JPH11354142A - Solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To thin a separator, to compactify a size, to lighten weight, to simplify a system, to reduce a cost, and to eliminate cooling water required for humidifying reaction gas so as to enhance reliability of the system and maintenance property. SOLUTION: In a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell provided with a cell stack constituted by laminating plurally via separators 1 unit cells comprising fuel electrodes 3.oxidant electrodes 4 arranged to sandwich at least solid polymer electrolyte films 9, each separator 1 is composed of a metal thin plate, plural parallel corrugated press-worked grooves 10 are formed in the obverse and reverse in the substantially central part of the separator 1, reaction gas passages 7, 8 are provided between the fuel cell 3 and the oxidant electrode 4, sheet like sealing members 2a, 2b are arranged in the obverse and the reverse to surrounding the substantially central part of the separator 1, and plural manifold holes for supplying.discharging the reaction gas and a coolant respectively are provided in contact parts of the sealing members 2a, 2b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is constructed by laminating a plurality of unit cells each comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode interposed between the solid polymer electrolyte membranes. The present invention relates to a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell equipped with a battery stack, and in particular, to reduce the thickness of stacked cells to make the battery stack compact, and at the same time to improve battery reliability and significantly reduce manufacturing costs. The present invention relates to a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell that can be designed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a fuel cell is a device for converting a chemical energy of a fuel gas into an electric energy by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas such as hydrogen and an oxidizing gas such as air. .

As one of such fuel cells, there is a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a solid polymer membrane as an electrolyte.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic configuration (unit cell configuration) of a cell stack of this type of conventional solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

In FIG. 40, a unit cell 101 has a fuel electrode (hereinafter, referred to as an anode electrode) 103 and an oxidant electrode (hereinafter, referred to as a cathode electrode) disposed with a solid polymer film 102 having ionic conductivity interposed therebetween. Consisting of 104
Further, this unit cell 101 is provided with a gas-impermeable gas supply groove having conductivity provided with grooves 103c and 104c for supplying a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas as a reaction gas to the anode electrode 103 and the cathode electrode 104. , A battery stack is formed by laminating a plurality of the batteries with the separator 105 interposed therebetween.

The anode electrode 103 is formed of an anode catalyst layer 103a and an anode porous carbon flat plate 103b, and the cathode electrode 104 is formed of a cathode catalyst layer 104a and a cathode porous carbon flat plate 104b.

In a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a battery stack having such a configuration, when a fuel gas is supplied to the anode electrode 103 and an oxidizing gas is supplied to the cathode electrode 104, the anode electrode 103 and the cathode An electromotive force (electric output) is generated between the poles 104 by an electrochemical reaction.

Here, hydrogen is usually used as the fuel gas, and air is used as the oxidizing gas. When hydrogen is supplied to the anode electrode 103 and air is supplied to the cathode electrode 104, the supplied hydrogen is dissociated into hydrogen ions and electrons at the anode catalyst layer 103a at the anode electrode 103, and the hydrogen ions pass through the solid polymer membrane 102. The electrons move to the cathode electrode 104 through the external circuit.

On the other hand, in the cathode electrode 104, the oxygen in the supplied air, the hydrogen ions, and the electrons react on the cathode catalyst layer 104a to generate water. At this time, the electrons that have passed through the external circuit become currents and can supply power.

That is, the following reactions progress on the anode electrode 103 and the cathode electrode 104, respectively. The generated water is discharged out of the battery together with the unreacted gas.

Anode reaction: H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ Cathode reaction: 2H ⁺ + 1 / 2O ₂ + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ O The electromotive force generated by the unit cell 101 is as low as 1 V or less. , Several tens to several hundreds of unit cells 101 are stacked and used as a battery stack. Further, in order to control the temperature rise of the battery stack due to the power generation, a cooling plate is inserted for every several cells 101.

Meanwhile, as the solid polymer membrane 102 having ionic conductivity, for example a proton exchange membrane perfluorosulfonic b carbon sulfonic acid (Nafion ^R: USA, DuPont) is known. This membrane has a hydrogen ion exchange group in the molecule, functions as an ion conductive electrolyte by containing saturated water, and has a function of separating fuel gas and oxidizing gas.

Conversely, when the water content of the membrane decreases, the ionic resistance increases, and a mixture (crossover) of the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas occurs, making it impossible for the battery to generate power.
For this reason, it is desirable that the solid polymer film 102 be saturated with water.

On the other hand, when hydrogen ions separated at the anode electrode 103 by power generation move to the cathode electrode 104 through the solid polymer membrane, water also moves.
On the anode electrode 103 side, the solid polymer film 102 tends to dry. Also, if the amount of water vapor contained in the supplied fuel gas or oxidizing gas is small, the solid polymer film 102 tends to dry near the inlet of each reaction gas.

For this reason, for the above reasons, it is common practice to supply a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas which have been humidified in advance to the cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

On the other hand, the separator 105 used in the cell stack of this type of solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is used.
Is to have a function to separate each cell 101,
It must be impermeable to reaction gas, cooling water, and the like, and must be electrically conductive in order to function as a stacked battery.

A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell usually has 70
The separator 105 inside the battery is exposed to air containing water vapor close to the saturated vapor pressure at that temperature, and at the same time, in a severe environment where a potential difference accompanying an electrochemical reaction occurs. Has been placed. Therefore, a corrosion-resistant material is selected as the separator 105.

In this case, a commonly used corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel oxidizes the surface and forms a passivation film, so that the resistance loss of the battery increases and the power generation efficiency increases. There is a problem that it decreases.

Therefore, recently, niobium, which is a corrosion-resistant noble metal, has been used as a separator of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack which was once developed for the space shuttle in the United States in the 1970s.

However, such a noble metal-based material is very expensive and heavy.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, Ballard of Canada issued US Pat. No. 5,552,101.
As shown in FIG. 8, a carbon plate is used as a separator to reduce the weight and cost.

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell using such a carbon plate.

Referring to FIG. 41, the battery stack is composed of a battery unit 110 for generating power by reacting a reaction gas and a humidifying unit 111 for humidifying the reaction gas.

The battery section 110 has a structure in which a plurality of unit cells 112 are stacked, and the structure of each unit cell 112 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 42, a separator 132 on the cathode electrode side and a polymer electrolyte membrane. 134, a separator 136 on the anode electrode side and a cooling separator 138 are laminated.

The cooling separator is provided for the purpose of absorbing the reaction heat generated by the reaction into the cooling water and preventing the battery section 110 from being heated.

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a typical separator of this type. FIG. 43 shows a separator on the cathode electrode side.

In FIG. 43, a separator 113 made of a carbon plate is provided with an air inlet side flow path 11 which is an oxidizing gas.
4 and an air outlet channel 115, a fuel gas inlet channel 116 and a fuel gas outlet channel 117, and a cooling water inlet and an outlet channel are provided to guide air as an oxidant gas to the reaction surface. , A serpentine-shaped air groove 118 is formed. The air groove 118 is formed by pressing a relatively soft carbon plate. The anode-side separator and the cooling separator have the same configuration.

On the other hand, the structure of the humidifying section is almost the same as that of the battery section, but is different from the case where the reactant gases come into contact with each other via the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, but the reactant gas passes through the water vapor permeable membrane. The oxidizing gas or the fuel gas is humidified by coming into contact with the cooling water.

[0029]

However, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the above-mentioned conventional cell stack has the following problems.

That is, first, in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a battery stack using a carbon plate as a separator, there is a limit to reducing the thickness of the separator for the following reasons.

(A) Maintain strength as a separator. (B) The carbon plate is essentially a porous body, and it is necessary to prevent gas permeation and water permeation between the separators.

US Pat. No. 5,552,210 shown in the prior art.
In No. 18, the thickness of the separator is 1.6 mm. In order to reduce the size of the battery stack, it is most important to reduce the thickness of the unit cells. There is a problem that it is difficult to convert.

Further, since the carbon material itself is expensive, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the cost.

Further, since the carbon plate has a poorer thermal conductivity than metals such as aluminum and copper, it is necessary to insert a cooling plate through which cooling water flows between the cells to cool the cells. There is. Therefore, there is a problem that the stack becomes even larger, and there is also a problem that it is difficult to cool the air.

On the other hand, since the cooling water is also used to humidify the reaction gas, it is necessary to use extremely high purity water. Also, in order to prevent impurities from entering the cooling water circulation system, it is necessary to install a filter in the circulation system, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost and space.

In this case, in order to maintain stable characteristics over a long period of time, it is necessary to periodically exchange filters and exchange water.

Further, it is conceivable to provide a cooling system of a different system from humidification. However, due to the characteristics of the carbon plate, which is a porous material, a small amount of cooling liquid permeates the carbon plate and permeates the unit cell. Therefore, it is difficult to employ a cooling medium other than water.

[0038] For this reason, since a cooling medium other than water cannot be used, in an environment where the ambient temperature in winter is 0 ° C or less, measures such as heat preservation or de-icing must be taken to prevent freezing of the cooling system. Required.

Accordingly, there is a problem that the efficiency is reduced due to the consumption of excess heat, the cost is increased, and the space efficiency is deteriorated.

An object of the present invention is to make a separator, which is a basic component of a battery stack, thin and made of a material having excellent strength and fluid impermeability to reduce the size and weight of the battery stack.
A solid polymer that simplifies the system, reduces costs, and eliminates the need for cooling water required to humidify the reaction gas, thereby improving system reliability and maintainability. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte fuel cell.

[0041]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel electrode and an oxidizer electrode disposed with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. A solid polymer comprising a battery stack formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells, which generate an electrical output by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas, which are reaction gases, with a separator interposed therebetween. In the electrolyte fuel cell, the separator is formed of a thin metal plate,
A plurality of parallel corrugated grooves formed by pressing are formed on the front and back sides of a substantially central portion of the separator, and a reaction gas flow path is provided between the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode, and substantially surrounds the central portion of the separator. As described above, the sheet-shaped sealing member is disposed on the front and back, and a plurality of manifold holes for supplying and discharging the reaction gas and the cooling medium are provided at the contact portions of the sealing member.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the first aspect of the present invention, a metal thin plate is used for the separator, and a groove serving as a flow path of the reaction gas is provided at a substantially central portion thereof by press working. By arranging a sheet-shaped sealing member on the front and back peripheral portions, it is possible to give a thin separator sufficient strength and prevent a reaction gas from passing through the separator. This allows
The thickness of the unit cell can be reduced while the permeation of the reaction gas is almost completely prevented, and the battery stack can be made compact.

Further, the press working is suitable for mass production, and the use of a metal whose material cost is lower than that of carbon can greatly reduce the manufacturing cost.

Further, a flow path of the reaction gas is formed by a groove obtained by press working in a substantially central portion of the separator and a sheet-like sealing member disposed at the periphery thereof and also serving as a seal for a fluid. Thus, a low-cost separator with a small number of parts can be obtained.

Further, by providing a manifold hole for supplying a reaction gas to the same separator and a manifold hole for supplying a cooling medium for cooling the battery, compared with an external manifold type having a manifold outside the separator, The number of parts can be significantly reduced, and press working can be performed, so that the manufacturing process can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the invention, a part of the separator is projected into the manifold hole of the cooling medium.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention, a part of the separator is provided in the manifold hole of the cooling medium. By protruding, the cooling capacity of the battery stack can be improved.

