JP7244470B2 - fuel cell power module - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed by this specification relates to a fuel cell power generation module.

A solid oxide fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as "SOFC") is known as one type of fuel cell that generates power using an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. A fuel cell power generation unit (hereinafter simply referred to as "power generation unit"), which is a structural unit of SOFC, is composed of an electrolyte layer containing a solid oxide and a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as "first direction") across the electrolyte layer. It has a fuel cell single cell (hereinafter simply referred to as "single cell") including an air electrode and a fuel electrode facing each other, and an air chamber and a fuel chamber facing the air electrode and the fuel electrode, respectively. SOFCs are generally used in the form of a fuel cell stack comprising a power generation block composed of a plurality of power generation units arranged side by side in the first direction.

In such a fuel cell stack, various manifolds (gas flow paths) are formed in the power generation block. Specifically, the fuel cell stack includes an oxidant gas introduction manifold for supplying oxidant gas to each air chamber, and an oxidant gas discharge manifold for discharging oxidant off-gas discharged from each air chamber to the outside. A manifold, a fuel gas introduction manifold for supplying fuel gas to each fuel chamber, and a fuel gas discharge manifold for discharging fuel off-gas discharged from each fuel chamber to the outside are formed. Each manifold communicates with an opening that opens to one of the surfaces of the fuel cell stack in the first direction.

Also, a heat source unit having a heat source may be installed in the vicinity of the fuel cell stack. The heat source unit includes, for example, a combustion chamber that burns the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack and a reforming chamber that reforms the raw fuel gas to generate fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack. In this specification, a configuration including a fuel cell stack and a heat source is referred to as a fuel cell power generation module.

In general, a fuel cell power generation module further includes a connection flow path that communicates with the opening and the heat source (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-181405 A

In the conventional technology described above, since the heat source is connected to the fuel cell stack via the connecting channel, the load caused by the heat source and the connecting channel concentrates on the connection between the fuel cell stack and the connecting channel. tend to As a result, there is a risk of deterioration of the connecting portion in the connecting channel, detachment of the connecting channel and the heat source from the fuel cell stack, and the like. Therefore, the fuel cell power generation module is required to reduce the load applied to the connecting portion.

Such problems are not limited to SOFCs, but are common to other types of fuel cells.

This specification discloses a technology capable of solving the above-described problems.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be implemented, for example, in the following forms.

(1) A fuel cell power generation module disclosed in this specification is a fuel cell stack having a power generation block composed of a plurality of power generation units arranged side by side in a first direction, each power generation unit comprising: A single cell including an electrolyte layer, an air electrode and a fuel electrode facing each other in the first direction with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween, and a gas facing a specific electrode that is at least one of the air electrode and the fuel electrode. a chamber, wherein the power generation block has a manifold through which gas is supplied to or exhausted from the gas chamber, and is at least one of a plurality of surfaces of the fuel cell stack. A fuel cell power generation module comprising: a fuel cell stack having an opening that opens to a specific surface and communicates with the manifold; a heat source; and a connection channel that communicates with the opening and the heat source, When viewed in a direction orthogonal to the specific surface, the connecting channel has a non-overlapping portion that is a portion excluding the portion overlapping the opening, and the non-overlapping portion is supported by the fuel cell stack. In the present fuel cell power generation module, the non-overlapping portion of the connection flow path is supported by the fuel cell stack. Therefore, the load (specifically, the load caused by the heat source and the connection channel) applied to the connection portion of the connection channel with the fuel cell stack is supported by the fuel cell stack in the non-overlapping portion. It can be dispersed into portions (hereinafter also referred to as “supported portions”). Therefore, according to this fuel cell power generation module, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the connection portion of the connection flow path.

(2) The fuel cell power generation module may include a support member connected to the non-overlapping portion and the fuel cell stack and supporting the connection flow path. According to the fuel cell power generation module of this configuration, the non-overlapping portion is supported by the fuel cell stack via the support member. In this way, by interposing the supporting member, it is possible to more reliably support the fuel cell stack in the non-overlapping portion. In addition, according to this configuration, since it is not necessary to directly support the connecting channel on the fuel cell stack, the degree of freedom in designing the connecting channel can be improved.

(3) In the above fuel cell power generation module, the fuel cell stack includes a pair of end members facing each other in the first direction with the power generation block interposed therebetween and insulated from the power generation unit, The non-overlapping portion may be supported by at least one of the pair of end members. According to the fuel cell power generation module of this configuration, the non-overlapping portion is supported by at least one of the pair of end members. In this way, by supporting the non-overlapping portion by the end members of the members constituting the fuel cell stack, the impact of the load on the power generation block is reduced compared to the configuration in which the power generation block is supported. be able to.

(4) In the above fuel cell power generation module, the fuel cell stack may be a solid oxide fuel cell stack in which each power generation unit is a power generation unit of a solid oxide fuel cell. Since solid oxide fuel cell stacks are operated at higher temperatures than other types of fuel cell stacks such as polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks, the connecting channels are also used in high temperature environments. Therefore, compared to when used at low temperature, the connecting channel is used in a state where the rigidity is lowered. As a result, there is a particular concern about deterioration of the connecting portion in the connecting flow path, detachment of the connecting flow path and the heat source from the fuel cell stack, and the like. According to the fuel cell power generation module of this configuration, since the non-overlapping portion of the connection flow path is supported by the fuel cell stack, deterioration of the connection portion of the connection flow path and the fuel cell stack of the connection flow path and the heat source section are prevented. Desorption from can be reduced.

(5) In the above fuel cell power generation module, the heat source unit includes a reformer that reforms raw fuel gas to generate fuel gas containing hydrogen, and a reformer that reforms raw fuel gas to generate fuel gas containing hydrogen, and A combustor for burning residual fuel gas may also be provided. According to the fuel cell power generation module of this configuration, even in a configuration in which the heat source section includes the reformer and the combustor, the load applied to the connection portion of the connection flow path can be reduced.

(6) In the above fuel cell power generation module, the heat source may have a heat exchanger for heating the oxidant gas used for power generation. According to the fuel cell power generation module of this configuration, even in a configuration in which the heat source includes a heat exchanger, the load applied to the connection portion of the connection flow path can be reduced.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be implemented in various forms, for example, in the form of a fuel cell power generation module including a fuel cell stack, a heat source, and a connecting channel, and a method of manufacturing the same. It is possible.

