Fuel cell system and single power generation device

Abstract

The invention provides a technology capable of preventing the concentration of fuel gas at the position of an ignition source from increasing even if leakage of the fuel gas occurs in a fuel cell system, or a technology capable of easily realizing optimization of heat balance in the fuel cell system, or a technology capable of appropriately performing ventilation in the fuel cell system. An exemplary fuel cell system is provided with a case having: a fuel cell chamber in which a fuel cell module is disposed; and an electrical installation chamber which is separated from the fuel cell chamber and in which a plurality of electrical devices are arranged. The housing is provided with a fuel cell chamber ventilation path through which the fuel cell chamber is ventilated, and a plurality of electrical installation chamber ventilation paths through which the electrical installation chamber is ventilated. Furthermore, the housing has a ventilation path for internal ventilation, an inlet of the ventilation path is provided in a side surface of the housing, and an outlet of the ventilation path is provided in an upper surface of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fuel cell systems and single power generation devices. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a cogeneration device using a gas engine system was known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6321484

[0004] In recent years, from the perspective of carbon neutrality, combined heat and power (CHP) devices with fuel cells have been preferred. In a fuel cell system, if fuel gas leaks into the enclosure from the fuel gas supply system, a gas leak detector detects the leak and stops power generation. However, there is a time interval between the fuel gas leak and the detection of the gas leak detector; therefore, it is preferable to minimize the concentration of fuel gas at the ignition source location. Furthermore, in a fuel cell system, it is necessary to house electrical equipment that generates heat during operation and multiple electrical devices with different temperature requirements within a limited space. Therefore, optimizing the thermal balance as part of the thermal design is difficult in a fuel cell system. Moreover, in a fuel cell system, ventilation is performed within the enclosure to prevent fuel gas stagnation. The exhaust gas used for this ventilation can cause a short circuit in the ventilation of the system and surrounding facilities. Furthermore, a short circuit refers to the phenomenon where the ventilation inlet (supply port) and outlet (exhaust port) are too close together, causing air to circulate within a narrow area. If a short circuit occurs, ventilation efficiency deteriorates, potentially leading to insufficient ventilation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technology that can prevent the concentration of fuel gas at the ignition source from increasing even in the event of fuel gas leakage in the fuel cell system, or a technology that can easily optimize the thermal balance in the fuel cell system, or a technology that can properly ventilate the fuel cell system.

[0006] An exemplary fuel cell system of the present invention includes a housing comprising: a fuel cell chamber in which a fuel cell module is disposed; and an electrical installation chamber, separated from the fuel cell chamber, in which multiple electrical devices are disposed. The housing is provided with a fuel cell chamber ventilation path for ventilating the fuel cell chamber and multiple electrical installation chamber ventilation paths for ventilating the electrical installation chambers. Furthermore, the housing has an internal ventilation path, with the inlet of the ventilation path located on a side of the housing and the outlet of the ventilation path located on the upper surface of the housing.

[0007] According to the exemplary fuel cell system of the present invention, even in the event of fuel gas leakage, the concentration of fuel gas at the ignition source location can be prevented from increasing, and thermal balance optimization or appropriate ventilation can be easily achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1A This is a simplified three-dimensional view showing the appearance of a fuel cell system.

[0009] Figure 1B This is a simplified three-dimensional view showing the appearance of a fuel cell system.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a block diagram used to illustrate the outline of the power generation-related structure of a fuel cell system.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the simplified structure of the cooling system in a fuel cell system.

[0012] Figure 4A This is a front view showing a simplified view of the internal structure of the casing.

[0013] Figure 4B This is a rear view showing a simplified view of the internal structure of the casing.

[0014] Figure 5 It means to Figure 4A The diagram shows a simplified structural representation of the cross-section of the shell when cut at position VV.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the ventilation system of a fuel cell system.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a frontal schematic diagram used to illustrate the details of the ventilation path in the electrical installation room.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a right-side diagram used to illustrate the details of the ventilation path in the electrical installation room.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the batteries inside the battery casing.

[0019] Figure 10 It means in Figure 4A A simplified three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the section after cutting at position XX.

[0020] Figure 11A This is the first perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the left pipe chamber.

[0021] Figure 11BThis is a second perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the left pipe chamber.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the function of the left pipe chamber.

[0023] Figure 13A This is a first perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the right pipe chamber.

[0024] Figure 13B This is a second perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the right pipe chamber.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram used to explain the function of the right-side pipe chamber.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] 1... Fuel cell system; 2... Fuel cell module; 3... Battery (electrical equipment); 3C... Battery casing; 4... Inverter (electrical equipment); 4C... Inverter casing; 5... Control device (electrical equipment); 6... Gas detector; 10... Housing; 41... Downstream ventilation fan; 43... Upstream ventilation fan; 43a... Inverter ventilation fan; 43b... Battery ventilation fan; 45... Common ventilation fan; 46, 47... Top wall opening; 51... Ventilation path forming component; 51a... Inclined surface; 52... First ventilation path forming component; 52a... Inclined surface; 53... Second ventilation path forming component; 53a... Inclined surface; 134... Left opening on the upper surface (upper surface opening); 13 5... Right opening on the upper surface (opening on the upper surface); 171, 211... Slits; 713... First heat exchanger (radiator); 724... Second heat exchanger (radiator); MG... Single power generation unit; CW1... First top wall (top wall of the fuel cell chamber); CW2... Second top wall (top wall of the electrical installation chamber); FW1... First bottom wall (bottom wall of the fuel cell chamber); R1... Fuel cell chamber; R2... Electrical installation chamber; R3... Radiator chamber; R4... Piping chamber; R4L... Left piping chamber; R4R... Right piping chamber; VR... Ventilation path; VR1... Fuel cell chamber ventilation path; VR2... Electrical installation chamber ventilation path; VR2a... Inverter ventilation path; VR2b... Battery ventilation path. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and will not be repeated unless specifically required.

[0029] <1. Overview of Fuel Cell Systems>

[0030] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a simplified structural perspective view showing the appearance of the fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In this embodiment, the direction of observation of the fuel cell system 1 differs. The fuel cell system 1 can be used, for example, in a single power generation unit MG. The single power generation unit MG is a device that has the power generation function using the fuel cell system 1. The single power generation unit MG can be composed of a single fuel cell system 1, or it can be a structure that uses multiple fuel cell systems 1 together. Thus, the single power generation unit MG includes the fuel cell system 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a structure using the fuel cell system 1 in a single power generation unit MG is illustrated, but the fuel cell system 1 can also be used in a combined heat and power (CHP) unit. A CHP unit is a CHP system that generates electricity and recovers the waste heat generated along with the electricity generation for applications such as hot water supply or heating. Additionally, the fuel cell system 1 can also be used, for example, as a generator in a home, factory, or similar facility.

[0031] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the fuel cell system 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 is cubic in shape. However, the shape of the housing 10 can also be appropriately changed.

[0032] In the following description of the fuel cell system 1, directions are defined as follows. The direction orthogonal to the horizontal ground (not shown) where the housing 10 of the fuel cell system 1 is mounted is defined as the up-down direction, and the side where the housing 10 is mounted relative to the ground is defined as up. Furthermore, the direction of the long side of the rectangular housing 10 (viewed from above) is defined as the left-right direction, and the direction of the short side is defined as the front-back direction. For the two sides arranged in the front-back direction, as follows... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, one side is designated as the front, and the other side as the back to define the front and back. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The left and right sides are defined based on the front and back as the reference, with the side that will turn from front to back and become left as left, and the side that will become right as right.

[0033] Furthermore, these directions are merely descriptive names and are not intended to define actual positional relationships or directions. Additionally, if we follow the above definition of direction, then... Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the front side of the casing 10 from a slightly upper right angle. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the rear side of the casing 10 from the upper left.

[0034] The housing 10 houses the fuel cell module 2 (see below). Figure 4A(etc.). The fuel cell system 1 uses the fuel cell module 2 and externally supplied fuel gas and oxidant gas to generate electricity. In this embodiment, hydrogen is used as the fuel gas and air is used as the oxidant gas. However, the fuel gas is not limited to hydrogen; for example, it can be a gas with methane as its main component. In addition, the oxidant gas is not limited to air; any oxygen-containing gas is acceptable.

[0035] [1-1. Structures related to power generation]

[0036] Here, refer to Figure 2 The power generation-related structure of the fuel cell system 1, which includes the fuel cell module 2, will be briefly described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram used to illustrate the general structure related to power generation of the fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the fuel cell system 1 includes: a fuel cell module 2, a battery 3, an inverter 4, and a control device 5.

[0038] In detail, the fuel cell module 2 includes: a fuel cell stack 2a, a boost converter 2b, a compressor 2c, and a fuel cell control unit 2d.

[0039] The fuel cell stack 2a consists of multiple stacked individual cells. Each individual cell includes: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, a cathode, and a pair of separators. The anode and cathode sandwich the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The anode is the negative electrode (fuel electrode) and includes an anode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The cathode is the positive electrode (air electrode) and includes a cathode catalyst layer and a diffusion layer. The anode, solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and cathode constitute a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). A pair of separators sandwich the MEA. Each separator has multiple slots. The slots of one separator form a hydrogen (hydrogen gas) flow path. The slots of the other separator form an air flow path.

[0040] On the anode side, hydrogen is decomposed into hydrogen ions and electrons by a catalyst. Hydrogen ions move towards the cathode through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. Conversely, electrons move towards the cathode through an external circuit. This generates an electric current. That is, the fuel cell stack 2a generates electricity. On the cathode side, oxygen in the air combines with electrons flowing from the external circuit and hydrogen ions that have passed through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane to generate water. The generated water is contained in the exhaust gas and discharged to the outside of the fuel cell system 1. The electricity generated by the fuel cell stack 2a is boosted by a boost converter 2b and supplied to at least one of the battery 3 and the inverter 4.

[0041] The compressor 2c is provided to draw air from outside the fuel cell system 1 into the fuel cell stack 2a. The air drawn into the fuel cell system 1 by the compressor 2c flows into the fuel cell stack 2a through multiple filters (not shown) installed inside the fuel cell system 1.

[0042] The fuel cell control unit 2d controls various components of the fuel cell module 2. For example, the fuel cell control unit 2d controls the output (power generation) of the fuel cell stack 2a, the drive of the compressor 2c, etc. The fuel cell control unit 2d is communicatively connected to the control device 5. For example, the fuel cell control unit 2d transmits information about the fuel cell module 2 to the control device 5 via communication.

[0043] Battery 3, for example, is composed of a lithium-ion battery and stores the power supplied to inverter 4. Battery 3 can be constructed by modularizing multiple battery cells or by using a single battery cell. Furthermore, battery 3 is configured to receive power generated by fuel cell stack 2a. Battery 3 is charged by supplying power from fuel cell stack 2a to battery 3.

