Fuel cell module

Abstract

The present application relates to a fuel cell module, comprising: a fuel cell stack; and a container having a frame structure of a polyhedron composed of a plurality of main beams, which accommodates the fuel cell stack. In a side view, a longitudinal length of the container is different from a lateral length. At least one main beam of the plurality of main beams has a plurality of fastening points arranged in a length direction of the at least one main beam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to fuel cell modules. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-082478 discloses a fuel cell module. In this fuel cell module, the fuel cell stack and the equipment required for its operation are housed in a container. The container has a frame structure consisting of multiple beams. The purpose of the technology provided in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-082478 is to: (1) improve the efficiency of storage space utilization; and (2) allow for easy attachment to appliances even without unpacking. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Fuel cell modules are incorporated into structures such as automobiles and used as power sources for electrical equipment within those structures. This disclosure provides a fuel cell module that is easily mounted onto a structure.

[0004] This disclosure relates to a fuel cell module. The fuel cell module includes: a fuel cell stack; and a container having a frame structure consisting of multiple main beams forming a polyhedron, housing the fuel cell stack. In side view, the longitudinal length and transverse length of the container differ. At least one of the main beams has multiple fastening points arranged along the length of the at least one main beam. Sometimes the frame structure of the container is referred to as a frame. The fastening points are used to secure bolts for mounting the fuel cell module to other structures. When mounting the fuel cell module to a structure, a suitable fastening point can be selected from the multiple fastening points for securing it to the structure. The fuel cell module disclosed in this specification is easily secured to a structure. Typical fastening points are nuts welded to the main beams. Furthermore, fastening points can be provided on different faces of the container.

[0005] In this disclosure, for the aforementioned fuel cell module, the aforementioned fastening points can be provided on different sides of the aforementioned container.

[0006] In the manner of this disclosure, for the aforementioned fuel cell module, the at least one main beam may extend along a first direction, and more than half of the plurality of aforementioned fastening points are disposed between the two ends of the aforementioned fuel cell stack in the first direction.

[0007] In the manner disclosed herein, for the aforementioned fuel cell module, the container may include reinforcing beams that connect the different aforementioned main beams.

[0008] In the present disclosure, for the aforementioned fuel cell module, the container may have a reinforcing beam connecting the different main beams, the at least one main beam extending along a first direction, the container having three or more beams extending along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the fuel cell stack being disposed between two adjacent beams among the three or more beams.

[0009] In the present disclosure, for the aforementioned fuel cell module, the container may have a reinforcing beam connecting the different main beams, and the point where the line obtained by extending the reinforcing beam intersects with the main beam is located between adjacent fastening points.

[0010] In this disclosure, the fuel cell module may include a controller housed in the container and configured to control the fuel cell stack, wherein the controller is fixed to the container via a first metal block identical to the housing of the controller.

[0011] In the manner disclosed herein, for the aforementioned fuel cell module, the controller may be a component whose weight is second only to that of the fuel cell stack among the components housed in the aforementioned container.

[0012] In this disclosure, the fuel cell module may include an air compressor housed in the container and configured to supply air to the fuel cell stack, and the controller is the component whose weight is second only to the fuel cell stack and the air compressor among the components housed in the container.

[0013] In the manner disclosed herein, for the aforementioned fuel cell module, the controller can be fixed to the aforementioned container via the aforementioned block and a plate of a second metal different from the aforementioned first metal.

[0014] In the manner disclosed herein, for the aforementioned fuel cell module, the aforementioned fastening point may be a nut welded to the aforementioned main beam.

[0015] The manner of this disclosure will be described in the following "Detailed Description". Attached Figure Description

[0016] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, technical and industrial importance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fuel cell module of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of the fuel cell module.

[0019] Figure 3 Therefore Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the main beam obtained by cutting along the dashed line III.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D view of a fuel cell module.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The main view of the upper frame is shown.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The side view of the upper frame is shown.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The rear view of the upper frame is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a top view of the fuel cell module.

[0025] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the IX-IX line.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an enlarged perspective view of the area near the bracket in the fuel cell module of the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The exploded diagram.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the FC module.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a top view of the bottom frame of the FC module.

