JP2008276948A - Fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell device capable of appropriately judging the life of a water treatment device for treating water supplied from the outside in the fuel cell device utilizing condensed water produced by power generation of a fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell device is equipped with a fuel cell 1; a reformer 4 performing steam reforming in order to produce reformed gas for supplying to the fuel cell 1; a heat exchanger 13 performing heat exchange between exhaust gas produced by power generation of the fuel cell 1 and water; a condensed water tank 19 for storing condensed water produced by heat exchange with the heat exchanger, a condensed water treatment means for treating condensed water; a water treatment device X having an ion exchange resin device 9 for treating water supplied from the outside; and a water tank 10 storing water treated with the water treatment device X, and by supplying the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 and water stored in the water tank 10 to the reformer 4, the life of the water treatment device can appropriately be judged. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device that generates power using a reformed gas generated by steam reforming.

  In recent years, as a next-generation energy, a fuel cell capable of obtaining electric power using hydrogen gas and an oxygen-containing gas (usually air) and auxiliary equipment for operating the fuel cell are provided in an outer case. Various fuel cell devices that are housed and their operating methods have been proposed.

  Here, a steam reforming method is known as one of methods for generating hydrogen necessary for power generation of a fuel cell, and a fuel cell device using this steam reforming is for generating a fuel gas (hydrogen gas). A reformer, a water treatment device that generates pure water by processing water (tap water, etc.) supplied from the outside, a water tank for temporarily storing the treated water (pure water), a water treatment device A water supply pipe for connecting a water tank, reformer, etc. is provided.

There is also known a fuel cell device that includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between exhaust gas and water generated by power generation of a fuel cell and supplies condensed water generated by heat exchange to a reformer (for example, a patent) Reference 1).
JP 2006-179386 A

  By the way, when water supplied from the outside or condensed water is supplied to the reformer, impurities are deposited in the water supply pipe provided in the reformer, which may cause the reformer to break down, In order to suppress deterioration and the like, it is necessary to supply water treated by water treatment devices such as an ion exchange resin device to the reformer.

  Here, when the condensed water is used in the power generation of the fuel cell device, an exhaust gas component (such as carbon dioxide) contained in the exhaust gas may be dissolved in the condensed water. And when performing the purification | cleaning which removes an exhaust gas component with water treatment apparatuses, such as an ion exchange resin apparatus for processing the water supplied from the outside, depending on the use frequency of an ion exchange resin apparatus, an exhaust gas component is removed completely. Can be difficult. And when the water which passed the ion exchange resin apparatus contains an exhaust gas component, it may become difficult to judge the lifetime of an ion exchange resin apparatus.

  Therefore, the present invention is suitable for a fuel cell device that uses condensed water generated by heat exchange between exhaust gas and water generated by power generation of a fuel cell, and appropriately improves the life of the water treatment device for processing water supplied from the outside. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell device that can make a determination and can supply purified water to a reformer.

  A fuel cell device according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell, a reformer that performs steam reforming to generate reformed gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, and exhaust gas and water generated by power generation of the fuel cell. A heat exchanger for exchanging, a condensed water tank for storing condensed water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger, condensed water treatment means for treating the condensed water, and water supplied from the outside A water treatment device comprising an ion exchange resin device for treating the water, a water tank for storing water treated by the water treatment device, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank, and the water Water stored in a water tank is supplied to the reformer.

  In such a fuel cell device, the fuel cell device is processed by a condensed water tank that stores condensed water generated by heat exchange of exhaust gas generated by power generation of the fuel cell, and a water treatment device that includes an ion exchange resin device that is supplied from the outside. A water tank for storing water, and the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank and the water stored in the water tank are supplied to the reformer, so that the water supplied to the reformer is depleted. Can be suppressed.

