fuel cell system

Abstract

A fuel cell system capable of suppressing condensation occurring in or near an exhaust pipe that discharges exhaust gas from a fuel cell. [Solution] A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell, a cooling unit that cools the fuel cell, and an exhaust pipe that discharges exhaust gas from the fuel cell, the exhaust pipe being heated by the exhaust gas discharged from the cooling unit. The exhaust pipe extends in front of the exhaust gas discharged from the cooling unit. The exhaust pipe has an exhaust outlet in front of the exhaust gas discharged from the cooling unit. The exhaust outlet opens in the same direction as the exhaust port of the cooling unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fuel cell systems. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Fuel cell systems are known that include a fuel cell and piping through which exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell passes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7487836 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell contains moisture, and therefore condensation may occur in or near the exhaust gas pipe that discharges the exhaust gas from the fuel cell through an exhaust outlet, depending on the ambient temperature of the exhaust gas pipe.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a fuel cell system that can suppress condensation that occurs in or near an exhaust pipe that discharges exhaust gas from a fuel cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides: A fuel cell; a cooling unit for cooling the fuel cell; an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell; The exhaust pipe provides a fuel cell system that is heated by the exhaust gas discharged from the cooling unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress condensation that occurs in or near an exhaust pipe that discharges exhaust gas from a fuel cell. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a left side view of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a front perspective view of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a front perspective view of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a second chamber of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view showing an example of a method for carrying in a hydrogen tank. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of a method for attaching a side plate. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of a method for attaching a side plate. [Figure 13] 1 is a front perspective view of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 14] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an exhaust structure and a drainage structure of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a drainage structure of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0010] In the description of the specification and drawings of each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation. In addition, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale to facilitate understanding.

[0011] In the directions of parallel, right-angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up-down, left-right, front-back, etc., deviations are permitted to the extent that they do not impair the effects of the embodiments. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles and may be rounded. Parallel, right-angle, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical may include approximately parallel, approximately right-angle, approximately orthogonal, approximately horizontal, and approximately vertical, respectively.

[0012] For example, "substantially parallel" means that even if two lines or two surfaces are not completely parallel to each other, they can be treated as parallel as long as it is within the range of manufacturing tolerance. As with "substantially parallel," "substantially right angle," "substantially perpendicular," "substantially horizontal," and "substantially vertical" are also intended to fall under the respective terms as long as the relative positional relationship between the two lines or two surfaces is within the range of manufacturing tolerance.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a fuel cell system 1, which is an example of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the fuel cell system 1, which is an example of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the fuel cell system 1, which is an example of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the fuel cell system 1, which is an example of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] For ease of explanation, the drawings may include a virtual three-dimensional coordinate system (XYZ Cartesian coordinate system) consisting of mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes (XYZ axes). For a coordinate axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, a black circle within a circle indicates that the axis faces toward the front of the plane. A cross within a circle indicates that the axis faces away from the plane of the plane.

[0015] However, this coordinate system is defined for the purpose of explanation and does not limit the attitude of the fuel cell system according to this embodiment.

[0016] In the following drawings, the X-axis and Y-axis directions are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In other words, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction.

[0017] Additionally, a view of an object viewed from the +X side in the opposite direction to the X axis along the X axis is called a left side view, and a view of an object viewed from the -X side in the X axis direction is called a right side view. A view of an object viewed from the +Y side in the opposite direction to the Y axis along the Y axis is called a front view, and a view of an object viewed from the -Y side in the same direction as the Y axis is called a back view. A view of an object viewed from the +Z side in the opposite direction to the Z axis along the Z axis is called a plan view.

[0018] With the front view as the reference, the X-axis direction is sometimes called the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction is called the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction is called the up-down direction. With respect to an object, the +X side is sometimes called the left side, the -X side is called the right side, the +Y side is called the front side, the -Y side is called the back side, the +Z side is called the top side, and the -Z side is called the bottom side.

[0019] The fuel cell system 1 includes a fuel cell that uses fuel cells. The fuel cell system 1 uses hydrogen as fuel. The fuel cell system 1 converts chemical energy into electricity by reacting oxygen in the air with the hydrogen.

[0020] The fuel cell system 1 is mounted on, for example, a mobile transfer crane, and supplies power to the motor and other components of the mobile transfer crane.

