Fuel cell system

Abstract

Miniaturization of fuel cell systems. [Solution] A fuel cell system comprising: a housing unit having a first chamber, a second chamber above the first chamber, and a third chamber to the side of the first and second chambers; a fuel cell housed in the first chamber; a control unit housed in the second chamber for controlling the fuel cell; a ventilation unit housed in the second chamber for ventilating the first chamber; a cooling unit housed in the second chamber for cooling the fuel cell; and a hydrogen tank housed in the third chamber for storing hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell system.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell system including a fuel cell unit, a control unit for controlling the fuel cell unit, a cooling unit for cooling the fuel cell unit, a ventilation unit for ventilation, and a housing unit for housing these units is known. In this fuel cell system, hydrogen is supplied from a hydrogen tank provided outside the housing unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if the hydrogen tank is provided outside the housing unit, the configuration combining the hydrogen tank and the housing unit may be enlarged. If the configuration combining the hydrogen tank and the housing unit is enlarged, it may be difficult to secure a space for installing the configuration.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to miniaturize a fuel cell system including a hydrogen tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure provides a housing unit having a first chamber, a second chamber above the first chamber, and a third chamber on the side of the first chamber and the second chamber, a fuel cell housed in the first chamber, a control unit housed in the second chamber for controlling the fuel cell, A ventilation unit housed in the second chamber and performing ventilation of the first chamber, A cooling unit housed in the second chamber for cooling the fuel cell, The present invention provides a fuel cell system comprising a hydrogen tank housed in the third chamber for storing hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, fuel cell systems can be miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a rear view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a left side view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a right side view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a rear perspective view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a side view cross-sectional view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a front perspective view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second chamber of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment, in a side view. [Figure 10] This is a rear perspective view showing an example of how hydrogen tanks are transported. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of how the side panels are attached. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of how the side panels are attached. [Figure 13] This is a front perspective view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a figure which illustrates the exhaust structure and the drainage structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. [Figure 15] It is an enlarged perspective view which illustrates the drainage structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a figure which explains the outline of a structure in the fuel cell system which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT 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, is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0010] Regarding the description of the specification and drawings according to each embodiment, for components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations, the same reference numerals may be given to omit redundant descriptions. Also, for ease of understanding, the scales of each part in the drawings may be different from the actual ones.

[0011] For directions such as parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up and down, left and right, and front and back, a deviation within a range that does not impair the effects of the embodiment is allowed. The shape of the corners is not limited to a right angle and may be rounded. For parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical, each may include substantially parallel, substantially right angle, substantially orthogonal, substantially horizontal, and substantially vertical.

[0012] For example, substantially parallel means that even if two lines or two planes are not completely parallel to each other, they can be treated as parallel to each other within the range allowable in manufacturing. For each of the other substantially right angle, substantially orthogonal, substantially horizontal, and substantially vertical, similar to substantially parallel, it is intended that each corresponds as long as the mutual positional relationship between two lines or two planes is within the range allowable in manufacturing.

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

[0014] For the sake of explanation, drawings may sometimes include a virtual three-dimensional coordinate system (XYZ Cartesian coordinate system) consisting of mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes (XYZ axes). When a coordinate axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing is shown with a black circle inside, it indicates that the coordinate axis is pointing towards the viewer relative to the plane of the drawing. Conversely, when a coordinate axis is shown with an X inside, it indicates that the coordinate axis is pointing away from the plane of the drawing.

[0015] However, this coordinate system is defined for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to the orientation of the fuel cell system, etc., according to this embodiment.

[0016] In the following diagrams, the X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal plane. The Z axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane; that is, the Z axis is vertical.

[0017] Furthermore, along the X-axis, a view of the object from the +X side, facing away from the X-axis, is called a left side view, and a view of the object from the -X side, facing the X-axis, is called a right side view. Along the Y-axis, a view of the object from the +Y side, facing away from the Y-axis, is called a front view, and a view of the object from the -Y side, facing the same direction as the Y-axis, is called a rear view. Along the Z-axis, a view of the object from the +Z side, facing away from the Z-axis, is called a top view.

[0018] In some cases, the X-axis direction is used as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction, based on the front view. In other cases, the +X side may be the left side, the -X side as the right side, the +Y side as the front, the -Y side as the rear, the +Z side as the top, and the -Z side as the bottom.

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

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

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

[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 system with the side plates 61a, 61b, 61c, 62b (Figure 1), 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d, 63e, 63f (Figure 2), 63g, 63h (Figure 3), and 61d, 62c, 63i, 63j (Figure 4) removed.

