JPH11273704A - Fuel cell apparatus - Google Patents

Fuel cell apparatus

Info

Publication number
JPH11273704A
JPH11273704A JP10072414A JP7241498A JPH11273704A JP H11273704 A JPH11273704 A JP H11273704A JP 10072414 A JP10072414 A JP 10072414A JP 7241498 A JP7241498 A JP 7241498A JP H11273704 A JPH11273704 A JP H11273704A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
water
fuel cell
tank
drain
water supply
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.)
Pending
Application number
JP10072414A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Akira Fujio
昭 藤生
Katsuyuki Makihara
勝行 槇原
Tatsuji Hatayama
龍次 畑山
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.)
Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
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
Application filed by Sanyo Electric Co Ltd filed Critical Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority to JP10072414A priority Critical patent/JPH11273704A/en
Publication of JPH11273704A publication Critical patent/JPH11273704A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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

Landscapes

  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To exhaust water in a fuel cell apparatus to the outside according to weather conditions after finishing operation, thus preventing the apparatus from freezing. SOLUTION: After finishing the operation of a fuel cell system, when a freezing preventing button is pushed, a temperature sensor judges whether atmospheric temperature is less than freezing temperature (degree of frost) or not. If it is less than freezing temperature, a solenoid valve 122 and a solenoid valve 50 are opened, and a circulation pump 46 is driven for constant time. By opening the solenoid valve 122, a main tank 20 communicates with the atmosphere, and water is exhausted from the solenoid valve 50 installed in the bottom of the main tank 20. The circulation pump 46 is driven, water collected in a water supply pipe 40, a fuel cell module 18, and a water exhaust pipe 44 is returned to the main tank 20. Water in a water circulation line in the fuel cell system is exhausted to the outside through the main tank 20. Therefore, water to be frozen does not exist, and the breakage of the system can be prevented.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、水素燃料を大気中
の酸素と電気的に反応させ、電気エネルギーを発生する
燃料電池装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel cell device for generating electrical energy by electrically reacting hydrogen fuel with atmospheric oxygen.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】固体高分子形燃料電池では、供給した燃
料のもつ化学エネルギーがすべて電気エネルギーに変換
されるわけではなく、多くの場合、半分以上の化学エネ
ルギーが熱エネルギーに変換される。2. Description of the Related Art In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, not all chemical energy of supplied fuel is converted into electric energy, and in many cases, more than half of chemical energy is converted into heat energy.

【０００３】この発生した熱を固体高分子形燃料電池の
外に排出するため、燃料電池装置では、貯水タンクから
給水管を通じて水を固体高分子形燃料電池の燃料流通路
へ供給することにより、高分子イオン交換膜を湿潤させ
ると共に固体高分子形燃料電池を冷却し、また、消費さ
れない水は排水管を通じて貯水タンクへ排水させてい
る。In order to discharge the generated heat to the outside of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a fuel cell device supplies water from a water storage tank to a fuel flow passage of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell through a water supply pipe. The polymer ion exchange membrane is moistened and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell is cooled, and unconsumed water is drained to a water storage tank through a drain pipe.

【０００４】このような構成の燃料電池装置が、寒冷地
の屋外に設置され、一定時間運転されないと、固体高分
子形燃料電池、貯水タンク、給水管、及び排水管の中に
滞留した水が凍結し、運転不能となったり、水が凍結す
る際の膨張圧で装置が破損する恐れがある。If the fuel cell device having such a configuration is installed outdoors in a cold region and is not operated for a certain period of time, water remaining in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the water storage tank, the water supply pipe, and the drain pipe is discharged. It may freeze and become inoperable, or the device may be damaged by the expansion pressure when the water freezes.

【０００５】[0005]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】本発明は上記事実を考
慮し、水が凍結することによる不都合を回避できる燃料
電池装置を提供することを課題とする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and has as its object to provide a fuel cell device that can avoid inconvenience caused by freezing of water.

【０００６】[0006]

【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１に記載の発明で
は、固体高分子形燃料電池が、燃料ガス中の水素を水の
介在の基に大気中の酸素と電気化学的に反応させて電気
エネルギーを発生する。固体高分子形燃料電池には、タ
ンクの水が給水手段で給水され冷却される。また、余分
な水は固体高分子形燃料電池から排水手段を通じてタン
クへ排水される。According to the first aspect of the present invention, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrochemically reacts hydrogen in a fuel gas with oxygen in the atmosphere by intervening water. Generates electrical energy. The water in the tank is supplied to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell by water supply means and cooled. Excess water is drained from the polymer electrolyte fuel cell to a tank through drainage means.

