Patent Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to preferred embodiments of the present invention includes: a first support part including a first body part surrounding one side of an outer peripheral surface of a fuel cell and a first connection part formed on one side of the first body part in a longitudinal direction; a second support part including a second body part surrounding the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and the second connection part formed on one side of the second body part in a longitudinal direction; and a fixing part passing through the first connection part and the second connection part to connect and fix the first connection part and the second connection part to each other.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0125307, filed on Nov. 28, 2011, entitled “Fuel Cell Module”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a fuel cell module. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The fuel cell is an apparatus that directly converts chemical energy of fuel (hydrogen, LNG, LPG, or the like) and air (oxygen) into electricity and heat by an electrochemical reaction. The power generation technologies according to the prior art need to perform processes such as fuel combustion, vapor generation, turbine driving, generator driving, or the like. On the other hand, the fuel cell is a new conceptual power generation technology that does not induce environmental problems while increasing efficiency. The fuel cell little emits air pollutants such as SOx, NOx, or the like, can achieve pollution-free power generation due to the reduced generation of carbon dioxide, and can achieve low noise, non-vibration, or the like. 
         [0006]    As the fuel cell, there are various types of fuel cells such as a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), an alkaline fuel cell (AFC), a polymer electrolyte type fuel cell (PEMFC), a direct methanol fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), or the like. Among others, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) can implement high-efficiency generation, can implement, complex generation such as coal gas-fuel cell-gas turbine, or the like, and has various generation capacity and as a result, is appropriate for a small generator, a large generator, or a distributed power supply. Therefore, the solid oxide fuel cell is an essential generation technology for entering hydrogen economy society in future. 
         [0007]    The prior art collects current by forming metal lines on the outside of a collector collecting current generated from the fuel cell (Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-0085848). However, in this structure, as a size of a cell is increased, the number of expensive metal lines is increased, which leads to increase manufacturing costs and make a structure complicated. As a result, it is difficult to mass-produce the solid oxide fuel cell. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention has been made in an effort to provide a fuel cell module having a fuel cell easily inserted thereinto. 
         [0009]    Further, the present invention has been made in an effort to provide a fuel cell module capable of improving current collector capacity by maximizing a contact area with a fuel cell. 
         [0010]    In addition, the present invention has been made in an effort to provide a fuel cell module capable of improving durability by facilitating oxidation-resistance coating. 
         [0011]    According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell module, including: a first support part including a first body part surrounding one side of an outer peripheral surface of a fuel cell and a first connection part formed on one side of the first body part in a longitudinal direction; a second support part including a second body part surrounding the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and the second connection part formed on one side of the second body part in a longitudinal direction; and a fixing part passing through the first connection part and the second connection part to connect and fix the first connection part and the second connection part to each other. 
         [0012]    The first body part may include: a first inner surface contacting and surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and including a first air supplying hole through which air passes; and a first outer surface spaced apart from the first inner surface at a predetermined distance so as to surround the first inner surface and connected with both sides of the first inner surface in a longitudinal direction, wherein a first air passage that is a space formed by being spaced apart from the first outer surface is connected with the first air supplying hole. 
         [0013]    The first outer surface may be formed to have rigidity stronger than that of the first inner surface. 
         [0014]    The thickness of the first outer surface may be formed to be thicker than that of the first inner surface. 
         [0015]    The first inner surface and the first outer surface may be made of an alloy of stainless steel. 
         [0016]    The second body part may include: a second inner surface contacting and surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and including a second air supplying hole through which air passes; and a second outer surface spaced apart from the second inner surface at a predetermined distance so as to surround the second inner surface and connected with both sides of the second inner surface in a longitudinal direction, wherein a second air passage that is a space formed by being spaced apart from the second outer surface at a predetermined distance is connected with the second air supplying hole. 
         [0017]    The second outer surface may be formed to have rigidity stronger than that of the second inner surface. 
         [0018]    The thickness of the second outer surface may be formed to be thicker than that of the second inner surface. 
         [0019]    The second inner surface and the second outer surface may be made of an alloy of stainless steel. 
         [0020]    The first connection part may be protruded from one side of the first body part and provided with a plurality of first through holes formed in one side of the first body part in a longitudinal direction and having a form penetrating through a center thereof in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0021]    The second connection part may be protruded from one side of the second body part and provided with a plurality of second through holes formed in one side of the second body part in a longitudinal direction and having a form penetrating through a center thereof in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0022]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell module, including: an inner surface contacting and surrounding an outer peripheral surface of a fuel cell and including an air supplying hole through which air passes; a first outer surface surrounding a part of the inner surface while being spaced apart from the inner surface at a predetermined distance and having one side thereof connected with one side of the inner surface in a longitudinal direction; a second outer surface surrounding a part of the inner surface while being spaced apart from the inner surface at a predetermined distance and having the other side thereof connected with the other side of the inner surface in a longitudinal direction; and a fixing part inserted into the other side of the first outer surface and one side of the second outer surface. 
         [0023]    The first outer surface and the second outer surface may be formed to have rigidity stronger than the inner surface. 
         [0024]    The thickness of the first outer surface and the second outer surface may be formed to be thicker than that of the inner surface. 
