JP2007080646A - Series fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a series fuel cell in which fuel can be supplied to each fuel cell effectively in order to solve problems against increase in fuel utilization factor, improvement in load responding property, and the internal reforming power generation of hydrocarbon fuel. <P>SOLUTION: In the series fuel cell in which cells composed by laminating fuel electrodes 11..., electrolyte 12..., and air electrodes 13..., are electrically connected in series via a plurality of numbers of inter-connectors 14..., to form these individual cells and inter-connectors on a porous base tube 6, this is provided with a multi-stage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 70 in order to distribute the fuel into the base tube 6, and constituted so that fuel discharge ports 71..., installed at respective steps of the multi-stage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 70 will be positioned immediately in front of respective fuel electrodes 11.... <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a series type fuel cell called a so-called cylindrical horizontal stripe or box type horizontal stripe fuel cell.

Usually, the fuel cell is configured such that air serving as an oxidant is supplied to one side of the electrolyte plate and fuel is supplied to the other side of the electrolyte plate. In a fuel cell, air and fuel must be properly supplied to a power generation part so that air and fuel can be used effectively.
The present invention is for fuel introduction of a fuel cell in which a plurality of fuel cells (individual fuel cells are called cells) are connected in series on one substrate tube or substrate plate in a power generation part sandwiched between air and fuel. It is related.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrams showing the configuration of a series fuel cell according to the prior art, and the conductive path in the fuel cells connected in series is on the base 6, the fuel electrode 11 / electrolyte 12 / air electrode. 13 / interconnect 14 / fuel electrode 21 / electrolyte 22 / air electrode 23 / interconnect 24 / fuel electrode 31 /... 2, (a) is a diagram showing the state of the potential added in each cell 1, 2,..., (B) is a diagram showing the current density (the amount of oxygen that permeates the electrolyte), (c ) Is a diagram showing potentials generated in the respective cells 1, 2,..., (D) is a diagram showing transition of oxygen amount in the air electrodes 13, 23. .., (F) is a diagram showing the change in the fuel concentration at the fuel electrodes 11, 21...
JP 2002-56858 A

In the case of the series-type fuel cell as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the currents flowing through the electrolytes 12, 22... Are all equal, and the oxide ions that pass through the electrolyte and the electrolyte from the air electrode to the fuel electrode. Since the amount of (O ²⁻ ) is equivalent, the same amount of oxide ions permeate the electrolyte in all cells connected in series. On the other hand, when the fuel is introduced in the same direction with respect to the direction in which the fuel cells are connected in series, a part of the fuel is consumed by the electrode reaction in the cell 1, and then the same amount of fuel is consumed in the cells 2, 3 ... . For this reason, the fuel concentration decreases as going downstream from the fuel introduction part. Since the potential generated in each cell decreases as the fuel concentration decreases, the generated potential decreases as the subsequent cell is reached. The potential difference between both ends of one cell is obtained by subtracting the voltage drop caused by the internal resistance or electrode reaction from the generated potential. In this system in which cells are connected in series, the potential generated in a series of cells connected in series is the sum of potential differences generated in each cell. Therefore, this method has an advantage that a high potential difference can be easily obtained as compared with a method in which one cell is arranged in one plane and each cell is stacked. On the other hand, the latter cell continues to be supplied with the same amount of oxide ions as the other cells even though the fuel concentration is low.Therefore, the potential difference is reduced and the electrode deteriorates (for example, in the solid oxide fuel cell). There is a high possibility that oxidation of nickel metal of a nickel electrode used as a fuel electrode will occur. In this type of fuel cell, because of the characteristics of its structure, damage to one cell immediately leads to the stop of power generation of the fuel cell, so destruction of the fuel electrode must be avoided. For this reason, the series fuel cell has disadvantages that the fuel utilization rate cannot be increased and the load responsiveness is deteriorated.

