JPH11233125A - Fuel cell - Google Patents
Fuel cellInfo
- Publication number
- JPH11233125A JPH11233125A JP10030145A JP3014598A JPH11233125A JP H11233125 A JPH11233125 A JP H11233125A JP 10030145 A JP10030145 A JP 10030145A JP 3014598 A JP3014598 A JP 3014598A JP H11233125 A JPH11233125 A JP H11233125A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- gas
- fuel cell
- fuel
- separator
- portions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
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- Fuel Cell (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、電解質をアノード
側電極とカソード側電極で挟んで構成された燃料電池セ
ルと、前記燃料電池セルを挟持する第１および第２セパ
レータとを備えた燃料電池に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel cell comprising a fuel cell having an electrolyte sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, and first and second separators sandwiching the fuel cell. About.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】例えば、固体高分子型燃料電池は、高分
子イオン交換膜（陽イオン交換膜）からなる電解質の両
側にそれぞれアノード側電極およびカソード側電極を対
設して構成された燃料電池構造体（以下、燃料電池セル
という）を、セパレータによって挟持することにより構
成されており、通常、この燃料電池セルを所定数だけ積
層して燃料電池セルスタックとして使用されている。2. Description of the Related Art For example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell has a structure in which an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are provided on both sides of an electrolyte comprising a polymer ion exchange membrane (cation exchange membrane). A structure (hereinafter, referred to as a fuel cell) is sandwiched between separators. Usually, a predetermined number of the fuel cells are stacked and used as a fuel cell stack.
【０００３】この種の燃料電池において、アノード側電
極に供給された燃料ガス、例えば、水素は、触媒電極上
で水素イオン化され、適度に加湿された電解質を介して
カソード側電極側へと移動する。その間に生じた電子が
外部回路に取り出され、直流の電気エネルギとして利用
される。カソード側電極には、酸化剤ガス、例えば、酸
素ガスあるいは空気が供給されているために、このカソ
ード側電極において、前記水素イオン、前記電子および
酸素が反応して水が生成される。[0003] In this type of fuel cell, a fuel gas, for example, hydrogen, supplied to the anode electrode is hydrogen-ionized on the catalyst electrode, and moves toward the cathode electrode via a moderately humidified electrolyte. . The electrons generated during that time are taken out to an external circuit and used as DC electric energy. Since the cathode-side electrode is supplied with an oxidizing gas, for example, oxygen gas or air, the hydrogen ions, the electrons, and oxygen react at the cathode-side electrode to generate water.
【０００４】ところで、アノード側電極およびカソード
側電極にそれぞれ燃料ガスおよび酸化剤ガスを供給する
ために、通常、触媒電極層に導電性を有する多孔質層、
例えば、カーボンペーパがセパレータにより挟持される
とともに、前記セパレータには、均一な幅寸法に設定さ
れた１本または複数本のガス流路が設けられている。In order to supply a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, respectively, a porous layer having conductivity is usually provided on the catalyst electrode layer.
For example, carbon paper is sandwiched between separators, and the separator is provided with one or a plurality of gas passages having a uniform width.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記の
構成では、セパレータのガス流路を流れる燃料ガスおよ
び酸化剤ガスが、多孔質層自体の拡散機能のみにより触
媒電極層に拡散供給されている。このため、セパレータ
のガス流路におけるガス流量やガス圧力の変動に起因し
て触媒電極層へのガス拡散性が変化し易くなり、セル性
能が不安定になるという問題が指摘されている。However, in the above configuration, the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas flowing through the gas flow path of the separator are diffused and supplied to the catalyst electrode layer only by the diffusion function of the porous layer itself. For this reason, it has been pointed out that the gas diffusibility to the catalyst electrode layer tends to change due to the fluctuation of the gas flow rate and the gas pressure in the gas flow path of the separator, and the cell performance becomes unstable.
【０００６】さらに、ガス流路内には、凝結水分や反応
によって生成された水分が、液体（水）の状態で存在す
ることがある。この水が多孔質層に蓄積されると、燃料
ガスおよび酸化剤ガスの触媒電極層への拡散性が低下し
てしまい、セル性能が著しく悪くなるおそれがある。そ
こで、多孔質層を撥水化することにより対応することが
考えられるが、手間がかかるとともに、コストの高騰が
惹起されるという問題がある。Further, condensed water and water generated by the reaction may exist in the gas flow path in a liquid (water) state. If the water accumulates in the porous layer, the diffusivity of the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas into the catalyst electrode layer is reduced, and the cell performance may be significantly deteriorated. Therefore, it is conceivable to cope with the problem by making the porous layer water-repellent, but there is a problem in that it is troublesome and causes a rise in cost.
【０００７】本発明は、この種の問題を解決するもので
あり、簡単な構成で、良好なガス拡散性および排水性を
確保することが可能な燃料電池を提供することを目的と
する。An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell capable of ensuring good gas diffusion and drainage with a simple structure.
