JP6271965B2 - Piping equipment for fuel cells - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell piping device.

BACKGROUND ART A fuel cell device that generates power by an electrochemical reaction between a hydrogen-containing fuel and air has attracted attention as a power generating device with high energy utilization efficiency.
Various components, piping, and the like constituting the fuel cell device can be arranged in a box-shaped package that is an outer frame of the fuel cell device. Therefore, the inside of the package is complicated due to parts and piping (see FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1).

In this regard, in Patent Document 1, components that require maintenance (purification device, ion exchange device, desulfurizer) among the components of the fuel cell device are arranged in the vicinity of the outer panel of the package. By making it easier to perform, maintenance is improved.
On the other hand, the fuel cell device (fuel cell power generation system) described in Patent Document 2 includes a resin module. This resin module includes a flow path through which fuel, air, or water flows, and an inner wall that defines the flow path is formed of resin.

JP 2006-140164 A JP 2012-146627 A

  By the way, when assembling the fuel cell device, for example, when connecting the components of the fuel cell device via a pipe, first install the part at a predetermined installation position, and then connect the pipe to the component. The technique of doing can be taken. In this regard, in a fuel cell device having a complicated configuration as described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to secure a work area for connecting pipes, and thus it is difficult to perform the work efficiently.

  For example, when a resin module as described in Patent Document 2 is connected to a component of the fuel cell device via a pipe when assembling the fuel cell device, for example, the resin module and the component are first placed at a predetermined installation position. After that, a method of connecting the pipe to the resin module and the parts can be adopted. Even in this case, in the fuel cell device having a complicated configuration as described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to secure a work area for connecting pipes, and thus it is difficult to perform the work efficiently.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to improve the efficiency of pipe connection work during assembly of a fuel cell device.

Therefore, the fuel cell piping device according to the present invention includes a plate-like main body portion extending in the horizontal direction, a flow passage portion provided in the main body portion for flowing a reaction fluid for the fuel cell, and a main body portion in the vertical direction. A resin piping block having a through-hole penetrating, a column member extending in the vertical direction and inserted into the through-hole, and a mounting portion for attaching the pipe block to the column member so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the column member When, only including, a plurality of the pipe block are arranged spaced from one another in the vertical direction, the lower end and the channel portion of其s of the plurality of pipes blocks spaced from each other in the vertical direction upper end is其s connection, the pipe through which the reaction fluid for a fuel cell, the further Nde contains constructed.
Here, the “reaction fluid for a fuel cell” in the present invention means at least one of a gas and a liquid that can be used directly or indirectly for an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell.

  According to the present invention, the piping block is attached to the support member so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the support member. Thus, for example, when assembling the fuel cell device, when connecting the flow path portion in the piping block to the component parts of the fuel cell device via the piping, first, the column member to which the piping block is attached and the component are attached. Each is installed at a predetermined installation position, and thereafter, the piping is connected to the piping block and the parts. When connecting this pipe, the height position of the pipe block can be changed by moving the pipe block up and down to ensure a work area for pipe connection work. Can be performed efficiently.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the fuel cell apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. Diagram showing schematic configuration of power generation unit Diagram showing space for installing components in the package Diagram showing the layout of components mounted on fuel cell piping equipment The perspective view which shows schematic structure of the piping apparatus for fuel cells The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a piping block The figure which shows the method of fixing a piping block to a support | pillar member Diagram showing how to change the height position of piping block The elements on larger scale of the piping apparatus for fuel cells in 2nd Embodiment of this invention

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a fuel cell device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the power generation unit. In the present embodiment, the fuel cell piping apparatus according to the present invention will be described by taking a solid oxide fuel cell apparatus (SOFC apparatus) that can be used as a household power source as an example of the fuel cell apparatus. The type of device is not limited to this.