[0023] In Figures 5 and 6, the fuel cell system 1 comprises 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 the fuel system and oxygen contained in the air supplied from the air supply system. The fuel cell 90 is, for example, a unit including a fuel cell unit 10 and an auxiliary unit 20. The storage unit 60 has a first chamber 61, a second chamber 62 located above the first chamber 61, and a third chamber 63 located to the sides 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 cooling liquid and air. The hydrogen tank 80 is housed in the third chamber 63 and stores the hydrogen 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 housing unit 60, allowing for a smaller size compared to a configuration where the hydrogen tank 80 is connected to the outside of the housing 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 housing unit 60, making it easier to transport or 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 a second chamber 62 located above the first chamber 61, so that space can be secured to the sides of the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62. The hydrogen tank 80 is housed in a third chamber 63 located in this space, so that the fuel cell system 1 can be made smaller. The fuel cell system 1 can be made smaller compared to a configuration in which the cooling unit 50 is installed in the space to the side or above the second chamber 62, because the cooling unit 50 is housed in the same second chamber 62 as the control unit 30 and the ventilation unit 40.

[0027] In the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in the figure, the third chamber 63 housing the hydrogen tank 80 is located 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 housing the hydrogen tank 80 may also be located on the +X side or the -X side of the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62. By locating the third chamber 63 housing 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 miniaturized.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the containment 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 with the partition wall 64, it is possible to suppress the flow of hydrogen that leaks from the hydrogen tank 80 housed in the third chamber 63 into the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62 due to some abnormality or unforeseen circumstances. 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 problems caused by hydrogen leakage to the fuel cell 90, control unit 30, ventilation unit 40, or cooling unit 50.

[0029] The partition wall 64 does not have to be a complete 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; through holes such as bolt holes may be provided.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the third chamber 63 has a bottom surface 66 with one or more vents 65 and a top surface 67 with one or more vents 101. The bottom surface 66 may be part of the floor surface of the housing unit 60. In the illustrated example, multiple vents 65 are provided on a grid-like bottom surface 66. The bottom surface 66 may be perforated metal with one or more vents 65. The top surface 67 may be part of the top surface of the housing unit 60. The multiple vents 101 illustrated in the drawings are slit-shaped gaps in a louver 100 installed on the top surface 67 of the third chamber 63. One or more vents 101 may be directly provided on the top surface 67 of the third chamber 63. For example, the vents 101 may be large openings provided across the entire top surface 67.

[0031] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. One or more vents 65 are provided on the bottom surface 66, and one or more vents 101 are provided on the top surface 67, allowing natural ventilation to occur as air AR flows in from the vents 65, passes through the third chamber 63, and flows out from the vents 101. This allows hydrogen leaking from the hydrogen tank 80 housed in the third chamber 63 to be released from the third chamber 63 through the vents 101 to the outside of the third chamber 63 (suppressing the accumulation of hydrogen in the third chamber 63). The third chamber 63 may be ventilated by a ventilation fan instead of natural ventilation.

[0032] The containment unit 60 has a partition wall 64, which allows hydrogen leaking from the hydrogen tank 80 housed in the third chamber 63 to be smoothly released from the third chamber 63 through the vent 101 to the outside of the third chamber 63.

[0033] In Figure 7, the bottom surface 68 of the first chamber 61 may have bolt holes for fixing the fuel cell 90, but it does not have to have a vent for the air AR to flow through. By not providing a vent on the bottom surface 68, the dustproof or waterproof performance from the bottom surface 68 into the first chamber 61 can be improved.

[0034] In Figure 7, the housing unit 60 has a partition plate 71 that divides the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62 vertically. The partition plate 71 is a partition wall having a lower surface corresponding to the upper surface of the first chamber 61 and an upper surface corresponding to the lower surface of the second chamber 62. The wiring 72 connecting 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 shortened compared to a configuration in which the wiring 72 bypasses the partition plate 71. Shortening the length of the wiring 72 contributes to miniaturization of the fuel cell system 1.

[0035] Examples of wiring 72 include control lines that transmit control signals from the control unit 30 to the fuel cell 90, and sensor lines that transmit sensor signals from the fuel cell 90 to the control unit 30.

