Fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention is a fuel cell provided with a plurality of fuel cell cells and inter-cell seals disposed between the plurality of fuel cell cells, the plurality of fuel cell cells having ribs protruding in the direction of adjacent fuel cell cells on the outside of the sealing range of the inter-cell seals. The rib has a height that adjusts the compression ratio of the inter-cell seal to 20% or more and 70% or less within the sealing range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fuel cell having multiple fuel cell cells stacked together. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-162470 discloses a fuel cell structure in which adhesive sheets are disposed between fuel cell cells in a stacked fuel cell cell structure.

[0003] In fuel cells, when adhesive sheets are used to seal between fuel cell cells, the adhesive sheets are compressed by fastening loads, resulting in permanent deformation in the thickness direction (compression set) over time. Consequently, the amount of follow-through during cell displacement and release of the fasteners is insufficient, posing a risk of seal failure due to adhesive peeling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fuel cell capable of suppressing the maximum permanent deformation in the inter-cell seal between fuel cell cells.

[0005] This application discloses a fuel cell comprising: a plurality of fuel cell cells; and a cell-to-cell seal disposed between the plurality of fuel cell cells, wherein the plurality of fuel cell cells have ribs protruding toward adjacent fuel cell cells on the outer side of the sealing range of the cell-to-cell seal, and the ribs have a height that adjusts the compression ratio of the cell-to-cell seal to more than 20% and less than 70% within the sealing range.

[0006] Ribs can also be placed on the membrane of the fuel cell.

[0007] The sealing range can also be formed by a protrusion provided on the diaphragm.

[0008] This application discloses a fuel cell comprising: a plurality of fuel cell cells; and a cell-to-cell seal disposed between the plurality of fuel cell cells, wherein the plurality of fuel cell cells have two or more ribs on the inner side of the sealing range of the cell-to-cell seal.

[0009] It can also be configured such that the rib has a height that adjusts the compression ratio of the cell seal to more than 20% and less than 70% within the sealing range outside the rib.

[0010] It can also be configured such that the rib has a height that adjusts the compression ratio of the seal between the cells to be more than 50% and less than 80%.

[0011] According to this disclosure, the maximum amount of permanent deformation of the seal between battery cells can be suppressed.

[0012] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the fuel cell stack 50.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of fuel cell cell 10.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a top-down view of fuel cell cell 10.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the layer structure in the power generation section 11 of the fuel cell cell 10.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram (first embodiment) illustrating the layer structure in the outer periphery 21 of the fuel cell cell 10.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the layer structure in the outer periphery 21 of the fuel cell cell 10 (second embodiment).

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram (first embodiment) illustrating the portion of interest in the outer periphery of the stacked structure of the fuel cell cell 10 in the fuel cell stack 50.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a variation of the first method.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the peripheral portion of interest in the stacked structure of the fuel cell cell 10 in the fuel cell stack 50 (second embodiment).

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a variation of the second method. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 1. Basic Structure of a Fuel Cell

[0024] The fuel cell stack 50 is a component consisting of multiple (approximately 50 to 400) fuel cell cells 10, which will be described later, stacked together, and collects power from the multiple fuel cell cells 10. Figure 1 The diagram shows its simplified structure. The fuel cell stack 50 includes a housing 51, an end plate 52, multiple fuel cell cells 10, a current collector 54, and a force-applying component 55.

[0025] In the accompanying figures, arrows indicate the directions of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. Here, in the in-plane direction of the fuel cell cell, which is generally flat, the x-direction is the direction from the fluid inlet side to the outlet side, and the y-direction is the direction orthogonal to the x-direction. The z-direction is the stacking direction of the components of the fuel cell cell, which is a stacked structure.

[0026] The outer casing 51 is a housing that houses multiple overlapping fuel cell cells 10, current collectors 54, and force-applying components 55 on its inner side. In this embodiment, the outer casing 51 is a quadrilateral cylindrical shape with one end open and the other end closed, and plate-like sheets extend along the edge of the opening to the side opposite to the opening, forming a flange 51a.

[0027] End plate 52 is a plate-shaped component that blocks the opening of housing 51. End plate 52 is fixed to housing 51 by means of bolts and nuts, etc., to cover the overlapping portion of flange 51a of housing 51 onto housing 51.

