JP2012226884A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that strong member and configuration are required in order to endure pressure applied to a side surface of a system by snow accumulation.SOLUTION: A fuel cell system comprises, inside a housing 100, a fuel cell 1; a reducing agent gas passage 2 which is connected to the fuel cell 1, and supplies a reducing agent gas; a hydrogen generator 3 to generate a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen from a raw material; a combustor 4 to heat the hydrogen generator 3 by firing the raw material or the reducing agent gas; a combustion air supply device 5 to supply air for combustion to the combustor 4; an air sucking port 6 to suck combustion air from the outside of the housing; a combustion air suction passage 7 to connect the combustor 4 and the air sucking port 6; an exhaust gas discharge port 8 to discharge combustion exhaust gas in the combustor 4 to the outside of the housing; and a combustion exhaust gas passage 9 which includes a side surface heating part 50 configured so that a part of the side surface heating part is extended along a side surface of the housing 100 without interposing a heat insulation material therebetween, and connects the combustor 4 and the exhaust gas discharge port 8.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system including a solid polymer type, a phosphoric acid type, and a solid oxide type fuel cell and supplying electricity.

  Conventional fuel cell systems using solid polymer, phosphoric acid, and solid oxide fuel cells are mainly used as cogeneration systems, and recover the heat generated simultaneously with power generation as hot water. Can effectively use energy, and is attracting attention as a highly efficient distributed power source. In particular, since hot water can be collected as a cogeneration system, it is desired to be used in cold regions where hot water demand is high.

  However, there are many snowfalls in such a cold region, and it is necessary to consider the effect of snow accumulation on the system. For example, in a fuel cell system equipped with a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen together with a fuel cell that generates electricity by supplying air and hydrogen, the air to be supplied and the combustion exhaust gas when generating hydrogen are placed outside the casing. The chassis has air intakes and exhausts that communicate with each other. However, in cold regions where there is a lot of snow, the air intakes and exhausts may be blocked by snow.

  In such a fuel cell system, a suction port is provided on the ceiling surface of the system, a discharge port is provided on the side surface, and an exhaust path for guiding exhaust gas to the exhaust port is provided along the ceiling surface to warm the ceiling surface and the intake port. There has been proposed a fuel cell system that prevents the intake port from being blocked (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a conventional fuel cell system described in Patent Document 1. In FIG. A conventional fuel cell system includes a fuel cell 1 that generates power using a reducing agent gas and an oxidant gas, and a reducing agent gas path 2 that is connected to the fuel cell 1 and supplies the reducing agent gas. , A hydrogen generator 3 that generates a reducing agent gas from the raw material, a combustor 4 that burns the raw material gas or the reducing agent gas and heats the hydrogen generator 3, and combustion air that supplies combustion air to the combustor 4 A supply device 5; an air suction port 6 that is disposed on the top surface of the housing 100 and sucks combustion air from outside the housing; a combustion air suction path 7 that connects the combustor 4 and the air suction port 6; An exhaust gas outlet 8 disposed on the side surface of the body 100 for exhausting the combustion exhaust gas from the combustor 4 to the outside of the housing, a combustion exhaust gas path 9 connecting the combustor 4 and the exhaust gas outlet 8, and the fuel cell 1 for oxidation Oxidizing gas path 10 for supplying the oxidizing gas, and oxidizing gas And the oxidizing gas supply device 11 for supplying the fuel cell 1, and the remaining reducing agent reducing agent off-gas path 12 for supplying gas to the combustor 4 used in power generation in the fuel cell 1, and a.

JP 2009-76286 A

  However, in the conventional fuel cell system, although the snow accumulated on the ceiling surface can be removed by heating the ceiling surface with the exhaust gas, the snow on the side surface cannot be removed. Therefore, since pressure due to snow is applied to the side of the system, it is necessary to adopt a sturdy member or structure that can withstand the pressure so that the system does not deform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a fuel cell system that can prevent snow accumulation on a side surface of a system in a cold region and can simplify and downsize members and structures. .

  In order to solve the above conventional problems, the fuel cell system of the present invention is provided with a side surface heating unit in an exhaust gas path from the combustor.

