JPWO2015080230A1 - Reformer, cell stack device, fuel cell module and fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reformer capable of improving reforming efficiency, a cell stack device, a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device provided with the reformer, which can improve power generation performance. A reformer 1 of the present invention is a reformer 1 that generates a reformed gas containing hydrogen by steam reforming a raw fuel, and the reformer 1 vaporizes water into steam. A vaporizing section 1a, a reforming section 1b having a reforming catalyst, a connecting path 1c2 provided between the vaporizing section 1a and the reforming section 1b, and connected to the connecting path 1c2, And a raw fuel supply unit 3b to be supplied. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a reformer, a cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device.

  In recent years, various fuel cell modules in which a fuel cell is fixed to a manifold and stored in a storage container have been proposed as next-generation energy.

  As such a fuel cell module, one in which a cell stack device in which a plurality of fuel cell cells are electrically connected in series is accommodated in a storage container is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The cell stack device includes a reformer disposed above a plurality of cell stacks, the reformer has a U-shape, a vaporization unit that vaporizes water to generate steam, and the And a reforming section for steam reforming the raw fuel gas using steam generated in the vaporization section. Then, the raw fuel gas supply pipe and the water supply pipe are connected to the vaporization section which is one end of the reformer, and the water vapor generated in the vaporization section and the raw fuel gas are mixed and supplied to the reforming section. The raw fuel gas is reformed in the reforming section.

JP 2007-207446 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, the water supply pipe and the raw fuel gas supply pipe are connected to the vaporization section, and water and the raw fuel gas are supplied to the vaporization section at substantially the same position. Due to the low temperature raw fuel gas, the vaporization section to which water and raw fuel gas are supplied becomes extremely low temperature, which may reduce the reforming efficiency.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a reformer with improved reforming efficiency, a cell stack device including the reformer, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device.

  The reformer of the present invention is a reformer that generates a reformed gas containing hydrogen by steam reforming a raw fuel, and the reformer includes a vaporization unit for vaporizing water into steam; A reforming section including a reforming catalyst, a connection path provided between the vaporization section and the reforming section, and a raw fuel supply section connected to the connection path for supplying raw fuel. Features.

  The cell stack device of the present invention includes a plurality of cell stacks in which fuel cells that generate power with an oxygen-containing gas and the reformed gas are arranged in a row, and the reformer is disposed above the plurality of cell stacks. Is arranged.

  The fuel cell module of the present invention is characterized in that the above-described cell stack device is housed in a housing container.

  A fuel cell device according to the present invention is characterized in that the fuel cell module described above and an auxiliary machine for operating the fuel cell module are housed in an outer case.

  In the reformer of the present invention, even when the raw fuel is at a low temperature, when the raw fuel is additionally mixed, the supplied water is almost vaporized, and the low temperature in a part of the reformer can be suppressed. . Thereby, the reforming efficiency can be improved. In addition, by providing the reformer, a cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device with improved power generation performance can be obtained.

An example of the reformer of this embodiment is shown, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view and FIG. 2B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the raw fuel supply section of the reformer and its vicinity shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows another example of the reformer of this embodiment, and shows the form with which the raw fuel supply pipe was joined to the vaporization reforming connection part. The other example of the reformer of this embodiment is shown, and (a) is an end face of vaporization part going way and a vaporization reforming part connection way, and an end face of reforming part return way and a vaporization reforming part connection way The perspective view which shows the form which mutually connected with the reinforcement board, (b) is the form by which the space between each of a vaporization part outward path, a vaporization part return path, a reforming part outward path, and a reforming part return path was made into the open space. It is a perspective view shown. Another example of the reformer of this embodiment is shown, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view. Another example of the reformer of this embodiment is shown, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the fuel cell module of this embodiment. (A) is a plan view showing a cell stack device having four cell stacks with the reformer removed, and (b) is a cell stack device shown in (a), in which two cell stacks are arranged in a manifold. It is a perspective view which shows the state which provided. It is a side view which shows the cell stack apparatus of this embodiment. Another example of the fuel cell module of the present embodiment is shown, in which an exhaust gas outlet hole is formed in the connecting plate between the vaporization part return path and the reforming part forward path, and the exhaust gas is discharged by the exhaust gas outlet pipe connected to the exhaust gas outlet hole. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the form to derive. FIG. 3 shows still another example of the fuel cell module of the present embodiment, in which (a) closes the lower end portion of the space between the vaporization section return path and the reforming section outbound path with a connecting plate, and the exhaust gas outlet pipe is located below the connecting plate. (B) is a longitudinal section of a form in which the upper end of the space between the vaporization section return path and the reforming section outbound path is closed with a connecting plate, and an exhaust gas outlet pipe is provided below the connecting plate FIG. FIG. 4 shows still another example of the fuel cell module of the present embodiment, where (a) is a longitudinal sectional view and (b) is a plan view showing two reformers arranged in parallel. FIG. 5 shows still another example of the fuel cell module according to the present embodiment, and is a longitudinal cross section of a mode in which exhaust gas is led out by an exhaust gas outlet pipe connected to an exhaust gas outlet hole of a connection plate between a vaporization part return path and a reforming part forward path FIG. FIG. 3 shows still another example of the fuel cell module of the present embodiment, in which (a) closes the lower end portion of the space between the vaporization section return path and the reforming section outbound path with a connecting plate, and the exhaust gas outlet pipe is located below the connecting plate. (B) is a longitudinal section of a form in which the upper end of the space between the vaporization section return path and the reforming section outbound path is closed with a connecting plate, and an exhaust gas outlet pipe is provided below the connecting plate FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the fuel cell apparatus of an example of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a reformer, a cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol shall be provided about the same component in a different figure.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a reformer of the present embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a plan view.

