fuel cell module

Abstract

To reduce the size of a fuel battery module.SOLUTION: A fuel battery module according to an embodiment, comprises: a fuel battery stack group; a fuel gas supply pipe; and an oxidant agent gas supply pipe. The fuel battery stack group contains: a first fuel battery stack row in which a plurality of fuel battery stacks is arranged along the first direction so that a positive electrode terminal is positioned on one side in a first direction and a negative electrode terminal is positioned on the other side in the first direction; and a second fuel battery stack row which is faced to each fuel battery stack of the first fuel battery stack in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the negative electrode terminal is positioned on one side in the first direction, and the positive electrode terminal is positioned on the other side in the first direction. The fuel gas supply pipe and the oxidant agent gas supply pipe are arranged between the first fuel battery stack row and the second fuel battery stack row.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a fuel cell module. [Background technology]

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel gas, such as hydrogen, into electrical energy by electrochemically reacting the fuel gas with an oxidizing gas, such as air. Fuel cells are used in a wide range of applications, including stationary applications in factories, hospitals, commercial facilities, and homes, as well as mobile applications in automobiles, railroad cars, aircraft, ships, and other vehicles.

[0003] When a large amount of power output is required, a fuel cell module containing multiple fuel cell stacks, each of which is made up of multiple unit cells (fuel cell cells), may be used. In such a fuel cell module, multiple fuel cell stacks are arranged, which can lead to complex piping configurations for fuel gas and oxidant gas in relation to each fuel cell stack, requiring a large amount of space for their arrangement. This can result in larger fuel cell modules, which may require a larger installation space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2008-516386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to provide a fuel cell module that can be made smaller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A fuel cell tank according to an embodiment includes a fuel cell stack group including a plurality of fuel cell stacks each having a stack of multiple fuel cells, the fuel cell stacks having a positive electrode terminal on one side in the stacking direction and a negative electrode terminal on the other side in the stacking direction, a fuel gas supply pipe for supplying fuel gas to each of the fuel cell stacks, and an oxidant gas supply pipe for supplying oxidant gas to each of the fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stack group includes a first fuel cell stack row in which the plurality of fuel cell stacks are arranged along a first direction with the positive electrode terminal on one side in the first direction and the negative electrode terminal on the other side in the first direction, and a second fuel cell stack row in which the plurality of fuel cell stacks are arranged along the first direction with the negative electrode terminal on one side in the first direction and the positive electrode terminal on the other side in the first direction, facing each of the fuel cell stacks in the first fuel cell stack row in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The fuel gas supply pipe and the oxidant gas supply pipe are disposed between the first fuel cell stack row and the second fuel cell stack row. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the fuel cell module can be made smaller. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fuel cell module of FIG. 1 with the housing removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fuel cell module of FIG. 2 with the second fuel cell stack row removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fuel cell module of FIG. 2, viewed from a different angle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the fuel cell module of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A fuel cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] The fuel cell module according to this embodiment is a fuel cell module for use in a mobile body. That is, the fuel cell module according to this embodiment is applied to mobile bodies such as automobiles, railroad cars, aircraft, and ships. However, this is not a limitation, and the fuel cell module can be applied to various fields. For example, the fuel cell module may be applied to stationary applications such as factories, hospitals, commercial facilities, and homes.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell module 1 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The fuel cell module 1 may have a length direction, a width direction, and a height direction. In this specification, the length direction of the fuel cell module 1 is referred to as the X direction (first direction), the width direction of the fuel cell module 1 is referred to as the Y direction (second direction), and the height direction of the fuel cell module 1 is referred to as the Z direction (third direction). Here, the Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction. Note that, when the fuel cell module 1 is installed, the Z direction corresponds to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, when viewed from the Z direction, a straight line passing through the center of the fuel cell module 1 in the Y direction and extending in the X direction is defined as a center line Lc (see FIG. 5), the side closer to the center line Lc in the Y direction is also referred to as the Y-direction inner side, and the side away from the center line Lc in the Y direction is also referred to as the Y-direction outer side.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the fuel cell module 1 includes a housing 10, a fuel cell stack group 20, a fuel gas pipe 30, an oxidant gas pipe 40, a cooling liquid pipe 50, and a liquid tank 60.

