JP2006236779A - Humidifying system and fuel cell power generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifying system increasing the humidifying amount and favorable to stabilize the humidifying amount and to provide a fuel cell power generation system. <P>SOLUTION: The humidifying system is equipped with a humidifier 4 having a humidifying part 41 humidifying gas, an introduction port 44 introducing gas into the humidifying part 41, and a lead-out port 45 leading gas humidified with the humidifying part 41, an introduction passage 5 installed in the upstream part than the introduction port 44 of the humidifier 4, and a gas temperature control part 6 controlling the temperature by preheating gas flowing through the introduction passage 5. The humidifying system is applied to the fuel cell power generation system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidification system and a fuel cell power generation system for humidifying gas.

  Conventionally, as a humidifier for humidifying a gas, one having a humidifying part for humidifying gas, an inlet for introducing gas into the humidifying part, and an outlet for deriving gas humidified by the humidifying part is known. Yes. As a technique related to such a humidifier, Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifying sheet in which an end portion of a water guiding body including a water guiding member and a moisture permeable film covering the entire surface of the water guiding member is sandwiched between resin separators. Yes.

Further, as a fuel cell power generation system, a fuel cell having a fuel electrode to which fuel is supplied and an oxidant electrode to which oxidant gas is supplied, an oxidant pipe for supplying an oxidant to the oxidant electrode of the fuel cell, 2. Description of the Related Art A fuel pipe that supplies fuel to the fuel electrode of a fuel cell and a humidification system that is disposed in an oxidizer pipe are known. Furthermore, as a humidification technique used in the fuel cell power generation system, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a gas outlet of a humidifier having a hollow fiber membrane module that humidifies gas and a hot water riser that warms the gas inlet are disclosed.
JP 2003-176939 A JP 2004-165062 A

  According to the apparatus described above, outside air is introduced into the humidifier. Here, the temperature of the outside air is not always stable, and the amount of water vapor contained in the air may be uneven. Especially in winter or in regions where the air temperature is low, the temperature of the air introduced into the humidifier may be low. In this case, since the saturated vapor pressure of the air is low, it also increases the amount of water vapor contained in the air. There was a limit, and there was a limit to the increase in the amount of humidification.

  Moreover, since the technique which concerns on patent document 2 heats the gas outlet and gas inlet of a humidifier with a warm water riser, it is not a system which warms the gas before being supplied to the inlet of a humidifier, but humidifier itself. Is a method of heating. For this reason, the gas already introduced into the humidifier is heated in the humidifier, and there is a limit to heating the gas. For this reason, there is a limit in increasing the humidification amount supplied to the fuel cell and stabilizing the humidification amount.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can warm the gas before being supplied to the inlet of the humidifier, thereby increasing the humidification amount and stabilizing the humidification amount. It is an object of the present invention to provide an advantageous humidification system and fuel cell power generation system.

  (1) A humidification system according to the present invention includes a humidifier having a humidifier that humidifies gas, an inlet for introducing gas into the humidifier, and an outlet for deriving gas humidified by the humidifier. An introduction passage provided upstream from the introduction port and a gas temperature adjustment unit that preheats the gas flowing through the introduction passage and adjusts the temperature are provided.

  According to the humidifying system of the present invention, the gas to be humidified flows from the inlet of the humidifier to the humidifier, is humidified by the humidifier, and is led out from the outlet of the humidifier. Before the gas is introduced into the inlet of the humidifier, the gas is preheated and warmed by the gas temperature adjusting unit. For this reason, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier and to stabilize the humidification amount.

(2) A fuel cell power generation system according to the present invention supplies a fuel cell having a fuel electrode to which fuel is supplied and an oxidant electrode to which an oxidant gas is supplied, and supplies an oxidant to the oxidant electrode of the fuel cell. In a fuel cell power generation system comprising an oxidant pipe, a fuel pipe for supplying fuel to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell, and a humidification system disposed in at least one of the oxidant pipe and the fuel pipe,
The humidification system includes a humidifier having a humidifier that humidifies the gas supplied to the fuel cell, an inlet for introducing gas into the humidifier, and an outlet for deriving gas humidified by the humidifier, and introduction of the humidifier An introduction passage provided upstream of the opening and a gas temperature adjustment section for preheating the gas flowing through the introduction passage and adjusting the temperature are provided.

  According to the fuel cell power generation system of the present invention, the gas flows from the inlet of the humidifier to the humidifier, is humidified by the humidifier, and is led out from the outlet of the humidifier and supplied to the fuel cell. Therefore, the gas to be humidified is preheated by the gas temperature adjusting unit and the temperature is adjusted before being introduced into the inlet of the humidifier. The gas that has reached the inlet of the humidifier is warmed. For this reason, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier and to stabilize the humidification amount.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidification system and a fuel cell power generation system that are advantageous for increasing the humidification amount and stabilizing the humidification amount.

  The humidifying system is provided with a humidifier having a humidifying section for humidifying the gas, an inlet for introducing the gas into the humidifying section, and an outlet for extracting the gas humidified by the humidifying section, and upstream of the inlet of the humidifier. And a gas temperature adjustment unit that preheats the gas flowing through the introduction passage and adjusts the temperature. The humidification part should just be what can humidify gas, may use a water-containing film | membrane, and may use a hollow fiber membrane module.

  The introduction passage may be exemplified by a form having at least two branch passages. In this case, the gas temperature adjustment part can illustrate the form set so that the amount of preheating of the gas which flows through one branch passage may differ from the amount of preheating of the gas which flows through the other branch passage.

