WO2004062016A1 - 水素ガス湿度制御装置、燃料電池、水素ガス湿度制御方法および燃料電池の湿度制御方法 - Google Patents
水素ガス湿度制御装置、燃料電池、水素ガス湿度制御方法および燃料電池の湿度制御方法 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2004062016A1 WO2004062016A1 PCT/JP2003/015712 JP0315712W WO2004062016A1 WO 2004062016 A1 WO2004062016 A1 WO 2004062016A1 JP 0315712 W JP0315712 W JP 0315712W WO 2004062016 A1 WO2004062016 A1 WO 2004062016A1
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- hydrogen
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- electrode
- power generation
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
- H01M8/04126—Humidifying
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
- H01M8/04126—Humidifying
- H01M8/04149—Humidifying by diffusion, e.g. making use of membranes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
- H01M8/04156—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
- H01M8/04492—Humidity; Ambient humidity; Water content
- H01M8/045—Humidity; Ambient humidity; Water content of anode reactants at the inlet or inside the fuel cell
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
- H01M8/04828—Humidity; Water content
- H01M8/04835—Humidity; Water content of fuel cell reactants
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
- H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
- H01M8/04126—Humidifying
- H01M8/04141—Humidifying by water containing exhaust gases
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
- H01M8/04156—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal
- H01M8/04164—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal by condensers, gas-liquid separators or filters
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- 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
Definitions
- Hydrogen gas humidity controller Description Hydrogen gas humidity controller, fuel cell, hydrogen gas humidity control method, and fuel cell humidity control method
- the present invention relates to a fuel cell configured to continuously generate power using a fuel gas containing hydrogen, a humidity control device and a humidity control of the fuel cell used for control, operation, maintenance and the like of the fuel cell. It is about the method. Background art
- a fuel cell for example, a power supply system to be mounted on portable equipment such as a notebook computer, a small polymer electrolyte fuel cell using hydrogen as fuel and air as an oxidant was used.
- a fuel cell device for mounting on a device is known (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 91-33959 (pages 3 to 4, FIG. 19)).
- the fuel cell device for mounting on a device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-213339 is a fuel cell main body that generates electricity using hydrogen and air, and stores hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell main body.
- Hydrogen storage cylinder means for detachable hydrogen storage cylinder, means for supplying air, configuration for collecting water generated by power generation, and supply to the fuel cell body It is characterized by having a means for humidifying hydrogen, a control unit for controlling the power generation operation, and a case having these integrally stored and provided with an air intake / exhaust port for air and a terminal unit electrically connected to the device.
- a new power supply system can be provided by being detachably mounted on a portable device, and it can operate for a longer time than a conventional battery, and It can be used repeatedly by refueling.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-100384 pages 5 to 7, FIG. 1).
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-1000384 discloses a fuel cell and a water vapor permeable membrane suitably used for the fuel cell.
- the fuel cell described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-1000384 has a battery section for performing a battery reaction, and a humidifying section for humidifying a raw material gas supplied to the battery section.
- the battery unit includes a battery cell including a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrodes disposed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane.
- the humidifying unit includes a source gas flow path into which a source gas is introduced, and a battery. It is composed of an exhaust gas flow path through which exhaust gas from the section is introduced, and a water vapor permeable membrane that separates these flow paths.
- the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas passes through the water vapor permeable membrane and is A fuel cell that humidifies the raw material gas by putting the water vapor into the raw material gas flow path through the flow path and bringing the water vapor into contact with the raw material gas in the raw material gas flow path; Having a metal salt of a group as a functional group Water-soluble polymer having a position 7 0 wt% or more, made of a material that is crosslinked by cross-linking agents, and characterized in that.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-178788 pages 4 to 5, FIG. 1).
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-117178 describes a fuel cell and a water vapor permeable membrane suitably used for humidifying a raw gas supplied to the fuel cell. I have.
- the fuel cell described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-117178 has a battery unit for performing a battery reaction, and a humidifying unit for humidifying a raw material gas supplied to the battery unit.
- the battery unit has a battery cell including a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrodes disposed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. Gas flow path, into which the exhaust gas from the battery section is introduced, and a water vapor permeable membrane that separates these flow paths.
- the water vapor permeable membrane is characterized in that a moisture permeable resin layer made of a cured polyfluorosulfonic acid ion exchange resin is provided on the surface of a polymer resin porous membrane.
- the fuel cell shown in FIG. 24 is a device that generates electric power by supplying fuel gas to a power generation unit, and is composed of four power generation cells 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- the four power generation cells 1 to 4 are configured to be connected in series with respect to the supply path of hydrogen as fuel.
- the four power generation cells 1 to 4 have the same configuration, and the configuration will be described using the fourth power generation cell 4 as an example.
- the power generation cell 4 includes a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5 having a catalyst supported on both upper and lower surfaces, an oxidizing agent electrode side separator 6 disposed on one surface of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5, and
- the fuel cell device further includes a fuel electrode-side separator 7 disposed on the other surface of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5. Electrodes 8 and 9 are interposed between the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5 and the separators 6 and 7, respectively, and these are tightened and integrated to form the power generation cell 4. Have been.
- the oxidant electrode-side separator 6 is provided with an oxidant supply port 6a for taking in an oxidant such as oxygen or air.
- the fuel electrode separator 7 has a plurality of channels or fuel chambers through which hydrogen as a fuel flows.
- the hydrogen gas of the fuel is supplied to the fuel electrode side separator 7, and the oxidant air is supplied to the oxidant electrode side separator 6.
- the hydrogen gas (H 2 ) of the fuel is sent, the hydrogen (H 2 ) comes into contact with the catalyst of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5 and the electrons (e—) jump out, and the proton (H +) Occurs (H 2 ⁇ 2 H + + 2 e—).
- the proton (H +) travels through the polymer electrolyte membrane to the opposite side.
- the oxygen in the sent air reacts with the protons (H + ) and the electrons (e ⁇ ) returned after completing the work to become water (O 2 + 4 H + + 4 e- ⁇ 2 H 2 0).
- water is generated one after another on the separator 6 side of the oxidant electrode side of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5. If this water covers the catalyst and the gas diffusion layer of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5, a sufficient amount of oxygen for power generation cannot enter due to the water film or high water vapor partial pressure. As a result, continuous power generation is not performed by continuously supplying hydrogen and oxygen, and the generated water needs to be drained to the outside.
- carrier water the proton conducting material of the proton conducting membrane is water (hereinafter referred to as “carrier water”), so that the proton moves in a dry state without carrier water. Is not done.
- the proton conduction membrane of PEFC is designed to diffuse water generated on the cathode side back to the anode side.However, depending on the conditions, the anode side is in excess of water, so it is the same as the power source side. In addition, the management of water on the anode side is also important.
- the symbols 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, and 10 e shown in FIG. 24 represent the hydrogen supplied from the first power generation cell 1 and discharged from the fourth power generation cell 4. Shows the flow rate.
- Reference numeral 10a indicates that the supplied hydrogen flow rate is 100%
- reference numeral 10b indicates the hydrogen flow rate excluding the amount of hydrogen consumed in the first power generation cell 1. Is represented.
- sign 1 0 c Represents the hydrogen flow rate excluding the amount of hydrogen consumed in the second power generation cell 2
- reference numeral 10d represents the hydrogen flow rate excluding the amount of hydrogen consumed in the third power generation cell 3 as well. Is represented.
- the symbol 10 e represents a hydrogen flow rate excluding the amount of hydrogen consumed in the fourth power generation cell 4, and the remaining hydrogen is released into the atmosphere from the fourth power generation cell 4 as necessary.
- Reference numeral 11 denotes a stop valve for the hydrogen flow path provided in the fourth power generation cell 4.
- a water retaining means for collecting and retaining water generated by the fuel cell body is provided.
- the water retention means is laid in the form of a sheet at the bottom of the battery device case so as to be in close contact with the water generation side of the fuel cell body, and extends so as to also contact the lower surface of the hydrogen storage cylinder.
- the material of this water retention means is that various superabsorbent polymers used for sanitary products such as disposable diapers and sanitary products, agricultural and horticultural products such as soil water retention materials, etc. can be applied.
- the humidity of the water retention means itself easily increases to nearly 100%, which not only tends to cause excessive water content, but also makes it easy to adjust the moisture humidity. There was a problem that it could not be done.
- the partial pressure characteristics of hydrogen and water 12 are such that the hydrogen partial pressure at the upstream end of the fuel gas in the four power generation cells 1 to 4 is 100% and the water and water vapor partial pressures at the lowermost end are 100%. It is expressed as 100%. That is, the first power generation
- the flow rate of hydrogen at the fuel gas supply side (upstream end) of cell 1 is 100%, and the proportion of hydrogen gradually decreases with the flow. ),
- the flow rate of hydrogen is 0% (in contrast, the partial pressure of water or steam is 100%).
- the present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and removes excess moisture from a fuel gas or adjusts the moisture to perform humidification or dehumidification, thereby reducing the humidity inside the fuel cell.
- a hydrogen gas humidity control device capable of always maintaining a constant and appropriate state
- a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device a hydrogen gas humidity control method, and a fuel cell humidity control method.
- a hydrogen gas humidity control device is provided with a first hydrogen flow path or a hydrogen chamber to which at least hydrogen gas is supplied.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device is characterized in that the hydrogen gas It is characterized by being hydrogen gas generated by fuel reforming.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device comprises a first hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber to which at least hydrogen gas is supplied, and a second hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber to which at least hydrogen gas is supplied.
- the proton conductor has at least a surface facing the first hydrogen channel or the hydrogen chamber and a surface facing the second hydrogen channel or the hydrogen chamber. It is characterized in that a catalyst is arranged on one side.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device according to claim 5 of the present application provides a first hydrogen flow path or a hydrogen chamber with a first voltage application electrode, and a second hydrogen flow path or a hydrogen chamber with a second voltage application electrode. The voltage application electrode is provided, and the proton conductor is sandwiched between the first voltage application electrode and the second voltage application electrode.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device is characterized in that a voltage is applied between the first voltage application electrode and the second voltage application electrode.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device is characterized in that the catalyst contains platinum.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device is characterized in that the hydrogen gas is hydrogen gas generated by fuel reforming.
- the fuel cell according to claim 9 of the present application comprises a fuel electrode side separator to which fuel is supplied, an oxidant electrode side separator to which oxidant is supplied, and a fuel electrode side separator and oxidant electrode side separator.
- One or two or more power generation cells having a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly sandwiched therebetween, and one or two integrated into a hydrogen flow path and Z or a hydrogen chamber to which fuel is supplied.
- Less than And a hydrogen gas humidity control device wherein the hydrogen gas humidity control device is sandwiched between the first support plate, the second support plate, and the first support plate and the second support plate.
- a mixed gas of hydrogen and water and / or water vapor is in contact with the first support plate, and at least hydrogen is in contact with the second support plate.
- the fuel cell according to claim 10 of the present application includes a fuel electrode side separator to which fuel is supplied, an oxidant electrode side separator to which an oxidant is supplied, a fuel electrode side separator and an oxidant electrode side.
- One or two or more power generation cells having a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between the separator and a hydrogen flow path and a hydrogen supply chamber to which fuel is supplied.
- two or more hydrogen gas humidity controllers wherein the hydrogen gas humidity controller is sandwiched between the first electrode, the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode.
- a mixed gas of hydrogen and water or Z or water vapor is in contact with the first electrode, and at least hydrogen is in contact with the second electrode.
- a proton conductor is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are connected to each other.
