Fuel cell systems, their operation methods, and methods for circulating heated air

Abstract

[Problem] Heating the air in the fuel cell chamber before operation of the fuel cell to melt frozen water. [Solution] A fuel cell system (100, 200) includes: a fuel cell chamber (60) defined by partitions (11-16), a fuel cell (1) disposed in the fuel cell chamber (60), conduits (20a, 20b) connected to the fuel cell chamber (60) through at least one opening (11a, 13a) and another opening (11b, 13b) in partitions (11, 16), and a preheater (3) for supplying heated air. The fuel cell chamber (60), one opening (11a, 13a) and another opening (11b, 13b), and the conduits (20a, 20b) constitute a warm air circulation path (30A, 30B) for supplying heated air from the preheater (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fuel cell system that can operate normally in low-temperature environments, a method for operating the fuel cell system, and a method for circulating heated air in the fuel cell system. Prior Technology

[0002] Fuel cells, which generate electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, are now used in residential, commercial, and vehicle power sources as carbon dioxide-free power generation devices. While fuel cells produce and discharge water during operation, some water may remain inside the fuel cell even when it stops. In cold regions or low-temperature environments such as winter, this retained water can freeze, causing flooding that hinders the chemical reaction at the electrodes, or preventing the discharge of generated water. This can lead to problems such as the fuel cell failing to start or malfunctioning during startup.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a hydrogen power generation system comprising a hydrogen generation device, a power generation device (fuel cell) that generates electricity using hydrogen, and a cartridge-type hydrogen storage device for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell (Purchase 1 claims 1 and 10). The heat recovery mechanism for heating the intake outside air using the exhaust heat of the fuel cell includes: a temperature sensor, a gate for opening and closing an exhaust side opening, a fan for delivering air from the return duct to the housing through the intake side opening, and a controller for opening the gate and driving the fan when the outside air temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature (same claim 11). However, the hydrogen power generation system of Patent Document 1 lacks the concept of preheating the air inside the housing before the fuel cell operates, and does not include a preheater for this purpose.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a fuel cell device, in which a fuel cell module and an auxiliary machine for driving the fuel cell module are housed within an outer casing, and the casing is divided into a module storage chamber and an auxiliary machine storage chamber by a partition component (Purchase 2, Request 1). However, the fuel cell device in Patent Document 2, because it utilizes the radiant heat of the fuel cell module (as described in Specification 0021), is similar to the aforementioned Patent Document 1, and does not have the concept of preheating the air inside the outer casing before the fuel cell operates, nor does it have a preheater.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell, a diaphragm-type air supply unit for drawing in air and supplying it to the fuel cell, and a heating unit for heating the air in the space from the air intake to the air supply unit (Patent Document 3, claim 1). Furthermore, Patent Document 3 also indicates that the heating unit can perform air heating before the air supply unit begins operation (ibid. 0028). However, it lacks the concept of circulating and filling the space with heated air, and does not include such a mechanism.

[0006] Patent Document 4 discloses a fuel cell power generation device, which includes a fuel cell body, a fuel reforming machine, a cooling system, a heater, and a ventilation fan within a package. When power generation stops, air heated by the heater is circulated within the package to prevent water inside the package from freezing (Patent Document 4, claim 1). Although Patent Document 4 indicates that the air heated by the heater is directed to the cooling system (same as claim 4), the location of the fuel cell body is not shown, therefore there is no concept of warming the surface of the fuel cell casing to melt the frozen water inside. If a specific part of the fuel cell is concentrated and overheated, it may lead to fuel cell malfunction; therefore, the relative position of the fuel cell and the heater, as well as the size of the space within the package, are important. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-141058 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-205826 [Patent Document 3] International Publication WO2012 / 023261 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-140050 Summary of the Invention

[0008] [The problem the invention aims to solve] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing a fuel cell system, a method for operating a fuel cell system, and a method for circulating heated air in a fuel cell system, which can warm the fuel cell in the battery chamber before the fuel cell operates. [Problem-solving methods]

[0009] The fuel cell systems 100 and 200 of the present invention include: a battery compartment 60 defined by partitions 11-16, a fuel cell 1 disposed in the battery compartment 60, conduits 20a and 20b connected to the battery compartment 60 through at least one opening 11a and 13a and another opening 11b and 13b disposed in partitions 11 and 16, and a preheater 3 for supplying heated air; at least the battery compartment 60, one opening 11a and 13a and another opening 11b and 13b, and conduits 20a and 20b constitute a warm air circulation path 30A and 30B for supplying heated air from the preheater 3. The partitions 11-16 include a first partition 11, a second partition 12, a third partition 13, and a fourth partition 14; two or three of the four sides of the first to fourth partitions 11-14 are in contact with the fuel cell 1, and the remaining two or one partitions 11 and 12 form the partition flow paths 31 and 32 between them and the fuel cell 1, which allow heated air to flow as part of the heating circulation paths 30A and 30b. The partitions 11-16 include a fifth partition 15 and a sixth partition 16 facing each other; the fifth and sixth partitions 15 and 16 respectively have ventilation ports 15a and 16a; the preheater 3 is disposed in one opening 11a or 13a or another opening 11b or 13b of the partitions 11 and 13, or disposed between the ventilation ports 15a or 16a of the fifth or sixth partitions 15 and 16 and the fuel cell 1. The battery compartment 60 includes a space 65 between the fifth partition 15 and the fuel cell 1, and another space 66 between the sixth partition 16 and the fuel cell 1; the preheater 3 is disposed in an opening 11a located on the side of the space 65; the outlet 3a of the preheater 3 is disposed in a space 65 with a volume smaller than that of the other space 66. The battery compartment 60 includes a space 65 between the fifth partition 15 and the fuel cell 1, and another space 66 between the sixth partition 16 and the fuel cell 1; the preheater 3 is located in the other space 66, which has a smaller volume than the space 65, and is positioned between the air exchange port 16a of the sixth partition 16 and the fuel cell 1. It has a gate that can open or close the ventilation port 15a of the 5th partition 15 and / or the ventilation port 16a of the 6th partition 16a.

[0010] In the fuel cell systems 100 and 200 of the present invention, during the pre-operation phase before the fuel cell 1 begins operation, the preheater 3 delivers heated air. This heated air circulates in warm air circulation paths 30A and 30B, which consist of at least a battery chamber 60, one opening and another opening 11a, 13a, 11b, 13b, and conduits 20a and 20b. Thus, in the present invention, before the fuel cell 1 begins operation, the battery chamber 60 is filled with heated air, warming the fuel cell 1. Even if the water inside is frozen, it will completely thaw, allowing the fuel cell 1 to operate normally. Furthermore, the warm air circulation prevents air stagnation, ensuring that fresh heated air continuously contacts the casing surfaces 81, 82, 85, and 86 of the fuel cell 1, effectively liquefying the frozen water inside the fuel cell 1.

