Fuel cell system and monogeneration device

Abstract

A technique is provided that enables appropriate ventilation in a fuel cell system. [Solution] An exemplary fuel cell system includes a housing that houses a fuel cell module, the housing having a ventilation path for ventilating the interior, an inlet of the ventilation path provided on a side of the housing, and an outlet of the ventilation path provided on the top surface of the housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system and a monogeneration device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a cogeneration system to which a gas engine system is applied is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6321484 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, from the perspective of carbon neutrality, cogeneration systems using fuel cell systems equipped with fuel cells are desired. In fuel cell systems, the package is ventilated to prevent fuel gas from accumulating within the package. This exhaust gas can cause a short circuit in the system itself or in the ventilation provided by the equipment located around the system.

[0005] A short circuit is a phenomenon in which the ventilation inlet (air intake) and outlet (air exhaust) are located too close to each other, causing air to circulate in a small area. When a short circuit occurs, ventilation efficiency decreases and there is a possibility of insufficient ventilation.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for appropriately ventilating a fuel cell system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An exemplary fuel cell system of the present invention comprises a housing that houses a fuel cell module, the housing having a ventilation path for ventilating the interior, an inlet of the ventilation path being provided on a side of the housing, and an outlet of the ventilation path being provided on the top surface of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the exemplary fuel cell system of the present invention, ventilation can be performed appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the exterior of a fuel cell system; [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the exterior of a fuel cell system; [Figure 2] A block diagram for explaining the outline of the configuration related to power generation of a fuel cell system. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the general configuration of a cooling system provided in a fuel cell system. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration inside the housing. [Figure 4B] A rear view showing the general internal structure of the housing [Figure 5] 4B is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration when the housing shown in FIG. 4A is cut at a VV position; [Figure 6] Schematic diagram showing the ventilation structure of a fuel cell system [Figure 7] A front view schematic diagram illustrating the details of the ventilation route for the electrical compartment [Figure 8] Right side schematic diagram for explaining the details of the ventilation route for the electrical compartment [Figure 9] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of batteries in a battery case [Figure 10] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a cross section taken along the line XX in FIG. 4A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a first perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the left duct room; [Figure 11B]Second perspective view for explaining the internal structure of the left duct room [Figure 12] Schematic diagram to explain the function of the left duct room [Figure 13A] FIG. 10 is a first perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the right duct room; [Figure 13B] Second perspective view for explaining the internal structure of the right duct room [Figure 14] Schematic diagram to explain the function of the right duct room DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated unless otherwise necessary.

[0011] <1. Overview of fuel cell system> 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a schematic configuration of the exterior of a fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system 1 is viewed from different directions in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The fuel cell system 1 can be applied to, for example, a monogeneration system MG. The monogeneration system MG is a device equipped with a power generation function using the fuel cell system 1. The monogeneration system MG may be configured with a single fuel cell system 1 or may be configured with a combination of multiple fuel cell systems 1. In this manner, the monogeneration system MG includes the fuel cell system 1. Note that while the present embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the fuel cell system 1 is applied to a monogeneration system MG, the fuel cell system 1 may also be applied to a cogeneration system. A cogeneration system is a combined heat and power system that generates power and recovers waste heat generated by the power generation to use, for example, hot water or heating. The fuel cell system 1 can also be used as a power generator in a home, factory, or the like.

[0012] 1A and 1B, the fuel cell system 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape of the housing 10 may be changed as appropriate.

[0013] In the following description of the fuel cell system 1, directions are defined as follows: The direction perpendicular to a horizontal floor surface (not shown) on which the housing 10 of the fuel cell system 1 is placed is defined as the up-down direction, and the side on which the housing 10 is placed relative to the floor surface is defined as the top. The longitudinal direction of the rectangular housing 10 in a plan view is defined as the left-right direction, and the short side direction is defined as the front-rear direction. With regard to two side surfaces aligned in the front-rear direction, one is defined as the front side and the other as the rear side, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Based on the front-rear defined in Figures 1A and 1B, the left side from the front to the rear is defined as the left, and the right side is defined as the right.

[0014] Note that these directions are names used merely for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationships or directions. Furthermore, according to the definitions of the directions described above, Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the front side of the housing 10 as seen from diagonally above the right, and Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the rear side of the housing 10 as seen from diagonally above the left.

[0015] The housing 10 houses a fuel cell module 2 (see FIG. 4A etc. described later). The fuel cell system 1 generates electricity using the fuel cell module 2 and fuel gas and oxidant gas supplied from an external source. In this embodiment, hydrogen gas is used as the fuel gas, and air is used as the oxidant gas. However, the fuel gas is not limited to hydrogen gas, and may be, for example, a gas containing methane as a main component. Furthermore, the oxidant gas is not limited to air, and may be any gas containing oxygen.

[0016] [1-1. Power generation related configuration] Here, the configuration related to power generation of the fuel cell system 1 including the fuel cell module 2 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the configuration related to power generation of the fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell system 1 includes a fuel cell module 2, a battery 3, an inverter 4, and a control device 5.

[0018] More specifically, the fuel cell module 2 includes a fuel cell stack 2a, a boost converter 2b, a compressor 2c, and a fuel cell control unit 2d.

[0019] The fuel cell stack 2a is composed of a plurality of stacked cells. Each cell includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, a cathode, and a pair of separators. The anode and cathode sandwich the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The anode is a negative electrode (fuel electrode) and includes an anode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The cathode is a positive electrode (air electrode) and includes a cathode catalyst layer and a diffusion layer. The anode, solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and cathode form a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The pair of separators sandwich the membrane electrode assembly. Each separator has a plurality of grooves. Each groove in one separator forms a flow path for hydrogen (hydrogen gas). Each groove in the other separator forms a flow path for air.

[0020] At the anode side, hydrogen is decomposed into hydrogen ions and electrons by a catalyst. The hydrogen ions pass through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and move to the cathode side. Meanwhile, the electrons pass through an external circuit and move to the cathode side. This generates an electric current. In other words, the fuel cell stack 2a generates electricity. At the cathode side, oxygen contained in the air combines with electrons that have flowed through the external circuit and hydrogen ions that have passed through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane to produce water. The produced water is contained in the exhaust and discharged outside the fuel cell system 1. The electric power generated by the fuel cell stack 2a is boosted by the boost converter 2b and supplied to at least one of the battery 3 and the inverter 4.

[0021] The compressor 2c is provided to the fuel cell stack 2a to take in air from outside the fuel cell system 1. The air taken into the fuel cell system 1 by the compressor 2c flows into the fuel cell stack 2a via multiple filters (none of which are shown) provided inside the fuel cell system 1.

[0022] The fuel cell control unit 2d controls each part of the fuel cell module 2. For example, the fuel cell control unit 2d controls the output (power generation) of the fuel cell stack 2a and the drive of the compressor 2c. The fuel cell control unit 2d is connected to the control device 5 so that it can communicate with the control device 5. For example, the fuel cell control unit 2d transmits information related to the fuel cell module 2 to the control device 5 via communication.

[0023] The battery 3 is formed, for example, from a lithium-ion battery, and stores the power supplied to the inverter 4. The battery 3 may be formed by unitizing a plurality of battery cells, or may be formed from a single battery cell. The battery 3 is also configured to be able to receive the power generated by the fuel cell stack 2a. The battery 3 is charged by being supplied with power from the fuel cell stack 2a.

[0024] The battery 3 is controlled by a BMU (Battery Management Unit) 3a. The BMU 3a controls, for example, the input / output (charging / discharging) of the battery 3. The BMU 3a also calculates the charging rate of the battery 3 based on information (for example, voltage value, current value, temperature, etc.) acquired via various sensors (not shown) provided in the battery 3. The charging rate of the battery 3 is also called SOC (State Of Charge), and refers to the ratio of the remaining charging capacity (at that time) to the charging capacity when fully charged.

[0025] The BMU 3a is communicably connected to the control device 5. The BMU 3a transmits, for example, information about the battery 3 acquired by the BMU 3a (such as the charging rate calculated by the BMU 3a) to the control device 5 via communication.

[0026] The inverter 4 is configured to include a substrate (none of which are shown) on which various electrical components (e.g., diodes, capacitors, power transistors, etc.) are mounted. The inverter 4 converts DC voltage power supplied from at least one of the fuel cell stack 2a and the battery 3 into AC voltage power and outputs it to the outside of the fuel cell system 1.

[0027] The inverter 4 is communicably connected to the control device 5. The inverter 4 adjusts the output (output power) of the inverter 4, for example, based on an output command output from the control device 5. The inverter 4 also transmits information related to the output of the inverter 4 to the control device 5 via communication.

[0028] The control device 5 performs overall control of the fuel cell system 1. The control device 5 appropriately controls each unit that is communicatively connected to the control device 5. The control device 5 is, for example, a computer device including an arithmetic unit, an input / output unit, and a storage unit. The arithmetic unit is, for example, a processor or a microprocessor. The storage unit is a main storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit may further include an auxiliary storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0029] Additionally, as shown in Fig. 2, the fuel cell system 1 is equipped with a gas detector 6 for the purpose of ensuring safety regarding the use of hydrogen when generating electricity using the fuel cell module 2. The gas detector 6 detects leaks of hydrogen, which is the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell module 2. The gas detector 6 is communicably connected to the control device 5 and outputs detection information about hydrogen within the casing 10 to the control device 5. The control device 5 issues an alarm or takes measures to shut down the system depending on the acquired hydrogen detection information.

