KR101030044B1 - Fuel cell system, stack and separator used thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

Fuel cell system according to the present invention, at least one electricity generating unit for generating electrical energy through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; A fuel supply unit supplying a fuel containing hydrogen to the electricity generation unit; And an air supply unit supplying air to the electricity generation unit, wherein the electricity generation unit is formed by an electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA) and a separator disposed on both sides of the electrode-electrolyte composite. Comprising a laminated structure, the separator has a plurality of passages formed by the contact portion in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite and the spaced portion spaced apart from the electrode-electrolyte composite, complementary to each of the close contact portion It has a round protrusion and a recess forming a coupling of a conventional shape.

Stack, Fuel Cell, Separator, Hydrogen Path, Air Path, MEA, Rib, Channel, Protrusion, Groove

Description

FUEL CELL SYSTEM, STACK AND SEPARATOR USED THERETO}

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stack shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode-electrolyte composite and separator shown in FIG. 2 assembled; FIG.

4 is an enlarged partial view of the separator illustrated in FIG. 3.

5 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing a modification of the separator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stack used in a fuel cell system according to the prior art in a state in which an electrode-electrolyte composite and a separator are assembled.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to fuel cell systems, and more particularly, to stacks and separators used in fuel cell systems.                         

As is known, a fuel cell is a power generation system that converts chemical reaction energy of hydrogen and oxygen contained in hydrocarbon-based materials such as methanol, ethanol, and natural gas directly into electrical energy.

This fuel cell is classified into a phosphoric acid fuel cell, a molten carbonate fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell, a polymer electrolyte type or an alkaline fuel cell according to the type of electrolyte used. Each of these fuel cells operates on essentially the same principle, but differs in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, and electrolyte.

Among these, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC, hereinafter referred to as PEMFC for convenience), which has been developed recently, has excellent output characteristics, low operating temperature, and fast start-up and response characteristics compared to other fuel cells. In addition to mobile power supplies such as automobiles, as well as distributed power supplies such as homes and public buildings and small power supplies such as for electronic devices has a wide range of applications.

Such a PEMFC basically includes a stack, a reformer, a fuel tank, a fuel pump, and the like to constitute a system. The stack forms the body of the fuel cell, and the fuel pump supplies the fuel in the fuel tank to the reformer. The reformer reforms the fuel to generate hydrogen gas and supplies the hydrogen gas to the stack. Thus, the PEMFC supplies fuel in the fuel tank to the reformer by operation of the fuel pump, reforming the fuel in the reformer to generate hydrogen gas, and electrochemically reacting the hydrogen gas and oxygen in the stack to generate electrical energy. Let's do it.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electrode-electrolyte composite and a separator assembled in a stack used in a fuel cell system according to the prior art.

Referring to the drawings, in the fuel cell as described above, the stack that substantially generates electricity is an electrode-electrolyte assembly 51 and a separator 53, which is referred to in the art as a bipolar plate. It consists of the structure which laminated | stacked the several unit cell which consists of several.

The electrode-electrolyte composite 51 is composed of an anode electrode and a cathode electrode attached to both surfaces with an electrolyte membrane therebetween. The separator 53 serves as a hydrogen passage 55 and an air passage 57 for supplying fuel required for the reaction of the fuel cell, and connects the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of each electrode-electrolyte composite 51 in series. Simultaneously plays the role of a conductor.

Accordingly, the separator 53 supplies hydrogen gas to the anode electrode and oxygen or air to the cathode electrode. In this process, electrical energy is generated through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

The separator 53 is provided on both sides of the electrode-electrolyte composite 51 to form a hydrogen passage 55 for supplying hydrogen gas and an air passage 57 for supplying air containing oxygen as described above. By means of the hydrogen passage 55 and the air passage 57, the separator 53 is in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite 51, and the hydrogen passage 55 and the air passage ( The portions 61 spaced apart from each other 57 are formed alternately. Substantially the intimate portion 59 is formed by a rib disposed between the channels forming the spaced portion 61.                         

On the other hand, in the fuel cell, the stack is required to improve the fuel diffusion function in order to improve the efficiency of the fuel cell, and the structural design is required so that the pressure required for fuel diffusion is not lost. One of the structures of the hydrogen passage 55 and the air passage 57 is. That is, the structure of the hydrogen passage 55 and the air passage 57 is hydrogen and air as fuel for the active region of the electrode-electrolyte composite 51 to the gas diffusion layer of the electrode-electrolyte composite 51. It is an important factor that influences the performance of diffusion and the amount of power generated in the electrode-electrolyte composite 51.