[0021] The fuel cell system 1 is not limited to the above examples, and may be applied to, for example, stationary transfer cranes, gantry cranes, etc. Furthermore, the fuel cell system 1 is not limited to applications to cargo handling equipment, and may be used, for example, as a stationary power source.

[0022] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the fuel cell system 1. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the fuel cell system 1. Figures 5 and 6 show the fuel cell system 1 with side plates 61a, 61b, 61c, and 62b (Figure 1), side plates 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d, 63e, and 63f (Figure 2), side plates 63g and 63h (Figure 3), and side plates 61d, 62c, 63i, and 63j (Figure 4) removed.

[0023] 5 and 6 , the fuel cell system 1 includes a fuel cell 90, a control unit 30, a ventilation unit 40, a cooling unit 50, a hydrogen tank 80, and a storage unit 60. The fuel cell 90 generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen supplied from a fuel system and oxygen contained in air supplied from an air supply system. The fuel cell 90 is a unit including, for example, a fuel cell unit 10 and an auxiliary unit 20. The storage unit 60 has a first chamber 61, a second chamber 62 provided above the first chamber 61, and a third chamber 63 provided to the side of the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62.

[0024] The fuel cell 90 is housed in the first chamber 61. The control unit 30 is housed in the second chamber 62 and controls the fuel cell 90. The ventilation unit 40 is housed in the second chamber 62 and ventilates the first chamber 61. The cooling unit 50 is housed in the second chamber 62 and cools the fuel cell 90 by exchanging heat between a coolant for cooling the fuel cell 90 and air. The hydrogen tank 80 is housed in the third chamber 63 and stores hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel cell 90.

[0025] In the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment, the hydrogen tank 80 is housed within the accommodation unit 60, making it possible to reduce the size of the system compared to a configuration in which the hydrogen tank 80 is connected to the outside of the accommodation unit 60. The fuel cell system 1 has an integrated structure in which the fuel cell 90, control unit 30, ventilation unit 40, cooling unit 50, and hydrogen tank 80 are housed within the accommodation unit 60, making it easy to transport and install the fuel cell system 1.

[0026] In the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment, the cooling unit 50 is housed in the second chamber 62 provided above the first chamber 61, making it possible to ensure space to the sides of the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62. The hydrogen tank 80 is housed in the third chamber 63 provided in this space, making it possible to reduce the size of the fuel cell system 1. Because the cooling unit 50 is housed in the same second chamber 62 as the control unit 30 and ventilation unit 40, the fuel cell system 1 can be made more compact than a configuration in which the cooling unit 50 is installed in the space to the side or above the second chamber 62.

[0027] In the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in the figures, the third chamber 63 that houses the hydrogen tank 80 is provided on the -Y side of the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62. However, depending on the space available around it, the third chamber 63 that houses the hydrogen tank 80 may be provided on the +X side or the -X side of the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62. By providing the third chamber 63 that houses the hydrogen tank 80 on the +X side or the -X side of the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62, the fuel cell system can be made more compact.

[0028] 5 and 6, the accommodation unit 60 has a partition wall 64 between the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62 and the third chamber 63. By separating the third chamber 63 from the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62 by the partition wall 64, it is possible to prevent hydrogen leaking from the hydrogen tank 80 accommodated in the third chamber 63 due to some abnormality or unforeseen event from flowing into the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62. The amount of hydrogen flowing from the third chamber 63 into the first chamber 61 or the second chamber 62 is reduced or eliminated by the partition wall 64, thereby reducing inconveniences caused by hydrogen leakage into the fuel cell 90, the control unit 30, the ventilation unit 40, or the cooling unit 50.

[0029] The partition wall 64 does not have to be a partition that completely separates the third chamber 63 from the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62 so that hydrogen cannot flow through it, and may be provided with through holes such as bolt holes.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the third chamber 63 has a bottom surface 66 provided with one or more ventilation holes 65 and an upper surface 67 provided with one or more ventilation holes 101. The bottom surface 66 may be part of the floor of the storage unit 60. In the illustrated example, the ventilation holes 65 are provided on the lattice-shaped bottom surface 66. The bottom surface 66 may be made of perforated metal with one or more ventilation holes 65 provided therein. The upper surface 67 may be part of the upper surface of the storage unit 60. The ventilation holes 101 illustrated in the drawings are slit-like gaps in a louver 100 installed on the upper surface 67 of the third chamber 63. The ventilation holes 101 may be provided directly on the upper surface 67 of the third chamber 63. For example, the ventilation holes 101 may be large openings provided across the entire upper surface 67.