  In addition, the introduction passage may be exemplified by a form having at least two branch passages. In this case, the gas temperature adjusting unit uses the gas flowing through one branch passage and the gas flowing through the other branch passage. The form set so that the amount of preheating which preheats and temperature-controls rather becomes larger can be illustrated. In this case, when the gas temperature is too low, the amount of preheating for preheating the gas flowing through one of the branch passages can be increased. When the gas temperature is too high, the amount of preheating for preheating the gas flowing through one branch passage can be reduced. Thereby, the temperature of the gas supplied to the inlet of the humidifier can be adjusted.

  An example in which a gas flow rate variable element that makes the flow rate of the gas flowing through at least two branch passages variable is provided can be exemplified. In this case, if the flow rate of gas flowing through each branch passage is variable, the temperature of the gas introduced into the inlet of the humidifier can be adjusted. In this case, temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the gas flowing through the introduction passage or supplied to the introduction passage is provided, and the temperature adjustment amount of the gas temperature adjustment unit is variable based on the temperature of the gas detected by the temperature detection means. It can be.

  The gas temperature adjustment unit includes a storage unit that stores a fluid medium that is brought into contact with at least a part of the introduction passage, and can exemplify a mode in which at least a part of the introduction passage is heated via the fluid medium. . The fluid medium is preferably a liquid such as water or alcohol. Heating the introduction passage through the fluid medium in this way is advantageous for uniform heating. The gas temperature adjusting unit can be exemplified by a configuration including a heater attached to the introduction passage so that the gas flowing through the introduction passage can be preheated directly or indirectly. In this case, the gas flowing through the introduction passage can be preheated by the heater. As for the heater, the introduction passage may be directly heated, or the introduction passage may be indirectly heated through a fluid medium such as a liquid material. Any heater can be used as long as it has a function of heating.

  A gas temperature adjustment unit configured to detect a temperature of the gas flowing through the introduction passage; and a control device configured to vary a temperature adjustment amount by the gas temperature adjustment unit based on the temperature of the gas detected by the temperature detection unit; The form provided with can be illustrated. In this case, the control device can vary the temperature adjustment amount of the gas temperature adjustment unit based on the gas temperature detected by the temperature detection means. Therefore, the temperature of the gas introduced into the inlet of the humidifier can be optimized. The gas temperature detected by the temperature detecting means includes the temperature of the gas exiting the gas temperature adjusting unit, the temperature of the gas before entering the gas temperature adjusting unit, the temperature of the gas before entering the inlet of the humidifier, etc. It can be illustrated.

  A fuel cell power generation system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell having a fuel electrode to which fuel is supplied and an oxidant electrode to which an oxidant gas is supplied, and an oxidant pipe for supplying an oxidant to the oxidant electrode of the fuel cell. And a fuel pipe for supplying fuel to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell, and a humidifying system disposed in at least one of the oxidant pipe and the fuel pipe. The humidification system includes a humidifier having a humidifier that humidifies the gas supplied to the fuel cell, an inlet for introducing gas into the humidifier, and an outlet for deriving gas humidified by the humidifier, and introduction of the humidifier An introduction passage provided upstream of the opening and a gas temperature adjustment unit that preheats the gas flowing through the introduction passage and adjusts the temperature. The gas humidified by the humidification system may be either oxidant gas or fuel gas. Depending on the type of fuel cell, not only oxidant gas but also fuel gas may be humidified.

  The gas temperature adjustment unit includes a storage unit that stores a fluid medium (for example, water) that immerses at least a part of the introduction passage, and heats at least a part of the introduction passage through the fluid medium. It can be illustrated. About a accommodating part, it can be set as the container which stores the heating water heated via the cooling fluid (for example, water etc.) which cools a fuel cell. A hot water tank can be used as the container. In this case, the heat of the hot water tank can be used effectively. The fuel supplied to the fuel cell may be a reformed gas formed by reforming the reforming raw material in the reforming section, or a fuel such as hydrogen gas or hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the fuel storage tank. good.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a reforming section having a combustion section that burns fuel and a reforming section body that is heated by the combustion section and reforms the reforming raw material to form fuel gas for power generation. Can be illustrated. In this case, the gas temperature adjustment unit is set to heat at least a part of the introduction passage by the amount of heat of at least one of the combustion exhaust gas that has passed through the combustion unit and the reformed fuel gas for power generation. The form which is present can be illustrated. Thereby, the introduction passage can be heated using heat generated in the reforming section.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. This embodiment is applied to a fuel cell power generation system. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell power generation system includes a fuel cell 1 having a fuel electrode 10 to which fuel is supplied and an oxidant electrode 11 to which an oxidant gas is supplied, and a fuel provided upstream of the fuel cell 1. An oxidant pipe 13 for supplying an oxidant to supply an oxidant to the oxidant electrode 11 of the battery 1, and a fuel for supplying fuel to the fuel electrode 10 of the fuel cell 1 provided upstream of the fuel cell 1. A fuel pipe 14 and a humidification system 3 disposed in the oxidant pipe 13 are provided. The oxidant pipe 13 and the fuel pipe 14 are connected to the fuel cell 1.