[0011] The implementation of fuel cell systems 100 and 200 consists of two or three partition walls 12-14 at the interface with fuel cell 1, which are made of metal components or high thermal conductivity components. The second to fourth partitions 12, 13 and 14 are respectively in contact with the fuel cell 1; the first partition 11 is located between the fuel cell 1 and the top 81, and the first partition flow path 31 that allows heated air to flow is formed as part of the heating circulation path 30A. The third and fourth partitions 13 and 14 respectively connect with the side surfaces 83 and 84 of the fuel cell 1; the heating circulation path 30B includes: a first partition flow path 31 between the first partition 11 and the upper surface 81 of the fuel cell 1, which allows heated air to flow; and a second partition flow path 32 between the second partition 12 and the bottom surface 82 of the fuel cell 1, which allows heated air to flow. The fuel cell 1 has a pair of air inlets 1a and 1b for intake and exhaust; the pair of air inlets 1a and 1b and the interior of the fuel cell 1, as part of the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B, constitute the internal flow path 36 through which heated air passes. A switching device 8 is provided to open or close one opening 11a, 13a and / or another opening 11b, 13b of the partition walls 11, 13, so as to connect or disconnect the heating circulation paths 30A, 30B.

[0012] The method of operating the fuel cell system 100, 200 of the present invention includes: a battery chamber 60 defined by partitions 11-16, a fuel cell 1 disposed in the battery chamber 60, conduits 20a, 20b connected to the battery chamber 60 through at least one opening 11a, 13a and another opening 11b, 13b disposed in partitions 11, 16, and a preheater 3 for supplying heated air; at least the battery chamber 60, one opening 11a, 13a and another opening 11b, 13b, and conduits 20a, 20b constitute a warm air circulation path 30A, 30B for supplying heated air from the preheater 3. This includes: when the aforementioned fuel cell systems 100 and 200 are started, if the measured temperature of the battery compartment 60 is below the first temperature, the preheater 3 is activated and heated air is circulated in the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B; the heated air is circulated in the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B for a certain period of time, and / or the measured temperature of the battery compartment 60 becomes above the second temperature, the fuel cell 1 is started to generate electricity. The process of circulating heated air in the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B includes: filling the upper space 61 between the upper partition wall 11 and the fuel cell 1, the space 65 between the front partition wall 15 and the fuel cell 1, and the back space 66 between the back partition wall 16 and the fuel cell 1 with heated air, and contacting the surfaces 81, 85, and 86 of the fuel cell 1 with heated air.

[0013] The operation method of the fuel cell systems 100 and 200 of the present invention includes: when the fuel cell system is started, if the battery compartment 60 is below a specific first temperature, activating the preheater 3 to fill the battery compartment 60 with heated air through circulation. Then, when the preheater 3 reaches the desired operating time for complete thawing of frozen water within the fuel cell 1 and / or the temperature within the battery compartment 60 is reached, operation of the fuel cell 1 begins. This avoids fuel cell 1 malfunction due to water freezing.

[0014] The heating air circulation method of the present invention is as follows: In the heating air circulation method of the aforementioned fuel cell system 100, the heating air delivered from the preheater 3 provided in an opening 11a of the first partition wall 11 flows through a space 65 of the battery chamber 60, the top 81 and interior of the fuel cell 1, another space 66 of the battery chamber 60, another opening 11b of the first partition wall 11, and the upper duct 20a connected from the first partition wall 11, and returns to the first heating air circulation path 30A of the opening 11a.

[0015] The heating air circulation method of the present invention is as follows: In the heating air circulation method of the aforementioned fuel cell system 200, the heating air delivered from the preheater 3 located in the other space 66 of the battery chamber 60 flows through the other space 66, the upper surface 81 and the bottom surface 82 and the interior of the fuel cell 1, a space 65 of the battery chamber 60, an opening 13a of the third partition wall 13, a side duct 20b communicating with the third partition wall 13, and another opening 13b of the third partition wall 13, and returns to the second heating air circulation path 30B of the other space 66. [The effects of the invention]

[0016] In the fuel cell system and its operation method of the present invention, as well as the method for circulating heated air, the frozen water inside the fuel cell can be melted by heating before the fuel cell is started, enabling the fuel cell to operate normally without malfunction. Therefore, the present invention is most suitable for use in fuel cells in low-temperature environments. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0017] [Figure 1] shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the fuel cell system of the present invention. [Figure 2] shows a cross-sectional view of the AA line section in Figure 1. [Figure 3] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the BB line section in Figure 1. [Figure 4] shows a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the fuel cell system of the present invention. [Figure 5] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the CC line section of Figure 4. [Figure 6] shows a cross-sectional view of the DD line section in Figure 4. Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the fuel cell system and its operation method, as well as the method for circulating heated air, of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The embodiments, examples, and drawings described below are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limiting interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, FIGS. 1 to 6 are simplified diagrams for easy understanding of the present invention.

[0019] The fuel cell systems 100 and 200 of the present invention include: a cavity battery chamber 60 defined by six partition walls 11-16; a box-shaped fuel cell 1 disposed in the battery chamber 60; conduits 20a and 20b communicating with the battery chamber 60 through at least one opening 11a and 13a and another opening 11b and 13b provided in the partition walls 11 and 16; and a preheater 3 for supplying heated air before the operation (or startup or actuation) of the fuel cell 1. At least the battery chamber 60, the openings 11a, 13a, 11b and 13b of the partition walls 11 and 13, and the conduits 20a and 20b constitute a heated air circulation path 30A and 30B for circulating heated air.