【０００７】この燃料電池装置には、水抜き手段が設け
られており、運転終了後、水抜き手段を操作すると、固
体高分子形燃料電池、タンク、給水手段、及び排水手段
に滞留する水が外部へ排出される。[0007] The fuel cell device is provided with a water draining means. When the water draining means is operated after the operation is completed, water remaining in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the tank, the water supply means, and the drainage means is discharged. It is discharged outside.

【０００８】このため、燃料電池装置を寒冷地の屋外に
設置し、一定時間運転を停止しても、凍結する水が存在
しないので、運転不能となったり、装置が破損するよう
なことがない。For this reason, even if the fuel cell device is installed outdoors in a cold region and the operation is stopped for a certain period of time, since there is no water to be frozen, the operation is not disabled or the device is not damaged. .

【０００９】請求項２に記載の発明では、水抜き手段
が、タンクに設けられた水抜き弁と、タンクに設けられ
た空気弁と、外気温を検出する温度検出手段と、燃料電
池装置の運転終了時に温度検出手段からの信号に基づ
き、水抜き弁及び空気弁を開放すると共に、給水手段を
所定時間駆動させる制御手段と、で構成されている。According to the second aspect of the present invention, the drainage means includes a drainage valve provided in the tank, an air valve provided in the tank, a temperature detection means for detecting an outside air temperature, and a fuel cell device. Control means for opening the drain valve and the air valve based on a signal from the temperature detecting means at the end of the operation and driving the water supply means for a predetermined time.

【００１０】すなわち、燃料電池装置の運転終了時に、
温度検出手段が、水が凍結するような外気温を検出する
と、制御手段に信号を発する。これにより、制御手段
が、水抜き弁及び空気弁を開放すると共に、給水手段を
所定時間駆動させる。このため、タンク内の水は水抜き
弁を通じて排出され、また、給水手段、固体高分子形燃
料電池、及び排水手段の中の水は強制的にタンクへ還流
され水抜き弁から外部へ排出される。That is, at the end of operation of the fuel cell device,
When the temperature detecting means detects an outside air temperature at which the water freezes, it sends a signal to the control means. Thus, the control means opens the drain valve and the air valve and drives the water supply means for a predetermined time. Therefore, the water in the tank is discharged through the drain valve, and the water in the water supply means, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, and the drain means is forcibly returned to the tank and discharged from the drain valve to the outside. You.

【００１１】このように、気象条件に応じて、自動的に
水抜きを行うように設定することで、取り扱いミスがな
くなり、装置の信頼性が高まる。As described above, by setting the automatic drainage in accordance with the weather conditions, handling errors are eliminated and the reliability of the apparatus is improved.

【００１２】請求項３に記載の発明では、水抜き手段
が、タンクに設けられた水抜き弁と、タンクに設けられ
た空気弁と、外気温を検出する温度検出手段と、給水手
段と水抜き弁とを接続するバイパス管と、運転終了後、
温度検出手段からの信号に基づき、水抜き弁及び空気弁
を開放する制御手段と、で構成されている。According to the third aspect of the present invention, the drainage means includes a drainage valve provided in the tank, an air valve provided in the tank, a temperature detection means for detecting an outside air temperature, a water supply means, and a water supply means. Bypass pipe connecting the drain valve and after the end of operation,
Control means for opening the drain valve and the air valve based on a signal from the temperature detecting means.

【００１３】すなわち、燃料電池装置の運転終了時に、
温度検出手段が、水が凍結するような外気温を検出する
と、制御手段に信号を発する。これにより、制御手段
が、水抜き弁及び空気弁を開放する。このため、タンク
内の水は水抜き弁を通じて排出され、また、固体高分子
形燃料電池、及び排水手段の中の水は重力の作用で落水
しタンクを通じて外部へ排出される。さらに、給水手段
の中の水は、重力の作用でバイパス管を通り水抜き弁か
ら外部へ排出される。That is, at the end of operation of the fuel cell device,
When the temperature detecting means detects an outside air temperature at which the water freezes, it sends a signal to the control means. Thereby, the control means opens the drain valve and the air valve. For this reason, the water in the tank is discharged through the drain valve, and the water in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell and the drainage means is dropped by the action of gravity and discharged to the outside through the tank. Further, the water in the water supply means is discharged to the outside from the drain valve through the bypass pipe by the action of gravity.

