JP2003187833A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system which enables improving its endurance using low cost materials which have low heat resistance for its members. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system comprises, a fuel cell 11 which generates electric power using fuel gas and oxidation gas, a fuel processing device 21 which produces the fuel gas by heating raw materials in steam atmosphere, a fuel supply pipe 22, and a fuel heat radiator 23, wherein the fuel gas made in the fuel processing device 21 is supplied to the fuel cell 11, after cooling the fuel gas with the fuel heat radiator 23. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel cell system for generating electric power using a fuel cell, and more particularly to cooling of fuel gas.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this fuel cell system, for example, there has been one described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-275101. FIG. 7 shows the conventional fuel cell system described in the above publication.

The fuel cell 11 generates electric power and heat by the reaction between the supplied hydrogen-rich gas (hereinafter referred to as fuel gas) and an oxidant gas such as air. The fuel gas is generated in the fuel processor 21 by heating a raw material such as natural gas up to around 700 ° C. in an atmosphere containing water vapor. Since the fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide generated at the time of starting the fuel processing device 21 causes the performance of the fuel cell 11 to deteriorate, it passes through the bypass pipe 32 by the bypass valve 31 and does not pass through the fuel cell 11. It is discharged outside the system. During power generation, the fuel gas containing almost no carbon monoxide is supplied to the fuel cell 1 through the fuel supply pipe 22.
1 is supplied. Air is supplied to the fuel cell 11 by the air supply device 51.

Cooling water is circulated inside the fuel cell 11 in order to remove heat generated during power generation and keep the temperature of the fuel cell 11 at a predetermined temperature. A cooling water pump 13, which is an example of a circulation means, circulates the cooling water through the cooling water pipe 12, and the cooling water passing through the fuel cell 11 is cooled by a cooling water radiator 14.
Is cooled by.

The hot water storage tank 41 stores hot water for recovering heat generated by the fuel cell system.
The stored hot water pump 43 circulates the stored hot water through the stored hot water pipe 42, exchanges heat with the cooling water radiator 14, and recovers heat.

[0006]

In the fuel cell system as in the above-mentioned conventional example, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell has an operating temperature of about 70 to 80 ° C. and is produced by the fuel processor 21. The temperature of the fuel gas is hundreds of degrees
Is. Since this high-temperature fuel gas is supplied to the fuel cell 11 as it is, the fuel supply pipe 22, the bypass pipe 32, the bypass valve 31, the fuel cell 11 and the like from the fuel processing device 21 to the fuel cell 11 withstand a temperature of hundreds of tens of degrees Celsius. Heat resistance is required. Therefore, those members are expensive and have low durability. Further, the temperature of the high temperature fuel gas generated in the fuel processing device 21 is not constant. Since the temperature of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 11 constantly changes, there is a problem that the power generation of the fuel cell 11 becomes unstable.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional fuel cell system, uses an inexpensive member having low heat resistance, and improves the durability of the fuel cell system. The purpose is to provide. Moreover, it aims at providing the fuel cell system which can generate electric power stably. Moreover, it aims at providing the fuel cell system which can improve the recovery efficiency of the heat generated from the fuel cell.

[0008]

In order to solve this problem, a fuel cell system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a fuel generating means for reforming a raw material to generate a fuel gas containing hydrogen, and the fuel gas. And a fuel cell for generating power using an oxidant gas, and a fuel supply path for supplying the fuel gas from the fuel generation means to the fuel cell, and a fuel heat dissipation means for cooling the fuel gas in the fuel supply path. It is characterized by being provided.

The fuel cell system according to the second aspect of the present invention is effective when the temperature detecting means is arranged in the fuel supply path between the fuel heat radiating means and the fuel cell.

Further, in the third aspect of the present invention, it is effective that the fuel heat radiating means for cooling the fuel gas cools the combustion gas by using air as a heat transport medium.

Further, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is effective that the fuel heat radiating means for cooling the fuel gas cools the combustion gas by using water as a heat transport medium.

The fuel cell system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention further comprises a cooling water circulating means for circulating cooling water for keeping the fuel cell at a predetermined temperature, and the fuel heat radiating means for cooling the cooling water to fuel gas. It is effective to cool the combustion gas by using it as a heat transport medium.

