JP2011096421A - Cell stack device, fuel battery module, and fuel battery device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cell stack device, fuel battery module and fuel battery device efficiently supplying fuel gas to fuel battery cells. <P>SOLUTION: The cell stack device 1 includes a cell stack 2 having a first reaction gas passage inside, a plurality of columnar fuel battery cells 3 disposed upright and generating power with first reaction gas and second reaction gas, and collector members 4 disposed between the adjoining fuel battery cells 3 and electrically connected to one another, a manifold 7 to which the lower ends of the fuel battery cells 3 are fixed and which supplies the first reaction gas to the fuel battery cells 3, and a second reaction gas chamber 15 provided above the manifold 7 and having a second reaction gas supply port 18 for supplying the second reaction gas between the adjoining fuel battery cells 3, so that the cell stack device 1 can supply a sufficient amount of second reaction gas between the adjoining fuel battery cells 3, improving the power generation efficiency. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cell stack device in which a plurality of fuel battery cells are electrically connected, a fuel cell module in which the cell stack device is accommodated in a storage container, and a fuel cell 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). .

  FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a conventional fuel cell module 70, and shows a state in which the cell stack device 71 is pulled out rearward from the storage container 77.

  In the cell stack device 71, a lower end portion of a cell stack 72 formed by arranging a plurality of fuel cells 73 is fixed to a manifold 74 for supplying a fuel gas (first reaction gas) to each fuel cell 73. Yes. With this configuration, the cell stack device 71 is configured. In the cell stack device 71 shown in FIG. 10, a U-shaped reformer 75 is disposed above the cell stack 72. In the reformer 75, the raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 76 is reformed into a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) by a reforming reaction such as steam reforming and supplied to the manifold 74.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell module 70 in which the cell stack device 71 and the reformer 75 are housed in a housing container. The storage container constituting the fuel cell module 70 has a double structure having an inner wall 79 and an outer wall 80, and the space between the outer wall 80 and the inner wall 79 forming the outer frame of the storage container is supplied to the fuel cell. An air (second reaction gas) flow path 81 is provided.

  The air flowing through the air flow path 81 flows through an air introduction member 78 provided on the inner wall 79 positioned above, and is connected to one side of the fuel cell 73 from the air outlet 82 positioned on the lower end side of the fuel cell 73. Is supplied to the cell stack apparatus 71 from the side surface side. As a result, the fuel cell 73 generates power using the air supplied from the air introduction member 78 and the fuel gas supplied from the manifold 74.

JP 2007-59377 A

  However, in the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 11, part of the air that flows through the air introduction member 78 and is supplied from the outlet 82 flows to the fuel cell 73, but the remaining air is the side surface of the fuel cell 73. There is a possibility that the fuel cell 73 is not sufficiently supplied.

  Further, since the air outlet of the air introduction member 78 is provided toward the side surface of the fuel cell 73, the air sent from the air outlet 82 passes through the fuel cell 73 and the other of the fuel cells 73. There is a risk that the fuel cell 73 will not be sufficiently supplied.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device that can efficiently supply a reaction gas supplied from the outside of the fuel cell to the fuel cell and improve power generation efficiency. There is to do.

  The cell stack device of the present invention includes a first reaction gas flow path for flowing the first reaction gas from the lower end portion to the upper end portion along the longitudinal direction in the interior, and the first reaction gas and the second reaction gas include A cell stack in which a plurality of columnar fuel cells for power generation are arranged in an upright state, and a current collecting member is arranged and electrically connected between the adjacent fuel cells, and the fuel cell A lower end of the cell is fixed, and a manifold for supplying the first reaction gas to the fuel cell and a second reaction gas provided between the adjacent fuel cells are provided above the manifold. And a second reaction gas chamber having a second reaction gas outlet for supplying gas.

  In such a cell stack apparatus, a second reaction gas chamber having a second reaction gas outlet for supplying a second reaction gas between adjacent fuel cells is provided above the manifold. A sufficient amount of the second reaction gas can be supplied between the fuel cells. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved, and a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In the cell stack device of the present invention, the second reaction gas chamber is provided on the outer periphery of the lid-like member having an opening into which the cell stack is inserted, and extends toward the manifold side. It is preferable to provide a side plate.

  In such a cell stack apparatus, the second reaction gas chamber includes a lid-like member having an opening into which the cell stack is inserted, and a side plate provided on the outer periphery of the lid-like member and extending toward the manifold side. Therefore, the second reaction gas delivery port is provided between the fuel cells, and the second reaction gas can be supplied so as to flow from the lower side to the upper side between the fuel cells, which is sufficient for the fuel cells. An amount of the second reaction gas can be supplied. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved, and a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In the cell stack device of the present invention, it is preferable that at least the periphery of the opening of the lid-like member is insulated.

  In such a cell stack device, since at least the periphery of the opening of the lid-like member is insulated, it is possible to prevent the cell stack device from being short-circuited even if the lid-like member contacts the fuel cell. it can.