  The fuel cell apparatus includes a power generation unit 1, an exhaust gas treatment unit 2, a heat exchanger 3, a power conditioner (hereinafter referred to as “PCS”) 5, a control unit 6, and a box-shaped package 7. It is comprised including. The power generation unit 1 includes a fuel cell stack 12 described later. In the exhaust gas processing unit 2, the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 1 is purified. In the heat exchanger 3, the heat of the exhaust gas purified by the exhaust gas treatment unit 2 is recovered to obtain hot water. In the PCS 5, the power generated by the power generation unit 1 is taken out. The package 7 accommodates the power generation unit 1, the exhaust gas processing unit 2, the heat exchanger 3, the PCS 5, and the control unit 6.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power generation unit 1 in the package 7 includes a reformer 11, a fuel cell stack 12 (an assembly of a plurality of fuel cells 13), and an off-gas combustion unit in a box-shaped casing 10. 14 is arranged. That is, the casing 10 is an outer frame of the power generation unit 1 and surrounds the reformer 11, the fuel cell stack 12, and the off-gas combustion unit 14. The casing 10 can be formed of a refractory metal. Here, the fuel cell stack 12 and the fuel cell 13 correspond to the fuel cell of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a raw fuel supply passage 20 is provided from the outside of the package 7 to the inside of the casing 10. Here, as the raw fuel, for example, a hydrocarbon fuel is used. As the hydrocarbon fuel, a compound containing carbon and hydrogen in its molecule (which may contain other elements such as oxygen) or a mixture thereof is used. For example, hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers And biofuels. Specific examples of hydrocarbons include methane, ethane, propane, butane, natural gas, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), city gas, gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, and light oil. Examples of alcohols include methanol and ethanol. Examples of ethers include dimethyl ether. Examples of biofuels include biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel, and biojet.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the raw fuel supply passage 20 that is located inside the package 7 has a desulfurizer 21, a flow sensor 22, a buffer tank 23, and the like in order from the upstream side to the downstream side. A pump 24 as an appropriate supply amount control device and a mixing tank 25 are provided. In the desulfurizer 21, sulfur compounds in the raw fuel are removed. The flow sensor 22 detects the flow rate of the raw fuel. The flow rate detection signal from the flow rate sensor 22 is transmitted to the control unit 6 via a signal line (not shown). The buffer tank 23 has a larger cross-sectional area than the raw fuel supply passage 20 and has a function of suppressing pulsation of the raw fuel. In the mixing tank 25, the raw fuel and reforming air from a reforming air supply passage 30 described later are mixed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a reforming air supply passage 30 is provided from the outside of the package 7 to the mixing tank 25. An air filter 31, a pump 32 as an appropriate supply amount control device, and a flow rate sensor are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side in a portion of the reforming air supply passage 30 located inside the package 7. 33 is provided. The air filter 31 has a function of removing foreign substances in the air. The flow rate sensor 33 detects the flow rate of the reforming air. The flow rate detection signal from the flow rate sensor 33 is transmitted to the control unit 6 via a signal line (not shown).

  Here, a portion of the raw fuel supply passage 20 between the flow sensor 22 and the mixing tank 25 and a portion of the reforming air supply passage 30 between the pump 32 and the mixing tank 25 are included. The fuel cell piping device (hereinafter referred to as “piping device”) 100 described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a water reforming water supply passage 40 is provided from a water tank 64 (described later) in the package 7 into the casing 10. The reforming water supply passage 40 in the package 7 is provided with a pump 42 as an appropriate supply amount control device. When it is necessary to detect the flow rate of the reforming water, a flow rate sensor 41 is further provided in the reforming water supply passage 40. The flow rate sensor 41 detects the flow rate of the reforming water. The flow rate detection signal from the flow rate sensor 41 is transmitted to the control unit 6 via a signal line (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cathode air supply passage 50 is provided from the outside of the package 7 to the inside of the casing 10. Here, the cathode air supply passage 50 has its downstream end facing the air electrode (cathode) of the fuel cell 13. An air filter 51, a pump 52 as an appropriate supply amount control device, and a flow rate sensor 53 are disposed in the portion of the cathode air supply passage 50 located inside the package 7 in order from the upstream side to the downstream side. And are provided. The air filter 51 has a function of removing foreign substances in the air. The flow sensor 53 detects the flow rate of the cathode air. The flow rate detection signal from the flow rate sensor 53 is transmitted to the control unit 6 via a signal line (not shown). Here, the air flowing through the cathode air supply passage 50 is an oxidant supplied to the air electrode of the fuel cell 13 described later.

  A reformer 11 shown in FIG. 2 is configured by filling a chamber in a case formed of a heat-resistant metal with a reforming catalyst. The reformer 11 is connected to supply paths 20 and 40 for raw fuel and reformed water. Therefore, the reformer 11 reforms the raw fuel by a steam reforming reaction in the presence of water vapor obtained by vaporizing water to generate hydrogen-rich fuel gas (reformed gas). Instead of the steam reforming reaction, the reformed gas may be generated by a technique known as a hydrogen generation technique such as a partial oxidation reaction or an autothermal reforming reaction, or a combination of these reforming reactions. Here, the reformed gas generated in the reformer 11 is a hydrogen-containing fuel supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 13 described later.

The fuel cell stack 12 is an assembly formed by connecting a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells 13 in series and / or in parallel. Each cell 13 is formed by laminating a fuel electrode (anode) and an air electrode (cathode) on both sides of a solid oxide electrolyte. The reformed gas is supplied to the fuel electrode through the reformed gas supply passage 15 from the outlet of the reformer 11. Air is supplied to the air electrode through the cathode air supply passage 50.
Therefore, in each fuel cell 13, an electrochemical reaction of the following formula (1) occurs at the air electrode, and an electrochemical reaction of the following formula (2) occurs at the fuel electrode to generate power. The
Air electrode: 1 / 2O ₂ + 2e ⁻ → O ²⁻ (solid electrolyte) (1)
Fuel electrode: O ²⁻ (solid electrolyte) + H ₂ → H ₂ O + 2e ⁻ (2)

  The off-gas combustion unit 14 is provided in the casing 10. In the off-gas combustion unit 14, surplus reformed gas (anode off-gas) in the fuel cell stack 12 is burned in the presence of surplus air. The casing 10 maintains the reformer 11 and the fuel cell stack 12 in a high temperature state by the combustion heat generated in the off-gas combustion unit 14.