         [0025]    The first outer surface, the second outer surface, the inner surface, and the outer surface may be made of an alloy of stainless steel. 
         [0026]    The other side of the first outer surface and one side of the second outer surface may be provided with a plurality of insertion holes formed in a longitudinal direction. 
         [0027]    One surface of the fixing part may be provided with a first control bar protruded corresponding to the insertion holes of the first outer surface and the second outer surface and inserted into the insertion holes. 
         [0028]    One surface of the fixing part may be provided with a second control bar protruded corresponding to the insertion holes of the first outer surface and the second outer surface and inserted into the insertion holes and formed so as to be spaced apart from the first control bar to the outside at a predetermined distance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a fuel cell is mounted. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is an exemplified diagram showing a multilayered fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a fuel cell is mounted. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is an exemplified diagram showing a multilayered fuel cell module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Various features and advantages of the present invention will be more obvious from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0037]    The terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to typical meanings or dictionary definitions, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts relevant to the technical scope of the present invention based on the rule according to which an inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to describe most appropriately the best method he or she knows for carrying out the invention. 
         [0038]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from preferred embodiments and the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, in adding reference numerals to components throughout the drawings, it is to be noted that like reference numerals designate like components even though components are shown in different drawings. 
         [0039]    Further, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known art related to the present invention may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the description, the terms “first”, “second”, and so on are used to distinguish one element from another element, and the elements are not defined by the above terms. 
         [0040]    Hereinafter, a fuel cell module according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a fuel cell is mounted. 
         [0042]    A fuel cell module  100  is an apparatus that collects electric energy generated during a generation process of a fuel cell  200 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the fuel cell module  100  may include a first support part  110 , a second support part  120 , and a fixing part  130 . 
         [0043]    The first support part  110  may include a first body part  111  surrounding one side of an outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell  200  and a first connection part (not shown) formed on one side of the first body part  111  in a longitudinal direction. 
         [0044]    The first body part  111  may include a first inner surface  112 , a first outer surface  114 , and a first air passage  115 . 
         [0045]    The first inner surface  112  is formed to surround the fuel cell  200  by directly contacting the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell  200 . The first inner surface  112  may be formed in a curved surface so as to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell  200 . Further, the first inner surface  112  may be made of flexible metals. For example, the first inner surface  112  may be made of an alloy of thin stainless steel. That is, the first inner surface  112  may be made of stainless steel but may be thinly formed to have flexible properties. As such, the first inner surface  112  is a curved surface corresponding to the fuel cell  200  and may be made of flexible metals, such that the contact area of the fuel cell  200  is expanded as maximally as possible, thereby maximizing the current collector efficiency. 
         [0046]    The first outer surface  114  may be formed to surround the first inner surface  112  while being spaced apart from the first inner surface  112  at a predetermined distance. Both sides of the first outer surface  114  in a longitudinal direction may each be connected to both sides of the first inner surface  112  in a longitudinal direction. The first outer surface  114  may be made of rigid metals. For example, the first outer surface  114  may be made of an alloy of thick stainless steel. That is, the first outer surface  114  may be made of stainless steel but, may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. As such, the first outer surface  114  may be made of rigid metals to support the first inner surface  112  on which the fuel cell  200  is mounted. 
         [0047]    The first air passage  115  is a space formed by spacing the first inner surface  112  and the first outer surface  114  from each other at a predetermined distance. Air to be supplied to the fuel cell  200  passes through the first air passage  115 . 
         [0048]    The first connection part (not shown) may be formed on one side of the first body part  111  in a longitudinal direction. That is, the first connection part (not shown) may be formed to be protruded to one of both sides on which the first inner surface  112  is connected with the first outer surface  114 . The first connection part (not shown) is to fasten the first support part  110  and the second support part  120  to each other and the fixing part  130  may be inserted therebetween. In  FIG. 1 , the first connection part (not shown) is not shown according to the overlapping with a second connection part  126  of the second support part  120 . 
         [0049]    The second support part  120  may include a second body part  121  surrounding the other side of an outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell  200  and a second connection part  126  formed on one side of the second body part  121  in a longitudinal direction. 
         [0050]    The second body part  121  may include a second inner surface  122 , a second outer surface  124 , and a second air passage  125 . 
         [0051]    The second inner surface  122  is formed to surround the fuel cell  200  by directly contacting the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell  200 . The second inner surface  122  may be formed in a curved surface so as to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell  200 . Further, the second inner surface  122  may be made of flexible metals. For example, the second inner surface  122  may be made of an alloy of thin stainless steel. As such, the second inner surface  122  is a curved surface corresponding to the fuel cell  200  and may be made of flexible metals, such that the contact area of the fuel cell  200  is expanded as maximally as possible, thereby maximizing the current collector efficiency. 
         [0052]    The second outer surface  124  may be formed to surround the second inner surface  122  while being spaced apart from the second inner surface  122  at a predetermined distance. Both sides of the second outer surface  124  in a longitudinal direction may each be connected to both sides of the second inner surface  122  in a longitudinal direction. The second outer surface  124  may be made of rigid metals. For example, the second outer surface  124  may be made of thick stainless steel. As such, the second outer surface  124  may be made of rigid metals to support the second inner surface  122  on which the fuel cell  200  is mounted. 
