fuel cells

Abstract

This suppresses the temperature rise of the pressing mechanism that presses the power generation module. [Solution] The fuel cell 1 comprises a housing 2 capable of sealing the internal gas to prevent leakage to the outside, a power generation module 3 made of a large number of stacked cells and housed in the housing 2, a pressing mechanism 4 housed in the housing 2 and pressing the power generation module 3 along the stacking direction of the cells, and a partition member 5 positioned inside the housing 2 in contact with the power generation module 3, dividing the inside of the housing 2 into a first region A1 where the power generation module 3 is housed and a second region A2 where the pressing mechanism 4 is housed, and sliding along the stacking direction and pressing the power generation module 3 upon receiving force from the pressing mechanism 4.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fastening structure for a laminate that needs to be fastened with a predetermined fastening force, such as a laminate in a fuel cell.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, both ends of a laminate in which plate-like members are stacked are sandwiched by a pair of end plates, a tie rod is inserted into a through hole of the end plate, and the end plate is fastened from both ends of the tie rod using a fastening member. A fastening structure of the laminate is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the laminate in the fuel cell becomes high temperature. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the tie rod close to the laminate becomes high temperature and the heat is transferred through the tie rod to make the end plate high temperature.

[0006] [[ID=四十二]] That is, in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the strength of the tie rod and the end plate, which are configured to press the laminate, is reduced due to the heat influence from the high-temperature laminate. Further, the tie rod and the end plate in Patent Document 1 have a short heat-resistant life due to becoming high temperature, and there is a risk of being forced to use an expensive heat-resistant material.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] It should be noted that there seems to be an error in the original text where "[[ID=三十二]]" is used. It should probably be a correct ID number. Also, the ellipsis in the translation of " " is just to indicate that there may be more content originally that is not fully shown in the provided text.The fuel cell of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a housing capable of sealing the internal gas so as not to leak to the outside; a power generation module consisting of a large number of cells stacked and housed in the housing; a pressing mechanism housed in the housing and pressing the power generation module along the stacking direction of the cells; and a partition member disposed inside the housing so as to be in contact with the power generation module, dividing the inside of the housing into a first region where the power generation module is housed and a second region where the pressing mechanism is housed, and sliding along the stacking direction, and receiving force from the pressing mechanism to press the power generation module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The fuel cell of the present invention can suppress the flow of heat (heat conduction) from the first region where the power generation module is located to the second region where the pressing mechanism is located, by using a partition member. As a result, the pressing mechanism is less affected by the heat generated by the power generation module, and its temperature rise is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrating the general configuration of the fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic exploded perspective view showing the configuration housed within the casing of the fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing a plan view of a part of the housing and power generation module of the fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 5] An exploded perspective view of a power generation unit in a fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram illustrating the central anode gas flow path. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram illustrating the central cathode gas flow path. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram illustrating the gas flow within the casing of the fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 9]Explanatory drawing showing an enlarged view of the main part of the fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing showing an enlarged view of the main part of the fuel cell in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Explanatory drawing showing an enlarged view of the main part of the fuel cell in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Explanatory drawing showing an enlarged view of the main part of the fuel cell in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Explanatory drawing showing an enlarged view of the main part of another example of the fuel cell in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Explanatory drawing showing an enlarged view of the main part of the fuel cell in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing showing a plan view of the housing and the partition member of the fuel cell in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Explanatory drawing showing an enlarged view of the main part of the fuel cell in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Explanatory drawing schematically showing the main part of the fuel cell in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Explanatory drawing schematically showing the fuel cell in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Explanatory drawing schematically showing another example of the fuel cell in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing schematically showing the schematic configuration of a fuel cell (solid oxide fuel cell) 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the fuel cell 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration housed in the housing 2 of the fuel cell 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory drawing showing a plan view of a part of the housing 2 of the fuel cell 1 and the power generation module 3.

[0011] The fuel cell 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, for example, and generates electricity by supplying anode gas and cathode gas. The anode gas is, for example, hydrogen gas. The cathode gas is, for example, air.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell 1 includes a metal housing 2, a power generation module 3 housed in the housing 2, a pressing mechanism 4 that presses the power generation module 3, a plate-shaped partition member 5 that divides the inside of the housing 2 into a first region A1 and a second region A2, and an insulating member 6 and an insulating plate 7 disposed between the housing 2 and the power generation module 3.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 2 has a cylindrical main body portion 11, a rectangular plate-shaped first end plate 12 that closes an opening on one axial end side of the main body portion 11, and a rectangular plate-shaped second end plate 13 that closes an opening on the other axial end side of the main body portion 11. Here, the axial direction of the main body portion 11 is the vertical direction in FIG. 1.

[0014] The housing 2 is sealed at each part so that the internal gas (cathode gas or anode gas) does not leak to the outside. That is, the housing 2 has high airtightness and is configured to be able to seal the internal gas so that it does not leak to the outside.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the main body portion 11 has a rectangular tubular shape with a rectangular cross section and has a region (space) inside for housing the power generation module 3, the pressing mechanism 4, the partition member 5, the insulating member 6, and the insulating plate 7.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first end plate 12 has a rectangular plate shape and is provided with a power extraction portion 14 for extracting the generated power at the center in a plan view. The power extraction portion 14 is electrically connected to the power generation module 3 inside the housing 2. The fuel cell 1 can extract the power generated from the first end plate 12 side by the power extraction portion 14. The first end plate 12 is detachably attached to the main body portion 11 via a seal member (not shown).