Explanatory drawing showing the external configuration of the power generation module 1 according to the present embodiment. Explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the power generation module 1 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a fuel cell stack 100 according to this embodiment; FIG. Explanatory diagram showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of the fuel cell stack 100 at the position IV-IV in FIG. Explanatory diagram showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of the fuel cell stack 100 at the position of VV in FIG. Explanatory diagram showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of two power generation units 102 adjacent to each other at the same position as the cross section shown in FIG. Explanatory diagram showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of two power generation units 102 adjacent to each other at the same position as the cross section shown in FIG. Explanatory diagram showing the YZ cross-sectional configuration of two power generation units 102 adjacent to each other at the position of VIII-VIII in FIG. Explanatory drawing showing the external configuration of the power generation module 1A in the second embodiment. A perspective view showing an external configuration of a power generation module 1B in the third embodiment.

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Configuration of fuel cell power generation module 1:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the external configuration of a fuel cell power generation module (hereinafter simply referred to as "power generation module") 1 in this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the schematic configuration of the power generation module 1. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, for convenience, the flow of fuel gas (including raw fuel gas RFG, fuel gas FG, and fuel off-gas FOG) is indicated by a dashed line, and oxidant gas (oxidant gas OG and oxidant off-gas OOG are indicated by dashed lines). ) is indicated by a solid line, and the flow of exhaust gas EG is indicated by a dashed line. The fuel off-gas FOG corresponds to residual fuel gas in the claims. Each figure shows mutually orthogonal XYZ axes for specifying directions. In this specification, for the sake of convenience, the positive direction of the X-axis is called the upward direction, and the negative direction of the X-axis is called the downward direction, unless otherwise specified. Note that the power generation module 1 and the fuel cell stack 100 may actually be installed in an orientation different from such an orientation. The same applies to FIG. 3 and subsequent figures.

The power generation module 1 includes a fuel cell stack 100 , an auxiliary device 300 and pipes 61 , 62 , 71 , 72 . The auxiliary device 300 corresponds to the heat source section in the claims. The oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61 corresponds to a connection flow path in the claims.

A-2. Configuration of fuel cell stack 100:
3 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the fuel cell stack 100 in the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of the fuel cell stack 100 at the position IV-IV in FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of the fuel cell stack 100 at the position of VV in FIG. Each figure shows mutually orthogonal XYZ axes for specifying directions. 3 to 8, for the sake of convenience, the Z-axis positive direction is referred to as the upward direction, and the Z-axis negative direction is referred to as the downward direction. It should be noted that the fuel cell stack 100 may actually be installed in a different orientation. Moreover, below, the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction shall be called a surface direction.

The fuel cell stack 100 includes a plurality of (seven in this embodiment) fuel cell power generating units (hereinafter simply referred to as "power generating units") 102, a pair of terminal plates 410 and 420, and a pair of insulating sheets 510 and 520. , and a pair of end plates 104,106. The seven power generation units 102 are arranged side by side in a predetermined arrangement direction (vertical direction in this embodiment). A pair of terminal plates 410 and 420 are arranged so as to sandwich an assembly (hereinafter referred to as "power generation block 103") composed of a plurality of power generation units 102 from above and below. A pair of insulating sheets 510 and 520 are arranged to sandwich a pair of terminal plates 410 and 420 from above and below. Also, the pair of end plates 104 and 106 are arranged so as to sandwich the pair of insulating sheets 510 and 520 from above and below. The arrangement direction (vertical direction) corresponds to the first direction in the scope of claims. The end plates 104, 106 correspond to end members in the claims.

As shown in FIG. 3, each layer (upper end plate 104, each power generation unit 102, each terminal plate 410, 420, each insulation sheet 510, 520) constituting the fuel cell stack 100 has four outer circumferences around the Z-axis direction. Around the two corners, a hole is formed that penetrates each layer in the vertical direction and is substantially circular when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, holes (screw holes) into which lower ends of bolts 22 described later are screwed are formed in the upper surface around four corners of the outer periphery around the Z-axis direction of the lower end plate 106 constituting the fuel cell stack 100 . ) is formed. Corresponding holes formed in each power generation unit 102, each terminal plate 410, 420, each insulating sheet 510, 520, and each end plate 104, 106 communicate with each other in the vertical direction, and the upper end plate 104 to the lower side A bolt hole 109 extending vertically over the end plate 106 is formed. In the following description, the holes formed in each layer to constitute the bolt holes 109 may also be referred to as the bolt holes 109 .

Each bolt 22 is inserted through each bolt hole 109 extending in the vertical direction. At the lower end of each bolt 22 , each bolt 22 has four corners around the outer periphery of the lower end plate 106 around the Z-axis direction so that each bolt 22 can engage with the lower end plate 106 . A threaded portion is formed that can be screwed into the hole (threaded hole) formed in the upper surface. Thus, in the fuel cell stack 100 of the present embodiment, each power generating unit 102 and each end plate 104, 106 are integrally fastened by the head of each bolt 22 and the lower end plate 106. FIG. Here, "each bolt 22 engages with the lower end plate 106" means that each bolt 22 engages with the lower end plate 106 directly or via another member (for example, a nut). means that it is attached to

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the vicinity of the outer periphery around the Z-axis direction of each layer (each power generation unit 102, the lower terminal plate 420 and the lower insulating sheet 520) constituting the fuel cell stack 100 is formed with a hole vertically penetrating each power generation unit 102 and the lower terminal plate 420, and the corresponding holes formed in each power generation unit 102 communicate with each other in the vertical direction to form a plurality of A communication hole 108 extending vertically over the power generation unit 102 is formed. In the following description, the holes formed in each layer to constitute the communication hole 108 may also be referred to as the communication hole 108 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fuel cell stack 100 is positioned near one side of the outer periphery around the Z-axis (the side on the positive side of the X-axis among the two sides parallel to the Y-axis). The communication hole 108 receives the oxidant gas OG from the outside of the fuel cell stack 100 and supplies the oxidant gas OG to an air chamber 166 of each power generation unit 102, which will be described later. , and located near the side opposite to the side (the side on the negative side of the X-axis among the two sides parallel to the Y-axis), the air chamber 166 of each power generation unit 102 It functions as an oxidant gas discharge manifold 162 that is a gas flow path for discharging the oxidant offgas OOG, which is the discharged gas, to the outside of the fuel cell stack 100 . Air, for example, is used as the oxidant gas OG. The air chamber 166 corresponds to the gas chamber in the claims. The oxidizing gas introduction manifold 161 and the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 162 respectively correspond to manifolds in the claims.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, among the sides forming the outer periphery around the Z-axis direction of the fuel cell stack 100, the vicinity of the side closest to the communication hole 108 functioning as the oxidant gas discharge manifold 162 described above. The other communication hole 108 located in the fuel cell stack 100 is introduced from the outside of the fuel cell stack 100, and is a gas flow path for supplying the fuel gas FG to the fuel chamber 176 of each power generation unit 102, which will be described later. The other communication holes 108 functioning as the manifold 171 and positioned near the side closest to the communication hole 108 functioning as the oxidizing gas introduction manifold 161 described above are the gas discharged from the fuel chamber 176 of each power generation unit 102. It functions as a fuel gas discharge manifold 172 which is a gas flow path for discharging a certain fuel off-gas FOG to the outside of the fuel cell stack 100 . As the fuel gas FG, for example, hydrogen-rich gas obtained by reforming city gas is used. The fuel chamber 176 corresponds to the gas chamber in the claims. The fuel gas introduction manifold 171 and the fuel gas discharge manifold 172 respectively correspond to manifolds in the claims.