  The fuel cell module of the present invention is a fuel cell module in which the cell stack device according to claim 1 or 2 is housed in a power generation chamber in a housing container, wherein the housing container contains the second reaction gas. A first flow path for flowing from below to above, and a width direction of the fuel cell connected to the first flow path and orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the fuel cells in the upper part of the storage container And a third flow path for flowing the second reaction gas from the upper side to the lower flow path connected to the second flow path, The third flow path and the second reactive gas chamber are connected so that the second reactive gas flowing through the flow path is supplied to the second reactive gas chamber.

  In such a fuel cell module, the cell stack device is housed in the power generation chamber in the storage container, and the storage container has a first flow path for flowing the second reaction gas from below to above, A second flow path connected to the first flow path for flowing the second reaction gas toward the center side along the width direction of the fuel cell in the upper part of the storage container, A third flow path connected to the second flow path for flowing the second reaction gas downward from above, and supplying the second reaction gas flowing through the third flow path to the second reaction gas chamber, Since the third flow path and the second reaction gas chamber are connected, heat exchange with the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber is performed while the second reaction gas flows through each flow path, so that the temperature of the second reaction gas is increased. The second reactive gas chamber can be supplied.

  As a result, the second reactive gas whose temperature has risen can be supplied so as to flow from the lower side to the upper side between the fuel cells, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device (fuel cell) can be improved. A fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Further, the fuel cell module of the present invention is such that the third flow path hangs down from a central portion along the width direction of the fuel cell, which is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fuel cell in the upper part of the storage container. It is preferable that they are arranged.

  In such a fuel cell module, the third flow path is disposed so as to hang down from the central portion along the width direction of the fuel cells perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fuel cells in the upper part of the storage container. Thus, when two cell stack devices are housed in the power generation chamber, the second reaction gas can be efficiently supplied to the second reaction gas chamber, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device can be improved. The fuel cell module can be improved in efficiency.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, the storage container is disposed adjacently between the third flow path and the first flow path, and allows the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber to flow downward from above. It is preferable to provide a fourth flow path.

  In such a fuel cell module, the storage container is provided adjacent to the third flow path and the first flow path, and has a fourth flow path for flowing the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber from above to below. Therefore, while the second reaction gas flows through the first flow path, heat can be exchanged with the heat of the high-temperature exhaust gas flowing through the fourth flow path, and the second temperature in the second reaction gas chamber is increased. A reactive gas can be supplied.

  As a result, the second reactive gas whose temperature has risen can be supplied so as to flow from the lower side to the upper side between the fuel cells, and the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device (fuel cell) can be improved. A fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In the fuel cell module of the present invention, the third flow path is connected to the second reaction gas chamber from one end portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cell to the other end portion on the side surface side of the cell stack. It is preferable.

  In such a fuel cell module, since the third flow path is connected to the second reaction gas chamber from one end portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells to the other end portion on the side surface side of the cell stack, A sufficient amount of the second reaction gas can be supplied to the second reaction gas chamber, and a sufficient amount of the second reaction gas can be supplied to each fuel cell constituting the cell stack. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device can be improved, and a fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Further, since the connection is made from one end portion to the other end portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells, the amount of the second reaction gas supplied to each fuel cell constituting the cell stack device is made close to uniform. Can do. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device can be improved, and a fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

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

  The cell stack device of the present invention is provided above the manifold and includes a second reaction gas chamber having a second reaction gas delivery port for supplying a second reaction gas between adjacent fuel cells. A sufficient amount of the second reaction gas can be supplied between the fuel cells, and a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Moreover, the fuel cell module of the present invention is configured such that the cell stack device is stored in a power generation chamber in a storage container, and the storage container has a first flow path for flowing a second reaction gas from below to above. And a second flow path connected to the first flow path for flowing the second reaction gas toward the center side along the width direction of the fuel cell in the upper part of the storage container, and connected to the second flow path. A third flow path for flowing the second reaction gas downward from above, and the second flow path and the second flow path so as to supply the second reaction gas flowing through the third flow path to the second reaction gas chamber. Since the reaction gas chamber is connected, heat exchange with the heat in the power generation chamber can be performed while the second reaction gas flows through each flow path, and the temperature of the second reaction gas can be increased. As a result, the second reaction gas whose temperature has risen can be supplied to the second reaction gas chamber. Accordingly, since the second reaction gas having a raised temperature can be supplied between the fuel cells, the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device can be improved, and a fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained. .

  Further, the fuel cell device of the present invention comprises the above fuel cell module and an auxiliary machine for operating the cell stack device in an outer case, and thus a fuel cell device with improved power generation efficiency, can do.

An example of the cell stack apparatus of this invention is shown, (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view. It is a perspective view which extracts and shows a part of cell stack apparatus shown in FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell module of this invention. FIG. 4 shows another example of the cell stack device of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the fuel cell module formed by accommodating the cell stack apparatus shown in FIG. 4 in a storage container. FIG. 4 shows still another example of the cell stack device of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ′. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell module formed by accommodating the cell stack apparatus shown in FIG. 6 in a storage container. It is sectional drawing which shows another example of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the fuel cell module which accommodates the conventional cell stack apparatus. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell module shown in FIG.

