Fuel cell module

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell module that can suppress false detection by a detection unit.SOLUTION: A fuel cell module 10 includes a fuel cell stack 11, a housing 18 that houses the fuel cell stack 11, a detection unit 20 that detects hydrogen leaks within the housing 18, a hydrogen pipe 21 having a first end 21a to which an external system 110 is connected, and an exhaust / drainage pipe 15 having a second end 15b to which the external system 110 is connected. The housing 18 includes a first side wall 83 and a second side wall 84 that faces the first side wall 83 in the first direction X. The hydrogen pipe 21 and the exhaust / drainage pipe 15 pass through the first side wall 83, such that the first end 21a and the second end 15b are located outside the housing 18. The detection unit 20 is provided on an upper part of the housing 18 and is positioned closer to the second side wall 84 than the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell module. [Background technology]

[0002] The fuel cell module described in Patent Document 1 includes a fuel cell stack, functional components that operate the fuel cell stack, and a housing that houses the fuel cell stack and functional components. In the fuel cell module, hydrogen leakage may occur within the housing, for example, if hydrogen leaks from the functional components. The fuel cell module includes a detection unit that detects hydrogen leakage within the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-3626 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Even though no hydrogen leak has occurred within the housing, the detection unit may erroneously detect that a hydrogen leak has occurred within the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A fuel cell module for solving the above problems comprises a fuel cell stack, a housing that houses the fuel cell stack, and a detection unit that detects hydrogen leakage within the housing, and comprises: a hydrogen pipe having a first connection portion to which an external system is connected and that supplies hydrogen from the external system to the fuel cell stack; and an exhaust drainage pipe having a second connection portion to which the external system is connected and that discharges exhaust gas and generated water discharged from the fuel cell stack to the external system, wherein the housing has a first side wall and a second side wall that faces the first side wall in a first direction that intersects the vertical direction, and the hydrogen pipe and the exhaust drainage pipe pass through the first side wall, so that the first connection portion and the second connection portion are located outside the housing, and the detection unit is provided on the top of the housing and is positioned closer to the second side wall than the center of the housing in the first direction.

[0006] According to the above configuration, since the detection unit is provided on the upper part of the housing, hydrogen leakage within the housing can be detected efficiently. Furthermore, since the detection unit is positioned closer to the second side wall than the center of the housing in the first direction, it is positioned away from the first connection portion of the hydrogen piping and the second connection portion of the exhaust and drainage piping in the first direction. This makes it difficult for hydrogen leaking from the connection portion between the first connection portion and the external system to reach the detection unit even if it enters the housing. Furthermore, even if exhaust gas containing hydrogen leaking from the connection portion between the second connection portion and the external system enters the housing, it makes it difficult for the exhaust gas to reach the detection unit. Therefore, it is possible to reduce false detections by the detection unit due to hydrogen leaking from the connection portion between the first connection portion and the external system and hydrogen contained in the exhaust gas leaking from the connection portion between the second connection portion and the external system.

[0007] The external system is expected to be disposed to the side of the first side wall of the housing because it is connected to the first connection portion and the second connection portion. The detection unit is disposed closer to the second side wall than the center of the housing in the first direction, and is therefore disposed at a position away from the external system in the first direction. This makes it difficult for hydrogen leaked from the external system or exhaust gas containing hydrogen released from the external system to reach the detection unit, even if the hydrogen or exhaust gas containing hydrogen leaked from the external system enters the housing. This makes it possible to suppress false detection by the detection unit due to hydrogen leaked from the external system or hydrogen contained in exhaust gas released from the external system.

[0008] In the fuel cell module, the exhaust drainage pipe may pass through a lower part of the first side wall in the vertical direction. According to the above configuration, the detection unit is positioned farther away from the second connection unit than when the exhaust / drainage pipe passes through the upper part of the first side wall in the vertical direction. This makes it more difficult for exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second connection unit and the external system to reach the detection unit. This further reduces false detections by the detection unit due to exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second connection unit and the external system.

[0009] In the above fuel cell module, the first side wall may have a first air vent that connects the inside and outside of the housing, and the second side wall may have a second air vent that connects the inside and outside of the housing, and a fan may be attached to the housing so that outside air outside the housing is drawn into the housing through the second air vent and the outside air drawn into the housing is discharged outside the housing through the first air vent.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the components inside the housing can be cooled by the outside air flowing from the second ventilation opening toward the first ventilation opening inside the housing. Furthermore, even if hydrogen leaks inside the housing, the hydrogen is discharged to the outside through the first ventilation opening together with the outside air. Therefore, while the fan is operating, hydrogen that leaks inside the housing is less likely to accumulate inside the housing.

[0011] Furthermore, hydrogen leaking from the connection point between the first connector and the external system and exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second connector and the external system are flowed away from the housing together with outside air, making it difficult for them to enter the housing. Therefore, false detection by the detector due to hydrogen leaking from the connection point between the first connector and the external system and exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second connector and the external system can be further reduced.

