WO2005045972A1 - 燃料電池および燃料電池の運転方法 - Google Patents
燃料電池および燃料電池の運転方法 Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2005045972A1 WO2005045972A1 PCT/JP2004/016525 JP2004016525W WO2005045972A1 WO 2005045972 A1 WO2005045972 A1 WO 2005045972A1 JP 2004016525 W JP2004016525 W JP 2004016525W WO 2005045972 A1 WO2005045972 A1 WO 2005045972A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fuel cell
- oxidant
- hygroscopic material
- oxidant electrode
- moisture absorbent
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
- the present invention relates to a fuel cell and a method for operating a fuel cell.
- a fuel cell is composed of a fuel electrode, an oxidant electrode, and an electrolyte provided between them. Fuel is supplied to the fuel electrode and oxidant is supplied to the oxidant electrode, and the fuel cell generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction. .
- hydrogen is used as fuel.
- methanol is used as a fuel, and methanol is reformed using methanol, which is inexpensive and easy to handle, to produce hydrogen by reforming methanol.
- the development of direct fuel cells is also being actively pursued.
- reaction at the oxidant electrode is represented by the following formula (3). 3/20 + 6H + + 6e— ⁇ 3H O (3)
- Fuel cells are classified into many types depending on the type of electrolyte. In general, fuel cells are roughly classified into alkali type, solid polymer type, phosphoric acid type, molten carbonate type, and solid electrolyte type. .
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-52878 describes a configuration in which a phosphoric acid type fuel cell that uses hydrogen as fuel and reacts with oxygen in air to generate electric power is housed in a closed container. This sealed container is designed to take in oxygen in the air during the operation of the fuel cell body, and at the same time, exhaust the reaction gas out of the container.
- a hygroscopic material that can be regenerated by heating is placed in the closed container.
- the fuel cell described in the above publication is a phosphoric acid type fuel cell, and solves the following problems when the generated water falls into the container body, the concentration of phosphoric acid in the fuel cell decreases, and the cell characteristics deteriorate. Te ru.
- the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell capable of supplying stable electric power without being affected by a use environment and an operating condition. Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable and long-life fuel cell. Means for solving the problem
- a fuel cell including a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode, wherein A fuel cell comprising: a hygroscopic material provided in the fuel cell; and a hygroscopic material movable portion that movably supports the hygroscopic material in a direction approaching and moving away from the oxidant electrode.
- the fuel cell may further include a solid electrolyte membrane, and the fuel electrode and the oxidizer electrode sandwich the solid electrolyte membrane.
- the hygroscopic material movable portion moves the hygroscopic material to a position where at least a part of the hygroscopic material is in contact with the oxidant electrode and to a position where the part is separated from the oxidant electrode.
- the hygroscopic material movable portion moves the hygroscopic material to a position where at least a part of the hygroscopic material is in contact with the oxidant electrode and to a position where the part is separated from the oxidant electrode.
- the moisture adhering to the oxidant electrode can be efficiently removed, and the fuel cell can operate normally when the hygroscopic material is moved to a position as far away from the oxidant as possible. Power generation efficiency can be increased.
- the hygroscopic material may have a surface, and when the hygroscopic material is moved in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode, the hygroscopic material movable part moves to the surface of the oxidant electrode.
- the moisture absorbent can be supported so as to be opposed to the first member. It is preferable that the surface of the hygroscopic material is formed larger than the area of the oxidant electrode surface. Thus, the moisture on the oxidant electrode surface can be removed by bringing the hygroscopic material into contact with the oxidant electrode surface.
- the fuel cell may have a configuration including a plurality of oxidant electrodes.
- a hygroscopic material may be provided for each of the plurality of oxidant electrodes.
- the fuel cell of the present invention can further include an oxidant flow path provided on the surface of the oxidant electrode, and the moisture absorbent can be provided in the oxidant flow path.
- the fuel cell according to the present invention further includes an exhaust promoting section for promoting exhaust of the oxidant from the oxidant flow path.
- the exhaust promotion unit can be an exhaust fan or an intake fan.
- the fuel cell of the present invention can further include a humidity measuring unit that measures the humidity in the oxidant flow path, and the moisture absorbent movable unit has a moisture absorbent according to the humidity measured by the humidity measuring unit. Can be moved. For example, when the humidity in the oxidant flow path is high, the movable part moves the hygroscopic material in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode, and when the humidity in the oxidant flow path is low, the hygroscopic material moves as much as possible to the oxidant flow path. It can be moved in the direction to move away.
- the fuel cell of the present invention may further include a switching mechanism for switching the oxidant flow path between closed and open.
- a switching mechanism for switching the oxidant flow path between closed and open.
- an intake port and an exhaust port that can open and close the oxidant flow path can be used.
- the intake port and the exhaust port are closed, so that the oxidant flow path can be sealed.
- the solid electrolyte membrane can be prevented from drying.
