JP2014146555A - Fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell device improved in long-term reliability.SOLUTION: The fuel cell device includes: a fuel cell module 4 provided with a fuel cell which generates power with a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas; an oxygen-containing gas supply part 2 for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module 4; and a channel-forming part 55 one end of which is connected to the fuel cell module 4 and the other end of which is connected to the oxygen-containing gas supply part 2 and through which the oxygen-containing gas is supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply part 2 to the fuel cell module 4. Since the channel-forming part 55 has therein a heat capacity-increasing part 62 having a larger heat capacity than the other parts, failure or breakage of the oxygen-containing gas supply part 2 can be suppressed even when air in the fuel cell module 4 flows backward.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device.

  In recent years, as a next-generation energy, a cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells that can obtain electric power using a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and an oxygen-containing gas (air) are arranged is known. Various fuel cell modules in which a cell stack is stored in a storage container and fuel cell devices in which a fuel cell module is stored in an outer case have been proposed.

  In such a fuel cell device, a fuel cell module and an oxygen-containing gas supply unit for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module are connected to each other via an oxygen-containing gas supply channel.

  In particular, in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell device, an oxygen-containing gas supply for supplying an oxygen-containing gas for reforming or combustion to a reformer for generating fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell. Are connected.

  Here, for example, the oxygen-containing gas supply flow path has an inclined portion that is inclined upward toward the fuel cell module, whereby a fuel cell device that suppresses backflow of water condensed in the fuel cell module is provided. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-90954 A

  However, in the case of an emergency stop of the fuel cell device, the air supplied to the fuel cell module or the reformer flows backward to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit, and is caused by the dew condensation water generated by cooling in this reverse flow process. In some cases, the oxygen-containing gas supply unit may fail or break.

  Therefore, the present invention prevents the oxygen-containing gas supply unit from being damaged or damaged even when the air supplied to the fuel cell module or the reformer flows backward to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device capable of improving long-term reliability.

  A fuel cell device according to the present invention includes a fuel cell module in which a fuel cell that generates power using a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas is housed in a housing container, and an oxygen for supplying the fuel cell module with an oxygen-containing gas. To supply an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit, one end of which is connected to the fuel cell module and the other end is connected to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit The flow path forming part has a heat capacity increasing part having a larger heat capacity than other parts inside.

Also, the fuel cell device of the present invention generates a fuel cell module in which a fuel cell that generates power with a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas is stored in a storage container, and a fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell. A reformer, an oxygen-containing gas supply unit for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the reformer, one end connected to the reformer, and the other end connected to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit, A flow path forming section for supplying an oxygen-containing gas from the oxygen-containing gas supply section to the reformer, and the flow path forming section includes a heat capacity increasing section having a larger heat capacity than other portions inside. It is characterized by that.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the flow path forming portion that is a flow path for supplying oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module and the reformer has a heat capacity increasing portion having a larger heat capacity than other portions inside. Thus, even if the air supplied to the fuel cell module or the reformer flows backward toward the oxygen-containing gas supply unit, the moisture contained in the back-flowed air can be efficiently condensed in the heat capacity increasing unit. As a result, the amount of water contained in the backflowed air can be reduced, and even if the air supplied to the fuel cell module or the reformer flows back to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit, the oxygen-containing gas supply unit fails. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of damage and damage, and to provide a fuel cell device with improved long-term reliability.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a fuel cell system provided with the fuel cell apparatus of this embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell module which comprises the fuel cell system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows another example of a structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this embodiment. It is an expanded sectional view showing an example of the fuel cell device of this embodiment partially enlarged. 6 (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a fuel cell device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 6 (b) is one example of a fuel cell device which is a modification of FIG. 6 (a). It is an expanded sectional view which expands and shows a part.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a fuel cell system including the fuel cell device of the present embodiment. The fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1 includes a power generation unit that is an example of the fuel cell device of the present embodiment, a hot water storage unit that stores hot water after heat exchange, and a circulation pipe that circulates water between these units. It is composed of In the following drawings, the same components are described using the same reference numerals.