  1A and 1B show an example of a cell stack device 1 of the present invention, where FIG. 1A is a side view and FIG. 1B is a plan view. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the fuel cell 3, the manifold 7 and the second reaction gas chamber 15 extracted from the cell stack apparatus shown in FIG. The same members are assigned the same numbers, and so on.

  The cell stack device 1 includes a fuel electrode layer as an inner electrode layer on one flat surface of a columnar conductive support 12 having a pair of opposed flat surfaces (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as support 12). 8, a solid electrolyte layer 9, and an oxygen electrode layer 10 as an outer electrode layer are sequentially stacked, and a plurality of columnar (hollow flat plate) fuel cells 3 are collected between the fuel cells 3. The cell stack 2 is formed by being arranged in an upright state via the electric member 4 and electrically connected in series. The lower end of the fuel cell 3 is connected to the fuel cell 3 with the first reaction gas ( It is configured to be fixed to a manifold 7 for supplying (fuel gas). A second reaction gas chamber 15 for supplying a second reaction gas (air) between the fuel cells 3 is disposed on the upper portion of the manifold 7.

  Then, the first reaction gas (fuel gas) is supplied to the inner side (fuel electrode layer 8 side) of the fuel cell 3, and the second reaction gas (air) is supplied to the outer side (oxygen electrode layer 10 side) of the fuel cell 3. As a result, the fuel cell 3 generates power. In addition, the fuel cell 3 generates power in a portion where the fuel electrode layer 8, the solid electrolyte layer 9, and the oxygen electrode layer 10 are laminated in this order (hereinafter may be abbreviated as a power generation unit). In the following description, the inner electrode layer will be described as the fuel electrode layer 8 and the outer electrode layer will be described as the oxygen electrode layer 10 unless otherwise specified. Further, unless otherwise specified, the first reaction gas will be described as fuel gas and the second reaction gas will be described as air.

  In addition, the cell stack device 1 is a conductive member having a lower end fixed to the manifold 7 so as to sandwich the cell stack 2 from both ends in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 3 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as the cell arrangement direction). A member 5 is provided. The conductive member 5 has a shape extending outward along the cell arrangement direction, and is provided with a current extraction portion 6 for extracting a current generated by power generation of the cell stack 2 (fuel cell 3).

  Further, an interconnector 11 is provided on the other flat surface of the fuel cell 3, and a gas flow path 13 for flowing fuel gas (first reaction gas) is provided inside the support 12 as fuel. A plurality of battery cells 3 are provided so as to penetrate from one end to the other end.

  Further, the P-type semiconductor layer 14 can be provided on the outer surface (upper surface) of the interconnector 11, and FIG. 1 shows an example in which the P-type semiconductor layer 14 is provided. By connecting the current collecting member 4 to the interconnector 11 via the P-type semiconductor layer 14, the contact between the two becomes an ohmic contact, the potential drop can be reduced, and the deterioration of the current collecting performance can be effectively avoided. It becomes.

  Alternatively, the support 12 may also serve as the fuel electrode layer 8, and the fuel cell 3 can be configured by sequentially laminating the solid electrolyte layer 9 and the oxygen electrode layer 10 on the surface of one side thereof.

  In the present invention, various types of fuel cells are known as the fuel cells 3. However, in order to obtain a fuel cell 3 with good power generation efficiency, the fuel cell 3 can be a solid oxide fuel cell 3. Accordingly, the fuel cell device can be reduced in size with respect to unit power, and a load following operation that follows a fluctuating load required for a household fuel cell can be performed.

  Below, each member which comprises the cell stack apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is demonstrated.

As the fuel electrode layer 8, generally known ones can be used. Porous conductive ceramics, for example, ZrO ₂ in which a rare earth element is dissolved (referred to as stabilized zirconia, including partially stabilized zirconia) .) And at least one of Ni and NiO.

The solid electrolyte layer 9 has a function as an electrolyte for bridging electrons between the electrodes, and at the same time needs to have a gas barrier property in order to prevent leakage between fuel gas and air. It is formed from dense ZrO ₂ in which ˜15 mol% of a rare earth element is dissolved. In addition, as long as it has the said characteristic, you may form using another material etc.

The oxygen electrode layer 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used. For example, the oxygen electrode layer 10 can be formed of a conductive ceramic made of a so-called ABO ₃ type perovskite oxide. The oxygen electrode layer 10 is required to have gas permeability and preferably has an open porosity of 20% or more, particularly 30 to 50%.

Although the interconnector 11 can be formed from conductive ceramics, it is required to have reduction resistance and oxidation resistance because it is in contact with a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and an oxygen-containing gas (air, etc.). Therefore, a lanthanum chromite-based perovskite oxide (LaCrO ₃ -based oxide) is preferably used. The interconnector 11 must be dense in order to prevent leakage of fuel gas flowing through the gas flow path 13 formed in the support 12 and air flowing outside the fuel cell 3, and is 93% or more In particular, it is preferable to have a relative density of 95% or more.

  The support 12 is required to be gas permeable in order to allow the fuel gas to permeate to the fuel electrode layer 8 and to be conductive in order to collect current via the interconnector 11. Therefore, as the support 12, it is necessary to adopt a material satisfying such a requirement as a material, and for example, conductive ceramics, cermet, or the like can be used.

