JP2008300059A - Fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell device with improved life condensed water treatment means for treating condensed water, in one utilizing condensed water produced by power generation of a fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell device includes a condensed water tank 19 for storing condensed water produced by heat exchange at a heat exchanger 13, and a condensed water supply tube 21 with an end connected to an upper part wall of the condensed water tank 19 for supplying condensed water produced at the heat exchanger 13 to the condensed water tank 19. By providing an upper-part partitioning member 24 in the condensed water tank 19, the condensed water tank 19 is partitioned into a condensed water guide-in part 25 located at an upper part than the upper-part partitioning member 24 and a condensed water treatment part 26 located at a lower part than the upper-part partitioning member 24, and by connecting a condensed water draining pipe 23 at a position lower than the connecting part of the condensed water guide-in part 25 and the condensed water supply tube 21, a treatment water supply part 26 is prevented from being supplied with condensed water more than necessary, so that life of a condensed water treatment means 22 can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device that generates power using condensed water generated by heat exchange between exhaust gas and water generated by power generation of a fuel cell.

  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 the methods for generating hydrogen necessary for power generation of a fuel cell, and a fuel cell device using this steam reforming generates fuel gas (hydrogen gas). Reformers, water treatment devices that produce pure water by processing water (such as tap water) supplied from outside, water tanks for temporarily storing the treated water (pure water), and water treatment It is known to include a water supply pipe or the like for connecting the apparatus, a water tank, and a reformer.

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

  In the fuel cell device using steam reforming as described above, when supplying condensed water generated by heat exchange to the reformer, condensation is performed to suppress (prevent) the failure of the reformer and the deterioration of the reforming catalyst. Water is supplied to the reformer after being treated by condensed water treatment means (device) such as ion exchange resin (after being made pure water).

  By the way, the amount of condensed water generated by heat exchange may be larger than the amount of water required in the reformer. In this case, more water than required by the reformer is drained from the fuel cell device.

  Here, the condensed water generated by heat exchange is stored in a water tank (condensed water tank), and the condensed water is supplied to the reformer in the fuel cell device that supplies the stored water (condensed water) to the condensed water treatment means. When the water is stored in the water tank (condensate tank) after being treated in step 3, the condensed water more than the amount required by the reformer is treated by the condensed water treatment means, resulting in the condensed water treatment means. There was a problem that the lifetime of the was shortened.

  On the other hand, in a fuel cell device that supplies water required by the reformer to the reformer by a water pump or the like after being processed by the condensed water treatment means according to the demand of the reformer, the reformer is required. Since the water to be used is treated by the condensed water treatment means each time and then supplied to the reformer by a water pump or the like, the timing when the reformer needs water and the water is supplied to the reformer. There was a risk of a time lag between the timing and the reformer failure.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device that can immediately supply water required by a reformer and can prolong the life of a condensed water treatment means for treating condensed water. To do.

  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 condensate water tank for storing condensate water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger, an upper wall of the condensate water tank and the heat exchanger are connected, And a condensed water supply pipe for supplying the condensed water generated by a heat exchanger to the condensed water tank, wherein the condensed water tank is provided in the condensed water tank. Condensed water treatment provided with a condensed water introduction part located above the upper partition member by the upper partition member, and a condensed water treatment means located below the upper partition member for converting the condensed water into pure water. And the condensation. A position lower than the connecting portion between the inlet portion and the condensed water supply pipe, characterized in that the condensed water drain pipe for draining the condensed water is connected.

  In such a fuel cell device, the condensed water tank is positioned above the upper partition member by the upper partition member provided in the condensed water tank, and introduces condensed water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe. A condensate water introduction section, and a condensate water treatment section that is located below the upper partition member and includes condensate treatment means for converting the condensed water into pure water. The supplied condensed water passes through the condensed water introduction section and then flows through the condensed water processing section, and is processed by condensed water processing means provided in the condensed water processing section to generate pure water.

  The condensed water flows through the condensed water supply pipe connected to the upper wall of the condensed water tank and is supplied from above the condensed water tank, so that the water level of the condensed water tank rises with the amount of condensed water supplied. When the water level of the condensed water tank reaches the condensed water introduction part, the water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe to the condensed water tank is lower than the connection part of the condensed water introduction part with the condensed water supply pipe. It is drained through a condensate drain pipe connected to the. Therefore, it can suppress that the condensed water drained contacts with a condensed water processing means.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the condensed water processing means from processing more condensed water than the amount required by the reformer, so that the life of the condensed water processing means can be extended.

