed so as to close the upper surface of the internal space. Specifically, the upper wall 22 is fixed to the first flange portion 26. In order to seal the internal space of the manifold main body portion 21, the upper wall 22 is joined to the first flange portion 26 over the entire circumference. For example, the upper wall 22 and the first flange portion 26 are joined by crystallized glass. The upper wall 22 can be formed from at least one of the materials of the manifold main body 21 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the upper wall 22 is configured such that each fuel cell 1 is attached. Specifically, the upper wall 22 has a plurality of through holes 27. Each through hole 27 extends in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the manifold body 21. Further, the through holes 27 are arranged at intervals in the depth direction (z-axis direction) of the manifold main body 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the internal space of the manifold main body 21 has a depth D, a width W, and a height H that are orthogonal to each other. The depth D is a dimension of the internal space in the gas introduction direction (z-axis direction). That is, the depth D is a distance between the pair of first side walls 24.

  The width W is a dimension of the internal space in a direction orthogonal to the depth D in plan view (view in the x-axis direction). That is, the width W is a distance between the pair of second side walls 25. The height H is the dimension of the internal space in the direction orthogonal to the depth D and the width W. That is, the height H is the distance between the upper wall 22 and the bottom wall 23.

  The depth D of the internal space can be about 50 to 450 mm. The width W of the internal space can be about 30 to 200 mm. The height H of the internal space can be about 5 to 50 mm.

[Introduction pipe]
As shown in FIG. 5, the introduction pipe 201 is configured to introduce fuel gas or the like flowing through the introduction pipe 201 into the internal space of the manifold body 21. That is, the flow path of the introduction pipe 201 and the gas introduction port 241 communicate with each other. The introduction pipe 201 is attached to the manifold main body 21. Specifically, the end of the introduction pipe 201 is attached to one first side wall 24. The opposite end of the introduction pipe 201 is attached to, for example, a reformer.

  The introduction pipe 201 has an introduction pipe main body portion 201d and a joint portion 201c. The cross-sectional shape of the introduction pipe main body portion 201d is a circular shape. The outer diameter of the introduction pipe main body 201d can be about 4 to 15 mm. The wall thickness of the introduction pipe main body 201d can be set to about 0.5 to 2 mm.

  The introduction pipe 201 is joined to the outer surface of the first side wall 24. Specifically, the introduction pipe main body portion 201d is joined to the outer surface of the first side wall 24 by the joining portion 201c.

  The introduction pipe main body 201d has a horizontal portion 201a and an extending portion 201b. The horizontal portion 201a extends laterally from the first side wall 24. Preferably, the horizontal portion 201a extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall 23. The length L1 of the horizontal portion 201a can be about 10 to 50 mm.

  The extending part 201b extends upward from the horizontal part 201a. Specifically, the extending part 201b extends upward from the end of the horizontal part 201a. The extending part 201b preferably extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 23 (x-axis direction).

  The horizontal part 201a and the extending part 201b are composed of one pipe. For this reason, the horizontal part 201a and the extending part 201b have the same outer diameter, inner diameter, material, and the like. The angle β formed by the horizontal portion 201a and the extending portion 201b can be 80 to 110 degrees, and is preferably about 90 degrees.

  The joining portion 201c joins the introduction pipe main body portion 201d and the manifold main body portion 21. Specifically, the joint portion 201 c joins the horizontal portion 201 a and the manifold main body portion 21. This joining part 201c is comprised by a joining material or a welding part, for example. The joint portion 201 c is formed in an annular shape so as to cover the boundary portion between the horizontal portion 201 a and the first side wall 24.

  The introduction tube 201 has a deformed portion. For example, the deforming part may be configured by a part or all of the horizontal part 201a, may be configured by a part or all of the extending part 201b, and may be configured by the horizontal part 201a and the extending part 201b. It may be comprised by these boundary parts, and may be comprised by these combination. Moreover, the deformation | transformation part may be comprised by the junction part 201c.

  The deformation portion is configured to be deformed before the manifold main body portion 21 is deformed. Specifically, when the load is applied in the horizontal direction while gradually increasing the point 100 mm above the lower end of the extending part 201b, the deforming part deforms before the manifold main body part 21. The load speed applied to the extending part 201b can be set to 1 N / sec, for example. Note that the deforming portion may be configured to be elastically deformed or may be configured to be plastically deformed. Furthermore, the deformation part may be destroyed. Further, when a load is applied to the introduction pipe 201, the manifold body 21 is fixed so as not to move. The direction in which the load is applied is, for example, a direction away from the fuel battery cell 1.

