JP4454221B2 - Ion removal filter for fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ion removal filter for a fuel cell that removes impurities in a fluid flowing in a circuit of the fuel cell, and more particularly to a fuel cell ion for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PFPC) mounted on a moving body such as an automobile. It relates to a removal filter.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A fuel cell directly converts chemical energy of hydrogen (H2) into electrical energy without going through a combustion process. Small-capacity engines are expected to be high-efficiency power sources for next-generation automobiles because they have high energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional gasoline engines, diesel engines, etc., and low cost and compactness. ing.
[0003]
Pure water, ethylene glycol water, or the like is used for cooling the fuel cell circuit or humidifying the solid polymer ion exchange membrane and the reformer. When these fluids circulate in the circuit of the fuel cell, impurity conductive ions enter and elute into the fluid from the outside air, components, etc., and the purity of the fluid decreases. For this reason, an ion removal filter for removing impurities in the fluid is incorporated in the circuit so that the purity of the fluid can be maintained.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The ion removal filter incorporated in the circuit of the fuel cell belongs to a new technical field and has not been developed so much.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell ion removal filter suitable for incorporation in a fuel cell circuit.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention will be described below. In addition, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the reference number of an accompanying drawing is attached in parenthesis writing, However, This invention is not limited to the form of illustration.
[0007]
The invention of claim 1 is a fuel cell ion removal filter for removing impurities of a fluid flowing in a circuit of a fuel cell used as a power source of an automobile , wherein the fluid inlet (6) and outlet (7). And a replaceable cartridge (11) that is incorporated in the case (9) and filled with an ion exchange resin (19) , and the fluid includes the plurality of cartridges (11). The plurality of cartridges (11) are arranged in parallel to the fluid flow so that they can pass simultaneously, and each of the inflow holes (11a) formed at the lower ends of the plurality of cartridges (11) has the case ( 9) before the ion exchange resin (19) is formed in series along a direction orthogonal to the fluid flow in the space filled with the ion exchange resin (19) and provided in the case (9). The outflow holes (11b) connected to the inflow passages (12) connected to the inflow ports (6) and formed at the upper ends of the plurality of cartridges (11) are provided in the outflow ports provided in the case (9). The length (L) in the flow direction of the space connected to the outflow passage (13) connected to (7) and filled with the ion exchange resin (19) is the lateral width (D The above-described problems are solved by an ion removal filter for a fuel cell, which is smaller than
[0008]
The inlet and outlet of the fuel cell ion removal filter are connected to piping in the circuit using a clamp, a joint, or the like. Since ion exchange resins have a reduced ability to remove impurities when used, they need to be replaced periodically. According to the present invention, the ion exchange resin can be easily replaced by simply replacing the cartridge.
[0010]
According to this invention, for each cartridge, the type of resin (for example, the material of the resin, or the properties of the resin such as fibrous or granular), the polarity of the resin (for example, anode, cathode), the ratio of the polarity of the resin (for example, resin of the anode The mixing ratio of the resin and the cathode resin), the flow rate, etc. can be changed. For this reason, an ion exchange resin can be optimally combined according to characteristics, such as a fluid flow rate and a kind of impurity. Further, by arranging the plurality of cartridges in parallel with the fluid flow, for example, the flow resistance can be reduced as compared with the case where the cartridges are arranged in series in the flow direction. Here, since the ion removal filter for a fuel cell is generally provided in a circulation circuit, even if the cartridges are arranged in parallel, the fluid flows through all the cartridges while the fluid is circulating. For this reason, impurities can be removed in substantially the same manner as when arranged in series.
[0012]
According to the present invention, the fluid passes through the plurality of cartridges simultaneously.
[0014]
Since the ion exchange resin provides flow resistance, pressure loss occurs when the fluid passes through the ion exchange resin. When the L / D of the ion exchange resin (L: length of the ion exchange resin in the flow direction, D: lateral width of the ion exchange resin in the direction orthogonal to the flow) is large, the pressure loss tends to increase. According to the present invention, since L / D can be reduced to 1 or less, pressure loss can be reduced.
[0015]
A second aspect of the present invention is the ion removal filter for a fuel cell according to the first aspect, characterized in that the fluid flows in the ion exchange resin (19) from a substantially vertically downward direction to a vertically upward direction. To do.