In the conventional stack, the separators 55 are in close contact with both sides of the electrode-electrolyte composite 51 while the separators 53 are disposed on both sides thereof with the electrode-electrolyte composite 51 interposed therebetween. In this case, the separators 55 are pushed and shifted from each other, damaging the electrodes of the electrode-electrolyte composite 51, and the hydrogen passage 55 and the air passage 57 are not accurately positioned with respect to the active region. I can't. Therefore, the stack becomes structurally unstable, resulting in a problem of degrading the performance of the fuel cell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been devised in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a fuel cell capable of increasing the contact area per unit area of the separator with respect to the active region of the electrode-electrolyte composite, and achieving structural stability of the stack. It is to provide a system, a stack and a separator used therein.

In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell system according to the present invention comprises: at least one electricity generating unit generating electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen; A fuel supply unit supplying a fuel containing hydrogen to the electricity generation unit; And an air supply unit supplying air to the electricity generation unit, wherein the electricity generation unit is formed by an electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA) and a separator disposed on both sides of the electrode-electrolyte composite. Comprising a laminated structure, the separator has a plurality of passages formed by the contact portion in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite and the spaced portion spaced apart from the electrode-electrolyte composite, complementary to each of the close contact portion It has a round protrusion and a recess forming a coupling of a conventional shape.

In this case, in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the passage may be composed of a hydrogen passage provided on the anode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite, and an air passage provided on the cathode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite. have. In addition, the hydrogen passage and the air passage are preferably positioned to correspond to each other with the electrode-electrolyte composite therebetween.

In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the separator includes ribs protruding at an arbitrary interval from the body, and channels disposed between the ribs, on the inner side of the channel facing the ribs. The ribs may be in close contact with each other to form a pair of passages in the channel.

In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the separator may form the protrusion on the rib and the recess on the inner side of the channel. In this case, each of the passages may be composed of a hydrogen passage provided on the anode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite, and an air passage provided on the cathode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite.

In addition, the fuel cell system according to the present invention may form the protruding portion and the concave portion in the close contact portion in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite, and may form the respective passages as the spaced portions.

In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, a plurality of electricity generating units are provided to form a stack, and a reformer for generating hydrogen gas by reforming the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit is disposed between the stack and the fuel supply unit. It may be connected to the fuel supply unit and the stack. In this case, the fuel cell system is made of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) method.

As an alternative, the fuel cell system according to the present invention may be made in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) method.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the stack used in the fuel cell system according to the present invention includes an electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA) and a separator disposed on both sides of the electrode-electrolyte composite. And a plurality of passages formed by a close contact portion which is in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite and a spaced portion which is spaced apart from the electrode-electrolyte composite. It is provided with a round protrusion and a concave portion to form a complementary form of coupling to each of the close contact portion.

In this case, in the stack used in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the separator includes ribs protruding at an arbitrary interval from the body, and channels disposed between the ribs and facing the ribs. The ribs may be in close contact with the inner surface of the channel to form a pair of passages in the channel.

In the stack used in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the separator may form the protrusion on the rib and the recess on the inner side of the channel.

In addition, in the stack used in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, each passage includes a hydrogen passage provided on the anode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite, and air provided on the cathode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite. It can be configured as a passage. In this case, the hydrogen passage and the air passage are preferably located corresponding to each other with the electrode-electrolyte composite therebetween.

In addition, the stack used in the fuel cell system according to the present invention may form the protruding portion and the concave portion as an adhesive portion in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite, and may form the respective passages as the spaced portions. In this case, in the stack used in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the electrode-electrolyte composite is formed in the shape of a waveform by the contact portion.

In addition, the separator used in the stack of the fuel cell system according to the present invention in order to achieve the above object, is disposed on both sides of the electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA) and the electrode-electrolyte composite is fuel What constitutes an electricity generating portion of the battery stack, Body; And a hydrogen passage and an air passage respectively disposed on one surface of the body that is in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite, and have rounded protrusions and recesses that form a complementary form to each of the adhesion portions.

The separator used for the stack of the fuel cell system according to the present invention may form at least one communication hole in the close contact portion that is substantially in communication with the passage.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stack shown in FIG.

