JP2003226506A - Reformer for fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reformer for a fuel cell in which thermal expansion difference strain is mitigated by decreasing the temperature difference among a 1st cylindrical body, a 2nd cylindrical body and a 3rd cylindrical body and a catalyst is replaceable. <P>SOLUTION: A 1st heat transfer fin and a 2nd heat transfer fin which do not intercept the flow of a gas are fixed respectively between the 1st cylindrical body 11 and the 2nd cylindrical body 12 and between the 2nd cylindrical body 12 and the 3rd cylindrical body 13. Or the lower end of the 1st cylindrical body 11 and the 3rd cylindrical body 13 are closed with a lower part flange 15 to be detachably and a cartridge 6 or a cartridge 7 housing a catalyst layer 2 is replaced by a fresh one through the lower part flange 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a reformer for a fuel cell for producing a hydrogen-rich gas used in a fuel cell.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A reformer for a fuel cell has a function of reacting a raw fuel such as hydrocarbon with steam to reform it into a hydrogen-rich reformed gas and supply it to a fuel electrode of a fuel cell body. The steam reforming reaction described above is an endothermic reaction, and it is necessary to raise the temperature of this reaction system in order to sustain the reaction, and normally, surplus hydrogen discharged from the fuel electrode of the fuel cell body was included. A method of using exhaust gas and burning it with a burner attached to the reformer to raise the temperature of the reaction system is adopted.

14 to 17 show, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-1.
FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a conventional reformer for a fuel cell shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1901, FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of the reformer, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 16
Is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.
7 is omitted and the same applies to FIGS. 3, 5, and 9 described later), and FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. Note that FIG. 15 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 16 other than the heat insulating container 17.

In FIGS. 14 to 17, 11 is a first cylinder forming a combustion chamber, 12 is a second cylinder arranged on the outer periphery of the first cylinder 11, and 13 is an outer periphery of the second cylinder 12. The arranged third cylinder, 14 is an upper flange welded to seal the upper end surfaces of the first cylinder 11, the second cylinder 12, and the second cylinder 12 and the third cylinder 13, and 15 Is a lower flange welded so as to seal between the lower end surfaces of the first cylinder 11 and the third cylinder 13, 16 is a burner provided in the upper center of the reformer for a fuel cell, and 17 is a third cylinder. It is a heat insulating container arranged on the outer periphery of 13. Further, 2 is a first cylinder 11 and a second cylinder 12.
A catalyst layer which is provided between the catalyst layer and the steam reforming reaction,
Reference numeral 21 is a perforated plate provided at the lower end of the catalyst layer 2, 3 is a gas passage provided between the second cylinder 12 and the third cylinder 13 for supplying a raw material gas to the catalyst layer 2, and 4 is It is a heat transfer fin. The catalyst layer 2 is formed by depositing catalyst particles, and the perforated plate 21 is made of a material that does not allow the catalyst particles to pass but allows the raw material gas to pass. A raw material gas to be reformed introduced from a gas inlet 31 provided at the upper end of the third cylindrical body 13,
For example, hydrocarbons are supplied to the catalyst layer 2 through the gas passage 3 and then the communication passage 32 provided between the inner surface of the lower flange 15 and the lower end of the second cylinder 12.
At, the gas is reformed into a hydrogen-rich gas and is discharged from a gas outlet 33 provided at the upper end of the second cylindrical body 12. Figure 1
5 and the arrow of FIG. 17 show the gas flow direction.

As shown in FIG. 16, the heat transfer fins 4 are composed of a plurality of fin members 401 which are radially welded to the outer surface of the first cylindrical body 11, and each fin member 401 has a length of the catalyst layer 2. Extending in the gas flow direction over the entire length of the direction. First cylinder 11, second cylinder 12, third cylinder 1
3, upper flange 14, lower flange 15, burner 16
The heat transfer fins 4 are generally formed of a metal material such as stainless steel having heat resistance, heat transfer property, and corrosion resistance. The burner 16 is discharged from the fuel electrode (not shown) of the fuel cell body, and the gas inlet 161
The exhaust gas introduced from the above is combusted in the presence of the air introduced from the gas introduction port 162. Due to the combustion flame at that time, the inner wall surface of the first cylindrical body 1 is heated to approximately 800 ° C. to 900 ° C., the catalyst layer 2 is maintained at a predetermined reaction temperature, and the steam reforming reaction is performed. At that time, the heat transfer fins 4 have a function of transferring the heat of the first cylindrical body 1 heated by the combustion flame to the catalyst layer 2, so that the catalyst layer 2 is heated and the steam reforming reaction is accelerated.