- the liquid fuel can be prevented from passing through the solid electrolyte membrane and evaporating from the oxidant electrode side.
- the oxidant flow path is closed while the fuel cell is stopped, the humidity inside the oxidant flow path changes due to temperature changes around the fuel cell, and condensation and condensed water are generated on the surface of the oxidant electrode. Sometimes. If such condensed water is left undisturbed, the condensed water may freeze in a low-temperature environment, which hinders stable operation of the fuel cell. Since the fuel cell of the present invention has a moisture absorbing material, it is possible to prevent dew condensation on the surface of the oxidant electrode and generation of condensed water, and to stably operate the fuel cell without being affected by the use environment and the operating conditions. Can be operated.
- the fuel cell of the present invention may further include an opening adjusting section for adjusting the degree of opening of the intake port or the exhaust port.
- the fuel cell of the present invention may further include a drying unit for drying the hygroscopic material.
- a fan can be used as the drying unit.
- the drying unit can include a heating unit that heats the hygroscopic material.
- the heating unit can be provided on the surface opposite to the surface where the moisture absorbent contacts the oxidant electrode surface. By providing such a drying unit, the moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material can be released, and the hygroscopic material can be recycled.
- the fuel cell of the present invention can further include a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature, and the moisture absorbent movable unit can move the moisture absorbent according to the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit.
- the hygroscopic material movable part moves the hygroscopic material according to the temperature change measured by the temperature measuring part.
- the fuel cell according to the present invention includes a temperature measurement unit that measures a temperature, a detection unit that detects an output of the fuel cell, a storage unit that stores a reference value of an output set according to the temperature, and a measurement unit that measures the temperature.
- a determination unit that compares the output detected by the detection unit with the reference value stored in the storage unit based on the detected temperature and determines whether the output has reached the reference value.
- the moisture absorbent movable section can move the moisture absorbent in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode. This makes it possible to remove the water on the oxidant electrode surface when the output of the fuel cell is reduced due to the adhesion of water to the oxidant electrode surface. It can be improved.
- the fuel cell according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects the output of the fuel cell, an alarm output unit, and a fuel cell that is moved to the detection unit after the hygroscopic material movable unit moves the hygroscopic material toward the oxidant electrode.
- the moisture absorbent movable section can move or stop the moisture absorbent depending on whether the fuel cell is operating or stopped. For example, when the operation of the fuel cell is stopped, the absorbent member can be kept in a state where the absorbent member is moved in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode. Further, the hygroscopic material can be configured to cover the oxidant electrode. Thus, it is possible to prevent the solid electrolyte membrane from being dried while the operation of the fuel cell is stopped, and to prevent evaporation of the liquid fuel that has permeated as much as possible when a liquid fuel is used.
- the fuel cell of the present invention can be a direct fuel cell in which liquid fuel is supplied to the fuel electrode.
- the fuel cell of the present invention may include a plurality of oxidant electrodes, and may have a configuration in which the plurality of oxidant electrodes are arranged in a plane.
- the hygroscopic material can be configured to cover the entire surface of the plurality of oxidizer electrodes.
- the configuration is such that a plurality of oxidizer electrodes are sequentially contacted.
- a method of operating a fuel cell including a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode comprising: moving a moisture absorbent provided in the vicinity of the oxidant electrode in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode; Moving the material in a direction away from the oxidant as much as possible.
- the hygroscopic material in the step of moving the hygroscopic material in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode, the hygroscopic material is brought into contact with the oxidant electrode, and the hygroscopic material is moved away from the oxidant electrode.
- the oxidizer electrode can be separated from a part of the hygroscopic material.
- a step of moving the hygroscopic material in a direction approaching the oxidizing electrode when the operation of the fuel cell is stopped can be performed.
- the step of moving the oxidant as far as possible can be performed.
- a step of moving the hygroscopic material in a direction approaching the oxidizing electrode before starting the operation of the fuel cell can be executed.
- a step of moving the hygroscopic material in the direction in which the oxidizing agent moves away as far as possible can be executed.
- the method of operating a fuel cell according to the present invention may further include a step of drying the hygroscopic material.
- the method for operating a fuel cell according to the present invention may further include a step of heating the hygroscopic material.
- a step of moving the hygroscopic material toward the oxidant electrode and a step of moving the hygroscopic material as far as possible to the oxidant electrode are selected according to the operating conditions.
- the method can further include the step of:
- the method of operating a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a step of measuring the temperature of the fuel cell, a step of moving the hygroscopic material toward the oxidant electrode in accordance with the temperature measured in the step of measuring the temperature, and Selecting the step of moving the material as far as possible with the oxidant.
- the fuel cell may further include an oxidant flow path for supplying the oxidant to the oxidant electrode, and the moisture absorbent is provided in the oxidant flow path.
- the step of measuring the humidity in the oxidant flow path, the step of moving the absorbent in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode, and the step of oxidizing the absorbent in accordance with the humidity measured in the step of measuring the humidity Selecting the step of moving in the direction in which the agent is moved away from the patient as much as possible.
