Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02594128 2009-02-24
Description
INTEGRATED PIPING PLATE
This application is filed as a division of Canadian Patent
Application Serial No. 2,434,090, filed January 31, 2002, and which
is the Canadian National Phase application of International
Application No. PCT/JP02/00756, filed January 31, 2002.
Technical Field
This invention relates to an integrated piping plate for
use in a fixed unit incorporating piping, wiring, etc. into an
apparatus, or a unit integrated so as to be transportable, and a
machining method for the integrated piping plate, a machining
apparatus for the integrated piping plate, and machining
equipment for the integrated piping plate.
Background Art
An integrated piping plate is used as a subsystem for a
fixed unit incorporating piping, wiring, etc. into an apparatus,
or a transportable integrated unit, and is mainly responsible for
controlling the supply, discharge, etc. of a fluid used in the
above units.
The above units are composed of various instruments,
components, piping, wiring, and so on. Large and small piping
lines are provided complicatedly everywhere in order that liquids
or gases with various properties, temperatures and pressures
continuously flow among these instruments, etc. Sensors and
control instruments for control of the
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apparatus are also provided, and many necessary
interconnections for them are laid. With devices of which
downsizing including weight reduction, in particular, is
required, efforts are made to arrange numerous instruments,
components, piping, etc. highly densely in a narrow space.
An integrated piping plate is applied as means for
constructing a fixed unit incorporating piping, wiring, etc.
into an apparatus, or a transportable integrated unit.
FIGS. 50A and 50B show an example of a
configurational drawing of a conventional integrated
piping plate.
As shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B, the conventional
integrated piping plate is composed of plates 521, 524
having grooves 531 and communication holes 534 machined
therein, and complicated channels such as the grooves 531
are formed by casting. The grooves 531 may be formed by
other methods, including cutting with an end mill, a milling
machine, or a drilling machine. In a surface of the plate
521 in contact with the plate 524, the grooves 531 having
predetermined sectional areas suitable for the velocities
of the corresponding fluids and having suitable directions
and lengths corresponding to the locations of the
communication holes 534 are formed as channels connecting
instruments 525 and components 525a arranged on the plate
524. Thus, the instruments 525 and the components 525a are
brought into communication by the communication holes 534.
The grooves 531 and the communication holes 534 are in charge
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of the function of piping through which f luids or gases f low.
The plate 521 and plate 524 machined by the above
method are joined by an adhesive so as to seal the grooves
531. Concretely, joining surfaces of the plates 521 and
524 are coated with the adhesive, and then bolts 526 are
screwed into tapped holes 528 of the plate 521 through bolt
holes 527 of the plate 524. Pressure is imposed on the
plates 521 and 524 thereby in a direction in which they are
joined together. Further, the plates are heated for
bonding so that the grooves 531 are sealed.
The instruments 525 and components 525a arranged
on the plate 524 are mounted by screwing bolts (not shown)
Into tapped holes 529 of the plate 524 via a sealing material.
These instruments 525 and components 525a control the fluid
flowing into the grooves 531 through the communication
holes 534. Pipe connectors 522 for supplying and
discharging the fluid are mounted on the plate 521 to supply
and discharge the fluid to and from the instruments 525 and
components 525a through the grooves 531 and communication
holes 534.
Such an integrated piping plate is disclosed, for
example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1974-13651.
With the above-described conventional integrated
piping plate, the plates constituting the integrated piping
plate are cast into shape by simple molds, or shaped by
cutting. Thus, portions which will give excess weight
remain, posing problems about weight reduction and
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downsizing of the integrated piping plate. In order for
the grooves to function as channels for fluids, there is
need for the step of performing surface treatment of the
groove portions, but this is not a method suitable for mass
production.
Also, the adhesive is used for joining of the plates.
This results in a low work efficiency, and is not very
suitable for mass production. The bolts for fixing of the
plates impede the downsizing of the integrated piping
plate.
The excess wall thickness of the plate is present
around the grooves having the function of piping. Thus,
even when the fluid flowing through the grooves is to be
cooled via the plate, it is difficult to raise the cooling
efficiency.
In addition to the above problem, the integrated
piping plate according to the present invention constitutes,
for example, part of a fuel cell power generation system.
Technical requirements f or the integrated piping plate are
volume production and low cost as in the case of the. fuel
cell power generation system. Further, downsizing
including weight reduction, and a good response in
controlling are demanded. Prompt volume production and
cost reduction are demanded of the system by the market.
There are not a few problems in fulfilling the requirements
associated with future demand, such as actual volume
production and cost reduction.
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Thus, in view of the above circumstances, the
present invention has as an object the provision of an
integrated piping plate for apparatuses such as a fuel cell
power generation system, the integrated piping plate whose
assembly is facilitated by incorporating complicated
piping and some components and wiring into the plate, and
which is safe and permits downsizing of the apparatus.
It is another object of the invention to provide
a machining method, a machining apparatus, and machining
equipment for an integrated piping plate capable of
improving the durability and pressure resistance of a plate
joining portion, increasing work efficiency, and achieving
further downsizing.
The invention also provides an integrated piping
plate and a machining method for it, which can realize volume
production and cost reduction, and achieve downsizing
including weight reduction.
Disclosure of the Invention
A first invention for solving the above-mentioned
problems is an integrated piping plate composed of two or
more plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
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formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or
a plurality of the integrated piping plates are provided,
and
a corrosion-proof layer is formed on a surface of
each of the grooves.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
first invention, the channels corresponding to the
conventional piping are present in the integrated piping
plate, and the entire apparatus such as the fuel cell power
generation system can be easily modularized, and downsized.
Moreover, it suffices to assemble the respective
constituent instruments and components to predetermined
positions, and there is no need for a complicated pipe laying
operation in a narrow space. Thus, the assembly work is
easy and the work efficiency is increased. Furthermore,
there are few seams, reducing the risk of fluid leakage.
Since the corrosion-proof layer is formed on the surface
of the groove, moreover, corrosion by the fluid flowing
through the groove is prevented by the corrosion-proof
layer, so that the life of the integrated piping plate can
be prolonged.
The integrated piping plate of a second invention
is the integrated piping plate of the first invention,
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wherein
the corrosion-proof layer is also formed on the
joining surface of each of the plates.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
second invention, the corrosion-proof layer is also formed
on the joining surface of the plate. Thus, corrosion by
the ingredient in the adhesive for joining the plate is
prevented by the corrosion-proof layer, so that the life
of the integrated piping plate can be prolonged.
The integrated piping plate of a third invention
is the integrated piping plate of the first or second
invention, wherein
the corrosion-proof layer is formed by coating with
or lining with fluorocarbon resin.
The integrated piping plate of a fourth invention
is the integrated piping plate of the first or second
invention, wherein
the corrosion-proof layer is formed by application
of an aluminum oxide film.
In the integrated piping plate of the third or fourth
invention as well, the corrosion-proof layer is formed by
coating with or lining with fluorocarbon resin, or by
application of an aluminum oxide film. Thus, corrosion by
the fluid flowing through the groove, or the ingredient in
the adhesive is prevented by the corrosion-proof layer, so
that the life of the integrated piping plate can be
prolonged.
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The integrated piping plate of a fifth invention
is an integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates
joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or
a plurality of the integrated piping plates are provided,
each of the plates is welded at a position of a weld
line surrounding a periphery of each of the grooves, and
each of the fluids flowing through the groove is
sealed up at a site of the weld line.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
fifth invention, the plate is welded at a position of a weld
line surrounding the periphery of the groove, and the fluid
flowing through the groove is sealed up at the site of the
weld line. Thus, sealing of the fluid can be performed
reliably.
The integrated piping plate of a sixth invention
is an integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates
joined together, and in which
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an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
a plurality of the integrated piping plates are
provided, and
the plurality of the integrated piping plates are
integrally fixed, with back surfaces of the plurality of
the integrated piping plates being superposed, to
constitute a three-dimensional module.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
sixth invention, the plurality of the integrated piping
plates are integrally fixed, with back surfaces of the
plurality of the integrated piping plates being superposed,
to constitute a three-dimensional module. Thus, further
downsizing of the apparatus can be achieved, the channels
and control system for fluids can be shortened, response
can be quickened, and control can be facilitated.
The integrated piping plate of a seventh invention
is the integrated piping plate of the sixth invention,
wherein
a heat insulator is interposed between the back
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surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping plates
to constitute a heat insulating three-dimensional module.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
seventh invention, a heat insulator is interposed between
the back surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping
plates to constitute a heat insulating three-dimensional
module. Thus, low temperature instruments, such as a
control instrument, can be disposed on the other integrated
piping plate in proximity to high temperature instruments
disposed on one of the integrated piping plates.
The integrated piping plate of an eighth invention
is the integrated piping plate of the sixth invention,
wherein
a separator is interposed between the back surfaces
of the plurality of the integrated piping plates to
constitute a heat insulating three-dimensional module.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
eighth invention, a separator is interposed between the
back surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping
plates to constitute a heat insulating three-dimensional
module. Since the high temperature side integrated piping
plate having the high temperature instruments disposed
thereon, and the low temperature side integrated piping
plate having the low temperature instruments disposed
thereon can be separated by the separator, thermal
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influence from each other can be avoided.
The integrated piping plate of a ninth invention
is the integrated piping plate of the eighth invention,
wherein
a heat insulator is interposed between the
separator and one or all of the back surfaces of the
plurality of the integrated piping plates.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
ninth invention, a heat insulator is interposed between the
back surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping
plates and the separator. Thus, a heat insulating effect
is further enhanced.
The integrated piping plate of a tenth invention
is the integrated piping plate of the sixth invention,
wherein
the instrument and the component constituting the
apparatus are interposed, or the instrument is interposed,
or the component is interposed, between the back surfaces
of the plurality of the integrated piping plates.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
tenth invention, the instrument and the component
constituting the apparatus are interposed, or the
instrument is interposed, or the component is interposed,
between the back surfaces of the plurality of the integrated
piping plates. Thus, the spacing between the integrated
piping plates is effectively utilized, and the apparatus
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can be.further downsized. Further, the constituent
instrument and/or component separate(s) the integrated
piping plates, and can be expected to show a heat insulating
effect.
The integrated piping plate of an eleventh
invention is the integrated piping plate of the tenth
invention, wherein
a heat insulator is interposed between the back
surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping plates
and the instrument and the component, or the instrument,
or the component interposed between the back surfaces .
According to the integrated piping plate of the
eleventh invention, a heat insulator is interposed between
the back surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping
plates and the instrument and the component, or the
instrument, or the component interposed between the back
surfaces. Thus, a heat insulating effect becomes marked.
The integrated piping plate of a twelfth invention
is an integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates
joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
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the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
a plurality of the integrated piping plates are
provided, and
the plurality of the integrated piping plates are
disposed on a same rest, with heat insulating intervals
being kept between each'other.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
twelfth invention, the plurality of the integrated piping
plates are disposed on the same rest, with heat insulating
intervals being kept between each other. Thus, these
integrated piping plates can ignore (prevent) thermal
influence from each other.
The integrated piping plate of a thirteenth
invention is the integrated piping plate of the twelfth
invention, wherein
a heat insulator is interposed between the
plurality of the integrated piping plates and the rest.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
thirteenth invention, a heat insulator is interposed
between the plurality of the integrated piping plates and
the rest. Thus, a heat insulating effect is further
improved.
The integrated piping plate of a fourteenth
invention is an integrated piping plate composed of two or
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more plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or
a plurality of the integrated piping plates are provided,
and
a heat shutoff groove is provided between a high
temperature zone where the instrument and the component at
a high temperature are disposed, or the instrument at a high
temperature is disposed, or the component at a high
temperature is disposed, and a low temperature zone where
the instrument and the component at a low temperature are
disposed, or the instrument at a low temperature is disposed,
or the component at a low temperature is disposed.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
fourteenth invention, a heat shutoff groove Is provided
between a high temperature zone where the instrument and
the component, or the instrument, or the component at a high
temperature are or is disposed, and a low temperature zone
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where the instrument and the component, or the instrument,
or the component at a low temperature are or is disposed.
Thus, heat from the high temperature zone is shut off,
whereby the influence of heat on the low temperature zone
cannot be exerted.
The integrated piping plate of a fifteenth
invention is the integrated piping plate of the fourteenth
invention, wherein
a heat insulator is filled into the heat shutoff
groove.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
fifteenth invention, a heat insulator is filled into the
heat shutoff groove. Thus, the effect of heat shutoff
between the high temperature zone and the low temperature
zone can be further increased.
The integrated piping plate of a sixteenth
invention is the integrated piping plate of the fourteenth
invention, wherein
a refrigerant is flowed through the heat shutoff
groove.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
sixteenth invention, a refrigerant is flowed through the
heat shutoff groove. Thus, the effect of heat shutoff
between the high temperature zone and the low temperature
zone can be further increased.
The integrated piping plate of a seventeenth
invention is an integrated piping plate composed of two or
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more plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or
a plurality of the integrated piping plates are provided,
and
the instrument or component constituting the
apparatus, a control instrument, or electrical wiring is
incorporated into one of or all of the plates.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
seventeenth invention, the instrument or component
constituting the apparatus, a control instrument, or
electrical wiring is incorporated into one of or all of the
plates. Thus, the entire apparatus such as a fuel cell
power generation system can be further downsized.
The integrated piping plate of an eighteenth
invention is an integrated piping plate composed of two or
more plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
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apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or
a plurality of the integrated piping plates'are provided,
corrosion resistant piping is accommodated in some
of or all of the grooves; and
a corrosive fluid is flowed through the corrosion
resistant piping.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
eighteenth invention, corrosion resistant piping is
accommodated in some of or all of the grooves, and a
corrosive fluid is flowed through the corrosion resistant
piping. Thus, even if the grooves (channels) are numerous
and complicated, corrosion resistance to the corrosive
fluid can be easily ensured, without need for an advanced
machining technology. Moreover, it is possible to select
and use the corrosion resistant piping of a material adapted
for the properties of the corrosive fluid, so that the
reliability of corrosion resisting performance is
increased. Furthermore, treatment for corrosion
resistance (channel formation using corrosion resistant
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piping) can be restricted to the channels for the corrosive
fluid. Thus, machining man-hours are reduced, and the
integrated piping plate can be provided for a low price.
Besides, when corrosion resisting performance declines
because of secular changes, corrosion resisting
performance can be resumed simply by replacing the
corrosion resistant piping accommodated in the integrated
piping plate, rather than replacing the integrated piping
plate. Thus, the cost of maintenance can be reduced.
The integrated piping plate of a nineteenth
invention is the integrated piping plate of the eighteenth
invention, wherein
a flexible material is used as a material for the
corrosion resistant piping.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
nineteenth invention, a flexible material is used as a
material for the corrosion resistant piping. Thus, after
integration of the integrated piping plate, the corrosion
resistant piping can be inserted into the groove, or the
corrosion resistant piping can be replaced. Hence,
workability can be increased.