【０００８】[0008]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明に係る燃料電池で
は、燃料電池セルを挟持する第１および第２セパレータ
が、アノード側電極およびカソード側電極に燃料ガスお
よび酸化剤ガスを供給する第１および第２流路を有する
とともに、この第１および第２流路が、前記第１および
第２セパレータの面方向に所定の幅寸法に設定された第
１および第２通路部と、前記第１および第２セパレータ
の面方向に前記第１および第２通路部よりも大きな幅寸
法に設定されて該第１および第２通路部に連通する第１
および第２拡大部とを交互に有している。In the fuel cell according to the present invention, the first and second separators sandwiching the fuel cell include first and second separators for supplying a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas to the anode and the cathode, respectively. A first and a second flow path, wherein the first and the second flow paths are provided with a first and a second flow path portion having a predetermined width dimension in a plane direction of the first and the second separator; And a first width which is set in the plane direction of the second separator to be larger than the first and second passages and communicates with the first and second passages.
And the second enlarged portion are alternately provided.
【０００９】このため、第１および第２流路に供給され
た燃料ガスおよび酸化剤ガスは、第１および第２通路部
から第１および第２拡大部に導入される毎に減速されて
ガス圧力が増大し、ガス拡散性が有効に向上する。一
方、燃料ガスおよび酸化剤ガスが第１および第２拡大部
から第１および第２通路部に導入される際には、ガス流
速が速くなって減圧され、第１および第２流路内の水分
の排出が円滑かつ確実に行われる。For this reason, the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas supplied to the first and second passages are decelerated each time they are introduced from the first and second passages into the first and second enlarged portions. The pressure is increased, and the gas diffusivity is effectively improved. On the other hand, when the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas are introduced from the first and second enlarged portions into the first and second passages, the gas flow speed is increased and the pressure is reduced, and the gas flow in the first and second passages is reduced. Water is smoothly and reliably discharged.
【００１０】さらに、ガス拡散性が向上するため、第１
および第２セパレータに設けられる第１および第２流路
のそれぞれの間隔を大きく設定することができる。これ
により、第１および第２セパレータの燃料電池セルを挟
持する接触面積が増大し、各燃料電池セルの内部抵抗を
低減してセル性能を良好に維持することが可能になる。Further, since the gas diffusibility is improved, the first
The distance between the first and second flow channels provided in the second and second separators can be set large. As a result, the contact area between the first and second separators that sandwiches the fuel cell is increased, and the internal resistance of each fuel cell is reduced, so that good cell performance can be maintained.
【００１１】また、第１および第２流路が、それぞれ重
力方向に交差する水平方向に複数本ずつ設けられるとと
もに、前記水平方向に沿って互いに隣り合う第１および
第２流路は、それぞれの第１および第２通路部と第１お
よび第２拡大部とを交互に配置している。従って、アノ
ード側電極およびカソード側電極の反応面（発電面）全
面に燃料ガスおよび酸化剤ガスを均一かつ確実に拡散供
給することができる。A plurality of first and second flow paths are provided in a horizontal direction intersecting the direction of gravity, and the first and second flow paths adjacent to each other along the horizontal direction are each The first and second passage portions and the first and second enlarged portions are alternately arranged. Therefore, the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas can be uniformly and reliably diffused and supplied over the entire reaction surface (power generation surface) of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.
【００１２】[0012]
【発明の実施の形態】図１は、本発明の第１の実施形態
に係る燃料電池１０の要部分解斜視図であり、図２は、
前記燃料電池１０の概略縦断面説明図である。FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a fuel cell 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional explanatory view of the fuel cell 10.
【００１３】燃料電池１０は、燃料電池セル１２と、こ
の燃料電池セル１２を挟持する第１および第２セパレー
タ１４、１６とを備え、必要に応じてこれらが複数組だ
け積層されている。燃料電池セル１２は、固体高分子電
解質膜１８と、この電解質膜１８を挟んで配設されるア
ノード側電極２０およびカソード側電極２２とを有する
とともに、前記アノード側電極２０および前記カソード
側電極２２には、例えば、カーボンペーパ等の多孔質層
である第１および第２ガス拡散層２４、２６が配設され
る。The fuel cell 10 includes a fuel cell 12 and first and second separators 14 and 16 sandwiching the fuel cell 12, and a plurality of sets of these are stacked as necessary. The fuel cell 12 includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 18, an anode 20 and a cathode 22 disposed with the electrolyte 18 interposed therebetween, and the anode 20 and the cathode 22. For example, first and second gas diffusion layers 24 and 26 which are porous layers such as carbon paper are provided.
【００１４】燃料電池セル１２の両側には、第１および
第２ガスケット２８、３０が設けられ、前記第１ガスケ
ット２８は、アノード側電極２０および第１ガス拡散層
２４を収納するための大きな開口部３２を有する一方、
前記第２ガスケット３０は、カソード側電極２２および
第２ガス拡散層２６を収納するための大きな開口部３４
を有する。燃料電池セル１２と第１および第２ガスケッ
ト２８、３０とが、第１および第２セパレータ１４、１
６によって挟持される。First and second gaskets 28 and 30 are provided on both sides of the fuel cell 12. The first gasket 28 has a large opening for accommodating the anode 20 and the first gas diffusion layer 24. While having a part 32,
The second gasket 30 has a large opening 34 for accommodating the cathode electrode 22 and the second gas diffusion layer 26.