  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 condensate water tank for storing condensate water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger, an upper wall of the condensate water tank and the heat exchanger are connected, And a condensed water supply pipe for supplying the condensed water generated by a heat exchanger to the condensed water tank, wherein the condensed water tank is provided in the condensed water tank. The upper partition member and the lower partition member are disposed between the condensed water introduction portion located above the upper partition member and the upper partition member and the lower partition member to make the condensed water pure water. A condensate treatment section comprising the condensate treatment means of The condensate water introduction section is located below the lower partition member and is divided into a treated water supply section for supplying the reformer with the condensed water treated in the condensate treatment section. A condensed water drain pipe for draining the condensed water is connected to a position lower than the connecting portion with the condensed water supply pipe.

  In such a fuel cell device, the condensed water tank is located above the upper partition member and is supplied from the condensed water supply pipe by the upper partition member and the lower partition member provided in the condensed water tank. A condensed water introduction part for introducing water, a condensed water treatment part which is located between the upper partition member and the lower partition member and has condensed water treatment means for making condensed water pure water, and a lower partition member The condensate water supplied to the condensate tank is divided into a treated water supply unit for supplying the reformer with the condensed water treated in the condensed water treatment unit. Then, after passing through the condensed water introduction section, the condensed water processing section flows and is processed by the condensed water processing means provided in the condensed water processing section to generate pure water, and the generated pure water is supplied to the treated water supply section. Water is stored and supplied to the reformer.

  The condensed water flows through the condensed water supply pipe connected to the upper wall of the condensed water tank and is supplied from above the condensed water tank, so that the water level of the condensed water tank rises with the amount of condensed water supplied. When the water level of the condensed water tank reaches the condensed water introduction part, the water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe to the condensed water tank is lower than the connection part of the condensed water introduction part with the condensed water supply pipe. It is drained through a condensate drain pipe connected to the. Therefore, it can suppress that the condensed water drained contacts with a condensed water processing means.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the condensed water processing means from processing more condensed water than the amount required by the reformer, so that the life of the condensed water processing means can be extended.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the condensed water treatment means is preferably an ion exchange resin.

  In such a fuel cell device, the condensed water can be treated into pure water by using the ion-exchange resin as the condensed water treatment means. Thereby, the amount of condensed water required by the reformer can be processed into pure water.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention comprises a water treatment device for treating water supplied from the outside, and a water tank for storing water treated by the water treatment device, One end is connected to the treated water supply unit so that water stored in the condensed water tank is supplied to the water tank, and the other end is at the same height as the one end or lower than the one end. It is preferable to provide a tank connecting pipe connected to the tank.

  Such a fuel cell device includes a condensed water tank for storing condensed water generated by heat exchange, and a water tank for storing water supplied from the outside and treated by the water treatment device. Since the tank and water tank are connected at one end to the treated water supply unit and the other end is connected by a tank connection pipe connected to the water tank at the same height as the one end or lower than that, it is condensed. The condensed water stored in the water tank (treated water supply unit) is supplied to the water tank, and the water stored in the water tank is supplied to the reformer.

  Here, when the supply amount (recovery amount) of the condensed water decreases with the power generation of the fuel cell, the water supplied from the outside can be supplied to the water tank. It can suppress depletion.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, it is preferable that the upper limit water level of water stored in the water tank is the same as or higher than the connection part of the condensed water drain pipe.

  In such a fuel cell device, the upper limit water level of water stored in the water tank is the same as or higher than the condensate drain pipe connection part. The amount of water that can be stored in the condensed water tank can be increased. Thereby, the amount of water that can be supplied to the reformer (water tank) can be increased.

  In addition, when the amount of condensed water generated (supply amount) decreases and water supplied from the outside is supplied to the water tank, the upper limit level of water stored in the water tank is Since the height is equal to or higher than the height, the amount of water that can be stored in the water tank can be increased.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the fuel cell device of the present invention has a water tank drain pipe connected to the water tank at a position higher than a height of a connection portion of the condensed water drain pipe.

