JP2010257732A - Fuel battery module, and fuel battery device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel battery module 1 enhancing power generation efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel battery module 1 housing a cell stack formed by arranging a plurality of columnar cells 3 of the fuel battery, each having a gas passage inside, in a standing state and electrically connecting, in a power generation chamber 30 in a housing container 2, includes a first passage 21 and a fourth passage 24 between the side part along the arranging direction of the cells 3 of the fuel battery and an outer wall 13 of the housing container 2 along the side part, a second passage 22 making reaction gas passed through the first passage 21 flow in this order, and a third passage 23. The second passage 22 includes a reaction gas flowing-out port 26 in a portion along the flow direction of the reaction gas, and a first gas flowing direction changing portion for making the reaction gas passed through the second passage 22 flow toward the reaction gas flowing-out port 26 to efficiently guide the reaction gas passed through the second passage 22 to the third passage 23, and thereby, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module 1 can be enhanced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell module in which a fuel cell is accommodated in a storage container, and a fuel cell device including the fuel cell module.

  In recent years, various fuel cell modules in which a fuel cell that generates power at a high temperature of 600 ° C. to 1000 ° C. using a hydrogen-containing gas and air (oxygen-containing gas) as a next-generation energy is stored in a storage container. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a conventional fuel cell module 61, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fuel cell module 61 shown in FIG.

  Such a fuel cell module 61 is a fuel in which a plurality of fuel cell cells 63 each having a gas flow path are arranged in a standing state, and an electrically connected cell stack 64 is erected on a manifold 65. The battery device 68 is stored in the storage container 62.

  On the other hand, in the storage container 62, an outer frame is formed by the outer wall 69, and a power generation chamber 71 that stores the cell stack device 68 is formed by an inner wall 70 that is disposed at a predetermined interval from the outer wall 69. Accordingly, a reaction gas circulation space is formed by the outer wall 69 and the inner wall 70, and a reaction gas introduction member 72 is provided in connection with the reaction gas circulation space. The reaction gas (air) is supplied to the two cell stacks 64 arranged in the power generation chamber 71 through the reaction gas outlet 73 provided in the reaction gas introduction member 72.

  On the other hand, a reformer 68 for reforming raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene supplied through the raw fuel supply pipe 10 to generate fuel gas is disposed above the cell stack 64 and reformed. The fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) generated in the vessel 7 is supplied to the manifold 6 through the fuel gas flow pipe 8 and is supplied from the manifold 6 to a gas flow path provided inside the fuel cell 3. Thereby, the fuel gas and the reactive gas are burned above the cell stack 64, and the fuel cell 63 (cell stack 64) is generated.

  Therefore, the exhaust gas is circulated along the inner wall 70, and while the reaction gas circulates upward through the reaction gas circulation space, heat exchange with the high-temperature exhaust gas is performed to increase the temperature of the reaction gas, The heated reaction gas is supplied to the fuel cell 63, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack 64 can be improved.

JP 2007-59377 A

  However, when the reaction gas flows into the reaction gas circulation space along the outer wall 69 and flows into the reaction gas introduction member 72 that hangs downward, the reaction gas flow direction is different. There was a problem that did not flow to 72. For this reason, when a fuel cell device (not shown) is operated at a low output, the reaction gas may stay in the reaction gas circulation space and the power generation efficiency may be reduced due to heat dissipation loss from the outer wall 69.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell module 61 having improved power generation efficiency by efficiently supplying a reaction gas to the fuel cell 63 and a fuel cell device including the same.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, a plurality of columnar fuel cells having gas flow paths are arranged in an upright state, and a cell stack formed by electrical connection is placed in a rectangular parallelepiped storage container. A fuel cell module accommodated in a power generation chamber provided, wherein the storage container is a storage container in a direction along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells and a side portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells constituting the cell stack. A first flow path for flowing the reaction gas supplied from the lower side of the storage container upward between the respective side walls of the storage container, and the reaction gas flowing through each first flow path above the storage container A second flow path for flowing along the wall, a third flow path for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path downward, and an electric power generation arranged adjacent to the first flow path A fourth flow path for flowing indoor exhaust gas from above to below Thus, the second flow path is a reaction gas for flowing the reaction gas flowing in the second flow path to the third flow path side in a portion along the direction of the flow of the reaction gas flowing in the second flow path. It has an outflow port and includes a first gas flow direction changing unit for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path toward the reaction gas outflow port.