  In a solid oxide fuel cell, not only hydrogen but also hydrocarbon fuel is used as fuel by internal reforming on the fuel electrode. In the internal reforming power generation of hydrocarbons, thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons and steam reforming reactions occur at the fuel introduction part. At that time, problems such as precipitation of carbon due to thermal decomposition, destruction of the fuel electrode, and generation of a temperature gradient due to the endothermic reaction of the reforming reaction occur. In the series fuel cell, a fuel supply reaction is concentrated on the fuel electrode of the cell located in the uppermost stream because a necessary amount of fuel is supplied to the multistage cells. For this reason, destruction of the most upstream fuel electrode due to carbon deposition is likely to occur.To prevent destruction due to carbon deposition, the amount of steam added increases and power generation efficiency decreases. As a result, there is a problem that the efficiency of the fuel cell is reduced or destroyed due to a sudden temperature gradient. Therefore, internal reforming power generation with series fuel cells is a very difficult technology.

The object of the present invention is to provide each fuel cell with a fuel as a method for improving the drawbacks existing in series fuel cells, such as an increase in fuel utilization rate, an improvement in load responsiveness, and a solution to problems with internal reforming power generation of hydrocarbon fuel. It is an object of the present invention to provide a series fuel cell that can effectively supply the fuel.
Specifically, a fuel divider plate with a fuel distribution mechanism on the fuel electrode side and a fuel introduction pipe are used. Even under high fuel utilization conditions, an appropriate potential is generated in the downstream cell and the cell is damaged. An object of the present invention is to provide a series fuel cell in which the fuel distribution amount can be adjusted by adjusting the plate interval, the tube diameter, and the hole diameter in order to allow the amount of fuel not to occur.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
The first means is to electrically connect a plurality of cells composed of a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode via an interconnector, and each of these cells and interconnector is formed on a porous substrate. The series fuel cell further includes a fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel to each of the fuel electrodes.
The second means is to electrically connect a plurality of cells composed of a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode via an interconnector, and to form these individual cells and interconnectors on a porous substrate tube. The in-series fuel cell includes a multistage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel into the base tube, and a fuel discharge port provided at each stage of the multistage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism. This is a series fuel cell characterized in that it is positioned immediately before.
The third means is to electrically connect a plurality of cells composed of a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode via an interconnector, and to form these individual cells and interconnectors on a porous substrate tube. The serial fuel cell includes a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel into the base tube, and a plurality of fuel discharge holes provided along the fuel supply direction of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism are provided for each fuel. The series fuel cell is configured to be positioned immediately before the pole.
A fourth means is a series fuel cell according to the third means, wherein the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism is configured to have a tapered shape that becomes larger toward the downstream side of the fuel.
A fifth means is a substrate in which a plurality of cells composed of a stack of a fuel electrode, an electrolyte and an air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and each of the cells and the interconnector has a porous end closed. In a series fuel cell formed on a tube, the fuel cell includes a multistage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel into the base tube, and a fuel discharge port provided at each stage of the multistage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism Is a series-type fuel cell, which is configured to be positioned immediately before each fuel electrode.
A sixth means is a substrate in which a plurality of cells comprising a stack of a fuel electrode, an electrolyte and an air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and each of the cells and the interconnector has a porous end closed. A series fuel cell formed on a tube, comprising a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel into the base tube, and a plurality of fuel discharges provided along the fuel supply direction of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism The series fuel cell is characterized in that the hole is positioned immediately before each fuel electrode.
A seventh means is a serial type fuel cell according to the sixth means, wherein the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism is configured to have a tapered shape that becomes smaller toward the downstream side of the fuel.
The eighth means is to electrically connect a plurality of cells composed of a stack of a fuel electrode, an electrolyte and an air electrode through an interconnector, and to form these individual cells and interconnectors on a porous base plate. The in-line type fuel cell includes a partition plate for distributing fuel to the fuel introduction side on the base plate, and the opening between the partition plates is positioned immediately before each fuel electrode. This is a featured series fuel cell.
The ninth means is to electrically connect a plurality of cells composed of a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode through an interconnector, and to form these individual cells and interconnector on a porous base plate. And a partition plate for distributing fuel to the fuel introduction side on the base plate, and a partition plate for discharging fuel to the fuel discharge side, and between the partition plates on the fuel introduction side. The series fuel cell is characterized in that an opening is provided immediately before each fuel electrode, and an opening between the partition plates on the fuel discharge side is located on the downstream side of each fuel electrode.