  In such a fuel cell apparatus, since the water tank drain pipe is connected to the water tank at a position higher than the height of the connection part of the condensate drain pipe, the condensed water supplied to the condensed water treatment section The amount can be suppressed. That is, by connecting the water tank drain pipe to the water tank at a position higher than the connection part of the condensate water drain pipe, when the condensed water is used preferentially, the water level of the condensate water tank or the water tank is predetermined. When the amount of stored water is reached, the water flowing through the condensed water supply pipe is drained from the condensed water drain pipe.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the condensed water processing means from processing more condensed water than the amount required by the reformer, and thus it is possible to extend the life of the condensed water processing means.

  In addition, since the water tank has a water tank drain pipe, when the water supplied from the outside is stored in the water tank, the water level stored in the water tank is the condensed water drain pipe of the condensed water supply pipe. However, in this case, the water in the water tank can be drained by the water tank drain pipe connected to the water tank. Therefore, it is possible to suppress (prevent) overflow of water stored in the water tank.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention has a water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from the outside to the water treatment device and supplying water treated by the water treatment device to the water tank. A water supply valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied from the outside is provided upstream of the water treatment device in the water supply pipe, and the water stored in the water tank has a predetermined amount. It is preferable to include a control device that controls the water supply valve so that the water supplied from the outside is stored in the water tank when the water level falls below the water level.

  Such a fuel cell apparatus has a water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from the outside to the water tank after being treated by the water treatment apparatus, and is located upstream of the water treatment apparatus in the water supply pipe. A water supply valve is provided for adjusting the amount of water supplied from the outside, and is supplied from the outside when the water level stored in the water tank drops and falls below a predetermined water level. Since it is equipped with a control device that controls the water supply valve so that water is stored in the water tank, normally the condensed water generated by the power generation of the fuel cell is used, and the water supplied from the outside when the condensed water is insufficient It can be supplied to a reformer (water tank). Thereby, it can suppress that the water supplied to a reformer is exhausted.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a condensed water tank for storing condensed water generated when heat is exchanged between exhaust gas generated by power generation and water in the fuel cell, an upper wall of the condensed water tank, a heat exchanger, And a condensed water supply pipe for supplying the condensed water generated in the heat exchanger to the condensed water tank, and the condensed water tank is disposed at the upper part by an upper partition member provided in the condensed water tank. Condensed water introduction part for introducing condensed water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe, located above the partition member, and condensing for placing condensed water into pure water located below the upper partition member A condensate water treatment section having water treatment means is partitioned, and a condensate drain pipe for draining the condensate water is connected to a position lower than the connection section with the condensate water supply pipe of the condensate water introduction section. Therefore, the amount of water stored in the condensate tank is less than the required amount. The condensed water will be drained from the condensed water drain pipe, it is possible to increase the life of the condensed water treatment unit.

  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.

  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 condensate that stores condensed water generated by the heat exchange. A condensed water supply pipe 21 for supplying the condensed water generated in the water tank 19 and the heat exchanger 13 to the condensed water tank 19 is provided, and the water (condensed water) stored in the condensed water tank 19 is modified. It is supplied to the mass device 4.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is small, it is preferable to treat the water (such as tap water) supplied from the outside into pure water and supply it to the reformer 4, as shown in FIG. Has a water treatment device X as means for treating the water supplied from the outside into pure water.

  Here, the water treatment device X includes an activated carbon filter device 7 for purifying water, a reverse osmosis membrane device 8 (hereinafter referred to as RO membrane device), and an ion exchange resin device for converting purified water into pure water. 9 devices are provided. And the pure water produced | generated by the ion exchange resin apparatus 9 is stored in the water tank 10, and the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 are connected with the tank connection pipe 20. FIG.

  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 is provided with a water supply valve 6 for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the water supply pipe 5. In FIG. 1, the means for supplying water to the reformer 4 is shown surrounded by a one-dot chain line.

  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 of the present invention is configured by combining the power generation unit, the hot water storage unit, and the circulation pipe 17. The

  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.

  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. In the heat exchanger 13, heat exchange is performed between the exhaust gas generated by power generation of the fuel cell 1 and the water that passes through (circulates) the heat exchanger 13 (water that flows through the circulation pipe 17). The heat-exchanged water (hot water) is circulated through the circulation pipe 17 and stored in the hot water storage tank 18.