[0030] [1-2. Cooling system] The fuel cell system 1 includes a cooling system provided for the above-mentioned fuel cell module 2. A brief description of this cooling system will also be given.

[0031] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the cooling system 7 provided in the fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cooling system 7 has a first cooling system 71 and a second cooling system 72. The first cooling system 71 is a cooling system that cools the fuel cell stack 2a provided in the fuel cell module 2. The second cooling system 72 is a cooling system for an oil cooler (oil cooler 723, described below) that cools the auxiliary machinery provided in the fuel cell module 2.

[0032] (1-2-1. 1st cooling system) The first cooling system 71 includes a first refrigerant circulation path 711, a first refrigerant pump 712, a first heat exchanger 713, an ion exchanger 714, a control valve 715, an intake air cooler 716, and a plurality of first temperature sensors TS1. The first refrigerant pump 712, the control valve 715, the intake air cooler 716, and some of the first temperature sensors TS1 are included in the fuel cell module 2.

[0033] The first refrigerant circulation path 711 is a flow path for circulating the first refrigerant. In this embodiment, cooling water is used as the first refrigerant, but this is not limiting, and for example, cooling oil or cooling gas may be used as the first refrigerant.

[0034] The first refrigerant circulation path 711 is connected to the fuel cell stack 2a, a first refrigerant pump 712, a first heat exchanger 713, an ion exchanger 714, a control valve 715, and an intake air cooler 716. More specifically, the fuel cell stack 2a, the first refrigerant pump 712, and the first heat exchanger 713 are connected in series. The ion exchanger 714 is connected in parallel to the first heat exchanger 713. More specifically, the first refrigerant circulation path 711 is provided with a first bypass path 711a that connects a path between the first heat exchanger 713 and the first refrigerant pump 712 with a path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the first heat exchanger 713. The ion exchanger 714 is connected in parallel to this first bypass path 711a. A control valve 715 is provided at a connection between the path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the first heat exchanger 713 and the first bypass path 711a.

[0035] The intake air cooler 716 is connected in parallel to the fuel cell stack 2a. More specifically, the first refrigerant circulation path 711 is provided with a second bypass path 711b that connects a path between the first refrigerant pump 712 and the fuel cell stack 2a and a path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the first heat exchanger 713 (more specifically, the control valve 715). The intake air cooler 716 is connected in series to this second bypass path 711b.

[0036] The first temperature sensor TS1 is provided in a flow path between the first refrigerant pump 712 and the fuel cell stack 2a, and in a flow path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the control valve 715. In addition, the first temperature sensor TS1 is provided in a flow path between the control valve 715 and the first heat exchanger 713, and in a flow path between the first heat exchanger 713 and the first refrigerant pump 712. The first temperature sensor TS1 detects the temperature of the first refrigerant circulating through the first refrigerant circulation path 711. The number and arrangement of the temperature sensors TS1 may be changed as appropriate.

[0037] The first refrigerant pump 712 is an electric pump, and is driven by power supplied from the control device 5 (see FIG. 2). When the first refrigerant pump 712 is driven, the first refrigerant circulates through the first refrigerant circulation path 711. More specifically, the first refrigerant discharged from the first refrigerant pump 712 flows into the fuel cell stack 2a and the intake air cooler 716. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the fuel cell stack 2a flows inside the fuel cell stack 2a. Specifically, the first refrigerant that has flowed into the fuel cell stack 2a passes through the multiple cells that make up the fuel cell stack 2a. This cools the fuel cell stack 2a.

[0038] The intake air cooler 716 cools the air (intake air) supplied to the fuel cell stack 2a by the compressor 2c. Specifically, the air taken in from outside the fuel cell system 1 by the compressor 2c hits the intake air cooler 716. The air that hits the intake air cooler 716 is cooled by heat exchange with the first refrigerant flowing inside the intake air cooler 716.

[0039] The first refrigerant discharged from the fuel cell stack 2a and the intake air cooler 716 flows into the control valve 715. The control valve 715 is configured as, for example, a three-way valve. The control valve 715 controls the flow direction and flow rate of the first refrigerant that flows into the control valve 715 according to the opening degree of the control valve 715. For example, when the opening degree of the control valve 715 is 100%, all of the first refrigerant that flows into the control valve 715 is supplied to the first heat exchanger 713. When the opening degree of the control valve 715 is 50%, half of the first refrigerant that flows into the control valve 715 is supplied to the first heat exchanger 713 and half to the first bypass flow path 711a (ion exchanger 714). When the opening degree of the control valve 715 is 0%, all of the first refrigerant that flows into the control valve 715 is supplied to the first bypass flow path 711a (ion exchanger 714).

[0040] The first heat exchanger 713 cools the first refrigerant by exchanging heat between the air (wind) hitting the first heat exchanger 713 and the first refrigerant flowing inside the first heat exchanger 713. In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 713 is a so-called radiator. Air is sent to the first heat exchanger 713 by a first radiator fan 713a. The first radiator fan 713a is an electric fan, and is driven by power supplied from the control device 5.

[0041] A first reserve tank 713b is connected to the first heat exchanger 713. The first reserve tank 713b is connected to the first refrigerant circulation path 711 in addition to the first heat exchanger 713. More specifically, the first reserve tank 713b is connected to a flow path between the first heat exchanger 713 and the first refrigerant pump 712. The first reserve tank 713b is also connected to a flow path between the fuel cell stack 2a and the control valve 715. The first reserve tank 713b is, for example, a sealed (pressurized) reserve tank, and the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circulation path 711 circulates via the first reserve tank 713b.

[0042] Ion exchanger 714 includes an ion exchange filter and the like. When the first refrigerant flows through ion exchanger 714, impurity ions are removed from the first refrigerant. The impurity ions are eluted into the first refrigerant, for example, from the piping and the like that constitutes first refrigerant circulation path 711. When the impurity ions eluted into the first refrigerant increase, the conductivity of the first refrigerant increases, and when the impurity ions decrease, the conductivity of the first refrigerant decreases. Ion exchanger 714 makes it possible to reduce the conductivity of the first refrigerant by removing the impurity ions from the first refrigerant.

[0043] (1-2-2.Second cooling system) The second cooling system 72 includes a second refrigerant circulation path 721, a second refrigerant pump 722, an oil cooler 723, a second heat exchanger 724, and a plurality of second temperature sensors TS2. The oil cooler 723 and some of the second temperature sensors TS2 are included in the fuel cell module 2.

[0044] The second refrigerant circulation path 721 is a flow path for circulating the second refrigerant. In this embodiment, cooling water is used as the second refrigerant, but this is not limiting, and for example, cooling oil or cooling gas may be used as the second refrigerant.

[0045] Second refrigerant circulation path 721 is connected to second refrigerant pump 722, oil cooler 723, and second heat exchanger 724. More specifically, second refrigerant pump 722, oil cooler 723, and second heat exchanger 724 are connected in series.

[0046] The second temperature sensor TS2 is provided in a flow path between the second heat exchanger 724 and the oil cooler 723 and in a flow path between the oil cooler 723 and the second refrigerant pump 722. The second temperature sensor TS2 detects the temperature of the second refrigerant circulating through the second refrigerant circulation path 721.

[0047] Second refrigerant pump 722 is formed by an electric pump and is driven by power supplied from control device 5. When second refrigerant pump 722 is driven, the second refrigerant circulates through second refrigerant circulation path 721. More specifically, the second refrigerant discharged from second refrigerant pump 722 flows into oil cooler 723 via second heat exchanger 724.

[0048] The oil cooler 723 cools the cooling oil for cooling the compressor 2c (particularly the motor portion of the compressor 2c) and the like included in the fuel cell module 2. Specifically, the cooling oil that has flowed through the compressor 2c and the like flows into the oil cooler 723. The cooling oil that has flowed into the oil cooler 723 is cooled by heat exchange with a second refrigerant that flows inside the oil cooler 723 (separate from the cooling oil).

[0049] The second heat exchanger 724 cools the second refrigerant by exchanging heat between the air (wind) hitting the second heat exchanger 724 and the second refrigerant flowing inside the second heat exchanger 724. The second heat exchanger 724 is a so-called radiator. Air is sent to the second heat exchanger 724 by a second radiator fan 724a. The second radiator fan 724a is an electric fan, and is driven by power supplied from the control device 5.

[0050] A second reserve tank 724b is connected to the second heat exchanger 724. The second reserve tank 724b is, for example, an open-type reserve tank, and stores the second refrigerant. When the second refrigerant circulating through the second refrigerant circulation path 721 becomes insufficient, the second refrigerant is replenished from the second reserve tank 724b.

[0051] [1-3. Overview of the chassis configuration] Next, an outline of the configuration of the casing 10 provided in the fuel cell system 1 will be described.

[0052] 1A and 1B, the housing 10 has a lower frame 11. The lower frame 11 is a rectangular frame with its longitudinal direction in the left-right direction, and constitutes the base of the housing 10. Although not shown, the lower frame 11 is fitted with a plurality of reinforcing frames that extend in the front-rear direction and bridge the front and rear of the lower frame 11. The reinforcing frames are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0053] The housing 10 has four support columns 12. The four support columns 12 include a left front support column 12a, a right front support column 12b, a left rear support column 12c, and a right rear support column 12d. Each support column 12 extends in the vertical direction, and more specifically, extends upward from one of the four corners of the lower frame 11. A top cover 13 that forms the top surface of the housing 10 is supported by the four support columns 12.