The fuel cell system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention further comprises a hot water circulating means for recovering heat by exchanging heat between the cooling water and the hot water stored in the hot water tank. Cooling by heat exchange with water is effective.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment is a fuel cell 1 that uses a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas such as air to generate electricity.
1, a fuel processing apparatus 21 that generates a fuel gas containing hydrogen by a reforming reaction by heating a raw material to a high temperature of around 700 ° C. in a steam atmosphere, a fuel supply pipe 22, and a fuel that cools the fuel gas. The radiator 23, the air supply device 51 for supplying the oxidant gas to the fuel cell 11, and the fuel processing device 2
A bypass valve 31 for bypassing the fuel gas at the time of start-up,
It is composed of a bypass pipe 32.

It should be noted that, among the above-mentioned members, those having the same functions as those of the conventional fuel cell system shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the details of those functions are shown in FIG. It shall be based on the conventional fuel cell system shown.

The operation of this embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

The fuel processor 21 produces a fuel gas by heating a raw material such as natural gas supplied from the outside in an atmosphere containing water vapor. When the fuel processor 21 is activated, a fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide is generated. Since the fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide causes the performance of the fuel cell 11 to deteriorate, the fuel gas is bypassed by the bypass valve 31 when the fuel processing device 21 is started.
Is discharged to the outside of the system without passing through the fuel cell 11. During power generation, the fuel gas containing almost no carbon monoxide is supplied to the fuel cell 11 through the fuel supply pipe 22. The generated fuel gas is cooled by the fuel radiator 23, and then the bypass valve 31 and the bypass pipe 32 are provided.
And to the fuel cell 11. The fuel radiator 23 cools the fuel gas by flowing air with a fan.

With the configuration of the fuel cell system of this embodiment,
Since the fuel gas is cooled and then supplied to the fuel cell, the temperature of the combustion gas can be lowered. Therefore, piping and valves on the path from the fuel processor to the fuel cell,
The temperature of the fuel cell and the like becomes low, and high heat resistance is not required for these members. Therefore, an inexpensive member having low heat resistance can be used, and durability can be improved.

Further, as the temperature of the fuel gas decreases, the pressure of the fuel gas also decreases. Therefore, the pressure applied to the pipes and valves on the path from the fuel processor to the fuel cell, the fuel cell, and the like becomes low, and high pressure resistance is not required for these members. Therefore, a member having low pressure resistance can be used, and cost and weight can be reduced.

In the above description, air is used as the heat transport medium of the fuel radiator 23, and the fan is used for cooling. However, other heat transport mediums such as water, oil, and refrigerants such as Freon are used. Also in cooling by heat exchange using, it becomes possible to use an inexpensive member having low heat resistance as well, and it is possible to improve durability. Further, the same effect can be obtained even in a configuration such as a Peltier element that is electrically cooled.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment uses a fuel cell 11 that generates electric power using a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas such as air.
A fuel processing device 21 for heating a raw material in a steam atmosphere to generate a fuel gas, a fuel supply pipe 22, a fuel radiator 23 for cooling the fuel gas, and a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the fuel gas. 24, a heat radiation amount control means 25 that controls the heat radiation amount of the fuel radiator 23, an air supply device 51 that supplies an oxidant gas to the fuel cell 11, and a fuel processing device 21.
It is composed of a bypass valve 31 for bypassing the fuel gas and a bypass pipe 32 at the time of startup.

It should be noted that, in the above-mentioned members, those having the same functions as those of the conventional fuel cell system shown in FIG. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and the details of those functions are shown in FIG. It shall be based on the conventional fuel cell system shown.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

The fuel processor 21 produces a fuel gas by heating a raw material such as a natural gas supplied from the outside in an atmosphere containing water vapor. When the fuel processor 21 is activated, a fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide is generated. Since the fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide causes the performance of the fuel cell 11 to deteriorate, the fuel gas is bypassed by the bypass valve 31 when the fuel processing device 21 is started.
Is discharged to the outside of the system without passing through the fuel cell 11. During power generation, the fuel gas containing almost no carbon monoxide is supplied to the fuel cell 11 through the fuel supply pipe 22. The generated fuel gas is cooled by the fuel radiator 23, and then the bypass valve 31 and the bypass pipe 32 are provided.
And to the fuel cell 11. The fuel radiator 23 cools the fuel gas by flowing air with a fan. The temperature detection means 24 installed on the fuel supply pipe 22 between the fuel radiator 23 and the fuel cell 11 detects the temperature of the fuel gas, and the heat radiation amount control means 25 is set so that this temperature becomes a predetermined value.
The heat radiation amount of the fuel radiator 23 is controlled by.

With the configuration of the fuel cell system of this embodiment,
In addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, by controlling the temperature of the fuel gas and supplying the fuel gas having a constant temperature to the fuel cell, the fuel cell can be operated stably.

