JP2009037867A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system of stably supplying water and suppressing deterioration of performance and durability by arranging respective equipments for every operational temperature and function and minimizing diffusion of heat and fluid, and by inhibiting air biting of a water supply device as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system 10 includes the water supply device 20 to supply water to a fuel cell module 12, a resin-made water container 21 to supply water to the water supply device 20, an ion-exchange device 23 to remove impurities contained in the water supplied from the water container 21 and to supply the impurity-removed water to the water supply device 20, and a condenser 25 to condense steam in exhaust gas exhausted from the fuel cell module 12 and to supply condensed water to the water container 21, and the water supply device 20 is arranged at the lowest position and at most downstream. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system in which a fuel cell module, a combustor, a fuel gas supply device, an oxidant gas supply device, a water supply device, a water container, a power conversion device, and a control device are housed in a casing.

  In general, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) uses an oxide ion conductor, for example, stabilized zirconia, as a solid electrolyte, and an electrolyte / electrode in which an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are disposed on both sides of the solid electrolyte. The joined body is sandwiched between separators (bipolar plates). This fuel cell is normally used as a fuel cell stack in which a predetermined number of electrolyte / electrode assemblies and separators are laminated.

  As the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell, hydrogen gas generated from a hydrocarbon-based raw fuel by a reformer is usually used. In a reformer, generally, after obtaining a reforming raw material gas from a hydrocarbon-based raw fuel such as fossil fuels such as methane and LNG, steam reforming, partial oxidation reforming, or A reformed gas (fuel gas) is generated by performing autothermal reforming or the like.

  In this case, a fuel cell system in which a fuel cell, a reformer, a power conversion device that converts DC power generated in the fuel cell into a power output specification, a control device, and auxiliary devices are built in a single unit case ( Fuel cell devices) are known.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the fuel cell device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a package 1, and a purification device 2, an ion exchange device 3, and a desulfurizer 4 that are parts requiring maintenance are It is disposed in the vicinity of the front panel 5 which is the outer panel of the package 1.

  As a result, the parts requiring maintenance are arranged not in the package 1 but in the vicinity of the front panel 5 that forms the outline of the apparatus main body. Therefore, it is said that maintenance can be easily performed for parts that need replacement or regeneration in order to continue operation of the fuel cell device.

  In general, in a configuration in which steam reforming is performed, it is necessary to replenish water in order to ensure the amount of steam used for the reforming reaction. At that time, various proposals have been made in order to eliminate the need for water supply from the outside and suppress the loss of auxiliary equipment to improve the system efficiency.

  For example, in the solid oxide fuel cell system disclosed in Patent Document 2, as shown in FIG. 11, a reformer 1a that generates a hydrogen-rich reformed gas and water for reforming fuel are heated. Water heating means 2a, fuel cell 3a, water / heat recovery unit 4a for recovering water and heat from exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 3a, and water for storing water recovered by the water / heat recovery unit 4a A recovery tank 5a and a pump 6a for supplying water from the water recovery tank 5a to the water heating means 2a are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the water recovery device for a fuel cell power generator disclosed in Patent Document 3 includes a fuel cell module 3b that houses a fuel cell stack 1b and a fuel reformer 2b. The water vapor in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module 3b is liquefied by a condenser including the heat recovery device 4b and the natural cooling unit 5b, and the liquefied water is supplied to the fuel cell module 3b. . At that time, a water tank 6b for collecting water is disposed downstream of the condenser, and water is supplied to the fuel cell module 3b using the water pressure of the water tank 6b.

JP 2006-140164 A JP 2006-309982 A JP 2006-236598 A

  However, in said patent document 1, arrangement | positioning (layout) which considered the operating temperature and function of each apparatus is not made. For this reason, particularly when high-temperature fuel cells (solid oxide fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, etc.) and medium-temperature fuel cells (phosphoric acid fuel cells, hydrogen separation membrane fuel cells, etc.) are used. There is a problem that the low temperature portion where the operating temperature is low is easily affected by diffusion of heat and fluid.