[0044] Battery 3 is controlled by BMU (Battery Management Unit) 3a. BMU 3a controls, for example, the input and output (charging and discharging) of battery 3. Furthermore, BMU 3a calculates the charge rate of battery 3 based on information obtained from various sensors (not shown) installed on battery 3 (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.). The charge rate of battery 3 is also called SOC (State of Charge), which refers to the ratio of the remaining (at this moment) charge capacity to the charge capacity when fully charged.

[0045] BMU3a can be communicatively connected to control device 5. For example, BMU3a can transmit information related to battery 3 (such as the charge rate calculated by BMU3a) obtained by BMU3a to control device 5 via communication.

[0046] The inverter 4 is configured as a substrate (not shown) containing various electrical components (such as diodes, capacitors, power transistors, etc.). The inverter 4 converts the DC voltage power supplied from at least one of the fuel cell stack 2a and the battery 3 into AC voltage power and outputs it to the outside of the fuel cell system 1.

[0047] Inverter 4 is communicatively connected to control device 5. Inverter 4 adjusts its output (output power) based, for example, on output commands from control device 5. Furthermore, inverter 4 transmits information related to its output to control device 5 via communication.

[0048] The control device 5 performs overall control of the fuel cell system 1. The control device 5 appropriately executes control of the various components communicatively connected to itself. The control device 5 is, for example, a computer device comprising a computing unit, an input / output unit, and a storage unit. The computing unit is, for example, a processor or a microprocessor. The storage unit is a main storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit may also include auxiliary storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, to ensure safety related to hydrogen utilization when using fuel cell module 2 for power generation, fuel cell system 1 includes gas detector 6. Gas detector 6 detects leaks of fuel gas, i.e., hydrogen, supplied to fuel cell module 2. Gas detector 6 is communicatively connected to control device 5 and outputs hydrogen detection information within housing 10 to control device 5. Based on the obtained hydrogen detection information, control device 5 executes alarm reporting and system shutdown measures.

[0050] [1-2. Cooling System]

[0051] The fuel cell system 1 includes a cooling system configured for use with the fuel cell module 2 described above. This cooling system will also be briefly described.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a simplified structure of the cooling system 7 included in the fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cooling system 7 includes a first cooling system 71 and a second cooling system 72. The first cooling system 71 is a cooling system for cooling the fuel cell stack 2a included in the fuel cell module 2. The second cooling system 72 is a cooling system for an oil cooler (hereinafter referred to as oil cooler 723) used to cool auxiliary equipment included in the fuel cell module 2.

[0053] (1-2-1. First Cooling System)

[0054] The first cooling system 71 includes: a first refrigerant circulation path 711, a first refrigerant pump 712, a first heat exchanger 713, an ion exchanger 714, a control valve 715, an intake air cooler 716, and a plurality of first temperature sensors TS1. Furthermore, the first refrigerant pump 712, the control valve 715, the intake air cooler 716, and a portion of the first temperature sensors TS1 are included in the fuel cell module 2.

[0055] The first refrigerant circulation path 711 is a flow path for circulating the first refrigerant. In this embodiment, cooling water is used as the first refrigerant, but it is not limited to this. For example, cooling oil or cooling gas can be used as the first refrigerant.

[0056] The first refrigerant circulation path 711 is connected to the fuel cell stack 2a, the first refrigerant pump 712, the first heat exchanger 713, the ion exchanger 714, the control valve 715, and the intake cooler 716. More specifically, the fuel cell stack 2a, the first refrigerant pump 712, and the first heat exchanger 713 are connected in series. The ion exchanger 714 is connected in parallel with the first heat exchanger 713. Specifically, the first refrigerant circulation path 711 is provided with a first bypass flow path 711a, which connects the flow path between the first heat exchanger 713 and the first refrigerant pump 712, and the flow path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the first heat exchanger 713. The ion exchanger 714 is connected in parallel with the first bypass flow path 711a. A control valve 715 is provided at the connection between the flow path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the first heat exchanger 713 and the first bypass flow path 711a.

[0057] The intake air cooler 716 is connected in parallel with the fuel cell stack 2a. Specifically, a second bypass flow path 711b is provided in the first refrigerant circulation path 711. This second bypass flow path 711b connects the flow path between the first refrigerant pump 712 and the fuel cell stack 2a, and the flow path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the first heat exchanger 713 (specifically, control valve 715). The intake air cooler 716 is connected in series with this second bypass flow path 711b.

[0058] The first temperature sensor TS1 is disposed in the flow path between the first refrigerant pump 712 and the fuel cell stack 2a, and in the flow path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the control valve 715. In addition, the first temperature sensor TS1 is disposed in the flow path between the control valve 715 and the first heat exchanger 713, and in the flow path between the first heat exchanger 713 and the first refrigerant pump 712. The first temperature sensor TS1 detects the temperature of the first refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circulation path 711. Furthermore, the number and configuration of the temperature sensors TS1 can be appropriately changed.

[0059] The first refrigerant pump 712 is an electric pump, and is controlled by the control device 5 (see reference). Figure 2The first refrigerant is powered by electricity. When the first refrigerant pump 712 is activated, the first refrigerant circulates within the first refrigerant circulation path 711. More specifically, the first refrigerant discharged from the first refrigerant pump 712 flows into the fuel cell stack 2a and the intake air cooler 716, respectively. The first refrigerant flowing into the fuel cell stack 2a flows inside the fuel cell stack 2a. Specifically, the first refrigerant flowing into the fuel cell stack 2a passes through the multiple individual cells constituting the fuel cell stack 2a. As a result, the fuel cell stack 2a is cooled.

[0060] The intake air cooler 716 cools the air (intake air) supplied to the fuel cell stack 2a by the compressor 2c. Specifically, air drawn from outside the fuel cell system 1 by the compressor 2c reaches the intake air cooler 716. The air reaching the intake air cooler 716 exchanges heat with the first refrigerant flowing inside the intake air cooler 716, thereby being cooled.

[0061] The first refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell stack 2a and the intake cooler 716 flows into the control valve 715. The control valve 715 is, for example, a three-way valve. The control valve 715 controls the flow direction and flow rate of the first refrigerant flowing into it based on its opening degree. For example, when the control valve 715 is 100% open, all the first refrigerant flowing into it is supplied to the first heat exchanger 713. When the control valve 715 is 50% open, half of the first refrigerant flowing into it is supplied to the first heat exchanger 713 and half to the first bypass path 711a (ion exchanger 714). When the control valve 715 is 0% open, all the first refrigerant flowing into it is supplied to the first bypass path 711a (ion exchanger 714).

[0062] The first heat exchanger 713 cools the first refrigerant by exchanging heat between the air (wind) arriving at the first heat exchanger 713 and the first refrigerant flowing inside the first heat exchanger 713. In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 713 is a so-called radiator. The airflow to the first heat exchanger 713 is provided by a first radiator fan 713a. The first radiator fan 713a is an electric fan and is driven by electricity supplied from the control device 5.

[0063] Furthermore, a first storage tank 713b is connected to the first heat exchanger 713. The first storage tank 713b is connected not only to the first heat exchanger 713 but also to the first refrigerant circulation path 711. More specifically, the first storage tank 713b and the first heat exchanger 713 are connected via a flow path to the first refrigerant pump 712. Additionally, the first storage tank 713b and the fuel cell stack 2a are connected via a flow path to the control valve 715. The first storage tank 713b is, for example, a closed (pressurized) storage tank, through which the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circulation path 711 circulates.

[0064] The ion exchanger 714 is configured to include an ion exchange filter and the like. When the first refrigerant flows inside the ion exchanger 714, impurity ions are removed from the first refrigerant. These impurity ions dissolve into the first refrigerant, for example, from the piping that constitutes the first refrigerant circulation path 711. If the number of impurity ions dissolved into the first refrigerant increases, the conductivity of the first refrigerant increases; if the number of impurity ions decreases, the conductivity of the first refrigerant decreases. By removing impurity ions from the first refrigerant, the ion exchanger 714 can reduce the conductivity of the first refrigerant.

[0065] (1-2-2. Second Cooling System)

[0066] The second cooling system 72 includes: a second refrigerant circulation path 721, a second refrigerant pump 722, an oil cooler (oil chiller) 723, a second heat exchanger 724, and a plurality of second temperature sensors TS2. Furthermore, the oil cooler 723 and a portion of the second temperature sensors TS2 are included in the fuel cell module 2.

[0067] The second refrigerant circulation path 721 is a flow path for circulating the second refrigerant. In this embodiment, cooling water is used as the second refrigerant, but it is not limited to this. For example, cooling oil or cooling gas can be used as the second refrigerant.

[0068] The second refrigerant circulation path 721 is connected to the second refrigerant pump 722, the oil cooler 723, and the second heat exchanger 724. More specifically, the second refrigerant pump 722, the oil cooler 723, and the second heat exchanger 724 are connected in series.

[0069] The second temperature sensor TS2 is disposed in the flow path between the second heat exchanger 724 and the oil cooler 723, and in the flow path between the oil cooler 723 and the second refrigerant pump 722. The second temperature sensor TS2 detects the temperature of the second refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circulation path 721.

[0070] The second refrigerant pump 722 is an electric pump and is driven by electricity supplied from the control device 5. When the second refrigerant pump 722 is driven, the second refrigerant circulates within the second refrigerant circulation path 721. More specifically, the second refrigerant discharged from the second refrigerant pump 722 flows into the oil cooler 723 via the second heat exchanger 724.

[0071] The oil cooler 723 cools the cooling oil used to cool the compressor 2c (particularly the motor section of the compressor 2c) and other components included in the fuel cell module 2. Specifically, the cooling oil flowing in the compressor 2c and other components flows into the oil cooler 723. The cooling oil flowing into the oil cooler 723 exchanges heat with a second refrigerant flowing inside the oil cooler 723 (separate from the cooling oil) and is thus cooled.

[0072] The second heat exchanger 724 cools the second refrigerant by exchanging heat between the air (wind) arriving at the second heat exchanger 724 and the second refrigerant flowing inside the second heat exchanger 724. The second heat exchanger 724 is a so-called radiator. The air supply to the second heat exchanger 724 is provided by a second radiator fan 724a. The second radiator fan 724a is an electric fan and is driven by electricity supplied from the control device 5.

[0073] Furthermore, a second storage tank 724b is connected to the second heat exchanger 724. The second storage tank 724b is, for example, an open-type storage tank, and stores a second refrigerant. If the second refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circulation path 721 is insufficient, the second refrigerant is replenished from the second storage tank 724b.

[0074] [1-3. Overview of the shell structure]

[0075] Next, a summary of the structure of the housing 10 of the fuel cell system 1 will be described.