  Here, since the condensed water treatment means for treating the condensed water is provided, the condensed water can be purified. Therefore, even if the fuel cell device uses condensed water, purified water can be supplied to the reformer, so that impurities are deposited in the water supply pipe disposed in the reformer, and reforming is performed. It is possible to suppress the failure of the vessel and the deterioration of the reforming catalyst.

  Furthermore, since the condensed water is not treated by a water treatment device equipped with an ion exchange resin device, the conductivity of water treated by a water treatment device such as an ion exchange resin device for treating water supplied from the outside. Etc. can be appropriately measured, and the life of a water treatment apparatus such as an ion exchange resin apparatus can be appropriately determined.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, it is preferable that the condensed water treatment means is provided in the condensed water tank, and the condensed water treatment means is an ion exchange resin.

  In such a fuel cell apparatus, since the condensed water tank is provided with the ion exchange resin as the condensed water treatment means, the condensed water can be purified and supplied to the reformer. Furthermore, since the ion exchange resin is provided in the condensed water tank, the fuel cell device can be made compact.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, it is preferable that the condensed water tank and the water tank are connected by a tank connecting pipe, and water of the condensed water tank is supplied to the water tank.

  In such a fuel cell device, the condensed water tank and the water tank are connected by a tank connecting pipe, and the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank is supplied to the water tank, so that it is supplied to the reformer. The management of the amount of water stored in the water is only to manage the water tank. Therefore, it becomes easy to manage the water supplied to the reformer.

  Further, since the water in the condensed water tank is supplied to the water tank, the water treated in the water treatment device is not treated with the ion exchange resin provided in the condensed water tank, and the ions provided in the condensed water tank. The life of the exchange resin can be extended.

  Further, the fuel cell device of the present invention includes a condensed water supply pipe for supplying condensed water stored in the condensed water tank toward the reformer, and water stored in the water tank as the reformer. It is preferable that a water tank water supply pipe for supplying the water is collected in the reformer water supply pipe from the middle and connected to the reformer.

  In such a fuel cell device, the condensed water tank for supplying water to the reformer and the water tank are not directly connected, so that, for example, the ion exchange resin provided in the condensed water tank has reached the end of its life. In some cases, the water stored in the water tank can be supplied to the reformer. Conversely, when an abnormality occurs in the water treatment apparatus for treating water supplied from the outside or when the service life is reached, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank may be supplied to the reformer. it can.

  Accordingly, maintenance can be performed without stopping the supply of water to the reformer during maintenance such as replacement of the ion exchange resin provided in the condensed water tank or replacement of the water treatment device.

  Further, since the condensate supply pipe and the water tank water supply pipe are integrated into the reformer water supply pipe from the middle and connected to the reformer, one water is supplied to the reformer. It can supply with the reformer water supply pipe | tube which is a water supply pipe | tube.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, it is preferable that the condensed water supply pipe has a condensed water supply valve, and the water tank water supply pipe has a water tank water supply valve.

  In such a fuel cell device, the water supplied to the reformer is adjusted by adjusting the condensed water supply valve provided in the condensed water supply pipe and the water tank water supply valve provided in the water tank water supply pipe. Can be adjusted. Therefore, the required amount of water can be supplied to the reformer.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, it is preferable that the condensed water supply pipe, the water tank water supply pipe, and the reformer water supply pipe are connected by water flow switching means.

  In such a fuel cell device, since the condensed water supply pipe, the water tank supply pipe, and the reformer water supply pipe are connected by the water flow switching means, the water supplied to the reformer is water flow switching. It can be adjusted by controlling the means. Therefore, the required amount of water can be supplied to the reformer.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the condensed water tank includes a condensed water tank water level detecting means for detecting a water level of the condensed water tank, and the water tank detects a water level of the water tank. And a controller for controlling the condensed water supply valve and the water tank water supply valve based on the water level of the condensed water tank detected by the condensed water tank detection means.