(Construction of Terminal Plates 410, 420, Insulation Sheets 510, 520, and End Plates 104, 106)
The pair of terminal plates 410 and 420 are substantially rectangular flat plate-shaped conductive members, and are made of, for example, stainless steel. The thickness (plate thickness) of each terminal plate 410, 420 in the Z-axis direction is 0.2 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The upper terminal plate 410 is arranged on the upper side of the power generation block 103 composed of the plurality of power generation units 102 , and the lower terminal plate 420 is arranged on the lower side of the power generation block 103 . In other words, the upper terminal plate 410 is arranged on the upper side of the power generation unit 102 including the unit cell 110 positioned most upward in the Z-axis direction among the plurality of unit cells 110 . In addition, the lower terminal plate 420 is arranged on the lower side of the power generation unit 102 including the unit cell 110 positioned most downward in the Z-axis direction among the plurality of unit cells 110 . As shown in FIG. 3, the upper terminal plate 410 has four bolt holes 109 formed therein. Four communication holes 108 and four bolt holes 109 are formed in the lower terminal plate 420 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The upper terminal plate 410 functions as a positive output terminal of the fuel cell stack 100 , and the lower terminal plate 420 functions as a negative output terminal of the fuel cell stack 100 .

The pair of insulating sheets 510 and 520 are substantially rectangular sheet-like insulating members. The insulating sheets 510 and 520 are made of mica, alumina, silicon nitride, zirconia, or the like. A thickness (sheet thickness) T1 in the Z-axis direction of each of the insulating sheets 510 and 520 is 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The upper insulating sheet 510 is arranged on the upper side of the upper terminal plate 410 , and the lower insulating sheet 520 is arranged on the lower side of the lower terminal plate 420 . Similar to the upper terminal plate 410, the upper insulating sheet 510 has four bolt holes 109 formed therein. Similarly to the terminal plate 420 on the lower side, the insulation sheet 520 on the lower side is formed with four communication holes 108 and four bolt holes 109 . In this specification, the term "conductive member" means a member having an electrical resistivity of 100 μΩ·m or less, and the term "insulating member" means a member having an electrical resistivity of 10 MΩ·m or more. are doing.

The pair of end plates 104 and 106 are substantially rectangular plate-shaped conductive members, and are made of, for example, stainless steel. The thickness (board thickness) of each of the end plates 104 and 106 in the Z-axis direction is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The upper end plate 104 is arranged on the upper side of the upper insulating sheet 510 , and the lower end plate 106 is arranged on the lower side of the lower insulating sheet 520 . In other words, the pair of end plates 104 and 106 are arranged to face each other in the Z-axis direction with the power generation block 103 interposed therebetween and to be insulated from the power generation unit 102 (and thus the power generation block 103). A pair of insulating sheets 510 and 520, a pair of terminal plates 410 and 420, and a plurality of power generation units 102 are sandwiched by the pair of end plates 104 and 106 while being pressed. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end plate 104 has four bolt holes 109 formed therein. Further, the lower end plate 106 is formed with four channel through holes 107 and four bolt holes 109 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The four passage holes 107 communicate with an oxidant gas introduction manifold 161, an oxidant gas discharge manifold 162, a fuel gas introduction manifold 171, and a fuel gas discharge manifold 172, respectively. An opening OP is defined by each channel through-hole 107 . More specifically, the openings OP open to the surface S106a of the lower end plate 106 in the fuel cell stack 100 and communicate with the manifolds 161, 162, 171, 172 respectively. The surface S106a of the lower end plate 106 corresponds to the specific surface in the claims.

(Configuration of pipes 61, 62, 71, 72, etc.)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the fuel cell power module 1 is further positioned opposite the plurality of power generation units 102 with respect to the lower end plate 106 of the fuel cell stack 100 (i.e., , bottom) are provided. Each of the pipes 61, 62, 71, 72 is a cylindrical member having a gas flow path formed therein, and is made of metal, for example. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, an oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61 is connected to the oxidizing gas introduction manifold 161, and an oxidizing gas discharge pipe 62 is connected to the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 162. there is 2 and 5, a fuel gas introduction pipe 71 is connected to the fuel gas introduction manifold 171, and a fuel gas discharge pipe 72 is connected to the fuel gas discharge manifold 172. As shown in FIGS. An insulating sheet 26 is arranged between each pipe 61 , 62 , 71 , 72 and the lower end plate 106 . The insulating sheet 26 is composed of, for example, a mica sheet, a ceramic fiber sheet, a ceramic powder sheet, a glass sheet, a glass-ceramic composite, or the like. The pipes 61, 62, 71, 72 are connected to the fuel cell stack 100 and an auxiliary device 300, which will be described later, by, for example, fixing members (for example, bolts) not shown. A detailed configuration of the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 will be described later.