  Specifically, when the load applied to the extending portion 201b is gradually increased as described above, before the central portion of the upper wall 22 of the manifold main body portion 21 is bent upward or downward by 0.1 mm or more, The deforming portion is deformed so that the force point of the extending portion 201b moves 0.5 mm or more in the direction in which the load is applied. For example, the boundary portion between the horizontal portion 201a and the extending portion 201b is deformed so that the boundary portion between the horizontal portion 201a and the extending portion 201b is deformed and the angle with the extending portion 201b is widened.

  It is preferable that the deformable portion has a rigidity sufficient to be independent. That is, it is preferable that the deforming portion has a rigidity that does not deform unless an external force is applied to the deforming portion. For example, the Young's modulus of the deformed portion is 40 GPa or more. Thereby, the handleability of the introduction pipe 201 is improved.

  The deformation part as described above includes, for example, the thickness of the horizontal part 201a and the extension part 201b, the outer diameter of the horizontal part 201a and the extension part 201b, the material of the horizontal part 201a and the extension part 201b, and the length of the horizontal part 201a. Further, it can be configured by adjusting at least one of the thickness of the side wall 24 and the like.

  The horizontal portion 201a and the extending portion 201b are formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, ferritic stainless steel, austenitic stainless steel, and a Ni-based alloy. The joint 201c is formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of ferritic stainless steel, austenitic stainless steel, Ni-based alloy, crystallized glass, amorphous glass, brazing material, and ceramics.

[Fuel battery cell]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, each fuel cell 1 is attached to a manifold body 21. Each fuel cell 1 extends upward from the manifold body 21. Specifically, each fuel cell 1 extends upward from the upper wall 22 of the manifold main body 21. The lower end portion 101 of the fuel cell 1 is inserted into the through hole 27. At this time, the lower end portion of the fuel cell 1 may protrude downward from the upper wall 22 by about 5 mm. The length of the fuel cell 1 in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) can be about 100 to 300 mm. In the state where the lower end portion 101 of the fuel cell 1 is inserted into the through hole 27, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion 101 of the fuel cell 1 and the inner wall surface of the through hole 27. Yes. The gap may be filled with the first bonding material 3.

  The fuel cells 1 are arranged at intervals in the depth direction (z-axis direction) of the manifold main body 21. In FIG. 1, the fuel cells 1 are arranged in one row, but the fuel cells 1 may be arranged in a plurality of rows. The number of fuel cells 1 is about 1 to 50 per row. Each fuel cell 1 is arranged such that each main surface faces the depth direction (z-axis direction). The fuel cells 1 are electrically connected to each other via the first current collecting member 4. The first current collecting member 4 is disposed between the fuel cells 1 and connects the adjacent fuel cells 1. The first current collecting member 4 is joined to each fuel cell 1 by a second joining material 5. The first current collecting member 4 is formed from a conductive material. For example, the first current collecting member 4 is formed of a sintered body of oxide ceramics or a metal.

  Of the plurality of fuel cells 1, the distance L2 between the fuel cell 1 closest to the extending portion 201b and the extending portion 201b is preferably within 50 mm, for example. With this configuration, the fuel gas flowing in the extending portion 201b can be preheated by the fuel cell 1.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the fuel battery cell 1 includes a plurality of power generation element portions 11 and a support substrate 12. Each power generating element portion 11 is supported on both surfaces of the support substrate 12. Each power generation element unit 11 may be supported only on one side of the support substrate 12. The respective power generation element portions 11 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the fuel battery cell 1. That is, the fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called horizontal stripe type fuel cell.

  The power generating element portions 11 are electrically connected to each other by an electrical connection portion 17 (see FIG. 10). Further, on the upper end portion 102 side of the fuel cell 1, the power generation element portion 11 formed on one surface of the support substrate 12 and the power generation element portion 11 formed on the other surface are the second current collecting member 6 (see FIG. 2). ) Is electrically connected. Each power generating element unit 11 is connected in series.