  In such a fuel cell device, since it is provided with a condensed water tank water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the condensed water tank and a water tank water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the water tank, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank. The amount of water and the amount of water stored in the water tank can be detected.

  Since the control device for controlling the condensate water supply valve and the water tank water supply valve is provided based on the water level of these tanks, the control device condenses, for example, when the water level of the condensate water tank falls below the lower limit water level. By performing control such as closing the water supply valve and opening the water tank water supply valve, it is possible to prevent the water supplied to the reformer from being depleted.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the condensed water tank includes a condensed water tank water level detecting means for detecting a water level of the condensed water tank, and the water tank detects a water level of the water tank. It is preferable to provide a control device for controlling the water flow switching means based on the water level of the condensed water tank detected by the condensed water tank detecting means.

  In such a fuel cell device, since it is provided with a condensed water tank water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the condensed water tank and a water tank water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the water tank, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank. The amount of water and the amount of water stored in the water tank can be detected. Since the control device for controlling the water flow switching means is provided based on the water levels of these tanks, for example, when the water level of the condensed water tank falls below the lower limit water level, the control device supplies the water stored in the water tank. By controlling the water flow switching means to supply to the reformer, it is possible to suppress the depletion of water to be supplied to the reformer.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a condensed water tank for storing condensed water generated by heat exchange between exhaust gas and water generated by power generation of the fuel cell, condensed water treatment means for treating condensed water, Since the water treatment device comprising an ion exchange resin device for treating the water supplied from the water and the water tank for storing the water treated by the water treatment device are provided from the outside The lifetime of the water treatment apparatus for treating water can be determined appropriately, and purified water can be supplied to the reformer.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fuel cell device of the present invention. The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a power generation unit that generates power, a hot water storage unit that stores hot water after heat exchange, and a circulation pipe that circulates water between these units.

  The fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a fuel cell 1, a reformed gas supply means 2 that supplies a gas to be reformed such as natural gas and kerosene, and an oxygen-containing gas supply for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell 1. Means 3 is provided with a reformer 4 for steam reforming with a gas to be reformed and steam.

  Here, the water treatment device X which is one of means for treating the water supplied from the outside into pure water and supplying it to the reformer 4 is an activated carbon filter device 7 for purifying water, a reverse osmosis membrane device 8. (Hereinafter referred to as “RO membrane device”) and ion exchange resin device 9 for purifying purified water. The pure water treated by the ion exchange resin device 9 is stored in the water tank 10.

  Further, in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 1, a water supply pipe 5 that connects the activated carbon filter device 7, the RO membrane device 8, the ion exchange resin device 9, and the water tank 10 in this order is provided. 5, a water supply valve 6 for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the water supply pipe 5 is provided.

  Further, in the fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a heat exchanger 13 that performs heat exchange between exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by power generation of the fuel cell 1 and water, and a condensed water tank that stores condensed water generated by the heat exchange. 19 is provided, and the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 are connected by a tank connecting pipe 20.

  Further, a power conditioner 12 for switching the DC power generated by the fuel cell 1 to AC power and supplying it to an external load, water provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger 13 (circulation water flow) flowing through the outlet of the heat exchanger 13 ) Includes an outlet water temperature sensor 15 for measuring the water temperature, a circulation pump 16 for circulating water, and a control device 14 for controlling the operation of the circulation pump 16 to constitute a power generation unit. The control device 14 will be described later.

  The hot water storage unit includes a hot water storage tank 18 for storing hot water after heat exchange.

  Furthermore, a circulation pipe 17 for circulating water between the heat exchanger 13 and the hot water storage tank 18 is provided, and the fuel cell device is configured by combining the power generation unit, the hot water storage unit, and the circulation pipe 17.

  The arrows in the figure indicate the flow directions of fuel, oxygen-containing gas, and water, and the broken lines indicate main signal paths transmitted to the control device 14 or main signals transmitted from the control device 14. Signal paths are shown. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and so on. Although not shown, it is also possible to provide a reformed gas humidifier for humidifying the reformed gas between the reformed gas supply means 2 and the reformer 4.

