JP2017145157A - Reformer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reformer capable of supplying a gas mixture as required to a reforming chamber even when carbon deposition occurs at an inlet port of a reforming housing.SOLUTION: A reformer of hydrocarbon is equipped with a vaporizer 52 for vaporizing reforming water and a reforming unit 54 for steam- reforming fuel gas using steam. The reforming unit 54 is equipped with a reforming housing 62 to form a reforming chamber 60 and a reforming catalyst 64 filled in the reforming housing 62. The reforming housing 62 has a plurality of inlet ports from which a gas mixture of the fuel gas and steam gets in. Branch lines 68, 70, 72 for supplying the gas mixture are installed in parallel corresponding to a plurality of the inlet ports of the reforming housing 62. The gas mixture is supplied to the reforming chamber 60 of the reforming unit 54 through the branch lines 68, 70, 72 of the gas mixture at an open state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a reformer for steam reforming a hydrocarbon fuel gas.

  For example, in a fuel cell system including a solid oxide fuel cell, a hydrocarbon-based fuel gas (for example, city gas) is used as a fuel gas, and this fuel gas is steam reformed by a reformer and modified. The reformed gas reformed by the quality device is fed to the fuel electrode side of a fuel cell (for example, a solid oxide fuel cell).

  The reformer includes, for example, a vaporizer for vaporizing reforming water and a reformer for steam reforming the fuel gas, and includes a vaporization housing of the vaporizer, a reforming housing of the reformer, Are integrally formed, and the vaporization chamber defined by the vaporization housing and the reforming chamber defined by the reforming housing are partitioned by a partition plate having a plurality of through-holes (for example, see Patent Document 1). ). In this reformer, the reforming water is supplied to the vaporizer chamber of the vaporizer through the water supply channel, and the fuel gas is supplied to the vaporizer chamber of the vaporizer through the fuel gas supply channel. In the vaporizer (vaporization chamber), the reforming water is vaporized into steam, and the steam and fuel gas are mixed to form a mixed gas. The mixed gas is supplied to the reforming chamber through a plurality of through-holes in the partition plate. Is done. In the reformer (reforming chamber), the fuel gas is steam reformed using steam, and the reformed gas subjected to steam reforming is sent to the downstream fuel cell.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-13763

  In such a reformer, the reforming chamber of the reformer is filled with a reforming catalyst for promoting steam reforming. When carbon is deposited on the surface of the reforming catalyst, the reforming catalyst There is a problem that the reforming performance deteriorates due to deterioration. In order to suppress this carbon deposition, the mixing ratio (S / C) of the amount of steam (S) and the amount of fuel gas (C) is precisely controlled for each type of reforming catalyst and reforming temperature, and carbon Although it is necessary to perform steam reforming while maintaining within a predetermined range where precipitation does not occur, the mixing ratio (S / C) of water vapor and fuel gas is slightly less than the predetermined range when the power generation output of the fuel cell fluctuates greatly. May come off.

  When carbon deposition occurs on the catalyst surface in this manner, the reforming catalyst deteriorates and the space between the reforming catalysts is blocked, which may increase the flow path resistance of the reforming chamber. In particular, this carbon deposition is likely to occur at the inflow portion of the reforming chamber, and when carbon deposition occurs in the vicinity of this inflow portion, the inflow portion of the fuel gas (mixed gas) may be blocked.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a reforming apparatus capable of feeding a mixed gas to a reforming chamber as required even when carbon deposition occurs in the inflow portion of the reforming housing.

A reformer according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a vaporizer for vaporizing reforming water and a reformer for steam reforming a fuel gas using steam. A device,
The reformer includes a reforming housing that defines a reforming chamber, and a reforming catalyst filled in the reforming housing, and the reforming housing includes a plurality of fuel gas and steam mixed gas flowing therein. Has an inflow section of
Corresponding to the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing, a mixed gas branch passage for feeding a mixed gas is provided in parallel, and the mixed gas passes through the opened mixed gas branch passage and the mixed gas is changed. It is supplied to the reforming chamber of a mass device.

  In the reformer according to claim 2 of the present invention, one of the plurality of mixed gas branch passages communicated with the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing is selectively opened. When one inflow part of the reforming housing is in a closed state, the mixed gas branch flow path connected to the inflow part in the closed state is closed, while the plurality of mixed gas branches The other mixed gas branch flow path is selected from among the flow paths to be opened, and the mixed gas is supplied through the open mixed gas branch flow path.

  Moreover, in the reforming apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention, one or more of the plurality of mixed gas branch passages communicated with the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing are in an open state. When one or more inflow portions of the reforming housing are in a closed state, the mixed gas branch passage connected to the inflow portion in the closed state is kept open. In this state, the other one of the plurality of mixed gas branch channels is additionally opened, and the mixed gas is supplied through the open mixed gas branch channels. And

  Moreover, in the reforming apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention, the mixed gas branch flow path for supplying the mixed gas to the reforming chamber includes an inner pipe member and the inner pipe member disposed on the inner side. A double pipe member comprising an outer pipe member covering the gas pipe, the double pipe member communicating with the reforming chamber of the reformer through the vaporizer, and the double pipe member serving as the mixed gas branch flow path. It is characterized by constituting a part.

  Moreover, in the reforming apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention, the vaporizer includes a vaporization housing that defines a vaporization chamber for vaporizing water, and the vaporization housing and the reforming housing are integrally configured. Corresponding to the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing, the vaporization chamber of the vaporizer is partitioned into a plurality of vaporization chambers by a partition wall, and the vaporization chamber is one of the mixed gas branch flow paths. It comprises the part.

  In the reformer according to claim 6 of the present invention, the reformer and the vaporizer are arranged independently, and the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing and the vaporizer are branched pipes. It is connected via the member, The said branch pipe member comprises a part of said mixed gas branch flow path, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Further, in the reformer according to claim 7 of the present invention, a blockage detecting means for detecting a blockage state in the plurality of inflow portions is provided in association with the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing. It is characterized by.