  On the other hand, the condensed water generated by heat exchange flows through the condensed water supply pipe 21 and is stored in the condensed water tank 19. The condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is processed by condensed water treatment means (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in the condensed water tank 19 and then flows through the tank connecting pipe 20 to form the water tank. 10 is supplied. 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, when supplying water (tap water or the like) supplied from the outside to the reformer 4, the water supply valve 6 is opened, and the water supplied from the outside through the water supply pipe 5 is activated carbon filter device. 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 in the ion exchange resin device 9 is supplied to the water tank 10 and the condensed water is supplied to the reformer 4 according to the amount of water required in the reformer 4. The water pump 11 supplies the reformer 4 with the water.

  By the way, by using condensed water preferentially as the water supplied to the reformer 4, the amount of water supplied from the outside such as tap water can be reduced, and the running cost of the fuel cell device can be reduced. Can be reduced.

  However, the amount of condensed water generated by heat exchange performed in the heat exchanger 13 may be larger than the amount of water required in the reformer 4. In this case, since the amount of water stored in the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 increases, the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 are provided with the purpose of suppressing (preventing) the overflow of water from the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10. A drainage means may be provided.

  Here, for example, in a fuel cell device that stores condensed water in the condensed water tank 19 (water tank 10) after the condensed water is treated by the condensed water treatment means, the water treated by the condensed water treatment means is drained as it is. There is. Therefore, the condensed water treatment means treats more water than necessary for the reformer 4, and as a result, the life of the condensed water treatment means may be shortened.

  On the other hand, in the fuel cell device, the water required by the reformer 4 is processed by the condensed water processing means according to the request of the reformer 4 and supplied to the reformer 4 by a water pump or the like after the processing is completed. Since the water required for the reformer 4 is treated by the condensed water treatment means each time and then supplied to the reformer 4 by a water pump or the like, the reformer 4 requires water. There may be a time lag between the timing and the timing at which water is supplied to the reformer 4, and the reformer 4 may fail.

  Therefore, the present invention can immediately supply the water required by the reformer 4 according to the demand of the reformer 4, and prolong the life of the condensed water treatment means for treating the condensed water. It aims at providing the fuel cell device which can do, and it explains in full detail below.

  FIG. 2 shows the condensed water tank 19, the water tank 10, and the water supply pipes connected to these in the fuel cell apparatus of the present invention.

  The condensed water generated when heat is exchanged by the heat exchanger 13 flows through the condensed water supply pipe 21 and is stored in the condensed water tank 19. Here, one end of the condensed water supply pipe 21 is connected to the upper wall of the condensed water tank 19. Thereby, the condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 13 is dropped from the upper surface of the condensed water tank 19 (flows by natural fall) and stored in the condensed water tank 19.

In addition, it is preferable to provide a connection site | part with the heat exchanger 13 which is the other end of the condensed water supply pipe | tube 21 so that it may become a position higher than the condensed water tank 19. FIG. Thereby, the condensed water flows through the condensed water supply pipe 21 by natural fall and is supplied to the condensed water tank 19.
The condensed water supply pipe 21 is preferably a linear condensed water supply pipe 21 with as few bent portions as possible so that the condensed water can be easily stored in the condensed water tank 19. Therefore, for example, the condensed water supply pipe 21 is preferably disposed so as to be parallel to the height direction of the condensed water tank 19 and to be vertically joined to the upper surface of the condensed water tank 19.

  Here, the condensed water tank 19 is positioned below the upper partition member 24 and the condensed water introduction portion 25 positioned above the upper partition member 24 by the upper partition member 24 provided in the condensed water tank 19. The condensate treatment unit 26 includes condensate treatment means 22 for converting the condensed water into pure water. In addition, as the upper partition member 24, for example, a member having a mesh structure, a mesh member, or the like can be used so that water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21 flows to the condensed water treatment unit 26.

  Here, since the condensed water introduction part 25 and the condensed water processing part 26 are arranged vertically, the condensed water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21 flows through the condensed water introduction part 25, and then the condensed water. It flows through the processing unit 26. Then, the condensed water is processed into pure water in the process of flowing from the upper part to the lower part through the condensed water treatment unit 26 including the condensed water treatment means 22. That is, the water at the lower end side of the condensed water treatment unit 26 is pure water.