  Various fuel cells are known as the fuel cell 1, but a solid oxide fuel cell can be used to reduce the size of the fuel cell. Thereby, in addition to the fuel cell, auxiliary machinery necessary for the operation of the fuel cell can be reduced in size, and the fuel cell device can be reduced in size. At the same time, it is possible to perform a load following operation that follows a fluctuating load required for a household fuel cell.

  As described above, the fuel cell device of the present invention is useful in a fuel cell device that performs steam reforming. In particular, a reformer 4 for performing steam reforming is disposed above the fuel cell 1, for example. This is optimal in a solid oxide fuel cell in which fuel that has not been used in the fuel cell 1 is burned to heat the reformer 4.

  Here, the operation method of the fuel cell apparatus of the present invention will be described using the fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG.

  Water (pure water) supplied from the outside used in the reformer 4 for obtaining the reformed gas used for power generation of the fuel cell 1 is activated carbon filter device through the water supply pipe 5 with the water supply valve 6 opened. 7 is supplied with water. The water treated by the activated carbon filter device 7 is subsequently supplied to the RO membrane device 8. The water treated by the RO membrane device 8 is subsequently supplied and treated to the ion exchange resin device 9 to produce pure water. The pure water produced by the ion exchange resin device 9 is supplied to the water tank 10 and temporarily stored. On the other hand, the condensed water generated by heat exchange by the heat exchanger 13 is stored in the condensed water tank 19 and then supplied to the water tank 10. The water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4 by the water pump 11 according to the amount of water required by the reformer 4.

  In the reformer 4, steam reforming is performed by the water supplied by the water pump 11 and the gas to be reformed supplied from the gas to be reformed supply means 2. The reformed gas (fuel gas) generated in the reformer 4 is supplied to the fuel cell 1 and reacts with the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 to generate power in the fuel cell 1. It is. The electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is supplied to an external load through the power conditioner 12.

  On the other hand, the exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is mainly used to increase or maintain the temperature of the fuel cell 1 and then supplied from the fuel cell 1 to the heat exchanger 13 and released to the outside. Is done.

  The exhaust gas supplied to the heat exchanger 13 is heat-exchanged with water that passes through (circulates) the heat exchanger 13. The heat-exchanged water (hot water) is circulated through the circulation pipe 17 and stored in the hot water storage tank 18.

  By the way, in the condensed water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 13, carbon dioxide, which is a kind of exhaust gas component generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1, may be dissolved. Here, the water supplied to the reformer 4 may cause a failure of the reformer 4 when impurities are deposited inside the reformer 4 (inside the water supply pipe disposed in the reformer 4). Since there may be a problem that the reforming catalyst disposed in the mass device 4 is deteriorated, when supplying the condensed water to the reformer 4, the condensed water is processed and then supplied to the reformer 4. Is preferred.

  Therefore, in the present invention, it is preferable to provide a condensed water treatment means (not shown) for treating the condensed water. As such condensed water treatment means, known water treatment means can be used as appropriate in accordance with the components contained in the condensed water, the purity of the condensed water, and the like. Specific examples will be described later. Moreover, since the condensed water processing means should just process before condensed water is supplied to the water tank 10, for example, the condensed water processing means is used as the second ion exchange resin device, and the heat exchanger 13 and the condensed water tank. 19 may be provided in a water supply pipe that connects to the condensing water tank 19, a tank connecting pipe 20 that connects the condensate water tank 19 and the water tank 10, and the condensate water tank 19 may be provided with condensate treatment means.

  As a result, the condensed water is supplied to the reformer 4 after being treated by the condensed water treatment means. Therefore, even when the condensed water is supplied to the reformer 4, it is disposed in the reformer 4. It is possible to prevent impurities from depositing in the water supply pipe and causing the reformer 4 to fail or the reforming catalyst to deteriorate.

