Fuel cell system and monogeneration device

Abstract

A fuel cell system is provided that can reduce the risk of drain water being discharged from an exhaust path together with exhaust gas and scattering around. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module and a drainage section. The drainage section is arranged branching off from an exhaust path of the fuel cell module.

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 have become desirable. In fuel cell systems, air after oxygen consumption (hereinafter also referred to as exhaust gas) and drain water are discharged from the fuel cell module as exhaust fluids. If the drain water is discharged outside the system together with the exhaust gas from the outlet of the exhaust fluid exhaust path, there is a risk that the drain water will be scattered around as the exhaust gas is discharged. This problem can also occur in monogeneration systems that do not utilize waste heat and only generate electricity.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a fuel cell system and a monogeneration device that can reduce the risk of drain water being discharged from the exhaust path together with exhaust gas and scattering into the surrounding area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A fuel cell system according to one aspect of the present invention is a fuel cell system including a fuel cell module, further including a drainage section branched off from an exhaust path of the fuel cell module.

[0007] A monogeneration system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above fuel cell system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk that drain water will be discharged from the exhaust path together with the exhaust gas and scattered around. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the exterior of a fuel cell system. [Figure 1B] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the exterior of a fuel cell system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the configuration related to power generation of the fuel cell system. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a cooling system provided in the fuel cell system. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration inside the housing. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a schematic configuration inside the housing. [Figure 5] 4C is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cross section of the housing shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B taken along the VV line. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a front view of the exhaust path. [Figure 6B] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the silencer. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the silencer. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the internal configuration of the main body case, located rearward of the partition wall. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing another configuration of the exhaust path of the fuel cell system. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper right cover of the housing. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the right front upper support pillar of the housing. [Figure 13A] 1 is a perspective view of the front upper right cover of the housing as viewed from the front right. [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front side upper right cover as viewed from the front left. [Figure 14A] 10 is a perspective view showing a step in the procedure for attaching the right front upper support column and the front side upper right cover to the frame that constitutes the housing. FIG. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the next step in the above procedure. [Figure 14C] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the next step in the above procedure. [Figure 14D] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the next step in the above procedure. 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 the schematic configuration of the exterior of a fuel cell system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system 1 can be applied to, for example, a monogeneration unit MG. The monogeneration unit MG is a system that generates electricity only, without utilizing waste heat like a cogeneration unit. The monogeneration unit 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 way, the monogeneration unit MG is equipped with a fuel cell system 1.

[0012] The fuel cell system 1 can also be applied to a cogeneration system. A cogeneration system is a combined heat and power supply system that generates electricity and recovers waste heat generated during the power generation to use for hot water supply or heating, for example. Similar to the monogeneration system MG, the cogeneration system may be configured with a single fuel cell system 1, or may be configured with multiple fuel cell systems 1 in combination.

[0013] The fuel cell system 1 can be used, for example, as a power generator in a home, a factory, or the like. The fuel cell system 1 is viewed from different directions in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIGS. 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] [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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] [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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 first temperature sensors TS1 may be changed as appropriate.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circulation path 711 circulates via the first reserve tank 713b.

[0043] 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.

[0044] (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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] [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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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, a first ceiling wall CW1, a first partition wall PW1, a left side cover 22 (see FIG. 1B), and the left front door 14a (see FIG. 1A) and the left rear door 18a (see FIG. 1B) in the 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.

[0067] A fuel cell module 2 is disposed in the fuel cell room R1. The fuel cell module 2 is supported by a first floor wall FW1. A hydrogen supply system, an air supply system, and an exhaust system (more specifically, part of the exhaust system) are also disposed in the fuel cell room R1.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The exhaust system 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. Hereinafter, the exhaust system (exhaust gas path) will also be referred to as the exhaust path ER. An exhaust introduction pipe 31, a silencer 32, and the like are arranged in the exhaust path ER. The details of the exhaust path ER will be described later. Exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 2a passes through the exhaust path ER and is discharged from the exhaust gas outlet 131.

[0071] 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 first ceiling wall CW1. 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 has a light mass and is prone to rising. Therefore, when a hydrogen gas leak occurs, an emergency shutdown of the system can be quickly performed.

[0072] 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, a second ceiling wall CW2, 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) when closed. 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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, the second ceiling wall CW2, and the top cover 13. In other words, the housing 10 has the radiator room R3 above the first ceiling wall CW1, which constitutes the fuel cell room R1. The housing 10 also has the radiator room R3 above the second ceiling wall CW2, which constitutes the electrical component room R2.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] A ceiling wall opening (not shown) is formed in the first ceiling wall CW1 of the fuel cell room R1, and a fuel cell room ventilation fan (not shown) is disposed in the ceiling wall opening. When the fuel cell room ventilation fan is driven, air from outside the housing 10 enters the fuel cell room R1 through multiple slits 171 in the lower part of the housing 10 and flows from bottom to top inside the fuel cell room R1. The air then passes through the fuel cell room ventilation fan and enters the left duct room R4L, which is located to the left of the radiator room R3. 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 the top left opening 134 (see FIG. 1A, etc.) provided in the top cover 13. This air flow ventilates the fuel cell room R1.

[0079] An inverter ventilation fan 43a (see FIG. 5) is provided in the electrical component room R2. The inverter ventilation fan 43a is disposed in an opening provided in the bottom surface of the inverter case 4C. By driving the inverter ventilation fan 43a, air from outside the housing 10 enters the inverter case 4C through multiple slits 171 in the bottom of the housing 10 and flows from bottom to top inside the inverter case 4C. This air then merges with air discharged from the battery case 3C (described later) and enters the right duct room R4R located 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 a top right opening 135 (see FIG. 1A, etc.) provided in the top cover 13. This air flow ventilates the inside of the inverter case 4C and cools (air-cools) the inverter 4.