The integrated piping plate of a twentieth
invention is the integrated piping plate of the eighteenth
or nineteenth invention, wherein
each of end portions of the corrosion resistant
piping is joined by use of a first joining member having
a through-hole having a conical surfaced formed in an inner
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peripheral surface thereof, and a second joining member
having a conical surface formed in an outer peripheral
surface thereof, in such a manner that
an outer diameter side of the end portion is
supported by the conical surf ace of the f irst joining member,
and
an inner diameter side of the end portion is
supported by the conical surface of the second joining
member.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
twentieth invention, a joining operation for the corrosion
resistant piping can be performed easily, and leakage of
the fluid can be prevented reliably.
The integrated piping plate of a twenty-first
invention is the integrated piping plate of the twentieth
invention, wherein
the first joining member is formed integrally with
the plate.
The integrated piping plate of a twenty-second
invention is the integrated piping plate of the twentieth
invention, wherein
the second joining member is formed integrally with
the instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the
component.
The integrated piping plate of a twenty-third
invention is the integrated piping plate of the twentieth
invention, wherein
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the first joining member is formed integrally with
the plate, and
the second joining member is formed integrally with
the instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the
component.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
twenty-f irst, twenty-second or twenty-third invention, the
first joining member is formed integrally with the plate,
or the second joining member is formed integrally with the
instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the
component, or the first joining member is formed integrally
with the plate, and the second joining member is formed
integrally with the instrument and the component, or the
instrument, or the component. Thus, the number of the
components is decreased, and the joining operation is
facilitated.
The integrated piping plate of a twenty-fourth
invention is the integrated piping plate of the twentieth
invention, wherein
the first joining member is divided into a plurality
of portions.
The integrated piping plate of a twenty-fifth
invention is the integrated piping plate of the twenty-
second invention, wherein
the first joining member is divided into a plurality
of portions.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
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twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth invention, the first joining
member is divided into a plurality of portions. Thus, the
efficiency of the joining operation can be increased,
particularly if the corrosion resistant piping of a highly
rigid material is used, or if the path of the piping is
complicated.
The integrated piping plate of a twenty-sixth
invention is an integrated piping plate composed of three
or more plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or
a plurality of the integrated piping plates are provided.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
twenty- sixth invention,even when many grooves are provided
in agreement with many instruments and components, the
layout of the grooves is simplified, and the instruments
and components can be arranged compactly.
The integrated piping plate of a twenty-seventh
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invention is the integrated piping plate of the twenty-
sixth invention, wherein
the grooves in a plurality of stages formed in the
j oining surfaces of the respective plates are allocated to
a high temperature zone and a low temperature zone.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
twenty-seventh invention, the grooves in a plurality of
stages are allocated to a high temperature zone and a low
temperature zone. Consequently, thermal influence from
each other can be eliminated.
The integrated piping plate of a twenty-eighth
invention is an integrated piping plate for use in a fuel
cell power generation system, the integrated piping plate
being composed of two or more plates joined together, and
in which
an instrument and a component constituting the fuel
cell power generation system are disposed, or the
instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on
one of or both of surfaces of the integrated piping plate,
grooves for serving as channels for fluids are
formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by the grooves, and wherein
the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or
a plurality of the integrated piping plates are provided
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According to the integrated piping plate for use
in a fuel cell power generation system recited in the
twenty-eighth invention, downsizing of the fuel cell power
generation system can be achieved.
Embodiments of the first to twenty-eighth
inventions will be described, mainly, in Embodiment 1 to
be indicated later.
The machining method for an integrated piping plate
of a twenty-ninth invention is a machining method for an
integrated piping plate composed of a plurality of plates
joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the
plates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and
comprising:
welding the joining surfaces of the plates around
entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby
joining the plates.
The machining method for an integrated piping plate
of a thirtieth invention is the machining method for an
integrated piping plate of the twenty-ninth invention,
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further comprising the steps of:
forming grooves for weld grooves in the plates so
as to extend along entire periphery of the fluid channel
grooves; and
successively welding the grooves for the weld
grooves to weld the joining surfaces of the plates around
the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby
joining the plates.
The machining apparatus for an integrated piping
plate of a thirty-first invention is a machining apparatus
for an integrated piping plate composed of a plurality of
plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the
plates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and
comprising:
weld groove machining means for forming grooves for
weld grooves in the plates so as to extend along entire
periphery of the fluid channel grooves; and
welding means which, in succession to machining of
the grooves for the weld grooves by the weld groove machining
means, welds the grooves for the weld grooves to weld the
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joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery
of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
According to the machining methods and machining
apparatus of the twenty-ninth, thirtieth and thirty-first
inventions, the joining surfaces of the plates are welded
around the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves,
thereby joining the plates. Thus, this type of welding,
compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive,
increases the durability of the plate joining portion, and
constructs a firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure
resistance. Also, the coupling bolts for the plates become
unnecessary, so that the entire integrated piping plate can
be further downsized. Furthermore, the machining methods
facilitate the line operation of joining procedure, and
thus can increase the work efficiency, contributing to a
low cost.
The machining equipment for an integrated piping
plate of a thirty-second invention is machining equipment
for an integrated piping plate composed of a plurality of
plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
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by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the
plates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and =
comprising:
plate supply means for supplying the plates having
the fluid channel grooves, or the communication holes, or
the fluid channel grooves and the communication holes,
formed therein beforehand;
weld groove machining means for forming grooves for
weld grooves in the plates, which have been supplied by the
plate supply means, so as to extend along entire periphery
of the fluid channel grooves; and
welding means which, in succession to machining of
the grooves for the weld grooves by the weld groove machining
means, welds the grooves for the weld grooves to weld the
joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery
of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
The machining equipment for an integrated piping
plate of a thirty-third invention is machining equipment
for an integrated piping plate composed of a plurality of
plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
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by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the
plates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and
comprising:
plate supply means for supplying the plates;
machining means for forming the fluid channel
grooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid channel
grooves and the communication holes, in the plates supplied
by the plate supply means;
weld groove machining means for forming grooves for
weld grooves in the plates, which have been machined by the
machining means, so as to extend along entire periphery of
the fluid channel grooves; and
welding means which, in succession to machining of
the grooves for the weld grooves by the weld groove machining
means, welds the grooves for the weld grooves to weld the
joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery
of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
According to the machining equipments of the
thirty-second and thirty-third inventions, the plate
supply means, weld groove machining means, and welding
means are provided, or the plate supply means, machining
means for fluid channel grooves and communication holes,
weld groove machining means, and welding means are provided.
Thus, coherent machining of the plates constituting the
integrated piping plate can be easily performed, thus
increasing the work efficiency and contributing to further
27
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cost reduction.
The machining method for an integrated piping plate
of a thirty-fourth invention is the machining method for
an integrated piping plate of the twenty-ninth invention,
further comprising:
welding the joining surfaces of the plates, by
friction stir welding, around entire periphery of the fluid
channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
The machining apparatus for an integrated piping
plate of a thirty-fifth invention is a machining apparatus
for an integrated piping plate composed of a plurality of
plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the
plates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and
comprising:
friction stir welding means for weldi.ng the joining
surfaces of the plates around entire periphery of the fluid
channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
According to the machining method and machining
apparatus of the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth inventions,
the joining surfaces of the plates are welded around the
28
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby
joining the plates. Thus, this type of welding, compared
with joining of the plates by an adhesive, increases the
durability of the plate joining portion, and constructs a
firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure resistance.
Also, the coupling bolts for the plates become unnecessary,
so that the entire integrated piping plate can be further
downsized. Furthermore, the machining method facilitates
the line operation of joining procedure, and thus can
increase the work efficiency, contributing to a low cost.
Furthermore, the adoption of friction stir welding obviates
the need for machining of the grooves for weld grooves, thus
achieving further cost reduction.
The machining equipment for an integrated piping
plate of a thirty-sixth invention is machining equipment
for an integrated piping plate composed of a plurality of
plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the
plates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and
comprising:
plate supply means for supplying the plates having
29
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the fluid channel grooves, or the communication holes, or
the fluid channel grooves and the communication holes,
formed therein beforehand; and
friction stir welding means for welding the joining
surfaces of the plates, which have been supplied by the plate
supply means, around entire periphery of the fluid channel
grooves, thereby joining the plates.
The machining equipment for an integrated piping
plate of a thirty-seventh invention is machining equipment
for an integrated piping plate composed of a plurality of
plates joined together, and in which
an instrument and a component constituting an
apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or
the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces
of the integrated piping plate, and
the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected,
by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the
plates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and
comprising:
plate supply means for supplying the plates;
machining means for forming the fluid channel
grooves, or the communication holes, or the f luid channel
grooves and the communication holes, in the plates supplied
by the plate supply means; and
friction stir welding means for welding the joining
surfaces of the plates, which have been machined by the
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
machining means, around entire periphery of the fluid
channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
According to the machining equipments of the
thirty-sixth and thirty-seventh inventions, coherent
machining of the plates constituting the integrated piping
plate can be easily performed, thus increasing the work
efficiency and contributing to further cost reduction.
Furthermore, the adoption of friction stir welding obviates
the need for machining of the grooves for weld grooves, thus
achieving further cost reduction.
The machining method for an integrated piping plate
of a thirty-eighth invention is the machining method for
the integrated piping plate of the twenty-ninth, thirtieth
or thirty-fourth invention, further comprising:
performing numerical control as tracer means for
machining.
The machining apparatus for an integrated piping
plate of a thirty-ninth invention is the machining
apparatus for the integrated piping plate of the
thirty-first or thirty-fifth invention, further
comprising:
control means for performing numerical control as
tracer means for machining.
The machining equipment for an integrated piping
plate of a fortieth invention is the machining equipment
for the integrated piping plate of the thirty-second,
thirty-third, thirty-sixth or thirty-seventh invention,
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further comprising:
control means for performing numerical control as
tracer means for machining.
According to the machining method, machining
apparatus and machining equipment of the thirty-eighth,
thirty-ninth and fortieth inventions, coherent machining
of the plates constituting the integrated piping plate can
be easily performed by tracer control relying on numerical
control.
Embodiments of the twenty-ninth to fortieth
inventions will be described, mainly, in Embodiment 2 to
be indicated later.
The integrated piping plate of a forth-first
invention is an integrated piping plate comprising:
a first plate having grooves, which serves as
channels for fluids, formed therein by press working; and
a second plate having an instrument and a component,
or the instrument, or the component mounted thereon, and
having communication holes formed therein, the
communication holes communicating with the instrument and
the component, or the instrument, or the component, and
wherein
the first plate and the second plate are joined such
that the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component'is connected, by
the grooves and the communication holes.
The integrated piping plate of a forty-second
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invention is an integrated piping plate comprising:
a first plate having grooves, which serves as
channels for fluids, formed therein by precision casting;
and
a second plate having an instrument and a component,
or the instrument, or the component mounted thereon, and
having communication holes formed therein, the
communication holes communicating with the instrument and
the component, or the instrument, or the component, and
wherein
the first plate and the second plate are joined such
that the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by
the grooves and the communication holes.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
forty-first or forty-second invention, the integrated
piping plate can be constituted from plates with thin walls
formed by press working or precision casting, so that marked
weight reduction of the integrated piping plate becomes
possible.
In detail, the plates having fluid channel grooves
are shaped by press working or precision casting, whereby
the wall thicknesses of the plates can be decreased compared
with the conventional integrated piping plate, and marked
weight reduction is realized. Thus, downsizing of the
integrated piping plate, including weight reduction, can
be achieved. Moreover, press working or precision casting
33
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
is suitable for mass production, and the machining steps
can be simplified in comparison with the conventional
integrated piping plate, thereby contributing to a marked
cost decrease. Hence, the work efficiency for machining
of the integrated piping plate increases, actualizing
volume production and cost reduction.
The machining method for an integrated piping plate
of a forty-third invention comprises the steps of:
forming grooves, which serve as channels for fluids,
in a first plate by press working;
mounting an instrument and a component, or the
instrument, or the component on a second plate, and forming
communication holes in the second plate, the communication
holes communicating with the instrument and the component,
or the instrument, or the component; and
joining the first plate and the second plate, which
have been so machined, by welding such that the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is
connected, or the component is connected, by the grooves
and the communication holes.
The machining method f or an integrated piping plate
of a forty-fourth invention comprises the steps of:
forming grooves, which serve as channels for fluids,
in a first plate by precision casting;
mounting an instrument and a component, or the
instrument, or the component on a second plate, and forming
communication holes in the second plate, the communication
34
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holes communicating with the instrument and the component,
or the instrument, or the component; and
joining the first plate and the second plate, which
have been so machined, by welding such that the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is
connected, or the component is connected, by the grooves
and the communication holes.
According to the machining method of the forty-
third or forty-fourth invention, the use of press working
or precision casting as a method for machining grooves of
the plates themselves can result in the steps capable of
markedly reducing the weight of the plates. Consequently,
downsizing including weight reduction of the Integrated
piping plate becomes possible.
Furthermore, the method of joining the plates uses
welding, rather than the use of an adhesive. Thus, coupling
bolts for the plates of the integrated piping plate are
unnecessary, and the entire integrated piping plate can be
downsized. Moreover, excess steps, such as heating and
pressurization during bonding, as with the use of an
adhesive, are not necessary. Thus, the machining step can
be simplified in comparison with the machining method for
the conventional integrated piping plate, thereby
contributing to a marked cost decrease. Press working,
precision casting and welding are suitable for mass
production, thus increasing the work efficiency of
machining of the integrated piping plate, achieving volume
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
production and cost reduction. Furthermore, bonding by
welding is adopted. Fience, there is no concern for leakage
due to deterioration of the adhesive, and durability
increases, imparting resistance to high temperatures and
high pressures.
The machining method for an integrated piping plate
of a forty-fifth invention is the machining method of the
forty-third or forty-fourth invention, further comprising:
joining the first plate and the second plate by
friction stir welding.
According to the machining method of the forty-
fifth invention, the use of press working or precision
casting as a method for machining grooves of the plates
themselves can result in the steps capable of markedly
reducing the weight of the plates. Consequently,
downsizing including weight reduction of the integrated
piping plate becomes possible.
Furthermore, the method of joining the plates uses
friction stir welding, rather than the use of an adhesive.
Thus, coupling bolts for the plates of the integrated piping
plate are unnecessary, and the grooves for weld grooves are
also unnecessary, so that the entire integrated piping
plate can be downsized. Moreover, excess steps, such as
heating and pressurization during bonding, as with the use
of an adhesive, are not necessary. Nor is weld groove
machining means, such as other welding method, needed.