  In such a fuel cell module, the second flow path causes the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path to flow through the third flow path to a portion along the flow direction of the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path. Since it has a reaction gas outlet for flowing to the roadside and a first gas flow direction changing unit for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path toward the reaction gas outlet, the second The reaction gas that has flowed through the flow path can be efficiently flowed to the reaction gas outlet, and the retention of the reaction gas in the second flow path can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reaction gas efficiently flows through the fuel cell module, and a sufficient amount of the reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell, so that the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be improved.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, the reaction gas outlet is open to the power generation chamber side, and the third flow path is connected to the reaction gas outlet and is arranged to hang down in the power generation chamber. It is preferable.

  In such a fuel cell module, the reactive gas outlet is open to the power generation chamber side, and the third flow path is connected to the reactive gas outlet and is arranged to hang down in the power generation chamber. Therefore, the reaction gas that has flowed through the second flow path can be efficiently flowed to the reaction gas outlet, and the retention of the reaction gas in the second flow path can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reaction gas efficiently flows through the fuel cell module, and a sufficient amount of the reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell, so that the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be improved.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, the reaction gas outlet is open to the power generation chamber side, and the reaction gas that has flowed through the reaction gas outlet so as to be adjacent to the second passage is used as the third passage. It is preferable that a fifth flow path for flowing is provided, and the third flow path is disposed adjacent to the fourth flow path.

  In such a fuel cell module, the reaction gas outlet is open to the power generation chamber side, is arranged adjacent to the second flow path, and the reaction gas flowing through the reaction gas outlet is passed through the third flow path. Since the third flow path is disposed adjacent to the fourth flow path, the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path is efficiently used. Can flow well. Thereby, since it can flow to a 5th flow path and a sufficient quantity of reaction gas can be supplied to a fuel cell, the electric power generation efficiency of a fuel cell module can be improved.

  Furthermore, since the third flow path is disposed adjacent to the fourth flow path, heat exchange is performed between the reaction gas flowing through the third flow path and the exhaust gas flowing through the fourth flow path. The warm reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the fuel battery cell is improved, and a fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In addition, the fuel cell module of the present invention preferably includes an exhaust gas collection chamber that is disposed adjacent to the fifth flow path and collects the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber and flows it to the fourth flow path.

  In such a fuel cell module, the fuel cell module is disposed adjacent to the fifth flow path, and has an exhaust gas collection chamber for collecting the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber and flowing it to the fourth flow path. In particular, the exhaust gas in the upper part of the power generation chamber, which is at a high temperature, can be efficiently supplied to the fourth flow path, and the reaction gas and the exhaust gas can efficiently exchange heat, and the fuel cell has a warm reaction gas. Can be supplied. Thereby, the fall of the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be suppressed, and the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be further improved.

  Further, in the fuel cell module of the present invention, the fifth flow path is a second gas gas flow direction for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the fifth flow path toward the upper wall side of the power generation chamber or the exhaust gas collection chamber side. It is preferable to provide a changing unit.

  In such a fuel cell module, the fifth channel changes the second gas gas flow direction for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the fifth channel toward the upper wall side of the power generation chamber or the exhaust gas collection chamber side. Since the reaction gas flow is changed so that the reaction gas collides with the upper wall of the power generation chamber and the gas flows through the fifth flow path, the reaction gas and the exhaust gas efficiently exchange heat. be able to. Accordingly, the warmed reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell, and the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be further improved by suppressing the decrease in the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell.

  In the fuel cell module according to the present invention, at least one of the first flow path and the fourth flow path causes the reaction gas or the exhaust gas flowing through each flow path to flow toward the other flow path. It is preferable to provide the 3rd gas distribution direction change part.