[0054] The housing 10 has a pair of front doors 14 on its front side that are rectangular in front view. The pair of front doors 14 are disposed at the center of the front side of the housing 10 in the left-right direction and are disposed symmetrically with respect to a front side partition frame 15 that extends up and down. Of the pair of front doors 14, the left front door 14a, which is disposed on the left side, has its left end pivotally attached to the left front support column 12a. When the right end of the left front door 14a is pulled forward from a closed state that covers the interior of the housing 10 (corresponding to the state shown in FIG. 1A), the left front door 14a rotates about a rotation center on the left end side and becomes an open state that exposes the interior of the housing 10. Of the pair of front doors 14, the right front door 14b, which is disposed on the right side, has its right end pivotally attached to the right front support column 12b. When the left end of the right front door 14b is pulled forward from a closed state (corresponding to the state shown in FIG. 1A), the right front door 14b rotates about a rotation center on the right end side and becomes an open state.

[0055] In addition to the pair of front doors 14, the front side of the housing 10 is provided with a pair of front side upper covers 16 arranged above the pair of front doors 14, and a front side lower cover 17 arranged below the pair of front doors 14.

[0056] Each of the pair of front side upper covers 16 is rectangular in front view. The pair of front side upper covers 16 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the front side partition frame 15. Of the pair of front side upper covers 16, the front left upper cover 16a arranged on the left side has a rectangular front opening 161 on the lower right side. Of the pair of front side upper covers 16, the front right upper cover 16b arranged on the right side has a rectangular front opening 161 on the lower left side. A breathable ventilation cover 162 made of a lattice frame is attached to each front opening 161 to prevent foreign objects from entering.

[0057] The front side lower cover 17 is disposed below the front door 14 and is supported by the lower frame 11. When viewed from the front, the front side lower cover 17 has a rectangular plate shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The front side lower cover 17 has a plurality of slits 171 (see FIG. 4A described below) that penetrate in the front-rear direction and extend in the up-down direction. The plurality of slits 171 are disposed at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0058] The housing 10 has a pair of rear doors 18 on its rear side, each of which has a rectangular shape when viewed from behind. The pair of rear doors 18 are disposed in the center of the rear side of the housing 10 in the left-right direction and are disposed symmetrically with respect to a rear side partition frame 19 that extends vertically. Of the pair of rear doors 18, the left rear door 18a, which is disposed on the left side, has its left end pivotally attached to the left rear support column 12c. When the right end of the left rear door 18a is pulled rearward from a closed state that covers the interior of the housing 10 (corresponding to the state shown in FIG. 1B), the left rear door 18a rotates about a rotation center on the left end side and becomes an open state that exposes the interior of the housing 10. Of the pair of rear doors 18, the right rear door 18b, which is disposed on the right side, has its right end pivotally attached to the right rear support column 12d. When the left end of the right rear door 18b is pulled forward from a closed state (corresponding to the state shown in FIG. 1B), the right rear door 18b rotates about a rotation center on the right end side and becomes an open state.

[0059] In addition to the pair of rear doors 18, the rear side of the housing 10 is provided with a pair of rear side upper covers 20 arranged above the pair of rear doors 18, and a rear side lower cover 21 arranged below the pair of rear doors 18.

[0060] Each of the pair of rear side upper covers 20 has a rectangular shape when viewed from behind. The pair of rear side upper covers 20 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rear side partition frame 19. Of the pair of rear side upper covers 20, the rear side upper left cover 20a arranged on the left side has a rectangular rear opening 201 on the lower right side. Of the pair of rear side upper covers 20, the rear side upper right cover 20b arranged on the right side has a rectangular rear opening 201 on the lower left side. A breathable ventilation cover 202 made of a lattice frame is attached to each rear opening 201 to prevent foreign matter from entering.

[0061] The rear side lower cover 21 is disposed below the rear door 18 and is supported by the lower frame 11. When viewed from behind, the rear side lower cover 21 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The rear side lower cover 21 is provided with a plurality of slits 211 (see FIG. 4B described below) that penetrate in the front-rear direction and extend in the up-down direction. The plurality of slits 211 are disposed at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0062] The housing 10 also has a left side cover 22 disposed on the left side and a right side cover 23 disposed on the right side. The left side cover 22 is supported by a left front support column 12a and a left rear support column 12c. The right side cover 23 is supported by a right front support column 12b and a right rear support column 12d. As shown in FIG. 1B , the left side cover 22 is provided with a plurality of left side openings 221 that penetrate in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction. The plurality of left side openings 221 are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction.

[0063] Fig. 4A is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the interior of housing 10. Fig. 4B is a rear view showing a schematic configuration of the interior of housing 10. Figs. 4A and 4B are views of housing 10 shown in Figs. 1A and 1B with the pair of front doors 14, front side partition frames 15, pair of front side upper covers 16, pair of rear doors 18, rear side partition frames 19, and pair of rear side upper covers 20 removed. Fig. 5 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a cross section of housing 10 shown in Fig. 4A taken at line VV.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, the housing 10 has a fuel cell room R1, an electrical component room R2, and a radiator room R3. The fuel cell room R1 and the electrical component room R2 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Specifically, the fuel cell room R1 is arranged on the left side of the housing 10, and the electrical component room R2 is arranged on the right side of the housing 10. The electrical component room R2 is separated from the fuel cell room R1. Specifically, the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical component room R2 are separated from each other by a first partition wall PW1 arranged between them in the left-right direction. The radiator room R3 is arranged above the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical component room R2, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In other words, the housing 10 has the radiator room R3 above the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical component room R2. The radiator room R3 is separated from the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical component room R2.

[0065] The fuel cell room R1 is a rectangular parallelepiped space. The fuel cell room R1 is a space surrounded by a first floor wall FW1 (see FIG. 6 described later), a first ceiling wall CW1 (see FIG. 6 described later), a first partition wall PW1, a left side cover 22 (see FIG. 1B), and the front door 14 (see FIG. 1A) and the rear door 18 (see FIG. 1B) in a closed state. The first floor wall FW1 forms the floor surface of the fuel cell room R1. The first ceiling wall CW1 forms the ceiling surface of the fuel cell room R1.

[0066] The fuel cell room R1 is provided with a fuel cell module 2. The fuel cell module 2 is supported by a first floor wall FW1. The fuel cell room R1 also has a hydrogen supply system, an air supply system, and an exhaust system.

[0067] The hydrogen supply system includes a hydrogen supply pipe 25 and a shutoff valve 26. The hydrogen supply pipe 25 forms a hydrogen supply path from a hydrogen adapter 27 (see FIG. 4B, etc.) to the fuel cell stack 2a (see FIG. 2). The hydrogen adapter 27 protrudes forward from the rear side lower cover 21 and is connected to an external hydrogen supply pipe (not shown) located outside the housing 10. The shutoff valve 26 is provided midway along the hydrogen supply path and enables the shutoff of hydrogen supply from outside. The hydrogen adapter 27 may protrude leftward from the left side lower cover 22U (see FIG. 1B). The left side lower cover 22U is a side cover located below the left side cover 22.

[0068] The air supply system includes an air supply pipe 28, an air cleaner 29, and an air filter 30. The air supply pipe 28 constitutes an air supply path from a left side opening 221 provided in the left side cover 22 to the compressor 2c (see FIG. 2). The air cleaner 29 and the air filter 30 are provided midway along the air supply path, and purify the air taken in from outside the housing 10.

[0069] The exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe 31, a silencer 32, and a drain water pipe 33. The exhaust pipe 31 constitutes an exhaust gas path from the fuel cell stack 2a (see FIG. 2) to an exhaust gas outlet 131 (see FIG. 1A, etc.) provided in the top cover 13. More specifically, a portion of the exhaust pipe 31 is disposed in a room separate from the fuel cell room R1. The silencer 32 is disposed midway along the exhaust gas path. The silencer 32 suppresses exhaust noise and separates some of the moisture contained in the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas. The moisture separated from the exhaust gas is discharged as drain water to the outside of the housing 10 via the drain water pipe 33. The outlet side portion of the drain water pipe 33 extends rearward from the left end of the rear side lower cover 21, as shown in FIG. 4B, etc.

[0070] In addition, some components of the first cooling system 71 and the second cooling system 72 described above are disposed in the fuel cell room R1. As shown in FIG. 4B , the gas detector 6 described above is disposed in the upper part of the fuel cell room R1 near the ceiling wall CW1. In other words, the gas detector 6 described above is disposed in the space on the ceiling wall CW1 side of the fuel cell room R1. More specifically, the gas detector 6 is disposed above the position where the hydrogen supply pipe 25 is provided. By disposing the gas detector 6 in such a position, it is possible to quickly detect the occurrence of a leak of hydrogen gas, which is light in mass and easily rises. This makes it possible to quickly perform an emergency shutdown of the system when a hydrogen gas leak occurs.

[0071] The electrical equipment room R2 is a rectangular parallelepiped space. The electrical equipment room R2 is a space surrounded by a second floor wall FW2 (see FIG. 6 described later), a second ceiling wall CW2 (see FIG. 6 described later), a first partition wall PW1, a right side cover 23 (see FIG. 1A), and the right front door 14b (see FIG. 1A) and the right rear door 18b (see FIG. 1B) in a closed state. The second floor wall FW2 forms the floor surface of the electrical equipment room R2. The second ceiling wall CW2 forms the ceiling surface of the electrical equipment room R2.