  Further, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, no consideration is given to the mutual arrangement relationship of the water / heat recovery unit 4a, the water recovery tank 5a, and the pump 6a. Therefore, in particular, when air biting occurs in the pump 6a, there is a problem that the pump 6a deteriorates, voltage fluctuations and coking occur, and power generation and durability are reduced.

  Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, the flow rate of water supplied to the fuel cell module 3b is controlled only by the water pressure (water head pressure) of the water tank 6b. There is a problem that decreases.

  In addition, when a difference in pressure loss is induced in the system due to long-term power generation or the like, the flow rate of water supplied to the fuel cell module 3b changes. Thereby, there exists a problem that it becomes difficult to maintain optimal S / C (steam / carbon).

  Moreover, the water tank 6b must be disposed on the side upper side of the fuel cell module 3b in order to use the water head pressure. For this reason, the freedom degree of the layout of the whole system falls, and when water leaks from the water tank 6b, there is a concern about the influence on other facilities.

  The present invention solves this kind of problem and arranges each device for each operating temperature and function to minimize the diffusion of heat and fluid and to prevent the air supply device from being caught by air as much as possible. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system that stably supplies water and suppresses deterioration in performance and durability.

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell module that generates power by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, a combustor that raises the temperature of the fuel cell module, and a fuel gas supply device that supplies the fuel gas to the fuel cell module An oxidant gas supply device for supplying the oxidant gas to the fuel cell module, a water supply device for supplying water to the fuel cell module, a water container for supplying water to the water supply device, and the fuel The present invention relates to a fuel cell system that houses a power conversion device that converts DC power generated in a battery module into required specification power and a control device that controls the amount of power generated by the fuel cell module.

  The casing includes a module unit in which the fuel cell module and the combustor are disposed, a fuel gas supply device, an oxidant gas supply device, a water supply device, and a water container, while the water supply device is at the bottom. The module part having a polygonal shape in plan view is divided into a fluid supply part disposed at the most downstream position and an electrical part in which the power conversion device and the control device are disposed. It has a first side surface and a second side surface, the fluid supply unit is disposed on the first side surface side, and the electrical component is disposed on the second side surface side.

  The fluid supply unit includes an ion exchange device that removes impurities contained in water supplied from a water container, and supplies the water from which the impurities have been removed to a water supply device, and the ion exchange device includes: It is preferable to arrange below and downstream of the water container. For this reason, when water is supplied from the water container to the ion exchange device, generation of bubbles in the ion exchange device can be suppressed by utilizing the water head pressure. Moreover, even if a foreign substance such as silica is mixed in the water container, mixing into the fuel cell module can be suppressed by the ion exchange device.

  And since an ion exchange apparatus is arrange | positioned upstream from a water supply apparatus, the high pressure (water pressure) by the said water supply apparatus is not provided to the said ion exchange apparatus. Thereby, it becomes possible to maintain the durability, life, and sealability of the ion exchange device well.

  The fluid supply unit further includes a condenser that condenses water vapor in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module and supplies the condensed water to a water container, the condenser being above and upstream of the water container. It is preferable to arrange | position. Therefore, the moisture in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module is efficiently recovered by the gravity with respect to the water container.

  Furthermore, the water container is preferably made of a resin material. For this reason, for example, even when water is stored in the water container for a long time while the operation of the fuel cell system is stopped, it is possible to prevent the metal ions from being eluted into the water as much as possible. As a result, optimal water is supplied to the fuel cell module, and further, the durability is improved by reducing the load on the ion exchanger by realizing a circulation system (recycling system) using pure water instead of tap water. Easy to plan.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a housing | casing is provided with the opening-and-closing door which can open and close a module part, a fluid supply part, and an electrical equipment part. Thus, maintenance and maintenance corresponding to each device are efficiently performed.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the housing includes a rotation mechanism that can rotate around a vertical axis. For this reason, by rotating the housing, the open / close door that opens and closes the module unit, fluid supply unit, or electrical unit can be placed at a position that is easy for the operator to open and close, and maintenance and workability of the maintenance are good. improves.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that a housing | casing divides | segments a module part, a fluid supply part, and an electrical equipment part with a vertical partition plate along a horizontal direction. Since it is divided into a module part, a fluid supply part, and an electrical part for each operating temperature and each function, diffusion of heat and fluid can be minimized, and it can be arranged well in terms of function. And the fluid supply part comprises the outer wall part of a housing | casing, Cooling of the said fluid supply part is accelerated | stimulated and it is hard to raise in temperature. Similarly, the electrical component also constitutes the outer wall of the housing, and cooling of the electrical component is promoted, making it difficult to increase the temperature.

