JP2010277746A - Cell stack device and fuel cell module, and fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly reliable cell stack device that can stably supply a fuel gas and restrain deformation of a manifold even if a reformer expands under a high temperature, and to provide a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device which have the stack device. <P>SOLUTION: One end of a fuel gas supply tube 13 is connected to each of fuel gas outlets 11 provided at both ends of a container 23 in its longitudinal direction, and the other ends of the fuel gas supply tubes 13 are connected for connection to the manifold 7. In such a construction, it is possible to achieve a cell stack device A, a fuel cell module B, and a fuel cell device, which are excellent in durability and have improved power-generation efficiency. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells are arranged and electrically connected in a standing state, a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cells, and raw fuel as fuel gas. The present invention relates to a cell stack device including a reformer for reforming, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device.

  In recent years, various fuel cell modules have been proposed in which fuel cells capable of obtaining power using fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and air (oxygen-containing gas) are housed in a storage container as next-generation energy. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  By the way, in generating a hydrogen-containing gas to be supplied to a fuel cell, for example, a steam reforming method is known in which hydrocarbons such as natural gas are reacted with steam to generate hydrogen, and such reforming is known. Various reformers for carrying out the above have been proposed.

  FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing a conventional fuel cell module C, in which a cell stack device D is stored in a storage container 101. The cell stack apparatus D includes a cell stack 105 in which a plurality of fuel cells 103 are arranged and connected in series, a reformer 108 for reforming raw fuel into fuel gas, and a fuel gas in the fuel cell. And a manifold 109 for supplying.

  Here, the cell stack 105 is fixed to the manifold 109 by a sealing material 107 such as glass, and a U-shaped reformer 108 is disposed above the cell stack 105. In order to perform steam reforming with high reforming efficiency, the reformer 108 includes a vaporizer for vaporizing water supplied to the reformer 108, a fuel gas (from the vaporized water and raw fuel) And a reforming section for producing a hydrogen-containing gas).

  The fuel gas generated by the reformer 108 is supplied to the manifold 109 via the fuel gas supply pipe 111, and the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied from the manifold 109 to each fuel cell 103.

  By the way, in the fuel cell module C shown in FIG. 8, the fuel gas generated by the reformer 108 is supplied into the manifold 109 from the fuel gas supply pipe 111 connected to one end side of the manifold 109. A sufficient amount of fuel gas cannot be supplied to the fuel cell 103 disposed at a position farther from the connecting portion with the fuel gas supply pipe 111, and the fuel cell 103 may deteriorate or power generation of the cell stack 105 may occur. There was a risk that efficiency would decrease. Further, in the fuel cell module C shown in FIG. 8, since there is only one reforming part for reforming raw fuel into fuel gas in the reformer 108, when the reforming part deteriorates, it is normal. Since the supply of the fuel gas cannot be performed, there is a problem that the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module C is lowered.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the present applicant has a reformer 121 having a vaporizer 121 a at the center and reformers 121 b at both ends, as shown in FIG. 9. A cell stack apparatus E in which the fuel gas supply pipe 123 connected to the mass part 121b is connected to both ends of the manifold 109 has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2007-59377 A International Application No. PCT / JP2009 / 55869

  However, as shown in FIG. 9, in the cell stack apparatus E in which the two fuel gas supply pipes 123 are connected to the upper surfaces of both ends of the manifold 109, the reformer 121 is moved in the direction of the arrow when the reformer 121 becomes hot. There is a problem that the fuel gas supply pipe 123 expands and deforms as indicated by a broken line, and due to this, the manifold 109 deforms in a convex shape toward the reformer 121 as indicated by a one-dot chain line. Further, there is a problem that the crack K is generated in the sealing material 107 for fixing the fuel cell 103 to the manifold 109, and the durability of the cell stack device E is lowered.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a cell stack device that can stably supply fuel gas and can suppress deformation of the manifold even when the reformer expands at a high temperature, and is excellent in reliability, and a fuel cell module including the same. An object is to provide a fuel cell device.

