fuel cell unit

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell unit which prevents a gas-liquid separator from coming into contact with a work table when the fuel cell unit is mounted on a facility.SOLUTION: A fuel cell unit 10 includes a fuel cell stack 20 having a first side surface 20a and a second side surface 20b located opposite to each other, and a gas-liquid separator 74 which is provided on the first side surface 20a side and separates the off-gas discharged from a laminate into hydrogen and water. When the fuel cell stack 20 is viewed in a first perpendicular direction B, a part of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack 20. The direction in which a part of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack 20 is defined as a protruding direction D. The fuel cell unit 10 further includes a support part 90 protruding beyond the gas-liquid separator 74 in the protruding direction D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes the configuration of a gas-liquid separator. The gas-liquid separator separates the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack into hydrogen and water. The fuel cell stack is constructed by stacking a plurality of fuel cell cells. The direction in which the plurality of fuel cell cells are stacked is referred to as the stacking direction. The fuel cell stack has a first side and a second side in the stacking direction. The gas-liquid separator is integrated so as to be in close contact with the first side on one side of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction. Considering that water contained in the off-gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack to the gas-liquid separator, it is preferable that at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator is located vertically below the bottom surface of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack and the gas-liquid separator are mounted on equipment such as a fuel cell vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-147159 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a preparation stage before the assembly of the fuel cell stack and the gas-liquid separator is installed in the equipment, the assembly is placed on a work bench, for example, with the second side of the fuel cell stack facing downward in the vertical direction. When the assembly in the preparation stage is installed in the equipment, the assembly in the preparation stage is raised from the work bench so that at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator is vertically lower than the lower surface of the fuel cell stack.

[0005] At this time, there is a risk that at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator protruding from the bottom surface of the fuel cell stack may come into contact with the workbench. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A fuel cell unit that solves the above problem is a fuel cell unit that is at least composed of a stack of multiple fuel cell cells, and includes a fuel cell stack having a first side and a second side located opposite each other, and a gas-liquid separator that is provided on the first side and separates off-gas discharged from the stack into hydrogen and water, wherein when the fuel cell stack is viewed from either a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first side and the second side are located, at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack, and if the direction in which at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack is defined as the protruding direction, the fuel cell unit further includes a support portion that protrudes beyond the gas-liquid separator in the protruding direction.

[0007] According to the above configuration, even if the fuel cell unit is placed on a workbench with the second side of the fuel cell stack facing vertically downward and then raised from the workbench so that at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator is vertically downward of the fuel cell stack, the support portion comes into contact with the workbench, making it difficult for the gas-liquid separator to come into contact with the workbench. Therefore, when the fuel cell unit is installed in equipment, the gas-liquid separator is unlikely to come into contact with the workbench.

[0008] In the above fuel cell unit, the fuel cell stack has a first end plate and a second end plate that are located at the outermost sides of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction, the direction in which the first side surface and the second side surface are located is the stacking direction, the first end plate has the first side surface, and the second end plate has the second side surface, and the fuel cell unit may further include a plate that is fixed to the first end plate and the second end plate and has the support portion provided thereon.

[0009] With this configuration, when the fuel cell unit is raised from the workbench so that at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator is vertically downward, the load acting on the support is also transmitted to the plate, the first end plate, and the second end plate, thereby dispersing the load acting on the support.

[0010] In the above fuel cell unit, the fuel cell unit is mounted on equipment so that the protruding direction is aligned vertically downward, and the fuel cell stack further has a stack manifold having a hydrogen supply port to the stack and an off-gas exhaust port, and the exhaust port is preferably located below the supply port.

[0011] According to the above configuration, water contained in the off-gas is efficiently discharged from the discharge port toward the gas-liquid separator by gravity, thereby improving the drainage performance of the fuel cell unit. In the above fuel cell unit, the fuel cell unit is mounted on equipment so that the protruding direction is aligned vertically downward, and the fuel cell unit is provided with a mounting frame that is pre-installed on the equipment to place the fuel cell unit on the equipment, and the mounting frame preferably has an insertion portion into which the support portion is inserted.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when installing the fuel cell unit in the equipment, inserting the support part into the insertion part makes it easier to position the fuel cell unit when installing it in the equipment, thereby preventing the fuel cell unit from coming into contact with other components installed in the equipment when installing it in the equipment.

[0013] In the above fuel cell unit, the fuel cell stack has a first end plate and a second end plate that are located at the outermost sides of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction, the direction in which the first side surface and the second side surface are located is the stacking direction, the first end plate has the first side surface, and the second end plate has the second side surface, the fuel cell unit further includes a plate that is fixed to the first end plate and the second end plate and has the support portion provided thereon, the plate has a rib that protrudes in the protruding direction, and the mounting frame has a through hole that penetrates the mounting frame in the thickness direction and through which the rib is inserted.

[0014] With this configuration, even if the fuel cell unit attempts to rotate from the mounting frame when mounted on equipment, the rib catches on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole, thereby preventing the fuel cell stack from rotating on the mounting frame.