That is, the fuel cell generates heat at the same time as power generation. However, in order to operate the fuel cell at an appropriate temperature, it is necessary to remove the generated heat, that is, perform cooling. The heat transmitted through the separator inside the battery is
Although the heat is transmitted to the cooling medium in the cooling medium manifold hole, by projecting a part of the separator into the manifold hole, the heat transfer area can be increased and the heat transfer coefficient can be increased by the turbulence promoting effect. In addition, the cooling capacity can be further improved.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least two or more of a plurality of separators provided with a flow path for a cooling medium are laminated. Insert between cells.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the third aspect of the present invention has the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention, and additionally has a cooling medium between the stacked unit cells. By inserting the separator provided with the flow path, the cooling capacity of the battery stack can be improved.

That is, for cooling the battery, the cooling medium can be made closer to the oxidant electrode serving as a heat-generating portion, so that the cooling capacity can be improved.

On the other hand, according to the invention of claim 4, the above-mentioned claim 1
In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the invention, a convex bead portion having a substantially uniform height is provided so as to be in contact with a seal member surrounding the periphery of the manifold hole.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the fourth aspect of the present invention has the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention, and also has a bead around the internal manifold hole provided in the separator. By providing a part,
The sealing performance of the separator can be further improved.

That is, one of the great roles of the separator is to supply and discharge the reaction gas to the electrode which is the reaction area. In this case, in order to supply the fuel gas to the fuel electrode and the air serving as the oxidant gas to the oxidant electrode, it is necessary to guide the fluid flowing through the respective manifold holes to the electrodes or to securely seal them. Therefore, the bead portion is a means for reliably sealing, and a seal member in contact with the bead portion is formed with a linear seal portion having a higher pressing pressure than the surroundings to further improve the sealability of the separator. Can be.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the above first aspect is provided.
In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the invention, a corrosion-resistant and conductive coating is applied to the surface of the separator.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to having the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention, the surface of the metal separator is electrically conductive and corrosion resistant. By applying a coating having the following, a more stable output can be obtained over a long period of time, and a low-cost separator can be obtained.

That is, a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell normally operates in a relatively low temperature range of 70 ° C. to 90 ° C., but the inside thereof is filled with saturated steam and has a potential difference peculiar to the fuel cell. Because it is in a state,
It is in a severe state for the separator.
In this case, a noble metal-based metal has sufficient corrosion resistance to such conditions, but is a severe condition for inexpensive metals used in general structural materials. Therefore,
By providing a corrosion-resistant coating, a more stable output can be obtained over a long period of time, and a low-cost separator can be obtained.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a coating having corrosion resistance and conductivity is provided in the vicinity of a portion in contact with the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode. .

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect similar to that of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the conductive polymer is provided only in the vicinity of the portion in contact with the electrode of the separator. By providing a corrosion-resistant coating having high corrosion resistance, the separator can be manufactured at a lower cost.

That is, the performance deterioration due to the formation of the oxide film is mainly due to the passivation film formed between the electrode and the electrode. Therefore, by applying the coating only to the region in contact with the electrode, the area of the coating can be reduced, and a further low-cost separator can be manufactured.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the invention, a sheet-like sealing member thicker than at least the height of the groove is disposed so as to surround the center portion where the corrugated groove is formed, and the manifold hole and the center are arranged at the center. A part of the seal member is cut off between the parts to provide a supply passage and a discharge passage for the reaction gas.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the invention of claim 7, in addition to having the same effect as in the invention of claim 1, the thickness of the seal member is reduced by the thickness of the groove formed by pressing. When the thickness is larger than the height, the thickness of the electrode or the like provided between the groove and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane can be absorbed, and the squeezing margin of the sealing member can be secured, so that the sealing can be performed more reliably.

In addition, since the seal member between the manifold hole and the groove is notched to secure the flow path of the reaction gas, it is not necessary to provide the flow path of the reaction gas in the separator, so that the thickness of the separator is reduced. Thus, the size can be further reduced and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the invention according to claim 8, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 7, between the sealing member and the corrugated region of the separator. Means for controlling the flow of the reaction gas using a part of the sealing member is provided in the space formed.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects similar to those of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the gap between the seal member and the groove is provided. A space for allowing the reaction gas to pass is provided,
By providing a means for controlling the flow of the reaction gas using a part of the seal member in the space, when supplying the reaction gas to the reaction surface using a plurality of parallel grooves provided in the separator, By projecting a part of the sealing material into a space formed at the end of the groove, a flow such as a parallel flow or a return flow can be created. As a result, the operating characteristics inside the battery can be improved, and high reliability and high performance can be achieved.

On the other hand, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the fuel gas and the oxidant which are at least composed of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode which are arranged with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. In a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell equipped with a battery stack formed by stacking a plurality of cells that generate an electrical output by a gas electrochemical reaction via a separator, the separator is made of a metal thin plate. Configure, make a part of the separator project outside the battery,
A part of the battery stack is provided with total heat exchange means for bringing the unreacted gas and the reacted gas into contact with each other through a semi-permeable membrane that selectively transmits water vapor.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the separator made of a thin metal is protruded to the outside of the battery, so that the separator can be used as an air-cooled radiating fin. The heat generated by the air can be easily released to the atmosphere.

Further, by providing a total heat exchanging means for bringing the reacted gas and the unreacted gas into contact with each other through a membrane through which water vapor selectively passes, the reaction gas contained in the reacted gas is used to react the reactant gas. Can be humidified, so that a new system for supplying humidified water is not required. As a result, the structure of the battery stack can be further simplified, the cost can be reduced, and since cooling water is not required, maintenance is not required, and a highly reliable battery stack free from the risk of freezing in cold regions can be obtained. It becomes possible.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect, wherein the separator is provided with a copper-based or aluminum-based metal plate having a corrosion-resistant and conductive coating. Used.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the tenth aspect of the present invention has the same effect as the ninth aspect of the present invention, and uses a copper-based or aluminum-based metal plate for the separator. Thereby, since these metal plates have good thermal conductivity, heat can be efficiently transferred, and the separator can be made of a thinner material. This makes it possible to further reduce the size of the battery stack.

Further, according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the total heat exchanging means semi-permeates the unreacted oxidant gas and the reacted oxidant gas. The contact is made through a neutral film.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention has the same effect as that of the ninth aspect of the present invention, and also has an unreacted oxidant gas as a total heat exchange means. By providing the means for exchanging total heat with the reacted oxidant gas, the reaction gas can be sufficiently humidified.

That is, since the oxidizing gas is supplied in a larger amount than the fuel gas, the amount of water vapor inside the battery is controlled mainly by the amount of water vapor contained in the oxidizing gas. further,
Since the generated water is discharged to the oxidizing gas side, the reaction gas can be practically sufficiently humidified by exchanging total heat only with the oxidizing gas. This makes it possible to obtain a more compact battery stack.

On the other hand, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect, the total heat exchanging means operates so that the unreacted gas and the reacted gas flow opposite to each other. The inlet and outlet of the unreacted gas are arranged so as to face the inlet and outlet of the reacted gas.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to having the same effect as that of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the total heat exchange means is capable of reacting with the unreacted gas By providing the inlet and outlet of each gas at opposing positions so that the gases flow in opposition to each other, the cell stack can be used as an opposed heat exchange or humidity exchange system with the same total heat exchange efficiency. Can be made more compact.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the total heat exchanging means comprises a plurality of total heat exchangers stacked in the same direction as the stacking direction of the unit cells. Consisting of exchangers.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to having the same effect as that of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the total heat exchange means includes a plurality of total heat exchangers. Are stacked in the same direction as the separators of the unit cells, so that they are integrated with the battery stack, and the space can be effectively used, so that the entire battery stack can be made more compact.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect, a coating having electrical insulation is applied to the protruding portion of the separator.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention has the same effect as that of the ninth aspect of the present invention, and has the following advantages.
By applying a coating with electrical insulation, the separators are arranged so that they do not touch each other to prevent a short circuit, but unexpected external forces may be applied to deform the separator and cause contact. Even so, a short circuit can be prevented by the electrically insulating coating, and the danger of electric shock even if touched with bare hands is eliminated.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect, a part of each space formed between the projecting portions of the separator has electrical insulation. Place a spacer.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention has the same effect as that of the ninth aspect of the present invention, and additionally has a space formed between the projecting portions of the separator. By arranging a spacer having electrical insulation, it is possible to prevent the separators from coming into contact with each other and to avoid a short circuit.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the support having electrical insulation is disposed so as to be in contact with the tip of the projecting portion of the separator.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention has the same effect as the ninth aspect of the present invention, and also has an electrical insulating property at the tip of the projecting portion of the separator. By arranging a separator support having the same, deformation of the separator can be prevented even when an external force is applied, and a short circuit accident of the battery can be prevented.

Further, in the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect, the fuel gas flowing to the fuel electrode and the oxidizing gas flowing to the oxidizing electrode flow opposite to each other. Then, the inlet and outlet of each gas are arranged so as to face each other.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect similar to that of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the fuel gas flowing through the fuel electrode and the oxidant flowing through the oxidant electrode are obtained. By arranging the inlet portion and the outlet portion so as to face each other so that the oxidizing gas flows facing each other, the humidification of the reaction gas can be performed effectively.

That is, at the time of power generation, water generated on the oxidant electrode side moves toward the oxidant electrode outlet, but on the opposite fuel electrode side via the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, the inlet and outlet are formed. Since the outlet portions are arranged opposite to each other, the oxidant electrode outlet side is the fuel electrode inlet side where the relatively dry fuel gas flows, and the water generated on the oxidant electrode side passes through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. It moves to the fuel electrode side and humidifies the fuel gas. Conversely, in the vicinity of the fuel electrode outlet, although the flow rate of the flowing fuel gas itself is small, the fuel gas is at least saturated with water vapor, and the relatively dry oxidizing gas is passed through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. It will be humidified. Therefore, inside the battery, moisture is recirculated through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and the reaction gas can be effectively humidified. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the total heat exchanger, which is a humidifying unit provided in a part of the stack, and to further reduce the size of the battery stack.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect, the separator is provided with a protruding portion on the oxidant gas inlet side.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect similar to that of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the protruding portion of the separator is provided on the inlet side of the oxidizing gas. By providing the battery stack, a stable and highly reliable battery stack can be obtained.

That is, as the oxidant gas inlet side of the separator is further cooled, a temperature distribution is generated inside the battery such that the temperature gradually increases from the inlet side to the outlet side. Therefore, a similar temperature distribution occurs in the oxidizing gas, and the outlet side temperature becomes higher than the inlet side temperature, so that the partial pressure of steam can be increased, and the generated water is converted into the oxidizing gas. Can be absorbed. Therefore, the generated water is discharged without being condensed inside the battery, flooding due to the condensed water can be prevented, and a stable and highly reliable stack can be obtained.

Further, according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth aspect, the cell stack is installed so that the unit cells are arranged vertically, and the fuel gas inlet is formed in the upper part. The outlet is located at the bottom.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to having the same effect as that of the ninth aspect of the invention, the stacked unit cells are arranged so as to be in the vertical direction. The stable and highly reliable battery stack can be obtained by disposing the fuel gas inlet at the upper part and the outlet part at the lower part.