[0013] 1, a housing 10 accommodates a fuel cell stack group 20, a fuel gas pipe 30, an oxidant gas pipe 40, a cooling liquid pipe 50, and a liquid tank 60. Portions of the fuel gas pipe 30, the oxidant gas pipe 40, and the cooling liquid pipe 50 may extend outside the housing 10.

[0014] The housing 10 may include a frame 12 and a panel 14 attached to the frame 12. Note that in Fig. 1, the panel is not shown, and the position where the panel is to be disposed is indicated by a reference numeral.

[0015] The panel 14 may include a top panel 14a, a bottom panel 14b, and four side panels 14c. The top panel 14a is located on one side of the fuel cell module 1 in the Z direction (the upper side in FIG. 1) and constitutes the top surface of the fuel cell module 1. The bottom panel 14b is located on the other side of the fuel cell module 1 in the Z direction (the lower side in FIG. 1) and constitutes the bottom surface of the fuel cell module 1. The side panels 14c are located on both sides of the fuel cell module 1 in the X direction and both sides of the fuel cell module 1 in the Y direction and constitute the side surfaces of the fuel cell module 1.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a fuel cell stack group 20 is arranged inside the housing 10. The fuel cell stack group 20 is arranged on one side in the Z direction (upper in the direction of gravity) inside the housing 10. The fuel cell stack group 20 includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks 21. In the example shown, the fuel cell stack group 20 includes six fuel cell stacks 21. Each fuel cell stack 21 may be supported by a support portion (not shown) so as to be located on one side in the Z direction inside the housing 10. The fuel cell stacks 21 may have the same configuration as each other.

[0017] Each fuel cell stack 21 is configured to generate power using a fuel gas and an oxidant gas. Each fuel cell stack 21 is configured by stacking a plurality of fuel cell units 22 (see FIG. 5). Each fuel cell unit 22 generates power through the reaction shown in the following chemical formula 1. More specifically, the fuel gas is, for example, a hydrogen-containing gas. The fuel gas flows through a fuel gas flow path in each fuel cell unit 22, causing a fuel electrode reaction. The oxidant gas is, for example, air (atmosphere). The oxidant gas flows through an oxidant gas flow path in each fuel cell unit 22, causing an oxidant electrode reaction. Each fuel cell stack 21 is configured to generate power through these electrochemical reactions.

[0018] (chemical formula 1) Anode reaction: H2 → 2H + + 2e - Oxidant electrode reaction: 1 / 2O2 + 2H + +2e - → H2O

[0019] Each fuel cell stack 21 is configured to use a cooling liquid to cool itself, which generates heat as it generates power. More specifically, the cooling liquid is, for example, water. The cooling liquid flows through a cooling liquid flow path in each fuel cell 22, cooling each fuel cell stack 21 which generates heat as it generates power.

[0020] Each fuel cell stack 21 has a positive electrode terminal 23a and a negative electrode terminal 23b. Electrical energy generated by each fuel cell stack 21 can be extracted from the positive electrode terminal 23a and the negative electrode terminal 23b. As shown in Fig. 5, the positive electrode terminal 23a is provided on one side (the side toward which the solid line arrow in Fig. 5 points) of each fuel cell stack 21 in the stacking direction (solid line arrow in Fig. 5). The negative electrode terminal 23b is provided on the other side (the side opposite to the positive electrode terminal 23a) of each fuel cell stack 21 in the stacking direction.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 5, the positive electrode terminals 23a and negative electrode terminals 23b of adjacent fuel cell stacks 21 in the X direction may be electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, for example, the positive electrode terminals 23a and negative electrode terminals 23b of two fuel cell stacks 21 located on the outermost side in the X direction (the right side in Fig. 5) and facing each other in the Y direction may also be electrically connected to each other via wiring (not shown). In other words, the fuel cell stacks 21 may be connected in series.

[0022] The fuel cell stack group 20 includes a first fuel cell stack row 24 and a second fuel cell stack row 25 .

[0023] The first fuel cell stack row 24 is located on one side in the Y direction (upper side in FIG. 5). The first fuel cell stack row 24 includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks 21 lined up along the X direction. In the illustrated example, the first fuel cell stack row 24 includes three fuel cell stacks 21. In the first fuel cell stack row 24, the fuel cell stacks 21 are lined up along the X direction such that the positive electrode terminal 23a is located on one side in the X direction (right side in FIG. 5) and the negative electrode terminal 23b is located on the other side in the X direction (left side in FIG. 5). As described above, in the first fuel cell stack row 24, the positive electrode terminal 23a and the negative electrode terminal 23b of fuel cell stacks 21 adjacent to each other in the X direction may be electrically connected to each other.