Having. The fuel cell 12 and the first and second gaskets 28 and 30 are connected to the first and second separators 14 and 1.
6 pinched.
【００１５】図１および図３に示すように、第１セパレ
ータ１４は、その上部側に水素等の燃料ガスを通過させ
るための孔部３６ａと、冷却水を通過させるための孔部
３６ｂと、酸素または空気である酸化剤ガスを通過させ
るための孔部３６ｃとを設ける。第１セパレータ１４の
下部側には、燃料ガスを通過させるための孔部３８ａ
と、冷却水を通過させるための孔部３８ｂと、酸化剤ガ
スを通過させるための孔部３８ｃとが設けられる。As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first separator 14 has a hole 36a for passing a fuel gas such as hydrogen, a hole 36b for passing a cooling water, and the like. And a hole 36c for allowing an oxidizing gas, which is oxygen or air, to pass therethrough. In the lower side of the first separator 14, a hole 38a for allowing the fuel gas to pass is provided.
And a hole 38b for passing cooling water and a hole 38c for passing oxidant gas.
【００１６】アノード側電極２０に対向する第１セパレ
ータ１４の面１４ａには、孔部３６ａ、３８ａを連通す
る複数本、例えば、１４本の燃料ガス流路（第１ガス流
路）４０ａ〜４０ｎが形成される。燃料ガス流路４０ａ
〜４０ｎは、重力方向（矢印Ａ方向）に直交する水平方
向（矢印Ｂ方向）にそれぞれ所定間隔Ｈずつ離間するよ
うに構成されており、前記燃料ガス流路４０ａ〜４０ｎ
は、第１セパレータ１４の面方向に所定の幅寸法Ｓ１に
設定された第１通路部４２ａ〜４２ｎと、この第１通路
部４２ａ〜４２ｎよりも大きな幅寸法Ｓ２に設定されて
前記第１通路部４２ａ〜４２ｎに連通する第１拡大部４
４ａ〜４４ｎとを交互に有している。On the surface 14a of the first separator 14 facing the anode electrode 20, a plurality of, for example, 14 fuel gas flow paths (first gas flow paths) 40a to 40n communicating with the holes 36a and 38a are provided. Is formed. Fuel gas passage 40a
The fuel gas flow paths 40a to 40n are configured to be separated by a predetermined distance H in a horizontal direction (direction of arrow B) orthogonal to the direction of gravity (direction of arrow A).
The first passages 42a to 42n are set to have a predetermined width S1 in the surface direction of the first separator 14, and the first passages 42a to 42n are set to have a width S2 larger than the first passages 42a to 42n. First enlarged portion 4 communicating with portions 42a to 42n
4a to 44n are alternately provided.
【００１７】第１通路部４２ａ〜４２ｎおよび第１拡大
部４４ａ〜４４ｎは、セパレータ１４の面１４ａから所
定の深さに形成された溝部により構成されており、この
第１拡大部４４ａ〜４４ｎは、円形状に設定される。第
１拡大部４４ａ〜４４ｎの直径である幅寸法Ｓ２は、第
１通路部４２ａ〜４２ｎの幅寸法Ｓ１の５倍〜１０倍の
範囲内の寸法に設定されている。第１拡大部４４ａ〜４
４ｎは、重力方向（矢印Ａ方向）に所定間隔ずつ離間し
て複数個（本実施形態では、６個）ずつ設けられてい
る。The first passage portions 42a to 42n and the first enlarged portions 44a to 44n are formed by grooves formed at a predetermined depth from the surface 14a of the separator 14, and the first enlarged portions 44a to 44n , Are set in a circular shape. The width S2, which is the diameter of the first enlarged portions 44a to 44n, is set to a value within the range of 5 to 10 times the width S1 of the first passages 42a to 42n. First enlarged portions 44a-4
4n are provided a plurality (six in the present embodiment) at predetermined intervals in the direction of gravity (the direction of arrow A).
【００１８】水平方向（矢印Ｂ方向）に隣り合う燃料ガ
ス流路４０ａと４０ｂ、燃料ガス流路４０ｂと４０ｃ、
…燃料ガス流路４０ｍと４０ｎは、この水平方向に沿っ
て第１拡大部４４ａと第１通路部４２ｂ、第１通路部４
２ｂと第１拡大部４４ｃ、…第１拡大部４４ｍと第１通
路部４２ｎが配置される。すなわち、第１拡大部４４ａ
〜４４ｎは、水平方向に沿って千鳥状に配置されてい
る。The fuel gas passages 40a and 40b, the fuel gas passages 40b and 40c, which are adjacent in the horizontal direction (the direction of arrow B),
... The fuel gas passages 40m and 40n are formed along the horizontal direction by the first enlarged portion 44a, the first passage portion 42b, and the first passage portion 4.
