JP2001089105A - Fuel reformer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel reformer having a compact thin shape, capable of enabling the temperature of each part to be separately regulated, excellent in safety, capable of facilitating the exchange of a reforming reaction part and a CO-oxidizing part which are extremely abraded, and intended to facilitate the production and reduce the cost by decreasing the number of parts. SOLUTION: This fuel reformer has an evaporating part 44 for evaporating a fuel to be reformed or a mixture of the fuel to be reformed and water, the reforming reaction part 2 for reforming the fuel to be reformed, the CO-oxidizing part 3 for oxidizing CO included in the reformed gas to CO2, and a means for supplying the heat required for the evaporation part 44 and the reforming reaction part 2 by flowing the combustion gas obtained by burning the first fuel or the second fuel containing hydrogen as a main combustible component, as the fuel for the combustion. The reforming reaction part 2 and the CO-oxidizing part 3 are formed by partitioning a flat first hermetically sealed vessel 1, and arranging a catalyst 57 for the reforming at the upstream side along the direction of the flow of the fuel for the reforming, and a catalyst 60 for oxidizing the CO. The evaporating part 44 is arranged on the same plane as the installation plane of the first hermetically sealed vessel 1. The combustion gas is flowed on the main surface of at least one of the first hermetically sealed vessel part having the reforming reaction part 44 formed therein, and the evaporation part 44.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a fuel for obtaining a hydrogen-rich reformed gas used as a fuel for a fuel cell or the like from a hydrocarbon-based fuel such as natural gas or a reforming fuel such as alcohols and ethers. The present invention relates to the structure of a reformer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional fuel reforming device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2 using fuel such as methanol as a reforming fuel. In the figure, 7
Reference numeral 1 denotes a reforming apparatus main body. A combustion chamber 75 for burning combustion fuel is formed at one end of an inner cylindrical combustion cylinder 72, and a combustion catalyst 76 is provided therein. Is held. An end plate 78 to which a combustion nozzle 77 whose front end faces the combustion chamber 75 is fixed to one end of the combustion cylinder 72, and a fuel distributor 79 is mounted on the front end of the combustion nozzle 77. Combustion fuel is supplied to the combustion nozzle 77 from the combustion fuel supply pipe 20.

[0003] On the inner peripheral surface of the combustion tube 72, a heat insulating layer 38 made of a heat insulating brick or the like is formed, while on the outer peripheral surface, a heat exchange tube 39 is arranged concentrically. One end of a gap between the combustion tube 72 and the heat exchange tube 39 communicates with the inside of the combustion chamber 75 via a cutout passage 40 cut in the other end of the combustion tube 72, while the other end thereof is connected to an exhaust pipe 41. Is connected. In a gap between the combustion cylinder 72 and the heat exchange cylinder 39, a reforming fuel preheating pipe 42 for preheating a reforming fuel such as methanol is spirally provided. One end side of the reforming fuel preheating pipe 42 penetrates the heat exchange cylinder 39 and is connected to the reforming fuel supply pipe 43. The other end of the reforming fuel preheating pipe 42 is connected to one end of a reforming fuel heating pipe 44 spirally arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the combustion chamber 75. A reforming header 52 connected to the other end of the reforming fuel heating pipe 44 is provided at the center of the combustion cylinder 72.
One ends of a plurality of mutually parallel reformed gas generation tubes 53 extending to the other end of the combustion cylinder 72 are connected to each other via a rectifying orifice 54. A single sealing plate 56 made of punched metal having a large number of communication ports 55 is joined to the other ends of the reformed gas generation tubes 53. Reforming catalyst 57
Is filled.

[0004] At one end of the reformer main body 71, CO
The reducing device 58 is attached adjacent to the sealing plate 56, and the reformed gas generation pipe 53 communicates with the CO reducing device 58 via the communication port 55 of the sealing plate 56. The CO shift catalyst 59 is provided inside the CO reduction device 58.
And one end thereof is connected to a reformed gas discharge pipe 61.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the distribution and operation of the combustion gas will be described. Combustion fuel supply pipe 2
The fuel for combustion preliminarily mixed with the air introduced from 0 is guided to the combustion chamber 75 through the combustion nozzle 77, and a fuel disperser 79 is provided at the tip of the combustion nozzle 77, and the reverse of the fuel is provided. Fire is prevented. In the combustion chamber 75, the fuel is ignited and burned by the combustion catalyst 76, and 400 to 1200 ° C.
Temperature.

The temperature of the combustion chamber 75 is maintained by a heat insulating layer 38 formed outside the combustion tube 72. Further, at the time of startup, from the fuel supply pipe for combustion 20, methanol or the like that has been atomized in advance is mixed with air and guided to the combustion nozzle, but when the temperature inside the combustion chamber 75 becomes sufficiently high, By supplying the unreacted fuel gas from the fuel cell together with air from the combustion fuel supply pipe 20 to the combustion chamber 75, the combustion chamber 76 can be stopped by the action of the combustion catalyst 76 even if the supply of the combustion methanol is stopped.
5 can be kept at a high temperature.

The high-temperature combustion gas is supplied to a reformed gas generation pipe 53.
Through the gap while supplying heat to the reforming fuel preheating pipe 42 at the end of the combustion cylinder 72 opposite the combustion nozzle 77 through the heat exchange cylinder 39 outside the combustion cylinder 72. It is discharged from the exhaust pipe 41 to the outside of the reformer main body 71 while performing replacement.

Next, the flow path of the reforming fuel and its operation will be described. The reforming fuel composed of methanol, water, and the like introduced from the reforming fuel supply pipe 43 passes through the reforming material preheating pipe 42 to the reforming fuel heating pipe 44, and moves from the combustion chamber 75 to the reforming fuel heating pipe 44. Heat exchange is performed between the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas flowing toward the exhaust pipe 41 through the gap between the combustion tube 72 and the heat exchange tube 39, and is preheated to about 200 ° C to 500 ° C. From the reforming fuel further heated in the reforming fuel heating pipe 44, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are generated in the reformed gas generation pipe 53. Here, in order to improve the efficiency of hydrogen generation, the pressure is set to 3 to 20 kg / cm ² and the temperature is set to 2 kg / cm ² .
It is said that it is desirable to set the temperature to 00 to 600 ° C.

The reformed gas is introduced into the CO reduction device 58 at one end of the reformed gas generation pipe 53, and the CO concentration is reduced by the action of the CO shift catalyst 59 therein. Thereafter, the gas is discharged from the reformer main body 71 through the reformed gas discharge pipe 61.

