Fuel cell system

Abstract

The invention provides a fuel cell system. The pressure resistance of the shell does not need to be excessively increased, and the possibility that the shell is damaged in case of explosion in the module arrangement subarea is reduced. A fuel cell system is provided with: a case having a module installation section in which a fuel cell module is installed; and a double wall portion having an inner wall and an outer wall. The housing has an outer wall. The module setting zone has an inner wall. The inner wall has a pressure release portion. The pressure release portion releases the pressure when the pressure in the module installation section reaches a predetermined pressure lower than the withstand pressure of the outer wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell ship equipped with a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes fuel cells. The fuel cell ship propels the ship by supplying power from the fuel cells to a propulsion system. In the fuel cell ship, the fuel cells are installed in fuel cell compartments.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-185194

[0004] From a safety perspective, competent authorities or certification bodies require that electrical equipment (including fuel cell modules) aboard fuel cell vessels be explosion-proof in principle. However, even if electrical equipment is not explosion-proof, it can be considered equally safe as explosion-proof equipment if it meets specified conditions. These specified conditions may include, for example, that the housing of the fuel cell system containing the electrical equipment be strong enough to withstand an explosion in the compartment containing the electrical equipment.

[0005] In the case of non-explosion-proof fuel cell modules, to meet the aforementioned requirements, one approach could be to increase the thickness of the outer wall of the housing to improve its strength (pressure resistance). However, this approach presents challenges such as increased housing weight and material costs, as well as increased difficulty in processing the housing (outer wall). Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the likelihood of damage to the housing in the event of an explosion within the designated area without excessively increasing the outer wall's pressure resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a fuel cell system that does not require the pressure resistance of the shell to be excessively increased, thereby reducing the possibility of shell damage in the event of an explosion in the installation area where the fuel cell module is installed.

[0007] The fuel cell system involved in one aspect of the present invention is a fuel cell system having a shell, the shell having a module setting partition for setting the fuel cell module, and the fuel cell system also having a double-wall structure having an inner wall and an outer wall, the shell having the outer wall, the module setting partition having the inner wall, and the inner wall having a pressure release part. When the pressure in the module setting partition reaches a specified pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the outer wall, the pressure release part releases the pressure.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the possibility of damage to the housing in the event of an explosion in the module installation section can be reduced without excessively increasing the pressure resistance of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The illustrated diagram is a perspective view of a housing of a fuel cell system with its cover omitted.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the above-mentioned housing.

[0012] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing the states of a rupture plate as an example of a pressure release portion before and after rupture.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of another fuel cell system.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A single-point perspective view of a fuel cell system with the second partition omitted and viewed from an oblique front.

[0015] Figure 7 It is schematically represented Figure 6 A one-point perspective view of the internal structure of a fuel cell system.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the installation position of the pressure release portion on the right side surface of the first partition of the above-mentioned fuel cell system.

[0017] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow of ventilation air when viewed from the front side of the first section.

[0018] Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the air intake path when viewed from the left side of the first section.

[0019] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the exhaust path when viewed from the right side of the first section.

[0020] Figure 12 It is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the hydrogen supply passage when viewed from the front side of the first section.

[0021] Figure 13It is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the exhaust passage when viewed from the front side of the first partition.

[0022] Figure 14 It is a front view showing another structure of the fuel cell system.

[0023] Figure 15 It is a right side view of the above fuel cell system.

[0024] Figure 16 It is a front view schematically showing the structure of the fuel cell system when the second partition is omitted and viewed from the front.

[0025] Figure 17 It is a left side view showing still another structure of the fuel cell system.

[0026] Figure 18 It is a right side view of the above fuel cell system.

[0027] Description of Reference Numerals

[0028] 1...Casing; 2...Fuel cell module; 2S...Surface; 11...First partition (module installation partition); 11b...First partition rear wall (inner wall); 11c...First partition left wall (inner wall, intake side inner wall); 11d...First partition right wall (inner wall, exhaust side inner wall); 11e...First partition upper wall (inner wall); 51...Hydrogen supply passage (fuel gas supply piping); 52...Exhaust passage (fuel gas exhaust piping); 100...Fuel cell system; 111...Intake port; 112...Exhaust port; 401...Pressure release portion; 500...Control device; 600e...Cap upper wall (outer wall); 650P1...Ventilation inlet; 650P2...Ventilation outlet; 650b...Cover Body rear wall (outer wall); 650c... left wall (outer wall) of the covering body; 650d... right wall (outer wall) of the covering body; 650e... upper wall (outer wall) of the covering body; 651... partition plate; 700... double wall portion; F1... flow path for intake; F2... flow path for exhaust; GP... gap; P1... first operating pressure; P2... second operating pressure; A1... first opening area; A2... second opening area; S1... upper left side flow path (flow path for intake); S2... upper right side flow path (flow path for exhaust); S3... left side side flow path (flow path for intake); S4... right side side flow path (flow path for exhaust); S5... left rear side flow path (flow path for intake); S6... right rear side flow path (flow path for exhaust). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated unless otherwise required.

[0030] <1. Overview of Fuel Cell Systems>

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system 100 includes a housing 1. The housing 1 includes a first partition 11, a second partition 12, and a cover 600.

[0032] Figure 2 It is omitted Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the housing 1 with the cover 600 removed. Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the housing 1. Figure 3 In FIG, the arrows of the solid line, the dashed line and the double-dashed line represent the fluid passage (a detailed example is a pipe) and the direction of the fluid flow in the fluid passage. Figure 3 In the figure, the dotted lines represent wiring.

[0033] In addition, in this embodiment, an example of using hydrogen as the fuel gas used in the fuel cell system 100 is described, but the structure and control of this embodiment can also be applied to a system that uses a fuel gas other than hydrogen (for example, a gas with methane as the main component) to generate electricity.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1 houses the fuel cell module 2. In other words, the fuel cell system 100 includes the fuel cell module 2 within the housing 1. Specifically, the number of fuel cell modules 2 housed in the housing 1 is four. However, the number of fuel cell modules 2 housed in the housing 1 may be a single one or a plurality other than four. In this embodiment, the fuel cell module 2 is an electrical device that is non-explosion-proof with respect to fuel gas (hydrogen).

[0035] The fuel cell module 2 includes a fuel cell stack 2a and is configured to include a boost converter, a compressor for air supply, and a pump for circulating a coolant for cooling the fuel cell stack 2a.

[0036] The fuel cell stack 2a is composed of a plurality of stacked single cells. Each single cell has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, a cathode, and a pair of separators. The anode and the cathode sandwich the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The anode is the negative electrode (fuel electrode). The anode includes an anode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The cathode is the positive electrode (air electrode). The cathode includes a cathode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The anode, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and the cathode constitute a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA). A pair of separators sandwich the membrane-electrode assembly. Each separator has a plurality of grooves. Each groove of one separator forms a flow path for hydrogen gas. Each groove of the other separator forms a flow path for an oxidant gas (e.g., air).

[0037] On the anode side, hydrogen is decomposed into hydrogen ions and electrons by the catalyst. The hydrogen ions pass through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and move to the cathode side. On the other hand, the electrons move to the cathode side through the external circuit. Thus, electric current is generated (power generation). On the cathode side, the oxygen contained in the oxidant gas combines with the electrons flowing from the external circuit and the hydrogen ions that pass through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane to generate water. The generated water is contained in the exhaust gas and is released to the outside of the fuel cell system 100. The electricity generated by the fuel cell stack 2a is boosted by the boost converter and taken out to the outside of the fuel cell system 100. The hydrogen discharged from the fuel cell module 2 is transported to the common exhaust passage 521 via the separate exhaust passage 522 of the exhaust passage 52.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the fuel cell system 100 is provided with a salt removal device 3. The salt removal device 3 has a salt removal filter 3a. The salt removal filter 3a is provided in a window portion 123 of a second partition front wall 12a of the housing 1, which will be described later. The air from which the salt has been removed by the salt removal filter 3a is taken into the housing 1 of the fuel cell system 100. Thus, salt damage in the housing 1 is suppressed. The air taken into the housing 1 is passed through the air intake portion 9 (see Figure 3 ) is delivered to the fuel cell module 2 for power generation in the fuel cell stack 2a.

[0039] The window portion 123 is an outside air intake port for taking air outside the housing 1 (outside air) into the housing 1. That is, the housing 1 has the window portion 123 serving as the outside air intake port.

[0040] The housing 1 of the fuel cell system 100 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. For the convenience of the following description, directions are defined as follows when describing the fuel cell system 100. The direction perpendicular to the horizontal ground on which the fuel cell system 100 is configured is referred to as the up-down direction, and the side on which the fuel cell system 100 is configured relative to the ground is defined as the top. Furthermore, the side of the housing 1 on which the salt removal device 3 is configured is referred to as the front side, and the side of the housing 1 opposite to the front side is referred to as the rear side to define front and back. The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-back direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and the side from the front to the rear is referred to as the left side, and the side from the front to the rear is referred to as the right side to define left and right. When the housing 1 is viewed from above, the long side of the housing 1 is the left-right direction, and the short side is the front-back direction. In the accompanying drawings, among the directions defined above, the symbol "F" represents the front, the symbol "B" represents the rear, the symbol "L" represents the left, the symbol "R" represents the right, the symbol "U" represents the top, and the symbol "D" represents the bottom. These directions are merely names used for explanation and are not intended to limit actual positional relationships and directions.

[0041] <2. Detailed Structure of the Fuel Cell System>

[0042] [2-1. Overview of Partitions]

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1 includes a first partition 11, a second partition 12, and a partition wall 13. The second partition 12 is located adjacent to the first partition 11. Specifically, the first partition 11 and the second partition 12 are arranged vertically. The first partition 11 is positioned above the second partition 12. The arrangement of the first and second partitions 11 and 12 vertically is merely an example; other configurations are also possible. For example, the first and second partitions may be arranged horizontally.

[0044] The fuel cell module 2 is arranged in the first partition 11. Therefore, the first partition 11 constitutes a module installation partition for the fuel cell module 2. Specifically, the fuel cell system 100 includes a housing 1 having the first partition 11 as a module installation partition. Auxiliary equipment related to the operation of the fuel cell module 2 is arranged in the second partition 12. The auxiliary equipment will be described later.

[0045] The partition wall 13 is a partition wall (partition wall) that partitions the first partition 11 from the second partition 12. The partition wall 13 constitutes the bottom wall of the first partition 11. In addition, the partition wall 13 constitutes the upper wall of the second partition 12.

