JP6246088B2 - Fuel cell module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell module.

  As a vaporizer that is provided separately from the fuel cell module and vaporizes the raw fuel and supplies the raw fuel gas to the fuel cell module, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1.

  On the other hand, as a fuel cell module provided with a vaporization part, for example, those provided with a spiral tube as a vaporization part as described in Patent Document 2, and spiral flow paths as described in Patent Document 3 were formed. Some have a vaporizer. Since these fuel cell modules have an individual structure as a vaporizing section, the number of parts increases and the cost increases.

  In addition, in a fuel cell module provided with such a vaporization part, it is desirable to be able to ensure the promotion and stability of vaporization in a vaporization part.

JP 2003-282117 A JP 2014-78348 A JP 2011-175853 A JP 2010-157498 A JP 2010-129411 A JP 2011-178620 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell module that can reduce the number of parts and reduce the cost, and can ensure the promotion and stability of vaporization in the vaporization section. To do.

In order to achieve the object, the fuel cell module according to claim 1 includes a fuel cell stack that generates electric power by an electrochemical reaction between an oxidant gas and a fuel gas, and a stack exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack. And at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall having a gap between each other and an inner cylinder in the triple cylindrical wall A vaporization channel into which a raw fuel containing hydrocarbon fuel and water is introduced between one of the cylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall and the central cylindrical wall, and the inner cylindrical wall and Between the other of the outer cylindrical walls and the central cylindrical wall, there is a combustion exhaust gas flow path through which the combustion exhaust gas for giving vaporization heat to the raw fuel flows, and above the combustion part Bei and a vaporization section disposed That.

  According to this fuel electric module, the vaporizing section is configured by at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall, and a vaporization flow path and a combustion exhaust gas flow path are formed by the triple cylindrical wall. Yes. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case where the vaporization flow path and the combustion exhaust gas flow path are configured by separate structures, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the vaporization flow path is a spiral forming portion that spirally forms around the axial direction of the vaporization portion , the raw fuel is vaporized flow path as much as the vaporization flow path is formed spirally. The flow time of the gas can be lengthened, and the pressure loss in the vaporization flow path is also increased, so that the vaporization in the vaporization section can be promoted and stable.

The fuel cell module according to claim 16 , wherein the vaporization section includes a heat insulating space, the vaporization flow path, and the combustion in order from the inside to the outside of the triple cylindrical wall. You may have an exhaust gas flow path.

  According to this configuration, since the heat insulating space is formed inside the vaporization flow path, the heat transfer area is ensured to be large with respect to the volume by reducing the radial thickness of the vaporization flow path. Can do. Thereby, the raw fuel can be stably vaporized in the vaporization flow path while reducing the vaporization portion in the radial direction and the axial direction.

The fuel cell module according to claim 17 , wherein the vaporizing section is a quadruple cylindrical or elliptical cylinder including the triple cylindrical wall and having a gap therebetween. It is constituted by a cylindrical wall, and heat is exchanged between the heat insulation space, the vaporization flow path, the combustion exhaust gas flow path, and the combustion exhaust gas in order from the inside to the outside of the quadruple cylindrical wall. You may have the oxidant gas flow path through which the oxidant gas flows.

  According to this configuration, the vaporizing section is configured by a quadruple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall, and by the quadruple cylindrical wall, an adiabatic space, a vaporization channel, a combustion exhaust gas channel, and An oxidant gas flow path is formed. Therefore, for example, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the heat insulation space, the vaporization flow path, the combustion exhaust gas flow path, and the oxidant gas flow path are configured by separate structures. .

  Further, since the vaporization passage and the oxidant gas passage are formed on both sides in the radial direction of the combustion exhaust gas passage, the heat of the combustion exhaust passage can be distributed to the vaporization passage and the oxidant gas passage. it can. As a result, it is possible to suppress an excessive temperature increase in the vaporization channel, and thus an excessive temperature increase at the inlet of the reforming channel.

Further, as the fuel cell module according to claim 18, in the fuel cell module, the vaporizing flow path may be formed in the vertical direction upper side as the upstream side.

  According to this configuration, the vaporization flow path is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the raw fuel flows through the vaporization flow path from the upper side in the vertical direction to the lower side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of liquid accumulation in the vaporization flow path. In addition, since the water contained in the raw fuel flows in a water droplet state (in a state where the surface area is large) in the vaporization flow path, the water can be gently vaporized without causing bumping.

The fuel cell module according to claim 10 , wherein the spiral forming portion is provided between a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path in the triple cylindrical walls. In addition, a round bar member that is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporizing section and is in close contact with at least one of the pair of cylindrical walls may be used.

  According to this configuration, since the spiral round bar member is used to form the vaporization flow path in a spiral shape, the spiral vaporization flow path can be realized with a simple structure, so that the cost can be reduced. . In addition, since the round bar member is in close contact with at least one of the pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path, the raw fuel flowing through the vaporization flow path passes between the round bar member and the cylindrical wall (short circuit). Pass) can be suppressed with an inexpensive structure.

The fuel cell module according to claim 11 , wherein the spiral forming portion is provided between a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path in the triple cylindrical walls. In addition, a wire mesh formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion and formed of a wire mesh material may be used.

  According to this configuration, since the flow of water contained in the raw fuel introduced into the vaporization channel can be suppressed by the wire mesh, the residence time of the water in the vaporization channel can be extended, and the water and the mesh The contact area (heat transfer area) with the part (metal part) can be increased. Thereby, promotion and stability of vaporization in a vaporization part can be improved.

Further, as in the fuel cell module according to claim 12 , in the fuel cell module, the spiral forming portion is provided between a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls. And a round bar member formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporizing portion and in close contact with at least one of the pair of cylindrical walls, and the round bar member between the pair of cylindrical walls And a wire mesh supported by the round bar member and formed of a wire mesh material.

  According to this configuration, since the round bar member is in close contact with at least one of the pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path, the raw fuel flowing through the vaporization flow path is between the round bar member and the cylindrical wall. It is possible to suppress slipping through (short pass) with an inexpensive structure.

  In addition, since the flow of water contained in the raw fuel introduced into the vaporization flow path can be suppressed by the wire mesh, the residence time of water in the vaporization flow path can be extended, and water and the mesh part (metal part) ) And the contact area (heat transfer area) can be increased. Thereby, promotion and stability of vaporization in a vaporization part can be improved.

  Furthermore, since the wire mesh is supported by the round bar member, the wire mesh can be positioned and deformation of the wire mesh can be suppressed.

Further, as in the fuel cell module according to claim 13 , in the fuel cell module, the spiral forming portion is provided between a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls. In addition, the guide portion formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion and a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls are filled, and You may have the several spherical body arranged in the spiral shape around the axial direction of the said vaporization part by the guide part.

  According to this configuration, since the flow of water contained in the raw fuel input to the vaporization flow path can be suppressed by the uneven shape formed between the plurality of spheres, the residence time of water in the vaporization flow path can be reduced. Can be extended. Thereby, promotion and stability of vaporization in a vaporization part can be improved.

Further, as in the fuel cell module according to claim 14 , in the fuel cell module, the spiral forming portion is formed from at least one of a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls. A corrugated portion that bulges and spirals around the axial direction of the vaporizing portion may be used.

  According to this configuration, since the corrugated portion formed by bulging from at least one of the inner cylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall is used as the spiral-shaped portion, the number of parts of the vaporizing portion can be reduced. Can do.

The fuel cell module according to claim 15 , wherein the spiral forming portion is an outer cylinder of a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path in the triple cylindrical walls. It may be a weld metal formed in the shape of a wall and spirally formed around the vaporization portion in the axial direction.

  According to this configuration, since the weld metal formed on the outer cylindrical wall is used as the spiral-shaped portion, the spiral vaporization flow path can be easily formed.

  In addition, since the weld metal is integrally formed on the outer cylindrical wall, the raw fuel flowing in the vaporization flow path is prevented from passing between the weld metal and the outer cylindrical wall (short path). be able to.

Further, as in the fuel cell module according to claim 2 , a fuel cell stack that generates electric power by an electrochemical reaction between an oxidant gas and a fuel gas, and burning the stack exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, The combustion section that discharges the combustion exhaust gas and at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall having a gap between each other, and an inner cylindrical wall and an outer side of the triple cylindrical wall A gasification flow path into which raw fuel containing hydrocarbon fuel and water is introduced between one of the cylindrical walls and the central cylindrical wall, and the inner cylindrical wall and the outer cylinder A combustion exhaust gas flow path through which the combustion exhaust gas that gives vaporization heat to the raw fuel flows between the other of the cylindrical walls and the central cylindrical wall, and is disposed above the fuel cell stack a vaporizing section that is, the And a reforming catalyst layer for generating the fuel gas from the raw fuel gas generated in the vaporization flow path, which is provided below the vaporization section and above the fuel cell stack. And a reforming section having a reforming channel provided.

  According to this fuel electric module, the vaporizing section is configured by at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall, and a vaporization flow path and a combustion exhaust gas flow path are formed by the triple cylindrical wall. Yes. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case where the vaporization flow path and the combustion exhaust gas flow path are configured by separate structures, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

Further, as the fuel cell module according to claim 3, the fuel cell module smell Te, along with the pre-Symbol vaporizing section is provided between the reforming portion, and an orifice communicating with the lower portion of the vaporizing flow path And a mixing portion provided on the reforming channel side with respect to the orifice and having an opposing wall portion facing the orifice.

  According to this configuration, when the raw fuel gas vaporized in the vaporization flow path passes through the orifice, the flow velocity is increased to become a jet and collide with the opposing wall portion. Therefore, since the turbulent flow can be generated when the raw fuel gas collides with the opposing wall portion, the hydrocarbon-based gas and the water vapor contained in the raw fuel gas can be mixed.

Further, as in the fuel cell module according to claim 4 , in the fuel cell module, the orifice penetrates in a horizontal direction and has a space communicating with a lower end portion of the vaporization flow path below the orifice. A concave trap portion may be provided.

  According to this configuration, the concave trap portion having a space communicating with the lower end portion of the vaporization flow path is provided below the orifice. Therefore, even when non-evaporated water droplets are generated in the vaporization flow path, the water droplets can be collected in the trap portion, so that the water droplets can be prevented from flowing into the reforming flow path. As a result, it is possible to suppress unevaporated water droplets from entering the reforming catalyst layer in this vaporization flow path and vaporizing on the surface of the reforming catalyst inside the reforming catalyst layer. It can suppress that a quality catalyst is damaged.

Further, as in the fuel cell module according to claim 5 , in the fuel cell module, the mixing unit may have only one orifice.

  According to this configuration, since the mixing section has only one orifice, for example, even if the flow rate of the raw fuel gas and the steam carbon ratio (S / C ratio) vary, the hydrocarbons contained in the raw fuel gas The system gas and water vapor can be mixed more effectively. As a result, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the reforming catalyst layer due to a decrease in the conversion rate of the reforming catalyst layer or a portion where the temperature locally increases in the reforming catalyst layer.

Further, as in the fuel cell module according to claim 6 , in the fuel cell module, the reforming unit is provided coaxially with the vaporization unit below the vaporization unit and has a gap therebetween. It is composed of at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall, and in order from the inside to the outside of the triple cylindrical wall, a heat insulating space, a combustion exhaust gas passage through which the combustion exhaust gas flows, and the reforming It has a flow path, The said orifice may be located in the radial direction outer side of the said vaporization flow path.

  According to this configuration, since the orifice is located on the radially outer side of the vaporization flow path, the reforming flow path that communicates with the vaporization flow path through the orifice can be expanded radially outward from the vaporization flow path. . Thereby, the heat transfer area in the reforming channel can be increased.

The fuel cell module according to claim 7 , wherein the orifice penetrates in a horizontal direction, and the inlet of the reforming channel is spaced in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel. Dispersions having a plurality of orifices that are arranged with a gap between them and penetrating in the vertical direction may be provided.

  According to this configuration, the raw fuel gas changes its direction from the radially outer side to the vertically lower side by colliding with the opposing wall portion, and passes through the plurality of orifices formed at the inlet of the reforming channel. Flow into. At this time, the plurality of orifices are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming flow path, whereby the raw fuel gas is dispersed in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the deviation of the raw fuel gas flowing into the reforming channel in the circumferential direction (the deviation of the raw fuel gas) can be suppressed.

The fuel cell module, as well as provided before Symbol the vaporizing part below the vaporization part coaxially, is constituted by at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical shape of the cylindrical wall having a gap between them, and From the inside to the outside of the triple cylindrical wall, the heat insulating space, the combustion exhaust gas passage through which the combustion exhaust gas flows, and the raw fuel gas generated in the vaporization passage in communication with the vaporization passage A reforming section having a reforming channel provided with a reforming catalyst layer for generating a fuel gas; and provided at an inlet of the reforming channel and spaced in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel You may further provide the dispersion | distribution part which has several orifices penetrated in the alignment perpendicular direction.

  According to this configuration, the raw fuel gas flows into the reforming channel through the plurality of orifices formed at the inlet of the reforming channel. At this time, the plurality of orifices are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming flow path, whereby the raw fuel gas is dispersed in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the deviation of the raw fuel gas flowing into the reforming channel in the circumferential direction (the deviation of the raw fuel gas) can be suppressed.

Further, as in the fuel cell module according to claim 8 , in the fuel cell module according to claim 16 or 17, the dispersion portion is spaced apart in the vertical direction at the inlet of the reforming channel. A plurality of them may be provided.