[0010]

Since the conventional fuel reformer has a cylindrical configuration as described above, the body diameter increases as the capacity increases, and the fuel reformer can be placed in any manner. That would require a considerable height. For example, when it is used in a vehicle, there is a problem that it cannot be mounted in a lower space inside the vehicle where the height cannot be sufficiently secured. Also,
The reformed gas generation pipe 53 as the reforming section and the C as the CO reducing section
High-concentration hydrogen gas flows through the O reduction device 58,
It is necessary to prevent the leakage of this gas as much as possible. However, since the end of the reformed gas generating tube 53 is welded and sealed one by one, especially when it is used in a vehicle which is easily affected by external impact. In some cases, cracks may occur in the welded portion due to vibration. In addition, although the reforming catalyst 57 and the CO shift catalyst 59 are severely consumed, replacing them requires cutting the metal member, which has a problem that the replacement is troublesome. Further, since the reforming unit 53 is a multi-tube type,
There are problems that the production is complicated and the number of parts is large, such as welding of the end of a pipe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and is characterized by a thin and compact reforming reaction section which is excellent in safety and has high consumption.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel reformer in which the O-oxidized portion can be easily replaced, the number of parts is reduced, the production is easy, and the cost is reduced.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel reforming apparatus comprising a first fuel mainly containing an alcohol, an ether or a hydrocarbon fuel as a reforming fuel. In a fuel reforming apparatus that generates a hydrogen-rich reformed gas, an evaporator that evaporates the reforming fuel or a mixture with the reforming fuel water, a reformer that reforms the reforming fuel, A reaction section, a CO oxidation section for oxidizing CO contained in the reformed gas to CO ₂ , and a _second gas containing hydrogen as a main combustible component or a combustion gas obtained by burning the first fuel as a fuel for combustion By distributing
A means for supplying necessary heat to the evaporating section and the reforming reaction section, and partitioning the inside of the first flat closed vessel to form a reforming section upstream in the flow direction of the reforming fuel; Forming a reforming reaction section and a CO oxidizing section by arranging a CO oxidizing catalyst on the downstream side of the catalyst, and arranging the evaporating section on substantially the same plane as an installation surface of the first closed vessel; The combustion gas is caused to flow to at least one main surface of the first closed vessel portion in which the reforming reaction section is formed and to the evaporating section.

[0013] The fuel reforming apparatus according to a second configuration of the present invention is the fuel reforming apparatus according to the first configuration, wherein the first closed vessel in which the reforming reaction section and the CO oxidizing section are formed, the evaporating section, and the heat supply means. It is housed in a flat second airtight container, and at least a part of the space between the first and second airtight containers is used as a flow path of the combustion gas.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel reformer according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first or second closed container comprises a flat box-shaped main body having an open upper part and the opening. It is configured with a lid that closes the cover.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the fuel reformer according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the combustion gas passage is formed of a honeycomb made of ceramic or metal, and the honeycomb is formed of a honeycomb. 1 is in contact with the main surface of the closed container.

A fuel reforming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the fuel reforming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein a combustion catalyst is carried on the surface of the honeycomb.

In a fuel reforming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the reforming reaction section or the CO oxidizing section is a honeycomb whose gas flow path is made of ceramic or metal. It is configured.

The fuel reforming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the fuel reforming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein a reforming catalyst or a CO oxidation catalyst is carried on the surface of the honeycomb.

In the fuel reforming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the gas flow path of the reforming reaction section has a return flow in the same plane or in the stacking direction. Is configured.

The fuel reforming apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the fuel reforming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the combustion is performed between the reforming catalyst of the reforming reaction section and the reforming fuel supply port. And a combustion air supply port upstream of the combustion catalyst.

A fuel reforming apparatus according to a tenth structure of the present invention, in any one of the first to third structures, comprises a combustion catalyst upstream of a reforming fuel supply port of a reforming reaction section, A combustion air supply port is provided upstream of the combustion catalyst.
The fuel supply port is provided.

The fuel reforming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the fuel reforming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein
The combustion air supply port, the first combustion fuel supply port, the second combustion fuel supply port, and the combustion chambers are arranged in this order from the upstream side along the combustion gas flow path formed in the space between the closed containers. First and second combustion catalysts are provided downstream of the fuel supply port, respectively. The first fuel is supplied to the first combustion fuel supply port, and the second fuel is supplied to the second combustion fuel supply port. Each is supplied.

A fuel reforming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the fuel reformer according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the combustion catalyst is formed in a honeycomb shape.

A fuel reforming apparatus according to a thirteenth structure of the present invention is the fuel reforming apparatus according to the eleventh or twelfth structure, wherein the evaporating section is disposed in a combustion region using the second combustion catalyst.

A fuel reforming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the fuel reformer according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the first fuel is supplied into the combustion gas flow path from the first combustion fuel supply port. It has a nozzle for jetting.

A fuel reforming apparatus according to a fifteenth structure of the present invention, in any one of the eleventh to fourteenth structures, is supplied from the combustion air supply port to the space between the first and second sealed containers. The combustion air is configured to reach the combustion catalyst after flowing along at least one main surface of the first closed vessel portion in which the CO oxidation portion is formed.

[0027] In a fuel reforming apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the CO oxidizing section is provided at a plurality of positions of the CO oxidizing catalyst from outside the first closed vessel. And a nozzle for supplying a gas containing steam or oxygen.

A fuel reforming apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the fuel reforming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein a supply / discharge pipe to the second closed vessel is provided on a side face of the second closed vessel. is there.

[0029] In a fuel reforming apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the evaporating section is formed in a spiral shape using a flexible pipe or a bellows pipe, and an outer surface of the pipe is provided. Are provided with heat transfer fins.

A fuel reformer according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the fuel reformer according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a blanket or bulk heat insulating material is disposed on the inner surface of the second closed vessel. is there.

In the fuel reforming apparatus according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the reforming fuel is preheated to the combustion gas flow path downstream of the reforming reaction section. Fin type heat exchanger is provided.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 are plan views showing the configuration of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the first and second closed containers with lids and heat insulating material removed. FIG. 2 shows the second closed container with the lid and heat insulating material removed. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line B, and FIGS. 3 and 4 both show the lids of the first and second closed containers and the heat insulating material.

In these figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a flat first closed container, that is, a reforming unit container. The reforming section container 1 is partitioned by a partition plate 7b. A reforming catalyst 57 is disposed on the upper side of the figure to form a reforming reaction section 2, and CO 2 is formed on the lower side.
The oxidation catalyst 60 is arranged to form the CO oxidation part 3. The reforming reaction section 2 is partitioned by a partition plate 7a, and the gas flow path of the reforming reaction section 2 is configured to have a return flow in the same plane. Also, the partition plate 7
a and 7b are joined to the main body 1a and the lid 1b by welding or brazing, so that when the internal pressure is in a pressure range of about 1 to 9 atm, which is generally considered as an operation range, the partition plates 7a and 7b suppress expansion. As a result, the reforming unit container 1 can sufficiently withstand the pressure, and the thickness of the container body 1a and the lid 1b can be further reduced.