  A reformer 1 shown in FIG. 1 reforms raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene to generate a reformed gas (hydrogen-containing gas, hereinafter also referred to as fuel gas) (a meander shape). The reformer 1 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reformer 1 includes a vaporizer 1a that vaporizes water to generate steam, and a reformer 1b that steam-reforms the raw fuel using the steam generated in the vaporizer 1a. It has.

  The vaporizer 1a includes a vaporizer forward path 1a1 in which water vapor flows from one end side to the other end side, and a vaporizer return path 1a2 in which water vapor flows from the other end side to the one end side. Further, the vaporization section forward path 1a1 has a second cylindrical portion 2a projecting from one end portion along the vaporization section forward path 1a1 and a water supply connected to the one end section for supplying water to the second cylindrical section 2a. Part 2b. The second cylindrical portion 2a is provided so as to protrude inward from the tube constituting the vaporizing portion, and a water supply pipe that is a water supply portion 2b is connected to the second cylindrical portion 2a. The structure which inserts the water supply pipe | tube which is the supply part 2b into the inside from the outside, and a part of water supply pipe | tube becomes the 2nd cylindrical part 2a may be sufficient. In the following description, a description will be given using a configuration in which the water supply pipe 2 is inserted from the outside into the inside.

  Further, the reforming unit 1b is a reforming unit forward path in which the reformed gas generated by reforming the raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 3 serving as the raw fuel supply unit 3b flows from one end side to the other end side. 1b1 and a reforming part return path 1b2 in which the reformed gas flows from the other end side to the one end side. A reformed gas outlet pipe 4 for leading the reformed gas is connected to the reforming part return path 1b2. Has been. In the reformer 1 shown in FIG. 1, the water supply pipe 2, the raw fuel supply pipe 3 and the reformed gas outlet pipe 4 are connected to one side of the reformer 1.

  Further, in the reformer 1, the other end side of the vaporization part forward path 1a1 and the other end side of the vaporization part return path 1a2 are connected by a connection path (hereinafter referred to as a vaporization part connection path) 1c1, and one end of the vaporization part return path 1a2. And the one end side of the reforming section forward path 1b1 are connected by a coupling path (hereinafter referred to as a vaporization reforming section coupling path) 1c2, and the other end side of the reforming section outbound path 1b1 and the other end side of the reforming section return path 1b2. Are connected by a connecting path (hereinafter referred to as a reforming section connecting path) 1c3, and the vaporizing section forward path 1a1, the vaporizing section return path 1a2, the reforming section outbound path 1b1, and the reforming section return path 1b2 are connected to the side. They are juxtaposed so that they face each other.

  In the reformer 1, the water supplied to the vaporization unit forward path 1a1 becomes water vapor, and sequentially flows through the vaporization unit connection path 1c1, the vaporization unit return path 1a2, the vaporization reforming unit connection path 1c2, and the reforming unit forward path 1b1. In the reforming unit connection path 1c2, the raw fuel is supplied from the raw fuel supply pipe 3 which is the raw fuel supply unit 3b, and is mixed with the steam in the vaporization reforming unit connection path 1c2, and the reforming unit forward path 1b1 and the reforming unit are connected. The reformed gas (fuel gas) containing hydrogen is reformed while flowing through the path 1c3 and the reformer return path 1b2, and is led out from the reformed gas outlet pipe 4.

  The vaporization section forward path 1a1, the vaporization section return path 1a2, the reforming section forward path 1b1, the reforming section return path 1b2, the vaporization section connection path 1c1, the vaporization reforming section connection path 1c2, and the reforming section connection path 1c3 have a rectangular cross section. It consists of a tube. In the reformer 1 shown in FIG. 1, the reformer 1 is modified between the tube constituting the vaporization part forward path 1a1 and the pipe constituting the vaporization part return path 1a2, and the pipe constituting the reformer part forward path 1b1. An open space is formed between the tube forming the mass part return path 1b2.

