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WO2011138927A1 - Pile à combustible - Google Patents

Pile à combustible Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011138927A1
WO2011138927A1 PCT/JP2011/060431 JP2011060431W WO2011138927A1 WO 2011138927 A1 WO2011138927 A1 WO 2011138927A1 JP 2011060431 W JP2011060431 W JP 2011060431W WO 2011138927 A1 WO2011138927 A1 WO 2011138927A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
oxidant
flow path
cathode
fuel cell
anode
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2011/060431
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
勇一 吉田
裕之 長谷部
信保 根岸
秀行 大図
直樹 岩村
博史 菅
尚 千草
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Toshiba Corp
Original Assignee
Toshiba Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2010107593A external-priority patent/JP2011238409A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2010275404A external-priority patent/JP2012124085A/ja
Application filed by Toshiba Corp filed Critical Toshiba Corp
Publication of WO2011138927A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011138927A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/1004—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0267—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
    • H01M8/0263—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant having meandering or serpentine paths
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2483—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fuel cell.
  • a fuel cell is characterized in that it can generate electric power simply by supplying fuel and air, and can generate electric power continuously for a long time if fuel is replenished. For this reason, if the fuel cell can be reduced in size, it can be said that the system is extremely advantageous as a power source for portable electronic devices.
  • An object of the present embodiment is to provide a fuel cell capable of stably obtaining a high output.
  • a membrane electrode assembly in which an electrolyte membrane is disposed between an anode and a cathode; a fuel supply mechanism that is disposed on the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly and supplies fuel toward the anode; and the membrane electrode junction A cover member disposed on the cathode side of a body, forming a space above the cathode and having an opening for supplying an oxidant from the space toward the cathode; and sealing the space;
  • a fuel cell comprising a pressurizing mechanism for maintaining a positive pressure of an oxidant supplied to the cathode in the space.
  • a membrane electrode assembly in which an electrolyte membrane is disposed between an anode and a cathode, fuel supply means for supplying fuel toward the anode of the membrane electrode assembly, and the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly are sealed.
  • a fuel cell comprising pressurizing means for maintaining the pressure of the oxidant in the space at a positive pressure.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the fuel cell according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electromotive unit applicable to the fuel cell shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a cross section of a part of the structure of the membrane electrode assembly constituting the electromotive section shown in FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the membrane electrode assembly constituting the electromotive unit shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the first cover member in the fuel cell shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the first cover member in the fuel cell shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a serpentine type oxidant flow path is applied as a comparative example.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a straight-type oxidant flow path is applied as another comparative example.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ratio of the width W to the depth D of the oxidant channel (W / D) and the output density.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the ratio of the width W to the oxidant channel depth D (W / D), the oxygen concentration, and the pressure difference.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a flow rate restricting mechanism applicable to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view for explaining a first variation of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view for explaining a second variation of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view for explaining a third variation of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a first configuration example of the fuel cell according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a second configuration example of the fuel cell according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 17 is a graph showing the measurement results of the change with time of the output density in the fuel cell of the second embodiment and the change with time of the output density in the fuel cell of the comparative example.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the fuel cell 1 of the first embodiment.
  • the fuel cell 1 is mainly composed of an electromotive unit 2, a first cover member 3 disposed above the electromotive unit 2, and a second cover member 4 disposed below the electromotive unit 2.
  • the electromotive unit 2 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a long side in the X direction, a short side in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, and a thickness in the Z direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. Such an electromotive unit 2 is sandwiched between the first cover member 3 and the second cover member 4.
  • the first cover member 3 is located above the electromotive unit 2 in the Z direction.
  • the second cover member 4 is located below the electromotive unit 2 in the Z direction.
  • the first cover member 3 and the second cover member 4 are fastened by a fastening member such as a screw (not shown) in a state where the electromotive unit 2 is sandwiched.
  • the upper cover 3F is fastened by a fastening member (not shown) to the back surface 3E on the opposite side to the surface sandwiching the electromotive unit 2 of the first cover member 3.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the electromotive unit 2 in the fuel cell 1 shown in FIG.
  • the electromotive unit 2 mainly includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 10 and a fuel supply mechanism 30 that supplies fuel to the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • MEA membrane electrode assembly
  • fuel supply mechanism 30 that supplies fuel to the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • the membrane electrode assembly 10 includes an anode (fuel electrode) 13, a cathode (air electrode or oxidant electrode) 16, a proton (hydrogen ion) conductive electrolyte membrane 17 sandwiched between the anode 13 and the cathode 16, It is configured with.
  • the anode 13 includes an anode catalyst layer 11 and an anode gas diffusion layer 12 laminated on the anode catalyst layer 11.
  • the anode catalyst layer 11 is laminated on one surface 17A of the electrolyte membrane 17.
  • the cathode 16 has a cathode catalyst layer 14 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 15 laminated on the cathode catalyst layer 14.
  • the cathode catalyst layer 14 is laminated on the other surface 17C of the electrolyte membrane 17.
  • Such a membrane electrode assembly 10 is sandwiched between the current collectors 18 in the first embodiment.
  • the current collector 18 is disposed on the same surface as the base insulating layer BF, the anode current collector 18A disposed on the base insulating layer BF, and the surface on which the anode current collector 18A of the base insulating layer BF is disposed.
  • the cathode current collector 18C is provided.
  • the current collector 18 has a structure in which the current collector 18 is folded in half and the membrane electrode assembly 10 is sandwiched.
  • the present invention is not limited to this structure.
  • the anode current collector 18A is stacked on the anode gas diffusion layer 12.
  • the anode current collector 18A is formed with an opening 18AH that enables supply of fuel necessary for power generation reaction toward the anode 13.
  • the cathode current collector 18C is stacked on the cathode gas diffusion layer 15.