2b, a first enlarged portion 44c,... A first enlarged portion 44m and a first passage portion 42n are arranged. That is, the first enlarged portion 44a
To 44n are arranged in a staggered manner along the horizontal direction.
【００１９】図４に示すように、第２セパレータ１６
は、上部側に燃料ガス用孔部４６ａと、冷却水用孔部４
６ｂと、酸化剤ガス用孔部４６ｃとが設けられる。この
第２セパレータ１６の下部側には、燃料ガス用孔部４８
ａと、冷却水用孔部４８ｂと、酸化剤ガス用孔部４８ｃ
とが設けられる。カソード側電極２２に対向する第２セ
パレータ１６の面１６ａには、孔部４６ｃ、４８ｃを連
通する酸化剤ガス流路（第２ガス流路）５０ａ〜５０ｎ
が形成される。As shown in FIG. 4, the second separator 16
The fuel gas hole 46a and the cooling water hole 4
6b and an oxidant gas hole 46c. The lower portion of the second separator 16 has a fuel gas hole 48.
a, cooling water hole 48b, and oxidizing gas hole 48c.
Are provided. Oxidant gas flow paths (second gas flow paths) 50a to 50n communicating with the holes 46c and 48c are provided on the surface 16a of the second separator 16 facing the cathode electrode 22.
Is formed.
【００２０】酸化剤ガス流路５０ａ〜５０ｎは、燃料ガ
ス流路４０ａ〜４０ｎと同様に、水平方向に並列して設
けられるとともに、重力方向に第２通路部５２ａ〜５２
ｎと第２拡大部５４ａ〜５４ｎとが交互に連通してい
る。第２通路部５２ａ〜５２ｎおよび第２拡大部５４ａ
〜５４ｎは、第１通路部４２ａ〜４２ｎおよび第１拡大
部４４ａ〜４４ｎと同様に構成されており、その詳細な
説明は省略する。The oxidizing gas passages 50a to 50n are provided in parallel in the horizontal direction similarly to the fuel gas passages 40a to 40n, and the second passage portions 52a to 52
n and the second enlarged portions 54a to 54n communicate alternately. Second passage portions 52a to 52n and second enlarged portion 54a
To 54n have the same configuration as the first passage portions 42a to 42n and the first enlarged portions 44a to 44n, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
【００２１】このように構成される第１の実施形態に係
る燃料電池１０の動作について、以下に説明する。The operation of the fuel cell 10 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described below.
【００２２】燃料電池１０内に燃料ガスとして水素が供
給されるとともに、酸化剤ガスとして空気（または
Ｏ2 ）が供給される。水素は、第１セパレータ１４の孔
部３６ａから燃料ガス流路４０ａ〜４０ｎに導入され
る。燃料ガス流路４０ａ〜４０ｎに供給された水素は、
第１通路部４２ａ〜４２ｎと第１拡大部４４ａ〜４４ｎ
に交互に導入されながら重力方向に沿って下方に移動
し、第１ガス拡散層２４を通って燃料電池セル１２のア
ノード側電極２０に供給される。Hydrogen is supplied as fuel gas into the fuel cell 10 and air (or O 2 ) is supplied as oxidant gas. Hydrogen is introduced from the hole 36a of the first separator 14 into the fuel gas flow channels 40a to 40n. Hydrogen supplied to the fuel gas flow paths 40a to 40n is
First passage portions 42a to 42n and first enlarged portions 44a to 44n
While being alternately introduced into the fuel cell 12, moves downward along the direction of gravity, and is supplied to the anode 20 of the fuel cell 12 through the first gas diffusion layer 24.
【００２３】この場合、第１の実施形態では、例えば、
燃料ガス流路４０ａに供給された水素は、小さな幅寸法
Ｓ１に設定された第１通路部４２ａと大きな幅寸法Ｓ２
に設定された第１拡大部４４ａとに交互に導入されるた
め、前記水素が前記第１拡大部４４ａに導入される毎に
減速されてガス圧力が増大する。このため、図５に示す
ように、第１拡大部４４ａ内の水素のガス拡散性が有効
に向上し、この水素を第１ガス拡散層２４からアノード
側電極２０に有効に供給することができる（図５中、矢
印参照）。In this case, in the first embodiment, for example,
Hydrogen supplied to the fuel gas flow path 40a passes through the first passage portion 42a set to the small width dimension S1 and the large width dimension S2.
Is alternately introduced into the first enlarged portion 44a, and the gas pressure increases each time the hydrogen is introduced into the first enlarged portion 44a. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas diffusivity of hydrogen in the first enlarged portion 44a is effectively improved, and this hydrogen can be effectively supplied from the first gas diffusion layer 24 to the anode 20. (See the arrow in FIG. 5).