[0012] Similarly, hydrogen leaked from the external system and exhaust gas emitted from the external system are flowed away from the housing together with the outside air, making it difficult for them to enter the housing. Therefore, false detection by the detection unit due to hydrogen leaked from the external system and exhaust gas emitted from the external system can be further reduced.

[0013] In the fuel cell module, the second vent port may not be provided in an upper portion of the second side wall in the vertical direction. Depending on the environment in which the fuel cell module is used, the hydrogen concentration in the outside air may be higher than the hydrogen concentration in the air. In this case, outside air with a high hydrogen concentration is drawn into the housing. With the above configuration, the second air vent is not provided in the upper part of the second side wall, so when outside air is drawn into the housing through the second air vent, it is less likely to hit the detection unit. Therefore, even if the hydrogen concentration in the outside air is high, false detection by the detection unit due to the outside air can be suppressed.

[0014] In the above fuel cell module, an upper vent as the first vent may be provided at the upper part of the first side wall in the vertical direction, and a lower vent as the first vent may be provided at the lower part of the first side wall in the vertical direction.

[0015] According to the above configuration, hydrogen that leaks inside the housing can be more easily discharged to the outside of the housing compared to when only the lower vent port is provided in the first side wall. In the fuel cell module, the fan may be provided on an inner surface of the first side wall.

[0016] According to the above configuration, when connecting the first connection section and the second connection section to the external system, it is possible to prevent the fan from interfering with the external system. The fuel cell module may be provided with a cover that is removably attached to the housing and that closes a through hole provided in the upper wall of the housing when attached to the housing, and the detection unit may be attached to the inner surface of the cover.

[0017] With the above configuration, the detection unit can be easily inspected by removing the cover from the housing. Furthermore, compared to when the detection unit is attached to the inner surface of the top wall of the housing, the detection unit can be positioned vertically higher by the thickness of the top wall. Therefore, the detection unit can more efficiently detect hydrogen leaks within the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, false detection by the detection unit can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fuel cell module. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fuel cell module. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell module. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell module. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell module according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An embodiment of a fuel cell module will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1, a fuel cell system 100 includes a fuel cell module 10 and an external system 110. The external system 110 of this embodiment includes a hydrogen supply unit 111, an air supply unit 112, an electricity storage unit 113, a heat exchange unit 114, and a storage unit 115. The hydrogen supply unit 111, the air supply unit 112, the electricity storage unit 113, the heat exchange unit 114, and the storage unit 115 may be modularized or provided individually.

[0021] The hydrogen supply unit 111 has a hydrogen tank 111a that stores hydrogen and a hydrogen supply pipe 111b extending from the hydrogen tank 111a. The air supply unit 112 has an air filter 112a and an air supply pipe 112b extending from the air filter 112a. The power storage unit 113 has a power storage device 113a and a connection cable 113b extending from the power storage device 113a. The heat exchange unit 114 has a heat exchanger 114a and first and second pipes 114b and 114c extending from the heat exchanger 114a. The storage unit 115 has a tank 115a and a connection pipe 115b extending from the tank 115a.

[0022] <Fuel cell module> The fuel cell module 10 is a stationary fuel cell module and includes a fuel cell stack 11, anode system components 12, cathode system components 13, a diluter 14, exhaust and drainage piping 15, electrical system components 16, and cooling system components 17.

[0023] The fuel cell stack 11 is made up of a plurality of stacked fuel cells. The fuel cell cells are solid molecular fuel cells. The fuel cell stack 11 generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen as a fuel gas and oxygen in the air as an oxidant gas.

[0024] The fuel cell stack 11 discharges an anode off-gas and a cathode off-gas. The anode off-gas contains unreacted hydrogen in the fuel cell stack 11 and water produced when hydrogen and oxygen react in the fuel cell stack 11. The cathode off-gas contains air containing unreacted oxygen in the fuel cell stack 11 and water produced when hydrogen and oxygen react in the fuel cell stack 11.

[0025] The anode system components 12 include a hydrogen pipe 21, an injector 22, an anode off-gas pipe 23, a gas-liquid separator 24, a hydrogen circulation pipe 25, and a hydrogen circulation pump 26. The cathode system components 13 include an air pipe 31, an air compressor 32, and a cathode off-gas pipe 33.

[0026] The hydrogen pipe 21 supplies hydrogen from the external system 110 to the fuel cell stack 11. The hydrogen pipe 21 connects the fuel cell stack 11 to a hydrogen supply unit 111 of the external system 110. More specifically, a first end 21a of the hydrogen pipe 21 is connected to a hydrogen supply pipe 111b. Therefore, the first end 21a of the hydrogen pipe 21 is a first connection unit to which the external system 110 is connected. A second end 21b of the hydrogen pipe 21 is connected to an anode (not shown) of the fuel cell stack 11. Hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack 11 from the hydrogen tank 111a through the hydrogen supply pipe 111b and the hydrogen pipe 21.

[0027] The injector 22 is provided midway along the hydrogen pipe 21. The injector 22 adjusts the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack 11. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack 11 is adjusted by the injector 22.