The tenth means is to electrically connect a plurality of cells composed of a stack of a fuel electrode, an electrolyte and an air electrode through an interconnector, and to form these individual cells and interconnectors on a porous base plate. The in-line type fuel cell includes a multistage plate-like fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel to the opposite side of the base plate from the fuel electrode, and is provided at each stage of the multistage fuel introduction mechanism. The series fuel cell is characterized in that the fuel discharge port is positioned immediately before each fuel electrode.
According to an eleventh means, a plurality of cells comprising a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode are electrically connected in series via interconnectors, and these individual cells and interconnectors are formed on a porous base plate. The series-type fuel cell includes a box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel to the opposite side of the base plate from the fuel electrode, and follows a fuel supply direction of the box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism. A series type fuel cell is characterized in that a plurality of fuel discharge ports provided in a row are positioned immediately in front of each fuel electrode.
A twelfth means is a serial fuel cell according to any one of the second to seventh means, wherein the material constituting the base tube is porous ceramics.
A thirteenth means is that in any one of the second means to the seventh means, the material constituting the base tube is made of a porous metal material having high thermal conductivity, and the surface thereof is electrically connected. An in-series fuel cell characterized in that an oxide having high insulating properties is formed.
According to a fourteenth means, in any one of the second to seventh means, the material constituting the base tube has a high thermal conductivity and is porous, and has a high decomposition activity for hydrocarbons. It is a series fuel cell characterized in that it is made of a metal material containing no material, and an oxide having high electrical insulation is formed on the surface thereof.
A fifteenth means is a series fuel cell according to any one of the eighth means to the eleventh means, wherein the material constituting the base plate is porous ceramics.
According to a sixteenth means, in any one of the eighth to eleventh means, the material constituting the base plate is made of a porous metal material having high thermal conductivity, and the surface thereof is electrically connected. An in-series fuel cell characterized in that an oxide having high insulating properties is formed.
According to a seventeenth means, in any one of the eighth to eleventh means, the material constituting the base plate has a high thermal conductivity and is porous, and has a high hydrocarbon decomposition activity. It is a series fuel cell characterized in that it is made of a metal material containing no material, and an oxide having high electrical insulation is formed on the surface thereof.
According to an eighteenth means, in any one of the second to seventh means, the fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is a hydrocarbon fuel, and the fuel supply of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism In the series fuel cell, a fuel processing catalyst for reforming the hydrocarbon fuel or the like is interposed in a cylindrical portion immediately before each fuel discharge hole provided along the direction.
According to a nineteenth means, in the eighth means or the ninth means, the fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is a hydrocarbon fuel, and the fuel is distributed to the fuel introduction side on the base plate. In this series fuel cell, a fuel processing catalyst for reforming the hydrocarbon fuel or the like is interposed immediately before the partition plate.
According to a twentieth means, in the tenth means or the eleventh means, the fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is a hydrocarbon-based fuel, and the hydrocarbon is provided immediately before each fuel discharge port of the fuel introduction mechanism. This is a series fuel cell characterized in that a fuel processing catalyst for reforming fuel is provided.
The twenty-first means is the fuel passage according to any one of the first to twentieth means, wherein the fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is a hydrocarbon-based fuel and reaches the fuel electrode. In the series fuel cell, a material having high decomposition activity for the hydrocarbon-based fuel is not used as a material that contacts the hydrocarbon-based fuel at a high temperature of 300 ° C. or higher in the path.
A twenty-second means is the one according to the twenty-first means, wherein the material having high decomposition activity for the hydrocarbon fuel is any one or more of nickel, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium, vanadium, and molybdenum. It is a series type fuel cell characterized by being a material containing.

In conventional series fuel cells, it has been necessary to keep the fuel utilization rate low in order to prevent damage to the downstream cell and decrease in efficiency. However, according to the present invention, the downstream cell is not yet connected even under a high fuel utilization rate. The fuel used (part of the supplied fuel) can be supplied, and the oxygen partial pressure at the fuel electrode can be kept low. Therefore, the fuel cell can be operated without considering the destruction of the fuel cell, and the fuel utilization rate can be improved.
In addition, in the series fuel cell, since the introduced fuel is supplied over all of the series of cells, it is difficult to control the potential generated in each fuel cell when the load fluctuates. Since unused fuel is also supplied to the side fuel cell, the difference in potential generated between the cells is reduced, and load response can be improved.
