JP2008282760A - Fuel cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell module capable of easily replacing the reforming catalyst. <P>SOLUTION: A fuel battery cell stack with a plurality of fuel battery cells 7 arranged in a row separated by a given intervals, is erected and set, at a manifold 8 for supplying fuel gas to the fuel battery cells 7, and houses a power generation unit 3 to be made by supplying fuel gas at the manifold 8 via a hollow-shaped gas circulation member 4 in a housing container 2. The gas circulation member 4 is provided with a reforming part 9, equipped with a reforming unit 19 having reforming catalyst 20 placed at an upper part of the fuel battery cell stack and detachably fitted inside, and a fuel gas supply part 10 supplying fuel gas generated at the reforming part 9 to the manifold 8. Since a raw fuel supply side tip part of the gas circulation member 4 is made to protrude outside the housing container 2, penetrating the member structuring the housing container 2, the reforming catalyst 20 can be readily replaced, by pulling out the reforming unit 19 from the gas circulation member 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell module that houses a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells.

  In recent years, as a next-generation energy, a power generation unit capable of obtaining electric power using hydrogen gas and an oxygen-containing gas (usually air) and a fuel cell module in which the unit is stored in a storage container have been proposed. ing.

  As such a power generation unit, for example, a fuel cell stack is configured by standing a plurality of fuel cells on a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cells, and above the fuel cell stack. There has been proposed a power generation unit in which a reformer for reforming raw fuel is arranged and the reformer and a manifold are connected by a fuel gas supply pipe (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a plurality of fuel cell stacks are juxtaposed in the manifold, a reformer is disposed above the plurality of fuel cell stacks, and the reformer and the manifold are connected to a hollow flat reformed gas supply pipe. A power generation unit to be connected to each other has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, a fuel cell stack formed by arranging a plurality of such fuel cells, a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cells, and a fuel gas from the raw fuel disposed above the fuel cell stack There has also been proposed a fuel cell module that houses a power generation unit that includes a reformer for obtaining (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-93081 JP 2005-183375 A JP 2007-59377 A

  FIG. 6 is a view shown in Patent Document 3, and shows a state in which the conventional power generation unit 103 is pulled out from the storage container 102. This power generation unit 103 is provided with a U-shaped reformer 106 having a vaporization portion inside the two rows of fuel cell stacks, and the reformer 106 and the manifold 105 are provided with a tubular fuel gas supply. Connected by a pipe 107. A reforming catalyst for reforming the raw fuel is provided in the case, and the reforming catalyst can be replaced by pulling out the case from the reformer 106.

  However, in such a fuel cell module, when the reforming catalyst is replaced, the reforming catalyst cannot be replaced unless the surface constituting the storage container is removed. There was a problem that it took.

  Furthermore, when the fuel gas supply unit that connects the reformer and the manifold is formed of a tubular member, a pressure loss occurs in the flow of the fuel gas reformed by the reformer, and the fuel cell stack is configured. There is a possibility that the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell to be uneven may be uneven, and auxiliary equipment such as a gas compressor for increasing the pressure of the fuel gas may be required.

  Furthermore, when the reformer and the fuel gas supply pipe are separately manufactured and welded to each other, there is a possibility that durability at a high temperature is deteriorated in the welded portion.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell in which the reforming catalyst provided in the reformer can be easily replaced, fuel gas can be efficiently supplied to the fuel cell, and durability at high temperature is improved. To provide a module.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, a fuel cell stack formed by arranging a plurality of fuel cells in a row at a predetermined interval is erected on a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cells, A fuel cell module in which a power generation unit configured to supply fuel gas to the manifold via a hollow gas flow member is housed in a storage container, wherein the gas flow member is disposed above the fuel cell stack. A reforming unit that includes a reforming unit that is positioned and has a reforming catalyst that is detachably provided therein, and a fuel gas supply unit that supplies fuel gas generated by the reforming unit to the manifold, The raw fuel supply side front end portion of the gas distribution member penetrates the member constituting the storage container and protrudes to the outside of the storage container.