That is, during power generation, depending on operating conditions,
The generated water that has permeated to the fuel gas side may condense, but even if the gas flow decreases due to the consumption of fuel gas at the outlet side, the condensed water does not stay because it flows from the top to the bottom. Can be discharged outside the battery.
Therefore, flooding on the fuel gas side can be prevented, and a stable and highly reliable battery stack can be obtained.

On the other hand, according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the fuel gas and the oxidant which are at least composed of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode which are arranged with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween are provided. In a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell equipped with a battery stack formed by stacking a plurality of cells that generate an electrical output by a gas electrochemical reaction via a separator, the separator is made of a metal thin plate. In the peripheral portion of the separator, a plurality of manifold holes for supplying and discharging a reaction gas and a cooling medium are provided, and a cooling medium having a freezing point of 0 ° C. or less is used as a cooling medium. A total heat exchange means is provided for bringing the unreacted gas and the reacted gas into contact with each other through a semipermeable membrane that selectively permeates water vapor.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twentieth aspect of the invention, the separator is formed of a thin metal plate, and has a freezing point of 0 ° C. or less and is electrically non-conductive inside the cell stack. By arranging a flow path of a certain cooling medium and providing a total heat exchange means so that the generated water contained in the already reacted gas can be used for humidifying the unreacted gas in a part of the battery stack, the cooling medium serves as a separator. Since there is no danger of permeation and penetration into the reaction section, a cooling medium other than pure water can be used. Accordingly, since the cooling medium can be freely selected, the use of a cooling medium having a freezing point of 0 ° C. or less can prevent the problem of freezing in a cold region and obtain a highly reliable stack. Also,
Since the water generated by the reaction is used for humidifying the reaction gas, it is not necessary to use water as a new humidification source, so that the system can be simplified and a low-cost battery stack can be obtained.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twentieth aspect, a coating having corrosion resistance and conductivity is applied to the surface of the separator.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention has the same effect as that of the twentieth aspect of the present invention, and in addition, has a conductive surface on the surface of the metal separator. By applying a coating having corrosion resistance, even inside the battery, which is in a severe state for the separator, it is possible to obtain a more stable performance over a long period of time and a separator at a lower cost by the corrosion resistant coating. it can.

Further, according to the invention of claim 22, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the invention of claim 20,
The total heat exchange means brings the unreacted oxidant gas into contact with the reacted oxidant gas via a semipermeable membrane.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention has the same effect as that of the twentieth aspect of the present invention, and also has an unreacted oxidant gas as a total heat exchange means. By providing the total heat exchange means with the reacted oxidant gas, it is possible to sufficiently humidify the reaction gas.

That is, since the oxidizing gas is supplied in a larger amount than the fuel gas, the amount of water vapor inside the battery is controlled mainly by the amount of water vapor contained in the oxidizing gas. further,
Since the generated water is discharged to the oxidizing gas side, practically sufficient humidification of the reaction gas can be performed by exchanging total heat only with the oxidizing gas. This makes it possible to obtain a more compact battery stack.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twentieth aspect, a part of the separator is projected inside the manifold hole of the cooling medium.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention has the same effect as the twentieth aspect of the present invention, and further has a part of the separator in the manifold hole of the cooling medium. By projecting, the heat transfer area between the separator and the cooling medium can be increased, and the cooling efficiency can be increased. This makes it possible to omit the cooling medium flow path inserted between the stacked unit cells,
It is possible to significantly reduce the size of the battery stack.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of the twentieth to twenty-third aspects, the flow path of the cooling medium has a coating having electrical insulation. Is applied.

Accordingly, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention has the same effects as those of the twentieth to twenty-third aspects, and also has an electrically insulating medium in the cooling medium flow path. By applying a coating having a property, a more reliable battery stack can be obtained.

That is, depending on the type of the cooling medium, there are also a cooling medium having poor electric insulation and a conductive cooling medium. When such a cooling medium is used, the battery is short-circuited and cannot be used as the cooling medium. . In addition, even when a cooling medium having an electrical insulation property is used, impurities such as ions may be mixed in the cooling medium, thereby deteriorating the insulation property and possibly causing a short circuit. Therefore, by applying a coating having electrical insulation properties to a portion where the cooling medium comes into contact, it is possible to prevent a short circuit accident with any fluid, and to obtain a more reliable battery stack. it can.

On the other hand, according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the fuel gas and the oxidant which are at least composed of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode sandwiching the solid polymer electrolyte membrane are provided. In a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a battery stack formed by stacking a plurality of cells that generate an electrical output by an electrochemical reaction of a gas through a separator, the separator is made of a metal having spreadability. A plurality of serpentine-like grooves shallower than at least one surface of the separator are formed on at least one side of the separator by press working at a substantially central portion of the separator, and a reaction gas is formed between the fuel electrode and the oxidizer electrode. Is provided, and a sheet-like sealing member is arranged so as to surround a substantially central portion of the separator.

Therefore, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a metal thin plate having extensibility is used for the separator, and a plurality of metal plates shallower than the thickness of the thin plate are pressed at the substantially central portion thereof. By providing a serpentine-shaped groove and arranging a sheet-shaped sealing member around the groove, a thin separator can have sufficient strength and a reactive gas can be prevented from permeating through the separator.

Further, since the depth of the groove is smaller than the plate thickness,
The surface opposite to the surface on which the groove is formed can be formed so as not to be deformed.

Further, the portion pushed away by the formation of the groove by pressing is deformed so that both sides of the groove are evenly raised, so that this portion can also be used as a part of the groove. This makes it possible to form a serpentine-shaped groove, and it is possible to obtain a low-cost, simple configuration and compact battery stack suitable for mass production.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the twenty-fifth aspect, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal plate is used as the spreadable metal thin plate.

Therefore, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention has the same effect as that of the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, and has the advantage that a copper-based thin plate is Alternatively, by using an aluminum-based metal plate, these metal plates are particularly extensible and can be easily pressed.

Further, since the thermal conductivity is good, the stack can be cooled more efficiently.

Further, since these metals are inexpensive, a low-cost stack can be obtained.

Further, according to the twenty-seventh aspect, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-fifth aspect,
A coating having corrosion resistance and conductivity is applied to the surface of a spreadable metal thin plate.

Accordingly, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-seventh aspect, in addition to having the same effect as the twenty-fifth aspect, the metal thin plate having spreadability has corrosion resistance and By applying a conductive coating, it is possible to prevent the formation of passivation, which is a metal oxide film, and to obtain a more stable output over a long period of time.
A low-cost separator can be obtained.

[0115]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a separator 1 made of a thin metal plate has a plurality of parallel wavy grooves formed by press working over substantially the center of the front and back surfaces thereof to form an anode electrode 3 and a cathode electrode 4. And a flow path for the reaction gas.

Further, sheet-like seal members 2a and 2b are arranged on the front and back of the separator 1 around which the wavy grooves are formed (surrounding the center).

Here, as the metal thin plate, for example, a stainless metal or an aluminum or copper metal plate having a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm can be used.

On the other hand, from the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 9 and the anode electrode 3 and the cathode electrode 4 arranged with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 9 interposed therebetween, the electrochemical reaction of the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas as the reaction gas is performed. , And a plurality of the unit cells are stacked via the separator 1 to form a battery stack.

Here, usually, the anode electrode 3 and the cathode electrode 4 have a configuration in which a thin catalyst layer using a porous material such as carbon as a support and a noble metal such as platinum as an active material is applied. I have.

The region 7 surrounded by the anode 3, the groove of the separator 1, and the seal member 2 a serves as a fuel gas flow path, and plays a role of supplying the fuel gas to the anode 3.

At the same time, the region 8 on the opposite side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 9 serves as an oxidant gas flow path, and serves to supply the oxidant gas to the cathode 4.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of the separator 1.

In FIG. 2, a plurality of parallel grooves 10 formed by press working are provided in the center of a separator 1 made of a thin metal plate.

Further, a plurality of manifold holes for supplying and discharging the reaction gas and the cooling water as the cooling medium are arranged at the contact portions of the seal members 2a and 2b so as to surround the groove 10.

That is, 11a is an oxidant gas inlet side manifold hole, 11b is an oxidant gas outlet side manifold hole, and 12a is a fuel gas side inlet side manifold hole.
2b indicates a fuel gas outlet side manifold hole.

Reference numerals 13a and 13b provided below the separator 1 indicate an inlet-side manifold hole and an outlet-side manifold hole of cooling water used as a cooling medium, respectively.

Each separator 1 has the same shape. For example, when the upper surface of FIG. 2 is in contact with the cathode electrode 4, the oxidizing gas is supplied to the inlet side manifold hole 11a.
And the oxidizing gas is supplied to the cathode electrode 4 through the groove 10, and the oxidizing gas not involved in the reaction is discharged from the outlet side manifold hole 11b.

Although not shown, a groove formed by sheet-like sealing members 2a and 2b and a separator 1 disposed in the peripheral portion is provided to guide the oxidizing gas to the groove 10. The oxidant gas is guided to the surface of the cathode electrode 4 through the groove.

The case of the fuel gas is the same as the case of the oxidizing gas.

On the other hand, the cooling water is supplied to the inlet side manifold hole 13.
a, is returned at the stack end, and discharged through the outlet side manifold hole 13b.

The heat generated on the cathode electrode 4 side is conducted through the separator 1 and is absorbed by the cooling water.

The circular holes 15 formed in the four corners of the separator 1 are holes for passing rods for tightening the entire battery stack.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above, a thin metal plate is used for the separator 1 and the flow of the reaction gas is performed by pressing the central portion of the thin plate. By providing the groove 10 as a path and arranging the sheet-like sealing members 2a and 2b around the front and back surfaces thereof, the metal separator 1 can be compared with a separator made of a porous material such as carbon. Since it has a sufficient strength even if it is thin and has good sealing properties, it is possible to almost completely prevent the reaction gas from permeating through the separator 1, and to obtain a highly reliable battery stack.

Further, the thickness of the unit cell can be reduced, and a compact, lightweight, mass-producible, low-cost battery stack can be obtained.

Furthermore, the press working is suitable for mass production.
By using a metal whose material cost is lower than that of carbon, a significant reduction in manufacturing cost can be achieved.

The flow path of the reactant gas is formed by a groove 10 obtained by press working in a substantially central portion of the separator 1 and sheet-shaped sealing members 2a and 2b disposed around the groove 10 and also serving as a seal for a fluid. By forming
A low-cost separator with a small number of parts can be obtained.

Further, the manifold holes 11a, 11b, 1 for supplying and discharging the reaction gas to and from the same separator 1
By providing the manifold holes 13a and 13b for supplying and discharging the cooling medium for cooling the batteries 2a and 12b, the number of parts is significantly reduced as compared with an external manifold type having a manifold outside the separator 1. In addition to the above, press working becomes possible, and the manufacturing process can be shortened.

That is, since all the punched holes 15 are processed by press working, mass productivity is good, and the number of parts can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where an external manifold is installed. Leads to reductions,
A low-cost battery stack can be manufactured.

As described above, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment, the separator 1, which is a basic component of the battery stack, is made thinner, and the strength and fluid impermeability are reduced. By using an excellent material, it is possible to reduce the size, weight, simplification of the system, and cost.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator 1 in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment, and is the same as FIG. The same reference numerals are given to the elements, and the description thereof will be omitted. Here, only different parts will be described.

