JP2017109885A - Hydrogen generator and fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydrogen generator capable of easily performing a water filling operation satisfying desired quantity of water in a cooling tank and a hot water storage tank in a fuel cell.SOLUTION: Provided is a hydrogen generator comprising: a reformer 1 of generating a hydrogen-containing gas; a combustor 2 of combusting a hydrogen-containing gas; an exhaust gas passage 3 through which an exhaust gas generated by the combustor flows; a cooling water passage 6 through which cooling water circulates; a condenser 4 where the exhaust gas and the cooling water are heat-exchanged to condense water vapor in the exhaust gas; a water tank 5 and a cooling water pump 7 arranged at the cooling water passage; a hot water storage tank 8; a radiator 6A radiating heat from the cooling water; a water passage 9 feeding water at the outside to the hot water storage tank; a water feed passage 10 from the hot water tank to the water tank; and a water feed valve 11 arranged at the water feed passage. The water tank stores the condensed water generated in the condenser, and includes a water exhaust port 5A of communication with the outside, the feed water passage is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank, the feed water valve and the water tank are arranged at the feed water passage in the order of the flow direction of water supply to the water tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system.

  In the case of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system, in order to appropriately generate power from the fuel cell, it is necessary to cool the fuel cell and maintain the temperature of the fuel cell at an appropriate temperature. Further, in the case of a solid oxide fuel cell system operating at high temperature, it is necessary to cool the exhaust gas from the fuel cell system to an appropriate temperature in order to perform water self-sustained operation appropriately. That is, any fuel cell system includes a cooling water path through which the cooling water circulates.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cooling water path and a cooling tank for storing cooling water in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system. The fuel cell system of Patent Document 1 is configured such that the cooling water in the cooling water path passes through the cooling tank, the fuel cell, and the heat exchanger in this order. Thereby, the cooling water takes the heat of the fuel cell, and the heat of the cooling water that has passed through the fuel cell is recovered by the water stored in the hot water storage tank in the heat exchanger. In this way, the temperature of the fuel cell is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

JP 2013-008702 A

  By the way, when the fuel cell system is placed at a predetermined installation location, for example, it is necessary to fill the cooling tank, the hot water storage tank, and the like with a desired amount of water (hereinafter referred to as water filling operation). Further, even when the fuel cell system is not used for a long period of time, there is a possibility of performing such water filling operation.

  However, Patent Document 1 does not sufficiently study the simplification of the water filling operation. Details will be described in the embodiment.

  An aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system that can perform water filling operation more easily than in the past.

  A hydrogen generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a reformer that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by reforming a raw material, a combustor that burns the hydrogen-containing gas, and an exhaust gas generated by the combustor flows. An exhaust gas path, a cooling water path through which cooling water circulates, a condenser that is provided in the exhaust gas path and the cooling water path, and that condenses water vapor in the exhaust gas by heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the cooling water; A water tank and a cooling water pump disposed in the cooling water path, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a radiator for dissipating the cooling water flowing through the cooling water path, and supplying external water to the hot water tank A water path for supplying water from the hot water storage tank to the water tank, and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply path, wherein the water tank is generated by the condenser When condensate is stored In addition, it has a drain outlet that communicates with the outside, the water supply path is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank, the water supply valve, and the water tank are water flows in the water supply to the water tank It arrange | positions in the said water supply path | route in this order in a direction.

  The hydrogen generator of one embodiment of the present disclosure can perform water filling operation more easily than in the past.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hydrogen generator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (water filling operation) of the hydrogen generator of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hydrogen generator according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hydrogen generator of the first example of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hydrogen generator of the second example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fuel cell system according to the second embodiment.

  The inventors diligently studied about simplification of water filling operation of the fuel cell system, and obtained the following knowledge.

  As described above, in the water filling operation of the fuel cell system, it is necessary to fill the cooling tank and the hot water storage tank with water.

  However, during the water filling operation of the fuel cell system, since air exists in the hot water storage tank, the internal pressure of the hot water storage tank may increase with the water filling operation. Then, precision equipment such as a pump provided in the hot water circulation path communicating with the hot water storage tank may be damaged. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, an air vent valve 24 for releasing the air in the hot water storage tank to the outside is provided in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 14 in order to reduce such a possibility. However, the air vent valve 24 is a component necessary only for the water filling operation of the fuel cell system, and is considered not to be used in the normal operation of the fuel cell system. Therefore, by eliminating the air vent valve, it is possible to reduce the cost of parts necessary for the water filling operation, and thus the water filling operation can be performed more easily than in the past.

