WO2013080429A1

WO2013080429A1 - Fuel cell system

Info

Publication number: WO2013080429A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/006838
Authority: WO
Inventors: 武史南浦
Original assignee: 三洋電機株式会社
Priority date: 2011-11-30
Filing date: 2012-10-25
Publication date: 2013-06-06
Also published as: JP2015035253A

Abstract

This fuel cell system (1) is provided with: fuel cells (101a-101d); a plurality of fuel cartridges (200a, 200b); a fuel controller (502) for controlling the supply of fuel from the fuel cartridges to the fuel cells (101a-101d); and instruction units (400a, 400b), using which the user instructs that the fuel cartridges be detached. Each of the fuel cartridges (200a, 200b) is capable of supplying hydrogen to the fuel cells (101a-101d) in a mutually independent manner. When an instruction for a discretionary fuel cartridge to be detached is issued while the fuel cells (101a-101d) are in operation, the fuel controller (502) prioritizes the fuel cartridge to be detached, in terms of releasing hydrogen, over other fuel cartridges, and then allows the fuel cartridge to be detached.

Description

Fuel cell system

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system.

A fuel cell is a device that generates electrical energy from hydrogen and oxygen, and can achieve high power generation efficiency. The main features of the fuel cell are direct power generation that does not go through the process of thermal energy or kinetic energy as in the conventional power generation method, so high power generation efficiency can be expected even on a small scale, and emissions of nitrogen compounds, etc. There are few, and noise and vibration are also small, and environmental properties are good. In this way, fuel cells can be used effectively for the chemical energy of fuel and have environmentally friendly characteristics, so they are expected as energy supply systems for the 21st century, and are widely used in space, automobiles and portable devices. It is attracting attention as a promising new power generation system that can be used for various applications from scale power generation to small-scale power generation, and technological development is in full swing toward practical use.

Also, conventionally, an apparatus for supplying hydrogen as a fuel to a fuel cell using a hydrogen storage alloy capable of storing and releasing hydrogen is known (see Patent Document 1). The hydrogen storage and supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of hydrogen storage tanks in which hydrogen storage alloys are accommodated, and sequentially supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell by sequentially switching the hydrogen supply tanks. In addition, the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank is displayed to urge the filling of hydrogen.

JP 2001-295996 A

In a fuel cell system in which hydrogen is supplied from a plurality of fuel cartridges to the fuel cell and the user fills hydrogen into the fuel cartridge with a reduced amount of hydrogen remaining, the fuel cartridge system is improved to improve user convenience. There is a desire to reduce the frequency of hydrogen filling or the replacement frequency of the fuel cartridge as much as possible. On the other hand, in a situation where the fuel cell system is used, it may frequently occur that the user performs a hydrogen filling operation or a replacement operation before the remaining amount of hydrogen in the fuel cartridge becomes zero. If the hydrogen filling operation or the replacement operation is performed before the hydrogen in the fuel cartridge is used up, and further repeated, the frequency of the hydrogen filling or the replacement operation to the fuel cartridge is increased as a result.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve user convenience in a fuel cell system that includes a plurality of fuel cartridges and in which hydrogen filling into the fuel cartridge is performed by the user. It is to provide a technology that can.

An aspect of the present invention is a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes an electrolyte membrane, a fuel cell having at least one membrane electrode assembly including a cathode provided on one surface of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode provided on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane; A plurality of fuel cartridges that are detachably provided and contain a hydrogen storage alloy for storing hydrogen as a fuel, a fuel control unit that controls the supply of fuel from each fuel cartridge to the fuel cell, and a user that controls each fuel An instruction unit for instructing removal of the cartridge. Each fuel cartridge can supply hydrogen to the fuel cell independently of each other. When an instruction to remove an arbitrary fuel cartridge is given during operation of the fuel cell, the fuel control unit releases hydrogen after releasing hydrogen from the fuel cartridge to be removed with priority over other fuel cartridges. The removal of the target fuel cartridge is allowed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user in the fuel cell system that has a plurality of fuel cartridges and in which the fuel cartridge is filled with hydrogen.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a fuel cell system according to Embodiments 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the housing side wall of the fuel cell system according to Embodiments 1 to 3 is slid. It is a perspective view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the fuel cell system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a region B surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a 1st pressure reducing valve and a 2nd pressure reducing valve. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the hydrogen residual amount in a fuel cartridge, and hydrogen discharge pressure when the surface temperature of a fuel cartridge is 20 degreeC, 40 degreeC, and 60 degreeC. 4 is a control flowchart of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 9A is a side view schematically showing a fuel cartridge of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line BB in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a side view schematically showing the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 9D is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line CC in FIG. 9C. FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rod body protrudes from the rod body housing portion, and FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rod body is housed in the rod body housing portion. It is. FIG. 11A is a plan view schematically showing a fuel cartridge of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line DD in FIG. FIG. 11C is a plan view schematically showing a fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 11D is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line EE in FIG. FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the removal restricting portion has entered the opening, and FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the removal restricting portion has exited from the opening. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the fuel cell system which concerns on a modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the housing side wall of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 is slid. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 is disassembled.

The fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system for mobile use, for example, and includes a housing 2, a fuel cell module 100, and a plurality of

fuel cartridges

200a and 200b (hereinafter, appropriately, the fuel cartridge 200a and the fuel cartridge 200b). Are collectively referred to as a fuel cartridge 200), a pressure adjustment unit 300, an instruction unit 400, a control unit (control circuit) 500, and a secondary battery 600.

The housing 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a substantially U-shaped main body 2a in which two opposing side walls 2a1 and a bottom 2a2 are integrally formed, and 2 provided separately from the main body 2a. It has two side walls 2b and a frame-like lid portion 2c having an opening 2c1. The two side walls 2b are disposed so as to face each other and substantially orthogonal to the two side walls 2a1, and are slidably connected to the main body 2a in a direction substantially orthogonal to the main surface of the bottom 2a2. Each side wall 2b is provided with a through hole 2b1. The lid 2c is disposed so as to face the bottom 2a2, and is fitted to the end of the side wall 2a1.