[0076] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the housing 10 has a lower frame 11. The lower frame 11 is a rectangular frame with the left-right direction as its long side, forming the base portion of the housing 10. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, multiple reinforcing frames extending in the front-rear direction and bridging the front and rear of the lower frame 11 are mounted on the lower frame 11. The multiple reinforcing frames are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0077] The housing 10 has four pillars 12. The four pillars 12 include: a left front pillar 12a, a right front pillar 12b, a left rear pillar 12c, and a right rear pillar 12d. Each pillar 12 extends vertically, specifically, from any one of the four corners of the lower frame 11 upwards. The upper surface cover 13, which constitutes the upper surface portion of the housing 10, is supported by the four pillars 12.

[0078] The housing 10 has a pair of front doors 14 that are rectangular in shape when viewed from the front. The pair of front doors 14 are positioned centrally in the left-right direction on the front side of the housing 10 and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the vertically extending front side partition frame 15. Of the pair of front doors 14, the left end of the left front door 14a, located on the left side, is rotatably mounted to the left front support pillar 12a. The left front door 14a is in a closed state covering the interior of the housing 10 (equivalent to...). Figure 1A (As shown in the diagram), its right end is pulled forward, thereby rotating around the rotation center on the left end side, thus opening the interior of the open housing 10. Of the pair of front doors 14, the right end of the right front door 14b, located on the right side, is rotatably mounted to the right front support 12b. For the right front door 14b, from the closed state (equivalent to...) Figure 1A (As shown in the diagram) Pull its left end forward, thereby rotating it around the rotation center on the right end side, thus opening it.

[0079] In addition to the pair of front doors 14, the front side of the housing 10 is also provided with a pair of front side upper covers 16 disposed above the pair of front doors 14 and a front side lower cover 17 disposed below the pair of front doors 14.

[0080] Each of the pair of front side covers 16 is rectangular in frontal view. The pair of front side covers 16 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the front side partition frame 15. Of the pair of front side covers 16, the left-side upper front side cover 16a has a rectangular front opening 161 at its lower right. Of the pair of front side covers 16, the right-side upper front side cover 16b has a rectangular front opening 161 at its lower left. To prevent the intrusion of foreign objects, a ventilated hood 162, consisting of a grid-like frame, is installed at each front opening 161.

[0081] The lower front side cover 17 is located on the lower side of the front door 14 and is supported by the lower frame 11. When viewed from the front, the lower front side cover 17 is a rectangular plate extending slenderly in the left-right direction. Multiple slits 171 (see below) are provided on the lower front side cover 17, extending through the front-rear direction and extending vertically. Figure 4A Multiple slits 171 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0082] The housing 10 has a pair of rear doors 18 that are rectangular in shape when viewed from the rear. The pair of rear doors 18 are positioned centrally in the left-right direction on the rear side of the housing 10 and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the vertically extending rear side partition frame 19. Of the pair of rear doors 18, the left end of the left rear door 18a, located on the left side, is rotatably mounted to the left rear support column 12c. The left rear door 18a is in a closed state covering the interior of the housing 10 (equivalent to...). Figure 1B (As shown in the diagram), its right end is pulled rearward, thereby rotating around the rotation center on the left end side, thus opening the interior of the open housing 10. Of the pair of rear doors 18, the right rear door 18b, located on the right side, has its right end rotatably mounted to the right rear support 12d. For the right rear door 18b, from the closed state (equivalent to...) Figure 1B (As shown in the image) Pull its left end forward, thereby rotating it around the rotation center on the right end side, thus turning it into the open state.

[0083] In addition to the pair of rear doors 18, the housing 10 has a pair of upper rear side covers 20 disposed above the pair of rear doors 18 and a lower rear side cover 21 disposed below the pair of rear doors 18.

[0084] Each of the pair of rear side covers 20 is rectangular in rear view. The pair of rear side covers 20 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rear side partition frame 19. Of the pair of rear side covers 20, the left rear side upper cover 20a, located on the left, has a rectangular rear opening 201 at its lower right. Of the pair of rear side covers 20, the right rear side upper cover 20b, located on the right, has a rectangular rear opening 201 at its lower left. To prevent the intrusion of foreign objects, a ventilated hood 202, consisting of a grid-like frame, is installed at each rear opening 201.

[0085] The lower rear side cover 21 is located on the lower side of the rear door 18 and is supported by the lower frame 11. When viewed from the rear, the lower rear side cover 21 is a long, narrow rectangle extending in the left-right direction. Multiple slits 211 (described later) are provided on the lower rear side cover 21, extending through the front-rear direction and vertically. Figure 4B Multiple slits 211 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0086] In addition, the housing 10 also has a left face shield 22 disposed on the left side and a right face shield 23 disposed on the right side. The left face shield 22 is supported by a left front support 12a and a left rear support 12c. The right face shield 23 is supported by a right front support 12b and a right rear support 12d. Furthermore, as Figure 1BAs shown, the left side mask 22 has multiple left side openings 221 that extend through the left and right directions and forward and backward. The multiple left side openings 221 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction.

[0087] Figure 4A This is a front view showing a simplified view of the internal structure of the housing 10. Figure 4B This is a rear view showing a simplified view of the internal structure of the housing 10. Figure 4A and Figure 4B From Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows the housing 10 with the following components removed: a pair of front doors 14, a front side partition frame 15, a pair of front side covers 16, a pair of rear doors 18, a rear side partition frame 19, and a pair of rear side covers 20. Figure 5 It means to Figure 4A A simplified structural diagram of the cross-section of the housing 10 when cut at position VV.

[0088] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B ,as well as Figure 5 As shown, the housing 10 includes a fuel cell chamber R1, an electrical installation chamber R2, and a radiator chamber R3. The fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2 are arranged in a left-right direction. Specifically, the fuel cell chamber R1 is located on the left side of the housing 10, and the electrical installation chamber R2 is located on the right side of the housing 10. The electrical installation chamber R2 is separated from the fuel cell chamber R1. Specifically, the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2 are separated by a first partition wall PW1 located between them in the left-right direction. The radiator chamber R3 is arranged above the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2 arranged in the left-right direction. That is, the housing 10 has a radiator chamber R3 above the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2. The radiator chamber R3 is separated from the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2.

[0089] The fuel cell chamber R1 is a rectangular parallelepiped space. The fuel cell chamber R1 consists of a first bottom wall FW1 (described later). Figure 6 ), first top wall CW1 (see below) Figure 6 ), First partition wall PW1, left side mask 22 (refer to) Figure 1B ), front door 14 in closed state (refer to) Figure 1A ) and backdoor 18 (refer to) Figure 1B The space enclosed by the first bottom wall FW1 forms the bottom surface of the fuel cell chamber R1. The first top wall CW1 forms the top surface of the fuel cell chamber R1.

[0090] A fuel cell module 2 is disposed in the fuel cell chamber R1. The fuel cell module 2 is supported by the first bottom wall FW1. In addition, a hydrogen supply system, an air supply system, and an exhaust system are disposed in the fuel cell chamber R1.

[0091] The hydrogen supply system includes a hydrogen supply piping 25 and a shut-off valve 26. The hydrogen supply piping 25 forms a connection from the hydrogen adapter 27 (see reference 26). Figure 4B (etc.) to fuel cell stack 2a (refer to) Figure 2 The hydrogen supply path is as follows. Furthermore, the hydrogen adapter 27 protrudes forward relative to the rear side cover 21 and connects to an external hydrogen supply pipe (not shown) disposed outside the housing 10. A shut-off valve 26 is located midway along the hydrogen supply path, capable of cutting off the external hydrogen supply. Additionally, the hydrogen adapter 27 can also be installed from the left side cover 22U (see reference). Figure 1B It protrudes to the left. The left lower face shield 22U is a side shield disposed below the left face shield 22.

[0092] The air supply system includes: air supply piping 28, an air purifier 29, and an air filter 30. Air supply piping 28 extends from the left-side opening 221 of the left-side mask 22 to the compressor 2c (see reference). Figure 2 The air supply path is as follows: The air purifier 29 and the air filter 30 are located in the middle of the air supply path to purify the air drawn in from the outside of the housing 10.

[0093] The exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe 31, a muffler 32, and a wastewater pipe 33. The exhaust pipe 31 forms a connection from the fuel cell stack 2a (see reference). Figure 2 ) to the exhaust outlet 131 located on the upper surface cover 13 (refer to Figure 1A The exhaust gas path (etc.). Furthermore, specifically, a portion of the exhaust pipe 31 is located in a different room from the fuel cell compartment R1. A muffler 32 is positioned midway through the exhaust gas path. The muffler 32 suppresses exhaust noise and separates a portion of the moisture contained in the exhaust gas. The moisture separated from the exhaust gas is discharged as wastewater to the outside of the housing 10 via wastewater pipe 33. Furthermore, as... Figure 4B As shown, the outlet side portion of the wastewater pipe 33 extends rearward from the left end of the rear side cover 21.

[0094] In addition, structural elements of the aforementioned first cooling system 71 and second cooling system 72 are configured in the fuel cell compartment R1. Furthermore, as... Figure 4BAs shown, the aforementioned gas detector 6 is disposed in the upper part of the fuel cell chamber R1, near the top wall CW1. In other words, the aforementioned gas detector 6 is disposed in the space on the side of the top wall CW1 in the fuel cell chamber R1. More specifically, the gas detector 6 is disposed above the location where the hydrogen supply pipe 25 is installed. By placing the gas detector 6 in such a location, leaks of hydrogen gas, which is lightweight and easily rises, can be detected quickly. Therefore, when a hydrogen leak occurs, emergency shutdown of the system can be performed quickly.

[0095] Electrical installation room R2 is a rectangular space. Electrical installation room R2 is formed by the second bottom wall FW2 (described later). Figure 6 ), second top wall CW2 (see below) Figure 6 ), First partition wall PW1, right side mask 23 (refer to) Figure 1A ), the right front door 14b in the closed state (refer to) Figure 1A ) and right rear door 18b (refer to) Figure 1B The space enclosed by the electrical installation room R2. Furthermore, the second bottom wall FW2 forms the bottom surface of the electrical installation room R2. The second top wall CW2 forms the top surface of the electrical installation room R2.

[0096] Multiple electrical devices are arranged in the electrical installation compartment R2. These devices include, for example, a battery 3 and an inverter 4 electrically connected to the fuel cell module 2. Furthermore, the battery 3 is arranged within the electrical installation compartment R2 in a battery casing 3C. Specifically, there are multiple batteries 3 housed in the battery casing 3C. Additionally, the inverter 4 is arranged within the electrical installation compartment R2 in an inverter casing 4C. Moreover, multiple electrical devices are centrally arranged in the electrical installation compartment R2, and multiple other electrical components of the battery 3 and inverter 4 are also arranged there. For example, in the electrical installation compartment R2, a control device 5 (see reference...) Figure 2 It is configured to be housed in the controller housing 5C. Additionally, relays, circuit breakers, converters, etc., are housed in the electrical installation compartment R2.