As described above, the conventional reformer for a fuel cell has a structure in which the inner wall of the first cylinder 11 is heated, and for this reason, the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 are provided. There is a problem that a large temperature difference occurs between the third cylinder body 13 and the third cylinder body 13. That is, the first cylinder 11 is directly heated by the combustion flame and becomes high in temperature, while the second cylinder 12 and the third cylinder 1 are heated.
The temperature of No. 3 rises mainly due to the conduction heat through the catalyst layer 2 and the upper and lower flanges 14 and 15, but since the catalyst layer 2 has poor thermal conductivity, the second cylindrical body 12 stays at a low temperature.
Therefore, in the heat transfer fin 4, the temperature of the portion welded to the first cylinder 11 is high, and the temperature of the fin tips near the second cylinder 12 is relatively low. A temperature difference of about 150 ° C. to 300 ° C. occurs with the third cylinder 13.

On the other hand, since the heat transfer fin 4 is long and extends in the gas flow direction and is fixed to the outer periphery of the first cylindrical body 11, there is a difference in thermal expansion due to the temperature difference of the heat transfer fin 4. The resulting thermal stress is generated between the first cylindrical body 11 and the heat transfer fins 4, and for example, the heat transfer fins 4 are distorted or the first cylindrical body 11 bulges like a drum. In order to prevent such deformation,
A method of increasing the mechanical strength by increasing the plate thickness of the first tubular body 11 and the heat transfer fin 4 may be adopted, but this method increases the weight of the fuel cell reformer and increases the cost. There's a problem.

In order to avoid deformation of the fuel cell reformer due to thermal stress, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-11901 discloses a heat transfer fin 4 having a length and a width so that the influence of the thermal expansion difference can be ignored. It has been proposed to adjust the ratio relationship and divide the heat transfer fins 4 by slitting them in the longitudinal direction to absorb the difference in thermal expansion due to the temperature difference.

However, the third cylinder 13 and the first cylinder 1
The temperature difference of 1 is large as described above, and the same applies to the second cylinder 12 and the first cylinder 11, and the thermal expansion of the first cylinder 11 is larger than that of the third cylinder 13 and the second cylinder 12. Since it is large, distortion occurs at the joint between the upper and lower flanges 14 and 15 welded to them. At the start of the operation of the fuel cell reformer, the temperature difference between the third cylinder 13 and the first cylinder 11 is further large. Therefore, the reformer is strained due to the difference in thermal expansion due to repeated operation start and stop. It may cause fatigue damage.

Since the catalyst layer 2 is formed by depositing catalyst particles between the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12, the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder surrounding the catalyst layer 2 are formed. The body 12 expands and contracts in the radial direction due to the differential thermal expansion strain at the time of starting and stopping the operation. The catalyst particles are crushed by receiving an external force based on this expansion and contraction deformation, and the crushed powder generated by this crushing is gathered below the catalyst layer 2 due to vibration and the like, and the catalyst layer 2 is clogged, and the reforming performance is degraded. There is also.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned catalyst in the present technology has a life of catalyst performance due to impurities taken in during operation, and the life of the catalyst actually determines the life of the reformer for a fuel cell. There are also problems. However, if the catalyst can be replaced with a new one, the above problem can be solved, but in the conventional reformer, since the catalyst is deposited between the welded first cylinder 11 and second cylinder 12, Exchange is difficult.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art in a reformer for a fuel cell for producing a hydrogen-rich gas used in a fuel cell. A fuel cell reformer in which the temperature difference between the first cylinder, the second cylinder, and the third cylinder is reduced to reduce the thermal expansion differential strain, and the catalyst can be replaced. Is an issue.

[0013]

A reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a first cylinder whose inner wall is heated by a heating means, and a second cylinder which covers the outer wall of the first cylinder. Body, a catalyst layer formed of catalyst particles for reforming the raw material gas into a hydrogen-rich gas provided between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and an outer wall of the second cylinder. A third cylinder that covers, a gas passage that is provided between the second cylinder and the third cylinder to supply the raw material gas to the catalyst layer, and the raw material gas can pass through the catalyst layer. A first heat transfer member fixed to the first cylinder and the second cylinder so that the source gas can pass through the gas passage, the second cylinder and the third cylinder. It is characterized by including a second heat transfer member fixed to and.

A fuel cell reformer according to a second aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to the first aspect, wherein the first heat transfer member and the second heat transfer member are both radially provided. The plurality of first heat transfer members and the plurality of second heat transfer members are arranged in a zigzag pattern with respect to each other.

A fuel cell reformer according to a third aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to the first aspect, wherein one ends of the first cylinder and the third cylinder are air-tightly connected to each other by a cylinder connecting plate member. A communication passage is provided between the cylinder connecting plate and one end of the second cylinder so that the source gas flows from the gas passage to the catalyst layer.