(Configuration of power generation unit 102)
6 is an explanatory diagram showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of two power generation units 102 adjacent to each other at the same position as the cross section shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the XZ cross-sectional configuration of two power generating units 102, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the YZ cross-sectional configuration of two mutually adjacent power generating units 102 at the position of VIII-VIII in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a power generation unit 102, which is the minimum unit of power generation, includes a fuel cell single cell (hereinafter simply referred to as "single cell") 110, a separator 120, an air electrode side frame 130, an air It comprises a pole-side current collecting member 134 , an anode-side frame 140 , a fuel electrode-side current collecting member 144 , and a pair of interconnectors 150 forming the top layer and the bottom layer of the power generation unit 102 . Holes constituting the communication holes 108 functioning as the manifolds 161, 162, 171, and 172 are formed on the outer peripheries of the separator 120, the air electrode-side frame 130, the fuel electrode-side frame 140, and the interconnector 150 around the Z-axis direction. , and holes constituting each bolt hole 109 are formed. Since the power generation unit 102 includes the unit cells 110, the power generation block 103 described above can also be expressed as a structure in which a plurality of unit cells 110 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

The pair of interconnectors 150 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped conductive member that is larger than the single cell 110 when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and is made of ferritic stainless steel, for example. The interconnector 150 ensures electrical continuity between the power generating units 102 and prevents mixing of reaction gases between the power generating units 102 . Moreover, in this embodiment, when two power generation units 102 are arranged adjacently, one interconnector 150 is shared by the two adjacent power generation units 102 . That is, the upper interconnector 150 in a certain power generation unit 102 is the same member as the lower interconnector 150 in another power generation unit 102 adjacent to the upper side of the power generation unit 102 . In addition, since the fuel cell stack 100 has a pair of terminal plates 410 and 420, the power generation unit 102 located at the top in the fuel cell stack 100 does not have the upper interconnector 150, and is located at the bottom. The generating unit 102 does not have a lower interconnector 150 (see Figures 4 and 5).

The single cell 110 includes an electrolyte layer 112, and an air electrode (cathode) 114 and a fuel electrode (anode) 116 facing each other in the vertical direction (the direction in which the power generating units 102 are arranged) with the electrolyte layer 112 interposed therebetween. The single cell 110 of this embodiment is a fuel electrode supporting type single cell in which the electrolyte layer 112 and the air electrode 114 are supported by the fuel electrode 116 . The air electrode 114 and the fuel electrode 116 respectively correspond to specific electrodes in the claims.

The electrolyte layer 112 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and is a dense layer. The electrolyte layer 112 is formed of a solid oxide such as YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia), ScSZ (scandia-stabilized zirconia), SDC (samarium-doped ceria), GDC (gadolinium-doped ceria), perovskite-type oxide, or the like. there is The air electrode 114 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member smaller than the electrolyte layer 112 when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and is a porous layer. The air electrode 114 is made of, for example, a perovskite-type oxide (eg, LSCF (lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide), LSM (lanthanum strontium manganese oxide), LNF (lanthanum nickel iron oxide)). The fuel electrode 116 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member having substantially the same size as the electrolyte layer 112 when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and is a porous layer. The fuel electrode 116 is made of, for example, Ni (nickel), a cermet made of Ni and ceramic particles, a Ni-based alloy, or the like. Thus, the single cell 110 (power generation unit 102) of this embodiment is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using a solid oxide as an electrolyte.

The separator 120 is a frame-shaped member in which a substantially rectangular hole 121 penetrating vertically is formed near the center, and is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, for example. The peripheral portion of the separator 120 around the hole 121 faces the peripheral portion of the surface of the electrolyte layer 112 on the air electrode 114 side. The separator 120 is joined to the electrolyte layer 112 (single cell 110) by a joining portion 124 formed of brazing material (for example, Ag brazing) arranged at the opposing portion. The air chamber 166 facing the air electrode 114 and the fuel chamber 176 facing the fuel electrode 116 are separated by the separator 120 to prevent gas leakage from one electrode side to the other electrode side in the peripheral portion of the unit cell 110 . Suppressed. A sealing member (for example, a glass sealing member) for sealing between the air chamber 166 and the fuel chamber 176 may be further provided in the vicinity of the junction between the single cell 110 and the separator 120 .

The air electrode side frame 130 is a member in which a substantially rectangular air chamber hole 131 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the vicinity of the center, and is made of an insulator such as mica, for example. The air electrode-side frame 130 is in contact with the peripheral edge portion of the surface of the separator 120 opposite to the side facing the electrolyte layer 112 and the peripheral edge portion of the surface of the interconnector 150 facing the air electrode 114 . . An air chamber 166 facing the air electrode 114 is configured by the air chamber hole 131 formed in the air electrode side frame 130 . Also, the pair of interconnectors 150 included in the power generation unit 102 are electrically insulated by the air electrode side frame 130 . The air electrode side frame 130 also includes an oxidant gas supply communication channel 132 that communicates the oxidant gas introduction manifold 161 and the air chamber 166, and an oxidant gas supply channel 132 that communicates the air chamber 166 and the oxidant gas discharge manifold 162. A gas discharge communication channel 133 is formed.

The fuel electrode side frame 140 is a member in which a substantially rectangular fuel chamber hole 141 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed near the center, and is made of metal, for example. The fuel electrode-side frame 140 is in contact with the periphery of the surface of the separator 120 facing the electrolyte layer 112 and the periphery of the surface of the interconnector 150 facing the fuel electrode 116 . A fuel chamber 176 facing the fuel electrode 116 is configured by the fuel chamber hole 141 formed in the fuel electrode side frame 140 . Further, the fuel electrode side frame 140 has a fuel gas supply communication passage 142 that communicates the fuel gas introduction manifold 171 and the fuel chamber 176, and a fuel gas discharge communication passage that communicates the fuel chamber 176 and the fuel gas discharge manifold 172. A path 143 is formed.

The fuel electrode side current collecting member 144 is arranged inside the fuel chamber 176 . The fuel electrode-side current collecting member 144 includes an interconnector-facing portion 146, an electrode-facing portion 145, and a connecting portion 147 that connects the electrode-facing portion 145 and the interconnector-facing portion 146, and is made of, for example, nickel or a nickel alloy. , stainless steel or the like. The electrode facing portion 145 is in contact with the surface of the fuel electrode 116 opposite to the side facing the electrolyte layer 112 , and the interconnector facing portion 146 is in contact with the surface of the interconnector 150 facing the fuel electrode 116 . in contact. Since the fuel electrode side current collecting member 144 has such a configuration, it electrically connects the fuel electrode 116 and the interconnector 150 . A spacer 149 made of mica, for example, is arranged between the electrode facing portion 145 and the interconnector facing portion 146 . Therefore, the fuel electrode side current collecting member 144 follows the deformation of the power generation unit 102 due to the temperature cycle and reaction gas pressure fluctuation, and the electrical connection between the fuel electrode 116 and the interconnector 150 via the fuel electrode side current collecting member 144 is established. well maintained.

