JP2011070982A - Cell stack device, fuel cell module and fuel cell device using the cell stack device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device, efficiently supplying fuel gas to each fuel cell constituting a cell stack. <P>SOLUTION: The cell stack device 1 is equipped with: the cell stack 3 formed by electrically connecting a plurality of fuel cells 2 and configured to burn on one end side of the fuel cell 2; a manifold 4 equipped with fuel gas inlets on both ends; a reformer 6 separately arranged on one end side of the cell stack 3 and equipped with a reforming part having a raw fuel gas heating part 12 and a reforming catalyst 14; a fuel gas branch channel 10 bonded to the reformer 6 on an outer surface of its central portion and equipped with fuel gas supply ports 11 provided to both ends; and a fuel gas supply tube 8 connecting the fuel gas supply ports 11 and the fuel gas inlets. The device thereby supplies a sufficient amount of the fuel gas to each fuel cell constituting the cell stack 3 to form the cell stack device with an improved power generation efficiency. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cell stack device including a reformer for generating fuel gas to be supplied to a fuel battery cell and a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the fuel battery cell, and a fuel cell module and fuel using the same. The present invention relates to a battery device.

  In recent years, as a next generation energy, a fuel cell (hydrogen-containing gas) and air (oxygen-containing gas) are used, and a cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells that can obtain electric power are arranged and supplied to the cell stack Various cell stack devices including a reformer for generating fuel gas to be produced and fuel cell modules in which the cell stack devices are housed in a housing container have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

  By the way, in generating the fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, for example, a steam reforming method for generating a fuel gas by reacting a hydrocarbon-based gas such as natural gas with water vapor is known. Various reformers for performing such reforming reactions have also been proposed.

  FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a conventional fuel cell module 70, and shows a state in which the cell stack device 80 is pulled backward from the storage container 71.

  The cell stack device 80 has a cell stack 73 formed by arranging a plurality of fuel cells 72, and a U-shaped reformer 75 is disposed above the cell stack 73. The reformer 75 includes a vaporization unit 78 and a reforming unit 79 including a reforming catalyst. The raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 77 passes through the vaporization unit 78 and is inside the reforming unit 79. The fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) is reformed by a reforming reaction such as steam reforming. The fuel gas generated by the reformer 75 including the vaporization unit 78 and the reforming unit 79 is supplied to the manifold 74 via the fuel gas supply pipe 76, and fuel is supplied from the manifold 74 to each fuel cell 72. Gas is supplied.

JP 2007-59377 A

  However, in the above-described fuel cell module 70, the fuel gas generated by the reformer 75 is supplied into the manifold 74 through the fuel gas supply pipe 76 connected only to one end of the manifold 74. A sufficient amount of fuel gas cannot be supplied to the fuel cells 72 arranged at a position farther from the gas supply pipe 76, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device 80 may be reduced.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cell stack device capable of efficiently supplying fuel gas to each fuel cell constituting the cell stack, a fuel cell module using the cell stack device, and a fuel cell device.

  That is, the cell stack device of the present invention has an internal fuel gas flow path, and is electrically arranged by arranging a plurality of columnar fuel cells that generate electricity with the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas in a standing manner. A cell stack configured to burn the fuel gas that is not used for power generation on one end side of the fuel cell, and to fix the other end of the fuel cell, and to the fuel cell The fuel gas inflow ports are provided at both ends along the arrangement direction of the fuel cell, the manifold for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel cell, and the one end side of the fuel cell are spaced apart from each other, The raw fuel gas temperature raising unit for applying heat to the supplied raw fuel to generate a raw fuel gas having a raised temperature, and the raw fuel gas sent from the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit are changed to the fuel gas. To improve quality A reformer having a reforming section comprising a medium, and disposed at a distance from one end side of the fuel cell, and provided with a fuel gas outlet at both ends along the arrangement direction of the fuel cell, A fuel gas branch passage having a fuel gas supply port to which the fuel gas reformed by the reformer is supplied at a central portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, and the fuel gas branch passage And a fuel gas supply pipe connecting the fuel gas outlets provided at both ends and the fuel gas inlets provided at both ends of the manifold, respectively.

  In such a cell stack device, the fuel gas generated by the reformer can be branched by the fuel gas branch flow path, and the fuel gas can be supplied from both ends of the manifold. Therefore, a sufficient amount of fuel gas can be supplied to each fuel cell constituting the cell stack. In addition, since the fuel gas reformed by the reformer is supplied from the fuel gas supply port provided at the center of the fuel gas branching channel along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, both ends of the manifold The amount of fuel gas supplied to can be made close to uniform. Therefore, a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Further, in the cell stack device of the present invention, the reformer includes the raw fuel gas temperature raising portion disposed in a central portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, and the raw fuel gas temperature raising portion. A first reforming unit including the reforming catalyst disposed on both sides along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, and a fuel gas mixture disposed above the cell stack and connected to the first reforming unit. It is preferable that the fuel gas mixing part is connected to the fuel gas supply port of the fuel gas branch flow path.

