Fuel cell module

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell module which can be downsized while improving maintainability.SOLUTION: A housing 18 which houses a fuel cell stack and an electrical component 16 is fitted with a fan such that gas may flow in a first direction X inside the housing 18. The housing 18 has: a framework 18a which has a three-dimensional structure composed of a plurality of frames including a first frame extending in the first direction X, a second frame extending in a second direction Y, and a third frame extending in a third direction Z; a fourth regulation cover 64 which is fitted to the framework 18a and extends in the first direction X; and a first wall part 71 provided on the framework 18a. The framework 18a has a fourth cover fitting surface 184 to which the fourth regulation cover 64 is fitted. The first wall part 71 has a first component fitting surface 71a to which the electrical component 16 is fitted. The first component fitting surface 71a is provided at a position recessed with respect to the fourth cover fitting surface 184.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

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, electrical components electrically connected to the fuel cell stack, a housing that houses the fuel cell stack and the electrical components, and a fan attached to the housing. The housing has a cylindrical main body with a bottom and a lid that closes an opening in the main body. The housing is provided with an air vent and an exhaust port. When the fan operates, air is drawn into the housing through the air vent, and the air drawn into the housing is discharged to the outside of the housing through the exhaust port. The components inside the housing are cooled by the air passing through the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-003626 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such fuel cell modules, there is a demand for improved maintainability and miniaturization of the fuel cell module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A fuel cell module for solving the above problems comprises a fuel cell stack, electrical components electrically connected to the fuel cell stack, a housing that houses the fuel cell stack and the electrical components, and a fan attached to the housing so that gas flows in a first direction within the housing, wherein the housing has a frame having a three-dimensional structure formed by a plurality of frames including a first frame extending in the first direction, a second frame extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third frame extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, a regulating cover attached to the frame and extending in the first direction, and a wall portion provided on the frame, wherein the frame has a cover mounting surface to which the regulating cover is attached, and the wall portion has a component mounting surface to which the electrical components are attached, and the component mounting surface is provided in a recessed position relative to the cover mounting surface.

[0006] According to the above-described configuration, the components inside the housing can be easily accessed by removing the restriction cover from the frame, thereby improving maintainability. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the component mounting surface is recessed relative to the cover mounting surface, making it difficult for electrical components to protrude beyond the cover mounting surface, thereby enabling the fuel cell module to be made smaller.

[0007] In the fuel cell module, the wall portion may be fixed to at least two of the frames. According to the above configuration, the wall portion can be stably provided on the framework, and therefore the mounting state of the electrical system components can be stabilized.

[0008] In the fuel cell module, the wall portion may be separate from the framework and fixed to the framework by at least one of welding and bolts. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the wall portion and the frame can be formed more easily than when the wall portion is integrally formed with the frame. Also, by attaching the electrical components to the wall portion before fixing the wall portion to the frame, the installation of the electrical components to the wall portion can be facilitated.

[0009] In the fuel cell module, the wall portion may be formed integrally with the framework. According to the above configuration, there is no need to fix the wall portion to the framework.

[0010] In the above fuel cell module, the electrical system components may have a power distribution section and a converter, and the framework may be provided with a first wall section as the wall section to which the power distribution section is attached, and a second wall section as the wall section to which the converter is attached, separately.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the weight of the power distribution unit and the first wall, and the weight of the converter and the second wall can be reduced compared to when the power distribution unit and the converter are attached together to one wall. Therefore, the first wall and the second wall can be stably provided on the framework, and the attachment state of the power distribution unit and the converter can be stabilized.

[0012] In the above fuel cell module, the module may include a plurality of pipes connected to the fuel cell stack, the housing may include a side cover attached to one end of the frame in the first direction and through which the plurality of pipes pass, and the wall portion may be located at a position away from the side cover in the first direction.

[0013] According to the above configuration, multiple pipes are inserted into the side cover, and therefore multiple pipes are intertwined around the side cover inside the housing. Because the wall portion is located away from the side cover in the first direction, the electrical components attached to the wall portion are also located away from the side cover in the first direction. Therefore, the wiring of the electrical components is less likely to interfere with the pipes, making it easier to manage the wiring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve maintainability and reduce the size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the fuel cell module. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fuel cell module. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell module. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first wall portion and the power distribution portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the fuel cell module with the fourth restricting cover removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the fuel cell module with the second restricting cover removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of components in the housing when viewed from the third restricting cover side in the second direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of components in the housing when viewed from the fourth regulating cover side in the second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] <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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The anode system components 12 include a hydrogen pipe 12a, an injector 12b, an anode off-gas pipe 12c, a gas-liquid separator 12d, a hydrogen circulation pipe 12e, and a hydrogen circulation pump 12f. The cathode system components 13 include an air pipe 13a, an air compressor 13b, and a cathode off-gas pipe 13c.

[0022] The hydrogen pipe 12a supplies hydrogen from the external system 110 to the fuel cell stack 11. The hydrogen pipe 12a connects the fuel cell stack 11 to a hydrogen supply unit 111 of the external system 110. More specifically, a first end of the hydrogen pipe 12a is connected to a hydrogen supply pipe 111b. A second end of the hydrogen pipe 12a 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 12a.