[0015] In the above fuel cell unit, the fuel cell unit is mounted on equipment so that the protruding direction is aligned vertically downward, and further comprises a drainage flow path connected to the gas-liquid separator for discharging water separated from the off-gas, and the drainage flow path is preferably arranged from the gas-liquid separator to below the fuel cell stack.

[0016] According to the above configuration, there is no need to provide additional space for routing the drainage flow path in the equipment, and therefore the space within the equipment can be used effectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this invention, when the fuel cell unit is mounted on the equipment, the gas-liquid separator is less likely to come into contact with the workbench. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of a fuel cell unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a method for attaching a circulation system to a fuel cell stack. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the fuel cell unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of plates, supports, and ribs. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a fuel cell unit mounted in a facility. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mounting frame. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the fuel cell unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of a fuel cell unit will now be described with reference to FIGS. <Basic configuration of fuel cell unit> As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell unit 10 includes a fuel cell stack 20 and a circulation system 70.

[0020] <Fuel cell stack configuration> The fuel cell stack 20 is composed of a laminate 30, a first current collector 41, a second current collector 42, a first insulating plate 51, a second insulating plate 52, a stack manifold 60, a first end plate 61, and a second end plate 62.

[0021] The stack 30 has a plurality of fuel cells 31. Each fuel cell 31 has a rectangular plate shape. When viewed in the thickness direction of the fuel cell 31, the fuel cell 31 has a pair of first edges 31a extending parallel to each other and a pair of second edges 31b extending parallel to each other.

[0022] The stack 30 is constructed by stacking all of the fuel cell units 31 in the thickness direction. The stack 30 is in the shape of a rectangular block. The direction in which all of the fuel cell units 31 are stacked is referred to as the stacking direction A. The stack 30 has a first surface S1, a second surface S2, a third surface S3, a fourth surface S4, a fifth surface S5, and a sixth surface S6.

[0023] The first surface S1 is a surface of the stack 30 in the stacking direction A. The first surface S1 is one surface of the fuel cell 31 in the thickness direction. The second surface S2 is a surface of the stack 30 in the stacking direction A. The second surface S2 is one surface in the thickness direction of the fuel cell 31. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are located on opposite sides of the stack 30 in the stacking direction A.

[0024] The third surface S3 is formed by stacking one of the pair of first edge portions 31a of all the fuel cell units 31 in the stacking direction A. The fourth surface S4 is formed by stacking the other of the pair of first edge portions 31a of all the fuel cell units 31 in the stacking direction A.

[0025] The third surface S3 and the fourth surface S4 are surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction A in the laminate 30. The third surface S3 and the fourth surface S4 are located on opposite sides of the laminate 30. In the laminate 30, the direction in which the third surface S3 and the fourth surface S4 are arranged is defined as a first perpendicular direction B.

[0026] The fifth surface S5 is formed by stacking one of the pair of second edge portions 31b of all the fuel cell units 31 in the stacking direction A. The sixth surface S6 is formed by stacking the other of the pair of second edge portions 31b of all the fuel cell units 31 in the stacking direction A.

[0027] The fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 are surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction A in the laminate 30. The fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 are located on opposite sides of the laminate 30. In the laminate 30, the direction in which the fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 are arranged is defined as a second perpendicular direction C.

[0028] The first current collector 41 is laminated on a first surface S1 of the laminate 30. The second current collector 42 is laminated on a second surface S2 of the laminate 30. The first current collector 41 and the second current collector 42 collect power generated by the laminate 30. The first insulating plate 51 is laminated on the surface of the first current collector 41 opposite to the laminate 30. The second insulating plate 52 is laminated on the surface of the second current collector 42 opposite to the laminate 30.

[0029] The stack manifold 60 is stacked on the surface of the first insulating plate 51 opposite to the first current collector plate 41. The first end plate 61 is stacked on the stack manifold 60 opposite to the first insulating plate 51. The second end plate 62 is stacked on the surface of the second insulating plate 52 opposite to the second current collector plate 42. The first end plate 61 and the second end plate 62 are located on the outermost sides of the fuel cell stack 20 in the stacking direction A. The first insulating plate 51 ensures insulation between the first current collector plate 41 and the first end plate 61. The second insulating plate 52 ensures insulation between the second current collector plate 42 and the second end plate 62.

[0030] The fuel cell unit 10 has a stack structure in which a laminate 30, a first current collector plate 41, a second current collector plate 42, a first insulating plate 51, a second insulating plate 52, a stack manifold 60, a first end plate 61, and a second end plate 62 are stacked in a stacking direction A.

[0031] In the stacking direction A, a side surface 61a of the first end plate 61 opposite the stack body 30 is the first side surface 20a of the fuel cell stack 20. In the stacking direction A, a side surface 62a of the second end plate 62 opposite the stack body 30 is the second side surface 20b of the fuel cell stack 20. The first side surface 20a and the second side surface 20b are located on opposite sides of the fuel cell stack 20. The fuel cell stack 20 has the first side surface 20a and the second side surface 20b in the stacking direction A. The first end plate 61 has the first side surface 20a. The second end plate 62 has the second side surface 20b.

