FUEL CELL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT COMPRISING THE FUEL CELL

摘要

This invention provides a fuel cell which has a small size and can enhance power generation stability. A heat insulating layer (40) is provided on the outer side of an oxidizing agent electrode-side exterior member (22). The temperature of a face (40A) on the side of an oxidizing agent electrode in the heat insulating layer (40) is raised due to heat generation in the oxidizing agent electrode (12). A face (40B) on the opposite side is distant from the oxidizing agent electrode (12), and the heat resistance of the material is high. Accordingly, the temperature of the face (40B) is below the temperature of the face (40A) on the oxidizing agent electrode (12) side, and a temperature difference occurs in the direction of the thickness of the heat insulating layer (40). Water produced in the oxidizing agent electrode (12) is vaporized due to the generation of heat from the oxidizing agent electrode (12) and is thus converted to water vapor which can absorb heat as heat of vaporization to suppress heat generation of a power generating element (10). The produced water vapor undergoes dew condensation due to a temperature difference within the heat insulating layer (40). This water is again vaporized due to heat generation in the power generating element (10). This cycle can realize proper control of heat generation and water in a fuel cell (1A) and thus can enhance the stability of the operation. A water retaining layer is provided in a through-hole (41), and the water condensed within the heat insulating layer (40) is reliably forcibly returned to the inside of the fuel cell (1A).