JP2023115761A - gas supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of using ammonia adsorbed to an adsorbent.SOLUTION: A gas supply system can execute a first desorption step of desorbing ammonia adsorbed to an adsorbent in a first vessel. The first desorption step includes, in a state in which ammonia is adsorbed to the adsorbent in the first vessel, heating gas in the first vessel by a first heater, suctioning the gas in the first vessel into a raw material gas passage through a first suction passage and an ejector by supplying the raw material gas to a reformer through the raw material gas passage, and supplying the suctioned gas together with the raw material gas to the reformer through the raw material gas passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to gas supply systems.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gas supply system. The gas supply system of Patent Literature 1 includes a reformer that reforms a source gas to generate a reformed gas, and a source gas passage that supplies the source gas to the reformer. Moreover, the gas supply system of Patent Document 1 includes an adsorber having an adsorbent that adsorbs ammonia contained in the reformed gas generated by the reformer.

Japanese Patent No. 6772888

The gas supply system of Patent Literature 1 cannot use the ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent. Therefore, the present specification provides a technology that can utilize ammonia adsorbed by an adsorbent.

The gas supply system disclosed in the present specification includes a reformer that reforms a source gas to generate a reformed gas, a source gas passage that supplies the source gas to the reformer, and a source gas passage that includes an ejector provided; a first adsorber including a first container containing an adsorbent that adsorbs ammonia contained in gas; and a first suction passage connected to the first container and the ejector. and a first heater for heating the gas in the first container. The gas supply system can perform a first desorption step of desorbing ammonia adsorbed on the adsorbent in the first container. In the first desorption step, the gas in the first container is heated by the first heater in a state where ammonia is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first container, and the gas is passed through the source gas passage. By supplying the raw material gas to the reformer, the gas in the first container is sucked into the raw material gas passage through the first suction passage and the ejector, and the sucked gas is passed through the raw material gas passage together with the raw material gas. Feed to the reformer.

According to this configuration, the gas in the first container is heated by the first heater and the gas in the first container is sucked into the first suction passage by the ejector, thereby adsorbing the gas in the adsorbent in the first container. The ammonia contained in the gas can be desorbed and supplied to the reformer. Therefore, the ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent can be used.

The gas supply system may further include a fuel cell that generates power using fuel gas derived from the reformed gas produced by the reformer.

According to this configuration, the fuel gas derived from the reformed gas using the ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent can be supplied to the fuel cell. Thereby, a large amount of fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel cell, and power generation of the fuel cell can be promoted.

The gas supply system is connected to the reformer and the first container, and includes a first reformed gas passage for supplying reformed gas generated by the reformer to the first container; A first on-off valve that opens and closes the reformed gas passage and a second on-off valve that opens and closes the first suction passage may be further provided. The gas supply system may be capable of executing a first adsorption step of adsorbing ammonia contained in the reformed gas generated by the reformer onto an adsorbent in the first container. In the first adsorption step, in a state in which the first on-off valve is open and the second on-off valve is closed, the source gas is supplied to the reformer through the source gas passage, and the A reformed gas generated by a reformer may be supplied into the first container through the first reformed gas passage. When the first adsorption step is executed after the first desorption step, the second on-off valve is closed while the first on-off valve is closed, and then the second on-off valve is closed. The first adsorption step may be performed after opening the first on-off valve in a closed state.

According to this configuration, when switching from the first desorption process to the first adsorption process, the reformed gas supplied into the first container through the first reformed gas passage is sucked into the ejector through the first suction passage. can be suppressed.

The gas supply system is connected to a second adsorber comprising a second container containing an adsorbent that adsorbs ammonia contained in the gas, the reformer and the second container, and the reformer and a second reformed gas passage for supplying the reformed gas generated by the second container to the second container. The gas supply system may be capable of executing a second adsorption step of adsorbing ammonia contained in the reformed gas produced by the reformer onto an adsorbent in the second container. In the second adsorption step, by supplying the source gas to the reformer through the source gas passage, the gas sucked into the source gas passage in the first desorption step is passed through the source gas passage together with the source gas. The reformed gas may be supplied to the reformer and the reformed gas generated by the reformer may be fed into the second container through the second reformed gas passage.

According to this configuration, the second adsorption step can be performed simultaneously with the first desorption step. Ammonia adsorbed on the adsorbent in the first container can be desorbed by supplying the reformed gas into the second container.

The gas supply system is connected to the first container and the second container, and supplies the gas after ammonia is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the second container in the second adsorption step into the first container. and a supply communication passage.

According to this configuration, the ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first container can be desorbed by the gas supplied from the second container to the first container. Thereby, the time required for desorption in the first adsorber can be shortened.

The gas supply system may be provided in the communication passage, and may further include an adjustment valve for adjusting the flow rate of the gas supplied from the second container to the first container.

According to this configuration, it is possible to adjust the progress rate of desorption of ammonia in the first adsorber. For example, by increasing the opening of the regulating valve, the rate of progress of desorption of ammonia can be increased, and by decreasing the degree of opening of the regulating valve, the rate of progress of desorption of ammonia can be slowed down. can.