  In such a fuel cell module, at least one of the first flow path and the fourth flow path is used for flowing a reaction gas or exhaust gas flowing through each flow path toward the other flow path. Since the third gas flow direction changing unit is provided, the reaction gas and the exhaust gas can efficiently exchange heat while the reaction gas passes through the first flow path. Thereby, the reaction gas warmed by the fuel cell can be further supplied, and the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be further improved by suppressing the decrease in the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention is characterized in that the fuel cell module described above and an auxiliary machine for operating the cell stack are housed in an outer case. Thereby, a fuel cell device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, a plurality of columnar fuel cells having gas flow paths are arranged in an upright state, and a cell stack formed by electrical connection is placed in a rectangular parallelepiped storage container. A fuel cell module accommodated in a power generation chamber provided, wherein the storage container is a storage container in a direction along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells and a side portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells constituting the cell stack. A first flow path for flowing the reaction gas supplied from the lower side of the storage container upward between the respective side walls of the storage container, and the reaction gas flowing through each first flow path above the storage container A second flow path for flowing along the wall, a third flow path for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path downward, and an electric power generation arranged adjacent to the first flow path A fourth flow path for flowing indoor exhaust gas from above to below The second flow path is a reaction for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path to the third flow path side in a portion along the direction of the flow of the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path. Since it has the 1st gas distribution direction change part for having the gas outflow port and flowing the reaction gas which flows through the 2nd channel toward the reaction gas outflow port, the reaction gas which flowed through the 2nd channel Can be efficiently flowed to the reaction gas outlet, and the retention of the reaction gas in the second flow path can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reaction gas efficiently flows through the fuel cell module, and a sufficient amount of the reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell, so that the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module can be improved. Further, by storing the fuel cell module of the present invention in the outer case, a fuel cell device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell module of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically another example of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows another example of the fuel cell module of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 4. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically another example of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically another example of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which extracts and shows a part of fuel cell module shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the conventional fuel cell module. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically the fuel cell module shown in FIG.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a fuel cell module 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a module) of the present invention. In the following drawings, the same numbers are assigned to the same members.

  In the module 1 shown in FIG. 1, a columnar fuel cell 3 having a gas flow path (not shown in FIG. 1) through which gas flows is arranged inside the storage container 2 in an upright state. In addition, the adjacent fuel cells 3 are electrically connected in series via current collecting members (not shown in FIG. 1), and the lower end of the fuel cells 3 is connected to an insulating bonding material such as a glass sealing material. A cell stack 4 (cell stack device 9) fixed to the manifold 6 by a not-shown unit is accommodated. On both ends of the cell stack 4, conductive members 5 having current drawing portions for collecting and drawing the current generated by the power generation of the cell stack 4 (fuel cell 3) to the outside are arranged. Yes.

  Further, in FIG. 1, in order to obtain a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) used for power generation of the fuel battery cell 3, the raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene supplied through the raw fuel supply pipe 10 is reformed. A reformer 7 for generating fuel gas is disposed above the cell stack 4 (fuel cell 3). The fuel gas generated by the reformer 7 is supplied to the manifold 6 via the fuel gas flow pipe 8 and is supplied from the manifold 6 to a gas flow path provided inside the fuel cell 3.

  Further, FIG. 1 shows a state in which a part (front and rear surfaces) of the storage container 2 is removed and the cell stack device 9 stored inside is taken out rearward. Here, in the module 1 shown in FIG. 1, the cell stack device 9 can be slid and stored in the storage container 2.

  In the storage container 2 shown in FIG. 1, a reaction gas supply pipe for supplying a reaction gas (oxygen-containing gas (usually air)) to be supplied to the fuel cell 3 to the bottom surface of the storage container 2. 11 and an exhaust pipe 12 for exhausting exhaust gas generated by power generation or the like of the fuel battery cell 3 to the outside of the storage container 2 are connected. The reaction gas supply pipe 11 and the exhaust pipe 12 may be a double pipe.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fuel cell module 1 shown in FIG.

  In the storage container 2, an outer frame of the storage container 2 is formed by an outer wall 13 (side wall), and a power generation chamber 30 that stores the fuel cell 3 (cell stack device 9) is formed therein.

  Here, in the storage container 2, a first wall 14 is formed at a predetermined interval inside the outer wall 13 (side wall), and a second wall 15 is formed at a predetermined interval inside the first wall 14. Is arranged.

  Thereby, the space formed by each side wall (outer wall) 13 and the first wall 14 becomes the first flow path 21, and the space formed by the first wall 14 and the second wall 15 is formed. Each becomes the fourth flow path 24. Further, an upper wall 17 for forming the power generation chamber 30 is provided above the power generation chamber 30, and the first flow path is between the upper wall 17 and the outer wall 13 (the upper wall of the storage container 2). Each of the reaction gases that have flowed through 21 is merged, and the second flow path 22 for flowing through the third flow path 23 is formed.