  The casing 10 is connected to an exhaust gas treatment unit 2 for purifying high-temperature exhaust gas generated by combustion inside the casing 10. The exhaust gas treatment unit 2 is configured, for example, by filling a chamber in a metal case with a combustion catalyst. In the exhaust gas treatment unit 2, components such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen contained in the exhaust gas are purified by a combustion catalyst.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the exhaust gas treatment unit 2 is connected to a heat exchanger 3 that performs heat exchange between the exhaust gas after being treated by the exhaust gas treatment unit 2 and water. In the heat exchanger 3, the waste heat of the power generation unit 1 (heat of exhaust gas including heat generated in the fuel cell stack 12) is recovered to obtain hot water. The exhaust gas that has passed through the heat exchanger 3 is discharged to the outside of the package 7 through the exhaust gas passage 16.

  The heat exchanger 3 is connected to a hot water storage tank (not shown) of a hot water supply device (a package different from the package 7) by a heat medium circulation passage 60. The heat medium circulation passage 60 in the package 7 is provided with a pump 61 as an appropriate supply amount control device.

  In the exhaust gas passage in the heat exchanger 3, moisture in the exhaust gas is condensed by heat exchange with the heat medium circulation passage 60. For this reason, a condensed water recovery passage 62 is connected in the middle of the exhaust gas passage in the heat exchanger 3. A recovered water treatment unit 63 is provided in the condensed water recovery passage 62 in the package 7. The recovered water treatment unit 63 includes, for example, an ion exchange resin. The downstream end of the condensed water recovery passage 32 in the package 7 is connected to a water tank 64.

  The condensed water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3 passes through the condensed water recovery passage 62, is processed by the recovered water processing unit 63, and is stored in the water tank 64. The water stored in the water tank 64 is sucked by the aforementioned pump 42 and supplied to the reformer 11 through the reforming water supply passage 40.

  The PCS 5 extracts DC power generated in the fuel cell stack 12 of the power generation unit 1. The PCS 5 includes an inverter, converts DC power into AC power, and supplies it to a household load (electrical device) (not shown). When the power generated by the fuel cell stack 12 is less than the demand power of the household load, the system power from a grid power source (not shown) is supplied to the household load as a shortage.

  The control unit 6 controls the power generated by the fuel cell stack 12, the operation of a pump 61 for circulating a heat medium used for heat exchange, and the like. The control unit 6 is constituted by a microcomputer. This microcomputer includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, and the like.

Control of the generated power by the control unit 6 is performed by controlling the supply amounts of raw fuel, reforming water, and reforming air to the reformer 11 via the pumps 24, 32, 42, and supplying the fuel cell stack 12 to the fuel cell stack 12. This is performed by controlling the supply amount of the reformed gas (anode gas) and by controlling the supply amount of air (cathode gas) to the fuel cell stack 12 via the pump 52.
Therefore, the control unit 6 sets the generated power target value of the fuel cell stack 12 within the range of the rated maximum generated power in accordance with the demand power of the household load, and according to this (to obtain the generated power target value). ), The generated power of the fuel cell stack 12 is controlled by controlling the supply amounts of fuel, water, and air.

  The control unit 6 also controls the PCS 5. Specifically, the current taken out from the fuel cell stack 12 is set and controlled based on the generated power target value of the fuel cell stack 12. More specifically, a target current value is set by dividing the generated power target value of the fuel cell stack 12 by the output voltage (instantaneous value) of the fuel cell stack 12, and the current extracted from the fuel cell stack 12 according to the current target value. To control.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the package 7 and shows a component installation space in the package 7. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given by defining the top and bottom and the left and right as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality (six in the figure) of component installation spaces 71 to 76 are provided in the package 7. Among these component installation spaces, the piping device 100 or the like can be installed in the component installation space 76 surrounded by the inner surface of the package 7 and the component installation spaces 71 to 75. The parts installation spaces 71 to 75 include a power generation unit 1, an exhaust gas treatment unit 2, a heat exchanger 3, a PCS 5, a control unit 6, a desulfurizer 21, air filters 31 and 51, pumps 42, 52 and 61, recovered water. A processing unit 63, a water tank 64, and the like can be installed. In the present embodiment, the component installation space 76 is described below by taking the component installation space 76 as an example, but the component installation space in which the piping device 100 is disposed is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of components mounted on the piping device 100. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the piping device 100. FIGS. 6A, 6 </ b> B, and 6 </ b> C are perspective views illustrating schematic configurations of the piping blocks 111 to 113, respectively. For convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 4 to FIG.

The piping device 100 includes a plurality (three in the drawing) of piping blocks 111 to 113 and a plurality (three in the drawing) of support members 151 to 153.
Each of the piping blocks 111 to 113 is made of resin. The piping blocks 111 to 113 are made of, for example, polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS resin).

  Each of the piping blocks 111 to 113 includes plate-like main body portions 111a, 112a, and 113a extending in the horizontal direction. Each of the main body portions 111a, 112a, and 113a has a rectangular shape in plan view.