- the method of operating a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a step of detecting an output of the fuel cell, a step of moving the hygroscopic material in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode in accordance with the output detected in the step of detecting the output, and Selecting a step of moving the material as far as possible with the oxidant.
- the method of operating a fuel cell executes a step of detecting an output of the fuel cell and a step of detecting an output of the fuel cell after executing a step of moving the moisture absorbent in a direction approaching the oxidant.
- a step of determining whether the detected output has reached the reference value and the step of determining whether or not the force has reached the reference value an alarm is output if the output has not been improved. And the step of performing.
- the fuel cell may further include an oxidant flow path for supplying the oxidant to the oxidant electrode, and the moisture absorbent may be provided in the oxidant flow path.
- the method may further include the step of promoting exhaustion of the oxidant from the flow path.
- the fuel cell may further include an oxidant flow path that has an openable and closable intake port and an exhaust port and supplies an oxidant to the oxidant electrode.
- the material may further include a step of adjusting the degree of opening of the intake port or the exhaust port provided in the oxidant flow path.
- the fuel cell according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to small electronic devices such as mobile phones, portable personal computers such as notebooks, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), various cameras, navigation systems, and portable music players. is there.
- small electronic devices such as mobile phones, portable personal computers such as notebooks, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), various cameras, navigation systems, and portable music players. is there.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
- the fuel cell includes a plurality of unit cells 101.
- Each unit cell 101 includes a fuel electrode 102 and an oxidizer electrode 108, and a solid electrolyte membrane 114 provided therebetween.
- the fuel electrode 102 has a fuel 124
- the oxidizer electrode 108 has an oxidizer 126. It is supplied and generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction.
- the unit cell 101 is a direct fuel cell in which liquid fuel is supplied to the anode 102.
- the fuel 124 an organic liquid fuel such as methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether, or other alcohols, or a liquid hydrocarbon such as cycloparaffin can be used.
- the organic liquid fuel may be an aqueous solution.
- As the oxidizing agent 126 air can be usually used, but oxygen gas may be supplied.
- the fuel cell includes a fuel flow channel 310 that supplies fuel 124 to fuel electrode 102, and an oxidant flow channel 312 that supplies oxidant 126 to oxidant electrode 108.
- the oxidant channel 312 is provided with an inlet 339 and an outlet 340.
- the plurality of unit cells 101 are electrically connected to each other in series, and form two groups of cells arranged in a plane.
- the two groups of cells arranged in a plane are arranged so that the fuel electrodes 102 face each other, a fuel flow path 310 is arranged therebetween, and the oxidizer electrodes 108 located outside the group of cells arranged in a plane.
- Oxidant channel 312 on the side Is arranged.
- the fuel cell includes a humectant 1051 provided in the oxidant flow path 312, a humectant movable part 1053 for moving the humectant 1051, and an oxidant from the oxidant flow path 312 through the exhaust port 340. And an exhaust fan 1055 for discharging 126.
- the hygroscopic material movable portion 1053 supports the hygroscopic material 1051 movably in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode 108 and in a direction of increasing the force.
- the moisture absorbing material 1051 can be a sheet having a first surface facing the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 when moved in a direction approaching the oxidant electrode 108.
- the hygroscopic material 1051 can be made of a material capable of absorbing moisture attached to the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 and releasing the absorbed moisture.
- a material for example, a fiber such as polyester, rayon, nylon, fluorine resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyimide, polysulfone, polysulfide, polybenzimidazole, or cotton can be used.
- a ceramic porous body such as a silica porous body or an alumina porous body, a porous metal, or the like is used.
- the moisture absorbing material 1051 has a larger area than the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 of the unit cell 101 and is configured to have a size capable of covering the surface of the oxidant electrode 108. Thereby, the condensed water generated on the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 can be efficiently removed.
- a plurality of hygroscopic materials 1051 can be provided corresponding to the oxidizer electrodes 108 of the plurality of unit cells 101, or can be provided so as to be shared by several oxidizer electrodes 108.
- the hygroscopic material movable section 1053 can be configured to move the hygroscopic material 1051 in the vertical direction so as to approach or move away from the oxidant electrode 108, and to move the hygroscopic material 1051 in the horizontal direction.
- the hygroscopic material movable portion 1053 after moving the first surface of the hygroscopic material 1051 into contact with the surface of the oxidizing electrode 108, the hygroscopic material movable portion 1053 also separates the surface force of the oxidizing agent electrode 108.
- the surface of the oxidizer electrode 108 is moved vertically with respect to the surface of the oxidizer electrode 108, and the surface of the oxidizer electrode 108 of the plurality of unit cells 101 arranged in a plane is sequentially covered. To move it horizontally. With this configuration, the condensed water can be removed by moving the hygroscopic material 1051 to the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 as needed.