A fuel cell reformer according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to the third aspect, wherein the tubular plate member is detachably attached to the first tubular body and the third tubular body. It is characterized by that.

A fuel cell reformer according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to the first aspect, wherein the catalyst layer is a porous layer through which the catalyst particles do not pass and gas can pass in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst layer. It is characterized by being divided by one or more catalyst separators containing a material.

A fuel cell reformer according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to the fourth aspect, wherein at least one end surface of the catalyst layer is formed of a material through which the catalyst particles do not pass but through which gas can pass. The first cartridge is housed in the first cartridge, and the first cartridge can be replaced with another first cartridge having the same shape by removing the cylinder coupling plate member.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell reformer according to the sixth aspect, the first cartridge has a cylindrical shape, and the first heat transfer member is provided with the first cartridge. It is characterized in that it is provided at a location other than the designated location.

A reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 8 of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the catalyst layer comprises:
Part of the second cylindrical body, and part of the gas passage,
At least one end face is housed in a second cartridge formed of a porous material through which the catalyst particles do not pass but gas can pass, and the inside of the second cartridge is the outer surface of the first cylindrical body, The outer side thereof is in close contact with the inner surface of the third cylindrical body and is detachably installed between the first cylindrical body and the third cylindrical body, and the second cartridge is the first cylindrical body. In a state of being installed between the third cylinder and the third cylinder, the second cylinder inside and outside the second cartridge are airtightly connected to each other.

A fuel cell reformer according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to the eighth aspect, wherein the second cartridge is the second cylinder from the inner surface of the second cylinder portion in the second cartridge. A third heat transfer member extending in the direction of the central axis of the portion,
A fourth heat transfer member extending outward from the outer surface of the second tubular body portion is accommodated.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell reformer according to the ninth aspect, the third heat transfer member and the fourth heat transfer member are both radially provided. The plurality of third heat transfer members and the plurality of fourth heat transfer members are arranged in a zigzag pattern with respect to each other.

A fuel cell reformer according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to the tenth aspect, wherein the second cartridge is installed between the first cylinder and the third cylinder. The third heat transfer member is in close contact with the first cylinder,
The fourth heat transfer member is provided so as to be in close contact with the third cylindrical body.

A fuel cell reformer according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to any one of the sixth to eleventh aspects.
The heating means is disposed on one end side of the first cylindrical body or in the vicinity thereof, and the first heat transfer member and / or the second heat transfer member is provided in the vicinity of the heating means. To do.

A fuel cell reformer according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell reformer according to the sixth or eighth aspect, wherein the gas passage comprises catalyst particles for reforming the raw material gas into a hydrogen-rich gas. It is characterized in that a catalyst layer is provided.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the following embodiments,
The same parts as the parts shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Also, the reference numerals of some parts may be omitted. Embodiment 1.

1 to 3 are views for explaining a first embodiment of a fuel cell reformer according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the fuel cell reformer according to the first embodiment. ,
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is B of FIG.
It is a sectional view taken along the line B. In addition, FIG. 2 shows a heat insulating container 1.
It corresponds to the cross-sectional view along the line D-D of FIG. 3 other than 7.

2 and 3, reference numeral 41 is a first heat transfer fin as an example of the first heat transfer member, and 42 is a second heat transfer fin as an example of the second heat transfer member. ,
In the first embodiment, the heat transfer fin 4 is composed of the first heat transfer fin 41 and the second heat transfer fin 42. Further, the first heat transfer fin 41 is composed of a plurality of fin members 411 having a width extending from the outer surface of the first cylinder 11 to the inner surface of the second cylinder 12 and a length extending over the entire length of the catalyst layer 2. The fin members 411 are radially arranged and welded to the outer surface of the first cylinder 11 and the inner surface of the second cylinder 12. On the other hand, the second heat transfer fin 42 is composed of a plurality of fin members 421 having a width reaching from the outer surface of the second cylindrical body 12 to the inner surface of the third cylindrical body 13 and a length substantially the same as the first heat transfer fin 41. The fin members 421 are arranged radially and in a zigzag pattern as shown in FIG. 3 with respect to the fin members 411, and are welded to the outer surface of the second cylindrical body 12 and the inner surface of the third cylindrical body 13. Since the catalyst layer 2 exists between the fin members 411, the raw material gas can pass through the catalyst layer 2. Similarly, since there is a space between the fin members 421,
The raw material gas can pass through the gas passage 3.

