Fluid Machinery for Fuel Cells

Abstract

To improve turbine efficiency without causing an increase of power which is consumed by a compression part.SOLUTION: A diameter of a turbine wheel 20 and a diameter of a shroud face 35 are gradually expanded toward a downstream side from an upstream side of a flow direction of an exhaust gas. Since an inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 located at the upstream side of the flow direction of the exhaust gas becomes small, a turbine wheel peripheral speed becomes low. Therefore, turbine efficiency approximates a maximum value. Even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 located at the upstream side of the flow direction of the exhaust gas is contracted, an outlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 located at the downstream side of the flow direction of the exhaust gas does not become smaller than the inlet diameter. By this constitution, even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 is contracted, it is suppressed that the exhaust gas flowing by the rotation of the turbine wheel 20 becomes difficult to pass a turbine chamber 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid machine for a fuel cell. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a fluid machine for a fuel cell is known that includes a rotating shaft, an electric motor, and a compression unit. The electric motor rotates the rotating shaft. The compression unit is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft. The compression unit compresses air supplied to the fuel cell stack. The fluid machine for a fuel cell may also include a rotation assist unit that assists the rotation of the rotating shaft. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, the rotation assist unit includes a turbine wheel and a turbine housing. The turbine wheel is provided on the rotating shaft. The turbine wheel rotates integrally with the rotating shaft. The turbine housing forms a turbine chamber. The turbine wheel is accommodated in the turbine chamber. The turbine housing has a shroud surface that faces the turbine wheel. In such a fluid machine for a fuel cell, the turbine wheel rotates by introducing exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack and introduced into the turbine chamber from the radial direction of the rotating shaft and discharging it in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-204422 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a fluid machine for a fuel cell, the turbine efficiency η is related to the speed ratio U / C as shown in Fig. 3. The turbine efficiency η has an upwardly convex characteristic with respect to the speed ratio U / C. Therefore, the turbine efficiency η reaches a maximum value ηmax at a predetermined speed ratio U / C0.

[0005] The speed ratio U / C is expressed by the ratio of the turbine wheel peripheral speed U to the adiabatic speed C. The turbine wheel peripheral speed U is the rotational speed of the turbine wheel in the circumferential direction. The turbine wheel peripheral speed U is expressed by the product of the turbine wheel rotation speed and the inlet diameter located upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel. The adiabatic speed C is expressed as a function of the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas. The adiabatic speed C means the theoretical gas velocity obtained when exhaust gas having a certain temperature and pressure is expanded to a specified temperature and pressure.

[0006] Here, the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack are significantly lower than, for example, the exhaust gas from an engine. Therefore, in the fuel cell fluid machine, the adiabatic speed C is relatively low, so the speed ratio U / C becomes a speed ratio U / Cx that is larger than a predetermined speed ratio U / C0. Then, the turbine efficiency η becomes a value ηx that is lower than the maximum value ηmax.

[0007] The temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack are uniquely determined by the required flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the air supplied to the fuel cell stack. Therefore, in a fuel cell fluid machine, the adiabatic speed C is uniquely determined by the required flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the air supplied to the fuel cell stack. Therefore, in order to improve the turbine efficiency η, it is necessary to reduce the turbine wheel peripheral speed U.

