FUEL CELL UNIT

Abstract

Fuel cell unit (100) comprising the following: a fuel cell module (10); and a power converter (20) designed to convert power from the fuel cell module (10), wherein: the fuel cell module (10) includes the following a first fuel cell module (10A) which includes a first fuel cell stack (12A) which is a stack of a plurality of first individual cells (11A), and a second fuel cell module (10B) which includes a second fuel cell stack (12B) which is a stack of a plurality of second individual cells (11B); the power converter (20) includes a first power converter (20A) designed to convert power from the first fuel cell module (10A), and a second power converter (20B) designed to convert power from the second fuel cell module (10B); the first power converter (20A) is located on a first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A); the second power converter (20B) is located on a first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B); the first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and the first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B) are opposite each other; and a first normal direction to the first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and to the first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B) is orthogonal to a stacking direction of the first single cells (11A) and the second single cells (11B).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fuel cell units. 2. Description of the related prior art

[0002] A fuel cell is a cell that generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction between an oxygen-containing oxidant gas and a hydrogen-containing fuel gas. A cell (single cell), which constitutes a basic unit of a fuel cell (fuel cell stack), typically comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) consisting of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrode catalyst layers formed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. Gas diffusion layers (GDLs) are located on both sides of the electrode catalyst layers, and separators with gas channels are arranged on both sides of the gas diffusion layers.

[0003] A fuel cell unit consists of at least one fuel cell stack and a power converter. For example, JP 2008-311038 A discloses a fuel cell system in which at least two surfaces of a power conversion device are covered by a power supply device with a fuel cell. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] When a fuel cell unit is installed, for example, in a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), it is possible to assemble a fuel cell unit with a large number of fuel cell stacks to achieve high performance. However, such a fuel cell unit is not easy to assemble (install). The present disclosure provides a fuel cell unit with good assembleability.

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides for a fuel cell unit. This fuel cell unit comprises a fuel cell module and a power converter configured to convert the power of the fuel cell module. The fuel cell module includes: a first fuel cell module with a first fuel cell stack, which is a stack of a plurality of first individual cells; and a second fuel cell module with a second fuel cell stack, which is a stack of a plurality of second individual cells. The power converter comprises: a first power converter configured to convert the power of the first fuel cell module, and a second power converter configured to convert the power of the second fuel cell module.The first power converter is located on a first surface of the first fuel cell module, and the second power converter is located on a first surface of the second fuel cell module. The first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module face each other. A first normal direction to the first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module is orthogonal to a stacking direction of the first and second individual cells.

[0006] In the fuel cell unit of the first point of view, the first power converter and the second power converter can be housed in separate power converter enclosures.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides for a fuel cell unit. This fuel cell unit comprises a fuel cell module and a power converter configured to convert the power of the fuel cell module. The fuel cell module includes: a first fuel cell module with a first fuel cell stack, which is a stack of several first individual cells; and a second fuel cell module with a second fuel cell stack, which is a stack of several second individual cells. The power converter includes a common power converter configured to convert the power of the first fuel cell module and the power of the second fuel cell module. The common power converter is located on a first surface of the first fuel cell module and is also located on a first surface of the second fuel cell module.The first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module face each other. A first normal direction to the first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module is orthogonal to a stacking direction of the first and second individual cells.

[0008] In the fuel cell unit of the first point of view, both the first power converter and the second power converter can be housed in a single power converter housing.

[0009] In the fuel cell unit of the second point of view, the common power converter can be housed in a single power converter enclosure.

[0010] In the fuel cell unit of the second viewpoint, the first fuel cell module can comprise a first positive terminal plate located on a positive electrode side of the first fuel cell stack, a first negative terminal plate located on a negative electrode side of the first fuel cell stack, and a first fuel cell housing configured to accommodate the first fuel cell stack, the first positive terminal plate, and the first negative terminal plate.The second fuel cell module may include a second positive terminal plate located on a positive electrode side of the second fuel cell stack, a second negative terminal plate located on a negative electrode side of the second fuel cell stack, and a second fuel cell housing configured to accommodate the second fuel cell stack, the second positive terminal plate, and the second negative terminal plate.The fuel cell unit may further comprise a first positive terminal connected to the first positive terminal plate and extending from the first fuel cell housing towards the power converter, a first negative terminal connected to the first negative terminal plate and extending from the first fuel cell housing towards the power converter, a second positive terminal connected to the second positive terminal plate and extending from the second fuel cell housing towards the power converter, and a second negative terminal connected to the second negative terminal plate and extending from the second fuel cell housing towards the power converter.The first positive terminal can comprise a first base connected to the first positive terminal plate and a first projecting section extending from the first base of the first positive terminal toward the current transformer. The first negative terminal can have a second base connected to the first negative terminal plate and a second projecting section extending from the second base of the first negative terminal toward the converter. The second positive terminal can have a third base connected to the second positive terminal plate and a third projecting section extending from the third base of the second positive terminal toward the converter.The second negative terminal may have a fourth base connected to the second negative terminal plate and a fourth projecting section extending from the fourth base of the second negative terminal toward the current transformer. The fuel cell unit may satisfy one or both of the following conditions (1) and (2): (1) the first projecting section and the third projecting section are arranged so that they do not overlap in plan view in the stacking direction, and (2) the second projecting section and the fourth projecting section are arranged so that they do not overlap in the stacking direction when viewed from above.