[0080] A battery ventilation fan 43b (see FIG. 4A) is further provided in the electrical component room R2. The battery ventilation fan 43b is disposed at an opening in the battery case 3C downstream of the battery 3. In this embodiment, eight battery ventilation fans 43 are provided, but the number is not particularly limited. Other ventilation fans may be provided in the electrical component room R2 as needed.

[0081] By driving the battery ventilation fan 43b, air from outside the housing 10 enters the battery case 3C through the multiple slits 171 and 211 in the lower part of the housing 10 and flows inside the battery case 3C from rear to front. After merging with air exhausted from the inverter case 4C, this air enters the right duct room R4R and is exhausted to the outside of the housing 10 through the top right opening 135. This air flow ventilates the inside of the battery case 3C and cools (air-cools) the battery 3.

[0082] <2. Details of the exhaust route> Next, the above-mentioned exhaust path ER will be described in detail. Fig. 6A is a front view of the exhaust path ER as seen from the front. Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the exhaust path ER. The exhaust path ER connected to the fuel cell module 2 includes an exhaust inlet pipe 31, a silencer 32, and an exhaust pipe 33.

[0083] The exhaust introduction pipe 31 is a pipe that introduces the exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module 2 into the silencer 32. Here, the exhaust fluid includes air (exhaust gas) with a low oxygen concentration after oxygen has been consumed in the fuel cell stack 2a of the fuel cell module 2. The exhaust fluid also includes water produced by the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen in the fuel cell stack 2a. The exhaust introduction pipe 31 may be configured as a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting multiple pipes via flanges.

[0084] The silencer 32 is a sound-absorbing device for suppressing exhaust noise. The silencer 32 has a main body case 320. The main body case 320 is configured to have a tubular portion 321, which is a cylindrical pipe, a front wall portion 322, and a rear wall portion 323. The tubular portion 321 is arranged so that its central axis is along the front-rear direction. The front wall portion 322 is arranged on one side (front side) of the tubular portion 321 in the central axis direction (front-rear direction) and is connected to the tubular portion 321. The rear wall portion 323 is arranged on the other side (rear side) of the tubular portion 321 in the central axis direction and is connected to the tubular portion 321. As a result, the interior of the silencer 32 is formed as a closed space. Note that the arrangement of the silencer 32 in which the central axis of the tubular portion 321 is along the front-rear direction is just an example, and the arrangement is not limited to this. Details of the internal configuration of the silencer 32 will be described later.

[0085] The exhaust gas introduction pipe 31 is provided so as to penetrate the cylindrical portion 321 of the main body case 320. The exhaust gas introduction pipe 31 may be provided so as to penetrate the front wall portion 322. Instead of penetrating the cylindrical portion 321, etc., the exhaust gas introduction pipe 31 may be configured to be connected to an opening provided in the cylindrical portion 321, etc. by welding or the like.

[0086] The discharge pipe 33 is provided so as to penetrate the rear wall portion 323 of the main body case 320. The discharge pipe 33 may be provided so as to penetrate the tubular portion 321 of the main body case 320. Instead of penetrating the rear wall portion 323 or the like, the discharge pipe 33 may be configured to be connected to an opening provided in the rear wall portion 323 or the like by welding or the like.

[0087] The exhaust pipe 33 has the above-mentioned exhaust gas outlet 131. The exhaust gas outlet 131 is located at the end of the exhaust pipe 33 opposite to the end connected to the main body case 320. In this manner, the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment includes the exhaust pipe 33 connected to the main body case 320.

[0088] The discharge pipe 33 includes an inclined pipe 331 and a connecting pipe 332. The inclined pipe 331 extends obliquely upward from the main body case 320. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the inclined pipe 331 is formed in a curved shape that extends obliquely upward from the rear wall portion 323 of the main body case 320 and then turns upward to extend. The connecting pipe 332 is connected to the upper end of the inclined pipe 331 and extends upward. The inclined pipe 331 and the connecting pipe 332 are connected via a flange. Note that the discharge pipe 33 may be configured as a single pipe that integrates the inclined pipe 331 and the connecting pipe 332.

[0089] In the above configuration, exhaust gas contained in the exhaust fluid introduced from the fuel cell module 2 into the silencer 32 via the exhaust inlet pipe 31 passes through the inclined pipe 331 and the connection pipe 332 of the exhaust pipe 33 in this order, and is discharged from the exhaust gas outlet 131 to the top of the housing 10 (see FIG. 1A, etc.). From the above, it can be said that the silencer 32 is disposed midway along the exhaust path ER from the fuel cell module 2 toward the exhaust gas outlet 131.

[0090] The silencer 32 is provided with a drain pipe 324. Specifically, the drain pipe 324 is connected to a bottom 320a of the main body case 320 of the silencer 32. This allows communication between the inside of the main body case 320 and the drain pipe 324. Note that the bottom 320a refers to the portion located at the bottom of the main body case 320, but it does not have to be strictly the bottom, and may be shifted left or right from the bottom.

[0091] Moisture contained in the exhaust fluid guided into the silencer 32 accumulates by gravity at the bottom 320a of the main body case 320 and flows along the bottom 320a toward the drain pipe 324. The moisture is then discharged from the drain pipe 324 to the outside of the housing 10. Hereinafter, the moisture contained in the exhaust fluid will also be referred to as drain water. The outlet side portion of the drain pipe 324 extends rearward from the left end of the rear side lower cover 21, as shown in FIG. 4B, for example. Therefore, the drain water is discharged from the drain pipe 324 to the rear of the housing 10.