[0008] In order to reduce the turbine wheel peripheral speed U, for example, it is possible to reduce the rotational speed of the turbine wheel, but in order to assist the rotation of the rotating shaft, it is not preferable to reduce the rotational speed of the turbine wheel. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the inlet diameter located upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel. At this time, consider the case of a turbine wheel configured such that the diameter of the turbine wheel gradually decreases from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. In this case, as the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel is reduced, the outlet diameter located downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel also becomes smaller. Then, it becomes difficult for the exhaust gas flowing due to the rotation of the turbine wheel to pass through the turbine chamber. Therefore, in the turbine chamber, the pressure upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas increases, which increases the pressure at the inlet of the fuel cell stack. As a result, there is a risk that the power consumed by the compression unit will increase significantly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A fluid machine for a fuel cell that solves the above problem comprises a rotating shaft, an electric motor that rotates the rotating shaft, a compression section that compresses air supplied to a fuel cell stack by rotation of the rotating shaft, and a rotation assisting section that assists the rotation of the rotating shaft, wherein the rotation assisting section comprises a turbine wheel that is provided on the rotating shaft and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft, and a turbine housing that forms a turbine chamber in which the turbine wheel is housed and has a shroud surface that faces the turbine wheel, wherein the turbine wheel is a fluid machine for a fuel cell that rotates by introducing exhaust gas that is discharged from the fuel cell stack and introduced into the turbine chamber from the radial direction of the rotating shaft and discharging it in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and wherein a diameter of the turbine wheel and a diameter of the shroud surface gradually increase from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas.

[0010] According to this, the inlet diameter located upstream in the exhaust gas flow direction in the turbine wheel becomes smaller, so the turbine wheel circumferential speed becomes smaller. Therefore, the turbine efficiency approaches a maximum value. As a result, the turbine efficiency is improved in the fluid machine for a fuel cell. And, even if the inlet diameter located upstream in the exhaust gas flow direction in the turbine wheel is reduced, the outlet diameter located downstream in the exhaust gas flow direction in the turbine wheel does not become smaller than the inlet diameter. Therefore, even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel is reduced, it is possible to suppress the exhaust gas flowing due to the rotation of the turbine wheel from becoming difficult to pass through the turbine chamber. As a result, even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel is reduced in order to reduce the turbine wheel circumferential speed, it is possible to suppress the pressure upstream in the exhaust gas flow direction in the turbine chamber from increasing. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressure at the inlet of the fuel cell stack from increasing. As a result, it is possible to improve the turbine efficiency without increasing the power consumed by the compression section.

[0011] In the above-mentioned fluid machine for a fuel cell, the turbine wheel has a hub having an outer peripheral surface that gradually reduces in diameter from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and a plurality of blades provided on the outer peripheral surface, arranged circumferentially about the hub, and gradually increasing in diameter from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and the outer edges of the blades, which are the edges on the shroud surface side, extend along the shroud surface.

[0012] According to this, since the outer edges of the blades on the shroud surface side extend along the shroud surface, it is possible to maintain a constant clearance between the outer edges of the blades on the shroud surface side and the shroud surface, thereby further improving the turbine efficiency.

[0013] In the above-mentioned fluid machine for a fuel cell, the turbine housing faces the blades and has an inlet for introducing the exhaust gas, and the opposing edges of the multiple blades facing the inlet extend in the axial direction of the rotating shaft so as to move away from the rotating shaft as the diameter of the hub becomes smaller from the maximum diameter.

[0014] This allows the difference between the inlet diameter located upstream of the turbine wheel in the exhaust gas flow direction and the outlet diameter located downstream of the turbine wheel in the exhaust gas flow direction to be as large as possible, which makes it easier to prevent the exhaust gas flowing due to the rotation of the turbine wheel from having difficulty passing through the turbine chamber even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel is reduced.

[0015] In the above-mentioned fluid machine for a fuel cell, the turbine housing faces the blades and has an inlet for introducing the exhaust gas, and the opposing edges of the blades facing the inlet extend in the axial direction of the rotating shaft as the diameter of the hub becomes smaller from the maximum diameter.

[0016] This makes it easier to transmit the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas to the turbine wheel, which in turn makes it easier to convert the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas into the rotational energy of the turbine wheel, thereby making it easier to assist the rotation of the rotating shaft with the rotational energy generated by the turbine wheel. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the turbine efficiency can be improved without increasing the power consumed by the compression section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a fluid machine for a fuel cell according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a turbine wheel. [Diagram 3] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between turbine efficiency and speed ratio. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a turbine wheel in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] An embodiment of the fluid machine for a fuel cell will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The fluid machine for a fuel cell of this embodiment is used in a fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle such as a fuel cell car.