The fuel cell module 100 includes a plurality of

fuel cells

101a, 101b, 101c, and 101d arranged in a plane (hereinafter, the fuel cells 101a to 101d are collectively referred to as the fuel cell 101 as appropriate) and one main surface side of the fuel cell 101. The fuel distribution plate 112 disposed on the other side, the air diffusion layer 114 disposed on the other main surface side of the fuel cell 101, and the cathode protection disposed on the main surface side of the air diffusion layer 114 opposite to the fuel cell 101. Layer 116. The fuel cell module 100 of the present embodiment includes four fuel cells 101a to 101d, but the number is not limited. These fuel cells 101 are arranged in two rows and two columns on the main surface of the fuel distribution plate 112, and an air diffusion layer 114 and a cathode protective layer 116 are laminated thereon in this order. The cathode protective layer 116 has a plurality of openings 116a and is exposed to the outside through the openings 2c1 of the lid portion 2c and constitutes a part of the casing of the fuel cell system 1.

On the main surface side of the fuel distribution plate 112 opposite to the fuel cell 101, the fuel cartridge 200, the pressure adjusting unit 300, and the indicating unit 400 are arranged. Although the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment has two

fuel cartridges

200a and 200b, the number is not limited. The fuel cartridge 200 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a hydrogen discharge filling port 202 on a side surface. Each fuel cartridge 200 is disposed such that one main surface faces the fuel distribution plate 112 and the hydrogen discharge filling port 202 faces the pressure adjusting unit 300 side. Further, the fuel cartridge 200 is disposed such that the side surface facing the side surface provided with the hydrogen discharge filling port 202 faces the side wall 2b.

Since the fuel cell 101 and the fuel cartridge 200 are close to each other with the fuel distribution plate 112 interposed therebetween, heat exchange is possible between them. In the present embodiment, the two

fuel cells

101a and 101b arranged in parallel with the side wall 2b on the side close to one side wall 2b can exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200a disposed on the side wall 2b side, and the other side wall. Two

fuel cells

101c and 101d arranged in parallel to the side wall 2b on the side close to 2b can exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200b arranged on the side wall 2b side.

In addition, a cylindrical fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion 4 is provided on the main surface side of the fuel distribution plate 112 opposite to the fuel cell 101. The fuel cartridge 200 inserted from the outside is inserted into the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion 4 and connected to the pressure adjusting portion 300. The strength of the housing 2 is reinforced by the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion 4.

The pressure adjusting unit 300 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between two attached

fuel cartridges

200a and 200b. The pressure adjustment unit 300 includes a cartridge connection unit 302 (see FIG. 3A) to which the hydrogen discharge filling port 202 of the fuel cartridge 200 is connected, and a fuel flow path 304 (see FIG. 3) that connects the fuel cartridge 200 and the fuel cell module 100. 3 (A) and FIG. 5) and a valve mechanism (see FIG. 5) for adjusting the flow of hydrogen in the fuel flow path. The internal structure of the pressure adjusting unit 300 will be described in detail later.

The fuel cartridge 200 is detachably provided to the housing 2, more specifically, to the pressure adjustment unit 300. As will be described later, the fuel cartridge 200 can be inserted and removed by operating the instruction unit 400 and sliding the side wall 2b. When the fuel cartridge 200 is inserted from the outside, the hydrogen discharge filling port 202 is connected to the cartridge connecting portion 302, and the inside of the fuel cartridge 200 and the fuel flow path of the pressure adjusting portion 300 are communicated.

The instruction unit 400 is provided for each fuel cartridge 200 and includes a switch 402 that is pressed by a user. The switch 402 is inserted through a through hole 2b1 provided in the side wall 2b and can be pushed in from the outside. When switch 402 is pushed in, instruction unit 400 transmits a signal instructing removal of fuel cartridge 200 to control unit 500. The user can instruct removal of the fuel cartridge 200 by pressing the switch 402 corresponding to the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed.

The switch 402 extends into the through hole 2b1 before being pushed. Therefore, the sliding of the side wall 2b is prevented. When the switch 402 is pushed in, the engagement between the switch 402 and the side wall 2b is released, and the side wall 2b can be slid downward, that is, in a direction away from the lid portion 2c. The fuel cartridge 200 is exposed by the slide of the side wall 2b, and the fuel cartridge 200 can be taken out.

The instruction unit 400 of the present embodiment prohibits the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 from the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed until a priority hydrogen discharge process to be described later is completed, and allows the removal after the priority hydrogen discharge process is completed. A restriction unit 900 is provided. The removal restricting unit 900 according to this embodiment includes LEDs that can emit blue and red light. The LED emits blue light when the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 is allowed, and the LED is red when removal is prohibited. Make it emit light. As a result, switching between prohibiting and permitting removal of the fuel cartridge 200 is switched.

In addition, when performing the off control of the fuel cell 101 that exchanges heat with the fuel cartridge 200 that is not a removal target, which will be described later, or the off control of the fuel cell 101 that exchanges heat with the fuel cartridge 200 that is a removal target, which will be described later, Allows removal of the fuel cartridge 200 after these controls are executed. Further, the removal restricting unit 900 prohibits the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 when the fuel cartridge 200 is equal to or higher than the predetermined third temperature, and allows the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 when the temperature is lower than the predetermined third temperature. Thereby, the safety | security of the fuel cell system 1 can be improved more. The “predetermined third temperature” can be appropriately set based on an experiment or simulation by a designer.

A holding plate 6 having heat insulation is arranged below the fuel cartridge 200, that is, on the main surface side opposite to the fuel distribution plate 112 of the fuel cartridge 200. Therefore, the fuel cartridge 200, the pressure adjustment unit 300, the instruction unit 400, and the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcement unit 4 are arranged in a region sandwiched between the fuel distribution plate 112 and the holding plate 6. Below the holding plate 6, the controller 500 and the secondary battery 600 are arranged. The holding plate 6 suppresses heat transfer from the fuel cartridge 200 to the control unit 500 and the secondary battery 600.

The control unit 500 controls the valve mechanism of the pressure adjustment unit 300 to control the supply of hydrogen from the fuel cartridge 200 to the fuel cell 101. The control unit 500 controls on / off switching of each of the fuel cells 101a to 101d. Further, the control unit 500 controls the removal restricting unit 900. The control executed by the control unit 500 will be described in detail later. The secondary battery 600 functions as an auxiliary power source when the power load applied to the fuel cell system 1 suddenly increases or when power cannot be supplied from the fuel cell 101. Note that the fuel cell system 1 may not include the secondary battery 600.