That is, the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling water inlet and outlet manifold holes 13a, 13a in FIG.
The configuration is such that a portion 13c of the separator 1 protrudes inside b.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above has the same functions as those of the first embodiment, and also has a cooling water inlet. Side, outlet side manifold holes 13a, 1
By protruding the portion 13c of the separator 1 in 3b, the heat exchange amount can be increased, the cooling efficiency can be increased, and the cooling capacity of the battery stack can be improved by the same effect as the radiation fin.

That is, the fuel cell generates heat at the same time as power generation. However, in order to operate the fuel cell at an appropriate temperature, it is necessary to remove the generated heat, that is, perform cooling. The heat transmitted through the separator 1 inside the battery is supplied to the cooling water inlet and outlet manifold holes 13a, 13a.
b, the portion 13c of the separator 1 protrudes into the cooling water inlet and outlet manifold holes 13a, 13b, thereby increasing the heat transfer area and increasing the turbulent flow promoting effect. Since the heat transfer coefficient can also be increased, the cooling capacity can be further improved.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment, and is the same as FIG. The same reference numerals are given to the elements, and the description thereof will be omitted. Here, only different parts will be described.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of separators 1 provided with a flow path for a cooling medium in FIG.
It is configured to be inserted between at least two or more stacked unit cells.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the cooling of the battery can be performed. Is performed by the cooling separator 1 inserted between the cells, and the cooling capacity of the battery stack can be improved.

That is, on the opposite side of the separator 1, the press-formed groove and the region 6 surrounded by the conductive spacer 5 and the seal member 2 c form a flow path of the cooling water. The heat generated by the electrochemical reaction is carried out of the battery stack by the cooling water. The heat generated along with the power generation is mainly generated at the cathode electrode 4, but in this configuration, the distance from the cooling water is short, that is, the cooling water is brought closer to the cathode electrode 4 serving as a heat generating portion for cooling the battery. Because you can
The cooling efficiency can be further improved, and the cooling capacity of the battery stack can be improved.

However, it is not necessary to insert a cooling separator 1 for each cell. In this embodiment, since a metal separator 1 having good heat conductivity is used, the output density of a normal battery stack is low. It is sufficient to insert at most every two cells. This is because, if such a cooling separator 1 is inserted into each unit cell, the size of the battery stack is increased, and there is a great concern that the output density is reduced.

In FIG. 4, the cooling water flow path is 3
The interval is inserted for every single cell, but this interval is not limited to this, and every 2 cells or 3
Needless to say, it may be provided in accordance with the output density of the battery stack, such as a single cell or more.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 5 and FIG.
3A and 3B are a longitudinal sectional view and a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. The same elements as those in FIG. The description is omitted, and only different portions are described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the manifold holes 11a, 11b, 12b in FIG.
a, sealing member 2 surrounding the periphery of 12b, 13a, 13b
A configuration is provided in which a bead portion 16 which protrudes in a convex shape with respect to a plane portion of the separator 1 having a substantially uniform height is provided so as to be in contact with a and 2b.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as in the first embodiment is obtained, and Each manifold hole 11 provided
By providing the bead portion 16 around the a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, the pressing pressure of the sealing members 2a, 2b disposed thereon is reduced by the bead portion 1.
6, the sealing performance of the fluid can be remarkably improved even when the tightening pressure is small. Thereby, a more reliable battery stack can be obtained.

Since these bead portions 16 are processed by press working, the mass productivity is good and the cost increase can be minimized.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a groove portion of a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. The same elements as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 7, the corrosion resistance is provided over the entire surface of the separator 1 made of a metal thin plate in FIG. In addition, a coating 17 having conductivity is applied.

Here, as the type of the coating 17, for example, a coating of carbon, chromium nitride, nickel plating, a noble metal-based metal or the like can be applied.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above has the same operation as the first embodiment, and in addition to the metal By providing the coating 17 having conductivity and corrosion resistance on the surface of the separator 1, a more stable output can be obtained over a long period of time, and the low-cost separator 1 can be obtained.

That is, in general, even when a stainless steel or aluminum corrosion-resistant metal is used for the separator, the insulating oxide grows on the surface thereof over time in a fuel cell environment. When this insulating oxide enters between the electrodes, the electrical contact resistance increases, and the output voltage of the battery stack decreases, resulting in lower output, lower efficiency, and increased waste heat. Adversely affect.

Therefore, by forming a corrosion-resistant coating 17 on the surface of the separator 1, the formation of an insulating oxide on the surface of the separator 1 can be prevented. Therefore, an increase in contact resistance between the separator 1 and the anode electrode 3 or the cathode electrode 4 can be prevented, and stable performance can be obtained for a long time.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is an enlarged vertical sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a groove portion of a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. The same elements as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the place to be coated in FIG. In this embodiment, the coating 18 having corrosion resistance and conductivity is applied only to a portion in contact with the anode electrode 3 and the cathode electrode 4.

Here, the type of the coating 18 is, for example, carbon, as in the fifth embodiment.
Coatings such as chromium nitride, nickel plating, and precious metal-based metals can be applied.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack according to the present embodiment having the above-described structure has the same effects as the fifth embodiment, and also has corrosion resistance and conductivity. Coating 18 having properties
By applying only to the contact portion with the anode electrode 3 or the cathode electrode 4, by coating only the contact portion where the electrical contact resistance is a problem, while maintaining the same performance as when the entire surface is coated, By greatly reducing the coating area, an increase in cost due to coating can be minimized, and the separator 1 can be further reduced in cost.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIGS. 9 and 10
FIGS. 1A and 1B are a plan view and a vertical cross-sectional view (AA vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 9) schematically showing a configuration example of a separator in a cell stack of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. The same elements as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
A sheet-like sealing member 19 thicker than at least the height of the groove 10 is arranged so as to surround the central portion of the separator 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 where the corrugated groove 10 is formed. A part of the seal member 19 is cut out between the center part and the cut-out part 20 on the inlet side.
a, a cutout portion 20b) on the outlet side, and a supply passage and a discharge passage for the reaction gas.

[0168] At both ends of the groove 10 of the separator 1 in the longitudinal direction, there is a space serving as a header 21 for the oxidizing gas.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as in the first embodiment is obtained, and the sealing member 19 is provided. The thickness of the groove 1 is larger than the height of the groove 10 formed by press working.
Since the thickness of the electrode and the like provided between the zero and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 9 can be absorbed and the squeezing margin of the seal member 19 can be secured, the sealing can be performed more reliably.

The manifold holes 11a, 11b,
Since the seal member 19 between the grooves 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b and the groove 10 is notched to secure a flow path for the reaction gas, it is not necessary to provide a flow path for the reaction gas in the separator 1. 1 can be made thinner, and the size can be further reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

That is, the oxidizing gas flows from the oxidizing gas inlet side manifold hole 11a through the cutout portion 20a on the inlet side.
Then, it is guided to the header part 21 and supplied to the groove 10 in contact with the cathode electrode 4. Then, in the oxidizing gas, the gas not used for the reaction is replaced by the header portion 2 located on the opposite side.
1, the air is exhausted from the cutout portion 20b on the outlet side to the outlet side manifold hole 11b. Also, the sealing member 19
Is set to be thicker than the height of the groove 10, and in the present embodiment, is set to a thickness obtained by adding the height of the groove 10 and the thickness of the electrode.

Note that the fuel gas side and the cooling water side also
In the same manner as the oxidant gas side, it is supplied to each groove and exhausted.

As described above, since the flow path of the reaction gas or the cooling water is secured by the separator 1 and the seal member 19, it is possible to manufacture a low-cost battery stack with a small number of parts.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. Are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, and only different portions will be described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the basic structure is formed between the seal member 19 and the corrugated region of the separator 1 in FIG. The header portion 21 of the oxidizing gas, which is a space portion, is provided with a projection 22 which is a means for controlling the flow of the reaction gas flowing through the groove 10 using a part of the seal member 19.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
When supplying the reaction gas to the reaction surface using the plurality of parallel grooves 10 provided in the separator 1, the header portion 2 for allowing the reaction gas to pass between the seal member 19 and the groove 10.
1 is provided with two projecting portions 22 opposed to the header portion 21 to control the flow of the reaction gas, that is, by creating a flow in which the oxidizing gas reciprocates one and a half in the groove 10 as shown by the arrow in the drawing. Can be uniformly supplied to the reaction section, and the generated water can be more reliably discharged by relatively increasing the flow rate of the reaction gas. Therefore, stable performance and long-term reliability can be secured.

The flow can be controlled on the fuel gas side by a similar configuration.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of protrusions on each header section 21, and it is possible to produce putters of not only one reciprocating flow but also various flows.

As described above, since the supply of the reactant gas and the control of the flow can be reliably performed with the minimum number of parts of the separator 1 and the seal member 19, the cost is low and the reliability is high. A battery stack with high performance can be obtained.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 12, the battery stack is composed of a battery section 42 and a self-humidifying section 43, and the entire battery stack is fastened by end plates 33 and fastening rods 34.

The battery section 42 is formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells 31 with the metal separator 30 interposed therebetween.

At both ends of the battery section 42, the current collectors 32
And connected to an external load (not shown).

On the other hand, the self-humidifying section 43 includes a total heat exchanger 35 for the unreacted gas for the fuel gas and the reacted gas, and a total heat exchanger 36 for the unreacted gas for the oxidant gas and the reacted gas. Each of the total heat exchangers 35, 35 includes a semi-permeable membrane through which an unreacted gas flow path 39 through which unreacted gas flows and a reacted gas flow path 40 through which the reacted gas flows through are selectively permeable to water vapor. 4
1 is in contact.

The end plate 33 on the left side of the figure has a fuel gas inlet 37a and a fuel gas outlet 37b,
An oxidizing gas inlet 38a and an oxidizing gas outlet 38b are provided, respectively.

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of the separator 50 of the self-humidifying section 43.

In FIG. 13, the already reacted gas contains the water humidified by the self-humidifying section 43 and the generated water.
It is in a normal saturation state at a temperature close to the operating temperature. When the reacted gas and the unreacted gas come into contact with each other via the semipermeable membrane 41, the humidity exchange and the heat exchange are performed simultaneously. Here, the unreacted gas is humidified by an amount necessary for the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and supplied to the battery stack.

The humidifying separator 50 of the self-humidifying section 43
Since no heat radiation fins are required, the separator 3
There are no protrusions as seen at 0. Instead, in order to perform total heat exchange between the unreacted gas and the reacted gas, a new manifold hole is required for both.

Reference numeral 45a denotes an inlet-side manifold hole for the fuel gas of the unreacted gas, which is discharged to the outlet-side manifold hole 45b for the fuel gas after the total heat exchange.
It is supplied to the battery unit 42. Reference numeral 45c denotes an inlet-side manifold hole for the fuel gas of the reacted gas,
The already-reacted gas discharged from the inlet flows into the inlet-side manifold hole 45c, and after being totally exchanged with the unreacted gas, is discharged from the fuel-gas outlet-side manifold hole 45d.

On the other hand, the same is true for the oxidizing gas side, and reference numeral 46a denotes a manifold hole on the inlet side of the oxidizing gas,
Reference numeral 46d denotes an outlet side manifold hole for the oxidizing gas.

Note that each of the manifold holes 45b, 45c,
46b and 46c are separators 3 of the battery unit 42, respectively.
It communicates with the 0 manifold hole.

FIG. 14 shows the separator 3 of the battery section 42.
It is a top view which shows the example of a structure of 0 typically.