[0020] (Regarding fuel cell system 10) As shown in Fig. 1, a fuel cell system 10 includes a fuel cell stack 11 and a fuel cell fluid machine 12. The fuel cell fluid machine 12 compresses air, which is an oxidant gas. The air compressed by the fuel cell fluid machine 12 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 11. The fuel cell stack 11 has, for example, a plurality of cells. Each cell is configured by stacking an oxygen electrode, a hydrogen electrode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the two electrodes.

[0021] The fuel cell stack 11 generates electricity by chemically reacting hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, with oxygen contained in the air. Only about 20% of the oxygen in the air contributes to the power generation of the fuel cell stack 11. Therefore, about 80% of the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 11 is discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 as exhaust gas without contributing to the power generation of the fuel cell stack 11.

[0022] The fuel cell stack 11 is electrically connected to a traction motor (not shown). The traction motor is driven by the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack 11. The power of the traction motor is transmitted to the axle via a power transmission mechanism (not shown), and the vehicle travels at a speed that corresponds to the accelerator pedal depression.

[0023] (Overall configuration of the fuel cell fluid machine 12) The fuel cell fluid machine 12 includes a rotating shaft 13, an electric motor 14, and a compression unit 15. The electric motor 14 rotates the rotating shaft 13. The compression unit 15 is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft 13. In this embodiment, the compression unit 15 is a compressor impeller connected to a first end of the rotating shaft 13. The compression unit 15 compresses the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 11.

[0024] (Configuration of rotation assist unit 16) The fluid machine 12 for a fuel cell includes a rotation assisting part 16. The rotation assisting part 16 assists the rotation of the rotating shaft 13. The rotation assisting part 16 includes a turbine wheel 20 and a turbine housing 30. The turbine wheel 20 is provided on the rotating shaft 13. Specifically, the turbine wheel 20 is connected to a second end of the rotating shaft 13. The turbine wheel 20 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 13.

[0025] The turbine housing 30 forms a turbine chamber 31. The turbine wheel 20 is housed in the turbine chamber 31. The turbine housing 30 is cylindrical and has a circular discharge port 32. The discharge port 32 communicates with the turbine chamber 31. The axis of the discharge port 32 coincides with the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 13. The turbine housing 30 also has a suction chamber 33 and an introduction port 34. The suction chamber 33 extends around the axis of the discharge port 32 around the turbine chamber 31. Exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 is drawn into the suction chamber 33. The introduction port 34 communicates between the turbine chamber 31 and the suction chamber 33. The introduction port 34 extends in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 13. The introduction port 34 introduces the exhaust gas drawn into the suction chamber 33 from the radial direction of the rotating shaft 13 into the turbine chamber 31.

[0026] The turbine wheel 20 rotates by introducing exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 and introduced into the turbine chamber 31 from the radial direction of the rotating shaft 13 and discharging the exhaust gas in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 13. The turbine wheel 20 rotates by the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas introduced into the turbine chamber 31. As a result, the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas is converted into the rotational energy of the turbine wheel 20. In this way, the rotational energy generated by the turbine wheel 20 assists the rotation of the rotating shaft 13. Then, the exhaust gas that has passed through the turbine chamber 31 is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 32.

[0027] (Regarding shroud surface 35) As shown in Fig. 2, the turbine housing 30 has a shroud surface 35 facing the turbine wheel 20. The shroud surface 35 forms a turbine chamber 31. The shroud surface 35 surrounds the turbine wheel 20. The shroud surface 35 connects the opening edge of the inlet 34 on the turbine chamber 31 side to the inner circumferential surface of the discharge port 32. The diameter of the shroud surface 35 gradually increases from the inlet 34 toward the discharge port 32. Therefore, the diameter of the shroud surface 35 gradually increases from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas.