In the left front portion, the right front portion, and the central rear portion of the main body portion 111a, rectangular tube-like through holes 111b, 111c, and 111d that penetrate the main body portion 111a in the vertical direction are formed. Here, the square tube shape means that the cross-sectional shape is rectangular or square.
A groove 111e having a U-shaped cross section that is open downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 111b in the front surface of the main body 111a.
A groove portion 111f having a U-shaped cross section that is open downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 111c in the right side surface of the main body portion 111a.
A groove portion (not shown) having a U-shaped cross-section opened downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 111d on the rear surface of the main body portion 111a.

In the left front part, the right front part, and the central rear part of the main body part 112a, rectangular cylindrical through holes 112b, 112c, and 112d that penetrate the main body part 112a in the vertical direction are formed.
A groove portion 112e having a U-shaped cross-section opened downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 112b in the front surface of the main body portion 112a.
A groove portion 112f having a U-shaped cross-section opened downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 112c on the right side surface of the main body portion 112a.
A groove portion (not shown) having a U-shaped cross section that is open downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 112d on the rear surface of the main body portion 112a.

In the left front portion, the right front portion, and the central rear portion of the main body portion 113a, square cylindrical through holes 113b, 113c, and 113d that penetrate the main body portion 113a in the vertical direction are formed.
A groove 113e having a U-shaped cross section that is open downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 113b in the front surface of the main body 113a.
A groove 113f having a U-shaped cross section that is open downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 113c in the right side surface of the main body 113a.
A groove portion (not shown) having a U-shaped cross-section opened downward is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 113d on the rear surface of the main body portion 113a.

  In the present embodiment, the piping device 100 has a so-called three-stage structure in which the piping block 111 is arranged in the upper stage, the piping block 112 is arranged in the middle stage, and the piping block 113 is arranged in the lower stage. Moreover, the piping blocks 111-113 are arrange | positioned at intervals at the up-down direction.

  Each of the support members 151 to 153 is a columnar member that has an L-shaped cross section and extends in the vertical direction. The support members 151 to 153 can be formed, for example, by bending a flat metal plate into an L shape.

The support member 151 is inserted into the through hole 111 b of the piping block 111, the through hole 112 b of the piping block 112, and the through hole 113 b of the piping block 113. The support member 151 can be in surface contact with the inner walls of the through holes 111b, 112b, and 113b at the front surface 151a and the left side surface 151b.
A plurality (eight in the figure) of screw holes 151c are formed through the front surface 151a of the support member 151 in series in the vertical direction with a space therebetween. The screw hole 151c penetrates the front surface 151a of the column member 151 in the horizontal direction.

The support member 152 is inserted into the through hole 111 c of the piping block 111, the through hole 112 c of the piping block 112, and the through hole 113 c of the piping block 113. The right side surface 152a and the front surface 152b of the column member 152 can be in surface contact with the inner walls of the through holes 111c, 112c, and 113c.
A plurality (eight in the figure) of screw holes 152c are formed through the right side surface 152a of the support member 152 in series in the vertical direction with a space therebetween. The screw hole 152c penetrates the right side surface 152a of the column member 152 in the horizontal direction.

The support member 153 is inserted into the through hole 111 d of the piping block 111, the through hole 112 d of the piping block 112, and the through hole 113 d of the piping block 113. As for the column member 153, the rear surface 153a and the left side surface 153b can be in surface contact with the inner walls of the through holes 111d, 112d, and 113d.
A plurality (eight in the figure) of screw holes 153c are formed in the rear surface 153a of the support member 153 so as to penetrate in series in the vertical direction with a space therebetween. The screw hole 153c penetrates the rear surface 153a of the column member 153 in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 7 corresponds to the part α of FIG. 5 and shows a method of fixing the piping block 112 to the column members 151 to 153 (particularly the column member 152).
When fixing the piping block 112 to the column members 151 to 153, first, the bolt 160 is screwed into the screw hole 151 c of the column member 151. Further, the bolt 160 is screwed into the screw hole 152c of the support member 152 (see FIG. 7A). Further, the bolt 160 is screwed into the screw hole 153 c of the support member 153. At this time, each bolt 160 is not completely tightened into the screw holes 151c, 152c, and 153c.

Next, the main body portion 112a of the piping block 112 in which the support members 151 to 153 are inserted into the through holes 112b, 112c, and 112d is slid downward with respect to the support members 151 to 153 (see FIG. 7A). The respective groove portions (groove portions 112e, 112f, etc.) of the main body portion 112a engage with the male screw portions 161 of the respective bolts 160 (see FIG. 7B).
Next, each bolt 160 is completely tightened into the screw holes 151c, 152c, and 153c (see FIG. 7C). Thereby, the piping block 112 and the column members 151 to 153 are bolted.

In addition, about the method of fixing the piping block 111 to the support | pillar members 151-153, and the method of fixing the piping block 113 to the support | pillar members 151-153, the piping block 112 demonstrated using FIG. Since it is the same as the method of fixing to 153, the description is abbreviate | omitted.
Here, the bolt 160 corresponds to “a protruding portion provided on the support member and protruding outward in the horizontal direction from the support member”. Further, the groove portions 111e, 111f, 112e, 112f, 113e, 113f and the like correspond to “a groove portion formed in a portion of the main body portion corresponding to the protruding portion and engaged with the protruding portion”.