[0072] A plurality of electrical devices are arranged in the electrical equipment room R2. The plurality of electrical devices includes, for example, a battery 3 and an inverter 4 electrically connected to the fuel cell module 2. The battery 3 is accommodated in a battery case 3C and arranged in the electrical equipment room R2. Specifically, a plurality of batteries 3 are accommodated in the battery case 3C. The inverter 4 is accommodated in an inverter case 4C and arranged in the electrical equipment room R2. A plurality of electrical devices are concentrated in the electrical equipment room R2, and many electrical components other than the battery 3 and the inverter 4 are also arranged. For example, the control device 5 (see FIG. 2) is arranged in a controller case 5C and arranged in the electrical equipment room R2. Relays, breakers, converters, etc. are also arranged in the electrical equipment room R2.

[0073] The radiator room R3 is a rectangular parallelepiped space extending in the left-right direction. The radiator room R3 is provided between the first ceiling wall CW1 and the second ceiling wall CW2 (both of which are described later in FIG. 6) and the top cover 13. In other words, the housing 10 has the radiator room R3 above the ceiling wall CW1 that constitutes the fuel cell room R1. The housing 10 also has the radiator room R3 above the ceiling wall CW2 that constitutes the electrical component room R2.

[0074] The radiator room R3 houses a radiator that cools the fuel cell module 2. In this embodiment, the radiators are the first heat exchanger 713 and the second heat exchanger 724 described above. Specifically, two first heat exchangers 713 are arranged in the radiator room R3. The two first heat exchangers 713 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the two first heat exchangers 713 are arranged in parallel in the first cooling system 71, but they may also be arranged in series. On the other hand, the number of second heat exchangers 724 arranged in the radiator room R3 is one. The second heat exchanger 724 is arranged below one of the two first heat exchangers 713 arranged side by side on the left. Specifically, the second heat exchanger 724 is arranged below the first heat exchanger 713 that is arranged on the left side of the two first heat exchangers 713. The number and arrangement of the first heat exchangers 713 and the second heat exchangers 724 may be changed as appropriate.

[0075] The radiator room R3 is provided with at least some of the components of the first cooling system 71 and the second cooling system 72 that are not provided in the fuel cell room R1. In addition to the first heat exchanger 713 and the second heat exchanger 724, the radiator room R3 is also provided with, for example, the first radiator fan 713a and the second radiator fan 724a described above. The first radiator fan 713a is provided above the first heat exchanger 713 that is provided on the right side. The second radiator fan 724a is provided above the first heat exchanger 713 that is provided on the left side. Due to this configuration, the second radiator fan 724a is provided to send air to the second heat exchanger 724, but more specifically, it is also used to send air to the first heat exchanger 713 that is provided on the left side.

[0076] Note that top cover 13, which is disposed above first radiator fan 713a and second radiator fan 724a, is provided with fan openings 132 at positions vertically facing each of radiator fans 713a and 724a (see FIG. 1A, etc.). In addition, each fan opening 132 is fitted with a breathable ventilation cover 133 formed using a radial frame to prevent foreign matter from entering.

[0077] <2. Ventilation structure> Next, a ventilation structure provided in the fuel cell system 1 configured as above will be described in detail. The fuel cell system 1 is provided with a ventilation structure for the purpose of ventilating the inside of the casing 10. By ventilating the inside of the casing 10, for example, it becomes easier to maintain a low hydrogen concentration inside the casing 10. Furthermore, by ventilating the casing 10, it becomes possible to suppress heat buildup inside the casing 10, for example.

[0078] [2-1. Overview] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the ventilation structure provided in a fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, thick solid arrows, dashed-dotted arrows, and dashed arrows indicate ventilation paths VR. The direction of the arrows indicates the direction in which the ventilation flow (air) flows in the ventilation paths VR. In FIG. 6, a symbol with a black dot in a circle indicates an arrow pointing from the back of the page to the front, and a symbol with a cross mark in a circle indicates an arrow pointing from the front of the page to the back. The same applies to FIGS. 7 and 12, which will be described later.

[0079] 6, the housing 10 has a ventilation path VR for ventilating the interior. The inlet of the ventilation path VR is provided on the side surface of the housing 10. The outlet of the ventilation path VR is provided on the top surface of the housing 10. That is, in the fuel cell system 1, during ventilation, air is taken in at the side surface of the housing 10 and exhausted at the top surface of the housing 10.

[0080] With this configuration, intake and exhaust are performed at separate locations in the housing 10, thereby preventing short circuits from occurring in the system itself. Furthermore, exhaust is performed on the top surface of the housing 10, making it easier to prevent short circuits from occurring between adjacent fuel cell systems 1 when multiple fuel cell systems 1 are arranged side by side. A short circuit refers to a phenomenon in which the ventilation inlet (air intake port) and outlet (exhaust port) are positioned too close to each other, causing air to circulate within a narrow area.

[0081] The inlet of the ventilation path VR is preferably provided at the lower part of the side surface of the housing 10. This allows the outlet of the ventilation path VR provided on the top surface of the housing 10 and the inlet of the ventilation path VR to be positioned as far apart as possible. This makes it more difficult for a short circuit to occur in the system itself. In this embodiment, the slits 171, 211 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) provided at the lower part of the side surface of the housing 10 described above are used as the inlet of the ventilation path VR. This point will be described in detail later.

[0082] More specifically, a plurality of ventilation paths VR are provided within the housing 10. The housing 10 is provided with a fuel cell room ventilation path VR1, an electrical component room ventilation path VR2, and a radiator room ventilation path VR3.

[0083] The fuel cell room ventilation path VR1 is a path for ventilating the fuel cell room R1. The fuel cell room ventilation path VR1 has a ventilation path inlet at the lower side of the casing 10. More specifically, this inlet corresponds to a plurality of slits 171 (see FIG. 4A) provided in the lower left part of the front side of the casing 10. The fuel cell room ventilation path VR1 also has a ventilation path outlet at the top surface of the casing 10. This outlet corresponds to a top surface left opening 134 (see FIG. 1A, etc.) provided at the left end of the top cover 13. The top surface left opening 134 is specifically composed of a group of multiple small slits extending forward and backward for the purpose of preventing the intrusion of foreign matter. The multiple slits that make up the top surface left opening 134 are aligned front to back and left to right. In this embodiment, the number of top surface openings 134 is two, but this number may be changed as appropriate, and may be one, three, or more. The fuel cell room ventilation path VR1 has the fuel cell room R1 between the entrance and exit, thereby enabling ventilation of the fuel cell room R1.

[0084] The fuel cell room R1 has a downstream ventilation fan 41 located downstream of the ventilation flow through the fuel cell room ventilation path VR1 in the fuel cell room R1. Driving the downstream ventilation fan 41 generates a ventilation flow, which is an air flow in the fuel cell room ventilation path VR1. The downstream ventilation fan 41 is located in an opening in the ceiling wall (first ceiling wall) CW1 that forms the ceiling surface of the fuel cell room R1. The downstream ventilation fan 41 is an electric fan, and is preferably an explosion-proof electric fan. Specifically, the downstream ventilation fan 41 is an axial fan.

[0085] Here, the ventilation air flow (ventilation flow) generated by driving the downstream ventilation fan 41 will be described. When the downstream ventilation fan 41 is driven, air enters the lower part of the housing 10 from outside the housing 10 through an inlet formed by multiple slits 171. The air that has entered the lower part of the housing 10 enters the fuel cell room R1 through a vent provided in the floor wall (first floor wall) FW1 of the fuel cell room R1. In this embodiment, the vent provided in the floor wall FW1 of the fuel cell room R1 is obtained by configuring at least a portion of the first floor wall FW1 from a mesh-like member. However, this configuration is merely an example, and for example, at least one opening may be provided in the first floor wall FW1, and the opening may serve as the vent.

[0086] The air that enters the fuel cell room R1 flows from the bottom to the top of the fuel cell room R1, passes through the downstream ventilation fan 41, and exits the fuel cell room R1. The air that leaves the fuel cell room R1 passes through the fuel cell room upper duct 42 located above the first ceiling wall CW1 and enters the left duct room R4L located adjacent to the radiator room R3 on the left. The air that enters the left duct room R4L rises within the left duct room R4L and is exhausted to the outside of the housing 10 through an outlet formed by the top left opening 134.

[0087] The fuel cell room upper duct 42 is provided inside the radiator room R3. The left duct room R4L and the fuel cell room R1 are separated by a first ceiling wall CW1. The left duct room R4L and the radiator room R3 are separated by a second partition wall PW2.

[0088] As can be seen from the above explanation, the fuel cell room R1 has a floor wall FW1 with a vent that passes airflow from the inlet of the fuel cell room ventilation path VR1, and a ceiling wall CW1 that is provided with a downstream ventilation fan 41. With this configuration, the air flows from the bottom to the top during ventilation in the fuel cell room R1, allowing hydrogen gas to be efficiently exhausted from within the room.

[0089] The ceiling surface of the fuel cell room R1, which is formed by the ceiling wall (first ceiling wall) CW1, is preferably a flat surface that extends horizontally. For example, if a recessed portion (concave portion) is provided in the ceiling surface, the possibility of hydrogen gas accumulating in that portion increases. By providing a flat ceiling surface, the possibility of hydrogen gas accumulating in the fuel cell room R1 can be reduced.