Thus, the machining step can be simplified in comparison
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
with the machining method for the conventional integrated
piping plate, thereby contributing to a marked cost
decrease. Press working, precision casting and friction
stir welding are suitable for mass production, thus
increasing the work efficiency of machining of the
integrated piping plate, achieving volume production and
cost reduction. Furthermore, bonding by welding is adopted.
Hence, there is no concern for leakage due to deterioration
of the adhesive, and durability increases, imparting
resistance to high temperatures and high pressures.
The integrated piping plate of a forty-sixth
invention is the integrated piping plate of the forty-first
or forty-second invention, wherein
a plurality of the first plates having the grooves,
which serve as the channels for the fluids, machined therein
are fixed so as to be opposed to each other, and
peripheries of the plates in contact with each other
are sealed to constitute a three-dimensional configuration.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
forty-sixth invention, the plates are joined into a
three-dimensional configuration such that their face side
and back side become integral. Instruments and components
are arranged on the face side and back side of the integrated
piping plate. Thus, a system comprising complicated lines
can be constituted compactly, downsizing including weight
reduction of the integrated piping plate can be realized,
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
and a satisfactory response can be obtained.
The integrated piping plate of a forty-seventh
invention is the integrated piping plate of the forty-sixth
invention, wherein
the plurality of the first plates having the grooves,
which serve as the channels for the fluids, machined therein
are brought into contact with each other so as to be opposed
to each other, whereby a space portion is created, and
the space portion is used as a channel for flow of
a refrigerant.
According to the integrated piping plate of the
forty-seventh invention, the portions exposed to high
temperatures can be appropriately cooled, a system
comprising complicated lines can be constituted compactly,
and downsizing including weight reduction of the integrated
piping plate can be realized.
Particularly in this invention, the plates
subjected to press working or precision casting are used.
Thus, the plates themselves have no excess volume acting
as a heat storage portion, and a wide surface area for the
refrigerant can be secured. Hence, a high temperature
fluid can be cooled with high efficiency. Because of such
advantages, an excess space for cooling is unnecessary, and
a system comprising complicated lines can be constituted
compactly.
Embodiments of the forty-first to forty-seventh
inventions will be described, mainly, in Embodiment 3 to
38
CA 02594128 2009-02-24
be indicated later.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in an
integrated piping plate which is composed of two or more
plates joined together, and in which an instrument and a
component constituting an apparatus are disposed, or the
instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on
one of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, grooves for
serving as channels for fluids are formed in joining
surfaces of the plates, and the instrument and the
component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, the integrated
piping plate provided in plurality in such manner that the
plurality of the integrated piping plates are integrally
fixed, with back surfaces of the plurality of the
integrated piping plates being superposed, to constitute a
three-dimensional module, wherein a separator is interposed
between the back surfaces of the plurality of the
integrated piping plates to constitute a heat insulating
three-dimensional module, and a heat insulator is
interposed between the separator and one or all of the back
surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping plates.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in
an integrated piping plate which is composed of two or more
plates joined together, and in which an instrument and a
component constituting an apparatus are disposed, or the
instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on
one of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, grooves for
serving as channels for fluids are formed in joining
surfaces of the plates, and the instrument and the
component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, the integrated
piping plate provided in plurality in such manner that the
plurality of the integrated piping plates are integrally
39
CA 02594128 2009-02-24
fixed, with back surfaces of the plurality of the
integrated piping plates being superposed, to constitute a
three-dimensional module, wherein the instrument and the
component constituting the apparatus are interposed, or the
instrument is interposed, or the component is interposed,
between the back surfaces of the plurality of the
integrated piping plates, and a heat insulator is
interposed between the back surfaces of the plurality of
the integrated piping plates and the instrument and the
component, or the instrument, or the component interposed
between the back surfaces.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a configurational drawing of an integrated
piping plate according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2A is a sectional structural drawing of the
integrated piping plate according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken on line E-E of FIG.
2A.
FIG. 3 is a configurational drawing of the integrated
piping plate having instruments arranged on both of its
face side and back side.
FIG. 4A is a configurational drawing of the integrated
piping plate subjected to surface treatment.
FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken on line F-F of FIG.
4A.
FIG. 5 is a configurational drawing of the integrated
piping plate with a weld structure.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line A-A of FIG.
5.
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FIG. 7 is a configurational drawing of a three-
dimensional module.
FIG. 8 is configurational drawing of a three-
dimensional module composed of four of the integrated
piping plates.
39b
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FIG. 9 is a configurational drawing of a three-
dimensional module composed of five of the integrated
piping plates.
FIG. 10 is a configurational drawing of a heat
insulating three-dimensional module having a heat
insulating layer.
FIG. 11 is a configurational drawing of a heat
insulating three-dimensional module having the integrated
piping plate on a high temperature side and the integrated
piping plate on a low temperature side separated from each
other.
FIG. 12 is a configurational drawing of a heat
insulating three-dimensional module composed of three of
the integrated piping plates.
FIG. 13 is a configurational drawing of a
three-dimensional module having instruments interposed
between the integrated piping plates.
FIG. 14 is a configurational drawing of an
integrated piping plate having a high temperature portion
and a low temperature portion separated on the same rest.
FIG. 15. is a configurational drawing of four of the
integrated piping plates disposed on the same rest.
FIG. 16 is a configurational drawing of the
integrated piping plate having heat shutoff grooves.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken on line B-B of
FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a configurational drawing of the
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
integrated piping plate incorporating control instruments.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken on line C-C of
FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken on line D-D of
FIG. 18.
FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of the
integrated piping plate having many grooves.
FIG. 22 is a configurational drawing of the
integrated piping plate provided with corrosion resistant
piping.
FIG. 23A is an enlarged plan view of a G portion
in FIG. 22.
FIG. 23B is a sectional view taken on line H-H of
FIG. 23A.
FIG. 24A is an enlarged plan view of an I portion
in FIG. 22.
FIG. 24B is a sectional view taken on line J-J of
FIG. 24A.
FIG. 25 is a sectional structural drawing of the
above integrated piping plate.
FIG. 26 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line
K-K of FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 is an explanation drawing of the use of
corrosion resistant piping made of a high rigidity
material.
FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing another example
of joining at an end portion of the corrosion resistant
41
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
piping.
FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing still another
example of joining at an end portion of the corrosion
resistant piping.
FIG. 30 is a configurational drawing of a
three-dimensional integrated piping plate.
FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken on line M-M of
FIG. 30.
FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken on line N-N of
FIG. 30.
FIG. 33 is a configurational drawing of another
three-dimensional integrated piping plate.
FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken on line 0-0 of
FIG. 33.
FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken on line P-P of
FIG. 33.
FIG. 36 is an explanation drawing in which the
instruments and components shown in FIG. 30 are connected
by grooves formed in one plane.
FIG. 37 is an explanation drawing in which the
instruments and components shown in FIG. 33 are connected
by grooves formed in one plane.
FIG. 38 is a configurational drawing showing a high
temperature zone and a low temperature zone divided using
the three-dimensional integrated piping plate.
FIG. 39 is another configurational drawing showing
a high temperature zone and a low temperature zone divided
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
using the three-dimensional integrated piping plate.
FIG. 40A is a sectional view (a sectional view taken
on line Cl-Cl of FIG. 40B) showing a machining method for
the integrated piping plate according to the embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 40B is a view (plan view) taken in a direction
of Dl in FIG. 40A.
FIG. 40C is a sectional view taken on line El-El
of FIG. 40B.
FIG. 41A is an explanation drawing of welding
performed in grooves for weld grooves such that the weld
surrounds the entire perimeter of each groove.
FIG. 41B is an explanation drawing in which a weld
line is shared between the adjacent grooves for weld
grooves.
FIG. 41C is a sectional view taken on line Nl-N1
of FIG. 41B.
FIG. 42A is a sectional view (a sectional view taken
on line F1-F1 of FIG. 42B) showing another machining method
for the integrated piping plate according to the embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 42B is a view (plan view) taken in a direction
of G1 in FIG. 42A.
FIG. 42C is a sectional view taken on line H1-H1
of FIG. 42B.
FIG. 43A is a constitution drawing (plan view) of
a machining line for the integrated piping plate which
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
actualizes the machining method shown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and
40C.
FIG. 43B is a view (side view) taken in a direction
of J1 in FIG. 43A.
FIG. 44A is a constitution drawing (plan view) of
a machining line for the integrated piping plate which
actualizes the machining method shown in FIGS. 42A, 42B and
42C.
FIG. 44B is a view (side view) taken in a direction
of Mi in FIG. 44A.
FIG. 45A is a plan view of a plate representing an
embodiment of the integrated piping plate according to the
present invention.
FIG. 45B is a sectional view taken on line Al-Al
of FIG. 45A.
FIG. 45C is a sectional view taken on line Al-Al
of FIG. 45A.
FIG. 46A is a plan view of the integrated piping
plate showing a joining method for an embodiment of the
integrated piping plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 46B is a sectional view taken on line B1-B1
of FIG. 46A.
FIG. 46C is a sectional view taken on line C2-C2
of FIG. 46A.
FIG. 47A is a side view of the integrated piping
plate representing an embodiment of the integrated piping
plate according to the present invention.
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FIG. 47B is a sectional view taken on line D2-D2
of FIG. 47A.
FIG. 47C is a sectional view taken on line D2-D2
of FIG. 47A.
FIG. 47D is a view taken on line E2-E2 of FIG. 47A.
FIG. 48A is a side view of the integrated piping
plate representing an embodiment in which the integrated
piping plate according to the present invention is
constituted three-dimensionally.
FIG. 48B is an enlarged view of an F2 portion in
FIG. 48A.
FIG. 49 is a system diagram of a general fuel cell
power generation system.
FIGS. 50A and 50B are configurational drawings of
a conventional integrated piping plate.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
Details of the configuration of an integrated
piping plate according to an embodiment of the present
invention will be described based on FIG. 1, with a fuel
cell power generation system taken as an example.
As shown in FIG. 1, an integrated piping plate 1
comprises a plate 2 and a plate 3 joined by a suitable
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
adhesive 4. The integrated piping plate 1 is constituted
by fixing constituent instruments and components of a fuel
cell power generation system (indicated by one-dot chain
lines in FIG. 1), which are disposed on a surface (upper
surface in FIG. 1) 3a of the plate 3 and include a constituent
instrument 5, by stud bolts 6 and nuts 7 integrally with
the plates 2, 3.
In aJoining surface (an upper surface in FIG. 1)
of the plate 2 to be joined to the plate 3, grooves 8 are
formed, the grooves 8 having predetermined sectional area
suitable for the velocities of corresponding fluids and
having suitable lengths and directions adapted for the
positions of piping ports of the constituent instruments
and components, such as the instrument 5 arranged on the
surface 3a of the plate 3. The grooves 8 have the function
of piping through which liquids or gases necessary for the
fuel cell power generation system flow. Thus, the
sectional areas of the grooves 8 are determined by the
properties, flow velocities and pressure losses of flowing
fluids, while the lengths and directions of the grooves 8
are determined by the arrangement of the respective
constituent instruments and components, including the
instrument 5, arranged on the plate 3.
In FIG. 1, the grooves 8 are provided in the plate
2, but the grooves 8 may be provided in the plate 3. That
is, the grooves 8 may be provided in a joining surface (lower
surface in FIG. 1) 3b of the plate 3 joined to the plate
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2. The constituent instruments and components of the fuel
cell power generation system may be disposed on a surface
(lower surface in FIG. 1) 2b of the plate 2, as well as on
the surface 3a of the plate 3, although a concrete example
will be described later on (see FIG. 3). That is, the
constituent instruments and components may be disposed on
one of, or both of the surface 2b of the plate 2 and the
surface 3a of the plate 3.
The materials for the plates 2, 3 are not restricted,
but an aluminum plate and an aluminum alloy plate are the
most effective materials for the purpose of decreasing the
weight for transportation, and for ease of machining of the
grooves 8. Castings are also effective because of high
resistance to heat and for ease of formation of the grooves
B. Moreover, further weight reduction can be achieved by
using synthetic resin or the like as the material for the
plates 2, 3.
According to the present embodiment, the
constituent instruments and components, such as the
instrument 5, are mounted on the plate 3, and the stud bolts
6 are provided for clamping the plates 2 and 3 to prevent
leakage of the fluid flowing through the grooves 8. However,
this method of fixing is not limitative, and the fixing of
the constituent instruments and components onto the plate
3, and the fixing of the plates 2 and 3 can be performed
by through bolts, which pierce through the plates 2, 3, or
other fixing means.
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The plate 3 is a flat plate with a thickness of a
suitable magnitude, and bolt holes 9 for insertion of the
stud bolts 6 at predetermined positions are bored in the
plate thickness direction. Through-holes 37 for insertion
of the stud bolts 6 are formed in the respective constituent
instruments and components, including the, instrument 5. In
the plate 3, communication holes 10 are also disposed for
establishing communication between the respective
constituent instruments and components, including the
instrument 5, to be mounted on the surface 3a and the grooves
8 of the plate 2 to permit the flow of the fluid.
To assemble such an integrated piping plate 1, the
first step is to bond the plate 2 and the plate 3 via the
adhesive 4. Usually, a commercially available
thermosetting adhesive is used as the adhesive 4, but the
method of joining the plates 2 and 3 by joining means, such
as fusing, brazing or welding, is also effective depending
on the type of fuel used for the fuel cell, or the material
for the plates 2, 3.
Then, the stud bolts 6 are inserted through the bolt
holes 9 of the plate 3, and implanted into the plate 2. The
stud bolts 6 are inserted through the through-holes 37 of
the instrument 5, and then the nuts 7 are screwed to the
end portions of the stud bolts 6, whereby the instrument
is fastened to the integrated piping plate 1. The other
constituent instruments and components are also
sequentially subjected to the same procedure to complete
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CA 02594128 2009-02-24
assembly.
FIGS. 2A and 2B generally explain the configuration
of the integrated piping plate based on its sectional
structure. An integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIGS. 2A
and 2B is assembled, for example, by integrally fixing an
A instrument 11, a B instrument 12, a plate 2 and a plate
3 by stud bolts 6 and nuts 7 fastened to them.
Between the A instrument 11 and the B instrument
12, a fluid can flow by a groove 8 formed in the plate 2
and communication holes 10 machined in the plate 3. That
is, the A instrument 11 and the B instrument 12 are connected
together by the groove 8. The plate 2 and the plate 3 are
adhered by the adhesive 4, so that the fluid flowing through
the groove 8 is sealed up. An 0 ring 13 or the like is used
to seal spacing between the instruments 11, 12 and the plate
3.
FIG. 3 shows an example in which instruments are
arranged on both surfaces of an integrated piping plate.