  According to this configuration, since a plurality of dispersion portions are provided at intervals in the vertical direction at the inlet of the reforming channel, the raw fuel gas is passed through the plurality of orifices formed at the inlet of the reforming channel. It can be more effectively dispersed in the circumferential direction.

  As described above in detail, according to the fuel cell module of the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced, and the promotion and stability of vaporization in the vaporization section can be ensured.

1 is a perspective view including a longitudinal section of a fuel cell module according to a first embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 2. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module which concerns on 3rd embodiment. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module which concerns on 4th embodiment. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module which concerns on 5th embodiment. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module which concerns on 6th embodiment. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which forms a vaporization flow path helically by a round bar member. It is a figure which shows the example which forms a vaporization flow path spirally with a wire mesh. It is a figure which shows the example which forms a vaporization flow path helically with a round bar member and a wire mesh. It is a figure which shows the example which forms a vaporization flow path spirally with a some spherical body. It is a figure which shows the example which forms a vaporization flow path helically by a corrugated part. It is a figure which shows the example which forms a vaporization flow path helically by a pair of corrugated part. It is a figure which shows the example which forms a vaporization flow path helically with a weld metal.

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<Fuel cell module>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel cell module M <b> 1 according to the first embodiment includes a fuel cell stack 10, a container 20, a heat insulating layer 130, and a heat insulating material 140.

<Fuel battery cell stack>
As an example, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is applied to the fuel cell stack 10. As an example, the fuel cell stack 10 includes a plurality of flat-plate cells 12 and a manifold 14 stacked in the vertical direction. Each cell 12 has a fuel electrode, an electrolyte layer, and an air electrode.

  The reformed gas is supplied to the fuel electrode of each cell 12, and the oxidant gas is supplied to the air electrode of each cell 12. Each cell 12 generates power by an electrochemical reaction between the oxidant gas and the fuel gas, and generates heat as the power is generated.

<Container>
The container 20 includes a plurality (nine pieces) of pipe materials 21 to 29. Each of the plurality of pipe materials 21 to 29 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a perfect circular cross section, and is formed of a metal having high heat conductivity. The plurality of pipe materials 21 to 29 are arranged in order from the inside to the outside of the container 20.

  The first pipe material 21 is provided from above the fuel cell stack 10 to the upper end of the container 20. The second tube material 22 and the third tube material 23 are formed with a length corresponding to the upper portion of the first tube material 21, and the second tube material 22 is formed from the outside of the first tube material 21 to the upper portion of the tube material 21. Are joined. The fourth pipe member 24 is provided at the center of the container 20 in the height direction, and the fifth pipe member 25 and the sixth pipe member 26 are provided from the lower end portion to the upper end portion of the container 20. . The seventh tube material 27, the eighth tube material 28, and the ninth tube material 29 are provided from the center in the height direction of the container 20 to the upper end.

  The sixth pipe member 26 and the seventh pipe member 27 are connected via a connecting part 31 (first connecting part) extending in the horizontal direction, and the fifth pipe member 25 and the eighth pipe member 28 are connected in the horizontal direction. It connects via the extending connection part 32 (2nd connection part). Further, the upper end portion of the ninth pipe member 29 is fixed to the upper end portion of the third tube member 23 via a connecting portion 33 extending in the horizontal direction.

  The lower end portion of the fifth pipe member 25 is fixed to the bottom wall portion 34, and the lower end portion of the sixth pipe member 26 is fixed to the bottom wall portion 35. The fuel cell stack 10 is placed on the bottom wall portion 34, and the bottom wall portion 34 and the bottom wall portion 35 are fixed by a spacer 36. An output line 17 extending from the fuel cell stack 10 passes through the bottom walls 34 and 35. The space between the inner periphery of the hole in the bottom wall portions 34 and 35 through which the output line 17 passes and the outer periphery of the output line 17 are appropriately sealed.

  The container 20 composed of the plurality of pipe materials 21 to 29 includes, for each function, a vaporization unit 40, a reforming unit 60, a combustion unit 90, a preheating unit 100 (accommodating unit), and a heat exchange unit 110. Have.

<Vaporization part>
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the vaporizing unit 40 is configured by quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44. The innermost tubular wall 41 of the quadruple tubular walls 41 to 44 is constituted by the upper portion of the first tubular member 21 and the second tubular member 22, and the quadruple tubular walls 41 to 44. Among them, the second cylindrical wall 42 from the inside is constituted by the third pipe member 23. In addition, the third cylindrical wall 43 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44 is constituted by the upper part of the fifth tubular material 25, and the outermost cylinder among the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44. The shaped wall 44 is constituted by the upper part of the sixth pipe member 26.

  The vaporizing section 40 constituted by the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44 is provided coaxially with the reforming section 60 above the reforming section 60 described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44 constituting the vaporizing section 40 have a gap between each other, and from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44. On the outside, a heat insulating space 45, a vaporization passage 46, a combustion exhaust gas passage 47, and an oxidant gas passage 48 are formed in this order.

  That is, the space inside the first cylindrical wall 41 is formed as a heat insulating space 45, and the gap between the first cylindrical wall 41 and the second cylindrical wall 42 is a vaporization channel 46. Is formed. Further, a gap between the second cylindrical wall 42 and the third cylindrical wall 43 is formed as a combustion exhaust gas flow path 47, and the third cylindrical wall 43 and the fourth cylindrical wall 44 are formed. Is formed as an oxidant gas flow path 48. In FIG. 3, the heat insulating space 45 is hollow, but the heat insulating space 45 may be filled with a heat insulating material 49.

  A raw fuel supply pipe 50 extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the upper end portion of the vaporization flow path 46. The raw fuel supply pipe 50 is located above the connecting portions 31 to 33. The vaporization passage 46 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the raw fuel 161 supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 50 flows from the upper side in the vertical direction to the lower side in the vaporization passage 46. As the raw fuel 161 supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 50, for example, a hydrocarbon-based fuel such as a city gas or a hydrocarbon-based liquid that is a hydrocarbon-based liquid is mixed with water for reforming. The

  The vaporization flow path 46 is provided with a spiral convex part 51 (spiral formation part) formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization part 40, and the vaporization flow path 46 causes the vaporization flow path 46 to be It is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporizing section 40. The spiral convex portion 51 is in contact with both the cylindrical walls 41 and 42 forming the vaporization flow path 46, and serves as a spacer interposed between the cylindrical wall 41 and the cylindrical wall 42.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a trap portion 54 is provided at the lower end portion of the vaporizing portion 40. The trap portion 54 is located below a connecting pipe 81 (orifice 82) described later. The trap portion 54 is formed in a concave shape having a space communicating with the lower end portion of the vaporization flow path 46. The width W1 of the vaporization channel 46, that is, the gap between the first cylindrical wall 41 and the second cylindrical wall 42 is the width of the reforming channel 67 formed in the reforming unit 60 described later. It is narrower than W2.

  A lower end portion of the combustion exhaust gas passage 47 communicates with a combustion chamber 94 (see FIG. 5) formed in the combustion portion 90 via a combustion exhaust gas passage 66 (see FIG. 4) formed in the reforming portion 60 described later. Has been. The combustion exhaust gas channel 47 is formed with the lower side in the vertical direction as the upstream side. The combustion exhaust gas channel 47 is discharged from the combustion unit 90 and supplied through the combustion exhaust gas channel 66 of the reforming unit 60. Combustion exhaust gas 166 flows from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction.

  A rectifying plate 52 formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the combustion exhaust gas channel 47 is provided at the upper end portion of the combustion exhaust gas channel 47. A plurality of orifices 53 are formed in the current plate 52 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of orifices 53 penetrates the current plate 52 in the thickness direction. The rectifying plate 52 may be omitted.

  An upper end portion of the oxidant gas channel 48 is in communication with an oxidant gas channel 117 formed in the heat exchange unit 110 described later. The oxidant gas channel 48 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side. The oxidant gas channel 164 supplied from the oxidant gas channel 117 of the heat exchange unit 110 is connected to the oxidant gas channel 48. Flows from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction.

<Reforming section>
The reforming unit 60 is configured by quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 provided below the vaporization unit 40 described above. The cylindrical wall 61 located on the innermost side of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 is constituted by the lower portion of the first tubular member 21, and the second cylinder from the inner side among the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64. The shaped wall 62 is constituted by the fourth pipe member 24. Moreover, the third cylindrical wall 63 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 is constituted by a center portion in the height direction of the fifth tubular member 25, and the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64. Of these, the outermost cylindrical wall 64 is constituted by a central portion in the height direction of the sixth pipe member 26.

  The reforming section 60 constituted by the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 is provided coaxially with the combustion section 90 above a combustion section 90 (see FIG. 5) described later. The quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 constituting the reforming part 60 have a gap between them. A heat insulating space 65, a combustion exhaust gas channel 66, a reforming channel 67, and an oxidant gas channel 68 are formed in this order from the inside to the outside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64.

  That is, the space inside the first cylindrical wall 61 is formed as a heat insulating space 65, and the gap between the first cylindrical wall 61 and the second cylindrical wall 62 is a combustion exhaust gas flow channel 66. It is formed as. Further, a gap between the second cylindrical wall 62 and the third cylindrical wall 63 is formed as a reforming channel 67, and the third cylindrical wall 63 and the fourth cylindrical wall 64 are formed. Is formed as an oxidant gas flow path 68.

  The heat insulation space 65 communicates with the heat insulation space 45 of the vaporization unit 40 described above. In FIG. 4, the heat insulating space 65 is hollow, but the heat insulating space 65 may be filled with a heat insulating material 69. The lower end portion of the combustion exhaust gas channel 66 is in communication with a combustion chamber 94 (see FIG. 5) formed in a combustion portion 90 described later. The combustion exhaust gas channel 66 is formed with the lower side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and in this combustion exhaust gas channel 66, the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged from the combustion unit 90 described later flows from the lower side in the vertical direction to the upper side. .

<Mixing part and dispersion part>
A mixing unit 80 extending upward in the vertical direction is formed at the upper end of the reforming unit 60. The mixing unit 80 is located between the vaporizing unit 40 and the reforming unit 60, that is, more specifically, on the upper side of the reforming unit 60 and the radially outer side of the lower end of the vaporizing unit 40. A connecting pipe 81 extends radially outward from a part of the lower end portion of the vaporizing unit 40 in the circumferential direction. The connecting pipe 81 constitutes a connecting portion with the vaporizing section 40 in the mixing section 80, and the inside of the connecting pipe 81 is formed as an orifice 82 penetrating in the horizontal direction. The connection pipe 81 (orifice 82) is located on the radially outer side of the vaporization flow path 46 and communicates with the lower end portion of the vaporization flow path 46. The mixing unit 80 has only one connecting pipe 81 (orifice 82). The mixing portion 80 is provided with an opposing wall portion 86 that is located on the reforming channel 67 side (radially outside) with respect to the orifice 82 and faces the orifice 82.

  The inlet (upper end) of the reforming channel 67 is in communication with the vaporizing channel 46 via the mixing unit 80 and the connecting pipe 81. The reforming channel 67 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the raw fuel gas 162 supplied from the vaporization channel 46 flows from the upper side in the vertical direction to the lower side in the reforming channel 67.

  A partition plate 83 formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the reforming channel 67 is provided at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. A plurality of orifices 84 are formed in the partition plate 83 at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of orifices 84 penetrates in the plate thickness direction (vertical direction) of the partition plate 83, and the raw fuel gas 162 flows into the reforming channel 67 through the plurality of orifices 84. A plurality of the partition plates 83 may be provided at intervals in the vertical direction.

  An oxidant gas flow path 68 is located outside the reforming flow path 67 in the radial direction. A reforming catalyst layer 70 for generating fuel gas (reformed gas) from the raw fuel gas 162 is provided in the reforming channel 67 over the entire length in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the reforming channel 67. Yes. For the reforming catalyst layer 70, for example, a granular catalyst or a honeycomb catalyst carrying a metal such as nickel, ruthenium, platinum, or rhodium as an active metal is used.

  The upper end portion of the oxidant gas flow path 68 is in communication with the oxidant gas flow path 48 formed in the vaporization section 40 described above. The oxidant gas flow path 68 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the oxidant gas 164 supplied from the oxidant gas flow path 48 of the vaporization unit 40 is formed in the oxidant gas flow path 68. It flows from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction.

<Combustion part>
As shown in FIG. 5, the combustion unit 90 is provided below the above-described reforming unit 60 and includes a peripheral wall portion 91, an ignition electrode 92, and a partition wall portion 93. The peripheral wall portion 91 is integrally formed with the remaining cylindrical walls 62 to 64 excluding the innermost cylindrical wall 61 among the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 constituting the reforming portion 60 described above.

  That is, the remaining cylindrical walls 62 to 64 excluding the innermost cylindrical wall 61 among the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 extend downward with respect to the inner cylindrical wall 61. And the extension part extended in the downward direction in these cylindrical parts 62-64 is formed as the surrounding wall part 91 of the combustion part 90. As shown in FIG. In the triple cylindrical walls 62 to 64 constituting the peripheral wall portion 91, a reforming channel 67 of the reforming portion 60 is formed to extend between the cylindrical wall 62 and the cylindrical wall 63. Between the cylindrical wall 63 and the cylindrical wall 64, an oxidant gas flow path 68 of the reforming unit 60 is formed to extend.