[0016]
According to the present invention, since the flow direction changes from vertically downward to vertically upward, the fluid passes through the ion exchange resin in a state where fluid is accumulated in the cartridge. For this reason, there exists an advantage that the whole width of the ion exchange resin in the direction orthogonal to a flow can be used. On the other hand, for example, when the flow direction is changed from vertically upward to vertically downward, the flow path of the fluid may be formed at, for example, the central portion of the ion exchange resin, particularly when the flow rate is small, and the surrounding portion of the ion exchange resin may not be used. There is.
[0017]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ion removal filter for a fuel cell according to the first or second aspect , the cartridge (11) includes a cartridge body (15) filled with the ion exchange resin (19), and the ion. Between the pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters (16, 16) provided at both ends of the exchange resin (19) in the fluid flow direction, and the pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters (16, 16), And an urging member (17) for applying a compressive force to the ion exchange resin (19).
[0018]
While the ion exchange resin is being used, a phenomenon occurs that it becomes thin (that is, the resin particles become smaller). As a result, the ion exchange resin becomes faint and a space is created inside. When the space is generated, for example, the anode and the cathode of the ion exchange resin in which the anode and the cathode are mixed are separated due to the difference in specific gravity. According to the present invention, since a compression force is applied to the ion exchange resin by the pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters, it is possible to prevent a space from being generated in the ion exchange resin. Separation into the anode can be prevented. Further, when the ion removal filter for a fuel cell is mounted on a moving body such as an automobile, it is possible to prevent the ion exchange resin from sticking due to vibration. Further, for example, when the fluid flows in the ion exchange resin from the substantially lower vertical direction to the upper vertical direction, it is possible to prevent the ion exchange resin from sticking.
[0019]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ion removal filter for a fuel cell according to the third aspect , wherein the cartridge body (15), the ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter (16) constituting the cartridge (11), and the attached filter. The urging member (17) is made of the same resin material.
[0020]
According to this invention, since the cartridge components are the same material, a cartridge excellent in recyclability can be obtained.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a humidifying system for a fuel cell according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a circuit diagram of a fuel cell system (for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PFPC) system) in which an ion removal filter for a fuel cell according to the present invention is incorporated. This fuel cell system uses methanol as fuel, reforms methanol into hydrogen in the reformer 1, supplies the reformed hydrogen and air to the fuel cell main body 2 to cause an electrochemical reaction, and the battery main body 2 generates chemical energy. Is converted into electrical energy. This fuel cell system is mainly contained in methanol so that hydrogen can be supplied to the battery body circuit for causing an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the battery body 2 and to the fuel electrode 2a of the battery body 2. A reforming circuit for reacting methane gas with water vapor to reform the methane gas into hydrogen, an air introduction circuit for supplying air to the air electrode 2b of the battery body 2, and cooling the battery body 2 A cooling circuit for maintaining the moisture of the solid polymer ion exchange membrane in the main body 2.
[0022]
The fuel cell ion removal filter 3a is incorporated in a cooling circuit in which cooling water (denoted as EG in the figure) in which pure water and ethylene glycol are mixed, for example, and removes impurities contained in the cooling water. In addition, another ion removal filter 3b for a fuel cell is incorporated in a circuit in which pure water is sent from the pure water tank 4 in which pure water after the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is stored to the reformer 1, and is contained in the pure water. Impurities contained are removed. The capacities of the fuel cell ion removal filters 3a and 3b are variously set according to the flow rate and the amount of impurities. The circuit into which the fuel cell ion removal filters 3a and 3b of the present invention are incorporated is not limited to these circuits as long as it is a fuel cell circuit.
[0023]
2 and 3 show fuel cell ion removal filters 3a and 3b in an embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows an exploded perspective view with the cover 5 removed, and FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view. As shown in this figure, the ion removal filters 3a and 3b for a fuel cell are replaced with a case 9 having a fluid inlet 6 and an outlet 7 and a case 9 that is incorporated in the case 9 and filled with an ion exchange resin. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) cartridges 11. FIG. 2 shows a state where one of the cartridges 11 is removed.