【００２４】しかも、水素は、第１拡大部４４ａから寸
法縮小部である第１通路部４２ａに導入される毎に加速
されてガス圧力が減少する。このため、燃料ガス流路４
０ａ内に発生する凝結水分等の水が、圧力差を介して第
１拡大部４４ａから第１通路部４２ａに円滑かつ確実に
排出され、第１セパレータ１４の孔部３８ａから外部に
導出される。これにより、第１ガス拡散層２４に水分が
蓄積されることがなく、アノード側電極２０へのガス拡
散性を有効に維持してセル性能を確保することが可能に
なるという効果が得られる。その際、第１ガス拡散層２
４に水の蓄積がないため、この第１ガス拡散層２４に対
して撥水化処理を施す必要がないという利点もある。Moreover, each time hydrogen is introduced from the first enlarged portion 44a into the first passage portion 42a, which is a size reduction portion, the hydrogen is accelerated and the gas pressure decreases. Therefore, the fuel gas flow path 4
Water, such as condensed water, generated in Oa is smoothly and reliably discharged from the first enlarged portion 44a to the first passage portion 42a via a pressure difference, and is led out through the hole 38a of the first separator 14. . Accordingly, there is obtained an effect that moisture is not accumulated in the first gas diffusion layer 24 and the cell performance can be ensured by effectively maintaining gas diffusibility to the anode 20. At this time, the first gas diffusion layer 2
Since there is no accumulation of water in 4, there is also an advantage that it is not necessary to perform a water-repellent treatment on the first gas diffusion layer 24.
【００２５】さらに、第１セパレータ１４では、水素の
ガス拡散性が有効に向上するため、この第１セパレータ
１４に設けられている燃料ガス流路４０ａ〜４０ｎの水
平方向の離間間隔Ｈを大きく設定することができる。従
って、第１セパレータ１４の面１４ａの第１ガス拡散層
２４に接する面積が増大し、燃料電池セル１２の内部抵
抗を一挙に低減してセル性能の向上が図られるという効
果がある。Further, in the first separator 14, the horizontal separation H of the fuel gas passages 40 a to 40 n provided in the first separator 14 is set to be large in order to effectively improve the gas diffusivity of hydrogen. can do. Accordingly, the area of the surface 14a of the first separator 14 in contact with the first gas diffusion layer 24 is increased, and the internal resistance of the fuel cell 12 is reduced at once, thereby improving the cell performance.
【００２６】また、燃料ガス流路４０ａ〜４０ｎでは、
第１通路部４２ａ〜４２ｎおよび第１拡大部４４ａ〜４
４ｎが水平方向に沿って千鳥状に配置されている。これ
により、第１セパレータ１４の面１４ａ全面から水素が
有効に拡散され、アノード側電極２０の反応面全面に前
記水素を均一かつ確実に供給することが可能になる。結
果的に、燃料電池セル１２のセル性能の向上が図られる
ことになる。In the fuel gas passages 40a to 40n,
First passage portions 42a-42n and first enlarged portions 44a-4
4n are staggered along the horizontal direction. As a result, hydrogen is effectively diffused from the entire surface 14 a of the first separator 14, and the hydrogen can be uniformly and reliably supplied to the entire reaction surface of the anode 20. As a result, the cell performance of the fuel cell 12 is improved.
【００２７】一方、図４に示すように、第２セパレータ
１６の孔部４６ｃから酸化剤ガス流路５０ａ〜５０ｎに
供給された空気（またはＯ2 ）は、それぞれ幅寸法の異
なる第２通路部５２ａ〜５２ｎと第２拡大部５４ａ〜５
４ｎに交互に導入され、第２ガス拡散層２６からカソー
ド側電極２２に供給される。その際、空気（または
Ｏ 2 ）は、水素と同様に、第２通路部５２ａ〜５２ｎか
ら第２拡大部５４ａ〜５４ｎに交互に導入されてガス圧
力の増減が惹起され、前記第２拡大部５４ａ〜５４ｎを
介して第２ガス拡散層２６に円滑かつ確実に拡散供給さ
れる。On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
16 holes 46c to the oxidant gas flow paths 50a to 50n.
The supplied air (or OTwo) Indicates different width dimensions
Second passage portions 52a to 52n and second enlarged portions 54a to 54n
4n and alternately introduced from the second gas diffusion layer 26
Is supplied to the gate electrode 22. At that time, air (or
O Two) Are the second passages 52a to 52n, like hydrogen.
Are introduced alternately into the second enlarged portions 54a to 54n, and the gas pressure
An increase or decrease in force is caused, and the second enlarged portions 54a to 54n
Through the second gas diffusion layer 26 smoothly and reliably.
It is.
【００２８】なお、図６は、第１の実施形態に係る燃料
電池１０と従来の燃料電池とにおける電流密度と電圧の
特性を検出した結果を示している。これにより、第１の
実施形態では、従来例に比べて電流密度が高くなり、セ
ル性能が大幅に向上するという結果が得られる。FIG. 6 shows the results of detecting the current density and voltage characteristics of the fuel cell 10 according to the first embodiment and the conventional fuel cell. As a result, in the first embodiment, a result is obtained in which the current density is higher than in the conventional example, and the cell performance is greatly improved.
