JP4815140B2 - Reformer and fuel cell system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a reformer and a fuel cell system, and in particular, in a reformer installed in a horizontal direction, an unreformed reforming unit is formed by blocking a blow-through channel formed above a reforming catalyst. The present invention relates to a reformer and a fuel cell system that prevent fuel blow-through.

  A solid oxide fuel cell system (hereinafter abbreviated as SOFC (Solid Oxide FUEL CELL) system) is a cell (single cell) in which a fuel electrode and an air electrode are arranged on both sides of a solid electrolyte (stabilized zirconia). By providing an assembled stack or bundle, supplying a hydrogen-rich reformed gas and an oxidant gas such as air to the stack or bundle, and electrochemically reacting them to move oxygen ions from the air electrode to the fuel electrode Generate electricity. This SOFC system has the advantages that the operating temperature of the fuel cell is as high as about 700 to 1000 ° C., so that the power generation efficiency is high and high temperature steam can be recovered.

(Conventional example)
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a basic configuration of a solid oxide fuel cell system according to a conventional example.
In the figure, an SOFC system 100 is a solid oxide fuel cell system using petroleum-based fuel such as kerosene as a raw fuel, heating means 110 using water as steam at about 200 ° C., and kerosene at about 200 ° C. A desulfurizer 111 for desulfurization, a vaporizer 112 for mixing and vaporizing water vapor and desulfurized kerosene, and a reforming reaction of the vaporized reforming fuel at about 700 to 800 ° C. to produce a hydrogen-rich reformed gas A reformer 140 that generates an oxygen, a fuel cell 130 that electrochemically reacts an oxidizing gas such as reformed gas and air, a combustion chamber 120 that houses the reformer 140 and the fuel cell 130, and a fuel cell 130. An inverter 113 is provided for converting the generated direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reformer 140 is a box-shaped reaction vessel provided above the fuel cell 130, and the granular reforming catalyst 142 has a vent plate (not shown). It is filled in a state of being sandwiched by 141. In this way, the fuel cell 130 having an operating temperature of about 700 to 1000 ° C. can be effectively used as a heat source for the reformer 140, and energy efficiency can be improved.
The reformer 140 is generally installed in a horizontal direction, and the reforming fuel gas flows in the container in a substantially horizontal direction, so that the space of the combustion chamber 120 can be used effectively.
The fuel cell 130 includes a plurality of cells (not shown). However, the cell type (for example, a flat plate type cell or a cylindrical vertical stripe type cell), a stack of cells, a configuration of a bundle, etc. Is not particularly limited. Further, as the support plate 141, a metal plate having a large number of ventilation holes, a porous ceramic plate, or the like is used.

  By the way, since the operating temperature of the fuel cell 130 becomes a high temperature of about 700 to 1000 ° C., from the viewpoint of thermal deterioration of the constituent members, freedom of material selection, etc., the fuel cell 130 is disadvantageous. Various techniques have been proposed for cooling the water.

For example, a reformer with a thin box shape that performs steam reforming of hydrocarbon fuel gas and a cell that generates power by flowing the reformed gas along the fuel electrode are stacked. And a fuel electrode side channel forming groove that is disposed along the catalyst charging channel and forms a fuel electrode side channel together with the fuel electrode of the cell. A technology of a solid oxide fuel cell is disclosed in which an endothermic distribution due to a quality reaction and a calorific value distribution due to a power generation reaction of a cell are substantially matched (see Patent Document 1).
According to this technology, the entire cell is cooled almost uniformly without excess or deficiency, improving the reliability and durability of the cell, achieving higher output and higher efficiency, and in addition to mounting on automobiles. It is possible to cope with the downsizing that is sometimes required.
JP 2003-317785 A

  However, since the reformer 140 of the conventional example and the reformer described in Patent Document 1 are installed in a substantially horizontal direction, a gap (blow-through flow) is formed above the reforming catalyst 142 as shown in FIG. Road) 143 occurs. This gap 143 is usually generated when the reformer 140, which is closely packed with the reforming catalyst 142 in a vertically placed state, is placed horizontally. In order to prevent this, for example, even if the support plate 141 is strongly pressed toward the center side and the reforming catalyst 142 is filled more densely, the reforming catalyst 142 and the reformer 140 are operated over a long period of time. When the heat expands and contracts, a part of the reforming catalyst 142 is pulverized, and thus it is impossible to prevent the gap 143 from being generated. When this gap 143 is generated, the supplied gaseous reforming fuel flows preferentially through the gap 143 having a small flow path resistance (blows through the gap 143), and is supplied to the fuel cell 130 without being reformed. As a result, there is a problem that power generation efficiency decreases.

