JP6706759B2 - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system that reduces air intake noise is provided on the air pipe between the air inlet and the air supply device (operation sound leaking from the air suction port).

When the fuel cell system is used as a home power generation device, the fuel cell system requires a large installation space and is therefore generally installed outdoors. Therefore, if a large noise is generated during the operation of the fuel cell system, not only the user but also the neighboring residents will feel uncomfortable.

Therefore, it is indispensable to reduce the noise of the fuel cell system in order to eliminate the discomfort given to the user and neighboring residents not only in the daytime but especially at night.

Much of the noise generated from the fuel cell system is caused by the air supply device that is a component of the fuel cell system, and intake noise (operation noise leaking from the air intake) and vibrations generated during operation are transmitted to the pipes and shells. Due to the propagation, large noise is generated from the fuel cell system. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the noise of the air supply device which is the noise source of the fuel cell system.

Therefore, it has been proposed to reduce the operating noise of the air supply device that comes out of the air intake port by a filter device that is provided in the air pipe between the air intake port and the air supply device and removes unnecessary substances in the air. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Hereinafter, the conventional silencer proposed in Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the silencer disclosed in Patent Document 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the filter housing portion 109 of the filter device 105 includes a case 110 and a lid 111.

After housing the filter 114 in the case 110, the case 110 and the lid 111 are joined by welding or screws. The filter storage portion 109 is formed in a box shape or a cylindrical shape, and is made of, for example, resin. In the case 110, an exhaust port 112 is formed at the center of the surface opposite to the joint surface with the lid 111. The lid 111 has an air suction port 113 formed at the center of the joint surface with the case 110.

The cross-sectional area of the flow path diameter of the exhaust port 112 of the case 110 is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the portion of the filter housing portion 109 in which the filter 114 is stored. This is because the pressure wave of sound can be attenuated and the operating noise of the air supply device can be reduced as the cross-sectional area of the filter housing 109 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow path diameter of the exhaust port 112.

In addition, the flow path diameter of the air suction port 113 is also set to be small. This is because the smaller the air suction port 113, the less the sound leaks to the outside. A case rib 115 for restricting the position of the filter 114 is formed on the inner wall of the case 110. The case rib 115 is formed low along the inner wall so as not to block the flow path.

A lid rib 11 for restricting the position of the filter 114 is provided on the filter housing surface side of the lid 111.
6 is configured. The lid rib 116 is configured so as not to block the flow path. Further, the height of the lid rib 116 is set smaller than the thickness of the filter 114 so that the gap between the lid 111 and the filter 114 does not become large.

The filter 114 includes a first filter 117 (coarse filter) and a second filter 118 (dust removal filter). The second filter 118 has a finer mesh than the first filter 117.

The first filter 117 is arranged on the air suction port 113 side, and the second filter 118 is arranged on the exhaust port 112 side. To mount the filter 114 in the filter housing 109, first, the second filter 118 is arranged at a position in contact with the case rib 115 of the case 110.

Then, the first filter 117 is arranged adjacent to the second filter 118. Then, the lid 111 is joined to the case 110. The first filter 117 is arranged in contact with the lid rib 116 formed on the lid 111.

The air supplied to the fuel cell is first sucked from the air suction port 113 of the filter device 105, and most of the unnecessary substances in the intake air are first roughly removed by the first filter 117, and then the remaining unnecessary air is removed. The object is removed by the second filter 118.

After that, the air from which unnecessary substances are removed is supplied to the fuel cell from the exhaust port 112 via the air supply device. In the fuel cell, the supplied hydrogen gas chemically reacts with oxygen in the air to generate DC power.

The operation sound of the air supply device connected to the exhaust port 112 is transmitted from the exhaust port 112 to the filter housing unit 109, the space inside the filter housing unit 109 and the filter 114, and goes out through the air suction port 113.

Since the cross-sectional area of the portion in which the filter 114 is housed is configured to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the exhaust port 112, the pressure of the sound transmitted from the exhaust port 112 to the filter housing section 109 is increased due to the expanded cross-section. The waves are dispersed and attenuated.

Next, since the distance from the exhaust port 112 to the mounting position of the filter 114 is set large, the pressure wave of sound is attenuated due to the distance attenuation. Generally, sound pressure waves are attenuated in proportion to the square of the distance.

Next, since the distance between the filter 114 and the lid 111 of the filter housing 109 is arranged to be smaller than the thickness of the filter 114, the operation sound can pass through the filter 114 immediately before coming out from the air suction port 113. The filter 114 plays the role of a sound absorbing material, and the sound pressure wave is attenuated.