  Furthermore, in the reforming apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention, the blockage detecting means includes a fuel pump for supplying fuel gas, and a fuel for measuring a flow rate of the fuel gas supplied through the fuel gas supply channel. And a blockage determining means for determining a blockage state based on a capacity value of the fuel pump, wherein the fuel pump is configured such that when the flow rate measured by the fuel flow meter is smaller than a set supply flow rate, the fuel pump The blockage determining means determines that blockage has occurred when the capacity value of the fuel pump exceeds an abnormal capacity value.

  According to the reforming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the reformer includes a vaporizer for vaporizing the reforming water and a reformer for steam reforming the fuel gas using steam. The reformer housing of the mass device has a plurality of inflow portions into which a mixed gas of fuel gas and water vapor flows, and a mixed gas branch passage is provided in parallel corresponding to the plurality of inflow portions. When carbon deposition occurs at the inflow portion of the reforming housing, the mixed gas can be supplied into the reforming housing through the other inflow portion using the other mixed gas branch flow path. The mixed gas can be supplied to the reforming chamber stably over a long period while suppressing the influence of precipitation.

  According to the reforming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, one of the plurality of mixed gas branch passages communicated with the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing is selectively opened. Therefore, when one inflow portion is closed due to carbon deposition, the mixed gas branch flow path connected to the closed inflow portion is closed, while a plurality of mixed gas branch flow paths are One of the other mixed gas branch flow paths is selected and opened, so that the mixed gas can be supplied to the reforming chamber as required through the other mixed gas branch flow path.

  According to the reforming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, one or more of the plurality of mixed gas branch passages communicated with the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing are in an open state. Therefore, when one or more inflow portions of the reforming housing are closed, the mixed gas branch passage connected to the closed inflow portion is kept open. In the state, the other one of the plurality of mixed gas branch channels is additionally opened, and thereby the reforming chamber mainly through the mixed gas branch channel opened additionally. The mixed gas can be supplied as required.

  Further, according to the reforming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the mixed gas branch flow path includes the double pipe member including the inner pipe member and the outer pipe member covering the inner pipe member, and the double pipe Since the member communicates with the reforming chamber through the vaporizer, for example, water vapor (which becomes water vapor by flowing through the vaporizer) through the inner flow path of the inner tube member, and between the inner tube member and the outer tube member. For example, by supplying fuel gas through the annular space, the mixed gas can be supplied to the reforming chamber.

  In this case, it is desirable that the distal end portion of the outer tube member protrudes outward in the axial direction from the inner tube member.In this case, the inner side of the distal end portion of the outer tube member functions as a mixing space. In such a mixing space, for example, water vapor flowing in the inner space of the inner tube member and fuel gas flowing in the annular space between the inner tube member and the outer tube member are mixed, and this mixed gas passes through the introduction portion and is reformed. To be supplied.

  According to the reforming apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the vaporization housing of the vaporizer and the reforming housing of the reformer are integrally configured and correspond to a plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing. Since the vaporization chamber of the vaporizer is partitioned into a plurality of vaporization compartments by the partition wall, the reforming water is vaporized in the vaporization compartment to become water vapor, and the water vapor and the fuel gas are mixed to become a mixed gas. The mixed gas generated in this way is supplied to the reforming chamber through the corresponding inflow portion.

  According to the reforming apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the reformer and the vaporizer are disposed independently, and the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing and the vaporizer are interposed via the branch pipe member. Therefore, the reforming water is vaporized in the vaporizing chamber to become water vapor, and the water vapor and the fuel gas are mixed to form a mixed gas. To the reforming chamber.

  According to the reforming apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the clogging detecting means is provided in relation to the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing. A closed state at the inflow portion can be detected.

  Furthermore, according to the reforming apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the blockage detecting means includes a fuel pump for supplying the fuel gas, a fuel flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the fuel gas, and the capability of the fuel pump. And a blockage determining means for determining a blockage state based on the value, and the fuel pump supplies the fuel gas by increasing the capacity value of the fuel pump when the flow rate measured by the fuel flow meter is smaller than the set supply flow rate. Since the amount is controlled so as to increase, it is possible to detect occurrence of blockage in the inflow portion of the reforming housing based on the capacity value of the fuel pump. That is, there is a predetermined relationship between the capacity value of the fuel pump and the closed state at the inflow portion of the reforming housing. If this capacity value increases and exceeds the abnormal capacity value, it can be determined that a blockage has occurred.

1 is an overall view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell system equipped with a first embodiment of a reformer according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram schematically showing a reformer and a configuration related thereto in the fuel cell system of FIG. 1. The partial expanded sectional view which shows a part of double pipe member used for the reforming apparatus of FIG. The block diagram which shows the control system of the fuel cell system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of control by the control system of FIG. The simplified diagram which shows simply 2nd Embodiment of the reformer according to this invention, and the structure relevant to it. The simplification figure which shows 3rd Embodiment of the reformer according to this invention, and the structure relevant to it simply. The block diagram which shows other embodiment of the control system of a fuel cell system. The flowchart which shows the flow of control by the control system of FIG.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the reformer according to the present invention will be described. First, an example of a fuel cell system provided with a first embodiment of a reformer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the illustrated fuel cell system 2 includes a reformer 4 for steam reforming a fuel gas (for example, city gas), a reformed gas and an oxidizing material reformed by the reformer 4. A cell stack 6 that generates power by oxidizing and reducing the air, and an air blower 8 for supplying air as an oxidizing material to the cell stack 6. The cell stack 6 is configured by, for example, arranging a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells for generating power by an electrochemical reaction. Each fuel cell of the cell stack 6 includes a solid electrolyte 10 that conducts oxygen ions, a fuel electrode 12 provided on one side of the solid electrolyte 10 (right side in FIG. 1), and the other side of the solid electrolyte 10 (FIG. 1). And the oxygen electrode 14 provided on the left side).
The fuel electrode 12 side of the cell stack 6 is connected to the reformer 4 via a reformed gas feed channel 16, and the reformer 4 is connected to the fuel gas via a fuel gas / water feed channel 17. The supply channel 18 and the water supply channel 20 are connected. The fuel gas supply channel 18 is connected to a fuel gas supply source (not shown) such as a buried pipe, for example, and the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply source is modified through the fuel gas supply channel 18 as described later. Supplied to the quality device 4. A fuel pump 22, a desulfurizer 24, an on-off valve 26, and a fuel flow meter 28 are disposed in the fuel gas supply channel 18. The desulfurizer 24 removes the sulfur component contained in the fuel gas, and the fuel pump 22 pressurizes the fuel gas supplied through the fuel gas supply flow path 18 and controls the number of revolutions of the fuel gas. The amount of fuel gas supplied through the supply flow path 18 is controlled. The on-off valve 26 opens and closes the fuel gas supply channel 18, and the fuel flow meter 28 measures the flow rate of the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas supply channel 18.