In addition, when a series fuel cell is operated under a high fuel utilization rate, the same current flows in the downstream cell even though the fuel concentration is extremely low, so the oxidation of the metal component used in the fuel electrode occurs. Deterioration of the fuel electrode due to, eventually leading to the destruction of the fuel cell. Due to the configuration of the series-type fuel cell, the destruction of one cell directly leads to a complete stoppage of power generation performance. However, according to the present invention, unused fuel (a part of the supplied fuel) is supplied to the downstream cell, and the fuel electrode is kept in an atmosphere that is not oxidized. The battery life can be extended.
Further, in conventional series fuel cells, it has been difficult to increase the size of the fuel cell due to restrictions on the fuel supply to the downstream cells. However, according to the present invention, there is no limitation on the fuel supply, and the large size of the fuel cell is eliminated. Can be realized.
Further, when using hydrocarbon fuel by internal reforming, in the conventional fuel introduction method, a thermal decomposition reaction and a reforming reaction occur on the fuel electrode in the immediate vicinity of the fuel introduction portion, so that a burden on this portion increases. Specifically, destruction of the most upstream fuel electrode is likely to occur due to carbon deposition, and it is necessary to increase the amount of steam added to prevent destruction due to carbon deposition, reducing the power generation efficiency, and the reforming reaction is an endothermic reaction. For this reason, there has been a problem that the temperature drop due to the reforming reaction is concentrated in the uppermost cell and the fuel cell is destroyed due to a sudden temperature gradient. However, according to the present invention, since hydrocarbon fuel is distributed and supplied to each cell, fuel processing such as pyrolysis performed in the fuel introduction path and fuel processing such as reforming reaction performed on the fuel electrode are separated. As a result, the controllability such as the progress of reforming reaction and temperature control is dramatically increased, and the reforming reaction progresses on average at each anode part. The burden on the gradient and specific anode is reduced, fuel processing can proceed effectively and efficiently, increasing the possibility of internal reforming power generation in the fuel cell and increasing the efficiency of power generation. it can.
Furthermore, by disposing a catalyst for fuel processing such as reforming in the fuel distribution pipe, the reforming reaction, which is an endothermic reaction, can be used at the same high temperature as the fuel cell operating temperature while effectively utilizing the exhaust heat generated during power generation. Therefore, there is no fear of destruction of the fuel electrode due to carbon deposition on the fuel electrode, and prompt power generation using the reformed hydrogen is possible.
In addition, when higher hydrocarbons than propane are used as fuel, it is reported that higher fuel utilization can be obtained by introducing the fuel to the nickel anode without reforming the fuel than reforming the fuel containing methane. However, in order to prevent the decomposition reaction and reforming reaction of the fuel before the fuel electrode, by using a material such as nickel with high hydrocarbon decomposition activity before the fuel electrode, a high fuel can be used when using higher hydrocarbons. The utilization rate is expected to be obtained.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment.
In the figure, 11, 21, 31 ... are fuel electrodes, 12, 22, 32 ... are electrolytes, 13, 23, 33 ... are air electrodes, 14, 24, 34 ... are interconnectors. , 6 is a porous base tube, 70 is a cylindrical multi-stage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism provided in the base tube 6, 71, 72, 73... Are cylindrical fuel introduction mechanisms The fuel discharge ports 71, 72, 73 are provided immediately before the fuel electrodes 11, 21, 31,.
In the figure, (a) shows the current density (the amount of oxygen that permeates the electrolyte), (b) shows the state of the potential generated in each cell, and (c) shows the fuel electrode 11. , 21..., 21..., 21..., 21 (d), the oxygen partial pressures of the air electrodes 13, 23. FIG.
According to the invention of the present embodiment, the fuel discharge ports 71, 72, 73... Of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 7 provided in a cylindrical multistage are immediately in front of the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. Are provided so that sufficient fuel is supplied from the fuel discharge ports 71, 72, 73... To the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3 (e), the fuel concentration on each of the fuel electrodes 11, 21, 31... Is supplied as in the series fuel cell according to the prior art shown in FIG. It can be held without decreasing along the direction, and a sufficient potential can be generated even in the downstream cell.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a series fuel cell according to another invention of this embodiment.