With the above configuration, a bypass heat transfer path between the first cylinder 11 and the third cylinder 13 via the first heat transfer fin 41, the second cylinder 12 and the second heat transfer fin 42. Therefore, the heat of the first tubular body 11 is quickly transferred to the third tubular body 13, and the temperature difference between the tubular bodies 11 to 13 can be reduced, so that the temperature difference between the tubular bodies 11 to 13 and the vertical direction can be reduced. Since the strain due to the difference in thermal expansion in the welded portions with the section flanges 14 and 15 is alleviated, the fatigue breakage of the fuel cell reformer is reduced or prevented.

Embodiment 2. 4 to 7 are explanatory views of Embodiment 2 of the reformer for a fuel cell of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view taken along line DD of FIG. 1 in Embodiment 2.
5 is another sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the internal structure of the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the part shown by the arrow E. Note that FIG. 4 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. 5 other than the heat insulating container 17.

4 to 7, reference numeral 5 denotes a fan-shaped catalyst separator provided between the adjacent fin members 411. The catalyst separator 5 includes a porous material 51, a frame body 52 for holding the porous material 51, Also, the frame body 5 is formed by using the daruma hole 53 formed in the frame body 52, and the hook pin 54 embedded in the fin member 411 uses the daruma hole 53.
2 is engaged with the fin member 411. Porous material 51
Is made of a material such as a mesh or a punching plate that does not allow the catalyst particles constituting the catalyst layer 2 to pass but allows a gas such as a raw material gas and a reforming gas to pass. The catalyst separators 5 are provided at three positions so as to divide the catalyst layer 2 having a fan-shaped cross section existing between the adjacent fin members 411 into three in the longitudinal direction thereof (see FIGS. 4 and 6), but also in two. The above multi-division may also be possible.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 15 is a donut-shaped lower flange as an example of the plate member for cylinder connection, 151 is a heat-resistant seal member, and 152 is a male screw and a lower part provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the third cylindrical body 13. A fitting screw made of a female screw provided on the inner surface of the flange 15 and having a lower flange 15
Can be airtightly screwed to the third cylinder 13 by using the fitting screw 152 with the seal member 151 placed on the lower end of the first cylinder 11, or the fitting screw 152 can be loosened to loosen the first cylinder. It can also be removed from the body 11 and the third cylindrical body 13.

In the fuel cell reformer of the second embodiment having such a configuration, the first heat transfer fin 41 and the second heat transfer fin 41 are provided to the first cylinder 11, the second cylinder 12, and the third cylinder 13. The heat fin 42, the upper flange 14, and the burner 16 are integrally welded and fixed to each other, and the catalyst separator 5 is attached to the hook pin 54 at a position between the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 to form the catalyst layer 2. The catalyst particles are placed while engaging with each other to form the catalyst layer 2, and then the lower flange 15 is attached to the third cylindrical body 1 by the above method.
After air-tightly attaching to 3, the heat insulating container 17 can be housed in the heat insulating container 17. Therefore, when the catalyst reaches the end of its life,
It is possible to replace the catalyst particles by disassembling the fuel cell reformer in the reverse order of the above. Further, since the catalyst separator 5 provided in the middle of the catalyst layer 2 has a function of retaining the crushed powder of the catalyst particles in each catalyst separator 5, the clogging of the catalyst layer 2 can be reduced or prevented.

Embodiment 3. 8 to 10 are diagrams for explaining a third embodiment of the reformer for a fuel cell of the present invention, and FIG. 8 shows the F of FIG. 1 in the third embodiment.
9 is a sectional view taken along line -F, FIG. 9 is a further sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a part of the internal structure of the third embodiment. Note that FIG. 8 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 9 except for the heat insulating container 17.

In FIGS. 8 to 10, 6 is an example of the first cartridge, which includes a first cylinder 11 and a second cylinder 12.
It is inserted between and. The lower flange 15 includes the first cylindrical body 11 and the third cylindrical body 13 as in the case of the second embodiment.
It is detachably attached to the lower end of the. Reference numeral 41 is a first heat transfer fin provided between the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 at a position close to the burner 16 so as not to hinder the flow of the raw material gas. It is the second heat transfer fin provided similarly to the first and second embodiments. First heat transfer fin 41
Is shorter than those of the first and second embodiments, but has the function of effectively transmitting the high temperature of the portion close to the burner 16 to the second cylindrical body 12, and the cartridge 6
It is possible to provide a space for installing the. Note that the first heat transfer fins 41 and the second heat transfer fins 42 are arranged in a radial and zigzag pattern as in the first and second embodiments, although there is a difference in height between the first heat transfer fins 41 and the second heat transfer fins 42. Therefore, the first cylindrical body 1
Since a heat transfer path by the first heat transfer fin 41 and the second heat transfer fin 42 is formed between the first and third cylindrical bodies 13, the third cylindrical body 13 at the start of operation of the fuel cell reformer And the first cylinder 11
The temperature difference between the upper flange 14 and the first cylinder 11 is reduced.
~ Fatigue failure of the reformer due to thermal expansion differential strain at the joint with the third cylinder 13 can be prevented.