As shown in FIG. 3, the support substrate 12 has a plurality of gas flow passages 121 extending in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the support substrate 12 inside. The gas flow path 121 communicates with the internal space of the manifold main body 21. The gas flow paths 121 are arranged at intervals from each other in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the support substrate 12. That is, the gas flow paths 121 are arranged at intervals from each other in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the manifold main body 21. The area of each gas channel 121 can be about 0.1 to 30 mm ² .

  The longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the support substrate 12 is the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell 1. Each gas channel 121 extends substantially parallel to each other. Each gas flow path 121 is open at both end faces in the longitudinal direction of the support substrate 12.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the support substrate 12 has a plurality of first recesses 123. Each first recess 123 is formed on both surfaces of the support substrate 12. The first recesses 123 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support substrate 12.

The support substrate 12 is made of a porous material that does not have electronic conductivity. The support substrate 12 can be made of, for example, CSZ (calcia stabilized zirconia). Alternatively, the support substrate 12 may be composed of NiO (nickel oxide) and YSZ (8YSZ) (yttria stabilized zirconia), or composed of NiO (nickel oxide) and Y ₂ O ₃ (yttria). Alternatively, MgO (magnesium oxide) and MgAl ₂ O ₄ (magnesia alumina spinel) may be used. The porosity of the support substrate 12 is, for example, about 20 to 60%.

  Each power generation element unit 11 includes a fuel electrode 13, an electrolyte 14, and an air electrode 15. Each power generation element unit 11 further includes a reaction preventing film 16. The fuel electrode 13 is a fired body made of a porous material having electron conductivity. The fuel electrode 13 includes a fuel electrode current collector 131 and a fuel electrode active part 132.

  The fuel electrode current collector 131 is disposed in the first recess 123. Specifically, the fuel electrode current collector 131 is filled in the first recess 123 and has the same outer shape as the first recess 123. Each fuel electrode current collector 131 has a second recess 131a and a third recess 131b. The anode active part 132 is disposed in the second recess 131a. Specifically, the fuel electrode active part 132 is filled in the second recess 131a.

The fuel electrode current collector 131 can be composed of, for example, NiO (nickel oxide) and YSZ (8YSZ) (yttria stabilized zirconia). Alternatively, the fuel electrode current collector 131 may be composed of NiO (nickel oxide) and Y ₂ O ₃ (yttria), or composed of NiO (nickel oxide) and CSZ (calcia stabilized zirconia). Also good. The thickness of the fuel electrode current collector 131 and the depth of the first recess 123 are about 50 to 500 μm.

  The fuel electrode active part 132 can be composed of, for example, NiO (nickel oxide) and YSZ (8YSZ) (yttria stabilized zirconia). Alternatively, the fuel electrode active part 132 may be composed of NiO (nickel oxide) and GDC (gadolinium-doped ceria). The thickness of the fuel electrode active part 132 is 5 to 30 μm.

  The electrolyte 14 is disposed so as to cover the fuel electrode 13. Specifically, the electrolyte 14 extends in the longitudinal direction from one interconnector 171 to the next interconnector 171. That is, the electrolyte 14 and the interconnector 171 are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell 1.

  The electrolyte 14 is a fired body made of a dense material that has ionic conductivity and no electronic conductivity. The electrolyte 14 can be composed of, for example, YSZ (8YSZ) (yttria stabilized zirconia). Or the electrolyte 14 may be comprised from LSGM (lanthanum gallate). The thickness of the electrolyte 14 is, for example, about 3 to 50 μm.

  The reaction preventing film 16 is a fired body composed of a dense material. The reaction preventing film 16 is disposed between the electrolyte 14 and the air electrode 15. The reaction preventing film 16 suppresses occurrence of a phenomenon in which a reaction layer having a large electric resistance is formed at the interface between the electrolyte 14 and the air electrode 15 due to a reaction between YSZ in the electrolyte 14 and Sr in the air electrode 15. Is provided.

The reaction preventing film 16 is made of a material containing ceria containing a rare earth element. The reaction preventing film 16 can be made of, for example, GDC = (Ce, Gd) O ₂ (gadolinium-doped ceria). The thickness of the reaction preventing film 16 is, for example, about 3 to 50 μm.