  The peripheral wall portion 91 is located above the fuel cell stack 10 and is provided coaxially with a preheating portion 100 surrounding the fuel cell stack 10 described later. The inner side of the peripheral wall portion 91 is formed as a combustion chamber 94, and the combustion chamber 94 is communicated with an inner space 104 of the preheating unit 100 described later and a combustion exhaust gas channel 66 of the reforming unit 60 described above. ing.

  A tapered portion 95 is provided inside the peripheral wall portion 91. The tapered portion 95 is formed integrally with the lower end portion of the innermost cylindrical wall 61 among the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 constituting the reforming portion 60 described above. The taper portion 95 is formed in a tapered shape that protrudes from the reforming portion 60 side to the combustion portion 90 side and expands in diameter from the combustion portion 90 side toward the reforming portion 60 side.

  The ignition electrode 92 protrudes from the tip (lower end) of the tapered portion 95 into the combustion chamber 94 and is disposed at the center of the combustion chamber 94. The ignition electrode 92 is provided above the fuel cell stack 10 and separated from the fuel cell stack 10. A pipe 150 is accommodated inside the first pipe member 21 constituting the vaporizing section 40 and the reforming section 60, and a conductive section connected to the ignition electrode 92 and insulated by an insulator is disposed inside the pipe 150. 151 is inserted.

  The partition wall portion 93 is formed in an annular shape along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 91. The partition wall 93 has a throttle hole 96 that opens between the ignition electrode 92 and the fuel cell stack 10. The stack exhaust gas 165 discharged from the fuel cell stack 10 passes through the throttle hole 96. The stack exhaust gas 165 that has passed through the throttle hole 96 is burned by a spark formed between the ignition electrode 92 and the pipe 150 or the like. The flue gas 166 generated in the combustion chamber 94 is discharged upward (on the side opposite to the fuel cell stack 10) and flows into the flue gas passage 66 of the reforming unit 60 along the taper portion 95.

<Preheating part>
The preheating part 100 (accommodating part) is composed of double cylindrical walls 101 and 102 provided below the combustion part 90 described above. The inner cylindrical wall 101 of the double cylindrical walls 101 and 102 is constituted by the lower part of the fifth tubular material 25, and the outer cylindrical wall 102 of the double cylindrical walls 101 and 102 is six. It is constituted by the lower part of the second pipe member 26.

  The preheating unit 100 is provided around the fuel cell stack 10 and accommodates the fuel cell stack 10. An inner space 104 is formed inside the preheating unit 100, and a preheating flow path 105 is formed between the double cylindrical walls 101 and 102 constituting the preheating unit 100.

  The preheating channel 105 is provided with a spiral convex portion 106 formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the preheating unit 100, and the spiral projection 106 allows the preheating channel 105 to be connected to the axis of the preheating unit 100. It is formed in a spiral around the direction. The spiral convex portion 106 is in contact with both the cylindrical walls 101 and 102 that form the preheating flow path 105, and serves as a spacer interposed between the cylindrical wall 101 and the cylindrical wall 102.

  The upper end of the preheating channel 105 communicates with the oxidant gas channel 68 of the reforming unit 60 described above, and the lower end of the preheating channel 105 is the bottom wall 34 and the bottom wall 35 shown in FIG. Are communicated with the oxidant gas intake 15 of the fuel cell stack 10 through an introduction path 37 formed between the two. As shown in FIG. 5, the preheating channel 105 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the oxidation heat supplied through the oxidant gas channel 68 of the reforming unit 60 is supplied to the preheating channel 105. The agent gas 164 flows from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction.

  In addition, a fuel gas pipe 107 that connects the above-described reforming channel 67 and the fuel gas inlet 16 (see FIG. 2) of the fuel cell stack 10 is provided inside the preheating unit 100. A partition plate 97 extending in the horizontal direction is integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the partition wall portion 93, and an orifice 98 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the partition plate 97 in the circumferential direction of the partition plate 97. A plurality are formed at intervals. The reforming flow path 67 and the inside of the fuel gas pipe 107 communicate with each other through an orifice 98.

<Heat exchange part>
As shown in FIG. 3, the heat exchanging unit 110 includes triple tubular walls 111 to 113 provided around the reforming unit 60 and the vaporizing unit 40 described above. The inner cylindrical wall 111 in the triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 is configured by the seventh tube material 27, and the central cylindrical wall 112 in the triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 is configured by the eighth tube material 28. In addition, the outer cylindrical wall 113 of the triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 is configured by a ninth tube material 29.

  The triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 constituting the heat exchanging unit 110 have a gap therebetween. An oxidant gas flow path 117 is formed between the inner cylindrical wall 111 and the central cylindrical wall 112, and between the outer cylindrical wall 113 and the central cylindrical wall 112, A combustion exhaust gas flow path 118 is formed.

  The oxidant gas flow path 117 is provided with a spiral convex portion 120 (spiral forming portion) formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the heat exchanging portion 110, and the spiral convex portion 120 causes the oxidant gas flow to flow. The path 117 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the heat exchange unit 110. Similarly, the flue gas flow path 118 is provided with a spiral convex portion 121 (spiral forming portion) formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the heat exchanging portion 110, and the spiral convex portion 121 causes a flue gas to be emitted. The flow path 118 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the heat exchange unit 110.

  The oxidant gas channel 117 and the combustion exhaust gas channel 118 have a helical pitch larger than that of the vaporization channel 46. The spiral convex portion 120 is in contact with both the cylindrical walls 111 and 112 that form the oxidant gas flow path 117, and serves as a spacer interposed between the cylindrical wall 111 and the cylindrical wall 112. Similarly, the spiral convex portion 121 is in contact with both the cylindrical walls 112 and 113 forming the combustion exhaust gas flow path 118, and serves as a spacer interposed between the cylindrical wall 112 and the cylindrical wall 113. Yes.

  An oxidant gas supply pipe 122 (see FIG. 2) extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the lower end portion of the oxidant gas flow path 117. The gap between the connecting portion 31 and the connecting portion 32 is formed as a connecting flow path 38 extending in the radial direction of the container 20, and the upper end portion of the oxidizing gas flow path 117 is described above via the connecting flow path 38. Are communicated with an oxidant gas flow path 48 formed in the vaporizing section 40 of the gas. The oxidant gas channel 117 is formed with the lower side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the oxidant gas 164 supplied from the oxidant gas supply pipe 122 (see FIG. 2) is supplied to the oxidant gas channel 117. Flows from the lower side in the vertical direction to the upper side.

  Further, the gap between the connecting portion 32 and the connecting portion 33 is formed as a connecting flow path 39 extending in the radial direction of the container 20, and the upper end portion of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 118 is connected via the connecting flow path 39. The combustion exhaust gas flow path 47 formed in the vaporization part 40 is communicated. A gas exhaust pipe 123 (see FIG. 2) extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the lower end portion of the combustion exhaust gas passage 118. The combustion exhaust gas passage 118 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the combustion exhaust gas 166 supplied from the combustion exhaust gas passage 47 of the vaporization unit 40 is lowered from the upper side in the vertical direction to the combustion exhaust gas passage 118. Flows to the side.

<Insulation layer>
As shown in FIG. 2, the reforming unit 60, the vaporization unit 40, and the heat exchange unit 110 are separated from each other in the radial direction of the container 20, and the reforming unit 60, the vaporization unit 40, and the heat exchange unit 110 are separated. Between them, a cylindrical heat insulating layer 130 is interposed. The heat insulating layer 130 covers the vaporizing part 40 and the reforming part 60 from the outside.

<Insulation material>
The heat insulating material 140 has a cylindrical main body portion 141, a disk-shaped upper portion 142 and a lower portion 143, and covers the container 20. That is, the main body 141 is provided around the container 20 and covers the container 20 from the outside. The upper part 142 covers the main body part 141 from the upper side in the vertical direction and is provided around the upper part of the container 20. The upper part 142 is fixed by a fixing member 144 from the upper side in the vertical direction. The lower part 143 covers the container 20 and the main body part 141 from the lower side in the vertical direction. The surface of the heat insulating material 140 is covered with a covering sheet 145.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  When raw fuel 161 (a mixture of hydrocarbon-based fuel and water for reforming) is supplied to the vaporization flow path 46 shown in FIG. 3 through the raw fuel supply pipe 50 shown in FIG. 161 flows through the vaporization flow path 46 formed in a spiral shape from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction. At this time, in the vaporization unit 40, the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged from the combustion unit 90 (see FIG. 5) flows through the combustion exhaust gas channel 47 from the lower side in the vertical direction to the upper side. When the combustion exhaust gas 166 flows through the combustion exhaust gas channel 47 adjacent to the vaporization flow channel 46, heat exchange is performed between the raw fuel 161 and the combustion exhaust gas 166 flowing through the vaporization flow channel 46 (from the combustion exhaust gas 166 to the raw fuel 161). Heat of vaporization is given). And in the vaporization flow path 46, the raw fuel 161 is vaporized and the raw fuel gas 162 (refer FIG. 4) is produced | generated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the raw fuel gas 162 vaporized in the vaporization flow path 46 passes through the orifice 82 formed inside the connecting pipe 81 and passes through the mixing unit 80 formed above the reforming unit 60. It flows into the inner space 85. At this time, the raw fuel gas 162 vaporized in the vaporization flow path 46 becomes a jet flow with an increased flow velocity when passing through the orifice 82 inside the connecting pipe 81, and the opposed wall portion 86 on the radially outer side in the mixing portion 80. Collide with. Then, the raw fuel gas 162 collides with the opposing wall portion 86 to generate a turbulent flow, and the hydrocarbon-based gas and water vapor contained in the raw fuel gas 162 are mixed.

  The raw fuel gas 162 mixed in this manner changes its direction from the radially outer side to the vertically lower side by colliding with the opposing wall portion 86, and a plurality of orifices 84 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. Through the reforming flow path 67. Since the plurality of orifices 84 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming passage 67, the raw fuel gas 162 is passed through the reforming passage 67 by passing through the plurality of orifices 84. Inflow in the circumferential direction.

  At this time, in the reforming unit 60, the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged from the combustion unit 90 (see FIG. 5) flows through the combustion exhaust gas channel 66 from the vertical lower side to the upper side. When the combustion exhaust gas 166 flows through the combustion exhaust gas channel 66 adjacent to the reforming channel 67, heat exchange is performed between the raw fuel gas 162 flowing through the reforming channel 67 and the combustion exhaust gas 166. In the reforming channel 67, fuel gas 163 (reformed gas) is generated from the raw fuel gas 162 by the reforming catalyst layer 70 using the heat of the combustion exhaust gas 166.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel gas 163 generated in the reforming channel 67 passes through the orifice 98 formed in the partition plate 97 and flows into the fuel gas pipe 107. The fuel gas 163 is supplied to the fuel gas intake 16 (see FIG. 2) of the fuel cell stack 10 through the fuel gas pipe 107.

  On the other hand, at this time, in the heat exchange unit 110 shown in FIG. 3, the oxidant gas 164 is supplied to the oxidant gas flow path 117 through the oxidant gas supply pipe 122 (see FIG. 2). The oxidant gas 164 flows from the lower side in the vertical direction to the upper side through the oxidant gas channel 117 formed in a spiral shape. At this time, in the heat exchange unit 110, the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged from the combustion unit 90 (see FIG. 5) flows through the combustion exhaust gas flow path 118 from the upper side in the vertical direction to the lower side. This combustion exhaust gas 166 is discharged to the outside of the fuel cell module M1 through the gas discharge pipe 123 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the flue gas 166 flows through the flue gas passage 118 adjacent to the oxidant gas passage 117, the oxidant gas 164 flowing through the oxidant gas passage 117 and the flue gas 166 are between. Heat exchanged. Then, the temperature of the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged to the outside of the fuel cell module M1 is lowered, and heat dissipation to the outside of the fuel cell module M1 is suppressed. On the other hand, the oxidant gas 164 absorbs the heat of the combustion exhaust gas 166 and is preheated. The oxidant gas 164 preheated in the heat exchange unit 110 flows into the oxidant gas channel 48 of the vaporization unit 40 through the connection channel 38, and then the oxidant gas channel 48 and the reforming of the vaporization unit 40. The oxidant gas flow path 68 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the unit 60 flows from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction.

  In the vaporization unit 40 shown in FIG. 4, as described above, the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged from the combustion unit 90 (see FIG. 5) flows through the combustion exhaust gas channel 47 from the lower side in the vertical direction to the upper side. When the combustion exhaust gas 166 flows through the combustion exhaust gas flow channel 47 adjacent to the oxidant gas flow channel 48, heat is exchanged between the oxidant gas 164 flowing through the oxidant gas flow channel 48 and the combustion exhaust gas 166, and the oxidant gas 164 is exchanged. Is further preheated.

  Similarly, in the reforming unit 60, the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged from the combustion unit 90 (see FIG. 5) flows through the combustion exhaust gas flow channel 66 from the vertical lower side to the upper side. When the combustion exhaust gas 166 flows through the combustion exhaust gas flow channel 66 opposite to the oxidant gas flow channel 68 across the reforming flow channel 67, the oxidant gas 164 and the combustion exhaust gas 166 flowing through the oxidant gas flow channel 68 are modified. Heat exchange is performed through the mass passage 67 (the reforming catalyst layer 70), and this also preheats the oxidant gas 164.