[0046] In addition to the partition wall 13, the first partition 11 is further composed of a first partition front wall 11a, a first partition rear wall 11b, a first partition left wall 11c, a first partition right wall 11d, and a first partition top wall 11e. The first partition front wall 11a forms the upper portion of the front wall 1a of the housing 1. The first partition rear wall 11b forms the upper portion of the rear wall 1b of the housing 1. The first partition left wall 11c forms the upper portion of the left wall 1c of the housing 1. The first partition right wall 11d forms the upper portion of the right wall 1d of the housing 1. The first partition top wall 11e forms the upper wall 1e of the housing 1.

[0047] In addition to the partition wall 13, the second partition 12 is further composed of a second partition front wall 12a, a second partition rear wall 12b, a second partition left wall 12c, a second partition right wall 12d, and a second partition bottom wall 12e. The second partition front wall 12a forms the lower portion of the front wall 1a of the housing 1. The second partition rear wall 12b forms the lower portion of the rear wall 1b of the housing 1. The second partition left wall 12c forms the lower portion of the left wall 1c of the housing 1. The second partition right wall 12d forms the lower portion of the right wall 1d of the housing 1. The second partition bottom wall 12e forms the bottom wall 1f of the housing 1.

[0048] The partition wall 13 airtightly divides the first partition 11 and the second partition 12. In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the first partition 11 is a partition provided with the fuel gas supply passage 5A and is a partition with the possibility of hydrogen leakage. However, since the partition wall 13 airtightly divides the two partitions (the first partition 11 and the second partition 12) is provided, even if hydrogen leakage occurs in the first partition 11, it is possible to prevent hydrogen from flowing into the second partition 12. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the equipment arranged in the second partition 12 an explosion-proof structure for hydrogen. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a function for ventilating the leaked hydrogen in the second partition 12.

[0049] The partition wall 13 has a through-hole (not shown) extending vertically. The through-hole is provided, for example, to allow at least one of wiring and piping to pass through. Furthermore, the wiring includes power lines and signal lines. The signal lines include control lines and sensor lines. The through-hole is sealed by a sealing structure. This ensures airtightness. Therefore, for example, even if hydrogen leaks from the first partition 11, hydrogen can be prevented from flowing into the second partition 12 through the through-hole.

[0050] [2-2. Details of the first section]

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, a hydrogen flow path 5 is arranged in the first partition 11. In other words, the fuel cell system 100 includes a hydrogen flow path 5 arranged in the housing 1. In detail, the hydrogen flow path 5 includes a hydrogen supply path 51 that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell module 2. The hydrogen supply path 51 constitutes a fuel gas supply path 5A that supplies hydrogen as a fuel gas to the fuel cell stack 2a. That is, the fuel cell system 100 includes a fuel gas supply path 5A in the housing 1. In addition, the hydrogen flow path 5 includes an exhaust path 52 that discharges hydrogen from the fuel cell module 2. The hydrogen flow path 5 can be composed of piping.

[0052] The housing 1 has a connection portion 6 (see FIG. 1 ) connecting the hydrogen flow path 5 and the external hydrogen flow path 200 disposed outside the housing 1, on a wall other than the partition wall 13 among the walls 11a to 11e and 13 constituting the first partition 11. Figure 2 ). The connection portion 6 may be the connection portion itself for connecting the hydrogen flow path 5 to the external hydrogen flow path 200, but may also be a mechanism for connecting the two. In this embodiment, the connection portion 6 is an opening that exposes the end of the hydrogen flow path 5 arranged in the first partition 11 or is arranged outside the shell 1. The hydrogen flow path 5 and the external hydrogen flow path 200 can be connected using this opening. Specifically, the connection is the connection between the pipes.

[0053] In this embodiment, the connection portion 6 is provided on the first partition right wall 11d. However, the connection portion 6 may also be provided on a wall other than the partition wall 13, such as the first partition left wall 11c, that constitutes the first partition 11. By providing the connection portion 6 on a wall other than the partition wall 13 that constitutes the first partition 11, a structure can be achieved in which the hydrogen flow path 5 is not provided in the second partition 12. In other words, it is unnecessary to implement countermeasures against hydrogen leakage in the second partition 12. This makes it easier to implement countermeasures against hydrogen leakage in the fuel cell system 100.

[0054] The external hydrogen flow path 200 also includes an external hydrogen supply path 201 as a path for hydrogen supply and an external exhaust path 202 as a path for hydrogen exhaust, similarly to the hydrogen flow path 5 disposed inside the housing 1. Correspondingly, the connection portion 6 also includes a hydrogen supply connection portion 61 for connecting the hydrogen supply path 51 and the external hydrogen supply path 201, and a exhaust connection portion 62 for connecting the exhaust path 52 and the external exhaust path 202 (see FIG. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the hydrogen supply connection portion 61 and the drain connection portion 62 are provided on the same wall (first partition right wall 11d) constituting the first partition 11. However, this is merely an example, and the hydrogen supply connection portion 61 and the drain connection portion 62 may be provided on different walls constituting the first partition 11.

[0055] In this embodiment, a plurality (e.g., four) of fuel cell modules 2 are arranged in the first partition 11. The plurality of fuel cell modules 2 are arranged in a horizontal direction. Hydrogen entering the hydrogen supply passage 51 within the housing 1 from the external hydrogen supply passage 201 passes through the valve device 53 and reaches the branching portion 56 that branches the hydrogen supply passage 51 into four. In the branching portion 56, the hydrogen is distributed to the four hydrogen supply passages 51 specifically provided for each fuel cell module 2. The distributed hydrogen is then supplied to each fuel cell module 2.

[0056] As can be seen from the above description, there is only one hydrogen supply passage 51 within the first partition 11 that is connected to the external hydrogen supply passage 201 via the connection portion 6. That is, in this embodiment, at the location where the connection portion 6 is provided, the hydrogen supply passage 51 within the first partition 11 is not provided for each of the multiple fuel cell modules 2, but is instead shared among the multiple fuel cell modules 2. This shared connection can reduce the number of connection portions 6. This improves the airtightness (sealing) of the first partition 11.

[0057] The valve device 53 also includes a shutoff valve that shuts off the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell module 2. Furthermore, the valve device 53 includes a relief valve that releases hydrogen into the purge passage 52 when the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell module 2 is shut off.

[0058] The exhaust passage 52 includes a common exhaust passage 521 shared by the plurality of fuel cell modules 2. Hydrogen exhausted from each fuel cell module 2 is transported to the common exhaust passage 521 and exhausted from the external exhaust passage 202 via the exhaust connection portion 62. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which a separate exhaust passage is provided for each fuel cell module 2, and each exhaust passage is independently exhausted to the outside of the casing 1.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an air intake port 111 and an air exhaust port 112 for ventilation are provided in the first partition 11 which is a partition provided as a module. The air intake port 111 can be provided in at least one wall other than the partition wall 13 among the walls 11a to 11e and 13 constituting the first partition 11. In the present embodiment, the air intake port 111 is provided in the right wall 11d of the first partition. The air intake port 111 provided in the right wall 11d of the first partition is a through hole which penetrates the wall in the left-right direction. The ventilation fluid is supplied into the first partition 11 from the air intake port 111. A pipe for supplying the ventilation fluid is installed at the air intake port 111. The ventilation fluid is, for example, air, but may also be an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon.

[0060] The exhaust port 112 is provided on the upper wall 11e of the first partition (the upper wall 1e of the shell 1). The exhaust port 112 is connected to the interior of the cover body 600. A ventilation device connection portion 113 is provided on the cover body 600. The ventilation device connection portion 113 is an opening portion connected to the ventilation device 300. The ventilation device 300 is arranged on the downstream side of the flow of the ventilation fluid relative to the ventilation device connection portion 113. In addition, the ventilation device 300 can be provided on the side of the shell 1 (for example, the inside of the cover body 600) or on the side of the ship where the shell 1 is provided. In either case, the fluid in the first partition 11 is discharged to the outside of the first partition 11 through the exhaust port 112 by driving the ventilation device 300. Therefore, even if hydrogen leaks in the first partition 11, the hydrogen can be discharged to the outside of the shell 1 together with the ventilation fluid to prevent hydrogen from leaking to the second partition 12.

[0061] The first partition upper wall 11e is provided with a pressure release portion 401 in addition to the exhaust port 112. The details of the pressure release portion 401 will be described later.

[0062] In addition, the exhaust path 7 and the storage box 8 are arranged in the first section 11 (see Figure 3 ). In addition, Figure 3 In FIG, the exhaust path 7 is indicated by a thin two-dot chain line.

[0063] The exhaust path 7 is connected to the fuel cell module 2. Specifically, the exhaust path 7 is an exhaust pipe. Exhaust gas from the fuel cell module 2 flows through the exhaust path 7. The exhaust gas from the fuel cell module 2 includes water vapor generated during power generation, oxygen and nitrogen supplied to the fuel cell module 2 but not used for power generation, and hydrogen purged from the anode path of the fuel cell stack 2a as appropriate.

[0064] In this embodiment, the four fuel cell modules 2 arranged in the first partition 11 are connected to different exhaust paths 7. That is, four exhaust paths 7 are arranged in the first partition 11. The four exhaust paths 7 are connected to the exhaust path collection section 71 arranged in the first partition 11. The exhaust path collection section 71 is arranged at the right end of the first partition 11. The exhaust gases in the four exhaust paths 7 are combined at the exhaust path collection section 71 and are discharged through a terminal exhaust path 72 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is released to the outside of the first partition 11.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the front end (right end) of the terminal exhaust path 72 protrudes outward from the first partition right wall 11d. The front end of the terminal exhaust path 72 is connected to an external exhaust path (not shown) to release exhaust gas from the fuel cell module 2 to an appropriate location.

[0066] The storage tank 8 is included in the cooling system CS provided for the fuel cell module 2 (see Figure 3 Specifically, the cooling system CS provided for the fuel cell module 2 includes a first cooling system CS1 and a second cooling system CS2. Therefore, specifically, the storage tank 8 includes a first storage tank 81 included in the first cooling system CS1 and a second storage tank 82 included in the second cooling system CS2.