[0011] In the fuel cell unit of the second viewpoint, the fuel cell unit can at least satisfy condition (1), and the first base and the third base can be arranged such that they overlap at least partially in the first normal direction in the top view.

[0012] In the fuel cell unit of the second viewpoint, the fuel cell unit can at least satisfy condition (2), and the second base and the fourth base can be arranged such that they overlap at least partially in the first normal direction in the top view.

[0013] In the fuel cell unit of the second viewpoint, the fuel cell unit can at least satisfy condition (1), and the first base and the third base can be arranged such that they do not overlap in the first normal direction in the top view.

[0014] In the fuel cell unit of the second viewpoint, the fuel cell unit can at least satisfy condition (2), and the second base and the fourth base can be arranged such that they do not overlap in the first normal direction in the top view.

[0015] In the fuel cell unit of the second viewpoint, the fuel cell unit can at least satisfy condition (1) and satisfy the following condition (3): (3) the first projecting section and the third projecting section are on an equal section perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0016] In the fuel cell unit of the second viewpoint, the fuel cell unit can at least satisfy condition (2) and satisfy the following condition (4): (4) the second projecting section and the fourth projecting section are on an equal section perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0017] The fuel cell unit of the first aspect may further comprise: a first auxiliary device configured to assist the operation of the first fuel cell module; and a second auxiliary device configured to assist the operation of the second fuel cell module. The first device may be located on a second surface of the first fuel cell module. The second device may be located on a second surface of the second fuel cell module. A second normal direction to the second surface of the first fuel cell module and the second surface of the second fuel cell module may be orthogonal to the first normal direction to the first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module. The first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device may be opposite each other.

[0018] In the fuel cell unit of the first point of view, the first device can project beyond the first fuel cell module in the direction of the power converter in the first normal direction to the first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module, and the second device can project beyond the second fuel cell module in the direction of the power converter in the first normal direction to the first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module.

[0019] The fuel cell unit of the second viewpoint may further comprise: a first auxiliary device configured to assist the operation of the first fuel cell module; and a second auxiliary device configured to assist the operation of the second fuel cell module. The first device may be located on a second surface of the first fuel cell module. The second device may be located on a second surface of the second fuel cell module. A second normal direction to the second surface of the first fuel cell module and the second surface of the second fuel cell module may be orthogonal to the first normal direction to the first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module. The first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device may be located opposite each other.

[0020] In the fuel cell unit of the second point of view, the first device can project beyond the first fuel cell module in the direction of the power converter in the first normal direction to the first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module, and the second device can project beyond the second fuel cell module in the direction of the power converter in the first normal direction to the first surface of the first fuel cell module and the first surface of the second fuel cell module.

[0021] The present disclosure can provide a fuel cell unit with good mountability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same symbols denote the same elements and in which: Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is another schematic sectional view of the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 is another schematic sectional view of the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective exterior view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. 5A is a diagram illustrating the connection between fuel cell modules; Fig. 5B is another diagram showing the connection between the fuel cell modules; Fig. 6A is a perspective partial view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6B is an enlarged partial view of the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. 6C is a partial plan view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. 6D is another partial plan view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6E is a partial sectional view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. 7A is a perspective partial view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. 7B is a partial plan view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7C is a partial sectional view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a single cell according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0023] A fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure is described in detail below. Each figure described below is a schematic diagram, and the size and shape of the individual parts are, where appropriate, exaggerated in the figures to aid understanding. When the term "above" or "below" is used in the present description to describe how one element is arranged in relation to another element, this includes the case in which one element is arranged in contact with, directly above, or directly below the other element, and the case in which one element is arranged above or below the other element with another element in between, unless otherwise specified.

[0024] When an element is described in the present revelation without using a term such as "first" or "second", the element refers to both the "first" element and the "second" element, unless otherwise specified.

[0025] In the present disclosure, the term "orthogonal" means not only exactly orthogonal, but also includes the case where the angle between two directions is 80° or more and 100° or less. This angle may be 85° or more and 95° or less. In the present disclosure, the term "parallel" means not only exactly parallel, but also includes the case where the angle between two directions is 10° or less. This angle may be 5° or less. 1. Fuel cell unit configuration