  The oxidant gas 164 preheated by flowing through the oxidant gas channels 48 and 68 in this way flows into the preheat channel 105 shown in FIG. 5, and vertically passes through the spirally formed preheat channel 105. Flows from the upper side to the lower side. The oxidant gas 164 flowing through the preheating channel 105 is further preheated by the heat of the fuel cell stack 10. The oxidant gas 164 preheated in the preheat flow path 105 is supplied to the oxidant gas inlet 15 (see FIG. 2) of the fuel cell stack 10.

  As described above, the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas inlet 16 of the fuel cell stack 10 shown in FIG. 2 and the oxidant gas is supplied to the oxidant gas inlet 15 of the fuel cell stack 10. Then, in the fuel cell stack 10, power is generated in each cell 12 by an electrochemical reaction between the oxidant gas and the fuel gas. Each cell 12 generates heat with power generation.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the stack exhaust gas 165 including the fuel electrode exhaust gas and the air electrode exhaust gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack 10. The stack exhaust gas 165 discharged from the fuel cell stack 10 flows into a combustion chamber 94 formed inside the combustion section 90 through a throttle hole 96 formed in the partition wall section 93. At this time, the stack exhaust gas 165 including the fuel electrode exhaust gas and the air electrode exhaust gas is mixed by passing through the throttle hole 96.

  The stack exhaust gas 165 flowing into the combustion chamber 94 contains unreacted hydrogen and oxygen in each cell 12, and the stack exhaust gas 165 containing hydrogen is formed between the ignition electrode 92 and the pipe 150 or the like. Will be burned by sparks. Since the ignition electrode 92 is separated from the fuel cell stack 10 in the vertical direction, the stack exhaust gas 165 is burned at a position away from the fuel cell stack 10.

  When the stack exhaust gas 165 is burned in the combustion chamber 94 in this way, the combustion exhaust gas 166 is generated in the combustion chamber 94. The flue gas 166 generated in the combustion chamber 94 is discharged upward (on the side opposite to the fuel cell stack 10), and flows into the flue gas passage 66 of the reforming unit 60 along the tapered portion 95. Further, the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged from the combustion unit 90 and flowing into the combustion exhaust gas channel 66 of the reforming unit 60 is the combustion exhaust gas channel 66 of the reforming unit 60 and the combustion exhaust gas channel of the vaporization unit 40 as described above. 47 (see FIG. 4), after flowing through the connection flow path 39 and the combustion exhaust gas flow path 118 (see FIG. 3) of the heat exchanging section 110, it is discharged outside the fuel cell module M1 through the gas discharge pipe 123 shown in FIG. Is done.

  Next, the operation and effect of the first embodiment will be described.

  As described above in detail, according to the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment, the preheating unit 100, the peripheral wall 91 of the combustion unit 90, the reforming unit 60, and the vaporizing unit 40 are coaxial with each other. Is provided. The reforming unit 60 is constituted by quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64, and the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 are provided with a heat insulating space 65, a combustion exhaust gas channel 66, a reforming in the reforming unit 60. A flow path 67 and an oxidant gas flow path 68 are formed. Similarly, the vaporization part 40 is comprised by the quadruple cylindrical walls 41-44, and the heat insulation space 45 in the vaporization part 40, the vaporization flow path 46, and a combustion exhaust gas flow path are comprised by this quadruple cylindrical walls 41-44. 47 and an oxidant gas flow path 48 are formed. Furthermore, the heat exchanging unit 110 provided around the reforming unit 60 and the vaporizing unit 40 is configured by triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113, and the triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 are connected to the heat exchanging unit 110. An oxidant gas passage 117 and a combustion exhaust gas passage 118 are formed. As described above, since the fuel cell module M1 can be prevented from expanding in the radial direction, the fuel cell module M1 can be downsized in the radial direction.

  Moreover, as described above, the reforming unit 60, the vaporization unit 40, and the heat exchange unit 110 are configured by multiple cylindrical walls, and each flow path is formed by the multiple cylindrical walls. Therefore, for example, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where each flow path is configured by a separate structure.

  Further, the vaporization channel 46 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization unit 40 by the spiral convex portion 51. Therefore, since the vaporization flow path 46 is formed in a spiral shape, it is possible to lengthen the time for the raw fuel 161 to flow through the vaporization flow path 46 and to increase the pressure loss in the vaporization flow path 46. Promotion and stability can be ensured.

  Further, a heat insulating space 45 is formed inside the vaporization flow path 46. Therefore, the vaporization flow path 46 can secure a large heat transfer area with respect to the volume by reducing the thickness in the radial direction. Thereby, raw fuel can be stably vaporized in the vaporization flow path 46, reducing the vaporization part 40 in a radial direction and an axial direction.

  In the vaporization section 40, a vaporization flow path 46 and an oxidant gas flow path 48 are formed on both sides of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 47 in the radial direction. Therefore, the heat of the combustion exhaust gas passage 47 can be distributed to the vaporization passage 46 and the oxidant gas passage 48. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an excessive temperature increase in the vaporization flow path 46 and, consequently, an excessive temperature increase at the inlet of the reforming flow path 67.

  Further, the vaporization passage 46 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the raw fuel 161 flows from the upper side in the vertical direction to the lower side in the vaporization passage 46. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of liquid accumulation in the vaporization flow path 46. Further, in the vaporization channel 46, the reforming water contained in the raw fuel 161 flows in the form of water droplets (in a state where the surface area is large), so that the reforming water can be gently vaporized without causing bumping. .

  Further, the raw fuel gas 162 vaporized in the vaporization flow path 46 becomes a jet flow with an increased flow velocity when passing through the orifice 82, and collides with the opposing wall portion 86. Therefore, since the turbulent flow can be generated by the collision of the raw fuel gas 162 with the opposing wall portion 86, the hydrocarbon-based gas and water vapor contained in the raw fuel gas 162 can be mixed.

  Further, a concave trap portion 54 having a space communicating with the lower end portion of the vaporization flow path 46 is provided below the orifice 82. Therefore, even when non-evaporated water droplets are generated in the vaporization channel 46, the water droplets can be collected by the trap unit 54, and thus the water droplets can be prevented from flowing into the reforming channel 67. it can. As a result, it is possible to prevent unevaporated water droplets from entering the reforming catalyst layer 70 in this vaporization flow path 46 and vaporizing on the surface of the reforming catalyst inside the reforming catalyst layer 70. Damage to the reforming catalyst due to impact can be suppressed.

  Further, since the mixing unit 80 has only one orifice 82, for example, even if the flow rate of the raw fuel gas 162 and the steam carbon ratio (S / C ratio) vary, hydrocarbons contained in the raw fuel gas 162 are included. The system gas and water vapor can be mixed more effectively. Thereby, deterioration of the reforming catalyst layer 70 due to a decrease in the conversion rate of the reforming catalyst layer 70 or a portion where the temperature locally increases in the reforming catalyst layer 70 can be suppressed.

  Further, since the orifice 82 is located on the radially outer side of the vaporization flow path 46, the reforming flow path 67 communicated with the vaporization flow path 46 through the orifice 82 is expanded more radially outward than the vaporization flow path 46. Can do. Thereby, the heat transfer area in the reforming channel 67 can be increased.

  Further, the raw fuel gas 162 changes its direction from the radially outer side to the vertically lower side by colliding with the opposing wall portion 86, and through the plurality of orifices 84 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67, the reforming channel. 67. At this time, the plurality of orifices 84 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel 67, whereby the raw fuel gas 162 is dispersed in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deviation in the circumferential direction of the raw fuel gas 162 flowing into the reforming passage 67 (the deviation of the raw fuel gas).

  Further, the spiral protrusions 51, 106, 120, 121 provided in the vaporization channel 46, the preheating channel 105, the oxidant gas channel 117, and the combustion exhaust gas channel 118 are It plays the role of a spacer interposed between the cylindrical walls located on both sides. Accordingly, the width of each flow path can be maintained by the spiral convex portions 51, 106, 120, and 121, and the occurrence of a temperature difference in the circumferential direction of each flow path can be suppressed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The structure of the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is changed as follows with respect to the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment described above.

  That is, in the fuel cell module M <b> 2 according to the second embodiment, the container 20 is configured by eight pipe members 21 to 28 that are one fewer than those in the first embodiment. The first tube material 21, the fifth tube material 25, and the sixth tube material 26 are extended to the upper side of the container 20. The seventh tube member 27 is provided outside the upwardly extending portion of the first tube member 21, and the eighth tube member 28 is provided between the seventh tube member 27 and the fifth tube member 25. ing.

  The lower end portion of the seventh tube member 27 is fixed to the upper end portion of the second tube member 22, and the lower end portion of the eighth tube member 28 is fixed to the upper end portion of the third tube member 23. The upper end of the eighth pipe 28 is fixed to the upper end of the seventh pipe 27, the upper end of the fifth pipe 25 is fixed to the upper end of the eighth pipe 28, and the sixth pipe 26 The upper end is fixed to the upper end of the fifth pipe member 25.

  The heat exchanging unit 110 is provided coaxially with the vaporizing unit 40 above the vaporizing unit 40, and is configured by quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114 provided on the upper portion of the container 20. The cylindrical wall 111 located on the innermost side among the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114 is constituted by the seventh tubular material 27, and the second cylindrical wall from the inner side among the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114. Reference numeral 112 denotes an eighth pipe material 28. In addition, the third cylindrical wall 113 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114 is constituted by the upper part of the fifth tubular material 25 and is located on the outermost side of the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114. The cylindrical wall 114 is formed by the upper part of the sixth pipe member 26.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114 constituting the heat exchanging portion 110 have a gap between each other, and the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114 is inside. The heat insulation space 115, the raw fuel flow path 116, the combustion exhaust gas flow path 118, and the oxidant gas flow path 117 are formed in this order from the outside.

  That is, the space inside the first cylindrical wall 111 is formed as a heat insulating space 115, and the gap between the first cylindrical wall 111 and the second cylindrical wall 112 is the raw fuel flow path 116. It is formed as. Further, a gap between the second cylindrical wall 112 and the third cylindrical wall 113 is formed as a combustion exhaust gas flow path 118, and the third cylindrical wall 113 and the fourth cylindrical wall 111 are formed. ˜114 is formed as an oxidant gas flow path 117. In FIG. 7, the heat insulating space 115 is hollow, but the heat insulating space 115 may be filled with a heat insulating material 124.

  A raw fuel supply pipe 50 (see FIG. 6) extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the upper end portion of the raw fuel flow path 116. The raw fuel flow path 116 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the raw fuel 161 supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 50 flows from the upper side in the vertical direction to the lower side in the raw fuel flow path 116. The lower end portion of the raw fuel channel 116 is in communication with the vaporization channel 46.

  A rectifying cylinder 171 formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the vaporization channel 46 is provided at the inlet (upper end) of the vaporization channel 46. A communication passage 172 is formed at the inlet of the vaporization flow path 46 by the rectifying cylinder 171. The rectifying cylinder 171 may be omitted.

  An oxidant gas supply pipe 122 (see FIG. 6) extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to an upper end portion of the oxidant gas flow channel 117, and a lower end portion of the oxidant gas flow channel 117 is a vaporization unit. The oxidant gas flow path 48 formed in 40 is communicated. The oxidant gas flow path 117 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the oxidant gas 164 supplied from the oxidant gas supply pipe 122 is lowered from the upper side in the vertical direction to the oxidant gas flow path 117. Flows to the side.

  A gas exhaust pipe 123 (see FIG. 6) extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the upper end portion of the combustion exhaust gas passage 118, and the lower end portion of the combustion exhaust gas passage 118 is formed in the vaporization unit 40. The combustion exhaust gas flow path 47 communicates with the exhaust gas flow path 47. The combustion exhaust gas passage 118 is formed with the lower side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the combustion exhaust gas 166 supplied from the combustion exhaust gas passage 47 of the vaporization unit 40 is in the vertical lower side in the combustion exhaust gas passage 118. From the top to the top.

  The fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment has the same structure as that of the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment, except that the heat exchange unit 110 is provided above the vaporization unit 40. It operates similarly to the fuel cell module M1 according to the embodiment. In addition, the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment has the same operations and effects as the fuel cell module M1 with respect to the same structure as the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment.

  When the heat exchange unit 110 is provided above the vaporization unit 40 as in the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment, the fifth pipe member 25 and the sixth pipe member 26 are straightened to the upper side of the container 20. By extending in the shape, a wall portion on the outer peripheral side of the heat exchanging portion 110 can be constituted by the upper portion of the fifth tube member 25 and the upper portion of the sixth tube member 26. Thereby, manufacture of the container 20 becomes easy and the number of pipes constituting the container 20 can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced.

  Further, since the heat exchanging unit 110 is provided coaxially with the vaporizing unit 40 above the vaporizing unit 40, the fuel cell module M2 can be further downsized in the radial direction.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The structure of the fuel cell module M3 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is changed as follows with respect to the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment described above.

  That is, in the fuel cell module M3 according to the third embodiment, the sixth pipe member 26 has a reduced length in the vertical direction and is provided only at the lower portion of the container 20. The inner cylindrical wall 101 of the double cylindrical walls 101 and 102 constituting the preheating unit 100 is configured by the lower part of the fifth tubular material 25, and the outer cylindrical wall of the double cylindrical wall 101 is formed. The wall 102 is constituted by the sixth pipe material 26.