[0097] The radiator compartment R3 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space extending in the left-right direction. The radiator compartment R3 is located on the first top wall CW1 and the second top wall CW2 (both described later). Figure 6 Between the housing 10 and the upper surface cover 13. In other words, the housing 10 has a heat sink chamber R3 on the upper side of the top wall CW1 that constitutes the fuel cell chamber R1. In addition, the housing 10 has a heat sink chamber R3 on the upper side of the top wall CW2 that constitutes the electrical installation chamber R2.

[0098] The radiator chamber R3 houses the radiators used for cooling the fuel cell module 2. In this embodiment, the radiators are the first heat exchanger 713 and the second heat exchanger 724 described above. Specifically, two first heat exchangers 713 are arranged in the radiator chamber R3. The two first heat exchangers 713 are arranged in a left-right direction. In this embodiment, the two first heat exchangers 713 are arranged in parallel in the first cooling system 71, but they can also be arranged in series. On the other hand, there is only one second heat exchanger 724 arranged in the radiator chamber R3. The second heat exchanger 724 is located below one of the two left-right arranged first heat exchangers 713. Specifically, the second heat exchanger 724 is located below the left-hand first heat exchanger 713. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the first heat exchangers 713 and the second heat exchanger 724 can be appropriately changed.

[0099] At least a portion of the structural elements of the first cooling system 71 and the second cooling system 72 described above, which are not located in the fuel cell compartment R1, are arranged in the radiator compartment R3. In addition to the first heat exchanger 713 and the second heat exchanger 724, the radiator compartment R3 also includes, for example, the first radiator fan 713a and the second radiator fan 724a described above. The first radiator fan 713a is located above the first heat exchanger 713 located on the right side. The second radiator fan 724a is located above the first heat exchanger 713 located on the left side. Due to this structure, the second radiator fan 724a is configured to supply air to the second heat exchanger 724, but more specifically, it is also used to supply air to the first heat exchanger 713 located on the left side.

[0100] Furthermore, on the upper surface cover 13 disposed above the first radiator fan 713a and the second radiator fan 724a, a fan opening 132 is provided at a position opposite to each radiator fan 713a and 724a in the vertical direction (see reference). Figure 1A (etc.). In addition, for the purpose of preventing the intrusion of foreign objects, each fan opening 132 is equipped with a ventilation hood 133, which is constructed using a radial frame and has ventilation capabilities.

[0101] <2. Ventilation Structure>

[0102] Next, the ventilation structure provided in the fuel cell system 1 configured as described above will be explained in detail. The fuel cell system 1 is equipped with a ventilation structure for the purpose of ventilation within the housing 10. By ventilating within the housing 10, for example, it is easy to ensure a low hydrogen concentration within the housing 10. In addition, for example, by ventilating the housing 10, heat accumulation within the housing 10 can be suppressed.

[0103] [2-1. Summary]

[0104] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general ventilation structure of the fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 In the diagram, thick solid arrows, dashed arrows, and dotted arrows represent ventilation paths VR. The direction of the arrows indicates the direction of airflow within the ventilation path VR. Furthermore, in... Figure 6 In the diagram, a black circle within a circle indicates an arrow pointing from the inside of the paper towards the front, while a cross within a circle indicates an arrow pointing from the front of the paper towards the inside. These points will be discussed later. Figure 7 , Figure 12 The same applies to China.

[0105] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 10 has a ventilation path VR for internal ventilation. The inlet of the ventilation path VR is located on the side of the housing 10. The outlet of the ventilation path VR is located on the upper surface of the housing 10. That is, in the fuel cell system 1, when ventilation is performed, air is introduced through the side of the housing 10 and exhausted through the upper surface of the housing 10.

[0106] With this structure, air intake and exhaust occur at separate locations within the housing 10, thus suppressing short circuits in the system. Furthermore, since exhaust occurs on the upper surface of the housing 10, short circuits between adjacent fuel cell systems can be easily avoided when multiple fuel cell systems 1 are arranged in a configuration. Short circuits refer to the phenomenon where air circulates within a confined space due to the proximity of the ventilation inlet (supply port) and outlet (exhaust port).

[0107] The inlet of the ventilation path VR is preferably located on the lower side of the housing 10. This allows the outlet and inlet of the ventilation path VR, which are located on the upper surface of the housing 10, to be positioned as far apart as possible. This makes it more difficult for short circuits to occur in the system. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slits 171 and 211 (see reference 1) located on the lower side of the housing 10 are... Figure 4A and Figure 4B This point serves as the entry point for the ventilation path VR. Details regarding this point will be provided later.

[0108] In detail, multiple ventilation paths VR are provided within the housing 10. The housing 10 includes a fuel cell compartment ventilation path VR1, an electrical installation compartment ventilation path VR2, and a radiator compartment ventilation path VR3.

[0109] The fuel cell chamber ventilation path VR1 is the path for ventilating the fuel cell chamber R1. The fuel cell chamber ventilation path VR1 has an inlet on the lower side of the housing 10. Specifically, this inlet is connected to a plurality of slits 171 located on the lower left side of the front side of the housing 10 (see reference). Figure 4A Corresponding to this. Additionally, the fuel cell chamber ventilation path VR1 has a ventilation path outlet on the upper surface of the housing 10. This outlet corresponds to the left opening 134 on the upper surface of the upper surface cover 13 (see reference). Figure 1A (etc.) Corresponding. Furthermore, specifically, for the purpose of preventing the intrusion of foreign objects, the left opening 134 on the upper surface is composed of an assembly of multiple small slits extending front to back. The multiple slits constituting the left opening 134 on the upper surface are arranged front to back and left to right. In this embodiment, the number of upper surface openings 134 is two, but the number can be appropriately varied, and may be one, three, or more. The fuel cell chamber ventilation path VR1 has a fuel cell chamber R1 between the inlet and outlet, thereby enabling ventilation of the fuel cell chamber R1.

[0110] The fuel cell chamber R1 has a downstream ventilation fan 41, which is positioned downstream of the ventilation flow in the fuel cell chamber ventilation path VR1 within the chamber R1. Driven by the downstream ventilation fan 41, airflow, i.e., ventilation flow, is generated in the fuel cell chamber ventilation path VR1. Furthermore, the downstream ventilation fan 41 is positioned at an opening in the top wall (first top wall) CW1 that forms the top surface of the fuel cell chamber R1. Although the downstream ventilation fan 41 is an electric fan, it is preferably an explosion-proof electric fan. Specifically, the downstream ventilation fan 41 is an axial flow fan.

[0111] Here, the airflow (ventilation flow) generated by the drive of the downstream ventilation fan 41 will be described. Driven by the downstream ventilation fan 41, air enters the lower part of the housing 10 from the outside through an inlet formed by multiple slits 171. The air entering the lower part of the housing 10 enters the fuel cell chamber R1 through a vent provided in the bottom wall (first bottom wall) FW1 of the fuel cell chamber R1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the first bottom wall FW1 is constructed of a mesh-like component, thereby providing a vent provided in the bottom wall FW1 of the fuel cell chamber R1. However, this structure is merely illustrative; for example, at least one opening may be provided in the first bottom wall FW1, and this opening may also serve as a vent.

[0112] Air entering the fuel cell chamber R1 flows from the lower side to the upper side of the fuel cell chamber R1 and is exhausted outside the fuel cell chamber R1 by the downstream ventilation fan 41. The air exhausted outside the fuel cell chamber R1 enters the left duct chamber R4L, which is located adjacent to the left side of the radiator chamber R3, through the upper fuel cell chamber duct 42 located on the upper side of the first top wall CW1. The air entering the left duct chamber R4L rises within the left duct chamber R4L and is exhausted to the outside of the housing 10 through the outlet formed by the left opening 134 on the upper surface.

[0113] Furthermore, the upper pipe 42 of the fuel cell chamber is located within the radiator chamber R3. Additionally, the left pipe chamber R4L and the fuel cell chamber R1 are separated by a first top wall CW1. Furthermore, the left pipe chamber R4L and the radiator chamber R3 are separated by a second partition wall PW2.

[0114] As described above, the fuel cell chamber R1 has: a bottom wall FW1, through which airflow from the inlet of the fuel cell chamber ventilation path VR1 passes; and a top wall CW1, on which a downstream ventilation fan 41 is provided. With this configuration, in the fuel cell chamber R1, the air during ventilation flows from the bottom to the top, enabling efficient exhaust of hydrogen from the chamber.

[0115] Furthermore, the top surface of the fuel cell chamber R1, which is formed by the top wall (first top wall) CW1, is preferably a flat surface that extends in the horizontal direction. For example, if a recessed portion (recess) is provided on the top surface, the possibility of hydrogen being trapped in that portion increases. By making the top surface flat, the possibility of hydrogen being trapped in the fuel cell chamber R1 can be reduced.

[0116] Furthermore, the downstream ventilation fan 41 is preferably configured such that its rotation axis is tilted relative to the vertical direction. This configuration imparts a left-right component to the airflow exhausted from the fuel cell chamber R1. As a result, the outlet of the ventilation flow can be positioned offset from the upper surface of the radiator chamber R3 located above the fuel cell chamber R1. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the downstream ventilation fan 41 is tilted towards the left as it rises. That is, the rotation axis of the downstream ventilation fan 41 is tilted towards the left duct chamber R4L as it rises. Therefore, the air exhausted from the fuel cell chamber R1 can be efficiently guided towards the left duct chamber R4L.

[0117] The ventilation path VR2 for the electrical installation room is the path for ventilation of the electrical installation room R2. Furthermore, in... Figure 6 The simplified ventilation path VR2 of the electrical installation room in this embodiment is shown in the diagram. When using... Figure 6 The simplified structure will be described in the description of the ventilation path VR2 in the electrical installation room. The unsimplified structure will be described separately later.

[0118] The ventilation path VR2 of the electrical installation room has an inlet on the lower side of the housing 10. Specifically, this inlet connects to a plurality of slits 171, 211 located on the lower right side of the front and rear sides of the housing 10 (see reference). Figure 4A and Figure 4B Corresponding to this. Additionally, the electrical installation compartment ventilation path VR2 has an outlet on the upper surface of the housing 10. This outlet corresponds to the right opening 135 on the upper surface of the upper surface cover 13 (see reference). Figure 1A (etc.) Corresponding. Furthermore, specifically, for the purpose of preventing the intrusion of foreign objects, the right opening 135 on the upper surface is composed of an assembly of multiple small slits extending front to back. The multiple slits constituting the right opening 135 on the upper surface are arranged front to back and left to right. The electrical installation room ventilation path VR2 has an electrical installation room R2 between this inlet and outlet, thereby enabling ventilation of the electrical installation room R2.