Finally, the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the air suction port 113 is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the portion of the filter storage unit 109 in which the filter 114 is stored. Due to the rapid reduction of the cross section, reflection at the air suction port 113 occurs. Occurrence (reflection at the opening end), sound is passed by the size of the opening of the air suction port 113, and the rest is reflected, and sound interference occurs in the filter housing portion 109, and the pressure wave of the sound is attenuated.

In order to reduce the operating noise of the air supply device, the attenuation due to the change in cross-sectional area, the attenuation due to the distance, and the attenuation due to the reflection at the opening end are used, so that the pressure loss of the filter device 105 is not affected. There is.

Further, the exhaust port 112 and the air suction port 113 are respectively formed in the central portions of the surfaces which face each other, and the pressure wave of the operation sound of the air supply device is transmitted from the exhaust port 112 to the filter storage section 109, and further the air suction port 113. The sound pressure wave can be dispersed more uniformly due to the change of the cross-sectional area when it is transmitted to the sound source.By uniformly damping the sound pressure wave, the disturbance of the pressure wave that hinders the sound damping effect is less likely to occur. , The sound can be more attenuated.

Further, by disposing the filter 114 at a position close to the air suction port 113, foreign matter in the air sucked from the air suction port 113 is removed by the filter 114, so that the filter is discharged from the exhaust port 112 of the filter storage unit 109. It is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the space up to the mounting position of 114. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sound attenuating effect from being hindered by the foreign matter entering and accumulating in the space, and the sound attenuating can be performed stably.

JP, 2013-214478, A

In the above conventional fuel cell system, it has been desired to further reduce the air intake noise.

The present invention aims to further reduce the air intake noise.

In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell system of the present invention includes a fuel cell that generates electric power by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component with air, and an air supplier that supplies air to the fuel cell. And a muffler body provided in the air pipe between the air suction port and the air supply device, and having a passage cross-sectional area larger than the passage cross-sectional areas of the air pipe and the air suction port, and surrounding the muffler body A water tank container having a side wall, the water tank container being configured to store water in a space between the silencer body and the side wall; and a silencer provided with the water tank container of the silencer, wherein: The cooling water for cooling the fuel cell or the condensed water collected by condensing the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell is stored .

As a result, the vibration of the silencer body can be reduced by the water around the silencer body, and the air intake sound leaking from the silencer body can be insulated and reduced by the water around the silencer body and the water tank container. Therefore, the noise can be reduced more than before.

The present invention can reduce the vibration of the silencer body by the water around the silencer body, and the air intake sound leaking from the silencer body can be insulated/reduced by the water around the silencer body and the water tank container. Therefore, the noise can be reduced more than before.

Schematic cross-sectional view of the silencer according to the first embodiment of the present invention First Embodiment A schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell system including a silencer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Schematic sectional view of a silencer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Second Embodiment A schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell system including a silencer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Schematic sectional view of a silencer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Schematic cross section of a conventional silencer

A first aspect of the present invention includes a fuel cell that generates electric power by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component with air, an air supplier that supplies air to the fuel cell, an air suction port, and an air supplier. A silencer body having a passage cross-sectional area larger than the passage cross-sectional areas of the air pipe and the air suction port, and a side wall surrounding the silencer body, and the silencer body. A water tank container configured to store water in a space between the side wall, and a silencer , wherein the water tank container of the silencer includes cooling water for cooling the fuel cell, or It is a fuel cell system configured to condense exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell and store the condensed water collected .

With the above configuration, the vibration of the muffler body caused by the operating sound of the air supplier and the vibration transmitted from the air supplier can be reduced by the water around the muffler body, and the air intake sound leaking from the muffler body can be muffled. The sound and the noise can be reduced by the water and the water tank container around the container body, so that the noise can be reduced more than before. Further, according to the above configuration, the cooling water having a temperature higher than room temperature due to heat exchange with the fuel cell or the condensed water having a temperature higher than room temperature collected by condensing the high temperature exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell is stored in the water tank. Since the air flowing into the silencer through the air intake port is supplied to the fuel cell while being heated by heat exchange with the water in the water tank, the heat recovery efficiency of the fuel cell system is improved. You can

A second invention is characterized in that, in particular, in the first invention, the silencer body and the water tank container are integrally formed.