  Further, the fuel cell module is preferably a high-temperature fuel cell system, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) module, whereby a good effect can be obtained.

  Further, the solid oxide fuel cell module includes a solid oxide fuel cell in which an electrolyte / electrode assembly configured by sandwiching at least a solid electrolyte between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode and a separator are stacked, The solid oxide fuel cell stack in which the solid oxide fuel cells are stacked, a heat exchanger that heats an oxidant gas before supplying the solid oxide fuel cell stack, and a hydrocarbon as a main component In order to generate a mixed fuel of raw fuel and water vapor, it is preferable to include an evaporator that evaporates water and a reformer that reforms the mixed fuel to generate a reformed gas.

  According to the present invention, the housing includes a module unit that accommodates the fuel cell module and the combustor, a fuel gas supply device, an oxidant gas supply device, a water supply device, and a fluid supply unit in which the water container is disposed. The power conversion device and the control device are divided into electrical parts. For this reason, the inside of the housing is divided for each operating temperature and for each function, so that the diffusion of heat and fluid is minimized, and an optimal arrangement for the function can be performed.

  Furthermore, a fluid supply unit is disposed on the first side surface side of the module unit. Therefore, the fluid supply part constitutes the outer wall part of the housing, and cooling of the fluid supply part is promoted, and it is difficult to increase the temperature. Similarly, an electrical component is disposed on the second side surface side of the module unit. For this reason, the electrical equipment part constitutes the outer wall part of the housing, and cooling of the electrical equipment part is promoted and it is difficult to increase the temperature. As a result, devices that are used at a relatively low temperature, for example, a fluid supply unit including pumps and an electrical component including a control device are prevented from being affected by heat as much as possible. It is possible to operate while maintaining the above.

  Furthermore, in the fluid supply unit, a fuel gas supply device, an oxidant gas supply device, a water supply device, and a water container are disposed, and the water supply device is disposed at the lowest position and the most downstream. Therefore, even if a water leak occurs from the water supply device, it is possible to prevent other devices from being affected by the water leak.

  In addition, since water is supplied from the water container to the water supply device by the water head pressure, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the occurrence of air biting in the water supply device. Thereby, it is possible to effectively avoid performance degradation of the water supply device, air mixing into the reformer, carbon adhesion (coking) to the electrode, and instability of the power generation voltage of the fuel cell module.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration explanatory view showing a mechanical circuit of a fuel cell system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of the fuel cell system 10, FIG. 3 is an explanatory plan view of the fuel cell system 10, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory front view of the fuel cell system 10. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the fuel cell system 10.

  The fuel cell system 10 is used for various purposes such as in-vehicle use as well as stationary use. The fuel cell system 10 includes a fuel cell module 12 that generates power by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas (hydrogen gas) and an oxidant gas (air), and a combustor (for example, a torch heater) 14 that raises the temperature of the fuel cell module 12. A fuel gas supply device (including a fuel gas pump) 16 for supplying raw fuel (for example, city gas) to the fuel cell module 12, and an oxidant gas supply device for supplying the oxidant gas to the fuel cell module 12. (Including an air pump) 18, a water supply device (including a water pump) 20 that supplies water to the fuel cell module 12, a resin water container 21 that supplies water to the water supply device 20, and the water An ion exchange device that removes impurities contained in water supplied from the container 21 and supplies the water from which the impurities have been removed to the water supply device 20 ( ON-exchange filter) 23, a condenser (heat exchanger) 25 for condensing water vapor in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module 12, and supplying the condensed water to the water container 21, and the fuel cell module 12 includes a power conversion device 22 that converts the DC power generated in 12 into required specification power, and a control device 24 that controls the amount of power generated by the fuel cell module 12, and these are housed in a single casing 26.