[0036] The housing unit 60 has a top surface 69 that closes the top of the second chamber 62. The provision of the top surface 69 improves dustproof and waterproof performance from above the fuel cell system 1 into the second chamber 62. The control unit 30 is brought into the second chamber 62 from above, for example, before the top surface 69 is installed. The control unit 30 may also be brought into the second chamber 62 from the -X side or the +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] In Figure 5, the control unit 30, cooling unit 50, and ventilation unit 40 are housed in the same second chamber 62, which allows for miniaturization 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] In Figure 5, the housing unit 60 may have a partition plate 74 that divides the second chamber 62 into a space SP3 housing the cooling unit 50 and the ventilation unit 40 and a space SP2 housing the control unit 30. By dividing the second chamber 62 into spaces SP2 and SP3 with the partition plate 74, the dustproof or waterproof performance from space SP3 to space SP2 can be improved. Since the second chamber 62 is divided into spaces SP2 and SP3 with the partition plate 74, the second chamber 62 includes a chamber forming space SP2 and a chamber forming space SP3.

[0039] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The cooling unit 50 cools the fuel cell 90 by performing heat exchange between a cooling liquid and air OA for cooling the fuel cell 90. 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 AF to the opposite side of the third chamber 63 (the front side). The upper +Z side and the +X side of the second chamber 62 of the cooling unit 50 are open, so that 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 of the cooling unit 50 is open, so that exhaust AF is efficiently discharged from the front side of the cooling unit 50.

[0040] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional 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 AF on its rear side facing the third chamber 63 or partition wall 64. Meanwhile, the ventilation unit 40 ventilates the internal space SP1 within the first chamber 61.

[0041] In Figure 9, the ventilation unit 40 includes a ventilation fan 41, a ventilation duct 43, and a ventilation hood 42. The umbrella-shaped ventilation hood 42 is designed to discharge exhaust EA, which passes through the cylindrical ventilation duct 43, through an exhaust port 44 that opens to the +Y side (front side) when the ventilation fan 41 is operated.

[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, the exhaust EA heated by the operation of the fuel cell 90 is less likely 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, so the effect of making it difficult for exhaust EA to be drawn into the intake port 53 is improved.

[0043] Figure 10 is a rear perspective view showing an example of a hydrogen tank delivery method. The hydrogen tank 80 has an integrated structure in which multiple hydrogen cylinders 81, 82, 83, and 84, each storing hydrogen, are combined. The shape of the hydrogen tank 80 is not limited to this.

[0044] The housing unit 60 has an entrance 75 for loading the hydrogen tank 80 into the third chamber 63. The hydrogen tank 80 is loaded into the third chamber 63 through the entrance 75 which opens above the third chamber 63, for example, before the top plate or louvers 100 of the third chamber 63 are installed. The hydrogen tank 80 may also be loaded into the third chamber 63 through an entrance on the +X, -X, or -Y side of the third chamber 63. The hydrogen tank 80 is fixed to the frame 76 of the housing unit 60, for example, by fasteners such as bolts or brackets.

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

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

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

[0048] In the case of Figure 12, the side plate 78 is detachably attached to the flange 77c which is 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. This reduces the outward protrusion from the outer surface 77a of the outer wall 77. As a result, the external dimensions of the fuel cell system 1 are shortened, and the fuel cell system 1 can be made smaller.

[0049] Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The fuel cell system 1 includes an exhaust pipe 24 having an exhaust outlet 25 for discharging exhaust gas EG discharged from the fuel cell 90. The exhaust pipe 24 is heated by exhaust gas AF discharged from one or more exhaust ports 54 (in this example, two exhaust ports 54a and 54b) of the cooling unit 50. The exhaust gas AF is heated by heat exchange with the coolant within the cooling unit 50. On the other hand, the exhaust gas EG discharged from the fuel cell 90 contains moisture. By heating the exhaust pipe 24 with exhaust gas AF, condensation inside the exhaust pipe 24 or at the exhaust outlet 25 is suppressed.

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

[0051] The exhaust pipe 24 has an exhaust outlet 25 facing the front where exhaust AF is discharged from the cooling unit 50. Because the exhaust outlet 25 is facing the front where exhaust AF is discharged from the cooling unit 50, the exhaust outlet 25 is more easily heated by the exhaust AF, thus increasing the effect of suppressing condensation at the exhaust outlet 25. Furthermore, because the exhaust outlet 25 is facing the front where exhaust AF is discharged from the cooling unit 50, the exhaust EG discharged from the exhaust outlet 25 is mixed with the exhaust AF discharged from the cooling unit 50 and can be forcefully propelled towards the +Y side. This reduces the possibility of the lower part of the exhaust pipe 24 becoming flooded with water due to condensation.