[0023] Injector 12b is provided midway along hydrogen pipe 12a. Injector 12b adjusts the amount of hydrogen supplied to fuel cell stack 11. Therefore, fuel cell stack 11 is supplied with hydrogen in an amount adjusted by injector 12b.

[0024] The air pipe 13a supplies oxygen-containing air from the external system 110 to the fuel cell stack 11. The air pipe 13a 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 13a is connected to an air supply pipe 112b. A second end of the air pipe 13a is connected to a cathode (not shown) of the fuel cell stack 11. After being purified by the air filter 112a, the air is supplied to the fuel cell stack 11 through the air supply pipe 112b and the air pipe 13a.

[0025] Air compressor 13b is provided midway along air piping 13a. Air compressor 13b compresses the air to be supplied to fuel cell stack 11. Therefore, fuel cell stack 11 is supplied with compressed air compressed by air compressor 13b.

[0026] The anode off-gas piping 12c connects the fuel cell stack 11 and the diluter 14. The gas-liquid separator 12d is provided midway along the anode off-gas piping 12c. The anode off-gas piping 12c has an upstream piping 121 that connects the fuel cell stack 11 and the gas-liquid separator 12d, and a downstream piping 122 that connects the gas-liquid separator 12d and the diluter 14. The hydrogen circulation piping 12e connects the gas-liquid separator 12d and a portion of the hydrogen piping 12a that is upstream of the injector 12b. The hydrogen circulation pump 12f is provided midway along the hydrogen circulation piping 12e.

[0027] The anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 is introduced into the gas-liquid separator 12d through the upstream pipe 121 of the anode off-gas pipe 12c. In the gas-liquid separator 12d, the anode off-gas is separated into hydrogen and generated water. The hydrogen separated in the gas-liquid separator 12d is returned to the hydrogen pipe 12a through the hydrogen circulation pipe 12e by the hydrogen circulation pump 12f. The generated water separated in the gas-liquid separator 12d is discharged to the diluter 14 through the downstream pipe 122 of the anode off-gas pipe 12c.

[0028] The cathode offgas pipe 13c 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 13c 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."

[0029] 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 to a storage section 115 of the external system 110. More specifically, a first end of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 is connected to the diluter 14. A second end of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 is connected to a connecting pipe 115b. 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.

[0030] <Electrical parts> 2, the electrical system components 16 include a first converter 16a, a first voltage system component 16b, a second converter 16c as a converter, a second voltage system component 16d, a power distribution unit 16e, and a power cable 16f. The electrical system components 16 are connected to each other by wiring.

[0031] The first converter 16a is a DC / DC converter. The first converter 16a converts the power generated by the fuel cell stack 11 into power of a first voltage. The first voltage is, for example, 48 V. The first voltage system component 16b is, for example, an inverter for the air compressor 13b and an inverter for the hydrogen circulation pump 12f.

[0032] The second converter 16c is a DC / DC converter. The second converter 16c converts the power of the first voltage converted by the first converter 16a into power of a second voltage. The second voltage is, for example, 12 V. The second voltage system component 16d is, for example, a control unit that controls the entire fuel cell module 10.

[0033] The power distribution unit 16e distributes power of the first voltage to the first voltage system component 16b, the second converter 16c, and the external system 110. The power distribution unit 16e has a contactor 161, a fuse 162, and a bus bar 163 (see FIG. 5). The power cable 16f connects the power distribution unit 16e and the power storage unit 113 of the external system 110. More specifically, a first end of the power cable 16f is connected to the power distribution unit 16e. A second end of the power cable 16f is connected to a power connector 86, which will be described later.

[0034] 1, the cooling system components 17 include a coolant pipe 17a, a water pump 17b, and a fan 17c (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The coolant pipe 17a and the water pump 17b are provided to liquid-cool the fuel cell stack 11. The fan 17c is provided to air-cool the air compressor 13b and the electrical system components 16. The fan 17c will be described later.

[0035] A coolant for cooling the fuel cell stack 11 flows through the coolant pipe 17a. The coolant pipe 17a connects the fuel cell stack 11 and a heat exchanger 114 of the external system 110. More specifically, the coolant pipe 17a has an outward pipe 171 and a return pipe 172. The water pump 17b is provided midway along the outward pipe 171. The outward pipe 171 connects a heat exchange flow path (not shown) provided in the fuel cell stack 11 to a first pipe 114b of the heat exchanger 114. The return pipe 172 connects a heat exchange flow path provided in the fuel cell stack 11 to a second pipe 114c of the heat exchanger 114.

[0036] The water pump 17b causes the coolant to flow through the first pipe 114b and the outward pipe 171 from the heat exchanger 114a toward the fuel cell stack 11. The heat of 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 of the fuel cell stack 11, the coolant flows through the return pipe 172 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.

[0037] <Case> 3 and 4, the fuel cell module 10 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 18. The housing 18 includes a frame 18a having a three-dimensional structure formed by a plurality of frames, first to fourth restriction covers 61 to 64 as restriction covers attached to the frame 18a, and first to fourth wall portions 71 to 74 as wall portions provided on the frame 18a. The housing 18 of this embodiment also includes a side cover 80 attached to the frame 18a.