  A power generation unit shown in FIG. 1 includes a cell stack 5 formed by combining a plurality of fuel cells having a fuel electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and an air electrode layer, a raw fuel supply unit 1 that supplies raw fuel such as city gas, and the like. An oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 for supplying oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cells constituting the stack 5 and a reformer 3 for steam-reforming the raw fuel with the raw fuel and steam are provided. In the power generation unit shown in FIG. 1, a fuel cell module 4 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a module) is configured by storing the cell stack 5 and the reformer 3 in a storage container. It is shown surrounded by a two-dot chain line. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a purification device for purifying exhaust gas that has not been used for power generation discharged from the cell stack 5 and an ignition device for burning fuel gas that has not been used for power generation. Can be provided.

Further, in the power generation unit shown in FIG. 1, a circulation pipe 15 that circulates water to a heat exchanger 8 that performs heat exchange between exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by power generation of fuel cells constituting the cell stack 5 and water. A condensed water treatment device 9 for treating the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 8 into pure water, and a water tank 11 for storing water (pure water) treated by the condensed water treatment device 9. The water tank 11 and the heat exchanger 8 are connected by a condensed water supply pipe 10. Depending on the quality of the condensed water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 8, the condensed water treatment device 9
It can also be set as the structure which does not provide. Moreover, when the condensed water processing apparatus 9 has the function to store water, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide the water tank 11. FIG.

  The water stored in the water tank 11 is supplied to the reformer 3 by a water pump 12 provided in a water supply pipe 13 that connects the water tank 11 and the reformer 3.

  Further, the power generation unit shown in FIG. 1 converts the DC power generated by the module 4 into AC power, and adjusts the supply amount of the converted electricity to the external load (power conditioner). 6. In addition to an outlet water temperature sensor 14 for measuring the water temperature of water (circulated water flow) provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger 8 and flowing through the outlet of the heat exchanger 8, a controller 7 for controlling the operation of various devices is provided. The power generation unit is configured together with a circulation pump 17 that circulates water in the circulation pipe 15. And each apparatus which comprises these electric power generation units can be set as a fuel cell apparatus with easy installation, carrying, etc. by accommodating in an exterior case. The hot water storage unit includes a hot water storage tank 16 for storing hot water after heat exchange.

  Here, an operation method of the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  In generating fuel gas necessary for power generation of the cell stack 5, the control device 7 operates the raw fuel supply unit 1 and the water pump 12. As a result, raw fuel (natural gas, kerosene, etc.) and water are supplied to the reformer 3, and by performing steam reforming in the reformer 3, a fuel gas containing hydrogen is generated and the fuel cell. Supplied to the fuel electrode side.

  On the other hand, the control device 7 operates the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 to supply oxygen-containing gas (air) to the air electrode side of the fuel cell.

  The control device 7 operates an ignition device (not shown) in the module 4 to burn fuel gas that has not been used for power generation of the cell stack 5. Thereby, the temperature in the module (the temperature of the cell stack 5 and the reformer 3) rises, and efficient power generation can be performed.

  The exhaust gas generated with the power generation of the cell stack 5 is purified by the purification device, then supplied to the heat exchanger 8 and heat-exchanged with water flowing through the circulation pipe 15. Hot water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 8 flows through the circulation pipe 15 and is stored in the hot water storage tank 16. On the other hand, water contained in the exhaust gas discharged from the cell stack 5 by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 8 becomes condensed water and is supplied to the condensed water treatment device 9 through the condensed water supply pipe 10. The condensed water is converted to pure water by the condensed water treatment device 9 and supplied to the water tank 11. The water stored in the water tank 11 is supplied to the reformer 3 by the water pump 12 via the water supply pipe 13. Thus, water self-sustained operation can be performed by effectively using condensed water.