The reforming reaction section 2 and the CO oxidizing section 3 have a gas flow path made of a honeycomb made of metal or ceramic, and carry a reforming catalyst 57 and a CO oxidizing catalyst 60 on the surface of the honeycomb, respectively. ing. Therefore,
The honeycomb promotes heat conduction from above and below, so that the catalytic reaction can be performed evenly and easily fixed by applying an appropriate surface pressure from above and below when there is vibration, for example, when used in vehicles. Can be. Further, the catalyst does not wear due to vibration as in the case where the catalyst is filled with pellets, and the performance is stably exhibited for a long time.

The reforming section container 1 is composed of a box-shaped main body 1a having an open upper part, and a lid 1b for closing the main body.
The main body 1a and the lid 1b are formed of a metal containing aluminum, stainless steel, or iron as a main component. The box-shaped main body 1a can be easily manufactured by drawing a thin plate, and the internal pressure is generally reduced. In the pressure range of about 1 to 9 atm, which is considered to be the operation range, sufficient pressure resistance can be ensured. The main body 1a and the lid 1b are joined all around by welding or brazing. Therefore, each member can be easily inserted and aligned, and the position can be confirmed and the lid can be closed, so that the defective rate can be reduced. Further, since the main body 1a and the lid 1b are joined to each other by welding or brazing, gas leakage can be prevented in a pressure range of about 1 to 9 atm where the internal pressure is generally considered to be an operation range.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a flat second closed container, that is, an entire container. The whole container 4 is a box-shaped main body 4a having an open top.
And a lid 4b for closing the main body 4a. The main body 4a and the lid 4b are hermetically sealed by a fastening portion 8 composed of a bolt and a nut via a relatively elastic gasket such as foamed silicon. Also in this case, as in the case of the reforming section container 1, each member can be easily inserted and aligned, and the position can be confirmed and the lid can be closed, so that the defective rate can be reduced. it can. In addition, since the combustion gas flows through the inner peripheral portion of the entire container 4, the manufacturing is facilitated by providing a plurality of fastening portions 8 and sealing it not so tightly as the reformer container 1 through which the reformed gas flows. It can be.

13 is a rectifier, 14 is a mixing chamber, 15a, 1
5b is a combustion gas passage, and 16a and 16b are combustion catalysts. In the present embodiment, the combustion catalyst 16a is formed in a honeycomb shape by supporting the catalyst on a honeycomb made of ceramic, metal, or the like. Filled around the tube 44. 17 is a combustion nozzle, 19 is a perforated plate, 20a is a first combustion fuel supply pipe, 20b is a second combustion fuel supply pipe, 21 is a combustion air supply pipe, 23 is a combustion air preheating chamber, Reference numeral 24 denotes a combustion air preheating chamber outlet, and reference numeral 41 denotes a combustion gas exhaust pipe, which constitutes a heat supply unit. 22 is an air supply pipe for CO oxidation. 37 is a plate fin type heat exchanger, 42 is a reforming fuel preheating pipe, 43 is a reforming fuel supply pipe, 44 is a reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe, 52 is a reforming header, and 61 is a reformed gas. It is a discharge pipe. Numeral 38 denotes a blanket-shaped or bulk-shaped heat insulating material, which is laid on the inner surface of the entire container 4 with a thickness of 10 to 30 mm.

The reforming vessel 1 in which the reforming reaction section 2 and the CO oxidizing section 3 are formed, and the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44 are arranged on substantially the same plane. 1
Further, the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44 and the heat supply means having the above-described combustion gas flow paths 15a and 15b and the combustion catalysts 16a and 16b are housed in the entire vessel 4, and the reforming section vessel 1 Since the space between the entire containers 4 is used as a flow path for the combustion gas, the double container structure is excellent in safety, and the space can be effectively used to provide a compact fuel reformer.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the space between the reforming section container 1 and the entire vessel 4, the upper and lower main surfaces of the portion where the reforming reaction section 2 of the reforming section container 1 is formed. The combustion gas passage 15b is configured so that the combustion gas flows along the passage. The combustion gas passage 15b is formed of a honeycomb made of ceramic or metal, and the honeycomb is in contact with the main surface of the reforming section container 1, and the combustion gas passage having high heat transfer efficiency without increasing pressure loss. Can be provided on the entire upper and lower main surfaces of the portion where the reforming reaction section 2 of the reforming section container 1 is formed. Further, it is possible to prevent the reforming unit container 1 from moving in the entire container 4. Furthermore, if a combustion catalyst is carried on the surface of the honeycomb, even if combustion gas that has caused incomplete combustion on the upstream side flows, further combustion will occur in this part, and the combustion fuel is effectively used. Available. Further, the position for supplying heat can be controlled by adjusting the position for supporting the catalyst.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the space between the reforming section container 1 and the entire vessel 4, along the upper and lower main surfaces of the portion where the CO oxidation section 3 of the reforming section container 1 is formed. The combustion air preheating chamber 23 is configured so that the combustion air flows.
The flow path of the combustion air preheating chamber 23 is formed of a honeycomb made of ceramic or metal, and the honeycomb is in contact with the main surface of the reforming section container 1, so that the heat transfer efficiency is high without increasing the pressure loss. The combustion air flow path can be provided on the entire upper and lower main surfaces of the portion of the reforming unit container 1 where the CO oxidation unit 3 is formed. Further, it is possible to prevent the reforming unit container 1 from moving in the entire container 4.

First, the operation of each part along the flow path of the reforming fuel will be described. For example, a mixed liquid of methanol and water as the reforming fuel is supplied from the reforming fuel supply pipe 43 and passes through the reforming fuel preheating pipe 42, so that the plate-fin heat exchanger 37 outputs the mixed liquid from the exhaust pipe 41. It is preheated to 50 to 60 ° C. by heat exchange with the combustion gas before being discharged.
Then, it is led to the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44 through the lower pipe of the reforming section vessel 1 and completely vaporized by the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44. Led into,
It is supplied from the reforming header 52 to the reforming reaction section 2. In the reforming reaction section 2, the reforming fuel gas is mainly composed of hydrogen by contacting the reforming catalyst 57 with 0.1 to 3%.
It is reformed to a gas containing about CO. Further, the reformed gas is led to the CO oxidizing section 3 and the CO oxidizing catalyst 60 and C
By the air supplied from the O oxidation air supply pipe 22,
CO is oxidized, and the CO concentration is reduced to about 100 ppm or less. The reformed gas with the reduced CO concentration is
The gas is discharged from the reformed gas discharge pipe 61 to the outside of the reforming apparatus, and is used as fuel for a fuel cell or the like.