The air electrode side current collecting member 134 is arranged in the air chamber 166 . The air electrode-side current collecting member 134 is composed of a plurality of substantially quadrangular prism-shaped current collecting member elements 135, and is made of, for example, ferritic stainless steel. The air electrode-side current collecting member 134 is in contact with the surface of the air electrode 114 opposite to the side facing the electrolyte layer 112 and the surface of the interconnector 150 facing the air electrode 114 . However, as described above, the uppermost power generation unit 102 in the fuel cell stack 100 does not have the upper interconnector 150, so the air electrode side current collecting member 134 in the power generation unit 102 is the upper terminal plate 410 is in contact. Since the air electrode side current collecting member 134 has such a configuration, it electrically connects the air electrode 114 and the interconnector 150 . In addition, in the present embodiment, the air electrode side collector member 134 and the interconnector 150 are formed as an integral member. That is, the flat plate-shaped portion of the integrated member that is perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) functions as an interconnector 150 and is formed to protrude from the flat plate-shaped portion toward the air electrode 114 . A current collecting member element 135 , which is a plurality of projections, functions as an air electrode side current collecting member 134 . In addition, the integrated member of the air electrode side current collecting member 134 and the interconnector 150 may be covered with a conductive coating, and the air electrode 114 and the air electrode side current collecting member 134 may be separated from each other. A conductive bonding layer for bonding may be interposed. In addition, in each power generation unit 102, the air electrode side collector member 134 and the upper interconnector 150 may be separate members.

A-3. Configuration of auxiliary device 300:
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, auxiliary device 300 includes evaporator 310 and reformer/heater 330 . The auxiliary devices 300 are arranged side by side above the fuel cell stack 100 and supported by pipes 61 , 62 , 71 and 72 . The fuel cell stack 100 and the auxiliary device 300 are surrounded by a heat insulating material 350, and the heat insulating material 350 is also provided between the fuel cell stack 100 and the auxiliary device 300 to dissipate heat from the fuel cell stack 100. Suppresses diffusion. The evaporator 310 and the reformer/heater 330 are each a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box-shaped member with a space formed therein, and are made of, for example, stainless steel or aluminum-added stainless steel.

(Configuration of evaporator 310)
The evaporator 310 includes a reforming water introduction pipe 220 for introducing the reforming water RW from the outside, a raw fuel gas introduction pipe 222 for introducing the raw fuel gas RFG from the outside, and a raw fuel gas introduction pipe 222 for discharging the exhaust gas EG. is connected to the exhaust gas discharge pipe 223 of the . The evaporator 310 also includes an exhaust gas introduction pipe 226 for introducing the exhaust gas EG from the housing 335 of the reformer/heater 330 to the evaporator 310, and an exhaust gas introduction pipe 226 for introducing the mixed gas from the evaporator 310 to the reformer 331. and the mixed gas introduction pipe 228 are connected.

The evaporator 310 evaporates the reforming water RW introduced from the reforming water introduction pipe 220 by the heat of the exhaust gas EG introduced through the exhaust gas introduction pipe 226 to generate steam, and introduces the steam into the raw fuel gas. It is configured to mix with the raw fuel gas RFG introduced from the pipe 222 . The raw fuel gas RFG mixed with steam in the evaporator 310 is supplied to the reformer/heater 330 (more specifically, the reformer 331 described later) through the mixed gas introduction pipe 228 . The exhaust gas EG that has heated the reforming water RW is discharged outside through the exhaust gas discharge pipe 223 .

(Configuration of reformer/heater 330)
The reformer/heater 330 includes a reformer 331 , a combustor 333 and a housing 335 . Reformer 331 and combustor 333 are housed in a space enclosed by housing 335 . The pipes 61 , 62 , 71 , 72 described above are connected to the reformer/heater 330 respectively. More specifically, the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 is connected to the housing 335 , the fuel gas introduction pipe 71 is connected to the reformer 331 , and the oxidant gas discharge pipe 62 and the fuel gas discharge pipe 72 are connected to the combustor 333 . It is connected.

The housing 335 has a double wall structure having an inner wall 335a and an outer wall 335b, and an air flow path 335A is formed between the inner wall 335a and the outer wall 335b. An air introduction pipe 224 is connected to the housing 335 for introducing oxidant gas OG (air) from the outside into the air flow path 335A. The oxidant gas OG introduced into the air flow path 335A is heated by combustion heat (exhaust gas EG) generated by the combustor 333 while flowing through the air flow path 335A. The oxidant gas OG heated in the air flow path 335A is supplied to the fuel cell stack 100 through the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 and used for power generation in the fuel cell stack 100. FIG. A heat transfer fin 336 is arranged inside the air flow path 335A. The heat transfer fins 336 can efficiently transfer the heat of the inner wall 335a to the air flow path 335A. The inner wall 335a, the outer wall 335b, and the heat transfer fins 336 are all made of metal plates. In addition, in FIG. 2, illustration of a part of the heat transfer fins 336 is omitted for the sake of convenience. The inner wall 335a, the outer wall 335b and the heat transfer fins 336 correspond to the heat exchanger in the claims.

The reformer 331 is a chamber for reforming raw fuel gas RFG to generate hydrogen-rich fuel gas FG. The reformer 331 is connected to a mixed gas introduction pipe 228 for introducing raw fuel gas RFG mixed with steam from the evaporator 310 . The reformer 331 also communicates with the fuel gas introduction manifold 171 via the fuel gas introduction pipe 71 . The fuel gas FG supplied to the fuel cell stack 100 through the fuel gas introduction pipe 71 is used in the fuel cell stack 100 for power generation. In this embodiment, the reformer 331 is provided with a catalyst that accelerates the reforming reaction.

The combustor 333 is a chamber for mixing and burning the oxidant offgas OOG and the fuel offgas FOG discharged from the fuel cell stack 100 . The combustor 333 communicates with the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 162 via the oxidizing gas discharge pipe 62 and communicates with the fuel gas discharge manifold 172 via the fuel gas discharge pipe 72 . In this embodiment, the combustor 333 is provided with a catalyst that promotes combustion of the oxidant off-gas OOG and the fuel off-gas FOG.

As described above, reformer 331 and combustor 333 are housed within housing 335 , which is surrounded by insulation 350 . Therefore, the oxidant gas discharge pipe 62 , the fuel gas introduction pipe 71 and the fuel gas discharge pipe 72 extend to the fuel cell stack 100 through the housing 335 and the heat insulating material 350 respectively. The oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 penetrates the heat insulating material 350 and extends to the fuel cell stack 100 .