  Further, in the fuel battery cell 3 shown in FIG. 1, the columnar support 12 is a plate-like piece that is elongated in the standing direction of the fuel battery cell 3, and has a pair of opposing flat surfaces and semicircular side surfaces. It has a hollow flat plate shape. Then, the lower end portion of the fuel cell 3 and the lower end portion of the conductive member 5 are fixed to the manifold 7 that supplies the fuel gas to the fuel cell 3 by, for example, a bonding material (glass sealing material or the like) having excellent heat resistance, A gas flow path 13 provided in the support 12 communicates with a fuel gas chamber (not shown) in the manifold 7. In the following description, a description will be given using a hollow flat fuel cell 3.

By the way, when the fuel cell 3 is manufactured, when the support 12 is manufactured by co-firing with the fuel electrode layer 8 or the solid electrolyte layer 9, it is necessary to specify an iron group metal component such as Ni and Y ₂ O ₃ or the like. The support 12 is preferably formed from a rare earth oxide. The support 12 preferably has an open porosity of 30% or more, particularly 35 to 50% in order to have fuel gas permeability, and its conductivity is 300 S / cm or more, particularly It is preferable that it is 440 S / cm or more.

Further, as the P-type semiconductor layer 14, a layer made of a perovskite oxide of a transition metal can be exemplified. Specifically, those having higher electron conductivity than the lanthanum chromite perovskite oxide (LaCrO ₃ ) constituting the interconnector 11, for example, LaSrCoFeO ₃ system in which Sr (strontium) and La (lanthanum) coexist at the A site. It is preferably composed of at least one of an oxide (for example, LaSrCoFeO ₃ ), a LaMnO ₃ system oxide (for example, LaSrMnO ₃ ), a LaFeO ₃ system oxide (for example, LaSrFeO ₃ ), and a LaCoO ₃ system oxide (for example, LaSrCoO ₃ ). In particular, it is particularly preferable to use LaSrCoFeO ₃ -based oxide from the viewpoint of high electrical conductivity at an operating temperature of about 600 to 1000 ° C. In addition, it is preferable that the thickness of such a P-type semiconductor layer 14 in which Fe and Mn may exist together with Co at the B site is generally in the range of 30 to 100 μm.

  Each fuel cell 3 is electrically connected in series via a current collecting member 4. The current collecting member 4 can be composed of a member made of an elastic metal or alloy or a member obtained by adding a required surface treatment to a felt made of metal fiber or alloy fiber.

  In addition, since it is exposed to a high-temperature oxidizing atmosphere during power generation of the fuel cell device, it is preferably produced using an alloy containing Cr. Furthermore, it is preferable that a part of the surface of the current collecting member 4, preferably the whole, is coated with a perovskite oxide containing a rare earth element.

  Note that the length in the longitudinal direction and the length in the width direction of the current collecting member 4 are preferably equal to or longer than the length in the longitudinal direction and the length in the width direction of the power generation unit. Thereby, the current generated by the power generation can be collected efficiently.

  The manifold 7 is configured such that a frame-shaped member formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the cell stack 2 is placed on the upper surface of the box-shaped member, and the cell stack 2 is inserted into the frame-shaped member. And is fixed by an insulating adhesive such as glass. The manifold 7 (box-shaped member) is hollow, a fuel gas supply pipe (not shown) is connected to the box-shaped member, and the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply pipe is supplied to the fuel cell 3. Supply to the gas flow path 13. The frame-like member and the box-like member that fix the cell stack 2 are preferably sealed with glass or the like. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the fuel gas from leaking from the inside of the manifold 7.

  The second reaction gas chamber 15 includes a lid-like member 19 having an opening 16 into which the cell stack 2 is inserted, and a side plate 20 provided on the outer periphery of the lid-like member 19 and extending to the manifold 7 side. It arrange | positions so that the upper surface (frame-shaped member) of 7 may be contact | connected. In the second reaction gas chamber 15 shown in FIG. 2, the second reaction gas is applied to at least one side plate of the second reaction gas chamber 15 along the cell arrangement direction from one end to the other end along the cell arrangement direction. A gas inlet 18 is provided. The side plate 20 is disposed outside the opening 16. The second reaction gas chamber 15 is connected to the second reaction gas inlet 18 via the second reaction gas outlet 17 provided between the opening 16 provided in the lid-like member 19 and the cell stack 3. The inflowing second reaction gas (air) is configured such that the second reaction gas flows from the lower reaction gas outlet 17 toward the upper side from the lower side between the fuel cells 3.

  Note that the second reaction gas delivery port 17 refers to the inner side of each of the current collecting members 4 (fuel cell 3) when the cell stack device 1 in which the cell stack 2 is inserted into the second reaction gas chamber 15 is viewed in plan view. Between).

  Further, the second reaction gas chamber 15 can be provided with a bottom member in order to increase the bonding strength with the manifold 7. In this case, the bottom member is provided with an opening at least as large as the opening 16.