Referring to the drawings, the system 100 reforms a hydrogen-containing fuel to generate hydrogen-rich hydrogen gas, and converts the chemical energy generated by electrochemically reacting the hydrogen and oxygen directly into electrical energy. It is possible to adopt a Polymer Electrode Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) method.

In the fuel cell system 100 according to the present invention, the fuel for generating electricity includes methanol, ethanol or natural gas.                     

However, the fuel described below is defined as a fuel consisting of a liquid phase for convenience.

In addition, the system 100 may use pure oxygen gas stored in a separate storage means as oxygen fuel reacting with hydrogen contained in the fuel, and may use air containing oxygen as it is. However, the latter example of using air as the oxygen fuel described above will be described below.

The fuel cell system 100 basically includes a reformer 3 that generates hydrogen gas from the fuel, and at least one electricity generator 19 that generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen gas and oxygen. ), A fuel supply unit (1) for supplying the fuel to the reformer (3), and an air supply unit (5) for supplying air to the electricity generating unit (19).

Alternatively, the fuel cell system 100 according to the present invention may employ a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) method capable of supplying the fuel directly to the electricity generating unit 19 to produce electricity. It may be. Such a direct methanol fuel cell fuel cell, unlike the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, does not require the reformer 3 shown in FIG. However, hereinafter, the fuel cell system 100 employing the polymer electrolyte fuel cell method is described as an example for convenience, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

The reformer 3 described above has a structure of a conventional reformer that generates hydrogen gas from the fuel through a chemical catalytic reaction by thermal energy and reduces the concentration of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen gas. In detail, the reformer 3 generates hydrogen gas from the fuel through catalytic reaction such as steam reforming, partial oxidation, or autothermal reaction. As an example, the reformer 3 reduces the concentration of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen gas by a catalytic reaction such as a water gas conversion method, a selective oxidation method, or purification of hydrogen using a separation membrane.

The fuel supply unit 1 is connected to the reformer 3, and includes a fuel tank 9 for storing fuel and a fuel pump 11 connected to the fuel tank 9. The fuel pump 11 has a function of discharging the liquid fuel stored in the fuel tank 9 by a predetermined pumping force.

The air supply unit 5 is connected to the stack 7, and has an air pump 13 that can suck air with a predetermined pumping force and supply the air into the stack 7.

The stack 7 which receives hydrogen gas through the fuel supply unit 1 and the reformer 3 and receives air from the air supply unit 5 electrochemically reacts hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical energy and as a by-product. It is configured to generate heat and water.

The stack 7 applied to the present embodiment includes a plurality of electricity generating units 19 generating electrical energy through oxidation / reduction reaction of hydrogen gas and oxygen contained in the air through the reformer 3. have. Each of the electricity generating units 19 is a minimum unit for generating electricity, and an electrode-electrolyte assembly (hereinafter, referred to as "MEA") for oxidizing / reducing hydrogen gas and oxygen in air. (21) and separators (23, 25) for supplying air containing hydrogen and oxygen to both sides of the MEA (21).

The electricity generating unit 19 is centered on the MEA 21 and the separators 23 and 25 are arranged on both sides thereof to form a single stack, and the electricity generating unit 19 is provided in plural. The stack 7 of the same laminated structure is formed. And the outermost of the stack 7 may be a pressing plate 27 for close contact with the plurality of electricity generating unit 19 described above. However, the stack 7 according to the present invention excludes the pressure plate 27, so that the separators 23 and 25 positioned at the outermost sides of the plurality of electricity generating units 19 take the role of the pressure plate. Can be configured. In addition, the press plate 27 may be configured to have a unique function of the separators 23 and 25 in addition to the function of bringing the plurality of electricity generating units 19 into close contact.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional configuration diagram in which the electrode-electrolyte composite and the separator shown in FIG. 2 are assembled, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial detail view of the separator shown in FIG.

Referring to the drawings, the separators 23 and 25 are arranged in close contact with the MEA 21 therebetween to form the hydrogen passage 15 and the air passage 17 on both sides of the MEA 21, respectively. The hydrogen passage 15 is located on the anode electrode 29 side of the MEA 21, and the air passage 17 is located on the cathode electrode 31 side of the MEA 21.