Further, when the raw fuel contains hydrocarbons having 2 or more carbon atoms such as petroleum-based fuel and city gas, the reforming fuel blows through the gap 143 without being reformed as described above. Then, there has been a serious problem that the fuel electrode of the cell in the fuel cell 130 is caulked and deteriorated, and the power generation efficiency is remarkably lowered.
Further, there are problems such as coking in the reforming catalyst 142 in the gap 143 and the vicinity thereof, and clogging troubles due to coking in equipment such as piping and heat exchangers provided between the reformer 140 and the fuel cell 130. there were.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above problem, and in a reformer installed in a horizontal direction, an unreformed water is formed by blocking a blow-through channel formed above a reforming catalyst. An object of the present invention is to provide a reformer and a fuel cell system that prevent blow-through of reforming fuel.

In order to achieve the above object, a reformer of the present invention is a reformer filled with a reforming catalyst that generates a reformed gas from a reforming fuel and supplies the reformed gas to a fuel cell. The reforming fuel flows from the lower side to the upper side, the reforming catalyst is densely filled, and the reforming fuel flows from the upper side to the lower side. The reforming catalyst is densely filled. And a communication channel that allows the upper channel and the lower channel to communicate with each other at the upper part or the lower part.
In this way, even if a gap is formed in the upper part of the charged reforming catalyst, the reforming fuel supplied to the reformer blows through the gap, and the unreformed reforming fuel becomes a fuel cell. It is possible to prevent problems such as being supplied to the printer.

In the reformer of the present invention, the upward flow channel, the downward flow channel, and the communication flow channel are projected upward from the lower surface in the box-shaped container, and a gap is formed between the upper surface and the upper surface. Or an upward partition plate protruding downward from the upper surface in the container and forming a gap between the lower surface and the lower surface.
If it does in this way, a structure can be simplified and it can manufacture easily by welding each partition plate to a reformer main body, for example.

Further, the reformer of the present invention has a configuration in which a plurality of the upward partition plates and the downward partition plates are alternately provided, and a plurality of the upward channel, the downward channel, and the communication channel are continuously provided. .
In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the problem that the reforming fuel blows through the gap formed in the upper part of the reforming catalyst and the unreformed reforming fuel is supplied to the fuel cell. .

Further, the reformer of the present invention has a configuration in which one or more of the upper flow path, the communication flow path, and the lower flow path are formed by a tube formed in a horizontal spiral shape.
Even if it does in this way, a structure can be simplified and it can manufacture easily, for example by bending a pipe | tube.

Further, the reformer of the present invention forms a substantially U-shaped channel member in the longitudinal section, the one side longitudinal channel of the U-shaped channel member as the upper channel, and the other side The vertical flow path is the downward flow path, and the joint portion of the two vertical flow paths is the communication flow path.
Even if it does in this way, a structure can be simplified and it can manufacture easily by joining the upper board and lower board which were press-processed or integrally molded, for example.

In the reformer of the present invention, the flow path member is connected so that the flow paths are alternately continuous in the vertical direction, and a plurality of the upper flow path, the lower flow path, and the communication flow path are provided. As a configuration.
If it does in this way, since a heat receiving area will increase by shape | molding an upper board and lower board with a substantially U-shaped longitudinal cross-section into a waveform, heat transfer efficiency can be improved.

Further, the reformer of the present invention includes a container filled with the reforming catalyst, and a partition member having a mountain-shaped cross section provided at an upper part or a lower part in the container, and the both slopes of the partition member An upper flow path and a lower flow path are formed, and the communication flow path is formed at the intersection of both slopes of the partition member.
Even if it does in this way, a structure can be simplified and it can manufacture easily, for example by manufacturing and assembling a container and a partition member separately.

To achieve the above object, a fuel cell system of the present invention is a fuel cell system including a reformer that generates reformed gas from reforming fuel and supplies the reformed gas to the fuel cell, It is set as the structure provided with the reformer described in the said Claims 1-7.
In this way, the reformer can be reduced in size and the thermal efficiency of the reformer can be improved, so that the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. it can.

