JP5132205B2 - Fuel cell device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device that generates power using condensed water generated by heat exchange between exhaust gas and water generated by power generation of a fuel cell.

  In recent years, as a next-generation energy, a fuel cell capable of obtaining electric power using hydrogen gas and an oxygen-containing gas (usually air) and auxiliary equipment for operating the fuel cell are provided in an outer case. Various fuel cell devices that are housed and their operating methods have been proposed.

  Here, a steam reforming method is known as one of the methods for generating hydrogen necessary for power generation of a fuel cell, and a fuel cell device using this steam reforming generates fuel gas (hydrogen gas). Reformers, water treatment devices that produce pure water by processing water (such as tap water) supplied from outside, water tanks for temporarily storing the treated water (pure water), and water treatment It is known to include a water supply pipe or the like for connecting the apparatus, a water tank, and a reformer.

There is also known a fuel cell device that includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between exhaust gas generated by power generation of the fuel cell and water, and supplies condensed water generated by the heat exchange to the reformer (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-179386 A

  In the fuel cell device using steam reforming as described above, when supplying condensed water generated by heat exchange to the reformer, condensation is performed to suppress (prevent) the failure of the reformer and the deterioration of the reforming catalyst. Water is supplied to the reformer after being treated by condensed water treatment means (device) such as ion exchange resin (after being made pure water).

  By the way, the condensed water treatment means such as ion exchange resin deteriorates with the frequency of use, and therefore requires maintenance such as replacement periodically.

  However, it is difficult to control the amount of condensed water generated by heat exchange, and the generation (supply) of condensed water is continuously performed. Therefore, when the condensed water treatment means is deteriorated, the condensed water treatment means is replaced. The operation of the fuel cell device may be stopped to suppress (prevent) the leakage of condensed water or the supply of condensed water that has not been treated by the condensed water treatment means to the reformer. There was also a problem that work efficiency in maintenance of the processing means was poor.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device capable of improving the work efficiency of maintenance such as replacement of condensed water treatment means.

  A fuel cell device according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell, a reformer that performs steam reforming to generate reformed gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, and exhaust gas and water generated by power generation of the fuel cell. A heat exchanger for exchanging, a condensed water tank for storing condensed water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger, a condensed water recovery pipe for collecting the condensed water in the condensed water tank, and the condensed water A condensed water treatment means for treating the condensed water stored in the tank, a conductivity sensor for measuring the purity of the condensed water after being treated by the condensed water treatment means, and the condensed water tank. Provided in the condensed water supply pipe for supplying the condensed water treated by the condensed water treatment means to the reformer, and in the heat exchanger or the condensed water recovery pipe, and processed by the condensed water treatment means Condensate for draining the condensed water before Control for controlling the condensed water draining means to drain the condensed water before being treated by the condensed water processing means when the water means and the conductivity sensor indicate conductivity outside a predetermined set range. And a device.

  In such a fuel cell device, a conductivity sensor is provided for measuring the purity of the condensed water after being treated by the condensed water treatment means, and the condensation after the conductivity sensor is treated by the condensed water treatment means. When the water conductivity shows a value outside the predetermined setting range, the condensed water before being treated by the condensed water treatment means is removed by the condensed water drainage means provided in the heat exchanger or the condensed water recovery pipe. Since the controller for controlling the drainage is provided, the condensed water flowing from the heat exchanger toward the condensed water tank can be drained.

  Thereby, in the maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means, it is possible to suppress the supply of the condensed water toward the condensed water tank, so that the work efficiency of the maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means can be improved. .

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, it is preferable that the condensed water draining means is a three-way valve and is provided in the condensed water recovery pipe.

  In such a fuel cell device, by providing a three-way valve as a condensed water draining means in the condensed water recovery pipe, the conductivity of the condensed water after the conductivity sensor is processed by the condensed water processing means is determined in advance. If the value is outside the set range, the condensate flowing from the heat exchanger toward the condensate tank can be drained by controlling the three-way valve to drain the condensate flowing through the condensate recovery pipe. it can.