The gas supply system may further include a first pressure detector that detects the pressure inside the first container, a second pressure detector that detects the pressure inside the second container, and a controller. . The control section may control the degree of opening of the adjustment valve based on a difference between the pressure detected by the second pressure detection section and the pressure detected by the first pressure detection section.

According to this configuration, the gas in the first container and the second container can be maintained in good condition.

The figure which shows typically the gas supply system of an Example. Sectional drawing of the ejector of an Example. The figure which shows typically the 1st state of the gas supply system of an Example. The figure which shows typically the 2nd state of the gas supply system of an Example. The figure which shows typically the 3rd state of the gas supply system of an Example. The figure which shows typically the 4th state of the gas supply system of an Example. The figure which shows control of the opening degree of the regulating valve of an Example. The figure which shows typically the gas supply system of a modification.

A gas supply system 2 of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the gas supply system 2 of the embodiment includes a raw material tank 10, an ejector 70, a reformer 12, a first adsorber 14, a second adsorber 16, a fuel cell 18, and a control device 100 (an example of a control unit).

The raw material tank 10 stores raw material gas (for example, ammonia gas, hydrocarbon gas (town gas such as methane gas), formic acid gas, hydrazine gas, methylcyclohexane gas, etc.). A raw material gas passage 60 through which raw material gas flows is connected to the raw material tank 10 . The raw material gas passage 60 has an upstream end connected to the raw material tank 10 and a downstream end connected to the reformer 12 . The raw material gas passage 60 supplies the raw material gas from the raw material tank 10 to the reformer 12 . The raw material gas in the raw material tank 10 is pressure-fed to the reformer 12 through the raw material gas passage 60 by the pressure inside the raw material tank 10 . In a modification, a pump for pumping the raw material gas may be provided in the raw material gas passage 60 .

An ejector 70 is provided in the source gas passage 60 . The source gas passage 60 includes a first source gas passage 601 on the upstream side of the ejector 70 and a second source gas passage 602 on the downstream side of the ejector 70 .

A downstream end of a common suction passage 64 to be described later is connected to the ejector 70 . The upstream end of the common suction passage 64 is connected to a first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 and a second container 162 of the second adsorber 16, which will be described later. The ejector 70 is configured to suck the gas in the common suction passage 64 by the negative pressure generated by the flow of the source gas in the source gas passage 60 . The ejector 70 can suck the gas in the first container 142 or the gas in the second container 162 into the source gas passage 60 through the common suction passage 64 . The gas sucked by the ejector 70 is supplied to the reformer 12 through the source gas passage 60 together with the source gas.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example ejector 70 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the ejector 70 includes a source gas inlet 80 , a suction port 82 , a throttle portion 84 and a source gas outlet 86 . A downstream end of the first source gas passage 601 is connected to the source gas inlet 80 . A raw material gas is introduced into the ejector 70 from the first raw material gas passage 601 through the raw material gas inlet 80 . A downstream end of the common suction passage 64 is connected to the suction port 82 . Gas is sucked into the ejector 70 from the common suction passage 64 through the suction port 82 . The upstream end of the second source gas passage 602 is connected to the source gas outlet 86 . The raw material gas is discharged from the ejector 70 to the second raw material gas passage 602 through the raw material gas outlet 86 .

A throttle portion 84 of the ejector 70 is provided between the source gas inlet 80 and the source gas outlet 86 . The passage area of the constricted portion 84 is narrower than the passage areas on the upstream and downstream sides of the constricted portion 84 . The throttle portion 84 is a portion that increases the flow velocity of the source gas passing through the ejector 70 .

The ejector 70 is configured to reduce the pressure in the common suction passage 64 connected to the ejector 70 by the flow of the raw material gas passing through the throttle portion 84 . The raw material gas that has passed through the narrowed portion 84 is discharged from the raw material gas outlet 86 into the second raw material gas passage 602 together with the gas sucked from the suction port 82 . In this way, the ejector 70 is an instrument capable of generating a reduced pressure state by the venturi effect and sucking fluid (gas). Since the principle of ejector 70 is well known, further detailed description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the second source gas passage 602 is connected to the reformer 12 . The reformer 12 generates a reformed gas by reforming a raw material gas (for example, ammonia gas) supplied through the raw material gas passage 60 (the first raw gas passage 601 and the second raw gas passage 602). The catalyst used for reforming the raw material gas in the reformer 12 is, for example, copper, nickel, ruthenium, or the like. The reformed gas produced by the reformer 12 contains hydrogen. In addition, this reformed gas contains ammonia as a by-product of reforming and undecomposed ammonia.

The reformer 12 is connected to the upstream end of a common reformed gas passage 62 through which the reformed gas flows. The downstream side of the common reformed gas passage 62 branches into a first reformed gas passage 621 and a second reformed gas passage 622 . A downstream end of the first reformed gas passage 621 is connected to the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 . A downstream end of the second reformed gas passage 622 is connected to the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16 . The common reformed gas passage 62 and the first reformed gas passage 621 supply the reformed gas produced in the reformer 12 into the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 . The common reformed gas passage 62 and the second reformed gas passage 622 supply the reformed gas produced in the reformer 12 into the second vessel 162 of the second adsorber 16 .