  Although not shown, the fuel cell module 12 is, for example, an electrolyte / electrode joint configured by sandwiching a solid electrolyte (solid oxide) composed of an oxide ion conductor such as stabilized zirconia between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. A solid oxide fuel cell 32 in which the body 28 and the separator 30 are stacked is provided, and a solid oxide fuel cell stack 34 in which the plurality of fuel cells 32 are stacked in the vertical direction is provided (see FIG. 6). .

  As shown in FIG. 4, on the upper end side in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 34, a heat exchanger 36 for heating before supplying the oxidant gas to the fuel cell stack 34, and a mixed fuel of desulfurized raw fuel and steam In order to produce the above, an evaporator 38 for evaporating water and a reformer 40 for reforming the mixed fuel to produce a reformed gas are disposed.

  At the lower end side in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 34, a load applying mechanism 42 for applying a tightening load along the stacking direction (arrow A direction) to the fuel cells 32 constituting the fuel cell stack 34 is disposed. (See FIG. 5).

The reformer 40 removes higher hydrocarbons (C ₂₊ ) such as ethane (C ₂ H ₆ ), propane (C ₃ H ₆ ), and butane (C ₄ H ₁₀ ) contained in city gas (fuel gas). , A pre-reformer for steam reforming to a fuel gas mainly containing methane (CH ₄ ), and is set to an operating temperature of several hundred degrees Celsius.

  The fuel cell 32 has an operating temperature as high as several hundred degrees Celsius, and the electrolyte / electrode assembly 28 reforms methane in the fuel gas to obtain hydrogen, which is supplied to the anode electrode.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the heat exchanger 36 includes a first exhaust gas passage 44 for flowing used reaction gas (hereinafter also referred to as exhaust gas or combustion exhaust gas) discharged from the fuel cell stack 34, and a heated fluid. It has an air passage 46 for flowing certain air in the counterflow with the exhaust gas. The first exhaust gas passage 44 communicates with a second exhaust gas passage 48 for supplying exhaust gas as a heat source for evaporating water to the evaporator 38. The second exhaust gas passage 48 communicates with the exhaust pipe 50. The upstream side of the air passage 46 communicates with the air supply pipe 52, and the downstream side of the air passage 46 communicates with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 53 of the fuel cell stack 34.

  The evaporator 38 employs a double pipe structure including an outer pipe member 54 a and an inner pipe member 54 b disposed coaxially with each other, and the double pipe is disposed in the second exhaust gas passage 48. A raw fuel passage 56 is formed between the outer tube member 54a and the inner tube member 54b, and a water passage 58 is formed in the inner tube member 54b. The second exhaust gas passage 48 of the evaporator 38 communicates with the main exhaust pipe 60.

  A mixed fuel supply pipe 62 connected to the inlet of the reformer 40 is connected to the outer pipe member 54a. One end of the reformed gas supply path 64 is connected to the outlet side of the reformer 40, and the other end of the reformed gas supply path 64 communicates with the fuel gas supply communication hole 66 of the fuel cell stack 34. . The fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 are surrounded by a heat insulating material 68 (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel gas supply device 16 is connected to the raw fuel passage 56. The oxidant gas supply device 18 is connected to an air supply pipe 52, and an air branch passage 86 is connected to a switching valve 84 provided in the middle of the air supply pipe 52. The air branch passage 86 is connected to the combustor 14. The combustor 14 includes, for example, a torch heater, and is supplied with air and current.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, a water container 21 is connected downstream of the condenser 25, an ion exchange device 23 is connected downstream of the water container 21, and further, A water supply device 20 is connected downstream. A water passage 58 communicates with the water supply device 20.