With the above configuration, since the distance between the wall surface of the silencer body and the wall surface of the water tank container becomes zero, collision noise that may occur between the silencer and the water tank caused by vibration of the silencer body is prevented. You can Further, the structure is simple, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

A third aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the silencer main body houses a filter for removing unnecessary substances in the air.

With the above structure, the sound passing through the muffler and emitted from the air suction port can be attenuated by the sound absorbing effect of the filter. Further, the storage part of the filter that removes unnecessary substances in the air can be used as a silencer.

A fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in particular, in the third aspect of the invention, the muffler main body includes a lid portion in which the air suction port is formed and the filter is replaceably separated from the muffler main body.

With the above configuration, when the pressure loss of the filter exceeds the specified value or the performance of collecting unnecessary substances in the air is lost, instead of repairing or replacing all the water tank and silencer, only the filter part is removed and repaired. By making it replaceable, it is possible to reduce the material cost for repair and replacement.

A fifth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the air suction port is arranged on a bottom surface side of the water tank container.

With the above configuration, the vibration generated around the air suction port due to the operation sound of the air supplier acts to apply a force perpendicular to the water in the water tank, so that the vibration can be damped by the viscosity of the water. The sound emitted from the suction port can be further reduced. Further, even when the amount of water is small, there is a high possibility that the entire circumference of the silencer body can be surrounded by water, so that it is possible to reduce noise. In addition, it is easy to integrally mold the silencer body and the water tank container.

A sixth aspect of the invention is, in addition to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprises an ion exchanger for purifying water stored in the water tank container, the water tank container accommodating the ion exchanger. It is characterized in that it is integrally formed with a storage part that

With the above configuration, vibration of the water tank container can be reduced due to the weight of the ion exchanger and the storage portion, so that noise can be reduced more than before.

A seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that the storage portion according to the sixth aspect is arranged at a corner of the water tank container.

With the above configuration, the ion exchanger and the storage section do not interfere with the silencer body, and the material for forming the storage section is reduced by using the corner portion of the water tank container as a part of the storage section to reduce the cost. Can be planned.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a silencer of the present invention, a silencer using the silencer, and a fuel cell system using the silencer will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Absent.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a silencer used in a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in the silencer of the present embodiment, the water tank case 1 is configured to cover the silencer case 3, and unnecessary matters in the air are removed from the silencer case 3. The filter 16 is provided. It should be noted that the filter 16 may be omitted if it is not necessary to remove unnecessary substances in the air passing through the silencer. However, if the filter 16 is provided, the air intake sound emitted from the air suction port 5 is reduced by the filter 16. it can.

The muffler lid 4 having the air suction port 5 and the water tank case 1 are fastened with a fixing screw 14. Note that these may be fixed by welding or adhesion.

The exhaust port 6 of the silencer case 3 is connected to the air intake port of the air supply device 20 by a hose 7.

The water tank lid 2 is provided with a water inlet 8, an exhaust hole 9, a drainage/exhaust partition 11 and is welded and fixed to the water tank case 1. The water tank lid 2 may be fixed to the water tank case 1 by screws or adhesion. Further, two or more water inlets 8, exhaust holes 9, and drain and exhaust partitions 11 may be provided.

The water tank case 1 is provided with a water tank fixing stay 15 at a position where water can be present between the water tank case 1 and the silencer case 3 in a state where the tank is filled with water, and at least one screw is attached to the housing of the fuel cell system. It is fastened and can be fixed. It should be noted that the stay may not be provided and it may be gripped by a vibration damping material such as sponge or rubber.

The water tank case 1 is provided with a partition 10 for overflow, and is configured so that water does not accumulate above the upper end of the partition 10 for overflow. It is configured to discharge water to.

The lower end of the drainage/exhaust partition 11 is lower than the upper end of the overflow partition 10 and lower than the lowest water level of the water tank case 1, and water above the lowest water level is stored in the water tank case 1. The gas (air) flowing into the water tank case 1 from the water inlet 8 does not flow out from the drainage section 12 through the drainage and exhaust partition 11 and the overflow partition 10 while the water is inflowing. I have to.

The drainage/exhaust partition 11 partitions the inside of the water tank case 1 into a space on the side where the water inlet 8 and the exhaust hole 9 are located and a space on the side where the partition 10 for overflow and the drainage section 12 are located. Then, the gas (air) flowing into the water tank case 1 from the water inlet 8 can flow out from the exhaust hole 9.