[0028] The air pipe 31 supplies oxygen-containing air from the external system 110 to the fuel cell stack 11. The air pipe 31 connects the fuel cell stack 11 to an air supply unit 112 of the external system 110. More specifically, a first end of the air pipe 31 is connected to an air supply pipe 112b. A second end of the air pipe 31 is connected to a cathode (not shown) of the fuel cell stack 11. After being purified by an air filter 112a, the air is supplied to the fuel cell stack 11 through the air supply pipe 112b and the air pipe 31.

[0029] The air compressor 32 is provided midway along the air piping 31. The air compressor 32 compresses the air to be supplied to the fuel cell stack 11. Therefore, the fuel cell stack 11 is supplied with compressed air compressed by the air compressor 32.

[0030] The anode off-gas piping 23 connects the fuel cell stack 11 and the diluter 14. The gas-liquid separator 24 is provided midway along the anode off-gas piping 23. The anode off-gas piping 23 has an upstream piping 23a that connects the fuel cell stack 11 and the gas-liquid separator 24, and a downstream piping 23b that connects the gas-liquid separator 24 and the diluter 14. The hydrogen circulation piping 25 connects the gas-liquid separator 24 and a portion of the hydrogen piping 21 that is upstream of the injector 22. The hydrogen circulation pump 26 is provided midway along the hydrogen circulation piping 25.

[0031] The anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 passes through upstream pipe 23a of anode off-gas pipe 23 and is introduced into gas-liquid separator 24. In gas-liquid separator 24, the anode off-gas is separated into hydrogen and generated water. The hydrogen separated in gas-liquid separator 24 is returned to the hydrogen pipe 21 through hydrogen circulation pipe 25 by hydrogen circulation pump 26. The generated water separated in gas-liquid separator 24 passes through downstream pipe 23b of anode off-gas pipe 23 and is discharged to diluter 14.

[0032] The cathode offgas pipe 33 connects the fuel cell stack 11 and the diluter 14. The cathode offgas discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 passes through the cathode offgas pipe 33 and is discharged to the diluter 14. In the diluter 14, the anode offgas is diluted with the cathode offgas. In the following description, the gas obtained by diluting the anode offgas with the cathode offgas is referred to as "exhaust gas."

[0033] The exhaust drainage pipe 15 discharges exhaust gas and produced water discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 to the external system 110. The exhaust drainage pipe 15 connects the diluter 14 and the storage section 115 of the external system 110. More specifically, a first end 15a of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 is connected to the diluter 14. A second end 15b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 is connected to the connecting pipe 115b. Therefore, the second end 15b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 is a second connection section to which the external system 110 is connected. The exhaust gas and produced water are discharged from the diluter 14 through the exhaust drainage pipe 15 and the connecting pipe 115b to the tank 115a. The tank 115a stores the exhaust gas and produced water. The exhaust gas and produced water stored in the tank 115a are discharged to the outside of the tank 115a at any time.

[0034] The electrical system components 16 include a DC / DC converter 61 and a power cable 62. The DC / DC converter 61 converts the power generated by the fuel cell stack 11 into a predetermined voltage. The power cable 62 connects the DC / DC converter 61 and the power storage unit 113 of the external system 110. More specifically, a first end of the power cable 62 is connected to the DC / DC converter 61. A second end of the power cable 62 is connected to a connection cable 113b of the power storage unit 113. The power converted into the predetermined voltage by the DC / DC converter 61 is output to the power storage device 113a via the power cable 62 and the connection cable 113b.

[0035] The cooling system components 17 have a coolant pipe 71, a water pump 72, and a fan 73 (see FIG. 4). The coolant pipe 71 and the water pump 72 are provided to liquid-cool the fuel cell stack 11. The fan 73 is provided mainly to air-cool the air compressor 32 and the electrical system components 16. The fan 73 will be described later.

[0036] A coolant for cooling the fuel cell stack 11 flows through the coolant pipe 71. The coolant pipe 71 connects the fuel cell stack 11 to a heat exchanger 114 of the external system 110. More specifically, the coolant pipe 71 has an outward pipe 71a and a return pipe 71b. The water pump 72 is provided midway along the outward pipe 71a. The outward pipe 71a connects a heat exchange flow path (not shown) provided within the fuel cell stack 11 to a first pipe 114b of the heat exchanger 114. The return pipe 71b connects the heat exchange flow path within the fuel cell stack 11 to a second pipe 114c of the heat exchanger 114.

[0037] The water pump 72 causes the coolant to flow through the first pipe 114b and the outward pipe 71a from the heat exchanger 114a toward the fuel cell stack 11. Heat from the fuel cell stack 11 is absorbed by the coolant flowing through a heat exchange flow path within the fuel cell stack 11. After absorbing the heat from the fuel cell stack 11, the coolant flows through the return pipe 71b and the second pipe 114c from the fuel cell stack 11 toward the heat exchanger 114a. The coolant is cooled by exchanging heat with outside air as it flows through a heat exchange flow path (not shown) provided within the heat exchanger 114a.

[0038] <Case> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fuel cell module 10 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 18 and a thin plate-like cover 19.