         [0053]    The second air passage  125  is a space formed by spacing the second inner surface  122  and the second outer surface  124  from each other at a predetermined distance. Air to be supplied to the fuel cell  200  passes through the second air passage  125 . 
         [0054]    The second connection part  126  may be formed on one side of the second body part  121  in a longitudinal direction. That is, the second connection part  126  may be formed to be protruded to one of both sides on which the second inner surface  122  is connected with the second outer surface  124 . The second connection part  126 , which fastens the first support part  110  and the second support part  120  to each other, may be inserted with the fixing part  130 . 
         [0055]    The fixing part  130  is a member for fastening the first support part  110  and the second support part  120  to each other. The fixing part  130  may be inserted into the connection part in the state in which the first connection part (not shown) of the first support part  110  and the second connection part  126  of the second support part  120  are connected with each other. As such, the fixing part  130  is inserted in the state in which the first support part  110  is connected with the second support part  120 , such that the first support part  110  and the second support part  130  may be fixed in the state in which the fuel cell  200  is mounted. 
         [0056]    The aforementioned fuel cell module  100  may be formed in a form in which the first support part  110 , the second support part  120 , and the fixing part  130  surround the fuel cell  200 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 2  is an exemplified diagram showing the fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the fuel cell module  100  may include the first support part  110 , the second support part  120 , and the fixing part  130 . 
         [0059]    The first support part  110  may include the first body part  111  and a first connection part  116 . 
         [0060]    The first body part  111  may include a first inner surface  112 , a first outer surface  114 , a first air passage  115 , and a first air supplying hole  113 . 
         [0061]    The first inner surface  112  is formed to surround the fuel cell (not shown) by directly contacting the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell (not shown). The first inner surface  112  may be formed in a curved surface so as to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell (not shown). Further, the first inner surface  112  may be made of flexible metals. For example, the first inner surface  112  may be made of thin stainless steel. That is, the first inner surface  112  may be made of stainless steel but may be thinly formed to have flexible properties. As such, the first inner surface  112  is a curved surface corresponding to the fuel cell (not shown) and may be made of flexible metals, such that the contact area of the fuel cell (not shown) is expanded as maximally as possible, thereby maximizing the current collector efficiency. In addition, the first inner surface  112  may be formed with the first air supplying hole  113  for supplying air to the fuel cell (not shown). 
         [0062]    The first outer surface  114  may be formed to surround the first inner surface  112  while being spaced apart from the first inner surface  112  at a predetermined distance. Both sides of the first outer surface  114  in a longitudinal direction may each be connected to both sides of the first inner surface  112  in a longitudinal direction. The first outer surface  114  may be made of rigid metals. For example, the first outer surface  114  may be made of thick stainless steel. That is, the first outer surface  114  may be made of stainless steel but may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. As such, the first outer surface  114  may be made of rigid metals to support the first inner surface  112  on which the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted. 
         [0063]    The first air passage  115  is a space formed by spacing the first inner surface  112  and the first outer surface  114  from each other at a predetermined distance. The first air passage  115  may be connected with the first air supplying hole  113  of the first inner surface  112 . 
         [0064]    The plurality of first air supplying holes  113  may be formed on the first inner surface  112 . The first air passage  115  may be connected to the inside of the fuel cell module  100 , in which the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted, by the first air supplying hole  113 . That is, the air passing through the first air passage  115  may be supplied to the fuel cell (not shown) mounted in the fuel cell module  110  by the first air supplying hole  113 . 
         [0065]    The first connection part  116  may be formed on one side of the first body part  111  in a longitudinal direction. That is, the first connection part  116  may be formed to be protruded to one of both sides on which the first inner surface  112  is connected with the first outer surface  114 . The first connection part  116  is to fasten the first support part  110  and the second support part  120  to each other. The first connection part  116  may include a first through hole  117  into which the fixing part  130  for fastening the first support part  110  and the second support part  120  to each other is inserted. 
         [0066]    The first through hole  117  may be formed at the center of the first connection part  116  so as to longitudinally penetrate therethrough. 
         [0067]    The second support part  120  may include the second body part  121  surrounding the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell (not shown) and the second connection part  126  formed on one side of the second body part  121  in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0068]    The second body part  121  may include the second inner surface  122 , the second outer surface  124 , and the second air passage  125 . 
         [0069]    The second inner surface  122  is formed to surround the fuel cell (not shown) by directly contacting the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell (not shown). The second inner surface  122  may be formed in a curved surface so as to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell (not shown). Further, the second inner surface  122  may be made of flexible metals. For example, the second inner surface  122  may be made of thin stainless steel. That is, the second inner surface  122  is made of stainless steel but may be thinly formed to have flexible properties. As such, the second inner surface  122  is a curved surface corresponding to the fuel cell (not shown) and is made of flexible metals, such that the contact area of the fuel cell (not shown) is expanded as maximally as possible, thereby maximizing the current collector efficiency. In addition, the second inner surface  122  may be formed with the second air supplying hole  123  for supplying air to the fuel cell (not shown). 