  By the way, the water level of the condensed water tank 19 rises according to the amount of condensed water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21 and the amount of water supplied to the reformer 4. And the water level of the condensed water tank 19 may be located in the condensed water introduction part 25. In this case, the condensed water supplied through the condensed water supply pipe 21 cannot flow to the condensed water treatment unit 26 side any more.

  Here, the condensed water drain pipe 23 is connected to a position (side surface of the condensed water introduction part 25) lower than the connection part of the condensed water introduction part 25 of the condensed water tank 19 with the condensed water supply pipe 21. The condensed water drain pipe 23 only needs to be connected to a position lower than the connection part of the condensed water introduction part 25 with the condensed water supply pipe 21, but the condensed water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21 is condensed. In order to suppress mixing with water stored in the water treatment unit 26, it is preferably connected to the upper end side of the condensed water tank 19.

  Thereby, when the water level of the condensed water tank 19 is located in the condensed water introduction part 25, the condensed water that flows through the condensed water supply pipe 21 and is supplied to the condensed water introduction part 25 is the condensed water introduction part. From 25, it will flow through the condensed water drain pipe 23 and be drained. The condensed water drained thereby can be prevented from coming into contact with the condensed water treatment means 22.

  Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the amount of condensed water exceeding the necessary amount from flowing into the condensed water treatment unit 26, the condensed water treatment means 22 provided in the condensed water tank 19 (condensed water treatment unit 26) is wasted. This can be suppressed and the life of the condensed water treatment means 22 can be extended.

  In addition, as the condensed water processing means 22, what can be made into pure water by processing condensed water can be used, but it is provided (filled) in the condensed water tank 19 (condensed water processing unit 26). ), Ease of replacement of the condensate treatment means 22, efficiency of condensate treatment, and the like, the ion exchange resin (hereinafter, the condensate treatment means will be described as an ion exchange resin). In some cases, it may be abbreviated as “resin 22”. For example, spherical ion exchange resin 22 may be used. It should be noted that the ion exchange resin 22 provided in the condensed water treatment unit 26 is appropriately selected depending on the purity of the condensed water, the size of the condensed water tank 19, the size of the ion exchange resin 22, and the like. 26) can be provided.

  As described above, the condensed water tank 19, the condensed water supply pipe 21, the condensed water treatment means 22, the condensed water drain pipe 23 and the upper partition member 24 are provided, so that the condensed water treatment means (ion exchange resin) is provided. The lifetime of 22 can be extended.

  In FIG. 2, the condensed water tank 19 is connected to the water tank 10 by a tank connecting pipe 20. Here, the water tank 10 stores water after water (tap water or the like) supplied from the outside is treated by the water treatment means X. Therefore, the tank connecting pipe 20 is preferably connected so that the water in the condensed water tank 19 flows into the water tank 10. The water tank 10 and the tank connection pipe 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, a water supply pipe for supplying water to the reformer 4 is connected to the lower end side of the water tank 10, but water in the water tank can be supplied to the reformer 4. There is no particular limitation on the arrangement of the connection portion of the water supply pipe.

  In FIG. 3, a condensed water tank 19 and a water tank 10 for storing water supplied from outside (water after being processed by the water treatment device X) are connected by a tank connecting pipe 20. This shows that the condensed water tank 19 is provided with an upper partition member 24 and a lower partition member 27.

  The amount of condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 13 varies with the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 1 and the temperature of the water flowing through the circulation pump 17. Therefore, when the amount of condensed water generated by heat exchange decreases, it is preferable to supply water supplied from the outside to the reformer 4. Incidentally, when water supplied from the outside is supplied to the reformer 4, it can be mixed with condensed water (condensed water after being processed by the condensed water treatment means 22) and supplied to the reformer 4. .

  Here, since the water supplied from the outside can be made into pure water by the water treatment apparatus X described above, it is preferable that the water in the condensed water tank 19 is supplied to the water tank 10. Thereby, it can suppress (prevent) that the lifetime of the ion exchange resin 22 becomes short. In addition, when the supply of water from the condensed water tank 19 decreases, water from the outside can be supplied to the water tank 10, so that the water supplied to the reformer 4 is depleted. Can be suppressed.