  Here, the upper wall 17 extends from the upper surface of the upper wall 17 to the side surface side of the cell stack 4, and a second flow path 22 is formed by the upper wall 17 and the outer wall (upper wall of the storage container 2) 13. . A reaction gas outlet 26 is provided at the center of the upper wall, and a reaction gas introduction member 20 (third flow path 23) for introducing the reaction gas into the cell stack 4 is provided below the reaction gas outlet 26. It has been. The inside of the reaction gas introduction member 20 becomes the third flow path 23, and a reaction gas introduction port 27 for introducing the reaction gas into the lower end portion of the fuel cell 3 is provided on the lower end side of the reaction gas introduction member 20. ing.

  A reaction gas supply pipe 11 for supplying a reaction gas (air) into the storage container 2 is connected to the bottom of the storage container 2, and the reaction gas supplied from the reaction gas supply pipe 11 is a reaction gas. It flows to the introduction part 31. Since the reaction gas introduction unit 31 is connected to the first flow path 21 via the reaction gas introduction port 25, the reaction gas supplied to the reaction gas introduction unit 31 passes through the reaction gas introduction port 25. 1 flows into one flow path 21. The respective reaction gases that have flowed upward through the first flow path 21 subsequently merge in the second flow path 22, and the reaction gas introduction member 18 that is the third flow path via the reaction gas outlet 26. Flowing into. Then, the reaction gas flowing from the upper side to the lower side of the reaction gas introduction member 20 is supplied into the power generation chamber 30 (fuel cell 3) through the reaction gas outlet 27 provided in the reaction gas introduction member 20. A heat insulating material 29 is disposed on the side surface and the bottom surface of the fuel cell 3 (cell stack 4).

  The upper wall 17 above the reaction gas outlet 26 is provided with a first gas flow direction changing portion 19 directed toward the reaction gas outlet 26. Thereby, the reaction gas that has flowed along the upper wall 17 toward the central portion of the storage container 2 flows toward the reaction gas outlet 26, and the third reaction gas does not stay in the second flow path 22. Since the reaction gas can be efficiently flowed through the module 1 and a sufficient amount of reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 3, the power generation efficiency of the module 1 can be improved. .

  Here, the module 1 generates power at a high temperature of 600 ° C. to 1000 ° C. by burning the combustion gas and the reaction gas (air) above the cell stack 4. For this reason, if a cold reaction gas is supplied to the fuel cell 3, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 may be reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to supply a warm reaction gas to the fuel cell 3. Therefore, the temperature of the reaction gas can be raised by exchanging heat between the high-temperature exhaust gas generated by combustion and the reaction gas, thereby suppressing a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 and improving the power generation efficiency. Module 1 can be obtained.

  Further, the temperature of the reaction gas is lowest when it flows through the first flow path 21 immediately after being supplied from the outside. Therefore, it is preferable to efficiently exchange heat with the exhaust gas flowing through the fourth flow path 24 while flowing through the first flow path 21.

  Here, the flow of the exhaust gas will be described. High-temperature exhaust gas generated by combustion above the power generation chamber 30 flows from the upper side to the lower side of the fourth flow path 24, and the exhaust gas collection provided at the upper part of the reaction gas introduction unit 31 through the exhaust gas collection port 28. After flowing into the part 32, it is exhausted to the outside of the storage container 2 through the exhaust pipe 12 (see FIG. 1) connected to the exhaust gas collecting part 32.

  As a result, while the reaction gas flows from the lower side to the upper side of the first flow path 21, heat exchange is performed with the exhaust gas flowing in the fourth flow path 24 arranged so as to be adjacent to the first flow path 21. And the reaction gas can be heated. Therefore, a warm reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 3, and a reduction in power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 can be suppressed, and the module 1 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In addition, in FIG. 1, although the example which provided the 1st gas distribution direction change part 19 provided the rectangular parallelepiped projection member was shown, you may provide protrusions, such as a cone shape and a cylindrical shape, The shape is not limited. Moreover, the wall which provides the 1st gas distribution direction change part 19 may be protruded, and the 1st gas distribution direction change part 19 may be provided.

  Furthermore, although the example which provided the 1st gas distribution direction change part 19 was shown, you may provide multiple. What is necessary is just to provide the 1st gas distribution direction change part 19 suitably so that it may flow toward the 3rd flow path 23 from the 2nd flow path 22. FIG.