The water supply channel 20 is connected to a reforming water supply source (not shown) such as a pure water tank, for example, and the reforming water from the reforming water supply source is the water supply channel as described later. 20 through the reformer 4. A water pump 30 is disposed in the water supply channel 20, and the water pump 30 supplies reforming water through the water supply channel 20 and supplies the reforming water through the water supply channel 20 by controlling the number of rotations thereof. The amount of reforming water supplied is controlled.
The air electrode 14 side of the cell stack 6 is connected to an air preheater 34 for preheating air via an air supply channel 32, and this air preheater 34 is connected to an air blower via an air supply channel 36. The amount of air supplied through the air supply flow path 36 is controlled by controlling the rotational speed of the air blower 8.
A combustion region 40 is provided on the discharge side of the cell stack 6 on the fuel electrode 12 side and the air electrode 14 side. In this combustion region 40, the reaction fuel gas (including residual fuel gas) discharged from the fuel electrode 12 side. Are combusted by the air (including oxygen) discharged from the air electrode 14 side, and the reformer device 4 is heated using this combustion heat. The combustion zone 40 is connected to an air preheater 34 via an exhaust gas passage 42, and an exhaust gas discharge passage 44 is connected to the air preheater 34.
The fuel cell system 2 further includes a battery housing 46 whose interior is covered with a heat insulating material. The battery housing 46 defines a high temperature space 48 that is maintained at a high temperature, and the reformer is provided in the high temperature space 48. 4, the cell stack 6 and the air preheater 34 are accommodated.

  The operation of the fuel cell system 2 is performed as follows, for example. The fuel gas from the fuel gas supply channel 18 and the reforming water from the water supply channel 20 are supplied to the reformer 4 through the fuel gas / water supply channel 17 as described later. In the reformer 4, the fuel gas is steam reformed as will be described later, and the reformed gas subjected to steam reforming is supplied to the fuel electrode 12 side of the cell stack 6 through the reformed gas supply passage 16. . The air from the air blower 8 is supplied to the air preheater 34 through the air supply flow path 36, and heat is exchanged with the exhaust gas in the air preheater 34 and heated, and then the air supply flow It is fed to the air electrode 14 side of the cell stack 6 through the path 32.

  In the cell stack 6, the reformed gas is oxidized on the fuel electrode 12 side, oxygen in the air is reduced on the air electrode 14 side, and an electrochemical reaction due to oxidation on the fuel electrode 12 side and reduction on the air electrode 14 side. Power generation is performed.

The reaction fuel gas from the fuel electrode 12 of the cell stack 6 and the air from the air electrode 14 side are discharged to the combustion zone 40, and excess fuel gas is burned using oxygen in the air. Exhaust gas from the combustion zone 40 is fed to the air preheater 34 through the exhaust gas flow path 42 and is used for heat exchange with the air from the air blower 8 in the air preheater 34, and then the exhaust gas discharge flow. It is discharged to the atmosphere through the passage 44.
In the fuel cell system 2, the reformer 4 and the configuration related thereto are configured as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 and FIG. 3, the illustrated reformer 4 includes a vaporizer 52 for vaporizing the reforming water and a reformer 54 for steam reforming the fuel gas. I have. The vaporizer 52 includes a vaporization housing 58 that defines a vaporization space 56, and the reformer 54 includes a reforming housing 62 that defines a reforming chamber 60, and the reforming housing 62 (reforming chamber 60) A reforming catalyst 64 for promoting steam reforming is packed. In this embodiment, the vaporizing housing 58 and the reforming housing 62 are configured at one end to form the vaporizing / reforming housing 64, and the vaporizing space 46 and the reforming chamber 60 are partitioned in the vaporizing / reforming housing 64. A partition plate 66 is provided.

  In this embodiment, the partition plate 66 has an inflow opening (not shown) spaced apart in the width direction (the direction from the lower left to the upper right in FIG. 2) (that is, configures the inflow portion of the reforming housing 62). Are provided, and mixed gas flow paths, that is, first to third mixed gas flow paths 68, 70, 72 are connected to the respective inflow openings. The downstream side of the fuel gas supply passage 18 is branched into three, and the first to third fuel gas branch passages 18a, 18b, 18c are communicated with the first to third mixed gas passages 68, 70, 72. Yes. The downstream side of the water supply channel 20 is also branched into three, and the first to third water branch channels 20a, 20b, and 20c are communicated with the first to third mixed gas channels 68, 70, and 72. Yes.

  The fuel gas supply channel 18 is provided with fuel gas supply control means 74 (see FIG. 4) for controlling the supply of fuel gas to the first to third fuel gas branch channels 18a, 18b, 18c. This fuel gas supply control means 74 is comprised from the 1st-3rd fuel on-off valve 76,78,80 arrange | positioned by the 1st-3rd fuel gas branch flow path 18a, 18b, 18c. The first to third fuel on / off valves 76, 78, and 80 are constituted by, for example, electromagnetic on / off valves, permitting the supply of fuel gas when open, and shutting off the supply of fuel gas when closed.

  The water supply channel 20 is provided with water supply control means 82 (see FIG. 4) for controlling the supply of reforming water to the first to third water branch channels 20a, 20b, and 20c. This water supply control means 82 is comprised from the 1st-3rd water on-off valve 84,86,88 arrange | positioned by the 1st-3rd water branch flow path 20a, 20b, 20c. The first to third water on / off valves 84, 86, 88 are also constituted by, for example, electromagnetic on / off valves, and allow the supply of reforming water when open, and shut off the supply of reforming water when closed.