- the hygroscopic material 1051 has an area of the first surface that is the oxidizer electrode of the unit cell 101. It can also be configured to be smaller than the surface of 108. In this case, the moisture absorbent movable section 1053 moves the moisture absorbent 1051 so that the moisture absorbent 1051 covers the entire surface of the oxidant electrode 108 in order.
- the area of the first surface of the moisture absorbent 1051 may be an area that can cover all the surfaces of the oxidant electrodes 108 of the plurality of unit cells 101 at one time.
- the hygroscopic material movable portion 1053 is configured to only move the hygroscopic material 1051 in the vertical direction.
- the exhaust fan 1055 discharges the moisture released from the hygroscopic material 1051 together with the oxidizing agent 126 in the oxidizing agent channel 312. Thus, release of moisture from the moisture absorbent 1051 can be promoted.
- an air supply fan (not shown) for supplying the oxidant 126 into the oxidant channel 312 via the intake port 339 may be provided at the intake port 339 of the oxidant channel 312. Accordingly, the oxidizing agent 126 containing no moisture can be supplied into the oxidizing agent channel 312, so that the release of moisture from the hygroscopic material 1051 can be promoted.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lifting / lowering mechanism of the moisture absorbent of the fuel cell in the present embodiment.
- Moisture absorbent movable section 1053 includes a support rod 1071, a rotary support section 1073, a motor 1075, a pair of pulleys 1077 and pulleys 1078, and a power transmission belt 1079.
- the states indicated by black and solid lines indicate the state in which the first surface of the moisture absorbent 1051 is in contact with or close to the surface of the oxidant electrode 108
- the states indicated by hatching and broken lines indicate the state of the moisture absorbent 1051. The state where the first surface is separated from the surface force of the oxidant electrode 108 is shown.
- the support rod 1071 is fixedly mounted on one end pivotally mounted around a rotation shaft 1072 pivotally provided at both ends of the moisture absorbent 1051 and a rotation shaft (not shown) of the rotation support portion 1073. And the other end rotatably supported around the rotation axis of the rotation support portion 1073.
- the support rod 1071 rotates around the rotation axis of the rotation support unit 1073 by the rotation of the rotation support unit 1073, and the hygroscopic material 1051 supported by the support rod 1071 follows the support rod 1071 and rotates. 2, the first surface of the hygroscopic material 1051 is moved vertically with respect to the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 as shown in the figure.
- the rotation support portion 1073 is provided at least at one end of a rotation shaft pivotally mounted on a bearing (not shown). It has a belt wheel 1074 provided.
- a pulley 1077 is fixed to one end of a rotation shaft (not shown) of the motor 1075, and rotates with the motor 1075.
- a power transmission belt 1079 is stretched over the pulley 1077, and the rotation of the pulley 1077 causes the pulley 1078 provided on the opposite side to rotate around a rotation shaft (not shown) pivotally mounted on a bearing (not shown).
- the power transmission belt 1079 is stretched between a pulley 1077 and a pulley 1078 on a belt wheel 1074 of a rotary support 1073.
- the rotation force of the motor 1075 is transmitted to the belt wheel 1074 of the rotation support portion 1073 via the power transmission belt 1079, the rotation shaft of the rotation support portion 1073 rotates, and the hygroscopic material 1051 can be moved.
- the hygroscopic material movable portion 1053 includes a second belt wheel provided on the rotation shaft of the rotation support portion 1073, a second motor (not shown) different from the motor 1075,
- the motor further includes a pulley (not shown) provided on the second motor and a power transmission belt (not shown) stretched around the pulley.
- the rotation of the second motor is transmitted to the second belt wheel via the power transmission belt.
- the bearing of the rotary support 1073 can be a rail that supports the rotary shaft of the rotary support 1073 so that the moisture absorbent 1051 can move in the horizontal direction with respect to the surface of the oxidant electrode 108.
- the movement of the moisture absorbent 1051 in the horizontal direction is performed as described above, but it goes without saying that various modes are not limited to this.
- the hygroscopic material movable section 1053 can move the hygroscopic material 1051 two-dimensionally in a horizontal direction.
- the moisture on the surfaces of the plurality of oxidizer electrodes 108 is sequentially absorbed and removed by the moisture absorbent. You can leave.
- the rotation of the pulley 1077 for raising and lowering the hygroscopic material 1051 was performed by a motor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a mechanism capable of rotating the pulley 1077 manually is provided.
- each motor can be controlled by a control unit (not shown). Further, the rotation of each motor can be manually controlled by an operation unit (not shown).
- the moisture absorbing material 1051 is a thin cloth-like sheet, the moisture absorbing material 1051 can be configured to be attached to the first surface of the support plate 1080 as shown in FIG.
- the fuel cell of the present embodiment since the condensed water due to the condensation on the surface of the oxidant electrode can be directly removed, the fuel cell can be started without being affected by the use environment or the operating condition. It is possible to provide a fuel cell that can prevent a decrease in electric efficiency.