[0020] In this invention, during the pre-operation phase before the fuel cell 1 is activated, heated air circulates in the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B, filling the battery chamber 60 with heated air. This heats the surfaces 81, 82, 85, and 86 of the fuel cell 1 in a low-temperature environment, melting the frozen water inside. After complete melting, the fuel cell 1 can operate normally. The heating circulation paths 30A and 30B can be either a longitudinal circulation (Fig. 2) forming a generally vertical circulation surface (vertical rotation) or a transverse circulation (Fig. 4) forming a generally horizontal circulation surface (transverse circulation). The circulation (rotation) direction can be clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0021] The fuel cell 1 used in this invention can also refer to a fuel cell device, fuel cell body, fuel cell module, or fuel cell box, whose casing contains a stack of multiple cells. The cell includes an electrolyte with an ion exchange membrane, a negative electrode (fuel electrode) and a positive electrode (oxygen electrode) supplying hydrogen and air (oxygen) to both sides of the electrolyte, and a pair of partition plates sandwiching the electrolyte, negative electrode, and positive electrode to form the boundaries between the cells. In Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, the internal structure of the fuel cell 1 is shown in cross-sectional diagrams (shaded lines) for the sake of simplicity. In this invention, a solid polymer (membrane) fuel cell (PEFC) with an ion exchange membrane is used, but any form such as a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell (AFC), a direct fuel cell (DFC), or a biofuel cell (BFC) can also be used. The fuel cell 1 receives hydrogen from a hydrogen storage device (hydrogen storage alloy) not shown in the figures, and the electricity generated by the fuel cell 1 supplies power to a battery and a load (power-consuming device) via wires.

[0022] In this embodiment, the partition includes: a first partition (upper partition) 11 forming the ceiling of the battery chamber 60, a second partition (bottom partition) 12 facing the first partition 11 and forming the bottom surface 82 of the battery chamber 60, a third partition (left partition) 13 forming one side wall of the battery chamber 60 (the left wall in Figures 3 and 6), and a fourth partition (right partition) 14 facing the third partition 13 and forming the other side wall of the battery chamber 60 (the right wall in Figures 3 and 6).

[0023] Although described later, in the first embodiment (fuel cell system 100), the first partition wall 11, serving as a partition wall 11, has one and another openings 11a, 11b (Fig. 2) to allow heated air to pass between the battery chamber 60 and the upper duct 20a. In the second embodiment (fuel cell system 200), the third partition wall 13, serving as a partition wall 13, has one and another openings 13a, 13b (Fig. 5) to allow heated air to pass between the battery chamber 60 and the side duct 20b. The second partition wall 12 and the fourth to sixth partition walls 14-16, other than the first and third partition walls 11, 13, can also serve as partition walls. Partition walls 11-14 can use opaque components or transparent or translucent components that allow the interior to be seen.

[0024] The partition walls 11 and 13 can have two, three, or more openings 11a, 13a, 11b, and 13b, provided that heated air can pass through and circulate. The cross-sectional shape of the openings 11a, 13a, 11b, and 13b is not particularly limited and can be rectangular, polygonal, circular, etc. The length L2 between one opening and another 11a, 13a, 11b, and 13b is longer than the depth L1 between the front and rear of the fuel cell 1. This allows the circulating heated air to more easily contact the surface of the fuel cell 1, especially the front 85 and the back 86.

[0025] The partition walls 11 and 13 are equipped with a switch device 8 that opens or closes one opening 11a, 13a and / or another opening 11b, 13b, thereby connecting or disconnecting the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B. Regarding the switch device 8, there are no restrictions as long as it can open 11a, 13a, 11b, 13b; for example, an opening / closing device 8 (Figures 1 and 4) that uses a solenoid to reciprocate a locking plate, or a gas valve, can be used. When the preheater 3 is actuated (or started or operated), one opening 11a, 13a and / or another opening 11b, 13b can be opened automatically (e.g., by command from a control device) or manually by the switch device 8, or it can be kept open, allowing heated air to circulate through the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B. On the other hand, after the battery compartment 60 is fully filled with heated air, the preheater 3 can be stopped and the opening closed by the switch device 8 to maintain the temperature of the battery compartment 60.

[0026] Conduits 20a and 20b are formed on the opposite side of the battery chamber 60, sandwiching partition walls 11 and 13, along the entire length L of the fuel cell system 100 and 200 and / or longer than the depth L1 between the front and rear of the fuel cell 1 (Figures 2 and 4). Conduits 20a and 20b can facilitate the circulation of heated air. The cross-sectional shape of conduits 20a and 20b is not limited and can be rectangular (Figures 3 and 6), polygonal, circular, elliptical, etc.

[0027] In this invention, among the two pairs of four-sided partitions 11-14 facing each other, any two or three partitions are in contact or abutment with the fuel cell 1. The remaining two or one partitions, between the fuel cell 1 and the first and second partition flow paths 31 and 32 that allow heated air to flow, are formed as part of the first heating circulation paths 30A and 30B. Thus, the two or three partitions that are in contact with the fuel cell 1 do not form flow paths but are in contact with each surface of the fuel cell 1, and the opposite side of the fuel cell 1 abuts against and surrounds the heating elements 42, 43, and 44 (shaded lines in Figures 3 and 6). The two- or three-sided partition wall, shown in Figure 6 as the third and fourth partition walls 13 and 14, is not limited to these; it can be any of the first and second partition walls 11 and 12, the first and third partition walls 11 and 13, the first and fourth partition walls 11 and 14, the second and third partition walls 12 and 13, or the second and fourth partition walls 12 and 14. Similarly, the three-sided partition wall, shown in Figure 3 as the second to fourth partition walls 12-14, is not limited to these; it can be any of the first to third partition walls 11-13, the first, second, and fourth partition walls 11, 12, and 14, or the first, third, and fourth partition walls 11, 13, and 14.

[0028] Of the four partition walls, the remaining two or one partition wall form first and second partition wall flow paths 31 and 32 with the fuel cell 1. The remaining two partition walls, shown in Figure 5 as first and second partition walls 11 and 12, are not limited to these; they can be any of the following: first and third partition walls 11 and 13, first and fourth partition walls 11 and 14, second and third partition walls 12 and 13, second and fourth partition walls 12 and 14, or third and fourth partition walls 13 and 14. Any of these can form first and second partition wall flow paths with the fuel cell 1. The remaining one partition wall, shown in Figure 2 as first partition wall 11, is not limited to this; it can be any of the second, third, or fourth partition walls 12, 13, and 14. Any of these can form a first partition wall flow path with the fuel cell 1.

[0029] The heat-generating elements 42, 43, and 44 surrounding the fuel cell 1 are devices, machines, appliances, components, piping, etc., that generate or maintain heat, such as batteries, control panels, hydrogen storage devices, and hydrogen piping groups. The batteries store electricity obtained from the fuel cell 1 and solar cells (not shown), and are activated together with the fuel cell systems 100 and 200 to measure the stored capacity; therefore, their temperature is higher than the ambient air temperature. The control panels, with their built-in power supply, motors, and control devices, operate when the fuel cell systems 100 and 200 are powered on, generating heat even before the fuel cell 1 is activated. The hydrogen storage device heats the hydrogen-absorbing alloy to release hydrogen, thus becoming hot even before hydrogen release (before the fuel cell 1 is activated). The hydrogen piping group contains the piping that releases hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device, and therefore its temperature is relatively high.