A drainage hole is provided on the bottom surface of the water tank case 1, and the drainage hole is connected to a drainage path (drainage hose) provided with an opening/closing valve 13 on the way. When the opening/closing valve 13 is opened, the water tank case is opened. The water in 1 can be drained from the drain hole through the drainage channel. The on-off valve 13 or the plug may be attached to the drain hole without using the drain hose.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell module 17 includes a fuel cell stack 18 that generates a heat by electrochemically reacting a hydrogen-containing gas with oxygen in the air to generate heat, and a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell stack 18 to a hydrocarbon. A hydrogen generator 19 that is produced by steam reforming from a raw material containing as a main component and water, and an air supplier 20 that supplies air to the fuel cell stack 18.

In the heat exchanger 21, the moisture contained in the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 18 is equivalent to the hot water and the hot water flowing through the hot water circulating path in which the heat exchanger 21, the hot water storage tank 22, and the circulation pump 23 are annularly connected. By exchanging, the water is condensed and the condensed water is stored in the water tank case 1 through the water inlet 8.

The operation and action of the silencer of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

This muffler is used after water is passed through the water inlet 8 with the on-off valve 13 closed and water is stored up to the height of the upper end of the partition 10 for overflow of the water tank.

When the air supply device 20 is operated, air in the atmosphere enters the silencer case 3 through the air intake port 5, passes through the exhaust port 6 and the hose 7, and is guided to the air intake port of the air supply device 20. The air discharged from the air supplier 20 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 18 and the hydrogen generator 19 in the fuel cell system (fuel cell module 17). The air supplied to the hydrogen generator 19 is used for selective oxidation removal of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas generated by steam reforming.

In the fuel cell stack 18, when a fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component (hydrogen-containing gas) and air are electrochemically reacted to generate power, exhaust fuel gas and exhaust air are generated during power generation, and a combustion part of the hydrogen generator 19 is generated. Exhaust gas from combustion is discharged. Moisture is contained in these exhaust gases, and these moisture is condensed in the heat exchanger 21 and the pipe, and the condensed water flows into the water tank from the water inlet 8.

At this time, the exhaust gas entering the water tank together with the condensed water is discharged from the exhaust hole 9 to the outside of the water tank, and is discharged to the outside of the fuel cell system casing.

In the present embodiment, since the muffler has the above-mentioned configuration, the water in the water tank is not affected by the pressure wave (intake sound) emitted from the intake port of the air supply device 20 and the vibration during operation of the air supply device 20. The sound transmitted to the muffler case 3, vibrating the muffler case 3 and radiated to the outside of the muffler case 3 can be reflected (sound-insulating) and attenuated, and the muffling performance can be enhanced.

The filter 16 provided in the muffler has a function of attenuating the pressure wave (intake sound) emitted from the intake port of the air supplier 20 and can improve the muffling performance.

As shown in FIG. 1, by fixing the muffler lid 4 to the muffler case 3 with screws, only the filter 16 can be removed and replaced.

As a result, when the pressure loss of the filter 16 becomes more than the specified value as the unnecessary substances in the atmosphere are removed, or when the performance of collecting unnecessary substances in the air of the filter 16 is lost, the entire silencer may not be replaced. Instead, since the silencer lid 4 can be removed and only the filter 16 inside the silencer can be replaced, the replacement parts can be made smaller, the workability can be improved, and the replacement parts material cost can be reduced.

By arranging the air suction port 5 on the bottom side of the muffler case 3 as shown in FIG. 1, it is caused by a pressure wave (intake sound) transmitted from the air inlet of the air supplier 20 and vibration during operation of the air supplier 20. Out-of-plane vibration of the muffler lid 4 acts to apply a force normal to the water tank. By this action, the viscosity of water damps the vibration to enhance the silencer function.

When power is generated in the fuel cell stack 18, condensed water flows into the water tank, so the temperature of the water in the water tank becomes higher than the temperature of the atmosphere. The water tank covers the muffler body (the muffler case 3), and the water in the water tank has an effect of making the air in the muffler case 3 easily give heat.

Thereby, the heat of the condensed water is sent to the fuel cell stack 18 and the hydrogen generator 19 by the air that has passed through the silencer case 3, and can be reused in the fuel cell system, so that the exhaust heat recovery efficiency can be improved.

Further, by fixing the muffler outside the water tank as in the present embodiment, the vibration generated in the muffler body (muffler case 3) is damped by the water in the water tank, and then the fuel The action transmitted to the battery system case can be brought about. Therefore, the vibration caused by the air supplier 20 also has the effect of damping the force that vibrates the fuel cell system casing.