  The cell stack device of the present invention includes a cell stack formed by arranging and electrically connecting a plurality of columnar fuel cells having gas flow paths therein, and a lower end of the fuel cell. A raw material fuel is supplied to a central part in the longitudinal direction of a cylindrical container, which is fixed above the cell stack and fixed with a sealing material and which is provided above the cell stack. A vaporization section provided with a supply port; and a reforming catalyst for reforming the raw fuel flowing from the vaporization section into the fuel gas at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the container and delivering the fuel gas And a reformer having a reforming section provided with a fuel gas delivery port for performing fuel gas supply to each of the fuel gas delivery ports provided at both ends of the vessel One end of the tube Are continued, characterized in that the other ends of the fuel gas supply pipe is connected to said manifold connected.

  In such a cell stack apparatus, one end of the fuel gas supply pipe is connected to each of the fuel gas delivery ports provided at both ends of the container constituting the reformer, and the other ends of the fuel gas supply pipes are connected to each other. Since the reformer is expanded at a high temperature, even if the piping (fuel gas supply pipe) is deformed due to the expansion, the stress generated in the manifold can be reduced. Therefore, deformation of the manifold can be reduced. Thereby, it can suppress that a crack arises in the sealing material for fixing a fuel battery cell, and can improve durability of a cell stack apparatus as a result. Thereby, a cell stack device with improved reliability can be obtained.

  Further, in the cell stack device of the present invention, since the reformer has the reforming parts at both ends, even if one of the two reforming parts deteriorates, the remaining Since the fuel gas can be supplied from one reforming section, the cell stack device can be stably operated.

  In the cell stack device of the present invention, it is preferable that the fuel gas supply pipe is connected to the bottom surface of the manifold by wrapping around the bottom surface of the manifold opposite to the surface on which the cell stack is fixed. .

  In such a cell stack device, since the fuel gas supply pipe is connected to the bottom surface of the manifold, the high-temperature reformed gas that has come out of the reformer circulates to the bottom surface side of the manifold, and the manifold from the bottom surface side. Supplied inside. Thereby, the temperature on the bottom surface side of the manifold, which has been conventionally low, can be uniformly increased. Conventionally, the top surface of the manifold has a high temperature due to the heat generated by the power generation reaction of the cell stack, but there is no heat source on the bottom surface and only heat dissipation, so there is a temperature difference between the top and bottom surfaces of the manifold. It was. Due to the difference in thermal expansion due to this temperature difference, tensile stress was generated in the top seal material, but by turning high-temperature fuel gas to the bottom surface, this tensile stress was alleviated to improve the durability and reliability of the cell stack. It becomes possible to make it.

  In the cell stack device of the present invention, it is preferable that the fuel gas supply pipe is connected to a central portion of the bottom surface of the manifold.

  In such a cell stack device, the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply pipe into the manifold diffuses from the central part of the manifold to the surroundings, so that it is symmetrical from the central part toward both ends. The fuel gas can be supplied, and the fuel gas can be efficiently supplied to each fuel cell constituting the cell stack fixed to the manifold, thereby improving the power generation performance of the cell stack device.

  In the cell stack device of the present invention, a flat plate or a mesh plate having a plurality of holes for allowing the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply pipe to flow toward the fuel cell is provided in the manifold. It is preferable.

  In such a cell stack apparatus, a flat plate or a mesh plate having a large number of holes for flowing fuel gas to each fuel cell is provided in the manifold, so that each fuel constituting the cell stack is provided. The fuel gas can be efficiently supplied to the battery cell, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

  Since the fuel cell module of the present invention contains the cell stack device in a storage container, the fuel cell module can be improved in reliability.

  The fuel cell device according to the present invention includes the above fuel cell module and an auxiliary device for operating the cell stack device in an outer case, so that the fuel cell device can be improved in reliability. it can.