[0067] The first cooling system CS1 is a cooling system for cooling the fuel cell stack 2a of the fuel cell module 2. That is, a storage tank 81 included in the first cooling system CS1 is arranged in the first partition 11, and the first cooling system CS1 cools the fuel cell stack 2a of the fuel cell module 2. The first cooling system CS1 circulates the first coolant that cools the fuel cell stack 2a by driving a pump (not shown) included in the fuel cell module 2. The first storage tank 81 accumulates or discharges the first coolant as needed. In addition, the pump may not be included in the fuel cell module 2. That is, the pump may also be provided outside the fuel cell module 2.

[0068] The first storage tank 81 is positioned above the fuel cell stack 2a. Therefore, even if hydrogen is present in the first coolant due to a fault, the hydrogen can be released to a location higher than the fuel cell stack 2a. Furthermore, the first cooling system CS1 is provided for each fuel cell module 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, four first storage tanks 81 are positioned in the first partition 11.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, each first storage box 81 is connected to the air release pipe 811. Figure 2 As shown, the end of the vent pipe 811 is exposed to the outside through an opening (not shown) on the first partition right wall 11d. Even if hydrogen is contained in the first coolant due to a malfunction, the hydrogen can be discharged to the outside of the first partition 11 through the vent pipe 811.

[0070] The second cooling system CS2 is a cooling system for cooling the electrical equipment (particularly power electronic equipment) possessed by the fuel cell module 2. A storage tank 82 included in the second cooling system CS2 is arranged in the first partition 11, and the second cooling system CS2 cools the electrical equipment possessed by the fuel cell module 2. The second cooling system CS2 circulates the second coolant for cooling the electrical equipment by driving a cooling pump (not shown) disposed outside the fuel cell module 2. The second storage tank 82 accumulates or discharges the second coolant as needed. In addition, the cooling pump may also be included in the fuel cell module 2. That is, the cooling pump may also be provided inside the fuel cell module 2.

[0071] Furthermore, the second cooling system CS2 is provided for each fuel cell module 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, four second storage tanks 82 are arranged in the first section 11.

[0072] [2-3. Details of the Second Partition]

[0073] As described above, auxiliary machines related to the operation of the fuel cell module 2 are arranged in the second partition 12. The auxiliary machines include Figure 3 The air intake unit 9, the heat exchanger 10 and the switchboard 20 are shown.

[0074] The air intake 9 takes in air to be supplied to the air electrodes of the fuel cell stack 2a. In this embodiment, the air intake 9 is located in the second partition 12. That is, the air intake 9 is located in a partition where hydrogen leakage is unlikely. This configuration prevents the intake of air containing hydrogen from the air intake 9. Consequently, this prevents air containing hydrogen from being supplied to the air electrodes of the fuel cell stack.

[0075] Specifically, the second partition 12 is provided with the same number of air intakes 9 as the plurality of fuel cell modules 2 arranged in the first partition 11. Since an air intake 9 is provided for each fuel cell module 2, if a malfunction occurs in any of the plurality of fuel cell modules 2, it is not necessary to shut down all of the fuel cell modules 2; the fuel cell modules 2 that have not experienced the malfunction can continue to operate.

[0076] Specifically, the air intake section 9 is configured to include a filter. Air piping 421, through which air flows, is connected to the air intake section 9. The air intake section 9 and the air piping 421 constitute a cathode air system 421A. The air piping 421 is arranged across the first partition 11 and the second partition 12 via the through-hole of the partition wall 13. The air taken in from the air intake section 9 is supplied to the air electrode of the fuel cell stack 2a included in the fuel cell module 2 by the operation of the compressor included in the fuel cell module 2.

[0077] The heat exchanger 10 constitutes the cooling system CS provided for the fuel cell module 2. As described above, in this embodiment, the cooling system CS includes a first cooling system CS1 and a second cooling system CS2. Specifically, the heat exchanger 10 includes a first heat exchanger 101 constituting the first cooling system CS1 and a second heat exchanger 102 constituting the second cooling system CS2. The first heat exchanger 101 and the second heat exchanger 102 are provided for each fuel cell module 2. Specifically, four first heat exchangers 101 and four second heat exchangers 102 are arranged in the second partition 12.

[0078] The first heat exchanger 101 performs heat exchange between the first coolant and the third coolant supplied from the outside of the housing 1 .

[0079] The first coolant is transported from the fuel cell stack 2a to the first heat exchanger 101 and returned from the first heat exchanger 101 to the fuel cell stack 2a via a first coolant pipe 422 connecting the first heat exchanger 101 and a pump included in the fuel cell module 2. The first coolant pipe 422 is arranged across the first partition 11 and the second partition 12 via a through-hole in the partition wall 13.

[0080] The third coolant is supplied from the outside of the housing 1 to the first heat exchanger 101 using the third coolant pipe 424 disposed in the second partition 12, and is discharged from the first heat exchanger 101 to the outside of the housing 1. Figure 2 As shown, a connection port 121 is provided on the right wall 12d of the second partition for connecting a third coolant pipe 424, which supplies and discharges the third coolant, to an external pipe. Furthermore, the third coolant is supplied to the third coolant pipe 424 using a device located outside the housing 1. While not intended to be particularly limiting, the third coolant may be seawater.

[0081] The second heat exchanger 102 performs heat exchange between the second coolant and the third coolant supplied from the outside of the housing 1. The device for supplying and discharging the third coolant is shared with the first heat exchanger 101.

[0082] The second coolant is transported from the electrical equipment included in the fuel cell module 2 to the second heat exchanger 102 and returned from the second heat exchanger 102 to the electrical equipment via a second coolant pipe 423 connecting the second heat exchanger 102 and the pump included in the fuel cell module 2. The second coolant pipe 423 is arranged across the first partition 11 and the second partition 12 via a through-hole in the partition wall 13.

[0083] The third coolant is supplied from the outside of the housing 1 to the second heat exchanger 102 using the third coolant pipe 424 disposed in the second partition 12 , and is discharged from the second heat exchanger 102 to the outside of the housing 1 .

[0084] The distribution board 20 is located at the right end of the second partition 12. A wire routing section 122 for routing wires connected to the distribution board 20 is provided on the right wall 12d of the second partition. Specifically, the wire routing section 122 is where wires are drawn from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside, or drawn from the outside to the inside. Alternatively, the wire routing section 122 can connect wires inside the housing 1 to external wires. The wire routing section 122 can include an opening for the power supply wires to pass through, a connector for connecting the wires, and other components.

[0085] The distribution board 20 includes various terminals and relays. The various terminals include, for example, terminals connected to the power line 411 through which the power generated by the fuel cell module 2 flows. Furthermore, the various terminals include terminals connected to the control line 412 used to control the fuel cell module 2. Furthermore, the power line 411 and the control line 412 are arranged across the first partition 11 and the second partition 12 via the through-holes of the partition wall 13. Furthermore, the various terminals include terminals connected to sensor lines connected to sensors such as pressure sensors and temperature sensors. Furthermore, the various terminals include terminals connected to the communication line CL for communicating with the control device 500.

[0086] The control device 500 is a device that controls the operation of each part in the housing 1. That is, the fuel cell system 100 of this embodiment includes a control device 500. The control device 500 is composed of, for example, a PLC (Programable Logic Controller). In this embodiment, the control device 500 is arranged outside the housing 1 and is communicatively connected to the distribution board 20 of the housing 1 via a communication line CL. As a result, the various parts in the housing 1 can be controlled via the distribution board 20. In addition, the control device 500 can also be a structure that is arranged in the housing 1 (for example, the distribution board 20) and controls the various parts of the housing 1 by remote control from the outside.

[0087] [2-4. Details of the cover]

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover 600 covers a portion of the first partition 11. Specifically, the cover 600 is disposed on the upper portion of the first partition 11 and covers the first partition upper wall 11e.

[0089] The cover 600 includes a front wall 600a, a rear wall 600b, a left wall 600c, a right wall 600d, and a top wall 600e. The front, rear, left, and right walls 600a, 600b, 600c, and 600d are connected to the front, rear, left, and right edges of the top wall 600e and droop downward. The lower ends of the front, rear, left, and right walls 600a, 600b, 600c, and 600d contact the first partition top wall 11e of the first partition 11. As a result, the top wall 600e is positioned above the first partition top wall 11e, forming a gap GP between the top wall 600e and the top wall 11e. Furthermore, the lid 600 and the first partition upper wall 11e are connected by welding, for example, but may also be fastened using fastening members such as bolts.

[0090] The fuel cell system 100 of the present embodiment has a double-wall structure having a first partition upper wall 11e as an inner wall, a cover upper wall 600e as an outer wall, and a gap GP between the inner wall and the outer wall. The above-mentioned double-wall structure is referred to as a double-wall portion 700. In this case, the fuel cell system 100 of the present embodiment can be expressed as follows. That is, the fuel cell system 100 has a double-wall portion 700 having an inner wall and an outer wall (arranged across the gap GP). The double-wall portion 700 has the first partition upper wall 11e as the inner wall and the cover upper wall 600e as the outer wall. Moreover, in the fuel cell system 100, the housing 1 has an outer wall (cover upper wall 600e), and the module setting partition (first partition 11) has an inner wall (first partition upper wall 11e).

[0091] [2-5. About the pressure release part]

[0092] In the present embodiment, a pressure release portion 401 is provided on the first partition upper wall 11e. That is, the first partition upper wall 11e as the inner wall has the pressure release portion 401. When the pressure in the first partition 11 as the module setting partition reaches a specified pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the cover upper wall 600e as the outer wall, the pressure release portion 401 releases the above pressure. For example, when the design pressure resistance of the cover upper wall 600e is 0.2MPaG, when the pressure in the first partition 11 reaches 0.1MPaG as the specified pressure, the pressure release portion 401 releases the above pressure. In addition, the above-mentioned "G" represents a gauge pressure based on atmospheric pressure (0.101325MPa in absolute pressure) (the same applies hereinafter).

[0093] The pressure release portion 401 is, for example, Figure 4 The rupture plate 401a shown is constructed. When the pressure (internal pressure) in the space between the wall W and the rupture plate 401a reaches a predetermined pressure, the rupture plate 401a ruptures, thereby releasing the internal pressure. This type of rupture plate 401a is also called a rupture disc. The operating pressure (the predetermined pressure) at which the rupture plate 401a ruptures can be set by appropriately selecting the material, shape, size, thickness, etc. of the rupture plate 401a. Note that the space between the wall W and the rupture plate 401a corresponds to the space within the first partition 11.