As described above, the muffler of the present embodiment is provided in the air pipe (the suction side of the hose 7) between the air suction port 5 and the air supply device 20, and the air pipe (hose 7), the exhaust port 6 and The silencer body (silencer case 3) having a passage cross-sectional area (inner diameter) larger than the passage cross-sectional area (inner diameter) of the air suction port 5 and a side wall surrounding the silencer main body (silencer case 3) to reduce noise. A silencer including a water tank container (water tank case 1) configured to store water in a space between a container body (silencer case 3) and a side wall.

With the above-described configuration, the vibration of the silencer body (silencer case 3) caused by the operation sound (intake sound) of the air supply device 20 and the vibration transmitted from the air supply device 20 surrounds the silencer body (silencer case 3). The air intake sound that can be reduced by the water in the muffler body and leaks from the muffler body (muffler case 3) is insulated by the water around the muffler body (muffler case 3) and the water tank container (water tank case 1).・Since it can be reduced, noise can be reduced more than before.

Further, in the muffler of the present embodiment, the muffler body (muffler case 3) accommodates the filter 16 for removing unnecessary matters in the air, so that the muffler passes through the muffler (muffler case 3). The sound emitted from the air suction port 5 can be attenuated by the sound absorbing effect of the filter 16. In addition, the storage portion of the filter 16 that removes unnecessary substances in the air can be used as a silencer.

In addition, in the muffler of the present embodiment, the muffler body (muffler case 3) has the air suction port 5 formed therein, and the filter 16 is replaceable from the muffler body (muffler case 3) to cover the muffler body (muffler case 3). Since the silencer lid 4) is provided, when the pressure loss of the filter 16 exceeds the specified value or the performance of collecting unnecessary substances in the air is lost, the water tank and the silencer are not all repaired or replaced. By allowing only the filter 16 part to be removed and repaired or replaced, it is possible to reduce the material cost for the repair or replacement.

Further, in the muffler of the present embodiment, the air suction port 5 is arranged on the bottom side of the water tank container (water tank case 1), so the operation noise (intake sound) of the air supply device 20 causes the air suction port. Since the vibration generated around 5 acts to apply a force perpendicular to the water in the water tank, the vibration can be damped by the viscosity of the water, and the sound emitted from the air suction port 5 can be further reduced. it can. Further, even when the amount of water is small, there is a high possibility that the entire circumference of the silencer body (silencer case 3) can be surrounded by water, so that it is possible to reduce noise.

Further, the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment includes a fuel cell module 17 that generates electric power by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component with air, and an air supplier 20 that supplies air to the fuel cell module 17. And the muffler of the present embodiment provided in the air pipe (the suction side of the hose 7) between the air suction port 5 and the air supplier 20, and the fuel cell module is provided in the water tank container of the muffler. 17 is a fuel cell system configured to condense exhaust gas discharged from 17 and store condensed water collected.

With the above configuration, the condensed water having a temperature higher than room temperature, which is collected by condensing the high temperature exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module 17, is present in the water tank, so that the air flowing into the silencer from the air suction port 5 is Since it is supplied to the fuel cell stack 18 of the fuel cell module 17 and the CO reducer (selective oxidizer) of the hydrogen generator 19 while being heated by heat exchange with water in the water tank, the heat recovery efficiency of the fuel cell system Can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the water tank container of the silencer is configured to store the condensed water collected by condensing the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module 17, but the fuel cell stack 18 of the fuel cell module 17 is cooled. The cooling water circulating in the cooling water circulation path may be stored.

When the cooling water is stored in the water tank container of the muffler, since the cooling water whose temperature is higher than room temperature due to heat exchange with the fuel cell stack 18 exists in the water tank, the air intake port The air flowing into the muffler from 5 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 18 of the fuel cell module 17 and the CO reducer (selective oxidizer) of the hydrogen generator 19 while being heated by heat exchange with the cooling water in the water tank. Therefore, the heat recovery efficiency of the fuel cell system can be improved.

As the cooling water circulating through the cooling water circulation path, condensed water purified with an ion exchange resin or the like can be used.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a silencer used in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the muffler according to the present embodiment, the muffler body 24 having a passage cross-sectional area larger than the pipe passage cross-sectional area of the exhaust port 6 is integrally formed in the water tank case 1. The silencer main body 24 is provided with a filter 16 for removing unnecessary substances in the air. It should be noted that the filter 16 may be omitted if it is not necessary to remove unnecessary substances in the air passing through the silencer. However, if the filter 16 is provided, the air intake sound emitted from the air suction port 5 is reduced by the filter 16. it can.