  In addition, in the water filling operation of Patent Document 1, after the water filling of the hot water storage tank 14 is completed, the pumps 33 and 34 for sending the water in the hot water storage tank 14 to the cooling tank 8 are operated to fill the cooling tank 8 with water. Yes. Therefore, by revising the operation of the water filling operation, the operability of the water filling operation can be improved, and thus the water filling operation can be performed more easily than before.

  In the hydrogen generator, for example, when a hot water storage tank for storing hot water that recovers heat of exhaust gas from the combustor, a cooling water tank, a hot water storage tank or the like is considered, the same problem as described above may occur.

  As described above, the inventors have abolished the air vent valve described in Patent Document 1 and reviewed the operation of the water filling operation described in Patent Document 1 in the hydrogen generator and the fuel cell system. It discovered that it was effective for the simplification of water filling operation, and reached the following one aspect | mode of this indication.

  That is, the hydrogen generator of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a reformer that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by reforming a raw material, a combustor that burns the hydrogen-containing gas, and an exhaust gas generated by the combustor. An exhaust gas path through which the coolant flows, a cooling water path through which the cooling water circulates, a condenser in which the water vapor in the exhaust gas is condensed by heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the cooling water path, and cooling water A water tank and a cooling water pump arranged in the path, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a radiator for radiating the cooling water flowing through the cooling water path, and a water path for supplying external water to the hot water tank A water supply path for supplying water from the hot water storage tank to the water tank, and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply path. The water tank stores condensed water generated by the condenser and communicates with the outside. Water drainage Is connected to the upper portion of the hot water tank, hot water storage tank, the water supply valve and the water tank in this order in the flow direction of water in the water supply to the water tank, is arranged in the water supply path.

  In addition, the hydrogen generator of the second aspect of the present disclosure is the hydrogen generator of the first aspect, and includes a controller that controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve. From the route, the water supply valve is opened so that water is supplied in the order of the hot water storage tank, the water supply route, and the water tank.

  According to such a configuration, the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator can be performed more easily than in the past.

  Specifically, when the water supply valve arranged in the water supply path is opened and water is filled from the hot water storage tank to the water tank, the air in the hot water storage tank and the water tank is discharged to the outside through the drain port provided in the water tank. Can be removed. Therefore, the air vent valve as described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the cost of parts necessary for the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator can be reduced, and the water filling operation is simplified.

  Moreover, water can be spread from a hot water storage tank to a water tank only by opening the water supply valve arrange | positioned at the water supply path | route, for example with the supply pressure of water infrastructure. Therefore, the operation such as the pump operation in the water filling operation as described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the operability of the water filling operation can be improved, and the water filling operation is simplified.

  Moreover, the hydrogen generator of the 3rd aspect of this indication WHEREIN: The hydrogen generator of the 1st or 2nd aspect WHEREIN: A radiator is a heat exchanger with which hot water and cooling water exchange heat.

  According to such a configuration, in the heat exchanger, the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the condenser can be lowered to an appropriate temperature necessary for recovering an appropriate amount of water from the exhaust gas by the condenser, and the heat of the cooling water can be transferred to the hot water storage tank. It can be recovered properly with hot water.

  Hereinafter, embodiments, examples, and modifications of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Note that the embodiments, examples, and modifications described below are only specific examples of the present disclosure. That is, the numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection forms of the constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown below are merely examples, and do not limit the present disclosure. Among the constituent elements shown below, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims that define the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as optional constituent elements. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are sometimes omitted. In addition, for easy understanding, the drawings of the device configuration schematically show each component, and the shape and dimensional ratio may not be accurately displayed. In the flowchart, the order of steps and the like can be changed as necessary, and other known steps can be added.

(First embodiment)
[Device configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hydrogen generator according to the first embodiment. In the drawings, for the sake of convenience, “upper” and “lower” are taken, and gravity acts from top to bottom.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen generator 100 includes a reformer 1, a combustor 2, an exhaust gas path 3, a condenser 4, a water tank 5, a cooling water path 6, a radiator 6A, A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water path 9, a water supply path 10, a water supply valve 11, and a controller 39 are provided.