         [0070]    The second outer surface  124  may be formed to surround the second inner surface  122  while being spaced apart from the second inner surface  122  at a predetermined distance. Both sides of the second outer surface  124  in a longitudinal direction may each be connected to both sides of the second inner surface  122  in a longitudinal direction. The second outer surface  124  may be made of rigid metals. For example, the second outer surface  124  may be formed of thick stainless steel. That is, the second outer surface  124  is made of stainless steel but may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. As such, the second outer surface  124  may be made of rigid metals to support the second inner surface  122  on which the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted. 
         [0071]    The second air passage  125  is a space formed by spacing the second inner surface  122  and the second outer surface  124  from each other at a predetermined distance. The second air passage  125  may be connected with the second air supplying hole  123  of the second inner surface  122 . 
         [0072]    The plurality of second air supplying holes  123  may be formed on the first inner surface  122 . The second air passage  125  may be connected to the inside of the fuel cell module  100 , in which the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted, by the second air supplying hole  123 . That is, the air passing through the second air passage  125  may be supplied to the fuel cell (not shown) mounted in the fuel cell module  110  by the second air supplying hole  123 . 
         [0073]    The second connection part  126  may be formed on one side of the second body part  121  in a longitudinal direction. That is, the second connection part  126  may be formed to be protruded to one of both sides on which the second inner surface  122  is connected with the second outer surface  124 . The second connection part  126  is to fasten the first support part  110  and the second support part  120  to each other. The second connection part  126  may include a second through hole  127  into which the fixing part  130  for fastening the first support part  110  and the second support part  120  to each other is inserted. 
         [0074]    The second through hole  127  may be formed at the center of the second connection part  126  so as to longitudinally penetrate therethrough. 
         [0075]    The fixing part  130  is a member for fastening the first support part  110  and the second support part  120  to each other. The fixing part  130  may be inserted in the state in which the first connection part  116  of the first support part  110  and the second connection part  126  of the second support part  120  are connected with each other. That is, as the first connection part  116  and the second connection part  126  are connected with each other, the first through hole  117  of the first connection part  116  and the second through hole  127  of the second connection part  126  may overlap with each other. The first support part  110  and the second support part  120  may be fastened with each other by inserting the fixing part  130  into the first through hole  117  and the second through hole  127 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 3  is an exemplified diagram showing a multilayered fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a multilayered fuel cell module may be formed by alternately stacking at least two fuel cell modules  100  and  100 - 1  in which the fuel cells  200  and  210  are mounted. When the fuel cell modules  100  and  100 - 1  in which the fuel cells  200  and  210  are mounted are alternately stacked, the inner surfaces of the fuel cell modules  100  and  100 - 1  selectively contact the outer peripheral surfaces of the fuel cells  200  and  210  and the outer peripheral surfaces of the fuel cell modules  100  and  100 - 1  may contact connection members  140  and  180  and a positive current collector plate  194 . 
         [0078]    Describing an example as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first fuel cell module  100 , the second fuel cell module  100 - 1 , the first fuel cell  200 , the second fuel cell  210 , the first connection member  140 , the second connection member  180 , the positive current collector plate  194 , and a negative current collector plate  191 , and an insulating plate  193  are stacked. 
         [0079]    The first fuel cell module  100  is mounted with the first fuel cell  200 . The lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first fuel cell module  100  may contact the positive current collector plate  194 . Further, the inner surface of the first fuel cell module  100  may contact one side of the first fuel cell  200 . Here, one side of the first fuel cell  200  may be a bottom surface. 
         [0080]    The first fuel cell  200  is mounted in the first fuel cell module  100 . The bottom surface of the first fuel cell  200  may contact the first fuel cell module  100 . Further, a top surface of the first fuel cell  200  may contact the first connection member  140 . 
         [0081]    The first connection member  140  is a member for transferring the negative current generated from the first fuel cell  200  to the outside of the first fuel cell  200 . The first connection member  140 , which is a member for current collection of the first fuel cell  200 , may be made of metals having electric conductivity. One side of the first connection member  140  is connected with the first fuel cell  200 . That is, one side of the first connection member  140  may be formed so as to be electrically connected to an anode support (not shown) in the first fuel cell  200 . In addition, the other side of the first connection member  140  may contact the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second fuel cell module  100 - 1 . 
         [0082]    The second fuel cell module  100  is mounted with the second fuel cell  210 . The lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second fuel cell module  100 - 1  may contact the first connection member  140 . The second fuel cell module  100 - 1  may be electrically connected with the first fuel cell  200  by contacting the first connection member  140 . The inner surface of the second fuel cell module  100 - 1  may contact one side of the second fuel cell  210 . Here, one side of the second fuel cell  210  may be a bottom surface. 
         [0083]    The second fuel cell  210  is mounted in the second fuel cell module  100 - 1 . The bottom surface of the second fuel cell  210  may contact the second fuel cell module  100 - 1 . Further, the top surface of the second fuel cell  210  may contact the second connection member  180 . 
         [0084]    The second connection member  180  is a member for transferring the negative current generated from the second fuel cell  210  to the outside of the second fuel cell  210 . The second connection member  180 , which is a member for current collection of the second fuel cell  210 , may be made of metals having electric conductivity. One side of the second connection member  180  is connected with the second fuel cell  210 . That is, one side of the second connection member  180  may be formed so as to be electrically connected to an anode support (not shown) in the second fuel cell  210 . In addition, the lower side of the second connection member  180  may contact the negative current collector plate  191 . 