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic top view of the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a fuel cell unit 100 comprises a fuel cell module 10 and a power converter 20, which converts the power of the fuel cell module 10. The fuel cell unit 100 comprises, as fuel cell module 10, a first fuel cell module 10A and a second fuel cell module 10B. The first fuel cell module 10A comprises a first fuel cell stack 12A, which consists of a plurality of first individual cells 11A. The second fuel cell module 10B comprises a second fuel cell stack 12B, which is a stack of a plurality of second individual cells 11B. The fuel cell unit 100 comprises, as power converter 20, a first power converter 20A and a second power converter 20B. The first power converter 20A converts the power of the first fuel cell module 10A, and the second power converter 20B converts the power of the second fuel cell module 10B.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, in the fuel cell unit 100, the first power converter 20A is located on a first surface A of the first fuel cell module 10A, and the second power converter 20B is located on a first surface B of the second fuel cell module 10B. The first surface A and the first surface B face each other. A first normal direction M to the first surface A and the first surface B is orthogonal to a stacking direction N of the first individual cells 11A and the second individual cells 11B. In the present disclosure, the normal direction to the first surface A and the normal direction to the first surface B are parallel, and the stacking direction of the first individual cells and the stacking direction of the second individual cells are parallel.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, the first power converter is located on the predetermined first surface A of the first fuel cell module, the second power converter is located on the predetermined first surface B of the second fuel cell module, and the first normal direction to the first surface A and to the first surface B is orthogonal to the stacking direction of the first and second individual cells. Therefore, the fuel cell unit is easy to assemble. For example, elements such as connectors that are connected to the power converter can be provided to protrude from the same surface of the fuel cell module, and connecting elements such as cable harnesses that extend from each power converter (power converter housing) can be easily joined together. This improves the ease of assembly.Particularly when the power converters are housed in a single converter enclosure, the integrated connecting elements can be extended from this enclosure. This further improves ease of assembly.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure can comprise a common power converter 20C, which converts the power of the first fuel cell module 10A and also the power of the second fuel cell module 10B. The common power converter 20C is located on the first surface A of the first fuel cell module 10A and is also located on the first surface B of the second fuel cell module 10B. The configuration of the Fig. The fuel cell unit 100 shown in Figure 2 is similar to that shown in Figure 2, with the exception of the common power converter 20C. Fig. 1 of the fuel cell unit shown 100.

[0030] According to the present disclosure, the common power converter can convert the power of the first fuel cell module and the power of the second fuel cell module. That is, the single power converter can serve as both the first and the second power converter. Therefore, the size of the power converter and the size of the power converter housing can be reduced. As a result, ease of assembly is further improved.

[0031] The structure of the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure can be considered a structure in which a power converter is embedded between two fuel cell modules. This structure is advantageous in that the power converter can act as a shock absorber when an impact acts on the fuel cell unit, thus providing improved collision safety.

[0032] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first fuel cell module 10A typically has a fuel cell housing 13A that accommodates the first fuel cell stack 12A. Similarly, the second fuel cell module 10B typically has a fuel cell housing 13B that accommodates the second fuel cell stack 12B. The fuel cell housings 13A and 13B each have an opening for electrical connection to the first converter 20A and the second converter 20B, respectively, or to the common converter 20C. This opening is typically formed in the first surface A and the first surface B.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first converter 20A and the second converter 20B can be housed in separate converter enclosures (21A, 21B). "Separate converter enclosures" means that the enclosure housing the first converter 20A and the enclosure housing the second converter 20B do not communicate with each other. In this case, the fuel cell enclosure 13A and the converter enclosure 21A are preferably connected through the opening. Similarly, the fuel cell enclosure 13B and the converter enclosure 21B are preferably connected through the opening.

[0034] Alternatively, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, both the first converter 20A and the second converter 20B or the common converter 20C can be housed in a single converter enclosure 21. As shown in Figure 3, the first converter 20A and the second converter 20B or the common converter 20C can be housed in a single converter enclosure 21. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in the case where the first current transformer 20A and the second current transformer 20B are separate current transformers, the “single current transformer housing” means that the housing containing the first current transformer 20A and the housing containing the second current transformer 20B communicate with each other to function as a single current transformer housing. In this case, the fuel cell housing 13A, the power converter housing 21, and the fuel cell housing 13B are preferably connected through the openings.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective external view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure. In particular, Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective external view of the fuel cell unit, in which the power converter 20 is housed in the single power converter housing 21. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the fuel cell modules (10A, 10B) have end plates X (14XA, 14XB) at one end of the fuel cell housings (13A, 13B) and end plates Y (14YA, 14YB) at the other ends of the fuel cell housings (13A, 13B) facing the end plates X, and auxiliary devices (first auxiliary device 60A, second auxiliary device 60B) are attached to the end plates Y (14YA, 14YB).

[0036] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the fuel cell unit 100 can comprise the first auxiliary device 60A, which supports the operation of the first fuel cell module 10A, and the second auxiliary device 60B, which supports the operation of the second fuel cell module 10B. As shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first auxiliary device 60A is located on a second surface C of the first fuel cell module 10A, the second auxiliary device 60B is located on a second surface D of the second fuel cell module 10B, and a second normal direction to the second surface C and the second surface D is orthogonal to the first normal direction M to the first surface A and the first surface B. The first auxiliary device 60A and the second auxiliary device 60B face each other. The second surface C and the second surface D are preferably the lower surfaces of the fuel cell modules in the direction of gravity. Within the scope of this disclosure, the normals to the second surface C and the normals to the second surface D are parallel.