[0030] Figure 14 Therefore Figure 13 The sectional view of the lower frame obtained by cutting along the XIV-XIV line.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a side view of the FC module in the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Example 1

[0033] The fuel cell module 2 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of fuel cell module 2. Figure 2 This is a side view of fuel cell module 2. For ease of explanation, the +X direction in the coordinate system is defined as forward, the +Z direction as up, and the Y direction as side. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, "fuel cell" will be referred to as "FC".

[0034] FC module 2 (fuel cell module 2) has a cuboid container 100, in which various devices are housed. The main devices housed in container 100 include FC assembly 3, power control unit 4, and compressor 5. Other devices are also housed in container 100, but in this embodiment, the focus is on the configuration of the main devices, and illustrations of other devices are omitted. Among the devices included in container 100, FC assembly 3 is the heaviest, followed by power control unit 4. Alternatively, there may be a case where the weight of power control unit 4 is second only to FC assembly 3 and compressor 5.

[0035] Two pipes, 6 and 7, extend forward (in the +X direction) from FC group 3. Pipes 6 and 7 supply and discharge fuel gas (or air, or coolant) to FC group 3. The power control unit 4 controls the FC group and also controls the power output of FC group 3. Specifically, the power control unit 4 is a power converter that changes the voltage of the power (DC power) generated by FC group 3, converting DC power to AC power. Compressor 5 supplies air (oxygen) to FC group 3. The diagram of the pipes connected to compressor 5 is omitted. The equipment required to operate FC group 3 is collectively referred to as auxiliary equipment; power control unit 4 and compressor 5 are among these auxiliary equipment.

[0036] The container 100 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape. It has a frame structure consisting of multiple main beams forming a polyhedron. The container 100 includes main beams 111a-111d, 121a-121d, and 131a-131d, each corresponding to one of the 12 sides of the parallelepiped; and reinforcing beams 141-146 connecting adjacent main beams. The main beams corresponding to the four sides of the upper surface of the parallelepiped are called upper main beams 111a-111d. The main beams corresponding to the four sides of the lower surface of the parallelepiped are called lower main beams 121a-121d. Figure 1 In the middle, the lower main beams 121b and 121c are obscured by other equipment and cannot be seen. The main beams with four longitudinal sides, equivalent to a cuboid, are referred to as longitudinal main beams 131a to 131d. Figure 1 In the middle section, the longitudinal main beam 131c is obscured by other equipment and cannot be seen.

[0037] For ease of explanation, the portion consisting of the main beams and reinforcing beams disposed on the upper surface of the container 100 will be referred to as the upper frame 110, and the portion consisting of the remaining main beams and reinforcing beams will be referred to as the lower frame 120. Adjacent main beams are connected by bolts. Reinforcing beams 141-146 improve the strength of the cuboid frame structure formed by the main beams. Hereinafter, the main beams and reinforcing beams will be referred to simply as "beams".

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, for container 100 of FC module 2, the longitudinal length HL is different from the transverse length WL. The transverse length WL is longer than the longitudinal length HL.

[0039] Fastening points 10 are provided on several main beams. Figure 1 In the diagram, several unlabeled reference numerals 10 are used to indicate the various fastening points 10 located on the upper surface of the container 100. Along... Figure 2 The cross-section of the main beam 121a obtained by cutting along the dashed line III is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. Figure 3 This represents the cross-section of fastening point 10. For example... Figure 3 As shown, main beam 121a is made of L-shaped steel. Other main beams are also made of L-shaped steel.

[0040] The fastening point 10 consists of a hole 11 provided in the main beam 121a and a nut 12 fixed to the main beam 121a concentrically with the hole 11. The nut 12 is welded to the main beam 121a. The container 100 has multiple fastening points 10, and all fastening points 10 have Figure 3 The structure includes a fastening point 10 on each main beam.