  Since the sixth pipe member 26 is provided only at the lower part of the container 20, the heat exchanging unit 110 is configured by triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 as shown in FIG. Similarly, the vaporization part 40 is comprised by the triple cylindrical walls 41-43, and the modification | reformation part 60 is comprised by the triple cylindrical walls 61-63 as FIG. 10 shows. Since the heat exchange unit 110, the vaporization unit 40, and the reforming unit 60 are each formed of a triple cylindrical wall, the heat exchange unit 110, the vaporization unit 40, and the reforming unit 60 provide an oxidant gas. Each flow path is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an oxidant gas supply pipe 122 extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the upper end portion of the preheating channel 105. Preheating of the oxidant gas flowing through the preheating channel 105 is provided by radiation from the fuel cell stack 10, heat transfer from the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel electrode and the air electrode, and heat transfer from the combustion unit 90.

  The fuel cell module M3 according to the third embodiment is a fuel cell according to the second embodiment, except that the oxidant gas flow path is omitted from the heat exchange unit 110, the vaporization unit 40, and the reforming unit 60, respectively. The structure is the same as that of the module M2, and the same operation as that of the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment is performed. In addition, the fuel cell module M3 according to the third embodiment has the same operations and effects as the fuel cell module M1 with respect to the same structure as the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment.

  As in the fuel cell module M3 according to the third embodiment, when the oxidant gas flow paths are omitted from the heat exchange unit 110, the vaporization unit 40, and the reforming unit 60, they are discharged from the combustion unit 90. Although the heat of the flue gas 166 cannot be absorbed by the oxidant gas, the structure of the heat exchange unit 110, the vaporization unit 40, and the reforming unit 60 can be simplified, thereby reducing the cost. be able to.

  Further, by omitting the oxidant gas flow path from the vaporization section 40 and the reforming section 60, the combustion exhaust gas 166 only takes heat away from the reforming reaction and vaporization in the vaporization section 40 and the reforming section 60. Therefore, the heat transfer area of the vaporization part 40 and the modification part 60 can be made small by this.

  Further, the oxidant gas flow path is omitted from the vaporization section 40 and the reforming section 60, and the oxidant gas supply pipe 122 is connected to the upper end of the preheat flow path 105, whereby the oxidant flowing through the preheat flow path 105 is obtained. The temperature of the gas 164 is lower than when the oxidant gas flow path is provided in the vaporization unit 40 and the reforming unit 60. Therefore, since the heat radiation of the fuel cell stack 10 can be absorbed by the oxidant gas having a low temperature, the heat radiation from the fuel cell stack 10 to the outside can be suppressed, and the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module M3 is improved. Can be made.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The structure of the fuel cell module M4 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is changed as follows with respect to the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment described above.

  That is, in the fuel cell module M4 according to the fourth embodiment, the container 20 is configured by six pipe members 21 to 26 that are two fewer than the second embodiment described above. The first tube material 21 is provided at the center in the height direction of the container 20, and the second tube material 22 and the third tube material 23 are arranged on the upper side and the outside of the first tube material 21.

  The third pipe member 23 extends upward from the second pipe member 22. The fourth tubular material 24 is disposed outside the first tubular material 21 and below the second tubular material 22 and the third tubular material 23. The fifth pipe member 25 and the sixth pipe member 26 are disposed outside the third tube member 23 and the fourth tube member 24, and are provided from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the container 20.

  The upper end of the third pipe 23 and the upper end of the fifth pipe 25 are fixed to the top wall 181 provided at the upper end of the container 20, and the upper end of the sixth pipe 26 is the fifth It is fixed to the upper end of the tube 25.

  The heat exchanging unit 110 is configured by triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113. The inner cylindrical wall 111 in the triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 is constituted by the upper part of the third tubular material 23, and the central cylindrical wall 112 in the triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 is the fifth tubular material 25. It is composed of the upper part. Further, the outer cylindrical wall 113 in the triple cylindrical walls 111 to 113 is constituted by the upper portion of the sixth pipe member 26.

  As FIG. 12 shows, the triple cylindrical walls 111-113 which comprise the heat exchanging part 110 have a clearance gap between each other, and the triple cylindrical walls 111-113 are arranged from the inside to the outside. The heat insulating space 115, the combustion exhaust gas flow path 118, and the oxidant gas flow path 117 are formed in this order.

  The vaporization part 40 is comprised by the quadruple cylindrical walls 41-44. The tubular wall 41 located on the innermost side among the quadruple tubular walls 41 to 44 is constituted by the second tubular material 22, and the second tubular wall from the inside among the quadruple tubular walls 41 to 44. Reference numeral 42 denotes a third pipe material 23. The third cylindrical wall 43 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44 is constituted by the central portion in the height direction of the fifth tubular member 25, and the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44 of the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44. The cylindrical wall 44 located on the outermost side is constituted by the central portion of the sixth pipe member 26 in the height direction.

  The quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44 constituting the vaporizing section 40 have a gap between each other, and from the inner side to the outer side of the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44, a heat insulating space 45, A vaporization channel 46, a combustion exhaust gas channel 47, and an oxidant gas channel 48 are formed in this order. A raw fuel supply pipe 50 passing through the inside of the container 20 is connected to the upper end portion of the vaporization flow path 46. The vaporization channel 46 has a length necessary for vaporizing the raw fuel 161.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a mixing unit 190 extending upward in the vertical direction is formed at the upper end of the reforming unit 60. The mixing unit 190 is located between the vaporizing unit 40 and the reforming unit 60 in the height direction of the container 20. The mixing unit 190 is provided with a rectifying cylinder 191 formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the mixing unit 190, and the rectifying cylinder 191 has an orifice penetrating in the radial direction (horizontal direction) of the rectifying cylinder 191. 192 is formed. The orifice 192 is located on the radially outer side of the vaporization flow path 46 and communicates with the lower end portion of the vaporization flow path 46. The mixing unit 190 has only one orifice 192. The mixing portion 190 is provided with an opposing wall portion 196 that faces the orifice 192 and is located on the reforming channel 67 side (radially outside) with respect to the orifice 192.

  The inlet (upper end) of the reforming channel 67 is in communication with the vaporizing channel 46 via the orifice 192 and the inner space 195 of the mixing unit 190. A pair of partition plates 193 (dispersing portions) formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the reforming channel 67 are provided at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. The pair of partition plates 193 are arranged in the vertical direction. In each partition plate 193, a plurality of orifices 194 are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of orifices 194 penetrates in the plate thickness direction (vertical direction) of the partition plate 193, and the raw fuel gas 162 flows into the reforming channel 67 through the plurality of orifices 194. One partition plate 193 may be used.

  The raw fuel gas 162 vaporized in the vaporization channel 46 passes through the orifice 192 and flows into the inner space 195 of the mixing unit 190 formed above the reforming unit 60. At this time, the raw fuel gas 162 vaporized in the vaporization flow path 46 is increased in flow velocity when passing through the orifice 192 and collides with the opposing wall portion 196 on the radially outer side in the mixing portion 190. Then, the raw fuel gas 162 collides with the opposing wall portion 196 on the radially outer side in the mixing portion 190 to generate turbulent flow, and the hydrocarbon-based gas and water vapor contained in the raw fuel gas 162 are mixed.

  The raw fuel gas 162 mixed in this manner changes its direction from the radially outer side to the vertically lower side by colliding with the opposing wall portion 196, and a plurality of orifices 194 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. Through the reforming flow path 67. Since the plurality of orifices 194 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel 67, the raw fuel gas 162 is passed through the reforming channel 67 by passing through the plurality of orifices 194. It flows in dispersedly.

  More specifically, a flow path switching unit 300 is provided between the reforming unit 60 and the vaporizing unit 40. The flow path switching unit 300 is provided on the same axis as the reforming unit 60 and the vaporizing unit 40, and includes five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305 having a gap therebetween.

  Among the five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305, the first cylindrical wall 301 from the inside is the first cylindrical wall 61 from the inside among the four-fold cylindrical walls 61 to 64 constituting the reforming unit 60. The second cylindrical wall 302 from the inside of the five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305 constituting the flow path switching unit 300 is a quadruple that constitutes the vaporization unit 40. Of the cylindrical walls 41 to 44, the first cylindrical wall 41 is extended downward from the inside.

  The third cylindrical wall 303 from the inner side among the five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305 constituting the flow path switching unit 300 is the inner side among the four-fold cylindrical walls 41 to 44 constituting the vaporizing unit 40. The third cylindrical wall 43 is formed by extending the third cylindrical wall 43 downward, and the fourth cylindrical wall 304 from the inside of the five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305 constituting the flow path switching unit 300 is vaporized. The third cylindrical wall 43 from the inner side among the four cylindrical walls 41 to 44 constituting the portion 40 and the third from the inner side among the four cylindrical walls 61 to 64 constituting the reforming portion 60. It is formed continuously with the cylindrical wall 63.

  Of the five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305 constituting the flow path switching unit 300, the combustion of the reforming unit 60 is between the first cylindrical wall 301 from the inner side and the second cylindrical wall 302 from the inner side. An upper extended exhaust gas channel 306 is formed by extending the exhaust gas channel 66 upward, and among the five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305 constituting the channel switching unit 300, the third cylindrical wall 303 from the inside Between the fourth cylindrical wall 304 from the inside, a lower extended exhaust gas passage 307 is formed by extending the combustion exhaust gas passage 47 of the vaporization section 40 downward.

  A communication pipe 197 is connected to the second cylindrical wall 302 and the third cylindrical wall 303 from the inside of the five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305 constituting the flow path switching unit 300. The communication pipe 197 is provided in a part of the container 20 in the circumferential direction, and is arranged with the radial direction of the flow path switching unit 300 as the axial direction. The upper extended exhaust gas channel 306 and the lower extended exhaust gas channel 307 are communicated with each other through the inside of the communication pipe 197, and the combustion exhaust gas 166 flowing through the combustion exhaust gas channel 66 of the reforming unit 60 is connected to the upper extended exhaust gas channel 306. Then, the gas flows into the combustion exhaust gas passage 47 of the vaporization section 40 through the inside of the communication pipe 197 and the lower extension exhaust gas passage 307.

  Of the five-fold cylindrical walls 300 to 305 that constitute the flow path switching unit 300, the lower end portion 302 </ b> A of the second cylindrical wall 302 from the inside is the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 that constitute the reforming unit 60. Are joined to the upper end 62A of the second cylindrical wall 62 from the inside by welding or the like.

  The mixing unit 190 is provided with a trap unit 198. The trap portion 198 is located below the orifice 192 described above. The trap portion 198 is formed in a concave shape having a space communicating with the lower end portion of the vaporization flow path 46.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the combustion member 90 is provided with a nozzle member 200. The nozzle member 200 is provided on the upper surface of the fuel cell stack 10 and includes a fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 and an air electrode exhaust gas nozzle 202. The nozzle member 200 has a partition wall portion 203 positioned between the ignition electrode 92 and the fuel cell stack 10, and the fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 is formed at the center of the partition wall portion 203.

  The fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 communicates with the exhaust gas exhaust port of the fuel electrode in the fuel cell stack 10, and the air electrode exhaust gas nozzle 202 communicates with the exhaust gas exhaust port of the air electrode in the fuel cell stack 10. The fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 is located in the center of the combustion section 90 in the radial direction, and a plurality of air electrode exhaust gas nozzles 202 are provided around the fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201. In addition, the fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 may be formed in a plurality of, for example, in the radial direction of the partition wall 203 formed in a disk shape, or may be formed in a distributed manner in the partition wall 203. good.

  The fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 opens to the upper side in the vertical direction, and the air electrode exhaust gas nozzle 202 opens to the radially inner side of the combustion unit 90. That is, the fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 and the air electrode exhaust gas nozzle 202 are opened in directions orthogonal to each other.

  The ignition electrode 92 is disposed opposite to the fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 at the center of the plurality of air electrode exhaust gas nozzles 202. The gases discharged from the fuel electrode exhaust gas nozzle 201 and the air electrode exhaust gas nozzle 202 are mixed to generate a stack exhaust gas 165. The stack exhaust gas 165 is burned by a spark formed between the ignition electrode 92 and the partition wall 203. Since the ignition electrode 92 is separated from the fuel cell stack 10 in the vertical direction, the stack exhaust gas 165 is burned at a position away from the fuel cell stack 10.

  The fuel cell module M4 according to the fourth embodiment has the same structure as the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment except for the above-described configuration, and operates in the same manner as the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment. . In addition, the fuel cell module M4 according to the fourth embodiment has the same operations and effects as the fuel cell module M1 with respect to the same structure as the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment.

  As in the fuel cell module M4 according to the fourth embodiment, when the heat exchange unit 110 is provided above the vaporization unit 40, the third tube member 23, the fifth tube member 25, and the sixth tube member. By extending 26 in a straight line to the upper side of the container 20, the heat exchanger 110 can be configured by these pipe materials 23, 25, and 26. Thereby, manufacture of the container 20 becomes easy and the number of pipes constituting the container 20 can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced.

  Further, the raw fuel gas 162 vaporized in the vaporization flow path 46 becomes a jet flow with an increased flow velocity when passing through the orifice 192, and collides with the opposing wall portion 196. Therefore, since the turbulent flow can be generated when the raw fuel gas 162 collides with the opposing wall portion 196, the hydrocarbon-based gas and water vapor contained in the raw fuel gas 162 can be mixed.

  Further, since the mixing unit 190 has only one orifice 192, for example, even if the flow rate of the raw fuel gas 162 and the steam carbon ratio (S / C ratio) vary, the hydrocarbons contained in the raw fuel gas 162 The system gas and water vapor can be mixed more effectively. Thereby, deterioration of the reforming catalyst layer 70 due to a decrease in the conversion rate of the reforming catalyst layer 70 or a portion where the temperature locally increases in the reforming catalyst layer 70 can be suppressed.