[0037] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first device 60A preferably projects beyond the first fuel cell module 10A in the direction of the power converter 20 in the first normal direction M to the first surface A and to the first surface B, and the second device 60B preferably projects beyond the second fuel cell module 10B in the direction of the power converter 20 in the first normal direction M to the first surface A and to the first surface B.

[0038] The first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device can each be an integrated auxiliary unit consisting of at least two devices. Alternatively, the first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device can each be a single auxiliary device.

[0039] In the case where both the first converter and the second converter or the common converter are housed in a single converter enclosure, the first fuel cell module and the second fuel cell module can be connected in parallel or in series.

[0040] Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows the connection between the fuel cell modules. In particular Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows perspective partial views of the positive and negative terminals of the first fuel cell module in the fuel cell unit, where both the first and second converters, or the common converter, are housed in a single converter enclosure. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, if the power converter is housed in the single fuel cell converter housing, it is possible to electrically connect the first and second fuel cell modules within the power converter housing using predetermined connections. However, if one or both of the positive terminals (40A, 40B) and the negative terminals (50A, 50B) of the first and second fuel cell modules interfere with each other (directly touch), as shown in Figure 5A, the power converter may not be able to connect the first and second fuel cell modules. Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, it is difficult to electrically connect the first fuel cell module and the second fuel cell module.

[0041] In the case where both the first power converter and the second power converter or the common power converter are housed in a single power converter housing, the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure therefore preferably has the following aspect. The first fuel cell module comprises: a first positive terminal plate located on the positive electrode side of the first fuel cell stack; a first negative terminal plate located on the negative electrode side of the first fuel cell stack; and a first fuel cell housing that accommodates the first fuel cell stack, the first positive terminal plate, and the first negative terminal plate.The second fuel cell module comprises: a second positive terminal plate located on the positive electrode side of the second fuel cell stack; a second negative terminal plate located on the negative electrode side of the second fuel cell stack; and a second fuel cell housing that accommodates the second fuel cell stack, the second positive terminal plate, and the second negative terminal plate. The fuel cell unit further comprises: . a first positive terminal connected to the first positive terminal plate and extending from the first fuel cell housing towards the current transformer; a first negative terminal connected to the first negative terminal plate and extending from the first fuel cell housing towards the current transformer; a second positive terminal connected to the second positive terminal plate and extending from the second fuel cell housing towards the current transformer; and a second negative terminal connected to the second negative terminal plate and extending from the second fuel cell housing towards the current transformer. The first positive terminal comprises a base A1 (a first base) connected to the first positive terminal plate and a projecting section A1 (a first projecting section) extending from the base A1 towards the current transformer.The first negative terminal comprises a base A2 (a second base) connected to the first negative terminal plate and a projecting section A2 (a second projecting section) extending from base A2 toward the current transformer. The second positive terminal comprises a base B1 (a third base) connected to the second positive terminal plate and a projecting section B1 (a third projecting section) extending from base B1 toward the current transformer. The second negative terminal comprises a base B2 (a fourth base) connected to the second negative terminal plate and a projecting section B2 (a fourth projecting section) extending from base B2 toward the current transformer. The fuel cell unit satisfies one or both of the following conditions (1) and (2). (1) The projecting section A1 of the first positive terminal and the projecting section B1 of the second positive terminal are arranged so that they do not overlap in the stacking direction when viewed from above. (2) The projecting section A2 of the first negative terminal and the projecting section B2 of the second negative terminal are arranged so that they do not overlap each other in the stacking direction when viewed from above.

[0042] From the perspective of the fuel cell unit above, the fuel cell modules can simply be connected to each other.

[0043] The fuel cell unit that fulfills at least condition (1) preferably fulfills the following condition (3). (3) The projecting part A1 of the first positive terminal and the projecting part B1 of the second positive terminal are located on the same section perpendicular to the stacking direction. The fuel cell unit that at least fulfills condition (2) preferably fulfills the following condition (4). (4) The projecting part A2 of the first negative terminal and the projecting part B2 of the second negative terminal are located on the same section perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0044] One way to avoid interference between the positive and negative terminals is to shift the positions of the protruding parts of the terminals (protruding terminal positions) relative to each other in the stacking direction of the individual cells. However, this can increase the size of the fuel cell unit. In the fuel cell unit that satisfies one or both of conditions (3) and (4), the positions of the protruding terminal sections can be shifted relative to each other in the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the individual cells. Therefore, the fuel cell modules can be easily connected without increasing the size of the fuel cell unit.

[0045] The term "cut perpendicular to the stacking direction" encompasses not only the case where the angle between the cut and the stacking direction of the individual cells is exactly perpendicular, but also the case where this angle is 80° or more and 100° or less. This angle can be 85° or more and 95° or less.