[0041] The FC module 2 is mounted on a structure such as an automobile. Fastening points 10 are used to secure the FC module 2 to the structure. Since the container 100 of the FC module 2 has multiple fastening points 10, an appropriate fastening point 10 can be selected from the multiple fastening points 10 to fit the shape and size of the structure, and the selected fastening point 10 is used to secure the FC module 2 to the structure. The FC module 2 of this embodiment is easily secured to the structure.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple fastening points 10 are provided on the front surface, left side, and top surface of the container 100. Figure 1 In the figure, reference numeral 10 is omitted for several fastening points located on the upper surface. Figure 1 Multiple fastening points 10 are also provided on the rear surface, right side and lower surface that are not visible in the middle.

[0043] Figure 2The length WSL shown indicates the length of FC group 3 in the X direction. Reference numeral A1 indicates the left end of FC group 3 in the X direction, and reference numeral A2 indicates the right end of FC group 3 in the X direction. Main beam 111a has six fastening points 10 arranged along the X direction. The four rightmost fastening points 10 of these six fastening points 10 are positioned between the two ends of FC group 3 in the X direction (positions A1 and A2). Main beam 111a has six fastening points 10, and more than half of these six fastening points 10 are positioned between the two ends of FC group 3 in the X direction. Main beam 111c on the opposite side also has six fastening points.

[0044] The FC assembly 3 is the heaviest in the device housed in the container 100. By arranging a large number of fastening points 10 around the heavy FC assembly 3, the FC module 2 can be stably fixed to the structure.

[0045] Figure 2 The dashed line L1 in the diagram is obtained by extending the reinforcing beam 144 along its length. The intersection point P1 of the extended reinforcing beam 144 (dashed line L1) and the main beam 121a connected to the reinforcing beam 144 is located between adjacent fastening points 10 in the main beam 121. Figure 2 The dashed line L2 in the diagram is obtained by extending the reinforcing beam 146 along its length. The intersection point P2 of the extended reinforcing beam 146 (dashed line L2) and the main beam 121a connected to the reinforcing beam 146 is also located between adjacent fastening points 10.

[0046] The points P1 and P2 where the lines obtained by extending the reinforcing beams 144 and 146 intersect with the main beam 121a are located between adjacent fastening points 10. Through this construction, the reinforcing beams 144 and 146 stably strengthen the frame structure of the container 100.

[0047] The exploded 3D diagram obtained by dividing the container 100 into two parts is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. Among them, in Figure 4 The fastening point is not marked with reference numeral 10 in the attached diagram. Additionally, in... Figure 5 In subsequent diagrams, the illustration of fastening point 10 has been omitted for ease of understanding. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the upper frame 110 separated from the lower frame 120, but the upper main beams 111b and 111d included in the upper frame 110 are shown separated from the upper frame 110 and connected to the lower frame 120. FC assembly 3 is fixed to the lower frame 120. The power control unit 4 and compressor 5 are suspended from the upper frame 110. Furthermore, pipes 6 and 7 pass below the power control unit 4.

[0048] The power control unit 4 is suspended from the upper frame 110 by multiple brackets 151, 153, etc. In other words, the power control unit 4 is suspended from the upper frame 110 by multiple brackets 151, 153, etc. The brackets 151, 153, etc. are made of metal plates and are metal parts for fixing equipment (such as the power control unit 4) to the container 100 (upper frame 110 or lower frame 120). Figure 5 - Figure 7 express Figure 4 The front view, side view, and rear view of the upper frame 110 are shown. Figure 5 Main view, Figure 6 This is a side view. Figure 7 This is a rear view. The power control unit 4 and compressor 5 are suspended on the upper frame 110. Figure 5 and Figure 7 To aid understanding, a diagram is shown showing the removal of the upper main beams 111b and 111d from the upper frame 110. Therefore, in Figure 5 In the center, from the front, one can see the reinforcing beam 141 connecting a pair of parallel upper main beams 111a and 111c. Figure 7 In the center, the reinforcing beam 142, which connects a pair of parallel upper main beams 111a and 111c, can be seen from the front.

[0049] like Figure 5 - Figure 7 As shown, the power control unit 4 is suspended from the upper frame 110 by multiple brackets 151-156. Two brackets 151 connect the front surface of the power control unit 4 to the reinforcing beam 141 of the upper frame 110, and bracket 152 connects the two brackets 151 ( Figure 5 Since the bracket 152, which extends laterally (Y direction), connects the two brackets 151, which extend parallel to each other longitudinally, the brackets 151 and 152 suppress the lateral (Y direction) sway of the power control unit 4.