In an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 3, instruments
105, 106 are disposed on a surface 3a of a plate 3, and
instruments 107, 108 are disposed on a surface 2b of a plate
2. Grooves 8A, 88, 8C, which serve as channels for fluids,
are formed in a joining surface 2a of the plate 2.
Communication holes 10 for communication between these
grooves 8A, 8B, 8C and the instruments 105, 106, 107, 108
are formed in the plate 2 and the plate 3. That is, the
instrument 105 on the plate 3 and the instrument 107 on the
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plate 2 are connected by the groove 8A, the instruments 107,
108 on the plate 2 are connected by the groove 8B, and the
instrument 106 on the plate 3 and the instrument 108 on the
plate-2 are connected by the groove 8C.
It is also possible to dispose instruments and
components only on the surface 2b of the plate 2, without
providing instruments and components on the surface 3a of
the plate 3, although they are not shown.
FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example of an integrated
piping plate having a corrosion-proof layer formed by
surface treatment. In an integrated piping plate 1 shown
in FIGS. 4A and 4B, joining surfaces (adhesion surfaces)
2a and 3b of a plate 2 and a plate 3, and the surfaces of
a groove 8 to serve as a channel for a fluid, and
communication holes 10 are coated with or lined with
fluorocarbon resin, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or
covered with an aluminum oxide film to form corrosion-proof
layers 29. By so forming the corrosion-proof layers 29,
corrosion by the fluid flowing through the groove 8 and the
communication holes 10, or by ingredients contained in the
adhesive 4 can be prevented, and a long life of the
integrated piping plate 1 can be ensured.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example of welding a plate
2 and a plate 3. As indicated by solid lines in FIG. 5,
welding is performed on weld lines 30, which surround the
peripheries of grooves 8 formed in the plate 2 while keeping
suitable distances from the grooves 8, by electromagnetic
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force-controlled hybrid welding or the like, with the
plates 2 and 3 being sequentially gripped at a strong
pressure. As a result, the plate 2 and the plate 3 are welded
at the positions of the weld lines 30, as shown in FIG. 6.
At the sites of the weld lines 30, the fluids flowing through
the grooves 8 can be sealed up reliably.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a three-dimensional
module as an application of the above integrated piping
plate. A three-dimensional module 15 shown in FIG. 7 is
formed in a three-dimensional configuration by integrally
fixing two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B in the
following manner: Through bolts 14 are inserted through
through-holes 101 piercing through the two integrated
piping plates lA and iB (all of plates 2 and 3), and nuts
102 are screwed to opposite end portions of the through bolts
14, with the back surfaces of the two integrated piping
plates 1A and 1B being superposed, namely, with a surface
2b of the plate 2 in the integrated piping plate 1A and a
surface 2b of the plate 2 in the integrated piping plate
1B being superposed.
In FIG. 7, auxiliary components or auxiliary
instruments 26a, 26b are disposed on the lower integrated
piping plate 1B so as to be located behind instruments 11,
12 provided on the upper integrated piping plate 1A, whereby
the three-dimensional structure is constructed. This
makes marked downsizing possible.
In the integrated piping plate 1, if the instruments
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or components are arranged on the surface 2b of the plate
2, rather than on the surface 3a of the plate 3, it goes
without saying that the surface 3a of the plate 3 becomes
the back surface of the integrated piping plate 1, and this
surface becomes a joining surface to be joined to the other
integrated piping plate 1.
In FIG. 7, the two integrated piping plates 1A and
iB are integrated, but this manner is not restrictive. An
arbitrary plurality of integrated piping plates, such as
three or four integrated piping plates, may be integrated
(made three-dimensional), with their back surfaces being
superposed.
In a three-dimensional module 15A shown in FIG. 8,
for example, a relatively large integrated piping plate 1A
having instruments 109, 110, 111, 112 disposed thereon is
placed on an upper side in the drawing, while relatively
small integrated piping plates 1B, 1C, 1D having
instruments 113, 114, instruments 115, 116 and instruments
117, 118 disposed thereon are arranged on a lower side in
the drawing. These four integrated piping plates 1A, 1B,
1C and 1D are integrally fixed, with back surfaces 2b's of
the four integrated piping plates IA, 1B, 1C and 1D being
superposed, whereby the three-dimensional configuration is
constituted.
In the case of a three-dimensional module 15B shown
in FIG. 9, large and small integrated piping plates 1A, 1B
and 1C having instruments 119, 120, instruments 121, 122,
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and instruments 123, 124 disposed thereon are placed on an
upper side in the drawing, while large and small integrated
piping plates 1D and lE having instruments 125, 126, and
instruments 127, 128, 129 disposed thereon are arranged on
a lower side in the drawing. These five integrated piping
plates 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and lE are integrally fixed, with back
surfaces 2b's of the five integrated piping plates 1A, IB,
1C, 1D and 1E being superposed, whereby the three-
dimensional configuration is constituted.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a heat insulating
three-dimensional module as an application of the above
integrated piping plate. An heat insulating three-
dimensional module 18A shown in FIG. 10 is formed in a
three-dimensional configuration by integrally fixing two
integrated piping plates 1A and 1B in the following manner:
Through bolts 17 are inserted through through-holes 103
piercing through the two integrated piping plates 1A and
1B (all of plates 2 and 3), and nuts 104 are screwed to
opposite end portions of the through bolts 17 via heat
insulators 16b's, with the back surfaces 2b's of the two
integrated piping plates 1A and 1B (the surfaces of the
plates 2 in the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B) being
superposed, and with a suitable heat insulator 16a or the
like being interposed between these back surfaces 2b's.
In this heat insulating three-dimensional module
18A, the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B are bound
together via the heat insulators 16a, 16b. Since there are
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such heat insulating layers, heats of high temperature
instruments 27a, 27b disposed on the integrated piping
plate 1A on the upper side in the drawing can be prevented
from being transferred to the integrated piping plate iB
on the lower side in the drawing. Thus, other low
temperature instruments 28a, 28b can be disposed on the
integrated piping plate 1B in proximity to the high
temperature Instruments 27a, 27b disposed on the integrated
piping plate 1A.
In this case as well, the two integrated piping
plates 1A and 1B are not restrictive, but an arbitrary
plurality of integrated piping plates can be integrated.
For example, a heat insulator may be interposed between the
back surfaces 2b's of the integrated piping plate lA and
the integrated piping plates 1B, 1C, 1D shown in FIG. 8,
or a heat insulator may be interposed between the back
surfaces 2b's of the integrated piping plates lA, 1B, 1C
and the integrated piping plates 1D, 1E shown In FIG. 9,
although these modes are not shown.
FIG. 11 shows an example of another heat insulating
three-dimensional module as an application of the above
integrated piping plate 1. An heat insulating three-
dimensional module 18B shown in FIG. 11 is formed in a
three-dimensional configuration by integrally conneoting
and fixing two integrated piping plates- lA and 1B by means
of separators 31 of a suitable length, with the back surfaces
2b's of the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B (the
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
surfaces of the plates 2 in the integrated piping plates
1A and 1B) being superposed, and with the separators 31 being
interposed between these back surfaces 2b's. Also, heat
insulators 130 are interposed between the separator 31 and
the integrated piping plates 1A, 1B.
In this heat insulating three-dimensional module
18B, a suitable spacing is maintained between the two
integrated piping plates 1A and 1B by the separators 31,
whereby a high temperature portion (high temperature
instruments 27a, 27b) and a low temperature portion (low
temperature instruments 28a, 28b) are thermally shut off
from each other, and the apparatus can be downsized in a
three-dimensional configuration. Moreover, a heat
insulating effect can be further enhanced by interposing
the heat insulators 130 between the integrated piping
plates 1A, 1B and the separators 31.
That is, if a sufficient heat insulating effect is
obtained by mere interposition of the separators 31, it is
not absolutely necessary to provide the heat insulators 130.
However, if it is necessary to cut off heat transmitted
through the separators 31, the heat insulators 130 are
interposed between the separators 31 and the integrated
piping plates lA, 1B. Alternatively, the heat insulators
130 may be provided either between the separators 31 and
the integrated piping plate 1A or between the separators
31 and the integrated piping plate iB.
In this case as well, the two integrated piping
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plates 1A and 1B are not restrictive, but an arbitrary
plurality of integrated piping plates can be integrated.
For example, in the case of a heat insulating three-
dimensional module 18B shown in FIG. 12, a relatively large
integrated piping plate LA having high temperature
instruments 131a, 131b, 132a, 132b disposed thereon is
placed on an upper side in the drawing, while relatively
small integrated piping plates 1B and 1C having low
temperature instruments 133a, 133b and low temperature
instruments 134a, 134b disposed thereon are placed on a
lower side in the drawing. The three integrated piping
plates 1A, 1B and 1C are formed into a three-dimensional
configuration by integrally connecting and fixing these
integrated piping plates by separators 31, with the back
surfaces 2b's of the three integrated piping plates lA, 1B
and 1C being superposed, and with the separators 31 being
interposed between the back surfaces 2b's.
FIG. 13 shows an example in which instruments,
instead of the separators, are interposed between
integrated piping plates. In a three-dimensional module
18C shown in FIG. 13, instruments 139, 140 are interposed,
instead of the separators 31 in the three-dimensional
module 18B shown in FIG. 11, between the back surfaces 2b's
of the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B. These
instruments 139 and 140 may also be connected together by
a groove provided in the integrated piping plate 1A or
integrated piping plate 1B, although this mode is not shown.
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In this case as well, the integrated piping plates
lA and iB are separated from each other by the instruments
139 and 140, as in the case of interposition of the
separators 31. Thus, a heat insulating effect can be
expected. A marked heat insulating effect is obtained,
particularly by interposing heat insulators 130 between the
instruments 139, 140 and the integrated piping plates 1A,
1B, as shown in the drawing. In this case, moreover, the
spacing between the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B is
effectively utilized by arranging the instruments 139, 140
between the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B. Thus, the
apparatus can be further downsized.
In this case as well, the two integrated piping
plates 1A and IB are not restrictive, but an arbitrary
plurality of integrated piping plates can be integrated.
For example, in the heat insulating three-dimensional
module 18B shown in FIG. 12, constituent instruments or
components may be interposed in place of the separators 31.
FIG. 14 shows an example of a plurality of integrated
piping plates disposed on the same rest, as an application
of the integrated piping plate. In FIG. 14, an integrated
piping plate 1A having high temperature instruments 27a,
27b disposed thereon, and an integrated piping plate 1B
having low temperature instruments 28a, 28b disposed
thereon are disposed on the same rest 32 with a suitable
heat insulating spacing L. Fixing of the integrated piping
plates 1A, 1B to the rest 32 is performed by suitable fixing
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
means, such as bolts or welding (not shown). A heat
insulator 145 is interposed between the integrated piping
plates lA, iB and the rest 32.
By so disposing the two integrated piping plates
1A and 1B with the heat insulating spacing L maintained,
these integrated piping plates 1 can ignore (prevent)
thermal influence from each other. By interposing the heat
insulator 145 between the integrated piping plates lA, 1B
and the rest 32, a heat insulating effect can be further
enhanced.
In this case as well, the two integrated piping
plates 1A and 1B are not restrictive, but an arbitrary
plurality of integrated piping plates can be disposed on
the same rest. For instance, in an example shown in FIG.
15, four integrated piping plates lA, 1B, 1C and 1D, namely,
the integrated piping plate lA having high temperature
instruments 141a, 141b disposed thereon, the integrated
piping plate 1B having low temperature instruments 142a,
142b disposed thereon, the integrated piping plate 1C
having high temperature instruments 143a, 143b disposed
thereon, and the integrated piping plate 1D having low
temperature instruments 144a, 144b disposed thereon are
arranged on the same rest 32 at heat insulating intervals
of L.
FIGS. 16 and 17 show an example in which high
temperature instruments and low temperature instruments
are disposed on the same integrated piping plate. With an
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a heat
shutoff groove 35 is provided between a high temperature
zone where high temperature instruments or components, such
as high temperature instruments 33a, 33b, 33c, are disposed,
and a low temperature zone where low temperature
instruments or components, such as low temperature
instruments 34a, 34b, are disposed, on the same integrated
piping plate 1. The heat shutoff groove 35 is formed in
a plate 2, and communication holes 36 communicating with
opposite end portions of the heat shutoff groove 35 are
formed in a plate 3.
According to this integrated piping plate 1, the
heat shutoff groove 35 forms a heat barrier by air,
presenting a high resistance to heat conduction from the
high temperature zone to the low temperature zone. Thus,
even when the low temperature instruments 34a, 34b are
disposed in proximity to the high temperature instruments
33a, 33b, 33c on the same integrated piping plate 1, no
thermal influence is exerted.
Filling of a suitable heat insulator into the heat
shutoff groove 35 is also effective means for preventing
thermal influence.
To heighten the effect of the heat shutoff groove
35, there may be a configuration in which a refrigerant,
such as cooling air or cooling water, is flowed into the
heat shutoff groove 35 by refrigerant reflux means (not
shown) from one of the communication holes 36 toward the
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
other communication hole 36 among the communication holes
36 provided in the opposite end portions of the heat shutoff
groove 35 to cool the heat shutoff groove 35.
FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 show an example in which
components, such as electromagnetic valves 19, a control
instrument 20, such as a printed chip, and electrical wiring
21 are built into an integrated piping plate to achieve a
saving in space.
As shown in these drawings, a C instrument 22 and
a D instrument 23 disposed on the integrated piping plate
1 are connected by a groove 8 provided in a plate 2. A fluid
flowing through the groove 8 is detected by a pressure sensor
25a buried in a plate 3, detection signals from the pressure
sensor 25a are transferred to the control instrument 20
embedded in the plate 3, and control signals from the control
instrument20 are transmitted to the electromagnetic valves
19 buried in the plate 3 via the electrical wiring 21 buried
in the plate 3, thereby actuating the electromagnetic
valves 19. Similarly, a flow sensor 25b for detecting the
flow rate of the fluid flowing through the groove 8, and
a temperature sensor 25c for detecting the temperature of
the fluid are also buried in the plate 3, and detection
signals from these sensors 25b and 25c are also taken into
the control instrument 20.
In this manner, the electromagnetic valves 19,
control instrument 20 and electrical wiring 21 are built
into the integrated piping plate 1, whereby a further saving
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
in space can be achieved. Electrical components, such as
switches, may also be incorporated into the integrated
piping plate 1. As the control device 20, a printed chip
(printed circuit board), which can be buried in the plate
3, may be used. Some components can be incorporated into
the plate 2. In this case, the plate 3 should have an opening
for the purpose of assembly, inspection, etc. of the
components. That is, the instruments, components, control
instrument, or electrical wiring constituting the
apparatus may be built into one of or both of the plates
2 and 3.