  In such a cell stack apparatus, the reformer is provided with a raw fuel gas temperature raising portion arranged at the center along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, and a reformer arranged on both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature raising portion. Since the first reforming section including the catalyst and the fuel gas mixing section provided along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells and connected to each first reforming section are provided, the homogeneous fuel gas is efficiently obtained. Can be generated. In addition, when the first reforming units are disposed on both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit, the amount of the raw fuel gas flowing through each first reforming unit may be different. In this case, each first reforming unit may be different. There is a possibility that the amount and gas concentration of the fuel gas generated in the above will differ, but further provided with a fuel gas mixing part provided along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells and connected to each first reforming part, Since the fuel gas generated in one of the first reforming sections and the fuel gas generated in the other first reforming section can be mixed, the amount of fuel gas supplied to the fuel gas branch flow path And different gas concentrations can be prevented. Therefore, the amount and gas concentration of the fuel gas supplied from the both ends of the fuel gas branch flow path to the both ends of the manifold can be made uniform, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the cell stack device of the present invention, it is preferable that the fuel gas mixing section is also provided with the reforming catalyst.

  In such a cell stack apparatus, since the reforming catalyst is also provided in the fuel gas mixing section, the amount of the reforming catalyst can be increased and the reforming efficiency can be improved. The power generation efficiency of the stack device can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the cell stack device of the present invention, the fuel gas mixing unit is disposed below and in contact with the first reforming unit and the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit, and the fuel gas branch flow path is the fuel. It is preferable that the gas mixing part is disposed in contact with the lower part.

  In such a cell stack device, it is possible to efficiently warm the fuel gas flowing in the fuel gas branch flow path by utilizing the combustion heat generated by burning the fuel gas that has not been used for power generation. Therefore, since the fuel gas whose temperature has increased can be supplied to the fuel cell, a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the cell stack device of the present invention, the fuel gas mixing section is disposed below the first reforming section and the raw fuel gas temperature raising section, and the fuel gas branch flow path is the fuel. It is preferable that the gas mixing part is disposed below the gas mixing part.

  In such a cell stack device, it is possible to efficiently heat the fuel gas flowing in the fuel gas branch flow path by utilizing the combustion heat generated by burning the fuel gas that has not been used for power generation. In addition, the surface area of the fuel gas branch passage and the fuel gas mixing portion in contact with the combustion heat can be increased, and the raw fuel gas and the fuel gas can be warmed more efficiently. Thereby, a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the cell stack device of the present invention, the fuel gas mixing section is disposed in contact with the first reforming section and the raw fuel gas temperature raising section, and the fuel gas branch flow path is the fuel. It is preferable that the gas mixing part is disposed in contact with the upper part.

  In such a cell stack device, the first reforming section and the raw fuel gas temperature raising section can be warmed by the combustion heat, the raw fuel can be efficiently heated to generate the raw fuel gas, and the raw fuel gas can be generated. The fuel gas can be efficiently reformed into the fuel gas, and a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the cell stack device of the present invention, the fuel gas mixing section is disposed in contact with the first reforming section and the raw fuel gas temperature raising section, and the fuel gas branch flow path is the fuel. It is preferable that the gas mixing unit is spaced apart from the gas mixing unit.

  In such a cell stack device, the surface area of the fuel gas branch channel and the fuel gas mixing part can be increased, and the fuel gas can be warmed more efficiently. Thereby, a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Since the fuel cell module of the present invention is formed by housing the cell stack device in a storage container, it can be a fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention is a fuel cell device with improved power generation efficiency because the fuel cell module and the auxiliary machine for operating the cell stack device are housed in an outer case. Can do.

According to the cell stack device of the present invention, the fuel gas reformed by the reformer can be branched by the fuel gas branch flow path, and the fuel gas can be supplied from both ends of the manifold. A sufficient amount of fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel cell. In addition, since the fuel gas reformed by the reformer is supplied from the fuel gas supply port provided at the center of the fuel gas branching channel along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, both ends of the manifold The amount of fuel gas supplied to the gas and the gas concentration can be made uniform. Therefore, a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.
Moreover, the fuel cell module of the present invention can be a fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency because the cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency is housed in the storage container. Furthermore, the fuel cell device according to the present invention has the power generation efficiency improved because the fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency and the auxiliary machine for operating the cell stack device are housed in the outer case. A fuel cell device can be obtained.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the cell stack apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing which extracts and shows the reformer and fuel gas branch flow path of the cell stack apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which extracts and shows the modifier and fuel gas branch flow path of the cell stack apparatus which is another example of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the cell stack apparatus which is another example of this invention. It is sectional drawing which extracts and shows the reformer and fuel gas branch flow path of the cell stack apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which extracts and shows the modifier and fuel gas branch flow path of the cell stack apparatus which is another example of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. It is a block diagram 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 cell stack apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the cell stack device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the reformer 6, the raw fuel supply pipe 7, the fuel gas branch flow path 10, and the fuel gas supply pipe 8 that constitute the cell stack device 1 shown in FIG. 1. . In the following drawings, the same numbers are assigned to the same members.