Here, the hydrogen passage 15 and the air passage 17 are respectively disposed in a straight line at random intervals on the bodies 23a and 25a of the separators 23 and 25, and alternately connect both ends thereof. It is being formed. Of course, the arrangement structure of the hydrogen passage 15 and the air passage 17 is not limited to this.

The MEA 21 interposed between the two separators 23 and 25 has an active region 21a having a predetermined area and undergoing an oxidation / reduction reaction. The anode electrode (A) is formed on both surfaces of the active region 21a. 29) and the cathode electrode 31, and the electrolyte membrane 33 between the two electrodes (29, 31). The MEA 21 has an inactive region 21b connected to an edge of the active region 21a. Here, in the non-active area 21b, a sealing material for sealing the edges of the contact surfaces of the separators 23 and 25 corresponding to the active area 21a, preferably, a gasket is formed.

The anode electrode 29 forming one surface of the MEA 21 is a part of receiving hydrogen gas through a hydrogen passage 15 formed between the separator 23 and the MEA 21. ) Or a carbon cloth, preferably hydrogen gas is supplied to the catalyst layer through a gas diffusion layer (GDL) made of carbon cloth, and the hydrogen gas is oxidized in the catalyst layer to convert the converted electrons into neighboring electrons. The separator 25 moves to the cathode electrode 31, and hydrogen ions are transferred to the cathode electrode 31 through the electrolyte membrane 33. At this time, the electricity generating unit 19 generates a current by the flow of electrons.

In addition, the cathode electrode 31, from which the hydrogen ions generated at the anode electrode 29 are moved through the electrolyte membrane 33, passes through an air passage 17 formed between the separator 25 and the MEA 21. Is supplied with air containing carbon paper or carbon cloth, and preferably air is supplied to the catalyst layer through a gas diffusion layer made of carbon cloth, from which oxygen in the air and from the anode electrode 29 The reduced hydrogen ions and electrons are reduced to produce heat and water at a predetermined temperature.

The electrolyte membrane 33 is formed of a solid polymer electrolyte having a thickness of 50 to 200 µm to enable ion exchange to transfer hydrogen ions generated in the catalyst layer of the anode electrode 29 to the catalyst layer of the cathode electrode 31.

Since each of the separators 23 and 25 according to the present exemplary embodiment has substantially the same shape, only one separator 23 and 25 is shown in FIG. 4 for convenience, and the two separators 23 and 25 will be described below. 25) to explain together.

As described above, the separators 23 and 25 are passages for supplying hydrogen gas and air necessary for the oxidation / reduction reaction from the anode electrode 29 and the cathode electrode 31 of the MEA 21, that is, the hydrogen passage ( 15 and an air passage 17, respectively.

That is, the hydrogen passage 15 and the air passage 17 are each formed by the separators 23 and 25 which are arranged in close contact with both sides with the MEA 21 therebetween, and the hydrogen passage 15 is the MEA. An air passage 17 is formed on the cathode electrode 31 side of the MEA 21.

The hydrogen passage 15 and the air passage 17 are ribs 23b and 25b protruding at arbitrary intervals from one surface of the bodies 23a and 25a of the separators 23 and 25, and the ribs 23b and It may be formed by the channels (23c, 25c) which is a space between the (25b). With this structure, when the area of the active region 21a of the MEA 21 is set and then the sizes of the channels 23c and 25c are set, the sizes of the ribs 23b and 25b are automatically set. In this embodiment, the shape of the cross section (the cross section in the vertical direction with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof) of the channels 23c and 25c and the ribs 23b and 25b is substantially rectangular, but is not necessarily limited to the shape thereof. The ribs 23b and the channels 23c formed on the one separator 23 and the ribs 25b and the channels 25c formed on the other separator 25 have parallel structures.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the separators 23 and 25 are in close contact with the ribs 23b and 25b on the inner surface of the channels 23c and 25c facing the ribs 23b and 25b. ) Has a structure capable of forming a pair of passages 18 each consisting of a hydrogen passage 15 and an air passage 17. In detail, when the ribs 23b and 25b are in close contact with the inner side surfaces of the channels 23c and 25c facing the ribs 23b and 25b, the pair of passages 18 may be in contact with each other. 25c) means each independent passage defined by ribs 23b and 25b. Therefore, each of these passages 18 forms the hydrogen passage 15 and the air passage 17 by the MEA 21 located between the two separators 23, 25. Herein, the inner surfaces of the ribs 23b and 25b and the channels 23c and 25c facing the ribs 23b and 25b refer to a close contact with both sides of the MEA 21, and the pair of passages ( 18 indicates a spaced portion spaced apart from both sides of the MEA 21. The hydrogen passage 15 and the air passage 17 are formed on the inner surface of the channels 23c and 25c facing the ribs 23b and 25b, and the ribs 23b and 25b are in close contact with each other. Are positioned to correspond to each other with.

