JP2017117533A - Module and module housing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a module and a fuel cell device, in which a modification reaction is improved.SOLUTION: A module 1 of the present invention, includes a gas flow channel in an inner part, and has: a cell stack 5 formed by arranging a plurality of columnar cells 3 performing electric generation by an air and a fuel gas; a reformer 7 that is provided in an upper direction of the cell stack 5, and a housing container 2 that houses the cell stack 5 and the reformer 7. The housing container 2 includes: a first space 8a positioned at the side of one of the reformer 7; a second space 8b positioned at the other side of the reformer 7; and a first flow channel 30a that is positioned at one side of the reformer 7, is connected to the first space 8a in the direction upper than the cell stack 5, and flows a fuel discharge gas from the upper direction and a lower direction. In a cross section of a direction orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the cell 3, the width of the second space 8b is wider than that of the first space 8a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a module and a module housing device.

  In recent years, as a next-generation energy, a fuel cell module in which a fuel cell capable of obtaining electric power using a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and an oxygen-containing gas (air) is stored in a storage container, and the fuel Various fuel cell devices in which a battery module is housed in an exterior case have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Such a fuel cell device has a cell stack device and a storage container for storing the cell stack device. The cell stack apparatus includes a cell stack, a manifold, and a reformer. The cell stack has a plurality of fuel cells arranged. The manifold supplies fuel gas to the fuel cells and fixes the fuel cells. The reformer is provided above the cell stack, is connected to the manifold, and generates the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell by steam reforming. The reformer as described above is preferably capable of performing steam reforming, which is an efficient reforming reaction, and includes a vaporization section for vaporizing water and a reforming catalyst for performing the reforming reaction. And a reforming section.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-13763

  By the way, in such an internal space of the reformer, a portion that does not reach the temperature necessary for a good reforming reaction is likely to occur. Therefore, it has been difficult to improve the reforming reaction.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a module and a module housing device that can improve the reforming reaction.

  The module of the present invention includes a cell stack having a gas flow path therein, and a plurality of columnar cells that generate power using air and fuel gas, and a reformer provided above the cell stack. A storage container for storing the cell stack and the reformer, wherein the storage container has a first space located on one side of the reformer and the other of the reformer A second space located on the side of the reformer and one side of the reformer, connected to the first space above the cell stack, and flowing a flue gas from above to below. In the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the cell arrangement direction, the width of the second space is wider than the width of the first space.

  The module housing apparatus of the present invention is configured by housing the above-described module and an auxiliary device for operating the module in an exterior case.

  According to the module of the present invention, a module capable of improving the reforming reaction can be obtained.

  Moreover, since the module accommodation apparatus of this invention has the above-mentioned module, it can improve reforming reaction.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the module provided with an example of the cell stack apparatus of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the module shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the module of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the module of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the module of this embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows roughly an example of the fuel cell apparatus of this embodiment.

(module)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a module in which a cell stack device including the reformer of the present embodiment is stored in a storage container. In the following drawings, the same numbers are assigned to the same members.

  In the module 1 of the example shown in FIG. 1, the cell stack device 12 is stored inside the storage container 2. The cell stack apparatus 12 includes a cell stack 5 and a reformer 6. The cell stack 5 includes a plurality of cells 3 that are erected and arranged in a line, and a current collecting member (not shown) that electrically connects adjacent cells 3 in series. The cell 3 has a gas flow path (not shown) through which fuel gas flows. The lower end of the cell 3 is fixed to the manifold 4 with an insulating bonding material (not shown) such as a glass sealing material. The reformer 7 is provided above the cell stack 5 and generates fuel gas to be supplied to the cell 3.

  At both ends of the cell stack 5, conductive members having an electrical lead portion for collecting the electricity generated by the power generation of the cell stack 5 (cell 3) and drawing it out are arranged (not shown). . Although FIG. 1 shows the case where the cell stack device 12 includes one cell stack 5, the number can be changed as appropriate. For example, two cell stacks 5 may be provided. .