[0046] The above point will be described in more detail below. Fig. Figures 6A to 6E are a perspective partial view, an enlarged partial view, a partial plan view, and a partial section view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure. In particular, Fig. 6A a schematic view showing an example of a method for connecting the first fuel cell module and the second fuel cell module in the Fig. The fuel cell unit shown in section 4 is depicted. Fig. 6B is an enlarged view of the first positive terminal 40A and the second positive terminal 40B in Fig. 6A. Fig. 6C and Fig. 6D are schematic top views of the fuel cell unit in Fig. 6A, seen in the first normal direction to the first surface A and the first surface B. Fig. 6C is a top view from the side of the first fuel cell module. Fig. 6D is a top view from the side of the second fuel cell module. Fig. 6E is a schematic top view (schematic sectional view) of the in Fig. The fuel cell unit shown in 6A is viewed in the stacking direction of the individual cells. The [unclear text] Fig. The fuel cell unit shown in 6A to 6E meets the above-mentioned conditions (1) and (3).

[0047] As in the Fig. 6A and Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the first positive terminal 40A, in the case where the current transformer is housed in a single current transformer enclosure, preferably comprises a base A1 (41A) connected to a first positive terminal plate 15A and a projecting section A1 (42A) extending from the base A1 (41A) towards the current transformer (current transformer enclosure 21). The first negative terminal 50A preferably comprises a base A2 (not shown) connected to a first negative terminal plate 16A and a projecting section A2 (not shown) extending from the base A2 towards the current transformer (current transformer enclosure 21). The second positive terminal (40B) preferably comprises a base B1 (41B) connected to a second positive terminal plate (not shown) and a projecting section B1 (42B) extending from the base B1 (41B) towards the current transformer (current transformer enclosure 21).The second negative terminal (50B) preferably comprises a base B2 (not shown) connected to a second negative terminal plate (not shown), and a projecting section B2 (not shown) extending from the base B2 towards the current transformer (current transformer housing 21). As shown in . Fig. 6A and Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the normal direction to base A1 (41A) and the normal direction to base B1 (41B) are preferably parallel to the first normal direction M to the first surface A and to the first surface B, and the direction in which the foreground section A2 (42A) projects and the direction in which the foreground section B2 (42B) projects are preferably parallel to the normal direction to base A1 (41A), to the normal direction to base B1 (41B) and to the first normal direction M to the first surface A and to the first surface B.

[0048] As in Fig. 6C and Fig. As shown in Figure 6D, the bottom A1 (41A) and the bottom B1 (41B) are preferably arranged such that they overlap at least partially when the fuel cell unit is viewed in plan view in the first normal direction to the first surface of the fuel cell module. Fig. 6C and Fig. 6D the floor B1 (41B) on the second side of the fuel cell module extends further than the floor section A1 (41A) on the first side of the fuel cell module in a direction D orthogonal to the stacking direction N of the individual cells.

[0049] As in Fig. 6C and Fig. As shown in Figure 6D, each of the bases A1 (41A) and B1 (41B) is preferably arranged in the central section of the fuel cell stack in direction D orthogonal to the stacking direction N of the individual cells. “Arranged in the central section of the fuel cell stack” means that at least one end of the base is located in direction D within a range of 0.4 L or more and 0.6 L or less from one end of the fuel cell stack in the top view, as shown in the figures. Fig. 6C and Fig. 6D lies where L is the length of the fuel cell stack in direction D.

[0050] By means of the arrangement of base A1 and base B1 described above, the projecting section A1 (42A) of the first positive terminal 40A and the projecting section B1 (42B) of the second positive terminal 40B can be arranged on the same section P perpendicular to the stacking direction N, and the projecting section A1 (42A) of the first positive terminal 40A and the projecting section B1 (42B) of the second positive terminal 40B can be arranged such that they do not overlap in the top view in the stacking direction N, as shown in Fig. 6E. Consequently, as in Fig. Figure 6A shows that the negative terminal 50A, which is connected to the first fuel cell module, and the positive terminal 40B, which is connected to the second fuel cell module, are connected by an electrically conductive element 70 without interference between the positive terminals, and the first and second fuel cell modules can be electrically connected in series.

[0051] The negative terminals can be used like those in the Fig. The positive terminals shown in 6A to 6E must be arranged. The fuel cell unit that meets the above conditions (2) and (4) can thus be obtained.

[0052] Fig. Figures 7A to 7C are a partial perspective view, a partial top view, and a partial sectional view showing the fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure. In particular, Fig. 7A a schematic view showing an example of a method for connecting the in Fig. The first fuel cell module and the second fuel cell module are shown in section 4. Fig. 7B is a schematic top view of the in Fig. 7A Fuel cell unit shown, seen in the first normal direction to the first surface. Fig. 7C is a schematic top view (schematic sectional view) of the in Fig. Fuel cell unit shown in 7A, viewed in the stacking direction of the individual cells. The ones in the Fig. The fuel cell unit shown in Figures 7A to 7C meets the above conditions (1) and (3).