[0024]
The case 9 includes a case main body 8 in which the cartridges 11 are incorporated, and a cover 5 that is detachably attached to the case main body 8. The ion exchange resin is also replaced by simply removing the cover 5 from the case body 8 and replacing the cartridges 11. An inflow port 6 is formed in the lower part of the case body 8, and an outflow port 7 is formed in the cover 5. These inlet 6 and outlet 7 are connected to piping in the circuit through joints and clamps. The fluid flows into the case 9 from the inlet 6 at the bottom of the case 9, flows from the bottom to the top, and flows out from the outlet 7 of the cover 5.
[0025]
A plurality of cylindrical cartridge storage spaces 8a... Are formed in the case body 8 according to the number of cartridges 11. The lower part of the cartridge storage space 8a ... is connected to an inflow passage 12 connected to the inlet (see FIG. 3), and the upper part of the cartridge storage space 8a ... is connected to an outlet 7 provided in the cover 5. 13 is connected. The case body 8 and the cover 5 are detachably combined by fastening means such as bolts. The inside of the case 9 is sealed by a seal member 14 provided on the case body 8 or the cover 5. The case main body 8 is divided into a main body lower case 8b provided with an inflow passage 12 and a main body central case 8c into which the cartridges 11 are inserted.
[0026]
The cover 5 is provided with an air vent plug 20. When the fluid is first flowed into the case 9, the plug 20 is opened and the air is extracted.
[0027]
In each of the plurality of cartridge storage spaces 8a, a plurality of cartridges 11 are stored interchangeably. The plurality of cartridges 11 are arranged in parallel to the fluid flow so that the fluid can pass through the plurality of cartridges 11 at the same time. That is, each of the lower inlets 11a of the plurality of cartridges 11 is connected to the inflow passage 12 connected to the inlet 6, and each of the outlets 11b of the plurality of cartridges 11 is connected to the outlet 7. Connected to the outflow passage 13.
[0028]
The cartridge 11 includes a substantially cylindrical cartridge body 15 filled with an ion exchange resin 19, a pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters 16 and 16 provided at both ends of the ion exchange resin in the fluid flow direction, and a pair. And an urging member 17 for applying a compressive force to the ion exchange resin between the ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters 16 and 16 (see also FIG. 6).
[0029]
In order to prevent fluid from flowing into a gap provided between the outer periphery of the cartridge main body 15 and the wall surface constituting the cartridge storage space 8a at the upper and lower ends of the outer periphery of the cylindrical cartridge main body 15, a seal member 18 is provided. , 18 are attached.
[0030]
The ion exchange resin 19 filled in the cartridge 11 is made of, for example, a resin that captures any one of OH groups, H groups, Na groups, and Cl groups, and the impurities in the fluid are replaced by these impurities. Remove. The type of ion exchange resin stored in each cartridge 11 will be described later.
[0031]
The ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters 16, 16 provided at the upper and lower ends of the ion exchange resin 19 have such a roughness that the fluid flows but prevents the ion exchange resin 19 from flowing out. The ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter 16 includes a disk-shaped plate 21 in which a fluid passage is formed, and a filtration filter attached to the plate 21. The flow rate of the fluid flowing through the cartridge 11 is adjusted by changing the area of the fluid passage of the plate 21.
[0032]
The upper ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter 16 is fixed to the cartridge main body 15, and the lower ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter 16 is slidably disposed in the cartridge main body 15. Further, an elastic member 22 made of rubber rubber such as silicon is attached to the upper ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter 16 so that the cartridge 11 can be held at a predetermined position of the case body 8 by the cover 5 (see FIG. 2).
[0033]
The urging member 17 for applying a compressive force to the ion exchange resin includes a coil spring, a leaf spring, and the like, and urges the slidable lower ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter 16 toward the ion exchange resin.
[0034]
While the ion exchange resin 19 is being used, a phenomenon occurs in which it thins (that is, the resin particles become smaller). As a result, the ion exchange resin 19 becomes faint, and a space is generated inside. When the space is generated, for example, the anode and the cathode of the ion exchange resin in which the anode and the cathode are mixed are separated due to the difference in specific gravity. According to this embodiment, since the compressive force is applied to the ion exchange resin 19 by the biasing member 17, it is possible to prevent a space from being generated in the ion exchange resin. Can be prevented from separating. Further, even when the fuel cell ion removal filters 3a and 3b are mounted on a moving body such as an automobile, it is possible to prevent the ion exchange resin 19 from being damaged by vibration.