In FIG. 14, the separator 30 protrudes outside the cell, functions as a radiation fin together with the separator function of the cell, and plays a role of radiating heat generated inside the cell to the outside of the cell.

45b is a fuel gas inlet side manifold hole, 45c is a fuel gas outlet side manifold hole, 46b
Represents an oxidant gas inlet side manifold hole, 46c represents an oxidant gas outlet side manifold hole, and 47 represents a tightening rod hole through which a tightening rod passes.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a groove through which the oxidizing gas passes when the cathode electrode is used, and a groove through which the fuel gas passes when the anode electrode is used.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above, the separator 30 is made of a thin metal plate having good thermal conductivity. Can be used as an air-cooling radiation fin, so that the separator 30 can be an air-cooling radiation fin, and the heat generated by the electrochemical reaction can be easily released to the atmosphere.

If this air-cooling type is adopted, cooling water is not required, and piping and pumps for cooling water circulation are not required, so that the system can be simplified and the cooling water manifold hole inside the battery is not required, so that a compact system can be obtained. ,
A battery stack can be obtained.

Further, since no cooling water is used, a highly reliable battery stack can be obtained without fear of freezing even in a cold area where the environmental conditions are 0 ° C. or less.

Further, since the metal separator 30 has a better gas sealing property than carbon as a porous material, the separator 30 can be made thinner and a more compact battery stack can be obtained.

On the other hand, the cooling water is generally used for humidifying the unreacted gas. However, since the present battery stack is air-cooled and has no cooling water, it cannot be used. However, since the self-humidifying unit 43 is provided, it is not necessary to newly install a water source for humidification, and a tank, a pump, and the like are not required, and the battery stack can be made compact.

That is, by providing the total heat exchangers 35 and 36 for bringing the reacted gas and the unreacted gas into contact with each other via the semipermeable membrane 41 which selectively permeates the water vapor, the gas is included in the reacted gas. Since the reaction gas can be humidified using the reaction water, a system for newly supplying humidification water is not required. As a result, the structure of the battery stack can be further simplified, the cost can be reduced, and since cooling water is not required, maintenance is not required, and a highly reliable battery stack free from the risk of freezing in cold regions can be obtained. it can.

As described above, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the reaction gas This eliminates the need for cooling water necessary for humidifying the system, thereby improving the reliability and maintainability of the system.

(Tenth Embodiment) The basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and the separator 30 of the ninth embodiment has good heat conductivity. In addition, a copper-based metal or an aluminum-based metal, which is a low-cost material, is used. Further, the surface is provided with a corrosion-resistant and conductive coating in order to prevent the formation of a passive film due to corrosion. Of course, since the self-humidifying unit separator 50 is located outside the current collecting unit, a polymer material or a Teflon-based non-conductive material may be used instead of a conductive coating.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as that of the ninth embodiment can be obtained, and By using a copper-based or aluminum-based metal plate coated with a corrosion-resistant and conductive coating, these metal plates have good thermal conductivity, so that heat can be efficiently transferred, and the separator 30 It can be made of a thinner material. Thereby, the battery stack can be made more compact.

That is, the separator 3 having a large thermal conductivity
When 0 is used, the heat resistance in the separator 30 is reduced, so that heat transfer to the outside air through the separator 30 can be performed more efficiently, so that the metallic separator 30 can be further thinned, The battery stack can be made compact. By applying the coating, it is possible to obtain a highly reliable battery stack in which the voltage does not decrease even when used for a long time.

(Eleventh Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator 50 of a self-humidifying portion 43 in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. Is a cell unit 4 in the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. The same elements as those in FIGS. 12 to 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic configuration is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and as shown in FIGS.
The total heat exchanging means shown in FIGS.
The contact is made via the.

Here, the configuration is such that there is no total heat exchanger on the fuel gas side.

This is because the flow rate ratio of the oxidizing gas to the fuel gas is overwhelmingly larger for the oxidizing gas, and the generated water is discharged to the oxidizing gas side serving as the cathode electrode. This is because by performing only total heat exchange, almost the desired performance can be obtained.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above has the same operation as the ninth embodiment, and also has the effect of total heat exchange. As a means, by providing a total heat exchange means between the unreacted oxidant gas and the reacted oxidant gas,
The reaction gas can be sufficiently humidified.

That is, the unreacted oxidizing gas that has flowed in from the oxidizing gas inlet-side manifold hole 46a is exhausted to the oxidizing gas outlet-side manifold hole 46b after being completely heat-exchanged with the already-reacted gas. Hole 46b
Flows into In the battery part 42, the manifold hole 46b
The reacted gas discharged into the manifold hole 46c in the self-humidifying section 43 flows into the manifold hole 46d after exchanging heat with unreacted gas.

On the other hand, the fuel gas is not subjected to total heat exchange in the self-humidifying section 43, and the unreacted fuel gas is
3, from the fuel gas inlet side manifold hole 45a,
It is guided directly to the inlet side manifold hole 45a of the battery part 42, and after the reaction, is discharged to the battery side 42 and the outlet side manifold hole 45b of the self-humidifying part 43.

As described above, the fuel gas total heat exchange section of the self-humidifying section 43 becomes unnecessary, and the number of manifold holes of the humidifying section separator 50 of the self-humidifying section 43 is reduced, so that the stack can be made more compact. .

That is, since the oxidizing gas is supplied in a larger amount than the fuel gas, the amount of water vapor inside the battery is controlled mainly by the amount of water vapor contained in the oxidizing gas. further,
Since the generated water is discharged to the oxidizing gas side, the reaction gas can be practically sufficiently humidified by exchanging total heat only with the oxidizing gas. Thus, a more compact battery stack can be obtained.

(Twelfth Embodiment) FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator 50 of a self-humidifying section 43 in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment, and FIG. Is a cell unit 4 in the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a second separator 30, and the same elements as those in FIGS. 12 to 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted; only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the total heat exchange means in FIGS. So that the reactant gases flow opposite each other
The inlet and the outlet of the unreacted gas are arranged so as to face the inlet and the outlet of the reacted gas.

Here, in the total heat exchange section of the self-humidifying section 43, the flow of the unreacted gas and the flow of the reacted gas are opposed to each other.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above has the same operation as that of the ninth embodiment, and also has the effect of total heat exchange. The section is provided with an inlet and an outlet of each gas at positions facing each other so that the unreacted gas and the reacted gas flow opposite to each other, so that the opposed heat exchange or humidity exchange method is used. Further, the battery stack can be made more compact with the same total heat exchange efficiency.

That is, the unreacted oxidizing gas flowing from the oxidizing gas inlet side manifold hole 46a flows through the groove 10 from left to right in the figure, and after the total heat exchange with the reacted gas, the oxidizing gas outlet side It is discharged to the manifold hole 46b and flows into the manifold hole 46b of the battery unit 42. In the battery unit 42, the reacted gas discharged into the manifold hole 46b flows in the self-humidifying unit 43 from the manifold hole 46c, flows through the groove 10 from right to left in the figure, and after the total heat exchange with the unreacted gas. It is discharged to the manifold hole 46d.

On the other hand, similarly, the unreacted fuel gas flowing from the fuel gas inlet side manifold hole 45a is
After flowing through the groove 10 from right to left in the figure and performing total heat exchange with the reacted gas, the gas is discharged to the manifold hole 45b and
2 into the second manifold hole 45b. In the battery section 42, the reacted gas discharged into the manifold hole 45c flows from the manifold hole 45c in the self-humidifying section 43, flows through the groove 10 from left to right in the figure, and after the total heat exchange with the unreacted gas. It is discharged to the manifold hole 46d.

As described above, by allowing the flow of the unreacted gas and the flow of the reacted gas in the self-humidifying section 43 to face each other,
The heat exchange efficiency and the humidity exchange efficiency can be further improved, and the size of the battery stack can be further reduced.

In this embodiment, it is of course possible to omit the total heat exchange section on the fuel gas side.
It goes without saying that further compactness can be achieved.

(Thirteenth Embodiment) The basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the ninth embodiment. The total heat exchange means in the ninth embodiment is replaced by a single cell. It consists of a plurality of total heat exchangers stacked in the same direction as the stacking direction.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above has the same operation as that of the ninth embodiment, and also has the effect of total heat exchange. The means is configured by stacking a plurality of total heat exchangers in the same direction as the separator of the unit cell, thereby integrating the heat exchanger with the battery stack of the battery unit 42 and effectively using the space to make the entire battery stack more efficient. It can be more compact.

That is, when the total heat exchanger is provided in a part of the battery stack, various arrangements can be considered. In this embodiment, the total heat exchanger is arranged in the same direction as the stacking of the cells 31 of the battery section 42. By arranging the exchangers 35 and 36 in a stacked manner, integration with the battery unit 42 becomes possible and space can be effectively used, so that a more compact battery stack can be obtained.

(Fourteenth Embodiment) FIG. 20 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator 30 of a cell part 42 of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to this embodiment. The same elements as those in FIGS. 12 to 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic configuration is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and as shown in FIG.
To 3 protruding outside the unit cell in FIG.
0, a coating 51 having electrical insulation
Is applied.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as in the ninth embodiment is obtained, and Each of the separators 30 is arranged so as not to contact each other in order to prevent a short circuit by providing a coating 51 having an electrical insulation property to the protruding portion. Even if the 30 is deformed and comes into contact, a short circuit can be prevented by the coating 51 having electrical insulation, and the danger of electric shock even if touched with bare hands is eliminated.

That is, the separator 30 projecting to the outside
Is likely to be deformed by an external factor, and when deformed, the adjacent separators 30 may come into contact with each other, leading to a short circuit accident. Therefore, the coating 5 having electrical insulation properties is provided on the surface of the separator 30 protruding outside the cell.
By applying 1, even if the separators 30 come into contact with each other, a short circuit accident can be prevented, and a more reliable battery stack can be obtained.

It is to be noted that the coating 51 is effective only when applied to one side, but may be applied to both sides as a matter of course.

(Fifteenth Embodiment) FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
The same elements as those in FIG. 14 to FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic configuration is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and as shown in FIG.
In addition, a spacer 52 having electrical insulation is arranged in a part of each space formed between the protruding portions of the separator 30 that protrudes outside the battery unit 42 in FIG.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as that of the ninth embodiment can be obtained, and By arranging the spacer 52 having electrical insulation in the space formed between the protruding portions, even if the separator 30 is deformed due to an external factor, it is possible to prevent the separators 30 from coming into contact with each other and to prevent a short circuit accident. Can be avoided. Therefore, a more reliable battery stack can be obtained.

Note that the spacer 52 is not limited to the present embodiment, and it goes without saying that the same effect can be expected even if an insulating projection is provided on the surface of the separator.

(Sixteenth Embodiment) FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
The same elements as those in FIG. 14 to FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

That is, the basic configuration is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and as shown in FIG.
In addition, a support 53 having electrical insulation is arranged so as to be in contact with the tip of the protruding portion of the separator 30 in FIG.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, in addition to having the same operation as the ninth embodiment, the battery section 42 By providing a support 52 having an electrically insulating property for supporting and fixing the separator 30 at the end of the separator 30 protruding outside the
Even if 0 is deformed by an external factor, contact between the separators 30 can be prevented, and a short circuit accident can be avoided. Therefore, a more reliable stack can be obtained.