A first on-off valve 31 is provided in the first reformed gas passage 621 . The first on-off valve 31 opens and closes the first reformed gas passage 621 . When the first on-off valve 31 opens, the reformed gas can be supplied to the first adsorber 14 through the first reformed gas passage 621 . When the first on-off valve 31 closes, the reformed gas is no longer supplied from the reformer 12 to the first adsorber 14 .

A third on-off valve 33 is provided in the second reformed gas passage 622 (the second on-off valve 32 will be described later). The third on-off valve 33 opens and closes the second reformed gas passage 622 . When the third on-off valve 33 opens, the reformed gas can be supplied to the second adsorber 16 through the second reformed gas passage 622 . When the third on-off valve 33 is closed, no reformed gas is supplied from the reformer 12 to the second adsorber 16 .

The first adsorber 14 will be explained. The first adsorber 14 includes a first container 142 and an adsorbent F contained within the first container 142 . The adsorbent F is, for example, activated carbon, zeolite, MOF (Metal Organic Framework), or the like. Adsorbent F is filled in the first container 142 . The adsorbent F adsorbs ammonia contained in the reformed gas introduced from the first reformed gas passage 621 into the first container 142 . The first adsorber 14 generates fuel gas by adsorbing the ammonia contained in the reformed gas with the adsorbent F.

The gas supply system 2 further includes a first heater 72 that heats the gas inside the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 . The first heater 72 is arranged, for example, around the first adsorber 14 . Alternatively, the first heater 72 may be located within the first vessel 142 of the first adsorber 14 . The first heater 72 is, for example, of an electric or gas configuration. For example, the first heater 72 may be an electric heater that generates heat when energized. Also, the first heater 72 may be a gas burner that heats the object to be heated by combustion heat of gas. Alternatively, first heater 72 may be a heat exchanger. In the gas supply system 2, when the gas in the first container 142 is heated by the first heater 72, the gas expands and increases in volume. For example, the volume of gas in first container 142 increases approximately 160 times due to heating.

A first pressure sensor 50 (an example of a first pressure detection unit) is provided in the first container 142 of the first adsorption device 14 . The first pressure sensor 50 detects the pressure inside the first container 142 . Information on the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 50 is transmitted to the control device 100 .

An upstream end of a first suction passage 641 is connected to the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 . The downstream side of the first suction passage 641 merges with a second suction passage 642 to be described later to form a common suction passage 64 . A downstream end of the common suction passage 64 is connected to an ejector 70 provided in the source gas passage 60 . When the source gas flows through the source gas passage 60 , the ejector 70 causes the gas in the first container 142 to be sucked into the source gas passage 60 through the first suction passage 641 and the common suction passage 64 .

A second on-off valve 32 is provided in the first suction passage 641 . The second on-off valve 32 opens and closes the first suction passage 641 . When the second on-off valve 32 opens, the gas in the first container 142 is allowed to flow through the first suction passage 641, and when the second on-off valve 32 closes, the gas in the first container 142 is first sucked. Passage 641 becomes unflowable.

In addition to the first suction passage 641 , the upstream end of a first fuel gas passage 661 through which fuel gas flows is connected to the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 . The downstream side of the first fuel gas passage 661 merges with a second fuel gas passage 662 described later to form a common fuel gas passage 66 . A downstream end of the common fuel gas passage 66 is connected to the fuel cell 18 . The first fuel gas passage 661 and the common fuel gas passage 66 supply the fuel gas produced by the first adsorber 14 to the fuel cell 18 .

A fifth on-off valve 40 is provided in the first fuel gas passage 661 . The fifth on-off valve 40 opens and closes the first fuel gas passage 661 . When the fifth on-off valve 40 opens, the fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 18 through the first fuel gas passage 661 . When the fifth on-off valve 40 is closed, fuel gas is no longer supplied from the first adsorber 14 to the fuel cell 18 .

Next, the second adsorber 16 will be explained. The second adsorber 16 comprises a second container 162 and an adsorbent F contained within the second container 162 . The adsorbent F is, for example, activated carbon, zeolite, MOF (Metal Organic Framework), or the like. Adsorbent F is filled in the second container 162 . The adsorbent F adsorbs ammonia contained in the reformed gas introduced from the second reformed gas passage 622 into the second container 162 . The second adsorber 16 generates fuel gas by adsorbing the ammonia contained in the reformed gas with the adsorbent F.

The gas supply system 2 further comprises a second heater 74 that heats the gas inside the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16 . The second heater 74 is arranged, for example, around the second adsorber 16 . Alternatively, a second heater 74 may be located within the second vessel 162 of the second adsorber 16 . The second heater 74 is, for example, of an electric or gas configuration. For example, the second heater 74 may be an electric heater that generates heat when energized. Also, the second heater 74 may be a gas burner that heats the object to be heated by combustion heat of gas. Alternatively, the second heater 74 may be a heat exchanger. In the gas supply system 2, when the gas in the second container 162 is heated by the second heater 74, the gas expands and increases in volume. For example, the volume of gas in the second container 162 increases approximately 160 times due to heating.