  According to the present invention, a cell stack device comprising a reformer having a vaporization section at the center, reforming sections at both ends thereof, and a fuel gas supply pipe connected to each reforming section. In this case, when the reformer expands at a high temperature, deformation of the manifold can be suppressed and cracking of the seal material can be suppressed. In addition, since each reformer has reforming sections at both ends, even if one reforming section of the two reforming sections deteriorates, fuel gas is discharged from the remaining one reforming section. Since it becomes possible to supply the cell stack device, it is possible to stably operate the cell stack device, thereby providing a cell stack device with improved reliability, a fuel cell module including the cell stack device, and a fuel cell device. can do.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the cell stack apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the effect of the cell stack apparatus of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the cell stack device of the present invention, and showing that a member for flowing fuel gas toward the fuel cell is provided inside the manifold. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the modifier which comprises the cell stack apparatus of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell module of this invention, and shows the state which pulled out the cell stack apparatus which removed the reformer to the back of the storage container. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the fuel cell module of this invention. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing, in an extracted manner, an upper wall that constitutes a storage container and is connected to a reformer, and a cell stack device from which the reformer is removed, of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the conventional fuel cell module. It is sectional drawing of the cell stack apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the cell stack device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effect of the cell stack device of the present invention. In the following drawings, the same numbers are assigned to the same members.

  The cell stack apparatus A of the present invention is electrically connected by providing a current collecting member (not shown) between the plurality of fuel cells 1 each having a gas flow path (not shown). The cell stack 3, the manifold 7 whose lower end of the cell stack 3 is fixed via the sealing material 5, and the vaporizer at the center, and the fuel gas at both ends thereof The reformer 9 has a delivery port 11 and is provided with a raw fuel supply pipe 31 on the upper surface, and a fuel gas supply pipe 13 connected to each fuel gas delivery port 11 of the reformer 9. The fuel gas supply pipe 13 is connected to each of the fuel gas delivery ports 11 provided at both ends of the reformer 9, and one end of the fuel gas supply pipe 13 goes to the bottom surface of the manifold 7. After being connected to each other with the manifold 7 It is connected to the bottom surface 7b. Further, at both ends of the cell stack 3, conductive members 17 having current extraction portions 15 for collecting and drawing out current generated by power generation of the fuel cell 1 are arranged. Here, the sealing material 5 for fixing the lower ends of the cell stack 3 and the current collecting member 17 to the manifold 7 is made of glass or glass having heat resistance such that the cell stack 3 is not deformed or melted even when heated to a high temperature. Glass ceramics containing ceramic particles are preferably used.

  As a result, even when the reformer 9 expands to the state shown by the broken line as shown in FIG. 2 at a high temperature, the stress generated in the manifold 7 is caused by the deformation of the pipe (fuel gas supply pipe 13). Since it is relaxed, the deformation of the manifold 7 is suppressed. Thereby, it can suppress that a crack arises in the sealing material 5 for fixing the fuel cell 1, and as a result, the durability of the cell stack device A can be improved and the reliability can be improved.

  In the cell stack apparatus A of the present invention, it is preferable that the fuel gas supply pipe 13 is connected to the central portion of the bottom surface 7 b of the manifold 7.

  As a result, a sufficient amount of fuel gas can be supplied to each fuel cell 1 constituting the cell stack 3 arranged on the manifold 7, so that the fuel cell 1 is deteriorated and the power generation efficiency is reduced. Can be suppressed.

  Here, the center of the bottom surface 7b of the manifold 7 is the vicinity of the intersection of a half point in the longitudinal direction of the manifold 7 and a half point in the width that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the case where the fuel gas supply pipe 13 is connected to the central portion of the bottom surface 7b of the manifold 7, the fuel gas supply pipe 13 is connected so as to include this intersection.

  In the cell stack apparatus A of the present invention, it is preferable that a member 21 for flowing the fuel gas toward the fuel cell is provided in the manifold 7. FIG. 3 shows another example of the cell stack device of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing that a member for flowing fuel gas toward the fuel cell is provided inside the manifold.