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the second end plate 13 has a rectangular plate shape and is formed to have a cathode gas inlet 15, a cathode gas outlet 16, an anode gas inlet 17, and an anode gas outlet 18.

[0018] The cathode gas inlet 15 is a through-hole with an elongated shape, located on the outer circumference of the second end plate 13, and formed to run along one of the longer sides of the second end plate 13. The cathode gas inlet 15 is continuous with the upstream cathode gas flow path 19, which is formed on the outside of the power generation module 3 inside the housing 2. The upstream cathode gas flow path 19 is a flow path formed between the power generation module 3 and the main body 11.

[0019] The cathode gas outlet 16 is a through-hole with an elongated shape, located on the outer circumference of the second end plate 13 and formed to run along the other long side of the second end plate 13. The cathode gas outlet 16 is continuous with the downstream cathode gas flow path 20 formed outside the power generation module 3 within the housing 2. The downstream cathode gas flow path 20 is a flow path formed between the power generation module 3 and the main body 11, and is continuous with the upstream cathode gas flow path 19 via the central cathode gas flow path 21 (see Figure 7 below) which flows over the cathode-side active area E within the power generation module 3. The cathode gas flow path within the power generation module 3 is open to the upstream cathode gas flow path 19 and the downstream cathode gas flow path 20. In other words, the fuel cell 1 has a so-called open cathode structure, and is configured so that cathode gas flows within the first region A1.

[0020] Furthermore, the cathode gas inlet 15 and the cathode gas outlet 16 are formed in positions that are point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the second end plate 13 when viewed from above.

[0021] The anode gas inlet 17 is a long, slit-shaped through-hole located on the outer circumference of the second end plate 13 and is formed in series with the cathode gas inlet 15 along one of the longer sides of the second end plate 13. The anode gas inlet 17 is continuous with the upstream anode gas flow path 23 (details to be described later) formed inside the power generation module 3 within the housing 2.

[0022] The anode gas outlet 18 is a through-hole with an elongated shape, located on the outer circumference of the second end plate 13, and formed in series with the cathode gas outlet 16 along the other long side of the second end plate 13. The anode gas outlet 18 is continuous with the downstream anode gas flow path 24 (details described later) formed inside the power generation module 3 within the housing 2. The downstream anode gas flow path 24 is continuous with the upstream anode gas flow path 23 via the central anode gas flow path 25 (see Figure 6 described later) which flows over the anode-side active area Ea within the power generation module 3.

[0023] Furthermore, the anode gas inlet 17 and the anode gas outlet 18 are formed in positions that are point-symmetrical to each other with respect to the center position of the second end plate 13 when viewed from above.

[0024] The second end plate 13 is detachably attached to the main body 11, for example, via a sealing member (not shown). The fuel cell 1 may also be attached to other components using the lower surface 13a of the second end plate 13 as a mounting surface.

[0025] The power generation module 3 is composed of multiple power generation units 31 stacked on top of each other. As shown in Figure 5, each power generation unit 31 includes a substantially rectangular plate-shaped power generation cell 32, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped metal interconnector 33, a rectangular frame-shaped anode spacer 34 sandwiched between the power generation cell 32 and the interconnector 33 to seal the outer edge of the interconnector 33, an upstream sealing material 35 that seals the upstream anode gas flow path 23, and a downstream sealing material 36 that seals the downstream anode gas flow path 24. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the power generation unit 31 in the fuel cell 1 according to the present invention. The power generation unit 31 is stacked such that the interconnector 33 is positioned on top of the power generation cell 32 via the upstream sealing material 35 and the downstream sealing material 36.

[0026] The power generation cell 32 has a roughly rectangular shape, and a first through-hole 37 for introducing anode gas and a second through-hole 38 for discharging anode gas are formed on its outer edge.

[0027] Anode gas introduced from the anode gas inlet 17 flows into the first through-hole 37 of the power generation cell. In other words, anode gas that has not passed through the active area E of the power generation cell 32 flows into the first through-hole 37 of the power generation cell.

[0028] The first through-hole 37 of the power generation cell is one of the components of the upstream anode gas flow path 23 described above, and is elongated in shape, formed on one of the longer sides of the power generation cell 32. The first through-hole 37 of the power generation cell forms a continuous upstream anode gas flow path 23 along the stacking direction of the power generation units 31 when the power generation units 31 are stacked.

[0029] Anode gas that has passed through the active area E of the power generation cell 32 flows into the second through-hole 38 of the power generation cell.

[0030] The second through-hole 38 of the power generation cell is one of the components of the downstream anode gas flow path 24 described above, and is elongated in shape, formed on the other long side of the power generation cell 32. The second through-hole 38 of the power generation cell forms a continuous downstream anode gas flow path 24 along the stacking direction of the power generation units 31 when the power generation units 31 are stacked.

[0031] Furthermore, the first through-hole 37 and the second through-hole 38 of the power generation cell are formed at positions that are point-symmetrical to each other with respect to the center position of the power generation cell 32 when viewed from above.

[0032] The interconnector 33 has a roughly rectangular shape, and an interconnector first through-hole 39 for introducing anode gas and an interconnector second through-hole 40 for discharging anode gas are formed on its outer periphery.

[0033] Anode gas introduced from the anode gas inlet 17 flows into the first through-hole 39 of the interconnector. In other words, anode gas that has not passed through the active area E of the power generation cell 32 flows into the first through-hole 39 of the interconnector.