The separators 23 and 25 according to the present embodiment based on this structure maximize the contact area between the anode electrode 29 and the cathode electrode 31 of the MEA 21 to maximize the active area of the MEA 21. It has a structure that can increase the power production per unit area for 21a). When the separators 23 and 25 are in close contact with both sides of the MEA 21, the separators 23 and 25 have a structure that can solve structural instability such as being pushed to each other. In addition, the separators 23 and 25 act at a uniform pressure against the MEA 21 when they are in close contact with both sides of the MEA 21, and the anode electrode 29 and the cathode electrode 31 of the MEA 21. It does not damage the structure.

As described above, the separators 23 and 25 may include round protrusions 41 having a complementary shape to the inner surfaces of the ribs 23b and 25b and the channels 23c and 25c which are in close contact with each other. The recessed part 42 is formed. Preferably, protrusions 41 are formed on the ribs 23b and 25b, and recesses 42 are formed on the inner surfaces of the corresponding channels 23c and 25c. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the recesses 42 may be formed in the ribs 23b and 25b, and the protrusions 41 may be formed on the inner surfaces of the channels 23c and 25c. .

Therefore, when the separators 23 and 25 are brought into close contact with both sides of the MEA 21, the ribs 23b are provided on the inner side of the channels 23c and 25c facing the ribs 23b and 25b with the MEA 21 therebetween. , 25b) is in close contact with the protrusion 41 to form a concave portion 42, the close contact with the MEA (21) forms a hydrogen passage (15) in one separator (23) On the other side separator 25, an air passage 17 is formed. The shape of the protrusion 41 and the recess 42 forms a waveform of the overall shape of the MEA 21.

As a result, in the present exemplary embodiment, the protrusions 41 and the recesses 42 having a round shape are formed on the inner surfaces of the ribs 23b and 25b and the channels 23c and 25c which are in close contact with each other. The contact area of the separators 23 and 25 in close contact with the anode electrode 29 and the cathode electrode 31 of the MEA 21 is substantially increased based on the area of the active region 21a. This can increase the power output per unit area for the active region 21a of the MEA 21 in close contact with the separators 23, 25. In addition, the shape of the protrusion 41 and the recess 42 prevents the movement of the two separators 23 and 25 due to the pressing force of the pressing plate 27 (FIG. Can be maintained. In addition, when the inner surfaces of the ribs 23b and 25b and the channels 23c and 25c are in close contact with each other through the shape coupling of the rounded protrusions 41 and the recesses 42 having the same shape. As the inner surfaces of the ribs 23b and 25b and the channels 23c and 25c operate at a uniform pressure with respect to the MEA 21, the anode electrode 29 and the cathode electrode 31 of the MEA 21 are operated. The damage by the pressing force of the separators 23 and 25 can be prevented.

5 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing a modification of the separator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, in this case, the hydrogen passages 15 and the air passages 17 and the hydrogen passages 15 and the air passages 17 are partitioned so that the flow of the hydrogen gas and the air is made smoothly. The separators 23 and 25 are formed in the ribs 23b and 25b, which form at least one communication hole 43a and 43b which substantially connects these passages 15 and 17. As shown in FIG.

Therefore, hydrogen gas passing through the hydrogen passage 15 with respect to the one separator 23 is dispersed through the communication hole 43a, and air passing through the air passage 17 with respect to the other separator 25 is the communication hole. As dispersed through the 43b, it is possible to smoothly flow the hydrogen gas and air through the hydrogen passage 15 and the air passage 17 to reduce the energy loss for supplying the hydrogen gas and air. .

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims and the detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. Naturally, it belongs to the scope of the invention.

As described above, according to the fuel cell system of the present invention, the contact area of the separator with respect to the predetermined active region of the MEA is formed by forming round protrusions and recesses on the inner surfaces of the ribs and the channels closely contacting the separators. You can increase it. Therefore, the power output per unit area of the separator for the active region of the MEA can be increased.