  The reformer 1 generates a hydrogen-containing gas by reforming the raw material. Specifically, in the reformer 1, the raw material undergoes a reforming reaction to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. The reforming reaction may be in any form. Examples of the reforming reaction include a steam reforming reaction, an autothermal reaction, a partial oxidation reaction, and the like. Although not shown in FIG. 1, equipment required for each reforming reaction is provided as appropriate. For example, if the reforming reaction is a steam reforming reaction, an evaporator that generates steam and a water supplier that supplies water to the evaporator are provided. If the reforming reaction is an autothermal reaction, the hydrogen generator 100 is further provided with an air supply device that supplies air for the reforming reaction.

  The raw material is supplied to the reformer 1 by a raw material supplier (not shown). The raw material supply device is a device that adjusts the flow rate of the raw material supplied to the reformer 1, and is composed of, for example, a booster and a flow rate adjustment valve, but may be composed of any one of these. An example of the booster is a pump. For example, a booster pump is used as the pump, but the pump is not limited to this. The raw material is supplied from a raw material supply source. The raw material supply source has a predetermined supply pressure. Examples of the raw material supply source include a raw material cylinder, a raw material infrastructure, and the like.

  In addition, as a raw material, a fuel gas containing an organic compound composed of at least carbon and hydrogen such as city gas, natural gas, LPG, etc. as a main component may be used, or a fuel such as alcohol, biofuel, or light oil. May be used.

  The combustor 2 burns the hydrogen-containing gas. The reformer 1 is heated to an appropriate temperature of the catalyst by the combustion heat of the combustor 2. As a fuel for the combustor 2, for example, when the hydrogen generator 100 is incorporated in a fuel cell system, an anode off-gas (hydrogen-containing gas) of the fuel cell may be used. Details will be described in the second embodiment.

  The combustion air is supplied to the combustor 2 by an air supply device (not shown). The air supply unit may have any configuration as long as air can be supplied to the combustor 2. Examples of the air supply device include a blower. By using such a blower, the flow rate of the air supplied to the combustor 2 can be adjusted appropriately.

  The exhaust gas path 3 is a flow path through which the exhaust gas generated by the combustor 2 flows. The exhaust gas that has passed through the exhaust gas path 3 is discharged to the outside. The cooling water path 6 is a flow path through which the cooling water circulates. The water tank 5 and the cooling water pump 7 are disposed in the cooling water path 6. That is, the water tank 5 and the cooling water pump 7 communicate with the cooling water path 6 and together with the cooling water path 6 constitute a part of a circulation path for circulating the cooling water. The cooling water pump 7 may have any configuration as long as the cooling water in the cooling water path 6 can be circulated. Examples of the cooling water pump 7 include an impeller type axial flow pump and a blanker pump.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the condenser 4 is provided in the exhaust gas path 3 and the cooling water path 6, and water vapor in the exhaust gas is condensed by exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the cooling water. The water tank 5 stores the condensed water generated in the condenser 4 and includes a drain port 5A communicating with the outside. When the amount of water in the water tank 5 exceeds a predetermined amount, the water overflows from the drain port 5A.

  In the condenser 4, the exhaust gas in the exhaust gas path 3 functions as a heating fluid, the cooling water in the cooling water path 6 functions as a heat receiving fluid, and heat exchange between both fluids is performed. The exhaust gas is cooled by heat exchange, so that water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is condensed. The condensed water is separated from the exhaust gas path 3 through which the exhaust gas flows, and is sent to the water tank 5 through an appropriate pipe. The cooling water can be appropriately recovered from the heat of the exhaust gas by being heated by the heat exchange described above.

  The radiator 6 </ b> A is a device that radiates the cooling water flowing through the cooling water path 6. The radiator 6A may have any configuration as long as it can radiate the cooling water flowing through the cooling water path 6. For example, an air-cooled heat exchanger may be used as the radiator 6A, but in the present embodiment, the hydrogen generator 100 includes a hot water storage tank 8 that stores hot water, and the radiator 6A has a cooling water path. 6 is constituted by a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the cooling water flowing through 6 and the hot water.