  In this embodiment, the first to third mixed gas flow paths 68, 70, 72 connected to the respective inflow openings (inflow portions) of the reforming housing 62 are constituted by the double pipe member 90. The double pipe member 90 includes an inner pipe member 92 disposed on the inner side and an outer pipe member 94 disposed on the outer peripheral side so as to cover the inner pipe member 92. The inner space 96 is communicated with, for example, the first fuel gas branch channel 18a (or the second fuel gas branch channel 18b and the third fuel gas branch channel 18c), and the inner tube member 92 and the outer member 94 are connected. The annular space 98 is communicated with, for example, the first water branch flow channel 20a (or the second water branch flow channel 20b and the third water branch flow channel 20c). The reforming water (in other words, the steam used for reforming) is fed through and the fuel gas is fed through the annular space 98.

  In this embodiment, one end portion (tip portion) of the outer tube member 94 protrudes outward in the axial direction (leftward in FIG. 3) from one end (tip portion) of the inner tube member 92. A cylindrical space 100 (functioning as a mixing space, as will be understood from the description below) is provided inside the section. The double pipe member 90 (first to third mixed gas 68, 70, 72) extends to the partition plate 66 through the vaporization space 56 of the vaporizer 52, and the outer pipe member 94 corresponds to the corresponding inflow of the partition plate 66. Connected to the opening (inflow part).

  With this configuration, the reforming water flowing in the double pipe member 90 (inner space 96) is vaporized by the heat of the vaporization space 56 to become water vapor, and the double pipe member 90 (annular space 98). The fuel gas flowing inside is heated by the heat of the vaporization space 56, and the water vapor and the fuel gas are mixed as necessary in the cylindrical space 100 to become a mixed gas, and the mixed gas becomes an inflow opening of the partition plate 66. It is fed to the reformer 54 (the reforming chamber 60) through the (inflow part).

  Operation of the fuel cell system 2 described above is controlled by, for example, a control system shown in FIG. Referring mainly to FIG. 4, the fuel cell system 2 includes a controller 102 for controlling the operation of the fuel pump 22 and the like. For example, the controller 102 composed of a microprocessor or the like includes a fuel gas flow rate calculation unit 104, a water flow rate calculation unit 106, an air flow rate calculation unit 108, a capacity value calculation unit 110, a blockage determination unit 112, a valve switching signal generation unit 114, and a stop. The signal generation means 116, the operation control means 118, and the memory means 120 are included. The fuel gas flow rate calculation means 104 calculates the supply flow rate of fuel gas corresponding to the power generation output of the cell stack 6, and the water flow rate calculation means 106 calculates the supply flow rate of reforming water corresponding to the power generation output of the cell stack 6. In addition, the air flow rate calculation means 108 calculates the air supply flow rate corresponding to the generated power of the cell stack 6. In the memory unit 120, a generated power-flow rate map indicating the relationship between the generated power and the supply flow rates of the fuel gas, reforming water, and air is registered. The fuel gas flow rate calculating unit 104, the water flow rate calculating unit 106, and the air The flow rate calculation means 108 calculates the supply flow rates of fuel gas, reforming water and air using this generated power-flow rate map, and the operation control means 118 calculates the calculated fuel gas supply flow rate, water supply flow rate and air supply flow rate. The fuel pump 22, the water pump 30, and the air blower 8 are controlled as required.

  The capacity value calculating means 110 calculates the capacity value of the fuel pump 22, and the blockage determining means 112 is near the inflow opening (inflow portion) of the reforming housing 62 based on the capacity value calculated by the capacity value calculating means 110. It is determined whether or not carbon deposition occurs in the closed state. In this embodiment, the fuel flow meter 28 measures the flow rate of the fuel gas supplied through the fuel gas supply channel 18, and this measurement signal is sent to the controller 102. When carbon deposition occurs in the vicinity of the inflow opening of the reforming housing 62, the flow resistance near the inflow opening increases and the flow rate of the fuel gas decreases. At this time, the operation control means 118 When the supply flow rate is increased so that the required flow rate (the supply flow rate corresponding to the generated power) is increased, the rotation speed of the fuel pump 22 is controlled to increase. The value increases.

  In this embodiment, in a normal state (in other words, a state where carbon deposition has not occurred near the inflow opening of the reforming housing 62), the fuel pump 22 is operated with a capacity value of, for example, about 20% of the rated output. When the flow path resistance increases due to the carbon deposition near the inflow opening, the capacity value of the fuel pump 22 also increases as the flow path resistance increases. When the capacity value of the fuel pump 22 rises to an abnormal capacity value (in this embodiment, it is set to, for example, about 80% of the rated output), the vicinity of the inflow opening (inflow part) of the reforming housing 62 is caused by carbon deposition. It becomes almost occluded. In this embodiment, 80% is set as the abnormal capacity value of the fuel pump 22, this abnormal capacity value is registered in the memory means 120, and the blockage determining means 112 is calculated by the abnormal capacity value and the capacity value calculating means 110. Comparing with the ability value, if this computing ability value is equal to or greater than the abnormal ability value, it is determined that the blockage has occurred.

  Further, the valve switching signal generation unit 114 determines that the blockage determination unit 112 has generated a blockage as described later (specifically, the vicinity of the first and second inflow openings is closed). The stop signal generating means 116 determines that the blockage determining means 112 has closed as described later (specifically, the vicinity of the third inflow opening is closed). ) When a stop signal is generated. The operation control means 118 controls the operation of the fuel pump 22, the water pump 30 and the air blower 8, as well as the fuel gas supply control means 74 (first to third fuel on / off valves 76 to 80) and the water supply control means 82 (first control). The first to third water on / off valves 84 to 88) are controlled to be opened and closed as will be described later.

  The operation operation of the fuel cell system 2 described above is performed as follows, for example. 4 and 5 mainly, when the fuel cell system 2 is operated, the fuel gas supply control means 74 and the water supply control means 82 supply the mixed gas through the first mixed gas flow path 68. One switching state is set (step S1). That is, the operation control means 118 opens the first fuel on-off valve 76 (the second and third fuel on-off valves 78 and 80 are held in the closed state) and opens the first water on-off valve 84. (The second and third water on-off valves 86 and 88 are held in the closed state).