Next, the internal structure of the fuel cell 101 and the fuel cartridge 200 will be described in detail. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a region B surrounded by a broken line in FIG. The fuel cell 101 has a membrane electrode assembly (cell) 104 as a main configuration. The membrane electrode assembly 104 may be singular or plural. When there are a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 104, a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 104 are arranged in a planar shape and connected in series by an electrical connection member (not shown) such as an interconnector, a current collector, or a wiring. A structure, a stacked stack structure, or the like can be employed.

The membrane electrode assembly 104 includes an electrolyte membrane 106, a cathode 108 provided on one surface of the electrolyte membrane 106, and an anode 110 provided on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane 106. That is, the electrolyte membrane 106 is sandwiched between the pair of cathodes 108 and the anode 110 to constitute a cell. The cell generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the air.

The electrolyte membrane 106 preferably exhibits good ion conductivity in a wet state, and functions as an ion exchange membrane that moves protons between the cathode 108 and the anode 110. The electrolyte membrane 106 is formed of a solid polymer material such as a fluorine-containing polymer or a non-fluorine polymer. Etc. can be used. Examples of the sulfonic acid type perfluorocarbon polymer include Nafion (manufactured by DuPont: registered trademark) 112. Examples of non-fluorine polymers include sulfonated aromatic polyetheretherketone and polysulfone. The thickness of the electrolyte membrane 106 is, for example, 10 to 200 μm.

The cathode 108 and the anode 110 have ion exchange resin and catalyst particles, and possibly carbon particles, respectively. The ion exchange resin that the cathode 108 and the anode 110 have has a role of connecting the catalyst particles and the electrolyte membrane 106 and transmitting protons therebetween. This ion exchange resin may be formed of the same polymer material as the electrolyte membrane 106. Examples of catalyst metals include Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt, Os, Ir, alloys selected from lanthanoid series elements and actinoid series elements, A simple substance is mentioned. When the catalyst is supported, acetylene black, ketjen black, carbon nanotubes or the like may be used as the carbon particles. The thicknesses of the cathode 108 and the anode 110 are each 10 to 40 μm, for example.

The air diffusion layer 114 and the cathode protective layer 116 are laminated in this order on the cathode 108 side of the membrane electrode assembly 104. Air as an oxidant is supplied from the outside into the housing 2 through the opening 116 a, diffused in the surface direction of the membrane electrode assembly 104 by the air diffusion layer 114, and supplied to the cathode 108.

A fuel distribution plate 112 is laminated on the anode 110 side of the membrane electrode assembly 104. The fuel distribution plate 112 is connected to the outlet of the fuel flow path 304 of the pressure adjustment unit 300. A cartridge connecting portion 302 is provided on the inlet side of the fuel flow path 304.

The fuel cartridge 200 accommodates a hydrogen storage alloy 204 for storing hydrogen as fuel. The hydrogen storage alloy 204 is capable of storing hydrogen and releasing the stored hydrogen, and generates heat when storing hydrogen and absorbs heat when releasing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage alloy 204 is, for example, a rare earth-based MmNi _4.32 Mn _0.18 Al _0.1 Fe _0.1 Co _0.3 (Mm is Misch metal). The hydrogen storage alloy 204 is not limited to this, but other rare earth alloys such as La—Ni alloys, Ti—Mn alloys, Ti—Fe alloys, Ti—Zr alloys, Mg—Ni alloys. An alloy or a Zr—Mn alloy may be used. Specifically, mention LaNi ₅ alloy, _Mg 2 Ni _{_{_{alloy, Ti 1 + X Cr 2-}}} y Mn y (x = 0.1 ~ 0.3, y = 0 ~ 1.0) and an alloy as a hydrogen absorbing alloy 204 be able to.

The hydrogen storage alloy 204 can be formed into a compression molded body (pellet) obtained by mixing a binder such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dispersion into the hydrogen storage alloy powder described above and compression-molding it with a press. . If necessary, a sintering process may be performed after the compression molding. Further, the hydrogen storage alloy 204 may not be in the form of a pellet, but may be one in which the hydrogen storage alloy powder is filled in the fuel cartridge 200. The shape of the hydrogen storage alloy 204 is not particularly limited.

The hydrogen discharge filling port 202 of the fuel cartridge 200 is provided with a sealing mechanism (not shown). This sealing mechanism cuts off the hydrogen flow only when the fuel cartridge 200 is inserted into the housing 2 and the hydrogen discharge filling port 202 of the fuel cartridge 200 and the fuel flow path 304 of the pressure adjusting unit 300 are connected. Configured to release.

Hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy 204 is sent to the fuel flow path 304 of the pressure adjusting unit 300 through the hydrogen discharge filling port 202, and supplied to the anode 110 through the fuel flow path 304 and the fuel distribution plate 112. .

Temperature sensors

700a and 700b are provided on the outer surfaces of the

fuel cartridges

200a and 200b, respectively (hereinafter, the temperature sensor 700a and the temperature sensor 700b are collectively referred to as the temperature sensor 700 as appropriate). The surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200a is measured by the temperature sensor 700a, and the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200b is measured by the temperature sensor 700b. The temperature sensor 700 transmits a signal indicating the measured temperature information of the fuel cartridge 200 to the control unit 500.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment includes DC /

DC converters

800a and 800b, a secondary battery charging circuit 602, and the like. Terminal d of DC / DC converter 800a is connected to an external load (not shown). Further, fuel cells 101a to 101d are connected to the DC / DC converter 800a. A first switch circuit SW1 to a fourth switch circuit SW4 are provided on paths connecting the fuel cells 101a to 101d and the DC / DC converter 800a, respectively.

The first switch circuit SW1 to the fourth switch circuit SW4 each have three contacts a, b, and c. The fuel cell 101a is connected to the contact b of the first switch circuit SW1. The fuel cell 101b is connected to the contact b of the second switch circuit SW2. The fuel cell 101c is connected to the contact b of the third switch circuit SW3. The fuel cell 101d is connected to the contact b of the fourth switch circuit SW4. The controller 500 is connected to the contact a of each switch circuit. The DC / DC converter 800a is connected to the contact c of each switch circuit.

In a path connecting the contact c of the first switch circuit SW1 and the DC / DC converter 800a, a diode D1 having a forward direction from the first switch circuit SW1 toward the DC / DC converter 800a is provided. In a path connecting the contact c of the second switch circuit SW2 and the DC / DC converter 800a, a diode D2 having a forward direction from the second switch circuit SW2 toward the DC / DC converter 800a is provided. A diode D3 having a forward direction from the third switch circuit SW3 to the DC / DC converter 800a is provided in a path connecting the contact c of the third switch circuit SW3 and the DC / DC converter 800a. A diode D4 having a forward direction from the fourth switch circuit SW4 to the DC / DC converter 800a is provided in a path connecting the contact c of the fourth switch circuit SW4 and the DC / DC converter 800a.