  Here, in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 1, after water supplied from the outside is treated by the water treatment device X, the water is stored in the water tank 10 and condensed water (condensed water treated by the condensed water treatment means). Since water is supplied to the water tank 10, water and condensed water (at least one in some cases) supplied from the outside can be supplied to the reformer 4. Thereby, it can suppress that the water supplied to the reformer 4 is exhausted.

  By the way, depending on the processing capacity and usage frequency of the condensed water treatment means, some of the components (for example, carbon dioxide, etc.) in the exhaust gas contained in the condensed water may not be treated by the condensed water treatment means. Even if the condensed water contains components in the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas components may not adversely affect the reformer. For example, water supplied from the outside and condensed water Is treated with the same water treatment apparatus (X), it is possible to determine whether the exhaust gas component is not removed by the water treatment apparatus X or whether the water treatment apparatus X is deteriorated or the like. It can be difficult.

  Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the water treatment device X is configured to treat only water supplied from the outside, so that the water treatment device X such as the ion exchange resin device 9 is used. The lifetime can be determined appropriately. In determining the lifetime of the water treatment apparatus X such as the ion exchange resin apparatus 9, it can be determined, for example, by measuring the conductivity of water treated by each treatment apparatus.

  Regarding the deterioration of the condensed water treatment means, the correlation between the treatment time in the condensed water treatment means and the treatment amount of the condensed water is investigated in advance, and if it exceeds a certain standard, the condensed water treatment means It is preferable to set it so that it can be determined that it has deteriorated.

  Here, when the condensed water treatment means is provided in the condensed water tank 19, for example, the condensed water treatment means is an ion exchange resin, and the condensed water tank 19 is filled with the ion exchange resin so that the condensed water treatment means is condensed water. It can be set as appropriate, such as providing in the tank 19 or providing a unit filled with ion exchange resin and storing the condensed water that has passed through the unit in the condensed water tank 19.

  Thereby, for example, compared with the case where the second ion exchange resin device is provided in the water supply pipe connecting the heat exchanger 13 and the condensed water tank 19, a more compact fuel cell device can be obtained. Furthermore, the condensed water treatment means provided in the condensed water tank 19 is made of ion exchange resin, so that the condensed water can be purified and supplied to the reformer 4.

  In addition, as an ion exchange resin with which the condensed water tank 19 is filled, for example, a spherical ion exchange resin can be used. Thereby, since the surface area which contacts condensed water can be increased, condensed water can be purified more efficiently.

  Further, the ion exchange resin can be appropriately selected and used in accordance with the components contained in the exhaust gas. For example, the ion exchange resin may be an ion exchange resin that more adsorbs carbon dioxide (carbonate ion), which is an exhaust gas component. It is good also as a performance equivalent to the resin apparatus 9. Incidentally, as the ion exchange resin device 9, an ion exchange resin device that is usually used for generating pure water from water supplied from the outside such as tap water can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 are connected by the tank connecting pipe 20, the amount of water supplied to the reformer 4 (water storage amount) is managed. Therefore, only the water tank 10 needs to be managed. Therefore, it becomes easy to manage the amount of water stored to supply the reformer 4.

  Here, when arranging the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 so as to be stored in the water tank 10, for example, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is watered via the tank connecting pipe 20. The condensed water tank 19 can be arranged so as to be positioned above the water tank 10 so as to be dropped onto the tank 10. Furthermore, one end of the tank connection pipe 20 is connected to the upper side of the water tank 10, or one end of the tank connection pipe 20 is arranged so that the water of the condensed water tank 19 drops from the upper side of the water tank 10 to the water tank 10. You can also Further, for the purpose of facilitating the supply of water from the condensed water tank 19 through the water tank 10, a water pump may be provided in the tank connecting pipe 20.