[0119] In the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment, the ventilation paths provided in the housing 10 are divided into a ventilation path VR1 for the fuel cell chamber R1 and a ventilation path VR2 for the electrical installation chamber R2. With this structure, the ventilation configuration can be different in the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2. As a result, a pressure difference can be generated between the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2. Using this pressure difference, an airflow from the fuel cell chamber R1, where hydrogen may leak, to the electrical installation chamber R2 can be prevented. That is, even if hydrogen leakage occurs in the fuel cell chamber R1, the inflow of hydrogen into the electrical installation chamber R2, where electrical equipment serving as an ignition source is centrally located, can be suppressed, and the hydrogen concentration in the electrical installation chamber R2 can be prevented from becoming high.

[0120] The electrical installation compartment R2 has an upstream ventilation fan 43, which is positioned upstream of the ventilation flow in the ventilation path VR2 of the electrical installation compartment. Driven by the upstream ventilation fan 43, airflow, i.e., ventilation flow, is generated in the ventilation path VR2 of the electrical installation compartment. Furthermore, the upstream ventilation fan 43 is an electric fan. More specifically, the upstream ventilation fan 43 is an axial flow fan. Detailed configuration of the upstream ventilation fan 43 will be described later.

[0121] Here, the flow (airflow) of ventilation air generated by the drive of the upstream ventilation fan 43 will be explained. Driven by the upstream ventilation fan 43, air enters the lower part of the housing 10 from the outside of the housing 10 through an inlet consisting of multiple slits 171 and 211. The air entering the lower part of the housing 10 enters the electrical installation chamber R2 through a vent provided in the bottom wall (second bottom wall) FW2 of the electrical installation chamber R2. Furthermore, details of the vent provided in the second bottom wall FW2 will be described later.

[0122] Air entering the electrical installation chamber R2 flows from the lower side to the upper side of the electrical installation chamber R2 and is discharged outside the electrical installation chamber R2 through an opening (not shown) provided in the top wall (second top wall) CW2 of the electrical installation chamber R2. The air discharged outside the electrical installation chamber R2 enters the right duct chamber R4R provided adjacent to the right side of the radiator chamber R3. The air entering the right duct chamber R4R rises within the right duct chamber R4R and is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through an outlet formed by the right opening 135 on the upper surface.

[0123] Furthermore, the right piping compartment R4R and the electrical installation compartment R2 are separated by the second top wall CW2. Additionally, the right piping compartment R4R and the radiator compartment R3 are separated by the third partition wall PW3.

[0124] As explained above, in this embodiment, separate duct chambers are provided for the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2. In other words, the fuel cell system 1 has a duct chamber R4L provided in the fuel cell chamber R1 and a duct chamber R4R provided in the electrical installation chamber R2. This facilitates the provision of different ventilation paths between the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the duct chamber R4L provided in the fuel cell chamber R1 and the duct chamber R4R provided in the electrical installation chamber R2 are arranged to sandwich the radiator chamber R3. In other words, a radiator chamber R3 is provided between the duct chamber R4L provided in the fuel cell chamber R1 and the duct chamber R4R provided in the electrical installation chamber R2. With this configuration, multiple ventilation paths can be efficiently provided in the housing 10 comprising the fuel cell chamber R1, the electrical installation chamber R2, and the radiator chamber R3.

[0125] Furthermore, unlike the structure of this embodiment, exhaust ventilation for the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2 can also be performed from the radiator chamber R3. However, with such a structure, the cooling capacity of the radiators (first heat exchanger 713, second heat exchanger 724) may be reduced. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide pipe chambers R4 for both the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2.

[0126] Furthermore, in the fuel cell chamber R1 described above, a ventilation fan (downstream ventilation fan 41) that generates airflow for ventilation is positioned at the air exiting the room. Therefore, the fuel cell chamber R1 can be set to negative pressure by driving the downstream ventilation fan 41. On the other hand, in the electrical installation chamber R2, a ventilation fan (upstream ventilation fan 43) that generates airflow for ventilation is positioned at or near the air entering the room. Therefore, the electrical installation chamber R2 can be set to positive pressure by driving the upstream ventilation fan 43.

[0127] That is, in this embodiment, the fuel cell system 1 is configured such that when the fuel cell module 2 is operating, the downstream ventilation fan 41 and the upstream ventilation fan 43 operate, causing the pressure in the electrical installation chamber R2 to become higher than the pressure in the fuel cell chamber R1. Therefore, even if hydrogen leakage occurs in the fuel cell chamber R1, hydrogen flow into the electrical installation chamber R2, where electrical equipment serving as an ignition source is centrally located, can be prevented. In other words, the hydrogen concentration in the electrical installation chamber R2 can be prevented from becoming high. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the fuel cell module 2 is operating, the downstream ventilation fan 41 and the upstream ventilation fan 43 operate to make the pressure in the electrical installation chamber R2 higher than the pressure in the fuel cell chamber R1. However, this is an example; for the same purpose, at least one of the downstream ventilation fan 41 and the upstream ventilation fan 43 can be configured to operate.

[0128] The radiator compartment ventilation path VR3 is the path for ventilating the radiator compartment R3. The radiator compartment ventilation path VR3 has an inlet on the upper side of the housing 10. Specifically, this inlet is connected to the front openings 161 respectively located on a pair of front side upper covers 16 (see reference). Figure 1A ), and the rear openings 201 respectively provided on a pair of rear side upper covers 20 (see reference) Figure 1B Corresponding to ). Additionally, the radiator compartment ventilation path VR3 has an outlet on the upper surface of the housing 10. This outlet corresponds to two fan openings 132 located in the center of the upper surface cover 13 (see reference ). Figure 1A (etc.) Corresponding. The radiator chamber ventilation path VR3 has a radiator chamber R3 between the inlet and the outlet, thereby enabling ventilation of the radiator chamber R3.

[0129] Ventilation of the radiator chamber R3 is achieved by driving two radiator fans 713a and 724a. Here, the airflow (airflow) generated by driving the radiator fans 713a and 724a will be explained. Driven by the radiator fans 713a and 724a, air enters the radiator chamber R3 from the outside of the housing 10 through an inlet formed by a front opening 161 and a rear opening 201. The air entering the radiator chamber R3 rises while exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing inside the first heat exchanger 713 and the second heat exchanger 724. Then, the rising air is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through an outlet formed by a fan opening 132.

[0130] [2-2. Details of ventilation paths in the electrical installation room]

[0131] The detailed structure of the ventilation path VR2 in the electrical installation room, which was previously outlined, is described below.

[0132] Figure 7This is a front view diagram used to illustrate the details of the ventilation path VR2 in the electrical installation room. Figure 8 This is a right-side schematic diagram used to illustrate the details of the ventilation path VR2 in the electrical installation room. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the diagram, the thick arrow represents the flow of air during ventilation (ventilation flow). This arrow includes various arrow shapes to illustrate the different types of ventilation paths that the ventilation flow takes.

[0133] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, multiple ventilation paths are provided in the electrical installation room R2. That is, the aforementioned electrical installation room ventilation path VR2 includes multiple ventilation paths. In the electrical installation room R2, multiple electrical devices that generate heat during operation and have different temperature requirements during use need to be arranged in a limited space, making it difficult to optimize the thermal balance as part of the thermal design. Regarding this point, in this embodiment, multiple ventilation paths are provided in the electrical installation room R2, thus making it easy to optimize the thermal balance.

[0134] In this embodiment, the multiple ventilation paths include an inverter ventilation path VR2a and a battery ventilation path VR2b. The inverter ventilation path VR2a ventilates the inverter housing 4C that houses the inverter 4. The battery ventilation path VR2b ventilates the battery housing 3C that houses the battery 3.

[0135] Furthermore, specifically, the inverter housing 4C houses the inverter structural elements constituting the inverter circuitry. The inverter housing 4C may be constructed using a portion of the first partition wall PW1 and the second top wall CW2, or it may be constructed without them. Additionally, specifically, the battery housing 3C houses a plurality of batteries 3. The battery housing 3C may, for example, be a box-shaped structure with an opening on its lower surface, or it may be constructed with a bottom wall.

[0136] Among the electrical equipment located in the electrical installation room R2, the battery 3 and inverter 4 generate a significant amount of heat. In this embodiment, ventilation paths for the battery 3 and inverter 4, which generate a large amount of heat, are configured separately, thus easily optimizing the thermal balance within the electrical installation room R2.

[0137] Furthermore, the types and number of ventilation paths included in the multiple ventilation paths can be appropriately changed according to the structure of this embodiment.

[0138] The fuel cell system 1 includes an inverter ventilation fan 43a configured in the inverter ventilation path VR2a and a battery ventilation fan 43b configured in the battery ventilation path VR2b. By providing ventilation fans in each ventilation path VR2a and VR2b, the airflow during ventilation in each ventilation path VR2a and VR2b can be easily ensured.

[0139] Furthermore, the inverter ventilation fan 43a and the battery ventilation fan 43b are included in the aforementioned upstream ventilation fan 43. That is, the inverter ventilation fan 43a and the battery ventilation fan 43b are positioned upstream of the ventilation flow within the electrical installation compartment R2.

[0140] In detail, the inverter ventilation fan 43a is positioned upstream of the inverter 4 in the inverter ventilation path VR2a. More specifically, the inverter ventilation fan 43a is positioned at an opening on the lower surface of the inverter housing 4C. This configuration ensures that the air blown from the inverter ventilation fan 43a comes into contact with the inverter structural elements first. As described above, the inverter ventilation fan 43a is positioned upstream of the ventilation flow in the electrical installation chamber R2, thus enabling the driving of the inverter ventilation fan 43a to bring cool air, unheated by other electrical equipment, into contact with the inverter structural elements.

[0141] Here, the ventilation flow in the inverter ventilation path VR2a generated by the drive of the inverter ventilation fan 43a will be described. Driven by the inverter ventilation fan 43a, air enters the lower part of the housing 10 from the outside of the housing 10 through a ventilation inlet formed by multiple slits 171 and 211. The air entering the lower part of the housing 10 enters the inverter housing 4C through the gap SP formed between the bottom wall (second bottom wall) FW2 of the electrical installation chamber R2 and the first partition wall PW1, and through the inverter ventilation fan 43a. Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange a filter for removing foreign matter on the upstream side (upstream side of the ventilation flow) of the inverter ventilation fan 43a.