  In such a fuel cell module, the raw fuel supply side tip of the gas distribution member penetrates through the member constituting the storage container and protrudes to the outside of the storage container. The quality unit can be detached from the reforming section without removing the surface constituting the storage container. Therefore, the reforming catalyst can be easily replaced.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the reforming unit and the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the fuel gas supply unit may be the same shape. preferable.

  In such a fuel cell module, since the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the reforming unit and the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the fuel gas supply unit are the same shape, Pressure loss can be reduced in the flow of fuel gas to be supplied, and a fuel cell module with good power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, since the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the reforming unit and the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the fuel gas supply unit are the same shape, the reforming unit is in the fuel gas supply unit. Insertion can be suppressed, and the reforming unit can be disposed at a target location.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, the reforming unit may include a reforming catalyst storage unit that stores the reforming catalyst, and a vaporization unit for generating steam to be supplied to the reforming catalyst. preferable.

  In such a fuel electric module, the reforming unit has a reforming catalyst storage unit that stores the reforming catalyst, and a vaporization unit for generating steam to be supplied to the reforming catalyst. Since it is located above the cell stack, in the reforming unit that performs steam reforming, the temperature of the reforming catalyst storage unit and the vaporizing unit can be increased, and the reforming reaction of the raw fuel can be performed efficiently. it can. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be improved.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, it is preferable that a gap between a member constituting the storage container and the gas flow member is sealed with a gas seal member.

  In such a fuel cell module, since the gap between the member constituting the surface through which the gas flow member of the storage container passes and the gas flow member is sealed with the gas seal member, the exhaust gas in the fuel cell module Etc. can be prevented from leaking out of the fuel cell module. Therefore, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be improved.

  The fuel cell module of the present invention includes a fuel cell stack formed by arranging a plurality of fuel cells in a row at predetermined intervals in a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cells in a storage container. A reforming unit provided with a reforming unit that is erected and is located above the fuel cell stack and has a reforming catalyst that is detachably provided therein, and fuel gas generated in the reforming unit is supplied to the manifold A power generation unit having a hollow gas flow member that provides a fuel gas supply unit is housed, and a raw fuel supply side tip of the gas flow member projects through the member constituting the storage container and protrudes outside the storage container. Therefore, the reforming catalyst can be easily replaced.

  Hereinafter, a power generation unit configured according to the present invention and a fuel cell module including the power generation unit will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a fuel cell module of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an example of a power generation unit housed in the fuel cell module of the present invention. The fuel cell module 1 stores a power generation unit 3 inside a storage container 2.

  The power generation unit 3 includes a fuel cell stack (hereinafter referred to as a cell stack) in which fuel cells 7 each having a fuel gas flow path are arranged in a row at a predetermined interval, and the fuel cell 7 is supplied with fuel gas. A hollow gas flow member 4 that supplies fuel gas to the manifold 8 is connected to the manifold 8 while standing on the manifold 8 for supply. 1 and 2, the cell stack shows only a part of the fuel cell 7 (the fuel cell 3 located at both ends), and the other fuel cells 7 are not shown by black circles. . Moreover, although the gas distribution | circulation member 4 is shown as the hollow flat plate-shaped gas distribution | circulation member 4, what is necessary is just hollow, for example, it can also be set as a hollow cylinder shape.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which a reforming unit having a reforming catalyst provided therein is detachably attached to the reforming unit 9, and the reforming unit includes a raw fuel in the reforming unit. A raw fuel supply pipe 5 for supplying water and a water supply pipe 6 for supplying water (steam) into the reforming unit are connected.

  The gas distribution member 4 is located above the cell stack and includes a reforming unit 9 having a reforming unit having a reforming catalyst provided in a removable manner, and a fuel gas generated by the reforming unit 9 in a manifold. The fuel gas supply unit 10 is supplied to the manifold 8, and one end is connected (fixed) to the manifold 8, and the other end (raw fuel supply side tip) penetrates the storage container 2. It has a shape that protrudes to the outside.

  Here, the gas flow member 4 is formed by bending a part of a hollow member, so that a reforming portion 9 located above the cell stack and a fuel gas supply portion for supplying the reformed fuel gas to the manifold 8. 10 is preferably formed integrally. In addition, when bending a part of hollow member, it is preferable that the bending part is made into R shape. Thereby, when supplying the fuel gas produced | generated in the reforming part 9 to the manifold 8, a pressure loss can be reduced.