[0092] As in this embodiment, by connecting the drain pipe 324 to the main body case 320 of the silencer 32, the silencer 32 having the drain pipe 324 can function as a drain section DP that drains drain water contained in the exhaust fluid. From this, it can be said that the silencer 32 constitutes the drain section DP. In other words, it can be said that the silencer 32 has the drain section DP. Furthermore, as described above, since the silencer 32 is disposed midway along the exhaust path ER, it can be said that the silencer 32 having the drain pipe 324 (the drain section DP) is disposed branching off from the exhaust path ER.

[0093] As described above, the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment includes a drainage part DP that is arranged branching off from the exhaust path ER of the fuel cell module 2. This allows the water (drain water) contained in the exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module 2 to be discharged from the drainage part DP (particularly the drainage pipe 324), while the low-oxygen-concentration exhaust gas can be discharged directly to the outside of the housing 10 via the exhaust path ER. In this way, the drain water and the exhaust gas can be discharged separately, reducing the risk of the drain water being discharged from the exhaust path ER together with the exhaust gas and scattering around.

[0094] In this embodiment, a silencer 32 serving as a silencer is disposed midway along the exhaust path ER. This allows the exhaust noise of the exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module 2 (noise generated when the exhaust fluid flows) to be absorbed by the silencer 32, thereby reducing the exhaust noise.

[0095] In particular, in this embodiment, the silencer 32 has a drainage part DP, and one silencer 32 has both the function of draining drain water and the function of silencing exhaust fluid. As a result, compared to a configuration in which an air-water separation structure such as a mist separator is provided in the exhaust path ER separately from the silencer 32, there is no need to ensure a long exhaust path ER, and this also prevents the exhaust path ER from becoming complicated. Therefore, in a configuration in which the silencer 32 has a drainage part DP, it is easy to compactly install the drainage part DP (silencer 32) having a silencing function and a drainage function in the limited space inside the fuel cell system 1 (inside the housing 10).

[0096] In this embodiment, the main body case 320 (particularly the cylindrical portion 321) of the silencer 32 (drainage portion DP) is configured as a pipe (expanded diameter portion) having a larger outer diameter than the exhaust inlet pipe 31 that guides the exhaust fluid to the main body case 320. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the diameter W1 (mm) of the main body case 320 is larger than the diameter W2 (mm) of the exhaust inlet pipe 31.

[0097] In this configuration, it is easy to make the flow path diameter of the exhaust fluid inside the silencer 32 (corresponding to the inner diameter of the main body case 320) larger than the flow path diameter of the exhaust fluid inside the exhaust inlet pipe 31 (corresponding to the inner diameter of the exhaust inlet pipe 31). Since the flow path diameter is enlarged by the silencer 32, it is easy to reduce the flow velocity of the exhaust fluid that flows through the exhaust inlet pipe 31 and into the silencer 32 (main body case 320) by the main body case 320. This ensures that the silencer 32 reduces exhaust noise.

[0098] Drain pipe 324 is connected to bottom 320a of main body case 320. This makes it easy to drain water that has accumulated at bottom 320a inside main body case 320 downward through drain pipe 324 and discharge it to the outside.

[0099] Since the discharge pipe 33 includes the inclined pipe 331, even if drain water enters the inside of the discharge pipe 33 from the main body case 320 side together with the exhaust gas, the drain water falls diagonally downward by gravity, that is, toward the main body case 320 side. Furthermore, even if the drain water enters the inside of the discharge pipe 33 in a gaseous state (that is, in the form of water vapor), the water vapor eventually condenses inside the discharge pipe 33 and falls diagonally downward as water droplets. Therefore, the drain water and its water vapor are more effectively prevented from rising inside the discharge pipe 33 together with the exhaust gas and being discharged to the outside of the housing 10.

[0100] Furthermore, since the exhaust pipe 33 includes the connection pipe 332, the exhaust gas with a low oxygen concentration can be discharged above the housing 10 via the connection pipe 332. This reduces the risk that the exhaust gas with a low oxygen concentration will have an adverse effect on the human body even if there are people around (to the side of) the housing 10, improving safety.

[0101] Gravity (downward force) acts on the water contained in the exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module 2. In order to guide the exhaust fluid from the fuel cell module 2 to the silencer 32 without resisting gravity and to facilitate the discharge of the drain water contained in the exhaust fluid from the drain pipe 324, it is desirable to position the silencer 32, that is, the drain part DP, below the fuel cell module 2, as shown in Fig. 6A.

[0102] <3. Internal structure of the silencer> [3-1. Exhaust inlet and outlet] Fig. 7 is a side view showing the internal configuration of silencer 32. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of silencer 32. For convenience, in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, tubular portion 321 of main body case 320 of silencer 32 is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line).

[0103] The main body case 320 of the silencer 32 is provided with an exhaust inlet 31a and an exhaust outlet 33a. The exhaust inlet 31a is the part that serves as the inlet into the main body case 320 for the exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module 2. In this embodiment, the exhaust introduction pipe 31 is disposed to penetrate the cylindrical portion 321 of the main body case 320. Therefore, one end of the exhaust introduction pipe 31 located inside the main body case 320 constitutes the exhaust inlet 31a. Note that this one end (exhaust inlet 31a) is also the end of the exhaust introduction pipe 31 on the opposite side to the side connected to the fuel cell module 2.

[0104] The exhaust outlet 33a is a portion that serves as an outlet from the main body case 320 for exhaust gas contained in the exhaust fluid. In this embodiment, the exhaust piping 33 is disposed so as to penetrate the rear wall portion 323 of the main body case 320. Therefore, one end of the exhaust piping 33 located inside the main body case 320 constitutes the exhaust outlet 33a. Note that this one end (exhaust outlet 33a) is also the end of the exhaust piping 33 on the opposite side from the exhaust gas outlet 131. As shown in FIG. 7, the exhaust outlet 33a is located rearward of the exhaust inlet 31a in the front-rear direction.

