fuel cells

Abstract

This suppresses the overheating of fuel cells. [Solution] The fuel cell 1 comprises a power generation module 3 made up of a large number of power generation cells 32 stacked together, a housing 2 in which the power generation module 3 is housed, a pressing mechanism 4 housed in the housing 2 that presses the power generation module 3 along the stacking direction of the power generation cells 32, and a partition member 5 arranged inside the housing 2 so as to be in contact with the power generation module 3 and dividing the inside of the housing 2 into a first region A1 in which the power generation module 3 is housed and a second region A2 in which the pressing mechanism 4 is housed. The pressing mechanism 4 is provided with a cooling promotion unit 55 that promotes the cooling of 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 fuel cell in which a cell stack formed by laminating a plurality of unit cells is sandwiched between a first current collector and a second current collector in the stacking direction of the unit cells, and an elastic member elastically biases the second current collector toward the first current collector via a fastening member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the cell stack in the fuel cell becomes high in temperature. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the first current collector, the second current collector, the first elastic member, and the first fastening member, which are configured to press the cell stack, may become high in temperature and their strength may decrease.

[0005] That is, in Patent Document 1, there is room for further improvement in suppressing the high temperature of the configuration for pressing the cell stack.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The fuel cell of the present invention includes a power generation module formed by laminating a large number of cells, a housing that houses the power generation module, a pressing mechanism that is housed in the housing and presses the power generation module along the stacking direction of the cells, and a partition member that is disposed in the housing so as to contact the power generation module and divides 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. The pressing mechanism is provided with a cooling promotion unit to accelerate the cooling of the pressing mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the pressing mechanism of the fuel cell has an increased contact area with the convection of air generated in the second region, which promotes cooling, improves strength, and extends the heat resistance life. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrating the general configuration of the fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A plan view of the first end plate, which is a component of the housing 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] An explanatory diagram showing the general structure of the main body component of the pressing mechanism. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing the fuel cell with the first end plate removed. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the position along line AA in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Enlarged view of the main part of the pressing mechanism as seen from the partition member side. [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram showing a schematic representation of the main body component of the pressing mechanism in the fuel cell of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram illustrating the general configuration of the main components of the fuel cell in the third embodiment. [Figure 14]Explanatory drawing schematically showing the schematic configuration of the main part of the fuel cell in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing showing the schematic of the fuel cell in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] Explanatory drawing corresponding to a cross-section along line B-B in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view showing the schematic of the main part of the fuel cell in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] Explanatory drawing schematically showing the relationship between the convection promotion plate, the first end plate, and the main body of the housing.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 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 plan view of a first end plate 12 which is a component of the housing 2 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 state in which a part of the housing 2 of the fuel cell 1 according to the present invention and the power generation module 3 are viewed in a plan view.

[0010] The fuel cell 1 is, for example, mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, and generates power by supplying an anode gas and a cathode gas. The anode gas is, for example, hydrogen gas. The cathode gas is, for example, air.

[0011] 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 for pressing the power generation module 3, a plate-like 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.

[0012] 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 the opening on one end side in the axial direction of the main body portion 11, and a rectangular plate-shaped second end plate 13 that closes the opening on the other end side in the axial direction of the main body portion 11. Here, the axial direction of the main body portion 11 is the vertical direction in FIG. 1.

[0013] The main body portion 11 has a rectangular tube shape with a rectangular cross section, and has a region (space) inside that houses the power generation module 3, the pressing mechanism 4, the partitioning member 5, the insulating member 6, and the insulating plate 7.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the first end plate 12 has a rectangular plate shape. The first end plate 12 is detachably attached to the main body portion 11 via a sealing member (not shown). The first end plate 12 corresponds to the top wall of the housing 2 that faces the partitioning member 5 with the pressing mechanism 4 interposed therebetween.