  In the fuel cell 1, an electrolyte membrane is provided between the fuel electrode 10 and the oxidant electrode 11. The tip of the fuel pipe 14 is connected to a fuel source such as a fuel storage tank or a fuel gas pipe. The oxidant pipe 13 is provided with an oxidant transport source 17 such as a blower for transporting oxidant gas. In the oxidant pipe 13, a first opening / closing valve 21 is provided upstream of the fuel cell 1, and an off-gas passage 13 c for discharging oxidant gas is provided downstream of the fuel cell 1. A second open / close valve 22 is provided in the off gas passage 13c. The fuel pipe 14 is provided with a fuel transfer source 18 such as a blower for transferring fuel. In the fuel pipe 14, a third opening / closing valve 23 is provided upstream of the fuel cell 1, and a pipe 14 e for discharging off-gas of the fuel gas is provided downstream of the fuel electrode 10 of the fuel cell 1. A fourth open / close valve 24 is provided.

  A cooling system 2 for cooling the fuel cell 1 is attached to the fuel cell 1. The cooling system 2 includes a cooling passage 20 connected to the cooling water discharge port 15a and the cooling water return port 15c of the cooling unit 15 attached to the fuel cell 1, a pump for conveying and circulating the cooling water flowing through the cooling passage 20, and the like. The cooling water conveyance source 25 and the heating unit 26 constituted by a part of the cooling passage 20 are provided. When the coolant supply source 25 is driven, the coolant in the cooling passage 20 circulates through the cooling passage 20 and the cooling unit 15 to cool the fuel cell 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the humidification system 3 includes a humidifier 4 that humidifies a gas (oxidant gas) flowing through the oxidant pipe 13, and a part of the oxidant pipe 13 provided upstream of the humidifier 4. Therefore, an introduction passage 5 and a gas temperature adjustment unit 6 that is provided upstream of the humidifier 4 and adjusts the temperature of the gas flowing through the introduction passage 5 are provided. Air is used as the oxidant gas.

  The humidifier 4 includes a base 40, a moisture-containing sheet-like humidifying portion 41 that partitions the humidifying chamber 42 and the moisture absorbing chamber 43, an introduction port 44 for introducing gas into the humidifying chamber 42 of the humidifier 4, and the humidifying portion 41. It has an outlet 45 for deriving the humidified gas. The humidification part 41 is not limited to a sheet shape. The moisture absorption chamber 43 of the humidifier 4 is connected to the off gas passage 13c. Therefore, the off-gas after the power generation reaction of the oxidant gas discharged from the oxidant electrode 11 of the fuel cell 1 is supplied to the moisture absorption chamber 43 of the humidifier 4 through the off-gas passage 13c, and the moisture of the off-gas is deprived by the humidifier 41. In other words, the moisture in the humidifying unit 41 increases. The gas supplied to the humidifying chamber 42 of the humidifier 4 is humidified by the humidifying unit 41. Thereby, the gas supplied to the oxidant electrode 11 of the fuel cell 1 is humidified. The off gas is discharged from the discharge port 46 of the humidifier 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the introduction passage 5 is branched into a first branch passage 51 for gas preheating and a second branch passage 52 that is provided in parallel with the first branch passage 51 and does not plan gas preheating. The first branch passage 51 and the second branch passage 52 are branched by a branch portion 53 and joined at a junction portion 54. An introduction valve 55 is provided in the introduction passage 5 as a gas flow rate variable element. The introduction valve 55 changes the gas flow rate V1 per unit time flowing through the first branch passage 51 and the gas flow rate V2 per unit time flowing through the second branch passage 52 continuously or stepwise. Thus, if the ratio of V1 and V2 is variable, the temperature of the gas introduced into the inlet 44 of the humidifier 4 can be finely adjusted.

  The introduction valve 55 may be a fully closed / fully opened system, or a system in which the opening amount is variable continuously or stepwise.

  The gas temperature adjusting unit 6 includes a container 60 (accommodating unit) that stores water 61 as a fluid medium that immerses at least a part of the first branch passage 51 constituting the introduction passage 5 and makes contact with the first branch passage 51. The electric heater 62 that heats the water 61 in the container 60 and the heating unit 26 that is a part of the cooling passage 20 of the cooling system 2 of the fuel cell 1 are included. The container 60 may be a non-sealing type or a sealing type. The internal volume of the container 60 can be selected as appropriate. The container 60 may be a normal container or a type covered with a heat insulating layer so as to have heat retention. Although the portion of the first branch passage 51 immersed in the water 61 is illustrated in a coil shape, it is not limited to the coil shape, and it is only necessary that heat exchange with the water 61 is possible.

  The heating unit 26 is immersed in water 61 (fluid medium, liquid material) in the container 60, and can heat the water 61. The heating unit 26 is schematically illustrated in a coil shape, but is not limited to a coil shape. The heater 62 may be separated from the first branch passage 51 while being immersed in the water 61 in the container 60, or may be integrated with the first branch passage 51 while being immersed in the water 61 in the container 60. For example, the heat transfer from the heater 62 may be improved. In the latter case, the heater 62 may be wound around the first branch passage 51 or may run in parallel with the first branch passage 51.

  In FIG. 1, only one first branch passage 51 is provided, but a plurality of first branch passages 51 may be immersed in water 61. In FIG. 1, the first branch passage 51 is illustrated in a spirally wound state in order to increase the heat transfer area, but is not limited thereto. A heat transfer fin that increases the heat transfer area may be provided in the first branch passage 51.