The support 52 is not limited to the present embodiment, and it goes without saying that the same effect can be expected even if a plurality of insulating members are independently attached to the tip of the separator 30.

(Seventeenth Embodiment) FIG. 23 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of the separator 50 of the self-humidifying portion 43 in the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. Is a cell unit 4 in the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a second separator 30, and the same elements as those in FIGS. 12 to 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted; only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic configuration is the same as that of the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the anodes adjacent to each other via the solid polymer electrolyte membrane shown in FIGS. Manifold holes of the battery unit 42 and the self-humidifying unit 43 are arranged such that the fuel gas flowing to the electrode and the oxidizing gas flowing to the cathode electrode flow opposite to each other, and the inlet and outlet of each gas face each other. It is configured to be provided.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above has the same operation as the ninth embodiment, and also has the same function as the ninth embodiment. Effectively humidify the reaction gas by arranging the inlet and outlet portions to face each other so that the flowing fuel gas and the oxidizing gas flowing through the cathode electrode flow opposite to each other. Can be.

It is known that the solid polymer electrolyte membrane has water permeability.
In 2, partial humidity exchange and heat exchange between the oxidizing gas and the fuel gas can be performed.

That is, the oxidant inlet side manifold hole 4
The unreacted oxidant gas flowing from 6a flows through the groove 10 from left to right in the figure, and after being totally heat-exchanged with the already reacted gas, is discharged to the oxidant gas outlet side manifold hole 46b. It flows into the hole 46b.

On the other hand, similarly, the unreacted fuel gas flowing from the fuel gas inlet side manifold hole 45a
After flowing through the groove 10 from right to left in the figure and performing total heat exchange with the reacted gas, the gas is discharged to the manifold hole 45b and
2 into the second manifold hole 45b. In the battery section 42, the oxidizing gas that has flowed into the manifold hole 46b flows through the groove 10 as a return flow from the top to the bottom in the figure, and is discharged to the manifold hole 46c after the reaction. The fuel gas adjacent thereto via the solid polymer electrolyte membrane flows in through the manifold hole 45b,
0 flows as a return flow from the bottom to the top in the figure, and is discharged to the manifold hole 45c after the reaction.

As described above, in the battery section 42, the oxidizing gas and the fuel gas flow so as to face each other. Then, each gas discharged from the battery unit 42 undergoes total heat exchange in the self-humidifying unit 43 and is discharged from the battery stack. As a result, the unreacted oxidizing gas and the reacted fuel gas are adjacent to each other on the upper part of the separator 30 of the battery part 42, and the separator 30 of the battery part 42
In the lower part, the unreacted fuel gas and the reacted oxidant gas are adjacent to each other, and the total heat exchange between these fluids is performed efficiently.

As a result, the role of the total heat exchange section of the self-humidifying section 43 can be partially complemented, the volume of the total heat exchange section can be reduced, and a more compact stack can be obtained. it can.

(Eighteenth Embodiment) FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator 30 of a battery unit 42 in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. The same elements as those in FIGS. The description is omitted, and only different portions are described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the separator 30 in FIGS.
The projection is provided on the inlet side of the oxidizing gas.

Here, the separator 30 protruding to the outside of the battery part 42 is only the lower part of the stack, and the separator 30 does not protrude from the upper part.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as in the ninth embodiment is obtained, and By providing the protruding portion on the oxidant gas inlet side, a stable and highly reliable stack can be obtained.

That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the inlet of the oxidizing gas is adjacent to the lower portion of the stack, and the oxidizing gas flows upward from the bottom in the drawing. Inside the battery, water is generated on the cathode electrode side as the reaction proceeds, but when the surrounding atmosphere is in a water vapor saturated state, the generated water condenses and stays on the cathode electrode, and is deposited on the reaction surface. It is known that a phenomenon that gas is difficult to reach, that is, a phenomenon called flooding occurs. This flooding inhibits the diffusibility of the reaction gas to the reaction surface and causes deterioration of battery performance.

In this regard, in this embodiment, by cooling the inlet side of the oxidizing gas with the radiation fins of the separator 30, a temperature gradient can be provided so that the temperature increases from the inlet to the outlet. . Naturally, the temperature of the oxidizing gas also gradually increases from the inlet to the outlet. As the temperature increases, the partial pressure of water vapor increases, and the amount of water vapor absorbed by the oxidizing gas increases.

As a result, water generated as the reaction proceeds can also be absorbed into the oxidizing gas, so that condensation of generated water can be prevented, and problems such as flooding can be avoided. Therefore, a more reliable battery stack can be obtained.

(Nineteenth Embodiment) FIG. 27 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of the separator 50 of the self-humidifying portion 43 in the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment, and FIG. Is a cell unit 4 in the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a second separator 30, and the same elements as those in FIGS. 12 to 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted; only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the battery stacks shown in FIGS. The fuel gas inlet is located at the top and the outlet is located at the bottom.

Here, in the battery section 42, the flow of the fuel gas inside the vertically installed unit cells is made to flow from the top to the bottom of the drawing so as to smoothly discharge the water on the anode electrode side. ing.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above, in addition to the same operation as that of the ninth embodiment, the fuel cell is stacked. Since the unit cells are installed in the vertical direction, and the fuel gas inlet is located at the upper part and the outlet is located at the lower part, a stable and highly reliable battery stack can be obtained.

That is, the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas inlet side manifold hole 45b below the separator 30 of the battery section 42.
And flows through the groove 10 while repeating a return flow from the top to the bottom in the drawing to react, and is discharged to the outlet side manifold hole 45c. The flow rate of the fuel gas is smaller than that of the oxidizing gas, and the flow rate is further reduced by the reaction. But cannot flush away the water vigorously. Therefore, when flowing from the bottom to the top, water accumulates inside the battery, which may impede uniform distribution to each unit cell and stable supply of fuel gas, adversely affecting battery performance. There is.

In this respect, in the present embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (1), by flowing the fuel gas from the top to the bottom of the figure, the discharge of water is made smooth, thereby preventing the water from staying inside the battery and obtaining stable and good performance. Therefore, a more reliable battery stack can be obtained.

That is, during power generation, depending on the operating conditions,
The generated water that has permeated to the fuel gas side may condense, but even if the gas flow decreases due to the consumption of fuel gas at the outlet side, the condensed water does not stay because it flows from the top to the bottom. Can be discharged outside the battery.
Therefore, flooding on the fuel gas side can be prevented, and a stable and highly reliable battery stack can be obtained.

(Twentieth Embodiment) FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 29, the stack is
And a self-humidifying unit 43,
Further, the entire battery stack is fastened by the fastening rod 34.

The battery section 42 is composed of a plurality of unit cells 31 and a plurality of cooling jackets 63 sandwiching a separator 30 made of a thin metal plate.

At both ends of the battery section 42, the current collector 32
And connected to an external load (not shown).

On the other hand, the self-humidifying section 43 includes a total heat exchanger 35 for the unreacted gas for the fuel gas and the reacted gas, and a total heat exchanger 36 for the unreacted gas for the oxidant gas and the reacted gas. Each of the total heat exchangers 35, 35 includes a semi-permeable membrane through which an unreacted gas flow path 39 through which unreacted gas flows and a reacted gas flow path 40 through which the reacted gas flows through are selectively permeable to water vapor. 4
1 is in contact.

Further, a fuel gas inlet 37a and a fuel gas outlet 37b,
An oxidizing gas inlet 38a and an oxidizing gas outlet 38b are provided, respectively.

Furthermore, a cooling medium inlet 60 and a cooling medium outlet 61 are provided on the end plate 33 on the right side in the figure.

FIG. 30 shows the separator 3 of the battery section 42.
It is a top view which shows the example of a structure of 0 typically.

In FIG. 30, the oxidizing gas inlet side manifold hole 46b, the oxidizing gas outlet side manifold hole 46c, the fuel gas inlet side manifold hole 45b, and the fuel gas outlet side manifold hole 45 are provided around the separator 30.
c, a fastening rod hole 47 through which the fastening rod passes is provided.

Further, an inlet-side manifold hole 62a and an outlet-side manifold hole 62b for the cooling medium are opened, and the cooling medium flowing from the cooling-medium inlet-side manifold hole 62a passes through the groove 10 and is passed through the cooling medium outlet-side manifold. It is configured to be discharged to the hole 62b.

Further, the cooling medium is divided by the current collector 32 and does not enter the self-humidifying section 43.

This embodiment shows an example of a system configuration in the case of using an electrically non-conductive liquid having a freezing point of 0 ° C. or less without using water as a cooling medium.

FIG. 31 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of the separator 50 of the self-humidifying section 43.

In FIG. 31, the already reacted gas contains the water humidified in the self-humidifying section 43 and the generated water.
It is in a normal saturation state at a temperature close to the operating temperature. When the reacted gas and the unreacted gas come into contact with each other via the semipermeable membrane 41, the humidity exchange and the heat exchange are simultaneously performed. Here, the unreacted gas is humidified by an amount necessary for the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and supplied to the battery stack.

In addition, in order to perform total heat exchange between the unreacted gas and the reacted gas, manifold holes for both are newly required.

Numeral 45a denotes an inlet-side manifold hole for the fuel gas out of the unreacted gas, which is discharged to the outlet-side manifold hole 45b for the fuel gas after the total heat exchange.
It is supplied to the battery unit 42. Reference numeral 45c denotes an inlet-side manifold hole for the fuel gas of the reacted gas,
The already-reacted gas discharged from the inlet flows into the inlet-side manifold hole 45c, and after being totally exchanged with the unreacted gas, is discharged from the fuel-gas outlet-side manifold hole 45d.

On the other hand, the same is true for the oxidizing gas side, and reference numeral 46a denotes a manifold hole on the inlet side of the oxidizing gas,
Reference numeral 46d denotes an outlet side manifold hole for the oxidizing gas.

Each manifold hole 45b, 45c,
46b and 46c are separators 3 of the battery unit 42, respectively.
It communicates with the 0 manifold hole.

[0279] In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above, the separator 30 is formed of a thin metal plate, and the freezing point is 0 ° C or lower inside the battery stack. And a flow path of a cooling medium that is electrically non-conductive, and a total heat exchanger 35, 35 is provided in a part of the battery stack so that generated water contained in the reacted gas can be used for humidifying the unreacted gas. Since the cooling medium is not provided, there is no possibility that the cooling medium permeates through the separator 30 and penetrates into the reaction section. Therefore, a cooling medium other than pure water can be used.

That is, depending on the application, the battery stack needs to operate well even at a low ambient temperature of 0 ° C. or lower. In this case, when water is used as the cooling medium, the water inside the battery freezes when the battery is not operating, and the water is sealed particularly in the cooling water manifold or as a groove (flow path) of the separator. In such a state, the battery stack may be broken by expansion of water during freezing.

In this respect, in the present embodiment, since a metal thin plate is used for the separator 30, even if a cooling medium other than water is used, the cooling medium is transferred to the reaction section like a porous body of carbon. Does not exude as impurities and does not adversely affect the operation of the battery. In addition, the freezing point is 0
By using a liquid other than water at a temperature of not more than ° C as a cooling medium, the problem of freezing can be avoided even under use conditions in a cold region.

In this case, moisture exists in the self-humidifying section 43, but exists in the form of water vapor during the operation of the battery. Even if the temperature decreases after the operation is completed, the amount thereof is very small. It doesn't fill the manifold or manifold, so freezing is not a big problem.