[0015] In a plan view, a plurality of ventilation holes 14 are formed to penetrate through the central portion and the outer peripheral edge of the first end plate 12. A plurality of first ventilation holes 14a formed in the central portion of the first end plate 12 discharge, for example, a part of the upward flow of the convection of the air in the second region A2 generated by the heat of the power generation module 3 to the outside of the housing 2. A plurality of second ventilation holes 14b formed intermittently along the outer peripheral edge of the first end plate 12 introduce, for example, the outside air (external air) into the second region A2.

[0016] Therefore, the first ventilation holes 14a and the second ventilation holes 14b are set such that the total opening area of the first ventilation holes 14a is larger than the total opening area of the second ventilation holes 14b so that the mass flow rate of the air in the second region A2 discharged to the outside is the same as the mass flow rate of the air introduced into the second region A2.

[0017] This is because the temperature of the air discharged from the first ventilation holes 14a is higher and the volume is larger than the temperature of the air discharged from the second ventilation holes 14b. The air in the second region A2 discharged from the first ventilation holes 14a to the outside has a high temperature due to the heat from the power generation module 3.

[0018] Furthermore, the smaller the total opening area of ​​the ventilation holes 14 in the fuel cell 1, the more heat exchange between the inside of the second region A2 and the outside is suppressed.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 and 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Furthermore, the cathode gas inlet 15 and the cathode gas outlet 16 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.

[0023] The anode gas inlet 17 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 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 formed inside the power generation module 3 within the housing 2.

[0024] 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 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 below) which flows over the anode-side active area Ea within the power generation module 3.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Furthermore, the first through-hole 39 and the second through-hole 40 of the interconnect are formed in positions that are point-symmetrical with respect to the center position of the interconnect 33 when viewed from above.

[0040] 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 6 below) are formed on its outer edge.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The upstream anode gas flow path 23 is formed by stacking the power generation units 31, and consists of 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[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 to the power generation module 3 inside the housing 2 along the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31, pressing the power generation module 3 along the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31. As shown in Figure 1, 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, a plurality of fixing members 53 that fix the main body member 51 to the housing 2, and a cooling promotion unit 55 that promotes the cooling of the pressing mechanism 4.

[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] Furthermore, the main body member 51 is provided with a cooling promotion section 55, as shown in Figures 1 and 8. The cooling promotion section 55 consists of multiple metal heat dissipation fins with high thermal conductivity that protrude from the main body member 51. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram equivalent to a plan view showing a schematic of the main body member 51 of the pressing mechanism 4. Note that the heat dissipation fins as the cooling promotion section 55 are not limited to the arrangement shown in Figure 8, and may, for example, be arranged on the main body member 51 in a direction that aligns with the vertical direction in Figure 8.

[0059] 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 of the power generation unit 31, pressing the partition member 5 toward the first region with its tip.

[0060] The fixing member 53 secures the main body member 51 to a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped fixing projection wall 54 that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 11 of the housing 2. The fixing member 53 is a screw member with male threads formed on its outer circumferential surface, and it penetrates the main body member 51, with its tip screwing into a female threaded hole formed in the fixing projection wall 54, thereby securing the main body member 51 (pressing mechanism 4) to the housing 2.

[0061] Multiple fixing protruding walls 54 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 11. As shown in Figures 1, 9 to 11, multiple additional heat dissipation fins 56 are formed on the fixing protruding walls 54. In other words, multiple additional heat dissipation fins 56 are formed around the portion to which the fixing member 53 is attached. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram, equivalent to a plan view, showing a schematic of the fuel cell 1 with the first end plate 12 removed. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 9. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the main part of the pressing mechanism 4 as seen from the partition member 5 side. Note that in Figure 9, the pressing member 52 and the cooling promotion section 55 are omitted for convenience of explanation.