[0052] The exhaust outlet 25 being located in front of the cooling unit 50 from which exhaust AF is discharged does not mean that the exhaust outlet 25 is positioned to coincide with the exhaust ports 54 (exhaust ports 54a, 54b) when viewed from the front in the Y-axis direction. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the exhaust outlet 25 does not need to coincide with the exhaust ports 54 (exhaust ports 54a, 54b) when viewed from the front in the Y-axis direction, as long as the exhaust outlet 25 is positioned to coincide with the cooling unit 50 when viewed from the front in the Y-axis direction.

[0053] In Figure 13, the exhaust outlet 25 opens in the same direction as the exhaust ports 54 (exhaust ports 54a, 54b) of the cooling unit 50. As a result, the exhaust EG discharged from the exhaust outlet 25 is mixed with the exhaust AF discharged from the cooling unit 50 and can be forcefully propelled towards the +Y side. This reduces the possibility of the lower part of the exhaust pipe 24 becoming flooded with water due to condensation.

[0054] Figure 14 illustrates the exhaust and drainage structures of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The exhaust pipe 24 discharges exhaust EG from the fuel cell 90 through the exhaust outlet 25. The exhaust pipe 24 is connected to the exhaust port 90a of the fuel cell 90.

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

[0056] If water EW flows back into the fuel cell 90, filling it with water EW, hydrogen and oxygen will not be supplied to the fuel cell 90, and the power generation of the fuel cell 90 will stop. Thus, if water EW in the exhaust pipe 24 flows back into the fuel cell 90, it may interfere with the stable continuous operation of the fuel cell 90.

[0057] The fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a connecting pipe 26 connected to the exhaust pipe 24 as a means to reduce the risk of water EW in the exhaust pipe 24 flowing back into the fuel cell 90. As the water EW flows through the connecting pipe 26, the risk of water EW accumulating in the exhaust pipe 24 is reduced, and the risk of water EW in the exhaust pipe 24 flowing back into the fuel cell 90 is reduced. Therefore, the risk of the fuel cell 90 stopping power generation due to the backflow of water EW into the fuel cell 90 is reduced, and the stability of continuous operation of the fuel cell 90 is improved.

[0058] The fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment may include a drain pipe 27 for discharging water separated from the exhaust gas generator (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 together the water discharged from the gas-liquid separator in the fuel cell 90 and the water in the exhaust pipe 24.

[0059] The fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a louver 100 for collecting water (for example, rainwater or melted snow) and a drain pipe 102 for carrying the water collected by the louver 100 downwards. Water from the drain pipe 27 merges with water from the drain pipe 102 and is drained together. Drain pipe 27 is an example of a first drain pipe. Drain pipe 102 is an example of a second drain pipe.

[0060] Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the drainage structure of a fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The water collected by the louvers 100 flows into the drain pipe 102 via a rain gutter 103 located on the upper part of the housing unit 60 and is then discharged.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1-6, the housing unit 60 may have a plurality of lifting rings 111, 112, 113, 114 that are provided to lift a finished or semi-finished fuel cell system 1. Each of the lifting rings 111, 112, 113, 114 is provided in a corner of the ceiling of the housing unit 60 and fixed to the frame 76 of the housing unit 60. The finished or semi-finished fuel cell system 1 is lifted by pulling up a plurality of hooks (not shown) that are hooked onto the lifting rings 111, 112, 113, 114. The lifted finished or semi-finished fuel cell system 1 is moved to a predetermined installation location and installed. The plurality of lifting rings 111, 112, 113, 114 are particularly useful when the installation location is high above ground level. For example, when the fuel cell system 1 is installed on a crane such as a mobile transfer crane, the lifted finished or semi-finished fuel cell system 1 is moved to its installation location and secured.

[0062] Next, we will describe some examples of the configurations of the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the general 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. The fuel cell unit 10 comprises a fuel cell stack 11, a cooling unit 12, and a boost converter 13.

[0065] The fuel cell stack 11 generates electricity by chemically reacting hydrogen SH supplied from the hydrogen tank 80 via piping P3 with 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, being a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, has a stack structure in which a large number of single cells are stacked.

[0066] A single cell in a fuel cell stack 11, which is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) consisting of 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 of the electrodes is formed from a porous material. Each of the pair of electrodes has, for example, a catalyst layer mainly composed of carbon powder supporting a platinum-based metal catalyst (electrode catalyst), and a gas diffusion layer that has both permeability and electronic conductivity. Furthermore, the single cell has a pair of separators that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from both sides.