A-4. Operation of fuel cell stack 100:
As shown in FIG. 4, the oxidizing gas OG is introduced into the oxidizing gas introduction manifold 161 through the oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61, and supplied from the oxidizing gas introduction manifold 161 to the air chamber 166 of each power generation unit 102. be. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the fuel gas FG is introduced into the fuel gas introduction manifold 171 via the fuel gas introduction pipe 71 and supplied from the fuel gas introduction manifold 171 to the fuel chamber 176 of each power generation unit 102 .

When the oxidant gas OG is supplied to the air chamber 166 of each power generation unit 102 and the fuel gas FG is supplied to the fuel chamber 176, the oxygen contained in the oxidant gas OG and the hydrogen contained in the fuel gas FG in the single cell 110 Electricity is generated by an electrochemical reaction with This power generation reaction is an exothermic reaction. In each power generation unit 102, the air electrode 114 of the unit cell 110 is electrically connected to one interconnector 150 through the air electrode side current collecting member 134, and the fuel electrode 116 is electrically connected through the fuel electrode side current collecting member 144. It is electrically connected to the other interconnector 150 . Also, the plurality of power generation units 102 included in the fuel cell stack 100 are electrically connected in series. Therefore, the electrical energy generated in each power generation unit 102 is taken out from terminal plates 410 and 420 that function as output terminals of fuel cell stack 100 . Since the SOFC generates power at a relatively high temperature (for example, 700° C. to 1000° C.), the fuel cell stack 100 is heated by the heater ( (not shown).

The oxidant offgas OOG, which is the gas discharged from the air chamber 166 of each power generation unit 102, passes through the oxidant gas discharge manifold 162 and the oxidant gas discharge pipe 62, as shown in FIGS. 300 into combustor 333 . 2 and 5, the fuel off-gas FOG, which is the gas discharged from the fuel chamber 176 of each power generation unit 102, passes through the fuel gas discharge manifold 172 and the fuel gas discharge pipe 72 to the auxiliary device 300. is introduced into the combustor 333 of the The oxidant off-gas OOG and fuel off-gas FOG introduced into the combustor 333 are mixed and burned in the combustor 333 and then discharged as exhaust gas EG to the evaporator 310 through the exhaust gas introduction pipe 226 . The heat generated in the combustor 333 accelerates the reforming reaction in the reformer 331 and heats the fuel cell stack 100 .

In each power generation unit 102 constituting the fuel cell stack 100 of the present embodiment, the main flow direction of the oxidant gas OG in the air chamber 166 and the main flow direction of the fuel gas FG in the fuel chamber 176 are substantially opposite directions ( facing each other). That is, the power generation unit 102 (fuel cell stack 100) of this embodiment is a counterflow type SOFC.

A-5. Detailed configuration of the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61:
A detailed configuration of the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 will be described with reference to FIG. The oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 is connected at the connection portion CP so as to communicate with the opening OP communicating with the oxidant gas introduction manifold 161 among the openings OP of the end plate 106 of the fuel cell stack 100 . As described above, the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 is a tubular member. More specifically, the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 of the present embodiment has an overlapping portion OL and a non-overlapping portion NOL which is a portion excluding the overlapping portion OL. The overlapping portion OL is a portion that overlaps the opening OP when viewed in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the overlapping portion OL is a portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the opening OP (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment).

In this embodiment, the non-overlapping portion NOL is a portion extending in the direction of the auxiliary device 300 (X-axis direction in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the upper end of the non-overlapping portion NOL has an enlarged diameter portion ER with an enlarged diameter. As viewed in the X-axis direction, the surface S61 on the downward side of the enlarged diameter portion ER has a supported portion SP that overlaps the surface S106b of the end plate 106 . The supported portion SP is joined to the surface S106b of the end plate 106 by, for example, welding. Thus, the non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61 in this embodiment is supported by the end plate 106 . The oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61 corresponds to a connection flow path in the claims. A view in the Z-axis direction corresponds to "a view in a direction perpendicular to the specific surface" in the scope of claims. Also, the overlapping portion OL corresponds to "the portion overlapping the opening" in the scope of claims, and the non-overlapping portion NOL corresponds to the non-overlapping portion in the scope of claims.

A-6. Effect of this embodiment:
As described above, the power generation module 1 of this embodiment includes the fuel cell stack 100, the auxiliary device 300, and the pipes 61, 62, 71, and 72 connecting the fuel cell stack 100 and the auxiliary device 300. there is Pipes 61 , 62 , 71 , 72 are connected so as to communicate openings OP formed in surface S<b>106 a of end plate 106 in fuel cell stack 100 and auxiliary device 300 . The oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 has an overlapping portion OL and a non-overlapping portion NOL. The non-overlapping portion NOL is supported by fuel cell stack 100 . Therefore, in the power generation module 1 of the present embodiment, the load applied to the connecting portion CP of the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 with the fuel cell stack 100 (specifically, the load caused by the auxiliary device 300 and the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 is load) can be distributed to the supported portion SP in the non-overlapping portion NOL. Therefore, according to the power generation module 1 of the present embodiment, the load applied to the connecting portion CP of the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 can be reduced.

In the power generation module 1 of this embodiment, the non-overlapping portion NOL is supported by the end plate 106 . In this way, by supporting the non-overlapping portion NOL by the end plate 106 of the members constituting the fuel cell stack 100, compared with the configuration in which the non-overlapping portion NOL is supported by the power generation block 103, the load on the power generation block 103 The impact can be reduced.

In the power generation module 1 of the present embodiment, the fuel cell stack 100 is a solid oxide fuel cell stack in which each power generation unit 102 is a power generation unit of a solid oxide fuel cell. Since solid oxide fuel cell stacks are operated at higher temperatures than other types of fuel cell stacks such as polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks, the piping is also used in a high temperature environment. Therefore, compared to when used at low temperatures, the pipes are used in a state of reduced rigidity. As a result, there is a particular concern about the possibility of deterioration of the connecting portion of the pipe, detachment of the pipe or the auxiliary device 300 from the fuel cell stack 100, and the like. According to the power generation module 1 of the present embodiment, the non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61 is supported by the fuel cell stack 100, so that deterioration of the connection portion CP of the oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61 and oxidation of the connecting portion CP occur. Detachment of the agent gas introduction pipe 61 and the auxiliary device 300 from the fuel cell stack 100 can be reduced.

In the power generation module 1 of this embodiment, the auxiliary device 300 has a reformer 331 and a combustor 333 . According to the power generation module 1 of the present embodiment, even in the configuration in which the auxiliary device 300 includes the reformer 331 and the combustor 333, the load applied to the connecting portion CP of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61 can be reduced. can.