[0050] Two brackets 155 connect the rear surface of the power control unit 4 to the reinforcing beam 142 of the upper frame 110, and bracket 156 connects the two brackets 155. Figure 7 Since the bracket 156 extending laterally (Y direction) connects the two brackets 155 extending parallel in the longitudinal direction, the brackets 155 and 156 suppress the lateral (Y direction) sway of the power control unit 4.

[0051] Two brackets 153 connect the side of the power control unit 4 to the upper main beam 111a of the upper frame 110, and bracket 154 connects the two brackets 153. Figure 6 Since the bracket 154, which extends in the front-rear direction (X direction), connects the two brackets 153, which extend parallel in the longitudinal direction, the brackets 153 and 154 suppress the front-rear direction (X direction) sway of the power control unit 4.

[0052] In this embodiment, brackets 151 and 152 (153 and 154, 155 and 156) are bolted to the main beam or reinforcing beam. These brackets may also be welded to the main beam or reinforcing beam. In addition, the compressor 5 is also suspended from the upper frame 110 via multiple brackets.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the compressor 5 has a recess 5a (recess) on the surface opposite to the power control unit 4. Figure 8 This shows a top view of FC module 2, along... Figure 8 The cross-section of the IX-IX line is as follows Figure 9 As shown. Figure 9 This represents a cross-section of the recess 5a that runs through the compressor 5. For example... Figure 9 As shown, a protrusion 4a is provided on the surface of the power control unit 4 opposite to the compressor 5, and the power control unit 4 and the compressor 5 are configured such that the protrusion 4a and the concave portion 5a fit together.

[0054] The following lists several features and advantages of the fuel cell module 2 of the first embodiment. The container 100 has a frame structure, comprising 12 main beams 111a-111d, 121a-121d, 131a-131d corresponding to the sides of a cuboid, and reinforcing beams 141-146 connecting adjacent main beams. In a side view, the longitudinal length and transverse length of the container 100 are different. At least one main beam (main beam 111a) has a plurality of fastening points 10 arranged along the length direction (X direction) of the main beam 111a. Fastening points 10 are provided on different faces of the container 100. The presence of multiple fastening points 10 facilitates the fixing of the FC module 2 to the structure.

[0055] At least one main beam (main beam 111a) extends along the X direction, and more than half of the plurality of fastening points 10 are configured between the two ends of the FC group 3 in the X direction.

[0056] The point P1(P2) where the line L1(L2) obtained by extending the reinforcing beam 144(146) intersects the main beam 121a is located between adjacent fastening points 10. The adjacent fastening points 10 will not compromise the strength of the reinforcing beams 144 and 146.

[0057] The power control unit 4 is suspended from the upper frame 110, and the piping (pipes 6, 7) of the FC group 3 passes below the power control unit 4. This configuration allows the power control unit 4 to be housed in the container 100 with high space efficiency. If the power control unit 4 were placed on the lower surface of the container 100 and the piping passed over it, the piping would bend, resulting in poor space efficiency and increased pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the piping.

[0058] A compressor 5 is disposed to the side of the power control unit 4. A recess 5a is provided on the surface of the compressor 5 opposite to the power control unit 4. A protrusion 4a is provided on the surface of the power control unit 4 opposite to the compressor 5. The power control unit 4 and the compressor 5 are configured such that the protrusion 4a and the recess 5a fit together. With this configuration, the power control unit 4 and the compressor 5 can be accommodated in the frame-structured container 100 with high space efficiency.

[0059] The recess 5a and the protrusion 4a can also be reversed. Alternatively, other auxiliary equipment can be arranged to the side of the power control unit 4 instead of the compressor 5. In this case, as long as a recess is provided on one side of the power control unit 4 and the other auxiliary equipment, and a protrusion is provided on the other side, the power control unit 4 and the other auxiliary equipment are arranged in the container 100 in a way that the recess and protrusion fit together. The other auxiliary equipment is also suspended on the upper frame 110.