  • the cathode current collector 18C is capable of supplying oxygen necessary for the power generation reaction toward the cathode 16, and discharges gases such as carbon dioxide and excess water vapor generated during the power generation reaction to the outside.
  • a possible opening 18CH is formed.
  • the membrane electrode assembly 10 includes rubber O-rings sandwiched between one surface 17A of the electrolyte membrane 17 and the current collector 18 and between the other surface 17C of the electrolyte membrane 17 and the current collector 18. It is sealed by a sealing member 19 such as. Thereby, fuel leakage and oxidant leakage from the membrane electrode assembly 10 are prevented.
  • one or more electrolyte membranes 17 are not in contact with the anode catalyst layer 11 and the cathode catalyst layer 14, and are located at positions corresponding to the inside surrounded by the seal member 19. Individual gas discharge holes (not shown) may be provided.
  • a plate-like body 20 made of a breathable insulating material is disposed between the current collector 18 and the cover plate 21.
  • This plate-like body 20 mainly functions as a moisture retaining layer. That is, the plate-like body 20 is impregnated with a part of the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 14 to suppress the transpiration of water, and the oxidizing agent (particularly air) taken in from the opening 21H of the cover plate 21. The amount of incorporation into the cathode catalyst layer 14 is adjusted and the uniform diffusion of the oxidant is promoted.
  • the first cover member 3 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed immediately above the cover plate 21, but the first cover member 3 may be disposed directly above the plate-like body 20 without the cover plate 21. good. Further, another member may be interposed between the cover plate 21 here and the first cover member 3 described above.
  • a fuel supply mechanism 30 is disposed on the anode 13 side of the membrane electrode assembly 10. That is, the membrane electrode assembly 10 is disposed between the fuel supply mechanism 30 disposed on the anode 13 side and the cover plate 21 disposed on the cathode 16 side.
  • the fuel supply mechanism 30 is configured to supply fuel to the anode 13 of the membrane electrode assembly 10, but is not particularly limited to a specific configuration.
  • Such a fuel supply mechanism 30 is connected to the fuel storage portion 5 that stores the liquid fuel F via the flow path 6.
  • the flow path 6 is composed of piping or the like.
  • the flow path 6 is not limited to piping independent of the fuel supply mechanism 30 and the fuel storage unit 5.
  • a flow path of the liquid fuel F that connects them may be used. That is, the fuel supply mechanism 30 only needs to communicate with the fuel storage unit 5 through a flow path or the like.
  • the liquid fuel F stored in the fuel storage unit 5 may be forcibly sent to the fuel supply mechanism 30 by interposing the pump 7 in a part of the flow path 6.
  • the applied pump 7 is not a circulation pump that circulates fuel, but is a fuel supply pump that sends the liquid fuel F from the fuel storage unit 5 toward the fuel supply mechanism 30 to the last.
  • the fuel supplied from the fuel supply mechanism 30 to the membrane electrode assembly 10 is used for a power generation reaction, and is not circulated thereafter and returned to the fuel storage unit 5.
  • the type of the pump 7 is not particularly limited, but a pump that can feed a small amount of liquid fuel F with good controllability and can be reduced in size and weight is preferable.
  • a fuel cutoff valve may be arranged in series with the pump 7. Further, a balance valve that balances the pressure in the fuel storage unit 5 with the outside air may be attached to the fuel storage unit 5 and the flow path 6.
  • the liquid storage unit 5 stores liquid fuel F corresponding to the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • the liquid fuel F include methanol fuels such as methanol aqueous solutions having various concentrations and pure methanol.
  • the liquid fuel F is not necessarily limited to methanol fuel.
  • the liquid fuel F may be, for example, an ethanol fuel such as an ethanol aqueous solution or pure ethanol, a propanol fuel such as a propanol aqueous solution or pure propanol, a glycol fuel such as a glycol aqueous solution or pure glycol, dimethyl ether, formic acid, or other liquid fuel F. Good.
  • the fuel containing portion 5 contains the liquid fuel F corresponding to the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • the fuel supply mechanism 30 disperses and diffuses fuel in the surface direction of the anode 31 of the container 31 formed in a box shape and the membrane electrode assembly 10 (that is, the direction in the XY plane in the drawing).
  • a fuel distribution plate 32 is provided.
  • the fuel distribution plate 32 is disposed in a recess formed inside the container 31.
  • the fuel distribution plate 32 is formed in a flat plate shape.
  • the fuel distribution plate 32 has a plurality of fuel discharge ports 33 formed therein. Such a fuel distribution plate 32 discharges the liquid fuel supplied from the fuel introduction port of the container 31 toward the anode 13 from the fuel discharge port 33.
  • a gas-liquid separation membrane that separates the liquid fuel and its vaporized component and transmits the vaporized component toward the membrane electrode assembly 10
  • Various film members 40 such as a diffusion plate that diffuses in the surface direction and a diaphragm plate that controls the amount of liquid fuel supplied are arranged.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a partial cross section of the structure of the membrane electrode assembly 10 constituting the electromotive unit 2 shown in FIG.
  • the membrane electrode assembly 10 is opposed to each of the plurality of anodes 13 arranged at intervals on one surface 17A of the single electrolyte membrane 17 and each of the anodes 13 on the other surface 17C of the electrolyte membrane 17. And a plurality of cathodes 16 arranged at intervals. In the illustrated example, four anodes 131 to 134 are formed, and four cathodes 161 to 164 are formed.
  • Each combination of the anodes 131 to 134 and the cathodes 161 to 164 sandwiches the electrolyte membrane 17 to form a single cell C.
  • the combination of the anode 131 and the cathode 161 forms a single cell C1
  • the combination of the anode 132 and the cathode 162 forms a single cell C2
  • the combination of the anode 133 and the cathode 163 forms a single cell.
  • C3 is formed, and the combination of the anode 134 and the cathode 164 forms a single cell C4.