[0024] The second fuel cell stack row 25 is located on the other side in the Y direction (the lower side in FIG. 5). The second fuel cell stack row 25 includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks 21 lined up along the X direction. In the illustrated example, the second fuel cell stack row 25 includes three fuel cell stacks 21. In the second fuel cell stack row 25, each fuel cell stack 21 is lined up along the X direction so as to face each of the fuel cell stacks 21 in the first fuel cell stack row 24. In the second fuel cell stack row 25, each fuel cell stack 21 is lined up along the X direction so that the negative electrode terminal 23b is located on one side in the X direction (the right side in FIG. 5) and the positive electrode terminal 23a is located on the other side in the X direction (the left side in FIG. 5). In other words, each fuel cell stack 21 in the first fuel cell stack row 24 and each fuel cell stack 21 in the second fuel cell stack row 25 are arranged at the same position in the X direction and facing opposite directions to each other in the Y direction. As described above, the positive electrode terminal 23a and the negative electrode terminal 23b of the fuel cell stacks 21 adjacent to each other in the X direction in the second fuel cell stack row 25 may be electrically connected to each other. The positive electrode terminal 23a of the fuel cell stack 21 located on the outermost side in the X direction (the right side in FIG. 5) of the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the negative electrode terminal 23b of the fuel cell stack 21 located on the outermost side in the X direction (the right side in FIG. 5) of the second fuel cell stack row 25 may also be electrically connected to each other via wiring (not shown).

[0025] In the above example, the fuel cell stack group 20 includes six fuel cell stacks 21, and the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25 each include three fuel cell stacks 21, but this is not limited to this and the number of fuel cell stacks 21 may be any number. The fuel cell stack group 20 may include four or more fuel cell stacks 21, and preferably includes an even number of fuel cell stacks 21. Furthermore, the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25 may each include two or more fuel cell stacks 21, and preferably include the same number of fuel cell stacks 21.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a fuel gas pipe 30 is disposed within the housing 10. The fuel gas pipe 30 includes a fuel gas supply pipe 31 and a fuel gas discharge pipe 35. The fuel gas supply pipe 31 is a pipe that supplies fuel gas 3a to each of the fuel cell stacks 21. The fuel gas discharge pipe 35 is a pipe that discharges the fuel gas 3a that has flowed through each of the fuel cell stacks 21. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the flow of the fuel gas 3a is indicated by solid arrows.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the fuel gas supply pipe 31 may include two fuel gas supply header pipes 32 and six individual fuel gas supply pipes 33. The two fuel gas supply header pipes 32 may extend in the X direction. Three individual fuel gas supply pipes 33 may extend outward in the Y direction from one of the two fuel gas supply header pipes 32 and be connected to the corresponding three fuel cell stacks 21 of the first fuel cell stack row 24. Three individual fuel gas supply pipes 33 may extend outward in the Y direction from the other of the two fuel gas supply header pipes 32 and be connected to the corresponding three fuel cell stacks 21 of the second fuel cell stack row 25. The fuel gas 3a supplied from a fuel gas supply device (not shown) may flow through each fuel gas supply header pipe 32, then through each individual fuel gas supply pipe 33, and be supplied to each fuel cell stack 21.

[0028] The fuel gas supply pipes 31 are arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. All of the fuel gas supply pipes 31 inside the casing 10 may be arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. However, this is not limited to this, and some of the fuel gas supply pipes 31 inside the casing 10 may be arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. In the example shown in the figure, each fuel gas supply header pipe 32 and each individual fuel gas supply pipe 33 are arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the fuel gas discharge pipe 35 may include six individual fuel gas discharge pipes 36 and two fuel gas discharge header pipes 37. The six individual fuel gas discharge pipes 36 may extend inward in the Y direction from the corresponding fuel cell stacks 21, bend, and extend to one side in the Z direction (upper side in FIG. 3 ). The two fuel gas discharge header pipes 37 may extend in the X direction. The individual fuel gas discharge pipes 36 extending from each fuel cell stack 21 in the first fuel cell stack row 24 may be connected to one of the two fuel gas discharge header pipes 37. The individual fuel gas discharge pipes 36 extending from each fuel cell stack 21 in the second fuel cell stack row 25 may be connected to the other of the two fuel gas discharge header pipes 37. The fuel gas 3a flowing through each fuel cell stack 21 may flow through each individual fuel gas discharge pipe 36 and then through each fuel gas discharge header pipe 37 to be discharged to the outside.