  In FIG. 1, a solid oxide fuel cell 3 is illustrated as the cell 3. The cell 3 has a support, a fuel electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and an oxygen electrode layer. The support, the fuel electrode layer, the solid electrolyte layer, and the oxygen electrode layer are laminated in this order. Note that an oxygen-containing gas flows between the cells 3. The configuration of the cell 3 will be described later.

  Moreover, in the module 1 (cell stack apparatus 12) of this embodiment, the cell 3 should just be a solid oxide fuel cell, for example, can also be made into a flat plate type or a cylindrical type, and the storage container 2 is also attached. The shape can be changed as appropriate.

  Further, in the reformer 7 shown in FIG. 1, raw gas such as natural gas, methane gas, and kerosene is supplied into the reformer 7 through the raw fuel supply pipe 10. Inside the reformer 7, steam reforming is performed with raw fuel and water to generate fuel gas. Therefore, the reformer 7 can perform steam reforming, which is an efficient reforming reaction. The reformer 7 includes a vaporization unit 7A for vaporizing water and a reforming unit 7B in which a reforming catalyst (not shown) for reforming raw fuel into fuel gas is disposed. The fuel gas generated by the reformer 7 is supplied to the manifold 4 via the fuel gas flow pipe 9 and is supplied from the manifold 4 to the gas flow path inside the cell 3.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which a part (front and rear surfaces) of the storage container 2 is removed and the cell stack device 12 stored inside is taken out rearward. Here, in the module 1 shown in FIG. 1, the cell stack device 12 can be slid and stored in the storage container 2.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the module 1 shown in FIG. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the reaction gas supplied to the storage container and the exhaust gas discharged to the outside of the storage container.

  The storage container 2 has a first space 8a, a second space 8b, and a first flow path 30a.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the storage container 2 further includes a fourth flow path 30d, a second flow path 30b, a third flow path 30c, a first wall 20a, a second wall 20b, a third wall 20c, and A fourth wall 20d is provided.

  A first wall 20a and a fourth wall 20d are provided in this order from the inside on one side of the cell stack 5 inside the storage container 2.

  A second wall 20 b is provided on the other side surface side of the cell stack 5 inside the storage container 2.

  A third wall 20 c is provided on the upper side of the cell stack 5 inside the storage container 2.

  The fourth flow path 30d is located on one side of the cell stack 5, and allows the reaction gas to flow from below to above. The fourth flow path 30d is located between the outer wall of the storage container 2 and the fourth wall 20d.

  The second flow path 30b is located on the other side surface side of the cell stack 5, and allows the reaction gas to flow downward from above. The second flow path 30b is located between the outer wall of the storage container 2 and the second wall 20b.

  The third flow path 30 c is located above the cell stack 5, and the reaction gas flows from one side surface side to the other side surface side of the cell stack 5. The third flow path 30c is located between the outer wall of the storage container 2 and the third wall 20c. The third flow path 30c connects the upper end of the second flow path 30b and the upper end of the fourth flow path 30d.

  The first space 8 a is located on one side of the reformer 7. The first space 8a is a space located between one side surface of the reformer 7 and a surface facing the one side surface.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the surface facing the one side surface of the reformer 7 is the first wall 20a. Accordingly, the first space 8a is a space located between one side surface of the reformer 7 and the first wall 20a.

  The second space 8 b is located on the other side of the reformer 7. The second space 8b is a space located between the other side surface of the reformer 7 and a surface facing the other side surface.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the surface facing the other side surface of the reformer 7 is the second wall 20b. Therefore, the second space 8b is a space located between the other side surface of the reformer 7 and the second wall 20b.

  The first flow path 30a is located on one side of the reformer 7, is connected to the first space 8a above the cell stack 5, and allows combustion exhaust gas to flow downward from above. The first flow path 30a is located farther from the reformer 7 than the first space 8a. The first flow path 30a is located on one side of the cell stack 5 and is provided on the inner side of the fourth flow path 30d. The first flow path 30a is located between the first wall 20a and the fourth wall 20d. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connection part between the first flow path 30 a and the first space 8 a is an exhaust gas circulation hole 32.