  As described above, in the radiator 6A (heat exchanger) of the present embodiment, the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the condenser 4 can be lowered to an appropriate temperature necessary for recovering an appropriate amount of water from the exhaust gas by the condenser 4. The heat of the cooling water can be properly recovered with the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 8.

  The water path 9 is a flow path for supplying external water (hereinafter sometimes referred to as city water) to the hot water storage tank 8. The upstream end of the water path 9 is connected to, for example, a water infrastructure (not shown), and the downstream end of the water path 9 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8. Note that the downstream end of the water passage 9 may be provided other than the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the main stopper valve for starting and stopping the city water supply to the hot water storage tank 8 is provided in the middle of the water path 9. Thus, when the main valve is opened, the water in the hot water storage tank 8 can be sent to the outside through an appropriate pipe by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure.

  The water supply path 10 is a flow path for supplying water from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the downstream end of the water supply path 10 may be connected to an appropriate place of the water tank 5. Although not shown, a water supply pipe extending from the hot water storage tank 8 is connected to the water tank 5. These pipes may constitute the water supply path 10 by connecting to other pipes that communicate with each other.

  The water supply valve 11 is disposed in the water supply path 10. The water supply valve 11 adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply path 10. The water supply valve 11 may have any configuration as long as the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply path 10 can be adjusted. Examples of the water supply valve 11 include an electromagnetic needle valve.

  Accordingly, even when the water supply pipe extending from the hot water storage tank 8 is connected to, for example, the cooling water pipe constituting the cooling water path 6 and these pipes constitute the water supply path 10, an appropriate amount of water is supplied to the cooling water pipe. Water is supplied. This is due to the following reason.

  The circulation flow rate of water in the cooling water pipe during the operation of the hydrogen generator 100 is usually smaller than the water supply flow rate in the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100. Therefore, the diameter of the cooling water pipe is often made smaller than the diameter of the water supply pipe. For this reason, if a large amount of water in the water filling operation is supplied to the small-diameter cooling water pipe, an excessive load may be applied to the cooling water pipe, but the water flow rate is appropriately adjusted by the water supply valve 11. Thus, such a possibility can be reduced.

  Here, in this embodiment, the water supply path 10 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 8, and the hot water storage tank 8, the water supply valve 11, and the water tank 5 are supplied in this order in the water flow direction in the water supply to the water tank 5. It is arranged in the path 10. Thus, the upstream end of the water supply path 10 is preferably connected to the upper part (upper part) of the hot water storage tank 8. In the present embodiment, the upstream end of the water supply path 10 is connected to the upper wall portion of the container constituting the hot water storage tank 8.

  The controller 39 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 11. And the controller 39 opens the water supply valve 11 so that water supply is performed in order of the hot water storage tank 8, the water supply path 10, and the water tank 5 from the water path 9 in the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100.

  The controller 39 may have any configuration as long as it has a control function. For example, the controller 39 may include an arithmetic processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit (not shown) that stores a control program. Examples of the arithmetic processing unit include one or a plurality of arithmetic circuits (not shown). Examples of the arithmetic circuit include an MPU (microprocessor) and a CPU. Examples of the storage unit include one or a plurality of storage circuits (not shown). Examples of the memory circuit include a semiconductor memory. The controller 39 may be composed of a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be composed of a plurality of controllers that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other. The controller 39 may control various devices (for example, the cooling water pump 7 and the like) of the hydrogen generator 100 in addition to the water supply valve 11.

  As described above, the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100 can be performed more easily than in the past.

  Specifically, in the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100, the drainage provided in the water tank 5 when the water supply valve 11 disposed in the water supply path 10 is opened and water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5. The air in the hot water storage tank 8 and the water tank 5 can be extracted outside through the port 5A. Therefore, the air vent valve as described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the cost of parts necessary for the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100 can be reduced, and the water filling operation is simplified. The water supply valve 11 is closed in a normal operation other than the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100. Thereby, it can suppress appropriately that city water mixes with the cooling water which flows through the cooling water path 6.

  Moreover, water can be spread from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 only by opening the water supply valve 11 arrange | positioned at the water supply path | route 10, for example with the supply pressure of water infrastructure. Therefore, the operation such as the pump operation in the water filling operation as described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the operability of the water filling operation can be improved, and the water filling operation is simplified.