[0062] The additional heat dissipation fins 56 consist of a first additional heat dissipation fin 56a that protrudes from the tip of the fixing protruding wall 54 along the direction of protrusion from the main body portion 11 of the fixing protruding wall 54, a second additional heat dissipation fin 56b that protrudes from one side of the fixing protruding wall 54 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of protrusion from the main body portion 11 of the fixing protruding wall 54, and a third additional heat dissipation fin 56c that protrudes from the other side of the fixing protruding wall 54 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of protrusion from the main body portion 11 of the fixing protruding wall 54. The second additional heat dissipation fin 56b and the third additional heat dissipation fin 56c protrude from the fixing protruding wall 54 in opposite directions.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The partition member 5 is slidable along the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31 and presses the power generation module 3 upon receiving 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1, 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 portion 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 portion 11 of the housing 2. The insulating member 6 is set to cover at least the inner circumferential surface portion of the first region A1 of the housing 2. In other words, the portion of the housing 2 that forms the inner wall surface of the first region A1 is covered by the insulating member 6, which enables electrical and thermal insulation.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 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 of the power generation unit 31, 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] The fuel cell (solid oxide fuel cell) 1 operates at high temperatures, and the pressing mechanism 4 also becomes hot, requiring high-temperature strength. Furthermore, since repeated on / off cycles are inefficient for the fuel cell 1, it is used in continuous operation. Therefore, even with prolonged continuous operation, the pressing mechanism 4 is required to have a heat resistance life that prevents phenomena such as creep and relaxation from occurring.

[0074] Furthermore, in the second region A2 of the fuel cell 1, the air on the partition member 5 side is heated by the heat from the power generation module 3, and the air heated by the first end plate 12 and the walls of the main body 11 is cooled. In other words, the air in the second region A2 of the fuel cell 1 is heated by the heat from the power generation module 3, creating an upward flow, and then cooled by radiating heat to the inner wall of the housing 2, creating a downward flow, resulting in overall convection.

[0075] In the first embodiment of the fuel cell 1 described above, a cooling promotion unit 55 is provided on the main body member 51 of the pressing mechanism 4 to promote the cooling of the pressing mechanism 4.

[0076] As a result, the contact area of ​​the pressing mechanism 4 with the air convection generated in the second region A2 increases, promoting cooling, improving strength, and extending the heat resistance life.

[0077] Furthermore, because the cooling promotion unit 55 consists of multiple heat dissipation fins, the heat transferred from the power generation module 3 to the pressing mechanism 4 is efficiently dissipated from the cooling promotion unit 55 into the second region A2. The heat released from the cooling promotion unit 55 into the second region A2 is then carried by the rising convection current within the second region to the housing 2, and from the housing 2 to the outside.

[0078] Therefore, even if the power generation module 3 becomes hot, the pressing mechanism 4 can have its temperature rise suppressed by the cooling promotion unit 55, thereby improving its strength and extending its heat resistance life.

[0079] Furthermore, the pressing mechanism 4 can be made from inexpensive materials with low heat resistance, thereby reducing costs.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The pressing mechanism 4 applies a load from the pressing member 52 to the partition member 5, and can distribute and transmit the load from the pressing member 52 to the power generation module 3.

[0083] The fuel cell 1 can improve its power generation performance by pressurizing the power generation module 3 with the pressing mechanism 4.

[0084] In the fuel cell 1, the main body member 51 of the pressing mechanism 4 is formed in a grid shape, which allows the main body member 51 to pass through without obstructing the rising airflow that has become hot on the partition member 5 side.

[0085] Therefore, the fuel cell 1 can efficiently transfer the heat dissipated from the cooling promotion section 55 of the pressing mechanism 4 into the upward flow to the housing 2 and dissipate the heat to the outside.

[0086] In other words, the fuel cell 1 can efficiently cool the pressing mechanism 4 by utilizing the upward flow within the second region A2, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the pressing mechanism 4.

[0087] The fuel cell 1 has a plurality of additional heat dissipation fins 56 around the part to which the fixing member 53 is attached. This allows the fuel cell 1 to efficiently cool the part of the pressing mechanism 4 to which the fixing member 53 is attached, and to increase the heat transfer efficiency between the fixing member 53 and the air in the second region A2. In other words, by providing the additional heat dissipation fins 56, the cooling of the pressing mechanism 4 is further promoted, the strength of the pressing mechanism 4 can be improved overall, and the heat resistance life of the pressing mechanism 4 can be improved.