Next, the operation of each part along the flow path of the combustion gas will be described. First, the combustion air is guided from the combustion air supply pipe 21 to the combustion air preheating chambers 23 provided above and below the CO oxidizing section 3 of the reforming section container 1, where CO 2 is discharged.
The heat from the oxidation is recovered and preheated to about 100C to 170C. The preheated air is guided from the combustion air preheating chamber outlet 24 to the periphery of the combustion nozzle 17 and enters the mixing chamber 14 from the rectifier 13 through the honeycomb-shaped combustion catalyst 16a. As the combustion fuel, liquid fuel such as methanol is mainly supplied from the first combustion fuel supply port 20a, and gaseous fuel such as exhaust gas containing combustible components from the fuel electrode side of the fuel cell is used as the second combustion fuel. It is supplied from the supply port 20b.
The liquid fuel is used as an auxiliary fuel at the time of start-up and when the heat load on the downstream reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44 and the reforming reaction section 2 is large, and
The gaseous fuel supplied from the second combustion fuel supply port 20b is used for combustion during steady operation. The gaseous fuel supplied from the second combustion fuel supply port 20b is mixed with the above-described preheated air in the mixing chamber 14, and is guided to the first combustion chamber 15a through the perforated plate 19. This combustion chamber 15
In a, the combustion catalyst 16b is disposed around the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44, and the mixed gas passes through the gap between the combustion catalysts 16b and is burned by the combustion catalyst 16b, whereby the reforming is performed. The heat can be efficiently transmitted to the fuel heating / evaporation pipe 44, thereby promoting the evaporation of the reforming fuel flowing inside. The combustion gas to which the heat of evaporation has been supplied is divided into upper and lower portions of the reforming section container 1, and unburned components are burned in the second combustion chamber 15b composed of a honeycomb made of metal or ceramic and a combustion catalyst, and reformed. It flows while transferring heat to the reforming section container 1 where the reaction section 2 is formed. Second combustion chamber 15
The gas completely burned in b is discharged to the outside after the reforming fuel flowing through the reforming fuel preheating pipe 42 is preheated by the plate fin heat exchanger 37 and the gas temperature becomes 100 ° C. or less. Is done.

On the other hand, when the reformer is started, the liquid fuel supplied from the first fuel supply port for combustion 20a is atomized by the combustion nozzle 17 and mixed with air from the surroundings by the rectifier 13 to form the first fuel. A portion of the fuel is catalytically burned by the honeycomb-type combustion catalyst 16a of the stage. The unburned fuel atomized by the combustion heat is vaporized, and performs the same catalytic combustion as in the steady state in the first combustion chamber 15a. With this heat, the reforming fuel evaporates, the reforming reaction gradually occurs, and the exhaust gas from the battery starts to be supplied from the combustion fuel supply pipe 20b to supply the liquid fuel from the first combustion fuel supply port 20a. To stop. Further, since the load is not taken by the battery at the time of starting, the hydrogen-enriched gas is supplied as exhaust gas from the battery from the fuel supply pipe for combustion 20b. -It becomes possible to supply to the evaporating pipe 44 and the reforming reaction part 2 of the reforming part container 1.

In the present embodiment, the combustion air supply port 21 and the first combustion fuel supply port 21 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side along the combustion gas flow path formed in the space between the reforming section container 1 and the entire container 4. A first combustion fuel supply port 20a, a second combustion fuel supply port 20b, and first and second combustion catalysts 16a, 16b provided downstream of the respective combustion fuel supply ports 20a, 20b. The first fuel is supplied to 20a and the second fuel is supplied to the second combustion fuel supply port 20b.
For example, liquid methanol is used as the first fuel, and an exhaust gas containing a combustible component discharged from the fuel station side of the battery is used as the second fuel. At the time of startup, methanol is supplied from the first fuel supply port. The fuel is burned by the downstream combustion catalyst, and when the operation becomes steady, the supply of fuel from the first fuel supply port is stopped, and the exhaust gas of the battery supplied from the second fuel supply port is discharged by the downstream combustion catalyst. Heat can be supplied even at the time of startup when combustion does not produce exhaust gas from the battery.
Further, since the combustion air is supplied from the upstream side of the first and second fuels, it is possible to smoothly switch between the first and second fuels. In addition, when the heat load is large even during the steady operation, the supply from the first fuel supply port is supplementarily performed in addition to the supply from the second fuel supply port, so that the balance with respect to the heat load can be easily adjusted. Can be taken. Further, since the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44 having a large heat load is arranged in the combustion area 15a of the second combustion catalyst 16b which becomes high in temperature, efficient heat supply can be performed.

In the present embodiment, the combustion catalyst 16
Since a is formed in a honeycomb shape by supporting a catalyst on a honeycomb made of ceramic, metal, or the like, catalytic combustion occurs uniformly, and a uniform temperature distribution can be realized.

In this embodiment, since the nozzle 17 for injecting the fuel for combustion into the combustion gas flow path from the first fuel supply port for combustion 20a is provided, the fuel for combustion is made of alcohol, ether, or the like. Liquid fuel is atomized, mixed with air and comes into contact with the combustion catalyst, so that catalytic combustion easily occurs. Further, the injection angle of the nozzle 17 is set to 50 to
By setting the angle to 80 degrees, mixing with combustion air is promoted, and the mixing ratio of fuel and air becomes uniform, so that uneven combustion hardly occurs and incomplete combustion is prevented, so that the combustion efficiency is improved.

In this embodiment, since the gas flow path of the reforming reaction section 2 is configured to have a return flow in the same plane, the reforming reaction section 2 is formed by the return flow.
Gas flow path 15 with the gas flow path outlets above and below it
Since the position corresponds to the inlet of b, the temperature of the reformed gas becomes high at the outlet, and a high reforming rate is obtained. As shown in the cross-sectional view of the reforming reaction section in FIG. 5, the reforming catalyst 57 is vertically stacked via the partition plate 7c, and the gas flow path of the reforming reaction section 2 is returned in the stacking direction. The same effect can be obtained even if the configuration is made such that

In the present embodiment, the combustion gas flow path is formed in the entire container 4 and is in an atmospheric pressure atmosphere. Since it is composed of the reforming section container 1, the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44, the reforming fuel preheating pipe 42, etc., the pressurizing operation is possible, and even if a gas leak occurs, the entire vessel 4 It leaks into the inside, and it has a structure that enhances safety. The whole container 4 is composed of a flat box-shaped main body 4a and a lid 4b. The box-shaped main body 4a can be mass-produced at a low cost at a low cost by deep drawing or bending and welding. It is possible. Furthermore, the gas seal part is the main body 4a.
The fuel cell reformer having an extremely excellent sealing performance can be obtained because it is limited to the seal portion and the pipe take-out portion which form a flat frame shape of the contact surface of the lid 4b.