[0094] exist Figure 1As an example, two pressure release parts 401 are arranged on the upper wall 11e of the first partition. The number of pressure release parts 401 is not particularly limited, and it can be one or more than three. In addition, the position of the pressure release part 401 in the upper wall 11e of the first partition is not particularly limited. Therefore, for example, a pressure release part 401 (a total of four) can be provided above each fuel cell module 2 corresponding to each fuel cell module 2 in the first partition 11. In addition, as a method of providing the pressure release part 401 on the inner wall, various methods can be adopted, such as fastening the flange around the pressure release part 401 (rupture plate 401a) to the inner wall by fastening components such as bolts.

[0095] If hydrogen leaks and an explosion occurs within the first partition 11, the pressure within the first partition 11 will rise. Here, if a pressure exceeding the pressure resistance of the outer wall (the upper wall 600e of the cover body) is applied to the outer wall, the outer wall will be damaged. In this embodiment, when the pressure within the first partition 11 rises and reaches a specified pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the outer wall, the pressure release portion 401 releases the pressure and releases it into the gap GP. Through such pressure release, the maximum pressure applied to the outer wall can be lowered to below the pressure resistance of the outer wall. Therefore, it is not necessary to take measures such as excessively increasing the thickness of the outer wall to excessively increase the pressure resistance of the outer wall, and the possibility of damage to the housing 1 (outer wall) in the event of an explosion within the first partition 11 can be reduced. In particular, when the pressure release portion 401 is composed of a rupture plate 401a, since the rupture plate 401a is damaged first at a pressure lower than the pressure resistance at which the outer wall will be damaged, the possibility of pressure exceeding the pressure resistance being applied to the outer wall can be reliably reduced.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, the first partition 11 (specifically, the first partition upper wall 11e), which serves as a partition for the modular arrangement, has an exhaust port 112. Fluid discharged from the first partition 11 through exhaust port 112 passes through gap GP between the inner wall (first partition upper wall 11e) and the outer wall (lid upper wall 600e) of the double-walled portion 700, and is discharged to the outside via the ventilation device connection portion 113 and the ventilation device 300. Therefore, even if the fluid contains hydrogen (leakage gas) leaking from the first partition 11, this leaked gas is discharged to the outside through exhaust port 112 and gap GP.

[0097] In a structure with double-walled portion 700 as in this embodiment, it is preferable that exhaust port 112 communicate with the outside via gap GP between the inner and outer walls, so that leaked gas generated within first partition 11 can be discharged to the outside via exhaust port 112. Furthermore, in this case, gap GP of double-walled portion 700 serves as an exhaust path for leaked gas, eliminating the need for a separate, dedicated exhaust path to guide the leaked gas to the outside.

[0098] The pressure release portion 401 is not limited to the rupture plate 401a described above. For example, the pressure release portion 401 may also be formed by a rotating component (hinge-type) that opens and closes an opening. When the pressure within the module installation zone reaches the specified pressure, the rotating component rotates, causing the opening to open from a closed state, thereby releasing the pressure through the opening. Even when the pressure release portion 401 is formed by such a rotating component, the same effect as when using the rupture plate 401a can be achieved.

[0099] Furthermore, the number of covers 600 is not limited to one and may be multiple. For example, multiple covers 600 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the first partition upper wall 11e of the first partition 11. In this case, the covers 600 can be arranged so that the outer wall (cover upper wall 600e) of each cover 600 faces the inner wall (first partition upper wall 11e) having at least one pressure release portion 401, with a gap GP therebetween.

[0100] In the lid 600, the walls other than the lid upper wall 600e, namely, the lid front wall 600a, lid rear wall 600b, lid left wall 600c, and lid right wall 600d, can also extend downward to cover the first section front wall 11a, first section rear wall 11b, first section left wall 11c, and first section right wall 11d of the first section 11. In this case, the first section front wall 11a of the first section 11 and the lid front wall 600a of the lid 600 can serve as the inner and outer walls, respectively, forming a double-walled portion 700. Similarly, the first section rear wall 11b and the lid rear wall 600b can serve as the inner and outer walls, respectively, forming a double-walled portion 700. The first section left wall 11c and the lid left wall 600c can serve as the inner and outer walls, respectively, forming a double-walled portion 700. The first section right wall 11d and the cover right wall 600d can be used as the inner and outer walls, respectively, to form a double-walled portion 700. In this case, the pressure relief portion 401 can be arranged on an inner wall other than the first section top wall 11e of the first section 11. Therefore, the pressure relief portion 401 can be arranged on at least one of the first section front wall 11a, the first section rear wall 11b, the first section left wall 11c, the first section right wall 11d, and the first section top wall 11e of the first section 11.

[0101] However, if Figure 2As shown, since the first partition front wall 11a is provided with an inspection window 11W that is opened and closed during inspection, it is necessary to, for example, miniaturize the inspection window 11W to ensure space for the pressure release portion 401. In addition, since the above-mentioned connection portion 6 is provided on the first partition right wall 11d, the space for the pressure release portion 401 may be limited. Sometimes, a connection portion similar to the connection portion 6 is provided on the first partition left wall 11c to enable left-side connection, and the space for the pressure release portion 401 may still be limited. Thus, when the pressure release portion 401 is arranged on an inner wall other than the first partition upper wall 11e, it is necessary to set the arrangement position so as not to hinder the arrangement of other components.

[0102] <3. Alternative fuel cell system configuration>

[0103] [3-1. System Overview]

[0104] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of another fuel cell system 100. Figure 1 The fuel cell system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is used as the first fuel cell system. Figure 5 The fuel cell system 100 shown can be referred to as a second fuel cell system. The details of the fuel cell system 100 as the second fuel cell system are described below. For ease of description, components in the second fuel cell system having the same functions as those in the first fuel cell system are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0105] like Figure 5 As shown, a fuel cell system 100 serving as a second fuel cell system includes a housing 1. Housing 1 has a first partition 11, which serves as a module installation partition. A fuel cell module 2 is installed in first partition 11. First partition 11 is located behind second partition 12 (on the side opposite to the side where salt removal device 3 is installed). Since the structure of second partition 12 is essentially the same as that of the first fuel cell system, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0106] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A single-point perspective view of the fuel cell system 100 omitting the second partition 12 and viewed from an oblique front. Figure 7 It is schematically represented Figure 6 A one-point perspective view of the internal structure of the fuel cell system 100. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the housing 1 includes a covering body 650. The covering body 650 is box-shaped and covers the entire first partition 11. Specifically, the covering body 650 includes a covering body front wall 650a, a covering body rear wall 650b, a covering body left wall 650c, a covering body right wall 650d, a covering body upper wall 650e, and a covering body bottom wall 650f. Figure 7 In the figure, for convenience, the illustration of the enclosure front wall 650a of the enclosure 650 and the first partition front wall 11a is omitted.

[0107] A portion of the covering front wall 650a also serves as the first partition front wall 11a of the first partition 11. Alternatively, the covering front wall 650a may be formed separately from the first partition front wall 11a and arranged in contact with or separated from the front of the first partition front wall 11a.

[0108] A portion of the piping (exhaust path 7, air piping 421, coolant piping 425) and wiring (power line, signal line) connected to the fuel cell module 2 in the first partition 11 passes through the first partition front wall 11a and is led out to the second partition 12. Therefore, the front surface of the first partition 11 (the first partition front wall 11a) becomes a joint surface (joint connection portion) connecting the above-mentioned piping and the above-mentioned wiring between the first partition 11 and the second partition 12. Therefore, in the structure in which the cladding front wall 650a also serves as the first partition front wall 11a, the front surface of the cladding 650 (the cladding front wall 650a) becomes a joint surface connecting the above-mentioned piping and the above-mentioned wiring between the first partition 11 and the second partition 12. In addition, the above-mentioned coolant piping 425 is Figure 3 The first coolant pipe 422, the second coolant pipe 423, and the third coolant pipe 424 are collectively referred to as shown. Meanwhile, the hydrogen supply passage 51 and the exhaust passage 52 connected to the fuel cell module 2 are arranged through the ventilation flow path, but details of these will be described later.

[0109] A portion of the enclosure rear wall 650b also serves as the first partition rear wall 11b of the first partition 11. Alternatively, the enclosure rear wall 650b may be formed separately from the first partition rear wall 11b and arranged in contact with or separated from the rear of the first partition rear wall 11b.

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown, the left wall 650c of the enclosure is disposed to the left of the first partition left wall 11c. The left wall 650c of the enclosure is disposed separately from the first partition left wall 11c. The right wall 650d of the enclosure is disposed to the right of the first partition right wall 11d. The right wall 650d of the enclosure is disposed separately from the first partition right wall 11d.

[0111] The covering upper wall 650e is disposed above the first partition upper wall 11e. The covering upper wall 650e is disposed separately from the first partition upper wall 11e. The covering bottom wall 650f is disposed below the first partition bottom wall 11f, which constitutes the bottom wall of the first partition 11. The covering bottom wall 650f is disposed in contact with the first partition bottom wall 11f, but may also be disposed separately via a spacer or the like. Furthermore, a portion of the covering bottom wall 650f may also serve as the first partition bottom wall 11f.

[0112] By configuring the various wall portions of the covering body 650 as described above, a gap GP is formed between the covering body left wall 650c and the first partition left wall 11c, between the covering body right wall 650d and the first partition right wall 11d, and between the covering body upper wall 650e and the first partition upper wall 11e. Therefore, the covering body left wall 650c and the first partition left wall 11c constitute a double-walled portion 700 with the first partition left wall 11c as the inner wall and the covering body left wall 650c as the outer wall. Similarly, the covering body right wall 650d and the first partition right wall 11d constitute a double-walled portion 700 with the first partition right wall 11d as the inner wall and the covering body right wall 650d as the outer wall. In addition, the covering body upper wall 650e and the first partition upper wall 11e constitute a double-walled portion 700 with the first partition upper wall 11e as the inner wall and the covering body upper wall 650e as the outer wall. Therefore, it can be said that Figures 5 to 7 The fuel cell system 100 shown is also Figure 1 The fuel cell system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 also includes a double-walled portion 700 having an inner wall and an outer wall (arranged with a gap GP therebetween).

[0113] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the lower end of the enclosure front wall 650a is in contact with the enclosure bottom wall 650f. In contrast, the upper end of the enclosure front wall 650a is separated from and does not contact the enclosure upper wall 650e. Therefore, a ventilation opening 650P is formed between the enclosure front wall 650a and the enclosure upper wall 650e, and between the enclosure left wall 650c and the enclosure right wall 650d. The ventilation opening 650P includes a ventilation inlet 650P1 and a ventilation outlet 650P2. The ventilation inlet 650P1 and the ventilation outlet 650P2 are formed by separating the ventilation opening 650P in the left-right direction using a partition plate 651 described later.

