JP2010153063A - Fuel battery device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel battery device for restraining degradation of an exhaust gas treatment device. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel battery device includes a fuel battery module 25 housing a fuel battery cell 1, an in-module temperature sensor 24 for measuring a temperature inside the fuel battery module 25 and an ignition device 23 housed in the module 25. Since the fuel battery device includes a control device 14 for operating the ignition device 23 when the in-module temperature sensor 24 detects that the temperature inside the fuel battery module 25 becomes lower than a predetermined temperature based on the power generation capacity of the fuel battery cell 1 or the temperature inside the fuel battery module, generation of harmful constituents such as carbon monoxide is suppressed so as to restrain degradation of the exhaust gas treatment device 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  In recent years, as a next-generation energy, a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells that can obtain electric power using hydrogen-containing gas and air (oxygen-containing gas) are arranged in parallel and electrically connected in series. Various fuel cell stack devices fixed to a manifold that supplies reaction gas to fuel cells, fuel cell modules that store the fuel cell stack devices, and fuel cell devices that store fuel cell modules have been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In such a fuel cell device, the fuel cell and the oxygen-containing gas are generated by supplying the fuel cell with the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas, and the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas that are not used in the power generation of the fuel cell are used. It is known to burn gas, and it has been proposed to include an ignition heater or the like for burning these reaction gases (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Further, since the exhaust gas accompanying the power generation of the fuel cell and the above-described combustion reaction contains harmful components such as carbon monoxide, an exhaust gas treatment device equipped with a combustion catalyst is provided for the purpose of detoxifying the harmful components. Providing is proposed (for example, refer to Patent Document 3).

Furthermore, a heat exchanger for effectively recovering the exhaust heat of the exhaust gas described above is provided, and hot water is generated by exchanging heat between the tap water flowing in the heat exchanger and the exhaust heat of the exhaust gas. Has also been proposed for use in hot water supply (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
JP 2007-59377 A JP 2008-135268 A JP 2006-32291 A JP 2008-210630 A

  By the way, in the fuel cell apparatus as described above, in a time zone where the amount of power generation is small, such as at night, the amount of fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell also decreases, thereby being used for power generation of the fuel cell. The combustion reaction of the fuel gas that has not occurred becomes small, and there is a risk of misfire.

  Here, when misfire occurs, the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cells becomes incomplete combustion, and accordingly, the amount of harmful components such as carbon monoxide increases compared to during steady operation, and the exhaust gas treatment device The exhaust gas treatment reaction increases. In particular, when a combustion catalyst is used as the exhaust gas treatment device, there is a risk that the combustion catalyst will deteriorate as the combustion reaction increases.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to efficiently determine that the combustion of the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell has misfired, and to perform ignition when it is determined to be misfire, An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device capable of suppressing deterioration of a combustion catalyst.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container, and a module internal temperature for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell module disposed in the housing container. A sensor, fuel gas supply means for supplying an amount of fuel gas corresponding to the amount of power generated by the fuel cell to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell arranged in the storage container and not used in the fuel cell Heat exchange between an ignition device for burning fuel gas, an exhaust gas treatment device for treating exhaust gas generated during operation of the fuel cell, and the treated exhaust gas and water after being treated by the exhaust gas treatment device A heat exchanger and a control device for controlling the operation of the ignition device, wherein the control device has a constant power generation amount of the fuel cell and the fuel cell. The temperature is constant state in joules, when detected by the module temperature sensor that the temperature in the fuel cell module is lower than a predetermined temperature, characterized in that operating the ignition device.

  In such a fuel cell apparatus, it has been detected that the temperature inside the fuel cell module has become lower than a predetermined temperature from the state where the power generation amount of the fuel cell is constant and the temperature inside the fuel cell module is constant. In this case, it can be determined that the combustion of the fuel gas that has not been used in the fuel cell is misfiring.

  Therefore, the controller determines that the temperature inside the fuel cell module has become lower than the predetermined temperature from the state where the power generation amount of the fuel cell is constant and the temperature inside the fuel cell module is constant. When detected by the above, by operating the ignition device so as to burn the fuel gas, the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell can be burned. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of harmful components, such as carbon monoxide, can be suppressed and it can suppress that an exhaust gas processing apparatus deteriorates.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container, and a module internal temperature for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell module disposed in the housing container. A sensor, fuel gas supply means for supplying an amount of fuel gas corresponding to the amount of power generated by the fuel cell to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell arranged in the storage container and not used in the fuel cell Heat exchange between an ignition device for burning fuel gas, an exhaust gas treatment device for treating exhaust gas generated during operation of the fuel cell, and the treated exhaust gas and water after being treated by the exhaust gas treatment device And a control device for controlling the operation of the ignition device. The control device increases the power generation amount of the fuel cell from a constant state. In case, the temperature in the fuel cell module detects by the module temperature sensor that is lower than a predetermined temperature, actuating the ignition device.