  The fuel gas supply device 16, the oxidant gas supply device 18, and the water supply device 20 are controlled by a control device 24, and a detector 88 that detects fuel gas is electrically connected to the control device 24. . For example, a commercial power supply 90 (or a load, a secondary battery, or the like) is connected to the power conversion device 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the housing 26 has an outer frame 92 having a rectangular shape as a whole. In the outer frame 92, the casing 26 is divided into a first vertical partition 94 for dividing the interior of the casing 26 in the direction of arrow B (horizontal direction) and an arrow C direction (horizontal direction intersecting with the arrow B direction). The second vertical partition plate 96 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the module portion 98 having a quadrangular shape (polygonal shape) in plan view is formed by the first vertical partition plate 94 and the second side surface which are the first side surface with one corner portion interposed therebetween. A second vertical partition plate 96 is provided. The fluid supply unit 100 is disposed on the first vertical partition plate 94 side, while the electrical component unit 102 is disposed on the second vertical partition plate 96 side, whereby the fluid supply unit 100 and the electrical component unit 102 are disposed. Respectively constitute the outer wall portion of the housing 26.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the module unit 98 houses the fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14, and the fuel cell module 12 is disposed above the combustor 14. The fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 are accommodated in a heat insulating material 68. A power conversion device 22 and a control device 24 are disposed in the electrical component unit 102. 2 and 3, the electrical component 102 is set to have a larger volume than the fluid supply unit 100, but the fluid supply unit 100 is set to a larger volume than the electrical component 102. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid supply unit 100 is vertically divided into a first supply unit 106 and a second supply unit 108 via a horizontal partition plate 104. The first supply unit 106 accommodates the fuel gas supply device 16 and the detector 88, and the detector 88 is disposed above the fuel gas supply device 16.

  The second supply unit 108 includes an oxidant gas supply device 18, a condenser 25, a water container 21, an ion exchange device 23, and a water supply device 20, and the water supply device 20 is connected to the fluid supply unit 100. It is arranged at the lowest position and the most downstream. A water container 21 is disposed below and downstream of the condenser 25, an ion exchange device 23 is disposed below and downstream of the water container 21, and a water supply device 20 is disposed below and downstream of the ion exchange device 23. .

  The oxidant gas supply device 18 and the condenser 25 are held in the second supply unit 108 through the mounting table 110a, the water container 21 is held through the mounting table 110b, and the ion exchange device 23 is installed in the mounting table. 110c.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the casing 26 has a quadrangular shape in plan view, and a first opening / closing door 112 a, a second opening / closing door 112 b, and a third opening / closing door that can freely open and close each side surface of the casing 26. 112c and a fourth open / close door 112d. One end portions of the first opening / closing door 112a to the fourth opening / closing door 112d are supported by a hinge (or hinge) 114 so as to be freely opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 92 of the housing 26.

  The first opening / closing door 112a integrally opens and closes a part of the module part 98 and the electrical component part 102, and the second opening / closing door 112b integrally opens and closes a part of the module part 98 and the fluid supply part 100. The third open / close door 112c integrally opens and closes a part of the fluid supply unit 100 and the electrical component 102, and the fourth open / close door 112d opens and closes the electrical component 102.

  The first opening / closing door 112a and the second opening / closing door 112b open / close only the module part 98, the third opening / closing door 112c opens / closes only the fluid supply part 100, and the fourth opening / closing door 112d opens only the electrical part 102. You may comprise so that it may open and close.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the casing 26 is configured to be rotatable around a vertical axis via a rotation mechanism 120. The rotating mechanism 120 employs a known structure such as a rotating table, for example.

  The operation of the fuel cell system 10 configured as described above will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, under the driving action of the fuel gas supply device 16, for example, city gas (including CH ₄ , C ₂ H ₆ , C ₃ H ₈ , and C ₄ H ₁₀ ) is provided in the raw fuel passage 56. The raw fuel such as is supplied. On the other hand, under the driving action of the water supply device 20, water is supplied to the water passage 58 and oxidant gas is supplied to the air supply pipe 52 via the oxidant gas supply device 18. Is supplied.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the evaporator 38, steam is mixed with the raw fuel flowing through the raw fuel passage 56 to obtain a mixed fuel, and this mixed fuel is supplied to the reformer 40 via the mixed fuel supply pipe 62. Supplied to the inlet. The mixed fuel is steam reformed in the reformer 40, and C ₂₊ hydrocarbons are removed (reformed) to obtain a reformed gas mainly composed of methane. The reformed gas is supplied to the fuel gas supply passage 66 of the fuel cell stack 34 through the reformed gas supply path 64 communicating with the outlet of the reformer 40. Therefore, methane in the reformed gas is reformed to obtain hydrogen gas, and the fuel gas containing the hydrogen gas as a main component is supplied to an anode electrode (not shown).