[0105] Of the exhaust fluid that flows into main body case 320 via exhaust inlet 31a, drain water is discharged from drain pipe 324, and exhaust gas is discharged from exhaust outlet 33a. By separately providing drain pipe 324, exhaust inlet 31a, and exhaust outlet 33a in main body case 320 in this way, silencer 32 that separates and discharges drain water and exhaust gas is reliably realized.

[0106] [3-2. Regarding the partition wall, internal piping, and inclined arrangement of the main body case] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the silencer 32 further includes a partition wall 325 and an internal pipe 326. The partition wall 325 is a partition wall that separates the interior of the main body case 320 (particularly the tubular portion 321) into an exhaust inlet 31a side and an exhaust outlet 33a side. The partition wall 325 is disposed slightly rearward of the center of the tubular portion 321 in the front-to-rear direction. The position of the partition wall 325 in the front-to-rear direction may be set as appropriate. The partition wall 325 separates the interior of the main body case 320 into multiple compartments: a first compartment P1 on the exhaust inlet 31a side and a second compartment P2 on the exhaust outlet 33a side. The drain pipe 324 is connected to the bottom 320a of the main body case 320 at a position closer to a second end 320a2 (described later) than the partition wall 325.

[0107] The partition wall portion 325 has a disk portion 325a and an edge portion 325b. The disk portion 325a extends in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis direction (front-rear direction) of the cylindrical portion 321. The edge portion 325b is connected to the outer periphery of the disk portion 325a and extends forward. The edge portion 325b is fixed to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 321 by welding or the like. In this way, the partition wall portion 325 is fixed to the main body case 320.

[0108] Disk portion 325a is provided with opening 325a1 (see FIG. 8). Opening 325a1 is formed by cutting out a portion of the outer periphery of disk portion 325a, and the cutout portion is closed by bottom portion 320a of main body case 320. In other words, partition portion 325 has opening 325a1 at its bottom. Opening 325a1 may also be a hole whose entire periphery is closed.

[0109] Internal piping 326 is provided to penetrate partition wall portion 325 (particularly disk portion 325a) in the front-rear direction. Internal piping 326 connects the inside of main body case 320 between exhaust inlet 31a and exhaust outlet 33a. Internal piping 326 is provided perpendicular to partition wall portion 325, but may be provided at an angle relative to partition wall portion 325. In other words, internal piping 326 may be provided to penetrate partition wall portion 325 at an angle.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 7 , bottom 320a of main body case 320 has first end 320a1 and second end 320a2. First end 320a1 is located on bottom 320a closer to exhaust inlet 31a than partition wall 325. Second end 320a2 is located on bottom 320a closer to exhaust outlet 33a than partition wall 325. Main body case 320 is disposed with bottom 320a inclined by θ (°) with respect to the horizontal plane. As a result, second end 320a2 is located lower than first end 320a1. Note that the inclination angle θ is, for example, 1°, but may be an angle other than 1°. Furthermore, inclination angle θ may be zero. In other words, main body case 320 may be disposed horizontally.

[0111] By providing a partition wall portion 325 and an internal pipe 326 inside the main body case 320, the exhaust gas of the exhaust fluid that flows into the main body case 320 (into the first compartment P1) from the exhaust inlet 31a passes directly through the internal pipe 326, or passes through the internal pipe 326 after colliding with the partition wall portion 325, enters the second compartment P2, and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust outlet 33a.

[0112] Meanwhile, drain water contained in the exhaust fluid falls directly to and accumulates on bottom 320a of main body case 320 due to gravity, or falls to and accumulates on bottom 320a after colliding with partition 325 together with the exhaust gas. The water accumulated on bottom 320a flows through opening 325a1 along bottom 320a to second end 320a2 and is discharged through drain pipe 324.

[0113] Thus, a configuration in which the partition wall 325 and the internal piping 326 are provided in the silencer 32 is desirable in that it allows exhaust gas contained in the exhaust fluid to be discharged to the outside of the main body case 320 while trapping drain water contained in the exhaust fluid (particularly drain water that does not fall directly onto the bottom part 320a) and collecting it at the bottom part 320a. The interior of the main body case 320 is also separated into a plurality of compartments (e.g., a first compartment P1 and a second compartment P2) by the partition wall 325. In this configuration, the exhaust fluid (particularly exhaust gas) expands and is decompressed as it travels from the first compartment P1 through the internal piping 326 to the second compartment P2. This ensures that the silencer 32 reliably silences exhaust noise.

[0114] In a configuration in which a partition wall portion 325 is provided in the main body case 320, it is desirable to provide an opening 325a1 at the bottom of the partition wall portion 325 as a passageway for the drain water, in order to allow the drain water collected at the bottom 320a of the main body case 320 to flow along the bottom 320a and be guided to the drain pipe 324.

[0115] In the configuration in which main body case 320 is disposed at an angle as described above, drain water accumulated at bottom 320a inside main body case 320 is collected on second end 320a2 side (exhaust outlet 33a side). This allows the drain water to be efficiently discharged from drain pipe 324. In addition, the accumulation of drain water over a wide area of ​​bottom 320a of main body case 320 is reduced. This also reduces the risk of drain water remaining inside main body case 320 for a long period of time without being drained.

[0116] The drain pipe 324 is preferably arranged as in this embodiment in that the inclined arrangement of the main body case 320 allows drain water collected on the second end 320a2 side of the bottom 320a to be quickly discharged from the drain pipe 324. In other words, the drain pipe 324 is preferably connected to the bottom 320a of the main body case 320 on the second end 320a2 side rather than the partition wall portion 325.

[0117] In this embodiment, only one partition wall 325 is provided inside the main body case 320, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a plurality of partition wall parts 325 may be provided inside the main body case 320 to separate the inside of the main body case 320 into three or more compartments. In this case, a plurality of internal pipes 326 penetrating the partition wall part 325 may also be provided inside the main body case 320 corresponding to the respective partition wall parts 325.