【００１４】このように、パイパス管を設けることで、
請求項２の発明のように、給水手段を所定時間駆動する
必要がなくなる。Thus, by providing the bypass pipe,
It is not necessary to drive the water supply means for a predetermined time as in the invention of claim 2.

【００１５】請求項４に記載の発明では、水抜き手段
が、タンクに設けられた水抜き弁と、タンクに設けられ
た空気弁と、給水手段と水抜き弁とを接続するバイパス
管と、運転終了後、前記水抜き弁及び前記空気弁を開放
させる水抜きスイッチと、で構成されている。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the drainage means includes: a drainage valve provided in the tank; an air valve provided in the tank; a bypass pipe connecting the water supply means and the drainage valve; And a drain switch for opening the drain valve and the air valve after the operation is completed.

【００１６】この構成では、運転終了後、水抜きスイッ
チをオンするだけで、水抜き弁及び空気弁が開放され、
装置内の水が外部へ排出されるようになっており、シス
テムを単純化することができる。In this configuration, after the operation is completed, the drain valve and the air valve are opened only by turning on the drain switch,
Since the water in the device is discharged to the outside, the system can be simplified.

【００１７】[0017]

【発明の実施の形態】図１及び図２に示すように、第１
形態に係る燃料電池装置１０は、防水処理された箱状の
収納ケース１２に格納されている。収納ケース１２は、
上下３段に仕切られており、上段には、制御装置１４と
サブタンク１６が収納されている。また、収納ケース１
２の中段には、燃料電池モジュール１８が、さらに、下
段には、メインタンク２０とインバータ２２が収納され
ている。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIGS.
The fuel cell device 10 according to the embodiment is stored in a box-shaped storage case 12 that has been subjected to a waterproof treatment. The storage case 12 is
The control device 14 and the sub tank 16 are housed in the upper stage. In addition, storage case 1
The fuel cell module 18 is housed in the middle part of the unit 2, and the main tank 20 and the inverter 22 are housed in the lower part.

【００１８】また、水素ボンベ２４は、収納ケース１２
の前面に収納され、扉１２Ａを開放することにより、簡
単に取り替えることができる。The hydrogen cylinder 24 is provided in the storage case 12.
And can be easily replaced by opening the door 12A.

【００１９】図３及び図４に示すように、燃料電池モジ
ュール１８は、高分子イオン交換膜（図示省略）の表面
にカソード３０を、裏面にアノード２６を接合した電極
／高分子膜接合体を備えている。この電極／高分子膜接
合体をバイポーラプレートで挟み込んでセル３２を構成
し、このセル３２を複数枚（本例では５０枚）積層し
て、燃料電池モジュール１８を構成している。As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fuel cell module 18 has an electrode / polymer membrane assembly in which a cathode 30 is joined to the surface of a polymer ion exchange membrane (not shown) and an anode 26 is joined to the back surface. Have. The cell 32 is formed by sandwiching the electrode / polymer membrane assembly between the bipolar plates, and a plurality of (in this example, 50) cells 32 are stacked to form the fuel cell module 18.

【００２０】また、燃料電池モジュール１８の上方に
は、継手管３８が接続されており、後述するメインタン
ク２０から給水管４０を介して、燃料電池モジュール１
８へ水が供給される。この水は、燃料電池モジュール１
８を、冷却し又高分子イオン交換膜を湿潤させる役割を
果たす。A connection pipe 38 is connected above the fuel cell module 18, and is connected to the fuel cell module 1 via a water supply pipe 40 from a main tank 20 described later.
Water is supplied to 8. This water is supplied to the fuel cell module 1
8 serves to cool and wet the polymeric ion exchange membrane.

【００２１】一方、燃料電池モジュール１８の下方に
は、Ｌ字状の継手管４２が取付けられている。継手管４
２には、排水管４４が接続され、燃料電池モジュール１
８から水を排出する構成である。On the other hand, below the fuel cell module 18, an L-shaped joint pipe 42 is attached. Fitting tube 4
2 is connected to a drain pipe 44 and the fuel cell module 1
8 discharges water.