The muffler lid 4 having the air suction port 5 is adhered (welded) to the water tank case 1. The muffler lid 4 may be fixed to the water tank case 1 with a fixing screw.

The exhaust port 6 of the muffler body 24 is configured to be connected to the intake port of the air supplier 20 via an air pipe.

The water tank lid 2 is provided with a water inlet 8, an exhaust hole 9, a drainage/exhaust partition 11 and is welded and fixed to the water tank case 1. The water tank lid 2 may be fixed to the water tank case 1 by screws or adhesion. Further, two or more water inlets 8, exhaust holes 9, and drain and exhaust partitions 11 may be provided.

The water tank case 1 is provided with a water tank fixing stay 15 at a position where water can be present between the water tank case 1 and the silencer body 24 in a state where the tank is filled with water, and at least one screw is attached to the housing of the fuel cell system. It is fastened and can be fixed. It should be noted that the stay may not be provided and it may be gripped by a vibration damping material such as sponge or rubber.

The water tank case 1 is provided with a partition 10 for overflow, and is configured so that water does not accumulate above the upper end of the partition 10 for overflow. It is configured to discharge water to.

The lower end of the drainage/exhaust partition 11 is lower than the upper end of the overflow partition 10 and lower than the lowest water level of the water tank case 1, and water above the lowest water level is stored in the water tank case 1. The gas (air) flowing into the water tank case 1 from the water inlet 8 does not flow out from the drainage section 12 through the drainage and exhaust partition 11 and the overflow partition 10 while the water is inflowing. I have to.

The drainage/exhaust partition 11 partitions the inside of the water tank case 1 into a space on the side where the water inlet 8 and the exhaust hole 9 are located and a space on the side where the partition 10 for overflow and the drainage section 12 are located. Then, the gas (air) flowing into the water tank case 1 from the water inlet 8 can flow out from the exhaust hole 9.

A drainage hole is provided on the bottom surface of the water tank case 1, and the drainage hole is connected to a drainage path (drainage hose) provided with an opening/closing valve 13 on the way. When the opening/closing valve 13 is opened, the water tank case is opened. The water in 1 can be drained from the drain hole through the drainage channel. The on-off valve 13 or the plug may be attached to the drain hole without using the drain hose.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel cell module 17 includes a fuel cell stack 18 that generates heat by electrochemically reacting a hydrogen-containing gas with oxygen in the air to generate heat, and a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell stack 18 to a hydrocarbon. A hydrogen generator 19 that is produced by steam reforming from a raw material containing as a main component and water, and an air supplier 20 that supplies air to the fuel cell stack 18.

In the heat exchanger 21, the moisture contained in the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack 18 is equivalent to the hot water and the hot water flowing through the hot water circulating path in which the heat exchanger 21, the hot water storage tank 22, and the circulation pump 23 are annularly connected. By exchanging, the water is condensed and the condensed water is stored in the water tank case 1 through the water inlet 8.

The operation and action of the silencer of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

This muffler is used after water is passed through the water inlet 8 with the on-off valve 13 closed and water is stored up to the height of the upper end of the partition 10 for overflow of the water tank.

When the air supply device 20 is operated, air in the atmosphere enters the silencer body 24 through the air suction port 5, and is guided to the air suction port of the air supply device 20 through the exhaust port 6 and the air pipe. The air discharged from the air supplier 20 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 18 and the hydrogen generator 19 in the fuel cell system (fuel cell module 17). The air supplied to the hydrogen generator 19 is used for selective oxidation removal of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas generated by steam reforming.

In the fuel cell stack 18, when a fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component (hydrogen-containing gas) and air are electrochemically reacted to generate power, exhaust fuel gas and exhaust air are generated during power generation, and a combustion part of the hydrogen generator 19 is generated. Exhaust gas from combustion is discharged. Moisture is contained in these exhaust gases, and these moisture is condensed in the heat exchanger 21 and the pipe, and the condensed water flows into the water tank from the water inlet 8.

At this time, the exhaust gas entering the water tank together with the condensed water is discharged from the exhaust hole 9 to the outside of the water tank, and is discharged to the outside of the fuel cell system casing.

In the present embodiment, since the muffler has the above-mentioned configuration, the water in the water tank is not affected by the pressure wave (intake sound) emitted from the intake port of the air supply device 20 and the vibration during operation of the air supply device 20. The sound transmitted to the muffler case 3, vibrating the muffler case 3 and radiated to the outside of the muffler case 3 can be reflected (sound-insulating) and attenuated, and the muffling performance can be enhanced.