[0090] Furthermore, it is preferable that the downstream ventilation fan 41 be disposed with its rotation axis tilted relative to the vertical direction. This configuration can impart a lateral component to the airflow exiting the fuel cell room R1. As a result, the ventilation flow outlet can be positioned offset from the top surface of the radiator room R3, which is located above the fuel cell room R1. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the downstream ventilation fan 41 is tilted so that it is more to the left as it moves upward. In other words, the rotation axis of the downstream ventilation fan 41 is tilted so that it moves closer to the left duct room R4L as it moves upward. This allows the air exiting the fuel cell room R1 to be efficiently guided to the left duct room R4L.

[0091] The electrical room ventilation route VR2 is a route for ventilating the electrical room R2. Note that FIG. 6 shows a simplified version of the electrical room ventilation route VR2 of this embodiment. The explanation of the electrical room ventilation route VR2 using FIG. 6 will focus on this simplified configuration. The full-length configuration will be explained separately later.

[0092] The electrical room ventilation path VR2 has an inlet at the bottom of the side of the housing 10. Specifically, the inlet corresponds to multiple slits 171, 211 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) provided in the lower right corner of the front and rear sides of the housing 10. The electrical room ventilation path VR2 also has an outlet at the top of the housing 10. This outlet corresponds to a top-right opening 135 (see FIG. 1A, etc.) provided at the right end of the top cover 13. The top-right opening 135 is specifically composed of a group of multiple small slits extending forward and backward to prevent the intrusion of foreign objects. The multiple slits that make up the top-right opening 135 are aligned front to back and left to right. The electrical room ventilation path VR2 has the electrical room R2 between the inlet and outlet, enabling ventilation of the electrical room R2.

[0093] In the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment, the ventilation path provided in the housing 10 is divided into a ventilation path VR1 for the fuel cell room R1 and a ventilation path VR2 for the electrical component room R2. This configuration allows different ventilation configurations for the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical component room R2. As a result, a pressure difference can be created between the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical component room R2. This pressure difference can be used to prevent airflow from the fuel cell room R1 toward the electrical component room R2, which could potentially leak hydrogen gas. In other words, even if hydrogen gas leaks in the fuel cell room R1, the flow of hydrogen gas into the electrical component room R2, where electrical devices that could become ignition sources are concentrated, can be prevented, preventing an increase in the hydrogen gas concentration in the electrical component room R2.

[0094] The electrical room R2 has an upstream ventilation fan 43 located upstream of the ventilation flow through the electrical room ventilation path VR2 in the electrical room. Driving the upstream ventilation fan 43 generates a ventilation flow, which is an air flow in the electrical room ventilation path VR2. The upstream ventilation fan 43 is an electric fan. More specifically, the upstream ventilation fan 43 is an axial fan. The detailed location of the upstream ventilation fan 43 will be described later.

[0095] Here, we will explain the flow of ventilation air (air current) generated by driving the upstream ventilation fan 43. When the upstream ventilation fan 43 is driven, air enters the lower part of the housing 10 from outside the housing 10 through an inlet formed by multiple slits 171, 211. The air that has entered the lower part of the housing 10 enters the electrical room R2 through a vent provided in the floor wall (second floor wall) FW2 of the electrical room R2. The vent provided in the second floor wall FW2 will be described in detail later.

[0096] The air that enters the electrical room R2 flows from the bottom to the top of the electrical room R2 and exits the electrical room R2 through an opening (not shown) provided in the ceiling wall (second ceiling wall) CW2 of the electrical room R2. The air that exits the electrical room R2 enters the right duct room R4R, which is provided to the right of the radiator room R3. The air that enters the right duct room R4R rises within the right duct room R4R and is exhausted to the outside of the housing 10 through an outlet formed by the top right opening 135.

[0097] The right duct room R4R and the electrical equipment room R2 are separated by a second ceiling wall CW2, and the right duct room R4R and the radiator room R3 are separated by a third partition wall PW3.

[0098] As can be seen from the above description, in this embodiment, separate duct rooms are provided for the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical room R2. In other words, the fuel cell system 1 has a duct room R4L provided for the fuel cell room R1 and a duct room R4R provided for the electrical room R2. This facilitates providing separate ventilation paths between the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical room R2. In addition, in this embodiment, the duct room R4L provided for the fuel cell room R1 and the duct room R4R provided for the electrical room R2 are arranged on either side of the radiator room R3. In other words, the radiator room R3 is provided between the duct room R4L provided for the fuel cell room R1 and the duct room R4R provided for the electrical room R2. This configuration allows multiple ventilation paths to be efficiently provided for the housing 10 that includes the fuel cell room R1, the electrical room R2, and the radiator room R3.

[0099] Unlike the configuration of this embodiment, the ventilation exhaust for the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical room R2 may be exhausted together from the radiator room R3. However, such a configuration raises concerns about a decrease in the cooling capacity of the radiators (first heat exchanger 713 and second heat exchanger 724). For this reason, it is preferable to provide duct rooms R4 for each of the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical room R2, as in this embodiment.

[0100] Furthermore, in the fuel cell room R1 described above, the ventilation fan (downstream ventilation fan 41) that generates an airflow for ventilation is located in the area where air leaves the room. Therefore, the fuel cell room R1 can be made negative pressure by driving the downstream ventilation fan 41. On the other hand, in the electrical room R2, the ventilation fan (upstream ventilation fan 43) that generates an airflow for ventilation is located in the area where air enters the room or nearby. Therefore, the electrical room R2 can be made positive pressure by driving the upstream ventilation fan 43.

[0101] That is, in the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment, when the fuel cell module 2 is operating, the downstream ventilation fan 41 and the upstream ventilation fan 43 are activated, and the air pressure in the electrical room R2 is higher than the air pressure in the fuel cell room R1. Therefore, even if a hydrogen gas leak occurs in the fuel cell room R1, the hydrogen gas can be prevented from flowing into the electrical room R2, where electrical devices that could become ignition sources are concentrated. In other words, the hydrogen gas concentration in the electrical room R2 can be prevented from increasing. Note that, in this embodiment, when the fuel cell module 2 is operating, the downstream ventilation fan 41 and the upstream ventilation fan 43 are activated so that the air pressure in the electrical room R2 is higher than the air pressure in the fuel cell room R1. However, this is merely an example, and at least one of the downstream ventilation fan 41 and the upstream ventilation fan 43 may be activated for the same purpose.

[0102] The radiator room ventilation path VR3 is a path for ventilating the radiator room R3. The radiator room ventilation path VR3 has an inlet at the upper side of the housing 10. More specifically, the inlet corresponds to a front opening 161 (see FIG. 1A) provided in each of the pair of front side upper covers 16 and a rear opening 201 (see FIG. 1B) provided in each of the pair of rear side upper covers 20. The radiator room ventilation path VR3 also has an outlet at the top of the housing 10. The outlet corresponds to two fan openings 132 (see FIG. 1A, etc.) provided in the center of the top cover 13. The radiator room ventilation path VR3 has the radiator room R3 between the inlet and outlet, thereby enabling ventilation of the radiator room R3.

[0103] The radiator room R3 can be ventilated by driving two radiator fans 713a and 724a. Here, the ventilation air flow (air current) generated by driving the radiator fans 713a and 724a will be described. When the radiator fans 713a and 724a are driven, air enters the radiator room R3 from outside the housing 10 through an inlet formed by the front opening 161 and the rear opening 201. The air that has entered the radiator room R3 rises while exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing inside the first heat exchanger 713 and the second heat exchanger 724. The rising air is then exhausted to the outside of the housing 10 through an outlet formed by the fan opening 132.

[0104] [2-2. Details of ventilation route in electrical equipment room] The detailed configuration of the electrical component room ventilation route VR2, which has been outlined above, will now be described.

[0105] Fig. 7 is a schematic front view illustrating the electrical room ventilation route VR2 in detail. Fig. 8 is a schematic right side view illustrating the electrical room ventilation route VR2 in detail. In Figs. 7 and 8, thick arrows indicate the flow of air (ventilation flow) during ventilation. The arrows include multiple types of arrow shapes to indicate different types of ventilation routes through which the ventilation flow passes.

[0106] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the electrical room R2 is provided with multiple ventilation paths. That is, the electrical room ventilation path VR2 described above includes multiple ventilation paths. In the electrical room R2, it is necessary to arrange electrical devices that generate heat during operation and multiple electrical devices with different temperature requirements in a limited space, making it difficult to optimize the heat balance in thermal design. In this regard, in this embodiment, the electrical room R2 is configured with multiple ventilation paths, making it easier to optimize the heat balance.

[0107] In this embodiment, the multiple ventilation paths include an inverter ventilation path VR2a and a battery ventilation path VR2b. The inverter ventilation path VR2a ventilates the inside of an inverter case 4C that houses the inverter 4. The battery ventilation path VR2b ventilates the inside of a battery case 3C that houses the battery 3.

[0108] The inverter case 4C specifically houses inverter components that make up the inverter circuit. The inverter case 4C may be configured using part of the first partition wall PW1 or the second ceiling wall CW2, or may be configured without using these. The battery case 3C specifically houses multiple batteries 3. The battery case 3C may be, for example, a box-shaped case with an opening on the bottom, or may have a bottom wall.

[0109] Of the electrical devices disposed in the electrical equipment room R2, the battery 3 and the inverter 4 generate a large amount of heat. In this embodiment, the ventilation paths for the battery 3 and the inverter 4, which generate a large amount of heat, are provided separately and independently, which makes it easier to optimize the heat balance in the electrical equipment room R2.

