JP2014165008A - Fuel cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress facility cost and running cost while suppressing malfunction of an apparatus due to carbon precipitated from fuel gas.SOLUTION: A fuel cell module includes a plurality of cell stacks 101 performing power generation by using fuel gas Gf containing hydro carbon supplied to the inner peripheral side, and a flow path formation member including a plurality of cell stacks and forming a flow path through which fuel gas passes. A carbon reservoir 401, into which the fuel gas Gf flows, is formed in the flow path formation member. In the carbon reservoir 401, a carbon receiving surface 229c directing upward and on which carbon C precipitated from the fuel gas Gf can be deposited, and a reservoir outlet 103a located above the carbon receiving surface 229c while opening upward and allowing the internal fuel gas Gf to flow out are formed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell module including a plurality of cell stacks that generate power using a fuel gas containing hydrocarbons.

  Fuel cells are expected to be used in various fields in recent years because of their low pollution and high power generation efficiency. In general, a fuel cell includes a fuel electrode that reforms a fuel gas containing hydrocarbon gas by catalytic action, an air electrode that generates oxygen ions from an oxidant gas such as air, and oxygen generated by the air electrode. A solid electrolyte that moves ions to the fuel electrode. In the vicinity of the interface between the fuel electrode and the solid electrolyte, the fuel gas reformed at the fuel electrode and the oxygen ions from the fixed electrolyte undergo an electrochemical reaction to generate power. This fuel cell is used as a distributed power source in, for example, a hospital or a factory because the exhaust gas is clean.

  As an example of a fuel cell module provided with such a fuel cell, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, for example.

  The fuel cell module includes a cylindrical pressure vessel, a cartridge disposed in the pressure vessel, and a pipe for supplying combustion gas and oxidant gas to the cartridge. The cartridge includes a bundle of cell tubes (or cell stacks) that are battery cell assemblies. The cell stack has a plurality of battery cells and a cylindrical base tube. The battery cell has the above-described fuel electrode, solid electrolyte, and air electrode. The plurality of battery cells are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical base tube. The fuel gas passes through the inner peripheral side of the cell stack, and the oxidant gas passes through the outer peripheral side of the cell stack.

  Since fuel gas containing hydrocarbons deposits carbon depending on its gas composition, temperature conditions, etc., if this carbon is deposited in a control device such as a valve provided in the flow path of the fuel gas, It will interfere with operation.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 2 below, a fuel cell module that generates power using coal gasification gas (fuel gas) generated in a coal gasification furnace, and carbon deposition from the coal gasification gas flowing into the fuel cell module And a facility equipped with a cooler for controlling the speed.

Japanese Patent No. 4119724 JP 2000-048844 A

  The technique described in Patent Document 2 requires a cooler and a device for supplying water or the like to the cooler, and there is a problem that running cost increases as well as equipment cost. Furthermore, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to manage the state of the fuel gas.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell module capable of suppressing equipment costs and running costs while suppressing inconvenience such as malfunction of equipment due to carbon deposited from fuel gas.

A fuel cell module as one aspect of the invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
A plurality of cell stacks that form a cylinder and generate power using a fuel gas containing hydrocarbons supplied to the inner periphery, and a flow that includes the plurality of cell stacks and that forms a flow path through which the fuel gas passes. A flow path forming member, and a container for storing the flow path forming member, wherein the flow path forming member is formed with a carbon reservoir portion into which the fuel gas flows, and the carbon reservoir portion faces upward. A carbon receiving surface on which carbon deposited from the fuel gas can be deposited, and an opening in a direction not including a vertically downward component located above the carbon receiving surface and allowing the fuel gas flowing into the interior to flow out And a reservoir outlet.

  In the fuel cell module, when the flow rate of the fuel gas decreases or when the flow of the fuel gas stops, carbon floating in the fuel gas is deposited on the carbon receiving surface, and this carbon is collected in the carbon reservoir. can do. Moreover, since the reservoir outlet of the carbon reservoir is located above the carbon receiving surface and opens in a direction not including the vertically downward component, it is difficult for the carbon reservoir to flow downstream from the carbon reservoir.

  Here, in the fuel cell module, the flow path forming member has a fuel gas supply header in which one end portions of the plurality of cell stacks are inserted and the fuel gas is supplied to the inner peripheral side of the plurality of cell stacks. The fuel gas supply header and the one end portions of the plurality of cell stacks form the carbon reservoir, and the fuel gas supply header includes the carbon receiving surface, and the plurality of the cell stacks A gas inlet for guiding the fuel gas to the inner peripheral side of each cell stack may be formed at one end as the reservoir outlet.