[0039] The housing 18 has a bottom wall 81, a top wall 82, a first side wall 83, a second side wall 84, a third side wall 85, and a fourth side wall 86. The bottom wall 81 and the top wall 82 face each other in the vertical direction Z. The top wall 82 is located higher than the bottom wall 81 in the vertical direction Z. The first side wall 83 and the second side wall 84 face each other in a first direction X that intersects with the vertical direction Z. In the present embodiment, the first direction X is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first direction X coincides with the horizontal direction. The third side wall 85 and the fourth side wall 86 face each other in a second direction Y that intersects with the vertical direction Z and is perpendicular to the first direction X. In the present embodiment, the second direction Y is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second direction Y coincides with the horizontal direction.

[0040] Although not shown, the housing 18 of this embodiment has a three-dimensional structure made up of multiple frames and multiple panels fixed to the frame. The bottom wall 81, the top wall 82, and the first to fourth side walls 83 to 86 are each made up of a panel.

[0041] 4 and 5, the fuel cell stack 11 and the anode system components 12 are housed in a space located at the top in the vertical direction Z within the space inside the housing 18. The fuel cell stack 11 and the anode system components 12 are arranged side by side in the second direction Y. The anode system components 12 are arranged closer to the fourth side wall 86 than the fuel cell stack 11 in the second direction Y.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6 , a through hole 82a is provided in the upper wall 82. The cover 19 is detachably attached to the housing 18. The cover 19 is detachably attached to the upper wall 82 by, for example, bolts B. When the cover 19 is attached to the housing 18, it closes the through hole 82a. The through hole 82a and the cover 19 are provided closer to the second side wall 84 than the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X. In other words, the through hole 82a and the cover 19 are provided on the opposite side of the first side wall 83 from the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X. The through hole 82a and the cover 19 are also provided closer to the fourth side wall 86 than the center of the housing 18 in the second direction Y. Therefore, the through hole 82a and the cover 19 are provided in the vicinity of the anode system component 12.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the first side wall 83 is provided with a first ventilation port 87 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 18. In this embodiment, the first ventilation port 87 is configured with a plurality of through holes arranged in a ring shape. In this embodiment, two first ventilation ports 87 are provided in the first side wall 83. The two first ventilation ports 87 are arranged side by side with a gap in between in the vertical direction Z. In the following description, when distinguishing between the two first ventilation ports 87, the first ventilation port 87 located on the upper side in the vertical direction Z will be referred to as an upper ventilation port 87a, and the first ventilation port 87 located on the lower side in the vertical direction Z will be referred to as a lower ventilation port 87b.

[0044] 4, the second side wall 84 is provided with a second ventilation port 88 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 18. In this embodiment, the second ventilation port 88 is provided in a lower part of the second side wall 84 in the vertical direction Z. The second ventilation port 88 is not provided in the second side wall 84 in the vertical direction Z. A filter member 89 is attached to the outer surface of the second side wall 84 so as to cover the second ventilation port 88.

[0045] 2, the first side wall 83 is provided with a first hole 83a, a second hole 83b, and a third hole 83c. In this embodiment, the first to third holes 83a to 83c are provided closer to the fourth side wall 86 than the first ventilation port 87 in the second direction Y. The first hole 83a is located in an upper part of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z. The third hole 83c is located in a lower part of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z. The second hole 83b is located between the first hole 83a and the third hole 83c in the vertical direction Z.

[0046] The hydrogen pipe 21 is inserted through the first hole 83a, thereby penetrating an upper part of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z. The first end 21a of the hydrogen pipe 21 is located outside the housing 18. The air pipe 31 is inserted through the second hole 83b, thereby penetrating the first side wall 83. The first end of the air pipe 31 is located outside the housing 18. The exhaust drainage pipe 15 is inserted through the third hole 83c, thereby penetrating a lower part of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z. The second end 15b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 is located outside the housing 18.

[0047] A fourth hole 83d and a fifth hole 83e are provided in the first side wall 83. In this embodiment, the fourth hole 83d and the fifth hole 83e are provided closer to the fourth side wall 86 than the first ventilation port 87 in the second direction Y. The fifth hole 83e is located above the fourth hole 83d in the vertical direction Z. More specifically, the fourth hole 83d is located below the second hole 83b and slightly above the third hole 83c in the vertical direction Z. The fifth hole 83e is located below the first hole 83a and above the second hole 83b in the vertical direction Z.

[0048] The outward pipe 71a of the coolant pipe 71 is inserted through the fourth hole 83d, thereby penetrating the first side wall 83. One end of the outward pipe 71a is located outside the housing 18. The return pipe 71b of the coolant pipe 71 is inserted through the fifth hole 83e, thereby penetrating the first side wall 83. One end of the return pipe 71b is located outside the housing 18.

[0049] An electric power connector 83f is attached to the first side wall 83. The electric power connector 83f protrudes from the outer surface of the first side wall 83. In this embodiment, the electric power connector 83f is located between the upper vent port 87a and the lower vent port 87b in the vertical direction Z. The electric power connector 83f is electrically connected to the electric power cable 62. As described above, the coolant piping 71, the hydrogen piping 21, the air piping 31, and the exhaust drainage piping 15 are arranged together on the first side wall 83.