The air electrode 15 is disposed on the reaction preventing film 16. The air electrode 15 is a fired body made of a porous material having electron conductivity. The air electrode 15 can be made of, for example, LSCF = (La, Sr) (Co, Fe) O ₃ (lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite). Alternatively, the air electrode 15 has LSF = (La, Sr) FeO ₃ (lanthanum strontium ferrite), LNF = La (Ni, Fe) O ₃ (lanthanum nickel ferrite), or LSC = (La, Sr) CoO ₃ ( Lanthanum strontium cobaltite) or the like. The air electrode 15 may be composed of two layers of a first layer (inner layer) made of LSCF and a second layer (outer layer) made of LSC. The thickness of the air electrode 15 is, for example, 10 to 100 μm.

The electrical connection portion 17 is configured to electrically connect adjacent power generation element portions 11. The electrical connection unit 17 includes an interconnector 171 and an air electrode current collector 172. The interconnector 171 is disposed in the third recess 131b. Specifically, the interconnector 171 is embedded (filled) in the third recess 131b. The interconnector 171 is a fired body composed of a dense material having electronic conductivity. The interconnector 171 can be composed of, for example, LaCrO ₃ (lanthanum chromite). Alternatively, the interconnector 171 may be made of (Sr, La) TiO ₃ (strontium titanate). The thickness of the interconnector 171 is, for example, 10 to 100 μm.

  Air electrode current collector 172 is arranged to extend between interconnector 171 and air electrode 15. For example, the air electrode current collector 172 is disposed so as to electrically connect the air electrode 15 of the power generation element unit 11 disposed on the left side of FIG. 10 and the interconnector 171. The air electrode current collector 172 is a fired body made of a porous material having electronic conductivity.

The air electrode current collector 172 can be made of, for example, LSCF = (La, Sr) (Co, Fe) O ₃ (lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite). Alternatively, the air electrode current collector 172 may be made of LSC = (La, Sr) CoO ₃ (lanthanum strontium cobaltite). Or the air electrode current collection part 172 may be comprised from Ag (silver) and Ag-Pd (silver palladium alloy). The thickness of the air electrode current collector 172 is, for example, about 50 to 500 μm.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the lower end portion 101 of the fuel cell 1 is covered with a dense film 18. Specifically, the dense film 18 covers the support substrate 12. The dense film 18 extends downward from between the air electrode current collector 172 and the support substrate 12.

  The dense membrane 18 exhibits a gas seal function that prevents mixing of the fuel gas flowing in the space inside the dense membrane 18 and the air flowing in the space outside the dense membrane 18. In order to exhibit this gas sealing function, the porosity of the dense film 18 is, for example, 10% or less. The dense film 18 is made of insulating ceramics.

  Specifically, the dense film 18 can be constituted by the electrolyte 14 and the reaction preventing film 16 described above. The electrolyte 14 constituting the dense film 18 covers the support substrate 12 and extends from the interconnector 171 to the vicinity of the lower end of the support substrate 12. Further, the reaction preventing film 16 constituting the dense film 18 is disposed between the electrolyte 14 and the air electrode current collector 172. The dense film 18 may be composed of only the electrolyte 14 or may be composed of a material other than the electrolyte 14 and the reaction preventing film 16.

[First bonding material]
The first bonding material 3 fixes the fuel battery cell 1 to the manifold body 21. Specifically, the first bonding material 3 joins the fuel battery cell 1 and the upper wall 22 of the manifold main body 21. The first bonding material 3 joins the lower end portion 101 of the fuel cell 1 and the upper wall 22 of the manifold main body portion 21. The first bonding material 3 is in contact with the dense film 18.

The first bonding material 3 is, for example, crystallized glass. As the crystallized glass, for example, a SiO ₂ —B ₂ O ₃ system, a SiO ₂ —CaO system, or a SiO ₂ —MgO system may be employed. In this specification, crystallized glass means that the ratio (crystallinity) of “volume occupied by crystal phase” to the total volume is 60% or more, and “volume occupied by amorphous phase and impurities relative to the total volume”. "Indicates a glass having a ratio of less than 40%. Note that amorphous glass, brazing material, ceramics, or the like may be employed as the material of the first bonding material 3. Specifically, the first bonding material 3 is at least one selected from the group consisting of SiO ₂ —MgO—B ₂ O ₅ —Al ₂ O ₃ and SiO ₂ —MgO—Al ₂ O ₃ —ZnO. .