  Further, in the fuel cell module having the fuel gas supply header, the plurality of cell stacks are arranged such that a longitudinal direction thereof is oriented in a vertical direction and the one end portion is positioned below, and the gas of the plurality of cell stacks is disposed. The inlet may open in a vertical direction, and the fuel gas supply header may be disposed on the lower side, which is the one end side of the plurality of cell stacks.

  Further, in the fuel cell module having the fuel gas supply header, the plurality of cell stacks are arranged such that a longitudinal direction thereof is directed in a horizontal direction, and the gas inlets of the plurality of cell stacks are opened in a horizontal direction. And the said fuel gas supply header may be arrange | positioned at the side which is the said one end part side of the said some cell stack.

  Further, in the fuel cell module having the fuel gas supply header, the plurality of cell stacks are disposed such that a longitudinal direction thereof is oriented in a vertical direction and the one end portion is positioned upward, and the gas of the plurality of cell stacks is disposed. The inlet may open in the horizontal direction, and the fuel gas supply header may be disposed on the upper side, which is the one end side of the plurality of cell stacks.

  Further, in any one of the fuel cell modules described above, the flow path forming member has the other end portions of the plurality of cell stacks inserted therein, and the fuel gas discharged from the inner peripheral side of the plurality of cell stacks. A fuel gas discharge header that passes through and a fuel gas discharge pipe that discharges the fuel gas from the fuel gas discharge header to the outside of the container, and the carbon reservoir is formed in the fuel gas discharge pipe Good.

  In the present invention, carbon deposited from the fuel gas can be collected in the carbon reservoir. And in this invention, the outflow to the downstream of the carbon collected by the carbon reservoir part can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce facility costs and running costs while suppressing inconveniences such as malfunction of equipment due to carbon deposited from fuel gas.

It is a mimetic diagram showing a schematic structure of a fuel cell module in a first embodiment concerning the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the cartridge in 1st embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing of the cell stack in 1st embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cartridge in 2nd embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cartridge in 3rd embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the fuel cell module in 4th embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the principal part cross section of the fuel gas discharge piping in 4th embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the fuel cell module in 5th embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the principal part cross section of the fuel gas discharge piping in 5th embodiment which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments and various modifications of the fuel cell module according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

"First embodiment"
First, a first embodiment of a fuel cell module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell module M of the present embodiment includes a cylindrical pressure vessel 10 extending in the vessel central axis direction Dv around the vessel central axis Av, and a plurality of pressure vessels 10 arranged in the pressure vessel 10. Cartridge 201 and a plurality of various pipes 300.

  The pipe 300 includes a fuel gas supply pipe 310 that guides the fuel gas Gf from the fuel gas supply source 1 to each cartridge 201 in the pressure vessel 10, and a fuel that guides the fuel gas Gf that has passed through each cartridge 201 to the outside of the pressure vessel 10. A gas discharge pipe 320, an oxidant gas supply pipe 330 that guides the oxidant gas Go from the oxidant gas supply source 2 to each cartridge 201 in the pressure vessel 10, and an oxidant gas Go that has passed through each cartridge 201 as a pressure vessel 10 and an oxidant gas discharge pipe 340 leading to the outside. An adjustment valve 350 is provided on the upstream side or the downstream side of the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 (for example, outside the pressure vessel 10). Further, a regulating valve 360 is also provided on the upstream side or downstream side of the oxidant gas supply pipe 330 (for example, outside the pressure vessel 10).

  As the fuel gas Gf, for example, a hydrocarbon-based gas such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane, a gas containing a hydrocarbon obtained by gasification of a carbonaceous raw material such as coal, or two or more of these components Gas containing etc. is used. Moreover, as the oxidant gas Go, for example, a gas containing 15 to 30 vol% of oxygen is used. A typical oxidant gas Go is air, but a mixed gas of combustion exhaust gas and air or a mixed gas of oxygen and air may be used.

  The pressure vessel 10 is operated, for example, at an internal pressure of 0.1 MPa to about 5 MPa and an internal temperature of atmospheric temperature to about 550 ° C. For this reason, the pressure vessel 10 has a cylindrical shape in consideration of pressure resistance, and the vessel central axis Av is installed so as to extend in the vertical direction. Further, the pressure vessel 10 is formed of a stainless steel material such as SUS304, for example, because the pressure vessel 10 is required to have corrosion resistance against an oxidant such as oxygen contained in the oxidant gas Go.