[0088] Furthermore, the fuel cell 1 has a plurality of ventilation holes 14 in the first end plate 11. By providing a plurality of ventilation holes 14, the fuel cell 1 can promote heat exchange with the outside. In addition, the pressing mechanism 4 can be cooled by exhausting the high-temperature air in the second region A2 and taking in low-temperature air from the outside into the second region A2.

[0089] In the power generation module 3, the central cathode gas channel 21, which is the channel through which the cathode gas flows, is open to the outside of the power generation module 3. Furthermore, the power generation module 3 does not require seals for the cathode gas or a sealed dedicated cathode gas channel.

[0090] Therefore, the fuel cell 1 can reduce the number of parts overall, thereby lowering costs. In addition, the fuel cell 1 can reduce the heat capacity required for sealing the cathode gas and for the dedicated flow path for the cathode gas. Furthermore, 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] As a result, the partition member 5 can 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment will be described using Figure 12. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram equivalent to a plan view showing a schematic of the main body member 51 of the pressing mechanism 4 of the fuel cell 71 in the second embodiment.

[0096] 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 the cooling promotion section 72 is a metal, annular heat dissipation fin with high thermal conductivity that protrudes from the main body member 51. The annular heat dissipation fin is positioned in the center of the main body member 51 of the pressing mechanism 4 when viewed in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31.

[0097] Furthermore, the pressing mechanism 4 is configured such that, in a view of the power generation unit 31 in the stacking direction, the pressing member 52 and the fixing member 53 are located outside the annular cooling promotion section 72. That is, in a view of the power generation unit 31 in the stacking direction, the pressing member 52 and the fixing member 53 are positioned on the outer periphery side of the second region A2.

[0098] The power generation module 3 gets hotter towards the center when viewed in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31. This is because the power generation module 3 dissipates heat from the outside when viewed in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the fuel cell 71 utilizes the heat distribution of the power generation module 3, and a cooling promotion unit 72 is positioned in the center of the pressing mechanism 4 in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31 so that heat dissipation from the center of the power generation module 3 is promoted in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31. The cooling promotion unit 72 is positioned in the center of the pressing mechanism 4 in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31 so that the upward flow of convection generated in the second region A2 flows inward (towards the inner circumference).

[0100] In the second embodiment, the fuel cell 71, when viewed in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31, promotes heat dissipation from the center of the power generation module 3, and also cools the outer pressing member 52 and fixing member 53 by the downward flow of convection cooled by the heat dissipation to the housing 2.

[0101] Furthermore, in the fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment, the pressing member 52 and the fixing member 53 are positioned at locations where the temperature of the power generation module 3 is relatively low, so the temperature rise of the pressing member 52 and the fixing member 53 due to the heat influence from the power generation module 3 can be suppressed.

[0102] Furthermore, the fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects and advantages as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0103] The fuel cell 81 of the third embodiment will be described using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the main parts of the fuel cell 81 in the third embodiment.

[0104] The fuel cell 81 of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment described above, but the first end plate 12 of the housing 2 is provided with a first external cooling promotion unit 82 to promote the cooling of the housing 2.

[0105] More specifically, the housing 2 has a first external cooling promotion section 82 that promotes cooling of the housing 2, located outside the second region A2 and facing the cooling promotion section 72 when viewed in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31. The first external cooling promotion section 82 is formed on the outer wall surface of the housing 2. The first external cooling promotion section 82 consists of multiple metal heat dissipation fins with high thermal conductivity that protrude from the first end plate 12, and is located in the center of the second region A2 or in the center of the pressing mechanism 4 when viewed in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31.