         [0085]    The positive current collector plate  194  may collect positive current generated by the first fuel cell  200  and the second fuel cell  210 . 
         [0086]    The negative current collector plate  191  may collect negative current generated by the first fuel cell  200  and the second fuel cell  210 . 
         [0087]    The insulating plate  193  may be formed on both sides of the first fuel cell module  100  and the second fuel cell module  100 - 1 . The insulating plate  193  is pressed to both sides of the first fuel cell module  100 , such that the mounted first fuel cell  200  may better contact the first fuel cell module  100 . In addition, the insulating plate  193  is pressed to both sides of the second fuel cell module  100 - 1 , such that the mounted second fuel cell  210  may better contact the second fuel cell module  100 - 1 . 
         [0088]    As such, the first fuel cell  200  and the second fuel cell  210  may be disposed vertically by the first fuel cell module  100  and the second fuel cell module  100 - 1 . Further, the first fuel cell module  100  and the second fuel cell module  100 - 1  may collect the positive current generated from the first fuel cell  200  and the second fuel cell  210  to the positive current collector plate  194  by serially connecting the first fuel cell  200  and the second fuel cell  210  that are vertically disposed. 
         [0089]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention describes two fuel cell modules and two fuel cells, but is only an example. Therefore, the number of fuel cell modules and fuel cells is not limited thereto. The number of fuel cell modules and fuel cells may be changed by those skilled in the art. 
         [0090]    In addition, the preferred embodiment of the present invention describes the case in which the plurality of fuel cells is connected to one another in series by vertically disposing the plurality of fuel cell modules but is only the example. The plurality of fuel cells may be connected to one another in parallel by horizontally disposing the plurality of fuel cell modules. In addition, the plurality of fuel cells may simultaneously be connected to one another in series and in parallel by vertically and horizontally connecting the plurality of fuel cell modules to one another. 
         [0091]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first inner surface and a second inner surface may be made of flexible metals and the first outer surface and the second outer surface may be made of rigid metals, which may be expressed in relative terms. That is, a meaning that metals forming the first inner surface and the second inner surface are flexible is more flexible than metals forming the first outer surface and the second outer surface. Further, a meaning that metals forming the first outer surface and the second outer surface are rigid is more flexible than metals forming the first inner surface and the second inner surface. Here, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, flexibility and rigidity may be determined at a thickness of an alloy of stainless steel in that the first inner surface, the second inner surface, the first outer surface, and the second outer surface may be made of an alloy of the same stainless steel. 
         [0092]      FIG. 4  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a fuel cell is mounted. 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a fuel cell module  300  may include an inner surface  310 , a first outer surface  331 , a second outer surface  332 , an air passage  340 , a first connection part  351 , a second connection part  353 , and a fixing part  360 . 
         [0094]    The inner surface  310  is formed to surround a fuel cell  400  by directly contacting the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell  400 . For example, the inner surface  310  may be formed to surround both sides and the lower portion of the fuel cell  400 . The inner surface  310  may be formed in a curved surface so as to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell  400 . Further, the inner surface  310  may be made of flexible metals. For example, the inner surface  310  may be made of thin stainless steel. That is, the inner surface  310  is made of stainless steel but may be thinly formed to have flexible properties. As such, the inner surface  310  is a curved surface corresponding to the fuel cell  400  and is made of flexible metals, such that the contact area of the fuel cell  400  is expanded as maximally as possible, thereby maximizing the current collector efficiency. 
         [0095]    The first outer surface  331  may be formed to surround a portion of the inner surface  310  while being spaced apart from the first inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance. One side of the first outer surface  331  in a longitudinal direction may be connected to one side of the inner surface  310  in a longitudinal direction. The first outer surface  331  may be made of rigid metals. For example, the first outer surface  331  may be made of thick stainless steel. That is, the first outer surface  331  is made of stainless steel but may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. As such, the first outer surface  331  may be made of rigid metals to support the inner surface  310  on which the fuel cell  400  is mounted. 
         [0096]    The second outer surface  332  may be formed to surround a portion of the inner surface  310  while being spaced apart from the first inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance. The other side of the second outer surface  332  in a longitudinal direction may be connected to the other side in a longitudinal direction of the inner surface  310 . The second outer surface  332  may be made of rigid metals. For example, the second outer surface  332  may be made of thick stainless steel. That is, the second outer surface  332  is made of stainless steel but may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. As such, the second outer surface  332  may be made of rigid metals to support the inner surface  310  on which the fuel cell  400  is mounted. 
         [0097]    The first connection part  351  may be longitudinally formed to the other side of the first outer surface  331 . The first connection part  351  may be inserted with a control bar  361  of the fixing part  360 . 
         [0098]    The second connection part  353  may be longitudinally formed to the other side of the second outer surface  332 . The second connection part  353  may be inserted with the control bar  361  of the fixing part  360 . 