  The plurality of cylindrical cartridges 201 are all arranged in the pressure vessel 10 such that the cartridge central axis Ac is parallel to the vessel central axis Av of the pressure vessel 10. That is, in the present embodiment, the cartridge center axis Ac extends in the vertical direction, like the container center axis Av. In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of cartridges 201 are located in the same position in the container center axis direction Dv (up and down direction) and are adjacent to each other in a direction including a virtual plane perpendicular to the container center axis Av. The cartridge group 200 is configured by being arranged. The fuel cell module M of the present embodiment includes two cartridge groups 200. The two cartridge groups 200 (200a, 200b) are arranged in the container central axis direction Dv in the pressure container 10.

  The cartridge 201 has a plurality of cell stacks along the cartridge central axis Ac parallel to the container central axis Av. As shown in FIG. 2, a cell stack 101 that is a battery cell assembly includes a cylindrical (or tube-shaped) base tube 103, a plurality of fuel battery cells 105 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube 103, And an interconnector 107 formed between adjacent fuel cells 105. As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel cell 105 is formed by stacking a fuel electrode 112, a solid electrolyte 111, and an air electrode 113. The cell stack 101 further includes an air electrode 113 of the fuel cell 105 formed at the end in the axial direction of the base tube 103 among the plurality of fuel cells 105 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube 103. The lead film 115 is electrically connected through the interconnector 107.

  In the present embodiment, the fuel gas Gf passes through the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical (or tube-shaped) cell stack 101, and the oxidant gas Go passes through the outer peripheral side of the cell stack 101.

The base tube 103 is a porous body formed of any one of, for example, CaO stabilized ZrO ₂ (CSZ), Y ₂ O ₃ stabilized ZrO ₂ (YSZ), MgAl ₂ O _{4, and the} like. The base tube 103 plays a role of supporting the fuel cell 105, the interconnector 107, and the lead film 115. Further, the base tube 103 also has a function of diffusing the fuel gas Gf supplied to the inner peripheral side to the fuel cells 105 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube 103 through the pores of the base tube 103. .

The fuel electrode 112 is made of, for example, an oxide of a composite material of Ni and zirconia-based electrolyte material such as Ni / YSZ. In this case, in the fuel electrode 112, Ni that is a component of the fuel electrode 112 acts as a catalyst for the fuel gas Gf. For example, when the fuel gas Gf supplied through the base tube 103 contains methane (CH ₄ ) and water vapor, the catalyst acts as a hydrogen (H ₂ ). And carbon monoxide (CO).

The air electrode 113 is made of, for example, a LaSrMnO ₃ oxide or a LaCoO ₃ oxide. The air electrode 113 dissociates oxygen in the supplied oxidant gas Go near the interface with the solid electrolyte 111 to generate oxygen ions (O ²⁻ ).

The solid electrolyte 111 is mainly made of YSZ, for example. This YSZ has gas tightness that prevents gas from passing through and high oxygen ion conductivity at high temperatures. The solid electrolyte 111 moves oxygen ions (O ²⁻ ) generated at the air electrode 113 to the fuel electrode 112.

In the fuel electrode 112 described above, in the vicinity of the interface with the solid electrolyte 111, hydrogen (H ₂ ) and carbon monoxide (CO) obtained by reforming, and oxygen ions (O ²⁻ ) supplied from the solid electrolyte 111. React with each other to produce water (H ₂ O) and carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ). In the fuel cell 105, electrons are released from oxygen ions during this reaction process, and electric power is generated.

The interconnector 107 is formed of a conductive perovskite oxide represented by, for example, M _1-x L _x TiO ₃ such as SrTiO ₃ (M is an alkaline earth metal element and L is a lanthanoid element). The interconnector 107 is a dense film so that the fuel gas Gf and the oxidant gas Go are not mixed, and has stable electrical conductivity in both an oxidizing atmosphere and a reducing atmosphere. The interconnector 107 electrically connects the air electrode 113 of one fuel cell 105 and the fuel electrode 112 of the other fuel cell 105 in adjacent fuel cells 105. That is, the interconnector 107 electrically connects adjacent fuel cells 105 in series.