[0060] The reinforcing beam 145 extends parallel to the longitudinal main beams 131a-131d. The reinforcing beam 145 and the longitudinal main beams 131a and 131b are connected to the lower main beam 121a. The lower main beam 121a extends along the X direction (first direction), and the longitudinal main beams 131a and 131b and the reinforcing beam 145 extend along the Y direction (second direction), which is orthogonal to the X direction. Group FC 3 is disposed between the longitudinal main beam 131b and the reinforcing beam 145.

[0061] If the longitudinal main beams 131a and 131b and the reinforcing beam 145 are collectively referred to as "beams", then the above features can be expressed as follows. The container (100) has a reinforcing beam (145) connecting the different main beams (111a and 121a). At least one main beam (121a) extends along a first direction (X direction). The container (100) has three or more beams (main beams 131a, 131b, and reinforcing beam 145) extending along a second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction. The FC group 3 is arranged between two adjacent beams (main beam 131b and reinforcing beam 145) among the three or more beams (main beams 131a, 131b, and reinforcing beam 145).

[0062] Based on the above features, by arranging numerous beams (main beams or reinforcing beams) near the FC assembly 3, which is a heavy component, the container 100 can reliably protect the FC assembly 3. The container 400, described later... Figure 15 It also has the same characteristics as those mentioned above.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] Figure 10 , Figure 11 A partial perspective view of the FC module 2a of the second embodiment. Figure 10This is an enlarged view of the power control unit 204 suspended near the brackets (first bracket 251 and second bracket 252) of the upper frame 210. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The exploded view shows that the power control unit 204 is suspended from the upper frame 210 using other brackets besides the first bracket 251 and the second bracket 252, but these other brackets are omitted from the illustration.

[0065] The container of FC module 2a, like FC module 2 in the first embodiment, has a frame structure. The container is composed of main beams 111a-111d, 121a-121d, 131a-131d with 12 sides equivalent to a cuboid, and multiple reinforcing beams connecting adjacent main beams.

[0066] The first bracket 251 is bent into an L-shape, and the second bracket 252 is flat. Bolt 901 is fixed to the upper frame 210 through a first hole 251a at the first end of the first bracket 251. Bolt 901 connects the first bracket 251 to the upper frame 210. Bolt 902 is connected to the second bracket 252 through a second hole 251b at the second end of the first bracket 251. Bolt 902 connects the first bracket 251 to the second bracket 252. Bolt 903 is fixed to the tab 206 of the power control unit 204 through a hole 252a at the first end of the second bracket 252.

[0067] The diameter of the first hole 251a, whose axis extends along the Y direction, is larger than the diameter of the bolt 901. Therefore, the first bracket 251 can move relative to the upper frame 210 in the XZ plane. That is, the position of the first bracket 251 relative to the upper frame 210 can be adjusted in the XZ plane.

[0068] The diameter of the second hole 251b, whose axis extends along the Z direction, is larger than the diameter of the bolt 902. Therefore, the second bracket 252 can move relative to the first bracket 251 in the XY plane. That is, the position of the second bracket 252 relative to the first bracket 251 can be adjusted in the XY plane. The XY plane is a plane orthogonal to the XZ plane.

[0069] The position of the power control unit 204, suspended in the upper frame 210, can be adjusted in all XYZ directions via the first bracket 251 and the second bracket 252. In particular, both the first hole 251a and the second hole 251b can adjust the position of the power control unit 204 in the X direction. Therefore, the adjustment range of the power control unit 204 in the X direction is large. The X direction corresponds to the length direction of the rectangular upper frame 210. That is, in adjusting the position of the power control unit 204 suspended in the upper frame 210 via the first bracket 251 and the second bracket 252, the adjustment range in the length direction is greater than the adjustment range in the short side direction.

[0070] Reference Figure 12 The FC module 2b, which uses a modified example of the first bracket (first bracket 253), will be described. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the FC module 2b obtained by cutting through the first hole 253a and the second hole 253b of the first bracket 253 and parallel to the YZ plane.

[0071] The first hole 253a faces the same Y direction as the first hole 251a of the first bracket 251 mentioned above. Therefore, through the gap between the first hole 253a and the bolt 901, the power control unit 204 can move relative to the upper frame 210 in the XZ plane.