[0028] (About Hub21) The turbine wheel 20 has a hub 21 and a plurality of blades 22. The hub 21 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 13. The hub 21 is attached to a second end of the rotating shaft 13. The hub 21 has a generally conical shape whose outer diameter increases from the back surface 21a toward the tip surface 21b. The hub 21 has an outer peripheral surface 21c whose diameter gradually decreases from the back surface 21a toward the tip surface 21b. The flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing through the turbine chamber 31 is from the inlet 34 toward the discharge port 32. Therefore, the hub 21 has an outer peripheral surface 21c whose diameter gradually decreases from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The outer peripheral surface 21c of the hub 21 is a curved surface that is recessed toward the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 13. The outer diameter of the back surface 21a of the hub 21 is the maximum diameter of the diameter of the hub 21. The outer diameter of the tip surface 21b of the hub 21 is the minimum diameter of the diameter of the hub 21.

[0029] (About Wings 22) The blades 22 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 21c of the hub 21. The blades 22 protrude from the outer peripheral surface 21c of the hub 21. The blades 22 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the hub 21 with respect to the outer peripheral surface 21c of the hub 21. The blades 22 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the hub 21. The turbine wheel 20 is housed in the turbine chamber 31 with each blade 22 facing the shroud surface 35. The outer edge 23 of the blades 22, which is the edge on the shroud surface 35 side, gradually increases in diameter from the back surface 21a to the tip surface 21b of the hub 21. Therefore, the blades 22 gradually increase in diameter from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. In this way, the diameter of the turbine wheel 20 and the diameter of the shroud surface 35 gradually increase in diameter from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas.

[0030] The outer edges 23 of the blades 22 extend along the shroud surface 35. Therefore, the clearance C1 between the outer edges 23 of each blade 22 and the shroud surface 35 is constant in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The inlet 34 faces each blade 22. Therefore, each blade 22 has an opposing edge 24 facing the inlet 34. The opposing edge 24 facing the inlet 34 of each blade 22 extends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 13 so as to move away from the rotating shaft 13 as the diameter of the hub 21 becomes smaller from the maximum diameter. The diameter of the opposing edge 24 of each blade 22 is an inlet diameter located upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel 20. The diameter of the end portion located on the tip surface 21b side of the hub 21 in the outer edge 23 of each blade 22 is an outlet diameter located downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel 20.

[0031] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the electric motor 14 rotates the rotary shaft 13, the compressor 15 is driven by the rotation of the rotary shaft 13, and the compressor 15 compresses the air. The air compressed by the compressor 15 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 11. The oxygen contained in the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 11 contributes to power generation by the fuel cell stack 11. The exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 is drawn into the suction chamber 33. The exhaust gas drawn into the suction chamber 33 is introduced into the turbine chamber 31 through the inlet 34. The turbine wheel 20 is rotated by the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas introduced into the turbine chamber 31. As a result, the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas is converted into the rotational energy of the turbine wheel 20. In this way, the rotational energy generated by the turbine wheel 20 assists the rotation of the rotary shaft 13. The exhaust gas that has passed through the turbine chamber 31 is discharged to the outside from the outlet 32.

[0032] The graph in Fig. 3 shows the relationship between the turbine efficiency η and the speed ratio U / C. As shown in Fig. 3, the turbine efficiency η has an upwardly convex characteristic with respect to the speed ratio U / C. Therefore, the turbine efficiency η reaches a maximum value ηmax at a certain speed ratio U / C0.

[0033] In such a fuel cell fluid machine 12, the turbine efficiency η is related to the speed ratio U / C. The speed ratio U / C is expressed by the ratio of the turbine wheel peripheral speed U to the adiabatic speed C. The turbine wheel peripheral speed U is the rotation speed of the turbine wheel 20 in the circumferential direction. The turbine wheel peripheral speed U is expressed by the product of the rotation speed of the turbine wheel 20 and the inlet diameter located upstream of the turbine wheel 20 in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The adiabatic speed C is expressed as a function of the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas. The adiabatic speed C means the theoretical gas speed obtained when exhaust gas having a certain temperature and pressure is expanded to a predetermined temperature and pressure.