  In the reformer 1 shown in FIG. 1, the connecting plate 5 blocks the tube that forms the vaporizer return path 1a2 and the tube that forms the reformer forward path 1b1. Thereby, the temperature distribution in the vaporization part return path 1a2 and the reforming part forward path 1b1 can be reduced, and the strength of the reformer 1 can be improved.

  In addition, partition plates 1a11 and 1a21 are provided in the vaporization section forward path 1a1 and the vaporization section return path 1a2, respectively, and the space between these partition plates 1a11 and 1a21 is a vaporization chamber. The cylindrical portion) is located on the upstream side of the partition plate 6a1, and supplies water to a position in front of the vaporization chamber. Ceramic balls are accommodated in the vaporizing chamber to promote vaporization, and the partition plates 1a11 and 1a21 are formed so that water vapor passes but ceramic balls do not pass. In addition, arrangement | positioning of these partition plates 1a11 and 1a21 can be suitably changed according to the structure of a modifier, the structure of the cell stack mentioned later, etc.

  Further, partition plates 1b11 and 1b21 are also arranged in the reforming portion forward path 1b1 and the reforming portion return path 1b2, respectively, and the reforming portion forward path 1b1, the reforming portion connecting path 1c3, the reforming portion located between the partition plates 1b11 and 1b21, The mass part return path 1b2 serves as a reforming chamber, and a reforming catalyst is accommodated in the reforming chamber. The partition plates 1b11 and 1b21 are configured such that gas such as water vapor, raw fuel, and reformed gas can pass but the reforming catalyst cannot pass. In addition, arrangement | positioning of these partition plates 1b11 and 1b21 can be suitably changed according to the structure of a reformer, the structure of the cell stack mentioned later, etc.

  And in the reformer 1 of this embodiment, the raw fuel supply which is the raw fuel supply part 3b which supplies raw fuel to the vaporization reforming part connection path 1c2 between the vaporization part 1a and the reforming part 1b. Tube 3 is connected. In such a reformer 1, the raw fuel supply pipe 3 is connected to the vaporization reforming part connection path 1 c 2 on the downstream side of the vaporization part forward path 1 a 1 to which the water supply pipe 2 is connected. The point where the fuel is supplied and the point where the raw fuel is supplied are via a space between the tube constituting the vaporization part forward path 1a1 and the pipe constituting the vaporization part return path 1a2, and the flow direction of water vapor The length in the flow direction is long. Therefore, even if the raw fuel is at a low temperature, when the raw fuel is additionally mixed, the supplied water is almost vaporized, and the temperature reduction in a part of the reformer 1 (the vaporization section forward path 1a1) is suppressed. it can. Thereby, the reforming efficiency can be improved.

  FIGS. 2A and 2B are a cross-sectional view and a vertical cross-sectional view, respectively, of the raw fuel supply unit 3b of the reformer shown in FIG.

  The raw fuel supply unit 3b shown in FIG. 1 includes a first cylindrical portion 3a that protrudes so as to intersect the flow direction of water vapor inside the vaporization reforming unit connection path 1c2. The first tubular portion 3a is provided so as to protrude inward from the tube constituting the vaporization reforming portion connection path 1c2, and the raw fuel supply that is the raw fuel supply portion 3b is provided to the first tubular portion 3a. In addition to connecting the pipe 3, the raw fuel supply pipe 3, which is the raw fuel supply part 3 b, is inserted into the inside from the outside, and a part of the raw fuel supply pipe 3 becomes the first cylindrical part 3 a. Good. In the following description, the raw fuel supply pipe 3 will be described using a configuration inserted from the outside into the inside.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first cylindrical portion 3a is provided so that the flow direction of the raw fuel gas in the raw fuel supply pipe 3 intersects the flow direction of the water vapor, and further the first cylindrical portion. A plurality of through holes 3a1 are formed at predetermined intervals above and below 3a. The steam flows so as to slide on the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 3a in which the through hole 3a1 is formed, and at this time, the water vapor is configured to be mixed with the raw fuel derived from the through hole 3a1. Thereby, water vapor and raw fuel can be mixed efficiently. In addition, although the front-end | tip of the 1st cylindrical part 3a may be opened and may be obstruct | occluded, when opening, it is desirable that the opening part is located in the pipe wall vicinity.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the reformer 101 in which the raw fuel supply pipe 3 is joined to the vaporization reforming unit connection path 1c2, in other words, the first reformer 101 that does not have the first cylindrical body 3a. In the above description, the example in which the first cylindrical body 3a is provided in the vaporization reforming portion connection path 1c2 has been described. However, in this case, the first cylindrical portion 3a is not provided. Even in this case, the raw fuel can be supplied into the vaporization reforming part connection path 1c2 of the reformer 101 by the raw fuel supply pipe 3, and the steam and the raw fuel can be mixed, so that the reforming efficiency can be improved.

  FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a form in which end faces of the vaporization section forward path and the vaporization reforming section connection path, and end faces of the reforming section return path and the vaporization reforming section connection path are coupled by a reinforcing plate. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, by connecting the end faces of the vaporization section forward path 1a1 and the vaporization section return path 1a2 and the end faces of the reforming section forward path 1b1 and the reforming section return path 1b2 with a reinforcing plate 6, The reformer 102 can be reinforced.

  FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the spaces between the vaporization section outward path, the vaporization section return path, the reforming section outbound path, and the reforming section return path are open spaces.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the reforming section forward path 1a1, the vaporization section return path 1a2, the reforming section outbound path 1b1, and the reforming section return path 1b2 are each made an open space, thereby reforming. The gas flowing around the vessel 103 will flow more efficiently.

  FIG. 5 shows still another example of the reformer of the present embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a plan view.

  In the reformer 104 shown in FIG. 5, the cross-sectional area of the reforming part forward path 1b1 in the cross section perpendicular to the gas flow direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of the reforming part return path 1b2. In other words, the height h of the reforming section forward path 1b1 and the reforming section return path 1b2 is the same, and the width w of the reforming section outbound path 1b1 is larger (in the figure, W1> W2 is shown). ). As a result, more reforming catalyst is accommodated in the reforming section forward path 1b1 than in the reforming section return path 1b2.

  As a result, the reforming catalyst stored in the reforming section forward path 1b1 can be increased, and the gas flow rate in the reforming section outbound path 1b1 is reduced, so that steam reforming, which is an endothermic reaction, in the reforming section outbound path 1b1. The reaction is promoted, the temperature of the central portion of the reformer 104 that tends to be high can be lowered, and the temperature of the reformer 104 can be equalized. Thereby, the reforming efficiency can be improved.

  Furthermore, the pressure loss of the reformer 104 can be reduced by increasing the cross-sectional area of the reforming section forward path 1b1. Thereby, the power consumption of the pump that supplies the raw fuel can be reduced.

  In the above example, the height h of the reforming section forward path 1b1 and the reforming section return path 1b2 is the same, and the width w of the reforming section outbound path 1b1 is larger. The width w of the outward path 1b1 and the reforming part return path 1b2 may be the same, and the height h may be larger in the reforming part outbound path 1b1.

  FIG. 6 shows still another example of the reformer of the present embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a plan view.

  The reformer 105 shown in FIG. 6 differs from the reformer 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that a gas flow port 5a is provided in the connecting plate 5. In such a reformer 105, as with the reformer 103 shown in FIG. 4B, the gas flowing around the reformer 105 flows efficiently, and the strength of the reformer 105 is increased. Can be improved.

  FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a fuel cell module (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a module) according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a cell stack apparatus with a reformer removed. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the cell stack device of this embodiment.

  The modules 7 are arranged in a row in a rectangular parallelepiped storage container 8 with fuel cells 15 having fuel gas flow paths standing upright, and a current collecting member (between adjacent fuel cells 15 ( 4 cell stacks 10 that are electrically connected in series via a not-shown) are housed.

  The lower end portion of the fuel cell 15 is fixed to the manifold 9 with an insulating bonding material 17 such as a glass sealing material. Two cell stacks 10 are fixed to one manifold 9, and as shown in FIG. 8A, drawers provided on the conductive member 16 are provided at both ends of each of the four cell stacks 10. The part 16a is connected, the drawer | drawing-out parts 16a of one side are connected by the connection member 16b, and the four cell stacks 10 are electrically connected in series.

  7, 8, and 9, a hollow plate type in which the fuel gas flows through the fuel gas flow path provided in the length direction y of the fuel cell 15 inside the fuel cell 15, The fuel cell 15 of the solid oxide form which has provided the fuel side electrode, the solid electrolyte, and the oxygen side electrode in order on the surface is illustrated.

  In addition, in order to obtain a hydrogen-containing gas used in the fuel battery cell 15, a plurality of cell stacks 10 are taken as one group, and one reformer 1 per group is arranged in the information of the cell stack 10. Yes. In FIG. 7, one reformer 1 is arranged above the four cell stacks 10 with the four cell stacks 10 as one group. In the following description, an example in which one reformer 1 is arranged with four cell stacks 10 as a group will be described.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the reformed gas (fuel gas) generated by the reformer 1 is supplied to the two manifolds 9 by the reformed gas outlet pipe 4, and the fuel battery cells 15 are passed through the manifold 9. Is supplied to a fuel gas flow path provided inside. Thereby, the cell stack apparatus 11 is configured. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the cell stack device 11 includes a manifold 9, a cell stack 10 fixed to the manifold 9, and one reformer 1 disposed above the four cell stacks 10. It comprises.