The filter 16 provided in the muffler has a function of attenuating the pressure wave (intake sound) emitted from the intake port of the air supplier 20 and can improve the muffling performance.

In the present embodiment, since the muffler has the above-mentioned configuration, the water in the water tank is not affected by the pressure wave (intake sound) emitted from the intake port of the air supply device 20 and the vibration during operation of the air supply device 20. The sound transmitted to the silencer body 24 and vibrating the space wall surface forming the silencer body 24 of the water tank case 1 to radiate the sound radiated to the outside of the silencer body 24 has a function of reflecting (sound-insulating) and attenuating the sound-reducing performance. Can be raised.

Further, since the wall surface of the water tank case 1 and the silencer body 24 are integrally formed, there is no space or play between the silencer body 24 and the water tank case 1, and the silencer body 24 part and the water tank case It has an effect that a collision sound caused by collision of 1 does not occur.

Further, the water tank case 1 and the muffler body 24 may be integrally molded with a thermoplastic resin, and in that case, there is an effect that the number of parts is reduced and the airtightness is easily secured.

The filter 16 provided in the muffler has a function of attenuating the pressure wave (intake sound) emitted from the intake port of the air supplier 20 and can improve the muffling performance.

By arranging the air intake port 5 on the bottom surface side of the water tank case 1 as shown in FIG. 3, it is caused by a pressure wave (intake sound) transmitted from the intake port of the air supply device 20 and vibration during operation of the air supply device 20. The out-of-plane vibration of the silencer lid 4 acts so as to apply a force perpendicular to the water tank. By this action, the viscosity of water damps the vibration to enhance the silencer function.

When power is generated in the fuel cell stack 18, condensed water flows into the water tank, so that the temperature of the water in the water tank becomes higher than the temperature of the atmosphere. Since the muffler body 24 and the water in the water tank are in contact with each other only via the water tank case 1, the water in the water tank has an effect of easily giving heat to the air in the muffler body 24. Thereby, the heat of the condensed water is sent to the fuel cell stack 18 and the hydrogen generator 19 by the air that has passed through the silencer body 24, and can be reused in the fuel cell system, so that the exhaust heat recovery efficiency can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the vibration generated in the silencer main body 24 can be transmitted to the fuel cell system housing after being damped by the water in the water tank. Therefore, the vibration caused by the air supplier 20 also has the effect of damping the force that vibrates the fuel cell system casing.

As described above, the silencer of the present embodiment is provided on the suction side of the air pipe between the air suction port 5 and the air supply device 20, and has a passage cross-sectional area (inner diameter) of the exhaust port 6 and the air suction port 5. A water tank having a silencer body 24 having a larger passage cross-sectional area (inner diameter) and a side wall surrounding the silencer body 24 and configured to store water in a space between the silencer body 24 and the side wall. A silencer including a container (water tank case 1).

With the above configuration, the vibration of the silencer main body 24 caused by the operation sound (intake sound) of the air supplier 20 and the vibration transmitted from the air supplier 20 can be reduced by the water around the silencer main body 24, and the silencer main body can be reduced. Since the air intake sound leaking from 24 can be insulated and reduced by the water around the silencer body 24 and the water tank container (water tank case 1), noise can be reduced more than before.

Further, since the silencer body 24 and the water tank container (water tank case 1) are integrally configured, the distance between the wall surface of the silencer body 24 and the wall surface of the water tank container (water tank case 1) becomes zero. In addition, it is possible to prevent a collision sound that may occur between the silencer and the water tank, which is caused by the vibration of the silencer body 24. Further, the structure is simple, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, in the muffler of the present embodiment, since the muffler body 24 accommodates the filter 16 for removing unnecessary matters in the air, the sound emitted from the air suction port 5 through the muffler body 24 is It can be attenuated by the sound absorbing effect of the filter 16. In addition, the storage portion of the filter 16 that removes unnecessary substances in the air can be used as a silencer.

Further, in the muffler of the present embodiment, the air suction port 5 is arranged on the bottom side of the water tank container (water tank case 1), so the operation noise (intake sound) of the air supply device 20 causes the air suction port. Since the vibration generated around 5 acts to apply a force perpendicular to the water in the water tank, the vibration can be damped by the viscosity of the water, and the sound emitted from the air suction port 5 can be further reduced. it can.