  Since the lead film 115 needs to have electronic conductivity and a thermal expansion coefficient close to that of other materials constituting the cell stack 101, for example, Ni such as Ni / YSZ and a zirconia-based electrolyte material And a composite material. The lead film 115 plays a role of leading the direct-current power generated by the plurality of fuel cells 105 electrically connected in series by the interconnector 107 to the vicinity of the end portion of the cell stack 101.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 201 includes a plurality of cell stacks 101, a first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220 a that covers a lower end portion of the bundle of cell stacks 101, and an upper end of the bundle of the plurality of cell stacks 101. A second cartridge header (fuel gas discharge header) 220b covering the portion. The plurality of cell stacks 101 are parallel to each other and aligned in the longitudinal direction thereof, and form a cylindrical shape as a whole. The first cartridge header 220a and the second cartridge header 220b have a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bundle of the plurality of cell stacks 101 having a columnar shape. Therefore, the cartridge 201 as a whole has a cylindrical shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 101.

  Each of the first cartridge header 220a and the second cartridge header 220b includes cylindrical casings 229a and 229b in which end portions of a bundle of the plurality of cell stacks 101 enter the inside from the opening 228, and openings 228 of the casings 229a and 229b. The heat insulating bodies 227a and 227b to be closed and the tube plates 225a and 225b that partition the internal space of the casings 229a and 229b into two spaces in the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 101 are provided. The tube plates 225a, 225b and the like are formed of a metal material having high temperature durability. The tube plates 225a and 225b and the heat insulators 227a and 227b are formed with through holes through which the end portions of the plurality of cell stacks 101 can be inserted. The tube plates 225a and 225b support the end portion of the cell stack 101 inserted through the through holes via a seal member or an adhesive 237. Therefore, though the tube plates 225a and 225b are formed with through holes, the air tightness of the other space with respect to one space in the casings 229a and 229b is ensured with reference to the tube plates 225a and 225b. Yes. The inner diameters of the through holes of the heat insulators 227a and 227b are formed larger than the outer diameter of the cell stack 101 inserted therethrough. That is, gaps 235a and 235b exist between the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes of the heat insulators 227a and 227b and the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 101 inserted through the through holes.

  A space formed by the casing 229a and the tube plate 225a of the first cartridge header 220a forms a fuel gas supply chamber 217 to which the fuel gas Gf is supplied. A fuel gas supply hole 231a for guiding the fuel gas Gf from the fuel gas supply pipe 310 to the fuel gas supply chamber 217 is formed in the casing 229a. In the fuel gas supply chamber 217, lower ends of the base tube 103 in the plurality of cell stacks 101 are located and open here. This opening forms a gas inlet 103a. The fuel gas Gf guided from the fuel gas supply pipe 310 to the fuel gas supply chamber 217 flows into the base tube 103 of the plurality of cell stacks 101. At this time, the fuel gas Gf is distributed by the fuel gas supply chamber 217 at a substantially equal flow rate to the base pipes 103 of the plurality of cell stacks 101. For this reason, each power generation amount in the plurality of cell stacks 101 can be made uniform.

  A space formed by the casing 229b and the tube plate 225b of the second cartridge header 220b forms a fuel gas discharge chamber 219 into which the fuel gas Gf that has passed through the base tube 103 of the cell stack 101 flows. A fuel gas discharge hole 231 b for guiding the fuel gas Gf flowing into the fuel gas discharge chamber 219 to the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 is formed in the casing 229 b. In the fuel gas discharge chamber 219, the upper ends of the base tube 103 in the plurality of cell stacks 101 are located and open here. This opening forms a gas outlet 103b. As described above, the fuel gas Gf that has passed through the base tube 103 of the plurality of cell stacks 101 flows into the fuel gas discharge chamber 219, and then is discharged out of the pressure vessel 10 through the fuel gas discharge pipe 320. The

  A space formed by the casing 229b, the heat insulator 227b, and the tube plate 225b of the second cartridge header 220b forms an oxidant gas supply chamber 216. The casing 229 b is formed with an oxidant gas supply hole 233 b for guiding the oxidant gas Go from the oxidant gas supply pipe 330 to the oxidant gas supply chamber 216. The oxidant gas Go introduced into the oxidant gas supply chamber 216 is a gap 235b between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the heat insulator 227b and the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 101 inserted through the through hole. From the first cartridge header 220a and the second cartridge header 220b.

  In the power generation chamber 215 between the first cartridge header 220a and the second cartridge header 220b, the fuel cells 105 of the plurality of cell stacks 101 are arranged. Therefore, in the power generation chamber 215, the fuel gas Gf and the oxidant gas Go react electrochemically to generate power. In this power generation chamber 215, the temperature near the center in the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 101 becomes a high temperature atmosphere of about 700 ° C. to 1100 ° C. during the steady operation of the fuel cell module M. Further, the power generation chamber 215 is a space between the first cartridge header 220a and the second cartridge header 220b and whose outer peripheral side is surrounded by an inner heat insulating material 16 described later.