[0114] [3-2. Regarding the installation of the pressure relief unit]

[0115] The pressure release portion 401 (eg, rupture plate 401a) applied to the first fuel cell system may also be applied to the second fuel cell system. Figure 7 As shown, the pressure release portion 401 is provided on at least any one of the first partition left wall 11 c , the first partition right wall 11 d , and the first partition upper wall 11 e as inner walls constituting the double-wall portion 700 .

[0116] In the second fuel cell system, by providing a pressure relief portion 401 on the inner wall of the double-walled portion 700, even if hydrogen leaks and an explosion occurs within the first compartment 11, causing the pressure within the first compartment 11 to rise, the pressure relief portion 401 will release the pressure into the gap GP when the pressure reaches a predetermined level. This allows the maximum pressure applied to the outer wall during an explosion to be lower than the outer wall's withstand pressure. Consequently, without requiring special measures to excessively increase the outer wall's withstand pressure, the possibility of damage to the housing 1 (particularly the outer wall) in the event of an explosion within the first compartment 11 can be reduced.

[0117] However, in the event of an explosion in the first partition 11, it is preferable to suppress the explosion wave from blowing toward the ventilation air inlet side (ventilation inlet 650P1 side). This is because, for the flow path on the ventilation air inlet side, safety measures that assume the release of exhaust gas containing leaked hydrogen are generally not taken. Incidentally, for the flow path on the ventilation air outlet side (ventilation outlet 650P2 side), safety measures that assume the release of exhaust gas containing leaked hydrogen are generally taken. From the perspective of suppressing the above-mentioned explosion wave from blowing toward the ventilation air inlet side, it is preferable that the inner wall of the double-walled portion 700 includes the first partition right wall 11d as the exhaust side inner wall, and the pressure release portion 401 is arranged on the first partition right wall 11d. In addition, the exhaust side inner wall refers to the inner wall of the double-walled portion 700 that sandwiches at least a portion of the exhaust flow path F2 between it and the outer wall. For example, the above-mentioned first partition right wall 11d corresponds to this inner wall. The exhaust flow path F2 refers to the right upper side flow path S2 and the right side side flow path S4 described later. In addition, the exhaust side inner wall may include the first partition upper wall 11e (the area on the right side of the partition plate 651).

[0118] In addition, in a case where the inner wall of the double-walled portion 700 includes the first partition right wall 11d as the exhaust side inner wall and the first partition left wall 11c as the intake side inner wall, the pressure release portion 401 may be arranged on both the first partition left wall 11c and the first partition right wall 11d. In addition, the intake side inner wall refers to the inner wall of the double-walled portion 700 that holds at least a portion of the intake flow path F1 between it and the outer wall. For example, the first partition left wall 11c mentioned above corresponds to this inner wall. The intake flow path F1 refers to the left upper side flow path S1 and the left side side flow path S3 described later. In addition, the intake side inner wall may also include the first partition upper wall 11e (the area to the left of the partition plate 651).

[0119] With this arrangement of the pressure release portion 401, when an explosion occurs in the first partition 11, the application of pressure exceeding the withstand pressure to the outer walls of both the exhaust flow path F2 and the intake flow path F1 is reduced, thereby further reducing the possibility of damage to the housing 1.

[0120] Here, the operating pressure when the pressure release portion 401 disposed on the exhaust side inner wall (first partition right wall 11d) releases pressure is set to the first operating pressure P1 (MPaG). In addition, the operating pressure when the pressure release portion 401 disposed on the intake side inner wall (first partition left wall 11c) releases pressure is set to the second operating pressure P2 (MPaG). At this time, it is preferable to set the first operating pressure P1 to be lower than the second operating pressure P2. For example, when the design pressure resistance of the left wall 650c and the right wall 650d of the covering body serving as the outer wall is 0.2MPaG, the first operating pressure P1 is 0.10MPaG and the second operating pressure P2 is 0.15MPaG. In addition, both the first operating pressure P1 and the second operating pressure P2 correspond to a specified pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the outer wall.

[0121] By setting the magnitude relationship between the first operating pressure P1 and the second operating pressure P2 as described above, when an explosion occurs within the first compartment 11 and the pressure within the first compartment 11 rises, the pressure relief portion 401 located on the exhaust-side inner wall (first compartment right wall 11d) releases the pressure before the pressure relief portion 401 located on the intake-side inner wall (first compartment left wall 11c). This allows the explosive gas wave to be released into the exhaust flow path F2 prior to the intake flow path F1 and then discharged to the outside. In other words, the explosive gas wave is prevented from being discharged toward the ventilation inlet 650P1.

[0122] [3-3. Preferred Position of Pressure Relief Portion]

[0123] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the installation position of the pressure release portion 401 on the right side of the first partition 11 (first partition right wall 11d). Figure 7 The fuel cell modules 2 shown are arranged relative to each other with surfaces 2S. The hydrogen supply passage 51 and other components are connected to surface 2S. The connection between the fuel cell module 2 and the hydrogen supply passage 51 is a location with a high risk of hydrogen leakage. Therefore, if an explosion occurs within the first partition 11, there is a high probability that the explosion will occur starting from this location. Taking this into account, and in order to ensure that the pressure release section 401 operates efficiently in the event of an explosion, the pressure release section 401 is preferably located in a location within the first partition 11 close to the location with a high risk of hydrogen leakage, that is, close to the first partition front wall 11a.

[0124] For example, Figure 8As shown, it is considered to provide a pressure relief portion 401 on the first partition right wall 11d of the first partition 11. When the first partition right wall 11d is divided into multiple areas in the front-to-back direction, it is preferable to provide the pressure relief portion 401 in the area closest to the front face of the first partition 11. Furthermore, the front face refers to the side of the first partition 11 where the first partition front wall 11a is located. Furthermore, considering that hydrogen is light and rises when leaking, it is preferable to provide the pressure relief portion 401 in the area closest to the upper surface of the first partition 11 when the first partition right wall 11d is divided into multiple areas in the top-to-bottom direction.

[0125] Specifically, assume that the first partition right wall 11d is divided into multiple regions X1, X2, and X3 in the front-to-back direction, and multiple regions Y1, Y2, and Y3 in the top-to-bottom direction. That is, the first partition right wall 11d is divided into a total of nine regions, a 3×3 pattern. The pressure relief portion 401 is preferably located in region X1, closest to the first partition front wall 11a. In this case, if the regions divided top-to-bottom within region X1 are designated, from the top, as regions R11, R21, and R31, the pressure relief portion 401 can be located in at least one of regions R11, R21, and R31.

[0126] Similarly, the pressure relief portion 401 is preferably located in region Y1, which is closest to the first partition upper wall 11e. In this case, if the regions within region Y1 are divided along the front-to-back direction into regions R11, R12, and R13, starting from the front, the pressure relief portion 401 can be located in at least one of these regions. Therefore, the most preferred location for the pressure relief portion 401 is region R11.

[0127] exist Figure 8 In the description, an example is described in which the first section right wall 11d is divided into nine sections and provided with the pressure release portion 401. However, the number of divisions is not limited to nine. For example, the first section right wall 11d may be divided into m sections (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) in the front-to-back direction and n sections (n ​​is an integer greater than or equal to 2) in the top-to-bottom direction, for a total of (m × n) sections. In this case, m may be the same as or different from n.

[0128] The pressure release portion 401 may be installed at one or more locations. If it is difficult to identify a location with a high risk of hydrogen leakage within the first partition 11, it is preferable to install multiple pressure release portions 401, for example, on the first partition right wall 11d.

[0129] The pressure relief portion 401, for example, can be considered similar to the case of being provided on the first compartment left wall 11c or the first compartment top wall 11e, as it is provided on the first compartment right wall 11d. Specifically, when the pressure relief portion 401 is provided on the first compartment left wall 11c, it is preferably provided in the area closest to the first compartment front wall 11a among the multiple areas of the first compartment left wall 11c. Furthermore, when the pressure relief portion 401 is provided on the first compartment top wall 11e, it is preferably provided in the area closest to the first compartment front wall 11a among the multiple areas of the first compartment top wall 11e.

[0130] [3-4. Regarding the structure related to the ventilation flow path]

[0131] An air intake 111 is provided on the first partition left wall 11c of the first partition 11. Figure 7 In the structure, the lower end of the first partition left wall 11c moves upward from the first partition bottom wall 11f. Thus, a space is formed between the lower end of the first partition left wall 11c and the first partition bottom wall 11f. This space is used as the air intake 111. That is, the air intake 111 is located at the lower end of the first partition left wall 11c. In addition, the position of the air intake 111 is not limited to the lower end of the first partition left wall 11c. That is, the air intake 111 can also be provided at any position in the upper and lower directions of the first partition left wall 11c. In addition, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the air inlet 111 is provided on the left wall 11c of the first partition. However, the air inlet 111 can be provided on any inner wall as long as it is an inner wall constituting the double-walled portion 700. For example, the air inlet 111 can also be provided on the upper wall 11e of the first partition. In this way, the first partition 11, which is a modular partition, has the air inlet 111.

[0132] An exhaust port 112 is provided on the first partition right wall 11d of the first partition 11. Figure 7 In the structure, an exhaust port 112 is provided at the upper rear portion of the right wall 11d of the first partition. In addition, the position of the exhaust port 112 is an example, and the exhaust port 112 may be provided at other locations of the right wall 11d of the first partition. In addition, the exhaust port 112 may be provided at any inner wall as long as it is an inner wall constituting the double-walled portion 700. For example, the exhaust port 112 may be provided at the upper wall 11e of the first partition. In this way, the first partition 11, which is a partition provided as a module, has the exhaust port 112.

[0133] The fuel cell system 100 also includes a partition plate 651. The partition plate 651 extends in the front-to-back direction between the enclosure upper wall 650e and the first partition upper wall 11e. This creates a gap GP between the enclosure upper wall 650e and the first partition upper wall 11e in the left-to-right direction. As a result, a left upper flow path S1 is formed between the enclosure upper wall 650e and the first partition upper wall 11e, to the left of the partition plate 651, and a right upper flow path S2 is formed to the right of the partition plate 651.