[0050] 4, when connecting the fuel cell module 10 and the external system 110, the external system 110 is disposed laterally on the outer surface of the first side wall 83. Note that, of the multiple pipes that the fuel cell module 10 has, only the first end 21a of the hydrogen pipe 21 and the second end 15b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 are shown in FIG.

[0051] <Fan> The fan 73 is attached to the housing 18 so that outside air outside the housing 18 is drawn into the housing 18 through the second ventilation port 88 and the outside air drawn into the housing 18 is discharged to the outside of the housing 18 through the first ventilation port 87. In this embodiment, the fan 73 is housed inside the housing 18. The fan 73 is attached to the inner surface of the first side wall 83 so that the outlet is located closer to the first side wall 83 than the inlet in the first direction X. The fuel cell module 10 of this embodiment includes two fans 73. One of the two fans 73 is attached at a position corresponding to the upper ventilation port 87a, and the other fan 73 is attached at a position corresponding to the lower ventilation port 87b.

[0052] The fan 73 operates when the fuel cell stack 11 is generating electricity. The fan 73 does not operate when the fuel cell stack 11 is not generating electricity. When the fan 73 is operating, outside air flows from the second side wall 84 side to the first side wall 83 side in the first direction X inside the housing 18. This cools the components inside the housing 18, specifically the air compressor 32 and the electrical components 16.

[0053] <Detection unit> 4 and 5, the fuel cell module 10 has a detection unit 20. The detection unit 20 is a detection unit for detecting hydrogen leakage within the housing 18. Examples of hydrogen leakage within the housing 18 include hydrogen leakage from the anode system components 12, hydrogen leakage from connections between anode system components 12, and hydrogen leakage from connections between anode system components 12 and components other than the anode system components 12.

[0054] As described above, since the fan 73 does not operate when power generation by the fuel cell stack 11 is stopped, if a hydrogen leak occurs inside the casing 18, the leaked hydrogen will remain inside the casing 18. More specifically, hydrogen that leaks inside the casing 18 rises from the leak point and reaches the inner surface of the top wall 82, and then spreads along the inner surface of the top wall 82. Therefore, if a hydrogen leak occurs inside the casing 18, the hydrogen concentration in the upper space inside the casing 18 will be higher than if no hydrogen leak occurs.

[0055] The detection unit 20 is configured to be able to detect the hydrogen concentration in the gas surrounding the detection unit 20. If the detected hydrogen concentration is equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration, the detection unit 20 detects that a hydrogen leak has occurred within the housing 18. The detection unit 20 is connected to a control unit (not shown). When the detection unit 20 detects that a hydrogen leak has occurred within the housing 18, the control unit, for example, stops power generation by the fuel cell stack 11.

[0056] The detection unit 20 is disposed at the top of the housing 18. In this embodiment, the detection unit 20 is attached to the inner surface of the cover 19. Therefore, when the cover 19 is removed from the housing 18, the detection unit 20 is also removed from the housing 18. The detection unit 20 is inserted into the through-hole 82a in the top wall 82 and is exposed to the upper space within the housing 18.

[0057] As described above, the through-hole 82a and the cover 19 are disposed closer to the second side wall 84 than the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X, i.e., on the opposite side of the housing 18 from the first side wall 83 than the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X. Therefore, the detection unit 20 is also disposed closer to the second side wall 84 than the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X, i.e., on the opposite side of the housing 18 from the first side wall 83 than the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X. Furthermore, the through-hole 82a and the cover 19 are disposed closer to the fourth side wall 86 than the center of the housing 18 in the second direction Y, and are thereby disposed in the vicinity of the anode system components 12. Therefore, the detection unit 20 is also disposed closer to the fourth side wall 86 than the center of the housing 18 in the second direction Y, and is thereby disposed in the vicinity of the anode system components 12.

[0058] The upper part of the second side wall 84 in the vertical direction Z is located upstream of the detection unit 20 in the direction of the flow of outside air inside the housing 18. As described above, the second ventilation opening 88 is not provided in the upper part of the second side wall 84 in the vertical direction Z. In other words, the part of the second side wall 84 where the second ventilation opening 88 is not provided is located upstream of the detection unit 20 in the direction of the flow of outside air inside the housing 18.

[0059] [Operation of this embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will be described. Since the detection unit 20 is provided on the upper part of the housing 18, hydrogen leakage within the housing 18 can be detected efficiently.

[0060] Furthermore, the detection unit 20 is disposed closer to the second side wall 84 than the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X, and is therefore disposed at a position away from the first end 21 a of the hydrogen pipe 21 and the second end 15 b of the exhaust and drainage pipe 15 in the first direction X. This makes it difficult for hydrogen leaking from the connection point between the first end 21 a of the hydrogen pipe 21 and the external system 110 to enter the housing 18, and makes it difficult for the hydrogen to reach the detection unit 20. Furthermore, even if exhaust gas containing hydrogen leaking from the connection point between the second end 15 b of the exhaust and drainage pipe 15 and the external system 110 enters the housing 18, it makes it difficult for the exhaust gas to reach the detection unit 20. This makes it possible to suppress false detection by the detection unit 20 due to hydrogen leaking from the connection point between the first end 21 a of the hydrogen pipe 21 and the external system 110, and hydrogen contained in exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second end 15 b of the exhaust and drainage pipe 15 and the external system 110.