- the method is characterized in that by applying a voltage between the electrodes, moisture is transferred between hydrogen contacting the first electrode and hydrogen contacting the second electrode.
- the hydrogen gas is a hydrogen gas generated by fuel reforming, and the hydrogen generated by steam reforming or the like contains a large amount of moisture, and thus lacks moisture. A favorable effect is obtained that it is easy to avoid the situation where
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device since the first hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber are separated by the proton conductor, two When the ratio of water and / or water vapor in the hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber is different, the water and / or water / vapor from the higher to lower or lower to higher via the proton conductor. Conveyed. Even if the ratios are the same, water and Z or water vapor are transported from one side to the other via the proton conductor. This makes it possible to control the humidity of hydrogen so that the ratio of water and / or water vapor between the two hydrogen flow paths or the hydrogen chamber is equal or set to an arbitrary ratio.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device In the hydrogen gas humidity control device according to claim 4 of the present application, at least one of the surface of the proton conductor facing the first hydrogen channel or the hydrogen chamber and the surface facing the second hydrogen channel or the hydrogen chamber is provided. Since the catalyst is arranged in the catalyst, hydrogen can be separated into protons by the catalyst and the protons can be converted to hydrogen.
- the first hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber is provided with the first voltage application electrode
- the second hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber is provided with the first voltage application electrode. Since a second voltage application electrode is provided and a proton conductor is sandwiched between these electrodes, a proton pump can be configured with these electrodes to control the humidity of hydrogen gas. Therefore, it can be used as a humidifier / dehumidifier, a humidity sensor, a decompression regulator, a booster compressor, a flow controller, and the like for keeping the hydrogen humidity in the hydrogen passage or the hydrogen chamber in an optimal state.
- the voltage is applied between the first voltage application electrode and the second voltage application electrode, so that the proton gas is applied through the proton conductor. Tons can be moved from the higher voltage side to the lower voltage side.
- the hydrogen gas is a hydrogen gas generated by fuel reforming, and the hydrogen generated by steam reforming or the like contains a large amount of moisture, and thus lacks moisture. A favorable effect is obtained that it is easy to avoid the situation where
- one or more power generation cells having a fuel electrode side separator, an oxidizer electrode side separator, and a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly
- a moisture carrier is sandwiched between a first support plate and a second support plate of the hydrogen gas humidity control device, and the first support plate contains hydrogen.
- one or two or more fuel cells having a fuel electrode-side separator, an oxidant electrode-side separator, and a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly are provided.
- the fuel cell includes a first electrode and a second electrode of the hydrogen gas humidity control device.
- a proton conductor is interposed between the two electrodes, and a mixture of hydrogen and water and / or water vapor contacts the first electrode, and at least hydrogen contacts the second electrode.
- the first electrode and the second electrode sandwich the proton conductor, and the first electrode and the second electrode Between the hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell and coming into contact with the first electrode, and the hydrogen coming into contact with the first electrode and having a different humidity from the second electrode. Since water is transferred between the contacting hydrogen, water and / or water vapor can be moved from the high voltage side to the low voltage side, and the two hydrogens can be controlled by controlling the direction of the applied voltage. By adjusting the hydrogen humidity in the flow path or the hydrogen chamber, the power generation operation in the fuel cell can be continued efficiently.
- a fuel cell includes a power generation cell in which an electrolyte is sandwiched between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode, and an oxygen electrode in which an oxygen flow path for supplying oxygen to the oxygen electrode is formed. And a fuel electrode side separator having a fuel flow path for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel electrode; and an exhaust gas disposed in contact with the fuel gas and having a different humidity from the fuel gas.
- a moisture carrier that contacts the body and transports moisture between the fuel gas and the exhaust gas.
- the fuel cell When the moisture carrier contacts the fuel gas and the exhaust gas and transports the moisture between the fuel gas and the exhaust gas, the fuel gas is shifted from the fuel gas side to the exhaust gas side when the fuel gas has a higher humidity than the exhaust gas. When the fuel gas has a lower humidity than the exhaust gas, the moisture moves from the exhaust gas side to the fuel gas side. Is performed. Therefore, even if the humidity generated by the power generation by the fuel cell makes the power generation cell unsuitable for power generation, the transport of water between the exhaust gas and the fuel gas is repeated, and the fuel The humidity inside the battery can always be maintained in a constant and appropriate state. Further, the fuel cell may have a discharge channel through which the exhaust gas flows, and the exhaust gas may contain oxygen and be supplied to the oxygen electrode side of the fuel cell.
- the fuel cell Since the fuel cell has a discharge channel through which the exhaust gas flows, the exhaust gas is effectively brought into contact with the moisture carrier by sending air from the outside of the fuel cell to the discharge channel as the exhaust gas. This makes it easy to maintain the humidity inside the fuel cell in an appropriate state. Since the exhaust gas contains oxygen and is supplied to the oxygen electrode side of the fuel cell, the fuel cell can use the exhaust gas' to generate electricity, so that the exhaust gas can be used effectively to generate electricity. It becomes possible.
- the water carrier contains the perfluorosulfonic acid-based polymer
- the water can be transported reliably and easily by the water carrier.
- the fuel gas humidity control method of the present application provides a moisture carrier so as to be in contact with the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode side of the fuel cell, and adjusts the humidity different from the fuel gas.
- the exhaust gas and the fuel gas are separated by the moisture carrier, and moisture is transported between the fuel gas and the exhaust gas using the moisture carrier.
- FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity controller of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the assembly state of the power generation cell which concerns on an Example.
- FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the piping configuration of the power generation cell according to the first embodiment of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of a fourth embodiment of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG.
- FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of a fifth embodiment of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a power generation cell, showing a power generation cell relating to a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 10B is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a power generation cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a power generation cell relating to a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 11A is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of a power generation cell, showing a power generation cell relating to a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fourth embodiment of the power generation cell, showing a power generation cell of a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fifth embodiment of a power generation cell according to a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sixth embodiment of the power generation cell, showing the power generation cell of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a seventh embodiment of the power generation cell, showing the power generation cell of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an eighth embodiment of the power generation cell, showing a power generation cell relating to a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a ninth embodiment of the power generation cell, showing the power generation cell of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tenth embodiment of the power generation cell, showing the power generation cell of the fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 15B is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a power generation cell, showing a power generation cell relating to a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generating cell according to a first and a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a power generating cell of a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 16B is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a thirteenth embodiment of the power generation cell, showing a power generation cell relating to a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 17A is a graph showing the relationship between the hydrogen humidity and the hydrogen flow path of a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 17B is a graph showing the relationship between the hydrogen humidity and the hydrogen flow path of a fuel cell using the hydrogen gas humidity control device of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of a fuel cell using the humidity control method of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell using the humidity control method of the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification of the fuel cell using the humidity control method of the present invention shown in FIG.
- FIG. 21 is a graph showing the output characteristics of the relationship between voltage and time of a fuel cell using the humidity control method of the present invention.
- FIG. 22 is a graph showing the output characteristics of the relationship between the voltage and the internal resistance of a fuel cell using the humidity control method of the present invention.
- FIG. 23 is a graph showing the output characteristics of the relationship between voltage and current of a fuel cell using the humidity control method of the present invention.
- FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional fuel cell. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
- FIG. 1 to FIG. 23 show an embodiment of the present invention. That is, FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation cell according to the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing another example of the piping configuration of the power generation cell according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the fuel cell, and FIG.
- FIG. 6 is a fuel cell of the present invention.
- 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the detailed configuration of FIG. 6,
- FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the detailed configuration of FIG. 7,
- FIG. 10A, FIG. , B, Fig. 12, Fig. 13A, B, Fig. 14A, B, Fig. 15A, B and Fig. 16A, B are explanatory diagrams and diagrams explaining the relationship between the power generation cell and the proton pump, respectively.
- 17A and 17B are graphs illustrating the relationship between the hydrogen humidity and the hydrogen flow path.
- FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a fuel cell using the humidity control method of the present invention
- FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fuel cell using the humidity control method of the present invention
- FIG. 21 is a graph showing the output characteristics of the fuel cell according to the present invention, showing the relationship between the cell voltage (V) and the time (sec).
- FIG. 22 is also the cell voltage (V) and the time (sec).
- FIG. 23 is a graph showing the relationship between cell voltage (V) and time (sec).
- hydrogen (H 2 ) is decomposed into protons (2H +) and electrons (2e ⁇ ) at the anode, and the electrons generated at this time are extracted as electricity.
- the force cathode (cathode), oxygen (0 2) and electrolyte membranes with pro tons ⁇ Pi external circuit by electrons and is coupled which has passed through the moving, water is generated as a by-product.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device controls the humidity of the fuel gas (particularly hydrogen) used in the fuel cell, and uses a proton pump that moves the proton through moisture.
- the proton pump is designed to move hydrogen via protons and to move hydrogen or moisture along with it.
- the objects to be moved are hydrogen and moisture.
- the amount of transfer of hydrogen and moisture that is transmitted through the proton pump can be adjusted, for example, by changing the voltage or current applied between the electrodes provided on both sides of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly. it can.
- a proton pump shown as a first embodiment of the hydrogen gas humidity control device according to the present invention has four power generation cells 15, 16, 1 in which a hydrogen flow path is connected in series. It is assembled and integrally formed with the fourth power generation cell 18 located at the most downstream position among 7 and 18.
- three power generation cells, the first power generation cell 15, the second power generation cell 16, and the third power generation cell 17, have the same configuration as the power generation cell 4 of FIG. 24 shown as a conventional example.
- the third power generation cells 15 to 17 are arranged on one side of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5 in which the catalyst is supported on both upper and lower surfaces, and on the one surface side of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5.
- the oxidant electrode-side separator 6 provided, the fuel electrode-side separator 7 disposed on the other side of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5, the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5, and each separator 6, 7 and electrodes 8 and 9 interposed therebetween.
- the fourth power generation cell 18 has a power generation unit 19 having the same configuration as the power generation cell 4 shown in FIG. 24, but in addition to the power generation unit 19, the hydrogen gas humidity A proton conductor 20 as a control device is incorporated on the fuel electrode separator 24 side.
- the fourth power generation cell 18 is configured by the combination of the power generation unit 19 and the proton conductor 20 being configured in a body. You.
- the four power generation cells 15 'to 18 including the fourth power generation cell 18 are connected in series with a hydrogen flow path to which hydrogen is supplied, and the four power generation cells 1'5 A fuel cell 14 consisting of a combination of ⁇ 18 is constructed.
- the power generation sections 19 of the power generation cells 15 to 18 are composed of a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 arranged in the center and an oxidation membrane arranged on one side of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22.
- the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 has a three-layer structure of a proton conductor membrane disposed in the center and first and second catalysts provided on both sides of the proton conductor membrane. ing.
- the proton conductor film is a polymer film exhibiting high proton (H +) conductivity at room temperature, and for example, a perfluorosulfonic acid film, a naphthion film (fluororesin-based), or the like can be used.
- the first and second catalysts for example, platinum, platinum-ruthenium, or a material in which platinum or the like is supported on carbon powder, or other catalysts can be used.
- a current collector plate 25 on the fuel side is disposed on the first catalyst side of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22, and an oxidant is disposed on the second catalyst side of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22.
- the current collector plate electrode 26 on the side is disposed.
- the current collector plate electrode 25, the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 and the current collector plate electrode 26 having such a three-layer structure are separated from the both surfaces thereof by the oxidant electrode side separator 23 and the fuel electrode side cell.
- the power generator 19 is configured by being sandwiched between the parerator 24 and the power generator 19.