- the condensed water can be removed by moving the hygroscopic material to the surface of the oxidant electrode when necessary. Further, since the hygroscopic material is not kept in contact with the surface of the oxidizing agent electrode, it is possible to supply a stable electric power without lowering the supply efficiency of the oxidizing agent to the oxidizing agent electrode. .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
- the fuel cell further includes a shutter 1001 for opening and closing the intake port 339 of the oxidant channel 312 and a shutter 1002 for opening and closing the exhaust port 340 of the oxidant channel 312.
- the oxidant flow path 312 can be sealed by closing the intake port 339 and the exhaust port 340 while the operation of the fuel cell is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the fuel 124 from passing through the solid electrolyte membrane 114 and evaporating on the oxidant electrode 108 side, and the solid electrolyte membrane 114 from being dried.
- shutters 1001 and 1002 are provided such that the degree of opening of intake port 339 and the degree of opening of exhaust port 340 can be adjusted.
- the fuel evaporates from the oxidant electrode 108 through the solid electrolyte membrane 114 by closing the intake port 339 or the exhaust port 340 or reducing the degree of the opening. The phenomenon can be prevented.
- the oxidant flow path 312 has the intake port 339 mm exhausted. By adjusting the degree of opening of the air port 340, the flow rate of the oxidant flowing through the oxidant flow path 312 can also be controlled.
- the oxidant electrode 108 is air-cooled by the oxidant by reducing the inflow of the oxidant to the oxidizer electrode 108, thereby generating power. The efficiency can be prevented from lowering.
- the fuel cell may be configured to include an exhaust fan 1055 as shown in FIG.
- the fuel cell may be configured to include a drying unit for drying the hygroscopic material 1051.
- the drying unit for example, the fuel cell can include a heating unit that heats the hygroscopic material 1051. The heating unit will be described later. As a result, water absorbed by the hygroscopic material 1051 can be efficiently removed.
- the fuel cell of the present embodiment by controlling the opening and closing of the shutter 1001 and the shutter 1002 in accordance with the use environment and the operating condition, the humidity in the oxidant flow path 312 And condensed water due to dew condensation on the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 can be removed by the moisture absorbent 1051. Therefore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell that can prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency without being affected by a use environment or an operating condition.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
- the fuel cell has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
- the fuel cell further includes a control unit 1057 that controls the operations of the moisture absorbent movable unit 1053 and the exhaust fan 1055.
- the control unit 1057 can also control opening and closing of the shutter 1001 and the shutter 1002 in FIG.
- the control unit 1057 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an IC (Integrated Circuit), and operates according to a procedure programmed in advance and stored in a storage device (not shown).
- the plurality of unit cells 101 are shown as a fuel cell unit cell group 1000.
- FIG. Figure 6 shows the book 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when the operation of the fuel cell is stopped in the embodiment.
- the moisture absorbent movable unit 1053 moves the moisture absorbent 1051 in the vertical direction with respect to the surface of the oxidant electrode 108, and The first surface of 1051 is brought into contact with the surface of oxidizer electrode 108 (S103). As a result, the moisture on the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 is absorbed by the moisture absorbent 1051.
- step 102 when the hygroscopic material 1051 is in contact with the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 (YES in S102), step 103 is omitted and the process proceeds to step 104.
- step 103 and step 104 are sequentially performed while moving the hygroscopic material 1051 in the horizontal direction with respect to the surface of the oxidizer electrode 108 over the entire surface of the oxidizer electrode 108 of the plurality of unit cells 101 of the fuel cell. Do.
- the mechanism for raising and lowering the moisture absorbent 1051 with respect to the oxidant electrode 108 by the moisture absorbent movable part 1053 can be the same as that described in the first embodiment.
- the fuel cell of the present embodiment since the condensed water due to the condensation on the surface of the oxidant electrode can be directly removed, the fuel cell can be started without being affected by the use environment or the operating condition. It is possible to provide a fuel cell that can prevent a decrease in electric efficiency.
- the condensed water can be removed by moving the hygroscopic material to the surface of the oxidant electrode when necessary. Further, since the hygroscopic material is not kept in contact with the surface of the oxidizing agent electrode, it is possible to supply a stable electric power without lowering the supply efficiency of the oxidizing agent to the oxidizing agent electrode. .
- FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
- the fuel cell has the same configuration as that described with reference to Fig. 4 in the second embodiment.
- the fuel cell further includes a thermometer 1008 that measures the temperature in oxidant channel 312.
- the thermometer 1008 measures the temperature inside the oxidant channel 312, but the thermometer 1008 can be arranged to measure the temperature inside and outside the fuel cell.
- the thermometer 1008 can take various arrangements depending on the structure of the fuel cell and the location of the object to be measured. For example, it can be arranged inside the oxidant flow path 312, on the surface of the fuel cell, in a circulation path of waste gas (not shown), or outside the fuel cell.