[0118] [3-3. Height of exhaust outlet] In this embodiment, the exhaust outlet 33a is disposed at the following height position in the main body case 320. That is, as shown in Fig. 7, the exhaust outlet 33a is disposed at a position HP in the main body case 320 that is higher than the accumulation height h1 of the drain water separated from the exhaust path ER.

[0119] Here, the retention height h1 of drain water in the main body case 320 is the retention height of drain water based on the second end 320a2 of the bottom 320a of the main body case 320. The retention height h1 is determined depending on the inclination angle θ of the main body case 320 and the position in the front-to-rear direction of the drain pipe 324 connected to the bottom 320a. Furthermore, the position HP of the exhaust outlet 33a refers to the position of the lower end of the exhaust outlet 33a. The position HP of the exhaust outlet 33a may be set arbitrarily taking into consideration the retention height h1 of the drain water.

[0120] In the main body case 320, the position HP of the exhaust outlet 33a is higher than the accumulation height h1 of the drain water, so that the drain water accumulated at the bottom 320a of the main body case 320 is less likely to be transported to the exhaust outlet 33a (is less likely to be blown up to the exhaust outlet 33a) by the force of the exhaust gas flowing toward the exhaust outlet 33a inside the main body case 320. This further reduces the risk that the drain water accumulated at the bottom 320a will be scattered outside the housing 10 through the exhaust piping 33 together with the exhaust gas.

[0121] [3-4. Water sealing structure of the drainage section] As shown in Figure 7, the drainage section DP has a water seal section 324a in a part of the drainage path S (drainage pipe 324). The drainage path S is composed of, for example, a first drainage pipe S1, a second drainage pipe S2, a third drainage pipe S3, and a fourth drainage pipe S4 connected together. The first drainage pipe S1 is a pipe extending downward from the bottom 320a of the main body case 320. The second drainage pipe S2 is a pipe extending rearward from the downstream end (lower end) of the first drainage pipe S1. The third drainage pipe S3 is a pipe extending upward from the downstream end (rear end) of the second drainage pipe S2. The fourth drainage pipe S4 is a pipe extending rearward from the downstream end (upper end) of the third drainage pipe S3. The outlet side portion of the fourth drainage pipe S4 corresponds to the outlet side portion of the drainage pipe 324 shown in Figure 4B.

[0122] The third drain pipe S3 is shorter than the first drain pipe S1. Therefore, when the position of the second drain pipe S2 is used as a reference, the height position of the fourth drain pipe S4 connected to the third drain pipe S3 is lower than the upper end (connection portion with the bottom 320a) of the first drain pipe S1.

[0123] The drain water flowing through the drain pipe 324 flows through the first drain pipe S1, the second drain pipe S2, the third drain pipe S3, and the fourth drain pipe S4 in that order, and is then discharged outside the housing 10 (see FIG. 4B, etc.). At this time, because the height position of the fourth drain pipe S4 is lower than the upper end of the first drain pipe S1, the drain water that exceeds the height of the third drain pipe S3 is discharged through the fourth drain pipe S4. Then, the drain water that does not exceed the height of the third drain pipe S3 accumulates as seal water in the first drain pipe S1, the second drain pipe S2, and the third drain pipe S3. Therefore, the first drain pipe S1, the second drain pipe S2, and the third drain pipe S3 form a water seal section 324a that collects drain water separated from the exhaust path ER. In FIG. 7, the portion of the drain pipe 324 where the drain water accumulates is indicated by hatching.

[0124] The exhaust gas contained in the exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module 2 is air after oxygen consumption, and therefore has a low oxygen concentration. For this reason, if the exhaust gas is mixed with the drain water and discharged to the side (e.g., rear) of the casing 10, there is a concern that it may affect the human body if there is a person around the casing 10. Therefore, from a safety standpoint, it is desirable to prevent the exhaust gas from mixing with the drain water discharge path that is discharged to the side of the casing 10. By having the water seal portion 324a in the drain portion DP (particularly the drain pipe 324), the drain water (sealing water) accumulated in the water seal portion 324a prevents the exhaust gas from entering the drain pipe 324 from inside the main body case 320. This reduces the risk that the exhaust gas will mix with the drain water and be discharged from the drain pipe 324.

[0125] [3-5. Positional relationship between exhaust outlet and internal piping (labyrinth structure)] 7 and 8. As shown in the figure, in the main body case 320 of the silencer 32, the exhaust outlet 33a is located outside the internal pipe 326 when viewed in the direction of the central axis of the internal pipe 326 (e.g., the front-to-rear direction). In other words, when viewed in the direction of the central axis of the internal pipe 326, the exhaust outlet 33a is positioned offset from the internal pipe 326 in the radial direction of the internal pipe 326. This positional relationship between the exhaust outlet 33a and the internal pipe 326 is also called a labyrinth structure (offset structure).

[0126] In this manner, when exhaust outlet 33a and internal pipe 326 are disposed in main body case 320 so as to be offset from each other in the radial direction of internal pipe 326, even if exhaust fluid introduced into main body case 320 passes through internal pipe 326 while containing exhaust gas and drain water (or water vapor), exhaust fluid collides with the wall surface (here, rear wall 323) of main body case 320 because exhaust outlet 33a does not exist at the destination (on the extension of internal pipe 326). As a result, the drain water or water vapor contained in the exhaust fluid is captured (trapped) by rear wall 323. Then, the drain water or water vapor is separated from the exhaust gas. This further reduces the risk that drain water or water vapor will be discharged from exhaust outlet 33a to the outside of housing 10 together with exhaust gas and scattered around.