A second pressure sensor 52 (an example of a second pressure detection unit) is provided in the second container 162 of the second adsorption device 16 . A second pressure sensor 52 detects the pressure inside the second container 162 . Information on the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 52 is transmitted to the control device 100 .

Also, the upstream end of the second suction passage 642 is connected to the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16 . The downstream side of the second suction passage 642 merges with the first suction passage 641 to form a common suction passage 64 . A downstream end of the common suction passage 64 is connected to an ejector 70 provided in the source gas passage 60 . When the source gas flows through the source gas passage 60 , the ejector 70 causes the gas in the second container 162 to be sucked into the source gas passage 60 through the second suction passage 642 and the common suction passage 64 .

A fourth on-off valve 34 is provided in the second suction passage 642 . The fourth on-off valve 34 opens and closes the second suction passage 642 . When the fourth on-off valve 34 opens, the gas in the second container 162 is allowed to flow through the second suction passage 642, and when the fourth on-off valve 34 closes, the gas in the second container 162 is allowed to flow through the second suction passage. Passage 642 becomes unflowable.

In addition to the second suction passage 642 , the upstream end of a second fuel gas passage 662 through which fuel gas flows is connected to the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16 . The downstream side of the second fuel gas passage 662 merges with the first fuel gas passage 661 to form a common fuel gas passage 66 . A downstream end of the common fuel gas passage 66 is connected to the fuel cell 18 . The second fuel gas passage 662 and the common fuel gas passage 66 supply fuel gas produced in the second adsorber 16 to the fuel cell 18 .

A sixth on-off valve 42 is provided in the second fuel gas passage 662 . The sixth on-off valve 42 opens and closes the second fuel gas passage 662 . When the sixth on-off valve 42 opens, the fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 18 through the second fuel gas passage 662 . When the sixth on-off valve 42 is closed, fuel gas is no longer supplied from the second adsorber 16 to the fuel cell 18 .

The gas supply system 2 further includes a communication passage 20 connected to the first fuel gas passage 661 and the second fuel gas passage 662 , and a regulating valve 44 provided in the communication passage 20 . One end of the communication passage 20 is connected to the first fuel gas passage 661 on the upstream side (first adsorber 14 side) of the fifth on-off valve 40 . The communication passage 20 is connected to the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 via the first fuel gas passage 661 . The other end of the communication passage 20 is connected to a second fuel gas passage 662 on the upstream side (second adsorber 16 side) of the sixth on-off valve 42 . The communication passage 20 is connected to the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16 via a second fuel gas passage 662 . The adjustment valve 44 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the gas flowing through the communication passage 20 by adjusting the degree of opening of the adjustment valve 44 .

Next, the fuel cell 18 will be explained. In addition to the common fuel gas passage 66 , an air passage 69 through which air flows is connected to the fuel cell 18 . The air passage 69 has an upstream end connected to an air supply source (not shown) and a downstream end connected to the fuel cell 18 . Air is supplied from an air supply source to the fuel cell 18 through an air passage 69 . Note that the upstream end of the air passage 69 may be open to the outside air.

The fuel cell 18 generates electricity using fuel gas supplied through the common fuel gas passage 66 and air supplied through the air passage 69 . The fuel cell 18 includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells (not shown) stacked inside a container. Generate electricity. The battery cell is, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), but is not limited to these. In the fuel cell 18 that generates power using fuel gas, unreacted fuel gas is discharged as exhaust gas during power generation.

An exhaust gas passage 68 through which exhaust gas flows is connected to the fuel cell 18 . The exhaust gas passage 68 has an upstream end connected to the fuel cell 18 and a downstream end connected to a discharge destination (not shown). Exhaust gas is discharged from the fuel cell 18 to the discharge destination through the exhaust gas passage 68 . The discharge destination may be, for example, the reformer 12, the first adsorber 14, the second adsorber 16, or the like.

The control device 100 includes, for example, a CPU and memory (both not shown), and executes various controls and processes related to the gas supply system 2 according to programs stored in the memory.

Next, operation of the gas supply system 2 will be described. For the sake of convenience, the first state shown in FIG. 3 will be described below as the initial state.

(First state; FIG. 3)
In the first state of the gas supply system 2, as shown in FIG. 3, the first on-off valve 31 is closed, the second on-off valve 32 is open, and the third on-off valve 33 is open. , and the fourth on-off valve 34 is closed. Also, the fifth on-off valve 40 is closed, and the sixth on-off valve 42 is open. The opening degree of the regulating valve 44 can be controlled. Furthermore, in the first state, the first heater 72 is operating and the second heater 74 is off. Further, in the first state, ammonia is adsorbed by the adsorbent F of the first adsorber 14 .