[0134] The left upper side flow path S1 is connected to the left side side flow path S3. The left side side flow path S3 is formed by the gap GP between the left wall 650c of the covering body and the left wall 11c of the first partition. In addition, the left upper side flow path S1 is connected to the left side side flow path S3 via the ventilation inlet 650P1. Figure 5 The interior of the first flow path 801 is shown as connected. The first flow path 801 is provided above the second partition 12 and extends in the front-to-back direction. An air intake opening 801a is provided at the front end of the first flow path 801. Alternatively, the air intake opening 801a may be provided on the upper wall 650e of the enclosure.

[0135] The right upper side flow path S2 is connected to the right side side flow path S4. The right side side flow path S4 is formed by the gap GP between the right wall 650d of the covering body and the right wall 11d of the first partition. The right upper side flow path S2 is connected to the right side side flow path S4 through the ventilation outlet 650P2. Figure 5 The interior of the second flow path 802 is connected. The second flow path 802 is positioned above the second partition 12, aligned to the right of the first flow path 801, and extends in the front-to-back direction. An exhaust opening 802a is provided at the front end of the second flow path 802. Alternatively, the exhaust opening 802a may be provided on the upper wall 650e of the enclosure.

[0136] Figure 9 The flow of ventilation air (intake path, exhaust path) for ventilating the interior of the first section 11 is schematically shown when the first section 11 is viewed from the front. Figure 10 The air intake path when the first section 11 is viewed from the left side is schematically shown. Figure 11 The exhaust path when the first partition 11 is viewed from the right side is schematically shown. Figure 5 The ventilation air taken in from the outside by the air intake opening 801a flows from the front to the rear inside the first flow path 801 and enters the left upper side flow path S1 through the ventilation inlet 650P1. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, air entering the left upper side flow path S1 flows into the left side side flow path S3, flows from top to bottom in the left side side flow path S3, and enters the interior of the first partition 11 through the air intake port 111. Furthermore, if the upper wall 650e of the enclosure is provided with an air intake opening 801a, air taken in from the outside through the air intake opening 801a directly enters the left upper side flow path S1, flows along the same path as described above, and enters the interior of the first partition 11.

[0137] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the fluid within the first partition 11 is discharged into the right side flow path S4 via the exhaust port 112. While the fluid is, for example, air, it also contains leaked hydrogen in the event of a hydrogen leak within the first partition 11. The fluid discharged into the right side flow path S4 flows into the right upper side flow path S2, from which it passes through the ventilation outlet 650P2 and enters the interior of the second flow path section 802. The fluid flows from the rear to the front within the second flow path section 802 and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust opening 802a. This flow of air (fluid) ventilates the first partition 11. Therefore, even in the event of a hydrogen leak within the first partition 11, the leaked hydrogen is discharged to the outside. Furthermore, if the exhaust opening 802a is provided on the upper wall 650e of the enclosure, the fluid discharged from the first partition 11 into the right side flow path S4 and then into the right upper side flow path S2 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust opening 802a.

[0138] As described above, air drawn in from the outside and directed toward the air intake port 111 flows through the left upper side flow path S1 and the left side side flow path S3. Therefore, the left upper side flow path S1 and the left side side flow path S3, which form the gap GP between the inner and outer walls of the double-walled portion 700, constitute the air intake flow path F1. Therefore, the air intake port 111 can be said to be connected to the outside via the air intake flow path F1 between the inner and outer walls. This connection between the air intake port 111 and the outside allows ventilation air to be drawn into the first partition 11, thereby ventilating the interior of the first partition 11.

[0139] Furthermore, the fluid discharged from the exhaust port 112 flows through the upper right side flow path S2 and the right side side flow path S4. Therefore, the upper right side flow path S2 and the right side side flow path S4, which are the gap GP between the inner and outer walls of the double-walled portion 700, constitute the exhaust flow path F2. Therefore, it can be said that the exhaust port 112 is connected to the outside via the exhaust flow path F2 (gap GP) between the inner and outer walls. In this way, the exhaust port 112 is connected to the outside, thereby allowing the fluid to be discharged from the first partition 11 to the outside via the exhaust flow path F2, thereby ventilating the first partition 11. Furthermore, since the exhaust flow path F2 (gap GP) can be used not only as a ventilation flow path but also as an exhaust flow path for hydrogen in the event of a leak, there is no need to provide a separate exhaust flow path specifically for discharging the leaked gas.

[0140] like Figure 7 As shown, the exhaust port 112 is arranged on the right wall 11d of the first partition, and the intake port 111 is arranged on the left wall 11c of the first partition. Therefore, when the first partition 11 is observed from the front with the first partition front wall 11a, which will become the joint connection portion, as the front, the exhaust port 112 and the intake port 111 can be said to be arranged on the inner wall of the surface other than the front of the first partition 11. Various piping and wiring connected to the fuel cell module 2 are arranged to pass through the first partition front wall 11a, which will become the joint connection portion. Therefore, it is difficult to design a ventilation flow path (intake flow path, exhaust flow path) near the first partition front wall 11a. That is, from the point of view of easily ensuring the ventilation flow path, the exhaust port 112 and the intake port 111 are preferably arranged on the inner wall other than the first partition front wall 11a.

[0141] Furthermore, as described above, the hydrogen supply passage 51 is connected to the surface 2S of the fuel cell module 2 that faces the first partition front wall 11a. Therefore, it can be said that when viewing the first partition 11 from the front, with the surface 2S of the fuel cell module 2 connected to the hydrogen supply passage 51 as the front, the exhaust port 112 and the intake port 111 are preferably located on the aforementioned inner wall.

[0142] As described above, the exhaust port 112 and the air intake port 111 may also be provided on the first partition upper wall 11e of the first partition 11. In a layout having only one layer of the first partition 11, such an arrangement of the exhaust port 112 and the air intake port 111 may be performed. In addition, in the case of realizing a layout in which multiple layers of the first partition 11 are stacked as described later (see Figure 15 For example, if the exhaust port 112 and the air intake port 111 are provided on the first partition upper wall 11e of the lower first partition 11, these exhaust ports 112 and air intake ports 111 may be blocked by the first partition bottom wall 11f of the upper first partition 11. Therefore, in the case of multi-layer stacking, it is necessary to find a way to change the arrangement of the exhaust port 112 and the air intake port 111 in the lower first partition 11 to an inner wall other than the first partition upper wall 11e.

[0143] Taking the above situation into consideration, from the perspective of easily realizing the multi-layer stacking layout of the first partition 11, it is preferred that the exhaust port 112 and the intake port 111 are respectively arranged on the inner walls of the left and right sides of the first partition 11 (the first partition right wall 11d and the first partition left wall 11c).

[0144] like Figure 6 、 Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the ventilation outlet 650P2 is connected to the exhaust port 112 via the exhaust flow path F2 (the right side flow path S4 and the right upper side flow path S2). In addition, the ventilation inlet 650P1 is connected to the intake port 111 via the intake flow path F1 (the left side flow path S3 and the left upper side flow path S1). The second fuel cell system includes such ventilation outlet 650P2 and ventilation inlet 650P1. Here, the opening area of ​​the ventilation outlet 650P2 is set to the first opening area A1 (cm 2 ), the opening area of ​​the ventilation inlet 650P1 is set to the second opening area A2 (cm 2 In this case, it is preferable that the first opening area A1 is larger than the second opening area A2.

[0145] It is assumed that the cross-sectional areas of the exhaust flow path F2 and the intake flow path F1 are respectively constant in the flow path direction. By making A1>A2, the pressure loss of the exhaust flow path F2 can be made smaller than the pressure loss of the intake flow path F1. Thus, when an explosion occurs in the first partition 11, the explosion air wave is more likely to flow toward the exhaust flow path F2 than the intake flow path F1. Therefore, the risk of reduced safety caused by the release of the explosion air wave toward the ventilation air inlet side (ventilation inlet 650P1 side) can be reduced. In fact, it is possible to consider changing the cross-sectional areas of the exhaust flow path F2 and the intake flow path F1 in the flow path direction. However, even in this case, by setting the above-mentioned opening area, it is possible to greatly expect the effect of preventing the explosion air wave from flowing back to the intake flow path F1.

[0146] like Figure 7 As shown, the first partition 11 has a first partition left wall 11c and a first partition right wall 11d on the left and right sides, which serve as the inner walls of the double-walled portion 700. Furthermore, the first partition 11 has a first partition upper wall 11e on its top surface, which serves as the inner wall of the double-walled portion 700. In other words, the inner walls of the double-walled portion 700 are located on the left and right sides and the top surface of the first partition 11.

[0147] The left and right walls 650c and 650d of the double-walled portion 700, which serve as the outer walls, are arranged along the first subarea left wall 11c and the first subarea right wall 11d, respectively. Furthermore, the upper wall 650e of the double-walled portion 700, which serves as the outer wall, is arranged along the first subarea upper wall 11e. In other words, the outer walls of the double-walled portion 700 are arranged along the side surfaces and top surface of the first subarea 11.

[0148] In addition, if Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the left side flow path S3 and the left upper side flow path S1 are connected between the first partition left wall 11c and the first partition upper wall 11e and the enclosure left wall 650c and the enclosure upper wall 650e. In other words, the left side flow path S3 and the left upper side flow path S1 are connected between the inner wall and the outer wall of the double-walled portion 700. Similarly, the right side flow path S4 and the right upper side flow path S2 are connected between the first partition right wall 11d and the first partition upper wall 11e and the enclosure right wall 650d and the enclosure upper wall 650e. In other words, the right side flow path S4 and the right upper side flow path S2 are connected between the inner wall and the outer wall of the double-walled portion 700.

[0149] In this way, the side flow paths (left side flow paths S3 or right side flow paths S4) along the side of the first partition 11 and the upper side flow paths (left upper side flow paths S1 or right upper side flow paths S2) along the upper surface of the first partition 11 are connected between the inner wall and the outer wall of the double-walled portion 700. In this structure, the gap GP between the outer wall and the inner wall of the double-walled portion 700, that is, the space to the sides and above the first partition 11, can be used as a flow path for the flow of fluid for ventilation.

[0150] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the partition plate 651 is disposed between the first partition upper wall 11e, which serves as an inner wall, and the enclosure upper wall 650e, which serves as an outer wall. Furthermore, the partition plate 651 separates the intake flow path F1 (particularly the left upper side flow path S1) from the exhaust flow path F2 (particularly the right upper side flow path S2).