  In such a cell stack apparatus A, a member 21 (hereinafter referred to as a fuel gas flow direction adjusting member 21) for flowing fuel gas toward the fuel cell 1 constituting the cell stack 3 inside the manifold 7 is used. Since the flat plate or mesh plate having a large number of holes is provided, the fuel gas can be efficiently supplied to each fuel cell 1 constituting the cell stack 3, and the power generation efficiency can be improved. In addition, when the material of the fuel gas flow direction adjusting member 21 is nickel, the raw fuel that has not been sufficiently reformed by the reformer 9 can be further reformed by the catalytic action of nickel. There is.

  Further, when the size of the hole in the fuel gas flow direction adjusting member 21 is reduced at the center side and the end side is increased, the fuel gas easily passes through the end side of the fuel gas flow direction adjusting member 21, It becomes possible to supply the fuel gas more efficiently to the fuel cell 1 far from the connection portion of the fuel gas supply pipe 13 on the bottom surface 7 b of the manifold 7.

  FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an example of a reformer constituting the cell stack apparatus A of the present invention. In the reformer 9 shown in FIG. 4, it has the vaporization part 25 in the center part of the length direction in the cylindrical container 23, and the both ends of the length direction of the container 23 (namely, both sides of the vaporization part 25). A reforming section 29 including a reforming catalyst 27 is provided. The vaporization unit 25 has a supply port 30 to which raw fuel is supplied, and a raw fuel supply pipe 31 is connected to the supply port 29. Each reformer 29 has a fuel gas delivery port 11 for delivering fuel gas produced by reforming the raw fuel, and one end of the fuel gas supply pipe 13 is connected to the fuel gas delivery port 11. Is connected. The vaporizing section 25 and the reforming section 29 are separated by a wall 33 having air permeability. Although not shown, when steam reforming is performed in the reformer 9, a water supply pipe can be provided inside the raw fuel supply pipe 31.

  In such a cell stack apparatus A, the fuel gas generated in each reformer 29 in the reformer 9 is supplied from the manifold 7 to the fuel cell 1 through each fuel gas supply pipe 13. It becomes.

  As a result, a sufficient amount of fuel gas can be supplied to each fuel cell 1 constituting the cell stack 3 arranged on the manifold 7, and the deterioration of the fuel cell 1 and the decrease in power generation efficiency. Can be suppressed.

  Since the reformer 9 has the reforming sections 29 at both ends thereof, even if one reforming section 29 of the two reforming sections 29 deteriorates, the remaining one reforming section 9 Since it becomes possible to supply fuel gas from the part 29, the cell stack apparatus A can be operated stably.

  Here, the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply pipe 13 to the manifold 7 through the supply port 29 of the vaporization section 25 of the reformer 9 is connected to the manifold 7 at an equal amount. It is preferable that the length to the connecting portion and the inner diameter of the fuel gas supply pipe 13 are equal.

  By the way, although heat is generated in the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 3) with the power generation of the fuel cell 1, the heat generated by the power generation is radiated from between adjacent fuel cells 1 or the like.

  However, in a cell stack 3 in which a plurality of fuel cells 1 are juxtaposed and electrically connected in series, the fuel cells arranged at the end in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 1 constituting the cell stack 3 1 is easy to dissipate heat, but the fuel cell 1 disposed on the center side in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 1 constituting the cell stack 3 is difficult to dissipate. There may be a non-uniform temperature distribution where the temperature is high and the temperature at the end is low.

  When surplus fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell 1 is burned on the upper end side of the fuel cell 1, the temperature on the upper end side of the fuel cell 1 is high and the temperature on the lower end side is high. May cause a non-uniform temperature distribution.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the reformer 9 for performing the steam reforming is disposed above the cell stack 3, the vaporization unit 25 of the reformer 9 is disposed on the center side of the cell stack 3. It will be arrange | positioned above the fuel cell 1 located.

  Thereby, for example, a fuel cell located on the center side of the cell stack 3 by an endothermic reaction for vaporizing water supplied to the vaporization unit 25 from a water supply pipe provided inside the raw fuel supply pipe 31 1 (particularly, the temperature on the upper end side of the fuel cell 1 positioned on the center side of the cell stack 3) is lowered.