Further, by keeping the temperature of the fuel gas above the dew point temperature of water vapor contained in the fuel gas, it becomes possible to prevent clogging of the flow path due to dew condensation of water in the fuel supply pipe and the fuel cell. It is possible to operate the fuel cell stably.

In the above description, an example of a structure in which air is used as the heat transport medium of the fuel radiator 23 and cooling is performed by a fan has been described. However, as in the first embodiment, a structure other than that is used for cooling. The same effect can be obtained for.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment uses a fuel cell 11 that generates electric power using a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas such as air.
A fuel processing device 21 for heating a raw material in a steam atmosphere to generate a fuel gas, a fuel supply pipe 22, a fuel radiator 23 for cooling the fuel gas, and an oxidant gas to the fuel cell 11. Air supply device 51 and fuel processing device 2
A bypass valve 31 for bypassing the fuel gas at the time of start-up,
It is composed of a bypass pipe 32.

In the above-mentioned members, those having the same functions as those of the conventional fuel cell system shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the details of those functions will be described with reference to FIG. It shall be based on the conventional fuel cell system shown.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

The fuel processor 21 produces a fuel gas by heating a raw material such as natural gas supplied from the outside in an atmosphere containing water vapor. When the fuel processor 21 is activated, a fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide is generated. Since the fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide causes the performance of the fuel cell 11 to deteriorate, the fuel gas is bypassed by the bypass valve 31 when the fuel processing device 21 is started.
Is discharged to the outside of the system without passing through the fuel cell 11. During power generation, the fuel gas containing almost no carbon monoxide is supplied to the fuel cell 11 through the fuel supply pipe 22. The generated fuel gas is cooled by the fuel radiator 23, and then the bypass valve 31 and the bypass pipe 32 are provided.
And to the fuel cell 11. The fuel radiator 23 cools the fuel gas by flowing air with a fan. The air used at this time is used as an oxidant gas in the fuel cell 11.

With the configuration of the fuel cell system of this embodiment,
In addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, by preheating the air used in the fuel cell with the fuel radiator, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of recovering the heat generated from the fuel cell system.

Further, since air is used as the heat transport medium of the fuel radiator, there is no large difference in heat capacity between the air and the fuel gas, so that the fuel gas can be cooled gently.

In the above description, the air preheated by the fuel radiator is used as a part or all of the oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell, but the air preheated by the fuel radiator is used as the fuel. The same effect can be obtained with a configuration in which it is used as the combustion air of the burner of the processing apparatus or as the oxidant in the fuel processing apparatus.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment uses a fuel cell 11 that generates electric power using a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas such as air.
A fuel processing device 21 for heating a raw material in a steam atmosphere to generate a fuel gas, a fuel supply pipe 22, a fuel radiator 23 for cooling the fuel gas, and an oxidant gas to the fuel cell 11. Air supply device 51 and fuel processing device 2
A bypass valve 31 for bypassing the fuel gas at the time of start-up,
It is composed of a bypass pipe 32.

It should be noted that, among the above-mentioned members, those having the same functions as those of the conventional fuel cell system shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the details of those functions are shown in FIG. It shall be based on the conventional fuel cell system shown.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

The fuel processor 21 produces a fuel gas by heating a raw material such as natural gas supplied from the outside in an atmosphere containing water vapor. When the fuel processor 21 is activated, a fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide is generated. Since the fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide causes the performance of the fuel cell 11 to deteriorate, the fuel gas is bypassed by the bypass valve 31 when the fuel processing device 21 is started.
Is discharged to the outside of the system without passing through the fuel cell 11. During power generation, the fuel gas containing almost no carbon monoxide is supplied to the fuel cell 11 through the fuel supply pipe 22. The generated fuel gas is cooled by the fuel radiator 23, and then the bypass valve 31 and the bypass pipe 32 are provided.
And to the fuel cell 11. The fuel radiator 23 uses water as a heat transport medium to cool the fuel gas.

With the configuration of the fuel cell system of this embodiment,
In addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, since a large amount of water is used in the fuel cell system, it is possible to easily procure water as the heat transport medium of the fuel radiator.

Further, by using water as the heat transport medium, the heat capacity of water is larger than that of the fuel gas, so that the temperature of the cooled fuel gas does not fluctuate easily and control can be facilitated.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment uses a fuel cell 11 that generates electric power using a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas such as air.
A fuel processing device 21 for heating a raw material in a steam atmosphere to generate a fuel gas, a fuel supply pipe 22, a fuel radiator 23 for cooling the fuel gas, and an oxidant gas to the fuel cell 11. Air supply device 51 and fuel processing device 2
A bypass valve 31 for bypassing the fuel gas at the time of start-up,
Bypass pipe 32, cooling water pump 13 for circulating cooling water to maintain the temperature of fuel cell 11, and cooling water pipe 12
And a cooling water radiator 14 for cooling the cooling water.