[0072] On the other hand, the first bracket 253 buckles at an angle Th smaller than a right angle. The opening surface (XY' plane) of the second hole 253b is tilted at an angle Th relative to the Z-axis. Therefore, through the gap between the second hole 253b and the bolt 902, the power control unit 204 can move relative to the upper frame 210 in the XY' plane.

[0073] In the FC modules 2a and 2b of the second embodiment, fine-tuning of the position of the power control unit 204 within the frame is easy.

[0074] 3rd Embodiment

[0075] Reference Figure 13 , 14 The FC module 2c of the third embodiment will now be described. Figure 13 This is a top view of the lower frame 320 of FC module 2c. Figure 14 Therefore Figure 13 The sectional view of the lower frame 320 obtained by cutting along the XIV-XIV line.

[0076] The lower frame 320 consists of four lower main beams 321a-321d corresponding to the four sides of the bottom of the container, four longitudinal main beams 331a-331d, and reinforcing beams 322 and 323. The reinforcing beams 322 and 323 connect a pair of parallel lower main beams 321a and 321c.

[0077] In the FC module 2c of the third embodiment, the power control unit 304 is fixed to the lower frame 320. Figure 13 The illustration of the FC group fixed to the lower frame 320 is omitted in the text.

[0078] The power control unit 304 is fixed to the reinforcing beams 322 and 323 of the lower frame 320 via a metal block 341 and a bracket 342. The metal block 341 is made of the same first metal (aluminum) as the housing of the power control unit 304. The metal block 341 is fixed to the reinforcing beam 322, and the power control unit 304 is fixed to the metal block 341 by bolts 351.

[0079] The bracket 342 is made of iron plate. In other words, the bracket 342 is made of a second metal, different from the metal block 341. The first end of the bracket 342 is fixed to the power control unit 304 by bolts 352 and nuts 354. The second end of the bracket 342 is fixed to the reinforcing beam 323 by bolts 353 and nuts 355.

[0080] The advantages of the construction of the FC module 2c in the third embodiment will be explained. The power control unit 304 is fixed to the lower frame 320 via a metal block 341. The weight of the power control unit 304 is second only to the FC group 3 among the components of the FC module 2c. Alternatively, the weight of the power control unit 304 is second only to the FC group 3 and the compressor 5. The metal block 341 can stably support the heavy power control unit 304. In addition, with this construction, the power control unit 304 is less prone to vibration.

[0081] The power control unit 304 is fixed to the lower frame 320 via a bracket 342. The rigidity of the bracket 342 is lower than that of the metal block 341. With this configuration, even if there is a gap between the power control unit 304 and the bracket 342 before it is fixed with bolts, the bracket 342 deforms in a way that narrows the gap. Through the deformation of the bracket 342, the positional displacement between the power control unit 304 and the lower frame 320 can be absorbed.

[0082] Example 4

[0083] Reference Figure 15 The FC module 2d of the fourth embodiment will now be described. Figure 15 This is a side view of FC module 2d. FC module 2d includes container 400. Container 400 is a rectangular frame structure that houses FC group 3 and compressor 401.

[0084] The container 400 has an upper main beam 111a, lower main beams 121a, 121b, 121d, longitudinal main beams 131a, 131b, and three reinforcing beams 145, 146, and 403. Figure 15 In the middle, other main beams and reinforcing beams are not visible.

[0085] A reinforcing beam 403 connects the lower main beam 121a to the left longitudinal main beam 131a. The reinforcing beam 403 consists of a ring-shaped central section 403a and three arms 403b, 403c, and 403d. The three arms 403b to 403d extend radially from the central section 403a. The front end of arm 403b is bolted to the lower main beam 121a. The front ends of arms 403c and 403d are bolted to the longitudinal main beam 131a.

[0086] A pipe 402 protrudes from the side of the compressor 401, with the upper end of the pipe 402 located inside the ring of the central portion 403a. The reinforcing beam 403 has an annular central portion 403a to avoid interference with the pipe 402.