- the fuel cell can include a plurality of thermometers 1008, and can be arranged in various places.
- the temperature measured by thermometer 1008 is input to determination section 1061.
- a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, an IC temperature sensor, a magnetic temperature sensor, a thermopile, or a pyroelectric temperature sensor can be used.
- the fuel cell further includes a hygrometer 1009 that measures the humidity in the oxidant channel 312.
- the humidity measured by the hygrometer 1009 is input to the judgment unit 1061.
- the fuel cell has an ammeter 1058 that measures the current value of the fuel cell, a voltmeter 1059 that measures the output voltage, and a monitor that detects the output of the fuel cell to detect the output of the fuel cell.
- a memory 1063 for storing the reference value for each temperature.
- the determination unit 1061 determines whether the output voltage measured by the voltmeter 1059 has reached the reference value based on the reference value of the output voltage stored in the memory 1063 at the temperature measured by the thermometer 1008. Is determined. At this time, the determination unit 1061 also determines whether or not the current is kept constant based on the current value measured by the ammeter 1058. .
- the control unit 1057 controls the fan 1055 and the moisture absorbent movable unit 1053 so that the current value is constant.
- the fuel cell may further include an alarm output unit 1065 for notifying an abnormal state of the output of the fuel cell and the like to the outside.
- the alarm output unit 1065 can output, for example, a display, a speed indicator, and the like.
- the output can be the deviation of the analog or digital output.
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the fuel cell according to the present embodiment during operation. Hereinafter, the processing at the time of operating the fuel cell will be described.
- the judging unit 1061 determines that the output voltage of the fuel cell is lower than the reference value stored in the memory 1063 at that temperature based on the temperature measured by the thermometer 1008 and the output voltage of the fuel cell measured by the voltmeter 1059. It is determined whether or not force is applied (Sll).
- the moisture absorbent movable section 1053 moves the moisture absorbent 1051 in the vertical direction, and causes the first surface of the moisture absorbent 1051 to move to the oxidant electrode. The surface is brought into contact with 108 (S112).
- the moisture absorbent movable part 1053 moves the moisture absorbent 1051 in the vertical direction, and also separates the surface energy of the moisture absorbent 1051 from the oxide electrode 108. (S113).
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the fuel cell according to the present embodiment during operation. Here, the processing at the time of operation of the fuel cell will be described.
- the judging unit 1061 determines that the output voltage of the fuel cell is lower than the reference value stored in the memory 1063 at that temperature based on the temperature measured by the thermometer 1008 and the output voltage of the fuel cell measured by the voltmeter 1059. It is determined whether or not the force is applied (S121). When the output voltage of the fuel cell is less than the reference value (YES in S121), the control unit 1057 determines whether or not the result of the determination in step 121 is less than a predetermined number (n) (S122).
- step 121 When the determination result of step 121 is less than the predetermined number of times (YES in S122), the moisture absorbent movable unit 1053 moves the moisture absorbent 1051 in the vertical direction, and the first surface of the moisture absorbent 1051 is Contact the surface (S123 After the moisture on the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 is absorbed by the moisture absorbent 1051, the moisture absorbent movable part 1053 moves the moisture absorbent 1051 in the vertical direction, and also separates the surface force of the moisture absorbent 1051 from the oxidant electrode 108. (S124). Thereafter, returning to step 121 again, the determination unit 1061 determines whether or not the output voltage of the fuel cell measured by the voltmeter 1059 is smaller than the reference value stored in the memory 1063.
- step 122 if the determination result in step 121 is equal to or more than the predetermined number (NO in S122), alarm output unit 1065 outputs an alarm notifying that the output of the fuel cell has not been improved. (Step S125).
- the fuel cell has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.
- the form of the hygroscopic lifting mechanism is different from that of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lifting / lowering mechanism of the moisture absorbent of the fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
- the fuel cell includes a hygroscopic material 1051 attached to a surface of the outer wall 1081 of the oxidant flow path 312 inside the flow path, a motor 1083 provided outside the outer wall 1081 of the oxidant flow path 312, An eccentric cam 1085 fixed to one end of the rotation shaft 1084 of the motor 1083 and rotating with the rotation of the motor 1083, the inside of the container 1087 containing the fuel cell, and the outside of the outer wall 1081 of the oxidant flow path 312 And supporting panel 1089 provided.
- the hygroscopic material 1051 has a shape and a size that respectively cover the surfaces of the oxidant electrodes 108 of the plurality of unit cells 101.
- the fuel cell may be configured to include a heating unit 1091 provided on the other surface of the hygroscopic material 1051.
- the heating unit 1091 is a heater or the like.
- the condensed water generated at the oxidizer electrode 108 freezes at a low temperature, it is thawed and water is absorbed. It can be removed by absorbing water with the wet material 1051. Further, moisture contained in the hygroscopic material 1051 can be dried.