  The water 61 in the container 60 is heated not only by the heater 62 but also by the heating unit 26 of the cooling passage 20 of the cooling system 2 that cools the fuel cell 1. The first branch passage 51 is immersed in the water 61 in the container 60, but the second branch passage 52 is not immersed in the water 61 in the container 60. According to the present embodiment, since the first branch passage 51 of the introduction passage 5 is indirectly heated through the water 61 accommodated in the container 60, rapid heating can be suppressed, and further, the water 61 and the first branch can be suppressed. The heat transfer area with the passage 51 can be increased, which is advantageous for uniform heating of the gas flowing through the first branch passage 51.

  As for the water 61 in the container 60, relatively high-temperature water tends to exist on the upper side, and therefore the first branch passage 51 can be provided on the upper side of the water 61 in the container 60. In some cases, the first branch passage 51 may be provided on the intermediate side or the lower side of the water 61 in the container 60.

  According to this embodiment, the temperature detection means 90 for detecting the temperature of the gas supplied to the inlet 44 of the humidifier 4 is located upstream of the inlet 44 of the humidifier 4, that is, on the outlet side of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6. Provided. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 90 detects the temperature of the gas flowing from the outlet of the gas temperature adjustment unit 6. Based on the gas temperature detected by the temperature detection means 90, the control device 91 makes the temperature adjustment amount of the gas temperature adjustment unit 6 variable. That is, when the temperature of the gas before being introduced into the inlet 44 of the humidifier 4 (after leaving the gas temperature adjusting unit 6) is too low than the appropriate temperature, the amount of preheating for preheating the gas flowing through the first branch passage 51. Increase. Therefore, the control device 91 outputs a command for increasing the flow rate of the gas flowing through the first branch passage 51 by reducing the opening amount of the introduction valve 55 or closing the introduction valve 55 to the introduction valve 55. Further, when the temperature of the gas before being introduced into the introduction port 44 of the humidifier 4 (after leaving the gas temperature adjusting unit 6) is too high than the appropriate temperature, the amount of bypassing the gas to the second branch passage 52 is increased. As a result, the amount of preheating for preheating the gas flowing through the first branch passage 51 is reduced. That is, according to the temperature of the gas flowing from the outlet of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6, the control device 91 flows through the first branch passage 51 by increasing the opening amount of the introduction valve 55 or fully opening the introduction valve 55. A command for decreasing the gas flow rate or setting it to 0 is output to the introduction valve 55. In this way, the temperature of the gas supplied to the inlet 44 of the humidifier 4 can be adjusted, and the temperature of the gas before being introduced into the inlet 44 of the humidifier 4 can be optimized.

  Further, based on the gas temperature detected by the temperature detecting means 90, the control device 91 can change the amount of heat generated by the heater 62. Specifically, when the temperature of the gas before being introduced into the introduction port 44 of the humidifier 4 (after exiting the gas temperature adjusting unit 6) is too low, such as immediately after the system is started, the heater The calorific value of 62 is increased. Further, when the temperature of the gas before being introduced into the introduction port 44 of the humidifier 4 (after exiting the gas temperature adjusting unit 6) is too high than the appropriate temperature, the heat generation amount of the heater 62 can be reduced or zero. .

  In the present embodiment, a temperature detecting means 95 for detecting the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 is provided. Based on the temperature of the water 61 detected by the temperature detection means 95, the control device 91 can change the amount of heat generated by the heater 62. Specifically, when the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 is too lower than the appropriate temperature, such as immediately after the system is started, the amount of heat generated by the heater 62 is increased. Further, when the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 is too high, the amount of heat generated by the heater 62 is reduced or set to zero. Thereby, the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 is maintained in a constant region. In addition, when the control by the temperature detection means 90 is easy, the temperature detection means 95 can also be abolished.

  During the power generation operation of the fuel cell 1, the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22 are opened, and the oxidant gas is supplied to the oxidant electrode 11 of the fuel cell 1 through the oxidant pipe 13. Further, the third opening / closing valve 23 and the fourth opening / closing valve 24 are opened, and the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel electrode 10 of the fuel cell 1 through the fuel pipe 14. As a result, power generation is performed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the oxidant gas is preheated and temperature-adjusted by the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 before being introduced into the introduction port 44 of the humidifier 4 to be an appropriate temperature. For this reason, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier 4 and to stabilize the humidification amount. In particular, it is not a method of heating the humidifier 4 itself, but a method of heating the gas immediately before being introduced into the inlet 44 of the humidifier 4 by the heated water 61 of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6, so that the gas is effective. Can be warmed uniformly and uniformly, which is advantageous for increasing the humidification amount and stabilizing the humidification amount. Therefore, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier 4 and stabilize the humidification amount even in winter or in a cold region. As a result, the fuel cell 1 can be operated at an early stage, and the power generation efficiency can be stabilized.