[0035]
FIG. 4 shows the space filled with the ion exchange resin 19 in the case and the flow of fluid in the ion exchange resin. In the figure, (A) shows an example in which a conventional general ion exchange resin is placed horizontally, and (B) in the figure shows the ion exchange resin divided into a plurality of parts in parallel according to this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the length (L) in the flow direction of the space filled with the ion exchange resin is set smaller than the lateral width (D) in the direction orthogonal to the flow. When a fluid is flowed in the horizontal direction in an example in which a conventional general ion exchange resin is placed horizontally, the L / D becomes about 2.76, for example. On the other hand, when the ion exchange resin is placed horizontally as in the present embodiment and divided into a plurality of parts and the fluid is flowed in the vertical direction, L / D becomes 1 or less.
[0036]
Since the ion exchange resin 19 becomes a flow resistance, a pressure loss occurs when the fluid passes through the ion exchange resin 19. When the L / D of the ion exchange resin 19 is large, the pressure loss tends to increase. As in this embodiment, the pressure loss can be reduced by reducing L / D to 1 or less.
[0037]
FIG. 5 shows the types of ion exchange resins 19 filled in the plurality of cartridges 11. In this example, for example, the cartridge A is filled with a fibrous positive ion exchange resin, the cartridge B is filled with a granular negative ion exchange resin, and the cartridge C is filled with a granular negative ion exchange resin. By arranging a plurality of cartridges 11 in parallel, the type of resin (for example, the property of resin such as fiber or granular), the polarity of the resin (for example, anode, cathode), the ratio of the polarity of resin (for example, anode) The mixing ratio of the resin and the cathode resin), the flowing flow rate, etc. can be changed. For this reason, the ion exchange resin 19 can be optimally combined according to characteristics such as the flow rate of the fluid and the type of impurities. For example, a fibrous resin has good efficiency for removing impurities, but costs high. The granular material is advantageous in terms of cost, but the efficiency of removing impurities is inferior. The ion exchange resin 19 to be filled in the cartridge 11 can be determined by comprehensively considering these.
[0038]
FIG. 6 shows parts and materials constituting the cartridge. As shown in this figure, the cartridge main body 15 constituting the cartridge, the pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters 16, the cut filter 25 provided below the resin spring, and the urging member 17 are made of the same resin material, for example, polypropylene ( PP). According to this embodiment, the cartridge components other than the ion exchange resin and the O-ring are made of the same material PP, and thus a cartridge excellent in recyclability can be obtained.
[0039]
FIG. 7 shows the direction in which the fluid flows in the ion exchange resin 19. In the figure, (A) shows a comparative example that flows from top to bottom, and (B) in the figure shows an example of this embodiment that flows from bottom to top. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, the fluid flows in the ion exchange resin from the substantially lower vertical direction to the upper vertical direction.
[0040]
According to this embodiment, since the direction of fluid flow is from bottom to top, the fluid gradually accumulates in the cartridge (see (B-1) and (B-2) in the figure), and the fluid has accumulated. The fluid passes through the ion exchange resin. For this reason, there exists an advantage that the whole width of the ion exchange resin 19 in the direction orthogonal to a flow can be used. On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the flow direction is changed from the top to the bottom, the flow path of the fluid is formed at, for example, the central portion of the ion exchange resin 19 when the flow rate is particularly small. The surrounding area of the exchange resin may not be used.
[0041]
FIG. 8 also shows the direction of fluid flow through the ion exchange resin. In the figure, (A) shows a comparative example that flows in the horizontal direction, and (B) in the figure shows an example of this embodiment that flows from bottom to top. When the fluid is flowed in the horizontal direction as shown in (A) in the figure, if the flow rate is small, the fluid may not flow through the upper part of the ion exchange resin 19 and the upper part of the ion exchange resin 19 may not be usable.
[0042]
FIG. 9 shows another example of a cartridge incorporated in an ion removal filter for a fuel cell. The cartridge 11 in this example also has a substantially cylindrical cartridge body 15 filled with the ion exchange resin 19 and a pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters 16 and 16 provided at both ends of the ion exchange resin in the fluid flow direction. And an urging member 17 for applying a compressive force to the ion exchange resin 19 between the pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters 16 and 16. Since the cartridge main body 15 and the ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter 16 have substantially the same structure as the cartridge described above, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted. In this example, a plate spring is used as the biasing member 17 instead of the coil spring. Thus, the urging member 17 is not limited to a coil spring or the like as long as it can apply a compressive force to the ion exchange resin.