  • each of the single cells C1 to C4 have substantially the same size and substantially the same shape.
  • each of the single cells C1 to C4, each of the anodes 131 to 134, or each of the cathodes 161 to 164 are arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the same plane. ing.
  • the structure of the membrane electrode assembly 10 is not limited to the example shown here, but may be another structure.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of the membrane electrode assembly 10 constituting the electromotive unit 2 shown in FIG.
  • Each of the single cells C1 to C4 shown here is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a long side parallel to the X direction and a short side parallel to the Y direction.
  • the anodes 131 to 134 and the cathodes 161 to 164 are also formed in a substantially rectangular shape having long sides parallel to the first direction X and short sides parallel to the second direction Y. That is, the longitudinal direction of the single cell C, the longitudinal direction of the anode 13, or the longitudinal direction of the cathode 16 is the first direction X.
  • the arrangement direction of the plurality of single cells C1 to C4 is the Y direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each single cell C, that is, the X direction. That is, the arrangement direction of the plurality of anodes 131 to 134 or the arrangement direction of the plurality of cathodes 161 to 164 is the Y direction.
  • the plurality of single cells C1 to C4 formed in the membrane electrode assembly 10 are electrically connected in series by the current collector 18 described above.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first cover member 3 in the fuel cell 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the first cover member 3 is illustrated with the surface facing the electromotive unit 2 facing upward.
  • the first cover member 3 has a recess 3A in which the electromotive unit 2 including the membrane electrode assembly 10 is accommodated.
  • a plurality of oxidant flow paths P are formed in the recess 3A.
  • eight oxidant channels P1 to P8 are formed. These oxidant channels P1 to P8 are independent without communicating with each other.
  • oxidant channels P1 to P8 are grooves formed on the bottom surface 3B of the recess 3A.
  • the electromotive unit 2 (for example, FIG. The illustrated cover plate 21 or plate-like body 20) contacts the bottom surface 3B, and each cross-section becomes a substantially rectangular space. That is, each of the oxidant flow paths P1 to P8 is a space surrounded by the first cover member 3 and the electromotive unit 2.
  • an oxidant such as air containing oxygen mainly flows, but in addition to this, a gas such as water vapor may flow.
  • oxidant channels P1 to P8 are positioned above each of the cathodes 161 to 164 when the membrane electrode assembly 10 is accommodated in the recess 3A.
  • the positions of the cathodes 161 to 164 are indicated by broken lines in the figure.
  • the oxidant channels P1 and P2 are formed corresponding to the cathode 161.
  • the oxidant channels P3 and P4 are formed corresponding to the cathode 162.
  • the oxidant channels P5 and P6 are formed corresponding to the cathode 163.
  • the oxidant channels P7 and P8 are formed corresponding to the cathode 164.
  • the illustrated example corresponds to the case where two oxidant channels correspond to each of the cathodes 161 to 164, but there may be one oxidant channel corresponding to each of the cathodes, Three or more may be sufficient.
  • oxidant flow paths P1 to P8 are formed in a U-shape. That is, the oxidant flow path P1 communicates with one inlet I1 and one outlet O1.
  • the introduction port I1 is located at one end of the oxidant flow path P1
  • the discharge port O1 is located at the other end of the oxidant flow path P1.
  • the oxidant channel P2 communicates with the introduction port I2 and the discharge port O2
  • the oxidant channel P3 communicates with the introduction port I3 and the discharge port O3
  • the oxidant channel P4 communicates with the introduction port I4 and the discharge port.
  • O4 communicates with O4
  • the oxidant channel P5 communicates with the inlet I5 and the outlet O5
  • the oxidant channel P6 communicates with the inlet I6 and the outlet O6
  • the oxidant channel P7 communicates with the inlet I7 and the exhaust.
  • the oxidant channel P8 communicates with the outlet O7, and communicates with the inlet I8 and the outlet O8.
  • the inlets communicating with the oxidant channels are different, and the discharge ports communicating with the oxidant channels are also different.
  • the introduction ports I1 to I8 and the discharge ports O1 to O8 are located on the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3.
  • the introduction ports I1 to I8 extend in the Z direction and penetrate to the back surface of the first cover member 3.
  • These inlets I1 to I8 are arranged on the same straight line along the Y direction.
  • the discharge ports O1 to O8 extend in the X direction.
  • Each of the oxidant channels P ⁇ b> 1 to P ⁇ b> 8 has a U-turn on the other end 3 ⁇ / b> D side of the first cover member 3. Note that the total length of each of the oxidant channels P1 to P8 is substantially the same.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first cover member 3 in the fuel cell 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the first cover member 3 with the back surface 3E facing upward is shown.
  • a manifold MF is formed on the back surface 3E of the first cover member 3.
  • the manifold MF is a groove formed on the back surface 3E, and is covered with the upper cover 3F when the upper cover 3F is fastened to the back surface 3E.
  • Such a manifold MF has a starting point MFA into which the oxidant is introduced, branches from the starting point MFA, and communicates with the inlets I1 to I8 at the respective ends.
  • the fuel supplied from the fuel supply mechanism 30 to each of the anodes 131 to 134 of the membrane electrode assembly 10 diffuses through the anode gas diffusion layer 12 and is supplied to the anode catalyst layer 11. .
  • methanol fuel is used as the fuel
  • an internal reforming reaction of methanol shown in the following formula (1) occurs in the anode catalyst layer 11.
  • pure methanol is used as the methanol fuel
  • the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 14 or the water in the electrolyte membrane 17 is reacted with methanol to cause the internal reforming reaction of the formula (1), or
  • the internal reforming reaction is caused by another reaction mechanism that does not require water.