[0030] By using two or three partition walls 12-14 to interface with the surfaces 82-84 of the fuel cell 1, the fuel cell 1 is not directly exposed to the low-temperature outside air. Furthermore, the partition walls 12-14 and the heat-generating elements 42, 43, and 44 in close contact with them provide insulation to prevent heat loss, thus preventing the water inside the fuel cell 1 from freezing. In addition, during the pre-operation phase before the fuel cell 1 begins operation, heating (heat transfer) from the heat-generating elements 42, 43, and 44, which sandwich the partition walls 12-14 and interface with the opposite side of the fuel cell 1, warms the partition walls 12-14 and the surfaces 82-84 of the fuel cell 1. Combined with the heating from the preheater 3, this melts the water inside the fuel cell 1 that is currently frozen. Through this interface structure, the present invention can reduce the power consumption of the preheater 3.

[0031] The two or three partition walls 12-14 that are in contact with the fuel cell 1 are made of flat metal components or highly thermally conductive components. In this way, heat can be effectively transferred from heat-generating elements 42, 43, 44 that are already activated and generating heat before the fuel cell 1 starts operating, such as the battery 2, control panel, and / or hydrogen piping group, to the fuel cell 1 through the partition walls 12-14 in the contact state.

[0032] The partition further includes a fifth partition (front partition) 15 forming the front wall of the battery compartment 60, and a sixth partition (back partition) 16 opposite to the fifth partition 15 and forming the back wall of the battery compartment 60. The fifth and sixth partitions 15 and 16 are also the outer walls of the fuel cell systems 100 and 200, respectively, and have air exchange ports 15a and 16a for exchanging air in the battery compartment 60 with outside air. The fifth and sixth partitions 15 and 16 may be made of opaque components or transparent or translucent components that allow the interior to be seen.

[0033] The battery chamber 60 is a space surrounded by partitions 1 to 6, 11-16, where the fuel cell 1 is configured. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, it includes a front space 65 formed between the fuel cell 1 and the 5th partition 15, a back space 66 formed between the fuel cell 1 and the 6th partition 16, and an upper space 61 formed between the fuel cell 1 and the 1st partition 11. Hot air circulates and fills the front 85, back 86, and upper 81 of the fuel cell 1, warming the front 85, back 86, and upper 81 of the fuel cell 1 and promoting the melting of frozen water in the fuel cell 1. By providing space in the battery chamber 60, a larger volume of heated air can be stored.

[0034] One or more preheaters 3 can be installed at the openings 11a, 13a, 11b, and 13b of the partition walls 11 and 13, or at the ventilation ports 15a and 16a of the fifth or sixth partition walls 15 and 16 between the preheater 3 and the fuel cell 1. Installing the preheater 3 at the openings 11a, 13a, 11b, and 13b effectively warms the air in the circulation, resulting in significant energy savings. On the other hand, installing the preheater between the ventilation ports 15a and 16a and the fuel cell 1 allows for heating while drawing in more fresh outside air, effectively ventilating the battery chamber 60 and the ducts 20a and 20b. The location of the preheater 3 is not limited; for example, it can be installed outside the fuel cell systems 100 and 200 and the heated air can be supplied to the battery chamber 60 through pipes. The number of preheaters 3 is unlimited; one or more can be used. Furthermore, the preheater 3 is preferably integrated with the air supply fan, but it can also be a separate type, that is, the air supply fan is configured separately in another location.

[0035] Fuel cell systems 100 and 200 may also include gates (not shown) for opening or closing the ventilation ports 15a and 16a of the 5th and / or 6th partitions 15 and 16. By closing the ventilation ports 15a and 16a with the gates, the battery chamber 60 after being filled with heated air can be kept warm, and the battery chamber 60 can also be insulated to prevent moisture freezing when the fuel cell 1 is stopped. In addition, although not shown, fuel cell systems 100 and 200 include: a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery chamber 60, and a control device for controlling the operation of the preheater 3, fuel cell 1, opening and closing device 8, gates, etc., based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be installed inside or on the surface 81-86 of the fuel cell 1, inside or outside the partitions 11-16, or in the conduits 20a and 20b. Furthermore, the temperature sensor and control device may be installed not only inside the fuel cell systems 100 and 200, but also outside them.

[0036] Hereinafter, the fuel cell system 100 of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. For configurations identical to those described above, the description will be omitted in this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the fuel cell system 100 of the first embodiment, showing the state with the upper cover 51 removed. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the AA line and BB line cross-section of FIG. 1, respectively.

[0037] The fuel cell system 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 includes: a battery chamber 60 whose space is defined by six partitions 11-16; a fuel cell 1 disposed on a second partition (bottom partition) 12 of the battery chamber 60; a first partition (division partition) 11 forming the ceiling of the battery chamber 60; one and another opening 11a, 11b provided on the partition partition 11; an upper duct 20a connected to the battery chamber 60 through the one and another opening 11a, 11b; and a preheater 3, which is an integrated fan and is provided at one opening 11a and supplies heated air to the battery chamber 60 before the fuel cell 1 operates. The battery chamber 60, the one and another opening 11a, 11b, and the upper duct 20a form at least a first longitudinal circulation path 30A, as shown in Figure 2, in which heated air flows from the preheater 3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, in the fuel cell system 100, the second partition 12, the third partition 13, and the fourth partition 14 are in contact (abut against) the bottom surface 82 and the two side surfaces 83 and 84 of the fuel cell 1, respectively. The second, third, and fourth partitions 12, 13, and 14, which are made of metal components or highly thermally conductive components, are in contact with heat-generating elements, namely the battery 42, the control panel 43, and the hydrogen piping group 44, respectively, on the surfaces opposite to the fuel cell 1. The battery 42, at least in its stored-charge state, and the control panel 43 after the fuel cell system 100 is started, generate heat even before the fuel cell 1 is activated. Therefore, through their heat transfer, combined with the heating of the preheater 3, they warm all surfaces 81-86 of the fuel cell 1, promoting the melting of frozen water inside. Furthermore, if a hydrogen piping group 44 is installed adjacent to or near a hydrogen storage device, the hydrogen piping group 44 will be heated together with the hydrogen storage device, and the contact between the hydrogen piping group 44 and the second partition wall 12 will also promote the melting of the frozen water before the fuel cell 1 is activated.