  In this first switching state, the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply flow path 18 flows into the first fuel gas branch flow path 18a and the first mixed gas flow path 68 (specifically, the annular space of the double pipe member 90). 98), and the reforming water from the water supply channel 20 is supplied to the first water branch channel 20a and the first mixed gas channel 68 (specifically, the inner space 96 of the double pipe member 90). Supplied through. Therefore, the reforming water flowing in the first mixed gas flow path 68 (inner space 96) is vaporized by flowing through the vaporization space 56 to become water vapor, and the fuel flowing in the first mixed gas flow path 68 (annular space 98). The gas is heated by flowing through the vaporization space 56, and the water vapor and the fuel gas are mixed in the mixing space 100 on one end side of the outer tube member 94 and reformed through the inflow opening (not shown) of the reforming housing 62. Is supplied to the reforming chamber 60 of the vessel 54. Since the first fuel gas branch flow path 18a, the first water branch flow path 20a, and the first mixed gas flow path 68 are supplied in this way, the first mixing for supplying the mixed gas to the reformer 62 is performed. A gas branch flow path is formed, and the mixed gas is fed to the reforming chamber 60 from the inflow portion (constituting the first inflow portion) on one side end side of the reforming housing 62 through the first mixed gas branch flow path. The The mixed gas supplied in this way is steam reformed using steam in the reforming chamber 60, and the reformed gas subjected to steam reforming is sent to the cell stack 6 on the downstream side.

  Then, the reformed gas is supplied to the cell stack 6 in this way, and the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 2 is performed as described above (step S2). During this power generation operation, the capability value calculation means 110 calculates the capability value from the output state of the fuel pump 22 (step S3), and the blockage determination means 112 generates a blockage state based on the calculated capability value. (Step S4).

  The blockage determining means 112 reads an abnormal capacity value (for example, 80%) from the memory means 120 and compares the capacity value of the fuel pump 22 calculated by the capacity value calculating means 110 with the abnormal capacity value. Then, when this computing capacity value becomes equal to or greater than the abnormal capacity value, the process proceeds from step S5 to step S6, and the blockage determination means 112 determines that a blockage has occurred due to carbon deposition. Note that when the computing ability value is smaller than the abnormal ability value, the closed state has not occurred, and in this case, the process returns from step S5 to step S2, and the power generation operation in the first switching state is continued.

  When the first inflow portion (not shown) of the reformer 54 is closed and the process proceeds to step S7, the valve switching signal generation means 114 generates a valve switching signal, and the fuel gas supply control means 74 and the water supply control. The means 82 is switched to the second switching state in which the mixed gas is supplied through the second mixed gas flow path 70 (step S8). That is, the operation control means 118 opens the second fuel on-off valve 78 (the first and third fuel on-off valves 76 and 80 are held in the closed state) and opens the second water on-off valve 86. (The first and third water on-off valves 84 and 88 are held in a closed state).

  In the second switching state, as can be easily understood from the above description, the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply passage 18 is supplied to the second fuel gas branch passage 18b and the second mixed gas passage 70 (double The reforming water supplied through the annular space 98) of the pipe member 90 and from the water supply flow path 20 is supplied to the second water branch flow path 20b and the second mixed gas flow path 70 (the inner space 96 of the double pipe member 90). ) And thus flowing through the vaporization space 56 of the vaporizer 52, the reforming water is vaporized into steam, and the steam and fuel gas are mixed in the mixing space 100 and then the reforming housing 62. To the reformer 54 through an inflow opening (not shown). Since the second fuel gas branch flow path 18b, the second water branch flow path 20b, and the second mixed gas flow path 70 are supplied in this way, the second mixing for supplying the mixed gas to the reformer 62 is performed. A gas branch flow path is configured, and the mixed gas is fed to the reforming chamber 60 from the inflow portion (which constitutes the second inflow portion) of the reforming housing 62 through the second mixed gas branch flow path.

  Then, the reformed gas steam-reformed by the reformer 54 is supplied to the cell stack 6, and the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 2 is performed as described above (step S9). During this power generation operation, as described above, the capacity value calculating means 110 calculates the capacity value from the output state of the fuel pump 22 (step S10), and the blockage determining means 112 is based on the calculated capacity value. It is determined whether a closed state has occurred (step S11).

  Then, when this computing capacity value becomes equal to or greater than the abnormal capacity value (for example, 80%), the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13, and the blockage determination unit 112 determines that the blockage has occurred due to carbon deposition. When it is determined that the blockage has occurred, the valve switching signal generation means 114 generates a valve switching signal (step S14). Based on this valve switching signal, the fuel gas supply control means 74 and the water supply control means 82 The mode is switched to the third switching state in which the mixed gas is supplied through the three mixed gas flow paths 72 (step S15). That is, the operation control means 118 opens the third fuel on-off valve 80 (the first and second fuel on-off valves 76 and 78 are held closed) and opens the third water on-off valve 88. (The first and second water on-off valves 84 and 86 are held in a closed state).

  In the third switching state, the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply channel 18 is supplied through the third fuel gas branch channel 18c and the third mixed gas channel 70 (the annular space 98 of the double pipe member 90). The reforming water from the water supply channel 20 is supplied through the third water branch channel 20c and the second mixed gas channel 70 (the inner space 96 of the double pipe member 90), and thus the vaporizer. By flowing through the vaporization space 56 of 52, the reforming water is vaporized into steam, and the steam and fuel gas are mixed in the mixing space 100 and then reformed through an inflow opening (not shown) of the reforming housing 62. Is supplied to the container 54. Since the third fuel gas branch channel 18c, the third water branch channel 20c, and the second mixed gas channel 70 are supplied in this way, the third mixing for feeding the mixed gas to the reformer 62 is performed. A gas branch flow path is formed, and the mixed gas is supplied to the reforming chamber 60 from the inflow portion (forming the third inflow portion) on the other end side of the reforming housing 62 through the third mixed gas branch flow path. The

  Then, the reformed gas subjected to steam reforming is supplied to the cell stack 6, and the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 2 is performed as described above (step S16). During this power generation operation, steps S16 to S19 are repeatedly performed, and the closed state is determined in the same manner as described above.