  A space formed by the casing 229a, the heat insulator 227a, and the tube plate 225a of the first cartridge header 220a forms an oxidant gas discharge chamber 218 into which the oxidant gas Go that has passed through the power generation chamber 215 flows. An oxidant gas discharge hole 233a for guiding the oxidant gas Go flowing into the oxidant gas discharge chamber 218 to the oxidant gas discharge pipe 340 is formed in the casing 229a. The oxidant gas Go in the power generation chamber 215 is discharged from the gap 235a between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the heat insulator 227a and the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 101 inserted through the through hole. After flowing in, the gas is discharged out of the pressure vessel 10 through the oxidant gas discharge pipe 340.

  As the temperature of the power generation chamber 215 increases, the tube plates 225a and 225b of the cartridge headers 220a and 220b increase in temperature. The heat insulators 227a and 227b of the first cartridge header 220a and the second cartridge header 220b suppress the corrosion of the tube plates 225a and 225b due to the increase in temperature and the corrosion caused by the oxidizing agent contained in the oxidizing gas Go. Further, the heat insulators 227a and 227b suppress thermal deformation of the tube plates 225a and 225b.

  As described above, the oxidant gas Go in the power generation chamber 215 and the fuel gas Gf passing through the inside of the plurality of cell stacks 101 arranged in the power generation chamber 215 are the plurality of fuel cells 105 in the cell stack 101. Electrochemical reaction with As a result, power generation is performed by the plurality of fuel cells 105.

  The direct current obtained by the power generation in the plurality of fuel cells 105 flows to the end side of the cell stack 101 via the interconnector 107 provided between the plurality of fuel cells 105, and this cell stack 101 Into the lead film 115. Then, this direct current flows from the lead film 115 to the current collecting rod (not shown) of the cartridge 201 via the current collecting plate (not shown), and is taken out of the cartridge 201. The plurality of current collecting rods are connected in series and / or in parallel to each other. Of the current collecting rods, the most downstream current collecting rod is connected to, for example, an inverter not shown. The direct current taken out of the cartridge 201 flows through, for example, an inverter through a plurality of current collector rods connected in series and / or in parallel, where it is converted into an alternating current and supplied to an electric power load.

  The fuel gas Gf flowing on the inner peripheral side of the cell stack 101 and the oxidant gas Go flowing on the outer peripheral side of the cell stack 101 exchange heat through the cell stack 101. As a result, the fuel gas Gf is heated by the oxidant gas Go, and the oxidant gas Go is conversely cooled by the fuel gas Gf. In the present embodiment, the fuel gas Gf and the oxidant gas Go flow on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the cell stack 101 facing each other. For this reason, the heat exchange rate between the fuel gas Gf and the oxidant gas Go is increased, and the cooling efficiency of the oxidant gas Go by the fuel gas Gf and the heating efficiency of the fuel gas Gf by the oxidant gas Go are increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, the oxidant gas Go is cooled to a temperature at which the tube plate 225a and the like forming the first cartridge header 220a are not buckled and deformed, and then the oxidant gas discharge chamber of the first cartridge header 220a. 218 flows into. In the present embodiment, the fuel gas Gf is preheated to a temperature suitable for power generation without using a heater or the like in the cell stack 101 in the power generation chamber 215.

  In the present embodiment, the flow path forming member that forms the flow path through which the fuel gas Gf passes is the fuel gas supply pipe 310, the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a, the plurality of cell stacks 101, the second A cartridge header (fuel gas discharge header) 220b and a fuel gas discharge pipe 320 are formed. In the present embodiment, the carbon reservoir 401 is formed by the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a and the lower ends of the plurality of cell stacks 101 among the above elements constituting the flow path forming member.

  Since the fuel gas Gf contains hydrocarbons, carbon C is deposited. Among the inner surfaces of the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a in the carbon reservoir 401, the bottom surface 229c facing upward is a carbon receiving surface on which carbon C deposited from the fuel gas can be deposited (hereinafter referred to as the present invention). In the embodiment, it may be indicated as “carbon receiving surface 229c”). Further, in the carbon reservoir 401, the gas inlet 103a that is open in the vertical direction at the lower ends of the plurality of cell stacks 101 may be referred to as a reservoir outlet (hereinafter referred to as “reservoir outlet 103a” in the present embodiment). Is). The pool outlet 103a is located above the carbon receiving surface 229c, which is the bottom surface of the first cartridge header 220a, and is open vertically upward as viewed from the carbon pool 401 side.