In the above-mentioned members, those having the same functions as those of the conventional fuel cell system shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the details of those functions are shown in FIG. It shall be based on the conventional fuel cell system shown.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

The fuel processor 21 produces a fuel gas by heating a raw material such as natural gas supplied from the outside in an atmosphere containing water vapor. When the fuel processor 21 is activated, a fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide is generated. Since the fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide causes the performance of the fuel cell 11 to deteriorate, the fuel gas is bypassed by the bypass valve 31 when the fuel processing device 21 is started.
Is discharged to the outside of the system without passing through the fuel cell 11. During power generation, the fuel gas containing almost no carbon monoxide is supplied to the fuel cell 11 through the fuel supply pipe 22. The generated fuel gas is cooled by the fuel radiator 23, and then the bypass valve 31 and the bypass pipe 32 are provided.
And to the fuel cell 11.

The heat generated during power generation is removed and the fuel cell 1
The cooling water is circulated by the cooling water pump 13 in order to keep the temperature of 1 at a predetermined temperature. The cooling water is circulated through the cooling water pipe 12, passes through the fuel cell 11, and then the fuel gas is cooled through the fuel radiator 23. The cooling water having a high temperature releases heat to the outside by the cooling water radiator 14.

With the configuration of the fuel cell system of this embodiment,
In addition to the effect described in the fourth embodiment, the cooling water is constantly adjusted to the operating temperature of the fuel cell by the cooling water radiator, so that the temperature supplied to the fuel radiator is substantially constant.
As a result, when cooling the fuel gas by the fuel radiator,
It is possible to easily cool the temperature of the fuel gas to the operating temperature of the fuel cell without any control.

In the above description, the cooling water radiator 14
Although the example of the configuration in which air is used as the heat transport medium and cooling is performed by the fan has been described, the same effect can be obtained in cooling by heat exchange using another heat transport medium, for example, a refrigerant such as water, oil, or freon. To be Further, the same effect can be obtained even in a configuration such as a Peltier element that is electrically cooled.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment is a fuel cell 1 that uses a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas such as air to generate electricity.
1, a fuel processing apparatus 21 that heats a raw material in a steam atmosphere to generate a fuel gas, a fuel supply pipe 22, a fuel radiator 23 that cools the fuel gas, and an oxidant gas to the fuel cell 11. Air supply device 51 and a bypass valve 31 that bypasses the fuel gas when the fuel processing device 21 is activated.
A bypass pipe 32, a cooling water pump 13 for circulating cooling water to maintain the temperature of the fuel cell 11, a cooling water pipe 12, a cooling water radiator 14 for cooling the cooling water, and a stored hot water for storing hot water. The tank 41 and the stored hot water pipe 42
It is composed of a hot water storage pump 43 that circulates through.

It should be noted that, among the above-mentioned members, those having the same functions as those of the conventional fuel cell system shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the details of those functions are shown in FIG. It shall be based on the conventional fuel cell system shown.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

The fuel processor 21 produces a fuel gas by heating a raw material such as natural gas supplied from the outside in an atmosphere containing water vapor. When the fuel processor 21 is activated, a fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide is generated. Since the fuel gas containing a large amount of carbon monoxide causes the performance of the fuel cell 11 to deteriorate, the fuel gas is bypassed by the bypass valve 31 when the fuel processing device 21 is started.
Is discharged to the outside of the system without passing through the fuel cell 11. During power generation, the fuel gas containing almost no carbon monoxide is supplied to the fuel cell 11 through the fuel supply pipe 22. The generated fuel gas is cooled by the fuel radiator 23, and then the bypass valve 31 and the bypass pipe 32 are provided.
And to the fuel cell 11.

Hot water for recovering heat generated from the fuel cell system is stored in the hot water tank 41. The stored hot water pump 43 circulates the stored hot water through the stored hot water pipe 42, and the stored hot water passes through the cooling water radiator 14 that radiates and cools the cooling water, and then cools the fuel gas through the fuel radiator 23. To recover heat.