[0061] The external system 110 is connected to the first end 21a of the hydrogen pipe 21 and the second end 15b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15, and is therefore expected to be disposed to the side of the first side wall 83 of the housing 18. The detection unit 20 is disposed closer to the second side wall 84 than to the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X, and is therefore disposed at a position away from the external system 110 in the first direction X. This makes it difficult for hydrogen leaked from the external system 110 or exhaust gas containing hydrogen released from the external system 110 to reach the detection unit 20, even if the hydrogen or exhaust gas containing hydrogen released from the external system 110 enters the housing 18. This makes it possible to suppress erroneous detection by the detection unit 20 due to hydrogen leaked from the external system 110 or hydrogen contained in the exhaust gas released from the external system 110.

[0062] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The detection unit 20 is provided on the upper part of the housing 18. This allows hydrogen leakage inside the housing 18 to be detected efficiently.

[0063] Furthermore, the detection unit 20 is disposed closer to the second side wall 84 than the center of the housing 18 in the first direction X. This makes it possible to suppress false detection by the detection unit 20 due to hydrogen leaking from the connection point between the first end 21a of the hydrogen piping 21 and the external system 110, and hydrogen contained in the exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second end 15b of the exhaust drainage piping 15 and the external system 110. It is also possible to suppress false detection by the detection unit 20 due to hydrogen leaking from the external system 110 and hydrogen contained in the exhaust gas released from the external system 110.

[0064] (2) The exhaust drainage pipe 15 penetrates the lower part of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z. As a result, the detection unit 20 is positioned farther away from the second end 15b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 than when the exhaust drainage pipe 15 penetrates the upper part of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z. This makes it more difficult for exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second end 15b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 and the external system 110 to reach the detection unit 20. This further reduces false detection by the detection unit 20 due to exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second end 15b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 and the external system 110.

[0065] (3) The first side wall 83 is provided with a first ventilation port 87 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 18. The second side wall 84 is provided with a second ventilation port 88 that connects the inside and outside of the housing 18. A fan 73 is attached to the housing 18 so that outside air outside the housing 18 is drawn into the housing 18 through the second ventilation port 88 and the outside air drawn into the housing 18 is discharged to the outside of the housing 18 through the first ventilation port 87.

[0066] According to this configuration, the components inside the housing 18 can be cooled by the outside air flowing from the second ventilation opening 88 toward the first ventilation opening 87 inside the housing 18. Furthermore, even if hydrogen leaks inside the housing 18, the hydrogen is discharged together with the outside air to the outside of the housing 18 through the first ventilation port 87. Therefore, while the fan 73 is operating, hydrogen that leaks inside the housing 18 is less likely to remain in the housing 18.

[0067] Furthermore, hydrogen leaking from the connection point between the first end 21a of the hydrogen pipe 21 and the external system 110, and exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second end 15b of the exhaust and drainage pipe 15 and the external system 110, flow together with the outside air in a direction away from the housing 18, and are therefore less likely to enter the housing 18. Therefore, false detection by the detection unit 20 due to hydrogen leaking from the connection point between the first end 21a of the hydrogen pipe 21 and the external system 110, and exhaust gas leaking from the connection point between the second end 15b of the exhaust and drainage pipe 15 and the external system 110 can be further suppressed.

[0068] Similarly, hydrogen leaked from the external system 110 and exhaust gas emitted from the external system 110 are flowed together with the outside air in a direction away from the housing 18, and are therefore less likely to enter the housing 18. Therefore, false detection by the detection unit 20 due to hydrogen leaked from the external system 110 and exhaust gas emitted from the external system 110 can be further suppressed.

[0069] (4) Depending on the environment in which the fuel cell module 10 is used, the hydrogen concentration in the outside air may be higher than the hydrogen concentration in the air. In this case, outside air with a high hydrogen concentration is drawn into the housing 18. In this embodiment, the second ventilation opening 88 is not provided at the upper part of the second side wall 84 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, as shown by the two-dot chain arrow in FIG. 4 , when outside air is drawn into the housing 18 through the second ventilation opening 88, the outside air is less likely to hit the detection unit 20. Therefore, even if the hydrogen concentration in the outside air is high, false detection by the detection unit 20 due to the outside air can be suppressed.

[0070] (5) An upper vent 87a serving as the first vent 87 is provided in an upper portion of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z. A lower vent 87b serving as the first vent 87 is provided in a lower portion of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z. This makes it easier to discharge hydrogen that leaks inside the housing 18 to the outside of the housing 18 compared to when only the lower vent 87b is provided in the first side wall 83.

[0071] (6) The fan 73 is provided on the inner surface of the first side wall 83. Therefore, when the first end 21 a of the hydrogen pipe 21 and the second end 15 b of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 are connected to the external system 110, it is possible to prevent the fan 73 from interfering with the external system 110.