  A cell stack device 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a current collecting member (not shown) between fuel cells 2 in a state where a plurality of fuel cells 2 each having a fuel gas flow path (not shown) are erected. ) And the other end of the fuel cell 2 constituting the cell stack 3 is insulatively bonded to the manifold 4 for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell 2. The reformer 6 is disposed on one end side of the fuel cell 2 so as to be separated from the fuel cell 2 and is disposed so as to contact the lower surface of the reformer 6. 10 is provided. The fuel gas branch flow path 10 has fuel gas outlets 11 at both ends along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 2 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as the cell arrangement direction). Further, fuel gas inflow ports 18 through which fuel gas flows are provided at both ends along the cell arrangement direction of the manifold 4, and each fuel gas provided in the fuel gas branch flow path 10 is provided. The outflow port 11 and each fuel gas inflow port 18 provided in the manifold 4 are connected by a fuel gas supply pipe 8.

  In addition, the edge part along the cell arrangement direction of the manifold 4 here means the side surface orthogonal to the cell arrangement direction among the space from the edge part of the cell stack 3 to the edge part of the manifold 4 and the side face of the manifold 4. The end of the fuel gas branch channel 10 along the cell arrangement direction is the cell arrangement of the bottom surface of the end of the fuel gas branch channel 10 along the cell arrangement direction and the side surface of the fuel gas branch channel 10. It means the side surface orthogonal to the direction. Further, at both ends of the cell stack 3, conductive members 5 having current drawing portions 9 for collecting and drawing the current generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 2 to the outside are arranged.

  Here, the fuel battery cell 2 has a hollow flat plate shape having a fuel gas flow path through which fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) flows from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the fuel battery cell 2. Illustrated is a solid oxide fuel cell 2 in which a fuel-side electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and an oxygen-side electrode layer are sequentially provided on the surface.

  Further, the cell stack device 1 is configured such that fuel gas that has not been used for power generation of the fuel cell 2 is combusted at one end of the fuel cell 2. Thereby, the temperature of the reformer 6 and the fuel gas branch passage 10 described later can be increased efficiently.

  In FIG. 2, the reformer 6 disposed away from the one end side of the cell stack 3 has a box shape, and heat is applied to the raw fuel supplied from the outside to increase the temperature of the raw material. A first fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 for making a fuel gas and a reforming catalyst 14 disposed on both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 for reforming the raw fuel gas into a fuel gas are provided. The fuel gas that has flowed through the mass portion 13 and the first reforming portion 13 flows toward the fuel gas supply port 16 provided on the upper surface of the central portion along the cell arrangement direction of the fuel gas branch passage 10 described later. In addition, a fuel gas mixing section 15 having a second reforming section including the reforming catalyst 14 is provided. In addition, the site | part provided with the reforming catalyst of the fuel gas mixing part 15 is a 2nd reforming part.

  In the reformer 6 shown in FIG. 2, one reformer (first reformer 13 and second reformer) 28 and the other reformer (first reformer 13 and second reformer). Part) 29 is preferably provided so as to be symmetrical on both sides of the reformer 6. Thereby, in the reformer 6, the raw fuel gas can be efficiently reformed into the fuel gas. Note that the left and right reforming units 28 and the other reforming unit 29 may not be symmetrical as long as the volume and the amount of the reforming catalyst 14 disposed inside are the same.

  The raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 is connected to a raw fuel gas supply pipe 7 for supplying raw fuel to the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 from the outside at the center of the upper surface, and the raw fuel supplied from the outside is After the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 is heated, the temperature of the raw fuel gas is increased, and then toward the first reforming unit 13 provided on both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12. Flowing.

  The first reforming unit 13 includes a reforming catalyst 14 inside and is provided along the upper surface of the reformer 6. The raw fuel gas sent from the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 is provided inside. While being reformed into fuel gas by the reforming catalyst 14, it flows toward both ends of the reformer 6 along the cell arrangement direction.

  The fuel gas mixing unit 15 is disposed in contact with the lower surfaces of the first reforming unit 13 and the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12, and a fuel described later at the center of the lower surface of the fuel gas mixing unit 15 (reformer 6). The fuel gas supply port 16 of the gas branch flow path 10 is connected. The fuel gas that has flowed through the first reforming section 13 flows from both sides of the reformer 6 toward the fuel gas supply port 16 (the central portion of the reformer 6 in the cell arrangement direction).

  The fuel gas branch flow path 10 is disposed so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the fuel gas mixing unit 15 (reformer 6), and a fuel gas supply port 16 is provided at the center of the upper surface. A gas mixing section 15) and a fuel gas supply port 16 are connected, and fuel gas outlets 11 are provided at both ends along the cell arrangement direction. The mixed fuel gas delivered from the respective second reforming sections provided in the fuel gas mixing section 15 flows into the fuel gas branch flow path 10 through the fuel gas supply port 16, and the fuel gas branch flow path 10 is provided at both ends of the fuel cell 10 and flows toward the fuel gas outlet 11. The fuel gas that has flowed through the fuel gas branch channel 10 flows through the fuel gas supply pipe 8 connected to the fuel gas outlet 11 and is supplied to the manifold 4.