[0039] The first partition (divider partition) 11 of the fuel cell system 100 defines an upper space 61 in the battery chamber 60 between the fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell 1. A first partition flow path 31 (Fig. 2) for heated air from the preheater 3 is formed in the upper space 61 as part of the heating air circulation path 30A. The heated air flowing through the first partition flow path 31 in the upper space 61 specifically warms the upper surface 81 of the fuel cell 1 before the fuel cell 1 operates. Furthermore, since the first partition flow path 31 branches off from the flow path (slightly perpendicular direction) from the preheater 3, it has the function of dispersing the extremely high temperature air discharged from the preheater 3.

[0040] The fuel cell 1, mounted on the second partition 12 shown in Figure 2, has a pair of air inlets 1a and 1b at its front 85 and back 86 for intake and exhaust. An internal flow path 36, from one (intake side) air inlet 1a through the interior of the fuel cell 1 to the other (exhaust side) air inlet 1b, forms part of the first heating circulation path 30A. A portion of the heated air flowing through the heating circulation path 30A passes through the interior of the fuel cell 1 before operation, effectively melting any frozen water remaining in the battery or drain pipe within the fuel cell 1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the battery chamber 60 has a larger volume than the space between the fifth partition 15 and the front 85 of the fuel cell 1 (front space) 65, and the other space between the sixth partition 16 and the back 86 of the fuel cell 1 (back space) 66. The preheater 3 is positioned at an opening 11a on the side of the smaller space 65, and the outlet 3a of the preheater 3 is also positioned within the smaller space 65, promoting the flow of heated, extremely hot air supplied from the preheater 3 towards the space 65, preventing it from stagnating within the space 65.

[0042] By placing the outlet 3a of the preheater 3 in a small-capacity space 65, the flow rate of the extremely high-temperature air can be increased, shortening its contact time with the front 85 of the fuel cell 1, and preventing excessive heating concentration on the front 85 of the fuel cell 1 and the resulting malfunction of the fuel cell 1. Furthermore, a large-volume secondary space 66 is provided at a distance from the preheater 3, so that the incoming high-temperature air does not flow immediately, but is homogenized in the secondary space 66 to generate heated air at a suitable temperature. The large-capacity secondary space 66 functions as a space for storing a large amount of homogenized heated air at a suitable temperature. Therefore, in this embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the fuel cell 1 and the preheater 3, and the relative size of the space 65 and the secondary space 66 are clarified, solving the problems of the aforementioned prior art (the fuel cell power generation device of Patent Document 4).

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the upper duct 20a of the fuel cell system 100 is formed on the partition wall 11, which sandwiches the partition wall (first partition wall) 11 and is opposite to the battery chamber 60, extending along the entire length L of the fuel cell system 100 and along the depth L1 of the fuel cell 1, and is longer than the depth L1. The upper duct 20a is a space surrounded or defined by the first partition wall 11, the third to sixth partition walls 13-16, and the upper cover 51, forming a warm air circulation path 30A that receives heated air from another space 66 of the battery chamber 60 through another opening 11b and returns it to a space 65 of the battery chamber 60 through another opening 11a. An opening 11b of the partition wall (first partition wall) is provided with an opening / closing device 8 for connecting or disconnecting the warm air circulation path 30A.

[0044] Next, the fuel cell system 200 of the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. Configurations identical to those described above will be omitted in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the fuel cell system 200 of the second embodiment, showing the state with the upper cover 51 removed. FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the CC and DD lines of FIG. 4, respectively.

[0045] The fuel cell system 200 shown in Figures 4 to 6 includes: a battery chamber 60 whose space is defined by six partition walls 11-16; a fuel cell 1 mounted on a second partition wall (bottom partition wall) 12 of the battery chamber 60 via a support 72; a third partition wall (partition wall) 13 forming a side wall of the battery chamber 60; one and another openings 13a and 13b provided in the partition wall 13; a side duct 20b connected to the battery chamber 60 via one and another openings 13a and 13b; and a preheater 3 integrated with a fan, located in another space 66 of the battery chamber 60, which supplies heated air to the rear side 86 of the fuel cell 1 before operation. A second heating air circulation path 30B, as shown in Figure 4, is formed by at least the battery chamber 60, one and another openings 13a and 13b, and the side duct 20b, allowing the heated air supplied from the preheater 3 to flow in a horizontal loop.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, in the fuel cell system 200, the third partition wall 13 and the fourth partition wall 14 are in contact with the sides 83 and 84 of the fuel cell 1. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, as part of the second heating circulation path 30B, the first partition wall 11 forms a first partition wall flow path 31 in the upper space 61 between itself and the upper surface 81 of the fuel cell 1, and the second partition wall 12 forms a second partition wall flow path 32 in the bottom space 62 between itself and the bottom surface 82 of the fuel cell 1. The bottom surface 82 of the fuel cell 1 is provided with a support portion 72 that supports the fuel cell 1 and is fixed to the second partition wall 12. The support portion 72 extends along the depth L1 of the fuel cell 1 to form a bottom space 62 (Figures 5 and 6). The bottom space 62 incorporates the second partition wall flow path 32, through which heated air flows, as part of the second heating circulation path 30B. When heated air flows through the second partition wall flow path 32, it can warm the bottom surface 82 of the fuel cell 1, and in particular, it can melt the frozen water in the drain pipe located in the lower part of the fuel cell 1.

[0047] In the fuel cell system 200, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the volume of the space (front space) 65 between the fifth partition 15 and the fuel cell 1 is greater than the volume of the other space (back space) 66 between the sixth partition 16 and the fuel cell 1. The preheater 3 is located in the other space 66, which has a smaller volume than the space 65, and is fixedly supported by the second partition 12 between the air exchange port 16a of the sixth partition 16 and the fuel cell 1. It can also be fixedly supported by any of the partitions 11-14, 16 or the fuel cell 1. The outlet 3a of the preheater 3 points in the direction of the fuel cell 1.

[0048] Because the preheater 3 is located in a smaller volume space 66, the extremely high-temperature air heated by the preheater 3, as shown in Figure 5, does not stagnate in the small-capacity space 66 but flows at a high velocity through the first partition flow path 31 of the upper space 61, the internal flow path 36 from the other (intake side) vent 1b through the inside of the fuel cell 1 to the (exhaust side) vent 1a, and the second partition flow path 32 of the lower space 62, and is supplied to a space 65. In the large-capacity space 65 far from the preheater 3, the incoming high-temperature air does not flow immediately but is homogenized in the space 65 to generate heated air at a suitable temperature. In addition, the large-capacity space 65 functions as a space for storing a large amount of homogenized heated air at a suitable temperature.