[Operation]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (water filling operation) of the hydrogen generator of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The following water filling operation is automatically performed by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 39 reading out the control program stored in the storage unit. For example, when the hydrogen generator 100 is placed at a predetermined installation location, the water tank 5 and the hot water storage tank 8 are empty, so that it is necessary to perform a water filling operation. Even when the hydrogen generator 100 is not used for a long period of time, water in the water tank 5 and the hot water storage tank 8 may be insufficient, so that a water filling operation may be performed.

  First, as a preparatory operation for the water filling operation by the controller 39, the main plug valve provided in the water passage 9 is manually opened.

  Next, in step S1, it is determined whether or not a power switch (not shown) of the hydrogen generator 100 is turned on.

  If it is determined that the power switch is turned on, the water supply valve 11 is opened in step S2. Then, city water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 8 by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure, and the hot water storage tank 8 is filled with water. Further, water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 through the water supply path 10. At this time, the air in the hydrogen generator 100 (specifically, the air in the hot water storage tank 8 and the water tank 5) is exhausted to the outside from the drain port 5A provided in the water tank 5. In addition, after turning on a power switch, the structure provided with the step which turns on (ON) a water filling switch (not shown) may be sufficient.

  Next, in step S3, it is determined whether or not water filling of the hydrogen generator 100 is completed.

  When it is determined that water filling has been completed, the water supply valve 11 is closed in step S4, and the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100 ends.

  In addition, completion of water filling of step S3 may be determined based on the passage of time from the opening of the water supply valve 11, for example. That is, the supply pressure of the water infrastructure, the flow path resistance of the water supply path 10, the internal volume of the portion where water filling is performed, and the like can be grasped in advance, and from these values, it is necessary to complete the water filling of the hydrogen generator 100. You can know the time. The completion of water filling in step S3 may be determined by detecting that water has overflowed from the drain 5A or that water has overflowed for a predetermined time or more, for example. Alternatively, a flow meter may be attached to a path connected to the water tank 5 to detect the flow rate of water, and the time when the change in the detected flow rate of water becomes a predetermined value or less may be determined as the completion of water filling. For example, when the drainage port 5A is closed with a stopper or the like, when the change in the measured value of the flow meter provided at an appropriate place in the cooling water path 6 or the water supply path 10 becomes a predetermined value or less, it is determined that the water filling is completed. May be.

  In this way, it is possible to automatically fill water from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 only by opening the water supply valve 11 arranged in the water supply path 10 by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure.

(Modification)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hydrogen generator according to a modification of the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the hydrogen generator 100 includes a reformer 1, a combustor 2, an exhaust gas path 3, a condenser 4, a water tank 5, a cooling water path 6, a radiator 6A, A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water path 9, water supply paths 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B, a water supply valve 11 </ b> A, a hot water supply path 20, and a controller 39 are provided.

  The reformer 1, the combustor 2, the exhaust gas path 3, the condenser 4, the water tank 5, the cooling water path 6, the radiator 6A, the cooling water pump 7, the hot water storage tank 8, the water path 9 and the controller 39 are the first. Since it is the same as that of embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The hydrogen generator 100 of this modification is the same as the hydrogen generator 100 of any one of the first to third aspects. The hot water supply path 20 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 8 to supply hot water in the hot water storage tank. The water supply paths 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B are a first path 10 </ b> A that branches from the hot water supply path 20 to the water tank 5, and a second path between the upper part of the hot water storage tank 8 and the branch portion of the hot water supply path 20. 10B. The water supply valve 11A is arranged in the first path 10A.

  The hydrogen generator 100 of the present modification may be configured in the same manner as the hydrogen generator 100 of any of the first to third aspects except for the above feature points.

  A backup boiler (not shown) for adjusting the temperature of hot water used at home to an appropriate temperature may be provided in the middle of the hot water supply path 20.

  According to such a configuration, since part of the water supply paths 10A and 10B and part of the hot water supply path 20 are shared, the water supply pipe can be configured more simply than the hydrogen generator 100 of the first embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hydrogen generator of the first example of the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the hydrogen generator 100 includes a reformer 1, a combustor 2, an exhaust gas path 3, a condenser 4, a water tank 5, a cooling water path 6, a radiator 6A, A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water path 9, a water supply path 10, a water supply valve 11, a reforming water path 13, and a controller 39 are provided.