  On the other hand, when the air supplied from the air supply pipe 52 to the heat exchanger 36 moves along the air passage 46 of the heat exchanger 36, it moves between the exhaust gas described later moving along the first exhaust gas passage 44. In this case, heat exchange is performed, and the temperature is preheated to a desired temperature. The air heated by the heat exchanger 36 is supplied to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 53 of the fuel cell stack 34 and supplied to a cathode electrode (not shown).

  Therefore, in the electrolyte / electrode assembly 28, power generation is performed by an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas and air. The high-temperature (several hundred degrees Celsius) exhaust gas discharged to the outer periphery of each electrolyte / electrode assembly 28 exchanges heat with air through the first exhaust gas passage 44 of the heat exchanger 36, and this air is exchanged at a desired temperature. The temperature is lowered by heating.

  The exhaust gas moves along the second exhaust gas passage 48 to evaporate water passing through the water passage 58. The exhaust gas that has passed through the evaporator 38 is sent to the condenser 25 via the main exhaust pipe 60 to condense the water vapor, while exhaust gas components are discharged to the outside.

  In this case, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the inside of the casing 26 includes a module unit 98 in which the fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 are accommodated, a detector 88, and fuel gas supply. The fluid supply unit 100 in which the device 16, the oxidant gas supply device 18, the condenser 25, the water container 21, the ion exchange device 23, and the water supply device 20 are disposed, and the electrical equipment in which the power conversion device 22 and the control device 24 are disposed. It is divided into a part 102. For this reason, the inside of the housing | casing 26 is divided | segmented for every operating temperature and every function, While spreading | diffusion of a heat | fever and a fluid is minimized, optimal arrangement | positioning can be performed functionally.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the fluid supply unit 100 is disposed on the first side surface (first vertical partition plate 94) side of the module unit 98. Therefore, the fluid supply part 100 substantially constitutes the outer wall part of the casing 26, and the cooling of the fluid supply part 100 is promoted and it is difficult to increase the temperature. Similarly, on the second side surface (second vertical partition plate 96) side of the module unit 98, the electrical component unit 102 is disposed. For this reason, the electrical component part 102 substantially constitutes the outer wall part of the housing 26, and cooling of the electrical component part 102 is promoted and it is difficult to increase the temperature.

  As a result, the electrical component 102 including the control device 24 that needs to be maintained in the low temperature part (about 40 ° C.) and the fluid supply unit 100 including the pumps can reliably operate with good functions. There is an advantage of becoming.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first opening / closing door 112a, the second opening / closing door 112b, the third opening / closing door 112c, A fourth open / close door 112d is provided. Therefore, for example, when the maintenance of the module unit 98 is performed, it is only necessary to open the first opening / closing door 112a and / or the second opening / closing door 112b, and the maintenance work in the module unit 98 is easily performed.

  On the other hand, when performing maintenance and inspection of the control device 24 in the electrical component 102, it is only necessary to open only the fourth door 112d, and the maintenance and inspection work of the control device 24 is performed quickly and easily. Furthermore, when performing maintenance and inspection of the pumps of the fluid supply unit 100, it is only necessary to open only the third opening / closing door 112c, and maintenance and inspection work for the pumps can be performed quickly and easily. Thereby, there exists an effect that the maintenance according to every module part 98, the fluid supply part 100, and the electrical equipment part 102 and maintenance can be performed efficiently.

  At that time, the casing 26 is configured to be rotatable around the vertical axis via the rotation mechanism 120. Therefore, by rotating the casing 26, the first opening / closing door 112a, the second opening / closing door 112b, the third opening / closing door 112c, or the fourth opening / closing door 112d can be arranged at a position where the operator can easily open and close the door. There is an advantage that maintenance and maintenance workability are further improved.