  In addition, the air-permeable wall shown with the broken line in FIG. 2 is provided in the both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature rising part 12 and the center part along the cell arrangement direction of the fuel gas mixing part 15. Specifically, a metal mesh or the like can be used.

  Examples of the raw fuel supplied from the outside to the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 include hydrocarbon gas such as city gas and liquid fuel such as kerosene. Note that when a gaseous fuel such as a hydrocarbon-based gas is used as the raw fuel, the raw fuel gas becomes a raw fuel gas whose temperature has been increased by being heated by the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, in the conventional cell stack apparatus 80, the fuel gas generated by the conventional reformer 75 is connected to the manifold through the fuel gas supply pipe 76 connected only to one end of the manifold 73. Since the fuel gas is supplied into the fuel cell 74, sufficient fuel gas cannot be supplied to the fuel cells 72 arranged farther than the fuel gas supply pipe 76, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device 80 may be reduced. there were.

  The cell stack device 1 according to the present invention allows the fuel gas that has flowed through the reformer 6 to flow toward both ends in the cell arrangement direction, and is connected to the manifold 4 via the fuel gas outlet 11 and the fuel gas supply pipe 8. Since the fuel gas branch passages 10 for flowing into the respective fuel gas inlets 18 provided at both ends of the fuel cell 2 are provided, a sufficient amount of fuel gas can be supplied to each fuel cell 2.

  Furthermore, the cell stack apparatus 1 of the present invention uses the fuel gas that has flowed through the respective reforming sections (one reforming section 28 and the other reforming section 29) provided on both sides of the reformer 6 as fuel. Since the gas can be sufficiently mixed in the gas mixing section 15 and the fuel gas branch flow path 10, particularly in the vicinity of the fuel gas supply port 16, the amount of fuel gas supplied from both sides of the manifold 4 and the variation in gas concentration can be reduced. Can be suppressed. Thereby, the cell stack device 1 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Further, since the fuel gas branch flow path 10 is disposed so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the reformer 6, the fuel battery cell 2 is disposed at one end side of the fuel battery cell 2 (below the fuel gas branch flow path 10). The fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas branch passage 10 can be effectively warmed by the combustion heat generated by burning the fuel gas that has not been used for power generation. Thereby, the fuel gas whose temperature has risen can be supplied to both ends of the manifold, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device 1 can be improved.

  Furthermore, since each reformer 6 has one reforming section 28 and the other reforming section 29, reforming can be performed efficiently. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the cell stack apparatus 1 can be improved.

  Further, since the fuel gas branch flow path 10 is disposed so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the reformer 6, the reformer 6 and the fuel gas branch flow path 10 can be integrally manufactured, and the cell stack device. 1 manufacturing process can be simplified. The reformer 6 is manufactured in such a manner that the raw fuel gas temperature raising section 12, the first reforming section 13, the fuel gas mixing section 15 and the fuel gas branch flow path 10 are partitioned inside a box-shaped member. Alternatively, a partition plate may be provided, or the reformer 6 and the fuel gas branch channel 10 may be separately manufactured and bonded by welding or the like.

  As the reforming catalyst 14, it is preferable to use a reforming catalyst having excellent reforming efficiency and durability. For example, a porous carrier such as γ-alumina, α-alumina or cordierite is used, and Ru, Pt or the like is used. A reforming catalyst carrying a noble metal or a base metal such as Ni or Fe can be used.

  Although not shown, the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 preferably includes a ceramic ball or the like. Thereby, the surface area in the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 can be increased, and the raw fuel can be efficiently converted into the raw fuel gas whose temperature has been increased, and the reforming unit (one reforming unit 28). In order to perform steam reforming in the other reforming unit 29), when water is supplied into the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12, the water can be efficiently heated and vaporized into steam. . Moreover, although the example which provided the air permeable wall which consists of metal mesh etc. in the center part along the cell arrangement direction of the fuel gas mixing part and the both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature rising part 12 was shown, The wall may be provided as appropriate so as to prevent the reforming catalyst 14 from moving when the cell stack apparatus 1 is transported.

  Moreover, in the cell stack apparatus 1, although the example which provided the reforming catalyst 14 in the whole region of the 1st reforming part 13 and the fuel gas mixing flow path 15 was shown, the 1st reforming part 13 and the fuel gas mixing flow path were shown. The reforming catalyst 14 may not be provided in the entire area 15. What is necessary is just to set the quantity of the reforming catalyst 14 suitably according to the quantity of required fuel gas.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the reformer 20, the raw fuel supply pipe 7, the fuel gas branch flow path 21, and the fuel gas supply pipe 8 that constitute a cell stack device of another example of the present invention. is there.