  In particular, when the fuel cell power generation system is started, the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 may be low, or the temperature of the heating unit 26 of the cooling system 2 may be low because the temperature of the fuel cell 1 is low. Even in such a case, since the water 61 in the container 60 can be rapidly heated by the heater 62, the gas temperature can be quickly preheated by the gas temperature adjusting unit 6. If the fuel cell power generation system shifts from startup to steady operation, the temperature of the fuel cell 1 rises, so the temperature of the heating unit 26 of the cooling system 2 rises. In this case, in order to reduce the amount of power used by the heater 62, the control device 91 can reduce the amount of heat generated by the heater 62 by reducing the amount of power supplied to the heater 62, or zero. Although the water 61 of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 is used as described above, the water 61 has a large specific heat, which is advantageous for suppressing the fluctuation frequency of the temperature of the water 61 and for stabilizing the humidification amount. Can contribute.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows Example 2. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. In the following, different parts will be mainly described. A cooling system 2 for cooling the fuel cell 1 is attached to the fuel cell 1. The cooling system 2 includes a cooling passage 20 connected to the cooling water discharge port 15a and the cooling water return port 15c of the fuel cell 1, a cooling water conveyance source 25 such as a pump for conveying and circulating the cooling water flowing through the cooling passage 20, And a heating unit 26 constituted by a part of the cooling passage 20. When the cooling water conveyance source 25 is driven, the cooling water in the cooling passage 20 circulates through the cooling passage 20 to cool the fuel cell 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a hot water storage tank 70 of the hot water storage system 7 that effectively uses the exhaust heat of the fuel cell 1 is provided as a container. The hot water storage tank 70 has a larger water storage capacity than the container 60 in the first embodiment. The hot water storage system 7 includes a hot water storage tank 70, a circulation passage 73 that connects the discharge port 71 of the hot water storage tank 70 and the suction port 72 of the hot water storage tank 70, and a water conveyance source 74 such as a pump that is provided in the circulation passage 73 and conveys water. And a water replenishing section 75 for replenishing the hot water storage tank 70 with water such as tap water when the water in the hot water storage tank 70 decreases, and a heat exchanger 76 provided in the circulation passage 73. The heat exchanger 76 exchanges heat between the water flowing through the circulation passage 73 and the cooling water flowing through the cooling passage 20 to heat the water in the circulation passage 73. Thereby, the water in the hot water tank 70 is maintained as warm water.

  The plurality of first branch passages 51 are immersed in warm water 61 in the hot water tank 70. In FIG. 2, a plurality of first branch passages 51 are provided in order to secure a heat transfer area, but a single one may be used. Since the second branch passage 52 is disposed outside the hot water tank 70 and is not immersed in the warm water 61 of the hot water tank 70, it is not heated by the hot water tank 70. Since the first branch passage 51 of the introduction passage 5 is indirectly heated through the water 61 in the hot water storage tank 70, a heat transfer area is ensured, which is advantageous for uniform heating of the gas flowing through the first branch passage 51. . In the hot water tank 70, the upper water temperature tends to increase due to thermal convection. Therefore, in order to increase the heating efficiency, the first branch passage 51 is placed on the upper side of the hot water tank 70 (1/2 of the hot water tank 70. It is preferable to arrange it above the height).

  A heater 62 is provided in the hot water tank 70. Since the heater 62 approaches or contacts the first branch passage 51, the gas flowing through the first branch passage 51 can be preheated early even when the temperature of the water 61 in the hot water storage tank 70 is low. When the gas flowing through the first branch passage 51 is preheated by the heater 62, the water 61 in the hot water storage tank 70 can also be heated. When the temperature of the water 61 in the hot water tank 70 is an appropriate temperature, the amount of heat generated by the heater 62 can be reduced or reduced to zero. As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the hot water storage tank 70 is divided into a sub hot water storage chamber 70w and a main hot water storage chamber 70x that communicate with each other by a partition member 70y. The auxiliary hot water storage chamber 70w is located above the main hot water storage chamber 70x. Then, the heater 62 and the first branch passage 51 are immersed in the sub hot water storage chamber 70w having a smaller volume than the main hot water storage chamber 70x. In this case, it is advantageous to improve the heating response by the heater 62. In some cases, the auxiliary hot water storage chamber 70w may not be formed.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows Example 3. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. In the following, different parts will be mainly described. The fuel pipe 14 is provided with a reforming unit 8 that reforms the reforming raw material to generate fuel gas for power generation. The reforming unit 8 includes a combustion unit 80 that burns fuel for combustion, a reforming unit body 82 that is heated to a high temperature by the combustion unit 80 to reform the reforming raw material to form a fuel gas for power generation, And an exhaust pipe 83 that is connected to the section 80 and that is generated in the combustion section 80 and exhausts high-temperature combustion exhaust gas outward.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the combustion fuel is supplied to the combustion unit 80 of the reforming unit 8 through the pipe 14 m branched from the fuel pipe 14 and the first fuel valve 14 n. Combustion air is supplied to the combustion section 80 of the reforming section 8 through the pipe 13m branched from the oxidizer pipe 13 and the air valve 13n, and is used for combustion in the combustion section 80. The reforming fuel is supplied to the reforming unit main body 82 together with the steam through the second fuel valve 14p provided in the fuel pipe 14, and the reforming gas is used for power generation as a reformed gas by the reforming reaction using the steam. It becomes the fuel gas. The fuel gas for power generation is supplied to the fuel electrode 10 of the fuel cell 1 through the fuel pipe 14. Although not shown, a purification section that reduces carbon monoxide contained in the reformed fuel gas is provided in the fuel pipe 14.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the exhaust pipe 83 for discharging the combustion exhaust gas derived from the combustion unit 80 includes an exhaust heating pipe 83a, an exhaust branch pipe 83b branched from the exhaust heating pipe 83a, and a valve 83c. And have. The valve 83c varies the flow rate per unit time of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust heating pipe 83a and the flow rate per unit time of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust branch pipe 83b, and can function as a flow rate adjusting means. Although the exhaust branch pipe 83b is not immersed in the water 61 in the container 60, the exhaust heating pipe 83a is immersed in the water 61 in the container 60 and is in contact therewith. Therefore, the heat of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust heating pipe 83a can be transmitted to the water 61 in the container 60.