[0030] The fuel gas discharge pipes 35 may also be arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. All of the fuel gas discharge pipes 35 inside the casing 10 may be arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. However, this is not limited to this, and some of the fuel gas discharge pipes 35 inside the casing 10 may be arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. In the example shown in the figure, each individual fuel gas discharge pipe 36 and each fuel gas discharge header pipe 37 is arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, an oxidizing gas pipe 40 is disposed within the housing 10. The oxidizing gas pipe 40 includes an oxidizing gas supply pipe 41 and an oxidizing gas discharge pipe 45. The oxidizing gas supply pipe 41 is a pipe that supplies the oxidizing gas 3b to each of the fuel cell stacks 21. The oxidizing gas discharge pipe 45 is a pipe that discharges the oxidizing gas 3b that has flowed through each of the fuel cell stacks 21. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the flow of the oxidizing gas 3b is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0032] 3 and 5, the oxidant gas supply pipe 41 may include one oxidant gas inlet pipe 42, one oxidant gas supply header 43, and six individual oxidant gas supply pipes 44. The oxidant gas inlet pipe 42 may be disposed on one side in the X direction (the right side in FIG. 5). The oxidant gas inlet pipe 42 may extend in the Z direction and be connected to the oxidant gas supply header 43. The oxidant gas supply header 43 may extend in the X direction. The six individual oxidant gas supply pipes 44 may extend outward in the Y direction from the oxidant gas supply header 43, bend, extend to one side in the Z direction (the upper side in FIG. 3), and be connected to the corresponding fuel cell stacks 21. The oxidant gas 3b supplied from an oxidant gas supply device (not shown) may flow in from the oxidant gas inlet pipe 42, flow through the oxidant gas supply header 43, and then flow through each individual oxidant gas supply pipe 44 to be supplied to each fuel cell stack 21.

[0033] The oxidant gas supply pipe 41 is arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. All of the oxidant gas supply pipes 41 inside the casing 10 may be arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. However, this is not limited to this, and only a portion of the oxidant gas supply pipes 41 inside the casing 10 may be arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. In the example shown in the figure, the oxidant gas inlet pipe 42, the oxidant gas supply header 43, and portions of each individual oxidant gas supply pipe 44 are arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25.

[0034] 3 and 4, the oxidant gas discharge pipe 45 may include six individual oxidant gas discharge pipes 46. Each of the six individual oxidant gas discharge pipes 46 may extend from the corresponding fuel cell stack 21 to the other side in the Z direction (the lower side in FIG. 3), bend, extend inward in the Y direction, and be connected to a liquid tank 60 (described later). The oxidant gas 3b that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 may flow through each individual oxidant gas discharge pipe 46 and be discharged to the liquid tank 60. Condensed water (described later) may also flow through each individual oxidant gas discharge pipe 46 together with the oxidant gas 3b and be discharged to the liquid tank 60.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a cooling liquid pipe 50 is arranged inside the housing 10. The cooling liquid pipe 50 includes a cooling liquid supply pipe 51 and a cooling liquid discharge pipe 55. The cooling liquid pipe 50 is a pipe that supplies the cooling liquid 3c to each of the fuel cell stacks 21. The cooling liquid discharge pipe 55 is a pipe that discharges the cooling liquid 3c that has flowed through each of the fuel cell stacks 21. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the flow of the cooling liquid 3c is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0036] 3 and 4, the cooling liquid supply pipe 51 may include six individual cooling liquid supply pipes 52. The six individual cooling liquid supply pipes 52 may extend outward from the liquid tank 60 in the Y direction, bend, and extend to one side in the Z direction (the upper side in FIG. 3), and be connected to the corresponding fuel cell stacks 21. The cooling liquid 3c stored in the liquid tank 60 may flow through each individual cooling liquid supply pipe 52 and be supplied to each fuel cell stack 21.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the cooling liquid discharge pipe 55 may include six individual cooling liquid discharge pipes 56 and two cooling liquid discharge header pipes 57. The six individual cooling liquid discharge pipes 56 may extend from the corresponding fuel cell stack 21 to one side in the Z direction (upper side in FIG. 3), bend to extend outward in the Y direction, and bend again to extend to the other side in the Z direction (lower side in FIG. 3). The two cooling liquid discharge header pipes 57 may extend in the X direction. The individual cooling liquid discharge pipes 56 extending from each fuel cell stack 21 in the first fuel cell stack row 24 may be connected to one of the two cooling liquid discharge header pipes 57. The individual cooling liquid discharge pipes 56 extending from each fuel cell stack 21 in the second fuel cell stack row 25 may be connected to the other of the two cooling liquid discharge header pipes 57. The cooling liquid 3c that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 may flow through each individual cooling liquid discharge pipe 56, and then through each cooling liquid discharge header pipe 57, and then be discharged to the outside. The cooling liquid 3c that has been discharged to the outside may be subjected to predetermined processes such as cooling and impurity removal, and then supplied again to the liquid tank 60.