  Since the cell stack device 1 of the present invention includes the second reaction gas chamber 15 having the second reaction gas outlet 18 opened between the adjacent fuel cells 3, the fuel cell 3 (oxygen electrode) is efficiently supplied with air. The power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 3 can be improved. Therefore, the cell stack device 1 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In the cell stack apparatus 1 of the present invention, the example in which the second reaction gas chamber 15 is disposed so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the frame-like member of the manifold 7 has been shown, but is in contact with the upper surface of the box-like member of the manifold 7. You may arrange as follows. Even in this case, the volume of the second reaction gas chamber 15 can be increased, and air can be efficiently supplied to the fuel cell 3.

  Here, in the conventional fuel cell module 70 shown in FIG. 11, since the air outlet 82 of the air introduction member 78 is provided toward the side surface of the cell stack 72, the fuel cell 73 is supplied from the air outlet 82. Although some of the air flows between the fuel cells 73, the remaining air may flow upward on the side surfaces of the fuel cells 73 and may not be sufficiently supplied to the fuel cells 73.

  Further, since the air outlet 82 of the air introduction member 78 is provided toward the side surface side of the cell stack 72, the air created from the air outlet 82 passes between the fuel cells 73 and the other of the fuel cells 73. There is a risk that the fuel cell 73 will not be sufficiently supplied.

  In the cell stack device 1 of the present invention, the opening 16 is provided in the lid-like member 19 of the second reaction gas chamber 15, so that the second reaction gas outlet 17 can be provided between the fuel cells 3. Since the second reaction gas can be supplied so as to flow from the lower part to the upper part between the fuel cells 3, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cells 3 can be improved. Thereby, the cell stack device 1 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the cell stack apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2, the second reaction gas inlet 18 is provided on the side plate of the second reaction gas chamber 15 along the cell arrangement direction from one end to the other end along the cell arrangement direction. Since it is provided, the amount of the second reaction gas supplied to each fuel cell 3 constituting the cell stack 2 can be made close to uniform. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the cell stack 2 can be improved, and a cell stack device with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Although the example in which the second reaction gas inlet 18 is provided from one end to the other end along the cell arrangement direction is shown, the second reaction gas inlet 18 may be formed by a plurality of holes. Even in such a case, by providing a plurality of holes from one end to the other end along the cell arrangement direction, the amount of the second reaction gas supplied to each fuel cell 3 can be made to be uniform.

  The second reaction gas chamber 15 can be made of an insulator such as an insulating ceramic. By producing the second reaction gas chamber 15 with an insulator, short-circuiting of the cell stack 3 can be suppressed even when the cell stack 3 and the opening 16 are in contact with each other. When the second reaction gas chamber 15 is made of a conductor such as metal, it is preferable to coat an insulating film around the opening 16. Thereby, a short circuit of the cell stack 3 can be suppressed. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the short circuit of the cell stack 3, the entire outer surface of the second reaction gas chamber 15 can be coated with an insulating film. In the manifold 7 as well, a short circuit can be further suppressed by coating the insulating film. In addition, the periphery of the opening 16 indicates the front and back surfaces of the lid-like member 19 in the region of about 1 cm from the opening 16 and the inside of the opening 16, and indicates a region in contact with the cell stack 2 and its vicinity.

  Moreover, it is preferable to seal the connection part between the second reaction gas chamber 15 and the manifold 7 with glass or the like. Thereby, it is possible to prevent air from leaking from the second reaction gas chamber 15, and to supply air to the fuel cell 3 more efficiently.

  Furthermore, since the second reaction gas chamber 15 is exposed to a high-temperature oxidizing atmosphere during power generation of the fuel cell device, it is preferable to apply an oxidation-resistant coating, and a coating having oxidation resistance and insulation is applied. It is more preferable. Examples of the oxidation resistant and insulating coating include an aluminum oxide film coating.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of the fuel cell module 21 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as a module) of the present invention in which the cell stack device 28 is housed in the housing container 22. In the cell stack device 28 shown in FIG. 4, a U-shaped reformer 23 is disposed above the cell stack 2. In the reformer 23, the raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 24 is converted into a raw fuel gas whose temperature has been increased in the vaporization unit 25, and then reformed such as steam reforming in the reforming unit 26. A quality reaction is performed to reform the fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas). The fuel gas generated in the reformer 23 including the vaporization unit 25 and the reforming unit 26 is supplied to the manifold 7 through the fuel gas supply pipe 27, and each fuel cell 3 (gas flow) is supplied from the manifold 7. The fuel gas is supplied to the passage 13).

  3 shows a state in which a part (front and rear surfaces) of the storage container 22 is removed and the cell stack device 28 stored inside is taken out rearward.

  4A and 4B show another example of the cell stack device of the present invention, where FIG. 4A is a plan view and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′.

  In the cell stack apparatus 28 shown in FIG. 4, two cell stacks 2 are fixed to the manifold 29.

  The cell stack device 28 is configured by electrically connecting two cell stacks 2 in series by a conductive connecting member 30. Specifically, the conductive member 5 disposed at one end in the cell arrangement direction of one cell stack 2 and the conductive member 5 disposed at the other end in the cell arrangement direction of the other cell stack 2 are connected to the conductive connecting member 30. It is configured to be connected by. The two cell stacks 2 may be the same, but the other cell stack 2 is disposed in the opposite direction to the one cell stack 2 in order to be electrically connected in series.