  • Each of the cathodes 161 to 164 is supplied with air as an oxidant as follows. That is, the oxidizing agent introduced into the starting point MFA of the manifold MF is distributed to the inlets I1 to I8. The oxidant distributed to each of the inlets I1 to I8 is introduced into the oxidant flow paths P1 to P8, respectively. The oxidant introduced into each of the oxidant flow paths P1 to P8 flows along the X direction from the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3 toward the other end 3D side, and U on the other end 3D side. It turns and flows along the X direction toward the end 3C again.
  • the oxidizing agent is introduced into each of the cathodes 161 to 164 of the membrane electrode assembly 10 via the plate-like body 20 after being introduced from each of the inlets I1 to I8 and before being discharged from the outlets O1 to O8. Supplied.
  • each of the oxidant channels P1 to P8 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the cathodes 161 to 164, and each inlet and outlet are both ends of the first cover member 3.
  • the U-turn is formed on the other end 3D side of the first cover member 3 (that is, the other end side of each of the cathodes 161 to 164). It is formed in a U shape. For this reason, the oxygen concentration of the oxidizing agent supplied to each of the cathodes 161 to 164 is averaged. Therefore, it is possible to stably obtain a high output.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration to which a serpentine type oxidant flow path is applied
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration to which a straight type oxidant flow path is applied.
  • the oxygen concentration is relatively high in the vicinity of the introduction port in of the oxidant flow path P, while the oxygen concentration is relatively low in the vicinity of the discharge port out of the oxidant flow path P. Further, since the channel length of the oxidant channel becomes long, the pressure loss tends to increase. For this reason, although the oxygen concentration of the oxidant supplied to the cathode 161 near the introduction port in is relatively high, the oxygen concentration of the oxidant supplied to the cathode 162 near the discharge port out is relatively low. Therefore, it becomes difficult to supply the oxidant uniformly, and a stable and high output cannot be obtained.
  • the oxygen concentration of the oxidant supplied to the cathode 161 near the introduction port in of the oxidant flow path P is relatively high, but the discharge port of the oxidant flow path P.
  • the oxygen concentration of the oxidant supplied to the cathode 162 in the vicinity of out is relatively low, and a stable high output cannot be obtained.
  • the width W of the oxidant channel P is the length along the Y direction of the oxidant flow path P shown in FIG. Further, in the examination here, the depth (the length along the Z direction of the oxidant flow path P shown in FIG. 5) D of the oxidant flow path P is constant.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ratio of the width W to the depth D (W / D) and the output density.
  • the output density is a relative value when the ratio (W / D) is 0.5 (comparative example) is 1. As shown here, when the ratio (W / D) is 2, the output density is about 1.5 times in each of the cases 4 and 8. Thus, when the ratio (W / D) was 2 to 8, it was confirmed that a higher output density than that of the comparative example was obtained.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ratio of the width W to the depth D (W / D), the oxygen concentration, and the pressure difference.
  • the vertical axis on the left side in the figure is the oxygen concentration, and the relative value when the ratio (W / D) is 0.5 (comparative example) is 1.
  • the vertical axis on the right side in the figure is the pressure difference, and the relative value when the ratio (W / D) is 0.5 (comparative example) is 1.
  • the ratio (W / D) As indicated by the black circle in the figure, when the ratio (W / D) is 2, the ratio is about 1.9 times that of the comparative example, and when the ratio (W / D) is 4, In all cases, the value was about twice that of the comparative example. Thus, when the ratio (W / D) was 2 to 8, it was confirmed that an oxygen concentration higher than that of the comparative example was obtained.
  • the flow in the oxidant flow path forms a laminar flow state having a Reynolds number of 2000 or less and is not turbulent.
  • the inner surface of the oxidant channel has hydrophilicity in order to suppress clogging of water droplets generated due to condensation or the like in the oxidant channel.
  • a flow restrictor mechanism may be provided between each inlet of the oxidant flow path and the manifold.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a flow restrictor mechanism TH applicable to the first embodiment.
  • the flow restricting mechanism TH is formed between the branched end portion of the manifold MF and the introduction ports I1.
  • the flow restrictor TH is a groove formed on the back surface 3E of the first cover member 3 like the manifold MF, and has a cross-sectional area that is larger than that of the manifold MF and the inlet I1. It is formed small. This makes it easier to control the flow rate of the oxidant supplied from the manifold MF to the inlets I1.
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view for explaining the first variation.
  • an oxidant channel P 1 and an oxidant channel P 2 are formed above the cathode 161
  • an oxidant channel P 3 and an oxidant channel P 4 are formed above the cathode 162. ing.
  • These oxidant channels P1 to P4 are all formed in a straight line along the X direction.
  • the oxidant flow path P1 communicates with the inlet I1 and the outlet O1.
  • the introduction port I1 is positioned on the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3, and the discharge port O1 is positioned on the other end 3D side of the first cover member 3.
  • the inlet I2 communicated with the oxidant flow path P2 is located on the other end 3D side of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the outlet O1.
  • the discharge port O2 communicating with the oxidant channel P2 is located on the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the introduction port I1.
  • the inlet I3 communicated with the oxidant flow path P3 is located on the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3, and the discharge port O3 communicated with the oxidant flow path P3 is the other end 3D of the first cover member 3.
  • the introduction port I4 communicating with the oxidant flow path P4 is located on the other end 3D side of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the discharge port O3.
  • the discharge port O4 communicating with the oxidant flow path P4 is located on the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3, and is adjacent to the introduction port I3.
  • the oxygen concentration of the oxidant near the introduction port I1 is high, while the oxygen concentration of the oxidant near the discharge port O1 is high.
  • the oxidant flow path P2 corresponding to the cathode 161 is adjacent to the oxidant flow path P1, and the oxygen concentration in the vicinity of the discharge port O2 adjacent to the introduction port I1 is low. Since a concentration distribution in which the oxygen concentration increases in the vicinity of the inlet I2 adjacent to the discharge port O1 is formed, the oxygen concentration supplied over the entire cathode 161 is averaged. Similarly, the oxygen concentration supplied throughout the cathode 162 is also averaged. Therefore, it is possible to stably obtain a high output.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view for explaining the second variation.