As the cooling medium used here, for example, an ethylene glycol aqueous solution is the most common. Of course, a system using latent heat such as a substitute for chlorofluorocarbon can also be used. Further, it can be used as a heat source of a heat pump. In this case, waste heat can be used for heating or hot water having a temperature higher than the waste heat temperature can be produced.

Further, since the tack has the self-humidifying section 43, it is necessary to use cooling water as a humidifying source as before so that water generated by the reaction is used for humidifying the reaction gas. Since there is no need to add a new humidification source, the system can be simplified, and the cost and size can be reduced.

As described above, in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment, since the separator 30 is made of metal, the cooling medium permeates the separator 30 to the reaction section. Since there is no risk of permeation, a cooling medium other than pure water can be used. Therefore,
Since the cooling medium can be freely selected, the use of a cooling medium having a freezing point of 0 ° C. or lower can prevent the problem of freezing in a cold region, and can provide a highly reliable battery stack.

Further, since the water generated by the reaction is used for humidifying the reaction gas, it is not necessary to use water as a new humidification source, so that the system can be simplified and a low-cost and compact battery stack can be obtained. be able to.

(Twenty-first Embodiment) The basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the twentieth embodiment, and the surface of the separator 30 in the twentieth embodiment is not affected by corrosion. In order to prevent the formation of a dynamic film, a coating having corrosion resistance and conductivity is applied.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as in the ninth embodiment can be obtained, and in addition, By providing a conductive and corrosion-resistant coating on the surface of the separator 30, the formation of an insulating oxide on the surface of the separator 30 can be prevented, so that an increase in contact resistance can be prevented, and over a long period of time. And stable performance can be obtained.

Therefore, even in the battery, which is in a severe condition for the separator 30, a more stable performance can be obtained over a long period of time and the separator 30 can be obtained at a lower cost by the corrosion-resistant coating. .

(Twenty-second Embodiment) FIG. 32 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to this embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 34 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator 30 of a battery unit 42 in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention. 32 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator 50 of a part 43. The same elements as those in FIGS. 29 to 31 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the twentieth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 32 to 34, the total heat exchange means in FIGS. And a semi-permeable membrane 41 of oxidant gas that has already reacted
The contact is made via the.

Here, the configuration is such that there is no total heat exchanger on the fuel gas side.

This is because the flow rate ratio of the oxidizing gas to the fuel gas is overwhelmingly larger for the oxidizing gas, and the generated water is discharged to the oxidizing gas side serving as the cathode electrode. This is because by performing only total heat exchange, almost the desired performance can be obtained.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above has the same operation as that of the twentieth embodiment, and also has the effect of total heat exchange. By providing a means for exchanging total heat between the unreacted oxidant gas and the reacted oxidant gas as a means, it is possible to sufficiently humidify the reactive gas.

That is, the unreacted oxidant gas flowing from the oxidant gas inlet-side manifold hole 46a is exhausted to the oxidant gas outlet-side manifold hole 46b after being completely heat-exchanged with the already-reacted gas. Hole 46b
Flows into In the battery part 42, the manifold hole 46b
The reacted gas discharged into the manifold hole 46c in the self-humidifying section 43 flows into the manifold hole 46d after exchanging heat with unreacted gas.

On the other hand, the fuel gas is not subjected to total heat exchange in the self-humidifying section 43, and the unreacted fuel gas is
3, from the fuel gas inlet side manifold hole 45a,
It is guided directly to the inlet side manifold hole 45a of the battery part 42, and after the reaction, is discharged to the battery side 42 and the outlet side manifold hole 45b of the self-humidifying part 43.

As described above, the fuel gas total heat exchange section of the self-humidifying section 43 becomes unnecessary, and the manifold holes of the humidifying section separator 50 of the self-humidifying section 43 are reduced, so that the cell stack can be made more compact. it can.

That is, since the oxidizing gas is supplied in a larger amount than the fuel gas, the amount of water vapor in the battery is controlled mainly by the amount of water vapor contained in the oxidizing gas. further,
Since the generated water is discharged to the oxidizing gas side, the reaction gas can be practically sufficiently humidified by exchanging total heat only with the oxidizing gas. Thus, a more compact battery stack can be obtained.

Also in the battery section 42, the inlet-side manifold hole 62a and the outlet-side manifold hole 62b for the cooling medium correspond to the miniaturization of the self-humidifying section 43.
Is arranged below the separator 30,
The size of the separator 30 can be further reduced, and the battery stack can be further reduced in size.

(Twenty-third Embodiment) FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to this embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 32 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator 30 of a battery unit 42 in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to Embodiment 1; and the same elements as those in FIGS. The description is omitted, and only different portions are described here.

That is, the basic structure is the same as that of the twentieth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the inlet manifold hole 62a and the outlet manifold hole 62b for the cooling medium shown in FIGS. , A part of the separator 30 is protruded (separator protrusion 64).

[0302] The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above has the same functions as those of the twentieth embodiment, and in addition to the effects of the cooling medium. By projecting a part of the separator 30 into the manifold holes 62a and 62b, the heat transfer area between the separator 30 and the cooling medium can be increased, and the cooling efficiency can be increased. Thereby, the cooling medium passage inserted between the stacked unit cells 31 can be omitted, and the battery stack can be significantly reduced in size.

That is, when there is no separator projecting portion 64, the heat transfer area from the separator 30 to the cooling medium is simply obtained by multiplying the peripheral length of the manifold by the thick portion of the separator 30. The area of the separator protrusion 64 is added, and the heat transfer area can be greatly increased. Thereby, the amount of heat transfer from the separator 30 to the cooling medium can be increased, and by using the metal separator 30-having a high thermal conductivity,
As shown in FIG. 36, the stack can be sufficiently cooled without providing a cooling medium flow path between the stacked unit cells 31. Therefore, the battery stack can be significantly reduced in size.

Note that the separator projecting portion 64 is
The shape is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 6, but may be a protrusion or a mesh.

(Twenty-fourth Embodiment) The basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the twentieth to twenty-third embodiments, and the flow path of the cooling medium is coated with an electrically insulating coating. Is applied.

Here, in the embodiment of FIG. 33, a coating having electrical insulation properties is applied to portions of the cooling medium inlet side manifold hole 62a and outlet side manifold hole 62b which come into contact with the cooling medium.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as in the twentieth to twenty-third embodiments can be obtained. Cooling medium inlet side manifold hole 62
By providing an electrically insulating coating on the portion a and the outlet side manifold hole 62b which comes into contact with the cooling medium, a more reliable battery stack can be obtained.

That is, depending on the type of the cooling medium, there are also a cooling medium having poor electric insulation and a conductive cooling medium. If such a cooling medium is used, the battery is short-circuited and cannot be used as the cooling medium. . In addition, even when a cooling medium having an electrical insulation property is used, impurities such as ions may be mixed in the cooling medium, thereby deteriorating the insulation property and possibly causing a short circuit.

In this respect, in the present embodiment, since a coating having electrical insulation is applied to a portion where the cooling medium is in contact, it is possible to prevent an accident of short-circuiting with any cooling medium. Thus, a more reliable battery stack can be obtained.

(Twenty-Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 37 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a separator on the cathode side of a cell in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to this embodiment. .

In FIG. 37, a separator 70 made of a thin metal plate having extensibility has a fastening rod hole 71 through which a fastening rod passes, a fuel gas inlet side manifold hole 72a, and a fuel gas outlet side manifold hole 7.
2b is provided, and the fuel gas is sealed on the cathode electrode side.

Here, the thickness of the separator 70 is
Usually, about 0.3 mm to 1 mm is preferable. Even with such a thickness, a separator having sufficiently strong strength and good gas sealing properties can be obtained by using a metal plate.

Further, the separator 70 is provided with an oxidizing gas inlet side manifold hole 73a and an oxidizing gas outlet side manifold hole 73b. The oxidizing gas flows out of the oxidizing gas inlet side manifold hole 73a. The gas is supplied to the reaction surface through a serpentine flow path (groove) 74 for oxidizing gas provided at the center of the separator 70, and is supplied as an oxidizing gas outlet side manifold hole 73 as a reacted gas.
b.

The separator 70 protrudes greatly from the center where the oxidant gas serpentine flow path 74 is provided, and is used as a fin for air cooling.

FIG. 38 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of the separator on the anode side of the cell in the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a plan view of an anode electrode surface corresponding to a back surface. The same elements as those in FIG. 37 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 38, the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas inlet side manifold hole 72a provided in the separator 70.
And is supplied to the reaction surface through a fuel gas serpentine-like flow path (groove) 75 provided at the center of the separator 70, and is discharged as a reacted gas to the fuel gas outlet side manifold hole 72b. It has become.

FIG. 39 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a main part of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 39, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 76
And an anode electrode 77 and a cathode electrode 78 disposed with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 76 interposed therebetween to constitute a unit cell that generates an electric output by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas as reaction gases. Further, a plurality of the unit cells are stacked with the separator 70 interposed therebetween to form a battery stack.

On both surfaces of the separator 70, serpentine channels (grooves) 79 for fuel gas and serpentine channels (grooves) 8 for oxidizing gas formed by press working.
0, and a sheet-like sealing member 8 is provided around the center of the separator 70 in which these grooves are formed.
1 is arranged.

The serpentine flow path (groove) 79 for fuel gas and the serpentine flow path (groove) 8 for oxidant gas
The height of the peak of 0 is higher than the thickness of the base material,
This is due to the fact that when a valley was formed by press working using a base material having extensibility, the base material that existed in the portion corresponding to the valley was pushed in and swelled to the side, resulting in an increase. This part can also be used as a part of the groove.

In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above, a spreadable metal thin plate is used for the separator 70, and the thin plate By providing a plurality of serpentine flow channels (grooves) 79 for fuel gas and a oxidant gas serpentine flow channel (groove) 80 which are shallower than the thickness, and by disposing a sheet-shaped seal member 81 around the periphery thereof, The thin separator 70 can have sufficient strength, can prevent the reaction gas from passing through the separator 70, and can efficiently discharge the generated water to the outside of the battery.

Since the depth of the groove is shallower than the thickness of the thin plate, the grooves formed on both surfaces do not interfere with each other even by press working, that is, the surface opposite to the surface on which the groove is formed. Can be formed with a serpentine-shaped groove so as not to be deformed.

Further, the portion pushed away by the formation of the groove by pressing is deformed so that both sides of the groove are evenly raised, so that this portion can also be used as a part of the groove. This is suitable for mass production,
It is possible to obtain a low-cost and simple configuration and a compact battery stack.

The configuration of the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described one. The separator on the cathode electrode side and the separator on the anode electrode side are divided, and only one side is pressed to form a serpentine-like flow path (groove). It is needless to say that the same function and effect can be obtained by using a combination of these.

In addition to the air cooling, cooling with cooling water and cooling with a cooling medium other than water are of course also possible.

(Twenty-Sixth Embodiment) The basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the twenty-fifth embodiment, and has the extensibility that constitutes the separator 70 of the twenty-fifth embodiment. As the metal thin plate, a copper-based metal plate or an aluminum-based metal plate, which is a material having good thermal conductivity and low cost, is used.

[0327] The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of the present embodiment configured as described above has the same effect as the twenty-fifth embodiment, and also has an excellent spreadability. By using a copper-based or aluminum-based metal plate as the metal thin plate, these metal plates are particularly extensible and can be easily pressed.