[0043]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the number of cartridges 11 is not limited to three, and may be used in various combinations such as four or five depending on the flowing fluid and impurities. 10 and 11 show an example in which four cartridges are combined as an example. Further, by enlarging the space other than the cartridges 11 of the fuel cell ion removal filters 3a, 3b, for example, the inflow passage 12 or the outflow passage 13, the fuel cell ion removal filters 3a, 3b are integrated with the tank in the circuit. It may be configured. Furthermore, the inflow port 6 and the outflow port 7 may not be provided in each of the case main body 8 and the cover 5 but may be provided in only one of them.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, an ion removal filter for a fuel cell is constituted by a case having a fluid inlet and outlet and a cartridge that is incorporated in the case and filled with an ion exchange resin. Therefore, the ion exchange resin can be easily replaced by simply replacing the cartridge.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a fuel cell system in which an ion removal filter for a fuel cell according to the present invention is incorporated.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an ion removal filter for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell ion removal filter.
FIG. 4 shows a space filled with an ion exchange resin in a case and a flow of fluid in the ion exchange resin ((A) in the figure shows an example in which a conventional general ion exchange resin is placed horizontally, (B) shows the ion-exchange resin divided into a plurality in parallel according to this embodiment.)
FIG. 5 is a view showing types of ion exchange resins filled in a plurality of cartridges.
FIG. 6 is a view showing components and materials constituting the cartridge.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the direction in which the fluid flows in the ion exchange resin ((A) in the figure shows a comparative example that flows from top to bottom, and (B) in the figure shows this embodiment that flows from bottom to top) Example).
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the direction of fluid flow in the ion exchange resin ((A) in the figure shows a comparative example in which the fluid flows in the horizontal direction, and (B) in the figure shows an example of the present embodiment in which the fluid flows from the bottom to the top) Showing).
FIG. 9 is a view showing another example of a cartridge incorporated in an ion removal filter for a fuel cell.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an ion removal filter for a fuel cell in which four cartridges are combined.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell ion removal filter in which the four cartridges are combined.
[Explanation of symbols]
6 ... Inlet 7 ... Outlet 9 ... Case 11 ... Cartridge 11a ... Cartridge Inlet 11b ... Cartridge Outlet 13 ... Outlet Passage 15 ... Cartridge Main Body 16 ... Ion Exchange Resin Outflow Filter 17 ... Energizing Member 19 ... Ion Exchange resin

Claims (4)

An ion removal filter for a fuel cell that removes impurities in a fluid flowing in a circuit of a fuel cell used as a power source for an automobile ,
A case having a fluid inlet and outlet;
A replaceable cartridge that is built into the case and filled with an ion exchange resin ;
The plurality of cartridges are arranged in parallel to the fluid flow so that the fluid can pass through the plurality of cartridges simultaneously,
Each of the inflow holes formed at the lower ends of the plurality of cartridges is formed in series along a direction orthogonal to the fluid flow in the space filled with the ion exchange resin of the case, and is provided in the case. Connected to the inflow passage connected to the inlet,
Each of the outflow holes formed in the upper ends of the plurality of cartridges is connected to an outflow passage connected to the outflow port provided in the case,
An ion removal filter for a fuel cell, wherein a length (L) in a flow direction of a space filled with the ion exchange resin is smaller than a lateral width (D) in a direction orthogonal to the flow . 2. The fuel cell ion removal filter according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flows in the ion exchange resin from a substantially vertically downward direction to a vertically upward direction. The cartridge is
A cartridge body filled with the ion exchange resin;
A pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filters provided at both ends of the ion exchange resin in the fluid flow direction;
Wherein between a pair of ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter, fuel cell ion removal filter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a biasing member for applying a compressive force to the ion exchange resin. 4. The ion removal filter for a fuel cell according to claim 3 , wherein the cartridge main body, the ion exchange resin outflow prevention filter, and the urging member constituting the cartridge are made of the same resin material. 5.

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