[0067] The fuel cell unit 10 discharges exhaust gas EG from the fuel cell stack 11 after the reaction of hydrogen SH with oxygen contained in the air SA.

[0068] The fuel cell stack 11 is not limited to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells; for example, it may be a phosphate fuel cell (PAFC) or a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Furthermore, the fuel cell stack 11 may also be 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 performs heat exchange between the fuel cell stack 11 and the coolant CL1. The fuel cell stack 11 is cooled by heat exchange 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 include, for example, a compressor for supplying air SA to the fuel cell stack 11, a hydrogen pump for returning unreacted hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 11, and the like.

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

[0073] [Auxiliary Unit 20] The auxiliary unit 20 is used to operate the fuel cell stack 11 in the fuel cell unit 10. For example, the auxiliary unit 20 supplies coolant CL1 to the fuel cell unit 10. The auxiliary unit 20 also removes dust or debris contained in the air RA in the internal space SP1 and supplies 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 performs heat exchange between the coolant CL1 that has cooled the fuel cell stack 11 and the coolant CL2 supplied from the external cooling unit 50. The heat exchanger 21 is, for example, a plate heat exchanger, particularly a brazed plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 21 cools the coolant CL1 that has returned from the fuel cell unit 10 after its temperature has risen from cooling the fuel cell stack 11, with the coolant CL2 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 and other impurities that could adversely affect the fuel cell from the air RA. The air filter 23 filters the air RA supplied to the fuel cell unit 10. The air filter 23 supplies clean air SA, from which dust and other impurities that could adversely affect the fuel cell have been removed, to the fuel cell stack 11.

[0078] The exhaust pipe 24 discharges exhaust gas (EG) from the fuel cell unit 10. If the auxiliary unit 20 is equipped with a gas-liquid separator, the exhaust pipe 24 may discharge 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 on the exhaust pipe 24.

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

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

[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] Note that the controller 31 is not limited to a programmable logic controller; for example, it could be a computer.

[0083] The components of the control unit 30 are not limited to the examples described above. The control unit 30 may include, for example, electrical circuits, circuit breakers, relays, displays, LED lamps, switches, etc.

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

[0085] [Ventilation Unit 40] The ventilation unit 40 ventilates the interior of the containment unit 60 by exhausting the air inside. The ventilation unit 40 ventilates the first room 61. Specifically, the ventilation unit 40 discharges the air RA in the interior space SP1 as exhaust EA.

[0086] The ventilation unit 40 is installed in the second chamber 62 of the housing unit 60. The ventilation unit 40 is installed on the left side (+X side) within the second chamber 62. The control unit 30 is installed on the right side (-X side) of the ventilation unit 40. The area in which the ventilation unit 40 is installed has open sides on the front (+Y side) and left side (+X side). In other words, the area around the ventilation unit 40 in the second chamber 62 is open. The open sides on the front (+Y side) and left side (+X side) of the area in which the ventilation unit 40 is installed facilitate the discharge of exhaust EA from the ventilation unit 40 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) of the ventilation unit 40 is open, the fans 52a and 52b of the cooling unit 50 promote airflow around the ventilation unit 40. This promotion of airflow around the ventilation unit 40 facilitates the discharge of exhaust EA from the ventilation unit 40 to the outside.

[0088] The ventilation unit 40 is located on the left side (+X side) within the second chamber 62. In other words, the ventilation unit 40 is located above the auxiliary unit 20. The auxiliary unit 20 has many piping connections. Therefore, there is a possibility that hydrogen SH may leak from the auxiliary unit 20. By providing the ventilation unit 40 near the auxiliary unit 20, it is possible to facilitate the discharge of the air RA on the auxiliary unit 20 side, which is likely to leak hydrogen SH, to the outside as exhaust 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 a suction-draft type air-cooled heat exchanger. The cooling unit 50 comprises a heat exchanger 51 and fans 52a and 52b.

[0090] The heat exchanger 51 performs heat exchange between the coolant CL2 and the air. The coolant CL2 is cooled by the heat exchanger 51 performing heat exchange between the coolant CL2 and the air. 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] Fans 52a and 52b are, for example, axial fans. The air drawn in by fans 52a and 52b passes through the heat exchanger 51. As the drawn-in air passes through the heat exchanger 51, the coolant CL2 passing through the inside of the heat exchanger 51 is cooled. Fans 52a and 52b each discharge exhaust AF5a and AF5b (Figure 5) to the opposite side (front side) from the third chamber 63.