In the fuel cell system of the present invention, the fuel cell is a solid oxide fuel cell system, and the reformer is arranged above and / or inside the fuel cell.
If it does in this way, since a reformer uses a fuel cell as a heat source, energy efficiency can be improved.

As described above, according to the reformer of the present invention, even when the reformer is placed horizontally and a gap is formed above the reforming catalyst, the reforming fuel supplied to the reformer is It is possible to prevent a problem that the unreformed reforming fuel is supplied to the fuel cell through the gap. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in designing the reformer can be increased, and the size of the reformer can be reduced and the thermal efficiency can be improved.
Moreover, according to the fuel cell system of the present invention, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[First embodiment of reformer]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a reformer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA. Yes.
In the figure, the reformer 4 includes a substantially rectangular container 41, supply pipes 421 and discharge pipes 422 provided on both sides of the container 41, and a plurality of upward partition plates provided inside the container 41. 413 and a downward partition plate 414, a reforming catalyst 142 filled in the container 41, and a support plate 141 for confining the reforming catalyst 142 in the container 41.
The reformer 4 is different from the conventional reformer 140 in that a plurality of upward partition plates 413 and downward partition plates 414 are provided. Other components are almost the same as those of the reformer 140. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the same components as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The container 41 is an airtight catalyst container in which a rectangular box-shaped upper container 411 without a lower plate and a rectangular box-shaped lower container 412 without an upper plate are joined. Further, the reformer 4 is provided with a support plate 141 for confining the reforming catalyst 142 in the container 41 below both side surfaces 4112 of the upper container 411.
In this embodiment, the heat-resistant metal plate is manufactured by welding. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the metal plate is pressed or a heat-resistant material such as ceramic is used. And may be manufactured by integral molding.

The upper container 411 is provided with two downward partition plates 414 protruding from the upper plate 4111 of the upper container 411 so as to divide the interior into three equal parts in a direction perpendicular to the overall flow direction of the reforming fuel. Yes. In addition, the lower container 412 includes three upward partition plates 413 that divide the space divided into three equal parts in a direction perpendicular to the overall flow direction of the reforming fuel. The lower container 412 protrudes from the lower plate 4121. The lower tip of the downward partition plate 414 does not reach the lower plate 4121 of the lower container 412, and the upper tip of the upward partition plate 413 does not reach the upper plate 4111.
Thereby, the reformer 4 includes a downward flow path 431 in which the reforming fuel flows downward from above, and an upward flow path 432 in which the reforming fuel that has flowed through the downward flow path 431 flows upward. As a result, a communication channel 433 that connects the lower channel 431 and the upper channel 432 in the lower part is formed. Further, the upward flow path 432 in which the reforming fuel flows upward from below, the downward flow path 431 in which the reforming fuel that has flowed through the upward flow path 432 flows downward, and the upward flow path 432 And the communication flow path 434 which connects the downward flow path 431 in the upper part is formed.
In this way, even if the gap 144 is formed in the upper part of the charged reforming catalyst 142, the reforming fuel supplied to the reformer 4 blows through the gap 144, and the unreformed reforming catalyst is supplied. Problems such as fuel being supplied to the fuel cell 130 can be prevented.

Further, since the reformer 4 is configured to flow the reforming fuel in a substantially horizontal direction as a whole, even when the reformer 4 is placed horizontally, unreformed reforming fuel is used as the fuel. Problems such as being supplied to the battery 130 can be prevented, the degree of freedom in designing the reformer 4 can be increased, and the reformer 4 can be reduced in size and thermal efficiency can be improved.
The reformer 4 is configured so that the reforming fuel flows as a whole in a substantially horizontal direction and linearly (from the left side to the right side), but the overall flow direction is limited to the case where it flows linearly. Instead, for example, the reforming fuel as a whole may flow in a substantially horizontal direction and in a curved manner (for example, a U shape, an arc shape, etc.). In this way, it is possible to easily cope with fuel cells 130 having various configurations, and to improve thermal efficiency.