Further, in this embodiment, the whole container 4 is composed of the main body 4a and the lid 4b, and has a structure in which the peripheral fastening portion is screwed, so that the lid can be easily attached and detached. It is possible to easily replace the components such as the reformer container 1, the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44, the heat exchanger 37 with plate fins, and the combustion catalysts 16a and 16b.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the blanket or bulk heat insulating material 38 is spread over the inner surface of the whole container 4, the components inside the whole container 4 are filled with the heat insulating material filled inside the whole container 4. Since the components are pressed and fixed by the members 38, the individual components need not be fixed to the entire container 4. Further, even in an environment where vibrations occur, such as when mounted on a vehicle, the heat insulating material 38 functions as a cushioning material for the above components, so that a stable structure can be maintained for a long time, and stable operation is possible.

In this embodiment, the plate fin type heat exchanger 37 for preheating the reforming fuel is provided in the combustion gas passage downstream of the reforming reaction section 2. Combustion gas that has been removed to about 200 ° C at the outlet of section 2
It is possible to cool and discharge the fuel to a relatively safe temperature of 100 ° C. or less, thereby effectively utilizing low-temperature waste heat and evaporating the reforming fuel.
4 can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the combustion air supplied from the combustion air supply port 21 to the space between the entire vessel 4 and the reforming section vessel 1 is supplied to the combustion air preheating chamber 23 through the CO oxidizing section 3. Is formed so as to flow along the main surface of the reforming section container 1 where the combustion air reaches the combustion catalyst 16a. The combustion air is preheated by exchanging heat with the heat generated by the CO oxidizing section 3. Therefore, even if the combustion fuel supplied from the fuel supply port is a droplet, a spray, or the like, vaporization is promoted, and non-ignition is prevented by the downstream combustion catalyst 16a. In addition, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise due to CO oxidation of the reformed gas together with the temperature rise of the combustion air. In addition, even when using the off-gas on the cathode side of the fuel cell as the combustion air, since the temperature of the off-gas is about 65 ° C., it is necessary to warm the air supplied from the combustion air supply port 21 to at least 65 ° C. or more. If this is done, dew condensation of the off-gas can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the supply / discharge pipes for the entire container 4 (for example, the fuel supply pipes 20a, 20a for combustion) are provided.
b, combustion air supply pipe 21, CO oxidation air supply pipe 2
2, the reforming fuel supply pipe 43, the combustion gas discharge pipe 41, the reformed gas discharge pipe 61, etc.) are provided on the side surface of the whole container 4.
For this reason, since there is no projection or the like for piping on the upper and lower surfaces of the entire container 4, the height can be suppressed low. It becomes possible.

FIG. 6 shows an installation method when the fuel reforming apparatus according to the present embodiment is used as a hydrogen fuel production apparatus for a vehicle-mounted fuel cell. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a fuel reformer according to the present embodiment, for example, a methanol reformer. Reference numeral 200 denotes a PEFC battery (polymer electrolyte fuel cell) stack, 300 denotes a methanol tank, and 400 denotes a battery. Normally, equipment used for mounting on a vehicle is most safely installed between the front and rear axles. Therefore, conventionally, gasoline tanks and the like have been arranged in this area together with the living space. Therefore, since the methanol reformer 100 and the PEFC battery stack 200 allow a high-pressure flammable gas to flow therethrough, it is most preferable to store them in this area because of the highest safety. Therefore, in order to secure a storage area in this area, it was stored in the lower part of the chassis as shown in the figure. The fuel reforming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a flat shape, and furthermore, is provided with pipes for supplying and discharging fuel, air, and the like on all sides, so that the height is limited while securing a sufficient living space in the vehicle. Can be fully inserted into the lower part of a chassis.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 7 shows a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a reforming fuel heating / evaporating tube, and FIG. 4B is a plan view of a fin. Fuel heating for reforming
The configuration other than that of the evaporating tube 44 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44 is formed in a spiral shape using a flexible pipe or a bellows pipe, and a concave portion (valley) on the outer surface of the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44.
The heat transfer fins 45 are provided so as to fit in. The heat transfer fin 45 is formed in an annular shape having a notch 45a, and can be easily formed by displacing the notch 45a and fitting it into the reforming fuel heating / evaporation pipe 44. . The reforming fuel heating / evaporating tube 44 and the heat transfer fins 45 are both formed of a metal such as stainless steel having a heat resistance of 400 ° C. or more.
Is about 10 mm, for example, and the inner diameter of the heat transfer fin 45 is 0.5 mm larger than the valley diameter of the reforming fuel heating / evaporation pipe 44.
mm. The fin width H of the heat transfer fins 45 is, for example, 10 mm, the thickness is 0.3 mm, and the distance L between adjacent heat transfer fins 45 is 30 mm.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the evaporating section is formed in a spiral shape using the flexible pipe or the bellows pipe, and the heat transfer fins are provided on the outer surface of the pipe. Fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44
The length of the reforming fuel can be increased,
The linear velocity in the evaporator tube 44 can be increased, and a large heat transfer area can be obtained, so that heat transfer is improved.
Evaporation of the reforming fuel is promoted. Further, since the reforming fuel heating / evaporating tube 44 and the heat transfer fins 45 are both formed of a metal having a heat resistance of 400 ° C. or more, such as stainless steel, there is a margin for increasing the combustion temperature due to catalytic combustion. Means for suppressing a rise in combustion temperature are reduced. That is, for example, it is possible to reduce the supply of excessive combustion air for suppressing a rise in combustion temperature.