In the fuel cell power generation system or the like,
as stated earlier, fluids flowing the grooves 8 as channels
come in wide varieties of types, such as a high temperature
fluid, a low temperature fluid, and a fluid containing a
corrosive substance. Of them, the fluid containing a
corrosive substance (hereinafter referred to as "a
corrosive fluid") requires extra care for the channels.
Thus, as explained based on FIGS. 4A and 4B, the surfaces
of the grooves 8 are coated with or lined with fluorocarbon
resin, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or covered with an
aluminum oxide film to form a corrosion-proof layer 29,
thereby making the grooves 8 corrosion resistant to the
corrosive fluid.
However, this technique for providing the
corrosion-proof layer may be difficult to apply, if the
arrangement of the grooves 8 (channels) is complicated.
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That is, in a unit of the fuel cell power generation system
composed of many instruments and components as shown in FIG.
49, these numerous instruments and components are connected
by the grooves 8, or small instruments, such as valves,
electrical components, such as sensors or switches, and
electrical wiring are assembled into the plate. Thus, as
shown in FIG. 21, the number of the grooves 8 is very large,
and some grooves 8 (channels ) need to be bypassed in order
to prevent interference of the grooves 8 with each other.
Hence, many grooves 8 (channels) often have to run
complicatedly like a maze.
The work of applying fluorocarbon resin coating,
fluorocarbon resin lining, or aluminum oxide film covering
to such grooves 8 requires advanced machining techniques,
and huge man-hours for machining. Furthermore, if the
grooves 8 (channels) are in a complicated shape, the
accuracy and reliability of the product may be questioned.
In such cases, it is effective to provide corrosion
resistant piping, instead of forming the corrosion-proof
layer 29, in the grooves 8.
An integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 22 is
constituted by joining a plate 2 and a plate 3 by an adhesive
4 or the like. Grooves 8 are machined in a joining surface
between the plate 2 and the plate 3 (an upper surface 2a
of the plate 2 in the illustrated example). Various
constituent instruments 191 and components 192 (also
indicated by one-dot chain lines in FIG. 22) constituting
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
a fuel cell power generation system are arranged on an upper
surface 3a of the plate 3. These instruments 191 and
components 192 are connected to the grooves 8 by
communication holes 10 formed in the plate 3. By so doing,
the instruments 191 and components 192 are tied by the
grooves 8. The spacing between the instruments 191,
components 192 and the plate 3 is sealed with a sealing
material such as an 0 ring (not shown). These features are
the same as for the integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG.
1.
In the integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 22,
the sectional areas of the grooves 8 for flowing corrosive
fluids are larger than the required sectional areas for
direct flowing of the fluid through the grooves 8, and
corrosion resistant piping 151, such as a fluorocarbon
resin pipe of polytetrafluoroethylene or the like, is
accommodated in the grooves 8 to use the corrosion resistant
piping 151 as a channel for the corrosive fluid. The
corrosion resistant piping 151 may be not only a
fluorocarbon resin pipe, but piping made of other corrosion
resistant material (such as polyvinyl chloride, synthetic
rubber, or other synthetic resin) compatible with the
properties of the corrosive fluid. However, the corrosion
resistant piping 151 may be inserted into predetermined
grooves 8 after integration of the integrated piping plate
1, or the corrosion resistant p3ping 151 may be replaced.
Thus, it is preferred to select a flexible material as the
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
material for the corrosion resistant piping 151.
Opposite end portions of the corrosion resistant
piping 151 accommodated in the groove 8 are joined to a
bearer 152 as a first joining member, and a top-shaped
component 153 as a second joining member. The top-shaped
component 153 has a truncated cone-shaped body portion
(joining portion) 153b having a conical surface 153a formed
on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and has a head
portion 153c on the body portion 153b. The entire shape
of the top-shaped component 153 is like a top.
As shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A and 24B, there are
a case in which one bearer 152 is used on one corrosion
resistant piping 151 (FIGS. 23A, 23B), and a case in which
one bearer 152 is used on a plurality of (two in the
illustrated example) lines of corrosion resistant piping
151 (FIGS. 24A, 24B). These bearers 152 are each fitted
into a fitting hole 3f provided in a plate 3, and fixed to
a plate 2 by screws 155. A stepped portion 152a is formed
on the outer peripheral surface of the bearer 152, and this
stepped portion 152a contacts a stepped portion 3g formed
in the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 3f . A
through-hole 152b is formed at the center of the bearer 152,
and a conical surface 152c is formed in part of the inner
peripheral surface of the through-hole 152b. Further, a
stepped portion 152d is formed above the conical surface
152c by further widening the inner peripheral surface of
the through-hole 152b. The bearer 152 is halved at a
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CA 02594128 2009-02-24
position of a parting line 157.
The opposite end portions of the corrosion
resistant piping 151 are each joined (fixed) by the bearer
152 and the top-shaped component 153, as shown in FIGS. 25
and 26. That is, the end portion of the corrosion resistant
piping 151 is inserted into the through-hole 152b of the
bearer 152, and the body portion 153b of the top-shaped
component 153 is inserted, under pressure, into the end
portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151. By so doing,
the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is
broadened by the conical surface 153a of the body, portion
153b, and the conical surface 153a of the body portion 153b
is fitted to the conical surface 152c of the bearer 152.
As a result, the end portion of the corrosion resistant
piping 151 is joined (fixed), with its outer diameter side
being supported by the conical surface 152c of the bearer
152, and its inner diameter side being supported by the
conical surface 153a of the top-shaped component 153. On
this occasion, the head portion 153c of the top-shaped
component 153 is fitted onto the stepped portion 152d of
the bearer 152. Thus, the corrosive fluid flows through
the corrosion resistant piping 151 between the instrument
191 and the component 192. At this time, the corrosive
fluid can be prevented from leaking from the end of the
corrosion resistant piping 151.
It is normally preferred for the bearer 152 to be
integrally shaped. If the corrosion resistant piping 151
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
of a highly rigid material is used, however, the end portion
of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is in a toppled state
as shown in FIG. 27. If a plurality of lines of the corrosion
resistant piping 151 are joined to one bearer 152, the end
portions of the lines of the corrosion resistant piping 151
are in disorderly directions. Thus, the integral bearer
152 poses difficulty in an operation for joining the ends
of the lines of the corrosion resistant piping 151 (it is
conceivable to lengthen the corrosion resistant piping 151,
and cut the end of the corrosion resistant piping 151 after
its insertion into the bearer 152, but this is a difficult
operation, because the position of cutting is inside the
bearer 152 ). In this case, the bearer 152 is halved as in
the present embodiment, and one half of the bearer 152 is
inserted into the fitting hole 3f , whereafter the other half
of the bearer 152 is inserted into the fitting hole 3f,
whereby the efficiency of the joining operation is improved.
In this case, the number of divisions of the bearer 152 is
not restricted to two, but may be three or more.
FIGS. 28 and 29 show other examples of joining of
the end of the corrosion resistant piping 151. They are
useful for application to cases in which the piping paths
(grooves 8) are simple, or in which the corrosion resistant
piping 151 of a low rigidity material is used.
With an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 28,
the bearer 152 and plate 3 shown in FIG. 26 are integrally
shaped. That is, a through-hole 3c is formed in the plate
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
3, and a conical surface 3d is formed in part of the inner
peripheral surface of the through-hole 3c. A stepped
portion 3e is formad above the conical surface 3d by further
widening the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole
3c.
In this case, the end portion of the corrosion
resistant piping 151 is inserted into the through-hole 3c
of the plate 3, and the body portion 153b of the top-shaped
component 153 is inserted, under pressure, into the end
portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151. By so doing,
the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is
broadened by the conical surface 153a of the body portion
153b, and the conical surface 153a of the body portion 153b
is fitted to the conical surface 3d of the plate 3. At this
time, the head portion 153c of the top-shaped component 153
is fitted to the stepped portion 3e of the plate 3. As a
result, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping
151 is Joined firmly without leakage of the fluid, with its
outer diameter side being supported by the conical surface
3d of the plate 3, and its inner diameter side being
supported by the conical surface 153a of the top-shaped
component 153.
With an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 29,
the bearer 152 and plate 3 shown in FIG. 26 are integrally
shaped, and the top-shaped component 153 and instrument 191
or component 192 are integrally shaped. That is, a
through-hole 3c is formed in the plate 3, and a conical
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
surface 3d is formed in part of the inner peripheral surface
of the through-hole 3c. Also, a truncated cone-shaped
joining portion 154 having a conical surface 154a formed
on an outer peripheral surface thereof is shaped integrally
with the instrument 191 or component 192 on the lower surface
of the instrument 191 or component 192.
In this case, the end portion of the corrosion
resistant piping 151 is inserted into the through-hole 3c
of the plate 3, and the joining portion 154 of the instrument
191 or component 192 is inserted, under pressure, into the
end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151. By so
doing, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping
151 is broadened by the conical surface 154a of the joining
portion 154, and the conical surface 154a of the joining
portion 154 is fitted to the conical surface 3d of the plate
3. Thus, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping
151 is joined firmly so as not leak the fluid, with its outer
diameter side being supported by the conical surface 3d of
the plate 3, and its inner diameter side being supported
by the conical surface 154a of the joining portion 154.
As stated earlier, in a unit of the fuel cell power
generation system composed of many instruments and
components as shown in FIG. 49, these numerous instruments
and components are connected by the grooves 8. Thus, as
shown in FIG. 21, the number of the grooves 8 is very large,
and some grooves 8 need to be bypassed greatly in order to
prevent crossing or interference of the grooves 8 with each
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
other. Furthermore, these grooves 8 (channels) are
designed, with their sectional areas being calculated, so
as to ensure proper flow rates adapted for their uses. Thus,
the grooves 8 with large widths may be needed. In this case,
a sufficient space for forming the wide grooves 8 needs to
be secured. Besides, some of the fluids flowing through
these grooves 8 (channels) are different in temperature,
so that proper dimensions for separation need to be secured
to avoid thermal influences on each other.
Hence, the grooves 8 (channels) often have to run
complicatedly like a maze. In this case, designing and
manufacturing of the integrated piping plate (machining of
grooves) become tiresome. Moreover, the size of the plate,
i.e. , the size of the integrated piping plate, may be made
very large in order to bypass the grooves 8 or increase the
widths of the grooves 8. In this view, the configurations
of three-dimensional integrated piping plates capable of
making the layout of the grooves 8 (channels) simple and
compact even in such cases will be described based on FIGS.
30 to 35.
In FIG. 30, an intermediate plate 161 is provided
between a plate 2 and a plate 3, and these three plates 2,
3 and 161 are joined by an adhesive 4 or the like for
integration, thereby constituting a three-dimensional
integrated piping plate 1. A component 162A, an instrument
162B and an instrument 162C of a fuel cell power generation
system are arranged on one surface of the three-dimensional
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
integrated piping plate 1(an outer surface of the plate
3), and fixed by fixing means such as stud bolts and nuts
(not shown). A component 162D, a component 162E and an
instrument 162F of a fuel cell power generation system are
arranged on the other surface of the three-dimensional
integrated piping plate 1 (an outer surface of the plate
2), and fixed by fixing means such as stud bolts and nuts
(not shown).
Grooves 8, which serve as channels for fluids, are
formed in joining surfaces of the plate 3 and the
intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example, the
joining surface of the plate 3) and in joining surfaces of
the plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161 (in the
illustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 2),
respectively. These grooves 8 and the component 162A,
instrument 162B, instrument 162C, component 162D,
component 162E and instrument 162F are connected by
communication holes 10 formed in the plates 2, 3, 161. That
is, the component 162A, instrument 162B, instrument 162C,
component 162D, component 162E and instrument 162F are
connected three-dimensionally by the grooves 8 provided at
upper and lower stages in plate joining surfaces at two
locations. The sectional areas of the grooves 8 are
properly calculated for respective fluids, and determined.
FIGS. 30, 31 and 32 illustrate the layout
relationship among the grooves 8, communication holes 10,
component 162A, instrument 162B, instrument 162C,
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
component 162D, component 162E and instrument 162F which
define a path, like fluid supply port 164 - component 162A
- instrument 162F- instrument 162B --b- instrument 162C
- component 162E - component 162D - fluid discharge port
165. If described in detail based on FIGS. 31 and 32, this
path follows fluid supply port 164 - groove
8A - communication hole 10A -- component
162A -- communication hole 10B ~ groove 8B - communication
hole lOC --> groove 8C - communication hole 10D -- instrument
162F - communication hole 10E -- groove 8D -- communication
hole 1OF --> instrument 162B --o communication hole
lOG - groove 8B -- communication hole 10H --> instrument 16C
-- communication hole 10I - groove 8F -+ communication hole
10J - groove 8G --- communication hole lOK -~ component 162B
- communication hole 10L - groove 8H -- communication hole
10M -- component 162D -- communication hole lON - groove
81 - fluid discharge port 165.
In FIG. 33, an intermediate plate 161 is provided
between a plate 2 and a plate 3, and these three plates 2,
3 and 161 are joined by an adhesive 4 or the like for
integration, thereby constituting a three-dimensional
integrated piping plate 1. A component 166A, an instrument
166B, an instrument 166C, a component 166D, a component 166E,
and an instrument 166F of a fuel cell power generation system
are arranged on only one surface of the three-dimensional
integrated piping plate 1 (an outer surface of the plate
3), and fixed by fixing means such as stud bolts and nuts
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
(not shown).
Grooves 8, which serve as channels for fluids, are
formed in joining surfaces of the plate 3 and the
intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example, the
joining surface of the plate 3) and in joining surfaces of
the plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161 (in the
illustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 2),
respectively. These grooves 8 and the component 166A,
instrument 166B, instrument 166C, component 166D,
component 166E and instrument 166F are connected by
communication holes 10 formed in the plates 2, 3, 161. That
is, the component 166A, instrument 166B, instrument 166C,
component 166D, component 166E and instrument 166F are
connected three-dimensionally by the grooves 8 provided at
two stages in plate joining surfaces at two locations. The
sectional areas of the grooves 8 are properly calculated
for respective fluids, and determined.
FIGS. 33, 34 and 35 illustrate the layout
relationship among the grooves 8, communication holes 10,
component 166A, instrument 166B, instrument 166C,
component 166D, component 166E and instrument 166F which
define a path, like fluid supply port 167 -- component 166A
-- instrument 166F -- instrument 166B -+ instrument 166C
-> component 166E - component 166D - fluid discharge port
168. If described in detail based on FIGS. 34 and 35, this
path follows fluid supply port 167 - groove
8A - communication hole 10A -- component
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166A --* communication hole lOB -- groove 8B -- communication
hole l0C -- instrument 166F - communication hole
lOD - groove 8C -b- communication hole l0E - instrument 166B
--> communication hole 1OF -- groove 8D -b communication hole
lOG - instrument 166C - communication hole 10H --P groove
8E - communication hole 10I -~ component
166E -- communication hole 10J -- groove 8F -* communication
hole 10K -> component 166D -- communication hole 10L -- groove
8G --o- fluid discharge port 168.