[0049] In other words, in this embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the fuel cell 1 and the preheater 3, and the relative size of a space 65 and another space 66 are clearly defined, thereby warming the shell surface 81-86 of the fuel cell 1 and melting the frozen water inside. Figure 4 shows two preheaters 3 arranged side by side, but the number and arrangement are not limited. There can be one or more preheaters 3 arranged in series or in parallel or in other suitable locations.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the side duct 20b of the fuel cell system 200 is formed on the side opposite to the battery chamber 60, sandwiching the partition wall (third partition wall) 13, and is longer than the depth L1 of the fuel cell 1. The side duct 20b is adjacent to the space formed by the heating element 43, and is configured to return heated air received from a space 65 of the battery chamber 60 through an opening 13a to another space 66 of the battery chamber 60 through another opening 13b. In this embodiment, the side duct 20b is provided only on the left side (Figure 6), but it may also be provided only on the right side, or on both sides.

[0051] The following will describe in detail the operation method of the aforementioned fuel cell systems 100 and 200.

[0052] First, the fuel cell systems 100 and 200 are started, and the temperature inside the battery compartment 60 or outside the fuel cell systems 100 and 200 is measured using a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure). If the measured temperature is below a first temperature, the control device (not shown in the figure) receiving the measured temperature signal sends a start signal to the preheater 3 (integrated with the air supply fan) to start the preheater 3, causing heated air to circulate in the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B. There is no limitation on the first temperature; for example, it can be any temperature below 10°C, preferably 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0°C, -1°C, -2°C, -3°C, -4°C, or -5°C. With the start-up of the fuel cell systems 100 and 200, the heat-generating elements surrounding the fuel cell 1, such as the battery 42, control panel 43, and hydrogen generator, will also start and generate heat.

[0053] By circulating heated air in heating circulation paths 30A and 30B, in the fuel cell system 100, the heated air fills the upper space 61 between the upper partition wall (first partition wall) 11 and the fuel cell 1, the space 65 between the front partition wall (fifth partition wall) 15 and the fuel cell 1, and the other space 66 between the back partition wall (sixth partition wall) 16 and the fuel cell 1. In the fuel cell system 200, the heated air further fills the lower space 62 between the bottom partition wall (second partition wall) 12 and the fuel cell 1. The filled heated air contacts the surfaces 81, 82, 85, and 86 of the fuel cell 1 and warms the surfaces 81, 82, 85, and 86. In addition, heat is conducted from the heat-generating elements 42, 43, and 44 through partition walls 12, 13, and 14 to the surfaces 82, 83, and 84 of the fuel cell 1.

[0054] Next, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the preheater 3 was started (during or after this time) and / or when the measured temperature of the battery compartment 60 reaches or exceeds the second temperature (during or after reaching or exceeding the second temperature), the control device will send a stop signal to the preheater 3 to stop it. After confirming its stop, the control device will send a start signal to the fuel cell 1 to start the fuel cell 1. The aforementioned certain period of time is not limited as long as it takes to melt the frozen water in the fuel cell 1, and can be set to any time from 1 minute to 30 minutes. The second temperature is not limited as long as it is a temperature above the set first temperature, and can be any temperature above 5°C. Alternatively, the control device can send a start signal to the fuel cell 1 and start the fuel cell 1 before the preheater 3 stops, i.e., while it is in operation. In this case, the fuel cell 1 can be started after a certain period of time has elapsed since the preheater 3 was started, and then the preheater 3 can be stopped when or after the measured temperature of the battery compartment 60 reaches or exceeds the second temperature. Alternatively, the fuel cell 1 can be operated after the preheater 3 is started, when the measured temperature of the battery compartment 60 reaches or exceeds the second temperature, and then the preheater 3 can be stopped after a certain period of time has elapsed since the preheater 3 was started.

[0055] The fuel cell 1 in operation generates electricity by reacting hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen generator to the negative electrode (fuel electrode) via hydrogen piping group 44 with oxygen supplied from the atmosphere to the positive electrode (oxygen electrode), and supplies electricity to power-consuming devices such as the storage battery 42 or household appliances. If the temperature drops below the first temperature again during the operation of the fuel cell 1, the preheater 3 can be restarted.

[0056] Subsequently, upon receiving specific signals, such as a signal indicating that the battery 42's charge has exceeded a certain value, a stop signal from the operator / manager, or a fault signal from the fuel cell 1, the control devices of the fuel cell systems 100 and 200 shall stop the operation of the fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell systems 100 and 200.

[0057] The method for circulating heated air in the aforementioned fuel cell system will now be described in detail.

[0058] In the heating air circulation method of the fuel cell system 100 (first embodiment) described above, after the fuel cell system 100 is started (or activated or operated), but before the fuel cell 1 is started, the control device of the fuel cell system 100 (not shown) activates the preheater 3, which is an integrated air supply fan. The preheater 3 sends heated air from the outlet 3a toward a space 65. The heated air sent from the preheater 3 through an opening 11a in the first partition wall 11 flows through a space (front space) 65 of the battery chamber 60, the top 81 and interior of the fuel cell 1, another space (back space) 66 of the battery chamber 60, another opening 11b of the first partition wall 11, and the upper duct 20a connected to the first partition wall 11, and returns to the first warm air circulation path 30A through the opening 11a. In this way, in a low-temperature environment, the surfaces of the fuel cell 1 (top 81, front 85, and back 86 in this first embodiment) are warmed, and the frozen water inside melts.