[0032] In the fuel cell stack 20, the direction in which the first side surface 20a and the second side surface 20b are located is the stacking direction A. The first orthogonal direction B and the second orthogonal direction C are orthogonal directions that are perpendicular to the stacking direction A. The first orthogonal direction B and the second orthogonal direction C are directions that are perpendicular to the direction in which the first side surface 20a and the second side surface 20b are located. The first orthogonal direction B is one of an infinite number of orthogonal directions. The second orthogonal direction C is one of an infinite number of orthogonal directions.

[0033] The stack manifold 60 is a member that constitutes an intake and exhaust path for supplying hydrogen to the stack body 30 and for circulating off-gas discharged from the stack body 30. The stack manifold 60 has an intake path 60a and an exhaust path 60b.

[0034] The intake path 60a penetrates the first end plate 61 in its thickness direction. The intake path 60a has a supply port H1 exposed on a side surface 61a of the first end plate 61. The supply port H1 is an port through which hydrogen is supplied to the stack 30. The stack manifold 60 has the supply port H1. Although not shown, the intake path 60a penetrates the first insulating plate 51 and the first current collector plate 41 and extends to the stack 30.

[0035] The exhaust path 60b penetrates the first end plate 61 in its thickness direction. The exhaust path 60b has an exhaust port H2 exposed from the side surface 61a of the first end plate 61. The exhaust port H2 is an exhaust port for off-gas discharged from the stack 30. The stack manifold 60 has the exhaust port H2. Although not shown, the exhaust path 60b penetrates the first insulating plate 51 and the first current collector plate 41 and extends to the stack 30.

[0036] The supply port H1 and the discharge port H2 are spaced apart in the first orthogonal direction B. In the first orthogonal direction B, the supply port H1 is disposed closer to the fourth surface S4. In the first orthogonal direction B, the discharge port H2 is disposed closer to the third surface S3.

[0037] The supply port H1 and the discharge port H2 are spaced apart in the second orthogonal direction C. In the second orthogonal direction C, the supply port H1 is disposed closer to the fifth surface S5. In the second orthogonal direction C, the discharge port H2 is disposed closer to the sixth surface S6.

[0038] <Circulation system configuration> The circulation system 70 includes a hydrogen supply passage 71 , a fixing bracket 72 , a hydrogen circulation pump 73 , a gas-liquid separator 74 , a discharge passage 75 , a bypass passage 76 , and a drain passage 77 .

[0039] The hydrogen supply passage 71 is connected to the supply port H1 and is a pipe through which hydrogen injected from an injector (not shown) flows. The fixing bracket 72 is fixed to the side surface 61a of the first end plate 61. The fixing bracket 72 protrudes from the side surface 61a of the first end plate 61 in the stacking direction A. A hydrogen circulation pump 73 is fixed to the fixing bracket 72.

[0040] The gas-liquid separator 74 is connected to the hydrogen circulation pump 73. The hydrogen circulation pump 73 and the gas-liquid separator 74 are aligned in the second orthogonal direction C. When the first side surface 20a of the fuel cell stack 20 is viewed from the front in the stacking direction A, the hydrogen circulation pump 73 and the gas-liquid separator 74 are aligned with the outlet H2 in the first orthogonal direction B. The gas-liquid separator 74 is mounted on the first side surface 20a side of the fuel cell stack 20 by the fixing bracket 72 and the hydrogen circulation pump 73.

[0041] The discharge flow path 75 is connected to the discharge port H2. The discharge flow path 75 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 74. The discharge flow path 75 is a pipe that introduces the off-gas discharged from the stack 30 into the gas-liquid separator 74. The gas-liquid separator 74 separates the off-gas into hydrogen and water. The hydrogen separated by the gas-liquid separator 74 flows toward the hydrogen circulation pump 73. The drainage flow path 77 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 74. The water separated by the gas-liquid separator 74 is discharged to the outside from the drainage flow path 77. The drainage flow path 77 is a pipe that discharges the water separated from the off-gas.

[0042] The bypass flow path 76 is a pipe that connects the hydrogen circulation pump 73 and the hydrogen supply flow path 71. Hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen circulation pump 73 flows through the bypass flow path 76 toward the hydrogen supply flow path 71. In other words, the hydrogen in the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 is returned to the fuel cell stack 20 by the circulation system 70.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , when the fuel cell stack 20 is viewed in the first orthogonal direction B, a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack 20 in the second orthogonal direction C. In other words, when the fuel cell stack 20 is viewed in any direction orthogonal to the stacking direction A, a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack 20. The direction in which the portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes from the fuel cell stack 20 is defined as a protruding direction D. In this embodiment, the protruding direction D is a direction that is included in the second orthogonal direction C.

[0044] <Method of attaching a circulation system to a fuel cell stack> 2, when connecting the circulation system 70 to the fuel cell stack 20, the second side surface 20b of the fuel cell stack 20 is placed on a workbench P. Then, a fixing bracket 72, a hydrogen circulation pump 73, and a gas-liquid separator 74 are attached to the first side surface 20a so that a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes from the fuel cell stack 20 in the second orthogonal direction C.