[0028] The fuel cell 10 will be described in detail later, but multiple fuel cell cells 10 overlap. In this case, the anode membranes 18 of the fuel cell 10 adjacent to the cathode membrane 15 of one fuel cell cell 10 are arranged in an overlapping manner. Moreover, a cooling water flow path is formed by the overlap of the grooves 15b of the cathode membrane 15 and the grooves 18b of the anode membrane 18.

[0029] The current collector 54 is a component that collects electricity from the stacked fuel cell cells 10. Therefore, the current collector 54 is disposed at one end and the other end of the stacked structure of the fuel cell cells 10 in the stacking direction, with one end being the positive electrode and the other the negative electrode. It is configured such that terminals (not shown) are connected to the current collector 54, enabling it to be electrically connected to an external source.

[0030] The force-applying component 55 is housed inside the housing 51 and applies pressure to the stack of the fuel cell cell 10 in its stacking direction. For example, a disc spring can be used as the force-applying component.

[0031] 2. Basic Structure of Fuel Cell

[0032] exist Figures 2-5 The diagram illustrates the basic structure of a fuel cell 10 involved in one approach. The fuel cell 10 is a unit element used to generate electricity by supplying hydrogen and oxygen (air), and multiple such fuel cell cells 10 are stacked to form a fuel cell stack 50.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of fuel cell cell 10 (in...) Figure 2 In addition to the fuel cell 10, the cell-to-cell seal 40, which will be described later, is also shown. Figure 3This is a top-down view of fuel cell cell 10 (in...) Figure 3 In addition to the fuel cell 10, the cell-to-cell seal 40, which will be described later, is also shown. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the layer structure of the power generation section 11 in the fuel cell cell 10. Figure 5 , Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the layer structure in the outer periphery 21 of the fuel cell cell 10.

[0034] 2.1. Power Generation Department

[0035] For example, the power generation unit 11 is Figure 3 The part enclosed by dotted lines that contributes to power generation, such as... Figure 4 The power generation unit 11 shown in the image is formed by stacking multiple layers, as shown in the layered structure (part of the IV-IV cross section).

[0036] In the power generation section 11 of the fuel cell 10, separated by an electrolyte membrane 12, there is a cathode (oxygen supply side) on one side and an anode (hydrogen supply side) on the other. The cathode, starting from the electrolyte membrane 12 side, consists of a cathode catalyst layer 13, a cathode diffusion layer 14, and a cathode separator 15 stacked sequentially. Conversely, the anode, starting from the electrolyte membrane 12 side, consists of an anode catalyst layer 16, an anode diffusion layer 17, and an anode separator 18 stacked sequentially. Furthermore, the laminate formed by the electrolyte membrane 12, cathode catalyst layer 13, cathode diffusion layer 14, anode catalyst layer 16, and anode diffusion layer 17 is sometimes referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Typically, the MEA thickness is approximately 0.4 mm, and the thickness of the fuel cell 10 in the power generation section 11 is typically approximately 1.3 mm.

[0037] The layers can be constructed as is commonly known, but for example, as follows.

[0038] 2.1a. Electrolyte membrane

[0039] The electrolyte membrane 12 is a solid polymer film that exhibits good proton conductivity in a wet state. For example, it is composed of a fluorine-based ion exchange membrane, and for example, a carbon-fluorine polymer can be used, specifically, perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid polymers (Nafion (registered trademark)) etc.

[0040] The thickness of the electrolyte membrane 12 is not particularly limited, but it is 100 μm or less, preferably 50 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or less.

[0041] 2.1b. Cathode catalyst layer

[0042] The cathode catalyst layer 13 is a layer containing a catalyst metal in a manner in which a catalyst metal is supported on a support. Examples of catalyst metals include Pt, Pd, Rh, or alloys containing these. Examples of supports include carbon supports, and more specifically, carbon particles composed of glassy carbon, carbon black, activated carbon, coke, natural graphite, and artificial graphite.

[0043] 2.1c. Anode catalyst layer

[0044] The anode catalyst layer 16 is similar to the cathode catalyst layer 13, also comprising a catalyst metal supported on a carrier. Examples of catalyst metals include Pt, Pd, Rh, or alloys containing these. Examples of carriers include carbon carriers, and more specifically, carbon particles composed of glassy carbon, carbon black, activated carbon, coke, natural graphite, and artificial graphite.