Secondary battery 600 is connected to DC / DC converter 800b. The DC / DC converter 800b is connected to the DC / DC converter 800a. A diode D5 having a forward direction from the DC / DC converter 800b to the DC / DC converter 800a is provided in a path connecting the DC / DC converter 800a and the DC / DC converter 800b. Secondary battery 600 is connected to secondary battery charging circuit 602. The secondary battery charging circuit 602 is connected to the DC / DC converter 800a.

The controller 500 can independently switch on / off the plurality of fuel cells 101a to 101d by switching the first switch circuit SW1 to the fourth switch circuit SW4. The control unit 500 is connected to the

temperature sensors

700a and 700b and receives signals from the

temperature sensors

700a and 700b. Further, the control unit 500 controls the conversion of the DC voltage by the DC /

DC converters

800a and 800b. In addition, the control unit 500 controls the secondary battery charging circuit 602 to charge the secondary battery 600 with, for example, power supplied from the outside.

Subsequently, operation control of the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The fuel flow path 304 of the pressure adjustment unit 300 includes a first fuel flow path 306 and a plurality of second

fuel flow paths

308a and 308b (hereinafter, the second fuel flow path 308a and the second fuel flow path 308b are appropriately combined. Second fuel flow path 308). The first fuel channel 306 and the second fuel channel 308 are connected in parallel to the fuel cell 101 and the fuel cartridge 200.

The first fuel flow path 306 includes a plurality of

branch portions

310a and 310b connected to the

fuel cartridges

200a and 200b (hereinafter, the branch portion 310a and the branch portion 310b are collectively referred to as a branch portion 310) and a plurality of branches. The

parts

310 a and 310 b are assembled to have a joining part 312 connected to the fuel cell 101.

The branch portion 310 a has one end connected to the fuel cartridge 200 a via the cartridge connection portion 302 and the other end connected to one end of the junction portion 312. One end of the branching portion 310 b is connected to the fuel cartridge 200 b via the cartridge connecting portion 302, and the other end is connected to one end of the merging portion 312. The other end of the junction 312 is connected to each of the fuel cells 101a to 101d via the fuel distribution plate 112. Each

branch part

310a, 310b is provided with check valves 314a, 314b, thereby suppressing the backflow of hydrogen from the junction part 312 side to the cartridge connection part 302 side.

The junction part 312 is provided with a check valve 316, which suppresses the backflow of hydrogen from the fuel cell 101 side to the branch part 310 side. In addition, a first flow rate adjusting unit 318 is provided in the merging unit 312 between the end on the branching unit 310 side and the check valve 316. In the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, the first flow rate adjustment unit 318 has a first pressure reducing valve 320. The first pressure reducing valve 320 adjusts the hydrogen pressure in the first flow rate adjusting unit 318. The pressure of hydrogen supplied from the fuel cartridge 200 is reduced by the first pressure reducing valve 320, and the anode 110 of the fuel cell 101 is protected.

One end of the second fuel flow path 308a is connected between the cartridge connecting portion 302 and the check valve 314a in the branch portion 310a, and the other end is an end portion on the fuel distribution plate 112 side of the check valve 316 in the junction portion 312. Connected between. Therefore, the fuel cartridge 200a and the fuel cell 101 are connected by two flow paths, the first fuel flow path 306 and the second fuel flow path 308a. The second fuel flow path 308a is provided with a check valve 322a, which suppresses the back flow of hydrogen from the fuel cell 101 side to the fuel cartridge 200a side. The second fuel flow path 308a is provided with a second flow rate adjustment unit 324a between the end on the branching unit 310a side and the check valve 322a. In the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, the second flow rate adjustment unit 324a includes a second pressure reducing valve 326a. The second pressure reducing valve 326a adjusts the hydrogen pressure in the second fuel flow path 308a.

One end of the second fuel flow path 308b is connected between the cartridge connecting portion 302 and the check valve 314b in the branching portion 310b, and the other end is an end portion on the side of the check valve 316 and the fuel distribution plate 112 in the merging portion 312. Connected between. Therefore, the fuel cartridge 200b and the fuel cell 101 are connected by two flow paths, the first fuel flow path 306 and the second fuel flow path 308b. The second fuel flow path 308b is provided with a check valve 322b, thereby suppressing the back flow of hydrogen from the fuel cell 101 side to the fuel cartridge 200b side. Further, the second fuel flow path 308b is provided with a second flow rate adjusting unit 324b between the end on the branching unit 310b side and the check valve 322b. In the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, the second flow rate adjustment unit 324b has a second pressure reducing valve 326b. The second pressure reducing valve 326b adjusts the hydrogen pressure in the second fuel flow path 308b.

Hereinafter, the second flow rate adjustment unit 324a and the second flow rate adjustment unit 324b are collectively referred to as a second flow rate adjustment unit 324, and the second pressure reduction valve 326a and the second pressure reduction valve 326b are collectively referred to as a second pressure reduction valve 326, as appropriate. Here, the structure of the first pressure reducing valve 320 and the second pressure reducing valve 326 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve. Since the first pressure reducing valve 320 and the second pressure reducing valve 326 have the same structure, the structure of the first pressure reducing valve 320 will be described below, and the description of the second pressure reducing valve 326 will be omitted.

The first pressure reducing valve 320 mainly includes a valve rod 3202, a diaphragm 3204, a valve spring 3206, a pressure regulating spring 3208, a pressure regulating spring adjustment screw 3210, an external pressure input portion 3212, and a valve rod housing portion 3214. Have as a configuration. The valve stem housing portion 3214 is fitted into the flow path of the merging portion 312. Further, the valve rod housing portion 3214 includes a primary side S1 of the first pressure reducing valve 320, that is, a primary side opening 3214a disposed on the upstream side of the hydrogen flow, and a secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320, that is, And a secondary opening 3214b disposed downstream of the hydrogen flow.