[0031] 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. One or more vent holes 65 are provided on the bottom surface 66, and one or more vent holes 101 are provided on the top surface 67, thereby providing natural ventilation in which air AR flowing in from vent hole 65 passes through third chamber 63 and flows out from vent hole 101. This allows hydrogen leaking from hydrogen tank 80 stored in third chamber 63 to be released from third chamber 63 through vent hole 101 to the outside of third chamber 63 (reducing accumulation of hydrogen in third chamber 63). Note that third chamber 63 may be ventilated by a ventilation fan instead of natural ventilation.

[0032] By having the partition wall 64, the storage unit 60 can smoothly release hydrogen leaking from the hydrogen tank 80 stored in the third chamber 63 from the third chamber 63 through the vent 101 to the outside of the third chamber 63.

[0033] 7, the bottom surface 68 of the first chamber 61 may be provided with bolt holes or the like for fixing the fuel cell 90, but may not have vent holes through which the air AR circulates. By not providing vent holes in the bottom surface 68, it is possible to improve the dustproof or waterproof performance from the bottom surface 68 to the inside of the first chamber 61.

[0034] 7, the accommodation unit 60 has a partition plate 71 that separates the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62 into upper and lower chambers. The partition plate 71 is a partition wall that has a lower surface that corresponds to the upper surface of the first chamber 61 and an upper surface that corresponds to the lower surface of the second chamber 62. Wiring 72 that connects the control unit 30 and the fuel cell 90 passes through an opening 73 provided in the partition plate 71. By passing the wiring 72 through the opening 73, the length of the wiring 72 is shorter than in a configuration in which the wiring 72 bypasses the partition plate 71. The shortening of the length of the wiring 72 contributes to the miniaturization of the fuel cell system 1.

[0035] Examples of the wiring 72 include a control line for transmitting a control signal from the control unit 30 to the fuel cell 90, a sensor line for transmitting a sensor signal from the fuel cell 90 to the control unit 30, and the like.

[0036] The accommodation unit 60 has a top surface 69 that closes the top of the second chamber 62. Providing the top surface 69 can improve the dustproof or waterproof performance of the fuel cell system 1 from above into the second chamber 62. The control unit 30 is carried into the second chamber 62 from above the second chamber 62, for example, before the top surface 69 is attached. The control unit 30 may also be carried into the second chamber 62 from the -X side or +Y side of the second chamber 62. The control unit 30 is fixed to the partition plate 71, for example, with bolts or the like.

[0037] 5, the control unit 30, the cooling unit 50, and the ventilation unit 40 are housed in the same second chamber 62, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the fuel cell system 1. The cooling unit 50 is located above the ventilation unit 40. The control unit 30 is located on the -X side of the cooling unit 50 and the ventilation unit 40.

[0038] 5, the accommodation unit 60 may have a partition plate 74 that divides the second chamber 62 into a space SP3 that accommodates the cooling unit 50 and the ventilation unit 40, and a space SP2 that accommodates the control unit 30. By dividing the second chamber 62 into the space SP2 and the space SP3 by the partition plate 74, it is possible to improve the dustproof or waterproof performance from the space SP3 to the space SP2. Because the second chamber 62 is divided into the space SP2 and the space SP3 by the partition plate 74, the second chamber 62 includes a chamber that forms the space SP2 and a chamber that forms the space SP3.

[0039] 8 is a front perspective view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The cooling unit 50 cools the fuel cell 90 by exchanging heat between a coolant for cooling the fuel cell 90 and air OA. The cooling unit 50 takes in air OA from the side facing the third chamber 63 (the rear side facing the partition wall 64) and discharges exhaust air AF to the side opposite the third chamber 63 (the front side). The upper portion of the second chamber 62 on the +Z side and the lateral portion on the +X side of the cooling unit 50 are open, so that the air OA is efficiently taken in from the rear side of the cooling unit 50. The +Y side (front side) of the second chamber 62 on the cooling unit 50 is open, so that the exhaust air AF is efficiently discharged from the front side of the cooling unit 50.

[0040] 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the second chamber of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The cooling unit 50 has an intake port 53 for taking in air OA and an exhaust port 54 for discharging exhaust air AF on its back surface facing the third chamber 63 or the partition wall 64. Meanwhile, the ventilation unit 40 ventilates the internal space SP1 in the first chamber 61.