  A cell stack device 17 shown in FIG. 3 has a fuel gas branch passage 21 disposed below the reformer 20, a center portion along the cell arrangement direction of the reformer 20 (fuel gas mixing unit 15), a fuel A fuel gas supply port 16 provided at the center of the upper surface of the gas branch channel 21 is connected by a connecting member 19. Thereby, the area in contact with the combustion heat generated by burning the fuel gas not used for power generation in the reformer 20 and the fuel gas branch flow path 21 can be increased. The gas branch channel 21 can be warmed. Therefore, the fuel gas whose temperature has risen can be supplied to the fuel battery cell 2, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device 17 can be further improved.

  More specifically, in the cell stack device 17 shown in FIG. 3, the cell stack device 1 arranged so that the fuel gas branch flow path 10 is in contact with the lower surface of the reformer 6 (fuel gas mixing unit 15). In comparison, the bottom area of the reformer 20, the area corresponding to the bottom area of the reformer 20 in the fuel gas branch passage 21, and the area corresponding to the surface area of the connecting member 19 can be increased.

  In the reformer 20 shown in FIG. 3, an example in which the reforming catalyst 14 is provided only in the first reforming unit 13 is shown. However, the reforming catalyst 14 is provided in the fuel gas mixing unit 15, and the second reformer 14 is provided. A mass part (not shown) may be provided. Thereby, the raw fuel gas can be further reformed into the fuel gas, and the cell stack device 19 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing still another example of the cell stack device of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a reformer 24, raw fuel supply pipe 7, fuel gas constituting the cell stack device 23 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a branch flow path 25 and a fuel gas supply pipe 8 extracted.

  A reformer 24 shown in FIG. 5 has a raw fuel gas temperature raising portion 12 in the center along the cell arrangement direction, and the first reforming portion 13 is reformed on both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature raising portion 12. The fuel gas mixing unit 15 is disposed along the lower surface of the vessel 24 and in contact with the upper surface of the first reforming unit 13. The raw fuel gas sent from the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 flows through the first reforming unit 13 toward both ends along the cell arrangement direction, and the fuel gas mixing unit 15 including the reforming catalyst 14 therein. The (second modified portion) flows toward the upper surface of the central portion along the cell arrangement direction.

  The fuel gas branch flow path 25 is disposed so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the reformer 24, and the fuel gas supply port 16 and the reformer 24 (the fuel gas mixing section 15) provided on the lower surface of the central portion along the cell arrangement direction. And a fuel gas outlet 11 is provided at both ends along the cell arrangement direction. The fuel gas generated in each reforming section (one reforming section 28 and the other reforming section 29) flows into the central portion of the fuel gas branch passage 25 via the fuel gas supply port 16. In the fuel gas mixing section 15 and the fuel gas branch passage 25, one reforming section (first reforming section 13 and second reforming section) 28 and the other reforming section (first reforming section 13 and The fuel gas generated in the second reforming unit 29 is mixed. More specifically, the fuel gas is mixed in the vicinity of the connecting portion (fuel gas supply port 16) in the fuel gas mixing portion 15 and the fuel gas branch passage 25. The mixed fuel gas flows toward the respective fuel gas outlets 11 provided at both ends of the fuel gas branch flow path 25, flows through the fuel gas supply pipe 8, and is then supplied to the manifold 4. The diameter of the fuel gas supply port 16 is larger than that of the raw fuel supply pipe 7 and is provided concentrically with the raw fuel supply pipe 7 in plan view. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the fuel gas supply pipe 8 passes through the fuel gas mixing unit 15 and is connected to the first reforming unit 13.

  Here, when steam reforming is performed in the reformer 24, the raw fuel and water are supplied to the raw fuel supply pipe 7, and the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 applies heat to the raw fuel to increase the temperature. The raw fuel gas is vaporized into water vapor, the raw fuel gas and water vapor are supplied to the reforming sections 28 and 29, and steam reforming is performed by a predetermined reforming catalyst 14. At that time, if the temperature of the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 is not sufficient to vaporize water into water vapor, water that has not been vaporized is supplied to the reforming unit, and the reforming catalyst 14 has pores. There is a possibility that the reforming catalyst 14 may be deteriorated due to the water entering, and thereby the reforming catalyst 14 being damaged as the water in the reforming catalyst 14 is vaporized.

  In the cell stack device 23 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 can be directly heated by the combustion heat generated by burning the fuel gas not used for power generation. While the raw fuel supplied to the warm section 12 is efficiently used as a raw fuel gas whose temperature has risen, water can be efficiently vaporized into water vapor, efficient reforming can be performed, and a reforming catalyst 14 deterioration can be suppressed. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device 23 can be improved.

  In addition, when water is supplied to the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12, a water supply pipe can be provided separately from the raw fuel supply pipe 7. In this case, the raw fuel supply pipe 7 and the water supply pipe are preferably double pipes.