The valve stem 3202 has a flange portion 3202a, one end side including the flange portion 3202a is accommodated in the valve rod accommodating portion 3214, and the other end side is disposed outside the valve stem accommodating portion 3214 via the secondary side opening 3214b. Is done. A packing 3216 is provided on the peripheral edge of the secondary side opening 3214b on the inner wall of the valve stem housing 3214. A valve spring 3206 is provided on one end side of the valve rod 3202. The valve spring 3206 is disposed between the inner wall of the valve rod housing portion 3214 and the flange portion 3202a, and the valve rod 3202 is attached in the direction in which the valve rod 3202 retreats from the valve rod housing portion 3214 (upward direction in FIG. 6). To force. Further, the diameter of the flange portion 3202a is larger than the opening diameter of the secondary side opening portion 3214b, and is set so that the flange portion 3202a contacts the packing 3216 when the valve stem 3202 is displaced upward.

The other end of the valve rod 3202 contacts one main surface of the diaphragm 3204. One main surface of the diaphragm 3204 is in contact with the space on the secondary side S2 side of the first pressure reducing valve 320. A pressure regulating spring 3208 abuts the other main surface of the diaphragm 3204, and the valve rod 3202 enters the valve rod housing portion 3214 via the diaphragm 3204 by the pressure regulating spring 3208 (downward direction in FIG. 6). Be energized. A pressure adjusting spring adjusting screw 3210 is disposed at the end of the pressure adjusting spring 3208 opposite to the diaphragm 3204, and the repulsive force of the pressure adjusting spring 3208 is adjusted by the pressure adjusting spring adjusting screw 3210. In addition, an external pressure input portion 3212 is disposed at the end of the pressure regulating spring 3208 opposite to the diaphragm 3204. The external pressure input unit 3212 inputs a force F to the pressure adjustment spring 3208 and compresses the pressure adjustment spring 3208. Thereby, the repulsive force of the pressure regulation spring 3208 is increased. A fuel control unit 502 described later controls the external pressure input unit 3212 to adjust the magnitude of the force F.

In a state where the gap D is formed between the flange portion 3202a and the packing 3216 (the state shown in FIG. 6), the hydrogen flowing through the merging portion 312 flows from the primary side S1 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 to the primary side opening. It flows to the secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 via 3214a, the valve rod housing portion 3214, the gap D, and the secondary side opening 3214b. As a result, the pressure on the secondary side S <b> 2 increases, and the diaphragm 3204 is pushed up by the pressure in a direction in which the pressure regulating spring 3208 is compressed. Further, the valve rod 3202 is pushed up in conjunction with the diaphragm 3204, the flange portion 3202 a approaches the packing 3216, and the gap D is closed. As a result, the movement of hydrogen from the primary side S1 to the secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 stops.

When the hydrogen is consumed by the fuel cell 101 and the hydrogen on the secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 is reduced, the pressure on the secondary side S2 is reduced, and the diaphragm 3204 and the valve rod 3202 are moved by the biasing force of the pressure regulating spring 3208. Pushed down. As a result, the flange portion 3202a is separated from the packing 3216, and the gap D gradually increases. As a result, hydrogen moves from the primary side S1 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 to the secondary side S2. The above operation is repeated, and the pressure on the secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 is kept constant.

Further, when the input of the external pressure input unit 3212 is increased by the fuel control unit 502, the repulsive force of the pressure regulating spring 3208 increases. Accordingly, the pressure on the secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 necessary for closing the gap D is increased. Therefore, hydrogen release from the fuel cartridge 200 can be promoted by increasing the pressure on the secondary side S2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the

fuel cartridges

200 a and 200 b are connected in parallel to the fuel cell 101. Accordingly, the

fuel cartridges

200 a and 200 b can supply hydrogen to the fuel cell 101 independently of each other. Therefore, during operation of the fuel cell 101, the remaining fuel cartridges 200 can be removed while any part of the fuel cartridges 200 is connected to the fuel cell 101. That is, the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment is compatible with hot swapping of the fuel cartridge 200.

The control unit 500 includes a fuel control unit 502 that controls the supply of fuel from the

fuel cartridges

200a and 200b to the fuel cell 101, and a switching control unit 504 that switches on and off the fuel cells 101a to 101d. The control unit 500 is realized by elements and circuits such as a CPU and a memory of a computer as a hardware configuration, and realized by a computer program or the like as a software configuration, but in FIG. It is drawn as a functional block. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

The fuel control unit 502 gives priority to the first fuel flow path 306 over the second fuel flow path 308 in each

fuel cartridge

200a, 200b when an instruction to remove any fuel cartridge 200 is not given during operation of the fuel cell 101. The first flow rate adjustment unit 318 and the second flow rate adjustment unit 324 are controlled so that hydrogen flows through the first flow rate adjustment unit 324. That is, during normal operation of the fuel cell system 1, hydrogen is supplied from the fuel cartridge 200 to the fuel cell 101 mainly via the first fuel flow path 306. For example, the hydrogen in the fuel cartridge 200 is supplied to the fuel cell 101 only through the first fuel channel 306.

In addition, the fuel control unit 502 is instructed to remove an arbitrary fuel cartridge 200 by the instruction unit 400 during the operation of the fuel cell 101, and when the removal instruction of the hydrogen flow rate of the first fuel channel 306 is not issued. The first flow rate adjusting unit 318 and the second flow rate so that the hydrogen flow rate of the second fuel flow path 308 connected to the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed becomes larger than when the removal instruction is not given. The adjustment unit 324 is controlled. The hydrogen flow rate of the second fuel flow path 308 connected to the other fuel cartridge 200 is maintained at the flow rate when the removal instruction is not given, or is lower than the flow rate.

In other words, when an instruction to remove the fuel cartridge 200 is given, the supply of hydrogen from the fuel cartridge 200 to the fuel cell 101 via the first fuel flow path 306 is suppressed, so that the fuel cartridge 200 from the fuel cartridge 200 that is not the object of removal is prevented. Supply of hydrogen to 101 is suppressed. Then, the hydrogen of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is preferentially supplied to the fuel cell 101 via the second fuel flow path 308 connecting the fuel cartridge 200 and the fuel cell 101. For example, only the hydrogen of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is supplied to the fuel cell 101 via the second fuel flow path 308.