The cartridge 6 is inserted between the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 in close contact with the walls of both cylinders, but the lower flange 15 is removed to reform the fuel cell. It can be easily removed from the container and replaced with a new one. That is, the cartridge 6 has an inner cylinder 61 having a size close to the outer surface of the first cylinder 11, an outer cylinder 62 having a size close to the inner surface of the second cylinder 12, and the cartridge 6 divided into three parts in the longitudinal direction. The inner cylinder 61, which includes three catalyst separators 63 and a reinforcing plate 64 provided in
A catalyst layer 2 is formed by filling catalyst particles in a space partitioned by the outer cylinder 62, the catalyst separator 63, and the reinforcing plate 64. The reinforcing plate 64 includes the inner cylinder 61 and the outer cylinder 6.
2 has a length substantially the same as that of the inner cylinder 6 as shown in FIGS.
It extends radially between 1 and the outer cylinder 62 and is fixed to both cylinders 61 and 62 by welding or the like. The catalyst separator 63 is
Similar to the porous material 51 in the second embodiment, it is made of a material that does not allow the catalyst particles to pass through but allows a gas such as a raw material gas and a reforming gas to pass through, and has the same function as the porous material 51.

The reinforcing plate 64 is not particularly limited in its forming material as long as it has a function of mechanically reinforcing the cartridge 6, but the inner cylinder 61, the outer cylinder 62, and the reinforcing plate 64.
Is formed of the same metal as the first cylinder 11, the second cylinder 12, the first heat transfer fins 41, etc., there is an advantage that the reinforcing plate 64 itself also functions as a heat transfer fin. In FIG. 10, the catalyst separator 63 is provided at three locations so as to divide the catalyst layer 2 having a fan-shaped cross section existing between the adjacent reinforcing plates 64 into three in the longitudinal direction. It may be multi-divided. Further cartridge 6
May be composed of the same kind of material as the catalyst separator 63 only at the lower end thereof and may not have the intermediate catalyst separator 63, or may be formed by stacking a plurality of short cartridges.

In the structure of the second embodiment, it is necessary to remove the catalyst separators 5 one by one and replace the catalyst particles when the catalyst particles are renewed and replaced.
Since the work is performed in the closed space defined by the first heat transfer fins 41 between the first and second cylindrical bodies 12, there is a problem that it takes some time. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, no matter which cartridge is used, the lower flange 15 is unscrewed when it needs to be renewed due to the life of the built-in catalyst or other reasons. You can easily replace it with a new one of the same function and size prepared in advance and restore it.

Fourth Embodiment 11 to 13 are diagrams for explaining Embodiment 4 of the reformer for a fuel cell of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is the same as FIG.
12 is a further sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a further sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of the internal structure of the fourth embodiment. It is a figure. Figure 1
1 corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. 12 except for the heat insulating container 17.

In FIGS. 11 to 13, 7 is an example of the second cartridge, which includes a first cylinder 11 and a third cylinder 1.
It is inserted between 3 and. The lower flange 15 includes the first cylinder 11 and the third cylinder 1 as in the case of the third embodiment.
It is provided at the lower end of 3 detachably. 41 and 42 are
Between the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12, and between the second cylinder 12 and the third cylinder 1 at positions close to the burner 16, respectively.
3 is a first heat transfer fin and a second heat transfer fin provided so as not to hinder the flow of the raw material gas. Although the first and second heat transfer fins 41 and 42 are short, they have a function of effectively transmitting the high temperature of the portion close to the burner 16 to the second cylindrical body 12 and the third cylindrical body 13, and A space for installing the cartridge 7 can be provided. first,
The second heat transfer fins 41, 42 are arranged radially and in a staggered pattern.

The cartridge 7 is composed of a catalyst card 71 having a size close to the outer surface of the first cylinder 11, an outer frame 72 having a size close to the inner surface of the third cylinder 13, and two catalyst separators 73. It has a cylindrical shape and houses the entire catalyst layer 2, a part 12a of the second cylindrical body 12, and a part 3a of the gas passage. The catalyst separator 73 may be made of the same material as the porous material 51 used in the second embodiment. The cartridge 7 is provided with a third heat transfer fin 43, which is an example of the third heat transfer member fixed to the second cylindrical body portion 12a and the catalyst card 71, and an outer wall of the second cylindrical body portion 12a. A fourth heat transfer fin 44, which is an example of the fourth heat transfer member reaching the frame 72, is also housed. The third heat transfer fins 43 and the fourth heat transfer fins 44 are each composed of a plurality of radially arranged fins 43, 44.
Are staggered with respect to each other. The outer frame 72 constitutes the outer periphery of the cartridge 7 and has a function of preventing the fourth heat transfer fins 44 from falling, but there is no problem of the fourth heat transfer fins 44 falling. In some cases, the outer frame 72 may be omitted.