Thus, according to the reformer 4 of the present embodiment, the upward partition plate 413 and the downward partition plate 414 are provided, and the downward flow path 431, the communication flow path 433, the upward flow path 432, and the upward direction Since the flow path 432, the communication flow path 434, and the downward flow path 431 are formed, the structure can be simplified. For example, each partition plate 413, 414 is easily manufactured by welding to the container 41. be able to.
In the present embodiment, if the flow path formed by the both side plates 4112 and the upward partition plate 413 of the upper container 411 is included, three upper flow paths 432, a communication flow path 434, a lower flow path 431, Although the two downward flow paths 431, the communication flow paths 433, and the upward flow paths 432 are alternately connected, the number of each flow path is not limited to the above number. For example, the effect of the present invention is achieved by including one or more upper flow paths 432, communication flow paths 434 and lower flow paths 431, or lower flow paths 431, communication flow paths 433, and upper flow paths 432. Can be demonstrated.

[Second embodiment of reformer]
2A and 2B are schematic views of a main part of the reformer according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A shows a top view and FIG. 2B shows a BB cross-sectional view.
In the figure, the reformer 4a is different from the first embodiment in that a tube 41a formed in a spiral shape in the horizontal direction is used instead of the container 41. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Therefore, in FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The reformer 4a has a structure in which the circular tube 41a is wound in a circular shape when viewed from the side with almost no gap, and the reforming catalyst 142 is filled therein. In this way, as shown in FIG. 5B, an upward flow path 432a in which the reforming fuel flows upward from below is formed inside the right half pipe 41a, and the left half pipe 41a A downward flow path 431a in which the reforming fuel that has flowed through the upward flow path 432a flows downward is formed inside, and a communication flow path 434a that connects the upward flow path 432a and the downward flow path 431a at the top. Is formed. The upper flow path 432a and the lower flow path 431a are densely filled with the reforming catalyst 142.
In this way, even if the gap 144 is formed in the upper part of the charged reforming catalyst 142, the reforming fuel supplied to the reformer 4a blows through the gap 144, and the unreformed reforming catalyst. Problems such as fuel being supplied to the fuel cell 130 can be prevented.

Thus, according to the reformer 4a of this embodiment, it can manufacture easily by bending the pipe | tube 41a. Moreover, since the structure is simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, when the reformer 4a is temporarily placed vertically, the reforming catalyst 142 can be filled smoothly and densely (with no vacant space generated) by gravity drop.
In this embodiment, the metal circular pipe 41a is wound six times. However, the flow paths 432a, 434a and 431a may be formed, and this structure (for example, the number of turns, material, spiral Are not limited to the diameter, the cross-sectional shape and the thickness of the tube 41a. For example, a rectangular tube may be wound in a triangular shape when viewed from the side. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which arranged the some container 41a in parallel and assembled in plate shape.

[Third embodiment of reformer]
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a reformer according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a CC cross-sectional view. Yes.
In the figure, the reformer 4b is a lower flow path in which the upper container 411b and the lower container 412b are press-formed in a substantially U shape, and the reforming fuel flows obliquely downward as compared with the first embodiment. 431b, an upper flow path 432b that flows the reforming fuel that has flown through the lower flow path 431b obliquely upward, and a communication flow path 433b that connects the lower flow path 431b and the upper flow path 432b at the lower portion. Further, an upward flow path 432b that flows the reforming fuel obliquely upward, a downward flow path 431b that flows the reforming fuel that has flowed through the upward flow path 432b diagonally downward, and an upward flow The difference is that a communication flow path 434b is provided for communicating the path 432b and the downward flow path 431b at the upper part. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Therefore, in FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The container 41b includes a rectangular flat plate, an upper container 411b in which a partition portion 414b protruding downward and a flow channel outer peripheral portion 415b protruding upward are alternately arranged three by three, and a flow channel outer periphery protruding downward on the rectangular flat plate. This is an airtight catalyst container in which lower containers 412b in which three parts 416b and three upwardly projecting partitioning parts 413b are alternately arranged are joined.
Further, the flow path outer peripheral portion 415b and the partition portion 413b are formed in a ridge shape in a direction perpendicular to the overall flow direction of the reforming fuel, and the flow passage outer peripheral portion 416b and the partition portion 414b are formed as the reforming fuel. Is formed in a groove shape in a direction perpendicular to the overall flow direction. Further, the container 41b has a structure in which the partition portion 414b is inserted in a substantially central portion of the flow path outer peripheral portion 416b, and the partition portion 413b is inserted in a substantially central portion of the flow passage outer peripheral portion 415b.