The fuel control unit 502 allows the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed after preferentially releasing hydrogen from the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed. In the present embodiment, the

removal restricting portions

900a and 900b are provided in the

instruction portions

400a and 400b corresponding to the

fuel cartridges

200a and 200b, respectively. The fuel control unit 502 switches the LED of the removal restricting unit 900 corresponding to the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed from red to blue after completion of the priority hydrogen discharge process from the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed, thereby changing the fuel. The cartridge 200 is allowed to be removed. The “end of preferential hydrogen release from the fuel cartridge 200 to be taken out” is, for example, until a predetermined time elapses after an instruction to take out the fuel cartridge 200 is issued. This predetermined time can be appropriately set based on experiments and simulations by the designer.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the first flow rate adjusting unit 318 has the first pressure reducing valve 320, and the second flow

rate adjusting units

324a and 324b have the second

pressure reducing valves

326a and 326b. Accordingly, the fuel control unit 502 performs the first control so that the pressure on the secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 is higher than the pressure on the secondary side S2 of each second pressure reducing valve 326 when no removal instruction is given. The pressure reducing valve 320 and the second pressure reducing valve 326 are controlled. In addition, when the removal instruction is given, the fuel control unit 502 determines that the pressure on the secondary side S2 of the second pressure reducing valve 326 provided in the second fuel flow path 308 connected to the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is increased. , The pressure on the secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320, and the secondary pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 326 provided in the second fuel flow path 308 connected to the fuel cartridge 200 other than the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed. The first pressure reducing valve 320 and the second pressure reducing valve 326 are controlled to be higher than the pressure on the side S2.

As described above, in the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, when the fuel control unit 502 is instructed to remove any fuel cartridge 200 during the operation of the fuel cell 101, the fuel control unit 502 starts from the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed. After releasing hydrogen preferentially over the other fuel cartridges 200, the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is allowed. Thereby, even if hydrogen remains in the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed when the removal instruction is given, the remaining amount of hydrogen in the fuel cartridge 200 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the frequency of hydrogen filling and replacement work for the fuel cartridge 200 from increasing.

Further, in the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the

fuel cells

101a and 101b can exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200a, and the

fuel cells

101c and 101d can exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200b. Thereby, the temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 can be raised by the heat generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 101, and the hydrogen release of the hydrogen storage alloy 204 can be promoted. At the same time, the fuel cell 101 can dissipate heat by an endothermic reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy 204 releases hydrogen.

Since the hydrogen release of the hydrogen storage alloy 204 is an endothermic reaction, the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 is reduced by preferentially releasing hydrogen from the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed before allowing the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed. can do. Thereby, when the fuel cartridge 200 is removed, the surface of the fuel cartridge 200 is further cooled, so that the user's workability and safety during work can be improved.

In addition, when an instruction to remove any fuel cartridge 200 is given during power generation of the fuel cell 101, the switching control unit 504 turns off at least one of the fuel cells 101 that exchanges heat with the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed. To do. For example, when removal of the fuel cartridge 200a is instructed, at least one of the fuel cell 101a and the fuel cell 101b that exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200a is turned off. Thereby, the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed can be further cooled.

When an instruction to remove any fuel cartridge 200 is given during power generation of the fuel cell 101, the switching control unit 504 at least one of the fuel cells 101 that exchanges heat with a fuel cartridge 200 other than the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed. May be turned off. For example, when removal of the fuel cartridge 200a is instructed, at least one of the fuel cell 101c and the fuel cell 101d that exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200b is turned off. When a part of the fuel cell 101 is turned off, it is necessary to increase the power generation amount of the other fuel cells 101 in order to maintain the power generation amount of the entire fuel cell system 1. Therefore, when the fuel cell 101 that exchanges heat with the fuel cartridge 200 that is not the object of removal is turned off, the power generation amount of the fuel cell 101 that exchanges heat with the fuel cartridge 200 that is the object of removal increases. As a result, the amount of heat generated by the fuel cell 101 increases, and the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is further heated.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of hydrogen in the fuel cartridge and the hydrogen release pressure when the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge is 20 ° C., 40 ° C., and 60 ° C. From FIG. 7, it can be seen that the higher the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200, the higher the hydrogen release pressure can be maintained. In particular, when the remaining amount of hydrogen is in the range of 10% to 95%, the higher the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200, the higher the hydrogen release pressure is maintained. Therefore, the remaining amount of hydrogen in the fuel cartridge 200 can be further reduced by increasing the power generation amount of the fuel cell 101 that exchanges heat with the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed and further heating the fuel cartridge 200.

Preferably, when the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is lower than a predetermined first temperature, the switching control unit 504 at least of the fuel cell 101 that exchanges heat with a fuel cartridge 200 other than the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed. Turn one off. As a result, the frequency of the removal work of the fuel cartridge 200 can be reduced, the power supply to the outside by the fuel cell system 1 can be made more stable, and the number of times the load is applied to the other fuel cells 101 can be reduced. Can do. The “predetermined first temperature” can be appropriately set based on an experiment or simulation by a designer.

Preferably, the switching control unit 504 switches at least one of the fuel cells 101 to exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed when the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed has a predetermined second temperature or higher. Turn off. Thereby, while improving workability | operativity and safety of a user, the electric power supply to the exterior by the fuel cell system 1 can be stabilized more, and the frequency | count that a load is applied to the other fuel cell 101 can be reduced. it can. The “predetermined second temperature” can be appropriately set based on an experiment or simulation by a designer. The predetermined first to third temperatures are, for example, higher temperatures in the order of the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature. For example, the first temperature is 35 ° C., the second temperature is 40 ° C., and the third temperature is 45 ° C. For example, the first temperature can be set in the range of 25 to 40 ° C., the second temperature can be set in the range of 40 to 50 ° C., and the third temperature can be set in the range of 40 ° C. to 60 ° C. Can be set by range.

Note that the switching control unit 504 turns off the fuel cell 101 to be turned off when the power load applied to the fuel cell system 1 is lower than the maximum power generation amount of the fuel cell system 1. Thereby, since it can avoid more reliably that the electric energy which the fuel cell system 1 supplies with respect to an external electric power load is insufficient, the reliability of the fuel cell system 1 can be improved.

FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the processing procedure of each part is displayed by a combination of S (acronym for Step) meaning a step and a number. This flow is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing by the control unit 500 including the fuel control unit 502 and the switching control unit 504 after the power of the fuel cell system 1 is turned on.

First, the control unit 500 determines whether the fuel cell 101 is in operation (power generation) (S101). When the fuel cell 101 is not in operation (N in S101), the control unit 500 ends this routine. When the fuel cell 101 is in operation (Y in S101), the control unit 500 determines whether there is an instruction to remove the fuel cartridge 200 (S102). When there is no instruction to remove the fuel cartridge 200 (N in S102), the control unit 500 increases the pressure on the secondary side S2 of the first pressure reducing valve 320 higher than the pressure on the secondary side S2 of each second flow rate adjustment unit 324. (S103), this routine is terminated.