  • an oxidant channel P 1 and an oxidant channel P 2 are formed above the cathode 161
  • an oxidant channel P 3 and an oxidant channel P 4 are formed above the cathode 162. ing.
  • These oxidant channels P1 to P4 are both formed in a U shape.
  • the oxidant flow path P1 has a U-turn on the side of the one end 3C of the first cover member 3, and the inlet I1 and the discharge port O1 communicated with the oxidant flow path P1 are located at substantially the center 3M of the first cover member 3. positioned.
  • the oxidant flow path P2 is U-turned on the side of the other end 3D of the first cover member 3, and the introduction port I2 and the discharge port O2 communicating with the oxidant flow path P2 are substantially at the center 3M of the first cover member 3. Is located.
  • the oxidant flow path P3 is U-turned on the side of the one end 3C of the first cover member 3, and the introduction port I3 and the discharge port O3 communicating with the oxidant flow path P3 are substantially the same as the first cover member 3.
  • the oxidant flow path P4 is U-turned on the side of the other end 3D of the first cover member 3, and the introduction port I4 and the discharge port O4 communicating with the oxidant flow path P4 are substantially at the center 3M of the first cover member 3. Is located.
  • the oxygen concentration supplied over the entire cathode 161 and the cathode 162 is averaged, and it becomes possible to stably obtain a high output.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view for explaining the third variation.
  • oxidant channels P1 to P4 are formed above the cathode 161
  • oxidant channels P5 to P8 are formed above the cathode 162. These oxidant channels P1 to P8 are all formed in a straight line along the X direction.
  • the inlet I1 communicated with the oxidant flow path P1 is located at the approximate center 3M of the first cover member 3, and the discharge port O1 communicated with the oxidant flow path P1 is located at the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3. ing.
  • the introduction port I2 communicated with the oxidant flow path P2 is positioned at the substantially center 3M of the first cover member 3, and the discharge port O2 communicated with the oxidant flow path P2 is on the other end 3D side of the first cover member 3. positioned.
  • the inlet I3 communicating with the oxidant flow path P3 is located on the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3, and is adjacent to the outlet O1.
  • the discharge port O3 communicating with the oxidant flow path P3 is located at the approximate center 3M of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the introduction port I1.
  • the introduction port I4 communicating with the oxidant flow path P4 is located on the other end 3D side of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the discharge port O2.
  • the discharge port O4 communicated with the oxidant flow path P4 is located at the approximate center 3M of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the introduction port I2.
  • the introduction port I5 communicated with the oxidant flow path P5 is located at the approximate center 3M of the first cover member 3, and the discharge port O5 communicated with the oxidant flow path P5 is on the side of the one end 3C of the first cover member 3. Is located.
  • the inlet I6 that communicates with the oxidant flow path P6 is positioned at the approximate center 3M of the first cover member 3, and the discharge port O6 that communicates with the oxidant flow path P6 faces the other end 3D of the first cover member 3. positioned.
  • the inlet I7 communicated with the oxidant flow path P7 is located on the one end 3C side of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the outlet O5.
  • the discharge port O7 communicated with the oxidant flow path P7 is located at the approximate center 3M of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the introduction port I5.
  • the introduction port I8 communicating with the oxidant channel P8 is located on the other end 3D side of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the discharge port O6.
  • the discharge port O8 communicating with the oxidant flow path P8 is located at the approximate center 3M of the first cover member 3 and is adjacent to the introduction port I6.
  • the oxygen concentration supplied over the entire cathode 161 and the cathode 162 is averaged, and it becomes possible to stably obtain a high output.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a first configuration example of the fuel cell 1 according to the second embodiment.
  • the fuel cell 1 includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 10, a fuel supply mechanism 30 corresponding to an example of fuel supply means, a cover member 40, and a pressurization mechanism 50 corresponding to an example of pressurization means. ing.
  • MEA membrane electrode assembly
  • the membrane electrode assembly 10 has a configuration in which an electrolyte membrane 17 is disposed between an anode (fuel electrode) 13 and a cathode (air electrode or oxidant electrode) 16.
  • a plurality of anodes 13 are arranged on one surface 17A of the electrolyte membrane 17.
  • the anode 13 includes an anode catalyst layer 11 disposed on one surface 17 A of the electrolyte membrane 17, and an anode gas diffusion layer 12 laminated on the anode catalyst layer 11.
  • a plurality of cathodes 16 are arranged on the other surface 17C of the electrolyte membrane 17.
  • the cathode 16 has a cathode catalyst layer 14 disposed on the other surface 17C of the electrolyte membrane 17, and a cathode gas diffusion layer 15 laminated on the cathode catalyst layer 14.
  • the electrolyte membrane 17 is formed of a material having proton (hydrogen ion) conductivity.
  • One cell as a power generation element is composed of one anode 13 and one cathode 16 facing each other with the electrolyte membrane 17 interposed therebetween.
  • the membrane electrode assembly 10 has a configuration in which a plurality of cells are arranged in a plane.
  • the current collector 18 includes a base insulating layer BF, an anode current collector 18A, and a cathode current collector 18C.
  • the anode current collector 18A is disposed on the base insulating layer BF.
  • the cathode current collector 18C is disposed on the base insulating layer BF.
  • the anode current collector 18A and the cathode current collector 18C are disposed on the same surface of the base insulating layer BF.
  • the current collector 18 has a structure in which the current collector 18 is folded in half and the membrane electrode assembly 10 is sandwiched. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure.
  • the anode current collector 18A is stacked on the anode gas diffusion layer 12.
  • the anode current collector 18A is formed with an opening 18AH that enables supply of fuel necessary for power generation reaction toward the anode 13.