  The reformed gas generated by the reformer 1 is supplied to the two manifolds 9 via the distributor 18 by the reformed gas outlet pipe 4 as shown in FIG. That is, the reformed gas lead-out pipe 4 has a U-shaped first reformed gas lead-out pipe 18a from the reformer 1 to the distributor 18 and a second modified gas extending from the distributor 18 to the two lower manifolds 9 respectively. And a quality gas outlet pipe 18b. The lengths of the first reformed gas outlet pipe 18a and the second reformed gas outlet pipe 18b are set to the same length (pressure loss) so as to supply the reformed gas to the manifold 9 evenly.

  In addition, surplus fuel gas that is supplied to the fuel gas flow path of the fuel cell 15 and is not used for power generation is discharged above the fuel cell 15. Excess fuel gas can be burned by reacting with oxygen-containing gas (air) supplied to the outside of the fuel battery cell 15 in the combustion section located between the fuel battery cell 15 and the reformer 1. . As a result, the reformer 1 can be directly heated, and the combustion gas generated by this combustion is converted into the above-described reformer vaporization section forward path 1a1, vaporization section return path 1a2, reforming section forward path 1b1, and reforming. Heating can also be performed by flowing through a space provided between the partial return path 1b2 and the temperature of the reformer 1 can be increased efficiently.

  In the reformer 1, the water supply pipe 2 (second cylindrical portion 2 b) is configured to supply water to the vaporization chamber above the center portion in the arrangement direction x center of the fuel cells 15 of the cell stack 10. Has been. Since the temperature tends to be high at the center of the arrangement direction x of the fuel cells 15, vaporization can be promoted. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the lowering of the power generation performance by suppressing the low temperature of the cell stack 10 below the vaporization part forward path 1a1 of the reformer 1, and the power generation performance as the whole cell stack device 11 can be improved.

  Further, in the reformer 1 shown in FIG. 1, the partition plate 1 a 21 in the vaporization part return path 1 a 2 is positioned at the center in the arrangement direction x of the fuel cells 15 of the cell stack 10. The cells 15 may be disposed closer to the raw fuel supply pipe 3 than the center of the arrangement direction x of the cells 15. In this case, the heat at the center in the arrangement direction x of the fuel cells 15 of the cell stack 10 can be effectively used for water vaporization.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the reformer 1, each of the vaporization section forward path 1a1, the vaporization section return path 1a2, the reforming section forward path 1b1, and the reforming section return path 1b2 corresponds to one cell stack. Located above the stack. Thereby, each of vaporization part going path 1a1, vaporization part return path 1a2, reforming part going path 1b1, and reforming part return path 1b2 can be heated efficiently.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the module 7 is configured by storing the cell stack device 11 inside the storage container 8, and the cell stack 10 is arranged in a direction (a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction x of the fuel cells 15). An oxygen-containing gas introduction path 13 and an exhaust gas discharge path 14 are formed from the outside on the side walls of the storage container 8 on both sides of the storage container 8. The oxygen-containing gas introduction path 13 is formed from the bottom part of the storage container 8 to the upper part through the side part, and is configured to supply the oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas supply plate 12.

  On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharge path 14 is formed from the side part to the bottom part of the storage container 8, and the exhaust gas from the upper end of the fuel battery cell 15 is a tube body that forms the vaporization part forward path 1 a 1 and the vaporization part return path 1 a 2. And a space formed between the tubular body constituting the reforming part forward path 1b1 and the tubular body constituting the reforming part return path 1b2, and through the exhaust gas discharge path 14, the side part of the storage container 8 is passed. It is comprised so that it may discharge | emit from the discharge port of a bottom part via. Thereby, while the oxygen-containing gas flows through the oxygen-containing gas introduction path 13, it is heated by the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas discharge path 14.

  In the cell stack apparatus 11 as described above, in the reformer 1, the raw fuel supply unit 3 b (raw fuel supply pipe 3) is connected to the vaporization reforming unit connection path 1 c 2. Since it is possible to suppress the lowering of the temperature in the section (vaporization section forward path 1a1), it is possible to suppress the temperature reduction of the cell stack 10 below the vaporization section forward path 1a1 of the reformer 1 and to suppress the power generation performance from being reduced. 11 The power generation performance as a whole can be improved.

  FIG. 10 shows another example of the fuel cell module of the present embodiment, and shows an example in which the cell stack device 11 including the reformer 105 shown in FIG. 6 is provided as a reformer.

  The module 7 having such a reformer 105 is arranged between the manifolds 9, and connects the upper end of the exhaust gas outlet pipe 19 whose lower end is connected to the exhaust gas exhaust passage 14 to the exhaust gas outlet hole 5 a of the connecting plate 5. Configured.