FIG. 8 corresponds to the part α in FIG. 5 and shows a method of changing the height position of the piping block 112.
When changing the height position of the piping block 112, first, the bolt 160 tightened in the screw hole 151c of the column member 151 is loosened, and the bolt 160 tightened in the screw hole 152c of the column member 152 is loosened ( 8A and 8B), the bolt 160 tightened in the screw hole 153c of the column member 153 is further loosened. At this time, each bolt 160 is not detached from the screw holes 151c, 152c, 153c. At this time, the groove portions (groove portions 112e, 112f, etc.) of the main body portion 112a are engaged with the male screw portions 161 of the respective bolts 160.

Next, the height position of the piping block 112 is changed by sliding the main body 112a of the piping block 112 upward with respect to the support members 151 to 153 (see FIG. 8C). When fixing the piping block 112 at the changed height position, the fixing method shown in FIG. 7 can be used. Further, when temporarily fixing the piping block 112 at the changed height position, in the fixing method shown in FIG. 7, a step of completely tightening each bolt 160 into the screw holes 151c, 152c, 153c (FIG. 7 (C)) may be omitted.
In addition, when changing the height position of the piping blocks 111 and 113, the method of changing the height position of the piping block 112 shown in FIG. 8 can be used.
Here, the bolt 160, the screw holes 151c, 152c, 153c, the grooves 111e, 111f, 112e, 112f, 113e, 113f, etc. of the present invention “the piping block can be moved up and down with respect to the column member. "Mounting part to be attached" is configured.

  Returning to FIGS. 4 to 6, the main body 111 a of the piping block 111 is provided on the lower surface of the mixing tank 25, the pipe line 121 passing through the main body 111 a in the vertical direction, the mixing tank 25, and the mixing tank 25. There are provided two inlet connection portions 122 and 123 that communicate with each other and an outlet pipe portion 124 that extends rightward from the right side surface of the mixing tank 25 and communicates between the inside and the outside of the mixing tank 25. Here, the pipe line part 121, the inlet connection part 122, and the outlet pipe part 124 constitute the raw fuel supply passage 20. The inlet connection portion 123 constitutes the reforming air supply passage 30. Further, an outer flange is provided at each of the upper end and the lower end of the pipe line part 121, the lower ends of the inlet connection parts 122 and 123, and the right end (downstream side end) of the outlet pipe part 124. A quick fastener for pipe connection can be attached to the outer flange.

  The pipe part 121, the mixing tank 25, the inlet connection parts 122 and 123, and the outlet pipe part 124 correspond to the “flow path part provided in the main body part and through which the reaction fluid for the fuel cell flows”. Is. The pipe part 121, the mixing tank 25, the inlet connection parts 122 and 123, and the outlet pipe part 124 are each provided integrally with the main body part 111a or as separate parts from the main body part 111a. The main body 111a may be provided. Even when the separate parts are provided in the main body 111a, it is preferable that the separate parts and the main body 111a are formed of the same material.

  The main body part 112a of the piping block 112 is provided with a pipe line part 126 that penetrates the main body part 112a in the vertical direction. Here, the pipe line portion 126 constitutes the reforming air supply passage 30. Further, an outer flange is provided at each of the upper end and the lower end of the pipe line portion 126. A quick fastener for pipe connection can be attached to the outer flange.

  The pipe section 126 corresponds to the “flow path section provided in the main body section through which the reaction fluid for the fuel cell flows” of the present invention. The pipe line part 126 may be provided integrally with the main body part 112a, or may be provided in the main body part 112a as a separate component from the main body part 112a. Even when the main body 112a is provided as a separate part in this manner, the separate part and the main body 112a are preferably formed from the same material.

  A pipe part 128 extending in the left-right direction is provided in the main body part 113 a of the pipe block 113. The pipe portion 128 includes an inlet connection portion 128a having an upper surface opening at a left end portion thereof, and an outlet connection portion 128b having an upper surface opening at a right end portion thereof. Here, the pipe section 128 constitutes a supply passage 30 for reforming air. Further, an outer flange is provided on each of the upper end of the inlet connecting portion 128a and the upper end of the outlet connecting portion 128b of the pipe line portion 128. A quick fastener for pipe connection can be attached to the outer flange.

  The pipe section 128 corresponds to the “flow path section provided in the main body section through which the reaction fluid for the fuel cell flows” of the present invention. The pipe line part 128 may be provided integrally with the main body part 113a or may be provided in the main body part 113a as a separate component from the main body part 113a. Even when the main body 113a is provided as a separate part in this manner, the separate part and the main body 113a are preferably formed of the same material.

  A flow sensor 22 is mounted on the upper piping block 111. A buffer tank 23 and a pump 24 are mounted on the middle piping block 112. A pump 32 and a flow rate sensor 33 are mounted on the lower piping block 113.