  • the cathode current collector 18C is stacked on the cathode gas diffusion layer 15.
  • the cathode current collector 18C is capable of supplying oxygen necessary for the power generation reaction toward the cathode 16, and discharges gases such as carbon dioxide and excess water vapor generated during the power generation reaction to the outside.
  • a possible opening 18CH is formed.
  • the membrane electrode assembly 10 includes rubber O-rings sandwiched between one surface 17A of the electrolyte membrane 17 and the current collector 18 and between the other surface 17C of the electrolyte membrane 17 and the current collector 18. It is sealed by a sealing member 19 such as. Thereby, fuel leakage and oxidant leakage from the membrane electrode assembly 10 are prevented.
  • the electrolyte membrane 17 may be provided with one or a plurality of gas discharge holes (not shown). Such gas discharge holes are not in contact with the anode catalyst layer 11 and the cathode catalyst layer 14 and are formed at positions corresponding to the inner side surrounded by the seal member 19.
  • the fuel supply mechanism 30 supplies fuel toward the anode 13 of the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • the fuel supply mechanism 30 is disposed on the anode 13 side of the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • Such a fuel supply mechanism 30 is connected to the fuel storage portion 5 that stores the liquid fuel F via the flow path 6.
  • the liquid storage unit 5 stores liquid fuel F corresponding to the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • the liquid fuel F include methanol fuels such as methanol aqueous solutions having various concentrations and pure methanol.
  • the liquid fuel F is not necessarily limited to methanol fuel.
  • the liquid fuel F may be, for example, an ethanol fuel such as an ethanol aqueous solution or pure ethanol, dimethyl ether, formic acid, or other liquid fuel F.
  • the fuel containing portion 5 contains the liquid fuel F corresponding to the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • a pump 7 is interposed in the flow path 6 between the fuel storage unit 5 and the fuel supply mechanism 30.
  • the pump 7 forcibly sends the liquid fuel F stored in the fuel storage unit 5 to the fuel supply mechanism 30 and is not a circulation pump for circulating the fuel.
  • the fuel supplied to the fuel supply mechanism 30 is supplied toward the membrane electrode assembly 10 and used for the power generation reaction, and is not circulated thereafter and returned to the fuel storage unit 5.
  • the type of the pump 7 is not particularly limited, but a pump that can feed a small amount of liquid fuel F with good controllability and can be reduced in size and weight is preferable.
  • Such a pump 7 is operated based on a signal sent from a control board (not shown), and is controlled so as to keep the temperature of the membrane electrode assembly 10 substantially constant.
  • the fuel supply mechanism 30 applied in the second embodiment is not limited to a specific configuration as long as it is configured to supply fuel to the anode 13 of the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • an example of the fuel supply mechanism 30 will be described.
  • the fuel supply mechanism 30 disperses and diffuses the fuel in the surface direction of the container 31 formed in a box shape and the anode 13 of the membrane electrode assembly 10 (that is, the direction in the XY plane in the figure).
  • the fuel distribution plate 32 is supplied while being supplied.
  • the fuel distribution plate 32 is disposed in a recess formed inside the container 31.
  • the fuel distribution plate 32 is formed in a flat plate shape.
  • the fuel distribution plate 32 has a plurality of fuel discharge ports 33 formed therein. Such a fuel distribution plate 32 discharges the liquid fuel supplied from the fuel storage portion 5 to the fuel introduction port of the container 31 toward the anode 13 from the fuel discharge port 33.
  • the fuel supply mechanism 30 separates the liquid fuel and its vaporized component between the fuel distribution plate 32 and the anode 13 of the membrane electrode assembly 10 and allows the vaporized component to permeate toward the membrane electrode assembly 10.
  • Various film members 34 such as a gas-liquid separation membrane, a diffusion plate for diffusing liquid fuel in the surface direction, and a diaphragm plate for controlling the supply amount of the liquid fuel are arranged.
  • the cover member 40 is disposed on the cathode 16 side of the membrane electrode assembly 10. That is, the membrane electrode assembly 10 is held between the fuel supply mechanism 30 and the cover member 40. Such a cover member 40 forms a space SP above the cathode 16.
  • an example of the cover member 40 will be described.
  • the cover member 40 includes a pressing member 41 and a box-shaped enclosure member 42 that forms a space SP between the pressing member 41.
  • a pressing member 41 and a box-shaped enclosure member 42 that forms a space SP between the pressing member 41.
  • the cover member 40 is configured by the pressing member 41 and the surrounding member 42 will be described. However, these may be integrated or may have other configurations. .
  • the pressing member 41 is formed in a plate shape, for example.
  • the pressing member 41 has a plurality of openings 41H. These openings 41 ⁇ / b> H are all located above the cathode 16 and are for supplying an oxidizing agent such as air from the space SP toward the cathode 16.
  • a plate-like body 20 made of an insulating material having air permeability is disposed between the pressing member 41 and the current collector 18.
  • This plate-like body 20 mainly functions as a moisture retaining layer. That is, the plate-like body 20 is impregnated with a part of the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 14 to suppress water evaporation, and the cathode catalyst layer 14 of the oxidizing agent taken in from the opening 41H of the pressing member 41. The amount of water taken up is adjusted and uniform diffusion of the oxidant is promoted.
  • the surrounding member 42 is disposed so as to surround the pressing member 41, and all the opening portions 41 ⁇ / b> H are located inside the surrounding member 42.
  • the surrounding member 42 is connected to the pressing member 41, and no gap is formed between the surrounding member 42 and the pressing member 41.
  • Such an enclosing member 42 is formed with an oxidant introduction hole 42A and an oxidant discharge hole 42B.
  • One or more oxidant introduction holes 42A and oxidant discharge holes 42B are formed.