- the oxidant electrode-side separator 23 is made of, for example, a thin plate-like member, and has an oxygen inlet for taking in an oxidizing agent such as oxygen and air penetrating from one surface to the other surface at the center. 27 are provided. Also, between the oxidant electrode-side separator 23 and the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 2 ⁇ , an oxidant-side current collector plate electrode 26 also having an oxygen inlet is arranged. Atmospheric oxygen is taken in from the oxygen inlet 27, and the oxygen is supplied to the second catalyst of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 through the current collector electrode 26.
- the fuel electrode side separator 24 is also formed of, for example, a thin plate-shaped member, and a fuel supply port for supplying hydrogen, which is a specific example of fuel, is provided on a side surface thereof.
- Hydrogen contact portions for bringing hydrogen into contact with the electrodes are provided on both surfaces of the fuel electrode side separator 24.
- the hydrogen contact portion is communicated with the fuel supply port, and the hydrogen power S supplied from the fuel supply port is discharged to the hydrogen contact portions provided on both surfaces of the fuel electrode side separator 24 through the internal passage. . Therefore, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen contact portion to the fuel collector plate electrode 25 side on the fuel side disposed between the fuel electrode side separator 24 and the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22, Hydrogen is also supplied to the ton conductor 20 from the hydrogen contact part.
- the fuel electrode side separator 24 also serves as a first separator which is one of the separators of the proton conductor 20. Since the first power generation cell 15 to the third power generation cell 17 have only a power generation section and no proton pump section, the fuel electrode side separator 7 has only one side. A hydrogen contact part is provided, and the other surface is designed to prevent leakage of fuel gas.
- Fuel hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel electrode side separator 24, and oxidant air is supplied to the oxidant electrode side separator 23.
- the hydrogen gas (H 2 ) of the fuel is sent, the hydrogen (H 2 ) comes into contact with the catalyst of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22, and electrons (e—) fly out, and the proton (H + ) Occurs (H 2 ⁇ 2 H + + 2 e—).
- the proton (H +) travels through the proton conductor membrane to the opposite side.
- the oxygen in the sent air reacts with the protons (H +) and the electrons (e—) returned after finishing the work to form water (0 2 + 4 H + + 4 e— ⁇ 2 H 2 O).
- the property of the proton conductive film is to move only the proton, but water (H 2 O) is retained in the form of OH-H for the movement of the proton, and one H is used as a scaffold. Basically, the proton (H +) moves. Therefore, the proton conductor film can actually transmit not only protons but also water at the same time.
- water permeability of the proton conductor membrane By utilizing the water permeability of the proton conductor membrane, excessive water inside the fuel cell can be discharged to the outside, the direction of water flow, and the flow rate of water without using an external device such as a pump device. Other moisture control becomes possible.
- the proton conductor 20 constituted by using the first separator 24 is, in addition to the first separator 24, a second separator 28 and a processor sandwiched between the separators 24, 28. It comprises a ton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29 and two application electrodes 30 and 31.
- the second separator 28, through which hydrogen gas flows as in the first separator 24, is connected to one end of a return pipe 33.
- the hydrogen gas (H 2 ) that has reached the second separator 28 is returned to the upstream power generation cell (the first power generation cell 15 in this embodiment) via the return pipe 33.
- the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29 may have the same configuration as the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 of the power generation unit 19.
- the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29 has the same configuration as that of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22. It has a three-layer structure of a first catalyst and a second catalyst provided on both sides of the mouth conductor film. Then, the first applied electrode 30 is arranged on the first catalyst side, and the second applied electrode 31 is arranged on the second catalyst side.
- the first applied electrode 30, the proton conductor film electrode assembly 29, and the second applied electrode 31 having the three-layer structure in this way are connected to the first separator 24 and the second The proton conductor 20 is formed by being sandwiched between the two separators 28.
- a pump-side electric circuit 48 is connected to the first applied electrode 30 and the second applied electrode 31 so that the potential difference between the first applied electrode 30 and the second applied electrode 31 can be changed. It has become.
- the proton conductor 20 is separated from the first separator 24 by a potential difference generated between the first applied electrode 30 and the second applied electrode 31 by the pump-side electric circuit 48.
- Hydrogen and moisture are transported to the second separator 28 via the proton conductor 20, the first applied electrode 30, the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29 and the second applied electrode 31. can do. In addition, hydrogen and moisture can be transferred from the second separator 28 to the first separator 24.
- the first applying electrode 30 and the second applying electrode 31 are in a state where the positive electrode (+ electrode) and the negative electrode (single electrode) can be changed by the pump-side electric circuit 48 (the voltage application direction is variable). They are electrically connected to each other.
- hydrogen (H 2 ) is reacted with the catalyst of the first gas diffusion layer. Electrons (2e—) jump out upon contact.
- proton (2H +) Since it is a lath ion, it is pulled to the negative side and moves so as to pass through the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29.
- the hydrogen (H 2 ) supplied from the first separator 24 is wet hydrogen containing sufficient moisture from the back-diffused water after passing through the three power generation cells 15 to 17.
- the function of the transport water when conducting the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29 by the moisture contained in itself is ensured. Therefore, the proton (H +) on the first applied electrode 30 side is transported by the carrier water (H 20 ), passes through the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29, and passes through the second applied electrode 3. Can be easily moved to one side.
- the pro ton was moved to the second applying electrode 3 1 side (H +) is a hydrogen (H 2) reacts with an electron (e-) (2 H + + 2 e- ⁇ H 2).
- wet hydrogen (H 2 ) containing a large amount of water flows from the second separator 28 to the return pipe 33.
- the water content of the hydrogen supplied to the power generation unit 19 can be reduced, so that the hydrogen supplied to the power generation unit 19 in a wet state can have a humidity suitable for power generation.
- the hydrogen containing much moisture ( H 2 ) with the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 2 can be returned to the first separator 24 side via 9.
- the water content of the hydrogen supplied to the power generation unit 19 can be increased, whereby the hydrogen supplied to the power generation unit 19 in a dry state can be brought to a humidity suitable for power generation.
- the proton conductor 2 By adjusting the rate at which 0 moves in the forward and reverse directions, the humidity of hydrogen after mixing can be determined. That is, the water content of hydrogen passing through the proton conductor 20 and moving from the first applied electrode 30 to the second applied electrode 31 is increased, or conversely, the second applied voltage is increased. For example, by increasing the water content of hydrogen moving from the electrode 31 to the first application electrode 30, the water content can be freely adjusted.
- the proton conductor 20 is provided only in the fourth power generation cell 18, only the power generation section 19 of the fourth power generation cell 18 is concentrated and humidified or dehumidified Will be. Further, since the return pipe 33 is connected to the second separator 28 connected to the proton conductor 20, the proton conduction is also caused by the backflow of hydrogen and moisture from the return pipe 33. The hydrogen humidity of body 20 will be affected.
- the jet hydrogen or moisture discharged from the second separator 28 of the proton conductor 20 is stored.
- a water reservoir (reservoir) 34 that can be stored.
- the moisture storage 34 may be provided in or near the second separator 28.
- the moisture reservoir 34 is provided with a drain pipe 35, and an opening / closing valve 36 is attached to the opening side of the drain pipe 35.
- the water reservoir 34 has a function of separating dew condensation generated inside from hydrogen. The generated water is discharged into the atmosphere by opening the on-off valve 36.
- the hydrogen from which water has been appropriately removed by the water storage 34 is returned to the fuel electrode side separator 7 having the fuel supply port of the first power generation cell 15.
- both hydrogen and water can be pumped.
- the energy required in that case will be described.
- Pro tons per atom of hydrogen (1 ⁇ 2 ⁇ ⁇ 2) ( ⁇ +) is one, an electron in this case (e-) is 1 X 1.
- the transport water (entrained water) for this hydrogen is generally said to be 1 to 2.5, and this is assumed here.
- the number of protons (H +) is two
- the number of electrons (e-) is 2 X 1.6 X 10 — 19 [C] with 2 to 5 transport waters.
- pro tons (H +) is 2 X 6. 0 2 X 1 0 23 atoms and will, electron (e) is 2 X 1. 6 X 1 0- 19 ⁇ 6 ⁇ 0 2 X 10 23 [C], and the transported water is 2 to 5 [mo 1].
- electronic (e) is 2 X 1.
- pro ton (Eta +) is 2 X 6. 0 2 ⁇ 1 0 23 ⁇ 1 / 2 ⁇ 1 ⁇ 5 amino, hydrogen is l X l / 2 ⁇ l / 5 [mo 1].
- the proton conductor 20 uses an extremely low voltage to produce a half of the generated current to 1Z5 With this current, all the generated water can be circulated as the carrier water for the protons, and the humidity can be taken out.
- the power generation cell 18 and the fuel cell 14 of the present embodiment a part of the power generated by the power generation unit 19 is consumed by the proton conductor 20, but the consumption is Because it is extremely small compared to the amount of power generation (the power generation voltage is 0.6 or 0.6 to 0.7 V, the consumption voltage is about 0.05 V), it is possible to minimize the decrease in power generation efficiency and generate power. The operation can be continued efficiently.
- the operation of the fuel cell 14 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, as follows.
- the four power generation cells 15 to 18 are supplied with hydrogen Are connected in series.
- hydrogen as fuel is supplied from the first power generation cell 15 to the fourth power generation cell 18 via the second power generation cell 16 and the third power generation cell 17.
- hydrogen may be directly supplied, or hydrogen generated by fuel reforming or the like may be used.
- hydrogen generated by steam reforming or the like contains a large amount of water, it is easy to avoid a situation in which the amount of water is insufficient, and a preferable effect can be obtained by the present invention.
- the hydrogen flow rate 56 at the downstream end is 0 cc / m ⁇ n, so the first flow rate at the upstream end
- the hydrogen flow rate 52 of the power generation cell 15 is lOO cc / min
- the hydrogen flow rate 53 on the supply side of the second power generation cell 16 is 75 cc / min
- the supply side of the third power generation cell 17 the hydrogen flow rate 54 is 50 cc / min
- the hydrogen flow rate 55 on the supply side of the fourth power generation cell 18 is 25 cc / min.
- the power generation unit 19 of the first to third power generation cells 15 to 17 and the fourth power generation cell 18 generates power, for example, as follows. That is, the hydrogen gas of the fuel is supplied to the fuel electrode side separator 7 or 24, and the oxidant air is supplied from the atmosphere to the oxidant electrode side separator 6 or 23. As a result, fuel hydrogen gas (H 2 ) Comes into contact with the first catalyst of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5 or 22, electrons (e—) jump out, and protons (H +) are generated (H 2 ⁇ 2 H + +2).
- This proton (H +) passes through the proton conductor membrane of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 5 or 22 to the second catalyst on the opposite side.
- the oxygen in the sent air reacts with the protons (H +) and the electrons (e _) returned after completing the work by the power of the catalyst, thereby producing water. that (O 2 + 4 H + + 4 e- ⁇ 2 H 2 0).
- the pump-side electric circuit 48 of the proton conductor 20 applies a voltage so that the potential of the first applied electrode 30 is equal to or higher than the potential of the second applied electrode 31.
- the hydrogen (H 2 ) supplied from the first separator 24 comes into contact with the first catalyst and the electrons (e ⁇ ) fly out, and the protons (H +) are separated from the protons from the first catalyst. It travels through the conductive membrane toward the second catalyst.