[0045] When the basic configuration of the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on equipment such as a fuel cell forklift, taking into consideration the need to discharge water contained in the off-gas, the basic configuration of the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment so that the protruding direction D is aligned downward with the vertical direction Vd.

[0046] When the basic configuration of the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment, when the basic configuration of the fuel cell unit 10 is raised from the workbench P so that a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 is below the sixth surface S6 of the fuel cell stack 20 in the vertical direction Vd, the gas-liquid separator 74 comes into contact with the workbench P.

[0047] In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted that prevents the gas-liquid separator 74 from coming into contact with the workbench P when the fuel cell unit 10 is raised from the workbench P. This configuration will be described below.

[0048] <Configuration of plates, supports, and ribs> As shown in FIG. 3 , the fuel cell unit 10 has a plate 80, a support portion 90, and a rib 95. The plate 80 faces the sixth surface S6 of the fuel cell stack 20 in the second orthogonal direction C. The plate 80 is flat and extends in the stacking direction A and the first orthogonal direction B. Rubber mounts M are arranged between the plate 80 and the first end plate 61 and between the plate 80 and the second end plate 62. The plate 80 is fixed to the first end plate 61 and the second end plate 62 by a plurality of bolts Bo. Each of the plurality of bolts Bo passes through the rubber mount M.

[0049] The surface of the plate 80 opposite to the stack 30 in the second orthogonal direction C is defined as an outer surface 80a. In the protruding direction D, a part of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes beyond the outer surface 80a of the plate 80.

[0050] The support portion 90 is provided on the plate 80. The support portion 90 protrudes from the outer surface 80a of the plate 80 in a protruding direction D. In the protruding direction D, the support portion 90 protrudes further than the gas-liquid separator 74. In other words, the fuel cell unit 10 is provided with the support portion 90 that protrudes further than the gas-liquid separator 74 in the protruding direction D.

[0051] The ribs 95 are provided on the plate 80. The ribs 95 protrude from the outer surface 80a of the plate 80 in a protruding direction D. In the protruding direction D, the ribs 95 protrude further than the gas-liquid separator 74. That is, the fuel cell unit 10 is provided with ribs 95 that protrude further than the gas-liquid separator 74 in the protruding direction D.

[0052] 4, the plate 80 has a rectangular shape with long edges extending in the first orthogonal direction B and short edges extending in the stacking direction A. The support portion 90 has one first support portion 91 and two second support portions 92.

[0053] The first support portion 91 is adjacent to one of a pair of long edges of the plate 80 in the stacking direction A. In the first orthogonal direction B, the first support portion 91 is disposed at the same position as the center of one of the pair of long edges of the plate 80. When the first support portion 91 is viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the first support portion 91 has a rectangular shape with its long edge extending in the first orthogonal direction B. In other words, the first support portion 91 is plate-shaped and has a thickness in the stacking direction A.

[0054] The two second support portions 92 are adjacent to the other of a pair of long edges of the plate 80. One of the two second support portions 92 is adjacent to one of a pair of short edges of the plate 80, and the remaining two second support portions 92 is adjacent to the other of the pair of short edges of the plate 80. In other words, the two second support portions 92 are disposed at two of the four corners of the plate 80. When the multiple support portions 90 are viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the multiple support portions 90 are disposed so that imaginary lines connecting each of the multiple support portions 90 form a triangle.

[0055] When the two second support portions 92 are viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, each of the two second support portions 92 is L-shaped. The two second support portions 92 have a first portion 92a and a second portion 92b. The first portion 92a is a portion of the second support portion 92 that extends along the long edge of the plate 80. The first portion 92a extends in the first orthogonal direction B. The second portion 92b is provided so as to be perpendicular to the first portion 92a. The second portion 92b is a portion of the second support portion 92 that extends along the short edge of the plate 80. The second portion 92b extends in the stacking direction A.

[0056] Two ribs 95 are provided on the plate 80. One of the two ribs 95 is adjacent to one of a pair of short edges of the plate 80, and the other of the two ribs 95 is adjacent to the other of the pair of short edges of the plate 80. When the two ribs 95 are viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the two ribs 95 have a rectangular shape extending in the first orthogonal direction B. That is, the two ribs 95 are plate-like and have a thickness in the stacking direction A. When the two ribs 95 are viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, each rib 95 is adjacent to a second support portion 92. The two ribs 95 are arranged between one first support portion 91 and two second support portions 92 in the stacking direction A.

[0057] <Installation of fuel cell unit into facility and configuration of installation frame> As shown in Fig. 5, the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment 100 so that the protruding direction D coincides with the downward vertical direction Vd. That is, the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment 100 so that the second orthogonal direction C coincides with the vertical direction Vd. The equipment 100 is, for example, a fuel cell forklift. The equipment 100 includes a housing section 110 for housing the fuel cell unit 10. When the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment 100, the outlet H2 shown in Fig. 1 is located below the supply port H1.