In addition, according to the fuel cell system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the movement of the separators from pushing each other due to the pressing force of the pressure plate. Therefore, due to the structural stability of the fuel cell there is an effect that can further improve the performance of the fuel cell.

In addition, according to the fuel cell system of the present invention, when the inner surface of the rib and the channel are in close contact with each other with the MEA therebetween, the anode electrode and the cathode of the MEA as the inner surface of the rib and the channel act at a uniform pressure with respect to the MEA. It is possible to prevent the electrode from being damaged by the tight contact portion of the separator.

In addition, according to the fuel cell system of the present invention, since the hydrogen gas passing through the hydrogen passage of the separator and the air flowing through the air passage can be induced smoothly, the hydrogen gas and the air of the MEA electrode It is possible to further improve the diffusion performance and to reduce energy loss for supplying hydrogen gas and air to the MEA.

Claims (19)

At least one electricity generating unit generating electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen; A fuel supply unit supplying a fuel containing hydrogen to the electricity generation unit; And An air supply unit for supplying air to the electricity generating unit, The electricity generation unit is formed of a laminated structure by the electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA) and the separator (Separator) disposed on both sides of the electrode-electrolyte composite, The separator, A plurality of passages are formed by the contact portion in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite and the spaced portion spaced apart from the electrode-electrolyte composite, and round-shaped protrusions that form a complementary shape to each of the contact portions. And a recessed portion. The method of claim 1, And the passage includes a hydrogen passage provided on the anode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite and an air passage provided on the cathode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite. The method of claim 2, And the hydrogen passage and the air passage correspond to each other with the electrode-electrolyte composite therebetween. The method of claim 1, The separator includes ribs protruding at random intervals from the body, and channels disposed between the ribs, and the ribs are in close contact with the inner surface of the channel facing the ribs. Fuel cell system to form a. The method of claim 4, wherein And the separator forms the protrusion on the rib and the recess on the inner side of the channel. The method of claim 5, Wherein each passage comprises a hydrogen passage provided on the anode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite and an air passage provided on the cathode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite. The method of claim 5, And a protruding portion and a concave portion formed in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite, and each passage is formed as a spaced portion. The method of claim 1, A plurality of electricity generating units are provided to form a stack, and a reformer for generating hydrogen gas by reforming the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit is disposed between the stack and the fuel supply unit and connected to the fuel supply unit and the stack. Battery system. The method according to claim 1 or 8, The fuel cell system is a fuel cell system comprising a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) method. The method of claim 1, The fuel cell system is a fuel cell system comprising a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system. At least one electricity generating unit having a laminated structure formed by an electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA) and a separator disposed on both sides of the electrode-electrolyte composite, The separator, A plurality of passages are formed by the contact portion in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite and the spaced portion spaced apart from the electrode-electrolyte composite, and round-shaped protrusions that form a complementary shape to each of the contact portions. And a stack for use in a fuel cell system having recesses. The method of claim 11, The separator includes ribs protruding at random intervals from the body, and channels disposed between the ribs, and the ribs are in close contact with the inner surface of the channel facing the ribs. A stack used in a fuel cell system to form a. 13. The method of claim 12, The separator is used in a fuel cell system for forming the protrusions in the ribs and the recesses in the inner side of the channel. The method of claim 13, Wherein each passage comprises a hydrogen passage provided on the anode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite and an air passage provided on the cathode electrode side of the electrode-electrolyte composite. The method of claim 14, And a hydrogen passage and an air passage positioned correspondingly to each other with the electrode-electrolyte composite therebetween. The method of claim 13, A stack for use in a fuel cell system, wherein the protrusions and the recesses are formed in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite, and the respective passages are formed in spaced portions. The method of claim 16, A stack for use in a fuel cell system in which the electrode-electrolyte composite is formed into a wavy shape by the contact portion. In a separator that is disposed on both sides of an electrode-electrolyte assembly (MEA) and the electrode-electrolyte composite and constitutes an electricity generating portion of a stack for a fuel cell, Body; And Hydrogen passage and air passage respectively disposed on one surface of the body in close contact with the electrode-electrolyte composite Including, A separator for use in a stack of fuel cell systems having rounded protrusions and recesses that form a complementary coupling to each of the tighter portions. The method of claim 18, And a separator for use in a stack of fuel cell systems defining at least one communication hole in communication with said passageway in said tight portion.

Images