  Next, an example of the module 4 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. 2 and 3 show an example of the module 4 constituting the fuel cell device of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the module 4, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the module 4 shown in FIG. is there.

In the module 4 shown in FIG. 2, columnar fuel cells 19 having gas flow paths (not shown) through which fuel gas flows are arranged in a row inside the storage container 18. The adjacent fuel cells 19 are electrically connected in series via current collecting members (not shown), and the lower end of the fuel cells 19 is connected to an insulating bonding material (not shown) such as a glass sealant. The cell stack device 21 having two cell stacks 5 fixed to the manifold 20 is housed. At both ends of the cell stack 5, conductive members having electrical lead portions for collecting the electricity generated by the power generation of the cell stack 5 (fuel cell 19) and drawing it outside are disposed ( Not shown). 2 shows the case where the cell stack device 21 includes two cell stacks 5, the number can be changed as appropriate. For example, even if only one cell stack 5 is provided. Good. In addition, the storage container 18 is provided with an ignition device 27 for burning the fuel gas that has passed through the fuel battery cell 19 and a thermocouple 28 that is a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the module 4.

  In FIG. 2, the fuel battery cell 19 is a hollow flat plate type having a gas flow path through which fuel gas flows in the longitudinal direction. A fuel electrode layer, a solid electrolyte is formed on the surface of a support having the gas flow path. A solid oxide fuel cell 19 in which a layer and an oxygen electrode layer are sequentially laminated is illustrated. In addition, in the fuel battery cell 19, it is also possible to have a shape having a gas flow path through which the oxygen-containing gas flows in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the oxygen electrode layer, the solid electrolyte layer, and the fuel electrode layer are sequentially arranged from the inside. The configuration of the module 4 may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the fuel cell is not limited to the hollow plate type, and may be a plate type or a cylindrical type, for example, and it is preferable to change the shape of the storage container 18 as appropriate.

  Further, in the module 4 shown in FIG. 2, in order to obtain the fuel gas used in the power generation of the fuel battery cell 19, the raw fuel such as city gas supplied through the raw fuel supply pipe 25 is reformed to produce the fuel gas. A reformer 3 for generating gas is disposed above the cell stack 5. In addition, the reformer 3 can have a structure capable of performing steam reforming, which is an efficient reforming reaction, and a reforming unit 23 for vaporizing water and reforming raw fuel into fuel gas. And a reforming section 22 in which a reforming catalyst (not shown) is disposed. In the reformer 3, partial oxidation reforming may be performed in addition to steam reforming, and a combustion catalyst capable of partial oxidation reforming in addition to steam reforming can be used as the reforming catalyst. . When partial oxidation reforming is performed by the reformer 3, the oxygen-containing gas can be supplied to the reformer 3 from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 shown in FIG.

  The fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) generated by the reformer 3 is supplied to the manifold 20 via the fuel gas circulation pipe 24 and is supplied from the manifold 20 to the gas flow path provided inside the fuel battery cell 19. Supplied. The configuration of the cell stack device 21 can be changed as appropriate depending on the type and shape of the fuel battery cell 19. For example, the reformer 3 can be included in the cell stack device 21.

  FIG. 2 shows a state in which a part (front and rear surfaces) of the storage container 18 is removed and the cell stack device 21 stored inside is taken out rearward. Here, in the module 4 shown in FIG. 2, the cell stack device 21 can be slid and stored in the storage container 18.

  The reaction container 18 is disposed between the cell stacks 5 juxtaposed to the manifold 20 and is reacted inside the storage container 18 so that the oxygen-containing gas flows laterally from the lower end portion toward the upper end portion of the fuel cell 19. A gas introduction member 26 is disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the storage container 18 constituting the module 4 has a double structure having an inner wall 29 and an outer wall 30, and an outer frame of the storage container 18 is formed by the outer wall 30, and a cell stack is formed by the inner wall 29. A power generation chamber 31 that houses the device 21 is formed. Further, in the storage container 18, a reaction gas flow path 36 is supplied between the inner wall 29 and the outer wall 30 from the bottom of the module 4 and through which oxygen-containing gas introduced into the fuel cell 19 flows. The oxygen-containing gas is supplied from an oxygen-containing gas supply port (not shown) provided at the bottom of the module 4 and flows through the reaction gas channel 36.