[0045] 2.1d. Cathode diffusion layer

[0046] The cathode diffusion layer 14 is, for example, composed of a porous material with electrical conductivity. More specific examples include carbon porous materials (carbon paper, carbon cloth, glassy carbon, etc.) and metal porous materials (metal mesh, foamed metal).

[0047] In the cathode diffusion layer, an MPL (microporous layer) can also be provided as needed. The MPL is a coating film applied to the side of the cathode catalyst layer 13 in the cathode diffusion layer 14. The MPL is hydrophobic or hydrophilic as needed, and has the function of adjusting moisture content. Typically, the main components of the MPL are hydrophobic resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and conductive materials such as carbon black.

[0048] 2.1e. Anode diffusion layer

[0049] The anode diffusion layer 17 is, for example, composed of a porous material with electrical conductivity. More specific examples include carbon porous materials (carbon paper, carbon cloth, glassy carbon, etc.) and metal porous materials (metal mesh, foamed metal).

[0050] 2.1f. Cathode diaphragm

[0051] The cathode diaphragm 15 is a component that supplies the reactive gas (in this embodiment, air) to the cathode diffusion layer 14. It has multiple grooves 15a on its surface opposite the cathode diffusion layer 14, which function as flow paths for the reactive gas. The shape of the grooves is not particularly limited as long as the reactive gas can be adequately supplied to the cathode diffusion layer 14; for example, the plate-shaped component can be formed into a wavy shape, as in this embodiment. Typically, the plate thickness is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, and the height of the unevenness is typically about 0.5 mm.

[0052] In the case of a wavy shape, a cathode diaphragm 15 is separated between adjacent grooves 15a, and grooves 15b are formed on opposite sides, which function as cooling water flow paths.

[0053] In addition, according to Figure 1 As can be seen, an air inlet hole A is provided on the cathode diaphragm 15 at a position extending from the power generation section 11 and becoming the outer side, at one end of the groove 15a and groove 15b. in Cooling water inlet hole W in Hydrogen outlet hole H out An air outlet hole A is provided at the other end of slots 15a and 15b. out Cooling water outlet hole W out Hydrogen inlet hole H in Here, slot 15a is connected to air inlet hole A. in Air outlet hole A out Connecting slot 15b with cooling water inlet hole W in Cooling water outlet hole W out Connected.

[0054] The material constituting the cathode diaphragm 15 can be any material that can be used as a diaphragm in a fuel cell cell, and can be an impermeable conductive material. Examples of such materials include dense carbon compressed into an impermeable state, stamped metal sheets, etc.

[0055] 2.1g. Anode diaphragm

[0056] The anode diaphragm 18 is a component that supplies the reactant gas (hydrogen) to the anode diffusion layer 17. It has multiple grooves 18a on its surface opposite the anode diffusion layer 17, which function as flow paths for the reactant gas. The shape of the grooves is not particularly limited, as long as the reactant gas can be adequately supplied to the anode diffusion layer 17; for example, a plate-like component can be formed into a wavy shape, as in this embodiment. Typically, the plate thickness is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, and the height of the unevenness is approximately 0.4 mm.

[0057] In the case of a wavy shape, in this method, between adjacent grooves 18a, separated by an anode diaphragm 18, a groove 18b is formed on the opposite side, which functions as a cooling water flow path.

[0058] In addition, according to Figure 1 As can be seen, an air inlet hole A is provided on the anode diaphragm 18 at a position extending from the power generation section 11 to become the outer side, at one end of the groove 18a and groove 18b. in Cooling water inlet hole W in Hydrogen outlet hole H outAn air outlet hole A is provided at the other end of slots 18a and 18b. out Cooling water outlet hole W out Hydrogen inlet hole H in Here, groove 18a is connected to hydrogen inlet hole H. in Hydrogen outlet hole H out Connecting slot 18b with cooling water inlet hole W in Cooling water outlet hole W out Connected.

[0059] The material constituting the anode membrane 18 can be any material that can be used as a membrane for a fuel cell cell, and can be an impermeable conductive material. Examples of such materials include dense carbon compressed into an impermeable state, stamped metal sheets, etc.

[0060] 2.1h. Power generation carried out by the power generation department.

[0061] As is a known technology, the fuel cell 10 described above generates electricity as follows.