  • the pressurizing mechanism 50 seals the space SP formed by the cover member 40 and forms a sealed space that seals the cathode 16. Moreover, the pressurizing mechanism 50 maintains the pressure of the oxidant in the space SP supplied to the cathode 16 at a positive pressure (that is, a state where the pressure in the space SP is higher than the pressure outside the cover member 40). Is.
  • the pressurizing mechanism 50 includes an oxidant introduction mechanism 51 that introduces an oxidant toward the space SP, and an oxidant discharge mechanism 52 that discharges the oxidant from the space SP.
  • the pressure inside the space SP is adjusted by the introduction mechanism 51 and the oxidant discharge mechanism 52.
  • the oxidant introduction mechanism 51 is connected to an oxidant introduction hole 42 ⁇ / b> A formed in the enclosure member 42.
  • Such an oxidant introduction mechanism 51 has a function of forcibly sending an oxidant into the space SP and pressurizing the oxidant inside the space SP.
  • Such an oxidant introduction mechanism 51 includes, for example, an air pump (particularly, a piezoelectric type pump that can supply a necessary oxidant flow rate and pressure), a blower, and the like.
  • the oxidant discharge mechanism 52 is connected to an oxidant discharge hole 42 ⁇ / b> B formed in the enclosure member 42.
  • Such an oxidant discharge mechanism 52 has a function of adjusting the discharge pressure in the oxidant discharge hole 42B and adjusting the inside of the space SP to a desired pressure. Further, the oxidant discharge mechanism 52 has a function of maintaining the pressure inside the space SP at a positive pressure.
  • Such an oxidant discharge mechanism 52 includes, for example, a pressure adjustment valve, a pressure holding valve, and the like.
  • the pressurizing mechanism 50 was adjusted such that the pressure loss and flow rate on the side of the oxidant discharge hole 42B were 10 mAq, and the oxidant utilization rate was 10% or more.
  • the space 41 that encloses the opening 41H for taking in the oxidizing agent on the cathode 16 side of the membrane electrode assembly 10 and seals the cathode 16 is formed, and the cathode is formed in the space SP.
  • the pressing member 41 in which the opening 41H is formed is surrounded by the surrounding member 42, and the space formed by the pressing member 41 and the surrounding member 42. Since the oxidant of SP is supplied toward the cathode 16, a decrease in output due to the blockage of the opening 41 ⁇ / b> H is prevented, and the oxidant is stably supplied to the cathode 16 regardless of changes in the state of the outside air. Is possible.
  • the fuel cell 1 of the first configuration example can obtain output characteristics with little variation as a power source of a cordless portable device such as a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a portable audio, and a portable game machine.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the fuel cell 1 according to the second embodiment.
  • the fuel cell 1 in this configuration example includes the preheating chamber 60 on the back side of the fuel supply mechanism 30, that is, on the side opposite to the side on which the membrane electrode assembly 10 is disposed. It is different from the battery 1.
  • points different from the first configuration example will be described in detail, and description of the same configuration as the first configuration example will be omitted.
  • the preheating chamber 60 communicates with the space SP for supplying the oxidant to the cathode 16 and preheats the oxidant before being introduced into the space SP by the heat on the anode 13 side.
  • a preheating chamber 60 is formed, for example, inside a second enclosure member 62 that encloses the back surface of the container 31 constituting the fuel supply mechanism 30.
  • a second enclosing member 62 may be formed integrally with the container 31 or may be formed by a part of a housing (not shown).
  • the second enclosure member 62 is formed with a second oxidant introduction hole 62A and a second oxidant discharge hole 62B. One or more of these second oxidant introduction holes 62A and second oxidant discharge holes 62B are formed.
  • the pressurizing mechanism 50 seals the space SP formed on the cathode 16 side and the preheating chamber 60 formed on the anode 13 side, and forms a sealed space including the space SP and the preheating chamber 60 communicating with each other. is there. Moreover, the pressurizing mechanism 50 maintains the pressure of the oxidizing agent in the space SP supplied to the cathode 16 at a positive pressure, as in the first configuration example.
  • the pressurization mechanism 50 includes an oxidant introduction mechanism 51 that introduces an oxidant toward the preheating chamber 60, and an oxidant discharge mechanism 52 that discharges the oxidant from the space SP.
  • the mechanism 51 and the oxidant discharge mechanism 52 adjust the pressure inside the space SP.
  • the oxidant introduction mechanism 51 is connected to a second oxidant introduction hole 62 ⁇ / b> A formed in the second enclosure member 62.
  • the oxidant discharge mechanism 52 is connected to an oxidant discharge hole 42 ⁇ / b> B formed in the enclosure member 42.
  • the preheating chamber 60 and the space SP are connected via a manifold 70. That is, one end 71 of the manifold 70 is connected to the second oxidant discharge hole 62 ⁇ / b> B of the second enclosure member 62. The other end 72 of the manifold 70 is connected to the oxidant introduction hole 42 ⁇ / b> A of the enclosure member 42.
  • the oxidant introduced into the preheating chamber 60 by the oxidant introduction mechanism 51 is preheated before being introduced into the space SP by the heat on the anode side generated by the power generation reaction of the membrane electrode assembly 10. For this reason, the oxidizing agent introduced into the space SP from the preheating chamber 60 has a relatively high temperature (for example, higher than the outside air). As a result, a relatively high temperature oxidant is supplied to the cathode 16, and the temperature of the reaction section can be kept at an appropriate temperature especially when the outside air temperature is low.
  • the preheating chamber 60 is provided on the anode 13 side, so that the oxidant supplied to the cathode 16 is preheated before being introduced into the space SP. For this reason, in the structure which made the oxidizing agent supplied to the cathode 16 in the space SP into the positive pressure, it contributes to the rise in the reaction temperature at the cathode 16. Further, since the preheating chamber 60 is configured to preheat the oxidant introduced using the heat of the heat generating part of the fuel cell 1, it can be cooled by the oxidant introduced with the heat generating part. Furthermore, since the heat generating portion of the fuel cell 1 is not exposed, safety and reliability can be improved.