  In addition, the effect comes out more by making the height of the 2nd flow path 22 large. Furthermore, the flow along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 3 can be made close to uniform by setting the height equal to that of the reaction gas introduction portion 31.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the fuel cell module of the present invention. The outer wall 13 constituting the first flow path 21 and the second wall 15 constituting the fourth flow path 24 are shown. A third gas flow direction changing unit 39 is provided for each of the two.

  The reactive gas flows from the lower side to the upper side of the first flow channel 21, then flows along the outer wall 13 (upper wall), flows through the second flow channel, and flows through the third flow channel 23 via the reactive gas outflow portion 36. It flows downward from above and is supplied to the fuel cell 3 (cell stack 4). After being used for power generation in the fuel cell 3, the surplus reaction gas is combusted with the fuel gas in the upper part of the cell stack 4 to become high-temperature exhaust gas. The exhaust gas flows to the exhaust gas collection unit 32 via the fourth flow path 24 and is then exhausted to the outside of the storage container 42 through the exhaust pipe 12.

  Here, in order to efficiently exchange heat between the fluids, when the warm fluid and the cold fluid flow across the wall and face each other along the wall, the separated wall becomes a heat exchange part that performs heat exchange, Efficient heat exchange is performed by causing the warm fluid and the cold fluid to collide with the heat exchange section (in FIG. 3, the first wall 14). Thereby, the heat | fever of the warm fluid in a heat exchange part can be efficiently given to a cold fluid. In the module 41, the cold fluid is a reaction gas, and the warm fluid is an exhaust gas. The first wall 14 that separates the first flow path 21 and the fourth flow path 24 serves as a heat exchange section.

  In the fuel cell module 41 shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of third gas flow direction changing portions 39 are provided on the side wall 13 of the first flow path 21 and the second wall 15 of the fourth flow path 24, respectively.

  Thereby, on the one hand, the cold reaction gas flowing from the lower side to the upper side of the first flow path 21 can collide with the first wall 14 which is a heat exchange part, and on the other hand, the fourth flow path 24 is Warm exhaust gas flowing downward from above can be collided, the reaction gas and exhaust gas can efficiently exchange heat, and the warm reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 3 (cell stack 4). . Therefore, a decrease in power generation efficiency of the fuel battery cell 3 can be suppressed and the power generation efficiency of the module 41 can be improved.

  3 shows an example in which a plurality of third gas flow direction changing portions 39 are provided in the first flow path 20 and the fourth flow path 23, the third gas flow is provided only in one of them. Even when the direction changing portion 39 is provided, efficient heat exchange can be performed.

  In FIG. 3, since the first gas flow direction changing unit 19 for flowing the reaction gas from the second flow path 22 to the third flow path 23 is provided, the reaction is performed in the second flow path 22. The reaction gas flows toward the reaction gas outlet 26 without stagnation of the gas, so that the reaction gas can efficiently flow through the module 41, and the module 41 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing another example of the fuel cell module of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fuel cell module 41 shown in FIG. 4 and 5 show the case where only one cell stack 4 is stored in the storage container 44. FIG.

  Here, since the fuel cell module 43 is configured to combust excess fuel gas above the power generation chamber 30, the temperature above the power generation chamber 30 is the highest. Therefore, in order to efficiently raise the temperature of the reaction gas, it is preferable that the reaction gas is configured to flow above the power generation chamber 30 so that heat generated by the combustion and the reaction gas are exchanged.

  Further, when the third flow path 23 is disposed on the outer wall (side wall) 13 side and the reaction gas outlet 26 is provided on the outer wall (side wall) 13 side of the storage container 44, the first flow path 21 is provided. The reaction gas that has flown does not flow above the power generation chamber 30 (second flow path 22) but flows into the third flow path 23, and the reaction gas that is not sufficiently heat-exchanged is a fuel cell. There is a possibility that the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 may be reduced by being supplied to the cell 3 (cell stack 4).

  In addition, the reaction gas may stay above the power generation chamber 30 and the upper wall 13 (outer wall) of the storage container 44 may become hot. Furthermore, the upper wall 13 (outer wall) of the storage container 44 dissipates heat to the outside, resulting in a loss of heat energy, and the temperature of the module 43 (cell stack 4) decreases, thereby reducing the power generation efficiency of the module 43. There is a fear.