【００２９】図７は、本発明の第２の実施形態に係る燃
料電池を構成する第１セパレータ８０の正面説明図であ
る。なお、第１の実施形態に係る燃料電池１０を構成す
る第１セパレータ１４と同一の構成要素には同一の参照
符号を付して、その詳細な説明は省略する。FIG. 7 is an explanatory front view of a first separator 80 constituting a fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those of the first separator 14 constituting the fuel cell 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
【００３０】第１セパレータ８０の面８０ａには、燃料
ガス流路８２ａ〜８２ｎが設けられており、この燃料ガ
ス流路８２ａ〜８２ｎは、第１通路部８４ａ〜８４ｎと
第１拡大部８６ａ〜８６ｎとを交互に重力方向に連通し
て有している。第１拡大部８６ａ〜８６ｎは略四角形状
を有しており、面８０ａ方向の幅寸法Ｓ３が第１通路部
８４ａ〜８４ｎの幅寸法Ｓ１の５倍〜１０倍の範囲内に
設定されている。On the surface 80a of the first separator 80, fuel gas passages 82a to 82n are provided. The fuel gas passages 82a to 82n are formed with first passage portions 84a to 84n and first enlarged portions 86a to 86n. 86n alternately in the direction of gravity. The first enlarged portions 86a to 86n have a substantially square shape, and the width S3 in the direction of the surface 80a is set within a range of 5 to 10 times the width S1 of the first passage portions 84a to 84n. .
【００３１】図８は、本発明の第３の実施形態に係る燃
料電池を構成する第１セパレータ１００の正面説明図で
あり、図９は、本発明の第４の実施形態に係る燃料電池
を構成する第１セパレータ１２０の正面説明図である。
なお、第１の実施形態に係る燃料電池１０を構成する第
１セパレータ１４と同一の構成要素には同一の参照符号
を付して、その詳細な説明は省略する。FIG. 8 is an explanatory front view of a first separator 100 constituting a fuel cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a front explanatory view of the 1st separator 120 which comprises.
The same components as those of the first separator 14 constituting the fuel cell 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
【００３２】図８に示すように、第１セパレータ１００
の面１００ａには、燃料ガス流路１０２ａ〜１０２ｎが
設けられ、この燃料ガス流路１０２ａ〜１０２ｎは、幅
狭な第１通路部１０４ａ〜１０４ｎと幅広な第１拡大部
１０６ａ〜１０６ｎとを重力方向に交互に連通して構成
されている。第１拡大部１０６ａ〜１０６ｎは略三角形
状を有しており、その幅寸法Ｓ４が第１通路部１０４ａ
〜１０４ｎの幅寸法Ｓ１の５倍〜１０倍の範囲内に設定
されている。As shown in FIG. 8, the first separator 100
The fuel gas flow paths 102a to 102n are provided on the surface 100a of the fuel cell, and the fuel gas flow paths 102a to 102n divide the narrow first passage portions 104a to 104n and the wide first enlarged portions 106a to 106n by gravity. It is configured to communicate alternately in the directions. The first enlarged portions 106a to 106n have a substantially triangular shape, and the width dimension S4 thereof is equal to the first passage portion 104a.
It is set in the range of 5 to 10 times the width S1 of ~ 104n.
【００３３】図９に示すように、第１セパレータ１２０
は、面１２０ａ側に燃料ガス流路１２２ａ〜１２２ｎを
設けており、この燃料ガス流路１２２ａ〜１２２ｎは、
幅狭な第１通路部１２４ａ〜１２４ｎと幅広な第１拡大
部１２６ａ〜１２６ｎとを重力方向に交互に連通して構
成されている。第１拡大部１２６ａ〜１２６ｎは略六角
形状を有しており、その幅寸法Ｓ５が第１通路部１２４
ａ〜１２４ｎの幅寸法Ｓ１の５倍〜１０倍の範囲内に設
定されている。As shown in FIG. 9, the first separator 120
Is provided with fuel gas flow paths 122a to 122n on the surface 120a side, and the fuel gas flow paths 122a to 122n
The narrow first passage portions 124a to 124n and the wide first enlarged portions 126a to 126n are alternately connected in the direction of gravity. The first enlarged portions 126a to 126n have a substantially hexagonal shape, and have a width dimension S5 of the first passage portion 124.
The width is set within a range of 5 to 10 times the width S1 of a to 124n.