  Thereby, in maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means, it is possible to suppress the supply of condensed water to the condensed water tank, so that the work efficiency of maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means can be improved.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the control device drains the condensate stored in the condensate tank when the conductivity sensor indicates a conductivity outside a predetermined setting range. It is preferable to control the three-way valve.

  In such a fuel cell device, when the conductivity sensor shows a value outside a predetermined setting range, the condensate stored in the condensate tank is controlled to drain from the three-way valve, The water stored in the condensed water tank can be drained from the three-way valve via the condensed water recovery pipe.

  Here, when the conductivity sensor shows a value outside the predetermined set range, water containing impurities (water with low purity) is stored in the condensed water tank. Therefore, when the conductivity sensor shows a value outside the predetermined setting range, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank is drained from the three-way valve, so that maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means is performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensed water having a low purity from being supplied to the reformer, and to prevent the reformer from being damaged.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the condensed water treatment means is preferably an ion exchange resin.

  In such a fuel cell device, the condensed water can be treated into pure water by using the condensed water treatment means as an ion exchange resin. Thereby, the amount of condensed water required by the reformer can be treated into pure water.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a water treatment device including an ion exchange resin device for treating water supplied from the outside, and a water tank for storing water treated by the water treatment device. And the control device controls to supply the water stored in the water tank to the reformer when the conductivity sensor indicates a conductivity outside a predetermined set range. It is preferable to do.

  In such a fuel cell device, the control device is a water treatment device including an ion exchange resin device for supplying water supplied from the outside when the conductivity sensor indicates a value outside a predetermined set range. Since the treated water is controlled so as to be supplied to the reformer, the water supplied to the reformer is suppressed from being depleted and the reformer is prevented from being broken (prevented). be able to.

  As a result, during maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means, water can be continuously supplied to the reformer, so that maintenance of the condensed water treatment means is performed without stopping the operation of the fuel cell device. be able to.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the control device may perform partial oxidation reforming on the reforming reaction in the reformer when the conductivity sensor indicates a conductivity outside a predetermined setting range. It is preferable to control to switch to

  In such a fuel cell device, the control device changes the reforming reaction in the reformer from steam reforming to partial oxidation reforming when the conductivity sensor shows a value outside a predetermined set range. Since the switching control is performed, the reforming reaction can be continuously performed in the reformer even during maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means, and the condensed water is not stopped without stopping the operation of the fuel cell device. Maintenance of the processing means can be performed.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention is a fuel cell device that supplies condensed water generated by heat exchange between exhaust gas and water generated by power generation of a fuel cell to a reformer, and the condensed water after being processed by the condensed water processing means. When the conductivity sensor detects that the conductivity of the water is outside the predetermined setting range, the control device controls to drain the condensed water before being treated by the condensed water treatment means by the condensed water draining means. Thus, the work efficiency of maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means can be improved.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fuel cell device of the present invention. The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a power generation unit that generates power, a hot water storage unit that stores hot water after heat exchange, and a circulation pipe that circulates water between these units.

  The fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a fuel cell 1, a reformed gas supply means 2 that supplies a gas to be reformed such as natural gas and kerosene, and an oxygen-containing gas supply for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell 1. Means 3 is provided with a reformer 4 for steam reforming with a gas to be reformed and steam.

  Further, in the fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a heat exchanger 13 that performs heat exchange between exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by power generation of the fuel cell 1 and water, and a condensate that stores condensed water generated by the heat exchange. A condensed water recovery pipe 21 is provided for recovering (supplying) the condensed water generated in the water tank 19 and the heat exchanger 13 to the condensed water tank 19, and the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is modified. It is supplied to the mass device 4.

  On the other hand, when the amount of condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is small or when the purity of condensed water after being treated by the condensed water treatment means is low, water supplied from the outside (such as tap water) is used. It is preferable to treat it with pure water and supply it to the reformer 4. In FIG. 1, a water treatment device X is provided as means for treating the water supplied from the outside into pure water.