  Therefore, the temperature on the center side of the cell stack 3 (particularly, the upper end side of the fuel cell 1 located on the center side) can be lowered, and therefore the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 1 constituting the cell stack 3 The temperature distribution in the fuel cell 1 can be made closer to uniform and the temperature distribution in the vertical direction of the fuel cell 1 can be made closer to uniform. Thereby, it can be set as the cell stack apparatus A which can improve the electric power generation efficiency of the cell stack 3. FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the fuel battery cell 1 has a fuel-side electrode layer, a solid on the surface of a hollow plate-type support body 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 an electrolyte layer and an oxygen-side electrode layer are provided in this order is illustrated.

  When a solid oxide fuel cell is used as the fuel cell 1, the power generation temperature of the fuel cell 1 is as high as about 600 ° C. to 1000 ° C., and accordingly the arrangement direction of the fuel cell 1. And the temperature distribution in the vertical direction of the fuel cell 1 are likely to be non-uniform.

  Here, in the above-described cell stack apparatus A, in this case as well, due to the endothermic reaction in the vaporization section 25, the center portion side of the cell stack 3 (particularly the upper end portion side of the fuel cell 1 located on the center portion side) Since the temperature can be lowered, the temperature distribution in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 1 constituting the cell stack 3 and the temperature distribution in the vertical direction of the fuel cells 1 can be made more uniform. Therefore, it is particularly useful when a solid oxide fuel cell is used as the fuel cell 1.

  In addition to the above, for example, a cylindrical or flat fuel cell can be used as the fuel cell 1, and the solid electrolyte layer and the fuel are provided on the surface of the support having the function as the oxygen-side electrode layer. It can also be set as the solid oxide fuel cell by which a side electrode layer is provided in order.

  FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing an example of the fuel cell module B (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a module) of the present invention in which the above-described cell stack device A is stored in the storage container 41. In FIG. 5, the reformer 9 is connected to the inner surface of the upper wall of the storage container 41, and the cell stack apparatus A is shown with the reformer 9 removed.

  Further, in the module B shown in FIG. 5, a part (front and rear surfaces) of the storage container 41 is removed, and the cell stack apparatus A (shown with the reformer 9 removed in FIG. 5) stored inside. The state taken out backward is shown. Below, the storage container 41 which comprises the module B is demonstrated.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the module B. In the storage container 41 constituting the module B, an outer frame of the storage container 41 is formed by an outer wall 51, and a power generation chamber 53 for storing the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 3) is formed therein.

  In such a storage container 41, air or exhaust gas is allowed to flow between the side portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 1 constituting the cell stack 3 and the outer wall of the storage container 41 facing the side portion. The flow path is provided.

  Here, in the storage container 41, a first wall 55 is formed inside the outer wall 51 with a predetermined interval, and a second wall 57 is arranged inside the first wall 55 with a predetermined interval. Furthermore, a third wall 59 is arranged inside the second wall 57 with a predetermined interval.

  As a result, the space formed by the outer wall 51 and the first wall 55 becomes the first flow path 61, and the space formed by the second wall 57 and the third wall 59 becomes the second flow path 63. Thus, the space formed by the first wall 55 and the second wall 57 becomes the third flow path 65.

  In the storage container 41 shown in FIG. 6, the upper end portion of the first wall 55 is connected to the second wall 57, and the second wall 57 is connected to the upper wall (outer wall 51) of the storage container 41. The upper end of the third wall 59 is connected to the second wall 57.

  In addition, an air supply pipe 67 for supplying air (air) into the storage container 41 is connected to the bottom of the storage container 41, and the air supplied from the air supply pipe 67 flows to the air introduction part 69. . Since the air introduction part 69 is connected to the first flow path 61 by the air introduction port 71, the air flowing through the air introduction part 69 flows to the first flow path 61 through the air introduction port 71. The air that has flowed upward in the first flow path 61 flows into the second flow path 63 through the air circulation port 73 provided in the second wall 57. Then, the air that has flowed downward through the second flow path 63 is supplied into the power generation chamber 53 through an air outlet 75 provided in the third wall 59.