  The carbon C deposited from the fuel gas Gf settles in the flow path of the fuel gas Gf. In particular, when the flow rate of the fuel gas Gf decreases or when the flow of the fuel gas Gf stops, the tendency of carbon C to settle is significant. In such a case, for this reason, carbon C in the plurality of cell stacks 101 and the first cartridge header 220a is applied to the bottom surface of the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a, that is, the carbon receiving surface 229c of the carbon reservoir 401. Carbon C is deposited. Carbon C deposited on the carbon receiving surface 229c partially floats when the flow rate of the fuel gas Gf increases, but the reservoir outlet 103a that is the gas inlet of the cell stack 101 is positioned above the carbon receiving surface 229c. Since it is opened vertically upward as viewed from the carbon reservoir 401 side, it is difficult for the carbon reservoir 401 to flow downstream.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of carbon C flowing into the control device such as the control valve 350 (see FIG. 1) provided on the downstream side of the carbon reservoir 401 can be suppressed, Malfunctions can be minimized. As described above, in this embodiment, by devising a part of the shape and direction of the elements of the flow path forming member that forms the flow path of the fuel gas Gf, the malfunction of the control device or the like due to carbon C is minimized. Therefore, equipment cost and running cost can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the fuel gas Gf and the oxidant gas Go flow oppositely on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the cell stack 101, that is, the fuel gas Gf and the oxidant gas Go flow in opposite directions. For example, the fuel gas Gf and the oxidant gas Go may flow in the same direction (from the bottom to the top) on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the cell stack 101.

"Second embodiment"
Next, a second embodiment of the fuel cell module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the fuel cell module M1 of the first embodiment, the container central axis Av of the pressure container 10, the cartridge central axis Ac of the cartridge 201, and the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 101 are all directed in the vertical direction. On the other hand, in the fuel cell module M2 of the present embodiment, the container central axis Av of the pressure container 10, the cartridge central axis Ac of the cartridge 201, and the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 101 are all in the horizontal direction. The fuel cell module M2 of this embodiment is the same as the fuel cell module of the first embodiment except for the above points.

  Also in the fuel cell module M <b> 2 of the present embodiment, the carbon reservoir 402 at the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220 a and the ends of the plurality of cell stacks 101 among the plurality of elements constituting the flow path forming member. Is forming. However, in the present embodiment, since the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 101 is oriented in the horizontal direction, in the carbon reservoir 402, the upper side of the inner surface of the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a faces upward. The bottom surface 229d forms a carbon receiving surface on which carbon C deposited from the fuel gas can be deposited (hereinafter, it may be indicated as “carbon receiving surface 229d” in the present embodiment). Further, in the carbon reservoir 402, a gas inlet 103a that opens in the horizontal direction at the ends of the plurality of cell stacks 101 may be referred to as a reservoir outlet (hereinafter referred to as “a reservoir outlet 103a” in the present embodiment). Is). The reservoir outlet 103a is located above the carbon receiving surface 229d, which is the bottom surface of the first cartridge header 220a, and opens in the horizontal direction.

  In the present embodiment, most of the carbon C in the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a does not flow into the plurality of cell stacks 101 when sinking, and the bottom surface of the first cartridge header 220a, that is, the carbon reservoir portion. Deposited on the carbon receiving surface 229d of 402. Moreover, the carbon C deposited on the carbon receiving surface 229d is stored in the carbon stack because the reservoir outlet 103a, which is the gas inlet of the cell stack 101, is located above the carbon receiving surface 229d and opens in the horizontal direction. It is difficult to flow downstream from the portion 402.

  Therefore, in this embodiment as well as the first embodiment, it is possible to minimize the malfunction of the control device or the like due to carbon C, and it is possible to reduce the equipment cost and the running cost.

"Third embodiment"
Next, a third embodiment of the fuel cell module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The fuel cell module M3 of the present embodiment is obtained by reversing the vertical direction of the fuel cell module M1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a is disposed on the upper side of the cell stack 101, although the longitudinal direction of the plurality of cell stacks 101 is directed in the vertical direction as in the first embodiment. The second cartridge header (fuel gas discharge header) 220b is positioned below the cell stack 101 and covers the lower end of the cell stack 101.

  In the present embodiment, the upper end of the cylindrical cell stack 101 is sealed, and the gas inlet 103a opens in the horizontal direction.