  In such a module 7, the exhaust gas from the upper end of the fuel battery cell 15 passes between the vaporization section forward path 1 a 1 and the vaporization section return path 1 a 2, and between the reforming section forward path 1 b 1 and the reforming section return path 1 b 2. The exhaust gas can be discharged through the exhaust hole 5a and the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 19, whereby the heat of the exhaust gas can be more efficiently transferred to the reformer 1, and further the retention of the exhaust gas can be suppressed. Combustion can be performed stably.

  FIG. 11 shows still another example of the fuel cell module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11A shows a lower portion of the space between the vaporization section return path and the reforming section outbound path with a connection plate. Fig. 8B is a longitudinal sectional view of the configuration in which the exhaust gas outlet pipe is provided on the upper end of the space between the vaporization section return path and the reforming section forward path, and the exhaust gas outlet pipe is provided below the connection plate. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the form.

  In the module 7 of FIG. 7, exhaust gas is collected and discharged on the side wall side of the storage container 8, but as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the tube constituting the vaporization part return path 1a2 and the reforming part forward path The lower side (cell stack 10 side) between the pipes constituting 1b1 is closed by the connecting plate 5, and an exhaust gas outlet pipe 20 having a lower end connected to the exhaust gas discharge path 14 is provided below the connecting plate 5. Also good.

  In such a module 7, the exhaust gas from the upper end of the fuel battery cell 15 can be exhausted from the exhaust gas outlet pipe 20 after being heated through the lower surface of the vaporization part return path 1 a 2 and the lower surface of the reforming part forward path 1 b 1. Thereby, heating of the vaporization part return path 1a2 and the reforming part forward path 1b1 can be promoted.

  Further, in the module 7 of FIG. 7, exhaust gas is collected and discharged on the side wall side of the storage container 8. However, as shown in FIG. 11B, the tube constituting the vaporization part return path 1a2 and the reforming are formed. The upper side (the wall side of the storage container 8) between the pipes constituting the part forward path 1b1 is closed with the connecting plate 5, and the lower end of the connecting plate 5 is connected to the exhaust gas discharge passage 14 below the connecting plate 5. May be provided.

  In such a module 7, the exhaust gas from the upper end of the fuel battery cell 15 can be exhausted from the exhaust gas outlet pipe 21 after being heated through the vaporization part return path 1 a 2 and the lower surface and side surfaces of the reforming part forward path 1 b 1. Thereby, the vaporization part return path 1a2 and the reforming part forward path 1b1 can be further heated.

  FIG. 12 shows still another example of the fuel cell module of the present embodiment, in which (a) is a longitudinal sectional view, and (b) is a plan view showing two reformers arranged side by side.

  A module 22 shown in FIG. 12 is configured by storing eight cell stacks 10 and two reformers 1 in a storage container 8. The eight cell stacks 10 are electrically connected in series. Further, one reformer 1 is disposed above the four cell stacks 10, and two reformers 1 are juxtaposed in the module 22. That is, two cell stack devices 11 are arranged in the storage container 8.

  And in this embodiment, the two flat box-shaped reformers 1 in the storage container 8 are juxtaposed point-symmetrically so that the vaporization part 1a becomes inside as shown in FIG. That is, the two reformers 1 are respectively arranged above the four cell stacks 10, and are directed from the inside to the outside, the vaporization section forward path 1a1, the vaporization section return path 1a2, the reforming section forward path 1b1, and the reforming section. A partial return path 1b2 is sequentially provided. Thereby, the two reformers 1 are juxtaposed so that the vaporization part 1a is located in the center part in the storage container 8. FIG.

  In such a module 22, since the vaporization portions 1 a of the two reformers 1 are located in the central portion in the storage container 8, the temperature in the central portion in the storage container 8 that tends to be high can be lowered. it can. That is, the cell stack 10 has a large number of fuel cells 15 integrated therein, and the central portion of the storage container 8 is caused by reaction heat generated in the fuel cells 15 and combustion of surplus fuel gas discharged from the fuel cells 15. The temperature tends to be high. Further, the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the oxygen-containing gas introduction path 13 and the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas discharge path 14 exchange heat at opposite sides of the storage container 8, and the oxygen-containing gas introduction path 13 and the exhaust gas discharge path 14. The central portion in the storage container 8 is apparently hotter than the side portion side of the storage container 8 in which is formed. Even in such a case, since the vaporization parts 1a of the two reformers 1 are located in the central part in the storage container 8, the temperature of the central part of the storage container 8 that tends to be high can be lowered.

  Further, since the water supply pipe 2, the raw fuel supply pipe 3 and the reformed gas outlet pipe 4 are drawn out from the two reformers 1 in opposite directions, the water supply pipe 2 and the raw fuel supply pipe 3 are drawn. In addition, the temperature difference in the drawing direction of the reformed gas outlet pipe 4 can also be reduced.