  In the present embodiment, the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 includes a container 60 that houses water 61 in which the first branch passage 51 that constitutes the introduction passage 5 is immersed, and an electric heater that heats the water 61 in the container 60. 62 and an exhaust heating pipe 83a. Therefore, the water 61 in the container 60 is heated not only by the heater 62 but also by the exhaust heating pipe 83a.

  At the time of starting the fuel cell power generation system, the combustion unit 80 of the reforming unit 8 is quickly heated to a high temperature, and the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion unit 80 is a high temperature. As described above, the exhaust gas heating pipe 83a, which is a part of the exhaust pipe 83 connected to the combustion section 80 of the reforming section 8, is immersed in the water 61 in the container 60 and brought into contact with water to form the gas temperature adjusting section 6. Therefore, the water 61 in the container 60 can be efficiently heated in a short time by the exhaust heat of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust heating pipe 83a. Therefore, even at the time of start-up, the oxidant gas is preheated by the water 61 of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 before being introduced into the introduction port 44 of the humidifier 4 to be temperature-adjusted. For this reason, even at the time of starting, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier 4 and to stabilize the humidification amount. Therefore, even in the winter season or in a cold region, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier 4 from the start and to stabilize the humidification amount, and the power generation efficiency in the fuel cell 1 can be stabilized.

  When the temperature of the oxidant gas discharged from the outlet of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 is too low, or when the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 is too low, the control device 91 controls the valve 83c to heat the exhaust. The flow rate of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the pipe 83a is increased, and the flow rate of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust branch pipe 83b is decreased or made zero. Further, when the temperature of the gas discharged from the outlet of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 is too high or the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 is too high, the control device 91 controls the valve 83c and the exhaust heating pipe 83a. The flow rate of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas branch pipe 83b is increased and the flow rate of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust branch pipe 83b is increased. Therefore, the exhaust heating pipe 83a, the exhaust branch pipe 83b, and the valve 83c function as preheating amount adjusting means that can adjust the preheating amount in the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 by exhaust heat of the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion unit 80 of the reforming unit 8. it can. Note that, as in the first embodiment, a mode in which the water 61 in the container 60 is heated using the heating unit 26 that is a part of the cooling passage 20 of the cooling system 2 of the fuel cell 1 may be used together.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows Example 4. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and effect as the third embodiment. In the following, different parts will be mainly described. A three-way valve 57 for switching the oxidant pipe 13, the first branch passage 51, and the second branch passage 52 is provided. The three-way valve 57 can function as a gas flow rate variable element that varies the flow rate of gas per unit time flowing through the first branch passage 51 and the flow rate of gas per unit time flowing through the second branch passage 52. The reforming unit 8 includes a combustion unit 80 that burns fuel, a reforming unit body 82 that is heated by the combustion unit 80 to reform the reforming raw material to form fuel gas for power generation, and combustion that has passed through the combustion unit 80 And an exhaust pipe 83 for exhausting exhaust gas. As shown in FIG. 4, an exhaust heating pipe 83 a that is a part of the exhaust pipe 83 is immersed in water 61 in the container 60 and brought into contact therewith.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the fuel pipe 14 includes a main pipe 14 a, a branch pipe 14 b (part of the fuel pipe) that branches off from the main pipe 14 a and joins at a junction 14 f, and a valve 14 c. . The valve 14c varies the flow rate per unit time of the fuel gas flowing through the main pipe 14a and the flow rate per unit time of the fuel gas flowing through the branch pipe 14b, and can function as a flow rate adjusting means.

  According to the present embodiment, the branch pipe 14 b of the fuel pipe 14 connected to the reforming unit main body 82 is immersed in the water 61 in the container 60 and brought into contact therewith. Therefore, the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 includes a container 60 that stores water 61 in which the first branch passage 51 is immersed, an electric heater 62 that heats the water 61 in the container 60, and an exhaust that is a part of the exhaust pipe 83. It has a heating pipe 83 a and a branch pipe 14 b that is a part of the fuel pipe 14. Therefore, the water in the container 60 is not only heated by the heater 62 but also heated by the exhaust heating pipe 83 a and the branch pipe 14 b of the fuel pipe 14.

  At the start of the fuel cell power generation system, the combustion unit 80 of the reforming unit 8 is hot and the fuel gas generated in the reforming unit main body 82 is also hot. For this reason, even at startup, the water 61 in the container 60 can be efficiently heated in a short time by the heat of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust heating pipe 83a and the heat of the fuel gas that is the reformed gas flowing through the fuel pipe 14. it can. Therefore, even at the time of start-up, the oxidant gas is preheated by the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 before being introduced into the introduction port 44 of the humidifier 4 and is brought to an appropriate temperature. For this reason, even at the time of starting, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier 4 and to stabilize the humidification amount. Therefore, even in the winter season or in a cold region, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier 4 from the start and to stabilize the humidification amount, and the power generation efficiency in the fuel cell 1 can be stabilized.