Embodiment 3 8 (a) and (b) show a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Specifically, a combustion catalyst and a reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe in a combustion gas passage 15a are shown. It is the front view and perspective view which show the mode of arrangement | positioning of. The configuration other than the combustion gas passage 15a is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes a heat insulating material, and in FIG. 8B, the heat insulating material 150 is removed for clarity. In the present embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 8, a honeycomb-shaped combustion catalyst 16b in which a catalyst is carried on a honeycomb made of ceramic or metal is opened in the combustion gas flow path 15a in the flow direction of the combustion fuel or air.
A fuel heating / evaporation pipe 44 for reforming is disposed through the combustion catalyst 16b. The combustion catalyst 16b and the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44 arranged in this way are, for example, the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 4
4 is a flexible tube manufactured by piercing a hole in the honeycomb 16b, passing the flexible tube 44 through the hole, and arranging a heat insulating material 150 at both ends. In the figure, the honeycomb is enlarged for easy understanding.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the honeycomb-shaped combustion catalyst 16b is disposed around the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44, and the mixed gas passes through the gaps of the honeycomb to form the honeycomb. By burning with the combustion catalyst 16b, heat can be efficiently transmitted to the reforming fuel heating / evaporating pipe 44, and the evaporation of the reforming fuel flowing inside is promoted. Further, since the combustion catalyst 16b has a honeycomb shape, the pressure loss can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where a granular catalyst is filled.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, specifically, an inside of a reforming unit container. The configuration other than the inside of the reforming unit container is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the figure, 16c is a combustion catalyst, and 26 is a combustion air supply port. In the present embodiment, the reforming catalyst 57 of the reforming reaction section 2
A combustion catalyst 16c is provided between the combustion catalyst 16c and the reforming fuel supply port (reforming header 52).
A combustion air supply port 26 is provided further upstream. According to such a configuration, when heat necessary for the reforming reaction is supplied to the reforming reaction section 2 in a short time such as at the time of startup, heat supply from the combustion gas flowing along the main surface of the reforming section container 1 When the amount is insufficient, for example, by supplying air from the combustion air supply port 26, a part of the reforming fuel supplied from the reforming header 52 can be burned to supply auxiliary heat. Thus, stable heat supply can be performed even in an unsteady state.

Embodiment 5 FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, specifically, showing the inside of a reforming unit container. The configuration other than the inside of the reforming unit container is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 25 denotes a first fuel supply port. In the present embodiment, the combustion catalyst 16c is provided upstream of the reforming fuel supply port (reforming header 52) of the reforming reaction section 2, and the combustion air supply port 26 is provided upstream of the combustion catalyst 16c. And a first fuel supply port 25. The reforming fuel heated / evaporated from the reforming header 52 is supplied into the reforming unit container 1, and the first fuel supply port 25 is provided upstream thereof.
And a combustion air supply port 26 inside the reforming section container, and further downstream thereof is filled with a combustion catalyst 16c in the flow path,
By supplying air and first fuel from the combustion air supply port 26 and the first fuel supply port 25, for example, when a high-temperature heat source of about 300 ° C. is required in a short time, such as during startup. Effective heat supply is enabled by catalytic combustion, and stable heat supply can be performed even in an unsteady state. Further, since the combustion catalyst 16c is located upstream of the reforming fuel supply port 52, the reforming fuel supplied from the reforming fuel supply port 52 does not affect the combustion catalyst 16c during a steady operation. There is no effect, and for example, the life of the combustion catalyst 16c is not shortened.

Further, by adjusting the first fuel amount supplied from the reforming fuel supply port 52 and the first fuel supply port 25 and the air amount supplied from the air supply port 26, The amount of catalytic combustion of the first fuel in the reforming reaction section 2 can be adjusted, so that necessary heat can be supplied in a short time, and the first fuel used for the reforming reaction and the second fuel used for catalytic combustion can be supplied. One fuel can be efficiently distributed.

Embodiment 6 FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and specifically showing the inside of a reforming unit container. The configuration other than the inside of the reforming unit container is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the drawing, reference numeral 220 denotes a CO oxidizing air supply nozzle, which is configured to supply air to a plurality of positions of the CO oxidizing catalyst 60 along the flow direction of the reformed gas. The reforming catalyst 57 and the CO oxidizing catalyst 60 are supported on the surface of the honeycomb gas flow path as in the case of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the CO oxidizing air supply nozzle 220 is illustrated in the drawing. For simplicity, the configuration of the honeycomb gas flow path is not described.

In the CO oxidizing section 3, air is supplied to the reformed gas to oxidize CO into CO _2.
When the air is supplied at a time, it reacts with hydrogen to lower the fuel reforming efficiency. Therefore,
As in the present embodiment, C along the flow direction of the reformed gas
By supplying air to a plurality of positions of the O oxidation catalyst 60, CO can be selectively oxidized to CO ₂ . Instead of supplying air for CO oxidation, other gas containing oxygen or steam may be supplied, and the same effect is obtained.

[0064]

As described above, according to the first structure of the present invention, the first fuel containing alcohol, ether or hydrocarbon fuel as the main component is reformed as the reforming fuel. Thus, in a fuel reformer that generates a hydrogen-rich reformed gas, an evaporator that evaporates a mixture with the reforming fuel or the reforming fuel water, a reforming reactor that reforms the reforming fuel, A CO oxidizing unit that oxidizes CO contained in the reformed gas into CO ₂ , and a _second gas containing hydrogen as a main combustible component or a combustion gas obtained by burning the first fuel as a combustion fuel. With this, it has means for supplying necessary heat to the evaporating section and the reforming reaction section, and divides the inside of the flat first closed vessel to the upstream side along the flow direction of the reforming fuel. C for reforming catalyst downstream
The reforming reaction section and CO 2 were placed by respectively arranging O oxidation catalysts.
Forming an oxidizing section, arranging the evaporating section on substantially the same plane as an installation surface of the first closed vessel, and converting the combustion gas into at least a portion of the first closed vessel section in which the reforming reaction section is formed. Since it is configured to flow to one main surface and the evaporating section, it is thin and compact, and since the reforming reaction section and the CO oxidizing section are housed in a closed container, it is excellent in safety and easy to replace these parts which are intensely consumed. In addition, a fuel reformer that can be manufactured easily with a reduced number of parts and reduced in cost can be obtained.

According to the second structure of the present invention, in the first structure, the first closed vessel in which the reforming reaction section and the CO oxidizing section are formed, the evaporating section, and the heat supply means are formed by the flat second section.
And the space between the first and second airtight containers is used as a flow path for combustion gas. Therefore, the structure is a double container structure, so that the safety is excellent and the space is effectively used. A compact fuel reformer can be obtained.

According to the third configuration of the present invention, in the first or second configuration, the first or second closed container is a flat box-shaped main body having an open upper part and a lid for closing the opening. With the configuration, each member can be easily inserted and aligned, and the lid can be closed after confirming their positions, so that the defective rate can be reduced.

According to the fourth configuration of the present invention, in any one of the first to third configurations, the combustion gas flow path is formed of a honeycomb made of ceramic or metal, and the honeycomb is formed of the first sealed container. Since the contact surface is in contact with the main surface of the first closed vessel, the combustion gas flow path having high heat transfer efficiency can be provided over the entire main surface of the first closed vessel where the reforming reaction section is formed without increasing the pressure loss. It becomes possible.

According to the fifth configuration of the present invention, in the fourth configuration, since the combustion catalyst is carried on the surface of the honeycomb, when the combustion gas having caused incomplete combustion on the upstream side flows. In this part, further combustion occurs, and the fuel for combustion can be used effectively. Further, the position for supplying heat can be controlled by adjusting the position for supporting the catalyst.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the reforming reaction section or the CO oxidizing section is configured such that the gas flow path is formed of a honeycomb made of ceramic or metal. Therefore, heat conduction from above and below is promoted, so that the catalytic reaction can be performed evenly and easily fixed by applying an appropriate surface pressure from above and below, such as in a state of vibration, for example, for use in a vehicle. Can be.