  Hereinafter, how the reaction gas supplied to the storage container 2 and the exhaust gas discharged from the storage container 2 flow will be described.

  A reaction gas supply pipe 30 for supplying a reaction gas (air in FIG. 2) into the storage container 2 is connected to the bottom of the storage container 2, and the reaction gas supplied from the reaction gas supply pipe 30 is It flows to the reaction gas introduction part 36. Since the reaction gas introduction part 36 is connected to the fourth flow path 30d through the reaction gas introduction port 28, the reaction gas supplied to the reaction gas introduction part 36 passes through the reaction gas introduction port 28 to the fourth flow path 30d. Flowing.

  Here, the reaction gas that has flowed upward in the fourth flow path 30d located on one side surface of the cell stack 5 passes through the third flow path 30c from one side surface side to the other side surface side of the cell stack 5. To the second flow path 30b located on the other side surface side of the cell stack 5. Then, the reaction gas that has flowed from the upper side to the lower side in the second flow path 30b is supplied to the cell 3 in the power generation chamber 29 through the reaction gas outlet 33 provided in the second wall 20b.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the remaining fuel gas that has been supplied to the cell 3 but not used for power generation is combusted in the space between the reformer 7 and the cell stack device 12.

  The exhaust gas discharged from the cell 3 and the exhaust gas generated by burning the remaining fuel gas flow into the first flow path 30a through the exhaust gas circulation port 32 provided in the first wall 30a. The exhaust gas flowing from the upper side to the lower side of the first flow path 30a flows through the exhaust gas collection port 39 to the exhaust gas collection unit 38 provided at the upper part of the reaction gas introduction unit 36, and then connected to the exhaust gas collection unit 38. It is exhausted to the outside of the storage container 2 through an exhaust gas exhaust pipe (not shown).

  As described above, the reaction gas supplied from the reaction gas supply pipe 30 is heat-exchanged with the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas collection unit 38 while flowing through the reaction gas introduction unit 36, and flows upward through the fourth flow path 30d. Heat exchange with the exhaust gas flowing downward through the first flow path 30a and heat exchange with the heat within the power generation chamber 29 are performed while flowing downward through the second flow path 30b.

  The inside of the power generation chamber 29 becomes high temperature due to heat generated by the power generation of the cell 3 or combustion heat when surplus fuel gas and air not used for power generation on the upper end side of the cell 3 are combusted. Therefore, the reaction gas flowing through the second flow path 30b and the third flow path 30c is exchanged with the heat of the power generation chamber 29, whereby the high-temperature reaction gas can be supplied to the cell 3 and the module 1 (cell 3 ) Power generation efficiency can be improved.

By the way, in the conventional module, generally, the width of the first space 8a and the second space 8b is often the same in the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the cells 3. Therefore, it is difficult to flow a large amount of high-temperature exhaust gas generated by burning the remaining fuel gas discharged from the cell 3 into the second space 8b. Therefore, since it is difficult to increase the amount of exhaust gas that circulates above the reformer 7, it is difficult to raise the temperature above the reformer 7. Since the upper part of the reformer 7 is not located on the upper end side of the cell stack 5 in which the remaining fuel gas is burned, the temperature is likely to be lower than the lower part of the reformer 7. Therefore, the reforming reaction could not be sufficiently advanced on the upper side of the internal space of the reformer 7.