【００２２】図２に示すように、排水管４４は、密閉さ
れたメインタンク２０の天壁２０Ａを貫通し、貯水され
た水Ｗと天壁２０Ａとの間に形成された気相部Ａに至っ
ている。このように、排水管４４の下流口を水Ｗの中に
入れず、落水させる方式を採ることで排水管４４内の水
が完全にメインタンク２０内へ還流する。As shown in FIG. 2, the drain pipe 44 penetrates through the top wall 20A of the closed main tank 20, and is connected to the gas phase portion A formed between the stored water W and the top wall 20A. Has reached. In this way, the water in the drain pipe 44 is completely recirculated into the main tank 20 by adopting a method of dropping water without entering the downstream port of the drain pipe 44 into the water W.

【００２３】また、メインタンク２０の側壁の下方に
は、給水管４０が接続されている。そして、循環ポンプ
４６により、冷却フィルター４８（図３参照）を通じ
て、燃料電池モジュール１８へ水が給水される。さら
に、メインタンク２０の底壁には、制御装置１４で開閉
される水抜き用の電磁弁５０が設けられている。A water supply pipe 40 is connected below the side wall of the main tank 20. Then, water is supplied to the fuel cell module 18 by the circulation pump 46 through the cooling filter 48 (see FIG. 3). Further, on the bottom wall of the main tank 20, an electromagnetic valve 50 for draining which is opened and closed by the control device 14 is provided.

【００２４】一方、図３及び図４に示すように、収納ケ
ース１２の上段に収納されたサブタンク１６は、補充パ
イプ５２を通じて、メインタンク２０と接続されてい
る。補充パイプ５２には、送水ポンプ５４及び電磁弁５
６が配設されており、一定時間毎或いはメインタンク２
０の底部に備えられた水位センサ５８からの信号を受け
て、サブタンク１６から純水をメインタンク２０へ補充
する。On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sub tank 16 stored in the upper stage of the storage case 12 is connected to the main tank 20 through a refill pipe 52. The water supply pump 54 and the solenoid valve 5
6 are provided, at regular time intervals or in the main tank 2
In response to a signal from a water level sensor 58 provided at the bottom of the tank 0, pure water is replenished from the sub tank 16 to the main tank 20.

【００２５】また、電磁弁５６の上方には、空気抜きパ
イプ１２０が接続され、メインタンク２０と連通してい
る。この空気抜きパイプ１２０には、制御装置１４で開
閉される空気抜き用の電磁弁１２２が設けられている。An air vent pipe 120 is connected above the solenoid valve 56 and communicates with the main tank 20. The air vent pipe 120 is provided with an air vent solenoid valve 122 that is opened and closed by the control device 14.

【００２６】次に、本形態に係る燃料電池装置の作用を
説明する。図１に示す、操作盤８２の運転・停止ボタン
８４を押すと、燃料電池装置１０が起動し、図４に示す
ように、水素ボンベ２４からレギュレータ６０、電磁弁
６２を経て、圧力が低下された水素ガスが燃料電池モジ
ュール１８のアノード２６へ供給される。Next, the operation of the fuel cell device according to this embodiment will be described. When the start / stop button 84 of the operation panel 82 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, the fuel cell device 10 is started, and the pressure is reduced from the hydrogen cylinder 24 through the regulator 60 and the solenoid valve 62 as shown in FIG. The hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode 26 of the fuel cell module 18.

【００２７】アノード２６へ水素が供給されると、水素
は電子を放出して水素イオンとなり、高分子イオン交換
膜の中を水と共に移動する。この移動した水素イオン
は、カソード３０に達し、多翼ファン６４により外部か
ら供給された空気中の酸素と反応して水を生成する。こ
の結果、アノード２６から外部回路を通じて電子が流
れ、直流の電力が発生する。When hydrogen is supplied to the anode 26, the hydrogen emits electrons to become hydrogen ions, and moves with the water in the polymer ion exchange membrane. The transferred hydrogen ions reach the cathode 30 and react with oxygen in the air supplied from the outside by the multiblade fan 64 to generate water. As a result, electrons flow from the anode 26 through an external circuit, and DC power is generated.