【００３４】このように、第２〜第４の実施形態では、
幅狭な第１通路部８４ａ〜８４ｎ、１０４ａ〜１０４
ｎ、１２４ａ〜１２４ｎと、幅広な第１拡大部８６ａ〜
８６ｎ、１０６ａ〜１０６ｎおよび１２６ａ〜１２６ｎ
とが重力方向に交互に連通して構成されており、燃料ガ
スである水素は、重力方向に移動しながらそのガス圧力
の増加および減少を繰り返す。従って、第１と実施形態
と同様に、水素のガス拡散性が有効に向上するととも
に、水分の排出が確実に遂行され、セル性能を有効に維
持することが可能になるという効果が得られる。As described above, in the second to fourth embodiments,
Narrow first passage portions 84a to 84n, 104a to 104
n, 124a to 124n and a wide first enlarged portion 86a to
86n, 106a-106n and 126a-126n
Are alternately communicated in the direction of gravity, and hydrogen as the fuel gas repeatedly increases and decreases its gas pressure while moving in the direction of gravity. Therefore, similarly to the first and the embodiments, there is obtained an effect that the gas diffusibility of hydrogen is effectively improved, and the discharge of water is reliably performed, so that the cell performance can be effectively maintained.
【００３５】[0035]
【発明の効果】本発明に係る燃料電池では、燃料電池セ
ルを挟持する第１および第２セパレータに、それぞれ燃
料ガスおよび酸化剤ガスを供給するための第１および第
２流路が形成されるとともに、この第１および第２流路
は、幅狭な第１および第２通路部と幅広な第１および第
２拡大部とを交互に連通して有している。このため、第
１および第２流路に供給された燃料ガスおよび酸化剤ガ
スは、加速および減速が行われてガス圧力が変動し、第
１および第２拡大部でこのガス圧力が増大してガス拡散
性が有効に向上する。さらに、第１および第２通路部に
燃料ガスおよび酸化剤ガスが導入される毎にガス流速が
遅くなって減圧されることにより、水分の排出が円滑か
つ確実に行われる。これにより、燃料電池セルのセル性
能を良好に維持することが可能になる。In the fuel cell according to the present invention, first and second flow paths for supplying fuel gas and oxidizing gas are formed in the first and second separators sandwiching the fuel cell. In addition, the first and second flow passages have narrow first and second passage portions and wide first and second enlarged portions that are alternately communicated with each other. For this reason, the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas supplied to the first and second flow paths are accelerated and decelerated, and the gas pressure fluctuates, and the gas pressure increases in the first and second enlarged portions. Gas diffusivity is effectively improved. Further, each time the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas are introduced into the first and second passages, the gas flow velocity is reduced and the pressure is reduced, so that the water is smoothly and reliably discharged. This makes it possible to maintain good cell performance of the fuel cell unit.
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態に係る燃料電池の要部
分解斜視図である。FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】前記燃料電池の概略縦断面説明図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional explanatory view of the fuel cell.
【図３】前記燃料電池を構成する第１セパレータの正面
説明図である。FIG. 3 is an explanatory front view of a first separator constituting the fuel cell.
【図４】前記燃料電池を構成する第１セパレータの正面
説明図である。FIG. 4 is an explanatory front view of a first separator constituting the fuel cell.
【図５】前記第１セパレータの動作説明図である。FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view of the first separator.
【図６】前記燃料電池と従来例の燃料電池とにおける電
圧と電流密度の特性図である。FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram of voltage and current density in the fuel cell and a conventional fuel cell.
【図７】本発明の第２の実施形態に係る燃料電池を構成
する第１セパレータの正面説明図である。FIG. 7 is an explanatory front view of a first separator included in a fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図８】本発明の第３の実施形態に係る燃料電池を構成
する第１セパレータの正面説明図である。FIG. 8 is an explanatory front view of a first separator constituting a fuel cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
【図９】本発明の第４の実施形態に係る燃料電池を構成
する第１セパレータの正面説明図である。FIG. 9 is an explanatory front view of a first separator included in a fuel cell according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
１０…燃料電池 １２…燃料電池セル １４、１６、８０、１００、１２０…セパレータ １８…電解質膜 ２０…アノード側電
極 ２２…カソード側電極 ２４、２６…ガス拡
散層 ２８、３０…ガスケット ４０ａ〜４０ｎ、８２ａ〜８２ｎ、１０２ａ〜１０２
ｎ、１２２ａ〜１２２ｎ…燃料ガス流路 ４２ａ〜４２ｎ、５２ａ〜５２ｎ、８４ａ〜８４ｎ、１
０４ａ〜１０４ｎ、１２４ａ〜１２４ｎ…通路部 ４４ａ〜４４ｎ、５４ａ〜５４ｎ、８６ａ〜８６ｎ、１
０６ａ〜１０６ｎ、１２６ａ〜１２６ｎ…拡大部 ５０ａ〜５０ｎ…酸化剤ガス流路Reference Signs List 10 fuel cell 12 fuel cell 14, 16, 80, 100, 120 separator 18 electrolyte membrane 20 anode electrode 22 cathode electrode 24, 26 gas diffusion layer 28, 30 gasket 40a to 40n 82a to 82n, 102a to 102
n, 122a to 122n ... fuel gas flow paths 42a to 42n, 52a to 52n, 84a to 84n, 1
04a to 104n, 124a to 124n ... passage portions 44a to 44n, 54a to 54n, 86a to 86n, 1
06a to 106n, 126a to 126n: Enlarged portion 50a to 50n: Oxidant gas flow path
Claims (2)
で挟んで構成される燃料電池セルと、前記燃料電池セル
を挟持する第１および第２セパレータとを備え、 前記第１および第２セパレータは、前記アノード側電極
および前記カソード側電極に燃料ガスおよび酸化剤ガス
を供給する第１および第２ガス流路を有するとともに、 前記第１および第２ガス流路は、前記第１および第２セ
パレータの面方向に所定の幅寸法に設定された第１およ
び第２通路部と、 前記第１および第２セパレータの面方向に前記第１およ
び第２通路部よりも大きな幅寸法に設定されて該第１お
よび第２通路部に連通する第１および第２拡大部と、 を交互に有することを特徴とする燃料電池。1. A fuel cell comprising an electrolyte sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, and first and second separators sandwiching the fuel cell, wherein the first and second separators are And first and second gas flow paths for supplying a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas to the anode-side electrode and the cathode-side electrode, wherein the first and second gas flow paths are the first and second separators. A first and a second passage portion having a predetermined width dimension in the surface direction of the first and second passage portions; and a first and a second passage portion having a width dimension larger than the first and second passage portions in the surface direction of the first and second separators. And a first and a second enlarged portion communicating with the first and the second passage portions, alternately.