For comparison, FIG. 36 illustrates an example in
which the component 162A, instrument 162B, instrument 162C,
component 162D, component 162E and instrument 162F shown
in FIG. 30 are arranged on an integrated piping plate 1
comprising two plates joined together. FIG. 37 illustrates
an example in which the component 166A, instrument 166B,
instrument 166C, component 166D, component 166E and
instrument 166F shown in FIG. 33 are arranged on an
integrated piping plate 1 comprising two plates joined
together.
FIG. 36 shows a path following fluid supply port
169 - groove 8A --* communication hole 10A - component 162A
- communication hole lOB --o groove 8B -+ communication hole
lOC --- instrument 162F -- communication hole lOD - groove
8C - communication hole 10E -- instrument
162B --> communication hole lOF -- groove BD -- communication
hole 10G - instrument 162C -- communication hole
10H - groove 8E --+ communication hole 101 - component 162E
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-~ communication hole 10J - groove 8F - communication hole
10K -> component 162D - communication hole 10L - groove
8G -- fluid discharge port 170.
FIG. 37 shows a path following fluid supply port
171 -> groove 8A - communication hole 10A - component 166A
- communication hole 10B -- groove 8B - communication hole
lOC - instrument 166F - communication hole 10D - groove
8C - communication hole 10E - instrument
166B - communication hole 1OF - groove 8D -- communication
hole lOG - instrument 166C - communication hole
10H - groove 8E -> communication hole 101 - component 166E
-- communication hole 10J - groove 8F - communication hole
10K - component 166D -> communication hole 10L - groove
8G - fluid discharge port 172.
In the integrated piping plate 1 having the two
plates thus joined together, all the grooves 8 (channels)
are formed in one plane, and the grooves 8 (channels) may
have to be bypassed. To bypass the grooves 8, the size of
the integrated piping plate 1 may have to be increased.
In FIGS. 36 and 37, the number of the instruments
and components is small, and the number of the grooves 8
( channels ) is also small, so that their differences are not
very marked. Actually, however, many instruments and
components as shown in FIG. 49 are connected together. Thus,
as shown in FIG. 21, the grooves 8 (channels) are also so
many as to make a maze. As a result, it is often difficult
to secure the necessary channel sectional areas, or to
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
accommodate the instruments and components in a compact
manner while securing dimensions for separation among the
fluids with different temperatures. In the three-
dimensional integrated piping plates of FIGS. 30 to 35, the
instruments and components are connected three-
dimensionally by the two-stage grooves 8 (channels), so
that the layout of the grooves 8 can be simplified, and the
instruments and components can be disposed in a compact
state. In FIGS. 30 to 35, the grooves 8 are provided in
the joining surface of the plate 2 and the joining surface
of the plate 3, but the grooves 8 may be formed in the joining
surfaces of the intermediate plate 161.
FIGS. 38 and 39 show configuration examples in which
a high temperature zone and a low temperature zone are
separated using a three-dimensional integrated piping
plate.
In FIG. 38, a low temperature/high temperature
mixed instrument 181, a low temperature instrument 182, a
low temperature/high temperature mixed instrument 183, and
a high temperature instrument 184 are disposed on one
surface of a three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1
(a surface of a plate 3). Grooves 8 connecting these
instruments are formed in two stages, i.e., in joining
surfaces of the plate 3 and an intermediate plate (in the
illustrated example, the joining surface of an intermediate
plate 161) and joining surfaces of a plate 2 and the
intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example, the
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
joining surface of the plate 2), and the upper-stage grooves
8 define a low temperature zone where a low temperature fluid
flows, while the lower-stage grooves 8 define a high
temperature zone where a high temperature fluid flows.
In FIG. 39, a low temperature/high temperature
mixed instrument 185, a low temperature instrument 186, and
a low temperature/high temperature mixed instrument 187 are
disposed on one surface of a three-dimensional integrated
piping plate 1 (a surface of a plate 3), while a high
temperature instrument 188 and a high temperature
instrument 189 are disposed on the other surface of the
three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (a surface of
a plate 2). Grooves 8 connecting these instruments are
formed in two stages, i.e., in joining surfaces of the plate
3 and an intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example,
the joining surface of the intermediate plate 161) and
joining surfaces of the plate 2 and the intermediate plate
161 (in the illustrated example, the joining surface of the
plate 2), and the upper-stage grooves 8 define a low
temperature zone where a low temperature fluid flows , while
the lower-stage grooves 8 define a high temperature zone
where a high temperature fluid flows.
In this case, it is effective to provide a heat
insulator between the plate 2 and the intermediate plate
161, although this is not shown.
In the foregoing description, the provision of one
intermediate plate 161 between the plates 2 and 3 is
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
described. However, this is not limitative, and two or more
intermediate plates may be provided between the plate 2 and
the plate 3. That is, four or more plates may be joined
to constitute the three-dimensional integrated piping
plate. When two or more intermediate plates are provided,
the grooves 8 (channels ) are also formed in joining surfaces
between the intermediate plates, whereby even more grooves
8 (channels) can be provided.
As described above, according to the integrated
piping plate of the present embodiment, the constituent
instruments and components are connected by the grooves 8
provided in the plate 2 or plate 3. Thus, the channels
corresponding to the conventional piping are present in the
integrated piping plate, and small instruments, such as
valves, electrical components, such as sensors or switches,
and electrical wiring can also be assembled into the plate
2, or plate 3, or plate 2 and plate 3. Thus, the entire
apparatus such as the fuel cell power generation system,
etc. can be easily modularized, and downsized. Moreover,
it suffices to assemble the respective constituent
instruments and components to predetermined positions, and
there is no need for a complicated pipe laying operation
in a narrow space. Thus, the assembly work is easy and the
work efficiency is increased. Furthermore, there are few
seams, reducing the risk of fluid leakage.
In addition, joining surfaces 2a and 3b of the plate
2 and the plate 3, and the grooves 8 are coated with or lined
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
with fluorocarbon resin, such as polytetrafluoroethylene,
or covered with an aluminum oxide film to form a
corrosion-proof layer 29. By so doing, corrosion of"the
grooves 8 by a corrosive fluid flowing through the grooves
8, or corrosion of the plate joining surface by ingredients
contained in the adhesive 4 can be prevented to ensure the
long life of the integrated piping plate 1. This technique
of providing the corrosion-proof layer can, of course, be
applied not only to one integrated piping plate, but a
plurality of integrated piping plates. For example, the
corrosion-proof layer may be provided on the grooves or
plate joining surface in the three-dimensional modules of
FIGS. 7 to 13, or the corrosion-proof layer may be provided
on the grooves or plate joining surface in the rest module
of FIG. 14, although these modes are not shown. Further,
the corrosion-proof layer can be provided on the grooves
or plate joining surface in three-dimensional integrated
piping plates having an intermediate plate as shown in FIGS.
30 to 35 or FIGS. 38 and 39.
Besides, the plate 2 and the plate 3 are welded at
the position of the weld line 30 surrounding the periphery
of the groove 8, whereby a fluid flowing through the groove
8 can be sealed up reliably at the site of the weld line
30. This weld sealing technique is, of course, not
restricted to the integrated piping plate in a
configuration as shown in FIG. 5, and can be applied, for
example, to integrated piping plates in any configurations,
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
such as the three-dimensional modules shown in FIGS. 7 to
13, the rest module shown in FIG. 14, and the three-
dimensional integrated piping plate shown in FIG. 30,
although these applications are not shown.
In addition, a plurality of integrated piping
plates 1(lA, 1B, etc.) having respective components and
instruments assembled thereto are three-dimensionally
modularized, with their backsurfaces being superposed. By
so doing, further downsizing can be achieved, the channels
and control system for fluids can be shortened, response
can be quickened, and control can be facilitated.
Also, a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A,
1B, etc.) are integrally fixed via a heat insulator 16a to
constitute a heat insulating three-dimensional module 18A.
This measure makes it possible, for example, to dispose low
temperature instruments 28a, 28b, such as control
instruments, in the integrated piping plate 1B in proximity
to high temperature instruments 27a, 27b disposed in the
integrated piping plate 1A.
Also, a heat insulating three-dimensional module
18B is constituted by integrally connecting and fixing a
plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.) via
separators 31. By so doing, it is possible, for example,
to separate the high temperature integrated piping plate
1A having high temperature instruments 27a, 27b disposed
there on, and the low temperature integrated piping plate
1 having low temperature instruments 28a, 28b disposed
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
thereon by the separators 31. Thus, thermal influence from
each other can be avoided. Moreover, a heat insulating
effect can be further enhanced by interposing heat
insulators 130 between the back surfaces 2b of the plural
integrated piping plates 1( lA, 1B, etc. ) and the separators
31.
Also, constituent instruments 139, 140 of the
apparatus are interposed between the back surfaces 2b' s of
a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.),
whereby the spacing between the integrated piping plates,
can be effectively used, and the apparatus can be further
downsized. Furthermore, the integrated piping plates are
separated from each other by the constituent instruments
139, 140, so that a heat insulating effect can be expected.
Particularly when the heat insulators 130 are interposed
between the instruments 139, 140 and the integrated piping
plates 1A, 1B, the heat insulating effect becomes marked.
Also, a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A,
1B, etc.) are disposed on the same rest 32 with a heat
insulating spacing L, so that these integrated piping
plates 1(1A, 1B, etc.) can ignore (prevent) thermal
influence from each other. If a heat insulator 145 is
interposed between the integrated piping plates 1(lA, 1B,
etc. ) and the rest 32, a heat insulating effect is further
enhanced.
Also, a heat shutoff groove 35 is provided between
a high temperature zone where high temperature instruments
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
33a, 33b, 33c are disposed, and a low temperature zone where
low temperature instruments 34a, 34b are disposed, on the
same integrated piping plate 1. Thus, heat from the high
temperature zone can be shut off to avoid thermal influence
on the low temperature zone. Furthermore, a heat insulator
is filled into the heat shutoff groove 35, or a refrigerant,
such as air or water, is flowed into the heat shutoff groove
35, whereby the heat shutoff effect becomes very high.
Also, instead of forming the corrosion-proof layer
in the groove 8, corrosion resistant piping 151 is
accommodated in the groove 8, and a corrosive fluid is flowed
through the corrosion resistant piping 151. By so doing,
even if the grooves 8 (channels) are numerous and
complicated, corrosion resistance to the corrosive fluid
can be easily ensured, without need for an advanced
machining technology. Moreover, it is possible to select
and use the corrosion resistant piping 151 of a material
adapted for the properties of the corrosive fluid, so that
the reliability of corrosion resisting performance is
increased. Furthermore, treatment for corrosion
resistance (channel formation using corrosion resistant
piping) can be restricted to the channels for the corrosive
fluid. Thus, machining man-hours are reduced, and the
integrated piping plate 1 can be provided for a low price.
Besides, when corrosion resisting performance declines
because of secular changes, corrosion resisting
performance can be resumed simply by replacing the
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
corrosion resistant piping 151 accommodated in the
integrated piping plate 1, rather than replacing the
integrated piping plate 1. Thus, the cost of maintenance
can be reduced.
Also, when a flexible material is used as the
material for the corrosion resistant piping 151, the
corrosion resistant piping 151 can be inserted into the
groove 8 after integration of the integrated piping plate
1, or the corrosion resistant piping 151 can be replaced.
Thus, operationability can be improved.
Also, the end portion of the corrosion resistant
piping 151 is joined with the use of a bearer 152 having
a through-hole 152b having a conical surface 152c formed
in an inner peripheral surface thereof, and a top-shaped
component 153 having a conical surface 153a formed in an
outer peripheral surface thereof. By this measure, an
operation for joining the corrosion resistant piping 151
can be performed easily, and leakage of fluid can be
prevented reliably. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28, a
bearer 152 and a plate 3 are integrally formed, or as shown
in FIG. 29, an instrument 191 or a component 192 and the
top-shaped component 153 are integrally formed. By this
measure, the number of components is decreased, and the
joining operation is facilitated. If the corrosion
resistant piping 151 of a highly rigid material is used,
or the path of piping is complicated, the efficiency of the
joining operating can be improved by dividing the bearer
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
152 Into a plurality of portions.
Also, there may be a case in which three or more
plates 2, 3, 161 are joined to constitute a three-
dimensional integrated piping plate 1, and grooves 8 are
formed in joining surfaces between the plate 2 and the
intermediate plate 161, in joining surfaces between the
plate 3 and the intermediate plate 161, and if two or more
of the intermediate plates 161 are provided, In joining
surfaces between the intermediate plate 161 and the
intermediate plate 161, whereby many grooves 8 are provided
in agreement with many instruments and components. Even
in this case, the layout of the grooves 8 is simplified,
and the instruments and components can be arranged
compactly. In this three-dimensional integrated piping
plate 1, moreover, grooves 8 in a plurality of stages are
allocated to a high temperature zone and a low temperature
zone, as illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39. Consequently,
thermal influence from each other can be eliminated.
In the above descriptions, stud bolts 6 are used
as the fixing bolts for the instrument and the component,
but they are not limitative, and ordinary bolts or through
bolts may be used. In the above examples, an 0 ring 13 is
used to seal the instrument or component, but it is not
limitative, and a gasket or the like may be used.
In the above descriptions, the fuel cell power
generation system is described, but it is not limitative.
The present invention is effective for various types of
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
apparatus, such as a fixed unit having piping and wiring
built into the apparatus, e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic
control device or combustion device for the general
industry, and for a unit integrated so as to be capable of
assembly and transportation.
In the above examples, integrated piping plates in
various configurations are described. These
configurations may be combined, where necessary. This is
true of the integrated piping plates to be described later
on.
[Embodiment 2]
A machining method for an integrated piping plate
201 according to the present embodiment will be described
based on FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C. As shown in FIGS. 40A,
40B and 40C, when a plate 202 and a plate 203 are to be Joined
for integration, the first step is to superpose the plate
202 and the plate 203. In the plate 202, a groove 208 to
serve as a channel for a fluid (liquid or gas) has been
machined. In the plate 203, communication holes 210 as a
communication between the fluid channel groove 208 and
instruments or components constituting an apparatus, such
as a fuel cell power generation system, have been machined.
in this superposed state, a groove 221 to serve as a weld
groove is machined in the plate 203 so as to extend along
the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208. Then,
this groove 221 for the weld groove is welded.