[Power generation method]
The fuel cell stack 100 configured as described above generates power as follows. By flowing fuel gas (hydrogen gas or the like) through the manifold main body 21 into the gas flow path 121 of each fuel cell 1 and exposing both surfaces of the support substrate 12 to a gas (air or the like) containing oxygen, an electrolyte is obtained. An electromotive force is generated by a difference in oxygen partial pressure generated between the both side surfaces of 14. When this fuel cell stack 100 is connected to an external load, an electrochemical reaction shown in the following formula (1) occurs in the air electrode 15, an electrochemical reaction shown in the following formula (2) occurs in the fuel electrode 13, and a current flows. .
(1/2) · O ₂ + 2e ⁻ → O ²⁻ (1)
H ₂ + O ²⁻ → H ₂ O + 2e ⁻ (2)

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various change is possible unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

Modification 1
In the above embodiment, the fuel battery cell 1 is a horizontal stripe type having a plurality of power generation element portions 11. However, the fuel battery cell 1 is a vertical stripe type having a single power generation element portion extending in the longitudinal direction. It may be. Further, the fuel cell 1 may be a horizontal stripe cylindrical type.

Modification 2
In the above-described embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the introduction tube main body portion 201d is circular, but it may be rectangular or elliptical.

Modification 3
In the above embodiment, the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 are configured as inclined portions, but only the first side wall 24 in which the gas introduction port 241 is formed is configured as an inclined portion, and the remaining first side walls. The side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 may not be inclined. Or the whole 1st side wall 24 in which the gas inlet 241 was formed does not need to be comprised as an inclination part. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, only a part 242 of the first side wall 24 may be configured as an inclined portion. In this case, the gas inlet 241 is formed in the inclined portion 242.

Modification 4
In the said embodiment, although the 1st side wall 24 and the 2nd side wall 25 are comprised as an inclination part, the 1st side wall 24 and the 2nd side wall 25 do not need to incline.

Modification 5
In the above embodiment, the bottom wall 23, the pair of first side walls 24, and the pair of second side walls 25 are integrally formed, and the upper surfaces thereof are sealed by the upper wall 22. The configuration is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the manifold main body portion 21 is integrally formed with an upper wall 22, a pair of first side walls 24, and a pair of second side walls 25, and the bottom wall 23 is a separate member. May be formed. The bottom wall 23 is configured to seal the lower surface of the manifold main body 21. The manifold body 21 may have a second flange portion 29 instead of the first flange portion 26. The second flange portion 29 extends outward from the lower end portions of the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25.

  The inner surface of the fourth boundary portion 20d between the upper wall 22, the first side wall 24, and the second side wall 25 has an R shape. The radius of curvature of the inner surface of the fourth boundary portion 20d can be about 2 to 20 mm. The inner side surface of the fourth boundary portion 20d is a surface facing the inner space of the manifold main body portion 21.

  The inner side surface of the fifth boundary portion 20e between the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 and the second flange portion 29 has an R shape. The radius of curvature of the inner surface of the fifth boundary portion 20e can be about 1 to 10 mm. The inner side surface of the fifth boundary portion 20e is a surface that faces the inner space of the manifold main body portion 21.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the second gap 30 is formed between the fifth boundary 20 e and the bottom wall 22 in the height direction (x-axis direction) of the internal space of the manifold body 21. That is, while the upper surface of the bottom wall 23 and the lower surface of the second flange portion 29 are in contact, the upper surface of the bottom wall 23 and the inner surface of the fifth boundary portion 20e are not in contact. The second gap 30 is formed over the entire circumference.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the bottom wall 23 is fixed to the second flange portion 29 so as to close the lower surface of the manifold main body portion 21. In order to seal the internal space of the manifold body 21, the bottom wall 23 is joined to the second flange portion 29 over the entire circumference. For example, the bottom wall 23 and the second flange portion 29 are joined by crystallized glass.

Modification 6
In the above embodiment, the leading end surface of the introduction pipe main body portion 201d is in contact with the outer side surface of the first side wall 24, but the introduction pipe main body portion 201d is inserted into the gas introduction port 241 as shown in FIG. May be. The leading end of the introduction pipe main body portion 201d may be disposed in the internal space of the manifold main body portion 21.

Modification 7
In the above-described embodiment, the introduction pipe main body portion 201d includes the horizontal portion 201a and the extension portion 201b, but the configuration of the introduction pipe main body portion 201d is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the introduction pipe main body portion 201 d may extend upward from the upper wall 22 of the manifold main body portion 21. That is, the introduction pipe main body portion 201d has the extending portion 201b, but may not have the horizontal portion. The leading end surface of the introduction tube main body 201 d may be in contact with the upper surface of the upper wall 22. Alternatively, the introduction pipe main body portion 201 d may be inserted into a gas introduction port 221 formed in the upper wall 22. In this case, the point 100 mm above the lower end of the extending part 201 b means a point 100 mm above the upper surface of the upper wall 22.