  In addition, it is possible to change the arrangement of the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 so that the water in the water tank 10 is supplied to the condensed water tank 19, but the condensed water tank 19 is provided with a condensed water treatment means. In some cases, the life of the condensed water treatment means may be shortened, which is not preferable. When the condensed water treatment means is the second ion exchange resin device and is provided in the water supply pipe connecting the heat exchanger 13 and the condensed water tank 19, the water in the water tank 10 is supplied to the condensed water tank 19. The water in the condensed water tank 19 can also be supplied to the reformer 4.

  FIG. 2 shows an example in which the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 are not connected. In such a fuel cell device, the condensed water supply pipe 21 for supplying the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 toward the reformer 4 and the water stored in the water tank 10 are reformed. 4, a water tank water supply pipe 22 for supplying the water to the tank 4 is provided, and the condensed water supply pipe 21 and the water tank water supply pipe 22 are integrated into the reformer water supply pipe 23 from the middle. And connected to the reformer 4.

  That is, for example, when the condensate treatment means reaches the end of its life, the water supplied from the condensate tank 19 via the condensate supply pipe 21 is controlled, and the water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the water tank water. Control is performed so that the reformer 4 is supplied via the pipe 22. Thereby, when the condensate treatment means reaches the end of its life, the water in the water tank 10 can be supplied, so that the purified water (pure water) can be continuously supplied to the reformer 4.

  On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs in the water treatment apparatus X or when it reaches the end of its life, the water supplied from the water tank 10 via the water tank water supply pipe 22 is controlled and stored in the condensed water tank 19. Control is performed so that the condensed water is supplied to the reformer 4 via the condensed water supply pipe 21.

  Thus, when the water treatment means (device) for treating the water stored in one tank reaches the end of its life, the water stored in the other tank can be supplied to the reformer 4, During maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means and the water treatment apparatus, maintenance of the condensed water treatment means and the water treatment apparatus can be performed without stopping the supply of water to the reformer 4.

  Further, since the condensed water supply pipe 21 and the water tank water supply pipe 22 are combined into the reformer water supply pipe 23 and connected to the reformer 4 from the middle, they are supplied to the reformer 4. Water can be supplied through a reformer water supply pipe 23 which is one water supply pipe. Here, when the water pump 11 for supplying water to the reformer 4 is provided, the water supply pipe connected to the water pump 11 is reformed by providing the water pump in the reformer water supply pipe 23. Since only the water supply pipe 23 is provided, a special water pump 11 (such as a water pump that can connect two water supply pipes to the water pump as the water supply side) is not required, and a commonly used water pump is used. can do.

  In order to supply the condensed water supply pipe 21 for supplying the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 toward the reformer 4 and the water stored in the water tank 10 toward the reformer 4. In controlling the water tank water supply pipe 22, a condensed water supply valve 24 can be provided in the condensed water supply pipe 21, and a water tank water supply valve 25 can be provided in the water tank water supply pipe 22. Thereby, the necessary amount of water can be supplied to the reformer 4 by adjusting the condensed water supply valve 24 and the water tank water supply valve 25.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a fuel cell device having another means for supplying the water stored in the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10. In FIG. 3, the condensed water supply pipe 21, the water tank water supply pipe are shown. 22 and the reformer water supply pipe 23 are connected to the water flow switching means 26. In such a fuel cell device, by controlling the water flow switching means 26, the water supplied to the reformer 4 can be adjusted, and the required amount of water can be supplied to the reformer 4. .

  As the water flow switching means 26, for example, a three-way valve that can supply condensed water or water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21 or the water tank water supply pipe 22 to the reformer water supply pipe 23, A three-way valve or the like that can be supplied to the reformer water supply pipe 23 after mixing the condensed water and water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21 or the water tank water supply pipe 22 can be used.