[0059] In the heating air circulation method of the fuel cell system 200 (second embodiment) described above, after the fuel cell system 100 is started (or activated or operated) but before the fuel cell 1 is started, the control device (not shown in the figure) of the fuel cell system 200 activates the preheater 3, which is an integrated air supply fan. The preheater 3 sends heated air from the outlet 3a toward the fuel cell 1. The heated air sent from the pair of preheaters 3 located in the other space 66 of the battery chamber 60 flows through the other space 66, the upper surface 81 and the bottom surface 82 and the interior of the fuel cell 1, a space 65 of the battery chamber 60, an opening 13a of the third partition wall 13, a side duct 20b communicating with the third partition wall 13, and another opening 13b of the third partition wall 13, and returns to the second warm air circulation path 30B of the other space 66. In this way, in a low temperature environment, the surfaces of the fuel cell 1 (the upper surface 81, the bottom surface 82, the front surface 85, and the back surface 86 in this second embodiment) are warmed, and the frozen water inside melts. The embodiments of the present invention include the following. [1] A fuel cell system comprising: a battery compartment 60 defined by partitions 11-16; Fuel cell 1 is installed in battery compartment 60; The conduits 20a and 20b are connected to the battery compartment 60 through at least one opening 11a, 13a and another opening 11b, 13b of the partition walls 11, 13 located in the partition walls 11-16; Preheater 3 that supplies heated air; At least the battery compartment 60, an opening 11a, 13a and another opening 11b, 13b, and conduits 20a, 20b constitute a heating circulation path 30A, 30B for heated air supplied from the preheater 3. [2] As described in [1] above, the fuel cell system includes a first partition 11, a second partition 12, a third partition 13, and a fourth partition 14; Of the four sides of the first to fourth partitions 11-14, two or three of the partitions 12-14 are in contact with the fuel cell 1. The remaining two or one partitions 11 and 12 are formed as part of the partition flow paths 31 and 32 that allow heated air to flow between them and the fuel cell 1, which are part of the heating circulation paths 30A and 30b. [3] As described in [2] above, the fuel cell system wherein the two or three side partitions 12-14 of the interface with the fuel cell 1 are made of metal components or high thermal conductivity components. [4] As described in [2] above, in the fuel cell system, the second to fourth partitions 12, 13, and 14 are respectively in contact with the fuel cell 1; The first partition 11, located between the upper part 81 of the fuel cell 1, forms the first partition flow path 31, which allows heated air to flow, as part of the heating circulation path 30A, 30B. [5] As described in [2] above, in the fuel cell system, the third and fourth partitions 13 and 14 are respectively in contact with the side surfaces 83 and 84 of the fuel cell 1; Heating circulation circuit 30B includes: Between the first partition 11 and the upper part 81 of the fuel cell 1, there is a first partition flow path 31 for the flow of heated air; Between the second partition 12 and the bottom surface 82 of the fuel cell 1, there is a second partition flow path 32 that allows heated air to flow. [6] As described in [1] above, the fuel cell 1 has a pair of air inlets 1a and 1b for intake and exhaust; A pair of vents 1a and 1b and the interior of fuel cell 1, as part of heating circulation paths 30A and 30B, constitute the internal flow path 36 through which heated air passes. [7] The fuel cell system described above [1] includes a switching device 8 that opens or closes one opening 11a, 13a and / or another opening 11b, 13b of the partition walls 11, 13, so as to connect or disconnect the heating circulation paths 30A, 30B. [8] As described in [1] above, the fuel cell system includes a fifth partition 15 and a sixth partition 16 facing each other; The 5th and 6th partitions 15 and 16 respectively have ventilation ports 15a and 16a; The preheater 3 is located at one opening 11a, 13a or another opening 11b, 13b of the partition walls 11, 13, or between the air exchange port 15a, 16a of the fifth or sixth partition walls 15, 16 and the fuel cell 1. [9] As described in [8] above, the fuel cell system includes a battery compartment 60, comprising a space 65 between the fifth partition 15 and the fuel cell 1, and another space 66 between the sixth partitions 15 and 16 and the fuel cell 1; Preheater 3 is located at an opening 11a on one side of a space 65; The outlet 3a of the preheater 3 is located in a space 65, which has a smaller volume than the space 66.

[10] As described above in [8], the fuel cell system includes a battery compartment 60 comprising a space 65 between the fifth partition 15 and the fuel cell 1, and another space 66 between the sixth partition 16 and the fuel cell 1; The preheater 3 is located in another space 66, which is smaller than the volume of the first space 65, and is positioned between the air exchange port 16 of the sixth partition 16 and the fuel cell 1.

[11] The fuel cell system described above [8] includes a gate for opening or closing the air exchange port 15a of the 5th partition 15 and / or the air exchange port 16a of the 6th partition 16.

[12] A method of operating a fuel cell system includes: when the fuel cell system 100 or 200 described above is started, and the measured temperature of the battery compartment 60 is below a first temperature, the preheater 3 is activated and heated air is circulated in the heating circulation paths 30A and 30B; The process of starting the fuel cell 1 to generate electricity involves circulating heated air through the heating circulation loops 30A and 30B for a certain period of time and / or the measured temperature of the battery compartment 60 reaching or exceeding the second temperature.

[13] The operation method of the fuel cell system described above

[12] includes the process of circulating heated air in the heating circulation path 30A, 30B, which includes: filling the upper space 61 between the upper partition wall 11 of the partition wall and the fuel cell 1, the space 65 between the front partition wall 15 of the partition wall and the fuel cell 1, and the back space 66 between the back partition wall 16 of the partition wall and the fuel cell 1 with heated air, and the process of contacting the surface 81, 85, 86 of the fuel cell 1 with heated air.

[14] A method for circulating heated air in a fuel cell system 100 as described above [9], wherein heated air delivered from a preheater 3 provided at an opening 11a in the first partition 11 flows through a space 65 of the battery chamber 60, the top 81 and interior of the fuel cell 1, another space 66 of the battery chamber 60, another opening 11b of the first partition 11, and an upper duct 20a connected from the first partition 11, and returns to a first heated air circulation path 30A at an opening 11a.

[15] A method for circulating heated air in a fuel cell system 200 as described above

[10] , wherein heated air delivered from a preheater 3 located in a secondary space 66 of a battery chamber 60 flows through the secondary space 66, the upper surface 81 and the bottom surface 82 and the interior of the fuel cell 1, a space 65 of the battery chamber 60, an opening 13a of the third partition wall 13, a side duct 20b communicating with the third partition wall 13, and another opening 13b of the third partition wall 13, and returns to the secondary space 66 via a second heating circulation path 30B. [Industrial Utilization]

[0060] This invention can be widely used in environments where air is present. For example, it can be used as a power source for both normal and emergency use in residences, office buildings, factories, schools, hospitals, streetlights, traffic lights, emergency equipment, infrastructure, commercial facilities, entertainment facilities, neon advertising, remote areas, mountain cabins, outlying islands, the interior of space stations, lunar surface facilities, etc., and as a power source inside passenger cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks, trains, ships, submarines, airplanes, rockets, artificial satellites, etc. The fuel cell system and its operation method, as well as the air heating circulation method of this invention, can be widely used.