[0041] 9, ventilation unit 40 has ventilation fan 41, ventilation duct 43, and ventilation hood 42. Umbrella-shaped ventilation hood 42 is formed so that exhaust air EA passing through cylindrical ventilation duct 43 when ventilation fan 41 is operated is discharged from exhaust port 44 opening on the +Y side (front side).

[0042] The ventilation hood 42 is an example of a partition provided between the exhaust port 44 of the ventilation unit 40 and the intake port 53 of the cooling unit 50. By providing the ventilation hood 42 as a partition between the exhaust port 44 and the intake port 53, it becomes difficult for the exhaust EA heated by the operation of the fuel cell 90 to be drawn into the intake port 53, thereby suppressing a decrease in the cooling performance of the cooling unit 50. The exhaust port 44 opens on the +Y side (front side), which is opposite to the third chamber 63, and therefore the effect of making it difficult for the exhaust EA to be drawn into the intake port 53 is improved.

[0043] 10 is a rear perspective view showing an example of how to carry in a hydrogen tank. Hydrogen tank 80 has an integrated structure that combines multiple hydrogen cylinders 81, 82, 83, and 84, each of which stores hydrogen. The shape of hydrogen tank 80 is not limited to this.

[0044] The accommodation unit 60 has an inlet 75 for carrying the hydrogen tank 80 into the third chamber 63. The hydrogen tank 80 is carried into the third chamber 63 through the inlet 75 that opens upward of the third chamber 63, for example, before the top plate or louvers 100 of the third chamber 63 are attached. The hydrogen tank 80 may also be carried into the third chamber 63 through a side inlet on the +X side, -X side, or -Y side of the third chamber 63. The hydrogen tank 80 is fixed to the frame of the accommodation unit 60, for example, with fasteners such as bolts or brackets.

[0045] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of a method for attaching a side plate. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of a method for attaching a side plate. In Figs. 11 and 12, the accommodation unit 60 has an outer wall 77 that separates the interior and exterior of the accommodation unit 60, and a side plate 78 that is detachably attached to the outer wall 77. The side plate 78 may be any of the side plates 61a, 61b, 61c, and 62b (Fig. 1), side plates 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d, 63e, and 63f (Fig. 2), side plates 63g and 63h (Fig. 3), and side plates 61d, 62c, 63i, and 63j (Fig. 4).

[0046] 11 , side plate 78 is detachably attached to flange 77b that protrudes outward from outer surface 77a of outer wall 77 so that outer surface 78a of side plate 78 protrudes outward from outer surface 77a of outer wall 77. Side plate 78 is detachably attached to flange 77b of outer wall 77 with fasteners such as bolts 79. Side plate 78 is fixed to outer wall 77 by tightening bolts 79 that pass through holes provided in side plate 78 so that inner surface 78b of side plate 78 contacts flange 77b.

[0047] In FIG. 12 , side plate 78 is detachably attached to flange 77c that protrudes inward from outer surface 77a of outer wall 77 so that outer surface 78a of side plate 78 does not protrude outward from outer surface 77a. Side plate 78 is detachably attached to flange 77c of outer wall 77 with fasteners such as bolts 79. Side plate 78 is fixed to outer wall 77 by tightening bolts 79 that pass through holes provided in side plate 78 so that inner surface 78b of side plate 78 contacts flange 77c. Flange 77c includes flange portion 77ca that protrudes inward from outer surface 77a and flange portion 77cb that protrudes outward from the innermost surface of flange portion 77ca. The outermost surface of flange portion 77cb is located inside outer surface 77a.

[0048] 12, the side plate 78 is detachably attached to a flange 77c located inside the outer surface 77a of the outer wall 77 so that the outer surface 78a of the side plate 78 does not protrude outward from the outer surface 77a of the outer wall 77, thereby reducing the protrusion outward from the outer surface 77a of the outer wall 77. This reduces the external dimensions of the fuel cell system 1, allowing the fuel cell system 1 to be made more compact.

[0049] 13 is a front perspective view of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. The fuel cell system 1 includes an exhaust pipe 24 having an exhaust outlet 25 through which exhaust gas EG emitted from a fuel cell 90 is discharged. The exhaust pipe 24 is heated by exhaust gas AF discharged from one or more exhaust ports 54 (two exhaust ports 54a, 54b in this example) of a cooling unit 50. The exhaust gas AF is warmed by heat exchange with the coolant in the cooling unit 50. Meanwhile, the exhaust gas EG discharged from the fuel cell 90 contains moisture. Heating the exhaust pipe 24 by the exhaust gas AF suppresses condensation in the exhaust pipe 24 or at the exhaust outlet 25.