In these drawings, reference numeral 80 denotes a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism formed in a cylindrical shape for distributing the fuel provided in the base tube 6, and 81, 82, 83... Each represents a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 8. Are fuel discharge holes of a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 80 provided immediately before each of the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. 90 is a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism configured to distribute the fuel, and is configured to have a tapered shape in which the diameter of the cylinder increases toward the downstream side of the fuel provided in the base tube 6; 92, 93... Are fuel discharge holes provided along the fuel supply direction of the fuel introduction mechanism 90. The fuel discharge holes 91, 92, 93 are respectively fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. It is provided immediately before.
Other configurations correspond to the same reference numerals shown in FIG.
According to the invention of this embodiment, when the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 80 shown in FIG. 4 is used, the fuel discharge holes 81, 82, 83... Are located immediately before the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. .., And sufficient fuel is supplied from the fuel discharge holes 81, 82, 83... To the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. As a result, the fuel concentration on each of the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31... Can be maintained without decreasing along the fuel supply direction as in the series fuel cell according to the prior art. A sufficient potential can be generated also in the cell.
In addition, when the fuel introduction mechanism 90 shown in FIG. 5 is used, the fuel is more easily used on the downstream side than the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 80 shown in FIG. Reduction can be prevented.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment.
In the figure, 10 is a base tube formed of a porous material with one end closed, 110 is a cylindrical multi-stage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism provided in the base tube 10, 111, 112, 113. .. is a fuel discharge port provided in the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 110, and the fuel discharge ports 111, 112, 113... Are provided immediately before the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. .
Other configurations correspond to the same reference numerals shown in FIG.
According to the invention of this embodiment, each fuel discharge port 111, 112, 113... Of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 110 is provided immediately before each fuel electrode 51, 41, 31. A sufficient amount of fuel is supplied to the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31... From the outlets 111, 112, 113. As a result, the fuel concentration on each of the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31... Can be maintained without decreasing along the fuel supply direction as in the series fuel cell according to the prior art. A sufficient potential can be generated also in the cell.

Next, the 4th Embodiment of this invention is described using FIG.7 and FIG.8.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a series fuel cell according to another invention of this embodiment.
In these drawings, reference numeral 120 denotes a cylindrical cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel provided in the base tube 10, and 121, 122, 123... Each supply fuel from the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 120. Is a fuel discharge hole provided along the direction, and the fuel discharge holes 121, 122, 123 are provided immediately before the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31,. 130 is a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel, which is formed in a tapered shape in which the diameter of the cylinder becomes smaller toward the downstream side of the fuel provided in the base tube 10; 132, 133... Are fuel discharge holes provided along the fuel supply direction of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 130. The fuel discharge holes 131, 132, 133 are respectively connected to the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31,.・ It is provided just before.
Other configurations correspond to the configurations of the same reference numerals shown in FIG.
According to the invention of the present embodiment, when the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 120 shown in FIG. 7 is used, each fuel discharge port 121, 122, 123... Is immediately before each fuel electrode 51, 41, 31. .., And sufficient fuel is supplied from the fuel discharge ports 121, 122, 123... To the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. As a result, the fuel concentration on each of the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31... Can be maintained without decreasing along the fuel supply direction as in the series fuel cell according to the prior art. A sufficient potential can be generated also in the cell.
Further, when the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 8 is used, the fuel concentration on the downstream side of the fuel can be further prevented from decreasing compared to the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 120 shown in FIG.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment.
In the drawing, 20 is a large flat plate substrate made of porous material, 15, 16, 17... Are fuel electrodes viewed from the back side of the substrate plate 20, 60, 61, 62. The partition plates 65, 66, 67,... For distributing the fuel disposed on the fuel introduction side on 20 are provided between the partition plates 60, 61, 62, and the fuel electrodes 15, 16, 17,. An opening provided so as to be located immediately before
According to the invention of this embodiment, the openings 65, 66, 67... Between the partition plates 60, 61, 62... Are provided immediately before the fuel electrodes 15, 16, 17. Therefore, sufficient fuel is supplied to the fuel electrodes 15, 16, 17... From the openings 65, 66, 67. As a result, the fuel concentration on each fuel electrode 15, 16, 17... Can be maintained without decreasing along the fuel supply direction as in the series fuel cell according to the prior art, and the downstream side A sufficient potential can be generated also in the cell.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the series fuel cell according to the invention of the present embodiment.