[0127] [3-6. Other configurations of fuel cell systems] Although the configuration in which the silencer 32 (see FIG. 6A, etc.) is arranged in the exhaust path ER has been described above, it is also possible to configure the fuel cell system 1 without arranging the silencer 32.

[0128] 10 is a front view schematically showing another configuration of the exhaust path ER of the fuel cell system 1. As shown in the figure, the exhaust path ER may be configured by directly connecting the exhaust pipe 33 to the exhaust inlet pipe 31, and a drain pipe 324 may be arranged branching off from this exhaust path ER. The drain pipe 324 may be configured, for example, as a pipe that protrudes downward from the middle of the exhaust path ER (for example, a tee pipe arranged at the branch point). In such a configuration, the drain pipe 324 alone constitutes the drain section DP that is arranged branching off from the exhaust path ER of the fuel cell module 2.

[0129] Even in the configuration of Figure 10, of the exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module 2 and flowing through the exhaust path ER, the exhaust gas flows upward through the exhaust pipe 33 and is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 (see Figure 4A, etc.). On the other hand, the drain water contained in the exhaust fluid is subjected to a downward force due to gravity, so it flows downward through the drain pipe 324 that constitutes the drain section DP and is discharged. Therefore, the drain water and the exhaust gas can be separated and discharged separately. As a result, the risk of the drain water being discharged from the exhaust path ER together with the exhaust gas and scattering around is reduced.

[0130] <4. Cover mounting structure> 1A and 1B, the support posts 12, front side upper cover 16, and rear side upper cover 20 are attached using both bolt fastening and fitting. This allows for easy installation while concealing the bolts. This will be explained in detail below.

[0131] As described above, the left front support column 12a and the right front support column 12b are symmetrical in the left-right direction, and the front side upper-left cover 16a and the front side upper-right cover 16b are symmetrical in the left-right direction. Similarly, the left rear support column 12c and the right rear support column 12d are symmetrical in the left-right direction, and the rear side upper-left cover 20a and the rear side upper-right cover 20b are symmetrical in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the left front support column 12a and the right front support column 12b are symmetrical in the front-rear direction, and the left rear support column 12c and the right rear support column 12d are symmetrical in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the front side upper-left cover 16a and the front side upper-right cover 16b are symmetrical in the front-rear direction, and the rear side upper-left cover 20a and the rear side upper-right cover 20b are symmetrical in the front-rear direction. For this reason, the following describes a method for attaching the right front support column 12b and the front side upper-right cover 16b as an example. For the other components, similar attachment can be achieved by reversing the attachment method of the right front support column 12b and the front upper right cover 16b and the front side surface in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0132] [4-1. Composition of each cover] First, the right side cover 23 (see FIG. 1A) into which the support column 12 is fitted will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the right side upper cover 23U of the housing 10. The right side upper cover 23U is the upper cover when the right side cover 23 is divided vertically. The right side upper cover 23U has a right side upper cover main body 23U1, a front bent portion 23U2, an upper bent portion 23U3, a lower bent portion 23U4, and a rear bent portion (not shown).

[0133] The right side upper cover main body 23U1 is a flat plate that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The front bent portion 23U2 is formed by bending the front end of the right side upper cover main body 23U1 to the left. Two first through holes 23U2a that penetrate in the front-rear direction are formed in the front bent portion 23U2 at intervals in the up-down direction. The number of first through holes 23U2a is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more. The rear bent portion is formed symmetrically in the front-rear direction to the front bent portion 23U2.

[0134] The upper bent portion 23U3 is formed by bending the upper end of the right side upper cover body 23U1 to the left. The upper bent portion 23U3 has multiple holes 23U3a for inserting bolts that penetrate vertically in the front-rear direction.

[0135] The lower bent portion 23U4 is formed by bending the lower end of the right side upper cover body 23U1 to the left and then bending the left end further downward. The lower bent portion 23U4 has multiple holes 23U4a for inserting bolts that penetrate in the left-right direction.

[0136] 12 is a perspective view of right front upper support column 12bU of housing 10. Right front upper support column 12bU is the upper support column (cover) when right front support column 12b (see FIG. 1A) is divided vertically. Right front upper support column 12bU has right front upper support column main body 12b1 and bent portion 12b2.

[0137] The right front upper support body 12b1 is configured with a curved cover that has an arc shape with a central angle of 90° when viewed from the vertical direction. In other words, the right front upper support body 12b1 extends from the front left end to the right, then turns around and extends rearward along an arc with a central angle of 90°. Two protrusions 12b3 that protrude rearward are formed at the right rear end of the right front upper support body 12b1, spaced apart in the vertical direction. The number of protrusions 12b3a is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more. However, the position of the protrusion 12b3 corresponds to the position of the first through-hole 23U2a in the right side upper cover 23U.

[0138] The bent portion 12b2 extends rearward from the front left end of the right front upper support body 12b1 and is formed by further bending the rear end to the left. Two second through holes 12b2a penetrating in the left-right direction are formed in the bent portion 12b2 at vertically spaced locations. The number of second through holes 12b2a is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, the bent portion 12b2 is formed with multiple bolt insertion holes 12b2b penetrating in the front-rear direction at vertically spaced locations.

[0139] Fig. 13A is a perspective view of the front-side upper right cover 16b of the housing 10 as seen from the front right. Fig. 13B is a perspective view of the front-side upper right cover 16b as seen from the front left. As shown in these figures, the front-side upper right cover 16b has a front-side upper right cover main body 16b1, an upper bent portion 16b2, and a lower protruding portion 16b3.

[0140] The front-side upper right cover body 16b1 is a flat plate that extends in the left-right and up-down directions. The front opening 161 described above is formed near the lower left of the front-side upper right cover body 16b1. Two first protrusions 16b1a that protrude to the right are formed at the right end of the front-side upper right cover body 16b1, spaced apart in the up-down direction. The number of first protrusions 16b1a is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more. However, the position of the first protrusions 16b1a corresponds to the position of the second through-hole 12b2a of the right front upper support 12bU.