  In such a fuel cell device, when it is detected that the temperature in the fuel cell module has become lower than a predetermined temperature when the power generation amount of the fuel cell increases from a certain state, the fuel cell It can be determined that the combustion of the fuel gas not used in the cell is misfired.

  Therefore, when the control device detects that the temperature in the fuel cell module has become lower than a predetermined temperature when the power generation amount of the fuel cell increases from a certain state, By operating the ignition device so as to burn the fuel gas, the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell can be burned. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of harmful components, such as carbon monoxide, can be suppressed and it can suppress that an exhaust gas processing apparatus deteriorates.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container, and a module internal temperature for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell module disposed in the housing container. A sensor, fuel gas supply means for supplying an amount of fuel gas corresponding to the amount of power generated by the fuel cell to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell arranged in the storage container and not used in the fuel cell Heat exchange between an ignition device for burning fuel gas, an exhaust gas treatment device for treating exhaust gas generated during operation of the fuel cell, and the treated exhaust gas and water after being treated by the exhaust gas treatment device And a control device for controlling the operation of the ignition device, wherein the control device reduces the power generation amount of the fuel cell from a constant state. In case, the temperature in the fuel cell module detects by the module temperature sensor that is lower than a predetermined temperature, characterized in that activating the ignition device.

  In such a fuel cell device, when it is detected that the temperature in the fuel cell module has become lower than a predetermined temperature when the power generation amount of the fuel cell decreases from a certain state, the fuel cell device It can be determined that the combustion of the fuel gas not used in the cell is misfired.

  Therefore, when the control device detects that the temperature in the fuel cell module is lower than a predetermined temperature when the power generation amount of the fuel cell decreases from a certain state, By operating the ignition device so as to burn the fuel gas, the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell can be burned. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of harmful components, such as carbon monoxide, can be suppressed and it can suppress that an exhaust gas processing apparatus deteriorates.

  In the fuel cell device according to the present invention, the control device may be configured such that the temperature in the fuel cell module is lower than a predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ignition device was operated and then stopped. Preferably, the ignition device is actuated again when detected by a module temperature sensor.

  When such a fuel cell device detects that the temperature in the fuel cell module is lower than a predetermined temperature after the lapse of a predetermined time after the ignition device is activated, the fuel gas is ignited. It can be judged that it is not. In this case, when the control device operates the ignition device again, the fuel gas that has not been used in the fuel cell can be burned effectively. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of harmful components, such as carbon monoxide, can be suppressed and deterioration of an exhaust gas processing apparatus can be suppressed.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the control device may be configured such that the temperature inside the fuel cell module is lower than a predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed after the ignition device is operated again and then stopped. It is preferable to stop the operation of the fuel cell device when detected by the temperature sensor in the module.

  In such a fuel cell device, when it is detected that the temperature in the fuel cell module is lower than the predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ignition device is operated again, the ignition device, etc. It can be determined that a failure has occurred. In this case, by stopping the operation of the fuel cell device by the control device, it is possible to suppress the operation from continuing while the fuel cell device is out of order, thereby improving safety.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container, and a module internal temperature for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell module disposed in the housing container. A sensor, fuel gas supply means for supplying an amount of fuel gas corresponding to the amount of power generated by the fuel cell to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell arranged in the storage container and not used in the fuel cell Heat exchange between an ignition device for burning fuel gas, an exhaust gas treatment device for treating exhaust gas generated during operation of the fuel cell, and the treated exhaust gas and water after being treated by the exhaust gas treatment device A heat exchanger for controlling the operation of the ignition device, and a control device for controlling the operation of the ignition device, wherein the temperature of the fuel cell module is controlled by the control device. When the ignition device is operated when the temperature is outside the temperature range according to the amount of power generated, it is possible to suppress the misfiring of the combustion of the fuel gas that has not been used in the fuel cell, and the exhaust gas treatment Deterioration of the apparatus can be suppressed.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell device of the present invention. In the following drawings, the same numbers are assigned to the same members. First, the configuration of the fuel cell device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention corresponds to a power generation unit that generates power in FIG. 1, and includes a hot water storage unit that stores hot water after heat exchange, and a circulation pipe that circulates water between these units. A battery system is configured. In addition, it can also be set as the fuel cell apparatus of this invention including a hot water storage unit and circulation piping.