         [0099]    The fixing part  360  is a member for fixing the first outer surface  331  and the second outer surface  332  so that the fuel cell  400  is mounted in the inner surface  310 . The fixing part  360  may include the control bar  361 . The control bar  361  may be a plurality of insertion parts protruded from one surface of the fixing part  360 . The control bar  361  may be inserted in a form in which the first control bar  361  penetrates through the first connection part  351  and the second connection part  353 . That is, the fixing part  360  fixes the first outer surface  331  and the second outer surface  332  by inserting the control bar  361  into the first connection part  351  and the second connection part  353 , such that the inner surface  310  may be fixed at a predetermined width. 
         [0100]    The air passage  340  is a space formed by the inner surface  310 , the first outer surface  331  spaced apart from the inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance, and the second outer surface  332 . The air to be supplied to the fuel cell  400  mounted in the fuel cell module  300  may pass through the air passage  340 . 
         [0101]    As described above, the fuel cell module  300  may be formed in a form in which the inner surface  310 , the first outer surface  331 , the second outer surface  332 , and the fixing part  360  surround the fuel cell  400 . 
         [0102]      FIG. 5  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the fuel cell module  300  may include the inner surface  310 , the air supplying hole  320 , the first outer surface  331 , the second outer surface  332 , the air passage  340 , the first connection part  351 , the second connection part  353 , and the fixing part  360 . 
         [0104]    The inner surface  310  is formed to surround the fuel cell (not shown) by directly contacting the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell (not shown). For example, the inner surface  310  may be formed to surround both sides and the lower portion of the fuel cell (not shown). The inner surface  310  may be formed in a curved surface so as to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell (not shown). Further, the inner surface  310  may be made of flexible metals. For example, the inner surface  310  may be made of thin stainless steel. That is, the inner surface  310  is made of stainless steel but may be thinly formed to have flexible properties. As such, the inner surface  310  is a curved surface corresponding to the fuel cell (not shown) and is made of flexible metals, such that the contact area of the fuel cell (not shown) is expanded as maximally as possible, thereby maximizing the current collector efficiency. In addition, the inner surface  310  may be formed with the air supplying hole  320  for supplying air to the fuel cell (not shown). 
         [0105]    The first outer surface  331  may be formed to surround a portion of the inner surface  310  while being spaced apart from the first inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance. One side of the first outer surface  331  in a longitudinal direction may be connected to one side of the inner surface  310  in a longitudinal direction. The first outer surface  331  may be made of rigid metals. For example, the first outer surface  331  may be made of thick stainless steel. That is, the first outer surface  331  is made of stainless steel but may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. As such, the first outer surface  331  may be made of rigid metals to support the inner surface  310  on which the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted. 
         [0106]    The second outer surface  332  may be formed to surround a portion of the inner surface  310  while being spaced apart from the first inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance. The other side of the second outer surface  332  in a longitudinal direction may be connected to the other side in a longitudinal direction of the inner surface  310 . The second outer surface  332  may be made of rigid metals. For example, the second outer surface  332  may be made of thick stainless steel. That is, the second outer surface  332  is made of stainless steel but may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. As such, the second outer surface  332  may be made of rigid metals to support the inner surface  310  on which the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted. 
         [0107]    The air passage  340  is a space formed by the inner surface  310 , the first outer surface  331  spaced apart from the inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance, and the second outer surface  332 . The air to be supplied to the fuel cell (not shown) mounted in the fuel cell module  300  may pass through the air passage  340 . 
         [0108]    The plurality of air supplying holes  320  may be formed in the inner surface  310 . The air passage  340  may be connected to the inside of the fuel cell module (not shown), in which the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted, by the air supplying hole  320 . That is, the air passing through the air passage  340  may be supplied to the fuel cell (not shown) mounted in the fuel cell module  110  by the air supplying hole  320 . 
         [0109]    The first connection part  351  may be longitudinally formed to the other side of the first outer surface  331 . The first connection part  351  may be inserted with the first through hole  352  into which the control bar  361  of the fixing part  360  is inserted. The plurality of first through holes  352  may be formed in the first connection part  351 . 
         [0110]    The second connection part  353  may be longitudinally formed to the other side of the second outer surface  332 . The second connection part  353  may be formed with the second through hole  354  into which the control bar  361  of the fixing part  360  is inserted. The plurality of second through holes  354  may be longitudinally formed to the second connection part  353 . 
         [0111]    The fixing part  360  is a member for fixing the first outer surface  331  and the second outer surface  332  so that the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted in the inner surface  310 . The fixing part  360  may include the control bar  361 . The control bar  361  may be a plurality of insertion parts protruded from one surface of the fixing part  360 . Further, the plurality of control bars  361  having the protruded form may be formed to correspond to the first through hole  352  of the first connection part  351  and the second through hole  354  of the second connection part  353 . The control bar  361  formed as described above may be inserted into the first through hole  352  formed in the first connection part  351  and the second through hole  354  formed in the second connection part. 
         [0112]    The fixing part  360  may be fixed so that the inner surface  310  has a predetermined width by the control bar  361  formed as described above. For example, the fixing part  360  fixes the first outer surface  331  and the second outer surface  332  by inserting the control bar  361  into the first through hole  352  and the second through hole  354 , such that the inner surface  310  may be fixed at a predetermined width. 