[0058] The fuel cell unit 10 includes a mounting frame 96. The mounting frame 96 is installed in advance in the equipment 100 in order to mount the fuel cell unit 10 on the equipment 100. The mounting frame 96 faces the outer surface 80a of the plate 80 in the vertical direction Vd. The mounting frame 96 is in the shape of a flat plate extending in the stacking direction A and the first orthogonal direction B. The mounting frame 96 is disposed at a position spaced above the bottom 110a of the accommodation section 110 in the vertical direction Vd. The mounting frame 96 is maintained spaced apart from the bottom 110a by a fixing portion (not shown).

[0059] 6, the mounting frame 96 is a rectangular plate with long edges extending in the first orthogonal direction B and short edges extending in the stacking direction A. The mounting frame 96 has an insertion portion 96a into which the support portion 90 is inserted, and through-holes 96b into which the two ribs 95 are inserted.

[0060] The insertion portion 96a has one opening 961 and two through holes 962. The opening 961 is located at the center of one of a pair of long edges of the mounting frame 96. The first support portion 91 is inserted into the opening 961. When the opening 961 is viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the shape of the opening 961 follows the outline of the first support portion 91. The size of the opening 961 is such that the first support portion 91 can be slightly shifted within the opening 961 when adjusting the position of the fuel cell stack 20 on the mounting frame 96. The size of the opening 961 may be the same as the size of the first support portion 91.

[0061] The two through holes 962 penetrate the mounting frame 96 in its thickness direction. When the two through holes 962 are viewed in the vertical direction Vd, the two through holes 962 are L-shaped. A second support portion 92 is inserted into each of the two through holes 962. When each of the two through holes 962 is viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the shape of the two through holes 962 conforms to the shape of the two second support portions 92. In other words, when each of the two through holes 962 is viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the shape of the two through holes 962 is L-shaped. The size of the through holes 962 is such that the second support portions 92 can be slightly displaced within the through holes 962 when adjusting the position of the fuel cell stack 20 on the mounting frame 96. The size of the through holes 962 may be the same as the size of the second support portions 92.

[0062] A rib 95 is inserted through each of the two through holes 96b. The length of the rib 95 from the outer surface 80a of the plate 80 is greater than the thickness of the mounting frame 96. Therefore, the two ribs 95 penetrate the mounting frame 96 in the thickness direction. When the two through holes 96b are viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the shapes of the two through holes 96b follow the contours of the two ribs 95. That is, when the two through holes 96b are viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the shapes of the two through holes 96b are rectangular. The size of the through holes 96b is such that the ribs 95 can be slightly displaced within the through holes 96b when adjusting the position of the fuel cell stack 20 on the mounting frame 96. The size of the through holes 96b may be the same as the size of the ribs 95. The mounting frame 96 also has multiple openings 96c provided to avoid multiple bolts Bo. The plurality of openings 96c prevents the bolts Bo from interfering with the mounting frame 96 when the plate 80 is mounted on the mounting frame 96.

[0063] 5, the distance between the mounting frame 96 and the bottom 110a of the accommodation section of the fuel cell unit 10 is greater than the length of the support parts 90 and ribs 95 from the outer surface 80a of the plate 80. In other words, even when the fuel cell stack 20 is placed on the mounting frame 96, the support parts 90 and ribs 95 do not come into contact with the bottom 110a. The space Sp between the mounting frame 96 and the bottom 110a is formed so that the support parts 90 and ribs 95 do not come into contact with the equipment 100.

[0064] With the plate 80 placed on the mounting frame 96, the drainage flow path 77 is arranged from the gas-liquid separator 74 to below the fuel cell stack 20 and the mounting frame 96. The drainage flow path 77 is arranged in the space Sp.

[0065] <Operation of this embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. 7, in the preparation stage before the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment 100, the fuel cell unit 10 is placed on a workbench P with the second side surface 20b facing downward in the vertical direction Vd. When the fuel cell unit 10 in the preparation stage is mounted on the equipment 100, the fuel cell unit 10 placed on the workbench P is raised from the workbench P so that part of the gas-liquid separator 74 is downward in the vertical direction Vd. In this case, the support part 90 comes into contact with the workbench P, but the gas-liquid separator 74 does not come into contact with the workbench P.

[0066] <Effects of this embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) Even if the fuel cell unit 10 is raised from the workbench P so that the gas-liquid separator 74 is below in the vertical direction Vd, the support portion 90 comes into contact with the workbench P, making it difficult for the gas-liquid separator 74 to come into contact with the workbench P. Therefore, when the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment 100, the gas-liquid separator 74 is unlikely to come into contact with the workbench P.

[0067] (2) When the fuel cell unit 10 is raised from the workbench P so that part of the gas-liquid separator 74 is below in the vertical direction Vd, the load acting on the support portion 90 is also transmitted to the plate 80, the first end plate 61, and the second end plate 62. Therefore, the load acting on the support portion 90 can be dispersed.

[0068] (3) The fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment 100 so that the protruding direction D is aligned downward in the vertical direction Vd. In this state, the outlet H2 is located lower than the supply port H1. Therefore, water contained in the off-gas is efficiently discharged from the outlet H2 by gravity toward the gas-liquid separator 74. This improves the drainage performance of the fuel cell unit 10.