  The fuel cell device (system) shown in FIG. 1 is for supplying a fuel cell 1, a reformed gas supply means 2 that supplies a gas to be reformed such as natural gas or kerosene, and an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell 1. The oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 and the reformer 4 for steam reforming with the gas to be reformed and steam are provided. The fuel cell module of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “module”) is configured by storing the fuel cell 1 and the reformer 4 in a storage container (FIGS. 2 and 3 described later). (See FIG. 4).

  Further, in the fuel cell device (power generation unit) 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 condensation generated by heat exchange. A condensed water treatment device 19 for treating water and a condensed water supply pipe 21 for supplying the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 13 to the condensed water treatment device 19 are provided. The condensed water is stored in the water tank 10 and then supplied to the reformer 4 by the water pump 11. In addition, the condensed water processing means (for example, ion exchange resin etc., not shown) for processing condensed water can be provided not only in the condensed water processing apparatus 19 but also in the condensed water supply pipe 21 and the like.

  On the other hand, when the amount of condensed water supplied to the condensed water treatment device 19 is small or when the purity of condensed water after being treated by the condensed water treatment means is low, water supplied from the outside (such as tap water) Can be treated with pure water and supplied to the reformer 4. In FIG. 1, each water treatment device is provided as means for treating the water supplied from the outside into pure water.

  Here, as each water treatment device for supplying the water supplied from the outside to the reformer 4, the activated carbon filter device 7 for purifying the water, the reverse osmosis membrane device 8, and the purified water is purified water. At least the ion exchange resin device 9 (preferably all devices) is included among the devices of the ion exchange resin device 9 for achieving the above. The pure water generated by the ion exchange resin device 9 is stored in the water tank 10. In addition, in the fuel cell apparatus (power generation unit) shown in FIG. 1, while providing all the said apparatuses as a water treatment apparatus, the water supply valve 6 for adjusting the quantity of the water supplied from the outside is provided. Yes. Further, the condensed water treatment device 19 and the water tank 10 are connected by a tank connecting pipe 20. In the case where only condensed water is supplied to the reformer 4, the condensed water treatment device 19 and the reformer 4 can be connected via the water pump 11.

  In addition, each water treatment device and condensate treatment device for supplying water to the reformer 4 are collectively represented as a water supply device X, which is shown by being surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. The water supply pipe 5, the tank connection pipe 20, and the condensed water supply pipe 21 that connect the container 4 and the water pump 11 are also included in the water supply apparatus X).

  Further, the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a power conditioner 12 for switching the DC power generated in the fuel cell 1 to AC power and supplying it to an external load, and a heat exchanger provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger 13. In addition to the outlet water temperature sensor 15 for measuring the temperature of the water flowing through the outlet 13 (circulated water stream), a control device 14 is provided, and a power generation unit is configured together with the circulation pump 16. The control device 14 will be described in detail later. And each apparatus which comprises these electric power generation units can be set as a fuel cell apparatus with easy installation, carrying etc. by accommodating in an exterior case (not shown). Although not shown, a to-be-reformed gas humidifier for humidifying the to-be-reformed gas may be provided between the to-be-reformed gas supply means 2 and the reformer 4. The hot water storage unit includes a hot water storage tank 18 for storing hot water after heat exchange.

  Further, an exhaust gas treatment device 22 is provided between the fuel cell 1 and the heat exchanger 13 for treating the exhaust gas generated with the operation of the fuel cell 1 (module). As the exhaust gas treatment means accommodated in the exhaust gas treatment device, a generally known combustion catalyst can be used. In FIG. 1, an exhaust gas treatment device 22 in which the combustion catalyst is accommodated in a storage container is illustrated. is doing.

  Further, in the module (shown as the fuel cell 1 in FIG. 1), an ignition device 23 for burning the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas not used in the fuel cell 1 is provided. . As the ignition device 23, a generally known device can be used. For example, a heater, a burner, or the like can be used.