[0034] Here, the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 are significantly lower than, for example, the exhaust gas from an engine. Therefore, in the fuel cell fluid machine 12, the adiabatic speed C is relatively low, so the speed ratio U / C becomes a speed ratio U / Cx that is larger than a predetermined speed ratio U / C0. Then, the turbine efficiency η becomes a value ηx that is lower than the maximum value ηmax.

[0035] The temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 are uniquely determined by the required flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 11. Therefore, in the fuel cell fluid machine 12, the adiabatic speed C is uniquely determined by the required flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the air supplied to the fuel cell stack 11. Therefore, in order to improve the turbine efficiency η, it is necessary to reduce the turbine wheel peripheral speed U.

[0036] In order to reduce the turbine wheel peripheral speed U, it is conceivable to reduce the rotation speed of the turbine wheel 20, for example, but in order to assist the rotation of the rotating shaft 13, it is not preferable to reduce the rotation speed of the turbine wheel 20. Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the inlet diameter located upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel 20.

[0037] Therefore, the diameter of the turbine wheel 20 and the diameter of the shroud surface 35 are gradually enlarged from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. As a result, the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 located upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas becomes smaller, and the turbine wheel peripheral speed U becomes smaller. Therefore, the speed ratio U / C approaches a predetermined speed ratio U / C0, and the turbine efficiency η approaches the maximum value ηmax. As a result, the turbine efficiency η is improved in the fluid machine 12 for a fuel cell.

[0038] Even if the inlet diameter located upstream in the exhaust gas flow direction in the turbine wheel 20 is reduced, the outlet diameter located downstream in the exhaust gas flow direction in the turbine wheel 20 does not become smaller than the inlet diameter. Therefore, even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 is reduced, the exhaust gas flowing due to the rotation of the turbine wheel 20 is prevented from becoming difficult to pass through the turbine chamber 31. As a result, even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 is reduced to reduce the turbine wheel peripheral speed U, the pressure upstream in the exhaust gas flow direction in the turbine chamber 31 is prevented from increasing. Therefore, the pressure at the inlet of the fuel cell stack 11 is prevented from increasing. As a result, the turbine efficiency η is improved without increasing the power consumed by the compression section 15.

[0039] (effect) The above embodiment can provide the following effects. (1) The diameter of the turbine wheel 20 and the diameter of the shroud surface 35 gradually increase from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. As a result, the inlet diameter located upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel 20 becomes smaller, and the turbine wheel circumferential speed U becomes smaller. Therefore, the speed ratio U / C approaches a predetermined speed ratio U / C0, and the turbine efficiency η approaches a maximum value ηmax. As a result, the turbine efficiency η is improved in the fuel cell fluid machine 12. Even if the inlet diameter located upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel 20 is reduced, the outlet diameter located downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine wheel 20 does not become smaller than the inlet diameter. Therefore, even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 is reduced, it is possible to prevent the exhaust gas flowing due to the rotation of the turbine wheel 20 from becoming difficult to pass through the turbine chamber 31. As a result, even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 is reduced in order to reduce the turbine wheel circumferential speed U, the pressure upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the turbine chamber 31 is prevented from increasing. This prevents an increase in the pressure at the inlet of the fuel cell stack 11. As a result, the turbine efficiency η can be improved without increasing the power consumed by the compression section 15.

[0040] (2) The outer edges 23, which are edges of the blades 22 on the shroud surface 35 side, extend along the shroud surface 35. This makes it possible to maintain a constant clearance C1 between the outer edges 23, which are edges of the blades 22 on the shroud surface 35 side, and the shroud surface 35. Therefore, the turbine efficiency η can be further improved.

[0041] (3) The opposing edges 24 of the vanes 22 that face the inlets 34 extend away from the rotating shaft 13 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 13 as the diameter of the hub 21 decreases from the maximum diameter. This makes it possible to maximize the difference between the inlet diameter located upstream of the turbine wheel 20 in the flow direction of the exhaust gas and the outlet diameter located downstream of the turbine wheel 20 in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. Therefore, even if the inlet diameter of the turbine wheel 20 is reduced, it is possible to more easily prevent the exhaust gas flowing due to the rotation of the turbine wheel 20 from having difficulty passing through the turbine chamber 31.