  Furthermore, the fuel gas that is the reformed gas generated by the steam reforming reaction in the reforming unit 8 may contain a lot of steam. Before supplying such a fuel gas rich in water vapor to the fuel electrode 10 of the fuel cell 1, there is a case where it is desired to reduce water vapor more than necessary from the fuel gas. In this case, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the branch pipe 14 b that is a part of the fuel pipe 14 is immersed in the water 61 in the container 60. If the temperature of the flowing fuel gas is higher than the temperature of the water 61, the fuel gas flowing through the branch pipe 14b can be cooled by the water 61. If the fuel gas is cooled in this way, excess water vapor contained in the fuel gas can be condensed and reduced. It is preferable to provide a trap mechanism for trapping condensed water.

  According to the present embodiment, when the temperature of the oxidant gas discharged from the outlet of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 is too low, or when the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 is too low, the controller 91 controls the valve 14c. And the flow rate of the fuel gas flowing through the branch pipe 14b is increased, and the flow rate of the fuel gas flowing through the main pipe 14a is decreased. Further, when the temperature of the gas discharged from the outlet of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 is too high, or when the temperature of the water 61 in the container 60 is too high, the control device 91 controls the valve 14c and sets the branch pipe 14b. While the flow rate of the flowing fuel gas is reduced or zero, the flow rate of the fuel gas flowing through the main pipe 14a is increased. Therefore, the main pipe 14a, the branch pipe 14b, and the valve 14c can function as preheating amount adjusting means that can adjust the preheating amount in the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 by the heat of the fuel gas. Note that, as in the first embodiment, a mode in which the water 61 in the container 60 is heated using the heating unit 26 that is a part of the cooling passage 20 of the cooling system 2 of the fuel cell 1 may be used together.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows Example 5. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. In the following, different parts will be mainly described. In this embodiment, the introduction passage 5 is not branched. The gas temperature adjusting unit 6 includes a container 60 that stores water 61 as a fluid medium in which the introduction passage 5 is immersed, and an electric heater 62 that heats the water 61 in the container 60. One end 20 s and the other end 20 r of the cooling passage 20 of the cooling system 2 that cools the fuel cell 1 communicate with the inside of the container 60. Therefore, the container 60 also serves as a water storage tank for storing the cooling water of the cooling system 2.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows Example 6. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and effect as the third embodiment. In the following, different parts will be mainly described. A three-way valve 57 for switching the oxidant pipe 13, the first branch passage 51, and the second branch passage 52 is provided. A reforming section 8 is provided in the fuel pipe 14. The reforming unit 8 includes a combustion unit 80, a reforming unit main body 82 that forms fuel gas for power generation, and an exhaust pipe 83 that exhausts combustion exhaust gas that has passed through the combustion unit 80. Combustion air is supplied to the combustion unit 80 through a pipe 13m branched from the oxidant pipe 13 and an air valve 13n. The fuel for combustion is supplied to the reforming unit main body 82 together with the steam through the fuel valve 14p provided in the fuel pipe 14, and the reformed gas containing hydrogen as a main component is formed by the reforming reaction using the steam. Generated. The reformed gas is supplied to the fuel electrode 10 of the fuel cell 1 as a fuel gas for power generation. Combustion fuel is supplied to the combustion section 80 through a pipe 14m branched from the fuel pipe 14 and a fuel valve 14n. As shown in FIG. 6, the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 is formed by bringing the exhaust heating pipe 83 a that is a part of the exhaust pipe 83 close to or in contact with the first branch passage 51 of the introduction passage 5. Note that the exhaust heating pipe 83a of the exhaust pipe 83 and the first branch passage 51 of the introduction passage 5 may run in parallel or may be wound around each other.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the exhaust pipe 83 led out from the combustion unit 80 includes an exhaust heating pipe 83a, an exhaust branch pipe 83b, and a valve 83c. The valve 83c varies the flow rate per unit time of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust heating pipe 83a and the flow rate per unit time of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust branch pipe 83b. Although the exhaust branch pipe 83 b is not close to the first branch passage 51, the exhaust heating pipe 83 a is close to or in contact with the first branch passage 51. Thus, the heat of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust heating pipe 83 a is transmitted to the first branch passage 51.

  At the time of starting the fuel cell power generation system, the combustion unit 80 of the reforming unit 8 is quickly heated to a high temperature, and the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion unit 80 is a high temperature. As described above, the exhaust heating pipe 83 a which is a part of the exhaust pipe 83 connected to the combustion unit 80 of the reforming unit 8 is brought close to or in contact with the first branch passage 51 of the introduction passage 5. For this reason, even during startup, the gas in the first branch passage 51 of the introduction passage 5 can be efficiently heated by the exhaust heat of the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust heating pipe 83a. Therefore, even at the time of start-up, the oxidant gas is preheated by the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 before being introduced into the introduction port 44 of the humidifier 4, and the temperature is adjusted to an appropriate temperature. For this reason, it is advantageous to increase the humidification amount in the humidifier 4 and stabilize the humidification amount even at the start-up, in winter or in a cold region.

  When the temperature of the oxidant gas discharged from the outlet of the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 is too high, the control device 91 controls the valve 83c to reduce or reduce the flow rate of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust heating pipe 83a. The flow rate of the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust branch pipe 83b is increased. Therefore, the exhaust heating pipe 83a, the exhaust branch pipe 83b, and the valve 83c function as preheating amount adjusting means that can adjust the preheating amount in the gas temperature adjusting unit 6 by exhaust heat of the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion unit 80 of the reforming unit 8. it can.