[0141] In addition, two second protrusions 16b1b protruding rearward are formed at the left end of the front side upper right cover body 16b1 at a distance in the vertical direction. The number of second protrusions 16b1b is not limited to two and may be one, three, or more. However, the positions of the second protrusions 16b1b correspond to the positions of the fixing holes 15Ua provided in the front side partition upper frame 15U (see FIG. 14B). The front side partition upper frame 15U is the upper frame when the front side partition frame 15 (see FIG. 1A) is divided vertically.

[0142] The upper bent portion 16b2 extends rearward from the upper end of the front right cover body 16b1, bends downward, and then extends further rearward. The upper bent portion 16b2 has multiple holes (not shown) for inserting bolts that penetrate vertically at left and right locations.

[0143] The lower protrusion 16b3 extends rearward and then downward from the lower end of the front upper right cover body 16b1. The lower protrusion 16b3 has notches 16b3a (see FIG. 13A) for fixing bolts that penetrate in the front-rear direction, and are formed at multiple locations in the left-right direction.

[0144] [4-2. How to install each cover] 14A and 14B are perspective views that schematically show a procedure for attaching the front right upper support 12bU and the front side upper right cover 16b to the frame F that constitutes the housing 10. Note that the frame F includes not only a frame that supports (fixes) the top cover 13 shown in FIG. 4A etc., but also frames that support the first ceiling wall CW1 and the second ceiling wall CW2.

[0145] First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the right side upper cover 23U is fixed to the frame F using bolts. For example, a hole 23U3a formed in the upper bent portion 23U3 of the right side upper cover 23U is aligned with a hole (not shown) formed at a predetermined position on the frame F. Then, a bolt is inserted into the hole 23U3a from above, and a nut is placed on the opposite side of the frame F from the upper bent portion 23U3 and screwed in. Also, a hole formed at a predetermined position on the frame F is aligned with a hole 23U4a formed in the lower bent portion 23U4, and a bolt is inserted into the hole 23U4a from the right, and a nut is placed on the opposite side of the frame F from the lower bent portion 23U4 and screwed in. This completes the bolt fastening of the right side upper cover main body 23U1 to the frame F.

[0146] The bolt inserted into the hole 23U4a will be hidden by the right side lower cover (not shown) when the right side lower cover is attached to the frame F. The right side lower cover is the lower cover when the right side cover 23 (see FIG. 1A) is divided in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the bolt inserted from above into the hole 23U3a of the upper bent portion 23U3 will not be hidden by other members, but because it is located above the housing 10, it will be difficult to see the bolt even when looking up from below.

[0147] Additionally, the front side partition upper frame 15U is bolted to the center of the frame F in the left-right direction. Holes 15Ub that penetrate in the front-to-back direction are formed in predetermined locations on the front side partition upper frame 15U. Therefore, the holes in the frame F at predetermined positions are aligned with the holes 15Ub in the front side partition upper frame 15U, and a bolt is inserted into the holes 15Ub from the front, and a nut is placed on the opposite side and screwed in. This completes the bolt fastening of the front side partition upper frame 15U to the frame F.

[0148] Next, as shown in Figure 14B, the protrusion 12b3 (see Figure 12) of the right front upper support 12bU is inserted from the front into the first through-hole 23U2a of the right side upper cover 23U. This temporarily fastens the right front upper support 12bU to the right side upper cover 23U.

[0149] Thereafter, the hole 12b2b of the right front upper support 12bU is aligned with a hole (not shown) provided in a fixing plate F1 that is fixed to a predetermined position on the frame F. Then, a bolt is inserted into the hole 12b2b, and a nut is placed on the opposite side and screwed in. This causes the right front upper support 12bU to be bolted to the frame F (fixing plate F1).

[0150] Next, as shown in FIG. 14C, the first protrusion 16b1a of the front side upper right cover 16b is inserted into the second through-hole 12b2a (see FIG. 12) of the right front upper support 12bU. At this time, with the left end of the front side upper right cover 16b positioned forward of the right end of the front side upper right cover 16b, the front side upper right cover 16b is moved diagonally rearward to the right. By inserting the first protrusion 16b1a into the second through-hole 12b2a, the front side upper right cover 16b is temporarily fixed to the right front upper support 12bU.

[0151] Next, the left end of the front-side upper right cover 16b is pushed rearward. This causes the front-side upper right cover 16b to rotate about its right end, and the second protrusion 16b1b of the front-side upper right cover 16b is inserted from the front into the fixing hole 15Ua of the front-side partition upper frame 15U (see FIG. 14D). In this state, a bolt is inserted from above into the hole provided in the upper bent portion 16b2 (see FIG. 13A) of the front-side upper right cover 16b, and a nut is placed on the opposite side of the frame F and screwed in. Also, a bolt is inserted from the front into the notch 16b3a of the lower protrusion 16b3, and a nut is placed on the opposite side of the frame F and screwed in. This fixes the front-side upper right cover 16b to the frame F.

[0152] The bolt inserted into the notch 16b3a of the lower protrusion 16b3 is hidden by the closed right front door 14b. On the other hand, the bolt inserted from above into the hole in the upper bent portion 16b2 of the front right cover 16b is not hidden by other members, but because it is located above the housing 10, it is difficult to see the bolt even when looking up from below.

[0153] As described above, in the front side upper right cover 16b, the protruding direction (left-right direction) of the first protrusion 16b1a and the protruding direction of the second protrusion 16b1b are different directions, more specifically, perpendicular to each other. As a result, as described above, the front side upper right cover 16b can be finally attached to the frame F by two movements: inserting it into the right front upper support 12bU and rotating the left end. Therefore, even if the front side upper right cover 16b is heavy, a single worker can attach the front side upper right cover 16b to the frame F. Furthermore, the bolts used for fastening are hidden by other members, improving the appearance.