[0087] The FC module 2 disclosed in this specification includes: an FC group 3; a power control unit 4 for controlling the output power of the FC group 3; and a container 100 for housing the FC group 3 and the power control unit 4. The container 100 has a frame structure, divided into an upper frame 110 and a lower frame 120. The power control unit 4 is suspended in the upper frame 110, and the pipes 6 and 7 connected to the FC group 3 pass below the power control unit 4. For the FC module 2, suspending the power control unit 4 in the upper frame 110 ensures space below the power control unit 4, in which the pipes 6 and 7 of the FC group 3 pass. The FC module 2 efficiently houses the FC group 3, its pipes 6 and 7, and the power control unit 4 within the container 100.

[0088] The power control unit 4 is suspended from the upper frame 110 via multiple brackets. Specifically, the brackets include a first bracket 251 and a second bracket 252 with the following characteristics: The first end of the first bracket 251 is connected to the upper frame 110; the first end of the second bracket 252 is connected to the second end of the first bracket 251, and the second end is connected to the power control unit 4. The mounting position of the first bracket 251 relative to the upper frame 110 can be adjusted in a first plane (XZ plane), and the mounting position of the second bracket 252 relative to the first bracket 251 can be adjusted in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane (XY plane). Through the combination of the first bracket 251 and the second bracket 252, the position of the power control unit 4 within the container can be fine-tuned.

[0089] An auxiliary machine is arranged next to the power control unit 4. A protrusion is provided on one side of the power control unit 4 and the auxiliary machine, and a recess is provided on the other side. The power control unit 4 and the auxiliary machine are arranged in a manner where the protrusion and recess interlock. The auxiliary machine is a general term for the equipment required to operate the FC group 3; the compressor 5, used to supply air to the FC group 3, is one example. By arranging the power control unit 4 and the auxiliary machine (compressor 5) in a protrusion-recessed manner, space efficiency is further improved.

[0090] Points of attention related to the techniques described in the embodiments are described. The location of the reinforcing beam is not limited to the location illustrated in the embodiments. The shape of the reinforcing beam is also not limited to the shape shown in the embodiments. The power control units 4, 204, and 304 are equivalent to an example of a controller.

[0091] The specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the technical solution claimed in this application. The technology described in the technical solution claimed in this application includes technologies obtained by various modifications and alterations to the specific examples described above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert their technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the technical solution at the time of application. In addition, the technology illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives is itself technically useful.

Claims

1. A fuel cell module, characterized in that, include: Fuel cell stack; The container has a frame structure consisting of multiple main beams forming a polyhedron and reinforcing beams connecting the different main beams, and houses the fuel cell stack. as well as A controller, housed within the container and configured to control the fuel cell stack, is included. in, When viewed from the side, the container's longitudinal length differs from its transverse length. At least one of the plurality of main beams has a plurality of fastening points arranged along the length of the at least one main beam. The point where the line obtained by extending the reinforcing beam intersects the main beam is located between adjacent fastening points. Select a suitable fastening point from the plurality of fastening points to secure the bolts that mount the fuel cell module to the vehicle. The controller is suspended from the upper frame of the container via a first bracket and a second bracket. The first end of the first bracket is connected to the upper frame, the first end of the second bracket is connected to the second end of the first bracket, and the second end of the second bracket is connected to the controller. The mounting position of the first bracket relative to the upper frame is adjustable in a first plane, and the mounting position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane.

2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening points are provided on different sides of the container.

3. The fuel cell module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one main beam extends along a first direction, and more than half of the plurality of fastening points are disposed between the two ends of the fuel cell stack in the first direction.

4. The fuel cell module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one main beam extends along the first direction. The container has three or more beams extending along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The fuel cell stack is configured between two adjacent beams in the three or more beams.

5. The fuel cell module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The controller is fixed to the container via a first metal block identical to the controller's housing.

6. The fuel cell module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller is the second heaviest component housed in the container after the fuel cell stack.

7. The fuel cell module according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an air compressor housed in the container and configured to supply air to the fuel cell stack. in, The controller is the component housed within the container, and its weight is second only to the fuel cell stack and the air compressor.

8. The fuel cell module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller is fixed to the container by the block and a plate of a second metal different from the first metal.

9. The fuel cell module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fastening point is a nut welded to the main beam.

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