  Here, the storage container 18 is provided with an oxygen-containing gas inlet (not shown) for allowing oxygen-containing gas to flow into the upper end side from the upper portion of the storage container 18 and a flange portion 39, and a fuel at the lower end portion. A reaction gas introduction member 26 provided with a reaction gas outlet 32 for introducing an oxygen-containing gas at the lower end of the battery cell 19 is inserted through the inner wall 29 and fixed. A heat insulating member 33 is disposed between the flange portion 39 and the inner wall 29.

  In FIG. 3, the reaction gas introduction member 26 is disposed so as to be positioned between two cell stacks 5 juxtaposed inside the storage container 18, but is appropriately disposed depending on the number of cell stacks 5. be able to. For example, when only one cell stack 5 is stored in the storage container 18, two reaction gas introduction members 26 can be provided so that the cell stack 5 is sandwiched from both side surfaces.

  Further, in the power generation chamber 31, the temperature in the module 4 is maintained at a high temperature so that the heat in the module 4 is extremely dissipated and the temperature of the fuel cell 19 (cell stack 5) is lowered and the power generation amount is not reduced. A heat insulating member 33 is appropriately provided.

  The heat insulating member 33 is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the cell stack 5. In particular, the heat insulating member 33 is disposed on the side surface side of the cell stack 5 along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 19, and the fuel cell unit on the side surface of the cell stack 5. It is preferable to arrange the heat insulating member 33 having a width equal to or greater than the width along the 19 arrangement directions. In addition, it is preferable to arrange the heat insulating members 33 on both side surfaces of the cell stack 5. Thereby, it can suppress effectively that the temperature of the cell stack 5 falls. Furthermore, the oxygen-containing gas introduced from the reaction gas introduction member 26 can be suppressed from being discharged from the side surface side of the cell stack 5, and the flow of the oxygen-containing gas between the fuel cells 19 constituting the cell stack 5 can be reduced. Can be promoted. In the heat insulating members 33 arranged on both side surfaces of the cell stack 5, the flow of the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell 19 is adjusted, and the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 5 and the stacking direction of the fuel cell 19 are adjusted. An opening 34 is provided to reduce the temperature distribution at. Note that the opening 34 may be formed by combining a plurality of heat insulating members 33.

  Further, an exhaust gas inner wall 35 is provided on the inner side of the inner wall 29 along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 19, and the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber 31 extends from above between the inner wall 29 and the exhaust gas inner wall 35. The exhaust gas flow path 37 flows downward. The exhaust gas passage 37 communicates with an exhaust hole 40 provided at the bottom of the storage container 18. A heat insulating member 33 is also provided on the exhaust gas inner wall 35 on the cell stack 5 side.

  Thereby, the exhaust gas generated by the operation of the module 4 flows through the exhaust gas passage 37 and is then exhausted from the exhaust hole 40. The exhaust hole 40 may be formed by cutting out a part of the bottom of the storage container 18 or may be formed by providing a tubular member. Further, a purification device (for example, a honeycomb-like combustion catalyst or the like) for purifying exhaust gas discharged from the module 4 can be provided in the exhaust hole 40.

  In the module 4, the ignition device 27 for igniting the fuel gas that has passed through the fuel battery cell 19 is positioned between the fuel battery cell 19 and the reformer 3 from the side surface of the storage container 2. Has been inserted. In addition, by igniting the fuel gas that has passed through the fuel cell 19 by the ignition device 27, the temperature in the module 4 can be increased, and the temperature of the fuel cell 19 and the reformer 3 is maintained at a high temperature. can do.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the configuration of the fuel cell device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, an example of a fuel cell device having a solid polymer fuel cell is shown in a simplified manner.