  Here, accompanying the power generation of the cell stack 3, there may be a temperature distribution in which the temperature of the central portion in the cell arrangement direction of the cell stack 3 is high and the temperature of the end portion is low. Even in such a case, heat absorption for changing the raw fuel in the raw fuel gas temperature raising section 12 provided in the central portion in the cell arrangement direction to a raw fuel gas whose temperature has been increased, heat of vaporization when water is vaporized, etc. Thereby, the temperature of the center part of the cell stack 3 in the cell arrangement direction can be lowered, and the temperature distribution in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 2 of the cell stack 3 can be suppressed. Thereby, current concentration occurring in the fuel cell 2 having a high temperature can be suppressed, and deterioration of the fuel cell 2 can be suppressed. Therefore, the cell stack device 23 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Further, since the fuel gas branch flow path 25 is provided so as to be in contact with the upper side of the fuel gas mixing section 15, the reformer 24 and the fuel gas branch flow path 25 can be integrated, and the cell stack device 23 The manufacturing process can be simplified.

  As a method for producing the reformer 24, the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12, the first reforming unit 13, the fuel gas mixing unit 15, and the fuel gas branch channel 25 are formed inside a box-shaped member by a partition member or the like. The reformer 6 and the fuel gas branch flow path 10 may be separately manufactured and manufactured by welding or the like. Further, the fuel gas supply pipe 8 may be provided so as to pass through the inside of the reformer 24 (the first reforming unit 13 and the fuel gas mixing unit 15), or may be provided outside the reformer 24.

  A thermocouple or the like may be provided in order to check whether the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 has a temperature sufficient for vaporizing water.

  FIG. 6 is a partial extract of the reformer 24, the raw fuel supply pipe 7, the fuel gas branch flow path 25, and the fuel gas supply pipe 8 constituting the cell stack device 26 showing still another example of the present invention. It is sectional drawing shown.

  In the cell stack device 26, the fuel gas branch flow path 27 is disposed so as to be spaced above the reformer 24, and the center portion of the upper surface of the reformer 24 and the center of the fuel gas branch flow path 27 in the cell arrangement direction. The fuel gas supply port 16 provided on the lower surface of the unit is connected by a connecting member 19, and the fuel gas supply pipe 8 connected to the fuel gas inlet 11 of the fuel gas branch flow path 27 is connected to the reformer 24. It is provided outside along the cell arrangement direction.

  Thereby, the area in contact with the combustion heat generated by burning the fuel gas that has not been used for power generation in the reformer 24 and the fuel gas branch flow path 27 can be increased, and the reformer 24 and the fuel gas can be increased. The branch channel 27 can be warmed. Therefore, the fuel gas whose temperature has risen can be supplied to the fuel battery cell 2, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device 26 can be further improved.

  More specifically, in the cell stack device 26 shown in FIG. 6, the cell stack device 23 arranged so that the fuel gas branch flow path 25 is in contact with the upper surface of the reformer 24 (fuel gas mixing unit 15). In comparison, the upper area of the reformer 24, the area corresponding to the upper area of the reformer 24 of the fuel gas branch flow path 27, and the area corresponding to the surface area of the connecting member 19 can be increased.

  FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing an example of the fuel cell module 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a module) of the present invention in which the above-described cell stack device 1 is stored in the storage container 31. In the module 30 shown in FIG. 7, a part (front and rear surfaces) of the storage container 31 is removed, and the cell stack device 1 (shown with the reformer 6 removed in FIG. 7) stored inside is moved backward. The removed state is shown. The reformer 6 is connected to the inner surface of the upper wall of the storage container 31. Below, the storage container 31 which comprises the module 30 is demonstrated first.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the module 30. The storage container 31 constituting the module 30 is formed with an outer frame of the storage container 31 by an outer wall 32, and a power generation chamber 49 for storing the fuel cell 2 (cell stack 3) is formed therein.

  In such a storage container 31, air or exhaust gas is allowed to flow between the side part along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 2 constituting the cell stack 3 and the outer wall of the storage container 31 facing the side part. The flow path is provided.

  Here, in the storage container 31, a first wall 33 is formed inside the outer wall 32 with a predetermined interval, and a second wall 34 is arranged inside the first wall 33 with a predetermined interval. Furthermore, a third wall 35 is arranged inside the second wall 34 with a predetermined interval.

  Thereby, the space formed by the outer wall 32 and the first wall 33 becomes the first storage container flow path 36, and the space formed by the second wall 34 and the third wall 35 is the second storage. A space formed by the first wall 33 and the second wall 34 becomes the container flow path 37, and becomes a third storage container flow path 38.

  In the storage container 31 shown in FIG. 8, the upper end of the first wall 33 is connected to the second wall 34, and the second wall 34 is connected to the upper wall (outer wall 32) of the storage container 31. The upper end of the third wall 35 is connected to the second wall 34.