  Here, the water treatment device X includes an activated carbon filter device 7 for purifying water, a reverse osmosis membrane device 8 (hereinafter referred to as RO membrane device), and an ion exchange resin device for converting purified water into pure water. 9 devices are provided. The pure water generated by the ion exchange resin device 9 is stored in the water tank 10. In addition, in FIG. 1, the example in the case of using together and using the water supplied from the outside, such as condensed water and tap water, is shown, and the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 are a condensed water supply pipe | tube (tank connection). Tube) 20. In addition, when supplying only condensed water to the reformer 4, it is also possible to connect the condensed water tank 19 and the reformer 4 via a water pump.

  Further, in the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 1, a water supply pipe 5 that connects the activated carbon filter device 7, the RO membrane device 8, the ion exchange resin device 9, and the water tank 10 in this order is provided. 5 is provided with a water supply valve 6 for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the water supply pipe 5. In FIG. 1, the means for supplying water to the reformer 4 is shown surrounded by a one-dot chain line.

  Further, a power conditioner 12 for switching the DC power generated by the fuel cell 1 to AC power and supplying it to an external load, water provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger 13 (circulation water flow) flowing through the outlet of the heat exchanger 13 ) Includes an outlet water temperature sensor 15 for measuring the water temperature, a circulation pump 16 for circulating water, and a control device 14 for controlling the operation of the circulation pump 16 to constitute a power generation unit. The control device 14 will be described later.

  The hot water storage unit includes a hot water storage tank 18 for storing hot water after heat exchange.

  Furthermore, a circulation pipe 17 for circulating water between the heat exchanger 13 and the hot water storage tank 18 is provided, and the fuel cell device of the present invention is configured by combining the power generation unit, the hot water storage unit, and the circulation pipe 17. The

  In FIG. 1, the condensed water recovery pipe 21 is provided with a condensed water draining means 22 for draining condensed water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 13 and processed by the condensed water processing means. The condensed water draining means 22 will be described later.

  The arrows in the figure indicate the flow directions of fuel, oxygen-containing gas, and water, and the broken lines indicate main signal paths transmitted to the control device 14 or main signals transmitted from the control device 14. Signal paths are shown. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and so on. Although not shown, it is also possible to provide a reformed gas humidifier for humidifying the reformed gas between the reformed gas supply means 2 and the reformer 4.

  Various fuel cells are known as the fuel cell 1, but a solid oxide fuel cell can be used to reduce the size of the fuel cell. Thereby, in addition to the fuel cell, auxiliary machinery necessary for the operation of the fuel cell can be reduced in size, and the fuel cell device can be reduced in size. At the same time, it is possible to perform a load following operation that follows a fluctuating load required for a household fuel cell.

  As described above, the fuel cell device of the present invention is useful in a fuel cell device that performs steam reforming. In particular, a reformer 4 for performing steam reforming is disposed above the fuel cell 1, for example. This is optimal in a solid oxide fuel cell in which fuel that has not been used in the fuel cell 1 is burned to heat the reformer 4.

  Here, the operation method of the fuel cell apparatus of the present invention will be described using the fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG.

  The exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is mainly used to increase or maintain the temperature of the fuel cell 1 and then supplied from the fuel cell 1 to the heat exchanger 13. In the heat exchanger 13, heat exchange is performed between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 and the water that flows (circulates) through the heat exchanger 13 (water that flows through the circulation pipe 17). The heat-exchanged water (hot water) is circulated through the circulation pipe 17 and stored in the hot water storage tank 18.

  On the other hand, the condensed water generated by heat exchange flows through the condensed water recovery pipe 21 and is stored in the condensed water tank 19. The condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is processed by condensed water treatment means (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in the condensed water tank 19 and then condensed water supply pipe 20 (tank connecting pipe). And is supplied to the water tank 10. The water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4 by the water pump 11 according to the amount of water required by the reformer 4. In the case where only the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is supplied to the reformer 4, the condensed water supply pipe 20 (tank connecting pipe) may be connected to the water pump 11.

  In the reformer 4, steam reforming is performed by the water supplied by the water pump 11 and the gas to be reformed supplied from the gas to be reformed supply means 2. The reformed gas (fuel gas) generated in the reformer 4 is supplied to the fuel cell 1 and reacts with the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 to generate power in the fuel cell 1. It is. The electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is supplied to an external load through the power conditioner 12.