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, from the above perspective, the first positive terminal 40A preferably comprises the base A1 (41A) and the projecting section A1 (42A) extending from the base A1 (41A) towards the converter (converter housing 21), and the second positive terminal 40B preferably comprises the base B1 (41B) and the projecting section B1 (42B) extending from the base B1 (41B) towards the converter (converter housing 21). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7B, in the fuel cell unit 100 the base A1 (41A) and the base B1 (41B) are preferably arranged such that they do not overlap in the top view in the first normal direction M to the first surface A and to the first surface B.

[0054] The two bases do not necessarily have to be located in the middle part of the fuel cell stack. One of the bases can be located in the middle part of the fuel cell stack, and the other base can be located outside the middle part of the fuel cell stack. The middle part of the fuel cell stack is as described above.

[0055] By means of the arrangement of base A1 and base B1 described above, the projecting section A1 (42A) of the first positive terminal 40A and the projecting section B1 (42B) of the second positive terminal 40B can be arranged on the same section P perpendicular to the stacking direction N, and the projecting section A1 (42A) of the first positive terminal 40A and the projecting section B1 (42B) of the second positive terminal 40B can be arranged such that they do not overlap in the top view in the stacking direction N, as shown in Fig. 7C. Consequently, as in Fig. Figure 7A shows that the negative terminal 50A, which is connected to the first fuel cell module, and the positive terminal 40B, which is connected to the second fuel cell module, are connected by the electrically conductive element 70 without interference between the positive terminals, and the first and second fuel cell modules can be electrically connected in series.

[0056] The negative terminals can be used like those in the Fig. The positive terminals shown in 7A to 7C must be arranged. The fuel cell unit that meets the above conditions (2) and (4) can thus be obtained. 2. Members of the fuel cell unit(1) Fuel cell module

[0057] The fuel cell unit according to the present disclosure comprises, as fuel cell modules, the first fuel cell module and the second fuel cell module. Both the first fuel cell module and the second fuel cell module comprise at least one fuel cell stack consisting of a plurality of individual cells. (i) Fuel cell stack

[0058] In the fuel cell stack according to the present disclosure, a plurality of individual cells are stacked. The number of individual cells (number of stacked individual cells) is typically two or more and can be five or more or ten or more. The number of stacked first individual cells in the first fuel cell stack and the number of stacked second individual cells in the second fuel cell stack can be the same or different.

[0059] One in Fig.The fuel cell (single cell) 11 shown in Figure 8 comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 6 and two separators 7, which sandwich the MEA 6 between them. Within the MEA 6, a cathode-side gas diffusion layer 1, a cathode-side catalyst layer 2, an electrolyte membrane 3, an anode-side catalyst layer 4, and an anode-side gas diffusion layer 5 are arranged one above the other in that order. The materials of the first single cell and the materials of the second single cell can be the same or different.

[0060] Examples of electrolyte membranes include fluorinated electrolyte membranes such as perfluorosulfonic acid membranes and non-fluorinated electrolyte membranes. An example of a non-fluorinated electrolyte membrane is a hydrocarbon electrolyte membrane. The thickness of the electrolyte membrane is, for example, 5 µm or more and 100 µm or less.

[0061] The cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer contain, for example, a catalyst metal that accelerates an electrochemical reaction, a base material that supports the catalyst metal, a proton-conducting electrolyte, and electron-conducting carbon particles. Examples of the catalyst metal are simple metals such as platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru), as well as Pt-containing alloys; examples of the electrolyte are fluorinated resins. Examples of the base material and an electrically conductive material are carbon materials such as carbon. The thicknesses of the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer are, for example, 5 µm or more and 100 µm or less, respectively.

[0062] The anode-side and cathode-side gas diffusion layers can consist of gas-permeable, electrically conductive elements. Examples of electrically conductive elements include porous carbon materials such as carbon fabric and carbon paper, and porous metal materials such as metal fabric and metal foam. The thicknesses of the anode-side and cathode-side gas diffusion layers are, for example, 5 µm or more and 100 µm or less, respectively.

[0063] Each separator can have gas channels on its surface facing the gas diffusion layers (anode-side gas diffusion layer and cathode-side gas diffusion layer). Examples of separator materials include metallic materials such as stainless steel and carbon materials such as carbon composites. Each separator is electrically conductive and also serves as a collector for the generated current. (ii) clipboards

[0064] The fuel cell module typically has terminal plates on the positive and negative electrode sides of the fuel cell stack. These terminal plates are used to transfer the power generated by the fuel cell stack. The material of each terminal plate can be, for example, a metallic material such as copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing these, or an electrically conductive material such as dense carbon. The shape and size of each terminal plate can be customized accordingly. (iii) Fuel cell housing

[0065] The fuel cell housing can have any shape that can accommodate the fuel cell stack and the connection plates. (2) Power converter

[0066] The position of the power converter in the present disclosure is as described above.