  As a result, the side surface of the housing can be heated using the heat of the combustion exhaust gas, and it is possible to prevent snow accumulation on the side surface of the system in a cold region and to simplify and downsize the members and structure. Can be realized.

  The fuel cell system of the present invention prevents snow accumulation on the side of the system in a cold region, and simplifies and miniaturizes members and structures and improves workability during maintenance.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. System configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention System configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention System configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention System configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention System configuration diagram of conventional fuel cell system

  A first invention includes a hydrogen generator that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using a raw material and water, a combustor that heats the hydrogen generator, and a combustion air supply device that supplies combustion air to the combustor A fuel cell that generates power using reducing agent gas and oxidant gas, an oxidant gas supply device that supplies oxidant gas to the fuel cell, a combustion exhaust gas outlet that discharges combustion exhaust gas from the combustor, and a combustion In a fuel cell system comprising a combustion exhaust gas path communicating with a gas generator and a combustion exhaust gas outlet, and a housing in which at least a hydrogen generator, a combustor, and a fuel cell are disposed, the combustion exhaust gas path extends along a side surface of the housing It has a side surface heating part arranged in.

  With this configuration, the side surface of the casing can be heated by the heat of the combustion exhaust gas, and when snow is accumulated in a cold region, the snow outside the side surface of the casing can be melted by the heat of the combustion exhaust gas. Therefore, the pressurization to the side surface due to snow accumulation on the system side surface can be suppressed, and the members and the structure can be simplified or downsized.

  Moreover, 2nd invention is arrange | positioned so that a side surface heating part may contact the side surface of a housing.

  With this configuration, the side surface of the housing can be more reliably heated with the heat of the combustion exhaust gas. Further, it is possible to reliably condense the water vapor in the combustion exhaust gas, and to more reliably suppress the water vapor in the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust gas discharge port at low temperatures from becoming white smoke.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the side surface heating unit includes a side surface of the housing that is configured to be openable and closable for maintenance, a surface on which the operation unit of the fuel cell is disposed, and a lead-in portion of the distribution line. It is at least one of the arranged surfaces.

  With this configuration, it is possible to reliably heat the side on which a person approaches and works. Therefore, when snow is accumulated in a cold region, it is easier for a person to approach and perform work, and workability during maintenance can be improved.

  The fourth invention further includes a condensed water outlet for discharging condensed water condensed in the fuel exhaust gas path, and a drain path for communicating the condensate outlet and the lowest part of the combustion exhaust gas path in the gravitational direction. is there.

  With this configuration, the condensed water accumulated in the combustion exhaust gas path can be more reliably discharged, and combustion failure and noise due to water clogging in the combustion exhaust gas path can be prevented.

  Moreover, 5th invention arrange | positions a combustion exhaust gas discharge port in the side surface in which the side surface heating part is arrange | positioned.

  With this configuration, since the combustion exhaust gas discharge port is provided on the surface to be heated, it is possible to prevent the combustion exhaust gas discharge port from being blocked by snow when snow is accumulated in a cold region.

  The sixth invention further includes a combustion air intake port for supplying combustion air to the combustion air supply device, and a combustion air intake path communicating with the combustion air supply device and the combustion air intake port. In the fuel cell system, the combustion air intake port is installed on the side surface on which the side surface heating unit is disposed.

  With this configuration, since the combustion air intake port is provided on the surface to be heated, it is possible to prevent the combustion air intake port from being blocked by snow when snow is accumulated in a cold region.

  The seventh aspect of the invention further includes an oxidant gas suction port that supplies the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply device, and an oxidant gas suction path that communicates the oxidant gas supply device and the oxidant gas suction port. In the fuel cell system, the oxidant gas suction port is provided on the surface on which the oxidant gas suction port is heated by being installed on the side surface where the side surface heating unit is disposed.