  • the change in power density with time was measured.
  • the operation was performed for a predetermined time by controlling the surface temperature of the membrane electrode assembly 10 to be constant, and the output density was measured.
  • a fuel cell 1 in which the oxidant discharge mechanism 52 is eliminated from the fuel cell 1 of the first configuration example and the oxidant discharge hole 42B is opened is prepared, and pressure loss at the oxidant discharge hole 42B is applied. The operation was performed under similar control, and the power density was measured.
  • FIG. 17 is a graph showing measurement results of the change with time of the output density in the fuel cell 1 of the second embodiment and the change with time of the output density in the fuel cell of the comparative example.
  • the output density was improved as compared with the fuel cell 1 of the first configuration example, and that the stability over time could be maintained.
  • the fuel cell of the comparative example it takes time until the power density increases, and the power density as high as the fuel cell of the first configuration example cannot be obtained at the maximum, and the power density further decreases with time. Was confirmed.
  • the oxidant flow path P formed on the inner surface of the first cover member 3, that is, the surface on the side where the cathode 16 of the membrane electrode assembly 10 is formed is the second embodiment.
  • the pressurization mechanism 50 includes an oxidant introduction mechanism 51 that introduces an oxidant toward the oxidant flow path P, and an oxidant discharge mechanism 52 that discharges the oxidant from the oxidant flow path P.
  • the oxidant introduction mechanism 51 and the oxidant discharge mechanism 52 can adjust the pressure in the oxidant flow path.
  • the introduction port and the discharge port communicated with the oxidant flow path P in the first embodiment correspond to the oxidant introduction hole and the oxidant discharge hole in the second embodiment, respectively.
  • the oxidant introduction mechanism 51 is connected to the introduction port, and the oxidant discharge mechanism is connected to the discharge port.
  • the preheating chamber 60 described in the second configuration example of the second embodiment may be applied.
  • the preheating chamber 60 and the oxidant flow path can be connected via the manifold 70.
  • the oxidant introduction mechanism 51 is connected to an introduction port formed in the preheating chamber 60, and the oxidant discharge mechanism 52 is connected to a discharge port communicating with the oxidant flow path P.
  • the fuel cell 1 of each embodiment described above is effective when various liquid fuels are used, and the type and concentration of the liquid fuel are not limited.
  • the fuel supply mechanism 30 that supplies fuel while being dispersed in the plane direction is particularly effective when the fuel concentration is high.
  • the fuel cell 1 of each embodiment can exhibit its performance and effects particularly when methanol having a concentration of 80 wt% or more is used as the liquid fuel. Therefore, each embodiment is suitable for the fuel cell 1 using a methanol aqueous solution having a methanol concentration of 80 wt% or more or pure methanol as a liquid fuel.
  • this embodiment can be applied to various fuel cells using liquid fuel.
  • the specific configuration of the fuel cell, the supply state of the fuel, and the like are not particularly limited, and all of the fuel supplied to the MEA is liquid fuel vapor, all is liquid fuel, or part is liquid state. Various forms such as vapor of supplied liquid fuel can be applied.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
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  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
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  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

L'invention concerne une pile à combustible qui est caractéristique en ce qu'elle est équipée : d'un ensemble d'électrode à membrane possédant une membrane électrolytique, une première et une seconde anodes disposées selon un intervalle sur l'une des faces de ladite membrane électrolytique, une première cathode disposée sur l'autre face de ladite membrane électrolytique et faisant face à ladite première anode, et une seconde cathode disposée selon un intervalle par rapport à ladite première anode aussi sur l'autre face de ladite membrane électrolytique et faisant face à ladite seconde anode; d'un mécanisme d'alimentation en combustible disposé côté formation desdites première et seconde anodes dudit ensemble d'électrode à membrane, et qui alimente en combustible lesdites première et seconde anodes; et d'un élément de couverture disposé côté formation desdites première et seconde cathodes dudit ensemble d'électrode à membrane, et qui possède des trajets d'écoulement d'oxydant formés chacun indépendamment au dessus desdites première et seconde cathodes sur une face orientée côté formation desdites première et seconde cathodes.
PCT/JP2011/060431 2010-05-07 2011-04-28 Pile à combustible Ceased WO2011138927A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2010-107593 2010-05-07
JP2010107593A JP2011238409A (ja) 2010-05-07 2010-05-07 燃料電池
JP2010275404A JP2012124085A (ja) 2010-12-10 2010-12-10 燃料電池
JP2010-275404 2010-12-10

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WO2011138927A1 true WO2011138927A1 (fr) 2011-11-10

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002110199A (ja) * 1995-12-08 2002-04-12 California Inst Of Technol 直接供給式メタノール燃料電池
JP2004071259A (ja) * 2002-08-02 2004-03-04 Toshiba Corp 燃料電池装置
WO2008105272A1 (fr) * 2007-02-28 2008-09-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Batterie de pile à combustible
JP2008282672A (ja) * 2007-05-10 2008-11-20 Toshiba Corp 燃料電池及びその製造方法
JP2009295439A (ja) * 2008-06-05 2009-12-17 Toshiba Corp 燃料電池

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002110199A (ja) * 1995-12-08 2002-04-12 California Inst Of Technol 直接供給式メタノール燃料電池
JP2004071259A (ja) * 2002-08-02 2004-03-04 Toshiba Corp 燃料電池装置
WO2008105272A1 (fr) * 2007-02-28 2008-09-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Batterie de pile à combustible
JP2008282672A (ja) * 2007-05-10 2008-11-20 Toshiba Corp 燃料電池及びその製造方法
JP2009295439A (ja) * 2008-06-05 2009-12-17 Toshiba Corp 燃料電池

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