The fluid channel groove 208 is not restricted to
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
aJoining surface 202a of the plate 202, but may be formed
in a joining surface 203b of the plate 203, and the
communication holes 210 are not restricted to the plate 203,
but may be formed in the plate 202. The instrument and
component are not restricted to a surface 203a of the plate
203, but may be formed on a surface 202b of the plate 202,
or may be formed on the surfaces 202b, 203a of both plates
202, 203. That is, the instrument and component can be
provided on one of or both of the surfaces of the integrated
piping plate 201. Nor is the groove 221 for the weld groove
restricted to the plate 203, but the groove 221 may be formed
in the plate 202.
FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C show the state in course of
machining. In these drawings, (I) portion shows a portion
in which the groove 221 as the weld groove has been machined
and welded, whereby the plates 202 and 203 have been
integrated. (II) portion shows a portion in which the
groove 221 as the weld groove has been machined and is
scheduled to be welded to integrate the plates 202 and 203.
(III) portion shows a portion in which the groove 221 as
the weld groove is scheduled to be machined and welded to
integrate the plates 202 and 203. Actually, the shape of
the fluid channel groove 208 formed in the plate 202 is
complicated, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, but in FIGS.
40 to 44, is shown in a simplified manner for convenience
of explanation.
This machining method will be described in further
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
detail. The plate 203 having the communication holes 210
machined therein is superposed on the plate 202 having the
fluid channel groove 208 machined therein. Then, a weld
groove machining tool 222 is moved while tracing the outer
periphery of the fluid channel groove 208, as indicated by
an arrow X in FIG. 40A, in accordance with numerical control
(tracer control) based on machining data (numerical control
data) on the fluid channel groove 208. By this measure,
the groove 221 for a weld groove is formed in the plate 202.
That is, when the surroundings of the fluid channel groove
208 shown in FIG. 40B are to be welded, a weld line for
extending along the entire periphery of the fluid channel
groove 208 is formed at a suitable distance e from the fluid
channel groove 208, as shown in FIG. 40C, based on the
machining data obtained when machining the fluid channel
groove 208 in the plate 202. The weld groove machining tool
222 is run along this weld line to machine the groove 221
for the weld groove.
After the groove 221 for the weld groove is formed,
a welding machine 223 is caused to move while tracing the
outer periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 (along the
weld line), as indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 40A, to weld
the groove 221 for the weld groove, thereby integrating the
plate 202 and the plate 203. At this time, travel control
of the welding machine 223 (control of the welding position)
is performed in accordance with numerical control (tracer
control) based on machining data on the fluid channel groove
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
208 (numerical control data), as in the case of the weld
groove machining tool 222, or based on machining data on
the weld groove machining tool 222 (numerical control data).
Weld groove machining and welding are performed
continuously on one station, as shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B.
That is, welding is started in succession to weld groove
machining.
The reason for the initiation of welding in
succession to weld groove machining (the reason for start
of welding before completion of weld groove machining) is
as follows : If weld groove machining is completed before
start of welding, an island-like portion surrounded with
the weld 221 f or the weld groove, which has been formed by
the weld groove machining, becomes free, and this portion
cannot be held at a fixed position. The timing of starting
welding may be immediately after start of weld groove
machining, or may be a predetermined time after start of
weld groove machining. This timing can be set as desired.
FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C show the state in which the
groove 221 for the weld groove has been welded up to the
surface 203a of the plate 203. However, this mode is not
limitative, but welding may be kept within the leg length
which enables the joining of the plates 202 and 203 to be
maintained. As the method of welding for the groove 221
for weld groove, MIG welding (metal inert gas sealed
welding) or TIG welding (tungsten inert gas sealed welding)
is suitable, but other welding method may be used.
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
According to the machining method of the present
embodiment, joining surfaces 202a, 203b of the plates 202,
203 are welded so as to extend along the entire periphery
of the fluid channel groove 208, whereby the plates 202 and
203 are welded. This type of welding, compared with joining
of the plates 202 and 203 by an adhesive, increases the
durability of the plate joining portion, and constructs a
firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure resistance.
Also, the coupling bolts for the plates 202, 203 become
unnecessary, so that the entire integrated piping plate can
be further downsized. Furthermore, this machining method
facilitates the line operation of Joining procedure, and
thus increases the work efficiency, contributing to a low
cost.
The welding of the joining surfaces 202a, 203a of
the plates 202, 203 so as to extend along the entire
periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 is not restricted
to welding so as to extend along the entire periphery of
each fluid channel groove 208 as shown in FIG. 41A, but
includes sharing of one weld line 250 (weld line sharing
portion 250a) between the adjacent grooves 208 for weld
grooves as shown in FIGS. 41B and 41C. In FIGS. 41B and
41C, the adjacent fluid channel grooves 208 are close to
each other with a narrow gap d. For these fluid channel
grooves 208, therefore, only one weld line 250 (weld line
sharing portion 250a) extending along the entire periphery
of one of the fluid channel grooves 208 is formed, and this
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CA 02594128 2009-02-24
weld line sharing portion 250a is shared with the weld line
250 extending along the entire periphery of the other fluid
channel groove 208. Of course, the formation of the groove
221 for weld groove so as to extend along the entire
periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 is not restricted
to forming the groove 221 for weld groove so as to extend
along the entire periphery of each fluid channel groove 208
as shown in FIG. 41A, but includes sharing of one groove
221 for weld groove (portion 221a which shares the groove
for weld groove) between the adjacent fluid channel grooves
208 as shown in FIGS. 41B and 41C.
Other machining method for an integrated piping
plate 201 will be described based on FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C.
FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C show a method for integrating a plate
202 and a plate 203 by use of friction stir welding
(hereinafter referred to as FSW), a welding technique
rendered publicly known by patent gazettes (Japanese Patent
Nos. 2792233 and 2712838).
As shown in FIG. 42A, the plate 203 having
communication holes 210 machined therein is superposed on
the plate 202 having a fluid channel groove 208 machined
therein. Then, as shown in FIG. 42B, the surroundings of
the fluid channel groove 208 of the plate 202 are welded.
That is, as shown in FIG. 42C, joining surfaces 202a, 203b
of the plates 202, 203 are welded to form a welded (fused)
portion 227 so as to extend along the entire periphery of
the fluid channel groove 208 at a suitable distance f from
the fluid channel groove 208 to
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
weld the plate 202 and the plate 203. This mode is the same
as in the machining method shown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C,
and so detailed explanations for it are omitted. The
differences from the machining method shown in FIGS. 40A,
40B and 40C will be described in detail below.
With the machining method shown in FIGS. 42A, 42B
and 42C, machining of the groove for weld groove is not
performed. First, a tip tool 225a of an FSW welding machine
225 for FSW welding is located at a start point at which
the welding is started. Its rotation is started, and an
axial pressure is applied to it to insert the tip tool 225a
into the plate 203 up to a position in a height direction
which is suitable for integration. By starting the
rotation of the tip tool 225a, frictional heat is generated.
Also, the tip tool 225a is moved while tracing the outer
periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 as shown by an
arrow Y in FIG. 42A to weld the joining surfaces 202a, 203b
of the plates 202, 203 so as to extend along the entire
periphery of the fluid channel groove 208. At this time,
travel control of the FSW welding machine 225 (control of
the"welding position) is performed in accordance with
numerical control (tracer control) based on machining data
on the fluid channel groove 208 (numerical control data),
like travel control of the welding machine 223.
FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C show the state in course of
machining. In these drawings, (I) portion shows a portion
in which the plates 202 and 203 have been integrated by
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
welding. ( II ) portion shows a portion in which welding is
scheduled to be performed to integrate the plates 202 and
203.
The insertion of the tip tool 225a into the plate
203 can be facilitated by machining beforehand a hole for
insertion of the tip tool 225a at the position of the start
point of FSW welding. However, this hole is not a
prerequisite. The insertion is not restricted to the plate
203, but the tip tool 225a may be inserted into the plate
202, and welding may be performed at the plate 202.
According to the machining method of the present
embodiment, the joining surfaces 202a, 203b of the plates
202, 203 are welded so as to extend along the entire
periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 (of course, the
welding is not restricted to welding so as to extend along
the entire periphery of each fluid channel groove 208, but
includes sharing of one weld line (weld line sharing
portion) between the adjacent grooves 208 for weld grooves),
whereby the plates 202 and 203 are joined. This type of
welding, compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive,
increases the durability of the plate joining portion, and
constructs a firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure
resistance. Also, the coupling bolts for the plates 202,
203 become unnecessary, so that the entire integrated
piping plate can be further downsized. Furthermore, this
machining method facilitates the line operation of joining
procedure, and thus increases the work efficiency,
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contributing to a low cost. Besides, the adoption of FSW
welding makes it unnecessary to machine a groove for a weld
groove, and thus can achieve an even lower cost.
A description is given of a machining line for
implementing the machining method for an integrated piping
plate shown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C. As shown in FIGS.
43A and 43B, the machining line (machining equipment) for
an integrated piping plate comprises a plate supply device
231, a groove machining device 232, a weld groove machining
tool 222, and a welding machine 223 arranged in a row in
the direction of an arrow K1 in the drawing, and also has
a plate supply device 234 placed laterally of the weld groove
machining tool 222 in a direction (direction of an arrow
L1) perpendicular to the direction of the arrow K1. The
weld groove machining tool 222 and the welding machine 223
are provided in the same step.
A plurality of plates 202 piled on the plate supply
device 231 are in a wait state. These plates 202 are fed,
one by one, in the direction of arrow Ki by the plate supply
device 231, as desired, and transported to the groove
machining device 232 in the following step. The plate 202
on standby in the plate supply device 231 is provided
beforehand with a machining reference surface 235, or a
machining reference point 236, or the machining reference
surface 235 and the machining reference point 236, any of
which has been machined in the plate 202.
In the groove machining device 232, the fluid
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channel groove 208 is machined in the plate 202, which has
been fed from the plate supply device 231, by numerical
control based on the machining reference surface 235, or
machining reference point 236, or machining reference
surface 235 and machining reference point 236. In
providing the communication holes 210 as well in the plate
202, the communication holes 210 may be machined in the plate
202 by the groove machining device 232. As the groove
machining device 232, a milling device, a laser cutting
device, or an end mill device is used. In FIGS. 43A and
43B, one groove machining device 232 machines the fluid
channel groove 208 and/or communication holes 210 in one
step. Depending on the volume of machining, however, it
is preferred that a plurality of the groove machining
devices 232 are provided, and the fluid channel grooves 208
and communication holes 210 are machined in a plurality of
steps.
The plate 202 having the fluid channel groove 208
and/or communication holes 210 machined therein is fed from
the groove machining device 232 in the direction of arrow
Kl, and supplied to a subsequent step where the weld groove
machining tool 222 and the welding machine 223 are disposed.
The plate 202, in which the fluid channel groove 208 and
communication holes 210 have been machined by the groove
machining device provided at a site other than that on the
machining line shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, may be fed from
the plate supply device 231 to the step where the weld groove
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machining tool 222 and the welding machine 223 are disposed.
In this manner, the groove machining device 232 may be
omitted from the machining line shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B.
A plurality of plates 203 are piled in a wait state
in the plate supply device 234. These plates 203 on standby
in the plate supply device 234 are also provided beforehand
with a machining reference surface 237, or a machining
reference point 238, or the machining reference surface 237
and the machining reference point 238 which has or have been
machined. In the plate 203, communication holes 210 are
machined beforehand. When the plate 202 is supplied from
the groove machining dev:..ce 232 (plate supply device 231
if the groove machining device 232 is omitted) to the step
where the weld groove machining tool 222 and the welding
machine 223 are disposed, the plate supply device 234 also
feeds the plate 203 in the direction of arrow Li into this
step.
In forming the fluid channel groove 208 in the
joining surface 203b of the plate 203, the groove machining
device for forming the fluid channel groove 208 may be
provided between the step where the plate supply device 234
is disposed, and the step where the weld groove machining
toal222and the welding machine 223 are disposed. Moreover,
the communication holes 210 may also be formed by this groove
machining device.
In the step where the weld groove machining tool
222 and the welding machine 223 are disposed, the plate 203
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
supplied from one direction is superposed on the plate 202
supplied from another direction, with the machining
reference surfaces 235 and 237 in alignment, to fix the
positional relationship between the plates 202 and 203.
Then, the joining method explained based on FIGS. 40A, 40B
and 40C is performed. That is, machining of the groove 221
for weld groove is started by the weld groove machining tool
222. Successively, welding of the groove 221 for weld
groove is started by the welding machine 223 to weld the
joining surfaces 202a, 203b of the plates 202, 203 so as
to extend along the entire periphery of the fluid channel
groove 208. As the weld groove machining device 222, a
milling device, a laser cutting device, or an end mill device
is used. As the welding machine 223, an MIG welding machine
or a TIG welding machine is used.
The plate supply device 231, groove machining
device 232, weld groove machining tool 222, welding machine
223, and plate supply device 234 are adapted to be controlled
by control panels, i.e., a plate supply device control panel
242, a groove machining device control panel 243, a weld
groove machining tool control panel 244, a welding machine
control panel 245, and a plate supply device control panel
246, in accordance with instructions from a central control
panel 241. That is, these control panels 242, 243, 244,
245 and 246 perform machining of the plate 202 or plate 203
and tracer control for position, by commands from the
central control panel 241, based on the machining reference
CA 02594128 2007-08-02
surface 235 or machining reference point 236 or machining
reference surface 235 and machining reference point 236
provided in the plate 202, or based on the machining
reference surface 237 or machining reference point 238 or
machining reference surface 237 and machining reference
point 238 provided in the plate 203.
According to the machining line of the present
embodiment, coherent machining of the plates 202, 203
constituting the integrated piping plate 1 can be easily
performed, thus contributing to low-cost equipment.
Next, a machining line for implementing the
machining method for an integrated piping plate shown in
FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C will be explained based on FIGS. 44A
and 44B.
The difference of the machining line in FIGS. 44A
and 44B from the machining line in FIGS. 43A and 43B is that
an FSW welding machine 225 and an FSW welding machine control
panel 246 shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B are installed instead
of the weld groove machining tool 222, welding machine 223,
weld groove machining tool control panel 244 and welding
machine control panel 245 shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B. Thus,
this difference is described, and other features are not
described.
As shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, when the plate 202
is supplied from the groove machining device 232 (plate
supply device 231 if the groove machining device 232 is
omitted) to the FSW welding machine 225, the plate supply
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device 234 also feeds the plate 203 to the FSW welding
machine 225.
In the FSW welding machine 225, the plate 203
supplied from one direction is superposed on the plate 202
supplied from another direction, with the machining
reference surfaces 235 and 237 in alignment, to fix the
positional relationship between the plates 202 and 203.
Then, the joining method explained based on FIGS. 42A, 42B
and 42C is performed. That is, the joining surfaces 202a,
203b of the plates 202, 203 are welded by the tip tool 225a
of the FSW welding machine 225 so as to extend along the
entire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208.