[0034] The interconnector's first through-hole 39 is one of the components of the upstream anode gas flow path 23 described above, and is elongated in shape, formed on one of the longer sides of the interconnector 33. The interconnector's first through-hole 39 forms a continuous upstream anode gas flow path 23 along the stacking direction of the power generation units 31 when the power generation units 31 are stacked.

[0035] Anode gas that has passed through the active area E of the power generation cell 32 flows into the second through-hole 40 of the interconnector.

[0036] The interconnector's second through-hole 40 is one of the components of the downstream anode gas flow path 24 described above, and is elongated in shape, formed on the other long side of the interconnector 33. The interconnector's second through-hole 40 forms a continuous downstream anode gas flow path 24 along the stacking direction of the power generation units 31 when the power generation units 31 are stacked.

[0037] Furthermore, the first through-hole 39 and the second through-hole 40 of the interconnect are formed in positions that are point-symmetrical to each other with respect to the center position of the interconnect 33 when viewed from above.

[0038] The anode spacer 34 has a roughly rectangular shape, and a first spacer through-hole 41 for introducing anode gas and a second spacer through-hole 42 for discharging anode gas (see Figure 7 below) are formed on its outer edge.

[0039] Anode gas introduced from the anode gas inlet 17 flows into the first through-hole 41 of the spacer. In other words, anode gas that has not passed through the active area E of the power generation cell 32 flows into the first through-hole 41 of the spacer.

[0040] The first spacer through-hole 41 is one of the components of the upstream anode gas flow path 23 described above, and is elongated in shape, formed on one of the longer sides of the anode spacer 34. The first spacer through-hole 41 forms a continuous upstream anode gas flow path 23 along the stacking direction of the power generation units 31 when the power generation units 31 are stacked.

[0041] Anode gas that has passed through the active area E of the power generation cell 32 flows into the second through-hole 42 of the spacer.

[0042] The second spacer through-hole 42 is one of the components of the downstream anode gas flow path 24 described above, and is elongated in shape, formed on the other long side of the anode spacer 34. The second spacer through-hole 42 forms a continuous downstream anode gas flow path 24 along the stacking direction of the power generation units 31 when the power generation units 31 are stacked.

[0043] Furthermore, the first spacer through-hole 41 and the second spacer through-hole 42 are formed at positions that are point-symmetrical with respect to the center position of the anode spacer 34 when viewed from above.

[0044] The upstream sealing material 35 continuously seals the outer edge of the first through-hole 37 of the power generation cell 32 over its entire circumference on the other side of the power generation cell 32. In other words, the upstream sealing material 35 seals the upstream anode gas flow path 23 to the central cathode gas flow path 21 between the other side of the power generation cell 32 and the other side of the interconnector 33.

[0045] The downstream sealing material 36 continuously seals the outer edge of the second through-hole 38 of the power generation cell 32 over its entire circumference on the other side of the power generation cell 32. In other words, the downstream sealing material 36 seals the downstream anode gas flow path 24 to the central cathode gas flow path 21 between the other side of the power generation cell 32 and the other side of the interconnector 33.

[0046] The upstream anode gas flow path 23 is formed by stacking the power generation units 31, through the first through-hole 37 of the power generation cell, the first through-hole 39 of the interconnector, the first through-hole 41 of the spacer, and the upstream sealing material 35.

[0047] The downstream anode gas flow path 24 is formed by stacking the power generation units 31, through the second through-hole 38 of the power generation cell, the second through-hole 40 of the interconnector, the second through-hole 42 of the spacer, and the downstream sealing material 36.

[0048] The power generation module 3 has a flow path formed between the power generation cell 32 and the interconnector 33 through which anode gas or cathode gas flows. Specifically, a central anode gas flow path 25 is formed between one side of an adjacent power generation cell 32 and one side of the interconnector 33 via an anode spacer 34. The outer edge of the central anode gas flow path 25 is continuously sealed around its entire circumference by the anode spacer 34.

[0049] Furthermore, a central cathode gas channel 21 is formed between the other surface of an adjacent power generation cell 32 and the other surface of the interconnector 33 via the sealing materials 35 and 36, through which cathode gas flows. In other words, a central anode gas channel 25 is formed on the lower surface of the power generation cell 32 in Figure 5, and a central cathode gas channel 21 is formed on the upper surface of the power generation cell 32 in Figure 5.

[0050] The central anode gas flow path 25 is formed between one side of an adjacent power generation cell 32 and one side of the interconnector 33 via an anode spacer 34. Anode gas is introduced into the central anode gas flow path 25 from the first spacer through-hole 41, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6. From the central anode gas flow path 25, the anode gas that has flowed over the anode-side active area Ea is discharged to the second spacer through-hole 42, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the power generation cell 32 and anode spacer 34 viewed from below in Figure 5, and schematically shows the central anode gas flow path 25.

[0051] The central cathode gas channel 21 is formed between the other side of an adjacent power generation cell 32 and the other side of the interconnector 33 via sealing materials 35 and 36. Cathode gas is introduced into the central cathode gas channel 21 from the upstream cathode gas channel 19, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7. From the central cathode gas channel 21, the cathode gas that has flowed over the cathode-side active area Ec is discharged into the downstream cathode gas channel 20, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the power generation cell 32 viewed from above in Figure 5, and schematically shows the central cathode gas channel 21.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the upstream cathode gas flow path 19, the downstream cathode gas flow path 20, the upstream anode gas flow path 23, and the downstream anode gas flow path 24 are formed inside the housing 2. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the gas flow inside the housing 2 of the fuel cell 1.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, the cathode gas is introduced into the power generation module 3 via the first region A1 from a position opposite the second region A2 in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31. Similarly, the anode gas is introduced into the power generation module 3 from a position opposite the second region A2 in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31. In other words, the cathode gas and anode gas are introduced into the first region A1 from the second end plate 13, which is located away from the second region A2 where the pressing mechanism 4 is positioned in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31.