[0072] (7) The cover 19 is detachably attached to the housing 18. When the cover 19 is attached to the housing 18, the cover 19 closes the through-hole 82a provided in the top wall 82 of the housing 18. The detection unit 20 is attached to the inner surface of the cover 19.

[0073] According to this configuration, inspection of the detection unit 20 can be easily performed by removing the cover 19 from the housing 18. Furthermore, compared to when the detection unit 20 is attached to the inner surface of the top wall 82 of the housing 18, the detection unit 20 can be positioned higher in the vertical direction Z by the thickness of the top wall 82. Therefore, the detection unit 20 can detect hydrogen leaks within the housing 18 more efficiently.

[0074] (8) The detector 20 is located near the anode system component 12, so that hydrogen leakage within the housing 18 can be detected more quickly. (9) For example, if the detection unit 20 is attached to a bracket extending from the frame, the storage space within the housing 18 is reduced by the space required for the bracket. In contrast, in this embodiment, the detection unit 20 is attached to the inner surface of the cover 19, which prevents the bracket from reducing the storage space within the housing 18.

[0075] (10) For example, if the fuel cell module 10 had an auxiliary member 90 (described later) instead of the cover 19, the size of the fuel cell module 10 would increase in the vertical direction Z. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cover 19 is thin, so that the size of the fuel cell module 10 in the vertical direction Z can be prevented from increasing.

[0076] [Example of change] The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0077] The first direction X does not have to be perpendicular to the vertical direction Z as long as it intersects with the vertical direction Z. In other words, the first direction X does not have to coincide with the horizontal direction. The second direction Y does not have to be perpendicular to the vertical direction Z as long as it intersects with the vertical direction Z and is perpendicular to the first direction X. In other words, the second direction Y does not have to coincide with the horizontal direction.

[0078] For example, the fuel cell module 10 may be arranged so that the first direction X coincides with the horizontal direction and the second direction Y is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. For example, the fuel cell module 10 may be arranged so that the first direction X is inclined relative to the horizontal direction and the second direction Y coincides with the horizontal direction.

[0079] For example, the fuel cell module 10 may be arranged so that both the first direction X and the second direction Y are inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The above embodiment is an example of the layout of the first to fifth holes 83a to 83e and the power connector 83f in the first side wall 83. The layout of the first to fifth holes 83a to 83e and the power connector 83f in the first side wall 83 may be changed as appropriate.

[0080] For example, the third hole 83c may be provided in the upper part of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z, so that the exhaust drainage pipe 15 passes through the upper part of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z.

[0081] The second ventilation opening 88 may be provided in the third side wall 85 or the fourth side wall 86 instead of the second side wall 84 . The second ventilation opening 88 may also be provided at the upper part of the second side wall 84 in the vertical direction Z.

[0082] In this modified example, the upper wall 82 may be provided with a hanging wall that hangs down in the vertical direction Z. The hanging wall is located upstream of the detection unit 20 in the direction of the flow of outside air inside the housing 18. In this case, the hanging wall shields the detection unit 20 from outside air taken in through the second ventilation port 88 provided in the upper part of the second side wall 84, thereby making it possible to suppress erroneous detection by the detection unit 20 due to outside air.

[0083] In this modified example, a movable part for operating the fuel cell stack 11 may be arranged upstream of the detection unit 20 in the direction of the flow of outside air inside the housing 18. In this case, the movable part shields the detection unit 20 from the outside air taken in through the second ventilation port 88 provided in the upper part of the second side wall 84, thereby making it possible to suppress false detection by the detection unit 20 due to the outside air.

[0084] The first side wall 83 may be provided with only one of the upper ventilation opening 87a and the lower ventilation opening 87b. The first ventilation opening 87 may be provided in the center of the first side wall 83 in the vertical direction Z.

[0085] The first side wall 83 may be provided with three or more first ventilation holes 87. The mounting position of the fan 73 relative to the housing 18 may be changed as appropriate. As an example, the fan 73 may be attached to the outer surface of the first side wall 83 so that the intake port is located closer to the first side wall 83 in the first direction X than the discharge port.

[0086] As another example, the fan 73 may be attached to the inner surface of the second side wall 84 so that the intake port is located closer to the second side wall 84 in the first direction X than the discharge port. In the above example, the same effect as effect (3) of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0087] The configuration of the housing 18 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the housing 18 may have a housing body in the shape of a rectangular cylinder with a bottom, in which a bottom wall 81 and first to fourth side walls 83 to 86 are integrally formed, and an upper wall 82 as a lid that closes the opening of the housing body.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the detection unit 20 is attached to the inner surface of the cover 19. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As an example, the detection unit 20 may be attached to the inner surface of the upper wall 82 .