- the hydrogen (H 2 ) supplied from the first separator 24 absorbs moisture when passing through the three upstream power generation cells 15 to 17, resulting in high humidity. It is hydrogen after jetting, and the hydrogen itself contains sufficient moisture. Therefore, this hydrogen (H 2 ) has the function of transport water necessary to move itself. Therefore, the proton (H +) generated by the first catalyst can easily move toward the second catalyst through the proton conduction membrane.
- the proton (H +) that has moved to the second catalyst side is converted into hydrogen (H 2 ) in response to the electron (e—) (2 H + + 2 e— ⁇ H 2 ).
- hydrogen (H 2 ) containing a large amount of water is generated.
- the jet hydrogen containing a large amount of water is sent to the return pipe 33 from the second separator 28.
- the jet hydrogen sent to the return pipe 33 is temporarily stored in the moisture storage 34, and part of the water is sufficiently increased to form dew condensation, and the rest is removed to remove moderate moisture. Is converted to hydrogen having
- the hydrogen having the appropriate humidity is returned to the first power generation cell 15, mixed with the new dry hydrogen, and supplied to power generation again.
- a continuous power generation operation is performed by the fuel cell 14, and sufficiently moisture-containing hydrogen is discharged from the power generation cell 18 on the downstream side, so that the power generation operation is performed. Execution can be ensured.
- the operation of the fuel cell described here is for a case where many power generation cells are connected in series, but the same applies to a single power generation cell. In other words, the same applies to the upstream part and the downstream part of the hydrogen gas in one power generation cell.
- FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for confirming the principle of the fourth power generation cell 18 shown in FIG. 1, and shows a schematic configuration such as an assembled state of the power generation cell and a piping structure thereof.
- a hydrogen passage 40 is connected to the fuel electrode side separator (first separator) 24, and a pressure gauge 41 for detecting the pressure of supplied hydrogen is provided in the hydrogen passage 40. Have been.
- This hydrogen channel 40 The supplied hydrogen is so-called dry hydrogen which contains no or little water.
- air in the atmosphere is supplied to the oxidant electrode-side separator 23 from the oxygen inlet 27.
- the other end S of the return pipe 33 whose one end is connected to the second separator 28 is connected to the downstream side of the pressure gauge 41 of the hydrogen flow path 40.
- the return pipe 33 is provided with a hygrometer 43, a pressure gauge 44, a flow meter 45, and a check valve 46 in the order from the second separator 28.
- the hygrometer 43 measures the humidity of hydrogen returned from the second separator 28 to the hydrogen flow path 40.
- the pressure gauge 44 measures the pressure in the return pipe 33, that is, the pressure of hydrogen returned from the second separator 28 to the hydrogen flow path 40.
- the flow meter 45 measures the flow rate of hydrogen flowing in the return pipe 33.
- the check valve 46 prevents hydrogen from flowing from the hydrogen flow path 40 toward the return pipe 33. Normally, the pressure of hydrogen in the return pipe 33 is equal to or higher than the pressure of hydrogen in the hydrogen flow path 40, so that it is configured to recirculate by mixing with dry hydrogen in the hydrogen flow path 40. Have been.
- the pressure gauge 41, the hygrometer 43, the pressure gauge 44, the flow meter 45, and the check valve 46 are necessary only to confirm the principle of the proton pump.
- the arrangement and arrangement of the pressure gauges 41 and the like are not limited to those of this embodiment. Further, in practical use as a device, the pressure gauge 41 and the like are used as needed, and can be omitted when unnecessary.
- a power generation side electric circuit 47 is formed in the power generation section 19 of the power generation cell 18.
- the electric circuit 47 on the power generation side is connected to the separator 24 on the oxidizer electrode side from the fuel electrode side separator 24 via the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22.
- a clockwise current is generated in FIG. 2 flowing in the opposite direction.
- a pump-side electric circuit 48 is formed in the proton conductor 20 of the power generation cell 18. In the pump-side electric circuit 48, a counterclockwise current flows in the direction from the second separator 24 to the second separator 28 via the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29 and the second separator 28, as shown in FIG. Applied.
- the pump-side electric circuit 48 is configured so that a voltage of an appropriate magnitude can be applied between the first applied electrode 30 and the second applied electrode 31 of the proton conductor 20. Things. Further, the pump-side electric circuit 48 is provided with a variable power supply 49 capable of changing the magnitude of the applied voltage and the application direction of the voltage. In the pump-side electric circuit 48, a voltage is usually applied so that the potential of the first applied electrode 30 is higher than the potential of the second applied electrode 31. As a result, a pumping action occurs in the proton conductor 20, so that the jet hydrogen containing a large amount of water can flow through the return pipe 33.
- FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the circuit configuration of FIG. 2 is modified, and the same parts as those of FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- a bypass pipe 50 is provided in place of the return pipe 3 3, one end of the bypass pipe 50 is connected to the second separator 28, and the other end is connected to the first separator 24. It is configured.
- the order from the side close to the second separator 28 is A pressure gauge 44, a hygrometer 43, and a flow meter 45 are provided in the system, but the check valve is omitted.
- the arrangement and arrangement of the pressure gauges 44 and the like are not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which a check valve is provided. With such a connection configuration, the same effect as in the embodiment of FIG. 2 can be obtained.
- FIGS 17A and 17B are graphs explaining the relationship between hydrogen humidity and hydrogen flow path.
- reference numeral 57 indicates a conventional humidity distribution, in which the hydrogen density is high in the upstream part of the hydrogen flow path, and the hydrogen density decreases proportionally as it moves to the downstream part. I'm familiar.
- Reference numeral 58 indicates a range in which humidification and dehumidification control by humidity control is performed on the conventional humidity distribution of hydrogen. In this case, since there is a relative difference in hydrogen humidity between the upstream and downstream portions of the hydrogen flow path, it is not preferable to use this alone, so that as shown by reference numeral 59, the humidity gradient due to the humidity circulation should be averaged. I do.
- Fig. 17B shows the humidity distribution range (reference numeral 60) of the averaged hydrogen humidity (reference numeral 59) while controlling the hydrogen humidity and averaging the humidity gradient due to the humidity circulation as in the present embodiment. It is shown. By averaging the hydrogen humidity in this way, the power generation operation can be efficiently continued while minimizing the decrease in power generation efficiency.
- the proton conductor 20 is generally difficult to operate when the proton conductor film is dried up (during a shortage of moisture), but requires hydrogen circulation.
- the hydrogen flow path is closed by water, the water can sufficiently secure the humidity for operating the proton pump.
- the humidity of the hydrogen heading toward the power generation unit 19 and the humidity of the hydrogen heading to the proton conductor 20 are increased. Can be maintained at the same level.
- the pump direction can be reversed, and high-humidity hydrogen can be moved in the reverse direction.
- the pump amount (pump speed) can be freely set by adjusting the hydrogen flow rate, and matching with the area of the proton pump, applied voltage, current, the material of the proton conductor film, etc. As a result, pump efficiency can be increased and optimization can be achieved.
- the transport of transport water in addition to the conduction of protons through the proton conductor membrane, the transport of transport water can be promoted (the transport of hydrogen and moisture).
- the humidity of hydrogen which is a fuel
- a value suitable for power generation thereby preventing the proton conductor of the power generation unit from over-drying or lowering the power generation reaction due to submergence.
- the effect of dehumidification or humidification can be exerted depending on the place of use.
- the pressure and flow rate of the hydrogen transfer can be adjusted, and it can also function as a pressure reducing regulator, a pressure increasing compressor, or a flow rate controller. Then, by the pressure gradient at this time, the circulation flow can be made unidirectional, and the backflow of hydrogen can be prevented.
- fuel gas not only hydrogen gas consisting of pure hydrogen but also hydrogen mixed gas containing hydrogen as a component (for example, methane, methanol, propane, butane, gasoline, etc.) may be used. it can.
- hydrogen gas in addition to the method of supplying hydrogen itself using a high-pressure cylinder, a liquid hydrogen tank, a hydrogen storage alloy, or the like, existing hydrocarbon-based fuels such as natural gas (methane) and methanol are reformed and hydrogen is recycled.
- a method of supplying a reformed gas is used. The same applies to the supply of oxygen.
- FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the fuel cell according to the present invention.
- the fuel cell 62 shown in this embodiment is different from the above-described water reservoir 34 of the first embodiment in that a new water reservoir 34 is provided. It is configured so that dry hydrogen 63 is supplied and the state of hydrogen in the return pipe 33 is adjusted.
- Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 1 described above, and thus the same portions are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will be omitted.
- the return pipe 33 is also shown in this embodiment as a configuration in which it is connected as a pipe using a tubular member in the same manner as the previous embodiment, the return pipe 33 is not limited to the connection using a pipe. Needless to say, other connection configurations such as joining together to form a return conduit are included.
- dry hydrogen given an appropriate humidity in advance by jet hydrogen is supplied to the fuel supply port of the first power generation cell 15 out of the four power generation cells 15 to 18. Supplied. Therefore, hydrogen having substantially equalized humidity can be circulated through the series-connected hydrogen flow path of the four power generation cells 15 to 18.
- FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention.
- the fuel cell 64 shown in this embodiment is similar to the first power generation cell 15 of the second embodiment described above.
- a first power generation cell 15 A is provided as the same configuration as the fourth power generation cell 18, and a proton conductor 20 is also provided in the power generation cell located at the most upstream.
- the first power generation cell 15A has the same configuration as the fourth power generation cell 18 and the end of the return pipe 33 is connected to the first power generation cell 15A.
- the other configuration of the fuel cell 64 is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and therefore, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
- wet hydrogen discharged from the proton conductor 20 of the fourth power generation cell 18 is supplied to the moisture storage 34, and the hydrogen is supplied to the water storage 34. It is mixed with fresh dry hydrogen 63 supplied. That blend
- the appropriately adjusted hydrogen after the combination is supplied to the second separator 28 of the proton conductor 20 of the first power generation cell 15A.
- the hydrogen supplied from the second separator 28 is subjected to the above-described pump action when passing through the proton conductor 20. Then, part of the hydrogen that has passed through the proton conductor 20 moves to the power generation unit 19 and is subjected to the above-described power generation operation.
- the remainder of the hydrogen that has passed through the proton conductor 20 except for the amount consumed in the power generation unit 19 moves from the first separator 24 to the second power generation cell 16 side. Part of this hydrogen is supplied to the second power generation cell 16 for power generation, and the remainder is supplied to the third power generation cell 17. Further, part of the hydrogen that has moved to the third power generation cell 17 is used for power generation, and the remainder is supplied to the fourth power generation cell 18. Then, in the fourth power generation cell 18, the power generation operation by the power generation unit 19 and the pump operation by the proton conductor 20 are performed as described above.
- the water storage (reservoir) 34 in FIG. 5 may be provided inside the first power generation cell 15 A or the fourth power generation cell 18. Further, all of the four power generation cells 15A and 16 to 18 may be integrally formed, and a moisture storage 34 may be built therein.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the principle of an embodiment of the fuel cell according to the present invention.
- the fuel cell 65 includes an oxidant electrode-side separator 66, a fuel electrode-side separator 67, a third separator 68, a power generation unit 69, and a specific example of a hydrogen gas humidity control device that are superimposed on each other. It is provided with a proton conductor 70 showing The oxidant electrode-side separator 66 and the fuel electrode-side separator 67 are overlapped via the power generation unit 69, and the space formed inside both separators 66, 67 is oxidized by the power generation unit 69. It is partitioned into a side gas diffusion room 7 1 and a fuel side gas diffusion room 72.
- the third separator 68 is overlapped on the outside of the fuel electrode side separator 67, thereby Inside the separators 67, 68, a hydrogen gas chamber 73, which is a specific example of a second hydrogen channel or a hydrogen chamber to which hydrogen gas is supplied, is formed.