  Here, the fuel gas that has not been used for the power generation of the fuel battery cell 7 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing between the fuel battery cells 7 are combusted above the fuel battery cell 7. And since the gas distribution | circulation member 4 (reforming part 9) is located above a cell stack, the heat by the combustion transfers to the reforming part 9, and the temperature of the reforming part 9 rises. Thereby, the reforming reaction of the raw fuel in the reforming unit 9 can be performed efficiently, and the fuel cell module 1 with high power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In addition, the gas flow member 4 is preferably formed integrally with the reforming unit 9 and the fuel gas supply unit 10, that is, formed seamlessly, thereby improving the durability of the gas flow member 4 at high temperatures. Can be improved. In addition, since the welded portion can be eliminated in the connection between the reforming unit 9 and the fuel gas supply unit 10, the gas distribution member 4 can be easily manufactured.

  Further, the reforming section 9 and the fuel gas supply section 10 are formed by bending a part of the hollow gas flow member 4 to have a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the reforming section 9. The cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the fuel gas supply unit 10 can be made substantially the same shape. Therefore, the pressure loss can be reduced in the flow of the fuel gas generated by reforming in the reforming unit 9. Thereby, it can be set as the fuel cell module 1 with high electric power generation efficiency. In addition, an auxiliary machine such as a gas compressor for supplying the fuel gas becomes unnecessary.

  Here, one end of the gas flow member 4 (fuel gas supply unit 10) is fixed on the surface of the manifold 8, but is firmly fixed so that the fuel gas does not leak from the connection portion between the gas flow member 4 and the manifold 8. It is preferable. Therefore, the gas flow member 4 is inserted to the bottom surface of the manifold 8, and the gas flow member 4 and the manifold 8 are firmly fixed (joined) by connecting the gas flow member 4 and the surface of the manifold 8. Can do. In this case, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the gas flow member (that is, the surface in the direction in which the fuel gas flows) of the gas flow member 4 inserted into the manifold 8 (the surface in the direction in which the fuel gas flows) It is preferable to provide an opening having a shape substantially the same (preferably the same) as the inner diameter of the gas flow member (not shown). Further, in order to reduce the pressure loss when the fuel gas flows into the manifold 8, a fuel gas flow adjusting member (for example, the lower end of the opening and the opening on the surface facing the opening is used in the vicinity of the opening. A plate-like member or the like for connecting a portion located at the same height as the upper end of the plate may be provided.

  The other end of the gas distribution member 4 (the front end of the raw fuel supply side) penetrates the member constituting the storage container 2 and protrudes outside the storage container 2. Therefore, it is possible to attach the reforming unit to the reforming unit 9 simply by inserting the reforming unit from the other end side of the gas flow member 4 without removing the members (such as plate-like members) constituting the storage container 2. Can do. Therefore, the reforming unit (reforming catalyst) can be easily replaced. In addition, when attaching a heat insulating material to the outer surface of a storage container, it is preferable to make the other end of the gas distribution member 4 into the shape which penetrates a heat insulating material and protrudes outside the heat insulating material.

  Note that the size of the reforming unit 9 can be appropriately adjusted depending on the width and length of the cell stack, the performance and amount of the reforming catalyst provided in the reforming unit, and the like.

  Hereinafter, the fuel battery cell 7 used in the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 3 shows an example of the fuel battery cell 7. A fuel cell 7 shown in FIG. 3 includes a conductive support substrate 11 having a flat cross section and an elliptical column shape as a whole, and a plurality of conductive support substrates 11 are provided at appropriate intervals inside the conductive support substrate 11. A fuel gas passage 12 is formed in the longitudinal direction. The fuel cell 7 has a structure in which various members are provided on the conductive support substrate 11.