In the figure, reference numerals 100, 101, 102,... Denote partition plates for discharging fuel to the fuel discharge side on the base plate 20, 105, 106, 107,. It is an opening provided so as to be located immediately after each fuel electrode 15, 16, 17.
Other configurations correspond to the configurations of the same reference numerals shown in FIG.
According to the invention of the present embodiment, the openings 65, 66, 67... Between the partition plates 60, 61, 62... Are provided immediately before the fuel electrodes 15, 16, 17. Since the openings 105, 106, 107 ... between the plates 100, 101, 102 ... are provided immediately after the fuel electrodes 15, 16, 17 ..., the openings 65, 66, 67 is sufficiently supplied to the fuel electrodes 15, 16, 17... Through the openings 105, 106, 107. As a result, the fuel concentration on each fuel electrode 15, 16, 17... Can be maintained without decreasing along the fuel supply direction as in the series fuel cell according to the prior art, and the downstream side A sufficient potential can be generated also in the cell.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment.
In the figure, reference numeral 140 denotes a flat plate fuel introduction mechanism formed on a base plate 20 on the opposite side of the fuel electrodes 11, 21, 31,..., 141, 142, 143,. ... Is a fuel discharge port provided in the flat plate fuel introduction mechanism 140. The fuel discharge ports 141, 142, 143... Are provided immediately before the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31.
Other configurations correspond to the configurations of the same reference numerals shown in FIGS.
According to the invention of this embodiment, each of the fuel discharge ports 141, 142, 143... Of the flat plate fuel introduction mechanism 140 formed in a flat plate-like multistage is respectively connected to the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. Are provided immediately before the fuel discharge ports 141, 142, 143..., And sufficient fuel is supplied to the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. As a result, the fuel concentration on each fuel electrode 51, 41, 31... Can be maintained without decreasing along the fuel supply direction, and a sufficient potential can be generated even in the downstream cell. .

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment.
In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes a box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism formed on the base plate 20 on the side opposite to the fuel electrodes 11, 21, 31,..., 151, 152, 153. This is a fuel discharge port provided along the fuel supply direction of the box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism 150. The fuel discharge ports 151, 152, 153... Are provided immediately before the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. It has been.
Other configurations correspond to the same reference numerals shown in FIG.
According to the invention of this embodiment, each of the fuel discharge ports 151, 152, 153... Of the box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism 150 is provided immediately before each of the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. .. Are configured to be supplied from the fuel discharge ports 151, 152, 153... To the fuel electrodes 51, 41, 31. As a result, the fuel concentration on each fuel electrode 51, 41, 31... Can be maintained without decreasing along the fuel supply direction, and a sufficient potential can be generated even in the downstream cell. .

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment.
In the figure, reference numeral 160 denotes a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism formed in a cylindrical shape for distributing fuel provided in the base tube 6, 161, 162, 163... Each of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 160. A fuel discharge port of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 160 provided immediately before each fuel electrode 51, 41, 31... Along the fuel supply direction, 165, along the fuel supply direction of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 160. This is a fuel processing catalyst for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel provided inside a cylinder immediately before each fuel discharge port 161, 162, 163.
The other configurations correspond to the configurations with the same reference numerals shown in FIG.
According to the invention of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the series fuel cell according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the endothermic effect is obtained by interposing the fuel processing catalyst 165 in the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 160. The reforming reaction, which is a reaction, can be performed at the same high temperature as the fuel cell operating temperature while effectively utilizing the exhaust heat generated during power generation.

Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the series fuel cell according to the invention of the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 166 denotes a fuel processing catalyst for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel provided immediately before the openings 65, 66, 67,.
Other configurations correspond to the configurations of the same symbols shown in FIG.
According to the invention of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the series fuel cell according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the endothermic reaction is achieved by interposing the fuel processing catalyst 166 on the base plate 20. A certain reforming reaction can be performed at the same high temperature as the fuel cell operating temperature while effectively using the exhaust heat generated during power generation.

Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a series fuel cell according to the invention of this embodiment.