  Here, the condensed water tank 19 is provided with an upper partition member 24 and a lower partition member 27, so that the condensed water tank 19 is located above the upper partition member 24 and is supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21. Condensed water provided with condensed water introduction means 25 for introducing the condensed water, and between the upper partition member 24 and the lower partition member 27 and having condensed water treatment means 22 for converting the condensed water into pure water The processing unit 26 is positioned below the lower partition member 27 and is divided into a treated water supply unit 28 for supplying condensed water treated by the condensed water processing unit 26 to the reformer.

  Thereby, the condensed water supplied from the condensed water supply pipe 21 flows through the condensed water processing section 26 after flowing through the condensed water introducing section 25. Then, the condensed water is processed into pure water in the process of flowing from the upper part to the lower part through the condensed water treatment unit 26 including the condensed water treatment means 22. The pure water generated by the condensed water treatment unit 26 is stored in the treated water supply unit 28.

  Therefore, in supplying the water of the condensed water tank 19 to the water tank 10, by supplying water to the water tank 10 from the treated water supply unit 28 in which the water treated in the condensed water treatment unit 26 is stored. The treated condensed water (pure water) can be supplied to the water tank 10.

  As the lower partition member 27, a member having a mesh structure, a mesh member, or the like can be used so that water treated by the condensed water treatment unit 26 flows to the treated water supply unit 28. Further, in the case of using a mesh-like structure member or mesh member as the lower partition member 27, the size of the condensed water treatment means 22 is set so that the condensed water treatment means 22 does not fall into the treated water supply unit 28. It is preferable to have a mesh size or mesh pore size.

  Here, in FIG. 3, the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 are connected by a tank connecting pipe 20, but the tank connecting pipe 20 is connected to the water tank from the condensed water tank 19 (treated water supply unit 28). It is preferable that one end is connected to the treated water supply unit 28 and the other end is connected to the water tank 10 at the same height as the one end or lower than the other end so that the water flows to 10. As a result, water (pure water) in the treated water supply unit 28 easily flows to the water tank 10, and the water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4. The tank connecting pipe 20 preferably has a linear shape, and is preferably disposed so as to connect the side surface of the condensed water tank 19 and the side surface of the water tank 10. Here, one end of the tank connection pipe 20 is only required to be connected to the treated water supply unit 28, but the treated water supply unit 28 can be supplied with more water from the condensed water tank 19 to the water tank 10. It is preferable to connect to the lower end side.

  In addition, since one end of the tank connection pipe 20 is connected to the treated water supply unit 28, for example, the tank connection pipe 20 is clogged with the ion exchange resin 22, and the water in the condensed water tank 19 can be supplied to the water tank 10. It is possible to effectively suppress (prevent) things that cannot be done.

  Further, when the other end of the connecting pipe 20 connected to the water tank 10 is positioned higher than one end connected to the treated water supply unit 28, the water in the treated water supply unit 28 is used by using a water pump or the like. Can also flow into the water tank 10.

  In FIG. 3 as well, the condensed water drain pipe 23 is connected to a position (side surface of the condensed water introducing section 25) lower than the connecting section of the condensed water introducing section 25 to the condensed water supply pipe 21 as described above. When the water level of the condensed water tank 19 is located at the condensed water introduction part 25, the condensed water that flows through the condensed water supply pipe 21 and is supplied to the condensed water introduction part 25 is from the condensed water introduction part 25. It will drain through the condensed water drain pipe 23. The condensed water drained thereby can be prevented from coming into contact with the condensed water treatment means 22.

  Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the amount of condensed water exceeding the necessary amount from flowing into the condensed water treatment unit 26, the condensed water treatment means 22 provided in the condensed water tank 19 (condensed water treatment unit 26) is wasted. This can be suppressed and the life of the condensed water treatment means 22 can be extended.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the upper limit water level of the water stored in the water tank 10 is the same height as or higher than the connection part of the condensed water drain pipe 23. In FIG. The state which made the upper limit water level the same height as the connection site | part of the condensed water drainage pipe 23 is shown.

  Thereby, since the upper limit water level of the water stored in the water tank 10 is the same as or higher than the connection part of the condensed water drain pipe 23, the amount of condensed water that can be stored in the condensed water tank 19 is increased. be able to. That is, the condensed water can be stored up to the condensed water introduction part 25.