- the heating section 1091 is provided inside the outer wall 1081 of the oxidant flow path 312, but the present invention is not limited to this.
- the moisture absorbent 1051 outside the outer wall 1081 of the oxidant flow path 312 is not limited to this.
- the heating unit may be provided at a position corresponding to the position. The heating unit is controlled by a control unit (not shown) according to the operating conditions and the use environment.
- the operation of the hygroscopic lifting mechanism configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 10.
- the eccentric cam 1085 rotates.
- the outer wall 1081 of 312 is pressed against the inside of the oxidant channel 312 with a force.
- the first surface of the absorbent 1051 comes into contact with the surface of the oxidant electrode 108.
- the eccentric cam 1085 also rotates in the reverse direction and separates from the outer wall of the oxidizing agent channel 312.
- the outer wall of the oxidizing agent channel 312 is returned to the original position by the tension of the supporting panel 1089 that supports the outer wall of the oxidizing agent channel 312.
- the first surface of the moisture absorbent 1051 is separated from the surface of the oxidant electrode 108.
- the first surface of the moisture absorbent 1051 can be brought into contact with or separated from the surface of the oxidizing agent electrode 108, If necessary, condensed water on the surface of the oxidant electrode 108 can be removed, and a fuel cell can be provided that can prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency without being affected by a use environment or an operating condition.
- the rotation of the eccentric cam 1085 for raising and lowering the hygroscopic material 1051 was performed by a motor, but is not limited to this, and a mechanism capable of manually rotating the eccentric cam 1085 is provided. It may be provided. Alternatively, a lifting mechanism other than the eccentric cam may be used.
- each motor can be controlled by a control unit (not shown).
- the rotation of each motor can be manually controlled by an operation unit (not shown).
- the lifting / lowering mechanism of the moisture absorbent in this embodiment can be used.
- the hygroscopic material 1051 may be made of a water-absorbing polymer or the like.
- the fuel cell can also be configured such that the hygroscopic material 1051 is removable.
- the hygroscopic material 1051 is made of a synthetic fiber formed of a water-absorbing polymer, or a sheet formed by pressing a mixed powder of a powdery water-absorbing polymer and cotton between water-absorbing mounts. It can be configured by Examples of the water absorbing polymer include sodium polyacrylate such as sodium polyacrylate, acrylamide such as polyacrylamide, poly N-butylacetamide, poly N-butylformamide, polybutyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, and the like.
- Examples thereof include poly N-butylpyrrolidone, a crosslinked acrylic copolymer, polyester, polysaccharide, agar, gelatin, starch, styrene dibutylbenzene-based water-absorbing polymer, and the like, or a copolymer thereof. They are used alone or in combination.
- a desiccant such as silica gel can be used.
- silica gel can be used as the moisture absorbing material 1051.
- the moisture absorbent 1051 is configured to cover all the surfaces of the oxidant electrodes 108 of the plurality of unit cells 101 at one time, when the operation of the fuel cell is stopped, the moisture absorbent 10
- the 51 may cover the oxidant electrode. Thereby, it is possible to avoid drying of the solid electrolyte membrane 114 and evaporation of the fuel when the operation of the fuel cell is stopped.
- the force S shown in the example in which the organic liquid fuel is used as the fuel can be applied to the fuel cell using hydrogen as the fuel.
- FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic structure of an electrode sheet constituting a fuel cell according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a lifting / lowering mechanism of a moisture absorbent of the fuel cell of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a moisture absorbent of the fuel cell in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a fuel cell according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a fuel cell according to a third embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when the operation of the fuel cell in FIG. 5 is stopped.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram schematically showing a configuration of another embodiment of the fuel cell in FIG. 5.
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 7 during operation.
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 7 during operation.