[0038] The cooling liquid discharge pipes 55 may be arranged on both sides of the fuel cell stack group 20 in the Y direction. In the example shown, three individual cooling liquid discharge pipes 56 and one cooling liquid discharge header pipe 57 connected to each fuel cell stack 21 in the first fuel cell stack row 24 are arranged on one side in the Y direction (upper side in FIG. 5) of the first fuel cell stack row 24. Furthermore, three individual cooling liquid discharge pipes 56 and one cooling liquid discharge header pipe 57 connected to each fuel cell stack 21 in the second fuel cell stack row 25 are arranged on the other side in the Y direction (lower side in FIG. 5) of the second fuel cell stack row 25.

[0039] 1 to 5, a liquid tank 60 is disposed within the housing 10. The liquid tank 60 is configured to store the cooling liquid 3c to be supplied to each of the fuel cell stacks 21. The liquid tank 60 may have a thin box shape in which the height dimension (Z direction) is smaller than the length dimension (X direction) and the width dimension (Y direction).

[0040] 3 and 4, six individual cooling liquid supply pipes 52 of the above-mentioned cooling liquid supply pipe 51 may be connected to the liquid tank 60. The cooling liquid 3c stored in the liquid tank 60 may flow through each individual cooling liquid supply pipe 52 and be supplied to each fuel cell stack 21. Also, as described above, the cooling liquid 3c that has flowed through each cooling liquid discharge header pipe 57 of the cooling liquid discharge pipe 55 and been discharged to the outside may be subjected to predetermined processes such as cooling treatment and impurity removal treatment, and then be supplied again to the liquid tank 60 and stored therein.

[0041] As described above, the six individual oxidant gas discharge pipes 46 of the oxidant gas discharge pipe 45 may be connected to the liquid tank 60. The oxidant gas 3b that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 may flow through each individual oxidant gas discharge pipe 46 and be discharged to the liquid tank 60. The oxidant gas outlet pipe 61 may extend from the top of the liquid tank 60 to one side in the Z direction (the upper side in FIG. 3). The oxidant gas outlet pipe 61 may be disposed on the other side in the X direction (the left side in FIG. 5). The oxidant gas 3b that has been discharged to the liquid tank 60 may be discharged to the outside through the oxidant gas outlet pipe 61.

[0042] Here, in each fuel cell stack 21, condensed water (HO) is produced by the above-mentioned oxidant electrode reaction. This condensed water may also be included in the oxidant gas 3b discharged from each fuel cell stack 21. The condensed water may be discharged together with the oxidant gas 3b to the liquid tank 60. That is, the condensed water produced in each fuel cell stack 21 may flow through each individual oxidant gas discharge pipe 46 together with the oxidant gas 3b and be discharged to the liquid tank 60. The condensed water discharged to the liquid tank 60 may be stored in the liquid tank 60 as cooling liquid 3c.

[0043] The liquid tank 60 may be aligned with the fuel cell stack group 20 in the Z direction. In particular, the liquid tank 60 may be disposed on the other side of the fuel cell stack group 20 in the Z direction, i.e., below the fuel cell stack group 20 in the direction of gravity. The liquid tank 60 may be disposed on the bottom panel 14b of the housing 10. The liquid tank 60 may be disposed between the bottom panel 14b and the fuel cell stack group 20.

[0044] The liquid tank 60 may also be disposed between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25 in the Y direction. The entire liquid tank 60 may be disposed between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25, or a portion of the liquid tank 60 may be disposed between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. In this case, the oxidant gas outlet pipe 61 described above may extend in the Z direction, passing between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25.