[0050] Since exhaust pipe 24 extends in front of the exhaust AF that is discharged from cooling unit 50, it is easily heated by the exhaust AF. This enhances the effect of suppressing condensation inside exhaust pipe 24 or at exhaust outlet 25.

[0051] The exhaust pipe 24 has an exhaust outlet 25 directly in front of the exhaust AF being discharged from the cooling unit 50. By having the exhaust outlet 25 directly in front of the exhaust AF being discharged from the cooling unit 50, the exhaust outlet 25 is more likely to be heated by the exhaust AF, which increases the effectiveness of suppressing condensation at the exhaust outlet 25. Furthermore, by having the exhaust outlet 25 directly in front of the exhaust AF being discharged from the cooling unit 50, the exhaust EG discharged from the exhaust outlet 25 can be mixed with the exhaust AF discharged from the cooling unit 50 and blown out with force to the +Y side. This reduces the possibility that the lower part of the exhaust pipe 24 will become flooded due to condensation.

[0052] The fact that the exhaust outlet 25 is located in front of the exhaust air AF being discharged from the cooling unit 50 does not necessarily mean that the exhaust outlet 25 is located in a position overlapping the exhaust port 54 (exhaust ports 54a, 54b) when viewed from the front in the Y axis direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, as long as the exhaust outlet 25 is located in a position overlapping the cooling unit 50 when viewed from the front in the Y axis direction, the exhaust outlet 25 does not have to be located in a position overlapping the exhaust port 54 (exhaust ports 54a, 54b) when viewed from the front in the Y axis direction.

[0053] 13, exhaust outlet 25 opens in the same direction as exhaust ports 54 (exhaust ports 54a, 54b) of cooling unit 50. This allows exhaust air EG discharged from exhaust outlet 25 to be mixed with exhaust air AF discharged from cooling unit 50 and to be blown forcefully toward the +Y side. This reduces the possibility that the lower part of exhaust pipe 24 will become flooded due to condensation.

[0054] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the exhaust structure and drainage structure of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The exhaust pipe 24 discharges exhaust gas EG from the fuel cell 90 through an exhaust outlet 25. The exhaust pipe 24 is connected to an exhaust port 90a of the fuel cell 90.

[0055] The fuel cell 90 produces water by reacting hydrogen and oxygen, and therefore the exhaust EG discharged from the fuel cell 90 contains liquid water (drain water). Because the exhaust EG contains drain water, the exhaust EG can be considered to be in a saturated vapor state. Because the exhaust EG is saturated vapor, when the exhaust pipe 24 cools, some of the exhaust EG condenses into water (condensed water) within the exhaust pipe 24. If water EW, such as drain water or condensed water, accumulates within the exhaust pipe 24 to an extent that it cannot be pushed out by the pressure of the exhaust EG, there is a risk that the water EW will flow back into the fuel cell 90.

[0056] If the fuel cell 90 is filled with water EW due to a backflow of water EW into the fuel cell 90, hydrogen and oxygen will not be supplied to the fuel cell 90, and power generation by the fuel cell 90 will stop. In this way, if the water EW in the exhaust pipe 24 flows back into the fuel cell 90, there is a risk that stable continuous operation of the fuel cell 90 will be hindered.

[0057] The fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a connecting pipe 26 connected to the middle of the exhaust pipe 24 as a means for reducing the risk of the water EW in the exhaust pipe 24 flowing back into the fuel cell 90. By having the water EW flow through the connecting pipe 26, the risk of the water EW stagnating in the exhaust pipe 24 is reduced, and the risk of the water EW in the exhaust pipe 24 flowing back into the fuel cell 90 is reduced. This reduces the risk of the fuel cell 90 stopping power generation due to the backflow of water EW into the fuel cell 90, improving the stability of continuous operation of the fuel cell 90.

[0058] The fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment may include a drain pipe 27 that discharges water separated from the exhaust gas EG by the gas-liquid separator in the fuel cell 90. By connecting the connecting pipe 26 to the drain pipe 27, the drain pipe 27 discharges the water discharged from the gas-liquid separator in the fuel cell 90 and the water in the exhaust pipe 24 together.