Further, since the thermal conductivity is good, the cooling of the battery stack can be performed more efficiently.

Further, since these metals are inexpensive, a low-cost battery stack can be obtained.

As a result, the thickness of the metal separator 70 can be further reduced, the battery stack can be made compact, and a highly reliable battery stack that does not decrease in voltage even when used for a long time. Obtainable.

(Twenty-Seventh Embodiment) The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the twenty-fifth embodiment, and has the extensibility that constitutes the separator 70 of the twenty-fifth embodiment. The configuration is such that a coating having corrosion resistance and conductivity is applied to the surface of a thin metal plate.

The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with the battery stack of this embodiment configured as described above has the same effects as those of the twenty-fifth embodiment, and in addition, has an excellent spreadability. By applying a corrosion-resistant and conductive coating to the metal thin plate, it is possible to prevent the formation of the passivation, which is a metal oxide film, to obtain a more stable output over a long period of time and to reduce the cost. Can be obtained.

As a result, the thickness of the metal separator 70 can be further reduced, and the stack including the battery stack can be made compact. A high battery stack can be obtained.

[0334]

As described above, according to the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a compact, lightweight, mass-productive and low-cost cell stack.

Further, since the metal separator maintains sufficient strength even when it is thin and has good sealing properties, it is possible to prevent the reaction gas from permeating through the separator, and to obtain a highly reliable battery stack. It becomes possible.

Further, a corrosion-resistant and conductive coating is applied to the surface of the metal separator to prevent the growth of a passive film due to oxidation of the metal surface and maintain stable performance for a long time. A battery stack that can be obtained can be obtained.

Further, a metal separator having high thermal conductivity is used also as a radiation fin to enable air cooling,
By disposing the total heat exchange means between the unreacted gas and the reacted gas in a part of the battery stack, it is possible to obtain a simple, compact, and easy-to-maintain battery stack.

Further, by utilizing the properties of a metal separator having a high sealing property, a liquid having a freezing point of 0 ° C. or less other than water can be used as a cooling medium. It is possible to obtain a highly reliable battery stack exhibiting good operation characteristics.

As described above, the separator, which is a basic component of the battery stack, is made thinner and made of a material having excellent strength and fluid impermeability, thereby achieving compactness, light weight, simplified system, and low cost. Can be planned,
In addition, the cooling water required for humidifying the reaction gas is not required, so that the reliability and maintenance of the system can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator in the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration example of a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section showing a configuration example near a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a separator in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a sheet-shaped sealing member on a cathode electrode side in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a battery component in a battery stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a sheet-shaped sealing member on a cathode electrode side in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a ninth embodiment of the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a self-humidifying unit in the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in a cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a self-humidifying unit in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in a cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an eleventh embodiment of a cell stack of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a self-humidifying unit in a cell stack of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fifteenth embodiment of the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sixteenth embodiment of the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a self-humidifying unit in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the seventeenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an eighteenth embodiment of the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the eighteenth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a self-humidifying unit in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the nineteenth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a twentieth embodiment of a cell stack of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a self-humidifying unit in the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a twenty-second embodiment of the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in a battery stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a self-humidifying unit in the cell stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-second embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a twenty-third embodiment of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a battery unit in a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-third embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator on a cathode side of a battery unit in a cell stack of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the separator on the anode side of the battery unit in the battery stack of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the twenty-fifth embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a twenty-fifth embodiment of the cell stack of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a schematic view showing an example of a basic configuration (unit cell configuration) of a conventional cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

FIG. 41 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a carbon plate.

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a unit cell of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a carbon plate.

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a separator of a cell stack of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a carbon plate.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Separator, 2a, 2b, 2c ... Seal member, 3 ... Anode electrode, 4 ... Cathode electrode, 5 ... Spacer, 6 ... Cooling water flow path, 7 ... Fuel gas flow path, 8 ... Oxidant gas flow path, 9 ... Solid polymer electrolyte membrane, 10: corrugated groove, 11a, 11b: oxidant gas inlet side, outlet side manifold hole, 12a, 12b: fuel gas inlet side, outlet side manifold hole, 13a, 13b: cooling water inlet side , Outlet side manifold hole, 15: tightening rod hole, 16: bead portion, 17: coating, 18: coating, 19: sealing member, 20a, 20b: cutout portion, 21: reactive gas header portion, 22: projection portion , 30 ... separator, 31 ... unit cell, 32 ... current collector plate, 33 ... end plate, 34 ... fastening rod, 35 ... total heat exchanger for fuel gas, 36 ... acid 37a, 37b: fuel gas inlet and outlet, 38a, 38b: oxidizing gas inlet and outlet, 39: unreacted gas flow path, 40: already reacted gas flow path, 41: water vapor semi-permeation 42: battery part; 43: self-humidifying part; 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d: battery part 42, fuel gas inlet side and outlet side manifold holes of self-humidifying part 43, 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d: battery Part 42, oxidant gas inlet side and outlet side manifold holes of the self-humidifying part 43, 47 ... fastening rod holes, 50 ... separators, 51 ... coating, 52 ... spacers, 53 ... support body, 60 ... cooling medium inlet, 61 ... cooling medium outlet, 62a, 62b ... cooling medium inlet side manifold hole, outlet side manifold hole, 63 ... cooling jacket, 64 ... separator protruding part, 70 ... separator 71: holes for tightening rods, 72a, 72b: inlet and outlet manifold holes for fuel gas, 73a, 73b: inlet and outlet manifold holes for oxidizing gas, 74: serpentine flow path for oxidizing gas Reference numeral 75: Serpentine flow path for fuel gas 76: Solid polymer electrolyte membrane 77: Anode electrode 78: Cathode electrode 79: Serpentine flow path for fuel gas 80: Serpentine flow path for oxidant gas 81: Seal Element.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Sanji Ueno 2-1-1 Ukishima-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Pref.

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A fuel cell comprising at least a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode arranged with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. In a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a battery stack configured by stacking a plurality of cells that generate electrical output with a separator interposed therebetween, the separator is formed of a metal thin plate, In a substantially central portion, a plurality of parallel corrugated grooves formed by pressing are formed on the front and back, and a flow path of the reaction gas is provided between the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode. A sheet-shaped seal member is arranged on the front and back sides to surround, and a plurality of manifold holes for supplying and discharging the reaction gas and the cooling medium are provided at contact portions of the seal member. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell characterized by and. 2. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a part of the separator is protruded inside a manifold hole of the cooling medium. Fuel cell. 3. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of separators provided with the cooling medium flow paths are inserted between at least two or more stacked unit cells. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell characterized by the following. 4. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a convex bead portion having a substantially uniform height is provided so as to be in contact with a seal member surrounding the periphery of the manifold hole. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising: 5. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a coating having corrosion resistance and conductivity is applied to the surface of the separator. 6. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack according to claim 5, wherein the corrosion-resistant and conductive coating is applied near a portion in contact with the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode. Polymer electrolyte fuel cell. 7. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the sheet is thicker than at least the height of the corrugated groove so as to surround the center of the corrugated groove. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel, wherein a seal member is arranged, a part of the seal member is cut off between the manifold hole and the central portion, and a supply passage and a discharge passage for the reaction gas are provided. battery. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein
In the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the item, in the space formed between the sealing member and the corrugated region of the separator, the flow of the reaction gas utilizing a part of the sealing member A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, comprising means for controlling the temperature of the fuel cell. 9. A fuel cell comprising at least a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel electrode and an oxidizer electrode arranged with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, wherein the fuel gas and the oxidant gas as reaction gases are subjected to an electrochemical reaction. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a battery stack configured by stacking a plurality of cells that generate an electrical output with a separator interposed therebetween, wherein the separator is formed of a metal thin plate; A part is projected outside the battery, and a part of the battery stack is provided with a total heat exchange means for bringing the unreacted gas and the reacted gas into contact with each other through a semi-permeable membrane that selectively transmits water vapor. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. 10. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein a copper-based or aluminum-based metal plate provided with a corrosion-resistant and conductive coating is used for the separator. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. 11. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the total heat exchange means passes unreacted oxidant gas and reacted oxidant gas through the semipermeable membrane. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell characterized by being brought into contact. 12. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the total heat exchange means includes an inlet for the unreacted gas such that the unreacted gas and the reacted gas flow opposite to each other. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, wherein an outlet portion and an outlet portion of the reacted gas are arranged so as to face each other. 13. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the total heat exchange means comprises a plurality of total heat exchangers stacked in the same direction as the unit cells. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising: 14. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein a projecting portion of the separator is coated with an electrically insulating coating. 15. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein a spacer having electrical insulation is arranged in a part of each space formed between the projecting portions of the separator. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. 16. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein an electrically insulating support is disposed so as to be in contact with the tip of the projecting portion of the separator. Electrolyte fuel cell. 17. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the fuel gas flowing to the fuel electrode and the oxidizing gas flowing to the oxidizing electrode flow so as to face each other. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, wherein an inlet portion and an outlet portion are arranged so as to face each other. 18. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the separator is provided with a protrusion on the oxidant gas inlet side. 19. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the cell stack is installed so that the unit cells are arranged vertically, the fuel gas inlet is located at the top, and the fuel gas inlet is located at the outlet. Is disposed at the bottom of the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. 20. A fuel cell comprising at least a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode arranged with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, wherein the fuel gas and the oxidant gas as reaction gases are subjected to an electrochemical reaction. In a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a battery stack configured by stacking a plurality of cells that generate electrical output with a separator interposed therebetween, the separator is formed of a metal thin plate, A plurality of manifold holes for supplying and discharging the reaction gas and the cooling medium are provided in a peripheral portion, and a cooling medium having a freezing point of 0 ° C. or less is used as the cooling medium, and steam is selected as a part of the battery stack. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel characterized by having a total heat exchange means for bringing unreacted gas and reacted gas into contact through a semipermeable membrane that is selectively permeable Battery. 21. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 20, wherein a coating having corrosion resistance and conductivity is applied to the surface of the separator. 22. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 20, wherein the total heat exchange means passes unreacted oxidant gas and reacted oxidant gas through the semipermeable membrane. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell characterized by being brought into contact. 23. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 20, wherein a part of the separator is protruded inside a manifold hole of the cooling medium. Fuel cell. 24. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 20, wherein an electrically insulating coating is applied to the flow path of the cooling medium. Polymer electrolyte fuel cell. 25. A fuel cell comprising at least a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode arranged with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, wherein the fuel gas and the oxidant gas as reaction gases are subjected to an electrochemical reaction. In a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a battery stack configured by stacking a plurality of cells that generate electrical output with a separator interposed therebetween, the separator is formed of a spreadable metal thin plate. A plurality of serpentine-like grooves shallower than at least one side of the separator are formed on at least one surface of the separator by press working at a substantially central portion of the separator, and a flow path of the reaction gas is provided between the fuel electrode and the oxidizer electrode. Wherein a sheet-shaped sealing member is arranged so as to surround a substantially central portion of the separator. 26. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 25, wherein a copper-based or aluminum-based metal plate is used as the extensible metal thin plate. Electrolyte fuel cell. 27. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 25, wherein a coating having corrosion resistance and conductivity is applied to a surface of the spreadable metal thin plate. Polymer electrolyte fuel cell.