  The outlet side end of the flow sensor 22 is connected to the upper end of the pipeline 121 of the piping block 111. The lower end of the conduit 121 is connected to the inlet of the buffer tank 23 mounted on the piping block 112 via a flexible tubular member (not shown). The outlet of the buffer tank 23 is connected to the suction port of the pump 24 via a tubular member (not shown). The discharge port of the pump 24 is connected to the lower end of the inlet connection part 122 of the mixing tank 25 provided in the piping block 111 via a flexible tubular member (not shown). In this way, a portion from the flow sensor 22 to the mixing tank 25 in the raw fuel supply passage 20 is configured.

  The discharge port of the pump 32 mounted on the piping block 113 is connected to the inlet side end of the flow sensor 33 via a tubular member (not shown). The outlet side end portion of the flow rate sensor 33 is connected to the inlet connection portion 128 a of the pipe line portion 128. The outlet connection part 128b of the pipe line part 128 is connected to the lower end of the pipe line part 126 of the piping block 112 via a flexible tubular member (not shown). The upper end of the pipe line part 126 is connected to the lower end of the inlet connection part 123 of the mixing tank 25 provided in the piping block 111 via a flexible tubular member (not shown). In this way, a portion of the reforming air supply passage 30 from the pump 32 to the mixing tank 25 is configured.

  In the piping device 100, the flow rate sensor 22 is mounted on the piping block 111, the buffer tank 23 and the pump 24 are mounted on the piping block 112, and the pump 32 and the flow rate sensor 33 are mounted on the piping block 113. In addition, the portion of the fuel supply passage 20 from the flow sensor 22 to the mixing tank 25 and the portion of the reforming air supply passage 30 from the pump 32 to the mixing tank 25 are assembled as described above. In this state, it can be installed in the package 7. Needless to say, the height positions of the piping blocks 111 to 113 can be changed even after installation in the package 7, as shown in FIG.

  Here, the flow rate sensor 22, the buffer tank 23, the pump 24, the mixing tank 25, the pump 32, and the flow rate sensor 33 respectively correspond to the “components of the fuel cell device” of the present invention. It is incorporated in the piping blocks 111 to 113.

  According to the present embodiment, the piping device 100 is provided in the plate-like main body portions 111a, 112a, 113a and the main body portions 111a, 112a, 113a extending in the horizontal direction, and the reaction fluid for the fuel cell (hydrogen-containing fuel). , Air) the flow path part (the pipe part 121, the mixing tank 25, the inlet connection parts 122, 123, the outlet pipe part 124, the pipe parts 126, 128) and the main body parts 111a, 112a, 113a up and down. Resin-made piping blocks 111 to 113 having through holes 111b, 111c, 111d, 112b, 112c, 112d, 113b, 113c, and 113d penetrating in the direction, and through holes 111b, 111c, 111d, 112 b, 112 c, 112 d, 113 b, 113 c, 113 d inserted into the column members 151-153, and the piping block 11 -113 are attached to the column members 151 to 153 so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the column members 151 to 153 (bolts 160, screw holes 151c, 152c, 153c, grooves 111e, 111f, 112e, 112f, 113e, 113f). Etc.). Thereby, for example, when connecting the flow path portions in the piping blocks 111 to 113 to the components of the fuel cell device through the piping when the fuel cell device is assembled, the piping blocks 111 to 113 are first attached. The column members 151 to 153 and the parts are respectively installed at predetermined installation positions, and thereafter, the piping is connected to the piping blocks 111 to 113 and the parts. At the time of this pipe connection, the height positions of the pipe blocks 111 to 113 can be changed by moving the pipe blocks 111 to 113 in the vertical direction so as to secure a work area for pipe connection work. Therefore, the connection work of piping can be performed efficiently.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the mounting portion is provided on the column members 151 to 153 and protrudes outward in the horizontal direction from the column members 151 to 153, and the main body portions 111 a, 112 a, and 113 a. Grooves 111e, 111f, 112e, 112f, 113e, 113f, etc., which are formed in portions corresponding to the protrusions (bolts 160) and engage with the protrusions (bolts 160). Thereby, the piping blocks 111-113 can be attached to the support | pillar members 151-153 with a comparatively simple structure.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the groove portions 111e, 111f, 112e, 112f, 113e, 113f and the like have a U-shape whose cross-sectional shape is open downward. Accordingly, the piping blocks 111 to 113 can be moved upward by loosening the bolt 160 without removing the bolt 160 from the screw holes 151c, 152c, and 153c. Further, when the piping blocks 111 to 113 are moved, the support members 151 to 153 can function as guide members that guide the movement of the piping blocks 111 to 113.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the projecting portion is configured by the bolt 160 that is screwed into the screw holes 151c, 152c, and 153c that are formed through the support members 151 to 153 in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the piping blocks 111-113 can be engaged with the support | pillar members 151-153 via the groove parts 111e, 111f, 112e, 112f, 113e, 113f, etc. with a comparatively simple structure.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the support | pillar members 151-153 is L-shaped. Accordingly, for example, the support members 151 to 153 can be formed by bending a flat metal plate into an L shape, so that the support members 151 to 153 can be formed relatively easily.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, the several piping blocks 111-113 are arrange | positioned at intervals in the up-down direction. Thereby, for example, the buffer tank 23 and the pump 24 can be installed on the upper surface of the piping block 112 positioned below the piping block 111, and the upper surface of the piping block 113 positioned below the piping block 112. A pump 32 and a flow sensor 33 can be installed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the piping blocks 111 to 113 include the fuel cell device components (the flow sensor 22, the buffer tank 23, the fuel cell stack 12 and the fuel cell 13). A pump 24, a mixing tank 25, a pump 32 and a flow sensor 33) are incorporated. Thereby, since these component parts can be collected in the piping apparatus 100, these component parts can be installed in the package 7 efficiently.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the piping device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 corresponds to the part β shown in FIG.
FIG. 9A shows a first example in a state where the main body portion 112 a of the piping block 112 is fixed to the column member 151 by the bolt 160. FIG. 9B shows a state in which the main body portion 112 a of the piping block 112 can move in the vertical direction with respect to the support column member 151. FIG. 9C shows a second example in a state in which the main body 112 a of the piping block 112 is fixed to the column member 151 by the bolt 160.