  In FIG. 3, the condensed water supply pipe 21 and the water tank water supply pipe 22 are integrated into the reformer water supply pipe 23 from the middle through the water flow switching means 26 and connected to the reformer 4. ing.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of the fuel cell apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 described above. FIG. 4A shows a condensed water supply valve 24 in the condensed water supply pipe 21 and water tank water supply. This is an example in which a water tank water supply valve 25 is provided in the pipe 22, and (b) shows a condensed water supply pipe 21, a water tank water supply pipe 22, and a reformer water supply pipe 23. An example in which condensed water or water supplied from a water supply pipe 22 is connected to a water flow switching means (three-way valve) 26 that can supply the reformer water supply pipe 23 is shown.

  Here, the condensed water tank 19 has a condensed water tank water level detection means 27 for detecting the water level of the condensed water tank 19, and the water tank 10 has a water tank water level detection for detecting the water level of the water tank 10. Means 28 are provided. As the water level detection means, a conductivity sensor, a water meter, etc. can be appropriately selected and used in addition to the float switch.

  If the amount of water stored in the condensed water tank 19 or the water tank 10 falls below a certain standard and the water pump 11 is continuously operated, the water in each tank becomes empty, and the reformer 4 There is a possibility that water cannot be supplied and the reformer 4 may fail. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the water supplied to the reformer 4 according to the amount of water stored in the condensed water tank 19 or the water tank 10.

  In this invention, the control apparatus 14 which adjusts the water supplied to the reformer 4 based on the water level of the condensed water tank 19 or the water tank 10 is provided. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a failure or the like in the reformer 4 because water is not supplied to the reformer 4. Such a control device 14 will be described below.

  In FIG. 4A, when the condensed water is preferentially supplied to the reformer 4, the water amount information necessary for the reformer 4 is transmitted from the reformer 4 to the control device 14. The control device 14 controls the condensate water supply valve 24 based on the water amount information, and supplies the water required by the reformer 4. In addition, the condensed water tank water level detection means 27 transmits the water level information of the condensed water tank 19 to the control device 14. Here, when the water level of the condensate water tank 19 falls below a predetermined water level (minimum water level), the control device 14 performs control to close the condensate water supply valve 24 and control to open the water tank water supply valve 25 instead. As a result, the water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4 via the water tank water supply pipe 22. Thereby, it can suppress that the water supplied to the reformer 4 is exhausted. Conversely, when the water level of the water tank 10 falls below a predetermined water level (minimum water level), the control device 14 performs control to close the water tank water supply valve 25 and control to open the condensed water water supply valve 24 instead. By performing, the condensed water in the condensed water tank 19 is supplied to the reformer 4 through the condensed water supply pipe 21. Thereby, the water in the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 can be supplied to the reformer 4.

  FIG. 4B shows the condensed water or water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21 or the water tank water supply pipe 22 by the condensed water supply pipe 21, the water tank water supply pipe 22 and the reformer water supply pipe 23. In this example, the water flow switching means (three-way valve) 26 that can be supplied to the reformer water supply pipe 23 is connected, and the condensed water supply pipe 21 and the water tank water supply pipe 22 are connected to the water flow switching means 26. , The reformer water supply pipe 23 is collected from the middle and connected to the reformer 4. In such a fuel cell device, when preferentially supplying condensed water to the reformer 4, the control device 14 sets the water flow switching means 26 based on the water amount information required by the reformer 4. Control. That is, the control device 14 controls the water flow switching means 26 so that the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is supplied to the reformer 4 based on the water amount information required by the reformer 4. Here, when the water level in the condensed water tank 19 falls below a predetermined water level (minimum water level), the control device 14 controls the water flow switching means 26 so that the water in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4. To do. Thereby, it can suppress that the water supplied to the reformer 4 is exhausted. Conversely, when the water level in the water tank 10 falls below a predetermined water level (minimum water level), the control device 14 causes the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 to be supplied to the reformer 4. The water flow switching means 26 is controlled. Thereby, the water stored in the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 can be supplied to the reformer 4.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the condensate water tank 19 and the water tank 10 may be provided adjacent to each other in FIG. 1 so that the tank connection pipe 20 is not provided. In this case, for example, the arrangement position (height) of the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 can be changed so that the water in the condensed water tank 19 flows into the water tank 10.