When there is an instruction to remove the fuel cartridge 200 (Y in S102), the control unit 500 sets the pressure on the secondary side S2 of the second pressure reducing valve 326 connected to the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed to the value of the first pressure reducing valve 320. It raises more than the pressure of secondary side S2 (S104).

Subsequently, the control unit 500 determines whether the power load applied to the fuel cell system 1 is less than the maximum power generation amount of the fuel cell system 1 (S105). When the power load is lower than the maximum power generation amount of the fuel cell system 1 (Y in S105), the control unit 500 determines whether the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is lower than the first temperature (S106). When the surface temperature is lower than the first temperature (Y in S106), the control unit 500 turns off at least one of the fuel cells 101 that exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200 that is not a removal target (S107). Thereafter, the control unit 500 controls the removal regulating unit 900 to allow the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 (S108), and ends this routine.

When the surface temperature of the removal target fuel cartridge 200 is equal to or higher than the first temperature (N in S106), the control unit 500 determines whether the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the second temperature (S109). When the surface temperature is lower than the second temperature (N in S109), the control unit 500 controls the removal regulating unit 900 to permit the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 (S108), and ends this routine. When the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is equal to or higher than the second temperature (Y in S109), the control unit 500 turns off at least one of the fuel cells 101 that exchange heat with the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed (S109). S110).

Thereafter, the controller 500 determines whether the surface temperature of the removal target fuel cartridge 200 is equal to or higher than the third temperature (S111). Similarly, when the power load applied to the fuel cell system 1 is equal to or greater than the maximum power generation amount of the fuel cell system 1 (N in S105), the controller 500 similarly determines that the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is the third temperature. It is determined whether this is the case (S111). When the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 is lower than the third temperature (N in S111), the control unit 500 controls the removal restricting unit 900 to permit the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 (S108), and ends this routine. To do. When the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the third temperature (Y in S111), the control unit 500 controls the removal restricting unit 900 to prohibit the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 (S1112), and ends this routine.

As described above, the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of fuel cartridges 200 that are detachably provided. Then, when an instruction to remove an arbitrary fuel cartridge 200 is given during operation of the fuel cell 101, the fuel control unit 502 gives priority to hydrogen from the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed over other fuel cartridges 200. After the fuel is released, the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is allowed. Thereby, the remaining amount of hydrogen of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed can be reduced. Therefore, the frequency of the removal work of the fuel cartridge 200 can be reduced, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
The fuel cell system 1 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment except for the removal restricting unit 900. Hereinafter, the fuel cell system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on the configuration different from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure same as Embodiment 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 9A is a side view schematically showing a fuel cartridge of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line BB in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a side view schematically showing the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 9D is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line CC in FIG. 9C.

The fuel cartridge 200 of the fuel cell system 1 according to Embodiment 2 is provided with a recess 206 at a predetermined position on the side wall. An opening 4 a is provided in the side wall of the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion 4. A removal restricting portion 900 is provided outside the side wall so as to close the opening 4a. The recess 206 and the opening 4a are positioned relative to each other so that the fuel cartridge 200 overlaps with the fuel cartridge 200 inserted into the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcement 4 when viewed from the direction intersecting the side surface of the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcement 4.

The removal restricting unit 900 includes a housing 902, a rod body accommodating portion 904 provided in the housing 902, and a rod body 906 accommodated in the rod body accommodating portion 904. The removal restricting unit 900 according to the present embodiment is an electric lock mechanism configured with, for example, an actuator or the like. The rod body 906 is accommodated in the rod body accommodating portion 904 so as to protrude from the rod body accommodating portion 904. When the rod 906 protrudes from the rod housing portion 904, the rod 906 enters the recess 206 through the opening 4a. The removal restricting unit 900 receives the control signal from the control unit 500 and displaces the rod body 906.

FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rod body protrudes from the rod body housing portion, and FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rod body is housed in the rod body housing portion. It is. As shown in FIG. 10 (A), the removal restricting unit 900 has both conditions that the preferential hydrogen release process from the fuel cartridge 200 to be taken out ends and that the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 is lower than the third temperature. Until the rods are aligned, the rod body 906 is protruded from the rod body accommodating portion 904 and enters the recess 206. Thereby, the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 is prohibited. On the other hand, when both of the above-described conditions are met, the removal restricting portion 900 accommodates the rod body 906 in the rod body accommodating portion 904 as shown in FIG. Thereby, removal of the fuel cartridge 200 is permitted.

In the fuel cell system 1 according to Embodiment 2 described above, the removal restricting unit 900 is completed until the priority hydrogen release process from the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed is completed and the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 becomes lower than the third temperature. Physically prohibits removal of the fuel cartridge 200. Therefore, according to the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment, the priority hydrogen release process from the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed can be more reliably performed, The effect that the safety of the user can be further enhanced can be obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
The fuel cell system 1 according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration as that of the fuel cell system 1 according to Embodiment 1 except for the removal restricting unit 900. Hereinafter, the fuel cell system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described focusing on the configuration different from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure same as Embodiment 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 11A is a plan view schematically showing a fuel cartridge of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line DD in FIG. FIG. 11C is a plan view schematically showing a fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 11D is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line EE in FIG.

The fuel cartridge 200 of the fuel cell system 1 according to Embodiment 3 is provided with a recess 208 on one main surface. An opening 4 b is provided on one main surface of the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion 4. Further, a removal restricting portion 900 is provided on one main surface of the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion 4. The recess 208 and the opening 4b are positioned relative to each other so that the fuel cartridge 200 overlaps with the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcement 4 inserted into the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcement 4 when viewed from the direction intersecting the main surface of the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcement 4. .

The removal restricting portion 900 of this embodiment is composed of a bimetal formed by laminating two types of metal plates having different thermal expansion coefficients. The removal restricting portion 900 has a flat plate shape, and is arranged so that one end of the removal restricting portion 900 is connected to one main surface of the fuel cartridge insertion reinforcing portion 4 and the other end side covers a part of the opening 4b. . The removal restricting portion 900 is curved and has a state in which the other end side enters the recess 208 through the opening 4b, and a state in which the other end side exits from the recess 208 in a planar shape, i.e., a straight line in a sectional view, Switching is possible according to the temperature change of the fuel cartridge 200. Therefore, in this embodiment, the removal restricting unit 900 switches between a state in which removal of the fuel cartridge 200 is prohibited and a state in which the removal is permitted without being controlled by the control unit 500.