【００２８】このとき、水素イオンが高分子イオン交換
膜の中を抵抗なく移動できるように、メインタンク２０
から給水管４０を通じて燃料電池モジュール１８へ水が
給水され、高分子イオン交換膜が湿潤状態が保たれると
共に、燃料電池モジュール１８の冷却が行われる。そし
て、消費されなかった水は、重力で継手管４２に至る。At this time, the main tank 20 is moved so that hydrogen ions can move through the polymer ion exchange membrane without resistance.
The water is supplied to the fuel cell module 18 through the water supply pipe 40 to keep the polymer ion exchange membrane wet and to cool the fuel cell module 18. Then, the water that has not been consumed reaches the joint pipe 42 by gravity.

【００２９】この継手管４２には、４本の排水管４４が
接続されており、独立した排水系を構成しており、燃料
電池モジュール１８から水を確実にメインタンク２０へ
還流させることができる。Four drain pipes 44 are connected to the joint pipe 42 to form an independent drain system, and water can be reliably returned from the fuel cell module 18 to the main tank 20. .

【００３０】一方、燃料電池モジュール１８へ供給され
反応しなかった微量の水素ガスは、配管６８を通じてメ
インタンク２０の気相部Ａへ送られる。このメインタン
ク２０は密閉されており、ここへ案内された微量の水素
ガスは、水素排気管７６を通じてニードル弁７２を経
て、混合器７４に至る。また、燃料電池モジュール１８
へ供給され反応しなかった空気は、空気排気管７７を通
じて、混合器７４に至る。混合器７４では、微量の水素
ガスが空気により充分に希釈されてから大気に放出され
る。On the other hand, a small amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell module 18 and not reacted is sent to the gas phase portion A of the main tank 20 through the pipe 68. The main tank 20 is sealed, and a small amount of hydrogen gas guided to the main tank 20 passes through a hydrogen exhaust pipe 76, passes through a needle valve 72, and reaches a mixer 74. The fuel cell module 18
The unreacted air supplied to the mixer reaches the mixer 74 through the air exhaust pipe 77. In the mixer 74, a trace amount of hydrogen gas is sufficiently diluted with air and then released to the atmosphere.

【００３１】また、燃料電池モジュール１８で消費され
た水が蒸発し、メインタンク２０の水位が下がると、底
部に設けられた水位センサ５８が、制御装置１４へ信号
を送る。制御装置１４は、電磁弁５６を開き、送水ポン
プ５４を駆動して、サブタンク１６に貯水された純水を
補充パイプ５２を通じて、メインタンク２０へ送り、連
続運転を可能とする。When the water consumed in the fuel cell module 18 evaporates and the water level in the main tank 20 drops, a water level sensor 58 provided at the bottom sends a signal to the control device 14. The control device 14 opens the electromagnetic valve 56 and drives the water supply pump 54 to send the pure water stored in the sub tank 16 to the main tank 20 through the replenishment pipe 52, thereby enabling continuous operation.

【００３２】一方、燃料電池モジュール１８で発電した
直流電力はインバータ２２を構成する、ＤＣ／ＤＣコン
バータ９４で所定の電圧に変換され、ＡＣ／ＤＣインバ
ータ９６で直流から交流へ変換され、交流出力端子９８
へ送られ、一定の交流電力を供給する。また、本形態の
固体高分子形燃料電池１０は、自己完結タイプであり、
外部から電力が供給されない。On the other hand, the DC power generated by the fuel cell module 18 is converted to a predetermined voltage by a DC / DC converter 94 constituting the inverter 22, and is converted from DC to AC by an AC / DC inverter 96, and the AC output terminal 98
To supply constant AC power. Further, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 of the present embodiment is a self-contained type,
No power is supplied from outside.

【００３３】このため、起動時に使用する電力源である
２次電池７８を備えている。この２次電池７８は、充電
回路８０により、発電時の余剰電力によって充電される
ようになっている。For this purpose, a secondary battery 78 as a power source used at the time of starting is provided. The secondary battery 78 is charged by the charging circuit 80 with surplus power at the time of power generation.