[0106] In the third embodiment, the fuel cell 81 can efficiently release (dissipate heat) the heat from the central part of the pressing mechanism 4 to the outside of the housing 2 when viewed in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31 by the first external cooling promotion unit 82, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the pressing mechanism 4.

[0107] Furthermore, the fuel cell 81 of the third embodiment can more effectively cool the outer pressing member 52 and the fixing member 53 by the downward flow of convection cooled by heat dissipation to the housing 2 and the first external cooling promotion unit 82.

[0108] Furthermore, the fuel cell 81 of the third embodiment can also achieve substantially the same effects and benefits as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment and the fuel cells 1 and 71 of the second embodiment described above.

[0109] The fuel cell 91 of the fourth embodiment will be described using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the main parts of the fuel cell 91 in the fourth embodiment.

[0110] The fuel cell 91 of the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment described above, but the main body portion 11 of the housing 2 is provided with a second external cooling promotion unit 92 to promote the cooling of the housing 2.

[0111] More specifically, the housing 2 has a second external cooling promotion section 92 that promotes cooling of the housing 2, located on the outside of the main body portion 11, which forms a side wall along the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31, at a position where at least a portion of the fixing member 53 of the main body member 51 is attached or where it overlaps with the fixing protruding wall 54. The second external cooling promotion section 92 is formed on the outer wall surface of the housing 2. The second external cooling promotion section 92 consists of multiple metal heat dissipation fins with high thermal conductivity that protrude from the main body portion 11.

[0112] In the fourth embodiment, the fuel cell 91 can efficiently release (dissipate) heat from the power generation unit 31 to the outside of the housing 2 by the second external cooling promotion unit 92, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the pressing mechanism 4.

[0113] Furthermore, the fuel cell 91 of the fourth embodiment can more effectively cool the outer pressing member 52 and the fixing member 53 by the downward flow of convection cooled by heat dissipation to the housing 2 and the second external cooling promotion unit 92.

[0114] Furthermore, the fuel cell 91 of the fourth embodiment can achieve substantially the same effects and benefits as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment and the fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment described above.

[0115] The fuel cell 101 of the fifth embodiment will be described using Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram, equivalent to a plan view, showing a schematic of the fuel cell 101 with the first end plate 12 removed. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram, equivalent to a cross-section along line BB in Figure 15. Note that in Figure 15, the pressing member 52 and the fixing member 53 are omitted for the sake of explanation.

[0116] The fuel cell 101 of the fifth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment described above, but the inner circumferential surface 102 of the heat dissipation fin, which is an annular cooling promotion section 72, is formed as a curved surface (convex surface) that is convex inward so that the upward flow of convection generated in the second region A2 can be straightened. In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 103 of the annular cooling promotion section 72 is also formed as a curved surface (concave surface) that is convex inward.

[0117] In the fifth embodiment, the fuel cell 101 has an annular heat dissipation fin, which is a cooling promotion section 72, whose inner circumferential surface is formed as a curved surface that is convex inward. As a result, the convection within the second region A2 is rectified by the cooling promotion section 72, promoting the dissipation of heat from the convection within the second region A2 to the housing 2, and consequently promoting the cooling of the pressing mechanism 4.

[0118] Furthermore, the fuel cell 101 of the fifth embodiment can also achieve substantially the same effects and advantages as the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment and the fuel cell 71 of the second embodiment described above.

[0119] The fuel cell 111 of the sixth embodiment will be described using Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the fuel cell 111 in the sixth embodiment. Figure 18 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the convection promoting plate 112, the first end plate 12, and the main body portion 11 of the housing 2.

[0120] The fuel cell 111 of the sixth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the fuel cell 101 of the fifth embodiment described above, but a convection promoting plate 112 that rectifies the convection generated in the second region A2 is attached to the outer edge of the housing 2 when viewed in the stacking direction of the power generation unit 31. More specifically, in the fuel cell 111 of the sixth embodiment, a convection promoting plate 112 with a cross-sectional arc shape that is convex toward the outside of the second region A2 is attached to the outer edge of the first end plate 12. The convection promoting plate 112 is an annular member that borders the outer edge of the first end plate 12.