[0062] If hydrogen is supplied from the tank 18a of the anode diaphragm 18, the hydrogen passes through the anode diffusion layer 17. Thereafter, the hydrogen is decomposed into protons (H+) in the anode catalyst layer 16. + ) and electrons (e - Protons pass through the electrolyte membrane 12, and electrons pass through a conductive wire connected to the outside. Subsequently, the protons and electrons reach the cathode catalyst layer 13. Here, oxygen (air) is supplied to the cathode catalyst layer 13 from the tank 15a of the cathode diaphragm 15 via the cathode diffusion layer 14. In the cathode catalyst layer 13, water (H2O) is produced by protons, electrons, and oxygen. The produced water passes through the cathode diffusion layer 14 and reaches the tank 15a of the cathode diaphragm 15, where it is discharged.

[0063] That is, in the fuel cell cell 10, the flow of electrons from the anode catalyst layer 16 through conductive wires connected to the outside is used as current.

[0064] 2.2.Peripheral part

[0065] Peripheral part 21 Figure 3 The outer part of the power generation section 11, surrounded by a dotted line, is the outer periphery of the fuel cell cell 10. This part, while not contributing to power generation, is responsible for supplying various fluids to the power generation section, collecting fluids from the power generation section, and sealing it. For example, in... Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown in the layered structure (VV cross-section) of the outer peripheral portion 21, the outer peripheral portion 21 is composed of multiple layers. Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 21 has the following configuration. Figure 5 It is the first method. Figure 6 It's the second method.

[0066] In the outer peripheral portion 21, a resin sheet 23 is disposed between the cathode diaphragm 15 and the anode diaphragm 18, thereby sealing the interior of the fuel cell cell 10. According to... Figure 2 As can be seen, the resin sheet 23 is configured to surround the membrane electrode assembly.

[0067] The resin sheet 23 functions as a sealing component that encapsulates the cathode diaphragm 15 and the anode diaphragm 18 between the outer periphery 21 of the fuel cell cell 10 to seal them.

[0068] The resin sheet 23 includes a substrate 24, an adhesive layer 25 disposed on one side of the substrate 24 (the side facing the cathode diaphragm), and an adhesive layer 26 disposed on the other side of the substrate 24 (the side facing the anode diaphragm). By bonding the adhesive layer 25 to the cathode diaphragm 15 and bonding the adhesive layer 26 to the anode diaphragm 18, the power generation unit 11 is encapsulated and sealed.

[0069] The substrate 24 is formed of a thermoplastic resin material that has electrical insulation and airtightness and a relatively high melting point. Examples of such materials include polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene ether, and polyphenylene sulfide. The thickness of the substrate 24 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.25 mm or less.

[0070] Adhesive layer 25 and adhesive layer 26 are composed of adhesive and bonding agent.

[0071] In addition, on the outer peripheral portion 21, the cathode diaphragm 15 and the anode diaphragm 18 are respectively provided with protrusions, i.e., convex portions 30 and ribs 35 protruding in the z direction.

[0072] As will be explained later, the protrusion 30 is a portion in which the inter-cell seal 40 disposed between adjacent fuel cell cells 10 forms a sealing range when the fuel cell cells 10 are stacked in the fuel cell stack 50. The rib 35 functions as a limiter to restrict the degree of compression of the inter-cell seal 40.

[0073] The specific shapes of the protrusion 30 and the rib 35 will be described later.

[0074] 3. Sealing method between cells at the outer periphery

[0075] exist Figure 7 , Figure 9 The image shows the stacked structure of the outer periphery 21 of the fuel cell cell 10 in the fuel cell stack 50. Figure 7 It is the first way, to be with Figure 5 The same perspective shows the stacked configuration of two adjacent fuel cell cells 10. Figure 9 It is the second method, in order to... Figure 6 The same perspective shows the stacked configuration of two adjacent fuel cell cells 10.

[0076] In either embodiment, an inter-cell seal 40 is disposed at the outer periphery 21 between adjacent fuel cell cells 10. Therefore, the inter-cell seal 40 is stacked such that its top contacts the protrusion 30, and the protrusion 30 presses against the inter-cell seal 40. Thus, in this embodiment, as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 (exist Figure 3 (In the image, shaded.) As shown, the cell-to-cell seal 40 is a frame-shaped sheet component arranged along the outer periphery 21.