[0038] The frames include a first frame extending in a first direction X, a second frame extending in a second direction Y, and a third frame extending in a third direction Z. The second direction Y is a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. The third direction Z is a direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the first direction X and the second direction Y each coincide with the horizontal direction. The third direction Z coincides with the vertical direction.

[0039] The framework 18 a of this embodiment has a first framework unit 20 , a second framework unit 30 , a third framework unit 40 , a first girder 51 , and a second girder 52 . The first framework unit 20 has a first lower beam 21, a first upper beam 22, and a pair of first pillars 23a, 23b. The first lower beam 21, the first upper beam 22, and the pair of first pillars 23a, 23b are each made of a rectangular thin plate.

[0040] The first lower beam 21 and the first upper beam 22 extend parallel to each other in the second direction Y. Therefore, the first lower beam 21 and the first upper beam 22 are each a second frame. The first upper beam 22 is located above the first lower beam 21 in the third direction Z. The thickness directions of the first lower beam 21 and the first upper beam 22 each coincide with the third direction Z.

[0041] The pair of first pillars 23a, 23b extend parallel to each other in the third direction Z. Therefore, each of the pair of first pillars 23a, 23b is a third frame. One of the first pillars 23a connects a first end of the first lower beam 21 in the second direction Y to a first end of the first upper beam 22 in the second direction Y. The other first pillar 23b connects a second end of the first lower beam 21 in the second direction Y to a second end of the first upper beam 22 in the second direction Y. The thickness directions of the pair of first pillars 23a, 23b each coincide with the second direction Y.

[0042] The second framework unit 30 is disposed at a distance from the first framework unit 20 in the first direction X. The second framework unit 30 has a second lower beam 31, a second upper beam 32, and a pair of second pillars 33a, 33b. The second lower beam 31, the second upper beam 32, and the pair of second pillars 33a, 33b are each made of a rectangular thin plate.

[0043] The second lower beam 31 and the second upper beam 32 extend parallel to each other in the second direction Y. Therefore, the second lower beam 31 and the second upper beam 32 each constitute a second frame. The second lower beam 31 is provided at the same height as the first lower beam 21 in the third direction Z. The second upper beam 32 is located above the second lower beam 31 in the third direction Z. The thickness directions of the second lower beam 31 and the second upper beam 32 each coincide with the third direction Z.

[0044] The pair of second pillars 33a, 33b extend parallel to each other in the third direction Z. Therefore, each of the pair of second pillars 33a, 33b is a third frame. One of the second pillars 33a connects a first end of the second lower beam 31 in the second direction Y to a first end of the second upper beam 32 in the second direction Y. The other second pillar 33b connects a second end of the second lower beam 31 in the second direction Y to a second end of the second upper beam 32 in the second direction Y. The thickness directions of the pair of second pillars 33a, 33b each coincide with the second direction Y.

[0045] The third frame unit 40 is disposed above the second frame unit 30 in the third direction Z. The third frame unit 40 has a third lower beam 41, a third upper beam 42, a third column 43, an attachment piece 44, a third girder 45, and a connecting column 46. The third lower beam 41, the third upper beam 42, the third column 43, the third girder 45, and the connecting column 46 are each made of a rectangular thin plate.

[0046] The third lower beam 41 and the third upper beam 42 extend parallel to each other in the second direction Y. Therefore, the third lower beam 41 and the third upper beam 42 each constitute a second frame. The third lower beam 41 is fixed to the second upper beam 32. The third upper beam 42 is positioned higher than the third lower beam 41 in the third direction Z. The third upper beam 42 is provided at the same height as the first upper beam 22 in the third direction Z. The thickness directions of the third lower beam 41 and the third upper beam 42 each coincide with the third direction Z.

[0047] The third pillar 43 extends in the third direction Z. Therefore, the third pillar 43 is a third frame. The third pillar 43 connects a first end of the third lower beam 41 in the second direction Y to a first end of the third upper beam 42 in the second direction Y. The mounting piece 44 extends in the third direction Z from a second end of the third upper beam 42 in the second direction Y toward the third lower beam 41. The third girder 45 extends in the first direction X from the second end of the third upper beam 42 in the second direction Y toward the first framework unit 20. Therefore, the third girder 45 is a first frame. The connecting pillar 46 extends downward in the third direction Z from the tip of the third girder 45. Therefore, the connecting pillar 46 is a third frame.

[0048] The first girder 51 and the second girder 52 are located between the first framework unit 20 and the third framework unit 40 in the first direction X. The first girder 51 and the second girder 52 extend parallel to each other in the first direction X. Therefore, the first girder 51 and the second girder 52 each form a first frame. The first girder 51 connects the connection between the first upper beam 22 and the first column 23a and the connection between the third upper beam 42 and the third column 43. The second girder 52 connects the connection between the first upper beam 22 and the first column 23b and the connecting column 46.