In the first state, the first desorption step is performed in the first adsorber 14 . Specifically, in the first state, the first heater 72 heats the gas in the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14, thereby expanding the gas in the first container 142. As shown in FIG. When the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer 12 through the raw material gas passage 60 in this state, the expanded gas in the first container 142 is ejected into the first suction passage 641 by the action of the ejector 70 provided in the raw material gas passage 60 . and the common suction passage 64 into the source gas passage 60 . At this time, the ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent F of the first adsorber 14 is desorbed into the gas inside the first container 142 . As a result, the ammonia-containing gas desorbed from the adsorbent F is sucked into the source gas passage 60 . The gas containing ammonia desorbed from the adsorbent F is supplied to the reformer 12 together with the raw material gas through the raw material gas passage 60 .

Also, in the first state, the second adsorption step is performed in the second adsorption device 16 . Specifically, in the first state, when the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer 12 through the raw material gas passage 60, the raw material gas is reformed in the reformer 12 to generate the reformed gas. The reformed gas produced in the reformer 12 is supplied to the second adsorber 16 through the common reformed gas passage 62 and the second reformed gas passage 622 . The reformed gas produced by the reformer 12 contains ammonia. Ammonia contained in the reformed gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent F of the second adsorber 16 .

In the second adsorber 16, the ammonia contained in the reformed gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent F to generate fuel gas. The fuel gas of the example is the gas after ammonia has been removed from the reformed gas. The fuel gas generated in the second adsorber 16 is supplied to the fuel cell 18 through the second fuel gas passage 662 and the common fuel gas passage 66. The fuel cell 18 generates power using fuel gas supplied through the common fuel gas passage 66 . Part of the fuel gas flowing through the second fuel gas passage 662 is supplied into the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 through the communication passage 20 and the first fuel gas passage 661 .

(Second state; FIG. 4)
Next, the second state will be explained. As shown in FIG. 4, in the second state, the first on-off valve 31 is closed, the second on-off valve 32 is closed, the third on-off valve 33 is open, and the fourth on-off valve 33 is open. The on-off valve 34 is closed. Also, the fifth on-off valve 40 is closed, and the sixth on-off valve 42 is open. The opening degree of the regulating valve 44 can be controlled. Furthermore, in the second state, the first heater 72 is stopped and the second heater 74 is stopped.

In the gas supply system 2, the controller 100 closes the second on-off valve 32 and turns off the first heater 72, thereby shifting from the first state to the second state. In the second state, the gas in the first vessel 142 of the first adsorber 14 is cooled by stopping the first heater 72 . Also, in the second state, the second adsorption step is performed in the second adsorption device 16 . The second adsorption step in the second adsorber 16 is as described above.

(Third state; FIG. 5)
Next, the third state will be explained. As shown in FIG. 5, in the third state, the first on-off valve 31 is open, the second on-off valve 32 is closed, the third on-off valve 33 is open, and the fourth on-off valve 33 is open. The on-off valve 34 is closed. Also, the fifth on-off valve 40 is open, and the sixth on-off valve 42 is open. The opening degree of the regulating valve 44 can be controlled. Furthermore, in the third state, the first heater 72 is stopped and the second heater 74 is stopped. In the gas supply system 2, the control device 100 opens the first on-off valve 31 and the fifth on-off valve 40, thereby shifting from the second state to the third state.

In the third state, the first adsorption step is performed in the first adsorption device 14 and the second adsorption step is performed in the second adsorption device 16 . Specifically, in the third state, when the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer 12 through the raw material gas passage 60, the raw material gas is reformed in the reformer 12 to generate the reformed gas. The reformed gas produced in the reformer 12 is supplied to the first adsorber 14 through the common reformed gas passage 62 and the first reformed gas passage 621 . The reformed gas produced by the reformer 12 contains ammonia. Ammonia contained in the reformed gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent F of the first adsorber 14 .

In the first adsorber 14, the ammonia contained in the reformed gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent F to generate fuel gas. The fuel gas of the example is the gas after ammonia has been removed from the reformed gas. The fuel gas generated by the first adsorber 14 is supplied to the fuel cell 18 through the first fuel gas passage 661 and the common fuel gas passage 66 . The fuel cell 18 generates power using fuel gas supplied through the common fuel gas passage 66 . The second adsorption step in the second adsorption device 16 is as described above.

In the third state, reformed gas is supplied to first adsorber 14 and second adsorber 16 . Also, the fuel gas generated by the first adsorber 14 and the second adsorber 16 is supplied to the fuel cell 18 . Thereby, in the third state, the pressure in the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 and the pressure in the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16 are substantially the same.

(Fourth state; FIG. 6)
Next, the fourth state will be explained. As shown in FIG. 6, in the fourth state, the first on-off valve 31 is open, the second on-off valve 32 is closed, the third on-off valve 33 is closed, and the fourth The on-off valve 34 is open. Also, the fifth on-off valve 40 is open, and the sixth on-off valve 42 is closed. The opening degree of the regulating valve 44 can be controlled. Furthermore, in the fourth state, the first heater 72 is stopped and the second heater 74 is in operation. In the gas supply system 2, the control device 100 closes the third on-off valve 33, closes the sixth on-off valve 42, and starts the second heater 74, thereby shifting from the third state to the fourth state. do.