[0077] The inter-cell seal 40 can be made of an adhesive sheet. The adhesive sheet can be a thermoplastic resin such as a polyester or modified olefin, or a thermosetting resin such as a modified epoxy resin. The thickness of the adhesive sheet is not particularly limited and can be between 10 μm and 100 μm.

[0078] The adhesive sheet can be a two-layer structure having a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer sequentially, or a three-layer structure having a first adhesive layer, a rubber layer, and a second adhesive layer sequentially. The first and second adhesive layers can be made of the same material or different materials. The thickness of the adhesive layers is not particularly limited and can be between 5 μm and 50 μm. Furthermore, the first and second adhesive layers can have the same thickness or different thicknesses.

[0079] Materials used for the rubber layer include, for example, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), fluororubber, and silicone rubber. The thickness of the rubber layer is not particularly limited and can be between 5 μm and 90 μm.

[0080] Therefore, a seal is formed by the first adhesive layer contacting and adhering to the protrusion 30 on one side of the adjacent fuel cell cell 10, and the second adhesive layer contacting and adhering to the protrusion 30 on the other side.

[0081] 3.1. First Method

[0082] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, in the first embodiment, the protrusion 30 has a trapezoidal cross-section and maintains this cross-section while extending in the paper-to-depth / forward direction. The shorter upper bottom side, which is the trapezoidal cross-section, becomes the protruding side and contacts the cell-to-cell seal 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, the area sealed by the cell-to-cell seal 40 is the size range of the upper base.

[0083] Additionally, the rib 35 is a protrusion located further outward than the protrusion 30 (on the outer periphery of the fuel cell cell 10). According to... Figure 7 As can be seen, the ribs 35 are configured to face each other in adjacent fuel cell cells 10. Thus, they function as limiters that restrict further movement when a force is applied in the direction that narrows the gap between adjacent fuel cell cells 10 by an external force (i.e., when attempting to compress the cell seal 40), the opposing ribs 35 contact each other.

[0084] Therefore, the protrusion height (z-direction size) of the rib 35 is at least greater than the protrusion height of the protrusion 30, and the size is limited to prevent the cell seal 40 from exceeding the range of compression ratios described below.

[0085] When the thickness (the z-direction dimension of the unloaded portion) of the cell-to-cell seal 40 is set to T1, and the thickness of the cell-to-cell seal 40 within its sealing range is set to T2, the protrusion height of the protrusion 30 is adjusted such that the compression ratio of T2 / T1, expressed as a percentage, is 20% to 70%. Therefore, the protrusion height of the rib 35 is a size that can be limited in such a way that the compression ratio does not exceed 70%.

[0086] In addition, Figure 7 The distance between the sealing range, indicated by L, and the rib 35 (the distance between the side of the sealing range closest to the rib 35 and the side of the protrusion 30 at the highest part of the rib 35) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0087] In this manner, adjacent fuel cell cells 10 cannot approach each other further after the two ribs 35 come into contact, thus preventing further compression of the cell-to-cell seal 40. Therefore, it is not subjected to an undesirable amount of compressive force exceeding the necessary amount, thereby suppressing the maximum permanent deformation of the cell-to-cell seal 40.

[0088] In addition, the ribs 35 can also suppress the deformation of the diaphragm caused by the air pressure and component expansion inside the fuel cell cell 10.

[0089] Here, the upper bottom side of the protrusion 30 is set to be flat, but it is not limited to this. The upper bottom side can also be arc-shaped or have a protrusion.

[0090] exist Figure 8 The text lists variations of the first approach. Figure 8 The image simply shows the cell-to-cell seal 40 and the two diaphragms 15 and 18 in contact with it.

[0091] Figure 8Variation A is a configuration in which rib 35 is arranged on one of the two diaphragms 15 and 18 (in the example of the attached figure, only on diaphragm 18). In addition to this configuration, the height (z-direction magnitude) and width (y-direction magnitude) of the rib 35 of diaphragm 15 and diaphragm 18 may also be different.

[0092] Figure 8 Variation B is an example in which ribs 35 are arranged on both sides of the cell-to-cell seal 40.