  In addition, the arrow in a figure shows the flow direction of to-be-reformed gas, oxygen-containing gas, and water, and a broken line is transmitted from the main signal path | route transmitted to the control apparatus 14, or the control apparatus 14. Main signal paths are shown. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and so on.

  Here, a method of operating the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In performing steam reforming to generate reformed gas (fuel gas) used for power generation of the fuel battery cell 1, water (pure water) used in the reformer 4 is converted into a fuel cell in the heat exchanger 13. Condensed water generated by heat exchange between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the cell 1 and the water flowing through the circulation pipe 17 is used. The condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 13 flows through the condensed water supply pipe 21 and is supplied to the condensed water treatment device 19. Condensed water (pure water) processed by the condensed water processing means (ion exchange resin or the like) provided in the condensed water processing device 19 is supplied to the water tank 10 via the tank connecting pipe 20. The water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4 by the water pump 11, subjected to steam reforming with the reformed gas supplied from the reformed gas supply means 2, and generated reformed. A quality gas (fuel gas) is supplied to the fuel cell 1. In the fuel cell 1, power generation is performed using the reformed gas and the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3. By the above method, the water self-sustained operation can be performed by effectively using the condensed water.

  On the other hand, when the amount of condensed water produced is small, or when the purity of the condensed water treated by the condensed water treatment device 19 is low, water (such as tap water) supplied from the outside can be used.

  In this case, first, the water supply valve 6 (for example, an electromagnetic valve or an air drive valve) is opened, and water supplied from the outside such as tap water is supplied to the activated carbon filter 7 through the water supply pipe 5. The water treated with the activated carbon filter 7 is then supplied to the reverse osmosis membrane 8. The water treated by the reverse osmosis membrane 8 is continuously supplied to the ion exchange resin device 9, and pure water generated by being treated by the ion exchange resin device 9 is stored in the water tank 10. The pure water stored in the water tank 10 is used for power generation of the fuel cell 1 by the method described above.

  Further, in the fuel cell device (power generation unit), fuel gas is supplied to the fuel cell 1 through the reformer 4 as the fuel cell device is operated, and oxygen-containing gas is supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3. Is done. And the temperature of the fuel cell 1 is raised by operating the ignition device 23 for burning the fuel gas (surplus fuel gas) and oxygen-containing gas which were not used by the fuel cell 1 by the control apparatus 14 Therefore, the power generation of the fuel cell 1 can be performed efficiently.

  Further, in the module (shown as fuel cell 1 in FIG. 1), an in-module temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the module is arranged, and the inside of the module measured by the in-module temperature sensor is arranged. Based on this temperature, the control device 14 controls the operation of the reformed gas supply means 2, the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3, etc., so that power generation is performed efficiently.

  Subsequently, a module constituting the fuel cell device of the present invention will be described. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of a module 25 constituting the fuel cell device of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module 25 shown in FIG.

  In the module 25 shown in FIG. 2, a columnar fuel cell 1 having a gas flow path (not shown) through which fuel gas flows is arranged inside the storage container 26 in an upright state, and adjacent to the storage container 26. The fuel cells 1 are electrically connected in series via current collecting members (not shown in FIG. 1), and the lower end of the fuel cells 1 is connected to an insulating bonding material (not shown) such as a glass sealant. The cell stack 28 (cell stack device 33) fixed to the manifold 27 is accommodated. At both ends of the cell stack 28, conductive members having current drawing portions for collecting and drawing the current generated by the power generation of the cell stack 28 (fuel cell 1) to the outside are arranged (see FIG. Not shown).

  In FIG. 2, the fuel battery cell 1 is a hollow flat plate type having a gas flow path through which fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) flows in the longitudinal direction. A solid oxide fuel cell 1 in which a side electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and an oxygen side electrode layer are sequentially laminated is illustrated.

  Further, in FIG. 2, in order to obtain fuel gas used for power generation of the fuel cell 1, raw fuel (reformed gas) such as natural gas supplied through the raw fuel supply pipe 32 is reformed. The reformer 4 for generating fuel gas is disposed above the cell stack 28 (fuel cell 1). The reformer 4 preferably has a structure capable of performing steam reforming, which is an efficient reforming reaction, and a reforming unit 29 for vaporizing water and reforming raw fuel into fuel gas. And a reforming section 30 in which a reforming catalyst (not shown) is disposed. The fuel gas generated by the reformer 4 is supplied to the manifold 27 through the fuel gas flow pipe 31 and is supplied from the manifold 27 to the gas flow path provided inside the fuel cell 1. Note that the configuration of the cell stack device 33 can be appropriately changed depending on the type and shape of the fuel cell 1. For example, the reformer 4 can be included in the cell stack device 33.