Further, even when the amount of water is small, it is highly possible that the entire circumference of the silencer main body 24 can be surrounded by water, so that it is possible to reduce noise. Further, it is easy to integrally mold the silencer body 24 and the water tank container (water tank case 1).

Further, the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment includes a fuel cell module 17 that generates electric power by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component with air, and an air supplier 20 that supplies air to the fuel cell module 17. And the silencer of the present embodiment provided on the suction side of the air pipe between the air suction port 5 and the air supply device 20, and is discharged from the fuel cell module 17 into a water tank container of the silencer. The fuel cell system is configured to condense the exhaust gas that is collected and to store the collected condensed water.

With the above configuration, the condensed water having a temperature higher than room temperature, which is collected by condensing the high temperature exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module 17, is present in the water tank, so that the air flowing into the silencer from the air suction port 5 is Since it is supplied to the fuel cell stack 18 of the fuel cell module 17 and the CO reducer (selective oxidizer) of the hydrogen generator 19 while being heated by heat exchange with water in the water tank, the heat recovery efficiency of the fuel cell system Can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the water tank container of the silencer is configured to store the condensed water collected by condensing the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module 17, but the fuel cell stack 18 of the fuel cell module 17 is cooled. The cooling water circulating in the cooling water circulation path may be stored.

When the cooling water is stored in the water tank container of the muffler, since the cooling water whose temperature is higher than room temperature due to heat exchange with the fuel cell stack 18 exists in the water tank, the air intake port The air flowing into the muffler from 5 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 18 of the fuel cell module 17 and the CO reducer (selective oxidizer) of the hydrogen generator 19 while being heated by heat exchange with the cooling water in the water tank. Therefore, the heat recovery efficiency of the fuel cell system can be improved.

As the cooling water circulating through the cooling water circulation path, condensed water purified with an ion exchange resin or the like can be used.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a silencer used in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the muffler of the present embodiment includes an ion exchanger 25 made of an ion exchange resin that purifies water stored in the water tank container (water tank case 1). Further, the water tank container (water tank case 1) is configured integrally with a storage unit 26 that stores the ion exchanger 25. The water tank lid 2 is provided with a pure water outlet 27 purified by the ion exchanger 25.

In the present embodiment, with the above configuration, the vibration of the water tank container can be reduced due to the weight of the ion exchanger and the storage portion, so that noise can be reduced more than before.

In the present embodiment, since the storage section 26 is arranged at the corner of the water tank container (water tank case 1), the ion exchanger 25 and the storage section 26 do not interfere with the muffler body 24 and the water tank. By utilizing the corner portion of the container (water tank case 1) as a part of the storage portion 26, it is possible to reduce the material for forming the storage portion 26 and reduce the cost.

As described above, the silencer of the present invention can be made quieter than the conventional silencer, and is therefore suitable for use in reducing air intake noise of a fuel cell system.

1 Water Tank Case 2 Water Tank Lid 3 Silencer Case 4 Silencer Lid 5 Air Suction Port 6 Exhaust Port 7 Hose 8 Water Inlet 9 Exhaust Hole 10 Overflow Partition 11 Drainage and Exhaust Partition 12 Drain 13 Open/Close Valve 14 Fixing Screw 15 Water Tank Fixing Stay 16 Filter 17 Fuel Cell Module 18 Fuel Cell Stack 19 Hydrogen Generator 20 Air Supplyer 21 Heat Exchanger 22 Hot Water Storage Tank 23 Circulation Pump 24 Silencer Main Body 25 Ion Exchanger 26 Storage Section

Claims (7)

A fuel cell that generates electric power by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component with air,
An air supplier for supplying air to the fuel cell;
A silencer body provided in an air pipe between the air suction port and the air supply unit, and having a passage cross-sectional area larger than the passage cross-sectional areas of the air pipe and the air suction port,
Has side walls surrounding the silencer body, the silencer comprising a water tank vessel, which is configured to storing water in the space between the silencer body and the side wall,
Equipped with
A fuel cell system configured to store cooling water for cooling the fuel cell, or condensed water collected by condensing exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell, in a water tank container of the silencer . The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the silencer body and the water tank container are integrally configured. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the silencer body houses a filter that removes unnecessary substances in the air. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the muffler body includes a lid part that is formed with the air suction port and detachably separates the filter from the muffler body. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air suction port is arranged on a bottom surface side of the water tank container. An ion exchanger for purifying water stored in the water tank container is provided,
The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water tank container is configured integrally with a storage unit that stores the ion exchanger. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein the storage unit is arranged at a corner of the water tank container .

Images