  In the reformer 4b, the above-described downward flow path 431b, the upward flow path 432b, and the communication flow path 433b are formed, and the upper flow path 432b, the downward flow path 431b, and the communication flow path 434b. Is formed. In this way, even if the gap 144 is formed in the upper part of the charged reforming catalyst 142, the reforming fuel supplied to the reformer 4b blows through the gap 144, and an unreformed reforming catalyst. Problems such as fuel being supplied to the fuel cell 130 can be prevented.

In the reformer 4b, the flow path formed by the downward flow path 431b, the upward flow path 432b, the communication flow path 433b, and the communication flow path 434b has a wave shape. When the reformer 4b is temporarily placed vertically, the reforming catalyst 142 can be filled smoothly and without a gap.
Furthermore, since the surface area of the lower container 412b is increased, the heat transfer efficiency is improved, the heat from the fuel cell 130 can be absorbed efficiently, and the thermal efficiency can be improved.

Thus, the reformer 4b of this embodiment can simplify a structure and can manufacture easily by using the upper container 411b and the lower container 412b which were shape | molded by the longitudinal cross-section U shape.
In this embodiment, the heat-resistant metal plate is press-molded and then welded. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper part is integrally formed using a heat-resistant material such as ceramic. You may manufacture by joining a container and a lower container. Moreover, the flow path outer peripheral parts 415b and 416b and the partition parts 413b and 414b should just have a substantially vertical U-shape, for example, may be a triangular roof shape.

[Fourth embodiment of reformer]
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the main part of the reformer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a DD cross-sectional view. Is shown.
In the figure, the reformer 4b is different from the first embodiment in that a partition member 452 is provided in the lower portion of the container 41 instead of providing the container 41 with an upward partition plate 413 and a downward partition plate 414. Is different. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Therefore, in FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The partition member 452 has a mountain shape in the vertical cross section, and the slant surfaces 4521 and 4522 obliquely feed the reforming fuel flowing through the upper flow path 432c and the upper flow path 432c flowing the reforming fuel diagonally upward. A downward flow path 431c that flows downward is formed, and a communication flow path 434c that connects the upward flow path 432c and the downward flow path 431c at the upper part is formed at the intersection of both slopes of the partition member 452. It is. In this way, even if the gap 144 is formed in the upper part of the charged reforming catalyst 142, the reforming fuel supplied to the reformer 4c blows through the gap 144, and the unreformed reforming catalyst is supplied. Problems such as fuel being supplied to the fuel cell 130 can be prevented.

  In addition, the partition member 452 includes triangular columns 451 and 451 having a right-angled triangular cross-section, which are housed on both upper sides of the container 41, and three rectifying plates 453 that connect the triangular columns 451 and 451. By providing the rectifying plate 453 in this manner, the overall flow of the reforming fuel can be stabilized. Further, by providing the triangular prisms 451 and 451, it is possible to prevent the reforming catalyst 142 from being filled in the corners where the reforming fuel does not pass, and the inclined surfaces 4511 and 4512 further prevent the reforming fuel from flowing. The flow can be stabilized.

  Thus, the reformer 4c of this embodiment can manufacture the partition member 452 easily by integrally forming a heat-resistant material such as ceramic. Furthermore, the partition member 452 requiring airtightness and the simple-shaped container 41 can be easily manufactured by separately manufacturing and assembling. That is, it is possible to improve durability against high temperatures and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[Solid oxide fuel cell system]
FIG. 5: has shown the schematic block diagram for demonstrating the basic composition of the solid oxide fuel cell system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.
In the figure, the SOFC system 1 is different from the conventional SOFC system 100 in that the reformer 4 (or 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is provided instead of the reformer 140. To do. Other components are the same as in the conventional example.
Therefore, in FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The SOFC system 1 is a solid oxide fuel cell system, and the reformer 4 is arranged above the fuel cell 130. If it does in this way, since the reformer 4 uses the fuel cell 130 as a heat source, energy efficiency can be improved.
The reformer 4 is not limited to the configuration provided on the upper part of the fuel cell 130. For example, when the fuel cell 130 is a flat plate cell, the reformer 4 is provided between the stacked cells or the stacks. Also good.