         [0113]      FIG. 6  is an exemplified diagram showing a fuel cell module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0114]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the fuel cell module  300  may include the inner surface  310 , the air supplying hole  320 , the first outer surface  331 , the second outer surface  332 , the air passage  340 , the first connection part  351 , the second connection part  353 , and the fixing part  360 . 
         [0115]    The inner surface  310  is formed to surround the fuel cell (not shown) by directly contacting the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell (not shown). The inner surface  310  is made of stainless steel but may be thinly formed to have flexible properties. The first inner surface  310  may be formed with the air supplying hole  320  for supplying air to the fuel cell (not shown). 
         [0116]    The first outer surface  331  may be formed to surround a portion of the inner surface  310  while being spaced apart from the first inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance. The first outer surface  331  is made of stainless steel but may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. 
         [0117]    The second outer surface  332  may be formed to surround a portion of the inner surface  310  while being spaced apart from the first inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance. The second outer surface  332  is made of stainless steel but may be thickly formed to have rigid properties. 
         [0118]    The first outer surface  331  and the second outer surface  332  formed as described above may be support the inner surface  310  on which the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted. 
         [0119]    The air passage  340  is a space formed by the inner surface  310 , the first outer surface  331  spaced apart from the inner surface  310  at a predetermined distance, and the second outer surface  332 . The air to be supplied to the fuel cell (not shown) mounted in the fuel cell module  300  may pass through the air passage  340 . 
         [0120]    The plurality of air supplying holes  320  may be formed in the inner surface  310 . The air passing through the air passage  340  may be supplied to the fuel cell (not shown) mounted in the fuel cell module  300  by the air supplying hole  320 . 
         [0121]    The first connection part  351  may be longitudinally formed to the other side of the first outer surface  331 . The first connection part  351  may be inserted with the first through hole  352  into which the control bar  361  of the fixing part  360  is inserted. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the plurality of first through holes  352  may be formed by a plurality of columns of the first connection part  351  in a longitudinal direction. For example, the first through hole  352  may include a first inner through hole  355  and a first outer through hole  356 . 
         [0122]    The second connection part  353  may be longitudinally formed to the other side of the second outer surface  332 . The second connection part  353  may be inserted with the second through hole  354  into which the control bar  361  of the fixing part  360  is inserted. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the plurality of second through holes  354  may be formed with a plurality of columns of the second connection part  353  in a longitudinal direction. For example, the second through hole  354  may include a second inner through hole  357  and a second outer through hole  358 . 
         [0123]    The fixing part  360  is a member for fixing the first outer surface  331  and the second outer surface  332  so that the fuel cell (not shown) is mounted in the inner surface  310 . The fixing part  360  may include the control bar  361 . The control bar  361  may be a plurality of insertion parts protruded from one surface of the fixing part  360 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the control bar  361  may also be formed with the plurality of columns. For example, the control bar  361  may include a first column control bar  362 , a second column control bar  363 , a third column control bar  364 , and a fourth column control bar  365 . 
         [0124]    The fixing part  360  may be fixed so that the inner surface  310  may control the width of the inner surface  310  by the control bar  361  formed as described above. For example, the first column control bar  362  of the fixing part  360  is inserted into the first outer through hole  356  and when the fourth column control bar  365  is inserted into the second outer through hole  358 , a diameter of the inner surface  310  may be minimized In addition, the second column control bar  363  of the fixing part  360  is inserted into the first inner through hole  355  and when a third column control bar  364  is inserted into a second inner through hole  357 , the diameter of the inner surface  310  may be maximized. 
         [0125]    The number of first through holes  352  and second through holes  354  and the number of control bars  361  are not limited thereto and therefore, may be changed by those skilled in the art. 
         [0126]      FIG. 7  is an exemplified diagram showing a multilayered fuel cell module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0127]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a multilayered fuel cell module may be formed by stacking at least two fuel cell modules  300  and  300 - 1  in which fuel cells  400  and  410  are mounted. 
         [0128]    Describing an example as shown in  FIG. 7 , the first fuel cell module  300 , the second fuel cell module  300 - 1 , the first fuel cell  400 , the second fuel cell  410 , the first connection member  392 , the second connection member  393 , the positive current collector plate  396 , and the negative current collector plate  394 , and an insulating plate  397  are stacked. 
         [0129]    The first fuel cell module  300  is mounted with the first fuel cell  400 . The lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first fuel cell module  300  may contact the positive current collector plate  396 . That is, the first fixing part  360  of the first fuel cell module  300  may contact the positive current collector plate  396 . Further, the inner surface of the first fuel cell module  300  may contact one side of the first fuel cell  400 . Here, one side of the first fuel cell  400  may be a bottom surface. 
         [0130]    The first fuel cell  400  is mounted in the first fuel cell module  300 . The bottom surface of the first fuel cell  400  may contact the first fuel cell module  300 . Further, a top surface of the first fuel cell  400  may contact the first connection member  392 . 
         [0131]    The first connection member  392  is a component for transferring the negative current generated from the first fuel cell  400  to the outside of the first fuel cell  400 . The first connection member  392 , which is a member for current collection of the first fuel cell  400 , may be made of metals having electric conductivity. One side of the first connection member  392  is connected with the first fuel cell  400 . That is, one side of the first connection member  392  may be formed so as to be electrically connected to an anode support (not shown) in the first fuel cell  400 . In addition, the other side of the first connection member  392  may contact the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second fuel cell module  300 - 1 . 