[0110] The types and number of ventilation paths included in the plurality of ventilation paths may be changed as appropriate from the configuration of this embodiment.

[0111] The fuel cell system 1 includes an inverter ventilation fan 43a arranged in the inverter ventilation path VR2a and a battery ventilation fan 43b arranged in the battery ventilation path VR2b. Since separate ventilation fans are provided for each of the ventilation paths VR2a and VR2b, it is easy to ensure a sufficient flow rate during ventilation in each of the ventilation paths VR2a and VR2b.

[0112] The inverter ventilation fan 43a and the battery ventilation fan 43b are included in the above-mentioned upstream ventilation fan 43. That is, the inverter ventilation fan 43a and the battery ventilation fan 43b are disposed in positions on the upstream side of the ventilation flow in the electrical component room R2.

[0113] Specifically, the inverter ventilation fan 43a is disposed in a position upstream of the inverter 4 in the inverter ventilation path VR2a. More specifically, the inverter ventilation fan 43a is disposed in an opening provided in the bottom surface of the inverter case 4C. This configuration allows the air blown out from the inverter ventilation fan 43a to first hit the inverter components. As described above, because the inverter ventilation fan 43a is disposed in a position upstream of the ventilation flow of the electrical component room R2, driving the inverter ventilation fan 43a allows cool air that has not been heated by other electrical equipment to hit the inverter components.

[0114] Here, the ventilation flow in the inverter ventilation path VR2a, which is generated by driving the inverter ventilation fan 43a, will be described. When the inverter ventilation fan 43a is driven, air enters the lower part of the housing 10 from outside the housing 10 through a ventilation inlet formed by multiple slits 171, 211. The air that has entered the lower part of the housing 10 enters the inverter case 4C through a gap SP formed between the floor wall (second floor wall) FW2 of the electrical room R2 and the first partition wall PW1, and through the inverter ventilation fan 43a. It is preferable to place a filter for removing foreign matter upstream of the inverter ventilation fan 43a (upstream of the ventilation flow).

[0115] The air entering the inverter case 4C flows from the bottom to the top of the inverter case 4C and exits the electrical room R2 through an opening 4Ca in the ceiling of the inverter case 4C and a first opening CW2a in the ceiling wall (second ceiling wall) CW2 of the electrical room R2. The air exiting the electrical room R2 enters an upper electrical room duct 44 located above the second ceiling wall CW2. The upper electrical room duct 44 is located in the radiator room R3. The air entering the upper electrical room duct 44 returns to the electrical room R2 through a second opening CW2b located to the right of the inverter case 4C in the second ceiling wall CW2. The air returning to the electrical room R2 merges with the air flowing through the battery ventilation path VR2b. The flow of the ventilation air after the merger will be explained after the battery ventilation path VR2b is explained.

[0116] The battery ventilation fan 43b is disposed in the battery ventilation path VR2b downstream of the ventilation flow from the battery 3. The battery ventilation fan 43b may also be disposed upstream of the ventilation flow from the battery 3. However, with the configuration of this embodiment, the ventilation flow can be evenly directed to the multiple batteries 3 disposed in the battery case 3C.

[0117] More specifically, a plurality of battery ventilation fans 43b are arranged on the front surface of the battery case 3C (see FIGS. 4A and 8). Each battery ventilation fan 43b is arranged in an opening provided on the front surface of the battery case 3C. The arrangement of the plurality of battery ventilation fans 43b is determined according to the arrangement of the plurality of batteries 3 inside the battery case 3C.

[0118] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of batteries 3 in a battery case 3C. As shown in FIG. 9, the batteries 3 are arranged in three sections: an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. Four batteries 3 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the upper section. Six batteries 3 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the middle and lower sections. When comparing the positions of the batteries 3 arranged in the middle section with the positions of the batteries 3 arranged in the lower section, the left-right positions of the batteries 3 arranged side by side are the same. In other words, each battery 3 in the middle section is arranged vertically with the same left-right position as a certain battery 3 in the lower section. Note that each battery 3 in the upper section is arranged with a left-right offset from the battery 3 in the middle section.

[0119] The multiple battery ventilation fans 43b are arranged at the top, center, and bottom of the front surface of the battery case 3C in accordance with the arrangement of the multiple batteries 3 inside the battery case 3C. Two battery ventilation fans 43b are arranged at the top of the front surface of the battery case 3C, spaced apart in the left-right direction. Three battery ventilation fans 43b are arranged at the center and bottom of the front surface of the battery case 3C, spaced apart in the left-right direction. Note that the arrangement and number of the batteries 3 and battery ventilation fans 43b described above are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate.

[0120] Here, the ventilation flow in the battery ventilation path VR2b, which is generated by driving the battery ventilation fan 43b, will be described. By driving the multiple battery ventilation fans 43b, air enters the lower part of the housing 10 from the outside through a ventilation inlet formed by multiple slits 171, 211. The air that has entered the lower part of the housing 10 enters the battery case 3C through a vent provided in the floor wall (second floor wall) of the electrical room R2. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 10.

[0121] 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a cross section cut along line XX in FIG. 4A. As shown in FIG. 10, multiple batteries 3 are arranged toward the front inside the battery case 3C. For this reason, the rear portion of the second floor wall FW2 covered by the battery case 3C is open inside the battery case 3C, with no batteries 3 arranged on top. The open portion FW2a of the second floor wall FW2 is made of a mesh-like material. In the battery ventilation path VR2b, the open portion FW2a made of a mesh-like material serves as a ventilating section, allowing air that has entered the lower part of the housing 10 from outside the housing 10 to be taken into the battery case 3C.

[0122] Air entering the battery case 3C flows from the rear to the front of the battery case 3C while hitting each battery 3, and is released to the front of the battery case 3C via the multiple battery ventilation fans 43b. The multiple batteries 3 are arranged at intervals within the battery case 3C. This allows the air flowing from the rear to the front within the battery case 3C to hit each battery 3. In this embodiment, the installation interval between the batteries 3 is adjusted to optimize the balance between ventilation pressure loss and flow rate. As a result, the heat dissipation capacity of the ventilation path using the multiple battery ventilation fans 43b is improved.

[0123] The air coming out in front of the battery case 3C first passes between the battery case 3C and the right front door 14b in the front-to-rear direction and rises inside the electrical room R2. Then, when the air coming out in front of the battery case 3C reaches a position higher than the battery case 3C, it also uses the space above the battery case 3C as a ventilation path and flows toward the upper part of the electrical room R2.

[0124] In the battery ventilation path VR2b, the ventilation flow first hits the battery 3 among the electrical devices arranged in the ventilation path. That is, the ventilation flow first hits the battery 3, which is the electrical device that most needs to be cooled. After hitting the battery 3, the ventilation flow then hits various electrical devices and cases that house the electrical devices, contributing to cooling them.

[0125] For example, the ventilation flow through the battery ventilation path VR2b hits the outer surface of the controller case 5C (see FIG. 4A). Also, for example, the ventilation flow through the battery ventilation path VR2b hits the outer surface of the inverter case 4C. That is, the inverter 4 can be cooled not only by the ventilation flow passing through the inside of the inverter case 4C, but also by the ventilation flow passing outside the inverter case 4C. Note that, in the battery ventilation path VR2b (as well as the inverter ventilation path VR2a), it is preferable to position electrical components with smaller tolerance ranges for ambient temperature change upstream of the ventilation path. This configuration can prevent malfunctions and other problems from occurring in the electrical equipment located in the electrical room R2.

[0126] In the battery ventilation path VR2b, the air that reaches the upper part of the electrical room R2 merges with the air in the inverter ventilation path VR2a that returns to the electrical room R2 from the electrical room upper duct 44. That is, the electrical room R2 has a junction CF where the inverter ventilation path VR2a and the battery ventilation path VR2b merge. Providing the junction CF allows the final outlets of the two ventilation paths VR2a and VR2b provided in the electrical room R2 to be combined into one, thereby preventing the housing 10 from becoming larger.

[0127] In this embodiment, a shared ventilation fan 45 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is disposed downstream of the ventilation flows from the junction CF. By providing the shared ventilation fan 45, it becomes easier to guide the ventilation flows that join at the junction CF into the right duct room R4R. In other words, the shared ventilation fan 45 can be considered an assisting ventilation fan that helps the flow of the ventilation flows.

[0128] More specifically, a plurality of shared ventilation fans 45 are provided. However, the number of shared ventilation fans 45 may be one or may be any number as needed. In this embodiment, two ventilation fan rows, each with three shared ventilation fans 45 arranged in the front-rear direction, are arranged in the left-right direction. In other words, the total number of shared ventilation fans 45 is six.

[0129] The multiple shared ventilation fans 45 are arranged in an opening (ceiling wall opening 47 shown in FIG. 13A described later) provided at the right end of the ceiling wall (second ceiling wall) CW2 of the electrical equipment room R2. Each shared ventilation fan 45 is an electric fan of the same type, specifically an axial flow fan. Like the above-mentioned downstream ventilation fan 41, the shared ventilation fans 45 are also arranged with their rotation axes tilted relative to the up-down direction. Note that, more specifically, the downstream ventilation fan 41 is arranged with its rotation axis tilted left-right, while the shared ventilation fan 45 is arranged with its rotation axis tilted front-to-back.