  The conductive support substrate 11 includes a flat part n and arcuate parts m at both ends of the flat part n. Both surfaces of the flat portion n are formed substantially parallel to each other, and a fuel side electrode 13 is provided so as to cover one surface (lower surface) of the flat portion n and the arc-shaped portions m on both sides. A dense solid electrolyte 14 is laminated so as to cover the electrode 13. An oxygen side electrode 15 is laminated on the solid electrolyte 14 so as to face the fuel side electrode 13. An interconnector 16 is formed on the surface of the other flat portion n where the fuel side electrode 13 and the solid electrolyte 14 are not laminated. As is clear from FIG. 3, the fuel side electrode 13 and the solid electrolyte 14 extend to both sides of the interconnector 16 and are configured so that the surface of the conductive support substrate 11 is not exposed to the outside.

  Here, in the fuel cell 7, the portion of the fuel side electrode 13 facing the oxygen side electrode 15 functions as a fuel side electrode to generate electric power. That is, power is generated by flowing an oxygen-containing gas such as air outside the oxygen-side electrode 15 and flowing a fuel gas (hydrogen) through the gas passage 12 in the conductive support substrate 11 and heating it to a predetermined operating temperature. And the electric current produced | generated by this electric power generation is collected through the interconnector 16 attached to the electroconductive support substrate 11. FIG.

  A layer 17 having a composition similar to that of the fuel-side electrode 13 is provided between the interconnector 16 and the conductive support substrate 11 in order to reduce a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the interconnector 16 and the conductive support substrate 11. May be formed. 3 shows a state in which a layer 17 having a composition similar to that of the fuel-side electrode 13 is formed between the interconnector 16 and the conductive support substrate 11.

  Further, it is preferable to provide a P-type semiconductor 18 on the outer surface (upper surface) of the interconnector 16. A plurality of fuel cells are electrically connected using a current collecting member. By connecting the current collecting member to the interconnector 16 via the P-type semiconductor 18, the contact between the two becomes an ohmic contact, and the potential drop is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to effectively avoid a decrease in current collecting performance.

  FIG. 4 shows a book in which a cell stack in which fuel cells 7 are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals on a manifold 8 is erected and a gas flow member 4 is provided so that a reforming section 9 is positioned above the cell stack. 1 shows a part of a cross section of an inventive fuel cell module. In the drawing, the black circle means that the fuel cell 7 is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a cross section of a state in which the reforming unit 19 is inserted into the reforming unit 9 provided in the gas flow member 4, and the reforming unit 19 reforms the raw fuel to produce a fuel gas (reformed gas). A reforming catalyst storage unit 21 for storing the reforming catalyst 20 for generating the gas, and a vaporization unit 22 for supplying steam to the reforming catalyst 20 (reforming catalyst storage unit 21). The catalyst storage part 21 and the vaporization part 22 are located above the cell stack.

  Thereby, in the reforming unit 19 that performs steam reforming, the reforming catalyst storage unit 21 and the vaporization unit 22 are arranged so that the reforming catalyst storage unit 21 and the vaporization unit 22 are positioned above the cell stack. Therefore, the reforming reaction of the raw fuel can be performed efficiently. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be improved.

  Here, the reforming catalyst disposed in the reforming unit 19 may deteriorate due to use. If the reforming catalyst that has deteriorated is continuously used, the reforming reaction is reduced, and the fuel cell 7 In some cases, the fuel gas is not sufficiently supplied, and the power generation amount of the fuel cell 7 is reduced. Therefore, when the reforming catalyst deteriorates, it becomes necessary to perform maintenance such as replacement of the reforming catalyst.

  FIG. 4 shows a case where the reforming unit 19 includes a reforming catalyst storage unit 21, a vaporization unit 22, a raw fuel supply pipe 5, and a water supply pipe 6. Such a reforming unit is shown in FIG. 19, the raw fuel supply pipe 5 or the water supply pipe 6 is pulled out from the gas distribution member 4 (the reforming unit 19 is pulled out), so that the reforming unit 19 can be easily detached. Thereby, the reforming catalyst can be easily replaced.

  Here, the reforming catalyst storage unit 21 and the vaporization unit are supplied so that the raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 5 and the water (steam) supplied from the water supply pipe 6 are supplied to the reforming catalyst storage unit 21. 22 is preferably separated by a gas-permeable wall, and similarly, the reforming catalyst storage unit 21 and the fuel gas supply unit 10 are preferably separated by a gas-permeable wall. Therefore, for example, the reforming catalyst storage unit 21 can be formed of a mesh member. Thereby, the reforming catalyst 20 can be easily replaced by removing or opening a part of the members constituting the reforming catalyst storage unit 21.