The plate supply device 231, groove machining
device 232, FSW welding machine 225, andplate supply device
234 are adapted to be controlled by control panels, i.e.,
a plate supply device control panel 242, a groove machining
device control panel 243, an FSW welding machine control
panel 247, and a plate supply device control panel 246, in
accordance with instructions from a central control panel
248. That is, these control panels 242, 243, 247 and 246
perform machining of the plate 202 or plate 203 and tracer
control for position, by commands from the central control
panel 248, based on the machining reference surface 235 or
machining reference point 236 or machining reference
surface 235 and machining reference point 236 provided in
the plate 202, or based on the machining reference surface
237 or machining reference point 238 or machining reference
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surface 237 and machining reference point 238 provided in
the plate 203.
According to the machining line of the present
embodiment, coherent machining of the plates 202, 203
constituting the integrated piping plate 201 can be easily
performed, thus contributing to the cost reduction of the
equipment. Furthermore, the adoption of the FSW welding
machine 225 makes machining of the groove for weld groove
unnecessary, and thus can achieve a further cost reduction.
The machining method (joining method) of the
present invention is not necessarily restricted to joining
of the two plates 202 and 203, but is applicable to joining
of three or more plates. To join three plates, for example,
the first plate and the second plate may be joined by the
machining method (joining method) of the present invention,
and then the second plate and the third plate may be joined
thereby.
Also, the present invention can be applied not only
to machining of the integrated piping plate for use in a
fuel cell power generation system, but also to machining
of the integrated piping plate for use in various devices.
[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 45A shows a plate 302 produced by forming
depressions (hereinafter referred to as grooves 301) of
predetermined shapes, which serve as fluid channels, as a
result of press working of an aluminum plate or an aluminum
alloy plate.
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Press working is performed by plastic working a
metal plate of a highly plastic metallic material under
pressure with the use of a mold having an arbitrary shape.
This is a machining technique with dimensional accuracy and
excellent volume productivity. This technique can select
a corrosion resistant material as an object to be machined.
FIG. 45B is a cross sectional view taken on line
Al-Al of the plate 302 in FIG. 45A.
As shown in FIG. 45B, the cross sectional shape of
the groove 301 is a rectangular depression having a suitable
width L2 and a suitable depth H2. For easy press working,
a corner 301a has suitable roundness R, and a side wall
portion 301b of the groove 301 is suitably inclined.
To maintain the flow velocity of a fluid, flowing
through the groove 301, at a predetermined value, it is
necessary to vary the sectional area of the groove 301
according to each groove 301. In doing so, it is
advantageous in terms of assembly to keep the depth H2 of
the groove 301 constant and vary its width L2, where
necessary, thereby ensuring a predetermined sectional
area.
Since a corner 301c at the bottom of the groove 301
has suitable roundness R, it is possible to minimize the
difference in flow velocity between the center of the fluid
and the periphery of the fluid in contact with the corner
301c of the groove 301, thus decreasing stagnation of the
fluid.
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FIG. 45C is a cross sectional view taken on line
Al-Al of the plate 302 in FIG. 45A, which represents another
example. As shown in FIG. 45C, the cross sectional shape
of the groove 301 is an arc-shaped groove in which the bottom
of the groove 301 has a suitable radius Ri.
The features and functions of this arced groove are
the same as the rectangular groove 301 explained in FIG.
45B. For easy press working, a corner 301d of the arcuate
groove has suitable roundness R. and the sectional area of
the groove 301 is varied according to each groove 301 so
that the flow velocity of a fluid, flowing through the groove
301, is kept at a predetermined value.
Since the groove 301 is an arcuate groove having
the radius Ri at the bottom, it is possible to minimize the
difference in flow velocity between the center of the fluid
and the periphery of the fluid in contact with the groove
301, thus decreasing stagnation of the fluid.
FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C show the examples produced
by press working. However, the manufacturing method for
the plate 302 having the grooves for fluid channels is not
restricted to press working, but may be shaping by precision
casting. This machining method can prepare a casting with
material uniformity and high dimensional accuracy, i.e.,
a plate having grooves for fluid channels, by forming a mold
and pouring an arbitrary alloy or the like into the mold.
With precision casting, unlike press working, a material
other than a highly plastic material, such as aluminum, can
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be selected as a material for the plate, and like press
working, a corrosion resistant material can also be
selected. Also, a plate of a complicated shape can be
formed using a mold, and its surface can be smoothed as in
press working. Thus, it is possible to form grooves,
without increasing excess resistance (conductance) in the
grooves for flow of fluids. Even according to this method,
grooves as in FIGS. 45B and 45C can be formed.
Welding of the plates is performed by superposing
the plate 303 having communication holes 311 machined
therein onto the plate 302 having fluid channel grooves 301
formed therein, machining grooves for weld grooves in the
plate 303 at suitable distances from the fluid channel
grooves 301 so as to extend along the entire peripheries
of the fluid channel grooves 301, and then welding the
grooves for weld grooves by electromagnetic force-
controlled hybrid welding or the like, with the plates being
gripped at a strong pressure. As a result, the plates are
welded, and the fluids flowing through the fluid channel
grooves can be sealed up reliably at the sites of the grooves
for weld grooves. The welding method for the grooves as
weld grooves may be MIG welding, TIG welding, or other
welding method.
FIGS. 46A, 46B and 46C show another example of the
joining method for an integrated piping plate according to
the present invention. A method for joining a plate 302
and a plate 303 by friction stir welding to integrate them
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is shown below.
As stated earlier, friction stir welding (FSW
method) is a welding method rendered publicly known by
Japanese Patent No. 2792233 and so on. The FSW method uses
a material, which is harder than a base material to be joined,
as a probe (tip tool 308a in FIG. 46B), presses the probe
against the base material to be joined, periodically moves
the probe in circular motions, etc. relative to the base
material to generate frictional heat. As a result, the base
material is fused to create a plastic region. The plastic
region is fused and solidified together with another base
material to be joined, whereby both base materials are
welded.
The FSW method, unlike other welding method, can
weld base materials, without necessarily requiring a groove
for weld groove during welding. Thus, the FSW method is
suitable for an efficient machining operation. Apparatus
involved in the FSW method does not need a great input power,
but is capable of welding with a high efficiency. Thus,
this method is economical, and can contribute to cost
reduction. The method is also easy to control, and has high
positional accuracy, so that it is suitable for automation
and volume production.
According to the FSW method, as shown in FIGS. 46A
and 46B, the plate 303 having communication holes 311
machined therein is superposed on the plate 302 having a
groove 301 machined therein. Then, as shown in FIG. 46C,
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the surroundings of the groove 301 of the plate 302 are
welded at a position separated by a suitable distance f so
as to extend along the entire periphery of the groove 301
to perform welding.
Concretely, a tip tool 308a of a welding machine
308 for the FSW method is set at a start point at which the
welding is started. Starting at this point, the tip tool
308a is rotated to generate frictional heat, and fuse the
plate 303. During this course, the tip tool 308a is
inserted under pressure to a predetermined depth. A fusion
zone of the plate 303 undergoes fusion and solidification
together with the plate 302, whereby the plate 302 and the
plate 303 are welded and integrated.
In FIG. 46A, a region indicated by arrows in (1) shows
a portion of the plate 303 integrated by the FSW welding,
and a region indicated by arrows in (Z shows a portion of
the plate 303 before being integrated by welding. (M shows
a portion of the plates 302 and 303 fused and solidified
as a result of the FSW method.
As shown in FIG. 47C to be described later on,
joining may be performed by the FSW method applied in the
plate 302.
FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47C and 47D show an example of an
integrated piping plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 47A shows a side view of an integrated piping
plate 304, which comprises a plate 302 and a plate 303 joined
by FSW welding. A bracket of an instrument 305 and a
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component 305a itself located on the plate 303 are fixed
by stud bolts 306 implanted in the plate 303 and nuts 307
via sealing materials 310, such as 0 rings. The instrument
305 and component 305a fixed on the plate 303 communicate
with each other by a groove 301 having a suitable sectional
area through communication holes 311, thus being capable
of flowing a high temperature, high pressure fluid.
FIG. 47B shows joining by FSW welding to the plate
302 applied from the plate 303, while FIG. 47C shows joining
by FSW welding to the plate 303 applied from the plate 302.
Since FSW welding does not require a groove for a weld groove,
the degree of freedom during machining is high as shown in
these drawings. FIG. 47D shows, in a plan view, that the
instrument 305 and the component 305a are connected by the
groove 301 through the communication holes 311.
FIGS. 48A and 48B show an example of an integrated
piping plate in a three-dimensional configuration.
FIG. 48A is a side view of an example of the
integrated piping plate according to the present invention
constituted in a three-dimensional configuration. Two
integrated piping plates 304 and 304' are mounted to each
other in a vertically opposed manner, and end portions of
plates 302 and 302' are sealed by bolts 312 and nuts 313
via sealing materials to constitute the three-dimensional
integrated piping plate. Not only are the integrated
piping plates made three-dimensional in a vertically
opposed manner as in the present structure, but can the
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integrated piping plates be located, for example, in a
perpendicular relationship to form the three-dimensional
integrated piping plate. By so doing, the space can be used
without waste, thus resulting in a very compact
configuration. Furthermore, a refrigerant, such as air,
is flowed through a space Q formed by the plates 302 and
302' of the upper and lower integrated piping plates 304
and 304', whereby a high temperature fluid flowing through
a groove 301 can be cooled. In this case, the plates 302,
302' do not have an excess portion acting as a heat storage
portion, because the plates 302, 302' are shaped by press
working or precision casting. Moreover, the surface area
for the refrigerant is so wide that cooling can take plate
with high efficiency.
Joining of the opposed plates 302 and 302' of the
integrated piping plates 304 and 304' may be performed by
the FSW method as shown in FIG. 48B, as well as by the use
of the bolts 312 and nuts 313.
Next, a fuel cell power generation system will be
described as an example of application of the integrated
piping plate for use in a fixed unit incorporating piping
and wiring into an apparatus, and a transportable
integrated unit.
FIG. 49 shows an example of a system diagram of an
ordinary fuel cell power generation system. As shown in
FIG. 49, a liquid fuel 441a, such as methanol, is vaporized
by a carburetor 442 with the use of waste heat or the like
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CA 02594128 2007-08-02
of a reformer 449, and heated by a heat exchanger 443. Then,
the vapor is introduced into a desulfurization device 444
together with part of a hydrogen-rich gas from a CO converter
446 to have its sulfur content removed. A gaseous fuel 441b,
such as natural gas, on the other hand, bypasses the
carburetor 442, and is directly supplied to the heat
exchanger 443. If a fuel with a low sulfur content is used,
the desulfurization device 444 may be omitted.
The fuel gas, which has been desulfurized, is heated
by a heat exchanger 448 together with steam 447 generated
by a steam separator 445, and is then fed to the reformer
449. In the reformer 449, the fuel gas is reformed to
generate a reformed gas rich in hydrogen. The reformed gas
from the reformer 449 is cooled by a heat exchanger 450,
and then carbon monoxide in the reformed gas is converted
to carbon dioxide in the CO converter 446.
The reformed gas from the CO converter 446 is further
cooled by a heat exchanger 451, and then introduced into
a condenser 452, where unreacted steam is removed by
condensation. Condensate separated from the condenser 452
is sent to the steam separator 445, and fed again as steam
447 to the reformer 449. The reformed gas departing from
the condenser 452 is heated by a heat exchanger 453, and
then fed to a fuel cell body 454, where hydrogen in the
reformed gas is used for a cell reaction.
Air 458 supplied as an oxidizing agent is heated
in a heat exchanger 459, and introduced into the fuel cell
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body 454, where oxygen in the air 458 is used in the cell
reaction.
An exhaust gas from the fuel cell body 454 is heated
in a heat exchanger 460, and brought into a condenser 461,
where water formed is removed upon condensation, and
discharged to the outside of the system. The resulting
water is also fed to the steam separator 445, where it is
used as steam 447. Since the cell reaction in the fuel cell
body 454 is an exothermic reaction, the fuel cell body 454
and peripheral devices are generally provided with a
cooling device 462 using water or air as a refrigerant.
Another exhaust gas containing unreacted hydrogen
from the fuel cell body 454 passes through a splitting
machine 472, and is used, together with external air 468,
as a heating fuel 467 for the reformer 449 performing an
endothermic reaction. The remaining exhaust gas is treated
with a burner 473, and then discharged. If the heating fuel
467 is insufficient at this time, part of an outlet gas from
the desulfurization device 444 is used as an auxiliary fuel
476. A combustion exhaust gas from the reformer 449 is
partly used as a heat source for the carburetor 442. The
remainder is cooled in a heat exchanger 474, then fed to
a condenser 475, and released into the atmosphere after
separation of the resulting water. The resulting water is
returned to the steam separator 445.
Next, an outline of control in the fuel cell power
generation system will be described. First, the flow rate
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of the reformed gas to be fed to the fuel cell body 454 is
controlled by detecting a load current to a load 466 by an
ammeter I, sending its signals to a control device 469, and
opening or closing a flow control valve 470a or 470b based
on signals from the control device 469. The amount of
supply of steam 447 necessary for reforming of the fuel gas
is controlled by detecting the flow rate of the fuel gas
by a flow meter 477, and opening or closing a steam flow
control valve 471 based on signals from the control device
469. The temperature inside the reformer 449 is constantly
monitored by a temperature sensor T, and controlled by flow
control valves 470a, 470b for fuels 441a, 441b.
As described above, various instruments,
components, wiring and control instruments are disposed in
the fuel cell power generation system. Large piping and
small piping are provided complicatedly so that fluids or
gases with various properties, temperatures and pressures
flow among these devices. Particularly in a transportable,
integrated system for loading on a vehicle, efforts have
been made to arrange numerous instruments and pipe lines
at a high density in a narrow space for downsizing. The
integrated piping plate is applied as means for this purpose.
In fuel supply facilities of the fuel cell power generation
system shown in FIG. 49, piping for fuel supply is the groove
301 in the plate 302, and the flow control valves 470a, 470b
and flow meter 477 for flow rate control are disposed on
the plate 303. These measures can result in an integrated
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piping plate for controlling the flow rate of fuel flowing
through the groove 301.
In the above examples, the fuel cell power
generation system has been illustrated. However, the
present invention can be applied not only to an integrated
piping plate for use in the fuel cell power generation system,
but also to an integrated piping plate for use in various
apparatuses.
Industrial Applicability
As described above, the present invention relates
to an integrated piping plate for use in a fixed unit
incorporating piping, wiring, etc. into an apparatus, or
a transportable, integrated unit, and a machining method,
machining apparatus, and machining equipment for the
integrated piping plate. This invention can be applied to
an integrated piping plate for use in various apparatuses,
such as a fuel cell power generation system.
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