  Then, when the computing ability value becomes equal to or greater than the abnormal ability value (for example, 80%), the process proceeds from step S19 to step S20, and the blockage determination unit 112 determines that the blockage has occurred due to the occurrence of the blockage due to carbon deposition. When it is determined that the blockage has occurred, all the inflow portions (first to third inflow portions) of the reformer 54 are closed, and in this case, the stop signal generation means 116 generates a stop signal (step S21). Based on this stop signal, the operation control means 118 stops the operation of the fuel cell system 2.

  Next, a second embodiment of the reformer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following embodiments, members substantially the same as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In FIG. 6, the reforming apparatus 4A of the second embodiment includes a vaporizer 52A and a reformer 54A. The vaporizer 52A includes a vaporization housing 58A that defines a vaporization chamber 56A, and the reformer 54A. Includes a reforming housing 62A that defines the reforming chamber 60A, and the vaporizing housing 58A and the reforming housing 62A are integrally configured to form a vaporizing / reforming housing, and are disposed in the vaporizing / reforming housing. Further, the vaporizing chamber 56A and the reforming chamber 60A are partitioned by a partition plate 66A (for example, a punching plate having a large number of through holes).

  In the second embodiment, the reforming water is vaporized in the vaporizing chamber 56A of the vaporizer 52A, and the vaporized water vapor and the fuel gas are mixed. In this connection, the vaporization chamber 56A of the vaporizer 52A is divided into three vaporization compartments, that is, first to first by partition walls 132 and 134 arranged at intervals in the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 6). A part of the partition plate 66A located in the first vaporization compartment 56a functions as a first inflow portion of the reforming housing 62A, and the second vaporization compartment 56b (or third vaporization) is partitioned into the three vaporization compartments 56a, 56b, and 56c. A portion located in the compartment 56c) functions as a second inflow portion (or a third inflow portion) of the reforming housing 62A.

  Also in the second embodiment, the downstream side of the fuel gas supply channel 18 is branched into three, and the first to third fuel gas branch channels 18a, 18b, 18c correspond to the first to first corresponding to the carburetor 52A. The three vaporization compartments 56a, 56b, and 56c communicate with each other. Further, the downstream side of the water supply channel 20 is also branched into three, and the first to third water branch channels 20a, 20b, 20c correspond to the first to third vaporization compartments 56a, 56b, 56c corresponding to the vaporizer 52A. It is communicated to.

  Similarly to the first embodiment described above, the fuel gas supply channel 18 has a fuel gas for controlling the supply of fuel gas to the first to third fuel gas branch channels 18a, 18b, 18c. Supply control means 74 (see FIG. 4) is provided. The fuel gas supply control means 74 is provided with first to third fuel on / off valves disposed in the first to third fuel gas branch flow paths 18a, 18b, 18c. 76, 78, 80. The water supply channel 20 is provided with water supply control means 82 (see FIG. 4) for controlling the supply of reforming water to the first to third water branch channels 20a, 20b, and 20c. This water supply control means 82 is comprised from the 1st-3rd water on-off valve 84,86,88 arrange | positioned by the 1st-3rd water branch flow path 20a, 20b, 20c. Other configurations in the second embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second reformer 4A, for example, the first fuel on / off valve 76 of the fuel gas supply control means 74 is held open when in the first switching state (at this time, the second and third The fuel on / off valves 78 and 80 are held in the closed state, and the first water on / off valve 84 of the water supply control means 82 is held in the open state (at this time, the second and third water on / off valves 86 and 88). Is kept closed). Accordingly, the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply channel 18 is supplied through the first fuel gas branch channel 18a to the first vaporization compartment 56a of the carburetor 52A, and the reforming water from the water supply channel 20 is the first. The water is supplied to the first vaporization compartment 56a through the water branch channel 20a. The reforming water supplied to the first vaporization compartment 56a is vaporized to become water vapor, mixed with the fuel gas heated in the first vaporization compartment 56a, and becomes a mixed gas. It is supplied from the inflow portion to the reforming chamber 60A of the reformer 54A. Thus, the first fuel gas branch flow path 18a, the first water branch flow path 20a, and the first vaporization compartment 56a constitute the first mixed gas branch flow path.

  In the second switching state, the second fuel on / off valve 78 of the fuel gas supply control means 74 and the second water on / off valve 86 of the water supply control means 82 are held open, The fuel gas is supplied through the second fuel gas branch flow path 18b to the second vaporization compartment 56b of the vaporizer 52A, and the reforming water from the water supply flow path 20 passes through the second water branch flow path 20b. The mixed gas supplied to the compartment 56b and mixed in the second vaporization compartment 56b is supplied from the second inflow portion to the reforming chamber 60A of the reformer 54A, and the second fuel gas branch flow path 18b, the second water The branch flow path 20b and the second vaporization compartment 56b constitute a second mixed gas branch flow path.

  Further, in the third switching state, the third fuel on / off valve 80 of the fuel gas supply control means 74 and the third water on / off valve 88 of the water supply control means 82 are held open, and the fuel gas supply flow path 18 The fuel gas is supplied through the third fuel gas branch passage 18c to the third vaporization compartment 56c of the vaporizer 52A, and the reforming water from the water supply passage 20 passes through the third water branch passage 20c. The mixed gas supplied to the compartment 56c and mixed in the third vaporization compartment 56c is supplied from the third inflow portion to the reforming chamber 60A of the reformer 54A, and the third fuel gas branch channel 18c, the third water The branch flow path 20c and the third vaporization compartment 56c constitute a third mixed gas branch flow path.

  Also in the reforming apparatus 4A of the third embodiment, the first to third mixed gas branch passages arranged in parallel to each other are selectively switched, and the reforming chamber 60A of the reformer 54A is selected. Since the mixed gas is supplied to, the same effect as the first embodiment is achieved.

  Next, a third embodiment of the reformer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, the vaporizer and the reformer are configured separately, and the mixed gas generated in the vaporizer is supplied to the reformer.