The catalyst layer 2 is formed by depositing catalyst particles in a space having a fan-shaped cross section surrounded by the catalyst card 71, the third heat transfer fins 43, and the second cylindrical portion 12a. It is divided into two at 73. Catalyst separator 7
Similar to the catalyst separator 5 of the second embodiment and the catalyst separator 63 of the third embodiment, 3 has a function of reducing or preventing clogging of the catalyst layer 2. Therefore, the catalyst layer 2 is
You may make it the multilayered structure divided | segmented by the catalyst separator 73 of 2 or more sheets. In the state where the cartridge 7 is inserted between the first cylinder 11 and the third cylinder 13, the second cylinder portion 12 a has one end surface that is heat resistant to the end surface of the second cylinder body 2. Airtight contact is made via the seal member 153. Therefore, the third heat transfer fins 43 are substantially the same as the first heat transfer fins 4.
1 and the fourth heat transfer fin 44 is the second heat transfer fin 42.
Has a heat transfer function equivalent to.

In the cartridge 7, the third heat transfer fin 43
Since the fourth heat transfer fins 44 and the fourth heat transfer fins 44 are arranged in a zigzag manner via the second tubular body portion 12a, the second tubular body portion 12a is made a slightly elastically deformable plate material, and the first tubular body 11 is formed. If the dimensional relationship is such that the second cylinder portion 12a and the third cylinder body 13 are inserted in a press-fitted state, the elastic deformation force of the second cylinder body portion 12a causes the first cylinder body 11 to move.
The third heat transfer fin 43, and the fourth heat transfer fin 44 and the third cylindrical body 13 can be pressed and brought into close contact with each other, and the heat transfer resistance between them can be further reduced, and the heat transfer to the catalyst layer 2 can be reduced. The temperature difference between the first cylinder 11 and the third cylinder 13 can be further reduced. In addition, in the welded portions of the upper flange 14 of the first cylinder 11, the second cylinder 12, and the third cylinder 13 in which the difference in thermal expansion due to the temperature difference poses a problem, the first transfer to a portion close to the burner 16 is performed. Since the heat fins 41 and the second heat transfer fins 42 are provided between the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 and between the second cylinder 12 and the third cylinder 13, the first cylinder 11 is formed. To the third cylindrical body 13 have good thermal conductivity, and the occurrence of temperature difference is suppressed to prevent breakage.

On the other hand, the lower flange 15 has a fitting screw 15
Since it is detachably screwed into the third cylindrical body 13 by 2 and is airtight with the first cylindrical body 11 via the seal member 152, the lower flange 15, the first cylindrical body 11, and the third cylindrical body 13 are attached. The thermal expansion differential strain between and is absorbed by the joint portion based on the above-mentioned mechanical contact, and destruction due to the thermal expansion differential strain is prevented.
Moreover, in the fuel cell reformer of the fourth embodiment, the cartridge 7 is inserted between the first cylinder 11 and the third cylinder 13, and the lower flange 15 is screwed into the third cylinder 13. Can be assembled. By performing the reverse operation, the old cartridge 7 can be taken out from the fuel cell reformer and replaced with a new cartridge 7.

In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the mode in which the catalyst layer 2 is provided between the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 has been described, but in the present invention, in addition to the catalyst layer 2. A catalyst layer may be provided in the gas passage 3 as well, and by doing so, the total length of the catalyst layer is increased, and the effect of reforming the raw material gas is further improved.

[0046]

As described above, the reformer for a fuel cell of the present invention has a first cylinder whose inner wall is heated by a heating means.
A second cylinder that covers the outer wall of the first cylinder, and is composed of catalyst particles that are provided between the first cylinder and the second cylinder to reform the source gas into a hydrogen-rich gas. Catalyst layer, a third cylinder that covers the outer wall of the second cylinder, and a gas passage provided between the second cylinder and the third cylinder for supplying the raw material gas to the catalyst layer. A first heat transfer member fixed to the first cylinder and the second cylinder so that the raw material gas can pass through the catalyst layer, and the raw material gas can pass through the gas passage Since it is characterized in that it includes a second heat transfer member fixed to the second cylinder and the third cylinder, the heat of the first cylinder is quickly transferred to the third cylinder. The above-mentioned seed in the prior art in which the temperature difference between the cylinders can be reduced and a large temperature difference occurs between the first cylinder and the third cylinder. There is an effect that the problem is resolved.