[0069] (4) When mounting the fuel cell unit 10 on the equipment 100, inserting the support portion 90 into the insertion portion 96a of the mounting frame 96 makes it easier to position the fuel cell unit 10 on the equipment 100. Therefore, when mounting the fuel cell unit 10 on the equipment 100, it is possible to prevent the fuel cell unit 10 from coming into contact with other components mounted inside the equipment 100.

[0070] (5) When the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted on the equipment 100, even if the fuel cell unit 10 tries to rotate from the mounting frame 96, the ribs 95 tend to get caught on the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes 96b. Therefore, rotation of the fuel cell stack 20 from the mounting frame 96 can be prevented.

[0071] (6) The drainage flow path 77 is arranged in the space Sp. The space Sp can be used not only as a space for arranging the support portion 90 and the rib 95, but also as a space for arranging the drainage flow path 77. Therefore, there is no need to provide additional space in the equipment 100 for arranging the drainage flow path 77. Therefore, the space within the equipment 100 can be used effectively.

[0072] (7) When the multiple support parts 90 are viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the multiple support parts 90 are arranged so that imaginary lines connecting each of the multiple support parts 90 form a triangle. Therefore, when the fuel cell unit 10 is maintained upright on the workbench P so that the gas-liquid separator 74 is positioned below in the vertical direction Vd, the fuel cell unit 10 can be supported at three points in a balanced manner by one first support part 91 and two second support parts 92.

[0073] (8) The second support portion 92 has a first portion 92a and a second portion 92b so as to be L-shaped. For example, compared to when the second support portion 92 is composed of only the first portion 92a or the second portion 92b, the first portion 92a reinforces the second portion 92b, while the second portion 92b reinforces the first portion 92a. Therefore, even when the second support portion 92 comes into contact with the workbench P, the stress generated in the second support portion 92 is dispersed by the first portion 92a and the second portion 92b. This improves the durability of the second support portion 92.

[0074] <Example of change> The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0075] The drainage passage 77 does not have to be arranged in the space Sp. The route of the drainage passage 77 may be changed as appropriate. The shapes of the ribs 95 and the through-holes 96b may be changed as appropriate. It is preferable that the shape of the through-holes 96b when viewed in the second orthogonal direction C follows the contour of the ribs 95.

[0076] The ribs 95 may be omitted from the plate 80. In this case, the through holes 96b may be omitted from the mounting frame 96. The shapes of the first support portion 91 and the opening 961 may be changed as appropriate. The shape of the opening 961 when viewed in the second orthogonal direction C preferably follows the outline of the first support portion 91.

[0077] The shapes of the second support portion 92 and the through-hole 962 may be changed as appropriate. The shape of the through-hole 962 when viewed in the second orthogonal direction C preferably follows the outline of the second support portion 92.

[0078] The first support portion 91 may have the same configuration as the second support portion 92. Furthermore, the second support portion 92 may have the same configuration as the first support portion 91. The support portion 90 may have a plurality of first support portions 91 and two second support portions 92 .

[0079] The support portion 90 may have one first support portion 91 and three or more second support portions 92. The support portion 90 may have one first support portion 91 and one second support portion 92.

[0080] The second support portion 92 may be omitted so that the support portion 90 is formed only by the first support portion 91. The first support portion 91 may be omitted so that the support portion 90 is formed only by the second support portion 92.

[0081] In the mounting frame 96, the insertion portion 96a has one opening 961 and two through holes 962. The one opening 961 may be changed to a through hole into which the first support portion 91 is inserted. The two through holes 962 may be changed to openings that open to the long edge or short edge of the mounting frame 96. The shape of the insertion portion 96a may be changed as appropriate as long as the support portion 90 can be inserted therein.

[0082] Although the fuel cell unit 10 includes the mounting frame 96, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mounting frame 96 may be a component of the equipment 100. Although the fuel cell unit 10 is mounted in the equipment 100 so that the protruding direction D coincides with the downward vertical direction Vd, this is not limited to this. For example, the protruding direction D may coincide with a direction that includes at least a downward component of the vertical direction Vd. In this case, in the vertical direction Vd, the outlet H2 may be located at the same position as the supply inlet H1, or may be located higher than the supply inlet H1.

[0083] The fuel cell unit 10 may omit the plate 80. In this case, the support members 90 may be fixed directly to the first end plate 61 and the second end plate 62. Specifically, the first support member 91 may be fixed to the first end plate 61, and the second support member 92 may be fixed to the second end plate 62. The number of support members 90 may also be changed as appropriate. For example, the support member 90 may consist of only one first support member 91 fixed to the first end plate 61, or the support member 90 may consist of only one or two second support members 92 fixed to the second end plate 62.

[0084] Although the circulation system 70 was fixed to the side surface 61 a of the first end plate 61 by the fixing bracket 72, this is not limited to this. For example, the hydrogen circulation pump 73 may be directly fixed to the first end plate 61, thereby providing the circulation system 70 on the first side surface 20 a of the fuel cell stack 20. Furthermore, although the gas-liquid separator 74 was connected to the hydrogen circulation pump 73, the gas-liquid separator 74 may be directly fixed to the outlet H2 of the stack manifold 60, thereby providing the gas-liquid separator 74 on the first side surface 20 a.