  Further, since the orifice 192 is located on the radially outer side of the vaporization flow path 46, the reforming flow path 67 communicated with the vaporization flow path 46 through the orifice 192 is expanded more radially outward than the vaporization flow path 46. Can do. Thereby, the heat transfer area in the reforming channel 67 can be increased.

  In addition, the raw fuel gas 162 changes its direction from the radially outer side to the vertically lower side by colliding with the opposing wall portion 196, and the reforming channel is passed through the plurality of orifices 194 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. 67. At this time, the raw fuel gas 162 is dispersed in the circumferential direction by arranging the plurality of orifices 194 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel 67. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deviation in the circumferential direction of the raw fuel gas 162 flowing into the reforming passage 67 (the deviation of the raw fuel gas).

  In addition, since a plurality of partition plates 193 are provided at the inlet of the reforming channel 67 at intervals in the vertical direction, the raw fuel gas 162 is passed through the plurality of orifices 194 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. Can be more effectively dispersed in the circumferential direction.

  Further, the vaporization flow path 46 is formed by the second tube material 22 and the third tube material 23, but the position of the upper end of the second tube material 22 is not restricted in the height direction of the container 20. Thus, the length of the vaporization channel 46 can be easily changed. As a result, the length of the vaporization channel 46 can be optimized, so that the temperature of the raw fuel gas 162 passing through the inlet of the reforming channel 67 (see FIG. 13) located on the downstream side of the vaporization channel 46. Can be prevented from rising too much.

  In addition, between the reforming unit 60 and the vaporizing unit 40, a combustion exhaust gas channel 66 positioned inside the vaporization channel 46 and a combustion exhaust gas channel 47 positioned outside the vaporization channel 46 are communicated. The communication pipe 197 is connected. The communication pipe 197 is connected to the second cylindrical wall 302 and the third cylindrical wall 303 from the inside of the five-fold cylindrical walls 301 to 305 constituting the flow path switching unit 300. Since the communication pipe 197 is provided in a part of the circumferential direction of the flow path switching unit 300, stress may concentrate on the connection part between the communication pipe 197 and the cylindrical walls 302 and 303. However, the lower end portion 302 </ b> A of the second cylindrical wall 302 from the inside out of the five-fold cylindrical walls 300 to 305 constituting the flow path switching unit 300 is a quadruple cylindrical wall 61 constituting the reforming unit 60. To 64 are coupled to the upper end portion 62A of the second cylindrical wall 62 from the inside by, for example, welding. Therefore, since the lower end portion 302A of the cylindrical wall 302 is coupled to the upper end portion 62A of the cylindrical wall 62 in the vicinity of the communication tube 197, stress is applied to the connection portion between the communication tube 197 and the cylindrical walls 302 and 303. Concentration can be suppressed.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The structure of the fuel cell module M5 according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is changed as follows with respect to the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment described above.

  That is, in the fuel cell module M5 according to the fifth embodiment, the container 20 is configured by five pipe members 21 to 25 that are three fewer than the second embodiment described above. The first tube material 21 and the second tube material 22 are provided from the central portion in the height direction of the container 20 to the upper end portion, and the second tube material 22 is disposed outside the first tube material 21. ing.

  The third tube member 23 and the fourth tube member 24 are disposed outside the second tube member 22. The third pipe material 23 is formed with a length corresponding to the upper part of the second pipe material 22. The fourth pipe member 24 is provided from the center in the height direction of the container 20 to the lower end, and is disposed below the third pipe member 23. The fifth pipe member 25 is formed with a length corresponding to the lower part of the fourth pipe member 24, and is disposed outside the lower part of the fourth tube member 24.

  The upper end of the first tube 21 and the upper end of the second tube 22 are fixed to a top wall 181 provided at the upper end of the container 20, and the upper end of the third tube 23 is the second It is fixed to the upper end of the tube material 22. The lower end portion of the fourth pipe member 24 is fixed to the bottom wall portion 34, and the lower end portion of the fifth pipe member 25 is fixed to the bottom wall portion 35.

  The heat exchange part is omitted from the container 20, and the container 20 is provided with a vaporization part 40, a reforming part 60, a combustion part 90, and a preheating part 100 (accommodating part).

  The vaporization part 40 is comprised by the triple cylindrical walls 41-43. The inner cylindrical wall 41 in the triple cylindrical walls 41 to 43 is constituted by the upper portion of the first tubular material 21, and the central cylindrical wall 42 in the triple cylindrical walls 41 to 43 is the second tubular material 22. It is composed of the upper part. Further, the outer cylindrical wall 43 in the triple cylindrical walls 41 to 43 is constituted by the third pipe member 23.

  As FIG. 16 shows, the triple cylindrical walls 41-43 which comprise this vaporization part 40 have a clearance gap between each other, and the inner cylindrical wall 41 and the center cylindrical wall 42, and A combustion exhaust gas channel 47 is formed between them, and a vaporization channel 46 is formed between the outer cylindrical wall 43 and the central cylindrical wall 42. A gas exhaust pipe 123 (see FIG. 15) that extends outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the upper end portion of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 47, and extends to the radial outer side of the container 20 at the upper end portion of the vaporization flow path 46. A raw fuel supply pipe 50 (see FIG. 15) is connected.

  Further, the vaporization flow path 46 is provided with a spiral convex portion 51 formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization section 40, and the vaporization flow path 46 allows the vaporization flow path 46 to be connected to the vaporization section 40. It is formed in a spiral around the axial direction. Similarly, the combustion exhaust gas flow channel 47 is provided with a spiral convex portion 55 formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion 40, and the combustion exhaust gas flow channel 47 is vaporized by the spiral convex portion 55. The portion 40 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction.

  The reforming part 60 is configured by triple cylindrical walls 61 to 63. The inner cylindrical wall 61 in the triple cylindrical walls 61 to 63 is constituted by the lower portion of the first tubular material 21, and the central cylindrical wall 62 in the triple cylindrical walls 61 to 63 is the second tubular material 22. It consists of the lower part. Further, the outer cylindrical wall 63 of the triple cylindrical walls 61 to 63 is constituted by the upper portion of the fourth tubular material 24.

  The triple cylindrical walls 61 to 63 constituting the reforming portion 60 have a gap between each other, and combustion exhaust gas is interposed between the inner cylindrical wall 61 and the central cylindrical wall 62. A flow path 66 is formed, and a reforming flow path 67 is formed between the outer cylindrical wall 63 and the central cylindrical wall 62.

  A pair of partition plates 212 (dispersing parts) formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the reforming part 60 are provided at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. The pair of partition plates 212 are arranged in the vertical direction. In each partition plate 212, a plurality of orifices 213 are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. The orifice 213 penetrates in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the partition plate 212, and the raw fuel gas 162 flows into the reforming channel 67 through the plurality of orifices 213.

  Since the plurality of orifices 213 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming flow path 67, the raw fuel gas 162 is passed through the reforming flow path 67 by passing through the plurality of orifices 213. It flows in dispersedly. Note that the partition plate 212 may be a single sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the preheating unit 100 includes double cylindrical walls 101 and 102. The inner cylindrical wall 101 of the double cylindrical walls 101 and 102 is constituted by the lower part of the fourth tubular material 24, and the outer cylindrical wall 102 of the double cylindrical walls 101 and 102 is five. The second pipe member 25 is used. An oxidant gas supply pipe 122 extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the upper end portion of the preheating channel 105.

  Preheating of the oxidant gas 164 flowing through the preheating channel 105 is provided by radiation from the fuel cell stack 10, heat transfer from the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel electrode and the air electrode, and heat transfer from the combustion unit 90. .

  By providing the fifth pipe member 25 only at the lower part of the container 20, as described above, the vaporizing section 40 is configured by the triple cylindrical walls 41 to 43, and the reforming section 60 is configured by the triple cylindrical wall 61. ~ 63. In addition, since the vaporization unit 40 and the reforming unit 60 are each formed of a triple cylindrical wall, the oxidant gas flow path is omitted from the vaporization unit 40 and the reforming unit 60, respectively.

  The fuel cell module M5 according to the fifth embodiment has the same structure as the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment except for the above-described configuration, and operates in the same manner as the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment. . In addition, the fuel cell module M5 according to the fifth embodiment has the same operations and effects as those of the fuel cell module M1 with respect to the same structure as the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment.

  As in the fuel cell module M5 according to the fifth embodiment, when the oxidant gas flow path is omitted from the vaporization unit 40 and the reforming unit 60, the heat of the combustion exhaust gas 166 discharged from the combustion unit 90 is reduced. Although it cannot absorb with oxidizing gas, since the structure of the vaporization part 40 and the modification part 60 can be simplified, it can reduce a cost by this.

  The raw fuel gas 162 flows into the reforming channel 67 through a plurality of orifices 213 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. At this time, the raw fuel gas 162 is dispersed in the circumferential direction by arranging the plurality of orifices 213 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel 67. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deviation in the circumferential direction of the raw fuel gas 162 flowing into the reforming passage 67 (the deviation of the raw fuel gas).

  In addition, since a plurality of partition plates 212 are provided at the inlet of the reforming channel 67 at intervals in the vertical direction, the raw fuel gas 162 is passed through the plurality of orifices 213 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. Can be more effectively dispersed in the circumferential direction.

  Further, by omitting the oxidant gas flow path from the vaporization section 40 and the reforming section 60, the combustion exhaust gas 166 only takes heat away from the reforming reaction and vaporization in the vaporization section 40 and the reforming section 60. Therefore, the heat transfer area of the vaporization part 40 and the modification part 60 can be made small by this.

  Further, the oxidant gas flow path is omitted from the vaporization section 40 and the reforming section 60, and the oxidant gas supply pipe 122 is connected to the upper end of the preheat flow path 105, whereby the oxidant flowing through the preheat flow path 105 is obtained. The temperature of the gas 164 is lower than when the oxidant gas flow path is provided in the vaporization unit 40 and the reforming unit 60. Accordingly, since the heat radiation of the fuel cell stack 10 can be absorbed by the oxidant gas having a low temperature, the heat radiation from the fuel cell stack 10 to the outside can be suppressed, and the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell module M5 is improved. Can be made.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The structure of the fuel cell module M6 according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is changed as follows with respect to the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment described above.

  That is, in the fuel cell module M6 according to the sixth embodiment, the container 20 is composed of seven pipe materials 21 to 27 that are two fewer than those in the first embodiment. The first tube material 21 and the second tube material 22 are provided from the upper side of the fuel cell stack 10 to the upper end portion of the container 20, and the third tube material 23 and the fourth tube material 24 are provided in the container 20. It is provided from the center in the height direction to the upper end.

  As shown in FIG. 19, diameter-reduced portions 221 to 224 that are reduced in diameter toward the upper side in the vertical direction are formed on the upper portion of the first tube material 21 to the fourth tube material 24, respectively. Cylindrical connection portions 225 to 227 are respectively formed above the reduced diameter portions 222 to 224 formed in the second to fourth pipe members 22 to 24 among the plurality of reduced diameter portions 221 to 224. Yes.

  The upper end portion of the reduced diameter portion 221 formed in the first tube material 21 and the upper end portion of the connection portion 225 provided in the second tube material 22 are respectively fixed to the upper portion of the pipe 150. Further, the upper end portion of the connection portion 226 provided in the third pipe material 23 is fixed to the upper end portion of the connection portion 225 provided in the second tube material 22, and the connection portion 227 provided in the fourth tube material 24. Is fixed to the upper end portion of the connection portion 226 provided on the third pipe member 23. In addition, bellows-shaped bellows 228 and 229 are respectively formed in the connection portions 226 and 227 provided in the third tube member 23 and the fourth tube member 24 among the connection portions 225 to 227.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the fifth pipe member 25 and the sixth pipe member 26 are provided from the lower side of the third pipe member 23 and the fourth pipe member 24 to the lower end portion of the container 20. The tube material 27 is provided between the fuel cell stack 10 and the fifth tube material 25 below the second tube material 22. The lower end of the second tube 22 is fixed to the upper end of the seventh tube 27, the lower end of the fifth tube 25, the lower end of the sixth tube 26, and the lower end of the seventh tube 27. Is fixed to the manifold 14 constituting the lower wall portion of the container 20.

  The heat exchanging unit 110 is provided coaxially with the vaporizing unit 40 above the vaporizing unit 40, and is configured by quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114 provided on the upper portion of the container 20. The cylindrical wall 111 located on the innermost side of the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114 is constituted by the upper portion of the first tubular material 21, and the second cylinder from the inner side among the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114. The shaped wall 112 is constituted by the upper part of the second pipe material 22. In addition, the third cylindrical wall 113 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114 is constituted by the upper part of the third tubular material 23, and is located on the outermost side of the quadruple cylindrical walls 111 to 114. The cylindrical wall 114 is formed by the upper part of the fourth pipe member 24.

  As FIG. 19 shows, the quadruple cylindrical walls 111-114 which comprise this heat exchange part 110 have a clearance gap between each other, and the inside of this quadruple cylindrical walls 111-114 A heat insulating space 115, a combustion exhaust gas flow path 118, a raw fuel flow path 116, and an oxidant gas flow path 117 are formed in this order from the outside.