  In addition, when a large amount of the reaction gas flowing in the second flow path flows in the third flow path located on one side (or the other side) along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, both side surfaces of the fuel cells With the difference in the amount of reaction gas supplied from the side, the power generation output of the fuel cell may be reduced, and there is a risk of adverse effects such as deterioration.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 4. In the module 43 shown in FIG. 5, a first interval is provided inside the outer wall 13 (side wall) at a predetermined interval. A wall 14 is formed, the second wall 15 is arranged inside the first wall 14 at a predetermined interval, and further, the third wall 15 is opened inside the second wall with a predetermined feeling. Has been placed. Thereby, the space formed by the outer wall 13 (side wall) and the first wall 14 becomes the first flow path 21, and the space formed by the first wall 14 and the second wall 15 is the fourth flow path. The space formed by the second wall 15 and the third wall 16 becomes the third flow path 23.

  The upper wall 17 extends from the upper surface of the upper wall 17 to the side surface side of the cell stack 4, and a second flow path 22 is formed by the upper wall 17 and the outer wall (upper wall of the storage container 2) 13. A partition member 18 is provided at a predetermined interval from the outer wall (upper wall) 13 in the storage container 44 to the inside. A space between the outer wall (upper wall) 13 and the partition member 18 in the storage container 44 is a fifth flow path 35.

  The reaction gas flows from the lower side to the upper side of the first flow path 21, then flows along the outer wall 13 (upper wall), flows through the second flow path, and flows through the fifth flow path 35 via the reaction gas outflow portion 36. And flows through the third flow path 23 from above to be supplied to the fuel cell 3 (cell stack 4). After being used for power generation in the fuel cell 3, the surplus reaction gas is combusted with the fuel gas in the upper part of the cell stack 4 to become high-temperature exhaust gas. The exhaust gas flows to the exhaust gas collection unit 32 via the fourth flow path 24 and is then exhausted to the outside of the storage container 42 through the exhaust pipe 12.

  As a result, the reaction gas can exchange heat with the hot exhaust gas in the upper part of the hot power generation chamber 30, and the hot reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel battery cell 3, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel battery cell 3. Thus, the module 43 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Further, after flowing upward in the first flow path 21, the reaction gas can flow toward the reaction gas inflow path 26 via the second flow path 22, and the first 5 flow paths 35. Therefore, the reaction gas supplied to the fuel cell 3 can be made into a higher temperature reaction gas by efficiently exchanging heat with the exhaust gas above the power generation chamber 30, and the warm reaction gas is supplied to the fuel cell 3. Can be supplied. Thereby, the fall of the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 can be suppressed, and the power generation efficiency of the module 43 (fuel cell 3) can be improved.

  In addition, since the reaction gas that has flowed through the first flow path 21 and flowed into the second flow path 22 can efficiently flow into the fifth flow path 35, the reaction gas is contained in the second flow path 21. The retention can be suppressed, and the reaction gas can be efficiently supplied to the fuel cell 3. Thereby, it can suppress that the electric power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 falls. In addition, it is possible to suppress the outer wall 13 (side wall) of the storage container 2 from becoming high temperature and to suppress heat radiation from the outer wall 13 (upper wall). Therefore, a module with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, since the second wall 15 constituting the fourth flow path 24 and the outer wall 13 (side wall) constituting the third flow path are each provided with a plurality of third flow direction changing portions 39, The reaction gas and the exhaust gas can efficiently exchange heat, and the power generation efficiency of the module 43 can be further improved.

  Further, it is possible to suppress a large amount of flow through the third flow path 23 located on one side (or the other side) along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 3, and the fuel cells 3 are supplied from both side surfaces. Deterioration of the fuel battery cell 3 due to the difference in the amount of the reaction gas can be suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 can be suppressed, and the module 43 with further improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, since the fourth flow path 24 through which the exhaust gas flows is located between the first flow path 21 and the third flow path 23 through which the reaction gas flows, heat exchange can be performed between the reaction gas and the exhaust gas. The warm reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 3. Thereby, the module 43 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  5 shows an example in which one cell stack 4 is stored in the module 43, but a plurality of cell stacks 4 may be stored. Even in that case, the module 43 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, since the third flow path 23 is disposed on both sides of the power generation unit, only one cell stack can be accommodated. Thereby, the module 43 can be used in various ways.

  Further, a heat insulating material may be provided between the third flow path 23 and the fourth flow path 24 so as to be adjacent to each other. What is necessary is just to set suitably the place which arrange | positions a heat insulating material.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing still another example of the fuel cell module of the present invention, in which the outer wall 13 constituting the first flow path 21 and the second wall constituting the fourth flow path 24 are shown. A third gas flow direction changing unit 39 is provided in each of the 15.