170 is a box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism formed on the base plate 20 on the opposite side of the fuel electrodes 11, 21, 31..., 171, 172, 173. This is a fuel discharge port provided along the fuel supply direction of the mechanism 170, and this fuel discharge port 171, 172, 173... Is provided immediately before each fuel electrode 51, 41, 31. Reference numeral 167 denotes a fuel processing catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon fuel and the like, which is interposed in the cylinder immediately before the fuel discharge ports 171, 172, 173 along the fuel supply direction of the box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism 170.
The other configurations correspond to the configurations with the same reference numerals shown in FIG.
According to the invention of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the series fuel cell according to the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the endothermic heat absorption is achieved by interposing the fuel processing catalyst 167 in the box fuel introduction mechanism 170. The reforming reaction, which is a reaction, can be performed at the same high temperature as the fuel cell operating temperature while effectively utilizing the exhaust heat generated during power generation.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to a conventional technique. According to the prior art, during power generation, the total potential, the amount of oxygen permeating each cell (current amount), the potential generated in each cell, the oxygen concentration on the air electrode side, the oxygen partial pressure on the fuel electrode, and on the fuel electrode It is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell schematically showing a fuel concentration. According to the invention of the first embodiment, during power generation, the amount of oxygen that permeates each cell (current amount), the potential generated in each cell, the oxygen concentration on the air electrode side, the oxygen partial pressure on the fuel electrode, and the fuel electrode FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series type fuel cell schematically showing the fuel concentration in FIG. It is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to the invention of the second embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to another invention of the second embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to the invention of the third embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to the invention of the fourth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (sectional drawing) of the series type fuel cell which concerns on other invention of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (perspective view) of the series fuel cell according to the invention of the fifth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (perspective view) of the series fuel cell according to the invention of the sixth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to the invention of the seventh embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to the invention of the eighth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to the invention of the ninth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (perspective view) of a series fuel cell according to the invention of the tenth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of a series fuel cell according to the invention of an eleventh embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

11, 21, 31 ... Fuel electrode 12, 22, 32 ... Electrolyte 13, 23, 33 ... Air electrode 14, 24, 34 ... Interconnector 6 Base tube,
70 Cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 71, 72, 73 ... Fuel discharge port 80 Cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 81, 82, 83 ... Fuel discharge hole
90 cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 91, 92, 93 ... fuel discharge hole 10 base tube 110 cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 111, 112, 113 ... fuel discharge port 120 cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 121, 122, 123. Fuel discharge hole 130 Cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 131, 132, 133 ... Fuel discharge hole 20 Base plate 15, 16, 17 ... Fuel electrode 60, 61, 62 ... Partition plates 65, 66, 67 .. Openings 100, 101, 102 ... Partition plates 105, 106, 107 ... Openings 140 Flat plate fuel introduction mechanisms 141, 142, 143 ... Fuel discharge ports 150 Box-type fuel introduction mechanisms 151, 152 , 153... Fuel discharge port 160 Cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism 161, 162, 163... Fuel discharge port 165, 166, 167 Fuel processing catalyst 170 Box-shaped fuel introduction Structure 171, 172, 173 ... fuel outlet

Claims (22)

  In a series fuel cell in which a plurality of cells composed of a stack of a fuel electrode, an electrolyte, and an air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and the individual cells and interconnectors are formed on a porous substrate. A series fuel cell comprising a fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel to each fuel electrode.   A series-type fuel cell in which a plurality of cells composed of a stack of a fuel electrode, an electrolyte, and an air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and these individual cells and interconnectors are formed on a porous substrate tube. And a multi-stage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel into the base tube, and a fuel discharge port provided at each stage of the multi-stage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism is positioned immediately before each fuel electrode. A series fuel cell characterized in that it is configured as follows.   A series-type fuel cell in which a plurality of cells composed of a stack of a fuel electrode, an electrolyte, and an air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and these individual cells and interconnectors are formed on a porous substrate tube. A cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel into the base tube, and a plurality of fuel discharge holes provided along the fuel supply direction of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism are positioned immediately before each fuel electrode, respectively. A series fuel cell, characterized in that it is configured as described above.   4. The series fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism is configured to have a tapered shape that becomes larger toward a fuel downstream side.   