[0059] The fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment includes louvers 100 that collect water (for example, rainwater or melted snow), and a drain pipe 102 that carries the water collected by the louvers 100 downward. The water from drain pipe 27 merges with the water from drain pipe 102 and is drained together. The drain pipe 27 is an example of a first drain pipe. The drain pipe 102 is an example of a second drain pipe.

[0060] 15 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the drainage structure of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. Water collected by the louvers 100 flows through gutters 103 provided on the top of the accommodation unit 60 into drainage pipes 102 and is then discharged.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , the accommodation unit 60 may have a plurality of lifting rings 111, 112, 113, and 114 that are provided to be able to lift the completed or semi-completed fuel cell system 1. The plurality of lifting rings 111, 112, 113, and 114 are respectively provided at corners of the ceiling of the accommodation unit 60 and fixed to the frame 76 of the accommodation unit 60. The completed or semi-completed fuel cell system 1 is lifted by pulling up a plurality of hooks (not shown) that are hooked onto the plurality of lifting rings 111, 112, 113, and 114. The lifted completed or semi-completed fuel cell system 1 is then transported to a predetermined installation location and installed. The plurality of lifting rings 111, 112, 113, and 114 are particularly useful when the installation location is located high above the ground. For example, when the fuel cell system 1 is installed on a crane such as a mobile transfer crane, the completed or semi-completed fuel cell system 1 is lifted, transported to the installation location, and secured there.

[0062] Next, examples of the configuration of the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0063] 16 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the configuration of a fuel cell system 1, which is an example of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. In addition to the hydrogen tank 80 described above, the fuel cell system 1 includes a fuel cell unit 10, an auxiliary unit 20, a control unit 30, a ventilation unit 40, a cooling unit 50, and a storage unit 60. The fuel cell system 1 also includes a pump 70.

[0064] [Fuel cell unit 10] The fuel cell unit 10 generates electricity by chemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen, and includes a fuel cell stack 11, a cooling unit 12, and a boost converter 13.

[0065] The fuel cell stack 11 generates electricity by causing a chemical reaction between hydrogen SH supplied from the hydrogen tank 80 via a pipe P3 and oxygen contained in the air SA. The fuel cell stack 11 is, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). The fuel cell stack 11, which is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, has a stack structure in which many unit cells are stacked.

[0066] Each unit cell in the fuel cell stack 11, which is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that includes a polymer electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes provided on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The polymer electrolyte membrane selectively transports hydrogen ions. Each electrode is formed of a porous material. Each of the pair of electrodes includes a catalyst layer primarily composed of carbon powder that supports a platinum-based metal catalyst (electrode catalyst), and a gas diffusion layer that is both breathable and electronically conductive. The unit cell also includes a pair of separators that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from both sides.

[0067] The fuel cell unit 10 discharges from the fuel cell stack 11 exhaust gas EG that is produced after the reaction between hydrogen SH and oxygen contained in the air SA.

[0068] The fuel cell stack 11 is not limited to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, but may be, for example, a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC).

[0069] The cooling unit 12 cools the fuel cell stack 11. Coolant CL1 flows through the cooling unit 12. The cooling unit 12 exchanges heat between the fuel cell stack 11 and the coolant CL1. The fuel cell stack 11 is cooled by exchanging heat with the coolant CL1.

[0070] The electricity generated by the fuel cell stack 11 is boosted by the boost converter 13 and output to the outside. The boost converter 13 is, for example, a DC / DC converter.

[0071] The components of the fuel cell unit 10 are not limited to the examples described above. The fuel cell unit 10 may also include, for example, a compressor for supplying air SA to the fuel cell stack 11, a hydrogen pump for returning unreacted discharged hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 11, etc.

[0072] The fuel cell unit 10 is installed on the right side (-X side) in the first chamber 61 of the accommodation unit 60. On the left side (+X side) of the fuel cell unit 10, the auxiliary unit 20 is provided.

[0073] [Auxiliary Unit 20] The auxiliary unit 20 is used when operating the fuel cell stack 11 in the fuel cell unit 10. The auxiliary unit 20, for example, supplies a coolant CL1 to the fuel cell unit 10. The auxiliary unit 20 also removes dust, dirt, etc. contained in the air RA in the internal space SP1 and supplies the air SA to the fuel cell unit 10.

[0074] The auxiliary unit 20 includes a heat exchanger 21 , a coolant pump 22 , an air filter 23 , and an exhaust pipe 24 .