[0045] 2 to 4, at least one of the fuel gas pipe 30, the oxidant gas pipe 40, and the cooling liquid pipe 50 may have a length adjustment mechanism LA that can adjust the length of the pipe. That is, at least one of the fuel gas supply pipe 31, the fuel gas discharge pipe 35, the oxidant gas supply pipe 41, the oxidant gas discharge pipe 45, the cooling liquid supply pipe 51, and the cooling liquid discharge pipe 55 may have the length adjustment mechanism LA. All of the fuel gas supply pipe 31, the fuel gas discharge pipe 35, the oxidant gas supply pipe 41, the oxidant gas discharge pipe 45, the cooling liquid supply pipe 51, and the cooling liquid discharge pipe 55 may have the length adjustment mechanism LA.

[0046] In the illustrated example, each fuel gas supply header pipe 32 has a length adjustment mechanism LA. This allows each fuel gas supply header pipe 32 to adjust its own length in the X direction. Furthermore, each fuel gas discharge header pipe 37 has a length adjustment mechanism LA. This allows each fuel gas discharge header pipe 37 to adjust its own length in the X direction. Furthermore, a portion extending in the Y direction of each individual oxidant gas supply pipe 44 has a length adjustment mechanism LA. This allows each individual oxidant gas supply pipe 44 to adjust its own length in the Y direction. Furthermore, a portion extending in the Y direction of each individual oxidant gas discharge pipe 46 has a length adjustment mechanism LA. This allows each individual oxidant gas discharge pipe 46 to adjust its own length in the Y direction. Furthermore, a portion extending in the Z direction of each individual cooling liquid supply pipe 52 has a length adjustment mechanism LA. This allows each individual cooling liquid supply pipe 52 to adjust its own length in the Z direction. Furthermore, a portion extending in the Z direction of each individual cooling liquid discharge pipe 56 has a length adjustment mechanism LA. This allows each individual cooling liquid discharge pipe 56 to adjust its own length in the Z direction.

[0047] In this way, the length of each pipe can be adjusted by the length adjustment mechanism LA arranged on each pipe, and it is possible to deal with changes in the dimensions or spacing of each fuel cell stack 21 due to manufacturing errors, etc. The length adjustment mechanism LA may be, for example, a bellows or a flexible hose. Note that the length adjustment mechanism LA is not limited to the above example, and may be arranged at any position on each pipe.

[0048] Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described.

[0049] When the fuel cell module 1 is in operation, fuel gas 3a is supplied from a fuel gas supply device (not shown) to the fuel gas supply pipe 31. The fuel gas 3a supplied from the fuel gas supply device flows through each fuel gas supply header pipe 32, then flows through each individual fuel gas supply pipe 33, and is supplied to each fuel cell stack 21.

[0050] Furthermore, an oxidizing gas 3b is supplied from an oxidizing gas supply device (not shown) to an oxidizing gas supply pipe 41. The oxidizing gas 3b supplied from the oxidizing gas supply device flows in through an oxidizing gas inlet pipe 42, flows through an oxidizing gas supply header 43, and then flows through each individual oxidizing gas supply pipe 44 to be supplied to each fuel cell stack 21.

[0051] Furthermore, the cooling liquid 3c is supplied from the liquid tank 60 to the cooling liquid supply pipe 51. The cooling liquid 3c supplied from the liquid tank 60 flows through each individual cooling liquid supply pipe 52 and is supplied to each fuel cell stack 21.

[0052] The fuel gas 3a supplied to each fuel cell stack 21 flows through the fuel gas flow path in each fuel cell 22, causing a fuel electrode reaction. The oxidant gas 3b supplied to each fuel cell stack 21 flows through the oxidant gas flow path in each fuel cell 22, causing a fuel electrode reaction. These electrochemical reactions result in power generation by each fuel cell stack 21. The cooling liquid 3c supplied to each fuel cell stack 21 flows through the cooling liquid flow path in each fuel cell 22, cooling each fuel cell stack 21 that has generated heat as a result of power generation.

[0053] The fuel gas 3a that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 is discharged from a fuel gas discharge pipe 35. The fuel gas 3a that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 flows through each individual fuel gas discharge pipe 36, then flows through each fuel gas discharge header pipe 37, and is discharged to the outside.