In the power generation module 1 of this embodiment, the auxiliary device 300 may be configured to have a heat exchanger. According to the power generation module 1 of the present embodiment, even when the auxiliary device 300 has a heat exchanger, the load applied to the connecting portion CP of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61 can be reduced.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the power generation module 1A in the second embodiment. The power generation module 1A of the second embodiment includes an oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A instead of the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61, and further includes a support member 65A. different from the configuration of In the following, of the configuration of the power generation module 1A of the second embodiment, the same configurations as those of the power generation module 1 of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61A has an overlapping portion OL and a non-overlapping portion NOL, like the oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61 of the first embodiment. In the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A of the present embodiment, the non-overlapping portion NOL does not have the enlarged diameter portion ER. In other words, the inner diameter of the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A in the non-overlapping portion NOL is substantially constant. The non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61A in this embodiment is the same as the non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61 in the first embodiment. direction). The oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A corresponds to a connection flow path in the claims.

The support member 65A is, for example, an L-shaped plate member made of metal. The support member 65A is made of, for example, the same material as the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A in order to suppress the occurrence of thermal stress in the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A due to the difference in thermal expansion. One side of the L-shaped support member 65A is joined to the supported portion SP of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61A by, for example, welding. Here, the supported portion SP is a portion of the surface SA61 at the non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61A. On the other hand, the other side forming the L-shape of the support member 65A is joined to the surface S106b of the end plate 106 by, for example, welding. Thus, the non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61A in this embodiment is supported by the end plate 106. As shown in FIG.

The power generation module 1A of this embodiment includes a support member 65A that is connected to the non-overlapping portion NOL and the fuel cell stack 100 and that supports the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61A. In other words, in the power generation module 1A of this embodiment, the non-overlapping portion NOL is supported by the fuel cell stack 100 via the support member 65A. According to the power generation module 1A of the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained in addition to the effects of the power generation module 1 of the first embodiment. That is, by interposing the support member 65A, it is possible to more reliably support the fuel cell stack 100 in the non-overlapping portion NOL. Further, according to the power generation module 1A of the present embodiment, the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A does not need to be directly supported by the fuel cell stack 100, so the degree of freedom in designing the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A is improved. can be made

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the power generation module 1B in the third embodiment. The power generation module 1B of the third embodiment has an oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61B and a support member 65B instead of the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A and the support member 65A, respectively. It differs from the configuration of the power generation module 1A. In the following, of the configuration of the power generation module 1B of the third embodiment, the same configurations as those of the power generation modules 1 and 1A of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61B has an overlapping portion OL and a non-overlapping portion NOL, like the oxidizing gas introduction pipe 61A of the second embodiment. In the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61B of the present embodiment, the non-overlapping portion NOL is formed in the portion extending in the direction of the auxiliary device 300 (the X-axis direction in the present embodiment) and the surface S106b of the end plate 106 in the fuel cell stack 100. and a portion extending substantially parallel to each other. The oxidant gas introduction pipe 61B corresponds to a connecting flow path in the claims.

The support member 65B is, for example, a C-shaped plate member. The support member 65B is made of metal, like the support member 65A of the second embodiment, and is made of, for example, the same material as the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61B. One end of the support member 65B is joined to the surface S104b of the end plate 104, and the other end is joined to the surface S106b of the end plate 106 by welding or the like. The support member 65B has a planar portion extending substantially parallel to the surfaces S104b, S106b of the end plates 104, 106 in the fuel cell stack 100 between the ends. The planar portion of the support member 65B is joined to the supported portion SP of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61B by, for example, welding. Here, the supported portion SP is a portion of the surface SB61 at the non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61B. In this manner, the non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61B in this embodiment is supported by the end plates 104, .

The power generation module 1B of the present embodiment includes a support member 65B connected to the non-overlapping portion NOL and the fuel cell stack 100 and supporting the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61B. According to the power generation module 1B of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the power generation modules 1 and 1A of the above embodiments, the following effects are obtained. That is, in the power generation module 1B of this embodiment, the support member 65B is connected to both the upper end plate 104 and the lower end plate 106 . Therefore, the load can be distributed to both the upper end plate 104 and the end plate 106 .

D. Variant:
The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the following modifications are possible.

In the first embodiment, the non-overlapping portion NOL of the oxygen-containing gas introduction pipe 61 among the pipes 61, 62, 71, 72 is supported by the fuel cell stack 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a non-overlapping portion of at least one of the pipes 62 , 71 , 72 may be supported by the fuel cell stack 100 like the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61 . Also, the oxidizing gas discharge pipe 62 may not be connected to the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 162 . The same applies to the power generation modules 1A and 1B of the second embodiment and the third embodiment. That is, for example, a non-overlapping portion of at least one of the other pipes may be supported by the fuel cell stack 100 by the support members 65A, 65B in the same manner as the oxidant gas introduction pipes 61A, 61B. In addition, in a configuration in which a plurality of pipes forming a power generation module are supported by the fuel cell stack 100, the method of supporting the plurality of pipes may be the same or different. That is, the supporting method of the plurality of pipes may be mixed with the supporting methods of the first to third embodiments.

In the above embodiment, each of the oxidant gas introduction pipes 61, 61A, 61B employs a structure having one supported portion SP, but the present invention is not limited to this. Each of the oxidant gas introduction pipes 61, 61A, 61B may have a plurality of supported portions SP to distribute the load to a plurality of locations. Further, in the second and third embodiments, the support members 65A and 65B that support the oxidant gas introduction pipes 61A and 61B may be configured to support other pipes as well.

In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the shape of the support members 65A, 65B is not particularly limited. For example, a part of the support member 65A may be joined to the surface SA61 of the non-overlapping portion NOL in the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61A, and the other part may be joined to the members constituting the fuel cell stack 100. . A part of the support member 65B is joined to the surface SB61 of the non-overlapping portion NOL in the oxidant gas introduction pipe 61B, and the other part is joined to one or more members constituting the fuel cell stack 100. It is good if there is Moreover, as the shape of the support members 65A and 65B, a shape that exerts a stress relaxation function may be employed. As such a shape, for example, a Z shape or the like can be adopted as the shape of the support member 65B. Moreover, in the configuration in which the fuel cell stack 100 includes a washer for fastening the bolt 22, the shape of the washer may be a shape that exhibits the function of the support members 65A and 65B. For example, the support member may have a shape that includes a portion that functions as a washer and a portion that is joined to the non-overlapping portions NOL of the oxidant gas introduction pipes 61A and 61B.