  On the other hand, when supplying water (tap water or the like) supplied from the outside to the reformer 4, the water supply valve 6 is opened, and the water supplied from the outside through the water supply pipe 5 is activated carbon filter device. 7 is supplied with water. The water treated by the activated carbon filter device 7 is subsequently supplied to the RO membrane device 8. The water treated by the RO membrane device 8 is subsequently supplied and treated to the ion exchange resin device 9 to produce pure water. The pure water produced in the ion exchange resin device 9 is supplied to the water tank 10 and the condensed water is supplied to the reformer 4 according to the amount of water required in the reformer 4. The water pump 11 supplies the reformer 4 with the water.

  By the way, by using condensed water preferentially as the water supplied to the reformer 4, the amount of water supplied from the outside such as tap water can be reduced, and the running cost of the fuel cell device can be reduced. Can be reduced. At that time, the condensate supplied to the reformer 4 is treated with pure water by a condensate treatment means or the like in order to suppress (prevent) the occurrence of a failure or the like in the reformer 4, and then the reformer 4 It is preferable to supply to.

  In addition, since the condensed water treatment means deteriorates with use, maintenance such as replacement is necessary. However, it is difficult to control the amount of condensed water generated by heat exchange. Therefore, when exchanging the condensed water treatment means, condensed water that has not been treated by the condensed water treatment means is supplied to the reformer 4, so that the reformer 4 fails or the condensed water leaks during the exchange. In order to suppress (prevent) the above, there are cases where maintenance such as replacement is performed after the operation of the fuel cell device 1 is stopped, and in that case, there is a problem that work efficiency is poor.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device capable of improving the work efficiency of maintenance such as replacement of condensed water treatment means, which will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing extracted respective members when supplying condensed water to the reformer in the fuel cell device of the present invention.

  The condensed water generated when heat is exchanged by the heat exchanger 13 flows through the condensed water supply pipe 21 and is stored in the condensed water tank 19. The condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is processed into pure water by the condensed water processing means 23 provided in the condensed water tank 19 and then supplied to the reformer 4.

  Here, the condensed water generated when heat is exchanged in the heat exchanger 13 flows through the condensed water recovery pipe 21 and is continuously recovered (supplied) to the condensed water tank 19. Therefore, if the condensed water tank 19 is removed during the replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23, the water flowing through the condensed water recovery pipe 21 may continue to leak. Further, when the condensed water treatment means 23 is provided in the condensed water tank 19 and the condensed water treatment means 23 is removed, the condensed water that has not been treated by the condensed water treatment means 23 is stored in the condensed water tank 19, Condensed water that has not been treated by the condensed water treatment means 23 is supplied to the reformer 4, and the reformer 4 may be damaged.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the conductivity sensor 24 for measuring the conductivity of the condensed water treated by the condensed water treatment means 23 is provided in the condensed water tank 19, and the conductivity sensor 24 is predetermined. Condensed water draining means for draining the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is provided so that condensed water is not supplied to the condensed water tank 19 when a value outside the range is indicated.

  Here, FIG. 2 shows an example in which the condensed water draining means is provided in the heat exchanger 13, and the case where the condensed water draining means is provided in the heat exchanger 13 will be described below.

  The condensed water tank 19 is provided with a conductivity sensor 24 for measuring the purity of the condensed water after being treated by the condensed water treatment means. The condensed water recovery pipe 21 is provided with a condensed water recovery pipe solenoid valve 25 (hereinafter referred to as a recovery pipe electromagnetic valve 25), and the heat exchanger 13 is a heat exchanger drain pipe for draining condensed water. 26 and a heat exchanger drain pipe solenoid valve 27 (hereinafter referred to as a heat exchanger solenoid valve 27). The condensed water recovery pipe 21 and the heat exchanger drain pipe 26 can be connected to the gas-liquid separation member while providing a gas-liquid separation member at the lower part of the heat exchanger 13.

  In this figure, an example in which the conductivity sensor 24 is provided in the condensed water tank 19 is shown. However, for example, the conductivity sensor is connected to the condensed water supply pipe 20 connecting the condensed water tank 19 and the reformer 4. 24 can also be provided.