１および第２ガス流路は、それぞれ重力方向に直交する
水平方向に並列して複数本ずつ設けられており、 前記重力方向に前記第１および第２通路部と前記第１お
よび第２拡大部とが交互に連通して設けられるととも
に、 前記水平方向に隣り合う該第１および第２ガス流路は、
該水平方向に沿って前記第１および第２通路部と前記第
１および第２拡大部とが交互に配置されることを特徴と
する燃料電池。2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the first and second gas flow paths are provided in parallel in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity. The first and second passage portions and the first and second enlarged portions are provided so as to be alternately communicated with each other, and the first and second gas passages adjacent in the horizontal direction are:
A fuel cell, wherein the first and second passage portions and the first and second enlarged portions are alternately arranged along the horizontal direction.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP03014598A JP4074701B2 (en) | 1998-02-12 | 1998-02-12 | Fuel cell |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP03014598A JP4074701B2 (en) | 1998-02-12 | 1998-02-12 | Fuel cell |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH11233125A true JPH11233125A (en) | 1999-08-27 |
| JP4074701B2 JP4074701B2 (en) | 2008-04-09 |
Family
ID=12295608
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP03014598A Expired - Fee Related JP4074701B2 (en) | 1998-02-12 | 1998-02-12 | Fuel cell |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP4074701B2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6586128B1 (en) | 2000-05-09 | 2003-07-01 | Ballard Power Systems, Inc. | Differential pressure fluid flow fields for fuel cells |
| JP2005531113A (en) * | 2002-06-24 | 2005-10-13 | ザ・モーガン・クルーシブル・カンパニー・ピーエルシー | Flow field plate geometry |
| JP2006114387A (en) * | 2004-10-15 | 2006-04-27 | Toyota Motor Corp | Fuel cell |
| JP2007213855A (en) * | 2006-02-07 | 2007-08-23 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell |
| JP2008226838A (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2008-09-25 | Gm Global Technology Operations Inc | Two-way branch of channel in flow field of dipole plate |
| US20110281191A1 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2011-11-17 | Takeou Okanishi | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell, fuel cell stack including the same, fuel cell system, and method for operating fuel cell system |
| CN110247075A (en) * | 2019-06-17 | 2019-09-17 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | A kind of double panel assemblies and the fuel cell with it |
-
1998
- 1998-02-12 JP JP03014598A patent/JP4074701B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6586128B1 (en) | 2000-05-09 | 2003-07-01 | Ballard Power Systems, Inc. | Differential pressure fluid flow fields for fuel cells |
| JP2005531113A (en) * | 2002-06-24 | 2005-10-13 | ザ・モーガン・クルーシブル・カンパニー・ピーエルシー | Flow field plate geometry |
| JP2006114387A (en) * | 2004-10-15 | 2006-04-27 | Toyota Motor Corp | Fuel cell |
| JP2007213855A (en) * | 2006-02-07 | 2007-08-23 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell |
| JP2008226838A (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2008-09-25 | Gm Global Technology Operations Inc | Two-way branch of channel in flow field of dipole plate |
| US20110281191A1 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2011-11-17 | Takeou Okanishi | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell, fuel cell stack including the same, fuel cell system, and method for operating fuel cell system |
| US8597851B2 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2013-12-03 | Panasonic Corporation | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell, fuel cell stack including the same, fuel cell system, and method for operating fuel cell system |
| CN110247075A (en) * | 2019-06-17 | 2019-09-17 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | A kind of double panel assemblies and the fuel cell with it |
| CN110247075B (en) * | 2019-06-17 | 2023-08-11 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Double-plate device and fuel cell with same |
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