  In addition, an air supply pipe 39 for supplying air (oxygen-containing gas) into the storage container 31 is connected to the bottom of the storage container 31, and the air supplied from the air supply pipe 39 is the air introduction part 40. Flowing into. Since the air introduction part 40 is connected to the first storage container flow path 36 by the air introduction port 41, the air flowing through the air introduction part 40 flows to the first storage container flow path 36 through the air introduction port 41. The air that has flowed upward in the first storage container flow path 36 flows into the second storage container flow path 37 through the air circulation port 42 provided in the second wall 34. The air flowing downward through the second storage container channel 37 is supplied into the power generation chamber 49 through the air outlet 43 provided in the third wall 35.

  On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 2 or the exhaust gas generated by burning the fuel gas not used for power generation on the upper end side of the fuel cell 2 is the exhaust gas circulation provided on the second wall 34. It flows into the third storage container flow path 38 through the port 44. The exhaust gas flowing downward through the third storage container flow path 38 flows to the exhaust gas collection unit 46 through the exhaust gas collection port 45 and then passes through the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 47 connected to the exhaust gas collection unit 46. Exhausted outside.

  Therefore, the air supplied from the air introduction pipe 39 is heat-exchanged with the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas collection unit 46 while flowing through the air introduction unit 40, and the third Heat exchange with the exhaust gas flowing through the storage container flow path 38 and heat exchange with the heat in the power generation chamber 49 while flowing through the second storage container flow path 37.

  8 shows an example in which the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 47 is located inside the air introduction pipe 39, but it is also possible to provide the air introduction pipe 39 so as to be located inside the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 47. Further, the air introduction pipe 39 and the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 47 can be provided with their positions shifted.

  Here, in the module 30 shown in FIG. 8, a heat insulating material 48 (the heat insulating material 48 is indicated by hatching in the drawing) is fixed to the second wall 38 side in the third storage container flow path 38. Are arranged. Thereby, heat exchange between the air flowing through the second storage container flow path 37 and the exhaust gas flowing through the third storage container flow path 38 can be suppressed, and the temperature of the air flowing through the second storage container flow path 37 can be suppressed. Can be suppressed. Thereby, since high-temperature air can be supplied to the fuel battery cell 2, the module 30 with high power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  The heat insulating material 48 disposed in the third storage container flow path 38 is preferably larger than the outer shape of the side portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 2 constituting the cell stack 3. Thereby, heat exchange between the air flowing through the second storage container channel 37 and the exhaust gas flowing through the third storage container channel 38 can be efficiently suppressed.

  In addition to the third storage container flow path 38, the heat insulating material 48 radiates the heat in the storage container 31 extremely, and the temperature of the fuel cell 2 (cell stack 3) decreases and the power generation amount does not decrease. In FIG. 7, in addition to the third storage container flow path 38, the bottom of the manifold 4, both side surfaces of the fuel cell 2 (cell stack 3), and the top of the storage container 31 are shown in FIG. 7. The example provided between the wall (outer wall 32) and the reformer 6 is shown.

  Here, in the heat insulating material 48 arranged on both side surfaces of the cell stack 3 (fuel cell 2), a hole for allowing air to flow to the fuel cell 2 side is provided corresponding to the air outlet 36. It has been.

  The air supplied from the air outlet 43 into the power generation chamber 49 flows from the lower end side of the fuel cell 2 toward the upper end side, so that the fuel cell 2 can generate power efficiently.

  In the module 30 shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the cell stack device 1 with improved power generation efficiency can be stored in the power generation chamber 49 of the storage container as described above to obtain the module 30 with improved power generation efficiency. it can.

  And in this invention, it can be set as the fuel cell apparatus of this invention by accommodating the module 30 mentioned above and the auxiliary machine for operating the cell stack apparatus 1 in an exterior case. The exterior case is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition member, the module 30 is accommodated in the upper room, and an auxiliary machine for operating the cell stack device 1 is accommodated in the lower room, so that a compact fuel cell device is provided. It can be.

  FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the fuel cell device of the present invention in which the module 30 shown in FIG. 8 and an auxiliary machine (not shown) for operating the module 30 are housed in the outer case. It is. In FIG. 9, a part of the configuration is omitted.

  The fuel cell device 55 shown in FIG. 9 divides the interior of the outer case made up of support posts 56 and an outer plate 57 by a partition plate 58, and the upper side serves as a module storage chamber 59 for storing the module 30 described above. The lower side is configured as an auxiliary equipment storage chamber 60 for storing auxiliary equipment for operating the module 30. In addition, the auxiliary machine accommodated in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 60 is abbreviate | omitted and shown.

  In addition, the partition plate 58 is provided with an air circulation port 61 for allowing the air in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 60 to flow toward the module storage chamber 59, and a part of the exterior plate 57 constituting the module storage chamber 59 is An exhaust port 62 for exhausting the air in the module storage chamber 59 is provided.