  The vaporization section 22 is connected to a raw fuel supply pipe 5 for supplying raw fuel and a water supply pipe 6 for supplying water (steam) to the reforming catalyst storage section 21, in particular. The water supply pipe 6 is provided so as to be inserted up to the inside of the vaporizing section 22. Thereby, the water supplied from the water supply pipe 6 can be vaporized more efficiently.

  Furthermore, in order to ensure the strength of the raw fuel supply pipe 5 and the water supply pipe 6, a fixing member for fixing the raw fuel supply pipe 5 and the water supply pipe 6 may be provided in the reforming unit 19. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the fixing member 23 is provided adjacent to the vaporizing section 22. In addition, it is also possible to provide the vaporization part 22 to the front-end | tip part of the raw material fuel supply side of the gas distribution member 4, and to omit the fixing member 23.

  Further, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the reforming unit 19 and the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the fuel gas supply unit 10 are made the same shape, that is, the reforming unit 19 and the fuel gas supply It is preferable that the inner diameter of the portion 10 is the same. Thereby, when supplying the fuel gas produced | generated in the reforming unit 19 to the manifold 8, a pressure loss can further be reduced and it can be set as a fuel cell module with sufficient electric power generation efficiency.

  Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the reforming unit 19 and the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the fuel gas supply unit 10 are made the same shape, so that the reforming unit 19 is fuel gas. Insertion into the supply unit 10 can be suppressed, and the reforming unit 19 can be disposed at a target location.

  In addition, a stopper member 25 can be provided in the reforming unit 19 so that the reforming unit 19 is not inserted closer to the fuel gas supply unit 10 than a predetermined position. As such a stopper member 25, for example, the stopper member 25 is brought into contact with the insertion port of the gas flow member 4 and can be appropriately designed so that the reforming unit 19 is not inserted into the gas flow member 4 any more. .

  Here, an opening for allowing the gas flow member 4 to pass through is provided in a plate-like member through which the gas flow member 4 of the storage container 2 passes, and the plate-like member (opening) and the gas flow member 4 are provided. If the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel battery cell 7 or the fuel gas not used in the fuel battery cell 7 leaks from the gap, the power generation efficiency may be lowered, such as the temperature in the fuel cell module is lowered. There is.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the gap between the plate-like member having the opening and the gas flow member 4 is sealed with the gas seal member 24.

  Such a gas seal member can be appropriately designed depending on the size of the opening and the gas flow member 4, and can be designed on the outer surface side (the outer surface side of the storage container) or the inner surface side (the inner surface side of the storage container) of the plate member. It can be provided on at least one side. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the exhaust gas in the storage container from leaking to the outside of the storage container, and to improve the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module.

  FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an example of the fuel cell module of the present invention. The fuel cell module 51 accommodates a cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells 7 are erected on a manifold 8 and electrically connected in series inside a rectangular parallelepiped storage container 2. A gas flow member 4 having a reforming section 9 is disposed above the cell stack.

  The storage container 2 has a double wall structure having an inner wall 26 and an outer wall 27. The outer wall 27 forms an outer frame of the storage container 2, and the inner wall 26 forms a power generation chamber 28 that stores the cell stack.

  Further, in the fuel cell module 51, an oxygen-containing gas flow path introduced into the fuel cell 7 is formed between the inner wall 26 and the outer wall 27, for example, an oxygen-containing gas introduced into the fuel cell 7 flows.