  FIG. 13 shows another example of the fuel cell module of the present embodiment, and shows an example in which two cell stack devices 11 including the reformer 105 shown in FIG. 6 are provided as reformers.

  The module 22 having such a reformer 105 is arranged between the manifolds 9 and connects the upper end portion of the exhaust gas outlet pipe 19 whose lower end is connected to the exhaust gas exhaust passage 14 to the exhaust gas outlet hole 5 a of the connecting plate 5. Configured.

  In such a module 22, the exhaust gas from the upper end of the fuel battery cell 15 passes between the vaporization section forward path 1 a 1 and the vaporization section return path 1 a 2, and between the reforming section forward path 1 b 1 and the reforming section return path 1 b 2, The exhaust gas can be discharged through the exhaust hole 5a and the exhaust gas exhaust pipe 19, whereby the heat of the exhaust gas can be more efficiently transferred to the reformer 1, and further the retention of the exhaust gas can be suppressed. Combustion can be performed stably.

  FIG. 14 shows still another example of the fuel cell module of the present embodiment. FIG. 14A shows a lower portion of the space between the vaporization section return path and the reforming section forward path, which is closed below the connection board. Fig. 8B is a longitudinal sectional view of the configuration in which the exhaust gas outlet pipe is provided on the upper end of the space between the vaporization section return path and the reforming section forward path, and the exhaust gas outlet pipe is provided below the connection plate. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the form.

  In the module 22 of FIG. 12, the exhaust gas is collected and discharged on the side wall side of the storage container 8. However, as shown in FIG. 14A, the tubular body and the reforming section forward path constituting the vaporization section return path 1a2. The lower side (cell stack 10 side) between the pipes constituting 1b1 is closed by the connecting plate 5, and an exhaust gas outlet pipe 23 having a lower end connected to the exhaust gas discharge path 14 is provided below the connecting plate 5. Also good.

  In such a fuel cell module 7, the exhaust gas from the upper end of the fuel cell 15 is heated through the lower surface of the vaporization part return path 1 a 2 and the lower surface of the reforming part forward path 1 b 1, and then discharged from the exhaust gas outlet pipe 23. Thus, heating of the vaporization part return path 1a2 and the reforming part forward path 1b1 can be promoted.

  Further, in the module 22 of FIG. 12, exhaust gas is collected and discharged on the side wall side of the storage container 8, but as shown in FIG. 14B, the tube constituting the vaporization part return path 1a2 and the reforming are formed. The upper side (the wall side of the storage container 8) between the pipes constituting the part forward path 1 b 1 is closed with the connecting plate 5, and the lower end of the connecting plate 5 is connected to the exhaust gas discharge path 14 below the connecting plate 5. May be provided.

  In such a fuel cell module 22, the exhaust gas from the upper end of the fuel cell 15 is heated through the vaporization part return path 1 a 2 and the lower surface and side surfaces of the reforming part forward path 1 b 1 and then discharged from the exhaust gas outlet pipe 24. Thus, the vaporization part return path 1a2 and the reforming part forward path 1b1 can be further heated.

  FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a fuel cell device in which a module 7 and an auxiliary machine for operating the module 7 are housed in an exterior case. In FIG. 15, a part of the configuration is omitted.

  The fuel cell device 32 shown in FIG. 15 divides the interior of the outer case made up of the support columns 25 and the outer plate 26 into upper and lower portions by a partition plate 27, and the upper side serves as a module storage chamber 28 for storing the module 7 described above. The lower side is configured as an auxiliary equipment storage chamber 29 for storing auxiliary equipment for operating the module 7. In addition, auxiliary machines stored in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 29 are not shown.

  In addition, the partition plate 27 is provided with an air circulation port 30 for flowing the air in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 29 to the module storage chamber 28 side, and a part of the exterior plate 26 constituting the module storage chamber 28 An exhaust port 31 for exhausting air in the module storage chamber 28 is provided.

  In such a fuel cell device, the module 1 as described above is housed in the outer case, whereby the fuel cell device 32 with improved power generation efficiency can be obtained.

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

  For example, the shape of the fuel cell 15 may be any of a flat plate type, a cylindrical type, a hollow flat plate type, and the like. In order to efficiently generate power in the fuel cell 15 (cell stack 10), it is preferable to use a hollow plate type fuel cell.

  Moreover, although the said form demonstrated the form which comprises the cell stack apparatus which has arrange | positioned the one reformer 1 above the four cell stacks 10, for example, above two or three cell stacks 10 Alternatively, a cell stack apparatus in which one reformer 1 is arranged may be used, and a cell stack apparatus in which one reformer 1 is arranged above five or more cell stacks may be used.

  Furthermore, although the configuration in which two cell stacks 10 are arranged in one manifold 4 has been described, one cell stack may be arranged in one manifold, or three or more in one manifold. The cell stack may be arranged.