[0054] The oxidizing gas 3b that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 is discharged from an oxidizing gas discharge pipe 45. The oxidizing gas 3b that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 flows through each individual oxidizing gas discharge pipe 46 and is discharged into the liquid tank 60. The oxidizing gas 3b that has been discharged into the liquid tank 60 passes through an oxidizing gas outflow pipe 61 and is discharged to the outside.

[0055] Condensed water produced by the oxidizer electrode reaction is also discharged together with the oxidizer gas 3b from the oxidizer gas discharge pipe 45. The condensed water produced in each fuel cell stack 21 flows together with the oxidizer gas 3b through each individual oxidizer gas discharge pipe 46 and is discharged into the liquid tank 60. The condensed water discharged into the liquid tank 60 is stored in the liquid tank 60 as cooling liquid 3c.

[0056] The cooling liquid 3c that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 is discharged from a cooling liquid discharge pipe 55. The cooling liquid 3c that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 flows through each individual cooling liquid discharge pipe 56, and then flows through each cooling liquid discharge header pipe 57, and is discharged to the outside. The cooling liquid 3c that has been discharged to the outside is subjected to predetermined processes such as cooling and impurity removal, and then supplied again to the liquid tank 60, and is stored in the liquid tank 60.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the fuel cell stack group 20 includes a first fuel cell stack row 24 and a second fuel cell stack row 25, and the fuel gas supply pipe 31 and the oxidant gas supply pipe 41 are arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. This allows the multiple fuel cell stacks 21, the fuel gas supply pipe 31, and the oxidant gas supply pipe 41 to be efficiently arranged within the casing 10, and prevents increases in the lengthwise (X-direction) and heightwise (Z-direction) dimensions of the fuel cell module 1. This allows the fuel cell module 1 to be made smaller.

[0058] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the fuel gas discharge pipe 35 is also arranged between the first fuel cell stack row 24 and the second fuel cell stack row 25. This makes it possible to further suppress increases in the lengthwise (X-direction) and heightwise (Z-direction) dimensions of the fuel cell module 1. This allows the fuel cell module 1 to be made even more compact.

[0059] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cooling liquid discharge pipes 55 are arranged on both sides of the fuel cell stack group 20 in the Y direction. A relatively large space can be secured on both sides of the fuel cell stack group 20 in the Y direction. This allows the overall length of the cooling liquid discharge pipes 55 to be increased. This allows more insulating material, such as resin, to be arranged in the cooling liquid discharge pipes 55. Generally, insulating material, such as resin, is arranged in the cooling liquid discharge pipes 55 to prevent electricity generated in the fuel cell stack 21 from leaking to the outside together with the cooling liquid 3c (electrical leakage). This allows the overall length of the cooling liquid discharge pipes 55 to be increased, thereby enabling more insulating material to be arranged in the cooling liquid discharge pipes 55, thereby further preventing electrical leakage from the fuel cell stack 21.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the liquid tank 60 is aligned with the fuel cell stack group 20 in the Z direction. This allows the liquid tank 60 to be efficiently arranged in the limited space within the housing 10, and prevents increases in the lengthwise (X direction) and widthwise (Y direction) dimensions of the fuel cell module 1 due to the arrangement of the liquid tank 60. This allows the fuel cell module 1 to be made even more compact.

[0061] In particular, according to this embodiment, the liquid tank 60 is disposed lower in the direction of gravity than the fuel cell stack group 20. Because the liquid tank 60 stores the cooling liquid 3c, it is relatively heavy. By disposing the liquid tank 60 lower in the direction of gravity than the fuel cell stack group 20, the center of gravity of the fuel cell module 1 can be positioned lower in the direction of gravity. Therefore, when the fuel cell module 1 is installed, it can be stabilized against shaking and the like.

[0062] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the oxidant gas discharge pipe 45 is connected to the liquid tank 60. As a result, the oxidant gas 3b that has flowed through each fuel cell stack 21 is discharged to the liquid tank 60. Here, the oxidant gas 3b discharged from each fuel cell stack 21 may also contain condensed water generated by the oxidant electrode reaction. Therefore, this condensed water can be discharged into the liquid tank 60 along with the oxidant gas 3b, and the condensed water discharged from each fuel cell stack 21 can be stored in the liquid tank 60 as cooling liquid 3c. In a typical fuel cell module, the condensed water discharged from each fuel cell stack is collected in a header pipe and flows through the header pipe. In contrast, in the fuel cell module 1 according to this embodiment, the liquid tank 60 also functions as this header pipe. In other words, the liquid tank 60 that stores the cooling liquid 3c and the header pipe that collects the discharged condensed water are integrated. This eliminates the need for a separate header pipe that collects the discharged condensed water. This allows the fuel cell module 1 to be further miniaturized.