  The fuel cell device shown in FIG. 4 includes a cell stack 43 formed by combining a plurality of polymer electrolyte fuel cells having a fuel electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an air electrode layer, and a raw fuel for supplying raw fuel such as city gas. A supply unit 41, an oxygen-containing gas supply unit 42 for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cells constituting the cell stack 43, and a reformer 44 for steam-reforming the raw fuel with the raw fuel and steam are provided.

  Further, in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 4, it is generated by the heat exchanger 47 and the heat exchanger 47 that perform heat exchange between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cells constituting the cell stack 43 and water or air. A condensed water treatment device 50 for treating the condensed water into pure water, and a water tank 52 for storing water (pure water) treated by the condensed water treatment device 50 are provided. And the heat exchanger 47 are connected by a condensed water supply pipe 51. In addition, depending on the quality of the condensed water produced | generated by the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 47, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide the condensed water processing apparatus 50. FIG. Moreover, when the condensed water processing apparatus 50 has the function to store water, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide the water tank 52. FIG.

  The water stored in the water tank 52 is supplied to the reformer 44 by a water pump 53 provided in a water supply pipe 54 that connects the water tank 52 and the reformer 44.

  Furthermore, the power generation unit shown in FIG. 4 converts the DC power generated by the cell stack 43 into AC power, and adjusts the supply amount of the converted electricity to the external load (power conditioner). ) 48, a control device 49 for controlling the operation of various devices is provided.

  Here, in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 4, the reformer 44 raises the temperature of the reforming unit 46 for reforming the raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply unit 41 and the reforming unit 46. And a combustion part 45 for causing the The combustion unit 45 performs combustion with the raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply unit 41 and the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 42, and raises the temperature of the reforming unit 46 by the combustion heat. . In the reforming unit 46 whose temperature has risen, steam reforming is performed with the raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply unit 41 and the water supplied from the water pump 53, and the fuel gas generated from the raw fuel is converted into a cell. It is supplied to the stack 43. In addition to the reforming unit, the reforming unit 46 is supplied from a reforming unit that performs CO modification of the reformed gas, a selective oxidation unit that performs selective oxidation of CO remaining in the reformed gas, and a water pump 53. It is possible to provide a water vapor generating part that vaporizes water.

  In the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 4, the reformer 44 includes both the combustion unit 45 and the reforming unit 46. However, the combustion unit 45 and the reforming unit 46 may be provided separately. In this case, the configuration of the present invention includes a flow path forming unit that connects the combustion unit 45 and the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 42.

  Hereinafter, the flow path forming portion 55 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the fuel cell module 4 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the case of the reformer 44 and the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 42 in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the flow path forming unit 55 has one end connected to the module 4 via the oxygen-containing gas supply port 60 and the other end connected to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 59 via the oxygen-containing gas supply port 59. 2 is connected. As a result, the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 and the module 4 communicate with each other, and the oxygen-containing gas can be supplied into the module 4.

5 includes an oxygen-containing gas channel 58 extending upward from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2, and a side flow connected to the oxygen-containing gas channel 58 and extending sideways. It has a channel portion 57 and a module channel portion 56 that is connected to the side channel portion 58 and extends upward and is connected to the module 4. In addition, the side flow path part 57 shown in FIG. 5 is made into the shape extended in a horizontal direction.

  Thereby, after the oxygen-containing gas delivered from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 passes through the oxygen-containing gas supply port 59 and then flows upward through the oxygen-containing gas channel 58, the side channel unit 57 flows sideways, and then flows upward in the module flow path portion 56 to be supplied to the module 4.

  The oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 means a device for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the module 4 and can be exemplified by a pump (such as an oxygen-containing gas pump) for sending the oxygen-containing gas.

  Here, when the fuel cell device is urgently stopped due to a disaster such as an earthquake or a fire during operation of the fuel cell device, and an auxiliary machine including an oxygen-containing gas pump for operating the fuel cell device is stopped, the module 4 High temperature air containing water vapor inside may flow backward through the flow path forming section 55.