  On the other hand, when the amount of condensed water generated (supply amount) decreases and water supplied from the outside is supplied to the water tank 10, the upper limit level of the water stored in the water tank 10 is the condensed water drain pipe 23. Accordingly, the amount of water that can be stored in the water tank 10 can be increased according to the amount of water supplied from the outside. In this case, a backflow prevention member (for example, a backflow prevention valve) may be provided in the tank connection pipe 20 so that the water in the water tank 10 does not flow back to the condensed water tank 19.

  FIG. 4 shows that the water tank drain pipe 29 is provided in the water tank 10, and that the water tank drain pipe 29 is connected to the water tank 10 at a position higher than the connection part of the condensed water drain pipe 23. It is shown.

  Here, since the water tank drain pipe 29 and the water tank 10 are connected at a position higher than the connection portion of the condensed water drain pipe 23, the condensed water tank 19 is used when the condensed water is used preferentially. When the water level stored in the water tank 10 reaches a predetermined water level, the condensed water flowing through the condensed water supply pipe 21 is suppressed from flowing to the condensed water treatment unit 26 and drained from the condensed water drain pipe 23. Will be.

  Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the condensed water flowing through the condensed water supply pipe 21 from flowing to the condensed water processing unit 26, it is possible to treat more condensed water than the amount required by the reformer 4 with the ion exchange resin 22. Therefore, the life of the ion exchange resin 22 can be extended.

  Further, when water supplied from the outside is stored in the water tank 10, the water level stored in the water tank 10 may be higher (water level) than the connection portion of the condensed water drain pipe 23.

  Here, by providing the water tank drain pipe 24 in the water tank 10, when water supplied from the outside is stored in the water tank 10, when the water level of the water tank 10 exceeds a predetermined level, It is possible to effectively suppress (prevent) the water stored in the tank 10 from flowing through the water tank drain pipe 24 and being discharged and overflowing the water tank 10.

  As described above, in the present invention, the condensed water generated during the heat exchange between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell and water is recovered, and the recovered condensed water is preferentially supplied to the reformer 4. However, when the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 decreases and the water level of the water tank 10 becomes a predetermined water level or less, the water supplied from the outside can be supplied to the reformer 4. preferable.

  Therefore, the water supplied from the outside is supplied to the water treatment device X, and the water supply pipe 5 for supplying the water treated by the water treatment device X to the water tank 10 is upstream of the water treatment device X. In addition, a water supply valve 6 for adjusting the amount of water supplied from the outside is provided, and when water stored in the water tank 10 falls below a predetermined water level, water supplied from the outside is supplied to the water tank. It is preferable to provide the control apparatus 14 which controls the water supply valve 6 so that it may store water (refer FIG. 1).

  Thereby, when the water level of the water tank 10 decreases and falls below a predetermined water level, water supplied from the outside can be stored in the water tank 10, so that the water supplied to the reformer 4 is depleted. Can be suppressed.

  Specifically, a water level sensor (float switch, conductivity sensor, etc.) is provided in the water tank 10. The water level information of the water tank 10 detected by the water level sensor is transmitted to the control device 14. The control device 14 transmits a signal for opening the water supply valve 6 to the water supply valve 6 when the water level of the water tank 10 falls below a predetermined water level. Thereby, the water supply valve 6 is opened, and water (tap water etc.) supplied from the outside is supplied. The water supplied from the outside is sequentially processed by the activated carbon filter device 7, the RO membrane device 8 and the ion exchange resin device 9 which are the water treatment means X, and the treated water is stored in the water tank 10. An electromagnetic valve or the like can be used as the water supply valve 6.

  On the other hand, when water from the outside is supplied to the water tank 10, when the water level in the water tank 10 exceeds a predetermined water level, information that exceeds the predetermined water level is transmitted to the control device 14, and control is performed. The device 14 transmits a signal for closing the water supply valve 6 to the water supply valve 6. Thereby, the water supplied from the outside can be stopped.

  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 in FIG. In this case, for example, the arrangement (height) of the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 is preferably changed so that the water in the condensed water tank 19 flows into the water tank 10.

  Further, for example, when the water level in the water tank 10 falls below a predetermined water level (lower limit water level), the reforming reaction in the reformer 4 can be switched from steam reforming to partial oxidation reforming. In this case, even when the water level of the water tank 10 falls below the lower limit water level, the fuel cell 1 can continue to generate power.