[0151] By configuring the partition plate 651 in this manner, the fluid (e.g., air) flowing in the intake flow path F1 and the fluid (e.g., air or leaked gas) flowing in the exhaust flow path F2 do not mix between the first partition upper wall 11e and the enclosure upper wall 650e. As a result, the fluid flowing in the intake flow path F1 is reliably introduced into the first partition 11 via the intake port 111. Furthermore, the fluid discharged from the first partition 11 through the exhaust port 112 is reliably discharged to the outside via the exhaust flow path F2. Furthermore, even if hydrogen leaks from the first partition 11, the configuration of the partition plate 651 prevents the leaked gas flowing in the exhaust flow path F2 from entering the intake flow path F1. Consequently, the leaked gas does not return to the first partition 11 via the intake flow path F1.

[0152] [3-5. Regarding the layout of hydrogen supply and exhaust passages]

[0153] Figure 12 The layout of the hydrogen supply passage 51 is shown when the first section 11 is viewed from the front. The fuel cell system 100 includes the hydrogen supply passage 51 as fuel gas supply piping. The hydrogen supply passage 51 is connected to the fuel cell modules 2 within the first section 11 at the surface 2S.

[0154] In the fuel cell system 100, the hydrogen supply passage 51 is arranged, for example, as follows. Figure 5 The hydrogen supply passage 51 extends from the front to the rear inside the first flow path section 801 through the intake opening 801a, entering the left upper flow path S1. The hydrogen supply passage 51 then curves downward from the left upper flow path S1 and enters the left side flow path S3. It then bends rightward and passes through the intake port 111, entering the first partition 11. After curving upward within the first partition 11, the hydrogen supply passage 51 curves rearward to connect to the fuel cell module 2.

[0155] In this manner, the hydrogen supply passage 51 is configured to pass through the left upper side passage S1 and the left side side passage S3. In other words, the hydrogen supply passage 51 passes through the intake passage F1. In other words, the hydrogen supply passage 51 passes between the inner and outer walls of the double-walled portion 700, which sandwich the intake passage F1. This configuration of the hydrogen supply passage 51 ensures that, even if hydrogen leaks from the hydrogen supply passage 51, it can be diluted by mixing with the ventilation fluid (e.g., air) passing through the intake passage F1 and then discharged to the outside via the exhaust passage F2.

[0156] Figure 13 FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of the exhaust passage 52 when viewed from the front side of the first partition 11. The fuel cell system 100 includes the exhaust passage 52 as a fuel gas exhaust pipe.

[0157] In the fuel cell system 100, the exhaust passage 52 is configured as follows. That is, the exhaust passage 52 extends upward from the upper portion of the fuel cell module 2 and is led out to the right. Then, the exhaust passage 52 extends from the front to the rear in the space on the right side of the fuel cell module 2, enters the right side flow path S4 through the exhaust port 112 provided on the first partition right wall 11d of the first partition 11, and then extends upward and enters the right upper side flow path S2. The exhaust passage 52 passes through the right upper side flow path S2 and is led out to the right side. Figure 5 The interior of the second flow path portion 802 shown extends forward and is taken out to the outside through the exhaust opening 802a.

[0158] In this manner, the discharge passage 52 is arranged to pass through the right upper side flow passage S2 and the right side side flow passage S4. In other words, the discharge passage 52 passes through the exhaust flow passage F2. In other words, the discharge passage 52 passes between the inner and outer walls of the double-walled portion 700, which sandwich the exhaust flow passage F2. This arrangement of the discharge passage 52 ensures that, even if hydrogen leaks from the discharge passage 52, it can be mixed with the ventilation fluid (e.g., air) passing through the exhaust flow passage F2, diluted, and discharged.

[0159] <4. Another Fuel Cell System Structure>

[0160] Figure 14 It is a front view showing still another configuration of the fuel cell system 100 . Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The right side view of the fuel cell system 100. Figure 15 In the figure, for convenience, the right side (outer wall) of the housing 1 is omitted. Figure 14 The fuel cell system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is also referred to as a third fuel cell system. The third fuel cell system differs from the second fuel cell system having only one first partition 11 in that the first partitions 11 housing the fuel cell modules 2 are stacked vertically (multi-layer stacking) in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the third fuel cell system differs from the first fuel cell system having a plurality of fuel cell modules 2 arranged horizontally.

[0161] The following describes in detail the fuel cell system 100, serving as the third fuel cell system. For ease of explanation, components in the third fuel cell system that have the same functions as those in the first and second fuel cell systems are denoted by the same reference numerals. While the third fuel cell system is described herein as a structure in which the first partitions 11 are stacked in four layers, the number of layers of the first partitions 11 is not limited to four; it can be two or more.

[0162] Figure 16 It is schematically represented Figure 14 and Figure 15 The fuel cell system 100 is shown in a front view with the second partition 12 omitted. The housing 1 of the fuel cell system 100 includes a plurality of first partitions 11 arranged as modules. The plurality of first partitions 11 are arranged in a vertical direction.

[0163] The first section left wall 11c of each first section 11 is covered by the cladding left wall 650c via a gap GP. Thus, each first section left wall 11c and the cladding left wall 650c form a double-wall structure, with the first section left wall 11c serving as the inner wall and the cladding left wall 650c serving as the outer wall, i.e., a double-walled portion 700. Furthermore, the first section right wall 11d of each first section 11 is covered by the cladding right wall 650d via a gap GP. Thus, each first section right wall 11d and the cladding right wall 650d form a double-wall structure, with the first section right wall 11d serving as the inner wall and the cladding right wall 650d serving as the outer wall, i.e., a double-walled portion 700.

[0164] In this structure, if Figure 16 As shown, the gap GP between each first subarea's left wall 11c and the enclosure's left wall 650c communicates vertically. In other words, the left side surface-side flow path S3 between the first subarea's left wall 11c and the enclosure's left wall 650c communicates vertically. This allows the ventilation fluid that has passed through the left upper side flow path S1 to be supplied to the intake port 111 of each first subarea 11 via the left side surface-side flow path S3.

[0165] In addition, the gap GP between each first partition right wall 11d and the enclosure right wall 650d is also connected in the vertical direction. That is, the right side flow path S4 between the first partition right wall 11d and the enclosure right wall 650d is connected in the vertical direction. As a result, the ventilation fluid discharged from the exhaust port 112 of each first partition 11 can be discharged to the second flow path portion 802 (see FIG. 1 ) via the right side flow path S4 and the right upper side flow path S2. Figure 14 ) and discharged to the outside.

[0166] like Figure 15 As shown, the pressure release portion 401 is disposed on the first partition right wall 11d of each first partition 11. In this case, each of the first partitions 11 can be said to have an inner wall (first partition right wall 11d) on the side surface of which the pressure release portion 401 is disposed. As described above, the first partition right wall 11d of each first partition 11 is covered by the outer wall of the double-walled portion 700, the outer wall of the covering body 650d. Therefore, it can be said that the outer wall of the housing 1 (the covering body right wall 650d) is disposed so as to cover the side surfaces (particularly the right side surfaces) of the first partitions 11, with a gap GP therebetween.

[0167] In this manner, in a fuel cell system 100 with multiple first compartments 11 stacked vertically, the outer wall (enclosure right wall 650d) covers the side surface of the first compartment 11 (first compartment right wall 11d) where the pressure relief portion 401 is located. Therefore, even if a pressure rise due to an explosion occurs within any of the multiple first compartments 11, the pressure relief provided by the pressure relief portion 401 in each first compartment 11 reduces the likelihood of pressure exceeding the withstand voltage being applied to the outer wall. Consequently, in a fuel cell system 100 with multiple first compartments 11 stacked vertically, the likelihood of damage to the casing 1 due to an explosion within a first compartment 11 is reduced.

[0168] <5. Another Fuel Cell System Structure>

[0169] Figure 17 It is a left side view showing still another structure of the fuel cell system 100 . Figure 18 is a right side view of the fuel cell system 100. Figure 17 In the figure, for the purpose of showing the internal structure of the fuel cell system 100, the left wall 650c of the covering body is omitted for convenience. Figure 18 In FIG. 1 , for the purpose of illustrating the internal structure of the fuel cell system 100 , the illustration of the right wall 650 d of the covering body is omitted for the sake of convenience.

[0170] Will Figure 17 and Figure 18 The fuel cell system 100 shown is also referred to as the fourth fuel cell system. Figures 14 to 16 In the illustrated fuel cell system 100 (third fuel cell system), the first partition rear wall 11b of each first partition 11 is covered by the cladding rear wall 650b with a gap GP therebetween. In this case, each first partition rear wall 11b and the cladding rear wall 650b form a double-wall structure, i.e., a double-wall portion 700, with each first partition rear wall 11b serving as the inner wall and the cladding rear wall 650b serving as the outer wall.

[0171] In this structure, each first section rear wall 11b serving as an inner wall can be provided with a pressure relief portion 401. This can reduce damage to the outer wall (eg, the enclosure rear wall 650b) in the event of an explosion in the first section 11.

[0172] The partition plate 651 can be arranged to extend vertically not only between the enclosure upper wall 650e and the first partition upper wall 11e, but also between each first partition rear wall 11b and the enclosure rear wall 650b. In this case, the gap GP between each first partition rear wall 11b and the enclosure rear wall 650b is partitioned left and right by the partition plate 651. Furthermore, the gap GP between each first partition rear wall 11b and the enclosure rear wall 650b is vertically connected. As a result, a left rear side flow path S5 is formed between each first partition rear wall 11b and the enclosure rear wall 650b, to the left of the partition plate 651, and a right rear side flow path S6 is formed to the right of the partition plate 651. Furthermore, the left upper side flow path S1 is connected to the left rear side flow path S5, and the right rear side flow path S6 is connected to the right upper side flow path S2.

[0173] Therefore, if Figure 17 As shown, the air taken in from the outside and flowing in the left upper side flow path S1 passes not only through the left side side flow path S3 but also through the left rear side flow path S5 and is guided to the air intake port 111 of each first partition 11. Figure 18 As shown, the fluid discharged from the exhaust port 112 of each first partition 11 flows not only through the right side flow path S4 but also through the right rear side flow path S6 to the right upper side flow path S2 and is discharged to the outside. In this way, the gap GP between the rear wall 11b of each first partition and the rear wall 650b of the enclosure serves as a flow path for the ventilation fluid.

[0174] In addition, the structure of the fourth fuel cell system in which the first partition rear wall 11b of the first partition 11 is covered by the cover rear wall 650b with a gap GP can also be applied to Figures 5 to 13 The second fuel cell system is shown.