  Further, the storage container 26 is provided with an in-module temperature sensor 24 for measuring the temperature in the module 25. Based on the temperature in the module 25 measured by the in-module temperature sensor 24, fuel gas and oxygen By supplying the contained gas, the module 25 can generate power efficiently.

  Further, FIG. 2 shows a state in which a part (front and rear surfaces) of the storage container 26 is removed and the cell stack device 33 stored inside is taken out rearward. Here, in the module 25 shown in FIG. 2, the cell stack device 33 can be slid and stored in the storage container 26.

  The storage container 26 is arranged between cell stacks 28 juxtaposed on the manifold 27, and oxygen-containing gas (oxygen-containing gas) faces the side of the fuel cell 1 from the lower end portion toward the upper end portion. An oxygen-containing gas introduction member 34 is arranged to flow.

  Here, it is possible to raise the temperature of the fuel cell 1 by burning excess fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas discharged from the gas flow path of the fuel cell 1 on the upper end side of the fuel cell 1. This can accelerate the activation of the cell stack device 33. In addition, the reformer 4 disposed above the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) can be warmed, and the reformer 4 can efficiently perform the reforming reaction.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the module 25 is housed in a room above the outer case partitioned vertically by the partition plate, and accessories for operating the module 25 are housed in the lower room. Configured (not shown).

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the module 25 shown in FIG. The storage container 26 constituting the module 25 has a double structure having an inner wall 35 and an outer wall 36, and an outer frame of the storage container 26 is formed by the outer wall 36, and a cell stack 28 (cell stack device 33) is formed by the inner wall 35. Is formed. Further, in the module 25 (storage container 26), a reaction gas flow path through which an oxygen-containing gas (oxygen-containing gas) introduced into the fuel cell 1 flows is provided between the inner wall 35 and the outer wall 36.

  Here, an oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the inner wall 35 from the upper surface of the inner wall 35 to the side surface side of the cell stack 28 and through a reaction gas flow path formed by the inner wall 35 and the outer wall 36. For this purpose, an oxygen-containing gas introduction member 34 is provided. Further, an oxygen-containing gas introduction port 38 for introducing an oxygen-containing gas into the lower end portion of the fuel cell 1 is provided on the lower end side of the oxygen-containing gas introduction member 34.

  In FIG. 3, the oxygen-containing gas introduction member 34 is disposed so as to be positioned between two cell stacks 28 arranged side by side inside the storage container 26, but depending on the number of cell stacks 28, for example, oxygen The contained gas introduction member 34 may be disposed so as to be sandwiched from both side surfaces of the cell stack 28. Specifically, when only one cell stack 28 (cell stack device 33) is accommodated, two oxygen-containing gas introduction members 34 may be provided, and the cell stack 28 may be disposed so as to be sandwiched from both side surfaces. it can.

  Further, in the power generation chamber 37, the temperature in the module 25 is maintained at a high temperature so that the heat in the module 25 is extremely dissipated and the temperature of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) is lowered and the power generation amount is not reduced. A heat insulating material 39 is appropriately provided.

  The heat insulating material 39 is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the cell stack 28, and in particular, disposed on the side surface side of the cell stack 28 along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 1, and is equivalent to the outer shape of the side surface of the cell stack 28. Or it is preferable to arrange | position the heat insulating material 39 which has a magnitude | size beyond it. Preferably, the heat insulating material 39 is disposed on both side surfaces of the cell stack 28. Thereby, it can suppress effectively that the temperature of the cell stack 28 falls. Furthermore, the oxygen-containing gas (oxygen-containing gas) introduced from the oxygen-containing gas introduction member 34 can be prevented from being discharged from the side surface side of the cell stack 28, and the fuel cells 1 constituting the cell stack 28 can be suppressed. The flow of the oxygen-containing gas can be promoted.

  Further, an exhaust gas inner wall 40 is provided inside the inner wall 35 along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 1, and the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber 37 is located between the inner wall 35 and the exhaust gas inner wall 40 from above. It is an exhaust gas flow path that flows downward. The exhaust gas channel communicates with an exhaust hole 41 provided at the bottom of the storage container 26.