  In addition, when water supplied from the outside is supplied to the water tank 10, a water flow sensor such as a conductivity sensor can be provided in the water tank drain pipe 24. In this case, for example, when the water level of the water tank 10 exceeds a predetermined water level and the control device 14 transmits a signal for closing the water supply valve 6 to the water supply valve 6 and a predetermined time has elapsed, the water flow sensor such as the conductivity sensor When the flow is detected, it can be determined that the water supply valve 6 has failed. In this case, an alarm device for notifying the failure of the water supply valve 6 may be provided.

  Further, for example, the ion exchange resin 22 can be filled into a cylindrical container formed of a mesh member, and the cylindrical container can be inserted into the condensed water tank 19. In this case, the upper surface of the cylindrical container can be the upper partition member 24, and the bottom surface can be the lower partition member 27. By using such a cylindrical container, the ion exchange resin 22 can be easily exchanged without draining the water in the condensed water tank 19 when the ion exchange resin 22 is exchanged.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. The condensate drain pipe is connected to a position lower than the condensate water supply pipe connected to the condensate water supply section where the condensate water supply pipe is connected to the upper wall. It is explanatory drawing which extracts and shows a part of fuel cell apparatus of this invention which shows having been carried out. An upper partition member and a lower partition member are provided in the condensed water tank, and the condensed water tank is divided into a condensed water introduction unit, a condensed water processing unit, and a treated water supply unit, and the treated water supply unit, the water tank, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of still another configuration of the fuel cell device of the present invention showing that are connected by a tank connecting pipe. It is explanatory drawing which extracts and shows an example of the further another structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention which shows that the water tank drain pipe is connected to the water tank in the position higher than the connection site | part of a condensed water drain pipe.

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 connecting pipe 21: Condensed water supply pipe 22: Condensed water treatment means 23: Condensed water drain pipe 24: Upper partition member 25: Condensed water introduction part 26: Condensed water processing part 27: Lower partition Member 28: Treated water supply unit 29: Water tank drain pipe X: Water treatment device

Claims (7)

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, an upper wall of the condensed water tank and the heat exchanger are connected, and the heat exchanger generates the And a condensed water supply pipe for supplying condensed water to the condensed water tank, wherein the condensed water tank is separated from the upper partition by an upper partition member provided in the condensed water tank. A condensate introduction section located above the member and a condensate treatment section located below the upper partition member and including a condensate treatment means for converting the condensed water into pure water. The condensed water supply of the condensed water introduction part And of a position lower than the connecting portion, a fuel cell system, characterized in that the condensed water drain pipe for draining the condensed water is connected. 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, an upper wall of the condensed water tank and the heat exchanger are connected, and the heat exchanger generates the A condensed water supply pipe for supplying condensed water to the condensed water tank, wherein the condensed water tank includes an upper partition member and a lower partition member provided in the condensed water tank; The condensate water introduction unit located above the upper partition member and the condensate treatment means located between the upper partition member and the lower partition member for condensate treatment to make the condensed water pure water Below the water treatment section and the lower partition member And is divided into a treated water supply part for supplying condensed water treated in the condensed water treatment part to the reformer, and the condensed water supply pipe of the condensed water introduction part A fuel cell device, wherein a condensate drain pipe for draining the condensate is connected to a position lower than the connecting portion. The fuel cell apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the condensed water treatment means is an ion exchange resin. A water treatment device for treating water supplied from the outside and a water tank for storing water treated by the water treatment device, and water stored in the condensed water tank is A tank connecting pipe having one end connected to the treated water supply unit and the other end connected to the water tank at the same height as the one end or lower than the one end so that the water tank is supplied. The fuel cell device according to claim 2, wherein the fuel cell device is provided. 5. The fuel cell device according to claim 4, wherein an upper limit water level of water stored in the water tank is equal to or higher than a connection portion of the condensed water drain pipe. 6. The fuel cell device according to claim 4, further comprising a water tank drain pipe connected to the water tank at a position higher than a height of a connection portion of the condensed water drain pipe. A water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from the outside to the water treatment apparatus and for supplying water treated by the water treatment apparatus to the water tank, the water treatment apparatus of the water supply pipe A water supply valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied from the outside is provided on the upstream side, and when the water stored in the water tank falls below a predetermined water level, The fuel cell device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a control device that controls the water supply valve so as to store the supplied water in the water tank.

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