  Moreover, although the said form demonstrated the form which juxtaposed two reformers so that a vaporization part may become an inner side, it is not limited to this, Two vaporizers are used for a vaporization part. The form juxtaposed so that it may become an outer side may be sufficient. In this case, when the side part side of the storage container 8 becomes high temperature, for example, when the oxygen-containing gas introduction path 13 and the exhaust gas discharge path 14 are not in the side part of the storage container 8 but in the center part of the storage container 8. Since the side portion side of the storage container 8 tends to become high in temperature, the temperature on the side portion side of the storage container 8 can be lowered.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a module having two reformers has been described, but it may be a case having three or more reformers. Even in this case, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

1, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105: reformer 1a: vaporizer 1a1: vaporizer forward path 1a2: vaporizer return path 1b: reformer 1b1: reformer forward path 1b2: reformer return path 1c1: vaporizer Connection path 1c2: Vaporization reforming part connection path 1c3: Reforming part connection path 2: Water supply pipe 2a: Second cylindrical part 2b: Water supply part 3: Raw fuel supply pipe 3a: First cylindrical part 3a1: Through Hole 3b: Raw fuel supply unit 4: Reformed gas outlet pipe 5: Connecting plate 7, 22: Fuel cell module 8: Storage container 10: Cell stack 11: Cell stack device 15: Fuel cell 32: Fuel cell device

Claims (12)

  A reformer for steam reforming a raw fuel to produce a reformed gas containing hydrogen, the reformer comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing water into steam, and a reformer comprising a reforming catalyst And a connecting path provided between the vaporizing section and the reforming section, and a raw fuel supply section connected to the connecting path for supplying raw fuel.   The connection path includes a first cylindrical portion that protrudes so as to intersect with the flow direction of water vapor, and the first cylindrical portion is provided with a plurality of through holes that penetrate from the inner surface to the outer surface. The raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply unit is supplied into the connection path from the plurality of through holes of the first tubular part. Reformer.   The vaporization section includes a vaporization section forward path in which the water vapor flows from one end side to the other end side, and a vaporization section return path in which the water vapor flows from the other end side to the one end side. A second cylindrical part projecting along the vaporization part forward path; and a water supply part connected to the one end part for supplying water to the second cylindrical part, wherein the tip of the second cylindrical part is The reformer according to claim 1, wherein the reformer is located at a central portion of the vaporization section outward path.   The reforming section includes a reforming section forward path in which the reformed gas flows from one end side to the other end side, and a reforming section return path in which the reformed gas flows from the other end side to the one end side. The reformer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a cross-sectional area of an outward path is larger than a cross-sectional area of the reforming section return path.   The reformer according to claim 4, wherein the width of the reforming section forward path is larger than the width of the reforming section return path.   The vaporization section includes a vaporization section forward path through which the water vapor flows from one end side to the other end side, and a vaporization section return path through which the water vapor flows from the other end side to the one end side. A reforming section forward path that flows from one end side to the other end side, and a reforming section return path through which the reformed gas flows from the other end side to the one end side, the vaporization section outbound path, the vaporization section return path, and the reforming The part outward path and the reforming part return path are juxtaposed in this order so that the sides face each other, and the other end side of the vaporization section outbound path and the other end side of the vaporization section return path are vaporized section connection paths And the other end side of the reforming section forward path and the other end side of the reforming section return path are coupled by a reforming section coupling path, and the vaporization section outbound path, the vaporization section return path, and the reforming section are connected. The at least one part between the quality part outgoing path and the reforming part return path is an open space. Of reformer according to any one.   A plurality of cell stacks in which fuel cells that generate electric power using oxygen-containing gas and the reformed gas are arranged in a row, and a plurality of cell stacks above the plurality of cell stacks. A cell stack apparatus comprising the reformer described above.   The cell stack includes four cell stacks, the vaporization section includes a vaporization section forward path in which the water vapor flows from one end side to the other end side, and a vaporization section return path in which the water vapor flows from the other end side to one end side. The reformer includes a reforming section forward path in which the reformed gas flows from one end side to the other end side, and a reforming section return path in which the reformed gas flows from the other end side to the one end side, the vaporization section outbound path, 8. The cell stack device according to claim 7, wherein the vaporization section return path, the reforming section outbound path, and the reforming section return path are disposed above each of the four cell stacks.   A fuel cell module comprising the cell stack device according to claim 7 or 8 accommodated in a storage container.   The fuel cell module according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of the cell stack devices are arranged so that the reformers are point-symmetric.   11. The fuel cell module according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of cell stack devices are juxtaposed such that the vaporization section of the reformer is on the inside. 12. A fuel cell device comprising: the fuel cell module according to claim 9; and an auxiliary machine for operating the fuel cell module, housed in an outer case.

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