[0049] The first girder 51 and the second girder 52 are each formed by an L-shaped angle. Each of the first girder 51 and the second girder 52 has a first plate portion 53 and a second plate portion 54 extending perpendicular to the first plate portion 53. The thickness direction of the first plate portion 53 coincides with the third direction Z. The upper surfaces of the first plate portions 53 of the first girder 51 and the second girder 52 are located on approximately the same plane as the upper surfaces of the first upper beam 22, the third upper beam 42, and the third girder 45, respectively. The thickness direction of the second plate portion 54 coincides with the second direction Y. The outer surface of the second plate portion 54 of the first girder 51 is located on approximately the same plane as the outer surfaces of the first column 23a, the second column 33a, and the third column 43. The outer surface of the second plate portion 54 of the second girder 52 is located on approximately the same plane as the outer surface of the first column 23b, the outer surface of the second column 33b, and the surface of the mounting piece 44 opposite the surface facing the third column 43.

[0050] <Regulatory cover> The first restricting cover 61 is attached to the lower part of the frame 18a in the third direction Z. In this embodiment, the first restricting cover 61 is attached to the first lower beam 21 of the first frame unit 20 and the second lower beam 31 of the second frame unit 30 by first bolts (not shown). Therefore, the frame 18a has a first cover mounting surface 181 as a cover mounting surface to which the first restricting cover 61 (as a restricting cover) is attached. The first cover mounting surface 181 is formed by the lower surface of the first lower beam 21 and the lower surface of the second lower beam 31.

[0051] The second restricting cover 62 is attached to the upper part of the frame 18a in the third direction Z. In this embodiment, the second restricting cover 62 is attached to the first upper beam 22 of the first frame unit 20, the third upper beam 42 and third girder 45 of the third frame unit 40, the first plate portion 53 of the first girder 51, and the first plate portion 53 of the second girder 52 by second bolts (not shown). Therefore, the frame 18a has a second cover mounting surface 182 as a cover mounting surface to which the second restricting cover 62 (as a restricting cover) is attached. The second cover mounting surface 182 is composed of the upper surface of the first upper beam 22, the upper surface of the third upper beam 42, the upper surface of the third girder 45, the upper surface of the first plate portion 53 of the first girder 51, and the upper surface of the first plate portion 53 of the second girder 52.

[0052] The third restricting cover 63 is attached to a first end of the frame 18a in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the third restricting cover 63 is attached to the upper and lower parts of the first pillar 23a of the first frame unit 20, the lower part of the second pillar 33a of the second frame unit 30, and the upper part of the third pillar 43 of the third frame unit 40 by third bolts B3. Therefore, the frame 18a has a third cover mounting surface 183 as a cover mounting surface to which the third restricting cover 63 as a restricting cover is attached. The third cover mounting surface 183 is formed by the outer surface of the first pillar 23a, the outer surface of the second pillar 33a, and the outer surface of the third pillar 43.

[0053] The fourth restricting cover 64 is attached to a second end of the frame 18a in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the fourth restricting cover 64 is attached to the upper and lower parts of the first pillar 23b of the first frame unit 20, the lower part of the second pillar 33b of the second frame unit 30, and the mounting piece 44 of the third frame unit 40 by fourth bolts B4. Therefore, the frame 18a has a fourth cover mounting surface 184 as a cover mounting surface to which the fourth restricting cover 64 as a restricting cover is attached. The fourth cover mounting surface 184 is formed by the outer surface of the first pillar 23b, the outer surface of the second pillar 33b, and the surface of the mounting piece 44 opposite to the surface facing the third pillar 43.

[0054] As described above, the outer surface of the second plate portion 54 of the second girder 52 is located on approximately the same plane as the outer surface of the first pillar 23b, the outer surface of the second pillar 33b, and the surface of the mounting piece 44 opposite to the surface facing the third pillar 43. Therefore, the outer surface of the second plate portion 54 of the second girder 52 is located on approximately the same plane as the fourth cover mounting surface 184.

[0055] In this way, the shaft set 18a is sandwiched in the third direction Z between the first restriction cover 61 and the second restriction cover 62. The shaft set 18a is also sandwiched in the second direction Y between the third restriction cover 63 and the fourth restriction cover 64. The first to fourth restriction covers 61 to 64 each extend in the first direction X.

[0056] <Wall> As shown in FIG. 5, the first wall portion 71 of this embodiment is a separate body from the framework 18a. The first wall portion 71 has a wall main body 75. The power distribution unit 16e is attached to one surface of the wall main body 75. Therefore, the first wall portion 71 has a first component mounting surface 71a as a component mounting surface on which the power distribution unit 16e of the electrical component 16 is attached. The first wall portion 71 has a flat first protrusion 76 that protrudes from the wall main body 75 in the thickness direction of the wall main body 75, and a flat second protrusion 77 that protrudes from the wall main body 75 in the thickness direction of the wall main body 75 and extends perpendicular to the first protrusion 76.

[0057] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first wall portion 71 is disposed below the second girder 52 in the third direction Z. The thickness direction of the wall main body 75 coincides with the second direction Y. The first protrusion 76 extends in the first direction X. The second protrusion 77 extends in the third direction Z. The first wall portion 71 of this embodiment is disposed at a position away from the first framework unit 20 in the first direction X.

[0058] The first wall portion 71 in this embodiment is fixed to the second girder 52 and the connecting column 46 of the third framework unit 40. In other words, the first wall portion 71 is fixed to the two frames. More specifically, the tip of the first protrusion 76 is welded to the tip of the second plate portion 54 of the second girder 52. Furthermore, a bolt B that passes through the connecting column 46 and the second protrusion 77 is threaded into a nut N, thereby fastening the connecting column 46 and the second protrusion 77 together. In other words, the first wall portion 71 is fixed to the framework 18a by welding and the bolt B.