  With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the oxidant gas inlet from being blocked by snow when snow is accumulated in a cold region.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The fuel cell system in the present embodiment includes a fuel cell 1 that generates power using a reducing agent gas and an oxidant gas, and a reducing agent gas that is connected to the fuel cell 1 and supplies the reducing agent gas. A path 2, a hydrogen generator 3 that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen from the raw material, a combustor 4 that burns the raw material or the reducing agent gas and heats the hydrogen generator 3, and air for combustion in the combustor 4 A combustion air supply device 5 for supplying combustion air, an air suction port 6 for sucking combustion air from outside the housing, a combustion air suction path 7 for connecting the combustor 4 and the air suction port 6, and a combustor 4 An exhaust gas discharge port 8 for discharging combustion exhaust gas to the outside of the housing, and a side surface heating unit 50 configured so that a part of the exhaust gas passes along the side surface of the housing 100 without using a heat insulating material, the combustor 4 and the exhaust gas discharge port 8 are provided. Connected to the fuel cell 1 and the combustion exhaust gas path 9 The oxidant gas path 10 for supplying the oxidant gas, the oxidant gas supply device 11 for supplying the oxidant gas to the fuel cell 1, and the remaining reducing agent off-gas used for power generation in the fuel cell 1 to the combustor 4. And a reducing agent off-gas passage 12 to be supplied.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  In the fuel cell 1, a reducing agent containing hydrogen generated by a steam reforming reaction or the like from a hydrocarbon-based raw material such as city gas, propane, or kerosene and water supplied from a reducing agent gas path 2 in a hydrogen generator 3. Reducing agent off-gas and oxidation after power generation is performed by an electrochemical reaction between the gas and an oxidant gas such as oxygen-containing air supplied from the oxidant gas path 10 by the oxidant gas supply device 11. Exhaust agent off-gas. As the fuel cell 1, a solid polymer type, phosphoric acid type, solid oxide type or the like is mainly used, and as the oxidant gas supply device 11, a reciprocating pump, a scroll fan, a turbo fan or the like is mainly used. The reducing agent off-gas after being used for the reaction in the fuel cell 1 is combusted in the combustor 4 through the reducing agent off-gas path 12 and supplies heat necessary for the steam reforming reaction.

  The hydrogen generator 3 is usually a reformer (not shown) that generates a reformed gas from a raw material and water by a steam reforming reaction, and shifts the steam and carbon monoxide gas into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas. A transformer (not shown) and a selective oxidizer (not shown) for reducing the carbon monoxide concentration to about 10 ppm or less by a selective oxidation reaction of CO are incorporated.

  For this reason, the reformer has a reforming catalyst body (not shown) that promotes the reforming reaction, and the steam reforming reaction is an endothermic reaction, so that the reaction heat is supplied to the reforming catalyst body. A combustor 4 is installed as a heat supply means. Inside the combustor 4, a fuel gas such as a raw material or a reducing agent off-gas is diluted and mixed in a combustible concentration range by air blown from the combustion air supply device 5, and then the high temperature generated by burning this mixed gas is generated. The reforming catalyst body is heated by heat exchange with the combustion gas. As the combustor 4, combustion by a burner or combustion by a catalyst is mainly used, and as the combustion air supply device 5, a reciprocating pump, a scroll fan, a turbo fan or the like is mainly used.

  High-temperature combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion of the combustor 4 is guided to the exhaust gas discharge port 8 through the combustion exhaust gas path 9 and is discharged to the outside of the housing 100. At that time, the combustion exhaust gas releases heat at the side surface heating unit 50 of the combustion exhaust gas path 9 to heat the side surface of the housing 100.

  On the other hand, air outside the casing 100 is taken into the combustion air supply device 5 through the combustion air suction path 7 through the air suction port 6.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the side surface heating unit 50 of the combustion exhaust gas passage 9. As shown in FIG. 2- (1), a side surface heating unit 50 may be provided so as to heat the four side surfaces of the housing 100, or a specific side surface is heated as shown in FIG. 2- (2). A side surface heating unit 50 may be provided. Furthermore, as shown to FIG. 2- (3), a side surface heating part may be not a piping structure but a surface structure.

  With the configuration and operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the side surface of the housing can be heated using the heat of the combustion exhaust gas. Thereby, the snow on the side surface of the system can be melted and the pressurization to the side surface due to snow accumulation can be prevented. As a result, the members and structure of the system can be simplified, and a cost-reduced and miniaturized fuel cell system can be realized.