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, at least one of the fuel gas supply pipe 31, fuel gas discharge pipe 35, oxidant gas supply pipe 41, oxidant gas discharge pipe 45, cooling liquid supply pipe 51, and cooling liquid discharge pipe 55 has a length adjustment mechanism LA that can adjust the length of the pipe. Therefore, even if the dimensions or spacing of each fuel cell stack 21 changes due to manufacturing errors or the like, the length of each pipe can be adjusted by the length adjustment mechanism LA. This makes it possible to easily connect each fuel cell stack 21 to each pipe, and simplifies the assembly of the fuel cell module 1.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the fuel cell module 1 is a fuel cell module 1 for a mobile body. A fuel cell module 1 for a mobile body may require a large amount of power generation output, and may use multiple fuel cell stacks 21. Furthermore, a fuel cell module 1 for a mobile body may be required to be even more compact due to installation space constraints. The fuel cell module 1 according to this embodiment can be suitably used as a fuel cell module 1 for such a mobile body.

[0065] According to the embodiment described above, the fuel cell module can be made smaller.

[0066] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: fuel cell module, 3a: fuel gas, 3b: oxidant gas, 3c: cooling liquid, 20: fuel cell stack group, 21: fuel cell stack, 22: fuel cell unit, 23a: positive terminal, 23b: negative terminal, 24: first fuel cell stack row, 25: second fuel cell stack row, 31: fuel gas supply pipe, 35: fuel gas discharge pipe, 41: oxidant gas supply pipe, 45: oxidant gas discharge pipe, 51: cooling liquid supply pipe, 55: cooling liquid discharge pipe, 60: liquid tank, LA: length adjustment mechanism

Claims

1. a fuel cell stack group including a plurality of fuel cell stacks each having a plurality of fuel cell units stacked together, each fuel cell stack having a positive electrode terminal on one side in the stacking direction and a negative electrode terminal on the other side in the stacking direction; a fuel gas supply pipe for supplying fuel gas to each of the fuel cell stacks; an oxidant gas supply pipe for supplying an oxidant gas to each of the fuel cell stacks; the fuel cell stack group includes: a first fuel cell stack row in which a plurality of the fuel cell stacks are arranged along the first direction so that the positive electrode terminal is located on one side in the first direction and the negative electrode terminal is located on the other side in the first direction; and a second fuel cell stack row in which a plurality of the fuel cell stacks are arranged along the first direction, facing each of the fuel cell stacks in the first fuel cell stack row in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that the negative electrode terminal is located on one side in the first direction and the positive electrode terminal is located on the other side in the first direction, The fuel cell module, wherein the fuel gas supply pipe and the oxidant gas supply pipe are disposed between the first fuel cell stack row and the second fuel cell stack row.

2. a fuel gas discharge pipe through which the fuel gas that has flowed through each of the fuel cell stacks is discharged; 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the fuel gas discharge pipe is also disposed between the first row of fuel cell stacks and the second row of fuel cell stacks.

3. a cooling liquid supply pipe for supplying a cooling liquid to each of the fuel cell stacks; a cooling liquid discharge pipe through which the cooling liquid that has flowed through each of the fuel cell stacks is discharged, 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the cooling liquid discharge pipes are arranged on both sides of the fuel cell stack group in the second direction.

4. a liquid tank for storing the cooling liquid to be supplied to each of the fuel cell stacks; 4. The fuel cell module according to claim 3, wherein the liquid tank is aligned with the group of fuel cell stacks in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

5. 5. The fuel cell module according to claim 4, wherein the liquid tank is disposed below the group of fuel cell stacks in the direction of gravity.

6. an oxidant gas discharge pipe through which the oxidant gas that has flowed through each of the fuel cell stacks is discharged; 5. The fuel cell module according to claim 4, wherein the oxidant gas discharge pipe is connected to the liquid tank.

7. 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the fuel gas supply pipe and the oxidant gas supply pipe has a length adjustment mechanism that can adjust the length of the pipe.

8. 8. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell module is a fuel cell module for a mobile body.

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