  Therefore, in the module 1 of the present embodiment, the width of the second space 8b is wider than the width of the first space 8a in the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the cells 3. As a result, the high-temperature exhaust gas generated by burning the remaining fuel gas discharged from the cell 3 easily passes through the second space 8b instead of the first space 8a. Exhaust gas flowing from the second space 8b located on the other side of the reformer 7 to the first flow path 30a located on one side of the reformer 7 passes through the space above the reformer 7. It will be. Therefore, since the amount of exhaust gas passing above the reformer 7 increases, the temperature can be efficiently raised above the reformer 7 where the temperature does not easily rise. Therefore, the reforming reaction can be improved even on the upper side of the internal space of the reformer 7.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the module of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first space 8a is provided between the reformer 7 and the inner wall (first wall 20a) constituting the first flow path 30a, and is formed on the inner wall (first wall 20a). The convex part 6 which protrudes toward the 1st space 8a side is provided, and the convex part 6 is good to be located below rather than the connection part of the 1st space 8a and the 1st flow path 30a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the connection part between the first space 8 a and the first flow path 30 a is an exhaust gas circulation hole 32. According to this configuration, the exhaust gas is blocked by the convex portion 6, so that it becomes more difficult to pass through the first space 8 a. Therefore, the exhaust gas becomes easier to pass through the second space 8b. Therefore, the reforming reaction can be improved even on the upper side of the internal space of the reformer 7.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the module of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the convex portion 6 is preferably in contact with the reformer 7. According to this configuration, the exhaust gas is further easily blocked by the convex portion 6, and further hardly passes through the first space 8a. Therefore, the exhaust gas becomes easier to pass through the second space 8b. Therefore, the reforming reaction can be improved even on the upper side of the internal space of the reformer 7.

  The convex part 6 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 may be integral with the first wall 20a, or another member may be joined to the first wall 20a. Note that the separate member may be merely brought into contact with the first wall 20a and the reformer 7.

  The protrusions 6 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may extend along the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells 3. In this case, since the exhaust gas is more difficult to pass through the first space 8a, it becomes easier to pass through the second space 8b.

  In addition, the convex part 6 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 does not extend, and only a part may be provided in the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells 3.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the module of the present embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the reformer 7 has a circular cross section. In this example, the first space 8a is a space where one side surface of the reformer 7 and the first wall 20a face each other. The second space 8b is a space where the other side surface of the reformer 7 and the second wall 20b face each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, the width of the second space 8b is wider than the width of the first space 8a in the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the cells 3. Here, “the width of the first space 8a” and “the width of the second space 8b” refer to the narrowest width in each space. With this configuration, as described above, the reforming reaction can be improved even on the upper side of the internal space of the reformer 7.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, since the reformer 7 has a circular cross section, the distance between the reformer 7 and the third wall 20c gradually increases from the side of the reformer 7 toward the upper side. Get smaller. Since the interval is the smallest above the reformer 7, the flow rate of the exhaust gas is the fastest. Therefore, the heat of the exhaust gas can be most transmitted to the reformer 7 above the reformer 7. Therefore, the reforming reaction can be improved even on the upper side of the internal space of the reformer 7.

(cell)
Below, an example of the cell 3 in this embodiment is demonstrated.

  The cell 3 has a support, a fuel electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and an oxygen electrode layer. The support, the fuel electrode layer, the solid electrolyte layer, and the oxygen electrode layer are laminated in this order.

  The support has a pair of opposed flat surfaces, is columnar (such as a hollow plate), and is conductive. A fuel electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and an oxygen electrode layer are sequentially laminated on one flat surface of the support. An interconnector is provided on the other flat surface of the support.

As the fuel electrode layer, generally known ones can be used, and porous conductive ceramics, for example, ZrO ₂ in which a rare earth element is dissolved (referred to as stabilized zirconia, including partial stabilization). And Ni and / or NiO.

The solid electrolyte layer functions as an electrolyte for bridging electrons between the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer, and at the same time has gas barrier properties to prevent leakage of fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas. Is formed from ZrO ₂ in which 3 to 15 mol% of rare earth elements are dissolved. In addition, as long as it has the said characteristic, you may form using another material etc.