[0130] The air from the two ventilation routes VR2a and VR2b that converge at the confluence CF enters the right duct room R4R via the shared ventilation fan 45. The air that has entered the right duct room R4R rises within the right duct room R4R and is exhausted to the outside of the housing 10 through an outlet formed by the top right opening 135 (see FIG. 1A, etc.).

[0131] [2-3. Duct room structure] In this embodiment, the outlets of the ventilation paths VR1 and VR2 for the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical room R2 are top openings provided on the top surface of the housing 10. Specifically, these top openings correspond to the top left opening 134 and top right opening 135 (see FIG. 1A, etc.) described above. The duct room R4 of the housing 10 is connected to the top left opening 134 and top right opening 135, forming part of the ventilation paths VR1 and VR2. In this configuration, because the outlets of the ventilation paths are located on the top surface, measures must be taken to prevent rainwater from entering the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical room R2. The duct room R4 of this embodiment is equipped with a structure to prevent rainwater from entering the fuel cell room R1 and the electrical room R2. The rainwater intrusion prevention structure equipped in the duct room R4 is described below.

[0132] As described above, the duct room R4 specifically includes a left duct room R4L and a right duct room R4R. The basic concept of the rainwater intrusion prevention structure is the same for the left duct room R4L and the right duct room R4R. However, there are some differences in the structure of the left duct room R4L and the right duct room R4R. Taking this into consideration, the structure of the left duct room R4L and the structure of the right duct room R4R will be described separately. Note that the structure of the left duct room R4L and the right duct room R4R may be exactly the same in some cases.

[0133] (2-3-1. Left duct room) First, the left duct room R4L will be described. The left duct room R4L is a duct room for the above-mentioned fuel cell room ventilation route VR1.

[0134] FIG. 11A is a first perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the left duct room R4L. FIG. 11B is a second perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the left duct room R4L. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the left duct room R4L. FIGS. 11A and 11B show the left duct room R4L with some components removed from the left side surface. The view (first perspective view) shown in FIG. 11A and the view (second perspective view) shown in FIG. 11B show the left duct room R4L from different directions. Both FIGS. 11A and 11B show the left duct room R4L as seen from the left side, but FIG. 11A is a view from diagonally above the front, and FIG. 11B is a view from diagonally above the rear. The outline arrow in FIG. 12 indicates the direction of the ventilation flow. The thick solid arrow in FIG. 12 indicates the movement of rainwater.

[0135] As shown in FIGS. 6, 11A, and 11B, the housing 10 has a fuel cell room R1 (room) below the left duct room R4L, which is separated from the left duct room R4L by a first ceiling wall CW1. The fuel cell room R1 is connected to the left duct room R4L via a ceiling wall opening 46 provided in the first ceiling wall CW1. More specifically, the fuel cell room R1 is connected to the left duct room R4L via the ceiling wall opening 46 and the fuel cell room upper duct 42. The aforementioned downstream ventilation fan 41 is disposed in the ceiling wall opening 46.

[0136] Because the left duct room R4L has this type of structure, if the left duct room R4L is not provided with a rainwater intrusion prevention structure, there is a risk that rainwater that enters the left duct room R4L through the top left opening 134 may enter the fuel cell room R1 through the ceiling wall opening 46. In consideration of this point, the left duct room R4L is provided with a ventilation path forming member 51 that is positioned below the top left opening 134 and has an inclined surface 51a on its upper surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0137] If the upper surface of the ventilation path forming member 51 is configured to have an inclined surface 51a, rainwater that enters the left duct room R4L can be bounced back to the side opposite the upstream side of the ventilation flow. Furthermore, by configuring the upper surface of the ventilation path forming member 51 to have an inclined surface 51a, it is possible to prevent rainwater from flowing toward the upstream side of the ventilation flow while increasing the area in which the upper surface left opening 134 is provided, compared to when the upper surface is configured to be horizontal.

[0138] In detail, the ventilation path forming member 51 has a rear wall 511, an upper wall 512, and a left side wall 513. The rear wall 511 is a rectangular plate parallel to the up-down direction. The upper wall 512 is configured as a rectangular plate, extends rearward from the upper end of the rear wall 511, and is inclined so that its height increases toward the rear. The upper wall 512 forms the inclined surface 51a described above. The left side wall 513 is configured as a trapezoidal plate, extends rearward from the left end of the rear wall 511, and extends downward from the left end of the upper wall 512.

[0139] The ventilation path forming member 51 having this shape is fixed to the first ceiling wall CW1 that forms the bottom surface of the left duct room R4L and to the second partition wall PW2 that forms the right side surface of the left duct room R4L using fasteners such as bolts. The ventilation path forming member 51 is arranged so as to cover the ventilation outlet 42a (an opening provided in the second partition wall PW2) of the fuel cell room upper duct 42. Specifically, the front end portion of the ventilation path forming member 51 is arranged forward of the outlet 42a.

[0140] 12, the ventilation flow that enters the left duct room R4L from the fuel cell room R1 via the downstream ventilation fan 41 and the fuel cell room upper duct 42 (including the outlet 42a) enters the space SP1 surrounded by the ventilation path forming member 51, the first ceiling wall CW1, and the second partition wall PW2. The ventilation flow that leaves the outlet portion provided in the front of the space SP1 then rises toward the top left opening 134 and exits from the top left opening 134 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0141] The inclined surface 51a, which is located below the top left opening 134 provided in a rectangular area extending in the front-to-rear direction, is provided over at least an area that overlaps with the top left opening 134 in a plan view. Rainwater that enters the left duct room R4L from the top left opening 134 is likely to be bounced backward as shown in FIG. 12 (see the thick black arrow). The rainwater that is bounced backward is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through a drainage channel (not shown). This reduces the possibility that rainwater that enters the left duct room R4L will reach the ceiling wall opening 46.

[0142] It is possible that rainwater entering obliquely forward from the top left opening 134 may reach the bottom of the left duct room R4L without hitting the inclined surface 51a. However, in this embodiment, the ceiling wall opening 46 is positioned offset from the top left opening 134 in a plan view. Specifically, the ceiling wall opening 46 is located to the right of the left duct room R4L (second partition wall PW2). This reduces the possibility that rainwater reaching the bottom of the left duct room R4L will enter the fuel cell room R1 through the ceiling wall opening 46. In this embodiment, the outlet 42a of the fuel cell room upper duct 42 is located higher than the bottom of the left duct room R4L. This also reduces the possibility that rainwater reaching the bottom of the left duct room R4L will enter the fuel cell room R1 through the ceiling wall opening 46.

[0143] (2-3-2. Right duct room) Next, the right duct room R4R will be described. The right duct room R4R is a duct room for the above-mentioned electrical equipment room ventilation route VR2.

[0144] FIG. 13A is a first perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the right duct room R4R. FIG. 13B is a second perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the right duct room R4R. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the right duct room R4R. FIGS. 13A and 13B show the right duct room R4R with some components removed from the right side. The view (first perspective view) shown in FIG. 13A and the view (second perspective view) shown in FIG. 13B show the right duct room R4R viewed from different directions. Both FIGS. 13A and 13B show the right duct room R4R viewed from the right side, but FIG. 13A is a view from diagonally above the front, and FIG. 13B is a view from diagonally above the rear. The outline arrows in FIG. 14 indicate the direction of ventilation flow. The thick solid arrows in FIG. 14 indicate the movement of rainwater.

[0145] 7, 8, 13A, and 13B, the housing 10 has an electrical equipment room R2 (room) below the right duct room R4R, which is separated from the right duct room R4R by a second ceiling wall CW2. The electrical equipment room R2 is connected to the right duct room R4R via a ceiling wall opening 47 provided in the second ceiling wall CW2. The shared ventilation fan 45 described above is disposed in the ceiling wall opening 47.

[0146] Because the right duct room R4R has this type of structure, if no rainwater intrusion prevention structure is provided in the right duct room R4R, there is a risk that rainwater that enters the right duct room R4R through the top right opening 135 may enter the electrical equipment room R2 through the ceiling wall opening 46. In consideration of this, the right duct room R4R is provided with ventilation path forming members 52 and 53 that are positioned below the top right opening 135 and have inclined surfaces 52a and 53a on their upper surfaces that are inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0147] If the upper surfaces of the ventilation path forming members 52, 53 are configured to have inclined surfaces 52a, 53a, rainwater that enters the right duct room R4R can be easily repelled in a specific direction that is convenient for drainage. In addition, by arranging the ventilation path forming members 52, 53 having inclined surfaces 52a, 53a in the right duct room R4R, the area in which the upper surface right opening 135 is provided can be increased while preventing rainwater from heading toward the ventilation inlet (ceiling wall opening 47) of the right duct room R4R.

[0148] Unlike the left duct room R4L, the right duct room R4R has a ceiling wall opening 47 located at a position that overlaps with the top surface right opening 135 in a plan view. In other words, the ceiling wall opening 47 is located on the bottom surface of the right duct room R4R. For this reason, compared to the left duct room R4L, the right duct room R4R makes it easier for rainwater that enters the duct room through the top surface opening to seep into rooms located below the duct room.