A plurality of cells composed of a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte, and air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and these individual cells and interconnectors are formed on a porous base tube with one end closed. The series fuel cell includes a multi-stage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel into the base tube, and a fuel discharge port provided in each stage of the multi-stage cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism is located immediately before each fuel electrode. A series fuel cell, characterized in that it is positioned at   A plurality of cells composed of a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte, and air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and these individual cells and interconnectors are formed on a porous base tube with one end closed. The series fuel cell includes a cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel into the base tube, and a plurality of fuel discharge holes provided along the fuel supply direction of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism are provided in each fuel electrode. A series fuel cell, characterized in that it is positioned immediately before.   7. The series fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism has a tapered shape that becomes smaller toward the downstream side of the fuel.   A series type fuel cell in which a plurality of cells comprising a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and the individual cells and interconnector are formed on a porous base plate. And a partition plate for distributing fuel on the fuel introduction side on the base plate, and an opening between the partition plates is located immediately before each fuel electrode. battery.   A series type fuel cell in which a plurality of cells comprising a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and the individual cells and interconnector are formed on a porous base plate. A partition plate for distributing the fuel to the fuel introduction side on the base plate and a partition plate for discharging the fuel to the fuel discharge side, and an opening between the partition plates on the fuel introduction side is provided for each fuel electrode. An in-line fuel cell characterized in that the opening between the fuel discharge side partition plates is positioned downstream of each fuel electrode.   A series type fuel cell in which a plurality of cells comprising a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and the individual cells and interconnector are formed on a porous base plate. A multi-stage plate-shaped fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel to the opposite side of the base plate from the fuel electrode, and a fuel discharge port provided at each stage of the multi-stage fuel introduction mechanism. A series fuel cell characterized in that it is positioned immediately before the fuel electrode.   A series type fuel cell in which a plurality of cells comprising a stack of fuel electrode, electrolyte and air electrode are electrically connected in series via an interconnector, and the individual cells and interconnector are formed on a porous base plate. A box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism for distributing fuel on the opposite side of the base plate from the fuel electrode, and a plurality of fuel introduction mechanisms provided along the fuel supply direction of the box-shaped fuel introduction mechanism. A series fuel cell, wherein the fuel discharge port is positioned immediately before each fuel electrode.   The serial fuel cell according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the material constituting the base tube is porous ceramics.   8. The material constituting the base tube is made of a porous metal material having high thermal conductivity, and an oxide having high electrical insulation is formed on the surface thereof. A series fuel cell according to any one of the claims.   The material that constitutes the base tube is made of a metal material that has high thermal conductivity and is porous and does not contain a material having high decomposition activity on hydrocarbons, and an oxide having high electrical insulation is formed on the surface thereof. The series fuel cell according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the series fuel cell is provided.   The serial fuel cell according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the material constituting the base plate is porous ceramics.   12. The material constituting the base plate is made of a porous metal material having high thermal conductivity, and an oxide having high electrical insulation is formed on the surface thereof. A series fuel cell according to any one of the claims.   The material constituting the base plate is made of a metal material that has high thermal conductivity and is porous and does not contain a material having high decomposition activity for hydrocarbons, and an oxide having high electrical insulation is formed on the surface thereof. The series fuel cell according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the fuel cell is a series fuel cell.   The fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is a hydrocarbon-based fuel, and the fuel of the hydrocarbon fuel is disposed in a cylindrical portion immediately before each fuel discharge hole provided along the fuel supply direction of the cylindrical fuel introduction mechanism. The series fuel cell according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a processing catalyst is interposed.   The fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is a hydrocarbon fuel, and a fuel processing catalyst for the hydrocarbon fuel is interposed immediately before the partition plate for distributing the fuel to the fuel introduction side on the base plate. The serial fuel cell according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by being made.   11. The fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is a hydrocarbon-based fuel, and a fuel processing catalyst for the hydrocarbon fuel is disposed immediately before each fuel discharge port of the fuel introduction mechanism. Alternatively, the series fuel cell according to claim 11.   The fuel supplied to the fuel electrode is a hydrocarbon-based fuel, and the hydrocarbon-based material is a material that contacts the hydrocarbon-based fuel at a high temperature of 300 ° C. or higher in a fuel passage route to the fuel electrode. 21. The series fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a material having high decomposition activity for fuel is not used. The material having high decomposition activity for the hydrocarbon-based fuel is a material containing one or more of nickel, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium, vanadium, and molybdenum. A series fuel cell according to 1.

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