  Reformer 1, combustor 2, exhaust gas path 3, condenser 4, water tank 5, cooling water path 6, radiator 6A, cooling water pump 7, hot water storage tank 8, water path 9, water supply path 10, water supply valve 11 Since the controller 39 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The hydrogen generator 100 of this example is the same as the hydrogen generator 100 of any one of the first to third aspects and the modified example of the first embodiment. The reforming water path 13 is branched from the cooling water path 6. This is a flow path leading to the reformer 1, and a part of the cooling water flows through the reforming water path 13 and is supplied to the reformer 1 as reforming water. Thereby, in the reformer 1, steam reforming of the raw material, autothermal reaction, etc. can be performed appropriately.

  The hydrogen generator 100 of the present embodiment may be configured in the same manner as the hydrogen generator 100 of any one of the first to third aspects and the modified example of the first embodiment, except for the above feature points.

  The upstream end of the reforming water path 13 may be connected to any location as long as it is the cooling water path 6 through which the cooling water flows. In the present embodiment, the upstream end of the reforming water path 13 is connected to the cooling water path 6 between the radiator 6 </ b> A and the condenser 4. That is, the water tank 5, the radiator 6A, the branching portion to the reforming water path 13, and the condenser 4 are arranged in the cooling water path 6 in this order in the flow direction of the cooling water.

  Further, for example, an ion exchange resin filter or the like may be provided in the reforming water path 13. The ion exchange resin filter may be disposed on the cooling water path 6 upstream from the branching portion where the reforming water path 13 branches.

  According to such a configuration, since the water recovered by the condenser 4 can be used for reforming, an increase in cost due to consumption of external water can be suppressed.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hydrogen generator of the second example of the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the hydrogen generator 100 includes a reformer 1, a combustor 2, an exhaust gas path 3, a condenser 4, a water tank 5, a cooling water path 6, a radiator 6A, A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water path 9, a water supply path 10, a water supply valve 11, a reforming water path 13, a reforming water pump 15, and a controller 39 are provided.

  Reformer 1, combustor 2, exhaust gas path 3, condenser 4, water tank 5, cooling water path 6, radiator 6A, cooling water pump 7, hot water storage tank 8, water path 9, water supply path 10, water supply valve 11 Since the reforming water path 13 and the controller 39 are the same as those in the first example of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the hydrogen generator 100 of this example, the reforming water pump 15 is disposed in the reforming water path 13 in the hydrogen generator 100 of the first example of the first embodiment.

  The hydrogen generator 100 of this example may be configured in the same manner as the hydrogen generator 100 of the first example of the first embodiment, except for the above-described features.

  The reforming water pump 15 is a device that adjusts the flow rate of the reforming water supplied to the reformer 1. The reforming water pump 15 may have any configuration as long as the flow rate of the reforming water supplied to the reformer 1 can be adjusted. An example of the reforming water pump 15 is a positive displacement pump. Examples of the positive displacement pump include a blanker pump.

  According to this configuration, the amount of reforming water supplied to the reformer 1 can be adjusted to an amount suitable for the reforming reaction by controlling the output of the reforming water pump 15.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fuel cell system according to the second embodiment.

  The fuel cell system 200 of the present embodiment includes a hydrogen generator 100 according to any one of the first to third aspects, the modified example of the first embodiment, and the first to second examples of the first embodiment, and hydrogen generation. And a fuel cell 18 that generates electricity using the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the reformer 1 of the apparatus 100.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the fuel cell system 200 includes a reformer 1, a combustor 2A, an exhaust gas path 3, a condenser 4, a water tank 5, a cooling water path 6, a radiator 6A, A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water path 9, a water supply path 10, a water supply valve 11, a fuel cell 18, and a controller 39 are provided.