[0089] As another example, the detector 20 may be disposed along the inner surface of the upper wall 82 by being attached to a bracket extending from the frame. As shown in FIG. 7 , the fuel cell module 10 may have an auxiliary member 90 instead of the cover 19. The auxiliary member 90 includes, for example, a cylindrical main body 91 and an annular flange 92. The main body 91 has a diameter that increases from the first axial end to the second axial end. The detection unit 20 is attached to the main body 91 so as to close an opening located at the first end of the main body 91. The flange 92 extends radially outward from the second axial end of the main body 91. The auxiliary member 90 is attached to the housing 18 with the flange 92 aligned along a portion of the outer surface of the upper wall 82 that surrounds the through-hole 82 a. The interior of the main body 91 is in communication with the interior of the housing 18 via the through-hole 82 a. The detection unit 20 detects the hydrogen concentration in the gas within the main body 91.

[0090] In this configuration, hydrogen that leaks inside the housing 18 rises to the inner surface of the upper wall 82, and then passes through the through-holes 82a to collect inside the main body 91. Therefore, the detection unit 20 can detect hydrogen leakage inside the housing 18 more efficiently.

[0091] [Note] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. <Appendix 1> A fuel cell module comprising a fuel cell stack, a housing that houses the fuel cell stack, and a detection unit that detects hydrogen leaks within the housing, the fuel cell module comprising: a hydrogen pipe having a first connection portion to which an external system is connected and that supplies hydrogen from the external system to the fuel cell stack; and an exhaust drainage pipe having a second connection portion to which the external system is connected and that discharges exhaust gas and generated water discharged from the fuel cell stack to the external system, the housing having a first side wall and a second side wall that faces the first side wall in a first direction that intersects with the vertical direction, the hydrogen pipe and the exhaust drainage pipe passing through the first side wall, so that the first connection portion and the second connection portion are located outside the housing, and the detection unit is provided on the top of the housing and is positioned closer to the second side wall than the center of the housing in the first direction.

[0092] <Appendix 2> 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust drainage pipe passes through a lower part of the first side wall in the vertical direction.

[0093] <Appendix 3> a first vent opening provided in the first side wall for communicating between the inside and outside of the housing; a second vent opening provided in the second side wall for communicating between the inside and outside of the housing; and a fan attached to the housing so that outside air outside the housing is drawn into the housing through the second vent opening and the outside air drawn into the housing is discharged to the outside of the housing through the first vent opening.

[0094] <Appendix 4> 4. The fuel cell module according to claim 3, wherein the second vent is not provided in an upper portion of the second side wall in the vertical direction.

[0095] <Appendix 5> 5. A fuel cell module as described in Appendix 3 or Appendix 4, wherein an upper vent as the first vent is provided at an upper portion of the first side wall in the vertical direction, and a lower vent as the first vent is provided at a lower portion of the first side wall in the vertical direction.

[0096] <Appendix 6> 6. The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the fan is provided on the inner surface of the first side wall.

[0097] <Appendix 7> A fuel cell module according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, comprising a cover that is removably attached to the housing and that closes a through hole provided in the upper wall of the housing when attached to the housing, and the detection unit is attached to the inner surface of the cover. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10...fuel cell module, 11...fuel cell stack, 15...exhaust and drainage piping, 15b...second end as second connection part, 18...housing, 19...cover, 20...detection part, 21...hydrogen piping, 21a...first end as first connection part, 73...fan, 82...upper wall, 82a...through hole, 83...first side wall, 84...second side wall, 87...first vent, 87a...upper vent, 87b...lower vent, 88...second vent, 110...external system, X...first direction, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. a fuel cell stack; a housing that houses the fuel cell stack; a detection unit that detects hydrogen leakage within the housing; A fuel cell module comprising: a hydrogen pipe having a first connection portion to which an external system is connected, the hydrogen pipe supplying hydrogen from the external system to the fuel cell stack; an exhaust and drainage pipe having a second connection part to which the external system is connected, and which discharges exhaust gas and generated water discharged from the fuel cell stack to the external system; Equipped with the housing has a first side wall and a second side wall facing the first side wall in a first direction intersecting a vertical direction, the hydrogen pipe and the exhaust / drainage pipe pass through the first side wall, so that the first connection portion and the second connection portion are located outside the housing; The fuel cell module is characterized in that the detection unit is provided on an upper portion of the housing and is disposed closer to the second side wall than the center of the housing in the first direction.

2. 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust drainage pipe passes through a lower part of the first side wall in the vertical direction.

3. a first vent hole that communicates between the inside and the outside of the housing is provided in the first side wall; a second vent hole that communicates between the inside and the outside of the housing is provided in the second side wall; 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein a fan is attached to the housing so that outside air outside the housing is drawn into the housing through the second air vent and the outside air drawn into the housing is discharged outside the housing through the first air vent.

4. 4. The fuel cell module according to claim 3, wherein the second vent is not provided in an upper portion of the second side wall in the vertical direction.

5. an upper vent hole as the first vent hole is provided at an upper portion of the first side wall in the vertical direction, 4. The fuel cell module according to claim 3, wherein a lower vent as the first vent is provided in a lower portion of the first side wall in the vertical direction.

6. 4. The fuel cell module according to claim 3, wherein the fan is provided on the inner surface of the first side wall.

7. a cover that is detachably attached to the housing and that closes a through-hole provided in an upper wall of the housing when the cover is attached to the housing; 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the detector is attached to an inner surface of the cover.

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