  The manifold 29 is configured by placing two frame-shaped members formed so as to surround the outer periphery of each cell stack 2 on the upper surface of a box-shaped member. It is inserted and arranged in a shaped member, and is fixed by an insulating adhesive such as glass. The manifold 29 (box-shaped member) is hollow, and a fuel gas supply pipe (not shown) is connected to the box-shaped member. That is, in the cell stack apparatus 28 shown in FIG. 4, the fuel gas is supplied from one manifold 29 (box-shaped member) to the gas flow paths 13 of the respective fuel cells 3 constituting the two cell stacks 2.

  Here, the second reaction gas chamber 31 is disposed so as to cover the two frame-shaped members of the manifold 29. As a result, the volume of the second reaction gas chamber 31 can be increased, so that efficient air can be supplied between the fuel cells 3, and the cell stack device 28 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained. it can.

  In the cell stack device 28 shown in FIG. 4, a space between the frame-shaped members of the manifold 29 is closed by a bottom member. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the retention of air in the second reaction gas chamber 24, and air can be further supplied between the fuel cells 3.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a module 21 in which the cell stack device 28 including the two cell stacks 2 shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the power generation chamber of the storage container.

  The storage container 22 constituting the module 21 is provided with a flow path for flowing air and exhaust gas between a side portion along the cell arrangement direction and an outer wall of the storage container 22 facing the side portion.

  Here, in the storage container 22, 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. A third wall 36 is disposed between the outer wall 32 and the power generation chamber 35 at a predetermined interval. Thereby, the space formed by the outer wall 32 and the first wall 33 becomes the first flow path 37, and the space formed by the first wall 33 and the third wall 36 becomes the second flow path. 38.

  In addition, one end of the central portion along the width direction of the fuel battery cells 3 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the width direction) orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the fuel battery cells 3 in the upper part of the storage container 22 is the third end. A second reaction gas introduction plate 39 that is connected to the wall 36 (second flow path 38) and hangs down to the power generation chamber 35 is provided. The inside of the second reaction gas introduction plate 39 becomes the third flow path 40.

  The other end of the second reaction gas introduction plate 39 is connected to the second reaction gas chamber 31 (second reaction gas inlet 18) through the blowout port 41. The air outlet 41 and the second reactive gas inlet 18 provided in the second reactive gas chamber 31 are provided from one end to the other end along the cell arrangement direction.

  Here, since the second reactive gas chamber 31 is disposed so as to cover the two frame-shaped members of the manifold 29, the second reactive gas inlet 18 provided in the second reactive gas chamber 31 is defined as one location. can do. Thereby, connection with the blower outlet 41 and the 2nd reactive gas inflow port 18 becomes easy, and the manufacturing process of the module 21 can be simplified. In addition, the connection method may use methods, such as welding, and may seal and connect with glass etc.

  Furthermore, an air supply pipe 42 for supplying air into the storage container 22 is connected to the bottom of the storage container 22, and the air supplied from the air supply pipe 42 flows to the air introduction part 43. Since the air introduction part 43 is connected to the first flow path 37 by the air introduction port 44, the air flowing through the air introduction part 43 flows to the first flow path 37 through the air introduction port 44. The air that has flowed upward in the first flow path 37 flows into the second flow path 38 provided along the upper wall (outer wall 32) of the storage container 22, and extends in the width direction of the fuel cell 3. It flows toward the center. Then, the air that flows toward the center along the width direction of the fuel cell 3 faces downward in the second reaction gas introduction plate 39 that hangs down from the center along the width direction of the fuel cell 3. And flows into the second reaction gas chamber 31 from the outlet 41 via the second reaction gas inlet 18. The air that has flowed into the second reaction gas chamber 31 flows between the fuel cells 3 from the lower side toward the upper side via the second reaction gas outlet port 17.

  On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 3 or the exhaust gas generated by burning the fuel gas not used for power generation on the other end side (upper end side) of the fuel cell 3 is the first wall 33. And the second flow path 45, which is a space formed by the second wall 34. The exhaust gas flowing downward through the fourth flow path 45 flows to the exhaust gas collection unit 47 through the exhaust gas collection port 46 and then is stored through an exhaust gas exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the exhaust gas collection unit 47. The container 22 is exhausted to the outside. Reference numeral 45 indicates a heat insulating material.

  Thereby, the air flowing through the first flow path 37 can exchange heat with the exhaust gas flowing through the fourth flow path 45, and the temperature of the air supplied to the fuel cell 3 can be raised. Moreover, the air flowing through the second flow path 38 can exchange heat with the exhaust heat in the power generation chamber 35, and can further increase the temperature of the air supplied to the fuel cell 3. Further, a second reaction gas introduction plate 39 is provided so as to hang down from the central portion of the third wall 36 along the width direction of the fuel cell 3 into the power generation chamber 35. Is the third flow path 40, the air flowing through the third flow path 40 can exchange heat with the heat in the power generation chamber 35 and is supplied to the fuel cell 3. The air temperature can be further increased. Thereby, the air whose temperature has been increased can be efficiently supplied between the fuel cells 3 via the second reaction gas outlet 18, so that the fuel cell module 21 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In the storage container 22 including the second reaction gas introduction plate 39 that hangs down from the center along the width direction of the fuel cells 3 perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 3 to the power generation chamber 35, the cell stack 2 This is useful when storing the cell stack device 28 having two. Reference numeral 48 denotes a heat insulating material.