[0054] The power generation module 3 has anode gas flow paths (central anode gas flow path 25) and cathode gas flow paths (central cathode gas flow path 21) formed alternately in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31. Here, the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31 is the stacking direction of the power generation cells 32, or more precisely, the stacking direction of the cells. Hereafter in this specification, the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31 will be simply referred to as the stacking direction. In this specification, the stacking direction is along the axial direction of the main body portion 11 of the housing 2.

[0055] Furthermore, the anode gas supplied from the outside of the housing 2 flows within the power generation module 3 in a sealed state so as not to leak into the first region A1.

[0056] The pressing mechanism 4 is housed in the housing 2 and applies a force along the stacking direction to the power generation module 3 inside the housing 2, pressing the power generation module 3 along the stacking direction. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pressing mechanism 4 includes a metal main body member 51 that covers the power generation module 3, a plurality of pressing members 52 attached to the main body member 51 that are capable of pressing the partition member 5 toward the first region, and a plurality of fixing members 53 that fix the main body member 51 to the housing 2.

[0057] The main body member 51 is formed in a grid pattern, and its outer peripheral edge 51a is continuously formed in a frame shape (ring) around its entire circumference. A pressing member 52 is attached to the grid-like inner peripheral portion of the main body member 51, and the outer peripheral edge 51a is fixed to the main body portion 11 of the housing 2 by a fixing member 53.

[0058] The pressing member 52 is a screw member with male threads formed on its outer circumference. It is screwed into a female screw hole formed through the main body member 51, and also penetrates the main body member 51 along the stacking direction, pressing the partition member 5 toward the first region with its tip.

[0059] The fixing member 53 fixes the main body member 51 to fixing protruding walls 54 that protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 11 of the housing 2. Multiple fixing protruding walls 54 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 11.

[0060] The pressing mechanism 4 allows for adjustment of the force acting on the partition member 5 by rotating the pressing member 52, which is screwed into the female screw hole of the main body member 51, to adjust the amount of protrusion from the main body member 51.

[0061] The partition member 5 is positioned inside the housing 2 so as to be in contact with the power generation module 3, dividing the inside of the housing 2 into a first region A1 where the power generation module 3 is housed and a second region A2 where the pressing mechanism 4 is housed. The first region A1 is formed between the partition member 5 and the second end plate 13. The second region A2 is formed between the partition member 5 and the first end plate 12.

[0062] The partition member 5 is slidable along the stacking direction and presses against the power generation module 3 when it receives force from the pressing mechanism 4. In other words, the partition member 5 presses (applies pressure to) the power generation module 3 in accordance with the force it receives from the pressing mechanism 4.

[0063] The partition member 5 is configured to have higher thermal insulation properties than the housing 2. In other words, the heat flux (amount of heat transferred per unit area) of the partition member 5 is set to be smaller than the heat flux of the main body 11 of the housing 2.

[0064] Here, the partition member 5 is constructed as a laminate formed by overlapping a first metal plate member 61 and a second non-metallic plate member 62. The partition member 5 is arranged such that the first plate member 61 faces the second region A2 and the second plate member 62 faces the first region A1.

[0065] The first plate member 61 is made of a material such as iron, austenitic stainless steel, or ferritic stainless steel. The first plate member 61 is made of metal because it is required to have strength to withstand the force from the pressing member 52. The second plate member 62 is made of a material such as mica, steatite, or silica.

[0066] The first plate member 61 may be, for example, a solid plate, a plate with cutouts in a grid pattern, or a plate with cutouts in a honeycomb structure. On the other hand, the second plate member 62 is a solid plate that has not been cut out in any way.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the insulating member 6 has a cylindrical shape capable of housing the partition member 5 inside and is arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the main body 11 of the housing 2. The insulating member 6 consists of an insulating material such as mica, steatite, silica, and a heat insulating material (nanosilica, fibrous heat insulating material), and enables electrical and thermal insulation between the power generation module 3 and the main body 11 of the housing 2. The insulating member 6 is set to cover at least the inner circumferential surface of the first region A1 of the housing 2. In other words, the inner wall surface of the first region A1 of the housing 2 is covered by the insulating member 6, which enables electrical and thermal insulation.

[0068] More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the insulating member 6 is set to a length that can cover at least the power generation module 3 in the stacking direction. In other words, the insulating member 6 is set so that one end 6a, which is on the partition member 5 side (second region A2 side) in the stacking direction, overlaps with the partition member 5 in the stacking direction, and the other end 6b, which is on the second end plate 13 side in the stacking direction, overlaps with the insulating plate 7 in the stacking direction.