  That is, the space inside the first cylindrical wall 111 is formed as a heat insulating space 115, and the gap between the first cylindrical wall 111 and the second cylindrical wall 112 is a combustion exhaust gas flow path 118. It is formed as. Further, a gap between the second cylindrical wall 112 and the third cylindrical wall 113 is formed as a raw fuel flow path 116, and the third cylindrical wall 113 and the fourth cylindrical wall 114 are formed. Is formed as an oxidant gas flow path 117.

  An upper end portion of the flue gas passage 118 is communicated with a connection passage 231 formed between the pipe 150 and the connection portion 225, and the upper end portion of the connection passage 231 extends outward in the radial direction of the container 20. A gas exhaust pipe 123 is connected. The combustion exhaust gas passage 118 is formed with the lower side in the vertical direction as the upstream side. The combustion exhaust gas passage 166 supplied from the combustion exhaust gas passage 47 (see FIG. 20) of the vaporization unit 40 is connected to the combustion exhaust gas passage 118. Flows from the lower side in the vertical direction to the upper side.

  The upper end portion of the raw fuel flow passage 116 is communicated with a connection flow passage 232 formed between the connection portion 225 and the connection portion 226, and the upper end portion of the connection flow passage 232 is disposed on the radially outer side of the container 20. An extending raw fuel supply pipe 50 is connected. The raw fuel flow path 116 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the raw fuel 161 supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 50 through the connection flow path 232 is supplied to the raw fuel flow path 116 from the upper side in the vertical direction. Flows downward. The lower end portion of the raw fuel flow path 116 is in communication with the vaporization flow path 46 (see FIG. 20).

  The upper end portion of the oxidant gas flow channel 117 communicates with a connection flow channel 233 formed between the connection portion 226 and the connection portion 227. An oxidant gas supply pipe 122 extending outward in the radial direction of the container 20 is connected to the upper end portion of the connection flow channel 233, and the lower end portion of the oxidant gas flow channel 117 is an oxidation formed in the vaporization unit 40. The agent gas flow path 48 (see FIG. 20) is communicated. The oxidant gas flow path 117 is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side, and the oxidant gas 164 supplied from the oxidant gas supply pipe 122 through the connection flow path 233 is formed in the oxidant gas flow path 117. It flows from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction.

  The raw fuel flow path 116 is provided with a spiral convex portion 119 formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the heat exchanging section 110, and the raw fuel flow path 116 is formed by the spiral convex section 119. 110 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction. Similarly, the oxidant gas flow channel 117 is provided with a spiral convex portion 120 formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the heat exchange unit 110, and the oxidant gas flow channel 117 is formed by the spiral convex portion 120. Is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the heat exchange unit 110. Similarly, the combustion exhaust gas flow path 118 is provided with a spiral convex portion 121 formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the heat exchange unit 110, and the combustion exhaust gas flow path 118 is formed by the spiral convex portion 121. The heat exchanger 110 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction.

  A portion of the raw fuel flow path 116 formed in a spiral shape by the spiral convex portion 119 (spiral flow path) has a smaller helical pitch than the vaporization flow path 46 located downstream of the raw fuel flow path 116. . The spiral convex portion 119 is in contact with both the cylindrical walls 112 and 113 that form the raw fuel flow path 116, and serves as a spacer interposed between the cylindrical wall 112 and the cylindrical wall 113.

  In addition, the pitch of the part helically formed by the spiral convex part 121 in the flue gas passage 118 (the pitch of the spiral convex part 121) can be changed according to the exchange heat transfer amount. Further, it is preferable that the spiral pitch of the vaporization flow path 46 formed in the vaporization section 40 having a large amount of heat transfer (pitch of the spiral projection 51) be fine.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the vaporizing unit 40 is configured by quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44. The tubular wall 41 located on the innermost side of the quadruple tubular walls 41 to 44 is constituted by the central portion in the height direction of the first tube member 21, and is located on the inner side of the quadruple tubular walls 41 to 44. The second cylindrical wall 42 is constituted by a central portion in the height direction of the second tubular material 22. The third cylindrical wall 43 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44 is constituted by the lower portion of the third tubular material 23 and is located on the outermost side of the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44. The cylindrical wall 44 is configured by the lower part of the fourth pipe member 24.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44 constituting the vaporizing unit 40 have a gap between each other, and from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 41 to 44. A heat insulating space 45, a combustion exhaust gas channel 47, a vaporization channel 46, and an oxidant gas channel 48 are sequentially formed on the outside.

  The vaporization flow path 46, the oxidant gas flow path 48, and the combustion exhaust gas flow path 47 are provided with spiral convex portions 119, 120, and 121. 46, the oxidizing gas channel 48, and the combustion exhaust gas channel 47 are formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporizing unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the reforming unit 60 is configured by quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64. The cylindrical wall 61 located on the innermost side of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 is constituted by the lower portion of the first tubular member 21, and the second cylinder from the inner side among the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64. The shaped wall 62 is constituted by the lower part of the second pipe material 22. The third cylindrical wall 63 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 is constituted by the upper part of the fifth tubular member 25, and is located on the outermost side of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64. The cylindrical wall 64 is configured by the upper part of the sixth pipe member 26.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 constituting the reforming unit 60 have a gap between each other, and from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64. On the outside, a heat insulating space 65, a combustion exhaust gas channel 66, a reforming channel 67, and an oxidant gas channel 68 are formed in this order.

  A pair of partition plates 234 (dispersing parts) formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the reforming part 60 are provided at the inlet (upper end) of the reforming channel 67. The pair of partition plates 234 are arranged in the vertical direction. In each partition plate 234, a plurality of orifices 235 are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. The orifice 235 penetrates in the plate thickness direction (vertical direction) of the partition plate 234, and the raw fuel gas 162 flows into the reforming channel 67 through the plurality of orifices 235.

  The outer peripheral portions of the pair of partition plates 234 are spaced apart from the third cylindrical wall 63 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 constituting the reforming unit 60 with a slight gap. The inner peripheral portions of the pair of partition plates 234 are spaced apart from the second cylindrical wall 62 from the inside of the quadruple cylindrical walls 61 to 64 constituting the reforming unit 60 with a slight gap. May be.

  Since the plurality of orifices 235 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel 67, the raw fuel gas is dispersed in the reforming channel 67 by passing through the plurality of orifices 235. Inflow. The partition plate 234 may be a single sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the preheating unit 100 is configured by triple cylindrical walls 101 to 103. The inner cylindrical wall 101 in the triple cylindrical walls 101 to 103 is constituted by the seventh tubular material 27, and the central cylindrical wall 102 in the triple cylindrical walls 101 to 103 is the lower part of the fifth tubular material 25. The outer cylindrical wall 103 of the triple cylindrical walls 101 to 103 is configured by the lower portion of the sixth pipe member 26.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the triple cylindrical walls 101 to 103 constituting the heat exchange unit 110 have a gap between them. A fuel gas flow path 108 is formed between the inner cylindrical wall 101 and the central cylindrical wall 102, and preheating is performed between the outer cylindrical wall 103 and the central cylindrical wall 102. A flow path 105 is formed. The upper end portion of the fuel gas channel 108 is in communication with the reforming channel 67.

  Further, the lower end portion of the fuel gas passage 108 communicates with the fuel gas intake port of the fuel cell stack 10 through the passage formed in the manifold 14 (see FIG. 18), and the lower end portion of the preheating passage 105 is the manifold. 14 (see FIG. 18) is communicated with an oxidant gas intake port of the fuel cell stack 10 through a flow path formed in FIG.

  The fuel cell module M6 according to the sixth embodiment has the same structure as that of the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment except that the heat exchanging unit 110 is provided above the vaporization unit 40. It operates similarly to the fuel cell module M1 according to the embodiment. In addition, the fuel cell module M2 according to the second embodiment has the same operations and effects as the fuel cell module M1 with respect to the same structure as the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment.

  As in the fuel cell module M6 according to the sixth embodiment, when the heat exchanging unit 110 is provided above the vaporizing unit 40, the first to fourth pipe members 21 to 24 are linearly formed on the upper side of the container 20. Thus, the heat exchanging unit 110 can be configured at the upper part of the first to fourth pipe members 21 to 24. Thereby, manufacture of the container 20 becomes easy and the number of pipes constituting the container 20 can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced.

  The raw fuel gas 162 flows into the reforming channel 67 through a plurality of orifices 235 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. At this time, the plurality of orifices 235 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel 67, whereby the raw fuel gas 162 is dispersed in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deviation in the circumferential direction of the raw fuel gas 162 flowing into the reforming passage 67 (the deviation of the raw fuel gas).

  In addition, since a plurality of partition plates 234 are provided at the inlet of the reforming channel 67 at intervals in the vertical direction, the raw fuel gas 162 is passed through the plurality of orifices 234 formed at the inlet of the reforming channel 67. Can be more effectively dispersed in the circumferential direction.

  In addition, since the bellows 228 and 229 are respectively formed in the connecting portions 226 and 227 provided in the third pipe member 23 and the fourth pipe member 24, heat from the first to fourth pipe members 21 to 24 is caused by the temperature difference. Even if a difference in expansion occurs, the bellows 228 and 229 expand and contract to absorb and relieve stress associated with the difference in thermal expansion.

  Next, a modification common to the first to sixth embodiments will be described.

  In the first to sixth embodiments described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, as a spiral forming portion (spiral convex portion 51) that spirally forms the vaporization flow path 46, a metal made in a spiral shape is used. The round bar member 311 may be used. The round bar member 311 is provided between the pair of cylindrical walls 41 and 42 forming the vaporization flow path 46 and is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization unit 40. The round bar member 311 is wound around the inner cylindrical wall 41 and is in close contact with the cylindrical wall 41.

  As described above, when the spiral round bar member 311 is used to form the vaporization flow path 46 in a spiral shape, the spiral vaporization flow path 46 can be realized with a simple structure, so that the cost can be reduced. it can. In addition, since the round bar member 311 is in close contact with the inner cylindrical wall 41 forming the vaporization flow path 46, the raw fuel 161 flowing through the vaporization flow path 46 passes between the round bar member 311 and the cylindrical wall 41. It is possible to suppress slipping through (short pass) with an inexpensive structure.

  The round bar member 311 may be in close contact with only the outer cylindrical wall 42 of the pair of cylindrical walls 41 and 42 forming the vaporizing flow path 46, and both the cylindrical walls 41 and 42 may be in close contact with each other. It may be closely attached to.

  Moreover, the vaporization flow path 46 may be formed in a spiral around the axial direction of the vaporization unit 40 with the following structure.

  That is, in the modification shown in FIG. 23, a wire mesh 312 formed of a wire mesh material is used as the spiral forming portion. The wire mesh 312 is provided between the pair of cylindrical walls 41, 42 forming the vaporization flow path 46, and is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization unit 40, and the inner cylindrical wall 41 It is wound around.

  When the wire mesh 312 is used in this way, the flow of water contained in the raw fuel 161 introduced into the vaporization flow path 46 can be suppressed by the wire mesh 312, so that the water stays in the vaporization flow path 46. While extending time, the contact area (heat-transfer area) of water and a mesh part (metal part) can be enlarged. Thereby, promotion of vaporization in the vaporization part 40 and stability can be improved.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 24, the round bar member 311 and the wire mesh 312 described above are used in combination. That is, the wire mesh 312 is provided along the round bar member 311 and is supported by the round bar member 311 from the lower side in the vertical direction.

  Even in such a configuration, since the round bar member 311 is in close contact with the inner cylindrical wall 41 forming the vaporization channel 46, the raw fuel 161 flowing through the vaporization channel 46 is in contact with the round bar member 311 and the cylinder. It is possible to suppress slipping through the wall 41 (short path) with an inexpensive structure.

  In addition, since the flow of water contained in the raw fuel 161 input to the vaporization flow path 46 can be suppressed by the wire mesh 312, the residence time of water in the vaporization flow path 46 can be extended, and water and the mesh can be increased. The contact area (heat transfer area) with the part (metal part) can be increased. Thereby, promotion of vaporization in the vaporization part 40 and stability can be improved.

  Furthermore, since the wire mesh 312 is supported by the round bar member 311, the wire mesh 312 can be positioned and deformation of the wire mesh 312 can be suppressed.

  24, the round bar member 311 may be in close contact with only the outer cylindrical wall 42 of the pair of cylindrical walls 41 and 42 forming the vaporization flow path 46. Further, the cylindrical walls 41 and 42 may be in close contact with each other.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 25, a guide portion 313 and a plurality of spheres 314 are used as the spiral forming portion. For example, the above-described round bar member 311 (see FIG. 22) can be applied to the guide portion 313. The guide portion 313 is provided between the pair of cylindrical walls 41 and 42 forming the vaporization flow path 46 and is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion 40.

  The plurality of spheres 314 are filled between the pair of cylindrical walls 41 and 42. The gaps between the plurality of spheres 314 are formed as vaporization channels 46, and the plurality of spheres 314 are formed by the guide unit 313 so that the vaporization channels 46 are formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization unit 40. The vaporizer 40 is arranged in a spiral around the axial direction. As the plurality of spheres 314, for example, ceramic balls are used. Note that a structure other than a round bar member may be used as the guide portion 313.

  When a plurality of spheres 314 are used in this way, the flow of water contained in the raw fuel charged into the vaporization flow path 46 can be suppressed by the uneven shape formed between the plurality of spheres 314. The residence time of water in the vaporization channel 46 can be extended. Thereby, promotion of vaporization in the vaporization part 40 and stability can be improved.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 26, a corrugated portion 315 bulging from the inner cylindrical wall 41 forming the vaporizing flow path 46 is used as the spiral forming portion. The corrugated portion 315 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporizing portion 40 by corrugating.