  It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and is not a description to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Constituent elements that are the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment, the side surface heating unit 50 of the combustion exhaust gas path 9 is in direct contact with the housing 100.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  High-temperature combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion of the combustor 4 is guided to the exhaust gas discharge port 8 through the combustion exhaust gas path 9 and is discharged to the outside of the housing 100. The combustion exhaust gas releases heat mainly by heat transfer in the side surface heating unit 50 of the combustion exhaust gas path 9 that is in direct contact with the housing 100 to heat the side surface of the housing 100.

  Due to the configuration and operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the heat of the combustion exhaust gas is transmitted to the side surface of the housing by heat transfer, so that the side surface of the housing can be heated more reliably and efficiently. Furthermore, water vapor in the combustion exhaust gas can be reliably condensed, and the amount of water vapor in the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust gas discharge port 8 can be reduced. Thereby, it can prevent that the water vapor | steam in the combustion exhaust gas discharged | emitted from the exhaust gas discharge port 8 at the time of low temperature condenses and becomes white smoke.

  It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and is not a description to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Constituent elements that are the same as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment includes a power supply device 16 that supplies power generated by the fuel cell 1 to a household power load 15 such as an air conditioner or a refrigerator, and a circuit breaker that interrupts the exchange of power between the commercial power source and the system. 17, a display device 18 that displays various states of the system, an input device 19 that sets various states, a source gas path 20 that supplies a source gas to the hydrogen generator 3, and a source gas that is disposed in the source gas path 20 And a desulfurizer 21 for removing sulfur components therein.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described.

  At the time of power generation by the fuel cell system, DC power generated by the fuel cell 1 is converted into AC power by the power supply device 16 and supplied to the power load 15 such as an air conditioner or a refrigerator via the circuit breaker 17. A part of the direct current and alternating current power generated by the fuel cell 1 is supplied to each device in the fuel cell system and consumed for operation (not shown). On the other hand, at the time of non-power generation of the fuel cell system, each device in the system operates with electric power from the commercial power source via the circuit breaker 17. When an abnormality occurs in either the fuel cell system or the commercial power supply, the circuit breaker 17 is shut off and the exchange of power with each other is prohibited.

The display device 18 is connected to a control device (not shown) for controlling the operation control and various operations of the fuel cell system, and the system status such as whether or not the fuel cell system is generating power, the current power generation amount, and the like. Various information about the system such as an operation mode indicating whether to implement a proper operation method is displayed, and the input device 19 inputs and sets various information necessary for the system such as selection of the operation mode and switching of display contents of the display device 18. To change.

  The city gas or propane gas supplied to the hydrogen generator 3 usually contains sulfur as a odorous component. The sulfur component in the raw material gas is removed by the desulfurizer 21 in order to deteriorate the catalyst inside the hydrogen generator 3. The fuel cell system, such as the desulfurizer 21 and a dust filter (not shown) installed at the air inlet 6 or the like, includes a filter for physically and chemically purifying the fluid to be supplied and circulated. These filters need to be replaced or cleaned after a predetermined amount of object has been processed. Therefore, the fuel cell system requires periodic maintenance such as replacement and cleaning of these filters.

  Such a surface where the drawing section of the distribution line connected to the power load 15 and the commercial power source and the circuit breaker 17 are disposed, the surface where the operation section of the fuel cell system such as the display device 18 and the input device 19 is disposed, and A side surface heating unit 50 of the flue gas passage 9 is installed on a surface (hereinafter referred to as a maintenance surface) that can be opened and closed during regular maintenance or maintenance at the time of failure. At that time, the combustion exhaust gas heats the housing 100 in the side surface heating unit 50 of the combustion exhaust gas path 9.

  With the configuration and operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the heat of the combustion exhaust gas can be used to heat the side surface portion of the housing, particularly the surface on which the distribution line lead-in portion and the operation portion are disposed and the maintenance surface. . Accordingly, it is possible to realize a fuel cell system that can surely heat the side surface on which a person approaches and performs the work, and can facilitate the work.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device is described as being included in the housing. However, the power supply device may be outside the housing, and the circuit breaker may be installed on the housing side.

  It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and is not a description to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Constituent elements that are the same as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment further includes a condensed water discharge port 22 that discharges condensed water to the outside of the housing, and a drainage channel 23 that connects the combustion exhaust gas channel 9 and the condensed water discharge port 22.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described.