  Here, when high-temperature air containing water vapor is supplied to the flow path forming unit 55, the high-temperature air is cooled in the flow path forming unit 55 or in the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2, and the air flows backward. Condensation occurs in the water vapor, and the oxygen-containing gas pump or the like constituting the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 may break down or be damaged by the generated condensed water.

  Here, in the fuel cell device of the present embodiment, the flow path forming unit 55 has a heat capacity increasing unit 62 having a larger heat capacity than other parts. As a result, the air flowing backward through the flow path forming unit 55 is efficiently cooled by the heat capacity increasing unit 62, and water vapor in the air flowing backward at this portion is generated as condensed water.

  Therefore, for example, even if the air that has flowed backward in the flow path forming unit 55 is supplied to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 as it is, air with a small amount of water is supplied, so the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 Failure or breakage of the oxygen-containing gas pump or the like that constitutes can be suppressed.

  The place where the heat capacity increasing portion 62 is provided is not particularly limited, but the dew condensation water generated by the air flowing back in the flow path forming portion 55 flowing through the heat capacity increasing portion 62 is oxygen-containing through the flow path forming portion 58. In order to efficiently suppress the supply to the gas supply unit 2, it is preferably provided at a position farther than the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2. Specifically, for example, in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 5, it is preferably provided in the side flow path portion 57 or the module flow path portion 56 in the flow path forming portion 55. In FIG. 56 shows an example in which a heat capacity increasing portion 62 is provided.

  As the heat capacity increasing part 62, for example, a heat capacity increasing member 63 having heat resistance and capable of suppressing the inhibition of the flow of the oxygen-containing gas required by the oxygen-containing gas supply part 2 is provided in the flow path forming part 55. By providing, it can be set as the heat capacity increase part 62. FIG.

  As such a heat capacity increasing member 63, for example, metal, ceramics, or the like can be used, and for example, a member having a mesh structure or a honeycomb structure can be used. Thereby, water vapor contained in the air that has flowed back in the flow path forming unit 55 can be efficiently condensed as condensed water while suppressing the inhibition of the flow of the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 as much as possible. it can.

  The heat capacity increasing member 63 preferably has an outer shape having the same size as the inner diameter of the place where the heat capacity increasing member 63 is disposed, and the thickness thereof is an oxygen-containing gas flowing through the flow path forming portion 55. It is preferable to set the thickness so as not to hinder the flow of water.

  Further, it is possible to efficiently suppress the dew condensation water generated by the air flowing back in the flow path forming unit 55 from flowing through the heat capacity increasing unit 62 from being supplied to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 through the flow path forming unit 55. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the storage part 61 which stores condensed water in the flow-path formation part 55. FIG. Thereby, the dew condensation water produced | generated in the heat capacity increase part 62 is stored in the storage part 61, and it can suppress efficiently that dew condensation water is supplied to the oxygen containing gas supply part 2, and oxygen content is contained. Failure or breakage of the oxygen-containing gas pump or the like constituting the gas supply unit 2 can be further suppressed.

  In the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 5, an example in which the storage portion 61 is provided below the module flow path portion 56 is shown. That is, by providing the connection portion between the module flow path portion 56 and the side flow path portion 57 above the lower end of the module flow path portion 56, the side flow path portion 57 in the module flow path portion 61. The storage section 61 is located below the connecting section, and the storage section 61 that stores the condensed water generated by the heat capacity increasing section 62 can be easily formed.

  By the way, the dew condensation water stored in the storage unit 61 is vaporized over time when the fuel cell device is stopped, and is also condensed in the storage unit 61 when the fuel cell device is operating. Even when water is stored, it is vaporized and reduced by exposure to the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2. As a result, condensed water cannot be stored in the storage unit 61 for a long period of time, and deterioration of the storage unit 61 can be suppressed.