[0075] The heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the coolant CL1 that has cooled the fuel cell stack 11 and the coolant CL2 that is supplied from an external cooling unit 50. The heat exchanger 21 is, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger, particularly a brazed plate-type heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 21 cools the coolant CL1 that has returned from the fuel cell unit 10 after cooling the fuel cell stack 11 and whose temperature has increased, using the coolant CL2 that is supplied from the cooling unit 50. The coolant CL1 that has been cooled by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 21 is then supplied to the fuel cell unit 10.

[0076] The coolant pump 22 is a pump that sends the coolant CL1 to the cooling section 12 in the fuel cell unit 10. The coolant pump 22 circulates the coolant CL1 between the cooling section 12 and the heat exchanger 21.

[0077] The air filter 23 removes dust contained in the air RA and impurities that have a negative effect on the fuel cell. The air filter 23 filters the air RA supplied to the fuel cell unit 10. The air filter 23 supplies clean air SA to the fuel cell stack 11, from which dust contained in the air RA and impurities that have a negative effect on the fuel cell have been removed.

[0078] The exhaust pipe 24 discharges the exhaust gas EG discharged from the fuel cell unit 10. If the auxiliary unit 20 is equipped with a gas-liquid separator, the exhaust pipe 24 may discharge the exhaust gas EG from which moisture has been separated by the gas-liquid separator from the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell unit 10. A silencer may be provided in the exhaust pipe 24.

[0079] The components of the auxiliary unit 20 are not limited to the above-described examples. The auxiliary unit 20 may include, for example, a reservoir tank for storing coolant, an ion exchanger, an electric circuit box, a gas-liquid separator, and the like.

[0080] The auxiliary unit 20 is installed on the left side (+X side) in the first chamber 61 of the accommodation unit 60. On the right side (-X side) of the auxiliary unit 20, the fuel cell unit 10 is provided.

[0081] [Control Unit 30] The control unit 30 controls the fuel cell 90. The control unit 30 controls, for example, the fuel cell unit 10, the auxiliary unit 20, the ventilation unit 40, the cooling unit 50, and the pump 70. The control unit 30 includes a controller 31. The controller 31 is, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0082] The controller 31 is not limited to a programmable logic controller, but may be, for example, a computer.

[0083] The components included in the control unit 30 are not limited to the above-described examples, and the control unit 30 may include, for example, an electric circuit, a breaker, a relay, a display, an LED lamp, a switch, and the like.

[0084] The control unit 30 is installed on the right side (-X side) in the second chamber 62 of the accommodation unit 60. On the left side (+X side) of the control unit 30, the ventilation unit 40 and the cooling unit 50 are provided.

[0085] [Ventilation unit 40] The ventilation unit 40 exhausts and ventilates the air inside the accommodation unit 60. The ventilation unit 40 ventilates the first chamber 61. Specifically, the ventilation unit 40 exhausts the air RA in the internal space SP1 as exhaust air EA.

[0086] The ventilation unit 40 is provided in the second chamber 62 of the accommodation unit 60. The ventilation unit 40 is provided on the left side (+X side) in the second chamber 62. The control unit 30 is provided on the right side (-X side) of the ventilation unit 40. The portion where the ventilation unit 40 is provided has open sides on the front side (+Y side) and the left side (+X side). In other words, the periphery of the ventilation unit 40 in the second chamber 62 is open. By opening the front side (+Y side) and the left side (+X side) in the portion where the ventilation unit 40 is provided, it is possible to promote the exhaust gas EA discharged from the ventilation unit 40 to be discharged to the outside of the fuel cell system 1.

[0087] Furthermore, the upper side (+Z side) of the ventilation unit 40 is open. Because the upper side (+Z side) of the ventilation unit 40 is open, the air flow around the ventilation unit 40 is promoted by each of the fans 52a and 52b provided in the cooling unit 50. By promoting the air flow around the ventilation unit 40, it is possible to promote the exhaust air EA discharged from the ventilation unit 40 to be discharged to the outside.

[0088] The ventilation unit 40 is provided on the left side (+X side) in the second chamber 62. In other words, the ventilation unit 40 is provided above the auxiliary unit 20. The auxiliary unit 20 has many piping connections. Therefore, there is a possibility that hydrogen SH, for example, may leak from the auxiliary unit 20. By providing the ventilation unit 40 near the auxiliary unit 20, it is possible to promote the air RA on the auxiliary unit 20 side, which is more likely to leak hydrogen SH, being discharged to the outside as exhaust air EA.