  The reaction gas flows through the first flow path 21 while exchanging heat from below to above, and then flows through the second flow path along the outer wall 13 (upper wall). And flows through the third flow path 23 from the upper side to the lower side and is supplied to the fuel cell 3 (cell stack 4). After being used for power generation in the fuel cell 3, the surplus reaction gas is combusted with the fuel gas in the upper part of the cell stack 4 to become high-temperature exhaust gas. The exhaust gas flows to the exhaust gas collection unit 32 via the fourth flow path 24 and is then exhausted to the outside of the storage container 42 through the exhaust pipe 12.

  As a result, the reactive gas flowing through the first flow path 21 and the exhaust gas flowing through the fourth flow path can collide with the second wall 14 which is a heat exchanging portion, so that an efficient reactive gas and Heat exchange with exhaust gas can be performed. Thereby, the temperature of the reaction gas can be raised, the high-temperature reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel battery cell 3, and the module 45 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing another example of the fuel cell module of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the fuel cell module 47 shown in FIG. In the module 47 shown in FIG. 7, an example is shown in which two cell stacks 4 are juxtaposed in the power generation chamber 30 of the storage container 46. Note that the cell stack 4 is arranged on one manifold 6.

  In this case, since the reaction gas is supplied from the reaction gas outlet 27 to one side surface of each cell stack 4, even when two cell stacks are juxtaposed, the fuel cell 3 is efficiently Power generation can be performed.

  In the module 47 shown in FIG. 7, there is an exhaust gas collection chamber 37 for collecting exhaust gas between the second flow path 22 and the power generation chamber 30 in the storage container 48 and flowing it to the fourth flow path 24. An example is shown. In FIG. 7, the fifth flow path 35 formed by the partition member 18 is disposed so as to face the exhaust gas collection chamber 37, and the fifth flow path of the partition member 18 that forms the fifth flow path 35. A plurality of second gas flow direction changing sections 34 are provided on the 35 side.

  The reaction gas flows from the lower side to the upper side through each first flow path 21, joins via the second flow path 22, and then flows to the fifth flow path 35 via the reaction gas inflow path 26. 3 flows from above to below and is supplied to the fuel cell 3 (cell stack 4). After being used for power generation in the fuel cell 3, the surplus reaction gas is combusted with the fuel gas in the upper part of the cell stack 4 to become high-temperature exhaust gas. Exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 3 and exhaust gas generated by burning surplus fuel gas on the upper end side of the fuel cell 3 pass through the third flow path 23 through the exhaust gas collection chamber 37. It flows into the fourth flow path 24 through the port 36. And it flows through the 4th channel 24 from the upper part to the lower part.

  As a result, high-temperature exhaust gas can be flowed to the fourth flow path 24 via the exhaust gas collection chamber 37, and the exhaust gas can be prevented from staying above the power generation chamber 30, and the power generation efficiency of the module 45 can be reduced. Can be improved.

  Further, since the exhaust gas collection chamber 37 and the fifth flow path 35 are arranged adjacent to each other via an upper wall (not shown) of the exhaust gas collection chamber 37, the upper wall of the exhaust gas collection chamber 37 is heated. It becomes an exchange part. Therefore, the reaction gas supplied from the reaction gas supply pipe 11 flows through the second flow path 22 and the fifth flow path 35 (particularly, during the flow through the fifth flow path 35), and the exhaust gas collection chamber. The heat exchange with the exhaust gas flowing through the fuel cell 37 is efficiently performed, and the temperature of the reaction gas supplied to the fuel cell 3 can be further increased, so that the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 (module 45) can be improved.

  Furthermore, since a plurality of second gas flow direction changing portions 34 are provided in the fifth flow path 35 of the partition member 18 forming the fifth flow path 35, the reaction gas flowing through the fifth flow path 35 is allowed to flow. It can be made to collide with the upper wall of the exhaust gas collection chamber 37 which is a heat exchange part, and also heat exchange can be performed. Thereby, a warmer reaction gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 3 and the power generation efficiency of the module 45 can be further improved.

  In addition, although the example which provided the 2nd gas distribution direction change member 34 for flowing each gas toward the upper wall of the exhaust gas collection chamber 37 which is a heat exchange part only in the 5th flow path 35 was shown, The exhaust gas collection chamber 37 may be provided. Even in such a case, the power generation efficiency of the module 47 can be further improved because it can be made to collide with the upper wall of the exhaust gas collection chamber, which is a heat exchange part, and the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved.