According to the seventh structure of the present invention, since the reforming catalyst or the CO oxidizing catalyst is supported on the surface of the honeycomb in the sixth structure, it is as if the pellet-shaped catalyst is filled. The catalyst does not wear due to vibration, and its performance is stably exhibited for a long time.

According to the eighth configuration of the present invention, in any one of the first to third configurations, the gas flow path of the reforming reaction section is configured to have a return flow in the same plane or in the stacking direction. Because the return flow causes the gas flow path outlet of the reforming reaction section to be at a position corresponding to the combustion gas flow path inlet located at least one of the upper and lower sides of the reforming reaction section, the temperature of the reformed gas becomes high at the outlet, resulting in high reforming. Quality is obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, a combustion catalyst is provided between the reforming catalyst of the reforming reaction section and the reforming fuel supply port. Along with
Since the combustion air supply port is provided upstream of the combustion catalyst, when the heat required for the reforming reaction is supplied to the reforming reaction section in a short time such as at the time of startup, the heat is supplied along the main surface of the first closed vessel. When the amount of heat supplied from the flowing combustion gas is insufficient, heat can be supplementarily supplied, and stable heat can be supplied even in an unsteady state.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, a combustion catalyst is provided upstream of the reforming fuel supply port of the reforming reaction section. Since the combustion air supply port and the first fuel supply port are provided further upstream, when supplying heat required for the reforming reaction to the reforming reaction section in a short time such as at startup, the first closed vessel When the amount of heat supply from the combustion gas flowing along the main surface is insufficient, heat can be supplementarily supplied, and stable heat supply can be performed even in an unsteady state. In addition, since the combustion catalyst is located upstream of the reforming fuel supply port, the reforming fuel does not affect the combustion catalyst during steady operation. Further, by adjusting the first fuel amount supplied from the reforming fuel supply port and the first fuel supply port and the air amount supplied from the air supply port, the first fuel reforming is performed. Since the amount of catalytic combustion in the reaction section can be adjusted, necessary heat can be supplied in a short time, and the first fuel to be used for the reforming reaction and the first fuel to be used for catalytic combustion can be efficiently distributed. Can be performed.

According to the eleventh structure of the present invention, in any one of the first to third structures, from the upstream side along the combustion gas flow path formed in the space between the first and second sealed containers. In order, a combustion air supply port, a first combustion fuel supply port, a second combustion fuel supply port, and first and second combustion catalysts are provided downstream of each of the combustion fuel supply ports. Since the first fuel is supplied to the first fuel supply port and the second fuel is supplied to the second fuel supply port, for example,
Liquid methanol is used as the first fuel, and exhaust gas containing a combustible component discharged from the fuel station side of the battery is used as the second fuel. At the time of startup, methanol is supplied from the first fuel supply port and the downstream side thereof is supplied. The fuel is burned by the combustion catalyst of No. 1 and the supply of the fuel from the first fuel supply port is stopped when the operation becomes a steady operation.
By burning the exhaust gas of the battery supplied from the fuel supply port with the combustion catalyst on the downstream side, heat can be supplied even at the time of startup when the exhaust gas of the battery cannot be obtained. Further, since the combustion air is supplied from the upstream side of the first and second fuels, it is possible to smoothly switch between the first and second fuels. Also, when the heat load is large even during the steady operation, in addition to the supply from the second fuel supply port,
By supplementing the supply from the first fuel supply port,
It is possible to easily balance the heat load.

According to the twelfth structure of the present invention, in the eleventh structure, since the combustion catalyst is formed in a honeycomb shape, a catalytic action can be exhibited effectively without increasing pressure loss.

According to the thirteenth configuration of the present invention, in the eleventh or twelfth configuration, the evaporator is disposed in the combustion region of the second combustion catalyst, so that the evaporator having a large heat load has a higher temperature. By arranging them in the combustion region of the second combustion catalyst, efficient heat supply can be performed.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, a nozzle for injecting the first fuel into the combustion gas flow passage from the first combustion fuel supply port is provided. Since the fuel is provided, even if the fuel for combustion is a liquid fuel such as alcohol or ether, the fuel is atomized, mixed with air, and partially comes into contact with the catalyst for combustion, so that catalytic combustion easily occurs.

According to the fifteenth structure of the present invention, in any one of the eleventh to fourteenth structures, the combustion air supplied from the combustion air supply port to the space between the first and second closed containers is The combustion air reaches the combustion catalyst after flowing along at least one main surface of the first closed vessel portion in which the CO oxidation portion is formed, so that the combustion air exchanges heat with the heat of the CO oxidation portion. Therefore, even if the fuel for combustion supplied from the fuel supply port is a droplet or a spray, vaporization is promoted, and non-ignition is prevented by the downstream combustion catalyst.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the CO oxidizing section is provided with steam or oxygen at a plurality of positions of the CO oxidizing catalyst from outside the first closed vessel. Is provided with a nozzle for supplying gas containing CO.
O can be selectively oxidized to CO ₂ .