In the fourth state, the first adsorption step is performed in the first adsorber 14 . The first adsorption step in the first adsorption device 14 is as described above. In the fourth state, part of the fuel gas flowing through the first fuel gas passage 661 is supplied into the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16 through the communication passage 20 and the second fuel gas passage 662 .

Also, in the fourth state, the second desorption step is performed in the second adsorber 16 . Specifically, in the fourth state, the second heater 74 heats the gas in the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16, causing the gas in the second container 162 to expand. When the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer 12 through the raw material gas passage 60 in this state, the expanded gas in the second container 162 is ejected into the second suction passage 642 by the action of the ejector 70 provided in the raw material gas passage 60 . and the common suction passage 64 into the source gas passage 60 . At this time, the ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent F of the second adsorber 16 is desorbed into the gas inside the second container 162 . As a result, the ammonia-containing gas desorbed from the adsorbent F is sucked into the source gas passage 60 . The gas containing ammonia desorbed from the adsorbent F is supplied to the reformer 12 together with the raw material gas through the raw material gas passage 60 .

(4th state to 1st state)
When the state of the gas supply system 2 is changed from the fourth state to the first state, the control device 100 performs control opposite to the above control. That is, when the control device 100 shifts from the fourth state to the first state, the first on-off valve 31, the second on-off valve 32, the fifth on-off valve 40, and the first heater associated with the first adsorber 14 72, the controls described for the third on-off valve 33, fourth on-off valve 34, sixth on-off valve 42, and second heater 74 associated with the second adsorber 16 are executed. Conversely, when transitioning from the fourth state to the first state, the control device 100 controls the third on-off valve 33 , the fourth on-off valve 34 , the sixth on-off valve 42 , the For the second heater 74, the control described for the first on-off valve 31, the second on-off valve 32, the fifth on-off valve 40, and the first heater 72 associated with the first adsorber 14 is executed.

(effect)
The gas supply system 2 of the embodiment has been described above. As is clear from the above description, the gas supply system 2 includes the ejector 70 provided in the source gas passage 60 and the first suction passage connected to the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 and the ejector 70 . 641 and a first heater 72 that heats the gas in the first container 142 . The gas supply system 2 can perform a first desorption step of desorbing ammonia adsorbed on the adsorbent F in the first container 142 . In the first desorption step, the gas in the first container 142 is heated by the first heater 72 in a state where the adsorbent F in the first container 142 has adsorbed ammonia, and the gas is reformed through the source gas passage 60 . A material gas is supplied to the qualityr 12 . As a result, the gas in the first container 142 is sucked into the source gas passage 60 by the action of the ejector 70, and the sucked gas is supplied to the reformer 12 together with the source gas.

According to this configuration, the gas in the first container 142 is heated by the first heater 72 and the gas in the first container 142 is sucked into the source gas passage 60 by the ejector 70 . Ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent F can be desorbed and supplied to the reformer 12 . Therefore, the ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent F can be used.

The gas supply system 2 also includes a fuel cell 18 that generates power using the fuel gas derived from the reformed gas produced by the reformer 12 . According to this configuration, the fuel gas derived from the reformed gas using the ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent F can be supplied to the fuel cell 18 . Thereby, a large amount of fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 18, and power generation of the fuel cell 18 can be promoted.

The gas supply system 2 also includes a first reformed gas passage 621 that supplies the reformed gas generated by the reformer 12 to the first container 142, and a first on-off valve that opens and closes the first reformed gas passage 621. 31 and a second on-off valve 32 for opening and closing the first suction passage 641 . The gas supply system 2 can perform a first adsorption step in which the adsorbent F in the first container 142 adsorbs ammonia contained in the reformed gas produced by the reformer 12 . In the first adsorption step, the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer 12 through the raw material gas passage 60 while the first opening/closing valve 31 is open and the second opening/closing valve 32 is closed. Thereby, the reformed gas generated by the reformer 12 is supplied into the first container 142 through the first reformed gas passage 621 . In the gas supply system 2, when executing the first adsorption step after the first desorption step, the second on-off valve 32 is closed while the first on-off valve 31 is closed, and then the second After opening the first on-off valve 31 while the on-off valve 32 is closed, the adsorption step is executed (see FIGS. 3 to 5). According to this configuration, the reformed gas supplied into the first container 142 through the first reformed gas passage 621 is supplied to the ejector 70 through the first suction passage 641 when switching from the first desorption step to the first adsorption step. Absorption can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to prevent the reformed gas from flowing back.

The gas supply system 2 also includes a first adsorber 14 and a second adsorber 16 . The gas supply system 2 is capable of executing a second adsorption step of causing the adsorbent F of the second adsorber 16 to adsorb ammonia contained in the reformed gas produced by the reformer 12 . In the second adsorption step, by supplying the source gas to the reformer 12 through the source gas passage 60, the gas sucked into the source gas passage 60 in the first desorption step of the first adsorber 14 is reformed together with the source gas. It is supplied to the qualityr 12 . Also, the reformed gas generated by the reformer 12 is supplied into the second container 162 through the second reformed gas passage 622 . According to this configuration, the first desorption step and the second adsorption step can be performed simultaneously. Ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent F in the first container 142 can be desorbed by supplying the reformed gas into the second container 162 . In addition, fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 18 via the second adsorber 16 even when the first adsorber 14 is in the first desorption step. Therefore, fuel gas can be continuously supplied to the fuel cell 18 .