[0059] 7, the first component mounting surface 71a is recessed from the outer surface of the second plate portion 54 of the second girder 52. As described above, the outer surface of the second plate portion 54 of the second girder 52 is located on the same plane as the fourth cover mounting surface 184. Therefore, the first component mounting surface 71a is recessed from the fourth cover mounting surface 184. The power distribution unit 16e attached to the first component mounting surface 71a is located flush with or inside the fourth cover mounting surface 184.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the second wall portion 72 is integrally formed with the third framework unit 40. The second wall portion 72 is continuous with the third beam 45 and the connecting pole 46. The thickness direction of the second wall portion 72 coincides with the second direction Y. The second wall portion 72 has a second component mounting surface 72a as a component mounting surface to which the second converter 16c of the electrical component 16 is attached. The second wall portion 72 is located at one of the ends of the third beam 45 and the connecting pole 46 in the second direction Y, the end closer to the first beam 51. The second component mounting surface 72a is recessed relative to the fourth cover mounting surface 184. The second converter 16c is located inside the fourth cover mounting surface 184.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the third wall portion 73 is integrally formed with the second framework unit 30. The third wall portion 73 is continuous with the second lower beam 31 and the pair of second pillars 33a, 33b. The thickness direction of the third wall portion 73 coincides with the first direction X. The third wall portion 73 is located at one of the ends of the second framework unit 30 in the first direction X that is farther from the first framework unit 20. A first ventilation hole 73a is provided in the third wall portion 73. The first ventilation hole 73a penetrates the third wall portion 73 in the thickness direction. A filter member (not shown) is attached to the outer surface of the third wall portion 73 so as to cover the first ventilation hole 73a.

[0062] The fourth wall portion 74 is integrally formed with the third framework unit 40. The fourth wall portion 74 is continuous with the third lower beam 41, the third upper beam 42, the third pillar 43, and the second wall portion 72. The thickness direction of the fourth wall portion 74 coincides with the first direction X. The third wall portion 73 is located at the end of the third lower beam 41, the third upper beam 42, and the third pillar 43 in the first direction X that is closer to the first framework unit 20. The fourth wall portion 74 has a third component mounting surface 74a as a component mounting surface to which the second voltage system component 16d of the electrical system component 16 is attached. The third component mounting surface 74a is recessed from the outer surface of the third wall portion 73.

[0063] <Side cover> The side cover 80 is attached to one end of the axle 18a in the first direction X. The side cover 80 is attached to the first axle unit 20 by a fifth bolt (not shown). Therefore, the side cover 80 is located at the end opposite to the end where the third wall portion 73 and the fourth wall portion 74 are located in the first direction X. As described above, the first wall portion 71 in this embodiment is disposed at a position away from the first axle unit 20 in the first direction X. Therefore, the first wall portion 71 is provided at a position away from the side cover 80 in the first direction X.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, the side cover 80 is provided with a second ventilation port 80a. In this embodiment, the second ventilation port 80a is configured by a plurality of through holes arranged in an annular shape. In this embodiment, two second ventilation ports 80a are provided in the side cover 80. The two second ventilation ports 80a are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the third direction Z. Note that the second ventilation ports 80a are not shown in FIG. 4.

[0065] <Component placement inside the case> An accommodation space is defined by the first to fourth regulating covers 61 to 64, the third wall portion 73, the fourth wall portion 74, and the side cover 80. The fuel cell stack 11, the anode system components 12, the cathode system components 13, the diluter 14, the exhaust drainage piping 15, the electrical system components 16 excluding the second voltage system component 16d, and the cooling system components 17 are accommodated in the accommodation space. The fuel cell stack 11, the anode system components 12, the cathode system components 13, the electrical system components 16, and the cooling system components 17 are arranged in the accommodation space as follows:

[0066] 8 and 9, the fuel cell stack 11 and the anode system components 12 are arranged in an upper space located at the top of the accommodation space in the third direction Z. The fuel cell stack 11 and the anode system components 12 are aligned in the second direction Y. The anode system components 12 are arranged closer to the fourth restricting cover 64 than the fuel cell stack 11 in the second direction Y.

[0067] The air compressor 13b of the cathode system component 13 and the water pump 17b of the cooling system component 17 are disposed in a lower space located at the bottom in the third direction Z of the accommodation space. The air compressor 13b and the water pump 17b are disposed below the anode system component 12 in the third direction Z. The water pump 17b is disposed closer to the side cover 80 than the air compressor 13b in the first direction X.

[0068] The first converter 16a and the first voltage system component 16b of the electrical system component 16 are disposed in the lower space of the accommodation space. The first converter 16a is disposed below the fuel cell stack 11 in the third direction Z. The first voltage system component 16b is disposed closer to the third wall portion 73 than the first converter 16a and the air compressor 13b in the first direction X. The second converter 16c and the power distribution unit 16e of the electrical system component 16 are disposed in the upper space of the accommodation space. The power distribution unit 16e is aligned with the anode system component 12 in the second direction Y. The power distribution unit 16e is located closer to the fourth limiting cover 64 than the anode system component 12 in the second direction Y. The second converter 16c is aligned with the power distribution unit 16e in the second direction Y. The second converter 16c is disposed closer to the fourth wall portion 74 than the power distribution unit 16e in the second direction Y. The second voltage system component 16d of the electrical system component 16 is disposed outside the accommodation space.

