KR20100028997A - Evaporator and fuel reformer having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An evaporator and a fuel reformer including thereof are provided to improve an output of the evaporator while reducing the volume, and to multiply the area of the surface of each disk where fluid contacts without increasing a back pressure. CONSTITUTION: An evaporator(100) comprises the following: a first chamber(112); a first stage including a 1-1 opening and a 1-2 opening which allows the inflow and the outflow of a first fluid to the first chamber; a second chamber(122); a second stage including a 2-1 opening and a 2-2 opening which allows the inflow and the outflow of a second fluid to the second chamber; a first pin structure(210) included in the first chamber to multiply a heat exchanging surface of the first fluid; and a second pin structure(220) included in the second chamber to multiply a heat exchanging surface of the second fluid.

Description

Evaporator and fuel reformer having the same

The present invention relates to an evaporator and a fuel reformer having the evaporator.

A fuel reformer is a device that reforms fuel to produce hydrogen-rich gas. Such a fuel reformer can be used in a fuel cell or the like. A fuel cell is one of clean power generation apparatuses that directly generate electric energy by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

In general, a fuel reformer includes a heat source and a reforming reactor. The heat source unit supplies heat required for the reforming reaction unit, and the reforming reaction unit reforms the fuel to generate hydrogen rich gas. The reforming unit may generate hydrogen-rich gas using a steam reforming scheme, an auto-thermal reforming scheme, a partial oxidation scheme, or a combination thereof.

In addition, the fuel reformer may further include an evaporator to increase fuel efficiency and device performance. In this case, the evaporator evaporates the liquid fuel flowing from the outside and flowing into the evaporator, and supplies the vaporized fuel to the reforming reaction unit.

On the other hand, if liquid fuel or water flows into the reforming reaction unit of the steam reforming system, the performance of the fuel reformer is greatly reduced due to the non-uniform reforming reaction. In order to reduce or prevent this problem, the conventional evaporator has a relatively long channel compared to the volume of the fuel reformer to evaporate the liquid fuel and water flowing from the outside flowing into the evaporator.

In other words, conventional evaporators are bulky due to their long channel structure. In the case of miniaturizing the evaporator, it is difficult to manufacture the evaporator because of the complicated structure due to the long meandering channels. Therefore, there is a need for improvement of the evaporator structure in order to provide a small, easy to manufacture and high efficiency fuel reformer.

An object of the present invention is to provide an evaporator capable of exhibiting a large output performance despite a small volume.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fuel reformer having an evaporator capable of exhibiting a large output performance despite a small volume.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an evaporator for a fuel reformer. The evaporator includes a first stage, a second stage, a first fin structure, and a second fin structure. The first stage has a first chamber, a 1-1 opening, and a 1-2 opening. The first-first opening and the first-second opening allow the first fluid to enter and exit the first chamber. The second stage is stacked together with the first stage as a stack of stages and has a second chamber, a 2-1 opening, and a 2-2 opening. The 2-1 opening and the 2-2 opening allow the second fluid to enter and exit the second chamber. The first fin structure increases the heat exchange surface area with the first fluid flowing in the first chamber and is disposed in the first chamber, and the second fin structure is disposed in the second chamber and the second fluid flowing in the second chamber To increase the heat exchange surface area.

In one embodiment of the evaporator, the first fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the first chamber, and / or the second fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the second chamber.

In one embodiment of the evaporator, the first fin structure is arranged such that a first fluid flowing in the first chamber forms a turbulent flow, and the second fin structure is such that a second fluid flowing in the second chamber forms turbulent flow. Is placed.

In one embodiment, the evaporator may further include a third stage, a first pipe, and a third fin structure. The third stage has a third chamber, a 3-1 opening, and a 3-2 opening. Openings 3-1 and 3-2 allow the first fluid to enter and exit the third chamber. The first pipe passes through the second stage and connects the first chamber and the third chamber. The third fin structure is disposed in the third chamber and increases the heat exchange surface area with the first fluid flowing in the third chamber. Here, the first fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the first chamber, the second fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the second chamber, and the third fin structure is substantially at the inner surface of the third chamber. To contact. The first tubing has a first end located at or engaging with the first-first opening and a second end located at or engaged with the third-2 opening.