The gas supply system 2 also includes a communication passage 20 that supplies the gas after ammonia has been adsorbed by the adsorbent F in the second container 162 into the first container 142 . According to this configuration, ammonia adsorbed by the adsorbent F in the first container 142 can be desorbed by the gas supplied from the second container 162 to the first container 142 . Thereby, the time required for desorption in the first adsorber 14 can be shortened.

The gas supply system 2 also includes a regulating valve 44 provided in the communication passage 20 . The adjustment valve 44 adjusts the flow rate of gas supplied from the second container 162 to the first container 142 . According to this configuration, the rate of progress of desorption of ammonia in the first adsorber 14 can be adjusted. For example, by increasing the opening of the regulating valve 44, the rate of progress of desorption of ammonia can be increased, and by decreasing the degree of opening of the regulating valve 44, the progress of desorption of ammonia is slowed down. be able to.

(correspondence relationship)
A combination of the first suction passage 641 and the common suction passage 64 is an example of the "first suction passage". A combination of the common reformed gas passage 62 and the first reformed gas passage 621 is an example of the "first reformed gas passage". A combination of the common reformed gas passage 62 and the second reformed gas passage 622 is an example of a "second reformed gas passage".

(Modification)
(1) In some embodiments, in the first state of the gas supply system 2 (see FIG. 3), the control device 100 controls the detection pressure P2 of the second pressure sensor 52 and the detection pressure P1 of the first pressure sensor 50 The opening of the regulating valve 44 may be controlled based on the difference (P2-P1). The control device 100 may control the opening degree of the regulating valve 44 based on the relationship between the pressure difference (P2-P1) and a predetermined reference value Pt.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing control of the opening degree of the regulating valve 44 of the embodiment. The control device 100 may perform the control of case 1 and the control of case 2 shown in FIG. In Case 1, when the pressure difference (P2-P1) is equal to or greater than the reference value Pt, the control device 100 increases the opening of the regulating valve 44 (that is, moves the regulating valve 44 to the opening side). Further, when the pressure difference (P2-P1) is less than the reference value Pt, the control device 100 reduces the degree of opening of the regulating valve 44 (that is, moves the regulating valve 44 to the closing side).

In case 2, when the pressure difference (P2-P1) is equal to or greater than the reference value Pt, the control device 100 reduces the opening of the regulating valve 44 (that is, moves the regulating valve 44 to the closing side). When the pressure difference (P2-P1) is less than the reference value Pt, the control device 100 increases the opening of the regulating valve 44 (that is, moves the regulating valve 44 to the opening side).

According to the above configuration, by controlling the opening degree of the regulating valve 44 based on the pressure difference (P2-P1), the gas conditions in the first container 142 and the second container 162 can be maintained in good condition. can be done. For example, according to Case 1, by increasing the opening degree of the regulating valve 44, it is possible to suppress the pressure in the second container 162 from becoming too high in the second adsorption step. Also, by reducing the opening degree of the regulating valve 44, the pressure in the second container 162 in the second adsorption step and the pressure in the first container 142 in the first desorption step can be suppressed from approaching each other. can be done.

Further, according to Case 2, by reducing the opening degree of the regulating valve 44, it is possible to suppress excessive flow of gas from the second container 162 into the first container 142. FIG. Further, by increasing the opening degree of the regulating valve 44, it is possible to prevent the inflow of gas from the second container 162 to the first container 142 from becoming too small.

(2) In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the communication passage 20 and the regulating valve 44 may be omitted. In this configuration, the control device 100 may control the opening degrees of the fifth on-off valve 40 and the sixth on-off valve 42 .

In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, when the first desorption process and the second adsorption process are being performed simultaneously (the first state; see FIG. 3), the fifth on-off valve 40 is opened so that the second fuel is A portion of the fuel gas flowing through the gas passage 662 is supplied through the first fuel gas passage 661 into the first container 142 of the first adsorber 14 .

In the first state (see FIG. 3), the controller 100 controls the degree of opening of the fifth on-off valve 40, so that the fuel gas flows too much into the first container 142 through the first fuel gas passage 661, causing the fuel cell to fail. To prevent the amount of fuel gas supplied to 18 from becoming too low.

In addition, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, when the first adsorption step and the second desorption step are performed simultaneously (fourth state; see FIG. 6), the sixth on-off valve 42 is opened to A part of the fuel gas flowing through the first fuel gas passage 661 is supplied into the second container 162 of the second adsorber 16 through the second fuel gas passage 662 .

In the fourth state (see FIG. 6), the controller 100 controls the degree of opening of the sixth on-off valve 42 so that too much fuel gas flows into the second container 162 through the second fuel gas passage 662, causing the fuel cell to fail. To prevent the amount of fuel gas supplied to 18 from becoming too low.