Further, the first heat transfer member and the second heat transfer member are each composed of a plurality of radially arranged members, and the plurality of first heat transfer members and the plurality of second heat transfer members are provided. When the heat members are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the heat transfer member is bypassed between the first cylinder member and the third cylinder member via the first heat transfer member, the second cylinder member, and the second heat transfer member. Since the heat path is formed,
The heat transfer from the first cylinder 11 to the third cylinder 13 is further improved, resulting in a difference in thermal expansion between the first cylinder to the third cylinder and the upper and lower cylinder-coupling plate members connected to each other. Based on this, the strain is alleviated, and fatigue breakage of the reformer for a fuel cell is reduced or prevented.

Further, one ends of the first cylindrical body and the third cylindrical body are airtightly connected to each other by a cylinder connecting plate member, and between the cylinder connecting plate member and one end of the second cylinder member. When the communication passage is provided so that the raw material gas flows from the gas passage to the catalyst layer, the raw material gas can be stably introduced into the catalyst layer to obtain a compact reformer for a fuel cell. be able to.

Further, when the plate member for cylinder coupling is detachably provided on the first cylinder and the third cylinder, the cylinder coupling plate material is used for the cylinder coupling when the catalyst particles forming the catalyst layer reach the end of their lives. The plate material can be removed and the catalyst particles can be taken out and replaced with a new one.

When the catalyst layer is divided in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst layer by one or more catalyst separators containing a porous material that does not allow passage of the catalyst particles but allows passage of gas, crushed powder of the catalyst particles is obtained. Even if the above occurs, the catalyst separator has a function of holding it, so that the clogging of the catalyst layer can be reduced or prevented.

The catalyst layer is housed in a first cartridge formed of a material through which at least one end face does not pass the catalyst particles but allows gas to pass, and the first cartridge is connected to the cylinder. The plate material is removed to be replaceable with another first cartridge having the same shape, the first cartridge has a cylindrical shape, and the first heat transfer member is provided at a position other than the place where the first cartridge is installed. When it is provided at a portion, the replacement work of the catalyst particles can be performed easily in an extremely short time while having the function of the first heat transfer member.

At least one end face of at least a part of the catalyst layer, a part of the second cylinder, and a part of the gas passage has a porous material through which the catalyst particles do not pass and gas can pass. The second cartridge is formed in a manner such that the inside of the second cartridge is in close contact with the outer surface of the first cylinder and the outside thereof is in close contact with the inner surface of the third cylinder. The second cartridge is freely installed between the first cylinder and the third cylinder, and the second cartridge is in a state where the second cartridge is installed between the first cylinder and the third cylinder. If the inner and outer second cylindrical portions are airtightly connected, the catalyst grain replacement work can be performed in an extremely short time and easily, as in the case of using the first cartridge.

The second cartridge includes a third heat transfer member extending from the inner surface of the second cylinder portion in the second cartridge in the direction of the central axis of the second cylinder portion, and the second cylinder. A fourth heat transfer member that extends outward from the outer surface of the body part is accommodated, and the third heat transfer member and the fourth heat transfer member are both formed in a radial pattern. The third heat transfer member and the plurality of fourth heat transfer members are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and the second cartridge is installed between the first cylinder and the third cylinder. In this state, when the third heat transfer member is provided so as to be in close contact with the first cylindrical body, and the fourth heat transfer member is in close contact with the third cylindrical body, The heat transfer to the third cylindrical body 13 is further improved.

The heating means is arranged at one end side of the first cylindrical body or in the vicinity thereof, and the first heat transfer member and / or the second heat transfer member is provided in the vicinity of the heating means. Then, the high temperature in the vicinity of the heating means can be effectively transferred to the third cylindrical body, and the space for installing the first cartridge and the second cartridge is secured.

When a catalyst layer composed of catalyst particles for reforming the source gas into a hydrogen-rich gas is provided in the gas passage, it is provided between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. By providing the catalyst layer in the gas passage in addition to the catalyst layer, the total length of the catalyst layer becomes longer, and the effect of reforming the raw material gas is further improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a DD of FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Another cross-sectional view along the line.

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the internal structure of the second embodiment.

7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion indicated by an arrow E in FIG.

FIG. 8 is an F-F of FIG. 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Sectional drawing along the line.

FIG. 9 is a BB line in FIG. 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Yet another cross-sectional view along the line.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a part of the internal structure of the third embodiment.

11 is a D- of FIG. 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is still another cross-sectional view taken along the line D.