  Here, the conductivity of the condensed water (hereinafter referred to as post-processed condensed water) processed by the condensed water processing means 23 is measured by the conductivity sensor 24, and the information is transmitted to the control device 14. The control device 14 determines that the condensate treatment means 23 has not deteriorated when the conductivity of the treated condensate is within a predetermined setting range, and controls the recovery pipe solenoid valve 25 to open. The control signal to be transmitted is transmitted to the recovery pipe electromagnetic valve 25, and the control signal for controlling the heat exchanger electromagnetic valve 27 to be closed is transmitted to the heat exchanger electromagnetic valve 27. Thereby, the condensed water is continuously supplied to the condensed water tank 19.

  On the other hand, when the electrical conductivity of the treated condensed water shows a value outside the predetermined setting range, it can be determined that the condensed water treatment means 23 has deteriorated. At that time, the control device 14 transmits a control signal for controlling the recovery pipe electromagnetic valve 25 to be closed so that the condensed water treatment means 23 can be easily exchanged, and the heat exchanger. A control signal for controlling the solenoid valve 27 to open is transmitted to the heat exchanger solenoid valve 27.

  Thereby, when the electrical conductivity of the condensed water after treatment shows a value outside the predetermined setting range, the condensed water generated by the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 13 is converted into the heat exchanger drain pipe 26. It will be drained more and will not be supplied to the condensed water tank 19.

  Therefore, in the replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23, the condensed water is not supplied to the condensed water tank 19, so that the condensed water tank 19 can be removed and replaced, and maintenance work such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 is performed. Efficiency can be improved.

  In the configuration in which the condensed water drainage means is provided in the heat exchanger 13, the condensed water treatment means 23 can be provided in the condensed water recovery pipe 21 (between the condensed water tank 19 and the recovery pipe electromagnetic valve 25).

  Further, after the replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 is completed, it is preferable to supply condensed water generated by heat exchange to the condensed water tank 19. Therefore, for example, by providing a maintenance completion switch or the like in the fuel cell device and pressing the switch when the maintenance is completed, the condensed water generated by heat exchange can be supplied to the condensed water tank 19.

  Specifically, when a maintenance completion switch is pressed, information on maintenance completion is transmitted to the control device 14. Subsequently, the control device 14 transmits a control signal for controlling the recovery pipe electromagnetic valve 25 to open to the recovery pipe electromagnetic valve 25, and transmits a control signal for controlling the heat exchanger electromagnetic valve 27 to be closed. Transmit to valve 27. Thereby, after the maintenance of the condensed water treatment means 23 is completed, condensed water generated by heat exchange can be supplied to the condensed water tank 19.

  Further, a contact-type sensor for detecting the connection between the condensed water tank 19 and the condensed water recovery pipe 21 and the connection between the condensed water tank 19 and the condensed water supply pipe 20 is provided. When contact with each pipe is detected, it is possible to control so that condensed water generated by heat exchange is supplied to the condensed water tank 19. Further, when the condensed water treatment means 23 is provided in the condensed water tank 19, a storage container for storing the condensed water treatment means 23 is provided and whether or not the storage container is installed in the condensed water tank 19 is detected. If the sensor detects the installation of the storage container, the condensate generated by heat exchange can be controlled to be supplied to the condensate tank 19.

  In addition, as the condensed water processing means 23, what can be made into pure water by processing condensed water can be used. However, when the condensed water treatment means 23 is provided in the condensed water tank 19 or in replacement of the condensed water processing means 23. In consideration of easiness, efficiency of treatment of condensed water, etc., an ion exchange resin (hereinafter, the condensed water treatment means will be described as an ion exchange resin and may be abbreviated as an ion exchange resin 23). Preferably, for example, a spherical ion exchange resin 23 can be used. The ion exchange resin 23 can be appropriately provided depending on the purity of the condensed water, the size of the condensed water tank 19, the size of the ion exchange resin 23, and the like.

  FIG. 3 shows the control of the three-way valve 22 when the three-way valve 22 is provided as the condensed water draining means 22 in the condensed water recovery pipe 21 as shown in FIG.