  Here, the flow path forming portion 55 can be formed of a tube made of metal, resin, or the like. In the case of forming with a single tube, it may be produced by appropriately bending. From the viewpoint of suppressing the formation of condensed water in the flow path forming portion 55 and the manufacturing cost, it is preferable to produce the resin with a resin such as a thermosetting resin, a thermosoftening resin, or a photocurable resin.

  In addition, since the storage part 61 will be exposed to dew condensation water as mentioned above, it is preferable that the storage part 61 has water resistance, and when using metal pipes, it is a material excellent in water resistance. In addition, it is preferable to apply a coating having water resistance. Moreover, the water resistance of the storage part 61 can be improved by producing the module flow path part 56 with resin.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, an example is shown in which the oxygen-containing gas flow path portion 58, the side flow path portion 57, and the module flow path portion 56 that constitute the flow path forming portion 55 are integrated. However, they may be formed by separate members. Each joint part of the module channel part 56, the side channel part 57, and the oxygen-containing gas channel part 58 has a sealed structure by welding or packing so that the oxygen-containing gas flowing inside does not flow out. Is preferably sealed.

  In order to further suppress the dew condensation water generated in the heat capacity increasing unit 62 from flowing to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 side, for example, one end of the side channel unit 57 on the module channel unit 56 side, When one end on the gas supply unit 2 side is compared, a configuration may be adopted in which one end on the module flow path unit 56 side is inclined downward.

In the above-described example, an example in which an oxygen-containing gas pump is used as the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 has been described. However, for example, when the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 is a flow meter, If condensed water is present in the fuel cell device, the flow meter cannot measure the flow rate during restart of the fuel cell device or during subsequent operation, resulting in an error in the flow rate error and the fuel cell device may be brought to an emergency stop again. According to the fuel cell device of the embodiment, it is possible to suppress the inflow of condensed water into the flow meter, and it is possible to suppress failure and breakage of the fuel cell device.

  Another example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b).

  The fuel cell device shown in FIG. 6 (a) includes an oxygen-containing gas channel 58 extending upward from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2, and a side connected to the oxygen-containing gas channel 58 and extending laterally. Of the flow path forming section 64, which is connected to the side flow path section 66, extends upward, and has a module flow path section 65 connected to the module 4. It has a hollow part below the flow path part 66, the hollow part is a storage part 68, and a heat capacity increasing part 67 is provided in the hollow part. Other points are the same as in the embodiment of FIG.

  In this way, by providing the heat capacity increasing portion 67 in the side flow path portion 66 of the flow path forming portion 64, the air flowing backward through the flow path forming portion 64 is efficiently cooled by the heat capacity increasing portion 67. Water vapor in the air that has flowed back at the site is generated as condensed water.

  Therefore, for example, even if the air that has flowed backward in the flow path forming unit 64 is supplied to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 as it is, air with a small amount of water is supplied, so the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 Failure or breakage of the oxygen-containing gas pump or the like that constitutes can be suppressed.

  Here, in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 6A, the recessed portion provided in the lower portion of the side flow passage portion 66 is used as the storage portion 68, and the heat capacity increasing portion 67 is provided in the storage portion 68. Thereby, the dew condensation water generated by the air flowing backward in the flow path forming unit 64 flowing through the heat capacity increasing unit 67 is stored in the storage unit 68 provided with the heat capacity increasing unit 67. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress the supply of dew condensation water to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2, and it is possible to further suppress the failure and breakage of the oxygen-containing gas pump and the like constituting the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2. .

  In addition, since the side flow path part 66 (storage part 68) will be exposed to dew condensation water among the flow path formation parts 64, it is preferable to have water resistance, for example, thermosetting resin, thermosoftening property. Resin such as resin or photo-curable resin or metal tube can be used, and when using a metal tube, it is preferable to apply a water-resistant coating in addition to a material having excellent water resistance. .

  The fuel cell device shown in FIG. 6B is the same as the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 6A except that the drain pipe 69 is connected to the storage portion 68 in the flow path forming portion 64.