  In FIG. 7, in the reforming apparatus 4B of the third embodiment, the vaporizer 52B and the reformer 54B are configured separately, and the vaporizer 52B and the reformer 54B pass through the gas feed passage 142. It connects via the branch pipe member 152 to prescribe | regulate. The reforming housing 60B of the reformer 54B is provided with three inflow openings (not shown) (constituting the inflow portion) at intervals in the width direction. The downstream side of the flow path 142 (branch pipe member 152) is branched into three, and the first to third gas branch flow paths 142a, 142b, 142c (defined by the first to third branch pipe portions) are modified. It is connected to the corresponding inflow opening (inflow part) of the quality housing 62B.

  The gas feed channel 142 is provided with a mixed gas supply control valve 144 for controlling the supply of the mixed gas to the first to third gas branch channels 142a, 142b, 142c. The control valve 144 includes first to third on-off valves 146, 148, 150 disposed in the first to third gas branch flow paths 142a, 142b, 142c. In this case, the fuel gas supply channel 18 and the water supply channel 20 are connected to the vaporization housing 58B of the vaporizer 52B. Other configurations of the third embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

  In the third reformer 4B, for example, in the first switching state, the first on-off valve 146 of the mixed gas supply control valve 144 is held open (at this time, the second and third on-off valves). The valves 148 and 150 are kept closed). The fuel gas is supplied to the vaporizer 52 </ b> B through the fuel gas supply channel 18, and the reforming water is supplied to the vaporizer 52 </ b> B through the water supply channel 20. In the vaporizer 52B, the reforming water is vaporized to become water vapor, mixed with the fuel gas heated by the vaporizer 52B to become a mixed gas, and this mixed gas is the first gas branch flow path of the gas supply flow path 142. 142a is supplied to the reformer 56B, and the first gas branch flow path 142a functions as a first mixed gas branch flow path.

  In the second switching state, the second on-off valve 148 of the mixed gas supply control valve 144 is held in the open state (at this time, the first and third on-off valves 146 and 150 are held in the closed state). . Accordingly, the mixed gas from the vaporizer 52B is supplied to the reformer 56B through the second gas branch flow path 142b of the gas supply flow path 142, and the second gas branch flow path 142b is supplied to the second mixed gas branch flow path. Function as.

  Further, in the third switching state, the third on-off valve 150 of the mixed gas supply control valve 144 is held in the open state (at this time, the first and second on-off valves 146 and 148 are held in the closed state). . Therefore, the mixed gas from the vaporizer 52B is supplied to the reformer 56B through the third gas branch flow path 142c of the gas supply flow path 142, and the third gas branch flow path 142c is supplied to the third mixed gas branch flow path. Function as.

  Also in the reforming apparatus 4B of the third embodiment, the first to third mixed gas branch passages arranged in parallel to each other are selectively switched to supply the mixed gas to the reformer 54B. Therefore, the same effect as the first embodiment is achieved.

  In the reformer 4 (4A) of the first (second) embodiment, one of the first to third mixed gas branch channels is controlled to be selectively opened. Instead of such control, for example, opening / closing control may be performed as follows, and such control can be similarly applied to the above-described third embodiment.

  In FIGS. 8 and 9, which show a modification of the control system of the fuel cell system 2, in this control system, the controller 102 </ b> C includes an open signal generating means 162 that generates an open signal instead of the valve switching signal generating means 114. In this connection, for example, 50% is registered in the memory means 120 as the abnormal capacity value. Other configurations of the control system of this modification are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

  The power generation operation of the fuel cell system by this control system is performed as follows, for example. When the fuel cell system 2 is in operation, the fuel gas supply control means 74 and the water supply control means 82 are set to the first switching state in which the mixed gas is supplied through the first mixed gas flow path 68 (step S31). . That is, the first fuel on / off valve 76 is held in the open state (the second and third fuel on / off valves 78 and 80 are held in the closed state), and the first water on / off valve 84 is held in the open state ( The second and third water on / off valves 86 and 88 are kept closed), the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply channel 18 and the reforming water from the water supply channel 20 are mixed gas to form the first The reformed gas is supplied to the reformer 62 (62A) through the mixed gas branch flow path, and the reformed gas steam-reformed by the reformer 62 (62A) is supplied downstream to the cell stack 6.

  Then, the reformed gas is supplied to the cell stack 6 in this way, and the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 2 is performed (step S32). During this power generation operation, the capacity value calculation means 110 is connected to the fuel pump 22. The capability value is calculated from the output state (step S33), and the blockage determination means 112 determines whether a blockage state has occurred based on the calculated capability value (step S44). The operation in step S32 to step S35 is substantially the same as the operation in step S2 to step S5 in the first embodiment.

  In this modification, 50% of the rated output is set as the abnormal capacity value of the fuel pump 22, and when the calculation capacity value by the capacity value calculation means 110 becomes equal to or higher than the abnormal capacity value (for example, 50%), the steps S35 to S36 are performed. Then, the blockage determination means 112 determines that a blockage has occurred due to the occurrence of a blockage state due to carbon deposition to some extent.

  When it is determined that a blockage has occurred in this way, the valve opening signal generating means 162 generates a valve opening signal, and the fuel gas supply control means 74 and the water supply control means 82 are added to the first mixed gas branch flow path. It is switched to the second switching state in which the mixed gas is supplied to the reformer 62 (62A) through the two mixed gas branch passages (step S38). In other words, the second fuel on / off valve 78 is held open (the third fuel on / off valve 80 is held closed) while the first fuel on / off valve 76 is held open, and the first water In the state where the on-off valve 84 is kept open, the second water on-off valve 86 is kept open (the third water on-off valve 88 is kept closed).

  In this second switching state, the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply flow path 18 and the reforming water from the water supply flow path 20 become a mixed gas through the first and second mixed gas branch flow paths. 62 (62A), and the power generation operation of the fuel cell system is performed in such a supply state of the mixed gas (step S39).