【００３４】次に、図５のフローチャートを参照して、
凍結防止運転モードを説明する。操作盤８２の運転・停
止ボタン８４（図１参照）を再度押して、燃料電池装置
１０の運転を終了させた後、ステップ２００で、凍結防
止ボタン１２６を押すと、凍結防止運転モードに切り替
わる。Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The antifreeze operation mode will be described. After the operation of the fuel cell device 10 is terminated by pressing the operation / stop button 84 (see FIG. 1) of the operation panel 82 again, when the antifreeze button 126 is pressed in step 200, the operation mode is switched to the antifreeze operation mode.

【００３５】次に、ステップ２０２において、収納ケー
ス１２の外側に設けられた温度センサ１２４で外気温が
凍結温度（氷点下）以下かどうか判断される。肯定され
ると、ステップ２０４で電磁弁１２２と電磁弁５０が開
放され、ステップ２０６で循環ポンプ４６が一定時間駆
動される。Next, in step 202, it is determined by the temperature sensor 124 provided outside the storage case 12 whether or not the outside air temperature is below the freezing temperature (below the freezing point). If affirmative, in step 204, the solenoid valve 122 and the solenoid valve 50 are opened, and in step 206, the circulation pump 46 is driven for a predetermined time.

【００３６】電磁弁１２２を開放することで、メインタ
ンク２０が大気と通じ、メインタンク２０の底に設けら
れた電磁弁５０から水が排出される。また、循環ポンプ
４６が駆動して、給水管４０、燃料電池モジュール１
８、及び排水管４４に滞留した水がメインタンク２０へ
還流される。By opening the solenoid valve 122, the main tank 20 communicates with the atmosphere, and water is discharged from the solenoid valve 50 provided at the bottom of the main tank 20. Further, the circulation pump 46 is driven, and the water supply pipe 40, the fuel cell module 1
8, and the water retained in the drain pipe 44 is returned to the main tank 20.

【００３７】これによって、燃料電池装置１０内の水循
環系内の水がメインタンク２０を通じて外部へ排出され
る。このため、凍結する水が存在しなくなり、運転不能
となったり、装置が破損するようなことがなくなる。Thus, the water in the water circulation system in the fuel cell device 10 is discharged to the outside through the main tank 20. For this reason, there is no water to be frozen, so that operation becomes impossible and the device is not damaged.

【００３８】次に、第２形態に係る燃料電池装置を説明
する。第２形態では、図６及び図７に示すように、給水
管４０に配置された循環ポンプ４６の吐出口側が、バイ
パスパイプ１２８で電磁弁５０が設けられた水抜き管１
３０に接続されている。このバイパスパイプ１２８は下
り勾配となっており、重力で水が流れるようになってい
る。また、バイパスパイプ１２８の管径は、給水管４０
の管径より十分小さくされており（本例では、１０：１
の比率としている）、燃料電池装置１３３の運転時に
は、メインタンク２０の水が流れ難い設計となってい
る。Next, a fuel cell device according to a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the discharge port side of the circulation pump 46 disposed in the water supply pipe 40 is connected to the drain pipe 1 provided with the solenoid valve 50 by the bypass pipe 128.
30. The bypass pipe 128 has a downward slope so that water flows by gravity. The diameter of the bypass pipe 128 is
(In this example, 10: 1)
When the fuel cell device 133 is operated, the water in the main tank 20 is difficult to flow.

【００３９】次に、第２形態の作用を説明する。第１形
態と同様に、第２形態でも、操作盤８２の運転・停止ボ
タン８４を再度押して、燃料電池装置１０の運転を終了
させ、凍結防止ボタン１２６を押すと、凍結防止モード
に切り替わるようになっている。Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. Similarly to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the operation / stop button 84 of the operation panel 82 is pressed again to terminate the operation of the fuel cell device 10, and when the antifreeze button 126 is pressed, the mode is switched to the antifreeze mode. Has become.

【００４０】次に、収納ケース１２の外側に設けられた
温度センサ１２４で外気温が凍結温度（氷点下）以下か
どうか判断される。肯定されると、電磁弁１２２と電磁
弁５０が開放される。Next, it is determined by the temperature sensor 124 provided outside the storage case 12 whether or not the outside air temperature is below the freezing temperature (below the freezing point). If so, the solenoid valve 122 and the solenoid valve 50 are opened.