         [0132]    The second fuel cell module  300 - 1  is mounted with the second fuel cell  410 . The lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second fuel cell module  300 - 1  may contact the first connection member  392 . That is, the second fixing part  390  of the second fuel cell module  300 - 1  may contact the other side of the first connection member  392 . The second fuel cell module  300 - 1  may be electrically connected with the first fuel cell  400  by contacting the first connection member  392 . The inner surface of the second fuel cell module  300 - 1  may contact one side of the second fuel cell  410 . Here, one side of the first fuel cell  400  may be a bottom surface. 
         [0133]    The second fuel cell  410  is mounted in the second fuel cell module  300 - 1 . The bottom surface of the second fuel cell  410  may contact the second fuel cell module  300 - 1 . Further, the top surface of the second fuel cell  410  may contact the second connection member  393 . 
         [0134]    The second connection member  393  is a component for transferring the negative current generated from the second fuel cell  410  to the outside of the second fuel cell  410 . The second connection member  393 , which is a member for current collection of the second fuel cell  410 , may be made of metals having electric conductivity. One side of the second connection member  393  is connected with the second fuel cell  410 . That is, one side of the second connection member  393  may be formed so as to be electrically connected to an anode support (not shown) in the second fuel cell  410 . In addition, the lower side of the second connection member  393  may contact the negative current collector plate  394 . 
         [0135]    The positive current collector plate  396  may collect positive current generated by the first fuel cell  400  and the second fuel cell  410 . 
         [0136]    The negative current collector plate  394  may collect negative current generated by the first fuel cell  400  and the second fuel cell  410 . 
         [0137]    The insulating plate  397  may be formed on both sides of the first fuel cell module  300  and the second fuel cell module  300 - 1 . The insulating plate  397  is pressed to both sides of the first fuel cell module  300 , such that the mounted first fuel cell  400  may better contact the first fuel cell module  300 . In addition, the insulating plate  397  is pressed to both sides of the second fuel cell module  300 - 1 , such that the mounted second fuel cell  410  may better contact the second fuel cell module  300 - 1 . 
         [0138]    As such, the first fuel cell  400  and the second fuel cell  410  may be disposed vertically by the first fuel cell module  300  and the second fuel cell module  300 - 1 . Further, the first fuel cell module  300  and the second fuel cell module  300 - 1  may collect the positive current generated from the first fuel cell  400  and the second fuel cell  410  to the positive current collector plate  396  by serially connecting the first fuel cell  400  and the second fuel cell  410  that are vertically disposed. 
         [0139]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention describes two fuel cell modules and two fuel cells, but is only an example. Therefore, the number of fuel cell modules and fuel cells is not limited thereto. The number of fuel cell modules and fuel cells may be changed by those skilled in the art. 
         [0140]    In addition, the preferred embodiment of the present invention describes the case in which the plurality of fuel cells is connected to one another in series by vertically disposing the plurality of fuel cell modules but is only the example. The plurality of fuel cells may be connected to one another by horizontally disposing the plurality of fuel cell modules. In addition, the plurality of fuel cells may simultaneously be connected to one another in series and in parallel by vertically and horizontally connecting the plurality of fuel cell modules to one another. 
         [0141]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface is made of the flexible metals and the first outer surface and the second outer surface may be made of rigid metals, which may be expressed in relative terms. That is, a meaning that the metal forming the inner surface is flexible is more flexible than the metal forming the first outer surface and the second outer surface. In addition, a meaning that the metal forming the first outer surface and the second outer surface is rigid is more rigid than the metal forming the inner surface. Here, according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flexibility and the rigidity may be determined at a thickness of an alloy of stainless steel in that the first inner surface and the second inner surface may be made of an alloy of the same stainless steel. 
         [0142]    The fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is formed to have a hinge structure to facilitate the insertion of the fuel cell. In addition, the inner surface of the fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is made of the flexible metals, thereby expanding the contact area with the fuel cell as maximally as possible. In addition, the fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can maximize the contact area with the fuel cell, thereby improving the current collector capacity. Further, the fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be made of an alloy of stainless steel to facilitate the oxidation-resistance coating later, thereby improving the durability. In addition, the fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be made of an alloy of stainless steel, thereby saving the manufacturing costs. 
         [0143]    The fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be formed to have a hinge structure, thereby facilitating the insertion of the fuel cell. 
         [0144]    The inner surface of the fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be made of the flexible metals, thereby expanding the contact area with the fuel cell as maximally as possible. 
         [0145]    The fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can maximize the contact area with the fuel cell, thereby improving the current collector capacity. 
         [0146]    The fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be made of an alloy of stainless steel to facilitate the oxidation-resistance coating later, thereby improving the durability. 
         [0147]    The fuel cell module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be made of an alloy of stainless steel, thereby saving the manufacturing costs. 
         [0148]    Although the embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated that a fuel cell module according to the invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0149]    Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements should be considered to be within the scope of the invention, and the detailed scope of the invention will be disclosed by the accompanying claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8