[0069] The fan 17c of the cooling system component 17 is attached to the housing 18 so that gas flows in the first direction X within the housing 18. In this embodiment, the fan 17c is housed within the housing 18. The fan 17c is attached to the inner surface of the side cover 80 so that the outlet is located closer to the side cover 80 than the inlet. The fan 17c is attached at a position corresponding to the second ventilation opening 80a.

[0070] When the fan 17c is activated, gas outside the housing 18 is drawn into the housing 18 through the first ventilation port 73a via the filter member. The gas drawn into the housing 18 is discharged to the outside of the housing 18 through the second ventilation port 80a. The air compressor 13b and the electrical components 16 are cooled by the gas flowing in the first direction X inside the housing 18 from the first ventilation port 73a toward the second ventilation port 80a.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 3, the side cover 80 is provided with first to fifth holes 81 to 85 and a power connector 86. Note that the first to fifth holes 81 to 85 are not shown in Fig. 4.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first to fifth holes 81 to 85 are provided closer to the fourth restriction cover 64 than the second ventilation port 80a in the second direction Y. The first hole 81 is located in an upper part of the side cover 80 in the third direction Z. The third hole 83 is located in a lower part of the side cover 80 in the third direction Z. The second hole 82 is located between the first hole 81 and the third hole 83 in the third direction Z. The fourth hole 84 is located below the second hole 82 and slightly above the third hole 83 in the third direction Z. The fifth hole 85 is located below the first hole 81 and above the second hole 82 in the third direction Z.

[0073] The hydrogen pipe 12a is inserted through the first hole 81, and thereby passes through the upper part of the side cover 80 in the third direction Z. A first end of the hydrogen pipe 12a is located outside the housing 18.

[0074] The air pipe 13a is inserted through the second hole 82 and passes through the side cover 80. A first end of the air pipe 13a is located outside the housing 18. The exhaust drainage pipe 15 is inserted through the third hole 83 and passes through the lower part of the side cover 80 in the third direction Z. A second end of the exhaust drainage pipe 15 is located outside the housing 18.

[0075] An outward pipe 171 of the coolant pipe 17a is inserted through the fourth hole 84, thereby penetrating the side cover 80. One end of the outward pipe 171 is located outside the housing 18. An inward pipe 172 of the coolant pipe 17a is inserted through the fifth hole 85, thereby penetrating the side cover 80. One end of the inward pipe 172 is located outside the housing 18.

[0076] In this way, the multiple pipes connected to the fuel cell stack 11 are led out to the outside of the housing 18 by passing through the side cover 80 . The power connector 86 protrudes from the outer surface of the side cover 80. In this embodiment, the power connector 86 is located between the two second air vents 80a in the third direction Z. The power connector 86 is electrically connected to the power cable 16f.

[0077] [Operation of this embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will be described. The housing 18 has a shaft set 18a and first to fourth restriction covers 61 to 64 attached to the shaft set 18a and extending in the first direction X. Therefore, by removing the restriction covers 61 to 64 from the shaft set 18a, it is possible to easily access the components inside the housing 18. This improves maintainability.

[0078] The shaft set 18a has a fourth cover mounting surface 184 to which the fourth restricting cover 64 is attached. A first wall portion 71 is provided on the shaft set 18a. The first wall portion 71 has a first component mounting surface 71a to which the power distribution unit 16e is attached. The first component mounting surface 71a is provided at a position recessed with respect to the fourth cover mounting surface 184. This makes it difficult for the power distribution unit 16e to protrude beyond the fourth cover mounting surface 184. In addition, a second wall portion 72 is provided on the shaft set 18a. The second wall portion 72 has a second component mounting surface 72a to which the second converter 16c is attached. The second component mounting surface 72a is provided at a position recessed with respect to the fourth cover mounting surface 184. This makes it difficult for the second converter 16c to protrude beyond the fourth cover mounting surface 184. This allows the fuel cell module 10 to be made more compact.

[0079] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) By removing the restriction covers 61 to 64 from the shaft assembly 18a, it is possible to easily access the components inside the housing 18. Therefore, the ease of maintenance is improved.

[0080] Furthermore, the first component mounting surface 71a of the first wall portion 71, to which the power distribution unit 16e is attached, is recessed relative to the fourth cover mounting surface 184 of the frame 18a, to which the fourth restricting cover 64 is attached. This makes it difficult for the power distribution unit 16e to protrude beyond the fourth cover mounting surface 184. Similarly, the second component mounting surface 72a of the second wall portion 72, to which the second converter 16c is attached, is recessed relative to the fourth cover mounting surface 184. This makes it difficult for the second converter 16c to protrude beyond the fourth cover mounting surface 184. This allows the fuel cell module 10 to be made more compact.

[0081] (2) The first wall portion 71 is fixed to the second girder 52 and the connecting column 46. That is, the first wall portion 71 is fixed to two frames. This allows the first wall portion 71 to be more stably installed relative to the framework 18a compared to when the first wall portion 71 is fixed to a single frame. Therefore, the installation state of the power distribution unit 16e attached to the first wall portion 71 can be stabilized.