- an oxygen supply port 74 is provided in the oxidant electrode-side separator 66, and the oxygen supply port 74 is connected to the oxidant-side gas diffusion chamber 71.
- the oxygen supply port 74 is supplied with oxygen from atmospheric air (particularly oxygen) or an oxygen storage.
- a fuel supply port 75 is provided in the fuel electrode side separator 69, and this fuel supply port 75 communicates with the fuel side gas diffusion chamber 72.
- a fuel supply source such as a hydrogen storage is connected to the fuel supply port 75, and fuel (particularly, hydrogen) is supplied from the fuel supply source.
- a hydrogen supply port 76 is provided in the third separator 68, and the hydrogen supply port 76 communicates with the hydrogen gas chamber 73.
- the hydrogen supply port 76 is connected to a fuel supply source such as the hydrogen storage device or a separately provided hydrogen supply source, and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source.
- the oxidant electrode-side separator 66, the fuel electrode-side separator 67, and the third separator 68 for example, non-conductive ceramics and plastics can be used, and of course, they have conductivity.
- An aluminum alloy, a stainless steel alloy, or a carbon material can also be used.
- three separators are formed of a conductive material.
- an insulating sealing member 77 may be interposed between the separator 67 and the third separator 68, respectively.
- the power generation section 69 of the fuel cell 65 includes a proton conductor membrane 78 for power generation held between the oxidant electrode-side separator 66 and the fuel electrode side separator 67, and this proton conductor.
- a pair of catalyst layers 79 and 80 provided on both sides of the membrane 78 are provided.
- a catalyst such as platinum or platinum-ruthenium can be used.
- the oxidant-side gas diffusion chamber 71 surrounding the periphery of 9 9 is used as the oxidant-side gas diffusion layer, and the fuel-side gas diffusion chamber 72 surrounding the other catalyst layer 80 is connected to the fuel electrode side. It is a gas diffusion layer.
- a material of these gas diffusion layers for example, carbon cloth, carbon paper and the like can be used.
- the fuel electrode-side separator 67 has an opening 83 communicating the fuel-side gas diffusion chamber 72 with the hydrogen gas chamber 73.
- a proton conductor 70 is attached to the opening 83, and the opening 83 is partitioned by the moisture carrier or the proton conductor to form a first hydrogen flow path or hydrogen.
- a fuel-side gas diffusion chamber 72 as a chamber and a hydrogen gas chamber 73 as a second hydrogen flow path or a hydrogen chamber are separated.
- the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 shows an example in which the fuel-side gas diffusion chamber 72 and the hydrogen gas chamber 73 are separated by a proton conductor 70 and separated.
- the proton conductor 70 has the same configuration as the power generation unit 69, and includes a proton conductor film 84 which is a polymer electrolyte membrane, and a proton conductor film 84.
- first catalyst 85 has a first catalyst 85 and a second catalyst 86 provided on both sides thereof. Further, a first voltage application electrode is provided on a surface of the first catalyst 85 facing the fuel-side gas diffusion chamber 72, and a first voltage application electrode is provided on a surface of the second catalyst 86 facing the hydrogen gas chamber 73. Two voltage application electrodes are provided. The direction in which the voltage is applied can be selectively changed between the first and second voltage applying electrodes. Therefore, the applied voltage of the first voltage applying electrode can be made higher than the applied voltage of the second voltage applying electrode, and conversely, the applied voltage of the second voltage applying electrode can be increased. It can be higher than the applied voltage of the first voltage applying electrode.
- the proton conductor film 84 is fixed inside the fuel electrode side separator 67 so as to completely cover the entire opening 83.
- a first catalyst 85 disposed on one surface of the conductor membrane 84 faces a fuel-side gas diffusion chamber (first hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber) 72 to which a fuel gas used for power generation is supplied.
- the second catalyst 86 disposed on the other surface is opposed to a hydrogen gas chamber (second hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber) 73 to which fuel gas is supplied to transport moisture.
- An outline of the operation of the fuel cell 65 having such a configuration is as follows, for example.
- a fuel gas is supplied to a hydrogen supply port 76 of a fuel cell 65, and air is supplied to an oxygen supply port 74.
- the oxygen supply port 74 is open to the atmosphere, air is automatically supplied from the atmosphere.
- hydrogen (H 2 ) is decomposed into protons (H +) and electrons (e-1) on the anode side in the fuel electrode separator 67, and oxygen (H 2 ) is dissociated on the power source side in the oxidant electrode separator 66.
- the cathode side of the power generation unit 6 9, the oxygen (0 2) and pro tons (H +) and electrons - by binds to produce water (4 H + + 4 e ( e) - ⁇ 2 H 2 +0 2 2 H 2 0).
- the water generated in the power generation section 69 reversely diffuses the catalyst layer 79 on the oxidant electrode side separator 66 side and the proton conductor membrane 78 to form the catalyst layer on the fuel electrode side separator 67 side.
- the water passes through the catalyst layer 80 and seeps out to the surface on the fuel electrode side separator 67 side, and evaporates into hydrogen in the fuel side gas diffusion chamber 72.
- the humidity in the fuel-side gas diffusion chamber 72 increases, and the moisture is transmitted to the proton conductor 70 through the gas diffusion layer.
- the moisture (H 20 ) and the proton (H + ) Is conducted from the second catalyst 86 side which is a positive electrode to the first catalyst 85 side which is a single electrode.
- the humidity on the power generation unit 69 side increases, and the fuel gas tends to be wet. Therefore, by controlling the direction in which the voltage is applied to the proton conductor film 84, the humidity of the fuel gas in the power generation unit 69 can be adjusted by changing the direction of movement of the moisture and the proton.
- the humidity of the fuel gas can also be adjusted by using a water carrier instead of the proton conductor film 84.
- a water carrier instead of the proton conductor film 84.
- no voltage is applied to the moisture carrier, and humidity adjustment is performed to move moisture using natural diffusion due to a humidity difference.
- This moisture transporter has the function of transporting moisture from the higher humidity side to the lower humidity side and discharging it from the opposite side, instead of absorbing the moisture that comes into contact with the surface and retaining that moisture. is there.
- the humidity in the fuel-side gas diffusion chamber 72 becomes higher than the humidity in the hydrogen gas chamber 73, the moisture leaks into the hydrogen gas chamber 73 via the moisture carrier.
- the amount of the bleeding exceeds a predetermined amount, the water collects into droplets and is discharged from the hydrogen gas chamber 73, for example, to the outside, or other power generation cells. To adjust the water content of the oil.
- the water in the power generation unit 69 By repeating the moisture control of hydrogen by the proton conductor 70 (or moisture carrier), even when water is continuously generated in the power generation unit 69, the water in the power generation unit 69 By adjusting the humidity of hydrogen, it is possible to supply the fuel gas having the optimal humidity for power generation to the power generation unit 69, and it is possible to remove excess moisture from the power generation unit 69.
- the proton conductor 70 (or the water carrier) is provided on the fuel electrode side separator 67 side, the inside of the fuel cell 65 at the time of power generation is reduced. It is possible to maintain a constant and appropriate humidity, and the power generation operation by the power generation unit 69 can be continuously performed in an optimum state at all times.
- FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another specific configuration example of the fuel cell 65 shown in FIG. 7, the same parts as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- FIG. 8 shows a fuel cell 88 which is a modification of the fuel cell 65 shown in FIG.
- the fuel cell 65 shown in FIG. 7 and the fuel cell 88 shown in FIG. 8 are composed of a large number of power generation units and one (or one set) of proton conductors 70.
- a plurality of oxidant electrode-side separators 66 having the above-described configuration and the same number of fuel electrode-side separators 67 are alternately stacked, and a third separator is provided on one surface of the last fuel electrode-side separator 67. 68 are stacked.
- these separator laminates are placed on one proton conductor 70 in a state of being turned sideways. Then, the proton conductor 70 is placed on the fourth separator 89. Hydrogen as a fuel is supplied from above to the horizontally stacked separator laminates, and air is supplied from the sides. Then, the power generation unit The excess water after being drained is discharged to the side from below the proton conductor 70. With this configuration, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a fuel cell 95 which is a modification of the fuel cell 65 shown in FIG.
- the fuel cell 95 includes a power generation section 69, a proton conductor 70, and a moisture carrier 91. That is, the fuel cell 95 is composed of the oxidant electrode-side separator 66, the fuel electrode-side separator 67, and the third separator 68, which are superimposed on each other, and a polymer electrolyte membrane for the proton conductor 70. It is configured to include a certain proton conductor film 84 and a moisture carrier 91 which is an example of a moisture carrier.
- the moisture carrier 91 is designed to move moisture by using natural diffusion due to a difference in humidity.
- the moisture carrier absorbs moisture coming into contact with the surface and does not retain the moisture, but instead moves to the lower humidity side. It has the function of transporting and discharging to the outside from the opposite side.
- the moisture carrier 91 may be attached to the inside of the fuel electrode side separator 69.
- a perfluorosulfonic acid film, a naphthone film (a fluorine resin type), or a porous ceramic, which is a proton conductive film can be used.
- the sealing member 77 that seals between the proton conductor membrane 78 of the power generation part 69, the oxidant electrode-side separator 66, and the fuel electrode-side separator 67 is the fuel cell of FIG. Same as 6 5 respectively.
- the oxidant electrode side separator 66 is provided with an oxygen supply port 74
- the fuel electrode side separator 67 is provided with a hydrogen supply port 76.
- the inner opening 8 3, which is the water outlet of the fuel electrode side separator 67 Is provided with a proton conductor 70.
- the proton conductor 70 has the same configuration as that of the power generation unit 69, and is provided on both sides of the proton conductor membrane 84, which is a polymer electrolyte membrane, and the proton conductor membrane 84. It has a first catalyst 85 and a second catalyst 86.
- the proton conductor membrane 84 is mounted inside the fuel electrode side separator 67 so as to close the inner opening 83, and the first catalyst 85 arranged on one side thereof is used as a fuel for power generation.
- a second catalyst 86 arranged on the other side is opposed to a gas diffusion layer 72 to which gas is supplied, and is opposed to a hydrogen gas chamber 73 to which fuel gas is supplied for taking out moisture. .
- the third separator 68 is provided so as to overlap with the fuel electrode-side separator 67 via the seal member 77, and the three separators have a three-layer structure as a whole.
- the third separator 68 is provided with an outer opening 92 which is a water outlet.
- a moisture carrier 91 is attached to the inner surface of the third separator 68 so as to close the outer opening 92 with an adhesive, a pinch or other fixing means. Then, on the side of the third separator 68, a fuel for taking out moisture for conducting the proton conductor 70 and taking out the moisture that has permeated to the third separator 68 is taken out.
- a hydrogen supply port 76 to be supplied is provided on the side of the third separator 68.
- the humidity of the catalyst layer 86 of the proton conductor 70 becomes high and the humidity in the hydrogen gas chamber 73 surrounded by the third separator 68 becomes high, the water becomes 9 Soak into 1 And, in the moisture carrier 9 1
- the humidity rises to some extent moisture seeps out onto the surface that is in contact with the outside air, and when the amount of the seeping out exceeds a predetermined amount, the moisture collectively becomes drops and is released to the outside.