  FIG. 6 shows still another example of the cell stack device of the present invention, in which (a) is a side view and (b) is a cross-sectional view along line B-B ′. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fuel cell module 50 in which the cell stack device 49 shown in FIG. 6 is stored in a storage container.

  In FIG. 6, two cell stack apparatuses 1 of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which one cell stack 2 and one second reaction gas chamber are arranged on one manifold 7 are arranged side by side. The conductive member 5 arranged at one end of the stack 2 in the cell arrangement direction and the conductive member 5 arranged at the other end of the other cell stack 2 in the cell arrangement direction are electrically connected in series by the conductive connecting member 30. is doing.

  The second reaction gas introduction plate 39 is connected to the second reaction gas chamber 15 (second reaction gas inlet 18) in each cell stack device 1. Also in such a fuel cell module 50, the air whose temperature has risen can be efficiently supplied between the fuel cells 3, and the module 50 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fuel cell module 51 in which one cell stack device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is stored in a storage container.

  The storage container 22 has a first wall 33 disposed at a predetermined interval inside the outer wall 32, and a second wall 34 disposed at a predetermined interval inside the first wall 33, Further, a fourth wall 52 is disposed inside the second wall 34 with a predetermined interval, and a third wall 36 is disposed between the outer wall 32 and the power generation chamber 35 with a predetermined interval. A fifth wall 53 is provided at a predetermined interval from the third wall 38. ing.

  Thereby, the space formed by the outer wall 32 and the first wall 33 becomes the first flow path 37, and the space formed by the outer wall 32 and the third wall 36 becomes the second flow path 38, The space formed by the second wall 34 and the fourth wall 52 becomes the third flow path 40, and the space formed by the first wall 33 and the second wall 34 becomes the fourth flow path 45. The space formed by the third wall 36 and the fifth wall 53 becomes the fifth flow path 54.

  Further, an air supply pipe 42 for supplying air (oxygen-containing gas) into the storage container 22 is connected to the bottom of the storage container 22, and the air supplied from the air supply pipe 42 is an air introduction part 43. Flowing into. Since the air introduction part 43 is connected to the first flow path 37 by the air introduction port 44, the air flowing through the air introduction part 43 flows to the first flow path 37 through the air introduction port 44. The air that has flowed upward in the first flow path 37 flows into the second flow path 38 provided along the upper wall (outer wall 32) of the storage container 22, and extends in the width direction of the fuel cell 3. It flows toward the center. And the air which flowed toward the center part along the width direction of the fuel cell 3 flows into the 5th flow path 54, and the 5th flow path 54 is made into the side part along the width direction of the fuel cell 3. Respectively, and flows through the third channel 40 from above to below. And the lower end part of the 4th wall 52 is connected to the 2nd reaction gas chamber 15 (2nd reaction gas inflow port 18) via the blower outlet 41. As shown in FIG. Note that the air outlet 41 and the second reactive gas inlet 18 provided in the second reactive gas chamber 15 are provided from one end to the other end along the cell arrangement direction, respectively. Therefore, the air that has flowed downward through the third flow path 40 is supplied into the second reaction gas chamber 15 via the outlet 41, and the air supplied to the second reaction gas chamber 15 is It is supplied between the fuel cells 3 via the second reaction gas outlet 17.

  On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 3 and the exhaust gas generated by burning the fuel gas not used for power generation on the other end side (upper end side) of the fuel cell 3 are the second wall 34. It flows into the fourth flow path 45 through the exhaust gas circulation port 55 provided in the first. The exhaust gas flowing downward through the fourth flow path 45 flows to the exhaust gas collection unit 44 through the exhaust gas collection port 46, and then is stored through an exhaust gas exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the exhaust gas collection unit 47. The container 26 is exhausted outside. Reference numeral 48 denotes a heat insulating material, and 23 denotes a reformer.

  In the module 51, the air supplied from the air introduction pipe 42 is heat-exchanged with the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas collection unit 47 while flowing through the air introduction unit 43, and the fourth flow is passed through the first flow path 37. Heat exchange with the exhaust gas flowing through the second flow path 45 and heat exchange with the exhaust heat in the power generation chamber 35 while flowing through the second flow path 38, the fifth flow path 39 and the third flow path 40. Become. Therefore, the air whose temperature has risen can be supplied between the fuel cells 3, and the module 51 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  Further, the second reaction gas inlet 18 provided on both sides of the second reaction gas chamber 15 and the outlet 41 are connected. The amount of the second reaction gas (air) flowing into the second reaction gas chamber 15 in the cell arrangement direction can be made to be uniform, and the amount of air supplied to each fuel cell 3 constituting the cell stack 2 is made uniform. Therefore, the module 51 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

  In the fuel cell module in which one cell stack device 1 is accommodated, the first wall 33 is disposed at a predetermined interval inside the outer wall 32, and the predetermined interval is disposed inside the first wall 33. The second wall 34 is disposed, the fourth wall 52 is disposed at a predetermined interval inside the second wall 34, and the third wall 34 is formed by the second wall 34 and the fourth wall 52. As long as the air flowing through the flow path 40 is configured to be supplied to the second reaction gas chamber 15, the other configurations can be changed as appropriate.