  Further, for example, in FIG. 2, the ion exchange resin device 9 can be provided in the water tank water supply pipe 22.

  Further, for example, in FIG. 4, when the water levels in the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 both fall below a predetermined water level (minimum water level), the reforming reaction in the reformer 4 is changed from steam reforming to partial oxidation reforming. It is also possible to switch to. In this case, even when the water levels of the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 both fall below the predetermined water level, the fuel cell 1 can continue to generate power.

  In addition, when the water level of the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 both falls below a predetermined water level, the power generation of the fuel cell 1 may be controlled to stop.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. Configuration diagram showing another example of the configuration of the fuel cell device of the present invention in which the condensed water supply pipe and the water tank water supply pipe are combined into the reformer water supply pipe from the middle and connected to the reformer. It is. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the further another structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention with which the condensed water supply pipe, the water tank water supply pipe, and the reformer water supply pipe are connected to the water flow switching means. (A) is the block diagram which extracts and shows a part of fuel cell apparatus of this invention which provided the water level detection means in the condensed water tank and water tank of the fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG. 2, (b) is FIG. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a part of the fuel cell device of the present invention in which a water level detection unit is provided in the condensed water tank and the water tank of the fuel cell device shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1: Fuel cell 4: Reformer 5: Water supply pipe 6: Water supply valve 7: Activated carbon filter device 8: RO membrane device 9: Ion exchange resin device 10: Water tank 11: Water pump 13: Heat exchanger 14: Control Apparatus 19: Condensed water tank 20: Tank connection pipe 21: Condensed water supply pipe 22: Water tank water supply pipe 23: Reformer water supply pipe 24: Condensed water feed valve 25: Water tank feed valve 26: Water flow switching means 27: Condensed water tank water level detection means 28: Water tank water level detection means

Claims (8)

A fuel cell, a reformer that performs steam reforming to generate reformed gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell and water, A condensed water tank for storing condensed water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger, condensed water processing means for processing the condensed water, and ion exchange resin for processing water supplied from the outside A water treatment device comprising a device, and a water tank for storing water treated by the water treatment device, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank and the water stored in the water tank A fuel cell device, wherein the fuel cell device is supplied to the reformer. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the condensed water treatment means is provided in the condensed water tank, and the condensed water treatment means is an ion exchange resin. The condensed water tank and the water tank are connected by a tank connecting pipe, and condensed water stored in the condensed water tank is supplied to the water tank. Fuel cell device. Condensed water supply pipe for supplying condensed water stored in the condensed water tank toward the reformer and water tank water for supplying water stored in the water tank toward the reformer 3. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein a supply pipe is integrated into a reformer water supply pipe from the middle and connected to the reformer. 4. The fuel cell device according to claim 4, wherein the condensed water supply pipe has a condensed water supply valve, and the water tank water supply pipe has a water tank water supply valve. The fuel cell device according to claim 4, wherein the condensed water supply pipe, the water tank water supply pipe, and the reformer water supply pipe are connected by a water flow switching means. The condensed water tank includes a condensed water tank water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the condensed water tank, the water tank includes a water tank water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the water tank, and the condensed water tank. 6. The fuel cell device according to claim 5, further comprising a control device that controls the condensed water supply valve and the water tank water supply valve based on a water level of the condensed water tank detected by the detection means. The condensed water tank includes a condensed water tank water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the condensed water tank, the water tank includes a water tank water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the water tank, and the condensed water tank. 7. The fuel cell device according to claim 6, further comprising a control device that controls the water flow switching means based on a water level of the condensed water tank detected by the detection means.

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