FIG. 12 is still another cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1 of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of the internal structure of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of a conventional fuel cell reformer.

15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

16 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

17 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 1st cylinder, 12 2nd cylinder, 13 3rd cylinder, 1
4 upper flange, 15 lower flange, 151 seal member, 152 fitting screw, 153 seal member, 16
Burner, 17 heat insulating container, 2 catalyst layer, 21 perforated plate, 3 gas passage, 31 gas inlet, 32 communication passage,
33 gas outlets, 4 heat transfer fins, 41 first heat transfer fins, 42 second heat transfer fins, 43 third heat transfer fins,
44 fourth heat transfer fin, 5 catalyst separator, 51 porous material, 52 frame, 54 hook pin, 6 cartridge, 61 inner cylinder, 62 outer cylinder, 63 catalyst separator,
64 reinforcing plate, 7 cartridge, 71 catalyst card,
72 outer frame, 73 catalyst separator.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A first cylinder having an inner wall heated by a heating means, a second cylinder covering an outer wall of the first cylinder, and provided between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. A catalyst layer composed of catalyst particles for reforming the raw material gas into a hydrogen-rich gas, a third cylinder that covers the outer wall of the second cylinder, and between the second cylinder and the third cylinder. A gas passage for supplying the raw material gas to the catalyst layer, a first gas cylinder fixed to the first cylinder and the second cylinder so that the raw material gas can pass through the catalyst layer. One heat transfer member, a fuel cell including a second heat transfer member fixed to the second cylinder and the third cylinder so that the raw material gas can pass through the gas passage. Reformer. 2. The first heat transfer member and the second heat transfer member each are composed of a plurality of radially arranged members, and the plurality of first heat transfer members and the plurality of second heat transfer members are provided. 2. The fuel cell reformer according to claim 1, wherein the heat members are arranged in a staggered manner. 3. One end of each of the first cylinder and the third cylinder is air-tightly connected to each other by a cylinder-coupling plate member, and between the cylinder-coupling plate member and one end of the second cylinder member. 2. The reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a communication passage is provided so that the raw material gas flows from the gas passage to the catalyst layer. 4. The reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the cylinder connecting plate is detachably provided on the first cylinder and the third cylinder. 5. The catalyst layer is divided in the longitudinal direction of the catalyst layer by one or more catalyst separators containing a porous material that does not allow passage of the catalyst particles but allows passage of gas. 1. The fuel cell reformer according to 1. 6. The catalyst layer is housed in a first cartridge, at least one end surface of which is made of a material through which the catalyst particles do not pass but through which gas can pass, and wherein the first cartridge is connected to the cylinder. The reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein the plate material for a fuel cell can be removed and replaced with another first cartridge having the same shape. 7. The first cartridge has a cylindrical shape, and the first heat transfer member is provided at a place other than a place where the first cartridge is installed. Reformer for fuel cells. 8. A porous material, at least one end surface of which is at least one end surface not allowing passage of the catalyst particles and which allows passage of gas, in at least a part of the catalyst layer, a part of the second cylindrical body, and a part of the gas passage. It is housed in the second cartridge formed in
The second cartridge is detachably attached to the outer surface of the first cylindrical body on the inner side and the inner surface of the third cylindrical body on the outer side, and is detachably attached to the first cylindrical body and the third cylindrical body. And the second cartridge is installed between the first cylinder and the third cylinder, the second cylinder inside and outside the second cartridge is hermetically connected. The reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein the reformer is a fuel cell reformer. 9. The second cartridge includes a third heat transfer member extending from an inner surface of the second cylindrical body portion in the second cartridge in a direction of a central axis of the second cylindrical body portion, and the second cylindrical body. The reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 8, further comprising a fourth heat transfer member extending outward from an outer surface of the body portion. 10. The third heat transfer member and the fourth heat transfer member are composed of a plurality of radially arranged members, and the plurality of third heat transfer members and the plurality of fourth heat transfer members are provided. The reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the heat members are arranged in a zigzag pattern. 11. The third heat transfer member so as to be in close contact with the first cylindrical body when the second cartridge is installed between the first cylindrical body and the third cylindrical body, and The reformer for a fuel cell according to claim 10, wherein the four heat transfer members are respectively provided so as to be in close contact with the third cylindrical body. 12. The heating means is disposed on one end side of the first cylindrical body or in the vicinity thereof, and the first heat transfer member and / or the second heat transfer member is provided in the vicinity of the heating means. The reformer for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the reformer is a fuel cell reformer. 13. A catalyst layer comprising catalyst particles for reforming a raw material gas into a hydrogen-rich gas is provided in the gas passage, according to claim 1 or claim 8. Fuel cell reformer.