FIG. 7 schematically shows Example 7. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. In the following, different parts will be mainly described. The introduction passage 5 is branched into a first branch passage 51 and a second branch passage 52 provided in parallel with the first branch passage 51. The gas temperature adjusting unit 6 includes an electric heater 62 that heats the first branch passage 51 that constitutes the introduction passage 5. The heater 62 approaches or contacts the first branch passage 51 and heats the first branch passage 51 but does not heat the second branch passage 52. When the heater 62 generates heat, the gas flowing through the first branch passage 51 constituting the introduction passage 5 is heated by the heater 62. Since the gas in the first branch passage 51 is heated without passing through the water 61, it is advantageous for improving the heating responsiveness.
(Other)
In the first embodiment described above, the humidifier 4 is configured to include the moisture-containing sheet-like humidifying portion 41 that partitions the humidifying chamber 42 and the moisture absorbing chamber 43, but is not limited thereto, and is a hollow fiber membrane having a hollow passage. It may be a formula, and in short, it only needs to have a humidifying function. In the first embodiment described above, the water 61 in the container 60 can be heated by the heater 62, but the heater 62 may be eliminated. In the embodiment described above, the introduction valve 55 is provided in the second branch passage 52 of the introduction passage 5, but the introduction valve 55 may be provided in the first branch passage 51 of the introduction passage 5 depending on circumstances. In addition, an introduction valve 55 may be provided in each of the first branch passage 51 and the second branch passage 52 in the introduction passage 5. When one embodiment does not have the characteristics of the other embodiments, the one embodiment can have the characteristics of the other embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope not departing from the gist.

  The present invention can be used in a humidification system. In particular, it can be used in a humidifying system used in fuel cell power generation systems for vehicles, stationary devices, electric devices, electronic devices, and portable devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell power generation system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell power generation system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell power generation system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell power generation system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell power generation system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell power generation system according to Example 6. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a fuel cell power generation system according to Example 7.

Explanation of symbols

  1 is a fuel cell, 13 is an oxidizer pipe, 14 is a fuel pipe, 2 is a cooling system, 20 is a cooling passage, 26 is a heating unit, 3 is a humidifying system, 4 is a humidifier, 41 is a humidifying unit, and 44 is an inlet. 45 is a lead-out port, 55 is an introduction valve (gas flow rate variable element), 6 is a gas temperature adjusting unit, 60 is a container (accommodating unit), 61 is water, 62 is a heater, 7 is a hot water storage system, 70 is a hot water tank, 8 is a reforming section, 80 is a combustion section, 82 is a reforming section main body, 83 is an exhaust pipe, and 83a is an exhaust heating pipe.

Claims (10)

A humidifier having a humidifying section for humidifying a gas, an inlet for introducing gas into the humidifying section, and an outlet for deriving gas humidified by the humidifying section;
An introduction passage provided upstream of the introduction port of the humidifier;
A humidification system comprising: a gas temperature adjusting unit that preheats the gas flowing through the introduction passage and adjusts the temperature.   2. The introduction passage according to claim 1, wherein the introduction passage has at least two branch passages, and the gas temperature adjustment unit uses a gas flowing through one of the branch passages and a gas flowing through the other branch passage. The humidification system is characterized in that the preheating amount to be preheated is set to be larger.   3. The humidification system according to claim 2, wherein a gas flow rate variable element is provided to change a flow rate of the gas flowing through each of the branch passages branched into at least two branches.   The gas temperature adjustment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a storage unit that stores a fluid medium that is brought into contact with at least a part of the introduction passage. A humidification system characterized by heating at least a part of the introduction passage.   5. The gas temperature adjusting unit according to claim 1, wherein the gas temperature adjusting unit includes a heater attached to the introduction passage so as to directly or indirectly preheat the gas flowing through the introduction passage. Humidification system characterized by   6. The temperature detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the gas temperature adjustment unit detects a temperature of a gas flowing through the introduction passage or a gas supplied to the introduction passage, and the temperature. A humidification system comprising: a control device that varies a temperature adjustment amount by the gas temperature adjustment unit based on a gas temperature detected by a detection means. A fuel cell having a fuel electrode supplied with fuel and an oxidant electrode supplied with oxidant gas;
An oxidant pipe for supplying an oxidant to the oxidant electrode of the fuel cell;
Fuel piping for supplying fuel to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell;
In a fuel cell power generation system comprising a humidification system disposed in at least one of the oxidant pipe and the fuel pipe,
The humidification system comprises a humidifier having a humidifier that humidifies the gas supplied to the fuel cell, an inlet for introducing gas into the humidifier, and an outlet for deriving gas humidified by the humidifier.
An introduction passage provided upstream of the introduction port of the humidifier;
A fuel cell power generation system comprising: a gas temperature adjusting unit that preheats the gas flowing through the introduction passage and adjusts the temperature.   In Claim 7, The said gas temperature adjustment part is equipped with the accommodating part which accommodates the fluid medium which contacts at least one part of the said introduction channel, A part of the said introduction channel via the said fluid medium A fuel cell power generation system characterized by heating.   8. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 7, wherein the housing portion is a hot water storage tank that stores heated water heated via a coolant that cools the fuel cell. 10. The reforming unit body according to claim 7, further comprising a combustion unit that burns fuel and a reforming unit body that is heated by the combustion unit and reforms the reforming raw material to form fuel gas for power generation. And a reforming section having
The gas temperature adjusting unit is set to heat at least a part of the introduction passage by the amount of heat of at least one of the combustion exhaust gas that has passed through the combustion unit and the reformed fuel gas for power generation. A fuel cell power generation system.

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