[0085] The fuel cell stack 20 may be formed only by the stack body 30, omitting the first current collector plate 41, the second current collector plate 42, the first insulating plate 51, the second insulating plate 52, the stack manifold 60, the first end plate 61, and the second end plate 62. That is, the fuel cell stack 20 only needs to be formed by at least the stack body 30. In such a modification, the first surface S1 of the stack body 30 becomes the first side surface 20a of the fuel cell stack 20, and the second surface S2 of the stack body 30 becomes the second side surface 20b of the fuel cell stack 20. The circulation system 70 is then provided on the first surface S1 of the stack body 30.

[0086] In this case, the portion of the stack 30 that was connected to the intake path 60a of the stack manifold 60 serves as a hydrogen supply port. A hydrogen supply flow path 71 is connected to the supply port. Furthermore, the portion of the stack 30 that was connected to the exhaust path 60b of the stack manifold 60 serves as an off-gas outlet. A gas-liquid separator 74 may be connected to the outlet via an exhaust flow path 75. Alternatively, the gas-liquid separator 74 may be directly connected to the outlet. That is, the gas-liquid separator 74 may be provided on the first side surface 20a of the fuel cell stack 20. As a configuration for collecting power generated by the stack 30, it is preferable to add a connector to the fifth surface S5 of the stack 30, for example, to collect the power generated by the stack 30. The connector may be added not only to the fifth surface S5, but also to any of the third surface S3, fourth surface S4, or sixth surface S6.

[0087] Although a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes from the fuel cell stack 20 in the protruding direction D, for example, the entire gas-liquid separator 74 may protrude from the fuel cell stack 20 in the protruding direction D. In other words, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes from the fuel cell stack 20.

[0088] For example, when the fuel cell stack 20 is viewed in the second orthogonal direction C, the gas-liquid separator 74 may be modified so that at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes from the fuel cell stack 20 in the first orthogonal direction B. That is, when the fuel cell stack 20 is viewed in any direction orthogonal to the stacking direction A, at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 may protrude from the fuel cell stack 20. In this modified example, if the direction in which at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator 74 protrudes from the fuel cell stack 20 is defined as the protruding direction D, the protruding direction D is a direction included in the first orthogonal direction B. In such a modification, the plate 80 is disposed to face the third surface S3 or the fourth surface S4 of the stack 30, for example, and the support portion 90 is disposed to protrude from the plate 80 in the protruding direction D.

[0089] When the fuel cell stack 20 is formed only by the laminate 30, the gas-liquid separator 74 may be provided on the third surface S3 side. That is, the third surface S3 of the laminate 30 may be the first side surface 20a of the fuel cell stack 20, and the fourth surface S4 of the laminate 30 may be the second side surface 20b of the fuel cell stack 20.

[0090] The gas-liquid separator 74 may be provided on the fourth surface S4 side. That is, the fourth surface S4 of the laminate 30 may be the first side surface 20a of the fuel cell stack 20, and the third surface S3 of the laminate 30 may be the second side surface 20b of the fuel cell stack 20.

[0091] When the gas-liquid separator 74 is modified to be provided on the third surface S3 side or the fourth surface S4 side, the direction in which the first side surface 20a and the second side surface 20b are located is the first orthogonal direction B. The stacking direction A and the second orthogonal direction C are directions orthogonal to the direction in which the first side surface 20a and the second side surface 20b are located.

[0092] If the gas-liquid separator 74 is changed so that it is provided on the third surface S3 side or the fourth surface S4 side, when the fuel cell stack 20 is viewed from either direction perpendicular to the first perpendicular direction B, the gas-liquid separator 74 is positioned so that at least a portion of it protrudes from the fuel cell stack 20.

[0093] The gas-liquid separator may be provided on the fifth surface S5 side. That is, the fifth surface S5 of the laminate 30 may be the first side surface 20a of the fuel cell stack 20, and the sixth surface S6 of the laminate 30 may be the second side surface 20b of the fuel cell stack 20.

[0094] The gas-liquid separator may be provided on the sixth surface S6 side. That is, the sixth surface S6 of the laminate 30 may be the first side surface 20a of the fuel cell stack 20, and the fifth surface S5 of the laminate 30 may be the second side surface 20b of the fuel cell stack 20.

[0095] When the gas-liquid separator 74 is modified to be provided on the fifth surface S5 side or the sixth surface S6 side, the direction in which the first side surface 20a and the second side surface 20b are located is the second orthogonal direction C. The stacking direction A and the first orthogonal direction B are directions orthogonal to the direction in which the first side surface 20a and the second side surface 20b are located.

[0096] If the gas-liquid separator 74 is changed so that it is provided on the fifth surface S5 side or the sixth surface S6 side, when the fuel cell stack 20 is viewed from either direction perpendicular to the second orthogonal direction C, the gas-liquid separator 74 is positioned so that at least a portion of it protrudes from the fuel cell stack 20.