- the moisture transmitted to the moisture carrier 91 permeates into the inside and is conducted to the surface on the opposite side, soaks into the surface and comes into contact with the outside air. Since the humidity of the outside air in contact with the moisture carrier 91 is lower than the humidity inside the third separator 68, the moisture contained in the moisture carrier 91 is released into the outside air. Even when water is continuously generated in the power generation unit 69 by repeating the transmission of water in the proton conductor 70 and the water carrier 91, the humidity is adjusted to optimize the water. Humidity fuel gas can be supplied to the power generation unit 69, and excess water can be discharged to the outside.
- the fuel cell 65 of the present embodiment by providing the proton conductor 70 and the water carrier 91 on the fuel electrode side separator 67 side, the fuel cell 65 is generated inside the fuel cell 65 during power generation.
- the generated moisture is released to the outside from the fuel electrode side separator 69, and the humidity inside the fuel cell 95 at the time of power generation can be maintained at a constant and appropriate state, and the power generation operation is always continued in an optimum state be able to.
- FIGS. 1OA to 16B show another embodiment of the power generation cell configured by combining the above-described power generation unit with the proton conductor.
- FIG. 10A shows an embodiment having substantially the same configuration as the fourth power generation cell 18 shown in FIG. 1 and in which the oxygen intake system of the oxidant electrode-side separator 23 is open to the atmosphere.
- the power generation cell 100 includes a power generation unit 19 and a proton conductor 20.
- the fuel electrode side separator 24 and the third separator 28 are connected by a hydrogen pipe 120 through which hydrogen flows, and hydrogen is supplied from either side of the separators 24 and 28 to the other. It can be supplied.
- the third for the separator 28 and the hydrogen pipe 120 a hygroscopic material can be used, and a structure capable of discharging hydrogen to the outside such as a condensation trap can be used.
- FIG. 10B shows a modification of the power generation cell 100 shown in FIG. 10A, in which the oxygen intake system on the oxidant electrode side is a pneumatic system.
- the power generation cell 101 includes a power generation unit 19 A having an oxidant electrode-side separator 121.
- a large number of communication grooves 122 through which air (oxygen) is pumped are provided on the inner surface of the oxidant electrode side separator 122.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the power generation cell 100.
- the power generation cell 102 shown in FIG. 11A is integrated with the fuel cell side separator 24 of the power generation cell 101 shown in FIG. 10B by bonding the upper and lower electrodes 25 and 30 to each other.
- the third separator 128 is formed by integrating the electrode 31 with the third separator 28.
- the separators 123, 124, 125 have the function of an electrode, and the current collecting function, the application of voltage, etc. can be performed through these separators 123, 124, 125. It is configured to be able to do it.
- the separator 123 on the fuel electrode side and the third separator 125 on the fuel electrode side are configured to be compatible with the pneumatic pumping type in accordance with the function of the separators 124 on the oxidant electrode side. Then, the fuel electrode side separator 123 of the proton conductor 20 and the third separator 125 are connected with each other by the hydrogen pipe 120 so that the separators 123 and 125 are connected to each other. Hydrogen is made to flow. According to this embodiment, the number of components of the power generation cell can be reduced, and the device can be made thinner and smaller.
- the power generation cell 103 shown in FIG. 11B is the same as the power generation cell 100 shown in FIG. 10A.
- the current collector plate 126 is formed by integrating electrodes 25, 30 on the upper and lower sides of the fuel electrode side separator 24, etc. to simplify the structure of the power generation cell 103. It is a thing.
- the current collector plate 126 is in communication with the third separator 28 via a hydrogen pipe 120.
- hydrogen as a fuel gas is supplied from the current collector 126 and the third separator 28 to the power generator 19 and the proton conductor 20.
- the power generation cell 104 shown in Fig. 12 controls the humidity of the fuel gas supplied to the power generation unit 19 ⁇ by two hydrogen gas humidity control devices, a proton conductor 20A and a moisture carrier 127. It is made to do in.
- a proton conductor 20 A is arranged below the power generation unit 19 A, and a moisture carrier 127 is arranged below the proton conductor 20 A.
- the humidity of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 of the power generation unit 19 A is adjusted by the proton conductor 20 A, and the humidity of the proton conductor 20 A is further adjusted. The adjustment is made by the moisture carrier 127.
- the proton conductor 2 OA includes a fuel electrode side separator 24 serving also as a fuel electrode side separator of the power generation section 19 A, a third separator 128, and a portion between the separators 24 and 128. It consists of an interposed proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 29 and electrodes 30 and 31 arranged above and below it.
- the fuel electrode side separator 24 and the third separator 128 are connected by a hydrogen pipe 120 so that hydrogen gas can move.
- the moisture carrier 127 includes a third separator 128 of the proton conductor 20 A, a fourth separator 129 supplied with the atmosphere, and both separators 128, 1. It is composed of a water carrier 130 interposed between 29 and porous plates 13 1 and 13 arranged above and below it. Since the moisture transporter 130 does not have a catalyst, there is no need for a current collecting effect. 1 3 2 is not always required.
- the power generation cells 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 and 112 shown in Figs. A and 19B proton conductor membrane electrode assemblies 22 are compared with proton conductor 1337, 1337A, 1337B and 1338 proton conductor membrane electrode junctions. It is configured so that the ratio of the total area of the bodies 139 becomes small.
- the power generation cell 105 shown in FIG. 13A includes a power generation unit 19B and a proton conductor 137.
- the power generation section 19 B is composed of the oxidant electrode-side separator 12 1, the fuel electrode-side separator 13 5, the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22, and the oxidant electrode-side separator 12 1
- Current collector electrode 26 interposed between body membrane electrode assembly 22 and electrode 13 interposed between proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 and fuel electrode side separator 13 5 3
- One of the electrodes 13 3 has a communication groove 1 34 extending in a 99-fold shape in order to spread hydrogen over the entire surface of the catalyst layer of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22. Is provided.
- the proton conductor 1337 has a fuel electrode side separator 135 and a third separator 142, and these seno, and the like.
- One small proton conductor 1337 is provided between the generators 135 and 142.
- the proton conductor 137 is composed of a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 139 and electrodes 140 and 141 arranged on both surfaces thereof.
- the area of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 1339 is configured to be significantly smaller than the area of the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 of the power generation unit 19B.
- the size of the proton conductor 1337 smaller than the size of the power generation unit 19B, it is also possible to control the humidity of hydrogen gas in the power generation unit 19B. it can.
- the humidity control in an arbitrary location of the power generation unit 19B is intensively performed. Can be done. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in one power generation unit 19B, for example, when the humidity difference between the upstream side and the downstream side is large, only the side with the higher humidity (or the lower side) may be used. This has the advantage that humidity can be intensively controlled.
- the proton conductor 1337 has a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 1339 having a size commensurate with the pump capacity of the proton pump, and the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 13 Numeral 9 is composed of a proton conducting membrane disposed in the center and catalyst layers provided on both upper and lower surfaces thereof.
- a hydrogen inlet 1336 having a size commensurate with the size of the separator 135 is provided on the fuel electrode side.
- the separators 142 have storage recesses 144 having the same size. Each of the separators 135 and 142 is provided with a hydrogen flow path communicating with the hydrogen inlet 1336 or the storage recess 144, respectively.
- the third separator 144 is provided with a check valve 144 for preventing the backflow of the humid hydrogen pumped by the proton conductor 1337.
- the pump operation can be performed using a small-sized proton conductor, and the decrease in power generation efficiency can be further reduced.
- the check valve 144 may not be provided.
- the power generation cell 106 shown in Fig. 13B has a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly of the proton conductor 1337A compared to the proton conductor membrane electrode assembly 22 of the power generation unit 19B.
- the humidity control of hydrogen gas is performed by using two proton pumps, which are significantly smaller than those of the 139.
- the difference between the power generation cell 106 shown in this example and the power generation cell 105 shown in FIG. 13A is that the number of proton conductor membrane electrode assemblies 13 9 and the like increased to two,
- two hydrogen inlets 1 36 and 1 36 are provided on the fuel electrode side separator 1 35 A.
- two storage recesses 144A and 144B are provided in the third separator 144A.
- Other configurations are the same as in the above embodiment.
- the power generation cell 107 shown in FIG. 14A is an example in which a lower power generation unit 19C is provided below the power generation cell 106 shown in FIG. 13B.
- the lower power generation section 19C has the same configuration as the upper power generation section 19B, but the stacking order is reversed, and the fuel generation is performed with the upper power generation section 19B turned upside down. It is arranged under the electrode side separator 135A.
- the upper and lower two power generation units 19B and 19C are arranged so as to face up and down with the hydrogen supply side as the center, the oxidant-side electrodes also need to face each other. Can be. Therefore, by supplying oxygen from both sides of the hydrogen, there is an advantage that it also contributes to the heat retention effect to prevent dew condensation on the hydrogen electrode.
- the power generation cell 108 shown in FIG. 14B is an embodiment in which a large number of proton conductors are provided in the proton conductor 1337B of the power generation cell 106 shown in FIG. 13B.
- the same number of hydrogen inlets 13 6 are provided in the fuel electrode side separators 13 5 B, and the same number of storage recesses 14 3 are provided in the third separator 14 2 B.
- the hydrogen circulation path can be switched at any time with respect to the power generation unit 19A, thereby independently controlling the humidity (dehumidification and humidification) in the power generation unit 19A. be able to.
- the upstream, middle and downstream of the hydrogen flow path can be exchanged.
- the power generation cells 109 and 110 shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B show a modified example of the power generation cell 106 shown in FIG. 13A. It uses a carrier.
- the moisture carrier is composed of, for example, a proton conductor membrane 144 without catalyst, and porous plates 144 and 147 arranged on both sides of the proton conductor membrane 144. I have. Other configurations are the same as those of the power generation cell 106 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Is omitted.
- FIG. 15A shows a case where hydrogen is supplied from the fuel electrode side separator 135 to the power generation unit 19B. Also, in FIG. 15B, hydrogen is supplied from the third separator 142 to the proton conductor membrane 144, and further supplied to the power generation unit 19B via the fuel electrode side separator 135. Is shown.
- FIG. 15A it is possible to carry out moisture transport by natural diffusion of moisture using a small moisture carrier. Therefore, since the electricity generated by the power generation unit 19B is not used for moisture adjustment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency. Further, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, hydrogen can be supplied to a small-sized water carrier to forcibly diffuse the water, and positive water conveyance can be performed. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, there is no applied current due to the absence of the catalyst, so that the use of the current collector plate is abolished and the structure can be simplified. There is.
- a power generation cell 111 shown in FIG. 16A shows a modified example of the power generation cell 110 shown in FIG. 15B. That is, the above-described proton conductor 1337 is disposed below the moisture carrier 1338 of the power generation cell 110, and the power generation cell 1111 is configured by overlapping these.
- a power generation cell 112 shown in FIG. 16B shows a modified example of the power generation cell 105 shown in FIG. 13A. That is, a second proton conductor 1337C having a similar configuration is disposed below the proton conductor 1337 of the power generation cell 105, and these are overlapped to generate a power generation cell. 1 1 and 2 are configured.
- the anode decomposes hydrogen (H 2 ) into protons (2H +) and electrons (2e-1). A part is taken out as electricity.
- the force cathode (cathode), oxygen (0 2) and the electrolyte membrane pro tons and an external circuit coupled and the electrons have Tsutsu was moved, water is generated as a by-product.
- Water is necessary for the proton conduction membrane used in the fuel cell to move the protons, so this generated water is diffused inside the diffusible electrode and actively used to increase the proton conductivity. Have been. On the other hand, if the generated water becomes excessive inside the diffusive electrode, the generated water will impede the transfer of oxygen, and as a result, the power generation of the fuel cell will be hindered. Therefore, it is important to keep the water content of the proton conducting membrane within a certain range in order to maintain stable power generation operation in the fuel cell.