[0069] More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the height dimension of the insulating member 6 is set along the stacking direction such that the position of one end 6a on the first region A1 side in the stacking direction is such that the partition member 5, which is receiving a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism 4 and pressing the power generation module 3, is always in a position to overlap with the partition member 5 in the stacking direction in the state where it is receiving a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism 4 and pressing the power generation module 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the height dimension of the insulating member 6 is set along the stacking direction such that the position of one end 6a on the first region A1 side in the stacking direction is such that it is always in a position to overlap with the first plate member 61 of the partition member 5 in the stacking direction in the state where it is receiving a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism 4 and pressing the power generation module 3. Figure 9 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the fuel cell 1 according to the present invention.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the insulating member 6 is positioned to be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 11 of the housing 2, and is also in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the power generation module 3 in areas where the upstream cathode gas flow path 19 and the downstream cathode gas flow path 20 are not formed.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the insulating plate 7 is plate-shaped and is positioned between the power generation module 3 and the second end plate 13 in the stacking direction, and is also positioned on the inner circumference side of the main body portion 11 of the housing 2. More specifically, the insulating plate 7 is sandwiched between the power generation module 3 and the second end plate 13 and is in contact with both of them. The outer circumference of the insulating plate 7 is also in contact with the inner circumference surface of the main body portion 11 of the housing 2.

[0072] The insulating plate 7 consists of an insulating material such as mica, steatite, silica, and a heat insulating material (nanosilica, fibrous heat insulating material), enabling electrical and thermal insulation between the power generation module 3 and the second end plate 13 of the housing 2.

[0073] In the fuel cell 1 of the above embodiment, the partition member 5 can suppress the flow of heat (heat conduction) from the first region A1 where the power generation module 3 is located to the second region A2 where the pressing mechanism 4 is located. As a result, the pressing mechanism 4 is less affected by the heat generated by the power generation module 3, and the temperature rise is suppressed.

[0074] In other words, the pressing mechanism 4 can reduce the thermal influence from the first region A1, thereby improving its strength and extending its heat resistance life. Furthermore, the pressing mechanism 4 can utilize inexpensive materials with low flame resistance, thus reducing costs.

[0075] In the power generation module 3, the central cathode gas channel 21, through which the cathode gas flows, is open to the outside of the power generation module 3, eliminating the need for a seal for the cathode gas or a sealed dedicated cathode gas channel. As a result, the fuel cell 1 can reduce the overall number of parts and thus reduce costs. Furthermore, the fuel cell 1 can reduce the heat capacity required for a seal for the cathode gas or a dedicated cathode gas channel. In addition, even with a so-called open cathode structure, the fuel cell 1 can suppress the temperature rise of the pressing mechanism 4 due to the heat insulation effect of the partition member 5.

[0076] The partition member 5 is configured such that its own heat flux (amount of heat transferred per unit area) is smaller than the heat flux of the enclosure 2.

[0077] Therefore, the pressing mechanism 4 of the fuel cell 1 is less affected by heat from the first region A1, which improves its strength and extends its heat resistance life. In addition, the fuel cell 1 can use inexpensive materials with low flame resistance for the pressing mechanism 4, thereby reducing costs.

[0078] The fuel cell 1 receives the load from the pressing mechanism 4 with the metal first plate member 61 of the partition member 5, thereby enabling the load from the pressing mechanism 4 to be distributed and transmitted to the weaker non-metallic second plate member 62.

[0079] This allows the fuel cell 1 to suppress heat transfer from the power generation module 3 to the pressing mechanism 4 without reducing the (pressing) load on the power generation module 3.

[0080] Furthermore, the fuel cell 1 can achieve electrical and thermal insulation between the power generation module 3 and the pressing mechanism 4 through a partition member 5 located between them. In other words, the partition member 5 can achieve electrical and thermal insulation between the first region A1 and the second region A2.

[0081] The fuel cell 1 can be electrically and thermally isolated from the housing 2 and the power generation module 3 by the insulating member 6, thereby suppressing heat transfer from the power generation module 3 to the housing 2 and preventing the pressing mechanism 4 from becoming overheated.

[0082] The power generation module 3 may undergo thermal expansion even when pressed by the pressing mechanism 4. However, the insulating member 6 is set to always overlap with the partition member 5 when the power generation module 3 is pressed by the partition member 5 so that it is positioned inside the insulating member 6 in the stacking direction of the power generation module 3's cells.

[0083] Therefore, the fuel cell 1 can reliably hold the partition member 5, which is pressing against the power generation module 3, in a state where it overlaps with the insulating member 6 in the stacking direction of the power generation module 3, thereby suppressing the inflow of cathode gas from the first region A1 into the second region A2 and reducing the thermal influence from the first region A1.

[0084] In fuel cell 1, the cathode gas is introduced into the first region A1 from a position opposite the second region A2.

[0085] In the fuel cell 1, the side wall of the housing 2 acts as a heat dissipation surface. Therefore, the further the cathode gas inlet is from the second region, the lower the temperature of the cathode gas near the partition member 5 can be. As a result, convective heat transfer between the partition member 5 and the cathode gas is reduced, and the overall temperature rise of the pressing mechanism 4 can be suppressed.

[0086] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that components identical to those in the embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0087] The fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment will be described using Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing enlarged views of the main parts of the fuel cell 71 in the second embodiment.

[0088] The fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above, but as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first plate member 61 is formed to have an outer peripheral edge portion 72 that protrudes outward from the inner peripheral surface of the insulating member 6.

[0089] More specifically, in the second embodiment, the first plate member 61 protrudes outward from the inner circumferential surface of the insulating member 6 and continuously faces the end face on the first region A1 side in the stacking direction of the insulating member 6 over its entire circumference, and has an outer peripheral edge portion 72 that is substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction. More specifically, the partition member 5 is set such that the outer diameter D of the first plate member 61 is larger than the inner diameter d of the insulating member 6.