[0142] Air entering the inverter housing 4C flows from the lower to the upper side of the inverter housing 4C, and is discharged outside the electrical installation chamber R2 through the opening 4Ca in the top portion of the inverter housing 4C and the first opening CW2a in the top wall (second top wall) CW2 of the electrical installation chamber R2. The air discharged outside the electrical installation chamber R2 enters the upper electrical installation chamber duct 44 located above the second top wall CW2. Furthermore, the upper electrical installation chamber duct 44 is located within the radiator chamber R3. Air entering the upper electrical installation chamber duct 44 returns to the electrical installation chamber R2 through the second opening CW2b in the second top wall CW2, located to the right of the inverter housing 4C. The air returning to the electrical installation chamber R2 merges with the air flowing in the battery ventilation path VR2b. The flow of the merged airflow will be explained after the explanation of the battery ventilation path VR2b.

[0143] The battery ventilation fan 43b is disposed downstream of the battery 3 in the battery ventilation path VR2b. Alternatively, the battery ventilation fan 43b may be disposed upstream of the battery 3 in the ventilation flow. However, by configuring it as in this embodiment, the ventilation flow can be made to contact the plurality of batteries 3 disposed within the battery casing 3C uniformly.

[0144] In detail, multiple battery ventilation fans 43b are arranged on the front of the battery casing 3C (see reference). Figure 4A , Figure 8 Each battery ventilation fan 43b is disposed in an opening located at the front of the battery casing 3C. The configuration of the multiple battery ventilation fans 43b is determined by the configuration of the multiple batteries 3 within the battery casing 3C.

[0145] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of battery 3 inside battery casing 3C. For example... Figure 9 As shown, multiple batteries 3 are arranged in three layers: an upper layer, a middle layer, and a lower layer. In the upper layer, four batteries 3 are arranged in a left-right direction. In the middle and lower layers, six batteries 3 are arranged in a left-right direction. When comparing the positions of the batteries 3 arranged in the middle layer with those arranged in the lower layer, the left-right positions of the multiple batteries 3 arranged in a left-right direction are the same. That is, each battery 3 in the middle layer is arranged vertically with a battery 3 in the same left-right direction. Furthermore, the batteries 3 in the upper layer are staggered from the batteries 3 in the middle layer in the left-right direction.

[0146] Multiple battery ventilation fans 43b are arranged in three sections—the upper, central, and lower front portion—corresponding to the configuration of multiple batteries 3 within the battery casing 3C. At the upper front portion of the battery casing 3C, two battery ventilation fans 43b are spaced apart in the left-right direction. At the central and lower front portions of the battery casing 3C, three battery ventilation fans 43b are spaced apart in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the configuration and number of batteries 3 and battery ventilation fans 43b described above are illustrative and can be appropriately varied.

[0147] Here, the ventilation flow in the battery ventilation path VR2b generated by the driving of the battery ventilation fan 43b will be described. Driven by multiple battery ventilation fans 43b, air enters the lower part of the housing 10 from the outside of the housing 10 through a ventilation inlet formed by multiple slits 171 and 211. The air entering the lower part of the housing 10 enters the battery casing 3C through a vent provided in the bottom wall (second bottom wall) of the electrical installation chamber R2. (Refer to...) Figure 10 To explain the situation in more detail.

[0148] Figure 10 It means in Figure 4A A simplified three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the section after cutting at position XX. (Example) Figure 10 As shown, multiple batteries 3 are arranged at the front within the battery casing 3C. Therefore, the rear portion of the second bottom wall FW2, covered by the battery casing 3C, is open within the battery casing 3C, and the batteries 3 are not placed on it. This open portion FW2a of the second bottom wall FW2 is composed of a mesh structure. In the battery ventilation path VR2b, the open portion FW2a, composed of the mesh structure, serves as a vent, allowing air entering the lower part of the housing 10 from the outside of the housing 10 to be drawn into the battery casing 3C.

[0149] Air entering the battery casing 3C reaches each battery 3 and flows from the rear to the front within the battery casing 3C, then is exhausted to the front exterior of the battery casing 3C via multiple battery ventilation fans 43b. Furthermore, within the battery casing 3C, the multiple batteries 3 are arranged with a gap between them. Therefore, the air flowing from the rear to the front within the battery casing 3C can come into contact with each battery 3. In this embodiment, the spacing between the batteries 3 is adjusted to optimize the balance between pressure drop and airflow rate during ventilation. As a result, the heat dissipation capacity in the ventilation path utilizing the multiple battery ventilation fans 43b is improved.

[0150] The air exhausted in front of the battery casing 3C first passes between the battery casing 3C and the right front door 14b in the front-rear direction, and rises in the electrical installation chamber R2. Moreover, if the air exhausted in front of the battery casing 3C is exhausted at a position higher than the battery casing 3C, the space above the battery casing 3C is also used as a ventilation path, and it is directed towards the upper part of the electrical installation chamber R2.

[0151] In the battery ventilation path VR2b, the ventilation flow first reaches the battery 3 in the electrical equipment configured in the ventilation path. That is, the ventilation flow first reaches the battery 3, which is the electrical equipment most desired to be cooled. Then, after reaching the battery 3, the ventilation flow reaches the various electrical devices and the housing of the electrical devices, thus contributing to their cooling.

[0152] For example, the ventilation flow in the battery ventilation path VR2b reaches the controller housing 5C (reference). Figure 4A The outer surface of the inverter housing 4C. Furthermore, for example, the ventilation flow in the battery ventilation path VR2b reaches the outer surface of the inverter housing 4C. That is, the inverter 4 can be cooled not only by the ventilation flow passing inside the inverter housing 4C, but also by the ventilation flow passing outside the inverter housing 4C. Moreover, in the battery ventilation path VR2b (and similarly in the inverter ventilation path VR2a), electrical components with a smaller allowable range of ambient temperature variation are preferably located upstream of the ventilation path. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress malfunctions and other adverse conditions caused by electrical equipment located in the electrical installation chamber R2.

[0153] In the battery ventilation path VR2b, the air reaching the upper part of the electrical installation chamber R2 merges with the air returning to the electrical installation chamber R2 from the upper side duct 44 in the inverter ventilation path VR2a. That is, the electrical installation chamber R2 has a merging section CF where the inverter ventilation path VR2a and the battery ventilation path VR2b merge. By providing the merging section CF, the final outlets of the two ventilation paths VR2a and VR2b located in the electrical installation chamber R2 can be combined into one, thereby preventing the enlargement of the housing 10.

[0154] In this embodiment, a common ventilation fan 45 is provided at a position downstream of the confluence section CF where the ventilation flow is directed (see reference). Figure 7 , 8 By providing a common ventilation fan 45, the combined airflow in the confluence section CF can be easily guided towards the right duct chamber R4R. In other words, the common ventilation fan 45 can be considered a ventilation fan that assists in the flow of airflow.

[0155] In detail, multiple shared ventilation fans 45 are configured. However, the number of shared ventilation fans 45 can be single, as long as the required number is met. In this embodiment, three shared ventilation fans 45 are arranged in the front-to-back direction, and two columns are arranged in the left-to-right direction. That is, the number of shared ventilation fans 45 is six.

[0156] Multiple shared ventilation fans 45 are disposed in an opening at the right end of the top wall (second top wall) CW2 of the electrical installation room R2 (described later). Figure 13A (See the top wall opening 47). Each common ventilation fan 45 is an electric fan of the same type, specifically an axial flow fan. Similar to the downstream ventilation fan 41 described above, the common ventilation fan 45 is also configured such that its rotation axis is inclined relative to the vertical direction. Furthermore, specifically, the downstream ventilation fan 41 is configured such that its rotation axis is inclined in the horizontal direction, but the common ventilation fan 45 is configured such that its rotation axis is inclined in the front-back direction.

[0157] In the confluence section CF, the air from the two ventilation paths VR2a and VR2b merges and enters the right duct chamber R4R via the common ventilation fan 45. The air entering the right duct chamber R4R rises within it and passes through the right opening 135 on the upper surface (see reference). Figure 1A The outlet, consisting of (etc.), discharges to the outside of the housing 10.

[0158] [2-3. Construction of the Pipe Chamber]

[0159] In this embodiment, the outlets of the ventilation paths VR1 and VR2 of the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2 are upper surface openings located on the upper surface of the housing 10. Specifically, this upper surface opening, along with the aforementioned upper surface left opening 134 and upper surface right opening 135 (both referred to in the original text),... Figure 1A (etc.) Corresponding to. Furthermore, the pipe chamber R4 of the housing 10 is connected to the left opening 134 and the right opening 135 on the upper surface, forming part of the ventilation paths VR1 and VR2. In such a structure, the outlet of the ventilation path is located on the upper surface, therefore, measures are needed to prevent rainwater from entering the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2. The pipe chamber R4 of this embodiment has a structure to prevent rainwater from entering the fuel cell chamber R1 and the electrical installation chamber R2. Hereinafter, the rainwater intrusion prevention structure of the pipe chamber R4 will be described.

[0160] As described above, specifically, pipe chamber R4 comprises a left pipe chamber R4L and a right pipe chamber R4R. The basic concept of rainwater intrusion prevention is the same in both the left and right pipe chambers R4L and R4R. However, there are slight differences in their construction. Therefore, the construction of the left pipe chamber R4L and the right pipe chamber R4R will be described separately. Furthermore, the construction of the left and right pipe chambers R4L and R4R can also be completely identical depending on the circumstances.

[0161] (2-3-1. Left Pipe Chamber)

[0162] First, let's explain the left duct chamber R4L. The left duct chamber R4L is the duct chamber used in the aforementioned fuel cell chamber ventilation path VR1.

[0163] Figure 11A This is a first perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the left pipe chamber R4L. Figure 11B This is a second perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the left pipe chamber R4L. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the function of the left pipe chamber R4L. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The image shows the state after a portion of a component located on the left side of the left pipe chamber R4L has been removed. Figure 11A The diagram shown (first perspective view) and Figure 11B In the diagram shown (second perspective view), the direction of the left pipe chamber R4L is different. Figure 11A and Figure 11B Both images are views of the left piping chamber R4L from the left side, but... Figure 11A This is a view taken from the front, slightly above. Figure 11B This is an image viewed from a slightly above and behind. Additionally, Figure 12 The hollow arrows indicate the direction of the ventilation airflow. Additionally, Figure 12 The thick solid arrows shown represent the movement of rainwater.

[0164] like Figure 6 , Figure 11A ,as well as Figure 11B As shown, the housing 10 has a fuel cell chamber R1 (room) on the lower side of the left pipe chamber R4L, separated from the left pipe chamber R4L by a first top wall CW1. The fuel cell chamber R1 is connected to the left pipe chamber R4L via a top wall opening 46 provided in the first top wall CW1. More specifically, the fuel cell chamber R1 is connected to the left pipe chamber R4L via the top wall opening 46 and an upper fuel cell chamber pipe 42. The aforementioned downstream ventilation fan 41 is disposed in the top wall opening 46.