  In the present embodiment, the carbon reservoir 403 is formed by the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a and the upper ends of the plurality of cell stacks 101 among the plurality of elements constituting the flow path forming member.

  In the carbon reservoir 403, a surface 225c facing upward in the tube plate 225a of the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a is a carbon receiving surface on which carbon C deposited from the fuel gas Gf can be deposited (hereinafter referred to as this In the embodiment, it may be indicated as “carbon receiving surface 225c”). Further, in this carbon reservoir 403, a gas inlet 103a that opens in the horizontal direction at the upper end of the plurality of cell stacks 101 is indicated as a reservoir outlet (hereinafter referred to as “reservoir outlet 103a” in this embodiment). May be). The reservoir outlet 103a is located above the carbon receiving surface 225c of the carbon reservoir 403 and is open in the horizontal direction, as in the second embodiment.

  Therefore, in this embodiment as well, as in the second embodiment, most of the carbon C in the first cartridge header (fuel gas supply header) 220a does not flow into the plurality of cell stacks 101 when sinking, and the carbon pool portion 403 is deposited on the carbon receiving surface 225c. Moreover, the carbon C deposited on the carbon receiving surface 225c is stored in the carbon stack because the reservoir outlet 103a, which is the gas inlet of the cell stack 101, is located above the carbon receiving surface 225c and opens in the horizontal direction. It is difficult to flow downstream from the portion 403.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to minimize the malfunction of the control device or the like due to carbon C, and it is possible to suppress the equipment cost and the running cost.

"Fourth embodiment"
Next, a fourth embodiment of the fuel cell module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The cartridge 201 of the fuel cell module M4 of this embodiment is the same as the cartridge 201 of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. Also in this embodiment, the flow path forming member that forms the flow path through which the fuel gas Gf passes has the fuel gas supply pipe 310 and the fuel gas discharge pipe 320. However, in the present embodiment, among the plurality of elements constituting the flow path forming member, a part of the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 forms the carbon reservoir 404.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the carbon reservoir 404 is formed in a portion extending in the horizontal direction from a portion extending vertically downward toward the downstream side in the fuel gas discharge pipe 320. The carbon reservoir 404 formed in the portion extending in the horizontal direction in the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 has a boundary between the portion extending vertically downward in the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 and the carbon reservoir 404 at the reservoir inlet 321. Is made. The carbon reservoir 404 spreads downward from the reservoir inlet 321, and the bottom surface of the inner surface of the carbon reservoir 404 facing upward forms a carbon receiving surface 323. The distance from the reservoir inlet 321 to the carbon receiving surface 323 in the vertical direction is longer than the inner diameter of the portion extending in the horizontal direction in the fuel gas discharge pipe 320. Further, the reservoir outlet 322 of the carbon reservoir 404 is formed at the upper part of the side surface facing the side of the inner surface of the carbon reservoir 404. The reservoir outlet 322 opens in the horizontal direction.

  In the present embodiment, the portion extending vertically downward in the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 and the carbon C in the carbon reservoir 404 are deposited on the carbon receiving surface 323 of the carbon reservoir 404. Moreover, since the reservoir outlet 322 of the carbon reservoir 404 is located above the carbon receiving surface 323 and opens in the horizontal direction, the carbon C deposited on the carbon receiving surface 323 is downstream from the carbon reservoir 404. Difficult to leak to the side.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, it is possible to minimize the malfunction of the control device or the like due to carbon C, and it is possible to suppress the equipment cost and the running cost. In the present embodiment, the reservoir outlet 322 may be formed on the top surface of the inner surface of the carbon reservoir 404 facing downward and open upward.

"Fifth embodiment"
Next, a fifth embodiment of the fuel cell module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The fuel cell module M4 of the present embodiment is a modification of the cartridge module of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, a part of the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 has a carbon reservoir 405 as in the fourth embodiment. Forming.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the carbon reservoir 405 is obtained by meandering the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 in the vertical direction. The carbon receiving surface 326a of the carbon reservoir portion 405 is an inner surface of the bent portion 326 that extends vertically upward from the portion 325 extending in the horizontal direction toward the downstream side in the fuel gas discharge pipe 320, and is a surface facing upward. is there. Further, the reservoir outlet 328 a of the carbon reservoir 405 is formed in a folded portion 328 extending vertically downward from a portion 327 extending vertically upward in the fuel gas discharge pipe 320. The reservoir outlet 328a is open in the horizontal direction.