[0090] On the other hand, the second plate member 62 is formed to a size that can be accommodated in the insulating member 6. Furthermore, the second plate member 62 is sized to at least cover the power generation module 3 when viewed from the stacking direction, and its thickness along the stacking direction is set such that the partition member 5, when receiving a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism 4 and pressing the power generation module 3, is always able to overlap with the insulating member 6 in the stacking direction, so as to ensure that the partition member 5 does not always fall off the insulating member 6 when receiving a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism 4 and pressing the power generation module 3.

[0091] In the fuel cell 71 of this second embodiment, the mating surface between the partition member 5 and the insulating member 6 has an L-shaped cross-section, and even if a gap occurs in this mating surface, that gap will also have an L-shaped cross-section. In other words, even if a flow path for cathode gas to flow in is created between the partition member 5 and the insulating member 6, that flow path will be a right-angle flow path with an L-shaped cross-section. Therefore, even if cathode gas flows in from the first region A1 side, the flow resistance of the fuel cell 71 is large, and the inflow of cathode gas into the second region A2 can be suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, the fuel cell 71 of this second embodiment can also achieve substantially the same effects as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0093] The fuel cell 74 of the third embodiment will be described using Figure 12. Figure 12 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the fuel cell 74 in the third embodiment. The fuel cell 74 of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above, but as shown in Figure 12, the partition member 5 is configured to fit with the insulating member 6 in a spigot structure.

[0094] In other words, in the fuel cell 74 of the third embodiment, the insulating member 6 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating at least a portion of the partition member 5 on its inner circumference. Furthermore, in the fuel cell 74 of the third embodiment, the partition member 5 has a large-diameter portion 76 that protrudes outward from the inner circumferential surface of the insulating member 6 and has an opposing surface 75 that continuously faces the end face on the second region A2 side in the stacking direction of the insulating member 6 over its entire circumference, and a small-diameter portion 77 that is housed in the insulating member 6, and is fitted to the insulating member 6 in a spigot structure.

[0095] More specifically, the first plate member 61 of the partition member 5 has an outer circumference formed in a stepped shape in the stacking direction, protruding outward from the inner circumferential surface of the insulating member 6 and continuously facing the end face on the second region A2 side in the stacking direction of the insulating member 6 along its entire circumference, and has a large-diameter portion 78 of the first plate member having an opposing surface 75 substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, and a small-diameter portion 79 on the first plate member side that becomes part of the small-diameter portion 77. The second plate member 62 of the partition member 5 constitutes part of the small-diameter portion 77 of the partition member 5 and is formed to a size that can be accommodated in the insulating member 6. In other words, the small-diameter portion 79 on the first plate member side and the second plate member 62 that constitute the small-diameter portion 77 of the partition member 5 fit into the inner circumferential surface of the insulating member 6. The large-diameter portion 76 of the partition member 5 is composed of the large-diameter portion 78 of the first plate member.

[0096] Furthermore, the small-diameter portion 77 of the partition member 5 is sized to at least cover the power generation module 3 when viewed from the stacking direction, and the thickness along the stacking direction is set such that the partition member 5, when receiving a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism 4 and pressing the power generation module 3, is always able to overlap with the insulating member 6 in the stacking direction, so as to ensure that the partition member 5 does not always fall off the insulating member 6 when receiving a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism 4 and pressing the power generation module 3.

[0097] In this third embodiment of the fuel cell 74, the mating surface between the partition member 5 and the insulating member 6 has an L-shaped cross-section, and even if a gap occurs in this mating surface, that gap will also have an L-shaped cross-section.

[0098] Therefore, the fuel cell 74 of this third embodiment can achieve substantially the same effects as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment and the fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment described above.

[0099] In addition, the fuel cell 74 of the third embodiment may be formed such that the outer edge of the second plate member 62 is stepped in the stacking direction, as shown in Figure 13, for example, and the large-diameter portion 76 may be formed by the first plate member 61 and a part of the second plate member 62.

[0100] In this case, the first plate member 61 of the partition member 5 constitutes a part of the large-diameter portion 76 of the partition member 5. The second plate member 62 of the partition member 5 has an outer circumference formed in a stepped shape in the stacking direction, protruding outward from the inner circumferential surface of the insulating member 6 and facing the end face on the second region A2 side of the insulating member 6 in the stacking direction, continuously facing it over its entire circumference, and has a large-diameter portion 80 on the second plate member side that has a facing surface 75 substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, and a small-diameter portion 81 of the second plate member that becomes a small-diameter portion 77. The large-diameter portion 76 of the partition member 5 is composed of the first plate member 61 and the large-diameter portion 80 on the second plate member side. The small-diameter portion 77 of the partition member 5 is composed of the small-diameter portion 81 of the second plate member. Figure 13 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the main parts of another example of the fuel cell 74 in the third embodiment.

[0101] The fuel cell 84 of the fourth embodiment will be described using Figure 14. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the main parts of the fuel cell 84 in the fourth embodiment. The fuel cell 84 of the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above, but as shown in Figure 14, a sealing member 85 capable of sealing and heat insulation is arranged between the partition member 5 and the insulating member 6.

[0102] In other words, in the fourth embodiment of the fuel cell 84, an annular groove 86 is formed on the outer surface of the partition member 5 facing the inner surface of the insulating member 6, and an annular sealing member 85 capable of sealing between the outer surface of the partition member 5 and the inner surface of the insulating member 6 and providing heat insulation between the first region A1 and the second region A2 is slidably disposed in this groove 86.