- the method for controlling the humidity of a fuel cell controls the humidity of a fuel gas (particularly, hydrogen) used in the fuel cell, and transmits a water and / or water vapor but does not transmit a fuel gas.
- a fuel gas particularly, hydrogen
- the following is a general description of the water carrier.
- the moisture carrier is intended to move the object using natural diffusion due to the difference in humidity, and the moving object is moisture.
- the amount of movement of moisture passing through the moisture carrier can be adjusted, for example, by controlling the flow rate of air, the humidity and temperature of air, and the like.
- the fuel gas includes not only a hydrogen gas consisting of pure hydrogen but also a hydrogen mixed gas containing hydrogen as a component (eg, methane, methanol). , Propane, butane, gasoline, etc.) can be used.
- a hydrogen gas consisting of pure hydrogen
- a hydrogen mixed gas containing hydrogen as a component eg, methane, methanol
- Propane, butane, gasoline, etc. can be used.
- existing hydrocarbon-based fuels such as natural gas (methane) and methanol are reformed and hydrogen is recycled.
- a method of supplying a reformed gas is used.
- a method of supplying oxygen itself can be used.
- FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the principle of an embodiment according to the fuel cell of the present invention.
- the fuel cell 265 shown as this embodiment is composed of a power generation unit 266 and a water carrier 267. That is, the fuel cell 265 includes an oxidant electrode-side separator 268 and a fuel electrode-side separator 269 which are superimposed on each other, and a proton conductive membrane 267 which is a polymer electrolyte membrane for the power generation unit 266. 0 and a water carrier 26 7.
- the oxidant electrode-side separator 268 and the fuel electrode-side separator 269 are made of a material in which a space of an appropriate size is formed by overlapping, and a power generation part 266 is formed in the space.
- the proton conductive film 270 for the semiconductor device is held.
- a material of the separators 268 and 269 for example, non-conductive ceramics and plastics can be applied, as well as conductive aluminum alloys, stainless steel alloys, and stainless steel materials. Etc. can also be applied.
- the oxidizer electrode side separator 268 and the fuel electrode side separator 269 are both formed of a conductive material.
- An insulating seal member 272 may be interposed between the proton conductive film 9 and the proton conductive film 270, respectively.
- the oxidant electrode-side separator 268 disposed on the upper side is provided with an oxygen supply port 273 to which air is supplied.
- the fuel electrode side separator 269 arranged on the lower side is provided with a hydrogen supply port 274 for supplying fuel. Have been.
- a water discharge port 275 for discharging water generated inside the fuel cell 265 to the outside is provided substantially at the center of the fuel electrode side separator 269.
- a proton conductive membrane which is a water carrier 26 7, is attached by an adhesive, sandwiching, or other fixing means so as to cover the water outlet 2 7 '5. I have.
- the moisture transporter 267 is designed to move water using natural diffusion due to a difference in humidity, and absorbs water that comes into contact with the surface and does not retain the moisture, but instead retains the moisture. It has the function of transporting it to the outside and discharging it from the opposite side to the outside.
- the moisture carrier 267 may be configured to be mounted inside the fuel electrode side separator 269.
- a perfluorosulfonic acid film, a Nafion film (fluororesin), or a porous ceramic, which is a proton conductive film can be used.
- a catalyst layer 276 is provided on both surfaces of the proton conductive membrane 270 of the power generation unit 266, that is, on the surface of the oxidant electrode side separator 268 side, and the fuel electrode side separator 269
- a catalyst layer 277 is provided on the side surface.
- a catalyst such as platinum or platinum-ruthenium can be used.
- gas diffusion layers 278 and 279 are provided outside the catalyst layers 276 and 277, respectively.
- carbon cloth, carbon paper, or the like can be used.
- FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of one embodiment of the fuel cell 26.5 shown in FIG. 18, and the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- the fuel cell 265 has a third separator 280 in addition to the two separators 268 and 269 described above.
- the third separator 280 and the fuel electrode side A proton conductive membrane as a moisture carrier 2667 is held between the separators 269.
- the third separator 280 is supplied with water-extracting air for conducting the moisture-transporting body 267 and taking out the moisture oozing out to the third separator 280 side.
- An air supply port 28 1 is provided. The moisture holding air injected from the air supply port 281 is taken out through a supply path 282 between the third separator 280 and the moisture carrier 267.
- Reference numeral 283 shown in FIG. 19 is a seal member for sealing between the fuel electrode side separator 269 and the third separator 280.
- Reference numeral 284 denotes a scavenger provided on both sides of the water carrier 267.
- the reinforcing material 284 is made of, for example, a material such as a porous mesh-like gauze, and controls the amount of water taken out, or uses the sealing member 283 to form the moisture carrier 2667 and the second material. It is used for the purpose of adjusting the gap between the third separator 280 and the like.
- An outline of the operation of the fuel cell 265 having such a configuration is as follows, for example.
- fuel is supplied to the fuel cell 265 from the hydrogen supply port 274 to the fuel electrode separator 269 on the anode side, and the oxygen is supplied from the oxygen supply port 273 to the cathode side.
- hydrogen (H 2) is separated into protons (2 H +) and electrons (2 e _) at the anode, and oxygen (O 2) and protons that have moved through the proton conducting film 270 at the cathode.
- (2 H +) and the electrons (2 e ⁇ ) that have passed through the external circuit are combined.
- part of the electrons (2e—) generated by the power generation unit 266 are extracted as electric power.
- This power generation unit The water generated in 266 flows through the catalyst layer 276 on the oxidant electrode side separator 268 side and the proton conductive membrane 270 to the catalyst layer 2 on the fuel electrode side separator 269 side.
- Despread to 7 7 Then, it passes through the catalyst layer 277 and exudes to the surface of the fuel electrode side separator 269 side.
- the humidity inside the fuel electrode side separator 269 increases, and the moisture is transmitted to the moisture carrier 267 via the gas diffusion layer 279.
- the discharged matter may be not water as liquid but water vapor.
- the moisture transmitted to the moisture carrier 267 penetrates into the inside and is conducted to the opposite surface, soaks into the surface and comes into contact with the outside air. Since the humidity of the outside air that comes into contact with the moisture carrier 267 is lower than the humidity inside the fuel electrode side separator 269, the moisture contained in the moisture carrier 267 is released to the outside air. . By repeating such water conduction, even when water is continuously generated in the power generation unit 266, the water can be continuously discharged to the outside.
- the water outlet 275 in the fuel electrode side separator 269 and providing the water carrier 267 the water generated inside the fuel cell 265 during power generation can be separated from the fuel electrode side separator. It is released from the 269 side to the outside, and the humidity inside the fuel cell 265 can always be maintained in a constant and appropriate state.
- the moisture transmitted to the moisture carrier 267 is transmitted to the third separator 280 side to produce moisture, which is a discharged gas. Released.
- the moisture is supplied from the air supply port 281 and is taken out through a channel formed in the third separator 280. Therefore, moisture generated inside the fuel cell 265 during power generation can be released to the outside, and the humidity inside the fuel cell 265 can always be maintained at a constant and appropriate state.
- FIG. 20 shows the fuel cell 265 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the example made into two-layer structure.
- the fuel cell 265 has two intermediate separators 294 and 295 in addition to the two separators 268, 269 and 287 described above.
- the first intermediate separator 294 also serving as the oxidant electrode side separator is disposed below the fuel electrode side separator 269, and the second intermediate separator 294 is disposed below the first intermediate separator 294. 5 are located.
- the second intermediate separator 295 also serves as a fuel electrode side separator, and a third separator 287 is disposed below the second intermediate separator 295.
- a first power generation unit 266 is disposed between the oxidant electrode side separator 268 and the fuel electrode side separator 269, and the fuel electrode side separator 269 and the first intermediate separator 269 are provided.
- a first moisture carrier 267 is arranged between the first moisture carrier and the first moisture carrier.
- a second power generation unit 296 is disposed between the first intermediate separator 294 and the second intermediate separator 295, and the second intermediate separator 295 and the third separator
- the second moisture carrier 297 is disposed between the second moisture carrier 297 and the second moisture carrier 297.
- the first intermediate separator 294 is provided with a dual-purpose supply port 298 for supplying air that also serves as oxygen for power generation and air for taking out moisture. Also, the second intermediate separator 295 is provided with a second hydrogen supply port 299 for supplying hydrogen as a fuel gas to the second power generation unit 296.
- the second power generation unit 296 has the same configuration as the first power generation unit 266, and the second moisture carrier 297 is the same as the first moisture carrier 267. It has a similar configuration. However, the configuration of the first power generation unit 266 and the second power generation unit 296 and the configuration of the first moisture carrier 267 and the second moisture carrier 297 are different from each other. Of course, it may be. Also, the material of the first and second intermediate separators 294, 295 and As in the case of the fuel electrode side separator 269, for example, non-conductive ceramics and plastics can be applied, as well as conductive aluminum alloys and stainless alloys. it can. As shown in FIG.
- the operation of the fuel cell 2665 having a multilayer structure in which a plurality of power generation units and moisture carriers are stacked is schematically described as follows.
- the power generation operation in the first power generation unit 266 and the second power generation unit 296 is the same as described above with reference to FIG. 20, and the power generation units 266 and 296 individually generate power. Is performed, and the electricity generated by each is collected together through an electric circuit and taken out.
- the power generation air supplied from the dual-purpose supply port 298 that also serves as the moisture take-out has lower humidity than the inside of the fuel electrode-side separator 269, and thus the excess generated in the first power generation unit 266
- the high moisture is taken out to the first intermediate separator 294 side by the action of the first moisture carrier 267.
- Moisture released into the air on the first intermediate separator 294 side by the first moisture carrier 267 flows to the outside through a flow path formed in the first intermediate separator 294. Be taken out. Therefore, the moisture generated inside the first power generation unit 266 during power generation can be released to the outside, and the humidity inside the first power generation unit 266 can always be maintained at a constant and appropriate state. .
- the excess water generated in the second power generation unit 296 is The second moisture carrier 297 is taken out to the third separator 287 side.
- the moisture released into the air on the third separator 287 side by the second moisture carrier 297 is taken out through the flow path formed in the third separator 287. It is. Therefore, the moisture generated inside the second power generation unit 296 during power generation should be released to the outside, and the humidity inside the second power generation unit 296 should always be maintained at a constant and appropriate state. Can be.
- FIGS. 18 to 20 show examples in which the moisture carrier 2667 and the second moisture carrier 297 are formed at positions adjacent to the power generation unit 2666 and the second power generation unit of the fuel cell.
- the moisture carrier 267 and the second moisture carrier 297 transport moisture between the fuel gas and the air for taking out moisture, releasing moisture generated in the power generation unit during power generation.
- the humidity of the power generation unit can be constantly maintained in a constant and appropriate state.
- the water generated in the power generation section of this test model moves through the naphthion membrane to maintain the same humidity balance as the outside air, so that water does not accumulate in the hydrogen supply section.
- a stack structure can be configured by sharing the air supply.
- the end parts of all the fuel supply and air supply paths of the test model are closed and the fuel and air are pumped by a pump, the amount of water taken out on the hydrogen side and the air side can be independently controlled. Therefore, the humidity can be controlled more precisely.
- an opening may be formed in the third separator 287, and the moisture may be discharged to the outside from the moisture carrier 267 covering the opening. is there.
- the number of stacked power generation units and moisture carriers constituting one fuel cell is not limited to this embodiment. No, three or more suitable numbers can be superimposed.