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

  The support is required to be gas permeable in order to allow the fuel gas to permeate to the fuel electrode layer, and to be conductive in order to collect current via the interconnector. Accordingly, conductive ceramics or cermets can be used as the support. In producing the cell 3, when producing a support by co-firing with a fuel electrode layer or a solid electrolyte layer, it is preferable to form a support from an iron group metal component and a specific rare earth oxide. Further, the support preferably has an open porosity of 30% or more, particularly 35 to 50% in order to have gas permeability, and its conductivity is 300 S / cm or more, particularly 440 S / cm. It is preferable that it is cm or more. Moreover, the shape of a support body should just be columnar shape, and cylindrical shape may be sufficient as it.

As described above, a lanthanum chromite perovskite oxide (LaCrO ₃ oxide) or a lanthanum strontium titanium perovskite oxide (LaSrTiO ₃ oxide) is preferably used as the interconnector. These materials have conductivity and are neither reduced nor oxidized even when they come into contact with a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and an oxygen-containing gas (air or the like). Further, the interconnector must be dense to prevent leakage of the fuel gas flowing through the gas flow path formed in the support and the oxygen-containing gas flowing outside the support, 93% or more, In particular, it is preferable to have a relative density of 95% or more.

  And between each cell 3, the current collection member is interposed in order to electrically connect the cell 3, and such a current collection member is a member or metal fiber or alloy fiber which consists of a metal or alloy which has elasticity. The felt is made of a member obtained by adding a required surface treatment.

  The cell stack device 12 of this embodiment can be obtained by combining the cell 3, the current collecting member and the conductive member described above and fixing the cell 3 to the manifold 4 and connecting the reformer 6 to the manifold 4.

(Module housing device)
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the module housing device of the present embodiment in which the module 1 shown in FIG. 1 and an auxiliary machine (not shown) for operating the module 1 are housed in the outer case. FIG. In FIG. 6, a part of the configuration is omitted.

  The module housing device 36 shown in FIG. 6 divides the inside of the exterior case composed of the support columns 37 and the exterior plate 38 by a partition plate 39, and the upper side serves as a module storage chamber 40 for housing the module 1 described above. The lower side is configured as an auxiliary equipment storage chamber 41 for storing auxiliary equipment for operating the module 1. In addition, the auxiliary machine stored in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 41 is not shown.

  Further, the partition plate 39 is provided with an air circulation port 42 for flowing the air in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 41 to the module storage chamber 40 side, and a part of the exterior plate 38 constituting the module storage chamber 40 An exhaust port 43 for exhausting air in the module storage chamber 40 is provided.

  In such a module storage device 36, as described above, the module 1 with improved reforming reaction is stored in the module storage chamber 40, and auxiliary equipment for operating the module 1 is stored in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 41. Thus, the module housing device 36 with improved reforming reaction can be obtained.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the above-described example, the so-called vertical stripe type cell 3 has been described. However, a horizontal stripe type fuel cell cell in which a plurality of power generation element portions generally called horizontal stripe type are provided on a support can also be used.

1: Module 2: Storage container 3: Cell 4: Manifold 5: Cell stack 6: Convex portion 7: Reformer 8a: First space 8b: Second space 11: Insulating material 12: Cell stack device 30a: First flow Road

Claims (5)

A cell stack having a gas flow path inside, and a plurality of columnar cells that generate power with air and fuel gas;
A reformer provided above the cell stack;
A storage container for storing the cell stack and the reformer,
The storage container is
A first space located on one side of the reformer;
A second space located on the other side of the reformer;
It is located on one side of the reformer, is connected to the first space above the cell stack, and has a first flow path for flowing combustion exhaust gas downward from above,
The module, wherein a width of the second space is wider than a width of the first space in a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the cells. The first space is provided between the reformer and an inner wall constituting the first flow path,
A convex portion protruding toward the first space side is provided on the inner wall,
The module according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is positioned below a connection portion between the first space and the first flow path. The module according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion is in contact with the reformer. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reformer has a circular cross section in a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the cells.   5. A module housing apparatus comprising: the module according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and an auxiliary machine for operating the module, in an outer case.

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