[0103] More specifically, as shown in Figure 14, a first sealing member 85a with an elliptical cross-section is positioned in a first groove 86a formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first plate member 61, and a second sealing member 85b with a circular cross-section is positioned in a second groove 86b formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second plate member 62.

[0104] In this fourth embodiment of the fuel cell 84, the sealing member 85 enables sealing and heat insulation, which suppresses the inflow of cathode gas from the first region A1 into the second region A2 and prevents the pressing mechanism 4 from becoming overheated.

[0105] Furthermore, the sealing member 85 is made of, for example, a fibrous insulating material, which can achieve both sealing and heat insulation.

[0106] The fuel cell 84 of the fourth embodiment can also achieve substantially the same effects as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0107] In the fuel cell 84 of the fourth embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first sealing member 85a may be circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the second sealing member 85b may be elliptical. Also, the sealing member 85 and the groove 86 may be provided on only one of the first plate member 61 or the second plate member 62.

[0108] Furthermore, the groove 86 and sealing member 85 of the fuel cell 84 of the fourth embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and other parts of the third embodiment described above.

[0109] The fuel cell 89 of the fifth embodiment will be described using Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a plan view of the housing 2 and partition member 5 of the fuel cell 89 in the fifth embodiment. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the main part of the fuel cell 89 in the fifth embodiment.

[0110] The fuel cell 89 of the fifth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above, but as shown in Figures 15 and 16, a plurality of guide mechanisms 90 that guide the sliding of the partition member 5 along the stacking direction are provided between the partition member 5 and the insulating member 6.

[0111] In the fifth embodiment, the fuel cell 89 has guide grooves 91 formed at two locations on the outer circumferential surface of the partition member 5, which are continuous along the stacking direction. Guide portions 92, each slidably housed in these guide grooves 91 along the stacking direction, are fixed to the insulating member 6. In other words, the fuel cell 89 of the fifth embodiment has two guide mechanisms 90.

[0112] More specifically, in the fifth embodiment, the fuel cell 89 has a guide mechanism 90 comprised of a guide groove 91 formed across the first plate member 61 and the second plate member 62 along the stacking direction, and a guide portion 92 fixed to the insulating member 6. The guide groove 91 is formed, for example, to penetrate the first plate member 61 and the second plate member 62 in the stacking direction. Alternatively, the guide groove 91 may be formed to penetrate the first plate member 61 along the stacking direction, but not to penetrate the second plate member 62 along the stacking direction.

[0113] As a result, the fuel cell 89 of the fifth embodiment allows for smooth sliding of the partition member 5 along the stacking direction.

[0114] Furthermore, the fuel cell 89 of this fifth embodiment can also achieve substantially the same effects as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0115] Furthermore, the number of guide mechanisms 90 provided in the fuel cell 89 is not limited to two; it may be one, three or more, or any other number.

[0116] Furthermore, in the fuel cell 89 of this fifth embodiment, the guide mechanism 90 may be provided between the partition member 5 and the main body 11 of the housing 2. In this case, the guide portion 92 of the guide mechanism 90 is fixed to the main body 11 of the housing 2, for example. In this case, the insulating member 6 may be cut out in a portion corresponding to the position where the guide portion 92 is set, in order to avoid interference with the guide portion 92.

[0117] The fuel cell 94 of the sixth embodiment will be described using Figure 17. Figure 17 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the fuel cell 94 in the sixth embodiment. The fuel cell 94 of the sixth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above, but as shown in Figure 17, a heat shield plate 95 is placed in the second region A2 to suppress the thermal effects on the pressing mechanism 4 from the first region A1 side and from natural convection. The arrow Y1 shown in Figure 17 schematically shows the radiant heat from the first region A1 side. The white arrow Y2 shown in Figure 17 schematically shows thermal convection. The heat shields 95 are positioned between the main body member 51 and the partition member 5 in the stacking direction, and multiple heat shields 95 are arranged to cover the central portion of the power generation module 3, the pressing member 52, and the fixing member 53 when viewed from the stacking direction. These heat shields 95 are each fixed to, for example, the main body portion 11 of the housing 2.

[0118] Because the power generation module 3 dissipates heat from the outside, the temperature is higher towards the center of the power generation module 3 when viewed in the direction of stacking.

[0119] In this sixth embodiment of the fuel cell 94, the heating of the pressing mechanism 4 due to radiation and natural convection caused by the heat generated by the power generation module 3 can be suppressed.

[0120] In this sixth embodiment of the fuel cell 94, the effects and advantages are substantially the same as those of the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0121] The fuel cell 97 of the seventh embodiment will be described using Figure 18. Figure 18 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the fuel cell 97 in the seventh embodiment. The fuel cell 97 of the seventh embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above, but as shown in Figure 18, it has an insulating material 98 that covers the outside of the housing 2.

[0122] In the seventh embodiment shown in Figure 18, the fuel cell 97 is completely covered by an insulating material 98 over the casing 2.

[0123] In this seventh embodiment, the fuel cell 97 can reduce the thermal influence from the first region A1 of the pressing mechanism 4, suppress extreme temperature drops of the pressing mechanism 4, and keep the temperature of the pressing mechanism 4 between the external temperature and the temperature within the first region A1.

[0124] In other words, the fuel cell 97 of the seventh embodiment can more effectively implement thermal insulation between the first region A1 and the second region A2 without reducing power generation efficiency.

[0125] In the seventh embodiment, the fuel cell 97 also has the power extraction section 14 covered with thermal insulation material 98. However, in practice, a power extraction wire (not shown) connected to the power extraction section 14 is routed along the outer surface of the housing 2, and this power extraction wire penetrates the thermal insulation material 98 at a desired position and is brought out to the outside.