[0154] <5. 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.

[0155] <6. Notes> The fuel cell system and monogeneration device described in this embodiment can be expressed as follows.

[0156] The fuel cell system in Appendix (1) is A fuel cell system including a fuel cell module, The fuel cell module further includes a drainage section that is branched off from the exhaust path of the fuel cell module.

[0157] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (2) is the fuel cell system according to supplementary note (1), The drainage unit has a main body case, The main body case is provided with an exhaust inlet through which exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module enters, and an exhaust outlet through which exhaust gas contained in the exhaust fluid exits.

[0158] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (3) is the fuel cell system according to supplementary note (2), The drainage section is a partition wall portion that divides the inside of the main body case into the exhaust inlet side and the exhaust outlet side; The exhaust gas inlet and the exhaust gas outlet are connected to each other through an internal pipe that penetrates the partition wall and connects the inside of the main body case to the exhaust inlet and the exhaust outlet.

[0159] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (4) is the fuel cell system according to supplementary note (3), The exhaust outlet is located outside the internal pipe when viewed in the direction of the central axis of the internal pipe.

[0160] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (5) is the fuel cell system according to any one of supplementary notes (2) to (4), The drainage section has a drainage pipe connected to the bottom of the main body case.

[0161] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (6) is the fuel cell system according to supplementary note (5), The partition has an opening at the bottom.

[0162] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (7) is the fuel cell system according to supplementary note (5) or (6), the bottom of the main body case has a first end portion located on the exhaust inlet side with respect to the partition wall portion and a second end portion located on the exhaust outlet side with respect to the partition wall portion, The second end is located below the first end.

[0163] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (8) is the fuel cell system according to supplementary note (7), The drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the main body case at a position closer to the second end than the partition wall.

[0164] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (9) is the fuel cell system according to any one of supplementary notes (2) to (8), The exhaust outlet is disposed in the main body case at a position higher than the height of drain water separated from the exhaust path.

[0165] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (10) is the fuel cell system according to any one of supplementary notes (2) to (9), an exhaust pipe connected to the main body case and having the exhaust outlet; The discharge pipe includes an inclined pipe extending obliquely upward from the main body case.

[0166] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (11) is the fuel cell system according to supplementary note (10), The discharge pipe includes a connecting pipe that is connected to the inclined pipe and extends upward.

[0167] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (12) is the fuel cell system according to any one of supplementary notes (2) to (11), The diameter of the main body case is larger than the diameter of an exhaust inlet pipe that introduces the exhaust fluid into the main body case.

[0168] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (13) is the fuel cell system according to any one of supplementary notes (1) to (12), The drainage section is disposed below the fuel cell module.

[0169] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (14) is the fuel cell system according to any one of supplementary notes (1) to (13), The drainage section has a water seal section in a part of the drainage path that stores drain water separated from the exhaust path.

[0170] The fuel cell system of supplementary note (15) is the fuel cell system according to any one of supplementary notes (1) to (14), Further, a silencer is provided in the exhaust path, The silencer includes the drainage portion.

[0171] The monogeneration device of Appendix (16) is The fuel cell system according to any one of appendices (1) to (15) is provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1. Fuel cell system 2. Fuel cell module 31 Exhaust intake piping 31a Exhaust inlet 32 silencer 33 Discharge piping 33a Exhaust outlet 131 Exhaust gas outlet 320 Main unit case 320a bottom 320a1 1st end 320a2 2nd end 324 Drainage section 324a Water seal section 325 Bulkhead 325a1 opening 326 Internal Piping 331 Inclined Piping 332 Connecting piping ER exhaust route HP position MG monogeneration device S Drainage route

Claims

1. A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell module, A fuel cell system further comprising a drainage section that branches off from the exhaust path of the fuel cell module.

2. The drainage unit has a main body case, The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the main body case is provided with an exhaust inlet which serves as an inlet for exhaust fluid discharged from the fuel cell module, and an exhaust outlet which serves as an outlet for exhaust gas contained in the exhaust fluid.

3. The drainage section is The interior of the main case is divided into a partition wall between the exhaust inlet side and the exhaust outlet side, The fuel cell system according to claim 2, further comprising internal piping that penetrates the partition wall and communicates the inside of the main body case with the exhaust inlet side and the exhaust outlet side.

4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the exhaust outlet is located outside the internal piping when viewed from the central axis direction of the internal piping.

5. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the drainage section has a drain pipe connected to the bottom of the main body case.

6. The fuel cell system according to claim 5, wherein the partition wall portion has an opening at its lower part.

7. The bottom of the main body case has a first end located on the exhaust inlet side with respect to the partition wall, and a second end located on the exhaust outlet side with respect to the partition wall. The fuel cell system according to claim 5, wherein the second end is located below the first end.

8. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein the drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the main body case at the second end side of the partition wall.

9. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the exhaust outlet is located in the main body case at a position higher than the accumulation height of the drain water separated from the exhaust path.

10. The main body case is connected to the exhaust piping having the exhaust outlet, The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the discharge piping includes an inclined pipe extending diagonally upward from the main body case.

11. The fuel cell system according to claim 10, wherein the discharge pipe includes a connecting pipe that is connected to the inclined pipe and extends upward.

12. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of the main body case is greater than the diameter of the exhaust introduction pipe that guides the exhaust fluid into the main body case.

13. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein the drainage section is disposed below the fuel cell module.

14. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the drainage section has a water seal section in a part of the drainage path that is separated from the exhaust path and that collects drain water.

15. Further, a silencer is provided in the exhaust path, The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein the silencer comprises the drain.

16. A monogeneration device comprising the fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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