  The interior of the housing 26 is divided into a module part 98, a fluid supply part 100, and an electrical component part 102 via a first vertical partition plate 94 and a second vertical partition plate 96. The module unit 98 includes the fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14, and the fluid supply unit 100 includes the detector 88, the fuel gas supply device 16, the oxidant gas supply device 18, the condenser 25, and the water container. 21, an ion exchange device 23 and a water supply device 20 are disposed, and a power conversion device 22 and a control device 24 are disposed in the electrical component 102.

  For this reason, the inside of the housing 26 is divided into a module unit 98, a fluid supply unit 100, and an electrical component unit 102 for each operating temperature and for each function, so that the diffusion of heat and fluid can be minimized and the function is good. It becomes possible to arrange. In addition, in the module part 98 that is a high temperature part, for example, the heat insulating material 68 that surrounds and insulates the fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 is configured to have a considerably thick wall, thereby suppressing the influence of heat to the outside. Is also possible.

  Further, although the fuel cell module 12 is constituted by a high-temperature fuel cell system, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) module, a good effect can be obtained. Thus, it can be suitably used for other high-temperature fuel cell modules and medium-temperature fuel cell modules. For example, a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), a hydrogen separation membrane fuel cell (HMFC) and the like can be favorably employed.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in the fluid supply unit 100, the water supply device 20 is disposed at the lowest position and the most downstream position. Therefore, even if a water leak occurs from the water supply device 20, it is possible to prevent other devices from being affected by the water leak.

  Moreover, the water container 21 is disposed above and upstream of the water supply device 20, and water is supplied from the water container 21 to the water supply device 20 by water head pressure. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of the air biting of the water supply apparatus 20 can be prevented as much as possible.

  This effectively reduces the performance of the water supply device 20, mixes air into the reformer 40, attaches carbon to the electrodes (particularly the anode electrode) (coking), and destabilizes the power generation voltage of the fuel cell module 12. The effect that it can prevent is acquired.

  The ion exchange device 23 is disposed below and downstream of the water container 21. Therefore, since water is supplied from the water container 21 to the ion exchange device 23 by water head pressure, generation of bubbles in the ion exchange device 23 can be suppressed.

  Here, if the ion exchange device 23 is disposed downstream of the water supply device 20, bubbles mixed in the ion exchange device 23 have a pressure buffering function. Therefore, a delay in water supply to the fuel cell module 12 occurs, causing carbon adhesion, which may reduce the performance and durability of the fuel cell system 10. Thereby, by arranging the ion exchange device 23 on the upstream side of the water supply device 20, the above problem can be solved.

  The ion exchange device 23 is disposed below the water container 21. For this reason, even if silica or the like is mixed into the water in the water container 21, the silica can be removed by the ion exchange device 23, and contamination of poisonous substances into the fuel cell module 12 can be suppressed. Become.

  On the other hand, since the ion exchange device 23 is disposed above the water supply device 20, a high pressure (water pressure) by the water supply device 20 is not applied to the ion exchange device 23. Thereby, it becomes possible to maintain the durability, lifetime and sealing performance of the ion exchange device 23 favorably.

  Further, the condenser 25 is disposed above and upstream of the water container 21. Therefore, the moisture in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module 12 can be efficiently recovered from the water container 21 by gravity. In that case, the water container 21 is comprised with the resin material. For this reason, for example, even when water is stored in the water container 21 for a long time while the operation of the fuel cell system 10 is stopped, it is possible to prevent metal ions from eluting into the water. Thereby, while supplying optimal water with respect to the fuel cell module 12, the durability improvement by the load reduction of the ion exchange apparatus 23 is easily achieved.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration explanatory view showing a mechanical circuit of the fuel cell system 140 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same components as those of the fuel cell system 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Similarly, in the third embodiment described below, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The fuel cell system 140 includes a combustor (for example, a burner) 142 that raises the temperature of the fuel cell module 12. A switching valve 144 is disposed in the raw fuel passage 56 downstream of the fuel gas supply device 16, and a raw fuel branch passage 146 connected to the switching valve 144 is connected to the combustor 142. The combustor 142 performs combustion by being supplied with raw fuel and air.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory front view of a fuel cell system 160 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the fuel cell system 160.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the combustor 14 is disposed on the upper end side in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 34. A heat exchanger 36, an evaporator 38, and a reformer 40 are disposed on the lower end side in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 34.