[0097] The facility 100 is not limited to a fuel cell forklift, but may be an industrial vehicle such as a towing tractor, or may be a fuel cell for stationary power generation. [Note] The technical ideas that can be understood from the embodiments and modified examples will be described.

[0098] [1] A fuel cell unit comprising: a fuel cell stack, which is at least composed of a stack of multiple fuel cell cells stacked together, and which has a first side and a second side located opposite each other; and a gas-liquid separator provided on the first side and which separates off-gas discharged from the stack into hydrogen and water, wherein when the fuel cell stack is viewed from either a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first side and the second side are located, at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack, and when the direction in which at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack is defined as the protruding direction, the fuel cell unit further comprises a support portion that protrudes beyond the gas-liquid separator in the protruding direction.

[0099] [2] The direction in which all the fuel cell cells are stacked is defined as the stacking direction, and the fuel cell stack has a first end plate and a second end plate that are located at the outermost sides of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction, and the direction in which the first side surface and the second side surface are located is the stacking direction, and the first end plate has the first side surface and the second end plate has the second side surface, and the fuel cell unit further includes a plate that is fixed to the first end plate and the second end plate and has the support portion provided thereon.

[0100] [3] The fuel cell unit described in [1] or [2] is mounted on equipment so that the protruding direction is aligned vertically downward, and the fuel cell stack further has a stack manifold having a hydrogen supply port to the stack and an off-gas exhaust port, and the exhaust port is located below the supply port.

[0101] [4] A fuel cell unit as described in any one of [1] to [3], which is mounted on equipment so that the protruding direction is aligned vertically downward, and which comprises a mounting frame that is pre-installed on the equipment to place the fuel cell unit on the equipment, and the mounting frame has an insertion portion into which the support portion is inserted.

[0102] [5] If the direction in which all the fuel cell cells are stacked is defined as the stacking direction, the fuel cell stack has a first end plate and a second end plate that are located at the outermost sides of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction, the direction in which the first side surface and the second side surface are located is the stacking direction, the first end plate has the first side surface, and the second end plate has the second side surface, the fuel cell unit further comprises a plate that is fixed to the first end plate and the second end plate and has the support portion provided thereon, the plate has a rib that protrudes in the protruding direction, and the mounting frame has a through hole that penetrates the mounting frame in the thickness direction and through which the rib is inserted. [4] A fuel cell unit as described in

[0103] [6] A fuel cell unit described in any one of [3] to [5], further comprising a drainage flow path connected to the gas-liquid separator for discharging water separated from the off-gas, the drainage flow path being arranged from the gas-liquid separator to below the fuel cell stack. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10...fuel cell unit, 20...fuel cell stack, 20a...first side, 20b...second side, 30...stack, 31...fuel cell, 60...stack manifold, 61...first end plate, 62...second end plate, 74...gas-liquid separator, 77...drainage flow path, 80...plate, 90...support portion, 95...rib, 96...mounting frame, 96a...insertion portion, 96b...through hole, 100...equipment, A...stacking direction, B...first orthogonal direction, C...second orthogonal direction, D...projection direction, Vd...vertical direction, H1...supply port, H2...discharge port.

Claims

1. a fuel cell stack including at least a stack of a plurality of fuel cell units stacked together, the fuel cell stack having a first side surface and a second side surface positioned opposite to each other; a gas-liquid separator provided on the first side surface side and configured to separate off-gas discharged from the stack into hydrogen and water, when the fuel cell stack is viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first side surface and the second side surface are located, at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack, If the direction in which at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator protrudes beyond the fuel cell stack is defined as a protruding direction, The fuel cell unit is mounted on the equipment so that the protruding direction coincides with a downward vertical direction, the fuel cell unit further includes a support portion that protrudes beyond the gas-liquid separator in the protruding direction, a drainage passage connected to the gas-liquid separator for discharging water separated from the off-gas; The fuel cell unit is characterized in that the drainage flow path is arranged from the gas-liquid separator to below the fuel cell stack.

2. A fuel cell unit as described in claim 1, wherein the fuel cell stack further has a stack manifold having a hydrogen supply port to the stack and an off-gas exhaust port, the exhaust port being located lower than the supply port.

3. The fuel cell unit includes a mounting frame that is pre-installed on the equipment to mount the fuel cell unit on the equipment; 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the mounting frame has an insertion portion into which the support portion is inserted.

4. a stacking direction in which all of the fuel cell units are stacked is defined as a stacking direction, and the fuel cell stack has a first end plate and a second end plate which are located outermost of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction, a direction in which the first side surface and the second side surface are located is the stacking direction; the first end plate has the first side surface, the second end plate has the second side surface, the fuel cell unit further includes a plate fixed to the first end plate and the second end plate, the plate having the support portion provided thereon; The plate is provided with a rib that protrudes in the protruding direction, 4. The fuel cell unit according to claim 3, wherein the mounting frame is provided with through holes that penetrate the mounting frame in a thickness direction and through which the ribs are inserted.

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