  The combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustor 4 is a high-temperature gas containing a lot of water vapor. When the casing 100 is heated in the side surface heating unit 50 installed in the combustion exhaust gas path 9, the combustion exhaust gas decreases in temperature, and accordingly, water vapor in the gas is condensed and condensed water is condensed at the lowermost part of the combustion exhaust gas path 9. Accumulate. This condensed water is discharged from the condensed water discharge port 22 installed in the housing 100 through the drainage path 23.

  With the configuration and operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, condensed water accumulated in the combustion exhaust gas path can be discharged, and combustion failure and noise due to clogging of the combustion exhaust gas path can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been made as the configuration in which the condensed water is discharged from the condensed water discharge port to the outside of the housing through the waste gas route from the combustion exhaust gas route, but the condensed water is not discharged and is used in the fuel cell system. It may be recovered as water.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the exhaust gas is directly discharged from the combustor through the flue gas path, but a heat exchanger is installed in the flue gas path, and the side surface is changed by the flue gas after heat exchange. You may implement the heating by a heating part.

  It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and is not a description to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Constituent elements that are the same as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The fuel cell system in the present embodiment includes an oxidant gas path 10 that is connected to the fuel cell 1 and supplies an oxidant gas, an oxidant gas supply device 11 that supplies the oxidant gas to the fuel cell 1, and an oxidant gas. An oxidant gas suction path 13 that connects the supply device 11 and the air suction port 6, and an oxidant offgas path 14 that is connected to the exhaust gas discharge port 8 and discharges the remaining oxidant offgas used for power generation in the fuel cell 1. I have.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  In the fuel cell 1, a reducing agent containing hydrogen generated by a steam reforming reaction or the like from a hydrocarbon-based raw material such as city gas, propane, or kerosene and water supplied from a reducing agent gas path 2 in a hydrogen generator 3. Reducing agent off-gas and oxidation after power generation is performed by an electrochemical reaction between the gas and an oxidant gas such as oxygen-containing air supplied from the oxidant gas path 10 by the oxidant gas supply device 11. Exhaust agent off-gas. As the fuel cell 1, a solid polymer type, phosphoric acid type, solid oxide type or the like is mainly used, and as the oxidant gas supply device 11, a reciprocating pump, a scroll fan, a turbo fan or the like is mainly used. The reducing agent off-gas after being used for the reaction in the fuel cell 1 is combusted in the combustor 4 through the reducing agent off-gas path 12 and supplies heat necessary for the steam reforming reaction.

  The hydrogen generator 3 is usually a reformer (not shown) that generates a reformed gas from a raw material and water by a steam reforming reaction, and shifts the steam and carbon monoxide gas into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas. A transformer (not shown) and a selective oxidizer (not shown) for reducing the carbon monoxide concentration to about 10 ppm or less by a selective oxidation reaction of CO are incorporated.

  For this reason, the reformer has a reforming catalyst body (not shown) that promotes the reforming reaction, and the steam reforming reaction is an endothermic reaction, so that the reaction heat is supplied to the reforming catalyst body. A combustor 4 is installed as a heat supply means. Inside the combustor 4, a fuel gas such as a raw material or a reducing agent off-gas is diluted and mixed in a combustible concentration range by air blown from the combustion air supply device 5, and then the high temperature generated by burning this mixed gas is generated. The reforming catalyst body is heated by heat exchange with the combustion gas. As the combustor 4, combustion by a burner or combustion by a catalyst is mainly used, and as the combustion air supply device 5, a reciprocating pump, a scroll fan, a turbo fan or the like is mainly used.

High-temperature combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion of the combustor 4 is guided to the exhaust gas discharge port 8 through the combustion exhaust gas path 9 and is discharged to the outside of the housing 100. Further, the oxidant off-gas after being used for the reaction in the fuel cell 1 is guided to the exhaust gas discharge port 8 through the oxidant off-gas path 14, and the casing 1
00 is discharged outside.

  On the other hand, air outside the housing 100 is taken into the combustion air supply device 5 through the combustion air suction passage 7 and into the oxidant gas supply device 11 through the oxidant gas suction passage 13 through the air suction port 6.