[0082] Similarly, the second wall portion 72 is fixed to the third girder 45 and the connecting column 46. That is, the second wall portion 72 is fixed to two frames. This allows the second wall portion 72 to be more stably provided on the framework 18a than when the second wall portion 72 is fixed to a single frame. Therefore, the mounting state of the second converter 16c attached to the second wall portion 72 can be stabilized.

[0083] (3) The first wall portion 71 is separate from the frame 18a. The first wall portion 71 is fixed to the second girder 52 by welding. The first wall portion 71 is also fixed to the connecting column 46 with bolts B. This makes it easier to mold the first wall portion 71 and the frame 18a compared to when the first wall portion 71 is integrally formed with the frame 18a. Furthermore, by attaching the power distribution unit 16e to the first wall portion 71 before fixing the first wall portion 71 to the frame 18a, the installation work of the power distribution unit 16e to the first wall portion 71 is easier.

[0084] (4) The second wall portion 72 is integrally formed with the frame 18a, which eliminates the need to fix the second wall portion 72 to the frame 18a. (5) A first wall 71 to which the power distribution unit 16e is attached and a second wall 72 to which the second converter 16c is attached are separately provided on the frame 18a. This configuration allows the weight of the power distribution unit 16e and the first wall 71, and the second converter 16c and the second wall 72 to be reduced compared to when the power distribution unit 16e and the second converter 16c are attached together on a single wall. Therefore, the first wall 71 and the second wall 72 can be stably provided on the frame 18a, and the attachment state of the power distribution unit 16e and the second converter 16c can be stabilized.

[0085] (6) The fuel cell module 10 includes a plurality of pipes connected to the fuel cell stack 11. The housing 18 is attached to one end of the framework 18a in the first direction X and has a side cover 80 through which a plurality of pipes pass. Therefore, a plurality of pipes are intertwined around the side cover 80 inside the housing 18. The first wall portion 71 is provided at a position away from the side cover 80 in the first direction X. As a result, the power distribution unit 16e attached to the first wall portion 71 is also provided at a position away from the side cover 80 in the first direction X. Therefore, the wiring of the electrical components 16, including the power cable 16f, is less likely to interfere with the pipes, making it easier to manage the wiring.

[0086] (7) The first to fourth restricting covers 61 to 64 extend in the first direction X. This restricts gas from being drawn into the housing 18 through portions other than the first ventilation opening 73a and gas from being discharged to the outside of the housing 18 through portions other than the second ventilation opening 80a. In other words, the first to fourth restricting covers 61 to 64 restrict gas from flowing in a direction different from the first direction X within the housing 18. This allows the components within the housing 18 to be cooled efficiently.

[0087] (8) For example, if a panel to which the power distribution unit 16e is attached is provided on the first wall 71, a new panel is required, and space for arranging the panel is also required within the housing 18. In contrast, in this embodiment, the power distribution unit 16e is attached to the first wall 71, and the first wall 71 is fixed to the framework 18a. In this case, since a panel is not required, the number of parts of the fuel cell module 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, since space for arranging the panel is not required, the fuel cell module 10 can be made smaller.

[0088] (9) The various pipes of the anode system components 12, the cathode system components 13, and the cooling system components 17 are thicker than the wiring connecting the electrical system components 16 to each other. Therefore, if the anode system components 12, the cathode system components 13, and the cooling system components 17 are arranged at positions farther from the side cover 80 in the first direction X, the lengths of the various pipes will increase, which will increase the space required for arranging the various pipes, making it easy for the fuel cell module 10 to become larger. In contrast, in this embodiment, the anode system components 12, the cathode system components 13, and the cooling system components 17 are arranged at positions closer to the side cover 80 in the first direction X. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 can be made smaller.

[0089] (10) By attaching the first wall portion 71 to the framework 18a, the power distribution unit 16e attached to the first wall portion 71 is positioned outside the anode system components 12 within the housing 18. This improves the ease of wiring of the power distribution unit 16e.

[0090] (11) The multiple components that make up power distribution unit 16e are collectively attached to first wall 71. Therefore, compared to when the multiple components that make up power distribution unit 16e are individually attached to the wall, the installation work of power distribution unit 16e to framework 18a is easier.

[0091] (12) The third component mounting surface 74a of the fourth wall portion 74, to which the second voltage system component 16d is mounted, is recessed relative to the outer surface of the third wall portion 73. This makes it difficult for the second voltage system component 16d to protrude beyond the outer surface of the third wall portion 73. This allows the fuel cell module 10 to be made smaller.

[0092] [Example of change] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0093] The structure of the frame 18a may be changed as appropriate as long as the frame 18a has a three-dimensional structure made up of a plurality of frames including a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame.

[0094] For example, the frame 18a may have a third girder extending in the first direction X and positioned below the first girder 51 in the third direction Z, and a fourth girder extending in the first direction X and positioned below the second girder 52 in the third direction Z.