  Here, the inner wall 26 corresponds to the width in the arrangement direction of the cell stack, communicates with the flow path formed by the inner wall 26 and the outer wall 27, and contains oxygen in the cell stack from the side surface along the arrangement direction of the cell stack. An oxygen-containing gas introduction member 29 for introducing gas is provided. A blower outlet 30 for introducing an oxygen-containing gas into the fuel cell 7 is provided at the lower end side of the oxygen-containing gas introduction member 29 (lower end side of the fuel cell 7). In FIG. 5, the oxygen-containing gas introduction member 29 has a shape that hangs down from the upper surface side of the storage container 2 to the power generation chamber 28, and the oxygen-containing gas introduction members 29 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval. An oxygen-containing gas introduction flow path is formed by a pair of plate members, and is formed by joining the bottom member on the lower end side. FIG. 5 shows an example in which cell stacks are provided in a row, and oxygen-containing gas introduction members 29 are provided on both side surfaces along the arrangement direction of the cell stacks. In the case where the cell stack has two rows, the oxygen-containing gas introduction member 29 can be disposed between the two cell stacks, and the oxygen can be sandwiched between the two cell stacks. The contained gas introduction member 29 can also be disposed.

  The storage container 2 is further provided with a power generation chamber side inner wall 31 on the inner wall 26 on the power generation chamber 28 side. Here, the power generation chamber side inner wall 31 is configured such that the upper end side is opened, and the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the cell stack circulates through the space formed by the inner wall 26 and the power generation chamber side inner wall 31 to store the container 2. Exhausted outside. The exhaust gas flowing through the space formed by the inner wall 26 and the power generation chamber side inner wall 31 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the flow path formed by the inner wall 26 and the outer wall 27 are efficiently heat-exchanged, and the oxygen-containing gas In order to warm the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the introduction member 29 to the fuel cell 7 and to perform heat exchange more efficiently, each of these spaces can be, for example, a meandering flow path. In the fuel cell module shown, an example in which a meandering flow path plate 32 is provided to make these spaces meandering flow paths is shown. In the power generation chamber 28, a heat insulating material 33 can be appropriately provided between the fuel cell 3 and the power generation chamber side inner wall 31, between the manifold 8 and the outer wall 27, or the like.

  Such a storage container 2 can be manufactured by molding a metal plate or box. For example, by making the front and rear wall surfaces of the storage container 2 removable, the power generation chamber 28 of the storage container 2 can be removed. In addition, the cell stack and the heat insulating material 33 can be slid and inserted. In the replacement of the reforming unit 19, the reforming unit 19 can be replaced without removing the members (such as the front and rear wall surfaces) constituting the storage container 2.

  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, when the reforming unit 19 performs partial oxidation reforming (including the case where it is used together with steam reforming), an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe can be further connected to the reforming unit 19.

  In the above description, the hollow flat fuel cell 7 has been described. However, for example, a cylindrical or flat fuel cell can be used. In this case, the gas flow member 4 can be appropriately adjusted in accordance with the shape of the fuel cell, whereby the fuel cell module of the present invention can be obtained.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the electric power generation unit accommodated in the fuel cell module of this invention. The fuel cell which comprises the fuel cell module of this invention is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a perspective view. It is sectional drawing which extracted partially which shows another example of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows another example of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the conventional fuel cell module.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 51: Fuel cell module 2: Storage container 3: Power generation unit 4: Gas distribution member 5: Raw fuel supply pipe 6: Water supply pipe 7: Fuel cell 8: Manifold 9: Reforming part 10: Fuel gas supply part 19: reforming unit 20: reforming catalyst 21: reforming catalyst storage unit 22: vaporization unit 24: gas seal member

Claims (4)

A fuel cell stack formed by arranging a plurality of fuel cells in a row at predetermined intervals is erected on a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cells, and a hollow gas flow through the manifold A fuel cell module in which a power generation unit configured to supply fuel gas through a member is housed in a housing container, wherein the gas distribution member is located above the fuel cell stack and is detachably provided therein. A reforming unit having a reforming unit having the reforming catalyst formed, and a fuel gas supply unit for supplying fuel gas generated by the reforming unit to the manifold, the raw fuel supply side of the gas distribution member The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein a tip portion of the fuel cell module projects through a member constituting the storage container and protrudes from the storage container. 2. The fuel according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the reforming unit and a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction of the fuel gas supply unit are the same shape. Battery module. 3. The reforming unit includes a reforming catalyst storage unit that stores the reforming catalyst, and a vaporization unit that generates steam to be supplied to the reforming catalyst. A fuel cell module according to claim 1. The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a gap between a member constituting the storage container and the gas flow member is sealed with a gas seal member.

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