[0149] Taking this into consideration, in the right duct room R4R, multiple ventilation path forming members 52, 53 are arranged vertically in a stacked manner. By providing multiple ventilation path forming members 52, 53, the distance from the upper surface right opening 135 to the ceiling wall opening 47, which is located upstream of the ventilation flow, can be increased. Furthermore, because the ventilation path forming members 52, 53, each having an inclined surface 52a, 53a on its upper surface, are arranged vertically in a stacked manner, the probability of rainwater entering the right duct room R4R from the upper surface right opening 135 being reflected in a specific direction can be increased. In other words, by arranging multiple ventilation path forming members 52, 53 vertically in a stacked manner, the possibility of rainwater entering the electrical room R2 through the ceiling wall opening 47 can be further reduced.

[0150] More specifically, in the right duct room R4R, a first ventilation path forming member 52 is disposed so as to cover the ceiling wall opening 47. The first ventilation path forming member 52 has a rear wall 521, an upper wall 522 constituting an inclined surface 52a, and a right side wall 523. The configuration of the first ventilation path forming member 52 is similar to that of the ventilation path forming member 51 disposed in the left duct room R4L, except that the left and right positions of the side walls are reversed, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The first ventilation path forming member 52 is fixed to the second ceiling wall CW2 constituting the bottom surface of the right duct room R4R and to the third partition wall PW3 constituting the left side surface of the right duct room R4R using fasteners such as bolts.

[0151] The second ventilation path forming member 53 has an upper wall 531 and a right side wall 532. The upper wall 531 is configured in the shape of a rectangular plate, and is disposed above the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming member 52. In a preferred embodiment, the upper wall 531 is disposed parallel to the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming member 52. The upper wall 531 forms the inclined surface 53a described above. The right side wall 532 is configured in the shape of a trapezoidal plate, and extends downward from the right end of the upper wall 531.

[0152] The second ventilation path forming member 53 is fixed to the top cover 13, the third partition wall PW3, and the first ventilation path forming member 52 using fasteners such as bolts. More specifically, the front end of the top wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming member 53 is fixed to the underside of the top cover 13 via a seal member (not shown). The left end of the top wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming member 53 is fixed to the third partition wall PW3. The right side wall 532 of the second ventilation path forming member 53 is fixed to the right side wall 523 of the first ventilation path forming member 52.

[0153] The upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming member 53 overlaps with the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming member 52 in plan view. More specifically, the front end of the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming member 53 is located at the same position as the front end of the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming member 52 in plan view. The rear end of the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming member 53 is located forward of the rear end of the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming member 52 in plan view. In other words, the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming member 53 does not completely overlap with the upper wall 522 of the first ventilation path forming member 52 in plan view. A portion of the upper wall of the first ventilation path forming member 52 protrudes rearward relative to the upper wall 531 of the second ventilation path forming member 53 in plan view.

[0154] 14, the ventilation flow that enters the right duct room R4R from the electrical equipment room R2 via the shared ventilation fan 45 enters the first space SP2 surrounded by the first ventilation path forming member 52, the second ceiling wall CW2, and the third partition wall PW3, and flows forward. The ventilation flow that leaves the outlet portion provided in the front of the first space SP2 rises and enters the second space SP3 surrounded by the first ventilation path forming member 52, the second ventilation path forming member 53, and the third partition wall PW3, and flows rearward. The ventilation flow that leaves the outlet portion provided in the rear of the second space SP3 flows toward the top right opening 135 and exits the housing 10 from the top right opening 135.

[0155] In plan view, the inclined surface 53a of the second ventilation path-forming member 53 is present in the range overlapping with the upper surface right opening 135, and the inclined surface 52a of the first ventilation path-forming member 52 is present in the portion where the inclined surface 53a is not present. The front end of the inclined surface 52a of the first ventilation path-forming member 52 is present in front of the rear end of the inclined surface 53a of the second ventilation path-forming member 53, and the inclined surface 52a of the first ventilation path-forming member 52 is configured to be recessed under the inclined surface 53a of the second ventilation path-forming member 53.

[0156] This structure increases the probability that rainwater that enters the right duct room R4R through the top right opening 135 will be bounced backward by the inclined surface 52a of the first ventilation path forming member 52 or the inclined surface 53a of the second ventilation path forming member 53, as shown in Fig. 14. The rainwater that is bounced backward is then discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through a drainage channel (not shown). This reduces the possibility that rainwater will enter the first space SP2 from an outlet located on the front side of the first space SP2 and reach the ceiling wall opening 47.

[0157] <3. Things to keep in mind> Various modifications can be made to the various technical features disclosed in this specification without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. Furthermore, multiple embodiments and modifications shown in this specification can be combined to the extent possible.

[0158] <4. Notes> An exemplary fuel cell system of the present invention may be configured (first configuration) to include a housing that houses a fuel cell module, the housing having a ventilation path for ventilating the interior, the inlet of the ventilation path being provided on a side of the housing, and the outlet of the ventilation path being provided on the top surface of the housing.

[0159] In the fuel cell system of the first configuration described above, the outlet may be an upper surface opening provided on the upper surface of the housing, the housing may have a duct room connected to the upper surface opening and constituting part of the ventilation path, and the duct room may have a ventilation path forming member arranged below the upper surface opening and having an inclined surface on its upper surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane (second configuration).

[0160] The fuel cell system of the second configuration may be configured (third configuration) such that a plurality of the ventilation path forming members are stacked in the vertical direction in the duct room.

[0161] In the fuel cell system of the second or third configuration described above, the housing may have a room below the duct room separated from the duct room by a ceiling wall, and the room may be configured to be connected to the duct room via a ceiling wall opening provided in the ceiling wall (fourth configuration).

[0162] In the fuel cell system of the fourth configuration, the ceiling wall opening may be arranged at a position displaced from the top surface opening in a plan view (fifth configuration).

[0163] In the fuel cell system of the above-mentioned fourth configuration, the ceiling wall opening may be located at a position that overlaps with the top surface opening in a plan view, and the duct room may be configured such that multiple ventilation path forming members are stacked in the vertical direction (sixth configuration).

[0164] In a fuel cell system of any of the above fourth to sixth configurations, the room may include a fuel cell room in which the fuel cell module is arranged, and an electrical equipment room separated from the fuel cell room and in which multiple electrical devices are arranged, and may have a configuration (seventh configuration) in which the system has a duct room provided for the fuel cell room and a duct room provided for the electrical equipment room.

[0165] In the fuel cell system of the seventh configuration described above, the housing may have a radiator room above the fuel cell room and the electrical equipment room that houses a radiator that cools the fuel cell module, and the radiator room may be provided between the duct room provided for the fuel cell room and the duct room provided for the electrical equipment room (eighth configuration).

[0166] In the fuel cell system of any one of the first to eighth configurations described above, the inlet of the ventilation path may be configured by a plurality of slits provided in a lower part of a side surface of the housing (ninth configuration).

[0167] An exemplary monogeneration device of the present invention may be configured (tenth configuration) including a fuel cell system according to any one of the first to ninth configurations described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1. Fuel cell system 2. Fuel cell module 3. Battery (electrical equipment) 4. Inverter (electrical equipment) 5. Control device (electrical equipment) 10. Housing 46, 47 Ceiling wall opening 51... Ventilation path forming member 51a...Slope surface 52 First ventilation passage forming member 52a...Slope surface 53... Second ventilation passage forming member 53a...Slope surface 134...Top left opening (Top opening) 135...Top right opening (top opening) 171, 211... Slit MG Monogeneration Device CW1: First ceiling wall (ceiling wall of fuel cell room) CW2: Second ceiling wall (ceiling wall of electrical equipment room) FW1: First floor wall (fuel cell room floor wall) R1: Fuel cell room (room) R2 Electrical equipment room (room) R3...Radiator Room R4 Duct Room R4L Left duct room R4R Right duct room VR1: Fuel cell room ventilation route VR2: Electrical compartment ventilation route

Claims

1. a housing for accommodating a fuel cell module; The housing has a ventilation path for ventilating the interior thereof, an inlet of the ventilation path is provided on a side surface of the housing; An outlet of the ventilation path is provided on the top surface of the housing.

2. the outlet is an upper surface opening provided on an upper surface of the housing, the housing has a duct room that is connected to the top surface opening and forms part of the ventilation path, 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the duct room is provided with a ventilation path forming member disposed below the upper surface opening and having an upper surface inclined relative to a horizontal plane.

3. 3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the ventilation path forming members are arranged in the duct room in a stacked manner in the vertical direction.

4. the housing has a room below the duct room that is separated from the duct room by a ceiling wall, 3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the room is connected to the duct room through a ceiling wall opening provided in the ceiling wall.

5. The fuel cell system according to claim 4 , wherein the ceiling wall opening is provided at a position offset from the top surface opening in a plan view.

6. 5. The fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein the ceiling wall opening is provided at a position overlapping the top surface opening in a plan view, and a plurality of the ventilation path forming members are arranged in the duct room in a stacked manner in the vertical direction.

7. In the room: a fuel cell room in which the fuel cell module is disposed; an electrical equipment room separated from the fuel cell room and in which a plurality of electrical devices are arranged; Contains, 5. The fuel cell system according to claim 4, further comprising: a duct room provided for the fuel cell room; and a duct room provided for the electrical equipment room.

8. the housing has a radiator room above the fuel cell room and the electrical equipment room, the radiator room accommodating a radiator that cools the fuel cell module; 8. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein the radiator room is provided between the duct room provided for the fuel cell room and the duct room provided for the electrical equipment room.

9. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the inlet of the ventilation path is formed by a plurality of slits provided in a lower part of a side surface of the housing.

10. A monogeneration device comprising the fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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