[0042] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0043] 4, the opposing edges 24 of the vanes 22 facing the inlets 34 may extend in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 13 as the diameter of the hub 21 decreases from the maximum diameter. This makes it easier to transmit the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas to the turbine wheel 20. As a result, the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas is more easily converted into the rotational energy of the turbine wheel 20, and the rotation of the rotating shaft 13 can be more easily assisted by the rotational energy generated by the turbine wheel 20.

[0044] In the embodiment, the outer edges 23 of the blades 22 on the shroud surface 35 side may not extend along the shroud surface 35. In short, the clearance C1 between the outer edges 23 of the blades 22 on the shroud surface 35 side and the shroud surface 35 may not be constant. For example, the clearance C1 between the outer edges 23 of the blades 22 on the shroud surface 35 side and the shroud surface 35 may be gradually narrowed from the upstream to the downstream in the exhaust gas flow direction. Also, for example, the clearance C1 between the outer edges 23 of the blades 22 on the shroud surface 35 side and the shroud surface 35 may be gradually widened from the upstream to the downstream in the exhaust gas flow direction.

[0045] In the embodiment, the fuel cell fluid machine 12 is not limited to being mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and used to supply air to the fuel cell stack 11. For example, the fuel cell fluid machine 12 is not limited to being mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 11... fuel cell stack, 12... fluid machine for fuel cell, 13... rotating shaft, 14... electric motor, 15... compression section, 16... rotation auxiliary section, 20... turbine wheel, 21... hub, 21c... outer circumferential surface, 22... blade, 23... outer edge, 24... opposing edge, 30... turbine housing, 31... turbine chamber, 34... inlet, 35... shroud surface.

Claims

1. A rotation axis; an electric motor that rotates the rotary shaft; a compression unit that compresses air supplied to the fuel cell stack by rotation of the rotating shaft; A rotation assisting unit that assists the rotation of the rotating shaft, The rotation assist unit includes: a turbine wheel provided on the rotary shaft and rotating integrally with the rotary shaft; a turbine housing that defines a turbine chamber in which the turbine wheel is housed and has a shroud surface that faces the turbine wheel, the turbine wheel is a fluid machine for a fuel cell that rotates by introducing exhaust gas, which is discharged from the fuel cell stack and introduced into the turbine chamber, from a radial direction of the rotating shaft and discharging the exhaust gas in an axial direction of the rotating shaft, a diameter of the turbine wheel and a diameter of the shroud surface gradually increase from the upstream to the downstream in a flow direction of the exhaust gas, The turbine wheel has a plurality of blades whose diameters gradually increase from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, When viewed in a meridian plane, downstream edges of the plurality of blades that are located downstream in a flow direction of the exhaust gas are perpendicular to an axis of the rotation shaft, 2. A fluid machinery for a fuel cell, wherein an angle between an edge defined by the downstream end edge and an outer edge of each of the plurality of blades on the shroud surface side is an acute angle when viewed in the meridian plane.

2. The turbine wheel has a hub having an outer circumferential surface whose diameter gradually decreases from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, The plurality of blades are provided on the outer circumferential surface and are arranged in a circumferential direction of the hub, 2. The fluid machinery for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein outer edges of the blades that are edges on the shroud surface side extend along the shroud surface.

3. the turbine housing faces the blades and has an inlet through which the exhaust gas is introduced; The fluid machine for a fuel cell as described in claim 2, characterized in that the opposing edges of the multiple vanes that face the inlet extend away from the rotating shaft in the axial direction of the rotating shaft as the diameter of the hub becomes smaller from the maximum diameter.

4. the turbine housing faces the blades and has an inlet through which the exhaust gas is introduced; The fluid machine for a fuel cell as described in claim 2, characterized in that the opposing edges of the multiple vanes that face the inlet port extend in the axial direction of the rotating shaft as the diameter of the hub becomes smaller from the maximum diameter.

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