[0089] [Cooling unit 50] The cooling unit 50 cools the coolant CL2 used to cool the fuel cell stack 11. The cooling unit 50 is an air-cooled heat exchanger of the suction ventilation type. The cooling unit 50 includes a heat exchanger 51, and fans 52a and 52b.

[0090] The heat exchanger 51 exchanges heat between the coolant CL2 and the air. The heat exchanger 51 exchanges heat between the coolant CL2 and the air, thereby cooling the coolant CL2. The heat exchanger 51 is a so-called radiator. The heat exchanger 51 is, for example, a fin-tube type heat exchanger or a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger.

[0091] Each of the fans 52a and 52b is, for example, an axial flow fan. The air taken in by the fans 52a and 52b passes through the heat exchanger 51. The taken in air passing through the heat exchanger 51 cools the coolant CL2 passing through the heat exchanger 51. The fans 52a and 52b discharge exhaust air AF5a and AF5b (FIG. 5), respectively, to the side opposite (the front side of) the third chamber 63.

[0092] Coolant CL2 is supplied from heat exchanger 21 to heat exchanger 51 in cooling unit 50 via pipe P1. Also, coolant CL2 is sent from heat exchanger 51 in cooling unit 50 to pump 70 via pipe P2. Pump 70 circulates coolant CL2 between heat exchanger 21 and heat exchanger 51. Pump 70 is provided directly below ventilation unit 40.

[0093] The cooling unit 50 is installed in the second chamber 62 of the accommodation unit 60. The cooling unit 50 is provided on the left side (+X side) in the second chamber 62, and above the ventilation unit 40 (+Z side).

[0094] [Containment Unit 60] The accommodation unit 60 accommodates the fuel cell unit 10, the auxiliary unit 20, the control unit 30, the ventilation unit 40, and the cooling unit 50. The accommodation unit 60 includes a first chamber 61 that accommodates the fuel cell 90 and the pump 70, and a second chamber 62 that accommodates the control unit 30, the ventilation unit 40, and the cooling unit 50. The accommodation unit 60 may include an intermediate chamber provided between the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62.

[0095] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Fuel cell system 10 Fuel Cell Unit 11 Fuel cell stack 20 Auxiliary Unit 24 exhaust pipe 25 exhaust outlet 30 Control Unit 40 Ventilation Unit 41 Ventilation fan 42 Ventilation hood 43 Ventilation Duct 44 Exhaust port 50 Cooling Unit 53 Air intake 54 Exhaust port 60 Containment Units 61 Room 1 62 Second room 63 Third room 64 Bulkhead 65 Ventilation 66 bottom 67 Top 68 bottom 69 Top 70 Pump 71 Partition 72 Wiring 73 Aperture 74 Partition 75 Loading entrance 76 frames 77 Exterior Wall 77a Exterior 77b, 77c flange 78 Side Panel 79 volts 80 Hydrogen Tank 81, 82, 83, 84 Hydrogen cylinders 90 Fuel Cell 100 Louver

Claims

1. A storage unit having a first chamber, a second chamber above the first chamber, and a third chamber to the side of the first chamber and the second chamber; a fuel cell housed in the first chamber; a cooling unit accommodated in the second chamber and configured to cool the fuel cell; a hydrogen tank accommodated in the third chamber and configured to store hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel cell; an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell; the cooling unit takes in air from a side facing the third chamber and discharges exhaust air to an opposite side to the third chamber; The exhaust pipe is heated by exhaust gas discharged from the cooling unit.

2. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust pipe extends to a front surface through which exhaust gas is discharged from the cooling unit.

3. 3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the exhaust pipe has an exhaust outlet on a front surface through which exhaust gas is discharged from the cooling unit.

4. 4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the exhaust outlet opens in the same direction as the exhaust port of the cooling unit.

5. a first drain pipe for discharging water from the exhaust pipe; a louver having a plurality of vents; a second drain pipe for conveying water that has passed through the vent downward; 5. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the water from the first drain pipe joins with the water from the second drain pipe.

6. A gas-liquid separator is provided, 6. The fuel cell system according to claim 5, wherein the first drain pipe discharges water separated by the gas-liquid separator from the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell.

7. A fuel cell system as described in claim 1, wherein the third chamber is separated from the first chamber and the second chamber by a partition wall.

8. A fuel cell system as described in claim 1, comprising a ventilation unit housed in the second chamber and ventilating the first chamber.

9. A fuel cell system as described in claim 8, wherein the cooling unit is located above the ventilation unit.

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