- FIG. 10 is a view showing another example of the moisture absorbing / lowering mechanism of the fuel cell according to the fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of another embodiment of the fuel cell in FIG. 10.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/578,097 US8003266B2 (en) | 2003-11-06 | 2004-11-08 | Fuel cell and method of operating same |
JP2005515329A JP4867344B2 (ja) | 2003-11-06 | 2004-11-08 | 固体高分子型燃料電池および固体高分子型燃料電池の運転方法 |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2003-377084 | 2003-11-06 | ||
JP2003377084 | 2003-11-06 |
Publications (1)
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WO2005045972A1 true WO2005045972A1 (ja) | 2005-05-19 |
Family
ID=34567129
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/JP2004/016525 WO2005045972A1 (ja) | 2003-11-06 | 2004-11-08 | 燃料電池および燃料電池の運転方法 |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US8003266B2 (ja) |
JP (1) | JP4867344B2 (ja) |
CN (1) | CN100459255C (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2005045972A1 (ja) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007105458A1 (ja) * | 2006-03-06 | 2007-09-20 | Nec Corporation | 燃料電池システム |
JP2007271422A (ja) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-18 | National Institute Of Advanced Industrial & Technology | 湿度センサー |
JP2008004315A (ja) * | 2006-06-21 | 2008-01-10 | Hitachi Ltd | 燃料電池、および燃料電池搭載情報電子機器 |
JP2008059813A (ja) * | 2006-08-29 | 2008-03-13 | Toshiba Corp | 燃料電池ユニット |
US20080241624A1 (en) * | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-02 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Fuel cell device |
JP2008243702A (ja) * | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-09 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | 燃料電池 |
JP2008243705A (ja) * | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-09 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | 燃料電池 |
JP2010541135A (ja) * | 2007-09-25 | 2010-12-24 | オングストローム パワー インク. | 燃料電池カバー |
JP2011508399A (ja) * | 2007-12-24 | 2011-03-10 | エス テ マイクロエレクトロニクス(トゥールス) エス アー エス | 燃料電池の保護装置 |
JP2013235717A (ja) * | 2012-05-09 | 2013-11-21 | Suzuki Motor Corp | 燃料電池の給排気構造 |
US8628890B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2014-01-14 | Societe Bic | Electrochemical cells having current-carrying structures underlying electrochemical reaction layers |
US8889317B2 (en) | 2008-01-17 | 2014-11-18 | Societe Bic | Fuel cell systems with a cover and related methods |
US9673476B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2017-06-06 | Intelligent Energy Limited | Fuel cell systems including space-saving fluid plenum and related methods |
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JP2004259569A (ja) * | 2003-02-25 | 2004-09-16 | Kyocera Corp | 燃料電池用容器および燃料電池 |
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US5364711A (en) * | 1992-04-01 | 1994-11-15 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Fuel cell |
JPH0652878A (ja) | 1992-07-29 | 1994-02-25 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | 燃料電池装置 |
US6015634A (en) * | 1998-05-19 | 2000-01-18 | International Fuel Cells | System and method of water management in the operation of a fuel cell |
JP2004342372A (ja) * | 2003-05-13 | 2004-12-02 | Toyota Motor Corp | 燃料電池システム及びこれを搭載した車両 |
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2004
- 2004-11-08 US US10/578,097 patent/US8003266B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-11-08 WO PCT/JP2004/016525 patent/WO2005045972A1/ja active Application Filing
- 2004-11-08 CN CNB200480032698XA patent/CN100459255C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-11-08 JP JP2005515329A patent/JP4867344B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
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JPH06188008A (ja) * | 1992-04-01 | 1994-07-08 | Toshiba Corp | 燃料電池 |
JP2004259569A (ja) * | 2003-02-25 | 2004-09-16 | Kyocera Corp | 燃料電池用容器および燃料電池 |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9017892B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2015-04-28 | Societe Bic | Electrochemical cells having current-carrying structures underlying electrochemical reaction layers |
US8628890B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2014-01-14 | Societe Bic | Electrochemical cells having current-carrying structures underlying electrochemical reaction layers |
WO2007105458A1 (ja) * | 2006-03-06 | 2007-09-20 | Nec Corporation | 燃料電池システム |
US8277987B2 (en) | 2006-03-06 | 2012-10-02 | Nec Corporation | Fuel cell system |
JP2007271422A (ja) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-18 | National Institute Of Advanced Industrial & Technology | 湿度センサー |
JP2008004315A (ja) * | 2006-06-21 | 2008-01-10 | Hitachi Ltd | 燃料電池、および燃料電池搭載情報電子機器 |
JP2008059813A (ja) * | 2006-08-29 | 2008-03-13 | Toshiba Corp | 燃料電池ユニット |
US20080241624A1 (en) * | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-02 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Fuel cell device |
JP2008243702A (ja) * | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-09 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | 燃料電池 |
JP2008243705A (ja) * | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-09 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | 燃料電池 |
JP2010541135A (ja) * | 2007-09-25 | 2010-12-24 | オングストローム パワー インク. | 燃料電池カバー |
US9673476B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2017-06-06 | Intelligent Energy Limited | Fuel cell systems including space-saving fluid plenum and related methods |
JP2011508399A (ja) * | 2007-12-24 | 2011-03-10 | エス テ マイクロエレクトロニクス(トゥールス) エス アー エス | 燃料電池の保護装置 |
US8663855B2 (en) | 2007-12-24 | 2014-03-04 | Stmicroelectronics (Tours) Sas | Fuel cell protection device |
US8889317B2 (en) | 2008-01-17 | 2014-11-18 | Societe Bic | Fuel cell systems with a cover and related methods |
JP2013235717A (ja) * | 2012-05-09 | 2013-11-21 | Suzuki Motor Corp | 燃料電池の給排気構造 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP4867344B2 (ja) | 2012-02-01 |
CN100459255C (zh) | 2009-02-04 |
CN1875509A (zh) | 2006-12-06 |
US8003266B2 (en) | 2011-08-23 |
US20070134534A1 (en) | 2007-06-14 |
JPWO2005045972A1 (ja) | 2007-05-24 |
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