  In addition, although the 2nd gas distribution direction change part 34 and the 3rd gas distribution direction change part 39 showed the example which provided the rectangular parallelepiped protrusion member similarly to the 1st gas distribution direction change part 19, It is good also as the 2nd gas distribution direction change part 34 and the 3rd gas distribution direction change part 39 by making each wall protrude.

  FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the fuel cell device of the present invention in which the fuel cell module of the present invention and an auxiliary machine for operating the cell stack 4 are housed in an outer case. In FIG. 9, a part of the configuration is omitted.

  The fuel cell device 41 shown in FIG. 9 divides the interior of the exterior case composed of the columns 42 and the exterior plate 43 into upper and lower portions by the partition plate 44, and the module storage chamber 45 for accommodating the above-described fuel cell module 1 on the upper side. The lower side is configured as an auxiliary equipment storage chamber 46 for storing auxiliary equipment for operating the fuel cell module 1. It should be noted that auxiliary equipment stored in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 46 is omitted.

  In addition, the partition plate 44 is provided with an air circulation port 47 for allowing the air in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 46 to flow toward the module storage chamber 45, and a part of the exterior plate 43 constituting the module storage chamber 45 includes An exhaust port 48 for exhausting the air in the module storage chamber 45 is provided.

  In such a fuel cell device 41, as described above, the fuel cell module 1 that can improve the power generation efficiency is configured to be stored in the module storage chamber 45, thereby improving the power generation efficiency. 41.

  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.

  In the above-described example, the case where an oxygen-containing gas is allowed to flow in each flow path in the storage container 2 as a reaction gas is exemplified. For example, a hydrogen-containing gas (fuel gas) is set in each flow path in the storage container 2 as a reaction gas ). In this case, the air supplied to the manifold 6 may be warmed by another configuration, and the reformer 7 may be disposed outside the storage container 2.

1, 41, 43, 45, 47, 61: Fuel cell module 2, 42, 44, 46, 48, 62: Storage container 3: Fuel cell 4: Cell stack 19: First gas flow direction changing unit 34: 2nd gas distribution direction change part 39: 3rd gas distribution direction change part 20: Reaction gas introduction member 21: 1st flow path 22: 2nd flow path 23: 3rd flow path 24: 4th Channel 35: Fifth channel 26: Reaction gas outlet 51: Fuel cell device

Claims (7)

A plurality of columnar fuel cells having gas flow paths inside are arranged in an erected state, and a cell stack formed by electrical connection is stored in a power generation chamber provided in a rectangular parallelepiped storage container. A fuel cell module comprising:
The storage container is disposed between a side portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells constituting the cell stack and each side wall of the storage container in a direction along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells. And a second channel for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the first channel along the upper wall of the storage container. , A third flow channel for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the second flow channel downward, and an exhaust gas in the power generation chamber disposed from above from the first flow channel arranged adjacent to the first flow channel A fourth flow path for flowing downward,
The second flow path is used for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path toward the third flow path in a portion along the direction of the flow of the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path. A fuel cell module comprising: a first gas flow direction changing unit that has a reactive gas outlet and flows a reactive gas flowing through the second flow channel toward the reactive gas outlet.   The reactive gas outlet is open to the power generation chamber side, and the third flow path is connected to the reactive gas outlet and is arranged to hang down in the power generation chamber. The fuel cell module according to claim 1.   The reaction gas outlet is open to the power generation chamber side, and a fifth gas for flowing the reaction gas that has flowed through the reaction gas outlet so as to be adjacent to the second flow path to the third flow path. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the third flow path is disposed adjacent to the fourth flow path.   The fuel according to claim 3, further comprising an exhaust gas collection chamber that is disposed adjacent to the fifth flow path and collects the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber and flows the exhaust gas in the fourth flow path. Battery module.   The fifth flow path includes a second gas flow direction changing unit for flowing the reaction gas flowing through the fifth flow path toward the upper wall side of the power generation chamber or the exhaust gas collection chamber side. The fuel cell module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fuel cell module is characterized in that:   At least one of the first flow path and the fourth flow path is a third gas flow direction change for flowing a reaction gas or exhaust gas flowing through each flow path toward the other flow path. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, further comprising a unit.   A fuel cell device comprising: the fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and an auxiliary device for operating the cell stack in an outer case.

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