  Thereby, the exhaust gas generated with the operation of the module 25 (during start-up processing, power generation, and stop processing) flows through the exhaust gas passage and is then exhausted from the exhaust hole 41. The exhaust hole 41 may be formed by cutting out a part of the bottom of the storage container 26, or may be formed by providing a tubular member.

  FIG. 4 is a front view showing the module 25, the exhaust gas treatment device 22 and the heat exchanger 13 extracted from the fuel cell device of the present invention, which are connected in this order.

  Here, a heat insulating material 42 is provided around the module 25, and the exhaust gas treatment device 22 including the combustion catalyst described above and the heat exchanger 13 are provided on the bottom surface (lower surface) of the module 25. The exhaust gas flow passages provided in the heat exchanger 13 are connected in order so as to face in the vertical direction so that the treated exhaust gas after the treatment flows through the exhaust gas flow passages of the heat exchanger 13 from above to below. . In addition, the exhaust part is provided in the lower surface of the exhaust gas processing apparatus 22, and the exhaust part and the heat exchanger 13 are connected. Further, the bottom surface of the module 25 (or the heat insulating material 17 provided on the bottom surface) is fixed to the partition member 43.

  In FIG. 4, a plate fin type heat exchanger 13 is shown as the heat exchanger 13. The plate fin type heat exchanger 13 is provided with a water introduction part 44 and a water supply part 45 after heat exchange, and a gas-liquid separation member for separating the exhaust gas after heat exchange and the condensed water below. 46 is provided.

  And the exhaust gas discharged | emitted from the inside of the module 25 is processed by the exhaust gas processing apparatus 22 provided with a combustion catalyst, Then, it supplies to the heat exchanger 13 and heat-exchanges with the water which flows through the inside of the heat exchanger 13. FIG.

  By the way, in the fuel cell apparatus as described above, the supply amount of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 1 also decreases during a time zone where the power generation amount is small, such as at night. The combustion reaction of fuel gas that has not been used is also reduced, and there is a risk of misfire.

  Here, when misfire occurs, the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is incompletely combusted, and accordingly, the amount of harmful components such as carbon monoxide is increased compared with that during steady operation, and the exhaust gas treatment device. The exhaust gas treatment reaction at 22 increases. In particular, when a combustion catalyst is used as the exhaust gas treatment device, there is a risk that the combustion catalyst will deteriorate as the combustion reaction increases.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the control device 14 can efficiently determine that the combustion of the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell 1 has misfired, and ignite when it is determined that the misfire has occurred. To suppress deterioration of the combustion catalyst. Below, control of the control apparatus 14 in this invention is demonstrated in order.

  First, the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) is constant, and the temperature in the module 25 measured by the in-module temperature sensor 24 is constant, that is, the fuel cell 1 generates power stably. When the module internal temperature sensor 24 detects that the temperature in the module 25 has become lower than the predetermined temperature from the state in which the fuel cell is not used, the controller 14 causes the fuel gas not used in the fuel cell 1 to burn. Judge that there is a misfire.

  Note that the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 and the temperature in the module 25 are constant means that the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 and the temperature in the module 25 within a predetermined range 30 minutes before a certain point in time are within a predetermined range. Shows the state. For example, the predetermined range of the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) is the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 30 minutes before a certain time when the power generation amount of the cell stack 28 is 700 w. However, it can be within the range of the average value of the power generation amount during that period plus or minus 20w. Similarly, with respect to the temperature in the module 25, the temperature in the module 25 for 30 minutes before that time may be within the range of the average value of the temperature in the module 25 during that period plus or minus 10 ° C.

  When the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) is constant and the temperature in the module 25 is constant in this way, it is detected that the temperature in the module 25 has become lower than a predetermined temperature. The control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 so as to burn the fuel gas that has not been used in the fuel battery cell 1.

  As a result, the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 so that the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell 1 can be burned, and the generation of harmful components such as carbon monoxide can be suppressed. . Therefore, deterioration of the exhaust gas treatment device 22 (combustion catalyst) can be suppressed.

  Note that the temperature at which the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 (that is, the predetermined temperature when the temperature in the module 25 becomes lower than the predetermined temperature) is the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28). Although it can be set as appropriate based on the amount of power generation, for example, in the above-mentioned example, it can be set to a temperature 30 ° C. lower than the average value of the temperature in the module 25 for 5 minutes before a certain point in time. .