[0067] The power converter is not particularly limited, as long as it is a component that converts the power of the fuel cell module. The power converter can be a converter such as a boost converter, a buck converter, or a buck / boost converter capable of both buck and boost operations, or it can be an inverter that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The fuel cell unit can incorporate one of the aforementioned types of components as a power converter, or two or more of the aforementioned types of components as power converters.

[0068] The power converter is typically housed in the power converter enclosure. The power converter enclosure typically has an opening in its surface facing the fuel cell enclosure. The power converter enclosure may have a cover. The power converter enclosure is connected to the fuel cell enclosure by fasteners such as bolts. The external shape of the power converter enclosure is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped. Examples of materials for the power converter enclosure include metallic materials such as aluminum alloys. (3) Positive terminal and negative terminal

[0069] The positive and negative terminals are connected to the positive terminal plate and the negative terminal plate, respectively. The positive and negative terminals each serve as an electrical connection between the fuel cell modules and deliver the energy generated by the fuel cell stack to the power converter. Examples of materials used for the positive and negative terminals include metallic materials such as copper, aluminum, and alloys containing these metals. The positive and negative terminals are connected to the terminal plates at their bases. (4) Auxiliary devices

[0070] The positions of the auxiliary devices in the present disclosure are as described above.

[0071] Examples of auxiliary devices include: an air compressor for supplying the fuel cell stack with an oxidizer gas; an injection nozzle for supplying the fuel cell stack with a fuel gas; a circulation pump for supplying the fuel cell with fuel exhaust; an electric pump for supplying the fuel cell with a coolant; a humidification module for humidifying the fuel gas and the oxidizer gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack, or both; and a valve for allowing and shutting off the flow of at least one of the following: a fuel gas, an oxidizer gas, and a coolant. The auxiliary devices may consist of one type of device, or two or more types.

[0072] If the auxiliary devices are integrated auxiliary units, each consisting of several auxiliary devices, each auxiliary device (auxiliary unit) can be housed in a desired enclosure. Examples of enclosure materials include metallic materials such as aluminum alloys. 3. Fuel cell unit

[0073] Applications of the fuel cell unit according to this disclosure include, for example, vehicles such as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The fuel cell unit according to this disclosure can also be used in other movable bodies besides vehicles (e.g., trains, ships, and aircraft) and in other applications besides movable bodies.

[0074] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiment described above serves only for illustration, and anything that has substantially the same configuration as the technical idea described in the claims of this disclosure and exhibits similar functions and effects is within the technical scope of this disclosure. A fuel cell unit (100) comprises: a fuel cell module (10); and a power converter (20). The fuel cell module (10) comprises a first fuel cell module (10A) with a first fuel cell stack (12A), which is a stack of first individual cells (11A), and a second fuel cell module (10B) with a second fuel cell stack (12B), which is a stack of second individual cells (11B). The power converter (20) comprises a first power converter (20A) and a second power converter (20B).The first power converter (20A) is located on a first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A). The second power converter (20B) is located on a first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B). The first surfaces (A, B) face each other. A first normal direction to the first surfaces (A, B) is orthogonal to a stacking direction of the first individual cells (11A) and the second individual cells (11B).