  In the case where the three-way valve 22 is used as the condensed water draining means, the control device 14 controls the three-way valve 22 based on the value of the conductivity of the treated condensed water transmitted by the conductivity sensor 24.

  Here, FIG. 3A shows a case where the conductivity of the condensed water after treatment is within a predetermined setting range. In this case, the control device 14 performs heat exchange in the heat exchanger 13. The three-way valve 22 is controlled so that the generated condensed water flows into the condensed water tank 19.

  On the other hand, when the conductivity of the condensed water after treatment is outside the predetermined setting range, the control device 14 performs heat exchange in the heat exchanger 13 as shown in FIG. The three-way valve 22 is controlled so that the condensed water that is generated and processed by the condensed water processing means 23 flows to the drain side. In addition, it is preferable to connect the drainage pipe for draining condensed water to the drainage side of the three-way valve 22.

  Thereby, since condensed water is not supplied to the condensed water tank 19, when removing the condensed water tank 19 and replacing | exchanging, it can suppress (prevent) that condensed water leaks, such as replacement | exchange of the condensed water processing means 23, etc. Maintenance work efficiency can be improved.

  By the way, for example, when the condensate treatment means 23 is filled in a mesh-like storage container (case) and the case is disposed in the condensate water tank 19, or the condensate treatment means 23 is disposed directly in the condensate water tank 19. When the condensate after treatment shows a conductivity outside the predetermined setting range, the storage container is pulled out of the condensate tank 19 and the condensate treatment means 23 filled in the storage container is replaced. Alternatively, the condensed water treatment means 23 may be taken out from the condensed water tank 19 and replaced, and it is not necessary to remove the condensed water tank 19 and work efficiency in maintenance of the condensed water treatment means 23 can be improved.

  However, in this case, since condensed water with low purity remains stored in the condensed water tank 19, the condensed water with low purity is supplied to the reformer 4, and the reformer 4 may be damaged. is there.

  Therefore, in the fuel cell device that stores the storage container filled with the condensed water treatment means 23 in the condensed water tank 19 and the fuel cell device that directly arranges the condensed water treatment means 23 in the condensed water tank 19, When the conductivity of the water is outside the predetermined setting range, it is more preferable to drain the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 together with the replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23.

  FIGS. 3C and 3D show the control of the three-way valve 22 when the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is drained in this way. In FIG. In the case of draining the stored condensed water, in (d), the condensed water before being processed by the condensed water processing means 23 flowing through the condensed water recovery pipe 21 toward the condensed water tank 19 and the condensed water tank 19 are stored. This shows a case where the condensed water is drained at the same time.

  By controlling the three-way valve 22 in this way, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 can be drained through the condensed water recovery pipe 21, so that condensed water having low purity is supplied to the reformer 4. Supplying can be suppressed (prevented). Therefore, the work efficiency of maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 can be improved, and the reformer 4 can be suppressed (prevented) from being damaged.

  In maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23, it is preferable to control the three-way valve 22 so that condensed water generated by heat exchange is supplied to the condensed water tank 19 after the maintenance is completed, as described above. Then, when maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 is completed, the control device 14 controls the three-way valve 22 (controlled to the state of FIG. 3A), and the condensed water generated by heat exchange is condensed water. It is preferable to be supplied to the tank 19.

  In the configuration in which the condensed water draining means 22 is provided in the condensed water recovery pipe 21, the condensed water treatment means 23 can be provided in the condensed water recovery pipe 21 (between the water tank 19 and the condensed water draining means 23). .

  FIG. 4 shows a case where the condensed water draining means 23 is provided in the condensed water tank 19. In FIG. 4, one end of the condensed water recovery pipe is connected to the lower end side of the condensed water tank 19, and an ion exchange resin is provided at a portion surrounded by a partition member 28 provided vertically in the condensed water tank 19. 23 is filled. Further, an overflow drain pipe 29 is provided in the upper part of the condensed water tank 19, and the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank as the condensed water draining means 22 is drained on the bottom surface of the condensed water tank 19. A condensed water tank drain pipe 30 and a condensed water tank drain pipe solenoid valve 31 (hereinafter referred to as a tank solenoid valve 31) are provided. A conductivity sensor 24 is provided on the upper side of the condensed water tank 19.