【００４１】これにより、メインタンク２０が大気と通
じ、メインタンク２０の底に設けられた電磁弁５０から
水が排出される。また、燃料電池モジュール１８及び排
水管４４に滞留した水は、重力の作用でメインタンク２
０に落水して、電磁弁５０から排水される。一方、給水
管４０に滞留した水は重力でバイパスパイプ１２８へ流
れ込み、電磁弁５０を通じて直接外部へ排出される。Thus, the main tank 20 communicates with the atmosphere, and water is discharged from the solenoid valve 50 provided at the bottom of the main tank 20. Further, the water retained in the fuel cell module 18 and the drain pipe 44 is separated from the main tank 2 by the action of gravity.
The water drops to 0 and is drained from the solenoid valve 50. On the other hand, the water retained in the water supply pipe 40 flows into the bypass pipe 128 by gravity, and is directly discharged to the outside through the electromagnetic valve 50.

【００４２】このように、バイパスパイプ１２８を設け
ることで、第１形態のように、循環ポンプ４６を駆動さ
せる必要がなくなるので、ランニングコストを低減でき
る。By providing the bypass pipe 128 in this manner, it is not necessary to drive the circulation pump 46 as in the first embodiment, so that the running cost can be reduced.

【００４３】次に、第３形態に係る燃料電池装置を説明
する。第３形態では、操作盤８２の運転・停止ボタン８
４を再度押して、燃料電池装置１０の運転を終了させた
後、オペレータの判断（今夜は氷点化になる天気予報が
出ている等）で水抜きスイッチ１３２（図１参照）をオ
ンするようになっている。Next, a fuel cell device according to a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the start / stop button 8 on the operation panel 82
After pressing the button 4 again to terminate the operation of the fuel cell device 10, the drain switch 132 (see FIG. 1) is turned on at the discretion of the operator (for example, when the weather forecast for freezing tonight appears). Has become.

【００４４】この水抜きスイッチ１３２がオンされる
と、タイマー制御で電磁弁１２２と電磁弁５０が所定時
間（メインタンク２２の容量で設定される）開放され、
第２形態と同様に、燃料電池装置の水循環系内の水が外
部へ排出される。When the drain switch 132 is turned on, the solenoid valve 122 and the solenoid valve 50 are opened for a predetermined time (set by the capacity of the main tank 22) by timer control.
As in the second embodiment, water in the water circulation system of the fuel cell device is discharged to the outside.

【００４５】この構成では、運転終了後、水抜きスイッ
チ１３２をオンするだけで、燃料電池装置内の水が外部
へ排出されるようになっているので、システム構成をシ
ンプルにすることができる。なお、電磁弁５０、１２２
を手動式の弁として、水抜きをすることも考えられる
が、ある程度自動的に行う方が取り扱いミスがなくな
る。In this configuration, the water in the fuel cell device is discharged to the outside only by turning on the drain switch 132 after the operation is completed, so that the system configuration can be simplified. The solenoid valves 50, 122
It is conceivable to drain the water as a manual valve, but handling it to some extent automatically eliminates handling errors.

【００４６】[0046]

【発明の効果】本発明は上記構成としたので、運転終了
後に、気象条件に応じて、燃料電池装置内の水が外部へ
排出されるので、水が凍結して、燃料電池装置が故障す
るようなことがない。According to the present invention, since the water in the fuel cell device is discharged to the outside according to weather conditions after the operation is completed, the water freezes and the fuel cell device breaks down. There is no such thing.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】第１形態に係る燃料電池装置の外観図である。FIG. 1 is an external view of a fuel cell device according to a first embodiment.

【図２】第１形態に係る燃料電池装置の内部を見た断面
図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the fuel cell device according to the first embodiment.

【図３】第１形態に係る燃料電池装置の水循環系の概略
斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a water circulation system of the fuel cell device according to the first embodiment.

【図４】第１形態に係る燃料電池装置のブロック図であ
る。FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a fuel cell device according to a first embodiment.

【図５】第１形態に係る燃料電池装置の作用を示すフロ
ーチャートである。FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the fuel cell device according to the first embodiment.

【図６】第２形態に係る燃料電池装置の内部を見た断面
図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of a fuel cell device according to a second embodiment.

【図７】第２形態に係る燃料電池装置の水循環系の概略
斜視図である。FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a water circulation system of a fuel cell device according to a second embodiment.