FIG. 12 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the removal restricting portion has entered the opening, and FIG. 12 (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the removal restricting portion has exited from the opening. As shown in FIG. 12A, the removal restricting portion 900 is curved and enters the recess 208 when the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 is, for example, the third temperature or higher. Thereby, the removal of the fuel cartridge 200 is prohibited. On the other hand, when the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 becomes lower than the third temperature, the removal restricting portion 900 becomes flat and retracts from the recess 208 as shown in FIG. Thereby, removal of the fuel cartridge 200 is permitted.

In the fuel cell system 1 according to the third embodiment described above, the removal restricting unit 900 physically prohibits removal of the fuel cartridge 200 until the surface temperature of the fuel cartridge 200 to be removed becomes lower than the third temperature. Therefore, according to the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect obtained in the first embodiment, an effect that the safety of the user can be further improved can be obtained. Further, in the present embodiment, since the removal restricting unit 900 is formed of bimetal, no electric power is required for switching between prohibition and allowance of removal of the fuel cartridge 200. Therefore, power saving of the fuel cell system 1 can be achieved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications such as design changes can be added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and the embodiments to which such modifications are added. Can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a fuel cell system according to a modification. The fuel cell system 1 according to this modification includes four fuel cartridges 200. The housing 2 has four side walls 2b extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the side walls 2a1. That is, the housing 2 of the present embodiment corresponds to a structure in which each side wall 2b of the housing 2 of the first embodiment is divided into two. Each of the four side walls 2b functions as a lid portion of any one of the fuel cartridges 200, and can slide independently of each other. The four fuel cartridges 200 are provided with an instruction unit 400 and a removal restricting unit 900, respectively.

1 fuel cell system, 101 fuel cell, 104 membrane electrode assembly, 106 electrolyte membrane, 108 cathode, 110 anode, 200 fuel cartridge, 204 hydrogen storage alloy, 304 fuel channel, 306 first fuel channel, 308 second fuel Flow path, 310 branching section, 312 confluence section, 318 first flow control section, 320 first pressure reducing valve, 324 second flow control section, 326 second pressure reducing valve, 400 indicating section, 500 control section, 502 fuel control section, 504 switching control unit, 900 removal regulation unit, S2 secondary side.

The present invention can be used for a fuel cell system.

Claims

A fuel cell having at least one membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane, a cathode provided on one surface of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode provided on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane;
A plurality of fuel cartridges detachably provided and containing a hydrogen storage alloy for storing hydrogen as a fuel;
A fuel control unit for controlling the supply of fuel from each fuel cartridge to the fuel cell;
An instruction unit for a user to instruct removal of each fuel cartridge;
With
Each fuel cartridge can supply hydrogen to the fuel cell independently of each other;
When an instruction to remove an arbitrary fuel cartridge is given during operation of the fuel cell, the fuel control unit releases hydrogen from the fuel cartridge to be removed with priority over other fuel cartridges. A fuel cell system that allows removal of a fuel cartridge to be removed.
A first fuel flow path having a plurality of branch portions connected to each fuel cartridge, and a junction portion where the plurality of branch portions are aggregated and connected to the fuel cell;
A first flow rate adjusting unit provided in the merging unit;
A plurality of second fuel flow paths connecting each fuel cartridge and the fuel cell;
A plurality of second flow rate adjusting portions provided in each second fuel flow path,
The fuel control unit includes:
When the removal instruction is not given, the first flow rate control unit and the second flow rate control unit are controlled so that hydrogen flows preferentially to the first fuel channel from the second fuel channel in each fuel cartridge. And
When the removal instruction is given, the hydrogen flow rate of the first fuel flow path becomes smaller than when the removal instruction is not given, and the hydrogen flow rate of the second fuel flow path connected to the fuel cartridge to be removed becomes smaller. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the first flow rate adjusting unit and the second flow rate adjusting unit are controlled to be larger than when the removal instruction is not given.
The first flow rate adjusting unit has a first pressure reducing valve, the second flow rate adjusting unit has a second pressure reducing valve,
The fuel control unit includes:
When the removal instruction is not made, the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are set such that the pressure on the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve is higher than the pressure on the secondary side of each second pressure reducing valve. Control
When the removal instruction is given, the pressure on the secondary side of the second pressure reducing valve provided in the second fuel flow path connected to the fuel cartridge to be removed becomes the pressure on the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are controlled so as to be higher than a pressure.
Multiple fuel cells that can be switched on and off independently,
A switching control unit for switching on and off of the plurality of fuel cells,
Each fuel cartridge can supply hydrogen to the plurality of fuel cells independently of each other;
Each fuel cell is arranged to be able to exchange heat with one of the fuel cartridges,
The switching control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the removal instruction is given, at least one of the fuel cells that exchange heat with a fuel cartridge other than the fuel cartridge to be removed is turned off. The fuel cell system described.
Multiple fuel cells that can be switched on and off independently,
A switching control unit for switching on and off of the plurality of fuel cells,
Each fuel cell is arranged to be able to exchange heat with one of the fuel cartridges,
4. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein when the removal instruction is given, the switching control unit turns off at least one of the fuel cells that exchange heat with the fuel cartridge to be removed. 5. system.
The switching control unit turns off at least one of the fuel cells that exchange heat with a fuel cartridge other than the fuel cartridge to be removed when the fuel cartridge to be removed is lower than a predetermined first temperature. Item 5. The fuel cell system according to Item 4.
6. The switching control unit according to claim 5, wherein when the fuel cartridge to be removed is at a predetermined second temperature or higher, at least one of the fuel cells that exchange heat with the fuel cartridge to be removed is turned off. Fuel cell system.
8. The switch control unit according to claim 4, wherein the switching control unit turns off the fuel cell to be turned off when the power load applied to the fuel cell system is lower than the maximum power generation amount of the fuel cell system. Fuel cell system.
9. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a removal restricting portion that prohibits removal of the fuel cartridge to be removed when the fuel cartridge is at a predetermined third temperature or higher and allows the fuel cartridge when the fuel cartridge is lower than the third temperature. The fuel cell system according to claim 1.