  When the condensed water tank drain pipe 30 is used as the condensed water draining means 22, the control device 14 uses a tank solenoid valve based on the conductivity information of the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 transmitted by the conductivity sensor 24. 31 is controlled.

  Here, in the condensed water tank 19 shown in FIG. 4, condensed water is supplied from the bottom surface side of the condensed water tank 19, and the condensed water is treated by the condensed water treatment means 23 as the water level of the condensed water tank 19 rises. Is done. Therefore, when the value of the conductivity sensor 24 provided on the upper side of the condensed water tank 19 shows a value outside the predetermined setting range, the condensed water treatment means 23 may be deteriorated. I understand.

  Therefore, when the value of the conductivity sensor 24 indicates a value outside the predetermined setting range, the control device 14 performs control to open the tank electromagnetic valve 31. Thereby, the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 can be drained, the work efficiency of maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 is improved, and the condensed water with low purity is supplied to the reformer 4. It is possible to suppress (prevent) the occurrence of a failure and to suppress (prevent) the occurrence of a failure or the like in the reformer 4.

  In order to further suppress the supply of condensed water having low purity to the reformer 4, the condensed water tank drain pipe 30 is preferably connected to the bottom surface of the condensed water tank 19. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the condensed water tank 19 may be a bottom surface that is inclined toward the connection portion of the condensed water tank drain pipe 30 so that the condensed water can easily flow through the condensed water tank drain pipe 30.

  Further, in the case where the condensed water drain means is provided in the condensed water tank 19, the condensed water is continuously supplied to the condensed water tank 19, so that the condensed water tank is determined from the amount of condensed water supplied to the condensed water tank 19. It is preferable to appropriately adjust the size of the condensed water tank drain pipe 30 so that the amount of condensed water drained from the drain pipe 30 is increased.

  By the way, when the conductivity sensor 24 indicates a value outside the predetermined setting range and the condensed water treatment means 23 is replaced, the reforming is performed from the condensed water tank 19 while the condensed water treatment means 23 is being replaced. It becomes difficult to supply condensed water to the vessel 4.

Therefore, the water treatment apparatus X having a ion exchange resin device 9 for treating water supplied from the external, as well as and a water tank 10 for holding water that has been treated with the water treatment device X When the conductivity sensor 24 shows a value outside the predetermined setting range, it is preferable to control so that the water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4.

  Specifically, when the value of the conductivity sensor 24 indicates a value outside the predetermined set range, the condensate drainage means 22 is controlled and the water supply valve 6 is controlled to open, It is preferable to control the water supplied from the outside to 10.

  In FIG. 1, the condensed water tank 19 and the water tank 10 are connected by a condensed water supply pipe 20 (tank connecting pipe) so that the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is supplied to the water tank 10. An example is shown in which water (condensed water) is supplied from the water tank 10 to the reformer 4 via the water pump 11. Thereby, in supplying the water of the condensed water tank 19 and the water supplied from the outside to the reformer 4, the water pump 11 can be shared, and the fuel cell device can be made compact.

  Further, when the water tank 10 and the condensed water tank 19 are arranged without being connected, a water supply pipe for supplying water from the water tank 10 to the reformer 4, and the reformer from the condensed water tank 19. 4 is provided with a condensed water supply pipe for supplying condensed water, an electromagnetic valve is provided in the water supply pipe and the condensed water supply pipe, or the water pump 11 is connected to the water pump 11 after connecting the water supply pipe and the condensed water supply pipe. By connecting and providing a three-way valve at the connection between the water supply pipe and the condensed water supply pipe, the reformer 4 can be supplied with condensed water or water supplied from the outside. At that time, the control device 14 preferably controls the electromagnetic valve and the three-way valve based on the value of the conductivity sensor 24.

  Thereby, it is possible to suppress the water supplied to the reformer 4 from being depleted, to suppress (prevent) the occurrence of a failure or the like in the reformer 4, and to stop the operation of the fuel cell device. And maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 can be performed. As described above, after the maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 is completed, it is preferable that the control device 14 performs control so that condensed water is preferentially supplied to the reformer 4.