Modification 8
In the above embodiment, the extending part 201b is bent from the horizontal part 201a and extends upward, but the direction in which the extending part 201b extends is not limited to this. For example, the extending part 201b may extend downward or in the horizontal direction. The load is applied to the extending portion 201b at a point 100 mm away from the boundary between the horizontal portion 201a and the extending portion 201b.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the extending part 201b extends downward, a load is applied in the horizontal direction while gradually increasing the load on the extending part 201b at a point 100 mm below the upper end of the extending part 201b.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the extending part 201b extends in the horizontal direction intersecting the horizontal part 201a, the load is gradually increased to the extending part 201b at a point 100 mm away from the end of the extending part 201b. Add horizontally.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell 2 Manifold 21 Manifold main-body part 20a 1st boundary part 20b 2nd boundary part 20c 3rd boundary part 20d 4th boundary part 20e 5th boundary part 22 Upper wall 23 Bottom wall 24 1st side wall 241 Gas inlet 25 2nd side wall 26 1st flange part 28 1st clearance part 29 2nd flange part 30 2nd clearance part 201 Introduction pipe 201a Horizontal part 201b Extension part 201c Joining part 201d Introduction pipe main-body part

Claims (18)

A manifold body having a bottom wall, a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall, and a top wall;
An introduction pipe having an extending portion extending upward and a deformation portion, and configured to supply gas to the manifold body portion;
With
The deforming portion is configured to be deformed before the manifold main body portion when a load is applied in a horizontal direction while gradually increasing with respect to a point 100 mm above the lower end of the extending portion ,
The side wall has an inclined portion that inclines so as to spread outward and a gas inlet formed in the inclined portion.
Manifold.
The introduction pipe further includes a horizontal portion extending laterally from the side wall;
The extending portion extends upward from the horizontal portion.
The manifold according to claim 1.
The introduction pipe has an introduction pipe main body portion including the extending portion, and a joint portion that joins the introduction pipe main body portion and the manifold main body portion,
The deformation part is constituted by the joint part.
The manifold according to claim 1 or 2.
The entire side wall is configured as the inclined portion.
The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .
The side wall
A pair of first side walls facing each other in the first direction;
A pair of second sidewalls facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein:
The gas inlet is formed on one first side wall of the pair of first side walls,
The first side wall formed with the gas inlet is configured as the inclined portion.
The manifold according to claim 5 .
The inner side surface of the first boundary portion between the first side wall and the second side wall is R-shaped.
The manifold according to claim 5 or 6 .
The inner side surface of the second boundary portion between the bottom wall and the side wall has an R shape.
The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .
A first flange portion extending outward from the upper end of the side wall;
The upper wall is fixed to the first flange portion.
The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .
The inner side surface of the third boundary portion between the side wall and the first flange portion has an R shape.
The manifold according to claim 9 .
A first gap is formed between the third boundary and the upper wall;
The manifold according to claim 10 .
The inner side surface of the fourth boundary portion between the upper wall and the side wall has an R shape.
The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 11 .
A second flange portion extending outward from the lower end of the side wall;
The bottom wall is fixed to the second flange portion;
The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 12 .
The inner surface of the fifth boundary portion between the side wall and the second flange portion is R-shaped.
The manifold according to claim 13 .
A second gap is formed between the fifth boundary and the bottom wall;
The manifold according to claim 14 .
A manifold body having a bottom wall, a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall, and a top wall;
An introduction pipe having a horizontal portion extending laterally from the side wall, an extending portion extending by bending from the horizontal portion, and a deformation portion, and configured to supply gas to the manifold body portion ;
With
The deforming portion is positioned ahead of the manifold body portion when a load is applied in a horizontal direction while gradually increasing the extending portion at a point 100 mm away from a boundary portion between the extending portion and the horizontal portion. It is configured to deform,
The side wall has an inclined portion that inclines so as to spread outward and a gas inlet formed in the inclined portion.
Manifold.
The manifold body is formed of metal.
The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 16 .
The upper wall is flat.
The manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 17 .

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