  On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 1 or the exhaust gas generated by burning excess fuel gas on the upper end side of the fuel cell 1 passes through the exhaust gas circulation port 76 provided in the second wall 57. 3 flow path 65. The exhaust gas flowing downward through the third flow path 65 flows to the exhaust gas collecting section 79 through the exhaust gas collecting port 77 and then passes through the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 81 connected to the exhaust gas collecting section 79 to the outside of the storage container 41. Exhausted.

  Therefore, the air supplied from the air supply pipe 67 is heat-exchanged with the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas collection unit 79 while flowing through the air introduction unit 69, and the third flow is passed through the first flow path 61. Heat exchange is performed with the exhaust gas flowing through the path 65, and heat exchange is performed between the exhaust gas flowing through the third flow path 65 and the heat in the power generation chamber 53 while flowing through the second flow path 63.

  Thereby, since the temperature of air can be raised efficiently, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 1 can be improved.

  In addition, in the heat insulating material 85 (the heat insulating material 85 is indicated by hatching in the drawing) arranged on both side surfaces of the cell stack 3 (fuel cell 1), the air corresponding to the air outlet 75 Is provided in the fuel cell 1 side.

  The air supplied from the air outlet 75 into the power generation chamber 53 flows from the lower end side of the fuel cell 1 toward the upper end side, so that the fuel cell 1 can efficiently generate power.

  The heat insulating material 85 can be provided as appropriate so that the heat in the storage container 41 is extremely dissipated and the temperature of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 3) is lowered and the power generation amount is not reduced. These show the example provided in the bottom part of the manifold 7, the both-sides side of the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 3), and the upper wall of the storage container 41, and the reformer 9. FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which the cell stack apparatus A having a row of cell stacks 3 is housed in the power generation chamber 53. In this case, air is introduced from both side surfaces of the fuel cell 1. Become.

  6 shows an example in which the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 81 is located inside the air supply pipe 67. However, the air supply pipe 67 and the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 81 are provided with their positions shifted from each other. You can also.

  The reformer 9 is disposed above the fuel cell 1 (cell stack 3), and is connected to the inner surface of the upper wall of the storage container 41 via a heat insulating material 85. Accordingly, since the reformer 9 is disposed above the cell stack 3 (fuel cell 1), the temperature distribution in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 1 in the cell stack 3 and the vertical direction of the fuel cell 1 are determined. The temperature distribution in can be made more uniform and module B with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  7 is an extract of the cell stack apparatus A (removed from the reformer 9) of the module B shown in FIG. 6 and the upper wall 87 of the storage container 41 to which the reformer 9 is connected. It is the external appearance perspective view shown.

  Here, the fuel gas supply pipe 13 for supplying the fuel gas generated in the reformer 9 to the manifold 7 is connected to the reformer 9 (respective fuel gas outlets 11). A fuel gas supply pipe 89 and a manifold side fuel gas supply pipe 91 connected to the manifold 7 are configured, and the cell stack apparatus A connected to the upper wall 87 is configured by connecting these.

  Here, since the reformer 9 is connected to the inner surface of the upper wall 87, the assembly of the module B facilitates the positioning of the reformer 9, and the cell stack apparatus A excluding the reformer 9 Positioning is also easy. Thereby, the assembly of the module B becomes easy.

  In such a module B, the reformer side fuel gas supply pipe 89 and the manifold side fuel gas supply pipe 91 are removed, and the upper wall 87 is removed from the storage container 41, whereby the reformer 9 is stored in the storage container. Since it can be easily taken out from 41, the reformer 9 can be easily detached.

  Further, since the reformer 9 can be easily detached in the cell stack apparatus A, when assembling the module B, the cell stack apparatus A from which the reformer 9 has been removed is slid and stored in the storage container 41. Thereafter, by attaching the upper wall 87 to which the reformer 9 is connected to the storage container 41, the module B can be easily assembled, and the cell stack apparatus A can be easily assembled.