[0165] The left duct chamber R4L is constructed such that, when no rainwater intrusion prevention structure is provided in the left duct chamber R4L, rainwater entering the left duct chamber R4L from the left opening 134 on the upper surface may enter the fuel cell chamber R1 through the top wall opening 46. Considering this, a ventilation path forming component 51 is provided in the left duct chamber R4L. This ventilation path forming component 51 is disposed below the left opening 134 on the upper surface and has an inclined surface 51a on the upper surface that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0166] If the upper surface of the ventilation path forming component 51 has an inclined surface 51a, rainwater entering the left duct chamber R4L can be bounced to the side opposite to the upstream side of the ventilation flow. In addition, by setting the upper surface of the ventilation path forming component 51 to have an inclined surface 51a, compared with the case where the upper surface is a horizontal surface, the range of the left opening 134 on the upper surface can be increased, while preventing rainwater from flowing to the upstream side of the ventilation flow.

[0167] In detail, the ventilation path forming component 51 has: a rear wall 511, an upper wall 512, and a left side wall 513. The rear wall 511 is a rectangular plate parallel to the vertical direction. The upper wall 512 is also a rectangular plate, extending rearward from the upper end of the rear wall 511 and inclined in a manner that its height increases as it faces rearward. The upper wall 512 forms the inclined surface 51a described above. The left side wall 513 is a trapezoidal plate, extending rearward from the left end of the rear wall 511 and downward from the left end of the upper wall 512.

[0168] Using fasteners such as bolts, a ventilation path forming component 51 of this shape is fixed to a first top wall CW1 constituting the bottom surface of the left duct chamber R4L and a second partition wall PW2 constituting the right side surface of the left duct chamber R4L. The ventilation path forming component 51 is configured to cover the ventilation outlet 42a (located in the opening of the second partition wall PW2) of the upper duct 42 of the fuel cell chamber. Specifically, the front end portion of the ventilation path forming component 51 is positioned forward of the outlet 42a.

[0169] like Figure 12 As shown, the ventilation flow from the fuel cell chamber R1 enters the left duct chamber R4L via the downstream ventilation fan 41 and the upper duct 42 (including outlet 42a) of the fuel cell chamber, and then enters the space SP1 surrounded by the ventilation path forming component 51, the first top wall CW1, and the second partition wall PW2. Moreover, the ventilation flow discharged from the outlet portion located at the front of this space SP1 rises and faces the left opening 134 on the upper surface, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 from the left opening 134 on the upper surface.

[0170] An inclined surface 51a, disposed below the left opening 134 on the upper surface of a rectangular region extending in the front-rear direction, is positioned such that it overlaps at least with the left opening 134 when viewed from above. Rainwater entering the left pipe chamber R4L from the left opening 134 on the upper surface... Figure 12 (Refer to the thick black arrow) The probability of rainwater bouncing backward is high. Rainwater bouncing backward is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through a drainage path not shown. Therefore, the possibility of rainwater entering the left pipe chamber R4L reaching the top wall opening 46 is reduced.

[0171] Furthermore, rainwater entering at an angle from the left opening 134 on the upper surface will not reach the inclined surface 51a but may reach the bottom surface of the left pipe chamber R4L. However, in this embodiment, the top wall opening 46 is positioned offset from the left opening 134 on the upper surface when viewed from above. Specifically, the top wall opening 46 is located away from the left pipe chamber R4L (second partition wall PW2) to the right. Therefore, the possibility of rainwater reaching the bottom surface of the left pipe chamber R4L entering the fuel cell chamber R1 through the top wall opening 46 can be reduced. In this embodiment, the outlet 42a of the upper pipe 42 of the fuel cell chamber is located at a position higher than the bottom surface of the left pipe chamber R4L. This point also reduces the possibility of rainwater reaching the bottom surface of the left pipe chamber R4L entering the fuel cell chamber R1 through the top wall opening 46.

[0172] (2-3-2. Right Pipe Chamber)

[0173] Next, the right duct chamber R4R will be described. The right duct chamber R4R is the duct chamber used for the ventilation path VR2 of the electrical installation room mentioned above.

[0174] Figure 13A This is a first perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the right pipe chamber R4R. Figure 13B This is a second perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the right pipe chamber R4R. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram used to explain the function of R4R in the right pipe chamber. Figure 13A and Figure 13B The image shows the state after a portion of a component located on the right side of the right pipe chamber R4R has been removed. Figure 13A The diagram shown (first perspective view) and Figure 13B In the diagram shown (second 3D view), observe that the direction of R4R in the right pipe chamber is different. Figure 13A and Figure 13B Both images are views of the right-side piping chamber R4R as seen from the right side, but... Figure 13A This is a view taken from the front, slightly above. Figure 13B This is an image viewed from a slightly above and behind. Additionally, Figure 14The hollow arrows indicate the direction of the ventilation airflow. Additionally, Figure 14 The thick solid arrows shown represent the movement of rainwater.

[0175] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 13A ,as well as Figure 13B As shown, the housing 10 has an electrical installation chamber R2 (room) on the lower side of the right duct chamber R4R, which is separated from the right duct chamber R4R by a second top wall CW2. The electrical installation chamber R2 is connected to the right duct chamber R4R via a top wall opening 47 provided in the second top wall CW2. In addition, the aforementioned common ventilation fan 45 is provided in the top wall opening 47.

[0176] The right duct chamber R4R has such a structure that, when no rainwater intrusion prevention structure is provided in the right duct chamber R4R, rainwater entering the right duct chamber R4R from the right opening 135 on the upper surface may enter the electrical installation chamber R2 through the top wall opening 46. Considering this, ventilation path forming components 52 and 53 are provided in the right duct chamber R4R. These ventilation path forming components 52 and 53 are disposed below the right opening 135 on the upper surface and have inclined surfaces 52a and 53a on the upper surface that are inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0177] If the upper surfaces of the ventilation path forming components 52 and 53 have inclined surfaces 52a and 53a, rainwater entering the right duct chamber R4R can be easily bounced in a specific direction that facilitates drainage. Furthermore, by arranging the ventilation path forming components 52 and 53 with inclined surfaces 52a and 53a in the right duct chamber R4R, the area of ​​the right opening 135 on the upper surface can be increased, while preventing rainwater from flowing towards the ventilation inlet (top wall opening 47) of the right duct chamber R4R.

[0178] However, unlike the left pipe chamber R4L, in the right pipe chamber R4R, the top wall opening 47 is positioned to overlap with the right upper surface opening 135 when viewed from above. In other words, the top wall opening 47 is located on the bottom surface of the right pipe chamber R4R. Therefore, compared to the left pipe chamber R4L, rainwater entering the pipe chamber from the upper surface opening in the right pipe chamber R4R more easily enters the room located below the pipe chamber.

[0179] Considering this point, in the right duct chamber R4R, multiple ventilation path forming components 52 and 53 are arranged overlapping in the vertical direction. By providing multiple ventilation path forming components 52 and 53, the distance from the right opening 135 on the upper surface to the top wall opening 47 located upstream of the ventilation flow can be increased. Furthermore, since the ventilation path forming components 52 and 53, which have inclined surfaces 52a and 53a on their upper surfaces, are arranged overlapping in the vertical direction, the probability of rainwater entering the right duct chamber R4R from the right opening 135 on the upper surface being bounced in a specific direction can be increased. That is, by having multiple ventilation path forming components 52 and 53 arranged overlapping in the vertical direction, the possibility of rainwater entering the electrical installation chamber R2 via the top wall opening 47 can be further reduced.

[0180] In detail, the first ventilation path forming component 52 is disposed in the right duct chamber R4R such that it covers the top wall opening 47. The first ventilation path forming component 52 has a rear wall 521, an upper wall 522 forming the inclined surface 52a, and a right side wall 523. Although there is a difference in the left and right positions of the side walls, the structure of the first ventilation path forming component 52 is the same as that of the ventilation path forming component 51 disposed in the left duct chamber R4L, so detailed description is omitted. The first ventilation path forming component 52 is fixed to the second top wall CW2 forming the bottom surface of the right duct chamber R4R and the third partition wall PW3 forming the left side surface of the right duct chamber R4R using fasteners such as bolts.

[0181] The second ventilation path forming member 53 has an upper wall 531 and a right side wall 532. The upper wall 531 is configured as a rectangular plate and is disposed above the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming member 52. Preferably, the upper wall 531 is configured to be parallel to the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming member 52. The upper wall 531 forms the aforementioned inclined surface 53a. The right side wall 532 is configured as a trapezoidal plate and extends downward from the right end of the upper wall 531.

[0182] The second ventilation path forming component 53 is secured to the upper surface cover 13, the third partition wall PW3, and the first ventilation path forming component 52 using fasteners such as bolts. Specifically, the front end of the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming component 53 is secured to the lower surface of the upper surface cover 13 via a sealing component (not shown). The left end of the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming component 53 is secured to the third partition wall PW3. The right side wall 532 of the second ventilation path forming component 53 is secured to the right side wall 523 of the first ventilation path forming component 52.

[0183] When viewed from above, the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming component 53 overlaps with the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming component 52. Specifically, the front end of the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming component 53 is at the same position as the front end of the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming component 52 when viewed from above. The rear end of the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming component 53 is located further forward than the rear end of the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming component 52 when viewed from above. That is, when viewed from above, the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming component 53 does not completely overlap with the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming component 52. When viewed from above, a portion of the upper wall of the first ventilation path forming component 52 protrudes rearward relative to the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming component 53.

[0184] like Figure 14 As shown, the ventilation flow from the electrical installation chamber R2, via the common ventilation fan 45, enters the right duct chamber R4R and then enters the first space SP2, which is surrounded by the first ventilation path forming component 52, the second top wall CW2, and the third partition wall PW3, and flows forward. The ventilation flow exiting from the outlet portion located at the front of the first space SP2 rises and enters the second space SP3, which is surrounded by the first ventilation path forming component 52, the second ventilation path forming component 53, and the third partition wall PW3, and flows rearward. The ventilation flow exiting from the outlet portion located at the rear of the second space SP3 flows towards the right opening 135 on the upper surface and exits from the right opening 135 on the upper surface to the outside of the housing 10.

[0185] When viewed from above, the area overlapping with the right opening 135 on the upper surface contains an inclined surface 53a of the second ventilation path forming member 53, or an inclined surface 52a of the first ventilation path forming member 52 exists in the area where this inclined surface 53a does not exist. Moreover, the front end of the inclined surface 52a of the first ventilation path forming member 52 exists on the front side relative to the rear end of the inclined surface 53a of the second ventilation path forming member 53, and the inclined surface 52a of the first ventilation path forming member 52 is shaped to penetrate the inclined surface 53a of the second ventilation path forming member 53.