  In such a fuel cell device 55, as described above, the module 30 with improved power generation efficiency is stored in the module storage chamber 59, and auxiliary equipment for operating the module 30 is stored in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 60. By being configured, the fuel cell device 55 with improved power generation efficiency 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, the raw fuel or water is supplied to the raw fuel gas supply pipe 7 connected to the raw fuel gas temperature raising section 12 to the respective reforming sections 28 and 29 provided on both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature raising section 12. It is also possible to provide a flow direction adjusting member for the purpose.

  As the flow direction adjusting member, in addition to a member having holes on the left and right sides of a cylindrical container having a bottom, a member that can appropriately flow air in two directions on the left and right, such as a pipe whose tip is divided into two hands, is used. it can.

  In this case, it is preferable that the outlet of the flow adjustment direction member is provided so as not to face the lower surface of the raw fuel gas temperature raising portion 12. Thereby, the temperature of a part of the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12 is rapidly decreased, and it is possible to suppress deterioration of the water vaporization efficiency in the raw fuel gas temperature raising unit 12.

  Further, for example, in the storage container 31, the first storage container flow path 36 is formed by the outer wall 32 and the first wall 33, and the second storage container flow path is formed by the fourth wall 34 and the third wall 35. 37, and the third storage container flow path 38 may be formed by the first wall 33 and the second wall 34, and the positions of the air circulation port 47 and the exhaust gas circulation port 49 are appropriately changed. You can also.

  Further, for example, an air flow passage that connects the first storage container flow path 36 and the second storage container flow path 37 may be provided between the first wall 33 and the second wall 34. An exhaust gas flow passage that connects the power generation chamber 49 and the third storage container flow path 38 may be provided between the wall 34 and the third wall 35.

1, 17, 23, 26, 78: Cell stack device 2, 72: Fuel cell 3, 73: Cell stack 4, 74: Manifold 6, 20, 24, 75: Reformer 7, 76: Raw fuel supply pipe 8, 76: Fuel gas supply pipes 10, 21, 25, 27: Fuel gas branch flow path 11: Fuel gas outlet 13: First reforming part 14: Reforming catalyst 15: Fuel gas mixing part 16: Fuel gas supply Port 18: Fuel gas inlet 19: Connecting member 28: One reforming part 29: The other reforming part 30, 70: Fuel cell module 55: Fuel cell device

Claims (9)

A plurality of columnar fuel cells each having a fuel gas flow path and generating electricity with fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas are arranged and electrically connected in a standing state, and the fuel cell A cell stack configured to burn the fuel gas that was not used for power generation on one end side of the
Fixing the other end portion of the fuel cell, and having a fuel gas inlet at both ends along the arrangement direction of the fuel cell, and a manifold for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel cell,
A raw fuel gas temperature raising unit that is disposed apart from one end side of the fuel battery cell and generates raw fuel gas having an increased temperature by applying heat to the raw fuel supplied from the outside, and the raw fuel gas A reformer having a reforming section including a reforming catalyst for reforming the raw fuel gas sent from a fuel gas temperature raising section to the fuel gas;
The fuel cell is disposed away from one end side of the fuel cell, and has fuel gas outlets at both ends along the arrangement direction of the fuel cell, and at a central portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cell. A fuel gas branch passage provided with a fuel gas supply port to which the fuel gas reformed by the reformer is supplied;
A fuel gas supply pipe that connects the fuel gas outlets provided at both ends of the fuel gas branch flow path and the fuel gas inlets provided at both ends of the manifold, respectively. A cell stack device characterized by the above.   The reformer includes the raw fuel gas temperature raising portion disposed at a central portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, and both sides of the raw fuel gas temperature raising portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells. And a fuel gas mixing section disposed above the cell stack and connected to each of the first reforming sections, and the fuel gas mixing section The cell stack device according to claim 1, wherein a portion is connected to the fuel gas supply port of the fuel gas branch passage.   The cell stack device according to claim 2, wherein the reforming catalyst is also provided in the fuel gas mixing unit.   The fuel gas mixing section is disposed below the first reforming section and the raw fuel gas temperature raising section, and the fuel gas branch flow path is disposed below the fuel gas mixing section. The cell stack device according to claim 3, wherein the cell stack device is provided.   The fuel gas mixing part is disposed in contact with the lower part of the first reforming part and the raw fuel gas temperature raising part, and the fuel gas branch flow path is spaced apart from the fuel gas mixing part. The cell stack device according to claim 3, wherein the cell stack device is provided.   The fuel gas mixing section is disposed in contact with the first reforming section and the raw fuel gas temperature raising section, and the fuel gas branch channel is disposed in contact with the fuel gas mixing section. The cell stack device according to claim 3, wherein the cell stack device is provided.   The fuel gas mixing section is disposed in contact with the first reforming section and the raw fuel gas temperature raising section, and the fuel gas branch flow path is spaced apart from the fuel gas mixing section. The cell stack device according to claim 3, wherein the cell stack device is provided.   8. A fuel cell module comprising the cell stack device according to claim 1 housed in a housing container.   9. A fuel cell device comprising: the fuel cell module according to claim 8; and an auxiliary device for operating the cell stack device, which is housed in an outer case.

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