  For example, a sixth wall is provided inside the fifth wall 53 and the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber 35 is allowed to flow through a sixth flow path formed by the fifth wall 53 and the sixth wall, and then the exhaust gas is circulated. You may comprise so that it may flow in into the 4th flow path 40 through the opening | mouth 55. FIG. In such a module, heat can be efficiently exchanged between the air flowing through the fifth flow path and the exhaust gas flowing through the sixth flow path.

  Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide a 4th wall and a 5th wall. In this case, the configuration of the module (storage container) can be simplified.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the fuel cell device of the present invention in which the fuel cell module 51 shown in FIG. 8 and an auxiliary machine (not shown) for operating the fuel cell module 51 are housed in an outer case. It is a disassembled perspective view shown. In FIG. 9, a part of the configuration is omitted.

  The fuel cell device 60 shown in FIG. 9 divides the inside of the outer case composed of the columns 61 and the outer plate 62 by a partition plate 63, and the upper side serves as a module storage chamber 64 for storing the module 51 described above. The lower side is configured as an auxiliary machine storage chamber 65 for storing an auxiliary machine for operating the module 51. In addition, the auxiliary machine accommodated in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 65 is abbreviate | omitted and shown.

  Further, the partition plate 63 is provided with an air circulation port 66 for flowing the air in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 65 to the module storage chamber 64 side, and a part of the exterior plate 62 constituting the module storage chamber 64 An exhaust port 67 for exhausting air in the module storage chamber 64 is provided.

  In such a fuel cell device 60, as described above, the module 51 with improved power generation efficiency is stored in the module storage chamber 64, and an auxiliary machine for operating the module 51 is stored in the auxiliary device storage chamber 65. By being configured, the fuel cell device 60 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, in the above description, the example in which the first reactive gas is fuel gas and the second reactive gas is air (oxygen-containing gas) has been described. For example, the first reactive gas is air and the second reactive gas is fuel gas. You can also. In this case, the configuration of the module can be changed as appropriate in addition to the configuration in which the fuel cell is provided with the oxygen electrode layer, the solid electrolyte layer, and the fuel electrode layer in this order on the conductive support.

  For example, a fuel cell module that accommodates two cell stack devices is shown, but a fuel cell module that accommodates more cell stack devices may be used. Even in that case, a fuel cell module with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained by providing the second reaction gas chamber in each cell stack.

1, 28, 49, 71: Cell stack device 2, 72: Cell stack 3, 73: Fuel cell 7, 29, 74: Manifold 15, 31: Second reaction gas chamber 17: Second reaction gas delivery port 21, 50, 51, 70: Fuel cell module 60: Fuel cell device

Claims (8)

A columnar fuel cell having a first reaction gas flow path for flowing the first reaction gas from the lower end portion to the upper end portion along the longitudinal direction, and generating electric power with the first reaction gas and the second reaction gas; A cell stack that is arranged in a state where a plurality of the fuel cells are erected, and a current collecting member is disposed between the adjacent fuel cells and electrically connected thereto;
A lower end of the fuel cell, and a manifold for supplying the first reaction gas to the fuel cell;
A cell provided above the manifold and having a second reaction gas chamber having a second reaction gas outlet for supplying the second reaction gas between the adjacent fuel cells. Stack device.   The second reactive gas chamber includes a lid-like member having an opening into which the cell stack is inserted, and a side plate provided on an outer periphery of the lid-like member and extending toward the manifold side. The cell stack device according to claim 1.   The cell stack device according to claim 2, wherein at least the periphery of the opening of the lid-like member is insulated. A fuel cell module in which the cell stack device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is stored in a power generation chamber in a storage container, wherein the storage container includes:
A first flow path for flowing the second reactive gas from below to above;
The second reaction gas connected to the first flow path is configured to flow toward the central portion along the width direction of the fuel cell in the upper part of the storage container and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fuel cell. Two flow paths;
A third flow path connected to the second flow path for flowing the second reaction gas downward from above,
The fuel is characterized in that the third flow path and the second reactive gas chamber are connected so that the second reactive gas flowing through the third flow path is supplied to the second reactive gas chamber. Battery module.   The third flow path is disposed so as to hang from a central portion along the width direction of the fuel cell, which is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fuel cell, in the upper part of the storage container. Item 5. The fuel cell module according to Item 4.   The storage container includes a fourth channel disposed adjacently between the third channel and the first channel for flowing the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber from above to below. The fuel cell module according to claim 4 or 5.   5. The third flow path is connected to the second reaction gas chamber from one end portion to the other end portion along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells on the side surface side of the cell stack. The fuel cell module according to any one of 1 to 6. A fuel cell device comprising: the fuel cell module according to any one of claims 4 to 7; and an auxiliary device for operating the cell stack device.

Images