In addition, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the controller 100 controls the degree of opening of the fifth on-off valve 40 in the second state (see FIG. 4) to prevent the pressure in the first container 142 from becoming too high. may

(correspondence relationship)
In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the combination of the first fuel gas passage 661 and the first fuel gas passage 661 is an example of the "communication passage."

(3) Each valve 31, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 44 may be opened and closed automatically or manually. The configuration for opening and closing each valve 31, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 44 is not particularly limited.

(4) The common reformed gas passage 62 may be separated into the first reformed gas passage 621 and the second reformed gas passage 622 . The common suction passage 64 may be separated into a first suction passage 641 and a second suction passage 642 . The common fuel gas passage 66 may be separated into a first fuel gas passage 661 and a second fuel gas passage 662 .

(5) The distinction between "first" and "second" in the above description is for convenience and can be replaced with each other.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or in the drawings exhibit technical utility either singly or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques exemplified in this specification or drawings can simultaneously achieve a plurality of purposes, and achieving one of them has technical utility in itself.

2: gas supply system, 10: raw material tank, 12: reformer, 14: first adsorber, 16: second adsorber, 18: fuel cell, 20: communication passage, 31: first on-off valve, 32: Second on-off valve 33: Third on-off valve 34: Fourth on-off valve 40: Fifth on-off valve 42: Sixth on-off valve 44: Regulating valve 50: First pressure sensor 52: Second pressure sensor, 60: source gas passage, 62: common reformed gas passage, 64: common suction passage, 66: common fuel gas passage, 68: exhaust gas passage, 69: air passage, 70: ejector, 72: first heater, 74: Second heater, 80: Source gas inlet, 82: Suction port, 84: Throttle, 86: Source gas outlet, 100: Control device, 142: First container, 162: Second container, 601: First Source gas passage 602: Second source gas passage 621: First reformed gas passage 622: Second reformed gas passage 641: First suction passage 642: Second suction passage 661: First fuel gas Passage, 662: second fuel gas passage, F: adsorbent

Claims (7)

a reformer for generating a reformed gas by reforming the raw material gas;
a source gas passage for supplying source gas to the reformer;
an ejector provided in the source gas passage;
a first adsorber comprising a first container containing an adsorbent that adsorbs ammonia contained in the gas;
a first suction passage connected to the first container and the ejector;
and a first heater that heats the gas in the first container,
It is possible to execute a first desorption step of desorbing ammonia adsorbed on the adsorbent in the first container,
In the first desorption step, the gas in the first container is heated by the first heater in a state where ammonia is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first container, and the gas is passed through the source gas passage. By supplying the raw material gas to the reformer, the gas in the first container is sucked into the raw material gas passage through the first suction passage and the ejector, and the sucked gas is passed through the raw material gas passage together with the raw material gas. A gas supply system that supplies the reformer. The gas supply system according to claim 1,
A gas supply system, further comprising a fuel cell that generates power using a fuel gas derived from the reformed gas produced by the reformer. The gas supply system according to claim 1 or 2,
a first reformed gas passage connected to the reformer and the first container for supplying the reformed gas generated by the reformer to the first container;
a first on-off valve that opens and closes the first reformed gas passage;
a second on-off valve that opens and closes the first suction passage,
capable of executing a first adsorption step of adsorbing ammonia contained in the reformed gas generated by the reformer to an adsorbent in the first container,
In the first adsorption step, in a state in which the first on-off valve is open and the second on-off valve is closed, the source gas is supplied to the reformer through the source gas passage, and the supplying the reformed gas generated by the reformer into the first container through the first reformed gas passage;
When the first adsorption step is executed after the first desorption step, the second on-off valve is closed while the first on-off valve is closed, and then the second on-off valve is closed. The gas supply system, wherein the first adsorption step is executed after opening the first on-off valve in a closed state. The gas supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
a second adsorber comprising a second container containing an adsorbent that adsorbs ammonia contained in the gas;
a second reformed gas passage connected to the reformer and the second container for supplying the reformed gas generated by the reformer to the second container;
A second adsorption step of adsorbing ammonia contained in the reformed gas generated by the reformer onto an adsorbent in the second container,
In the second adsorption step, by supplying the source gas to the reformer through the source gas passage, the gas sucked into the source gas passage in the first desorption step is passed through the source gas passage together with the source gas. A gas supply system supplying the reformer and supplying the reformed gas generated by the reformer into the second container through the second reformed gas passage. The gas supply system according to claim 4,
a communication passage connected to the first container and the second container for supplying gas after ammonia has been adsorbed by the adsorbent in the second container in the second adsorption step into the first container; Further comprising a gas supply system. The gas supply system according to claim 5,
A gas supply system, further comprising a regulating valve provided in the communication passage for adjusting the flow rate of the gas supplied from the second container to the first container. The gas supply system according to claim 6,
a first pressure detection unit that detects the pressure in the first container;
a second pressure detection unit that detects the pressure in the second container;
and a control unit,
The gas supply system, wherein the control section controls the opening of the adjustment valve based on the difference between the pressure detected by the second pressure detection section and the pressure detected by the first pressure detection section.

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