[0061] 1: Fuel Cell 1a, 1b: A pair of vents 3: Preheater 3a: Export 8: Switching device 11: The first adjacent room (district adjacent room) 12: The second neighbor 13: The 3rd adjacent (district adjacent) 14: The 4th neighbor 11a, 13a: One opening 11b, 13b: Another opening 20a, 20b: Catheters 30A, 30B: Heating circulation circuit 31,32: Next door flow path 36: Internal flow path of the battery 60: Battery compartment 65: A Space 66: His Space 81-86: The surface of a fuel cell 100, 200: Fuel Cell System

Claims

1. A fuel cell system comprising: a battery compartment defined by a partition wall; a fuel cell disposed in the battery compartment; a conduit connected to the battery compartment through at least one opening and another opening of a partition wall disposed within the partition wall; a preheater for discharging heated air; the battery compartment, the first opening and the second opening, and the conduit forming a warm air circulation path for the heated air discharged from the preheater; the partition wall comprising a first partition wall, a second partition wall, a third partition wall, and a fourth partition wall; two or three of the four sides of the first to fourth partition walls are in contact with the fuel cell, and the remaining two or one partition wall forms a partition wall flow path between the partition wall and the fuel cell as part of the warm air circulation path.

2. The fuel cell system as described in claim 1, wherein, The two or three sides of the interface with the fuel cell are made of metal components or high thermal conductivity components.

3. The fuel cell system as described in claim 1, wherein, The second to fourth partitions are respectively in contact with the fuel cell; the first partition is located between the fuel cell and the top of the fuel cell, and the flow path of the first partition that allows heated air to flow is formed as part of the heating circulation path.

4. The fuel cell system as described in claim 1, wherein, The third and fourth partitions are respectively in contact with the side surfaces of the fuel cell; the heating circulation path includes: a first partition flow path between the first partition and the top of the fuel cell, which allows heated air to flow; and a second partition flow path between the second partition and the bottom surface of the fuel cell, which allows heated air to flow.

5. The fuel cell system as described in claim 1, wherein, The fuel cell has a pair of vents for intake and exhaust; the pair of vents and the interior of the fuel cell, as part of the heating circulation path, constitute the internal flow path through which heated air passes.

6. The fuel cell system as described in claim 1, comprising: a switching device for opening or closing one opening and / or another opening of the partition wall to connect or disconnect the heating circulation path.

7. A fuel cell system comprising: a battery compartment defined by partition walls; a fuel cell disposed in the battery compartment; a conduit communicating with the battery compartment through at least one opening and another opening of a partition wall disposed within the partition walls; a preheater for discharging heated air; the battery compartment, the opening and the other opening, and the conduit forming a warm air circulation path for the heated air discharged from the preheater; the partition walls including a fifth partition wall and a sixth partition wall facing each other; the fifth and sixth partition walls each having an air vent; a preheater disposed at one or the other opening of the partition wall, or between the air vent of the fifth or sixth partition wall and the fuel cell; the battery compartment including a space between the fifth partition wall and the fuel cell, and another space between the sixth partition wall and the fuel cell; the preheater disposed at an opening located on one side of the space; and the outlet of the preheater disposed in a space with a volume smaller than the other space.

8. A fuel cell system comprising: a battery compartment defined by partition walls; a fuel cell disposed in the battery compartment; a conduit connected to the battery compartment through at least one opening and another opening of a partition wall disposed within the partition walls; a preheater for discharging heated air; the battery compartment, the opening and the other opening, and the conduit forming a warm air circulation path for the heated air discharged from the preheater; the partition walls including a fifth partition wall and a sixth partition wall facing each other; the fifth and sixth partition walls each having a ventilation port; a preheater disposed at one or the other opening of the partition wall, or between the ventilation port of the fifth or sixth partition wall and the fuel cell; the battery compartment including a space between the fifth partition wall and the fuel cell, and another space between the sixth partition wall and the fuel cell; and the preheater disposed in another space with a volume smaller than the first space, disposed between the ventilation port of the sixth partition wall and the fuel cell.

9. A fuel cell system comprising: a battery compartment defined by partition walls; a fuel cell disposed in the battery compartment; a conduit connected to the battery compartment through at least one opening and another opening of a partition wall disposed within the partition walls; a preheater for discharging heated air; at least the battery compartment, the opening and the other opening, and the conduit forming a warm air circulation path for the heated air discharged from the preheater; the partition walls including a fifth partition wall and a sixth partition wall facing each other; the fifth and sixth partition walls each having an air vent; a preheater disposed at one or another opening of the partition wall, or between the air vent of the fifth or sixth partition wall and the fuel cell; and a gate for opening or closing the air vent of the fifth partition wall and / or the air vent of the sixth partition wall.

10. A method of operating a fuel cell system, the fuel cell system comprising: a battery compartment defined by a partition wall, a fuel cell disposed in the battery compartment, a conduit connected to the battery compartment through at least one opening and another opening of a partition wall disposed in the partition wall, and a preheater for supplying heated air, wherein at least the battery compartment, the one opening and the other opening, and the conduit constitute a warm air circulation path for the heated air supplied from the preheater; the method of operating the fuel cell system comprising: when the fuel cell system is started, if the measured temperature of the battery compartment is below a first temperature, activating the preheater and circulating the heated air in the warm air circulation path; and after the heated air has circulated in the warm air circulation path for a certain period of time and / or if the measured temperature of the battery compartment becomes above a second temperature, starting the fuel cell to generate electricity. The process of circulating heated air in the heating circulation path includes: filling the upper space between the upper partition wall of the partition wall and the fuel cell, the space between the front partition wall of the partition wall and the fuel cell, and the back space between the back partition wall of the partition wall and the fuel cell with heated air, and the process of filling the space with heated air and contacting the surface of the fuel cell with heated air.

11. A method for circulating heated air in a fuel cell system as described in claim 7, wherein, Heated air delivered from a preheater located in an opening of the first partition flows through a space in the battery compartment, above and inside the fuel cell 1, through another space in the battery compartment, through another opening in the first partition, and through an upper duct connecting to the first partition, back to the first heating circulation path in an opening.

12. A method for circulating heated air in a fuel cell system as described in claim 8, wherein, Heated air delivered from the preheater in the other space of the battery chamber flows through the other space, the top and bottom surfaces and interior of the fuel cell, a space of the battery chamber, an opening in the third partition wall, a side duct connecting to the third partition wall, and another opening in the third partition wall, returning to the second heating circulation path of the other space.

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