  Therefore, the control device 14 is configured such that the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 and the temperature in the module 25 are constant, and the temperature measured by the in-module temperature sensor 24 is within 5 minutes before a certain time. When it is detected that the temperature is lower by 30 ° C. than the average temperature, the ignition device 23 is activated.

  Further, as another control in the control device 14, when the power generation amount of the fuel battery cell 1 increases from a certain state, the temperature in the module 25 indicates that the temperature in the module 25 has become lower than a predetermined temperature. If detected, the ignition device 23 is operated.

  That is, when it is detected that the temperature in the module 25 is lower than a predetermined temperature when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 as described above increases from a certain state, the control device 14 It is determined that the combustion of the fuel gas that has not been used in the fuel cell 1 is misfired.

  In addition, the case where the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 increases from a certain state is, for example, 5 minutes after a certain point in time than the average value of the power generation amount of the fuel cell unit 5 minutes before a certain point in time. For example, the average value of the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 during the period can be increased.

  Then, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) increases from a certain state in this way, the internal temperature sensor 24 detects that the temperature in the module 25 has become lower than a predetermined temperature. Then, the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 so as to burn the fuel gas that has not been used in the fuel battery cell 1.

  As a result, the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 so that the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell 1 can be burned, and the generation of harmful components such as carbon monoxide can be suppressed. . Therefore, deterioration of the exhaust gas treatment device 22 (combustion catalyst) can be suppressed.

  In this case, the temperature at which the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 (that is, the predetermined temperature when the temperature in the module 25 becomes lower than the predetermined temperature) is the fuel cell 1 (cell The power generation amount of the stack 28) can be set as appropriate. For example, in addition to the average value of the temperature in the module 25 for 5 minutes before the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) increases, Considering an increase in the amount of power generation, the temperature can be set to about 30 ° C. higher than the average value.

  Therefore, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 is increased, the control device 14 is defined based on the temperature in the module 25 for 5 minutes before the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) is increased. When it is detected that the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the ignition device 23 is activated.

  Further, as another control in the control device 14, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 is lowered from a certain state, the in-module temperature sensor 24 indicates that the temperature in the module 25 has become lower than a predetermined temperature. If detected, the ignition device 23 is operated.

  That is, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 as described above decreases from a certain state, it is assumed that the temperature in the module 25 decreases, but the temperature in the module 25 further decreases. The controller 14 determines that the combustion of the fuel gas that has not been used in the fuel cell 1 is misfired.

  Note that the case where the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 is reduced from a certain state is, for example, 5 minutes after a certain point in time than the average value of the power generation amount of the fuel cell unit 5 minutes before a certain point in time. For example, the average value of the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 during the period may be low.

  Here, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) is lowered from a certain state in this way, it can be assumed that the temperature in the module 25 is lowered. For example, the temperature (predetermined temperature) after the power generation amount can be defined based on the decrease in the power generation amount with respect to the temperature when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 28) is constant. In this case, when the module temperature sensor 24 detects that the temperature of the module 25 has become lower than a predetermined temperature, the control device 14 ignites so as to burn the fuel gas not used in the fuel cell 1. The device 23 is activated.

  As a result, the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 so that the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell 1 can be burned, and the generation of harmful components such as carbon monoxide can be suppressed. . Therefore, deterioration of the exhaust gas treatment device 22 (combustion catalyst) can be suppressed.

  The predetermined temperature at which the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 can be the temperature after the power generation amount is reduced based on the decrease in the power generation amount. However, when the ignition device 23 is operated more efficiently, It can also be set to a temperature lower than the expected temperature after the power generation amount is reduced.

  As described above, the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 so that the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel cell 1 can be combusted. In some cases, the control device 14 causes the ignition device 23 to burn. Even when the is operated, it is assumed that the fuel gas that has not been used in the power generation of the fuel battery cell 1 does not burn, that is, cannot be ignited.

  Therefore, in the fuel cell device of the present invention, the control device 14 uses the in-module temperature sensor 24 to activate the ignition device 23 and then stop the temperature in the module 25 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation. If it is detected that the temperature is lower than the temperature, it can be determined that the fuel gas is not ignited.

  Therefore, in such a case, when the control device 14 operates the ignition device 23 again, the fuel gas that has not been used in the fuel cell 1 can be burned effectively. Therefore, generation | occurrence | production of harmful components, such as carbon monoxide, can be suppressed and it can suppress that exhaust gas processing apparatus 22 (combustion catalyst) deteriorates.