Differences from the first embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, a groove 112g having a cross-shaped cross section when viewed from the front is formed in the front surface of the main body 112a corresponding to the through hole 112b. Here, the groove 112g is opened upward and opened downward, and includes recesses 112h on both the left and right sides.

A groove portion (not shown) having a cross-shaped cross section when viewed from the front is formed in a portion of the front surface of the main body portion 112a corresponding to the through hole 112c. Here, like the above-described groove portion 112g, the groove portion is open upward and downward, and includes recesses (not shown) on both the left and right sides.
A groove portion (not shown) having a cross-shaped cross section in the rear view is formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 112d in the rear surface of the main body portion 112a. Here, like the above-described groove portion 112g, the groove portion is open upward and downward, and includes recesses (not shown) on both the left and right sides.

  With respect to the through holes 112b, 112c, and 112d, when the piping block 112 is fixed to the column members 151 to 153 and when the height position of the piping block 112 is changed, the piping block 112 is compared with the column members 151 to 153. It is formed in the size which can be moved to right and left direction.

  When fixing the piping block 112 to the column members 151 to 153, first, the bolt 160 is screwed into the screw hole 151 c of the column member 151. Further, the bolt 160 is screwed into the screw hole 152 c of the column member 152. Further, the bolt 160 is screwed into the screw hole 153 c of the support member 153. At this time, each bolt 160 is not completely tightened into the screw holes 151c, 152c, and 153c.

Next, the main body part 112a of the piping block 112 in which the column members 151 to 153 are inserted into the through holes 112b, 112c, and 112d is slid in the vertical direction with respect to the column members 151 to 153, to the installation height of the piping block 112. After that, the main body 112a is slid in the left-right direction. Thereby, the recessed part (such as the recessed part 112h of the groove part 112g) of each groove part of the main body part 112a engages with the male screw part 161 of each bolt 160 (see FIGS. 9A and 9C).
Next, each bolt 160 is completely tightened into the screw holes 151c, 152c, and 153c. Thereby, the piping block 112 and the column members 151 to 153 are bolted.

  Here, the groove portion 112g including the concave portion 112h corresponds to “a groove portion formed in a portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the main body portion and engaged with the protruding portion” of the present invention.

  When changing the height position of the piping block 112, first, the bolt 160 tightened in the screw hole 151c of the column member 151 is loosened, and the bolt 160 tightened in the screw hole 152c of the column member 152 is loosened, Further, the bolt 160 tightened in the screw hole 153c of the column member 153 is loosened. At this time, each bolt 160 is not detached from the screw holes 151c, 152c, 153c.

Next, the main body part 112a of the piping block 112 is slid in the left-right direction so that the male thread part 161 of the bolt 160 is positioned at the center part of each groove part (groove part 112g or the like) (see FIG. 9B). As a result, the main body 112a can move up and down with respect to the column member 151.
Next, the height position of the piping block 112 is changed by sliding the main body 112a upward or downward with respect to the support members 151 to 153. When fixing the piping block 112 at this changed height position, the fixing method shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C can be used. Further, when the piping block 112 is temporarily fixed at the changed height position, the bolts 160 are completely inserted into the screw holes 151c, 152c, and 153c among the fixing methods shown in FIGS. The step of tightening to can be omitted.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the bolt 160, the screw holes 151c, 152c, 153c, the cross-shaped groove 112g including the recess 112h, and the like according to the present invention “the piping block can be moved vertically with respect to the column member. It constitutes an “attachment portion to be attached to the member”.

  In particular, according to the present embodiment, each groove portion (groove portion 112g and the like) is open upward and downward, and includes concave portions (recess portions 112h and the like) on both the left and right sides. As a result, the piping block 112 can be moved in the vertical direction by loosening the bolt 160 without removing the bolt 160 from the screw hole 152c.