  The air flowing back through the flow path forming unit 64 is efficiently cooled by the heat capacity increasing unit 67, and water vapor in the air flowing back at this part is generated as condensed water. This condensed water is stored in the capacity of the storage unit 68. Exceeds the above, the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 starts to flow, and the oxygen-containing gas pump and the like constituting the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 2 may be broken or damaged.

  Therefore, in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 6B, the drainage pipe 69 is connected to the storage part 68 in the flow path forming part 64, so that the dew condensation water stored in the storage part 68 is drained by the drainage pipe 69. can do. Thereby, the dew condensation water produced | generated by the heat capacity increase part 67 can suppress flowing out toward the oxygen containing gas supply part 2, and the oxygen containing gas pump etc. which comprise the oxygen containing gas supply part 2 fail or are damaged. Can be suppressed.

The drain pipe 69 is provided with a valve or the like, and the valve or the like is appropriately opened and closed to prevent air or the like from flowing through the drain pipe 69 toward the module 4 in the flow path forming portion 64. be able to. When the valve is electromagnetic, a separate power source (for example, a dry cell) is provided, and when the fuel cell device is urgently stopped, the valve may be operated using the separately provided power source.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have 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. It is.

  For example, in the configuration of FIG. 6B, the dew condensation water drained from the drainage pipe 69 is caused to flow through the condensed water supply pipe 10 connecting the heat exchanger 8 and the condensed water treatment device 9 shown in FIG. Also good. Thereby, it can be set as the fuel cell apparatus which can perform water self-sustained operation efficiently.

  Further, for example, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell device having the configuration shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the pipe connecting the combustion unit 45 and the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 42, the reforming unit 46 and the oxygen-containing gas supply unit 42 A heat capacity increasing portion can also be provided in the pipe connecting the two.

  As a result, when the fuel cell device is urgently stopped due to a disaster such as an earthquake or fire during operation of the fuel cell device, and the auxiliary equipment including the oxygen-containing gas pump for operating the fuel cell device is stopped, the combustion section Even when high-temperature air or fuel gas containing water vapor in the interior of the reforming unit 45 or the reforming unit 46 flows back through the pipe connecting the reformer 3 and the oxygen-containing gas supplying unit 2, the oxygen-containing gas supplying unit It can suppress that the oxygen-containing gas pump etc. which comprise 42 are out of order or broken.

2, 42: oxygen-containing gas supply unit 3, 44: reformer 4: fuel cell modules 55, 63, 68: flow path forming unit 61, 66: storage unit 62, 67: heat capacity increasing unit 69: drain pipe

Claims (5)

A fuel cell module including a fuel cell that generates power using a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas;
An oxygen-containing gas supply unit for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module;
A flow path forming part for supplying oxygen-containing gas from the oxygen-containing gas supply part to the fuel cell module, one end connected to the fuel cell module and the other end connected to the oxygen-containing gas supply part; With
The flow path forming part has a heat capacity increasing part having a larger heat capacity than other parts inside. A fuel cell module in which a fuel cell that generates power with a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas is stored in a storage container;
A reformer that generates fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell;
An oxygen-containing gas supply unit for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the reformer;
A flow path forming unit for supplying oxygen-containing gas from the oxygen-containing gas supply unit to the reformer, one end of which is connected to the reformer and the other end is connected to the oxygen-containing gas supply unit; With
The flow path forming part has a heat capacity increasing part having a larger heat capacity than other parts inside.   3. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein a heat capacity increasing member having a mesh structure or a honeycomb structure is provided in the flow path forming part to constitute the heat capacity increasing part. 4.   The flow path forming unit has a storage unit that stores the condensed water generated in the heat capacity increasing unit between a portion including the heat capacity increasing unit or between the heat capacity increasing member and the oxygen-containing gas supply unit. The fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The fuel cell device according to claim 4, wherein a drain pipe for draining water stored in the storage unit is connected to the storage unit.

Images