- Fig. 21 is a graph showing the output characteristics obtained by the test model, in which the vertical axis represents cell voltage (V) and the horizontal axis represents time (sec).
- V cell voltage
- sec time
- MEA polymer electrolyte membrane electrode assembly
- the voltage change from point t1 to point t2 (approximately 250 sec) immediately after operation is due to fluctuations in the performance of various electronic devices and components during setup until the performance is stabilized. is there.
- the drop from the point t3 (about 1500 sec) to the point t4 is a voltage fluctuation caused by setting the measurement conditions and is outside the measurement area of this test. Except for the non-measurement area (from t3 to t4), the measurement area (from t2 to t3 and from t4 to t5) as a whole has a stable voltage output (about 0.6 V).
- FIG. 22 is a graph showing the relationship between the cell voltage and the internal resistance in the last approximately two hours when continuous operation was performed at a current of 4 A for 8 hours.
- This test was performed on two cells, the first power generation cell (V11, R1) and the second power generation cell (V12, R2).
- V voltage
- ⁇ voltage
- the voltage output (V 11) is about 0.640 V
- the internal resistance (R 1) is about 0. 0 170 ( ⁇ ).
- the voltage output (V 12) was about 0.634 V and the internal resistance (R 2) was about 0.0180 ( ⁇ ).
- the voltage deviation was ⁇ l mV and the resistance was within 0.1 ⁇ , confirming that stable operation was maintained. During this time, there is no need to purge hydrogen, No dew condensation or fuel shortage problems occurred.
- FIG. 23 is a graph showing the relationship between current (A) and voltage (V) in the above test.
- the first power generation cell and the second power generation cell were each tested twice.
- I-V (current-voltage) characteristics both the first power generation cell (symbols ⁇ and ⁇ ) and the second power generation cell (symbols ⁇ and ⁇ ) are about 7 amps (A). It was confirmed that up to the current can be output without any problem.
- the moisture carrier comes into contact with the fuel gas and the exhaust gas, and performs moisture transport between the fuel gas and the exhaust gas.
- the humidity is high, moisture moves from the fuel gas side to the exhaust gas side, and when the fuel gas has a lower humidity than the exhaust gas, moisture moves from the exhaust gas side to the fuel gas side. . Therefore, even if the humidity generated by power generation by the fuel cell causes the power generation cell to become unsuitable for power generation, the transport of water between the exhaust gas and the fuel gas is repeated, and the fuel cell It can be seen that the internal humidity can always be maintained at a constant and appropriate level, and that good power generation can be continued.
- the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
- the method of supplying oxygen as an oxidizing agent is not limited to the above-mentioned open-to-atmosphere type and pneumatic-feed type.
- the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof. Industrial applicability
- the first hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber are separated by the moisture carrier.
- Two hydrogen channels or water When the proportions of water and / or steam in the chambers are different, the water and / or Z can be conveyed from the higher to the lower via the moisture carrier. As a result, an effect is obtained in which the humidity of hydrogen can be controlled so that the proportions of water and hydrogen or steam between the two hydrogen channels or hydrogen chambers are equal.
- the hydrogen gas is a hydrogen gas generated by fuel reforming, and the hydrogen generated by steam reforming or the like contains a large amount of moisture, and thus lacks moisture. A favorable effect is obtained that it is easy to avoid the situation where
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device described in claim 3 of the present application a configuration in which the first hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber are separated by a proton conductor. Therefore, when the proportions of water and Z or water vapor in the two hydrogen flow paths or hydrogen chambers are different, the proportions are changed from the higher to the lower or from the lower to the higher via the proton conductor. Water and / or steam are conveyed. Even if the ratios are the same, water and Z or steam are transported from one side to the other via the proton conductor. As a result, it is possible to obtain the effect that the ratio of water and / or water vapor between the two hydrogen flow paths or hydrogen chambers can be made equal or the hydrogen humidity can be freely controlled so as to be set to an arbitrary ratio.
- the surface of the proton conductor facing the first hydrogen passage or the hydrogen chamber and the surface facing the second hydrogen passage or the hydrogen chamber are reduced. Since a catalyst is arranged on one side, hydrogen can be separated into protons by the catalyst and the proton can be converted to hydrogen.
- the first hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber is provided with the first voltage applying electrode
- a proton pump can be configured with these electrodes to control the humidity of hydrogen gas. Therefore, the effect of being able to be used as a humidifier / dehumidifier, a humidity sensor, a decompression regulator, a booster compressor, a flow controller, and the like for keeping the hydrogen humidity in the hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber in an optimal state is obtained.
- the proton conductor since the voltage is applied between the first voltage application electrode and the second voltage application electrode, the proton conductor is Thus, the effect that the proton can be moved from the higher voltage side to the lower voltage side via the interface can be obtained.
- the hydrogen gas is a hydrogen gas generated by fuel reforming, and the hydrogen generated by steam reforming or the like contains a large amount of moisture, and thus lacks moisture. A favorable effect is obtained that it is easy to avoid the situation where
- one or two or more power generation cells having a fuel electrode side separator, an oxidant electrode side separator, and a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly;
- a moisture carrier is sandwiched between a first support plate and a second support plate of the hydrogen gas humidity control device, and hydrogen, water and Z or a mixed gas of water vapor is brought into contact, and at least hydrogen is brought into contact with the second support plate. If the hydrogen humidity in the hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber to which fuel is supplied is high, excess water and And / or remove water vapor by conducting it to the lower side with a moisture carrier. If the hydrogen humidity in the hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber is low, the moisture can be conducted from the high side by the moisture carrier and humidified, so that the power generation operation can be continued efficiently. .
- one or more power generation cells including a fuel electrode-side separator, an oxidant electrode-side separator, and a proton conductor membrane electrode assembly
- a proton conductor is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode of the hydrogen gas humidity controller, and hydrogen, water and / or Or a gaseous mixture of water vapor and water, so that at least hydrogen contacts the second electrode.By applying a voltage between the two electrodes, water and water are applied from the higher voltage side to the lower voltage side.
- the first electrode and the second electrode sandwich the proton conductor, and the first electrode and the second electrode Between the hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell and coming into contact with the first electrode, and the hydrogen coming into contact with the first electrode and having a different humidity from the second electrode. Since water is transported between the contacting hydrogen, water and / or water vapor can be moved from the higher voltage side to the lower voltage side. By controlling the direction of application of the voltage, the two hydrogen flows can be controlled. By adjusting the hydrogen humidity of the road or the hydrogen chamber, the power generation operation by the fuel cell can be continued efficiently.
- the moisture carrier comes into contact with the fuel gas and the exhaust gas and transports the moisture between the fuel gas and the exhaust gas
- the fuel carrier starts from the fuel gas side.
- Moisture is transferred to the exhaust gas side, and when the fuel gas has a lower humidity than the exhaust gas, it moves from the exhaust gas side to the fuel gas side. Moisture transfer takes place. Therefore, even if the humidity generated by the power generation by the fuel cell results in a humidity state that is not suitable for power generation by the power generation cell, the transport of water between the exhaust gas and the fuel gas is repeated,
- the humidity inside the battery can always be maintained in a constant and appropriate state. Since the humidity inside the fuel cell can always be maintained at an appropriate state, it is possible to prevent the power generation unit from being excessively dried or submerged, and to maintain a good power generation state.
- the fuel cell may have a discharge channel through which the exhaust gas flows, and the exhaust gas may contain oxygen and be supplied to the oxygen electrode side of the fuel cell. Since the fuel cell has a discharge channel through which the exhaust gas flows, the exhaust gas is effectively brought into contact with the moisture carrier by sending air from the outside of the fuel cell to the discharge channel as the exhaust gas. This makes it easy to maintain the humidity inside the fuel cell in an appropriate state. Since the exhaust gas contains oxygen and is supplied to the oxygen electrode side of the fuel cell, the fuel cell can generate power using the exhaust gas, so it is possible to generate electricity using the exhaust gas effectively. It becomes.
- the water carrier contains the perfluorosulfonic acid-based polymer
- the water can be transported reliably and easily by the water carrier.
- a first hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber to which at least hydrogen gas is supplied a second hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber to which at least hydrogen gas is supplied, and the first hydrogen flow path or hydrogen chamber
- a moisture carrier that separates the second hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber and allows water and / or water vapor to pass therethrough.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen gas is hydrogen gas generated by fuel reforming.
- the proton conductor may include a catalyst disposed on at least one of a surface facing the first hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber and a surface facing the second hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber.
- a first voltage applying electrode is provided in the first hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber, and a second voltage applying electrode is provided in the second hydrogen flow path or the hydrogen chamber. 4.
- the hydrogen gas humidity control device according to claim 3, wherein a hydrogen gas is sandwiched between the first voltage application electrode and the second voltage application electrode.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2003289262A AU2003289262A1 (en) | 2002-12-26 | 2003-12-09 | Hydrogen gas humidity controller, fuel cell, hydrogen gas humidity controlling method, and humidity controlling method of fuel cell |
US10/537,499 US20060115696A1 (en) | 2002-12-26 | 2003-12-09 | Hydrogen gas humidity control apparatus, fuel cell, hydrogen gas humidity controlling method, and humidity control method for fuel cell |
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2002-378489 | 2002-12-26 | ||
JP2002378489 | 2002-12-26 | ||
JP2002378488 | 2002-12-26 | ||
JP2002-378488 | 2002-12-26 | ||
JP2003-169275 | 2003-06-13 | ||
JP2003169860A JP2004253359A (ja) | 2002-12-26 | 2003-06-13 | 燃料電池および燃料電池の湿度制御方法 |
JP2003-169860 | 2003-06-13 | ||
JP2003169275A JP2004253358A (ja) | 2002-12-26 | 2003-06-13 | 水素ガス湿度制御装置、燃料電池および水素ガス湿度制御方法 |
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WO2004062016A1 true WO2004062016A1 (ja) | 2004-07-22 |
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Family Applications (1)
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PCT/JP2003/015712 WO2004062016A1 (ja) | 2002-12-26 | 2003-12-09 | 水素ガス湿度制御装置、燃料電池、水素ガス湿度制御方法および燃料電池の湿度制御方法 |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060115696A1 (ja) |
AU (1) | AU2003289262A1 (ja) |
TW (1) | TWI235519B (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2004062016A1 (ja) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20100304233A1 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2010-12-02 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Fuel cell assembly |
US20160093904A1 (en) * | 2013-02-21 | 2016-03-31 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Secondary battery recuperator system |
CN111356886B (zh) * | 2017-09-22 | 2022-02-22 | 斯凯瑞股份有限公司 | 空气-水提取系统 |
KR102030920B1 (ko) * | 2018-03-26 | 2019-10-10 | 한양대학교 에리카산학협력단 | 베리어 구조체를 이용한 패턴 마스크의 제조 방법 및 제조 장치 |
AU2021246606A1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2022-11-03 | Plug Power Inc. | Method and system for electrochemically compressing gaseous hydrogen |
US11955672B2 (en) * | 2021-10-20 | 2024-04-09 | Woodward, Inc. | Fuel cell hydrogen module |
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- 2003-12-09 WO PCT/JP2003/015712 patent/WO2004062016A1/ja active Application Filing
- 2003-12-09 US US10/537,499 patent/US20060115696A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-12-09 AU AU2003289262A patent/AU2003289262A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-12-12 TW TW092135208A patent/TWI235519B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
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TWI235519B (en) | 2005-07-01 |
TW200425573A (en) | 2004-11-16 |
US20060115696A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 |
AU2003289262A1 (en) | 2004-07-29 |
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