  In the present embodiment, the groove portion 112g is provided with the concave portions 112h on both the left and right sides thereof. Alternatively, the groove portion 112g may be provided with the concave portions 112h on either the left or right side thereof.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which a groove portion (such as the groove portion 112g) having a cross-shaped cross section is formed in the main body portion 112a. However, the piping block in which the groove portion can be formed is not limited to the piping block 112, and piping. The groove portions may be formed in the blocks 111 and 113.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, through holes for inserting support members are respectively formed in the left front part, the right front part, and the central rear part of the main body part of the piping block. The formation position and the number of holes are not limited to this. For example, the through holes may be formed at the four corners of the main body of the piping block. In this case, the piping device 100 is configured to include four support members.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the flow path parts (the pipe part 121, the mixing tank 25, the inlet connection parts 122, 123, the outlet pipe part 124, the pipe parts 126, 128) of the piping block are provided. As the flowing fuel cell reaction fluid, hydrogen-containing fuel and reforming air have been described as examples, but the fuel cell reaction fluid flowing through the flow path is not limited to these, for example, cathode air, It may be reformed water.

  In the first to third embodiments, the solid oxide fuel cell device (SOFC device) has been described as an example of the fuel cell device in which the fuel cell piping device according to the present invention is used. However, it is needless to say that the fuel cell device in which the fuel cell piping device according to the present invention is used is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell device (PEFC device).

  By the way, conventionally, when assembling the fuel cell device, when the components of the fuel cell device are connected to each other by piping, the components are first installed at predetermined installation positions, and then the components are piping. It was often connected with. In this conventional connection method, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient work area for pipe connection work, and the connection work is efficient in a limited work area (for example, the component installation space 76) as in the above-described embodiment. There was a problem that it was difficult to do. In this regard, according to the present invention, a plurality of piping blocks (for example, piping) incorporating components of the fuel cell device (for example, the flow sensor 22, the buffer tank 23, the pump 24, the mixing tank 25, the pump 32, and the flow sensor 33). A plurality of piping blocks (for example, piping blocks 111 to 113) can be freely moved vertically and horizontally within the work area of the fuel cell device using a fuel cell piping device (for example, piping device 100) having blocks 111 to 113). By making it possible, it is possible to efficiently perform piping connection work even in a limited work area.

  The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to those directly described by the described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims. Needless to say, it encompasses changes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power generation part 2 Exhaust gas treatment part 3 Heat exchanger 5 Power conditioner (PCS)
6 Control unit 7 Package 10 Casing 11 Reformer 12 Fuel cell stack 13 Fuel cell 14 Off-gas combustion section 15 Reformed gas supply passage 16 Exhaust gas passage 20 Raw fuel supply passage 21 Desulfurizer 22 Flow rate sensor 23 Buffer tank 24 Pump 25 Mixing tank 30 Reforming air supply passage 31 Air filter 32 Pump 33 Flow sensor 40 Steam reforming water (reforming water) supply passage 41 Flow sensor 42 Pump 50 Cathode air supply passage 51 Air filter 52 Pump 53 Flow sensor 60 Heat medium circulation passage 61 Pump 62 Condensed water recovery passage 63 Recovered water treatment section 64 Water tanks 71 to 76 Parts installation space 100 Piping device for fuel cell 111 Piping block 111a Main body portions 111b, 111c, 111d Through-hole 111e, 111f Groove 11 Piping block 112a Body portion 112b, 112c, 112d Through hole 112e, 112f, 112g Groove portion 112h Recess 113 Piping block 113a Body portion 113b, 1113c, 113d Through hole 113e, 113f Groove portion 121 Pipe line portion 122, 123 Inlet connection portion 124 Outlet pipe Road portion 126, 128 Pipe portion 128a Inlet connection portion 128b Outlet connection portion 151 Column member 151a Front surface 151b Left side surface 151c Screw hole 152 Column member 152a Right side surface 152b Front surface 152c Screw hole 153 Column member 153a Rear surface 153b Left side surface 153c Screw hole 160 Bolt 161 male thread

Claims (6)

A plate-shaped main body portion extending in the horizontal direction, a flow passage portion provided in the main body portion for flowing a reaction fluid for a fuel cell, and a resin pipe having a through-hole penetrating the main body portion in the vertical direction Block,
A strut member extending in the vertical direction and inserted into the through hole;
An attachment portion for attaching the piping block to the support member so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the support member;
Only including,
A plurality of the piping blocks are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction;
A pipe through which a reaction fluid for a fuel cell flows, wherein a lower end and an upper end are respectively connected to the flow path portions of the plurality of pipe blocks arranged at intervals in the vertical direction;
The Nde further contains configured for a fuel cell delivery apparatus.   The mounting portion is provided on the column member and protrudes outward in the horizontal direction from the column member, and a groove portion formed in a portion corresponding to the projection portion of the main body portion and engaged with the projection portion. The fuel cell piping device according to claim 1, comprising:   The fuel cell piping device according to claim 2, wherein the groove has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape that is open downward.   4. The fuel cell piping device according to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion is configured by a bolt that is screwed into a screw hole that is formed through the column member in a horizontal direction. 5.   The fuel cell piping device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support member has an L-shaped cross section.   The fuel cell piping device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a component of the fuel cell device is incorporated in the piping block.