Claims

Fuel cell unit (100) comprising: a fuel cell module (10); and a power converter (20) configured to convert power from the fuel cell module (10), wherein: the fuel cell module (10) comprises a first fuel cell module (10A) comprising a first fuel cell stack (12A) which is a stack of a plurality of first individual cells (11A), and a second fuel cell module (10B) comprising a second fuel cell stack (12B) which is a stack of a plurality of second individual cells (11B); the power converter (20) comprises a first power converter (20A) configured to convert power from the first fuel cell module (10A), and a second power converter (20B) configured to convert power from the second fuel cell module (10B);the first power converter (20A) is located on a first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A); the second power converter (20B) is located on a first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B); the first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and the first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B) are opposite each other; and a first normal direction to the first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and to the first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B) is orthogonal to a stacking direction of the first individual cells (11A) and the second individual cells (11B). Fuel cell unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first power converter (20A) and the second power converter (20B) are housed in separate power converter housings (21A, 21B), or wherein both the first power converter (20A) and the second power converter (20B) are housed in a single power converter housing (21). Fuel cell unit (100) comprising: a fuel cell module (10); and a power converter (20) configured to convert power from the fuel cell module (10), wherein: the fuel cell module (10) comprises a first fuel cell module (10A) comprising a first fuel cell stack (12A) which is a stack of a plurality of first individual cells (11A), and a second fuel cell module (10B) comprising a second fuel cell stack (12B) which is a stack of a plurality of second individual cells (11B); the power converter (20) comprises a common power converter (20C) configured to convert power from the first fuel cell module (10A) and power from the second fuel cell module (10B);the common power converter (20C) is located on a first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and is also located on a first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B), the first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and the first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B) are opposite each other; and a first normal direction to the first surface (A) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and to the first surface (B) of the second fuel cell module (10B) is orthogonal to a stacking direction of the first individual cells (11A) and the second individual cells (11B). Fuel cell unit (100) according to claim 3, wherein the common power converter (20C) is housed in a single power converter housing (21). Fuel cell unit (100) according to claim 3, wherein: the first fuel cell module (10A) comprises a first positive terminal plate (15A) located on a positive electrode side of the first fuel cell stack (12A), a first negative terminal plate (16A) located on a negative electrode side of the first fuel cell stack (12A), and a first fuel cell housing (13A) designed to accommodate the first fuel cell stack (12A), the first positive terminal plate (15A), and the first negative terminal plate (16A);the second fuel cell module (10B) includes a second positive terminal plate located on a positive electrode side of the second fuel cell stack (12B), a second negative terminal plate located on a negative electrode side of the second fuel cell stack (12B), and a second fuel cell housing (13B) designed to accommodate the second fuel cell stack (12B), the second positive terminal plate, and the second negative terminal plate;the fuel cell unit (100) further comprises: a first positive terminal (40A) connected to the first positive terminal plate (15A) and projecting from the first fuel cell housing (13A) towards the power converter (20); a first negative terminal (50A) connected to the first negative terminal plate (16A) and projecting from the first fuel cell housing (13A) towards the power converter (20); a second positive terminal (40B) connected to the second positive terminal plate and projecting from the second fuel cell housing (13B) towards the power converter (20); and a second negative terminal (50B) connected to the second negative terminal plate and projecting from the second fuel cell housing (13B) towards the power converter (20);the first positive terminal (40A) includes a first base (41A) connected to the first positive terminal plate (15A), and a first projecting section (42A) extends from the first base (41A) towards the power converter (20); the first negative terminal (50A) includes a second base connected to the first negative terminal plate (16A), and a second projecting section extends from the second base towards the power converter (20); the second positive terminal (40B) includes a third base (41B) connected to the second positive terminal plate, and a third projecting section (42B) extends from the third base (41B) towards the power converter (20); the second negative terminal (50B) includes a fourth base connected to the second negative terminal plate, and a fourth projecting section extends from the fourth base towards the power converter (20);and the fuel cell unit (100) satisfies one or both of the following conditions (1) and (2): (1) the first foreground section (42A) and the third foreground section (42B) are arranged such that they do not overlap when viewed in plan view in the stacking direction; and (2) the second foreground section and the fourth foreground section are arranged such that they do not overlap when viewed in plan view in the stacking direction. Fuel cell unit (100) according to claim 5, wherein the fuel cell unit (100) at least fulfills condition (1), wherein the first base (41A) and the third base (41B) are arranged such that they overlap at least partially when viewed from above in the first normal direction, or the first base (41A) and the third base (41B) are arranged such that they do not overlap when viewed from above in the first normal direction, and wherein the fuel cell unit (100) fulfills the following condition (3): (3) the first projecting section (42A) and the third projecting section (42B) are located on the same section perpendicular to the stacking direction. Fuel cell unit (100) according to claim 5, wherein the fuel cell unit (100) at least fulfills condition (2), wherein the second base and the fourth base are arranged such that they overlap at least partially when viewed in plan view in the first normal direction, or the second base and the fourth base are arranged such that they do not overlap when viewed in plan view in the first normal direction, and wherein the fuel cell unit (100) fulfills the following condition (4): (4) the second projecting section and the fourth projecting section are located on the same section perpendicular to the stacking direction. Fuel cell unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel cell unit (100) further comprises: a first auxiliary device (60A) designed to assist the operation of the first fuel cell module (10A); and a second auxiliary device (60B) designed to assist the operation of the second fuel cell module (10B), wherein: the first auxiliary device (60A) is located on a second surface (C) of the first fuel cell module (10A); the second auxiliary device (60B) is located on a second surface (D) of the second fuel cell module (10B); a second normal direction to the second surface (C) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and to the second surface (D) of the second fuel cell module (10B) is orthogonal to the first normal direction; and the first auxiliary device (60A) and the second auxiliary device (60B) are opposite each other. Fuel cell unit (100) according to claim 8, wherein: the first auxiliary device (60A) projects over the first fuel cell module (10A) in the direction of the power converter (20) in the first normal direction; and the second auxiliary device (60B) projects over the second fuel cell module (10B) in the direction of the power converter (20) in the first normal direction. Fuel cell unit (100) according to claim 3, wherein the fuel cell unit (100) further comprises: a first auxiliary device (60A) designed to assist the operation of the first fuel cell module (10A); and a second auxiliary device (60B) designed to assist the operation of the second fuel cell module (10B), wherein: the first auxiliary device (60A) is located on a second surface (C) of the first fuel cell module (10A); the second auxiliary device (60B) is located on a second surface (D) of the second fuel cell module (10B); a second normal direction to the second surface (C) of the first fuel cell module (10A) and to the second surface (D) of the second fuel cell module (10B) is orthogonal to the first normal direction; and the first auxiliary device (60A) and the second auxiliary device (60B) are opposite each other.

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