  In the present embodiment, the carbon C in the carbon reservoir 405 is deposited on the carbon receiving surface 326a of the carbon reservoir 405. Moreover, since the reservoir outlet 328a of the carbon reservoir 405 is located above the carbon receiving surface 326a and opens in the horizontal direction, the carbon C deposited on the carbon receiving surface 326a is downstream from the carbon reservoir 405. Difficult to leak to the side.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, it is possible to minimize the malfunction of the control device or the like due to carbon C, and it is possible to suppress the equipment cost and the running cost.

  The carbon reservoirs 404 and 405 in the fourth and fifth embodiments are both formed in the fuel gas discharge pipe 320 in the first embodiment, but the fuel gas in the second and third embodiments. You may form in the discharge piping 320. FIG. Further, the carbon reservoirs 404 and 405 in the fourth and fifth embodiments are applicable regardless of the direction of the cartridge 201, unlike the first, second, and third embodiments.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the reservoir outlet of the carbon reservoir is located above the carbon receiving surface and opens vertically or horizontally, but may be opened obliquely upward. Good.

  1: fuel gas supply source, 2: oxidant gas supply source, 10: pressure vessel, 15: outer heat insulating material, k16: inner heat insulating material, 101: cell stack, 103: substrate pipe, 103a: gas inlet (reservoir outlet) ), 105: fuel cell, 200 (200a, 200b): cartridge group, 201: cartridge, 215: power generation chamber, 216: oxidant gas supply chamber, 217: fuel gas supply chamber, 218: oxidant gas discharge chamber, 219: Fuel gas discharge chamber, 220a: First cartridge header (fuel supply gas header), 220b: Second cartridge header (fuel exhaust gas header), 225c: Carbon receiving surface, 229c, 229d: Bottom surface (carbon receiving surface), 300: Piping, 310: fuel gas supply piping, 320: fuel gas discharge piping, 323, 326a: carbon receiving surface, 322, 328a: pool Outlet, 330: Oxidant gas supply pipe, 340: Oxidant gas discharge pipe, 350: Pressure adjustment valve, 360: Pressure adjustment valve, 401-405: Carbon reservoir, C: Carbon, Gf: Fuel gas, Go: Oxidation Agent gas, M1-M5: Fuel cell module

Claims (6)

A plurality of cell stacks that form a cylinder and generate power using a fuel gas containing hydrocarbons supplied to the inner periphery,
A flow path forming member that includes a plurality of the cell stacks and forms a flow path through which the fuel gas passes;
A container for storing the flow path forming member;
With
The flow path forming member is formed with a carbon reservoir into which the fuel gas flows,
The carbon reservoir part has a carbon receiving surface facing upward and on which carbon deposited from the fuel gas can be deposited, and is opened above the carbon receiving surface in a direction not including a vertical downward component. A reservoir outlet for discharging the fuel gas flowing into the interior is formed;
A fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein
The flow path forming member has a fuel gas supply header in which one end portions of the plurality of cell stacks are inserted, and the fuel gas is supplied to the inner peripheral side of the plurality of cell stacks,
The fuel gas supply header and the one end portions of the plurality of cell stacks form the carbon reservoir,
The carbon receiving surface is formed in the fuel gas supply header, and a gas inlet for guiding the fuel gas to the inner peripheral side of each cell stack serves as the reservoir outlet at the one end of the plurality of cell stacks. Formed,
A fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, wherein
The plurality of cell stacks are arranged such that the longitudinal direction is oriented in the vertical direction and the one end portion is positioned below,
The gas inlets of the plurality of cell stacks open in a vertical direction;
The fuel gas supply header is disposed on the lower side that is the one end side of the plurality of the cell stacks,
A fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, wherein
The plurality of cell stacks are arranged such that the longitudinal direction is oriented in the horizontal direction,
The gas inlets of the plurality of cell stacks open in a horizontal direction;
The fuel gas supply header is disposed on a lateral side that is the one end side of the plurality of cell stacks,
A fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, wherein
The plurality of cell stacks are arranged such that the longitudinal direction is in the vertical direction and the one end portion is located above,
The gas inlets of the plurality of cell stacks open in a horizontal direction;
The fuel gas supply header is disposed on the upper side which is the one end side of the plurality of the cell stacks,
A fuel cell module. In the fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The flow path forming member includes a fuel gas discharge header through which the other end portions of the plurality of cell stacks are inserted and through which the fuel gas discharged from the inner peripheral side of the plurality of cell stacks passes, and from the fuel gas discharge header A fuel gas discharge pipe for discharging the fuel gas to the outside of the container,
The carbon reservoir is formed in the fuel gas discharge pipe;
A fuel cell module characterized by that.

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