[0093] 3.2. Second Method

[0094] like Figure 6 , Figure 9 As shown, in the second embodiment, the protrusion 30 has a trapezoidal cross-section, and two ribs 35 protrude from its upper bottom, both ends of which are located on the upper bottom, maintaining the cross-section extending in the near / forward direction to the paper surface. The shorter upper bottom side, which is the trapezoidal cross-section, becomes the protruding side, and the upper bottom and ribs 35 contact the inter-cell seal 40 to compress the inter-cell seal 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 9 As shown, the sealing range formed by the cell-to-cell seal 40 is the size range of the upper base, including the rib 35.

[0095] Similar to the first method, the protrusion 30 forms a sealing range, and the rib 35 functions as a limiter restricting the compression of the inter-cell seal 40 in the portion of the protrusion 30 other than the rib 35. However, in this method, since there is an inter-cell seal 40 between two ribs 35 opposite each other along the z-direction, the restriction is not formed by the ribs 35 directly contacting each other. Specifically, it is considered as follows.

[0096] When the thickness of the open portion (the z-direction dimension of the unloaded portion) of the cell-to-cell seal 40 is set to T1, and the thickness of the portion of the cell-to-cell seal 40 other than the ribs 35 within the sealing range is set to T2, the protrusion height of the protrusion 30 is adjusted to a compression ratio of 20% to 70% as a percentage of T2 / T1. Furthermore, when the thickness of the portion between the ribs 35 of the cell-to-cell seal 40 is set to T3, the protrusion height of the ribs 35 is limited to a size in which the compression ratio of T3 / T1 is between 50% and 80% as a percentage, and the compression ratio of T2 / T1 is not more than 70% as a percentage.

[0097] In this manner, the cell-to-cell seal 40 is significantly compressed between the opposing ribs 35, while the spacing between the protrusions 30 outside of this compression does not decrease, thus preventing further compression of the cell-to-cell seal 40. Therefore, it is not subjected to undesirable compressive forces exceeding the necessary amount, thereby suppressing the maximum amount of permanent deformation of the cell-to-cell seal 40. Although the cell-to-cell seal 40 is significantly compressed between the ribs 35, even if permanent deformation occurs in this portion, the permanent deformation is suppressed in the protrusions 30 outside of this compression, thus maintaining a tight seal.

[0098] Here, the upper bottom side of the protrusion 30 is set to be flat, but it is not limited to this. The upper bottom side can also be arc-shaped or have protrusions.

[0099] exist Figure 10 The text lists variations of the second method. Figure 10 The image simply shows the cell seal 40 and the two diaphragms 15 and 18 in contact with it.

[0100] Figure 10 Variation A is an example in which a rib 35 is configured on a protrusion 30. The position of the rib 35 is not particularly limited, and can be as follows: Figure 10 As in variation A, it is located at the center of the convex portion 30 in the y direction. Although not shown in the figure, it can be at the end of the convex portion 30 or at other positions.

[0101] Figure 10 Variation B involves arranging ribs 35 on one of the two diaphragms 15 and 18 (in the example shown in the figure, only on diaphragm 15). Besides this arrangement, the height (z-direction magnitude) and width (y-direction magnitude) of the ribs 35 in diaphragm 15 and diaphragm 18 can also differ. Furthermore, the ribs can be configured such that, separated by the cell-to-cell seal 40, the rib shapes differ on one side of the diaphragm and the other side. For example, they can also be applied to a single diaphragm. Figure 9 Rib 35, while applied in another diaphragm. Figure 10 Rib 35 of variant example A.

Claims

1. A fuel cell, wherein, The fuel cell has the following features: Multiple fuel cell cells; and Inter-cell seals are disposed between the plurality of fuel cell cells. The plurality of fuel cell cells have ribs protruding toward adjacent fuel cell cells on the outer side of the sealing range of the cell-to-cell seal. The rib has a height that adjusts the compression ratio of the cell-to-cell seal to more than 20% and less than 70% within the sealing range.

2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, The rib is disposed on the diaphragm of the fuel cell.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein, The sealing range is formed by the protrusions provided on the diaphragm.

4. A fuel cell, wherein, The fuel cell has the following features: Multiple fuel cell cells; and Inter-cell seals are disposed between the plurality of fuel cell cells. The plurality of fuel cell cells have two or more ribs inside the sealing range of the cell-to-cell seal.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein, The rib has a height that adjusts the compression ratio of the cell-to-cell seal to more than 20% and less than 70% within the sealing range outside the rib.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The rib has a height that allows the compression ratio of the cell-to-cell seal to be adjusted to between 50% and 80%.

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