  The side surface heating unit 50 of the combustion exhaust gas path 9 is installed on the side surface of the casing 100 in which the air suction port 6 and the exhaust gas exhaust port 8 are arranged. Heat the sides.

  With the configuration and operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the side surface of the housing, particularly the surface on which the air inlet and the exhaust gas outlet are arranged, can be heated using the heat of the combustion exhaust gas. Thereby, the fuel cell system in which the air inlet and the exhaust gas outlet can suppress the blockage due to snow can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the air intake port and the exhaust gas discharge port are described as being arranged on the same side surface of the housing. However, the air intake port and the exhaust gas discharge port may be provided on different sides.

  In the present embodiment, the description has been given of the configuration in which the combustion air supply device and the oxidant gas supply device are supplied with one air intake port. However, separate intake ports may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the exhaust gas exhausted from the combustor and the fuel cell off-gas from the fuel cell has been described as a single exhaust gas exhaust port. However, different exhaust ports may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the air supplied from the combustion air supply device and the oxidant gas supply device is supplied from the air intake port installed in the housing using the combustion air intake route and the oxidant gas intake route. However, the casing may be provided with a ventilation opening, and the combustion air supply device and the oxidant gas supply device may be supplied from the inside of the casing.

  In the present embodiment, the hydrogen generator is described as a configuration including a reformer, a transformer, and a selective oxidizer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the hydrogen generator only needs to include at least a reformer. In addition to the reformer, the hydrogen generator may include at least one of a shifter, a selective oxidizer, and a methanation device that performs a methanation reaction.

  It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and is not a description to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

  According to the fuel cell system and its operation of the present invention, it is possible to prevent snow accumulation on the side of the system in a cold region, simplifying and downsizing members and structures, and improving workability during maintenance. For example, it is useful as a fuel cell cogeneration system for home use.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell 2 Reductant gas path 3 Hydrogen generator 4 Combustor 5 Combustion air supply apparatus 6 Air inlet 7 Combustion air intake path 8 Exhaust gas discharge port 9 Combustion exhaust gas path 10 Oxidant gas path 11 Oxidant gas supply apparatus DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Reducing agent off-gas path | route 13 Oxidizing-agent gas intake path 14 Oxidizing-agent off-gas path | route 15 Electric power load 16 Electric power supply apparatus 17 Circuit breaker 18 Display apparatus 19 Input apparatus 20 Raw material gas path | route 21 Desulfurizer 22 Condensate discharge port 23 Drain path 50 Side heating Part 100 Case

Claims (7)

A hydrogen generator that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using raw materials and water;
A combustor for heating the hydrogen generator;
A combustion air supply device for supplying combustion air to the combustor;
A fuel cell that generates electric power using the reducing agent gas and the oxidizing gas;
An oxidant gas supply device for supplying the oxidant gas to the fuel cell;
A combustion exhaust gas outlet for discharging combustion exhaust gas from the combustor;
A flue gas path communicating with the combustor and the flue gas exhaust port;
A housing that arranges at least the hydrogen generator, the combustor, and the fuel cell;
With
The said combustion exhaust gas path | route is a fuel cell system which has the side surface heating part arrange | positioned along the side surface of the said housing.   The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the side surface heating unit is disposed so as to contact a side surface of the housing.   The side surface heating unit includes a side surface of the housing that is configured to be openable and closable for maintenance, a surface on which a fuel cell operation unit is disposed, and a surface on which a distribution line lead-in unit is disposed. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 or 2, which is at least one of the following. A condensed water outlet for discharging condensed water condensed in the fuel exhaust gas path;
The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a drainage path communicating with the condensate discharge port and a lowermost portion of the combustion exhaust gas path in the gravity direction.   The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the combustion exhaust gas discharge port is provided on the side surface on which the side surface heating unit is disposed. A combustion air inlet for supplying the combustion air to the combustion air supply device;
A combustion air intake path communicating with the combustion air supply device and the combustion air intake port,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the combustion air intake port is provided on the side surface on which the side surface heating unit is disposed. An oxidant gas inlet for supplying the oxidant gas to the oxidant gas supply device;
An oxidant gas suction path communicating with the oxidant gas supply device and the oxidant gas suction port,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the oxidant gas suction port is provided on the side surface on which the side surface heating unit is disposed.

Images