With the configuration of the fuel cell system of this embodiment,
In addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, by using the stored hot water as the heat transport medium of the fuel heat dissipation means and cooling the combustion gas, the temperature of the fuel gas is higher than the temperature of the stored hot water, so that the temperature of the stored hot water rises. It becomes possible. Further, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of collecting heat generated from the fuel cell.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the fuel gas is cooled and then supplied to the fuel cell by the system including the fuel heat dissipation means, the temperature of the combustion gas can be lowered. Therefore, the temperature of piping and valves on the route from the fuel processor to the fuel cell becomes low,
High heat resistance is no longer required for these components.
As a result, an inexpensive member having low heat resistance can be used, and a fuel cell system with improved durability can be provided. Further, the pressure of the fuel gas also decreases as the temperature of the fuel gas decreases. Therefore, the pressure applied to the pipes and valves on the path from the fuel processor to the fuel cell, the fuel cell, and the like becomes low, and high pressure resistance is not required for these members. Therefore, a member having low pressure resistance can be used, and a fuel cell system that can reduce cost and weight can be provided.

Further, in the system having the temperature detecting means and the heat radiation amount controlling means, the fuel cell can be operated stably by controlling the temperature of the fuel gas and supplying the fuel gas having a constant temperature to the fuel cell. A fuel cell system can be provided.

Further, by controlling the fuel gas temperature to be equal to or higher than the dew point temperature of the water vapor contained in the fuel gas, it is possible to prevent the flow passage from being blocked due to the dew condensation of water in the fuel supply pipe or the fuel cell. It is possible to provide a fuel cell system capable of stably operating a fuel cell.

Further, in the system provided with the fuel radiating means, by using air as the heat transport medium of the fuel radiator, there is no great difference in heat capacity between the air and the fuel gas.
It is possible to provide a fuel cell system capable of gradually cooling the fuel gas. Furthermore, by using the air preheated by the fuel heat dissipation means as the oxidant gas of the fuel cell, it is possible to provide a fuel cell system capable of improving efficiency.

Further, in the system provided with the fuel radiating means, by using water as the heat transport medium of the fuel radiator, the water can be easily procured from the system,
Since the heat capacity of water is larger than that of fuel gas, it is possible to provide a fuel cell system in which the temperature of the cooled fuel gas does not fluctuate easily and control can be facilitated.

Further, in the system provided with the fuel radiating means, by using the cooling water as the heat transport medium of the fuel radiator, the cooling water is always adjusted to the operating temperature of the fuel cell by the cooling water radiator. The temperature supplied to the radiator is almost constant. As a result, when the fuel gas is cooled by the fuel radiator, it is possible to provide the fuel cell system that can easily cool the temperature of the fuel gas to the operating temperature of the fuel cell without any control.

Further, in the system provided with the fuel radiating means, by using the stored hot water as the heat transport medium of the fuel radiator, the temperature of the stored hot water can be raised and the efficiency of recovering the heat generated from the fuel cell is improved. It is possible to provide a fuel cell system that can do so.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional fuel cell system.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Fuel cell 12 Cooling water piping 13 Cooling water pump 14 Cooling water radiator 21 Fuel processor 22 Fuel piping 23 Fuel radiator 24 Temperature detection means 25 Heat dissipation amount control means 31 Bypass valve 32 bypass piping 41 Hot water storage tank 42 Hot water storage pipe 43 Hot water storage pump 51 Air supply device

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Terumaru Harada             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masao Yamamoto             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tetsuya Ueda             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5H027 AA02 BA01 CC03 CC06 KK44                       MM09

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A fuel generating means for reforming a raw material to generate a fuel gas containing hydrogen, a fuel cell for generating electric power using the fuel gas and an oxidant gas, and the fuel gas from the fuel generating means. A fuel cell system, comprising: a fuel supply path for supplying to a fuel cell, wherein the fuel supply path includes a fuel radiating means for cooling the fuel gas. 2. A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the fuel gas, and a heat radiation amount control means for controlling the heat radiation amount of the fuel heat radiation means based on the detected temperature. The fuel cell system described. 3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the temperature detecting means is arranged in the fuel supply path between the fuel heat radiating means and the fuel cell. 4. The heat radiation amount control means controls the heat radiation amount of the fuel heat radiation means so as to maintain the temperature detected by the temperature detection means at a dew point temperature of the fuel gas or higher. The fuel cell system described. 5. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel heat radiating means uses air as a heat transport medium. 6. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel heat radiating means uses water as a heat transport medium. 7. A cooling water circulating means for circulating cooling water for maintaining the fuel cell at a predetermined temperature,
7. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein the fuel radiating means is cooling by heat exchange with the cooling water. 8. A hot water storage circulating means for recovering heat by exchanging heat between the cooling water and the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, wherein the fuel heat radiating means is cooled by heat exchange with the hot water. 7. The fuel cell system according to claim 6.