  During this power generation operation, as described above, the capacity value calculating means 110 calculates the capacity value from the output state of the fuel pump 22 (step S40), and the blockage determining means 112 is based on the calculated capacity value. It is determined whether or not a closed state has occurred (step S41), and when this computing capacity value becomes equal to or greater than an abnormal capacity value (for example, 50%), the process proceeds from step S42 to step S43, and the blocking determination unit 112 generates a blocked state. It is determined that a blockage has occurred.

  When it is determined that the blockage has occurred, the valve opening signal generating unit 162 generates a valve opening signal (step S44). Based on the valve opening signal, the fuel gas supply control unit 74 and the water supply control unit 82 It switches to the 3rd switching state which supplies mixed gas to the reformer 62 (62A) through the 1st-3rd mixed gas branch flow path (step S45). That is, the third fuel on / off valve 80 is held open while the first and second fuel on / off valves 76 and 78 are held open, and the first and second water on / off valves 84 and 86 are opened. In this state, the third water on / off valve 88 is held open.

  In this third switching state, the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply flow path 18 and the reforming water from the water supply flow path 20 become mixed gas and pass through the first to third mixed gas branch flow paths. 62 (62A), and in such a supply state, the power generation operation of the fuel cell system is performed as described above (step S46).

  When this computing capacity value becomes equal to or greater than the abnormal capacity value (for example, 50%), the process proceeds from step S49 to step S50, where the blockage determining means 112 has a blockage state in all the inflow portions of the reformer 62 (62A). Based on this determination, the stop signal generation means 116 generates a stop signal (step S51). Based on this stop signal, the operation control means 118 determines that the fuel cell system 2 has been closed. Stop operation. Note that the abnormal ability value when the stop signal generating unit 116 generates the stop signal may be set to 80%, which is the same as that in the first embodiment, instead of 50%.

  When the control by the control system of this modification is adopted, the supply of the mixed gas through the first mixed gas branch flow path is always performed during the operation operation of the fuel cell system, and therefore the first fuel gas branch flow path 18a. The first fuel on-off valve 76 and the first water on-off valve 84 arranged in the first water branch flow path 20a can be omitted.

  The various embodiments of the reformer according to the present invention have been described above applied to the fuel cell system. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Deformation or correction is possible.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made by applying the present invention to an apparatus including three mixed gas branch flow paths for feeding the mixed gas to the reformer. Or it can apply similarly to what was equipped with four or more mixed gas branch flow paths.

2 Fuel cell system 4, 4A, 4B reformer 18 Fuel gas supply flow path 18a, 18b, 18c Fuel gas branch flow path 20 Water supply flow path 20a, 20b, 20c Water branch flow path 22 Fuel pump 28 Fuel flow meter 52 , 52A, 52B Vaporizer 54, 54A, 54B Reformer 56a, 56b, 56c Vaporization compartment 58, 58A, 58B Vaporization housing 62, 62A, 62B Reforming housing 68, 70, 72 Mixed gas flow path 74 Fuel gas supply control Means 76, 78, 80 Fuel on-off valve 82 Water supply control means 84, 86, 88 Water on-off valve 90 Double pipe member 102, 102C Controller 110 Capability value computing means 112 Blockage determining means 114 Switching signal generating means 116 Stop signal generating means 118 Operation Control Unit 162 Valve Opening Signal Generation Unit

Claims (8)

A reformer comprising: a vaporizer for vaporizing reforming water; and a reformer for steam reforming fuel gas using steam;
The reformer includes a reforming housing that defines a reforming chamber, and a reforming catalyst filled in the reforming housing, and the reforming housing includes a plurality of fuel gas and steam mixed gas flowing therein. Has an inflow section of
Corresponding to the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing, a mixed gas branch passage for feeding a mixed gas is provided in parallel, and the mixed gas passes through the opened mixed gas branch passage and the mixed gas is changed. A reforming apparatus, wherein the reformer is supplied to the reforming chamber of a mass device.   The plurality of mixed gas branch passages communicated with the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing are configured such that one of them is selectively opened, and one inflow portion of the reforming housing is closed. When the state is reached, the mixed gas branch passage connected to the inflow portion in the closed state is closed, while the other mixed gas branch passage is selected from the plurality of mixed gas branch passages. The reforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reformed apparatus is opened, and the mixed gas is supplied through the opened mixed gas branch flow path.   The plurality of mixed gas branch passages communicated with the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing are configured such that one or two or more of them are in an open state, and one or two of the reforming housings When two or more inflow portions are in a closed state, the mixed gas branch flow passage connected to the inflow portion in the closed state is kept in an open state. The reformer according to claim 1, wherein one mixed gas branch flow path is additionally opened, and the mixed gas is supplied through the open mixed gas branch flow paths.   The mixed gas branch passage for supplying the mixed gas to the reforming chamber includes a double pipe member including an inner pipe member disposed inside and an outer pipe member covering the inner pipe member, The heavy pipe member communicates with the reforming chamber of the reformer through the vaporizer, and the double pipe member constitutes a part of the mixed gas branch flow path. The reformer according to any one of the above.   The vaporizer includes a vaporization housing that defines a vaporization chamber for vaporizing water, the vaporization housing and the reforming housing are integrally formed, and correspond to the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing. The vaporization chamber of the vaporizer is partitioned into a plurality of vaporization compartments by a partition wall, and the vaporization compartment constitutes a part of the mixed gas branch flow path. A reformer according to claim 1.   The reformer and the vaporizer are disposed independently, the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing and the vaporizer are communicated with each other via a branch pipe member, and the branch pipe member is The reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reforming apparatus constitutes a part of a gas branch flow path.   The blockage detection means for detecting the blockage state in the plurality of inflow portions is provided in association with the plurality of inflow portions of the reforming housing. The reformer described.   The blockage detecting means includes a fuel pump for supplying fuel gas, a fuel flow meter for measuring a flow rate of the fuel gas supplied through the fuel gas supply channel, and a blockage state based on the capacity value of the fuel pump. The fuel pump is configured to increase the fuel gas supply amount by increasing the capacity value of the fuel pump when the flow rate measured by the fuel flow meter is smaller than a set supply flow rate. The reforming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reforming device is controlled, and the blockage determining means determines that a blockage has occurred when the capacity value of the fuel pump exceeds an abnormal capacity value.

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