[0121] In the sixth embodiment of the fuel cell 111, the convection promoting plate 112 can rectify the airflow within the second region A2 at the outer peripheral edge of the first end plate 12, which is the connection point between the first end plate 12 and the main body 11.

[0122] As a result, the fuel cell 111 of the sixth embodiment can further rectify the convection generated in the second region A2, and can further promote heat dissipation from the convection in the second region A2 to the housing 2 and cooling of the pressing mechanism 4.

[0123] Furthermore, the fuel cell 111 of the sixth embodiment can also achieve substantially the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment described above.

[0124] 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.

[0125] For example, the pressing mechanism 4 may not directly contact the tip of the pressing member 52 with the partition member 5, but rather insert a spring member, such as a coil spring, between the tip of the pressing member 52 and the partition member 5, thereby pressing the partition member 5 toward the first region A1 via the spring member.

[0126] For example, the main body member 51 of the pressing mechanism 4 may be provided with heat dissipation fins equivalent to additional heat dissipation fins 56 around the portion to which the fixing member 53 is attached.

[0127] For example, the fuel cell of the present invention may be a combination of the above-described embodiments as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1...fuel cell 2…Cabinet 3…Power generation module 4…Pressing mechanism 5… Partition members 6…Insulating material 7…Insulating board 11...Main body 12…First end plate 13…Second end plate 14…Ventilation holes 31…Power generation unit 32…Power generation cell 51…Main body components 52…Pressing member 53… Fixing member 54…Protruding wall for fixing 55…Cooling promotion part 56... Additional heat dissipation fins

Claims

1. A power generation module consisting of multiple cells stacked together, The enclosure in which the above-mentioned power generation module is housed, 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, The enclosure has a partition member that is positioned inside the enclosure so as to be in contact with the power generation module, and divides the enclosure into a first region in which the power generation module is housed and a second region in which the pressing mechanism is housed. The fuel cell is characterized in that the pressing mechanism is provided with a cooling promotion unit that promotes the cooling of the pressing mechanism.

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

3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing mechanism comprises a main body member having the cooling promotion section, 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.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that the main body member of the pressing mechanism is formed in a grid shape.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that the cooling promotion section is a plurality of metal heat dissipation fins protruding from the main body member.

6. The above-mentioned cooling promotion section is a metal annular heat dissipation fin protruding from the main body member, and is positioned in the center of the pressing mechanism when viewed in the stacking direction. The fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that the pressing member and the fixing member are located outside the cooling promotion section when viewed in the stacking direction.

7. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing has a first external cooling promotion section on the outer wall surface of the second region to promote cooling.

8. The fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing has a second external cooling promotion portion on the wall surface at a position on the outside of the side wall along the stacking direction, at least a portion of which overlaps with the portion of the main body member to which the fixing member is attached, thereby promoting cooling.

9. The fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that the cooling promotion section is a metal annular heat dissipation fin protruding from the main body member, positioned in the center of the pressing mechanism when viewed in the stacking direction, and the inner circumferential surface of the heat dissipation fin is formed as a curved surface that is convex inward.

10. The fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that additional heat dissipation fins are formed around the portion to which the above-mentioned fixing member is attached.

11. The fuel cell according to claim 10, characterized in that a convection promoting plate for rectifying the convection generated in the second region is attached to the outer edge of the housing in the stacking direction view.

12. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the housing has a plurality of ventilation holes in the central part and outer edge of the top wall facing the partition member with the pressing mechanism in between, thereby connecting the second region to the outside.

13. The above housing comprises a cylindrical main body, a first end plate that closes the opening at one end of the main body, and a second end plate that closes the 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 12, 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 flow out into the first region, and the cathode gas supplied to the power generation module flows within the first region.

14. The fuel cell according to claim 12, 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 faces the second region and the second plate member faces the first region.

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