  In the fuel cell system 160 configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

1 is a schematic configuration explanatory view showing a mechanical circuit of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the fuel cell system. It is a plane explanatory view of the fuel cell system. It is front explanatory drawing of the said fuel cell system. It is a circuit diagram of the fuel cell system. It is principal part sectional explanatory drawing of the fuel cell module which comprises the said fuel cell system. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram showing a mechanical circuit of a fuel cell system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is front explanatory drawing of the fuel cell system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the fuel cell system. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel cell device of Patent Document 1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a solid oxide fuel cell system of Patent Document 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the water collection | recovery apparatus of the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus of patent document 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 140, 160 ... Fuel cell system 12 ... Fuel cell module 14, 142 ... Combustor 16 ... Fuel gas supply device 18 ... Oxidant gas supply device 20 ... Water supply device 21 ... Water container 22 ... Power converter 23 ... Ion Exchanger 24 ... Control device 25 ... Condenser 26 ... Case 28 ... Electrolyte / electrode assembly 30 ... Separator 32 ... Fuel cell 34 ... Fuel cell stack 36 ... Heat exchanger 38 ... Evaporator 40 ... Reformer 58 ... Water Passage 92 ... Outer frame 98 ... Module part 100 ... Fluid supply part 102 ... Electrical equipment part 106, 108 ... Supply part 112a-112d ... Opening / closing door 120 ... Rotation mechanism

Claims (9)

A fuel cell module that generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas;
A combustor for heating the fuel cell module;
A fuel gas supply device for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel cell module;
An oxidant gas supply device for supplying the oxidant gas to the fuel cell module;
A water supply device for supplying water to the fuel cell module;
A water container for supplying water to the water supply device;
A power converter for converting direct current power generated in the fuel cell module into required specification power;
A control device for controlling the power generation amount of the fuel cell module;
A fuel cell system for housing
The housing includes a module part in which the fuel cell module and the combustor are disposed,
A fluid supply unit in which the fuel gas supply device, the oxidant gas supply device, the water supply device, and the water container are disposed, and the water supply device is disposed at the lowest position and the most downstream;
An electrical component in which the power conversion device and the control device are disposed;
Is divided into
The module portion having a polygonal shape in plan view has a first side surface and a second side surface across one corner, the fluid supply unit is disposed on the first side surface side, and the second side surface. The fuel cell system is characterized in that the electrical component is disposed on the side surface of the fuel cell. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid supply unit removes impurities contained in water supplied from the water container and supplies the water from which the impurities have been removed to the water supply device. Equipped with equipment,
The fuel cell system, wherein the ion exchange device is disposed below and downstream of the water container. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid supply unit includes a condenser that condenses water vapor in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module and supplies condensed water to the water container.
The fuel cell system, wherein the condenser is disposed above and upstream of the water container.   The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water container is made of a resin material.   5. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the casing includes an opening / closing door that can freely open and close the module unit, the fluid supply unit, and the electrical component unit. 6. system.   The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the casing includes a rotation mechanism that is rotatable about a vertical axis.   The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the casing divides the module part, the fluid supply part, and the electrical component part by a vertical partition plate along a horizontal direction. A fuel cell system.   The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fuel cell module is a solid oxide fuel cell module. 9. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, wherein the solid oxide fuel cell module comprises a solid oxide in which at least a solid electrolyte is sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode and a separator is laminated. A solid oxide fuel cell stack in which a solid fuel cell is provided and a plurality of the solid oxide fuel cells are stacked;
A heat exchanger that heats oxidant gas before supplying it to the solid oxide fuel cell stack;
An evaporator for evaporating water in order to produce a mixed fuel of raw fuel mainly composed of hydrocarbon and water vapor;
A reformer for reforming the mixed fuel to generate a reformed gas;
A fuel cell system comprising:

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