[0175] <6.Supplement>

[0176] The fuel cell system 100 (first to fourth fuel cell systems) described above can be installed on a ship, for example. In this case, a fuel cell ship can be realized in which the propulsion device is driven by the electric power extracted from the fuel cell system.

[0177] <7. Notes>

[0178] The fuel cell system described in this embodiment can be expressed as the following supplementary notes.

[0179] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (1) is a fuel cell system having a housing having a module installation partition for installing the fuel cell module.

[0180] The fuel cell system further includes a double wall portion having an inner wall and an outer wall.

[0181] The housing has the outer wall.

[0182] The above module setting partition has the above inner wall,

[0183] The inner wall has a pressure release portion,

[0184] The pressure release portion releases the pressure when the pressure in the module installation section reaches a predetermined pressure lower than the withstand pressure of the outer wall.

[0185] The fuel cell system of Supplement (2) is: based on the fuel cell system of Supplement (1),

[0186] The module is provided with a partition (the inner wall of which) having an exhaust port,

[0187] The exhaust port communicates with the outside through a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0188] The fuel cell system of Supplement (3) is: based on the fuel cell system of Supplement (2),

[0189] It also includes a fuel gas supply pipe connected to the fuel cell module in the module installation area.

[0190] The fuel gas supply pipe passes between the inner wall and the outer wall of the double-walled portion.

[0191] The fuel cell system of Supplement (4) is: based on the fuel cell system of Supplement (3),

[0192] It also includes a fuel gas exhaust pipe connected to the fuel cell module in the module installation partition.

[0193] The fuel gas exhaust pipe passes between the inner wall and the outer wall of the double-walled portion.

[0194] The fuel cell system of Supplement (5) is: based on the fuel cell system of Supplement (4),

[0195] The module is provided with a partition (the inner wall of which) having an air intake port.

[0196] The air intake port communicates with the outside via an air intake flow path between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0197] The fuel cell system of Supplement (6) is: based on the fuel cell system of Supplement (5),

[0198] The exhaust port communicates with the outside via an exhaust flow path between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0199] The fuel cell system of Supplement (7) is: based on the fuel cell system of Supplement (6),

[0200] When the module arrangement partition is viewed from the front side with the surface of the fuel cell module connected to the fuel gas supply pipe as the front side,

[0201] The exhaust port and the intake port are arranged on the inner wall located on a surface other than the front surface of the module installation section.

[0202] The fuel cell system of Supplement (8) is: based on the fuel cell system of Supplement (7),

[0203] The exhaust port and the intake port are respectively arranged on the inner wall located on the left and right sides of the module installation partition.

[0204] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (9) is a fuel cell system according to any one of Supplementary Notes (6) to (8), further comprising:

[0205] a ventilation outlet communicating with the exhaust port via the exhaust flow path; and

[0206] The ventilation inlet is connected to the above-mentioned air intake port via the above-mentioned air intake flow path,

[0207] The opening area of ​​the ventilation outlet is larger than the opening area of ​​the ventilation inlet.

[0208] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (10) is a fuel cell system according to any one of Supplementary Notes (6) to (9),

[0209] The inner wall includes an exhaust side inner wall, and the exhaust flow path is sandwiched between the exhaust side inner wall and the outer wall.

[0210] The pressure release portion is disposed on the exhaust-side inner wall.

[0211] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (11) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (10),

[0212] The inner wall further includes an air intake side inner wall, and the air intake flow path is sandwiched between the air intake side inner wall and the outer wall.

[0213] The pressure release portion is disposed on the exhaust-side inner wall and the intake-side inner wall.

[0214] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (12) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (11),

[0215] An operating pressure when the pressure release portion disposed on the exhaust-side inner wall releases pressure is set lower than an operating pressure when the pressure release portion disposed on the intake-side inner wall releases pressure.

[0216] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (13) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (8),

[0217] The inner wall of the double-walled portion is located on the left and right sides and the upper surface of the module setting partition.

[0218] The outer wall is arranged along the side surface and the upper surface of the partition provided with the module.

[0219] Between the inner wall and the outer wall, a side flow path along the side surface of the module partition is communicated with an upper surface flow path along the upper surface.

[0220] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (14) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (13),

[0221] A partition plate is further provided. The partition plate is disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall and separates the air intake flow path from the air exhaust flow path.

[0222] The fuel cell system of Supplement (15) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplement (13) or (14),

[0223] The housing has a plurality of partitions where the modules are arranged.

[0224] The plurality of modules are arranged in partitions, each having the inner wall on the side where the pressure release portion is arranged, and are arranged in an up-down direction.

[0225] The outer wall of the housing is configured to cover side surfaces of the plurality of module installation sections with gaps therebetween.

[0226] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (16) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (14),

[0227] The partition plate is arranged on the upper surface (first partition upper wall) of the module installation partition.

[0228] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (17) is a fuel cell system according to any one of Supplementary Notes (1) to (14),

[0229] The pressure release portion is disposed on an upper surface (a first partition upper wall) of the module installation partition.

[0230] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (18) is a fuel cell system according to any one of Supplementary Notes (1) to (17),

[0231] When the joint surface (first partition front wall) through which the piping connected to the fuel cell module passes among the surfaces of the module installation partition is taken as the front surface,

[0232] The inner wall having the pressure release portion is located on a side other than the front of the module installation partition (at least one of the left wall of the first partition and the right wall of the first partition).

[0233] When the side surface is divided into a plurality of regions in the front-rear direction, the pressure release portion is arranged in a region of the side surface that is closest to the front surface.

[0234] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (19) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (18),

[0235] When the side surface is divided into a plurality of regions in the vertical direction, the pressure release portion is arranged in an uppermost region of the side surface.

[0236] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (20) is a fuel cell system according to any one of Supplementary Notes (1) to (19),

[0237] The pressure release portion includes a rupture plate, and the rupture plate ruptures when the pressure in the module installation section reaches the predetermined pressure, thereby releasing the pressure.

[0238] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (21) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (5),

[0239] The fuel gas supply pipe passes through the air intake passage.

[0240] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (22) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (6),

[0241] The fuel gas discharge pipe passes through the exhaust flow path.

[0242] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (23) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (15),

[0243] The outer wall (enclosing body rear wall) of the housing is arranged to cover the rear surface (first partition rear wall) of the partition where the plurality of modules are arranged, with a gap therebetween.

[0244] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (24) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (23),

[0245] The pressure release portion is further arranged on the rear surface of the module setting partition.

[0246] The fuel cell system of Supplement (25) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplement (23) or (24),

[0247] An air flow path (an air intake flow path and an air exhaust flow path) is provided between the outer wall (enclosure rear wall) of the housing and the rear surface of the module installation partition (first partition rear wall).

[0248] The fuel cell system of Supplementary Note (26) is: based on the fuel cell system described in Supplementary Note (25),

[0249] Between the above-mentioned inner wall and the above-mentioned outer wall, the upper side flow path (left upper side flow path or right upper side flow path) of the above-mentioned upper surface of the partition set along the above-mentioned module is connected with the rear side flow path (left rear side flow path or right rear side flow path) along the above-mentioned rear surface.

[0250] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, the scope of this invention is not limited to this, It can expand or change and implement within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

[0251] Industrial Applicability

[0252] The fuel cell system of the present invention can be used, for example, to generate electric power on board a ship.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system comprising a housing having a module installation partition for installing a fuel cell module, characterized in that: The fuel cell system further includes a double wall portion having an inner wall and an outer wall. The housing has the outer wall, The module setting partition has the inner wall, The inner wall has a pressure relief portion, The pressure release portion releases the pressure when the pressure in the module installation section reaches a predetermined pressure lower than the withstand pressure of the outer wall.

2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein: The module is provided with a partition having an exhaust port, The exhaust port communicates with the outside through a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall.

3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a fuel gas supply pipe connected to the fuel cell module in the module installation area, The fuel gas supply pipe passes between the inner wall and the outer wall of the double-walled portion.

4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein: It also includes a fuel gas exhaust pipe connected to the fuel cell module in the module installation area, The fuel gas exhaust pipe passes between the inner wall and the outer wall of the double-walled portion.

5. The fuel cell system according to claim 4, characterized in that The module is provided with a partition having an air intake. The air intake port communicates with the outside via an air intake flow path between the inner wall and the outer wall.

6. The fuel cell system according to claim 5, characterized in that The exhaust port communicates with the outside via an exhaust flow path between the inner wall and the outer wall.

7. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein: When the module installation partition is viewed from the front side with the surface of the fuel cell module connected to the fuel gas supply pipe as the front side, The exhaust port and the intake port are arranged on the inner wall located on a surface other than the front surface of the module installation section.

8. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, characterized in that The exhaust port and the intake port are respectively arranged on the inner walls located on the left and right sides of the module installation partition.

9. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein: Also features: a ventilation outlet communicating with the exhaust port via the exhaust flow path; and a ventilation inlet communicating with the air intake port via the air intake flow path; The opening area of ​​the ventilation outlet is larger than the opening area of ​​the ventilation inlet.

10. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein: The inner wall includes an exhaust side inner wall, and the exhaust flow path is sandwiched between the exhaust side inner wall and the outer wall. The pressure release portion is disposed on the exhaust-side inner wall.

11. The fuel cell system according to claim 10, wherein: The inner wall further includes an air intake side inner wall, and the air intake flow path is sandwiched between the air intake side inner wall and the outer wall. The pressure release portion is disposed on the exhaust-side inner wall and the intake-side inner wall.

12. The fuel cell system according to claim 11, wherein: An operating pressure when the pressure release portion disposed on the exhaust-side inner wall releases pressure is set lower than an operating pressure when the pressure release portion disposed on the intake-side inner wall releases pressure.

13. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, wherein: The inner wall of the double-walled portion is located on the left and right sides and the upper surface of the module setting partition. The outer wall is arranged along the side surface and the upper surface of the module partition. Between the inner wall and the outer wall, a side flow path along the side surface of the module partition is communicated with an upper surface flow path along the upper surface.

14. The fuel cell system according to claim 13, wherein: A partition plate is further provided. The partition plate is arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall and separates the air intake flow path from the air exhaust flow path.

15. The fuel cell system according to claim 13, wherein: The housing has a plurality of partitions for the module arrangement. The plurality of module arrangement partitions each have the inner wall where the pressure release portion is arranged on the side, and are arranged in an up-down direction. The outer wall of the housing is configured to cover side surfaces of the plurality of module installation sections with gaps therebetween.

Images