  In addition, in the modification shown in FIG. 27, the corrugated portion 315 bulged from the inner cylindrical wall 41 that forms the vaporization flow path 46 and the outer cylindrical shape that forms the vaporization flow path 46 as the spiral forming portion. A corrugated portion 315 bulged from the wall 42 is used. Each corrugated portion 315 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporizing portion 40 by corrugating, and one corrugated portion 315 and the other corrugated portion 315 are in contact with each other at the top.

  As described above, when the corrugated portion 315 formed integrally with the cylindrical wall 41 or the cylindrical walls 41 and 42 by corrugation is used as the spiral-shaped portion, the number of parts of the vaporizing portion 40 can be reduced. it can.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 28, a weld metal 316 formed on the outer cylindrical wall 42 that forms the vaporization flow path 46 is used as the spiral forming portion. As a method for forming the weld metal 316, a laser is applied from the outside of the pair of cylindrical walls 41, 42 in a state where powder is filled between the pair of cylindrical walls 41, 42 forming the vaporization flow path 46. It is formed by irradiating to melt the powder and cooling the melted powder. The weld metal 316 is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization unit 40 by relatively moving the laser in a spiral manner around the axial direction of the vaporization unit 40. For example, a technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-59683 can be applied to such a weld metal forming method. Of the powder filled between the pair of cylindrical walls 41, 42, the powder not melted by the laser is discharged from the upper side of the vaporization channel 46 to the outside.

  As described above, when the weld metal 316 formed on the outer cylindrical wall 42 forming the vaporization channel 46 is used as the spiral-shaped portion, the spiral vaporization channel 46 can be easily formed. it can.

  Further, since the weld metal 316 is formed integrally with the outer cylindrical wall 42, the raw fuel 161 flowing through the vaporization flow path 46 passes through between the weld metal 316 and the outer cylindrical wall 42 (short path). Can be suppressed.

  The example of the spiral forming portion shown in FIGS. 22 to 28 is applicable not only to the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment but also to the fuel cell modules M2 to M6 according to the second to sixth embodiments. is there.

  It should be noted that the spiral forming portions (round bar member 311, wire mesh 312, guide portion 313, multiple spheres 314, corrugated portion 315, weld metal 316) shown in FIGS. If the function as a spacer interposed between them is achieved, the other of the pair of cylindrical walls 41 and 42 can be positioned, and the width of the vaporization channel 46 can be maintained.

  The round bar member 311 shown in FIG. 22, the corrugated part 315 shown in FIG. 25, and the weld metal 316 shown in FIG. 27 are spaced apart from the outer cylindrical wall 42. The bar member 311, the corrugated portion 315, and the weld metal 316 may be in contact with the outer cylindrical wall 42 at the top. Even if comprised in this way, the other can be positioned with respect to one of a pair of cylindrical walls 41 and 42. FIG.

  In the fuel cell modules M1 to M6 according to the first to sixth embodiments, the preheating part 100, the peripheral wall part 91 of the combustion part 90, the plurality of cylindrical walls constituting the reforming part 60, and the vaporization part 40 are constituted. The plurality of cylindrical walls and the plurality of cylindrical walls constituting the heat exchanging unit 110 and the like are all formed in a cylindrical shape having a perfect circular cross section.

  However, in the fuel cell modules M1 to M6 according to the first to sixth embodiments, the preheating part 100, the peripheral wall part 91 of the combustion part 90, the plurality of cylindrical walls constituting the reforming part 60, and the vaporization part 40 are constituted. The plurality of cylindrical walls and the plurality of cylindrical walls constituting the heat exchanging unit 110 and the like may all be formed in an elliptic cylindrical shape having an elliptical cross section.

  In the fuel cell modules M1 to M6 according to the first to sixth embodiments, the preheating part 100, the peripheral wall part 91 of the combustion part 90, the plurality of cylindrical walls constituting the reforming part 60, and the vaporization part 40 are constituted. A plurality of cylindrical walls and a plurality of cylindrical walls constituting the heat exchanging portion 110 and the like are formed in a cylindrical shape having a perfect circular cross section and an elliptic cylindrical shape having a cross sectional shape being elliptical. Both of them may be included.

  Further, in the fuel cell modules M1 to M6 according to the first to sixth embodiments, according to the shape of the fuel cell stack 10 (for example, when the fuel cell stack 10 has a plurality of cylindrical flat cells 12). Only the preheating part 100 may be formed in an elliptical cylindrical shape.

  Further, in the fuel cell modules M1 to M6 according to the first to sixth embodiments, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is applied to the fuel cell stack 10, but other types of fuel cells are used. May be applied.

  Moreover, although city gas is used as the hydrocarbon-based fuel contained in the raw fuel, a gas containing hydrogen as a main component, such as methane gas, may be used instead of city gas. Further, the hydrocarbon fuel may be a hydrocarbon liquid.

  Next, the evaluation test will be described.

  As an evaluation test, temperature measurement is performed using the fuel cell module M1 according to the first embodiment described above as an example. The temperature is measured at the inlet of the vaporization channel, the outlet of the vaporization channel, the inlet of the reforming channel (four places in the circumferential direction), and the outlet of the reforming channel (four places in the circumferential direction). City gas is used as the hydrocarbon gas, and a thermocouple is used for temperature measurement. Table 1 shows the measurement results.

  Table 1 shows that the temperature at the inlet of the vaporization channel is 100 ° C. or lower, but the temperature at the outlet of the vaporization channel exceeds 300 ° C., and it is confirmed that the water introduced into the vaporization channel has been evaporated. it can.

  Further, the temperature variation in the circumferential direction at the inlet and outlet of the reforming channel is 20 ° C. or less. For the following reasons (1) and (2), city gas and water vapor at the inlet of the reforming channel It can be judged that the mixture gas (raw fuel gas) is well dispersed.

  (1) The measurement error of the thermocouple at the outlet of the reforming channel is about ± 5 ° C. (wire type is K, tolerance is class 2), and variations of about 10 ° C. are allowed.

  (2) When the temperature variation in the circumferential direction is 20 ° C, the methane conversion rate changes only about 1% and does not affect power generation (in this case, the methane conversion rate is used for power generation from raw fuel gas) It is a value indicating how much hydrogen that can be taken out).

  The first to sixth embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Of course there is.

  M1 to M6 ... Fuel cell module, 10 ... Fuel cell stack, 12 ... Cell, 14 ... Manifold, 15 ... Oxidant gas inlet, 16 ... Fuel gas inlet, 20 ... Container, 21-29 ... Tube, 40 ... Vaporization part, 41-44 ... cylindrical wall, 45 ... heat insulation space, 46 ... vaporization flow path, 47 ... combustion exhaust gas flow path, 48 ... oxidant gas flow path, 49 ... heat insulation material, 50 ... raw fuel supply pipe, 51 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Spiral convex part (spiral formation part), 54 ... Trap part, 55 ... Spiral convex part, 60 ... Reformation part, 61-64 ... Cylindrical wall, 65 ... Thermal insulation space, 66 ... Combustion exhaust gas flow path, 67 ... Kai 68 ... Oxidant gas passage, 69 ... Insulating material, 70 ... Reforming catalyst layer, 80 ... Mixing part, 81 ... Connecting pipe, 82 ... Orifice, 83 ... Partition plate (dispersing part), 84 ... Orifice , 85 ... inner space, 86 ... opposing wall part, 90 ... combustion part, 91 ... peripheral wall part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Ignition electrode, 93 ... Partition part, 94 ... Combustion chamber, 95 ... Tapered part, 100 ... Preheating part, 101-103 ... Cylindrical wall, 104 ... Inner space, 105 ... Preheating flow path, 106 ... Spiral convex part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 107 ... Fuel gas piping, 108 ... Fuel gas flow path, 110 ... Heat exchange part, 111-114 ... Cylindrical wall, 115 ... Thermal insulation space, 116 ... Raw fuel flow path, 117 ... Oxidant gas flow path, 118 ... Combustion Exhaust gas flow path, 119 to 121 ... spiral projection, 122 ... oxidant gas supply pipe, 123 ... gas discharge pipe, 124 ... heat insulating material, 130 ... heat insulating layer, 140 ... heat insulating material, 161 ... raw fuel, 162 ... raw fuel Gas, 163 ... Fuel gas, 164 ... Oxidant gas, 165 ... Stack exhaust gas, 166 ... Combustion exhaust gas, 190 ... Mixing part, 192 ... Orifice, 196 ... Opposite wall part, 197 ... Communication pipe, 311 ... Round bar member (spiral) Forming part), 12 ... wire mesh (helix formation portion), 313 ... guide portion, 314 ... spheres (helix formation portion), 315 ... corrugations (helix formation portion), 316 ... weld metal (helix forming unit)

Claims (18)

A fuel cell stack that generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between an oxidant gas and a fuel gas;
Combusting the stack exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, a combustion section for discharging the combustion exhaust gas,
It is constituted by at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall having a gap between each other, and one and the center of the inner cylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall in the triple cylindrical wall Between the other cylindrical wall and the other one of the inner cylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall. A combustion exhaust gas passage through which the combustion exhaust gas that gives vaporization heat to the raw fuel flows between a cylindrical wall and a vaporization section disposed above the combustion section ;
A fuel cell module comprising: A fuel cell stack that generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between an oxidant gas and a fuel gas;
Combusting the stack exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, a combustion section for discharging the combustion exhaust gas,
It is constituted by at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall having a gap between each other, and one and the center of the inner cylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall in the triple cylindrical wall Between the other cylindrical wall and the other one of the inner cylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall. A combustion exhaust gas flow path through which the combustion exhaust gas that gives vaporization heat to the raw fuel flows between a cylindrical wall and a vaporization section disposed above the fuel cell stack ;
A reforming catalyst layer provided below the vaporization unit and above the fuel cell stack and for generating the fuel gas from the raw fuel gas generated in the vaporization flow path and communicating with the vaporization flow path A reforming section having a reforming channel provided with;
A fuel cell module comprising: An orifice that is provided between the vaporization section and the reforming section, communicates with a lower end portion of the vaporization flow path, and an opposing wall section that is provided on the reforming flow path side with respect to the orifice and faces the orifice. And further comprising a mixing section having
  The fuel cell module according to claim 2. The orifice penetrates in a horizontal direction;
A concave trap portion having a space communicating with the lower end portion of the vaporization flow path is provided below the orifice.
The fuel cell module according to claim 3 . The mixing unit has only one orifice,
The fuel cell module according to claim 3 or 4 . The reforming section is provided coaxially with the vaporization section below the vaporization section, and is configured by at least a triple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall having a gap therebetween, and In order from the inside to the outside of the triple cylindrical wall, the heat insulating space, the combustion exhaust gas passage through which the combustion exhaust gas flows, and the reforming passage,
The orifice is located radially outside the vaporization channel;
The fuel cell module according to claim 4 or 5 . The orifice penetrates in a horizontal direction;
The inlet of the reforming channel is provided with a dispersion section having a plurality of orifices arranged in the circumferential direction at intervals in the circumferential direction of the reforming channel and penetrating in the vertical direction.
The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 3 to 6 . At the inlet of the reforming channel, a plurality of the dispersing portions are provided at intervals in the vertical direction.
The fuel cell module according to claim 7 . A spiral forming part that spirally forms the vaporization channel around the axial direction of the vaporization part,
  The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The spiral forming portion is provided between a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls, is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion, and A round bar member in close contact with at least one of the pair of cylindrical walls;
The fuel cell module according to claim 9 . The spiral forming portion is provided between a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls, and is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion, and a wire A wire mesh formed of a mesh material,
The fuel cell module according to claim 9 . The spiral forming portion is provided between a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls, is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion, and A round bar member in close contact with at least one of the pair of cylindrical walls;
A wire mesh provided between the pair of cylindrical walls along the round bar member, supported by the round bar member, and formed of a wire mesh material.
The fuel cell module according to claim 9 . The spiral forming portion is provided between a pair of cylindrical walls that form the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls, and a guide portion formed in a spiral around the axial direction of the vaporization portion; ,
A plurality of spheres filled between a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls and spirally arranged around the axial direction of the vaporization part by the guide part; Having
The fuel cell module according to claim 9 . The spiral forming portion bulges out from at least one of a pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path among the triple cylindrical walls and is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion. Part
The fuel cell module according to claim 9 . The spiral forming portion is formed on an outer cylindrical wall of the pair of cylindrical walls forming the vaporization flow path in the triple cylindrical wall, and is formed in a spiral shape around the axial direction of the vaporization portion. Welded metal,
The fuel cell module according to claim 9 . The vaporization section, in order from the inside to the outside of the triple cylindrical wall, has a heat insulating space, the vaporization flow path, and the combustion exhaust gas flow path,
The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 15 . The vaporizing section is configured by a quadruple cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical wall including the triple cylindrical wall and having a gap between each other, and from the inside to the outside of the quadruple cylindrical wall In order, the heat insulating space, the vaporization flow path, the combustion exhaust gas flow path, and an oxidant gas flow path through which an oxidant gas exchanged with the combustion exhaust gas flows.
The fuel cell module according to claim 16 . The vaporization channel is formed with the upper side in the vertical direction as the upstream side,
The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 17 .

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