In the second and third embodiments, the support members 65A and 65B are configured to be bonded to the surface S106b of the end plate 106, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be joined to the surface S106a of the end plate 106. FIG.

In the above embodiment, the opening OP may not be formed in the surface S106a of the end plate 106. For example, the opening OP may be formed in the surface of the end plate 104 or another member.

The materials constituting each member in the above embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and each member may be made of another material. For example, the support members 65A and 65B do not have to be made of the same material as the oxidant gas introduction pipes 61A and 61B, respectively. Moreover, in the configuration in which the power generation module 1 has a plurality of supporting members, the forming material of each supporting member may be the same as or different from each other.

In the above embodiment, the positive direction of the X-axis is the upward direction, but it is not limited to this. In other words, the configuration in which the auxiliary devices 300 are arranged side by side in the upper direction of the fuel cell stack 100 is not limited, and the configuration in which the auxiliary devices 300 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction of the fuel cell stack 100 may be employed. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the configuration relating to the gas flow of the fuel cell stack 100, a counterflow type configuration is adopted in which the main flow direction of the oxidant gas OG and the main flow direction of the fuel gas FG are opposite to each other. However, the present invention provides a co-flow type configuration in which the main flow direction of the oxidant gas OG and the main flow direction of the fuel gas FG are substantially the same, and the main flow direction of the oxidant gas OG and the main flow direction of the fuel gas FG. It can also be applied to a cross-flow type configuration in which the main flow directions of the main flow directions are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Further, in the above embodiment, the auxiliary device 300 includes the evaporator 310 and the reformer/heater 330, but is not limited to this. Also, the reformer/heater 330 includes a reformer 331, a combustor 333, and a heat exchanger, but is not limited thereto. For example, the number of combustors included in auxiliary device 300 may be plural. Also, the auxiliary device 300 may not include at least one of the evaporator 310, the reformer 331, the combustor 333, and the heat exchanger.

Further, in the above embodiments, the power generation modules 1, 1A, and 1B are provided with the auxiliary device 300 as the heat source. In addition to the above, another heat source may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was described as an example, but the technology disclosed in this specification can be applied to other types of fuel cells (such as a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC)). or electrolytic cell).

1, 1A, 1B: Power generation module 22: Bolt 26: Insulation sheet 61, 61A, 61B: Oxidant gas introduction pipe 62: Oxidant gas discharge pipe 65A, 65B: Support member 71: Fuel gas introduction pipe 72: Fuel gas discharge Piping 100: Fuel cell stack 102: Power generation unit 103: Power generation block 104, 106: End plate 107: Flow channel through hole 108: Communication hole 109: Bolt hole 110: Single cell 112: Electrolyte layer 114: Air electrode 116: Fuel Electrode 120: Separator 121: Hole 124: Joint 130: Air electrode side frame 131: Air chamber hole 132: Oxidant gas supply communication channel 133: Oxidant gas discharge communication channel 134: Air electrode side current collector 135 : current collecting member element 140: fuel electrode side frame 141: fuel chamber hole 142: fuel gas supply communication channel 143: fuel gas discharge communication channel 144: fuel electrode side current collecting member 145: electrode facing portion 146: interconnector Opposing part 147: Connecting part 149: Spacer 150: Interconnector 161: Oxidant gas introduction manifold 162: Oxidant gas discharge manifold 166: Air chamber 171: Fuel gas introduction manifold 172: Fuel gas discharge manifold 176: Fuel chamber 220: Modification Quality water introduction pipe 222: Raw fuel gas introduction pipe 223: Exhaust gas discharge pipe 224: Air introduction pipe 226: Exhaust gas introduction pipe 228: Mixed gas introduction pipe 300: Auxiliary device 310: Evaporator 330: Reforming / heater 331: Reform Mass container 333: Combustor 335: Housing 335A: Air flow path 335a: Inner wall 335b: Outer wall 336: Heat transfer fins 350: Heat insulating material 410, 420: Terminal plate 510, 520: Insulating sheet CP: Connection part EG: Exhaust gas ER : Expanded diameter portion FG: Fuel gas FOG: Fuel off-gas NOL: Non-overlapping portion OG: Oxidant gas OL: Overlapping portion OOG: Oxidant off-gas OP: Opening RFG: Raw fuel gas RW: Reformed water S104b: Surface S106a: Surface S106b: Surface S61: Surface SA61: Surface SB61: Surface SP: Supported portion

Claims (6)

A fuel cell stack having a power generation block composed of a plurality of power generation units arranged side by side in a first direction, wherein each power generation unit includes an electrolyte layer and a fuel cell in the first direction with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween. a single cell including an air electrode and a fuel electrode facing each other; and a gas chamber facing a specific electrode that is at least one of the air electrode and the fuel electrode, wherein the power generation block supplies power to the gas chamber. Alternatively, the fuel cell stack has a manifold through which gas discharged from the gas chamber passes, and an opening that opens to at least one of a plurality of surfaces of the fuel cell stack and communicates with the manifold. a fuel cell stack having
a heat source;
a connecting channel that communicates with the opening and the heat source;
A fuel cell power generation module comprising:
When viewed in a direction orthogonal to the specific surface, the connecting channel has a non-overlapping portion that is a portion excluding a portion overlapping the opening,
The non-overlapping portion is supported by another surface different from the specific surface among the plurality of surfaces of the fuel cell stack.
A fuel cell power generation module characterized by: The fuel cell power generation module according to claim 1,
a support member connected to the non-overlapping portion and the fuel cell stack and supporting the connection channel;
A fuel cell power generation module characterized by: In the fuel cell power generation module according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The fuel cell stack comprises a pair of end members facing each other in the first direction with the power generation block interposed therebetween and insulated from the power generation unit,
wherein the non-overlapping portion is supported by at least one of the pair of end members;
A fuel cell power generation module characterized by: In the fuel cell power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fuel cell stack is a solid oxide fuel cell stack, wherein each power generation unit is a power generation unit of a solid oxide fuel cell.
A fuel cell power generation module characterized by: In the fuel cell power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The heat source unit includes a reformer that reforms raw fuel gas to generate fuel gas containing hydrogen, and a combustor that burns residual fuel gas that has not been used for power generation in the fuel cell stack. have
A fuel cell power generation module characterized by: In the fuel cell power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The heat source unit has a heat exchanger for heating the oxidant gas used for power generation,
A fuel cell power generation module characterized by:

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