  Here, after the ignition device 23 is actuated and stopped, it can be appropriately set according to the size of the module 25, the number of the fuel cells 1 and the like, for example, 10 minutes to 20 minutes. Can be later.

  In addition, the temperature in the module 25 after the predetermined time is lower than the predetermined temperature is set appropriately assuming that the temperature rises when the ignition device 23 is operated again, or the ignition device 23 is operated. It can also be the temperature of time.

  Further, when the control device 14 detects that the temperature in the module 25 is lower than the predetermined temperature after the predetermined time has elapsed since the ignition device 23 is operated again and then stopped, the ignition device 23 and the like It can be determined that a failure has occurred.

  In this case, by stopping the operation of the fuel cell device, the control device 14 can suppress the operation from continuing while the fuel cell device is out of order, thereby improving safety.

  Here, after the ignition device 23 is actuated again and stopped, the predetermined time elapses can be set as appropriate depending on the size of the module 25, the number of the fuel cells 1 and the like. After minutes.

  In addition, the temperature in the module 25 after the predetermined time has elapsed is lower than the predetermined temperature, and can be set as appropriate assuming a temperature that increases when the ignition device 23 is actuated again. It can also be the temperature when it is reactivated.

  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 fuel cell 1 may be a hollow flat plate type having a gas flow path in which an oxygen-containing gas flows in the longitudinal direction. Even in this case, by performing the control as described above, it is possible to suppress the generation of harmful components such as carbon monoxide and to suppress the deterioration of the exhaust gas treatment device 22 (combustion catalyst).

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell module in the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. It is the front view which extracted part of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention which shows the connection of a fuel cell module, an exhaust gas processing apparatus, and a heat exchanger.

Explanation of symbols

1: Fuel cell 13: Heat exchanger 14: Control device 22: Exhaust gas treatment device 23: Ignition device 24: In-module temperature sensor 25: Fuel cell module

Claims (5)

  A fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container; a temperature sensor in the module that is disposed in the housing container and measures a temperature in the fuel cell module; and Fuel gas supply means for supplying fuel gas corresponding to the amount of power generation to the fuel cell, and ignition for burning the fuel gas disposed in the storage container and not used in the fuel cell An apparatus, an exhaust gas treatment apparatus for treating exhaust gas generated by operation of the fuel cell, and a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the treated exhaust gas and water after being treated by the exhaust gas treatment apparatus, And a control device for controlling the operation of the ignition device, wherein the control device has a constant power generation amount of the fuel cell and a constant temperature in the fuel cell module. From the state, when detected by the module temperature sensor that the temperature in the fuel cell module is lower than the predetermined temperature, the fuel cell apparatus characterized by operating the ignition device.   A fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container; a temperature sensor in the module that is disposed in the housing container and measures a temperature in the fuel cell module; and Fuel gas supply means for supplying fuel gas corresponding to the amount of power generation to the fuel cell, and ignition for burning the fuel gas disposed in the storage container and not used in the fuel cell An apparatus, an exhaust gas treatment device for treating the exhaust gas generated by the operation of the fuel cell, and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the treated exhaust gas after being treated by the exhaust gas treatment device and water And a control device that controls the operation of the ignition device, and the control device, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell increases from a certain state, When the temperature of the module is lower than the predetermined temperature is detected by the module temperature sensor, a fuel cell apparatus characterized by operating the ignition device.   A fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container; a temperature sensor in the module that is disposed in the housing container and measures a temperature in the fuel cell module; and Fuel gas supply means for supplying fuel gas corresponding to the amount of power generation to the fuel cell, and ignition for burning the fuel gas disposed in the storage container and not used in the fuel cell An apparatus, an exhaust gas treatment apparatus for treating exhaust gas generated by operation of the fuel cell, and a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the treated exhaust gas and water after being treated by the exhaust gas treatment apparatus, And a control device that controls the operation of the ignition device, and the control device, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell decreases from a certain state, When the temperature of the module is lower than the predetermined temperature is detected by the module temperature sensor, a fuel cell apparatus characterized by operating the ignition device.   When the control device detects that the temperature in the fuel cell module is lower than a predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed after the ignition device is activated and stopped, the ignition is performed. 4. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the device is operated again. When the control device detects that the temperature in the fuel cell module is lower than a predetermined temperature after the predetermined time has elapsed since the ignition device is operated again after being stopped, The fuel cell device according to claim 4, wherein the operation of the fuel cell device is stopped.

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