[0092] Cooling liquid CL2 is supplied from heat exchanger 21 to heat exchanger 51 in cooling unit 50 via piping P1. Cooling liquid CL2 is also sent from heat exchanger 51 in cooling unit 50 to pump 70 via piping P2. Pump 70 circulates the cooling liquid CL2 between heat exchanger 21 and heat exchanger 51. Pump 70 is located directly below ventilation unit 40.

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

[0094] [Accommodation Unit 60] The housing unit 60 houses the fuel cell unit 10, the auxiliary unit 20, the control unit 30, the ventilation unit 40, and the cooling unit 50. The housing unit 60 comprises a first chamber 61 that houses the fuel cell 90 and the pump 70, and a second chamber 62 that houses the control unit 30, the ventilation unit 40, and the cooling unit 50. The housing unit 60 may also include an intermediate chamber between the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62.

[0095] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The above embodiments may be omitted, replaced, 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 Units 11 Fuel cell stack 20 Auxiliary Units 24 Exhaust pipes 25 Exhaust outlet 30 Control Units 40 Ventilation Units 41 Ventilation fan 42 Ventilation Hood 43 Ventilation duct 44 Exhaust vents 50 Cooling Units 53 Air intake 54 Exhaust vent 60 storage units 61 Room 1 62 Second room 63 Third room 64 Bulkhead 65 Ventilation holes 66 Bottom 67 Top 68 Base 69 Top surface 70 pumps 71 Partition Plate 72 Wiring 73 Aperture 74 partition plates 75 Loading entrance 76 frames 77 Exterior Wall 77a Exterior 77b, 77c flange 78 Side panel 79 volts 80 hydrogen tanks 81, 82, 83, 84 Hydrogen Cylinders 90 Fuel Cell 100 louvers

Claims

1. A housing unit having a first chamber, a second chamber above the first chamber, and a third chamber to the side of the first and second chambers, The fuel cell housed in the first chamber, The second chamber houses a control unit for controlling the fuel cell, A ventilation unit housed in the second chamber and performing ventilation of the first chamber, A cooling unit housed in the second chamber for cooling the fuel cell, The third chamber contains a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, The third room is separated from the first room and the second room by a partition wall. The cooling unit is positioned above the ventilation unit. The cooling unit is a fuel cell system that takes in air from the side opposite the third chamber and discharges exhaust air to the side opposite the third chamber.

2. A housing unit having a first chamber, a second chamber above the first chamber, and a third chamber to the side of the first and second chambers, The fuel cell housed in the first chamber, The second chamber houses a control unit for controlling the fuel cell, A ventilation unit housed in the second chamber and performing ventilation of the first chamber, A cooling unit housed in the second chamber for cooling the fuel cell, The third chamber contains a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, The third chamber has a bottom surface provided with one or more ventilation holes, and an upper surface provided with one or more ventilation holes. The cooling unit is positioned above the ventilation unit. The cooling unit is a fuel cell system that takes in air from the side opposite the third chamber and discharges exhaust air to the side opposite the third chamber.

3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, further comprising a partition provided between the exhaust port of the ventilation unit and the intake port of the cooling unit.

4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the exhaust port opens on the side opposite to the third chamber.

5. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the third chamber is separated from the first chamber and the second chamber by a partition wall.

6. It has a partition plate separating the first chamber and the second chamber, The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wiring connecting the control unit and the fuel cell passes through an opening provided in the partition plate.

7. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the containment unit has an entrance for transporting the hydrogen tank into the third chamber.

8. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein the loading entrance opens above the third chamber.

9. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second chamber is partitioned by a partition plate into a space for housing the cooling unit and the ventilation unit and a space for housing the control unit.

10. A housing unit having a first chamber, a second chamber above the first chamber, and a third chamber to the side of the first and second chambers, The fuel cell housed in the first chamber, The second chamber houses a control unit for controlling the fuel cell, A ventilation unit housed in the second chamber and performing ventilation of the first chamber, A cooling unit housed in the second chamber for cooling the fuel cell, The third chamber contains a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, The aforementioned housing unit has an outer wall that separates the inside and outside of the housing unit, and a side plate that is detachably provided on the outer wall. A fuel cell system in which the side plate is detachably attached to a flange of the outer wall that is inward of the outer surface, such that the outer surface of the side plate does not protrude outward from the outer surface of the outer wall.

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