[0186] Because of this structure, such as Figure 14 As shown, this design increases the probability that rainwater entering the right duct chamber R4R from the right opening 135 on the upper surface will be bounced rearward by the inclined surface 52a of the first ventilation path forming member 52 or the inclined surface 53a of the second ventilation path forming member 53. Furthermore, the rainwater bounced rearward is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through a drainage path (not shown). Therefore, the possibility of rainwater entering the first space SP2 from the outlet portion located on the front side of the first space SP2 and reaching the top wall opening 47 is reduced.

[0187] <3. Precautions, etc.>

[0188] The various technical features disclosed in this specification can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical invention. Furthermore, the various embodiments and variations shown in this specification can be combined and implemented to the extent possible.

[0189] <4. Postscript>

[0190] An exemplary fuel cell system of the present invention may have the following structure (first structure): a housing having a fuel cell chamber in which a fuel cell module is disposed; and an electrical installation chamber separated from the fuel cell chamber and in which a plurality of electrical devices are disposed. The housing is provided with a fuel cell chamber ventilation path for ventilating the fuel cell chamber and an electrical installation chamber ventilation path for ventilating the electrical installation chamber.

[0191] Based on the fuel cell system of the first structure described above, it can be a second structure, namely, the fuel cell chamber has a downstream ventilation fan, which is positioned downstream of the ventilation flow flowing in the ventilation path of the fuel cell chamber, and the electrical installation chamber has an upstream ventilation fan, which is positioned upstream of the ventilation flow flowing in the ventilation path of the electrical installation chamber.

[0192] Based on the fuel cell system of the second structure described above, a third structure can be provided, in which, when the fuel cell module is working, at least one of the downstream ventilation fan and the upstream ventilation fan is working, and the air pressure in the electrical installation chamber becomes higher than the air pressure in the fuel cell chamber.

[0193] Based on the fuel cell system of the second or third structure described above, the following structure (fourth structure) can be adopted, namely, the fuel cell chamber has: a bottom wall with a ventilation section through which airflow from the inlet of the ventilation path of the fuel cell chamber passes; and a top wall, on which the downstream ventilation fan is disposed.

[0194] Based on the fuel cell system of the fourth structure described above, it can be a fifth structure, namely, the housing has a heat sink chamber on the upper side of the top wall, the heat sink chamber houses the heat sink for cooling the fuel cell module, and the downstream ventilation fan is configured such that its rotation axis is inclined relative to the vertical direction.

[0195] Alternatively, the exemplary fuel cell system of the present invention can be a structure (sixth structure) that includes a housing having: a fuel cell chamber in which a fuel cell module is disposed; and an electrical installation chamber separated from the fuel cell chamber in which multiple electrical devices are disposed, and multiple ventilation paths are provided in the electrical installation chamber.

[0196] Based on the fuel cell system of the sixth structure described above, the following structure (seventh structure) can be adopted, namely, the plurality of electrical devices include an inverter and a battery electrically connected to the fuel cell module, and the plurality of ventilation paths include: an inverter ventilation path for ventilating the inverter housing that houses the inverter, and a battery ventilation path for ventilating the battery housing that houses the battery.

[0197] Based on the fuel cell system of the seventh structure described above, it can be configured as the eighth structure, which includes: an inverter ventilation fan configured in the inverter ventilation path and a battery ventilation fan configured in the battery ventilation path.

[0198] Based on the fuel cell system of the eighth structure mentioned above, it can be the following structure (ninth structure), that is, the inverter ventilation fan is located in the inverter ventilation path at a position upstream of the ventilation flow than the inverter.

[0199] Based on the fuel cell system of the sixth or seventh structure mentioned above, the following structure (tenth structure) can be adopted, namely, the battery ventilation fan is located in the battery ventilation path at a position downstream of the ventilation flow than the battery.

[0200] Based on any of the six to tenth structures of the above fuel cell system, the following structure (eleventh structure) can be adopted, namely, the electrical installation room has a confluence section where the ventilation path of the inverter and the ventilation path of the battery merge, and a common ventilation fan is arranged at a position downstream of the confluence section.

[0201] Based on any of the above-mentioned sixth to eleventh structures of the fuel cell system, the following structure (twelfth structure) can be adopted, namely, the ventilation flow flowing in the above-mentioned battery ventilation path reaches the outer surface of the above-mentioned inverter housing.

[0202] Alternatively, an exemplary fuel cell system of the present invention may have the following structure (thirteenth structure): a housing for housing a fuel cell module, the housing having a ventilation path for internal ventilation, the inlet of the ventilation path being located on the side of the housing, and the outlet of the ventilation path being located on the upper surface of the housing.

[0203] Based on the fuel cell system of the thirteenth structure described above, it can be the following structure (the fourteenth structure), namely, the outlet is an upper surface opening provided on the upper surface of the housing, the housing has a duct chamber connected to the upper surface opening and forming part of the ventilation path, a ventilation path forming component is provided in the duct chamber, the ventilation path forming component is disposed below the upper surface opening, and has an inclined surface on the upper surface that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0204] Based on the fuel cell system of the fourteenth structure described above, the following structure (the fifteenth structure) can be adopted, namely, in the above-mentioned duct chamber, multiple ventilation path forming components are arranged overlappingly in the vertical direction.

[0205] Based on the fuel cell system of the fourteenth or fifteenth structure described above, the following structure (sixteenth structure) can be adopted, namely, the housing has a room on the lower side of the pipe chamber that is separated from the pipe chamber by a top wall, and the room is connected to the pipe chamber via a top wall opening provided in the top wall.

[0206] Based on the fuel cell system of the sixteenth structure described above, the following structure (seventeenth structure) can be adopted, namely, the opening in the top wall is located at a position offset from the opening on the upper surface when viewed from above.

[0207] Based on the fuel cell system of the sixteenth or seventeenth structure described above, the following structure (the eighteenth structure) can be adopted, namely, the room includes: a fuel cell room, in which the fuel cell module is configured; and an electrical installation room, which is separated from the fuel cell room and in which multiple electrical devices are configured, and the fuel cell system has: the piping room located in the fuel cell room and the piping room located in the electrical installation room.

[0208] Based on the fuel cell system of the eighteenth structure described above, the following structure (the nineteenth structure) can be provided: the housing has a radiator chamber on the upper side of the fuel cell chamber and the electrical installation chamber, the radiator chamber houses a radiator for cooling the fuel cell module, and the radiator chamber is provided between the pipe chamber provided in the fuel cell chamber and the pipe chamber provided in the electrical installation chamber.

[0209] An exemplary single power generation device of the present invention can be a structure (the twentieth structure), namely, a fuel cell system having any of the structures of the first to nineteenth structures described above.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system, wherein a housing is provided, the housing has: a fuel cell chamber in which a fuel cell module is arranged; and an electrical installation chamber partitioned from the fuel cell chamber, in which a plurality of electrical devices are arranged, in the housing are provided: a fuel cell chamber ventilation path for ventilating the fuel cell chamber, and an electrical installation chamber ventilation path for ventilating the electrical installation chamber.

2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell chamber has a downstream-side ventilation fan arranged at a position on a downstream side of a ventilation flow flowing in the fuel cell chamber ventilation path, the electrical installation chamber has an upstream-side ventilation fan arranged at a position on an upstream side of a ventilation flow flowing in the electrical installation chamber ventilation path.

3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein when the fuel cell module is operating, at least one of the downstream-side ventilation fan and the upstream-side ventilation fan is operating, and the air pressure of the electrical installation chamber becomes higher than the air pressure of the fuel cell chamber.

4. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the fuel cell chamber has: a bottom wall having a vent portion through which an air current from an inlet of the fuel cell chamber ventilation path passes; and a top wall at which the downstream-side ventilation fan is provided.

5. The fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein the housing has, on an upper side of the top wall, a radiator chamber that houses a radiator that performs cooling of the fuel cell module, the downstream-side ventilation fan is arranged with its rotational axis inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

6. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical installation chamber ventilation path has a plurality of ventilation paths.

7. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrical devices include an inverter electrically connected to the fuel cell module and a battery, the plurality of ventilation paths include: an inverter ventilation path for ventilating an inverter housing in which the inverter is housed, and a battery ventilation path for ventilating a battery housing in which the battery is housed.

8. The fuel cell system of claim 7, wherein, provided with: an inverter ventilation fan arranged in the inverter ventilation path, and a battery ventilation fan arranged in the battery ventilation path.

9. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, wherein the inverter ventilation fan is arranged in the inverter ventilation path at a position on an upstream side of the ventilation flow with respect to the inverter.

10. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, wherein the battery ventilation fan is arranged in the battery ventilation path at a position on a downstream side of the ventilation flow with respect to the battery.

11. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein the electrical installation chamber has a confluence portion at which the inverter ventilation path and the battery ventilation path confluence, a common ventilation fan is arranged at a position on a downstream side of the ventilation flow with respect to the confluence portion.

12. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein a ventilation flow flowing in the battery ventilation path reaches an outer surface of the inverter housing.

13. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the inlet of the fuel cell chamber ventilation path and the inlet of the electrical installation chamber ventilation path are provided on a side surface of the housing, the outlet of the fuel cell chamber ventilation path and the outlet of the electrical installation chamber ventilation path are provided on an upper surface of the housing.

14. The fuel cell system according to claim 13, wherein the outlet of the fuel cell chamber ventilation path and the outlet of the electrical installation chamber ventilation path are an upper surface opening portion provided on an upper surface of the housing, the housing has a duct chamber connected to the upper surface opening portion and constituting a part of the ventilation path, a ventilation path forming member is provided in the duct chamber, the ventilation path forming member is arranged below the upper surface opening portion, and has an inclined surface inclined with respect to a horizontal plane on an upper surface.

15. The fuel cell system according to claim 14, wherein in the duct chamber, a plurality of the ventilation path forming members are arranged in a vertical direction.

16. The fuel cell system according to claim 14, wherein the housing has a room on a lower side of the duct chamber, the room is separated from the duct chamber by a top wall, the room is connected to the duct chamber via a top wall opening portion provided in the top wall.

17. The fuel cell system according to claim 16, wherein the top wall opening portion is provided at a position deviated from the upper surface opening portion when viewed in plan.

18. The fuel cell system according to claim 16, wherein there are provided the duct chamber provided in the fuel cell chamber and the duct chamber provided in the electrical installation chamber.

19. The fuel cell system according to claim 18, wherein the housing has a radiator chamber on an upper side of the fuel cell chamber and the electrical installation chamber, the radiator chamber houses a radiator that performs cooling of the fuel cell module, the radiator chamber is provided between the duct chamber provided in the fuel cell chamber and the duct chamber provided in the electrical installation chamber.

20. A single-shot power generation device, wherein the fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is provided.

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