【符号の説明】 １４ 制御装置（制御手段） １８ 燃料電池モジュール（固体高分子形燃料電池） ２０ メインタンク（タンク） ４０ 給水管（給水手段） ４２ 継手管（排水手段） ４６ 循環ポンプ（給水手段、水抜き手段） ４４ 排水管（排水手段） ５０ 電磁弁（水抜き弁、水抜き手段） １２２ 電磁弁（空気弁、水抜き手段） １２４ 温度センサ（温度検出手段） １２８ バイパス管（水抜き手段） １３２ 水抜きスイッチ（水抜き手段）[Description of Signs] 14 Control device (control means) 18 Fuel cell module (polymer electrolyte fuel cell) 20 Main tank (tank) 40 Water supply pipe (water supply means) 42 Joint pipe (drainage means) 46 Circulation pump (water supply means) , Draining means) 44 drain pipe (draining means) 50 solenoid valve (drain valve, draining means) 122 solenoid valve (air valve, draining means) 124 temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 128 bypass pipe (draining means) 132 132 Drain switch (drain means)

Claims (4)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 燃料ガス中の水素を水の介在の基に大気
中の酸素と電気化学的に反応させて電気エネルギーを発
生する固体高分子形燃料電池と、 前記固体高分子形燃料電池へタンクの水を給水する給水
手段と、 前記固体高分子形燃料電池の水を前記タンクへ排水する
排水手段と、 前記固体高分子形燃料電池、前記タンク、前記給水手
段、及び前記排水手段に滞留する水を排出する水抜き手
段と、を有することを特徴とする燃料電池装置。1. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell that generates electric energy by electrochemically reacting hydrogen in a fuel gas with oxygen in the atmosphere based on the presence of water, and Water supply means for supplying water from a tank; drainage means for draining water from the polymer electrolyte fuel cell to the tank; staying in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the tank, the water supply means, and the drainage means And a draining means for discharging water. 【請求項２】 前記水抜き手段が、前記タンクに設けら
れた水抜き弁と、前記タンクに設けられた空気弁と、外
気温を検出する温度検出手段と、運転終了後、前記温度
検出手段からの信号に基づき、前記水抜き弁及び前記空
気弁を開放すると共に、前記給水手段を所定時間駆動さ
せる制御手段と、で構成されたことを特徴とする請求項
１に記載の燃料電池装置。2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the drainage unit includes a drain valve provided in the tank, an air valve provided in the tank, a temperature detection unit that detects an outside air temperature, and the temperature detection unit after the operation is completed. 2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for opening the drain valve and the air valve based on a signal from the controller and driving the water supply means for a predetermined time. 【請求項３】 前記水抜き手段が、前記タンクに設けら
れた水抜き弁と、前記タンクに設けられた空気弁と、外
気温を検出する温度検出手段と、前記給水手段と前記水
抜き弁とを接続するバイパス管と、運転終了後、前記温
度検出手段からの信号に基づき、前記水抜き弁及び前記
空気弁を開放する制御手段と、で構成されたことを特徴
とする請求項１に記載の燃料電池装置。3. The water draining means includes a water drain valve provided in the tank, an air valve provided in the tank, a temperature detecting means for detecting an outside air temperature, the water supply means, and the water drain valve. And a control means for opening the drain valve and the air valve based on a signal from the temperature detection means after the operation is completed. The fuel cell device according to claim 1. 【請求項４】 前記水抜き手段が、前記タンクに設けら
れた水抜き弁と、前記タンクに設けられた空気弁と、前
記給水手段と前記水抜き弁とを接続するバイパス管と、
運転終了後、前記水抜き弁及び前記空気弁を開放させる
水抜きスイッチと、で構成されたことを特徴とする請求
項１に記載の燃料電池装置。4. A drain pipe provided in the tank, an air valve provided in the tank, a bypass pipe connecting the water supply means and the drain valve, and
The fuel cell device according to claim 1, further comprising: a drain switch for opening the drain valve and the air valve after the operation is completed.
JP10072414A 1998-03-20 1998-03-20 Fuel cell apparatus Pending JPH11273704A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP10072414A JPH11273704A (en) 1998-03-20 1998-03-20 Fuel cell apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP10072414A JPH11273704A (en) 1998-03-20 1998-03-20 Fuel cell apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH11273704A true JPH11273704A (en) 1999-10-08

Family

ID=13488611

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Link
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