  Further, when the conductivity sensor 24 shows a value outside the predetermined setting range, the reforming reaction in the reformer 4 can be controlled to be switched from steam reforming to partial oxidation reforming.

  Specifically, for example, the control device 14 controls the water pump 11 to stop when the conductivity sensor 24 indicates a value outside a predetermined setting range, and also converts the oxygen-containing gas into the reformer 4. Control to supply to. In this case, oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell 1 can be used in combination.

  Even in this case, it is possible to suppress (prevent) the occurrence of a failure or the like in the reformer 4, and to perform maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 without stopping the operation of the fuel cell device. Can do. After maintenance such as replacement of the condensed water treatment means 23 is completed, the reforming reaction in the reformer 4 is switched from partial oxidation reforming to steam reforming, and the condensation processed by the condensed water treatment means 23 is performed. It is preferable to control to supply water to the reformer 4.

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

  For example, the condensed water drainage means can be provided in a plurality of heat exchangers, condensed water recovery pipes and condensed water tanks. Thereby, the work efficiency in the maintenance of the condensed water treatment means 23 can be further improved.

  In addition, the condensed water treatment means 23 is provided in the condensed water supply pipe 20, and the conductivity sensor 24 is provided between the condensed water treatment means 23 and the reformer 4 in the condensed water supply pipe 20. it can.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which extracts and shows a part of structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention at the time of providing a condensed water drainage means in a heat exchanger. It is a block diagram which extracts and shows a part of structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention in the case of using a three-way valve as a condensed water drainage means, (a) is a three-way valve in the case of supplying condensed water to a condensed water tank. (B) is a three-way valve for draining the condensed water before being treated by the condensed water treatment means, (c) is a three-way valve for draining the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank, (d ) Shows a three-way valve when draining the condensed water before being treated by the condensed water treatment means and the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank. It is a block diagram showing an excerpt of the configuration of a fuel cell device provided with a condensed water draining means in the condensed water tank.

Explanation of symbols

1: Fuel cell 4: Reformer 10: Water tank 13: Heat exchanger 14: Controller 19: Condensed water tank 21: Condensed water recovery pipe 22: Condensed water draining means 23: Condensed water treatment means 24: Conductivity sensor 25: Solenoid valve for condensed water recovery pipe 26: Heat exchanger drain pipe 27: Solenoid valve for heat exchanger drain pipe 28: Partition member 30: Condensed water tank drain pipe 31: Solenoid water tank drain pipe solenoid valve X: Water treatment device

Claims (6)

A fuel cell, a reformer that performs steam reforming to generate reformed gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell and water, A condensed water tank for storing condensed water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger, a condensed water recovery pipe for recovering the condensed water in the condensed water tank, and condensed water stored in the condensed water tank. Condensed water treatment means for processing, conductivity sensor for measuring the purity of the condensed water after being treated by the condensed water treatment means, and water stored in the condensed water tank and treated by the condensed water treatment means A condensed water supply pipe for supplying the condensed water to the reformer and the heat exchanger or the condensed water recovery pipe, and drains the condensed water before being processed by the condensed water treatment means. Condensate drainage means for A control device for controlling the condensed water draining means so as to drain the condensed water before being treated by the condensed water processing means when the electric conductivity is outside the predetermined setting range. A fuel cell device. 2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the condensed water draining means is a three-way valve and is provided in the condensed water recovery pipe. The control device controls the three-way valve to drain the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank when the conductivity sensor indicates a conductivity outside a predetermined setting range. The fuel cell device according to claim 2. The fuel cell apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the condensed water treatment means is an ion exchange resin. A water treatment device comprising an ion exchange resin device for treating water supplied from the outside, and a water tank for storing water treated by the water treatment device, the control device comprising: 2. Control is performed to supply water stored in the water tank to the reformer when the conductivity sensor shows conductivity outside a predetermined set range. The fuel cell device according to claim 4 . The control device controls to switch the reforming reaction in the reformer to partial oxidation reforming when the conductivity sensor exhibits a conductivity outside a predetermined setting range. The fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

Images