Thus, since the SOFC system 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the reformer 4 and improve the thermal efficiency of the reformer 4, the power generation efficiency as a fuel cell can be improved. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
In addition, kerosene, which has a distribution system established nationwide and is easy to obtain and relatively easy to handle, can be used as raw fuel. In this case, a fuel cell that is easy to use and easy to spread is provided. can do.

As described above, the reformer and the fuel cell system of the present invention have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but the reformer and the fuel cell system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, It goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
For example, the size and material of the reformers 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are not particularly limited, and the type of fuel cell used is not limited. Furthermore, the raw fuel is not limited to liquid hydrocarbons such as kerosene, but can also be applied to gaseous fuels containing a small amount of hydrocarbons having 2 or more carbon atoms, such as city gas.

  In addition, the reformer of the present invention may be configured by combining the elements of the reformers 4, 4a, 4b, and 4c of the above embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a container 41d including an upper container 411d provided with a downwardly-partitioned partition plate 414d provided obliquely downward and a lower container 412d formed in a substantially vertical U-shape is provided, The reformer 4d may be formed with the upper flow path 432d, the lower flow path 431d, and the communication flow path 434d. In this way, the structure is greatly simplified, and the region of the reforming catalyst 142 through which the reforming fuel does not pass can be reduced by effectively utilizing the horizontal flow velocity component. 142 can be used effectively.

  As described above, the reformer and the fuel cell system of the present invention are widely and effectively applied to fuel cells (including cells, stacks or bundles) of various configurations that have already been developed or will be developed in the future. be able to.

It is the schematic of the reformer which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) has shown AA sectional drawing. It is the schematic of the principal part of the reformer which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) has shown BB sectional drawing. It is the schematic of the reformer which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) has shown CC sectional drawing. It is the schematic of the reformer which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) has shown DD sectional drawing. 1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a basic configuration of a solid oxide fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic of the reformer which concerns on the application example of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) has shown EE sectional drawing. The schematic block diagram for demonstrating the fundamental structure of the solid oxide fuel cell system which concerns on a prior art example is shown. The schematic sectional drawing of the principal part for demonstrating the structure of the combustion chamber inside of the solid oxide fuel cell system which concerns on a prior art example is shown. The schematic sectional drawing of the principal part for demonstrating the malfunction state of the reformer of the solid oxide fuel cell system which concerns on a prior art example is shown.

Explanation of symbols

1,100 SOFC system 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d reformer 41, 41b, 41d vessel 41a pipe 110 heating means 111 desulfurizer 112 vaporizer 113 inverter 120 combustion chamber 130 fuel cell 140 reformer 141 support plate 142 Reforming catalyst 143 gap (blow-through channel)
144 Gap 411, 411b, 411d Upper container 412, 412b, 412d Lower container 413 Upper partition plate 413b Partition part 414, 414d Downward partition plate 414b Partition part 415b Channel outer peripheral part 416b Channel outer peripheral part 421 Supply pipe 422 Discharge pipe 431, 431a, 431b, 431c, 431d Downward flow path 432, 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d Upward flow path 433, 433b Communication flow path 434, 434a, 434b, 434c, 434d Communication flow path 451 Triangular pole 452 Partition member 453 Rectifier plate 4111 Upper plate 4112 Side plate 4121 Lower plate 4511, 4512, 4521, 4522 Slope

Claims (3)

In a reformer that uses a reforming catalyst as a reformed gas by a reforming catalyst and supplies the reformed gas
A container of the reformer is formed by a circular tube formed in a horizontal spiral shape, and the reforming catalyst in which the reforming fuel flows from the lower side to the upper side is densely disposed on one side half of the left and right positions of the circular tube. Forming an upward flow path filled with
Formed in the other half of the left and right positions of the circular pipe is a downward flow path in which the reforming catalyst flows densely from above to flow downward.
Furthermore, the reformer characterized by forming the communication flow path which connects the said upper direction flow path and the said lower direction flow path in the upper part and the lower part of the said circular pipe .   A fuel cell system comprising a reformer that generates reformed gas from a reforming fuel and supplies the reformed gas to a fuel cell, comprising the reformer according to claim 1. A featured fuel cell system.   3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the fuel cell system is a solid oxide fuel cell system, and the reformer is disposed on and / or inside the fuel cell. .

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