According to the seventeenth structure of the present invention, in the second or third structure, the supply / discharge pipe for the second closed container is provided on the side surface of the second closed container, so that the second closed container is provided. Since there is no projection for piping on the upper and lower surfaces of the container, the height can be kept low. For example, when the container is used for mounting on a vehicle, it can be mounted in a low space such as the lower side of a chassis.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the evaporating section is formed in a spiral shape using a flexible pipe or a bellows pipe, and a heat transfer fin is formed on an outer surface of the pipe. Is provided, so that the length of the evaporator can be increased even in a small space, so that the linear velocity in the evaporator tube can be increased and the heat transfer fins can provide a wider heat transfer area. Heat transfer is improved and evaporation is promoted.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the blanket-shaped or bulk-shaped heat insulating material is disposed on the inner surface of the second closed container, so that the second closed container is provided. Not only the heat radiation from the surface of the container is reduced, but also the members arranged inside are pressed by the surrounding heat insulating material, so that it is not necessary to fix each member to the first closed container. Furthermore, even in an environment where vibrations occur, such as when mounted on a vehicle, such a heat insulating material functions as a cushioning material for each of the above members, so that a stable structure can be maintained for a long period of time.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the plate fin for preheating the reforming fuel is provided in the combustion gas flow path downstream of the reforming reaction section. Since the heat exchanger is provided, it is possible to discharge the combustion gas, which has been removed to some extent (for example, about 200 ° C.) at the outlet of the reforming reaction section, by cooling it to a relatively safe temperature of, for example, 100 ° C. or less. Thus, effective use of low-temperature waste heat can be achieved, and the heat load of the evaporator for evaporating the reforming fuel can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a fuel reforming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, from which first and second sealed containers are removed with lids and a heat insulating material.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of the fuel reformer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, from which a lid and a heat insulating material of a first closed container are removed.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the fuel reformer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an installation method when the fuel reformer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used for a vehicle.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fuel reforming apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a conventional fuel reformer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 first closed container (reforming unit container), 1a main body, 1b
Lid, 2 reforming reaction section, 3 CO oxidizing section, 4th closed vessel (whole vessel), 4a main body, 4b lid, 7a, 7
b, 7c partition plate, 8 fastening part, 13 rectifier, 14
Mixing chamber, 15a, 15b Combustion gas flow path, 16a, 16
b, 16c combustion catalyst, 17 combustion nozzle, 19
Perforated plate, 20a First fuel supply pipe for combustion, 20b
2nd combustion fuel supply pipe, 21 combustion air supply pipe, 2
2 CO oxidation air supply pipe, 23 combustion air preheating chamber, 2
4 Combustion air preheating chamber outlet, 25 First fuel supply port, 26 Combustion air supply port in reformer container, 37 Plate fin heat exchanger, 38 Insulation material, 39 Heat exchange cylinder, 40 Notch passage , 41 combustion gas exhaust pipe, 42
Reforming fuel preheating pipe, 43 Reforming fuel supply pipe, 44
Reforming fuel heating / evaporation tube, 45 heat transfer fins, 45a
Notch, 52 Reforming header, 53 Reformed gas generating pipe, 54 Rectifying orifice, 55 Exit hole, 56 Exit plate, 57 Reforming catalyst, 60 CO oxidation catalyst, 61
Reformed gas discharge pipe, 71 reformer main body, 72 combustion cylinder, 76 combustion catalyst, 77 combustion nozzle, 78 end plate, 100 fuel reformer, 150 heat insulator, 200 fuel cell stack, 220 CO oxidation air Supply nozzle,
300 methanol tanks, 400 batteries.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenji Kawaguchi 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 4M040 EA02 EA06 EB03 EB04 EB14 EB44 EB46 EC08 4H060 AA02 BB08 BB11 CC01 GG02 5H027 AA06 BA01 BA05 DD03

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A fuel reformer for producing a hydrogen-rich reformed gas by reforming a first fuel mainly composed of alcohols, ethers or hydrocarbon fuels as a reforming fuel. An evaporation unit for evaporating the reforming fuel or a mixture with the reforming fuel water, a reforming reaction unit for reforming the reforming fuel, and a CO for oxidizing CO contained in the reformed gas to CO _2. The heat required for the evaporator and the reforming reactor is generated by flowing the oxidizing unit and the second fuel containing hydrogen as the main combustible component or the combustion gas obtained by burning the first fuel as the fuel for combustion. Comprising a means for supplying, wherein a flat first sealed container is partitioned, and a reforming catalyst is disposed upstream and a CO oxidation catalyst is disposed downstream along the flow direction of the reforming fuel. And the reforming reaction section and the CO oxidation section And forming the evaporator on substantially the same plane as the installation surface of the first hermetic container, and applying the combustion gas to at least one main surface of the first hermetic container portion on which the reforming reaction section is formed. And a fuel reformer configured to flow to the evaporator. 2. A first closed container in which a first closed container having a reforming reaction section and a CO oxidizing section formed therein, an evaporating section, and a heat supply means are stored in a flat second closed container. 2. The fuel reformer according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the space between them is used as a flow path of the combustion gas. 3. The fuel reformer according to claim 1, wherein the first or second closed container is constituted by a flat box-shaped main body having an open upper part, and a lid for closing the opening. Quality equipment. 4. The combustion gas flow passage is formed of a honeycomb made of ceramic or metal, and the honeycomb is in contact with a main surface of the first closed vessel. A fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 1. 5. The fuel reformer according to claim 4, wherein a combustion catalyst is carried on the surface of the honeycomb. 6. The fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reforming reaction section or the CO oxidizing section has a gas passage formed of a honeycomb made of ceramic or metal. . 7. A reforming catalyst or CO 2 on the surface of the honeycomb.
7. The fuel reformer according to claim 6, wherein the fuel reformer carries an oxidation catalyst. 8. The fuel reformer according to claim 1, wherein the gas flow path of the reforming reaction section is configured to have a return flow in the same plane or in the stacking direction. apparatus. 9. A combustion catalyst is provided between the reforming catalyst and the reforming fuel supply port in the reforming reaction section, and a combustion air supply port is provided upstream of the combustion catalyst. The fuel reformer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 10. A combustion catalyst is provided upstream of a reforming fuel supply port of a reforming reaction section, and a combustion air supply port and a first fuel supply port are provided upstream of the combustion catalyst. The fuel reformer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 11. A combustion air supply port, a first combustion fuel supply port, and a second combustion chamber, which are arranged in this order from upstream along a combustion gas flow path formed in a space between the first and second sealed containers. First and second combustion catalysts are provided downstream of each of the fuel supply ports for combustion and each of the fuel supply ports for combustion, and the first fuel is supplied to the first fuel supply port for combustion, and the second fuel is supplied to the second combustion catalyst. The fuel supply port has a second
The fuel reformer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fuel is supplied respectively. 12. The fuel reformer according to claim 11, wherein the combustion catalyst is formed in a honeycomb shape. 13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the evaporating section is arranged in a combustion area by the second combustion catalyst.
A fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 1. 14. The fuel reformer according to claim 11, further comprising a nozzle for injecting the first fuel into the combustion gas flow path from the first combustion fuel supply port. Quality equipment. 15. The combustion air supplied from the combustion air supply port to the space between the first and second closed containers is provided on at least one main surface of the first closed container portion in which the CO oxidizing section is formed. The fuel reformer according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the fuel reformer is configured to reach the combustion catalyst after flowing along. 16. The CO oxidizing section includes a nozzle for supplying a gas containing steam or oxygen to a plurality of positions of the CO oxidizing catalyst from outside the first closed vessel. The fuel reformer according to any one of the above. 17. A pipe for supplying / discharging to / from a second closed container is provided with a second pipe.
The fuel reformer according to claim 2, wherein the fuel reformer is provided on a side surface of the closed container. 18. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the evaporator is formed spirally using a flexible tube or a bellows tube, and a heat transfer fin is provided on an outer surface of the tube. Fuel reformer. 19. The fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a blanket-shaped or bulk-shaped heat insulating material is disposed on an inner surface of the second closed container. 20. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a plate fin type heat exchanger for preheating the reforming fuel is provided in the combustion gas flow path downstream of the reforming reaction section. A fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 1.