[0126] In this seventh embodiment of the fuel cell 97, the effects and advantages are substantially the same as those of the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0127] In addition, the fuel cell 97 of the seventh embodiment may be configured such that the heat insulating material 98 covers at least the insulating member 6, as shown in Figure 19. Figure 19 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another example of the fuel cell 97 in the seventh embodiment.

[0128] In the fuel cell 97 shown in Figure 19, the area other than the power extraction section 14 and the bottom surface of the second end plate 13 is covered with thermal insulation material 98. In the fuel cell 97 shown in Figure 19, the lower surface 13a of the second end plate 13, which is not covered with thermal insulation material 98, serves as the mounting surface for structures and components around the fuel cell 97.

[0129] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1...fuel cell 2…Cabinet 3…Power generation module 4…Pressing mechanism 5…Cutting member 6…Insulating material 7…Insulating board 11...Main body 12…First end plate 13…Second end plate 19…Upstream cathode gas flow path 20… Downstream cathode gas flow path 21…Central cathode gas flow path 23…Upstream anode gas flow path 24… Downstream anode gas flow path 25…Central anode gas channel 31…Power generation unit 32…Power generation cell 33…Interconnector 34… Anode Spacer 35…Upstream sealing material 36… Downstream sealing material 51…Main body components 51a...Outer edge 52…Pressing member 53… Fixing member 54…Protruding wall for fixing 61...First plate member 62...Second plate member

Claims

1. A housing that can seal the internal gas to prevent it from leaking to the outside, A power generation module consisting of multiple cells stacked together and housed in the above-mentioned enclosure, A pressing mechanism housed in the above-mentioned enclosure presses the above-mentioned power generation module along the stacking direction of the above-mentioned cells, A fuel cell characterized by having a partition member disposed within the housing so as to be in contact with the power generation module, dividing the housing into a first region in which the power generation module is housed and a second region in which the pressing mechanism is housed, and which is slidable along the stacking direction and presses the power generation module upon receiving force from the pressing mechanism.

2. The above housing comprises a cylindrical main body, a first end plate that closes an opening at one end of the main body, and a second end plate that closes an opening at the other end of the main body. The first region described above is formed between the partition member and the second end plate. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the power generation module is configured such that the supplied anode gas flows in a sealed state inside the power generation module so as not to leak out into the first region, and the cathode gas supplied to the power generation module flows within the first region.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the partition member has higher thermal insulation properties than the housing.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the partition member is a laminate formed by stacking a first metal plate member and a second non-metallic plate member, and the first plate member is arranged to face the second region and the second plate member is arranged to face the first region.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that it has an insulating member capable of providing electrical and thermal insulation between the power generation module and the housing.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 5, characterized in that the insulating member is set to a length that can cover at least the power generation module in the stacking direction.

7. The fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that the insulating member is arranged so as to be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing.

8. The fuel cell according to claim 5, characterized in that the insulating member is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the partition member on its inner circumference, and its dimensions along the stacking direction are set such that the position of the end on the first region side in the stacking direction is such that it can overlap with the partition member in the stacking direction when it is receiving a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism and pressing the power generation module.

9. The partition member described above is a laminate formed by stacking a first metal plate member and a second non-metallic plate member, with the first plate member facing the second region and the second plate member facing the first region. The insulating member described above is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the partition member on its inner circumference. The first plate member described above protrudes outward from the inner circumferential surface of the insulating member and faces the end face on the first region side of the insulating member, and has an outer peripheral edge that is substantially perpendicular to the lamination direction. The fuel cell according to claim 5, characterized in that the second plate member is formed to a size that can be accommodated in the insulating member, and its dimensions along the stacking direction are set such that it has a thickness that allows it to overlap with the insulating member in the stacking direction when the partition member is pressing the power generation module with a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism.

10. The insulating member is formed in a cylindrical shape on its inner circumference, capable of accommodating at least a portion of the partition member. The partition member has a large-diameter portion that protrudes outward from the inner circumferential surface of the insulating member and faces the end face on the first region side in the stacking direction of the insulating member, and a small-diameter portion that is housed in the insulating member, and is fitted to the insulating member in an interlocking structure. The fuel cell according to claim 5, characterized in that the dimensions of the small-diameter portion are set along the stacking direction such that the thickness of the partition member is such that it can overlap with the insulating member in the stacking direction when the partition member presses the power generation module with a predetermined force from the pressing mechanism.

11. The fuel cell according to any one of 8 to 10, characterized in that a sealing member capable of sealing and heat insulation is arranged between the partition member and the insulating member.

12. The fuel cell according to claim 5, characterized in that a guide mechanism for guiding the sliding of the partition member along the stacking direction is provided between the partition member and the housing or the insulating member.

13. The pressing mechanism comprises a main body member, a plurality of pressing members attached to the main body member and capable of pressing the partition member toward the first region, and a plurality of fixing members for fixing the main body member to the housing. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the second region is located between the main body member and the partition member, and a heat shield is arranged so as to cover the central portion of the power generation module, the pressing member and the fixing member when viewed in the stacking direction.

14. The fuel cell according to claim 13, characterized in that the heat shield is connected to the main body member.

15. The fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that the cathode gas is introduced into the first region from a position opposite to the second region in the stacking direction.

16. A fuel cell according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that it has an insulating material covering the outside of the housing, and the insulating material is set to cover at least the insulating member.

Images