[0095] For example, the second framework unit 30 and the third framework unit 40 may be integrally formed. For example, the third frame unit 40 may not have the third girder 45 and the connecting column 46. Instead of the mounting piece 44, the third frame unit 40 may have a column as a third frame that connects the second end of the third lower beam 41 in the second direction Y and the second end of the third upper beam 42 in the second direction Y in the third direction Z.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the first wall portion 71 is attached to the shaft set 18a so that the first component mounting surface 71a is recessed from the fourth cover mounting surface 184. However, this is not limited to this. The first wall portion 71 may be attached to the shaft set 18a so that the first component mounting surface 71a is recessed from any one of the first to third cover mounting surfaces 181 to 183.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the first wall portion 71 is fixed to two of the frames constituting the framework 18a, but this is not limiting. The first wall portion 71 may be fixed to one frame, or to three or more frames.

[0098] For example, the first wall portion 71 may be fixed to only one of the second girder 52 and the connecting column 46. For example, the first wall portion 71 may be fixed to the first column 23b in addition to the second girder 52 and the connecting column 46.

[0099] If the first wall portion 71 is fixed to at least two frames, the same effect as effect (2) of the above embodiment can be obtained. Similarly, the second wall portion 72 is fixed to two of the multiple frames that make up the framework 18a, but this is not limited to this. The second wall portion 72 may be fixed to one frame, or to three or more frames. If the second wall portion 72 is fixed to at least two frames, an effect similar to effect (2) of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the first wall portion 71 is fixed to the frame 18a by welding and the bolt B, but this is not limited to this. The first wall portion 71 may be fixed to the frame 18a by only either welding or the bolt B. In other words, if the first wall portion 71 is separate from the frame 18a, the first wall portion 71 is fixed to the frame 18a by at least one of welding and the bolt B.

[0101] The power distribution unit 16e and the second converter 16c may be attached together to one wall. Instead of the external system 110, the fuel cell module 10 may have the heat exchanger 114. The heat exchanger 114 and the fan 17c are attached to the first frame unit 20. The fan 17c blows air toward the heat exchanger 114a. In this case, the housing 18 does not need to have the side cover 80.

[0102] [Note] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modifications will be described below. <Appendix 1> a fuel cell module comprising: a fuel cell stack; electrical components electrically connected to the fuel cell stack; a housing that houses the fuel cell stack and the electrical components; and a fan attached to the housing so that gas flows in a first direction within the housing, wherein the housing has a frame having a three-dimensional structure formed by a plurality of frames including a first frame extending in the first direction, a second frame extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third frame extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; a regulating cover attached to the frame and extending in the first direction; and a wall portion provided on the frame, wherein the frame has a cover mounting surface to which the regulating cover is attached, and the wall portion has a component mounting surface to which the electrical components are attached, and the component mounting surface is provided in a position recessed with respect to the cover mounting surface.

[0103] <Appendix 2> 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is fixed to at least two of the frames.

[0104] <Appendix 3> 3. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is separate from the framework and is fixed to the framework by at least one of welding and bolts.

[0105] <Appendix 4> 3. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is integrally formed with the framework.

[0106] <Appendix 5> A fuel cell module as described in any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the electrical system components have a power distribution section and a converter, and the framework is provided with a first wall section as the wall section to which the power distribution section is attached, and a second wall section as the wall section to which the converter is attached, separately.

[0107] <Appendix 6> A fuel cell module as described in any one of appendices 1 to 5, comprising a plurality of pipes connected to the fuel cell stack, the housing including a side cover attached to one end of the framework in the first direction and through which the plurality of pipes pass, and the wall portion being located at a position away from the side cover in the first direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10...fuel cell module, 11...fuel cell stack, 16...electrical system components, 16c...second converter as converter, 16e...power distribution section, 17c...fan, 18...housing, 18a...framework, 61...first restriction cover as restriction cover, 62...second restriction cover as restriction cover, 63...third restriction cover as restriction cover, 64...fourth restriction cover as restriction cover, 71...first wall portion as wall portion, 71a...first component mounting surface as component mounting surface, 72...second wall portion as wall portion, 80...side cover, B...bolt, X...first direction, Y...second direction, Z...third direction.

Claims

1. a fuel cell stack; an electrical component electrically connected to the fuel cell stack; a housing that houses the fuel cell stack and the electrical components; a fan attached to the housing so as to cause gas to flow in a first direction within the housing; A fuel cell module comprising: The housing includes: a framework having a three-dimensional structure constituted by a plurality of frames including a first frame extending in the first direction, a second frame extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third frame extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; a restriction cover attached to the frame and extending in the first direction; a wall portion provided on the framework; and the frame has a cover mounting surface to which the restriction cover is attached, the wall portion has a component mounting surface on which the electrical component is mounted, A fuel cell module, wherein the component mounting surface is recessed relative to the cover mounting surface.

2. 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is fixed to at least two of the plurality of frames.

3. 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is separate from the framework and is fixed to the framework by at least one of welding and bolts.

4. 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is integrally formed with the framework.

5. the electrical system component includes a power distribution unit and a converter; 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the frame is provided with a first wall portion as the wall portion to which the power distribution unit is attached, and a second wall portion as the wall portion to which the converter is attached.

6. a plurality of pipes connected to the fuel cell stack; the housing includes a side cover attached to one end of the framework in the first direction and through which the plurality of pipes pass, 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is provided at a position spaced apart from the side cover in the first direction.

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