  When the reformer side fuel gas supply pipe 89 and the manifold side fuel gas supply pipe 91 are attached, the reformer side fuel gas supply pipe 89 is provided so that the fuel gas supplied from the reformer 9 is difficult to leak. Is preferably connected to the inside of the manifold side fuel gas supply pipe 91.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the reformer-side fuel gas supply pipe 89 and the manifold-side fuel gas supply pipe 91 be easily detachable, and it is preferable that the reformer-side fuel gas supply pipe 91 is detachable by, for example, a one-touch type.

  By adopting such a structure, it becomes possible to easily arrange the reformer 9 above the fuel cell 1, and when surplus fuel gas is burned on the upper end side of the fuel cell 1, The temperature of the reformer 9 can be increased efficiently, and the reforming efficiency of the reformer 9 can be improved.

  And the module B mentioned above is accommodated in an exterior case, and it can be set as the fuel cell apparatus with improved electric power generation efficiency. In the exterior case, the interior is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition member, the upper side is a module storage chamber for storing the module B, and the lower side is an auxiliary machine for storing auxiliary equipment necessary for operating the module B By using the storage chamber, a more compact fuel cell device can be obtained.

  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, in the cell stack apparatus A stored in the storage container 41, an example in which only one cell stack 3 in which a plurality of fuel cells 1 are arranged is arranged on the manifold 7 is shown. Two can be juxtaposed. In this case, air is supplied to the fuel cell 1 from the air outlet 75 located on the side surface side of each cell stack 3.

  Further, for example, in the storage container 41, the outer wall 51 and the first wall 55 form a first channel 61, and the second wall 57 and the second wall 59 form a second channel 63. The first channel 55 and the second wall 57 only need to form the third flow path 65, and the positions of the air circulation port and the exhaust gas circulation port can be changed as appropriate. An air flow passage connecting the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 63 may be provided between the wall 55 and the second wall 57, and the second wall 57 and the third wall 59 An exhaust gas flow passage that connects the power generation chamber 53 and the third flow path 65 may be provided therebetween.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,103: Fuel cell 3, 105: Cell stack 5, 107: Sealing material 7, 109: Manifold 7b: Bottom face of manifold 9, 108, 121: Reformer 11: Fuel gas delivery port 13, 111, 123: Fuel gas supply pipes 25, 121a: vaporization section 29: reforming section 30: supply port 31: raw fuel supply pipes 41, 101: storage containers A, D, E: cell stack devices B, C: fuel cell module

Claims (6)

  A cell stack formed by arranging and electrically connecting a plurality of columnar fuel cells having gas flow paths therein and electrically connected thereto, and fixing the lower end of the fuel cells with a sealing material A manifold for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cells, and a vaporizer disposed above the cell stack and provided with a supply port for supplying raw fuel at the center in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical container And a fuel gas delivery port for delivering the fuel gas and a reforming catalyst for reforming the raw fuel flowing from the vaporization unit into the fuel gas is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the container. Each of the fuel gas supply pipes is connected to each of the fuel gas delivery ports provided at both ends of the container. , The fuel gas Cell stack device, characterized in that the other ends of the supply pipe is connected to the manifold connected.   2. The cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the fuel gas supply pipe is connected to the bottom surface of the manifold so as to wrap around the bottom surface of the manifold opposite to the surface on which the cell stack is fixed. apparatus.   The cell stack apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fuel gas supply pipe is connected to a central portion of the bottom surface of the manifold.   2. A flat plate or a mesh plate having a plurality of holes for allowing the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply pipe to flow toward the fuel battery cell is provided in the manifold. The cell stack device according to any one of 1 to 3.   A fuel cell module comprising the cell stack device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 stored in a storage container.   6. A fuel cell device comprising the fuel cell module according to claim 5 and an auxiliary machine for operating the cell stack device in an outer case.

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