  Reformer 1, exhaust gas path 3, condenser 4, water tank 5, cooling water path 6, radiator 6A, cooling water pump 7, hot water storage tank 8, water path 9, water supply path 10, water supply valve 11 and controller 39 Since is the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The fuel cell 18 generates power using the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the reformer 1. Specifically, a power generation reaction is performed inside the fuel cell 18 by hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas and oxygen in the air from an air supply (not shown), and current is extracted from the fuel cell 18. The fuel cell 18 may be any type. As the fuel cell 18, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the present embodiment, the combustor 2 </ b> A burns anode offgas (hydrogen-containing gas) and cathode offgas (air) that did not contribute to the power generation reaction in the fuel cell 18. Due to the combustion heat of the combustor 2A, the reformer 1 and the fuel cell 18 are heated to an appropriate temperature (for example, about 500 ° C. to 1000 ° C.) of those catalysts.

  As described above, the water filling operation of the fuel cell system 200 can be performed more easily than in the past.

  Specifically, in the water filling operation of the fuel cell system 200, the drainage provided in the water tank 5 is opened when the water supply valve 11 disposed in the water supply path 10 is opened and water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5. The air in the hot water storage tank 8 and the water tank 5 can be extracted outside through the port 5A. Therefore, the air vent valve as described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the cost of parts necessary for the water filling operation of the fuel cell system 200 can be reduced, and the water filling operation is simplified.

  Moreover, water can be spread from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 only by opening the water supply valve 11 arrange | positioned at the water supply path | route 10, for example with the supply pressure of water infrastructure. Therefore, the operation such as the pump operation in the water filling operation as described in Patent Document 1 is not necessary, the operability of the water filling operation can be improved, and the water filling operation is simplified.

  One embodiment of the present disclosure can be used for a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system that can perform water filling operation more easily than in the past.

1: reformer 2: combustor 3: exhaust gas path 4: condenser 5: water tank 5A: drain port 6: cooling water path 6A: radiator 7: cooling water pump 8: hot water tank 9: water path 10: water supply Path 11: Water supply valve 11A: Water supply valve 13: Reformed water path 15: Reformed water pump 18: Fuel cell 20: Hot water supply path 39: Controller 100: Hydrogen generator 200: Fuel cell system

Claims (9)

A reformer that generates hydrogen-containing gas by reforming the raw material;
A combustor for burning the hydrogen-containing gas;
An exhaust gas path through which the exhaust gas generated in the combustor flows;
A cooling water path through which the cooling water circulates;
A condenser that is provided in the exhaust gas path and the cooling water path, and that condenses water vapor in the exhaust gas by heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the cooling water;
A water tank and a cooling water pump disposed in the cooling water path;
A hot water storage tank for storing hot water,
A radiator that dissipates cooling water flowing through the cooling water path;
A water path for supplying external water to the hot water storage tank;
A water supply path for supplying water from the hot water storage tank to the water tank;
A water supply valve disposed in the water supply path,
The water tank stores the condensed water generated by the condenser and includes a drain port communicating with the outside.
The water supply path is connected to an upper portion of the hot water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank, the water supply valve, and the water tank are arranged in the water supply path in this order in the flow direction of water in the water supply to the water tank. Generator. A controller for controlling opening and closing of the water supply valve;
The said controller opens the said water supply valve so that water supply may be performed in order of the said hot water storage tank, the said water supply path, and the said water tank in the water filling operation | movement of the said hydrogen production | generation apparatus from the said water path. Hydrogen generator.   The hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein the radiator is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the stored hot water and the cooling water. Connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank, comprising a hot water supply path for supplying hot water of the hot water storage tank,
The said water supply path | route is provided with the 1st path | route which branches from the said hot water supply path | route to the said water tank, and the 2nd path | route between the upper part of the said hot water storage tank, and the branch part of the said hot water supply path | route. The hydrogen generator according to any one of the above. A reforming water path branched from the cooling water path to the reformer,
The hydrogen generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a part of the cooling water flows through the reforming water path and is supplied to the reformer as reforming water.   The hydrogen generation device according to claim 5, further comprising a reforming water pump disposed in the reforming water path.   The said water tank, the said heat radiator, the branch part to the said reforming water path | route, and the said condenser are arrange | positioned in the said cooling water path | route in this order in the flow direction of the said cooling water. Hydrogen generator. A hydrogen generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell that generates electric power using a hydrogen-containing gas supplied from a reformer of the hydrogen generator.   The fuel cell system according to claim 8, wherein the fuel cell is a solid oxide fuel cell.

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