In addition, the evaporator may further include a fourth stage having a fourth chamber, a 4-1 opening, and a 4-2 opening, a second pipe, and a fourth fin structure. The 4-1 opening and the 4-2 opening allow the second fluid to enter and exit the fourth chamber. The second pipe passes through the third stage and connects the second chamber and the fourth chamber. The fourth fin structure is disposed in the fourth chamber and increases the heat exchange surface area with the second fluid flowing in the fourth chamber. Here, the first fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the first chamber, the second fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the second chamber, and the third fin structure is substantially at the inner surface of the third chamber. And the fourth fin structure substantially contacts the inner surface of the fourth chamber. The first pipe has a first end coupled to the first-first opening and the second end coupled to the third-second opening, and the second pipe has a first end coupled to the second-second opening and the fourth end. It has a second end that engages the first opening. The first fluid includes exhaust gas from the heat source portion, and the second fluid includes at least one of fuel and water. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures includes a plurality of first fins of a first wave pattern having a first period and extending in a first direction; And a plurality of second fins having a second wavy shape substantially the same as the first wavy shape, the second fins having a second period that is offset from the plurality of first periods and a half period alternately extending alternately between two adjacent first fins. . Each of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures is made of a metallic member. The fourth fin structure and the second fin structure are formed to convert the second fluid from the liquid phase to the gas phase using heat energy transferred from the third fin structure and the first fin structure to the fourth fin structure and the second fin structure.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an evaporator for a fuel reformer. The evaporator includes a first stage, a first fin structure, a second stage, a second fin structure, a third stage, a third fin structure, a first pipe, a fourth stage, a fourth fin structure, and a second pipe. do. The first stage has a first inlet that allows the first fluid to enter the first chamber, and a first outlet that allows the first fluid to exit the first chamber. The first fin structure is formed in the first stage. The second stage has a second inlet that allows the second fluid to enter the second chamber, and a second outlet that allows the second fluid to exit the second chamber. The second fin structure is formed in the second stage. The third stage has a third inlet that allows the first fluid to enter the third chamber and a third outlet that allows the first fluid to exit from the third chamber. The third fin structure is formed in the third stage. The first pipe passes through the second stage and connects the first stage and the third stage. The fourth stage has a fourth inlet that allows the second fluid to enter the fourth chamber, and a fourth outlet that allows the second fluid to exit the fourth chamber. The fourth fin structure is formed in the fourth stage. The second pipe passes through the third stage and connects the second stage and the fourth stage.

In one embodiment of the evaporator, the first fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the first chamber, the second fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the second chamber, and the third fin structure is substantially in the third chamber. In contact with the inner surface, the fourth fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the fourth chamber.

As an embodiment of the evaporator, the first stage, second stage, third stage, and fourth stage are stacked together as a single stack of these stages.

In one embodiment, the evaporator is a four stage evaporator.

In one embodiment of the evaporator, the second fin structure has a first through-hole which is penetrated by the first pipe, and the third fin structure is provided with a second through hole which is penetrated by the second pipe. The fourth fin structure has a third through hole penetrated by a third pipe for supplying the first fluid from the heat source portion to the third stage.

In one embodiment, the evaporator further includes a third pipe for supplying the first fluid from the heat source portion to the third stage, and a fourth pipe for supplying the gaseous second fluid to the reforming reaction portion. Here, the first pipe has a first end coupled to the first inlet and a second end coupled to the third outlet, and the second pipe is coupled to the first end and the fourth inlet coupled to the second outlet. A third end having a first end coupled to the third inlet and a second end coupled to the heat source portion, and the fourth pipe is reformed with the first end coupled to the fourth outlet. And a second end that engages the portion.

In addition, the evaporator may comprise a plurality of first piping and / or may comprise a plurality of fourth piping. The second fin structure may have a plurality of through holes penetrated by the plurality of first pipes, respectively, and the third fin structure may have a second through hole penetrated by the second pipe, and the fourth The fin structure may have a third through hole penetrated by a third pipe for supplying the first fluid from the heat source portion to the third stage.

In one embodiment of the evaporator, the first fluid comprises exhaust gas exiting the heat source and the second fluid includes at least one of fuel and water.

In one embodiment of the evaporator, each of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures has a first wave pattern of a plurality of first fins extending in a first direction with a first period And a plurality of second fins having a second wavy shape equal to the first wavy shape, the second fins alternately extending alternately between two adjacent first fins with a second period that is offset from the plurality of first periods and a half period.

In one embodiment of the evaporator, each of the first, second, third and fourth fin structures consists of a metallic member.

As an embodiment of the evaporator, the fourth fin structure and the second fin structure may use the heat energy transferred from the third fin structure and the first fin structure to the fourth fin structure and the second fin structure to transfer the second fluid in the liquid phase. It is formed to switch to the gas phase.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a fuel reformer is provided. This fuel reformer includes a reforming reaction part, an evaporation part, and a heat source part. The evaporator supplies a second fluid to the reforming reaction unit. The heat source unit supplies the first fluid to the evaporator. The evaporator comprises: a first stage having a first inlet that allows a first fluid to enter the first stage and a first outlet that allows the first fluid to exit from the first stage; A first fin structure disposed in the first stage; A second stage stacked together with the first stage as a single stack of stages, the second stage having a second fluid inlet allowing the second fluid to enter and the second outlet allowing the second fluid to exit from the second stage; And a second fin structure disposed in the second stage.

In one embodiment of the fuel reformer, the heat source portion is surrounded by the reforming reaction portion and is formed to supply heat to the reforming reaction portion. The first fluid includes exhaust gas from the heat source portion, and the second fluid includes at least one of fuel and water.

In one embodiment, the fuel reformer has a first pipe having a first end connected to the evaporator and a second end connected to the heat source and a second end connected to the evaporator and a first end connected to the evaporator. It further comprises a second pipe having an end.

In one embodiment, the fuel reformer further includes a carbon monoxide remover that receives reformed fuel from the reforming reaction unit.

As an embodiment of the fuel reformer, the evaporator may further include a third stage, a third fin structure formed in the third stage, a first piping, a fourth stage, a fourth fin structure formed in the fourth stage, and a second piping. Can be. The third stage has a third inlet that allows the first fluid to enter the third stage and a third outlet that allows the first fluid to exit from the third stage. At this time, the second stage is disposed between the first stage and the third stage. The first pipe passes through the second stage and connects the first stage and the third stage. The fourth stage has a fourth inlet that allows the second fluid to enter the fourth stage and a fourth outlet that allows the second fluid to exit from the fourth stage. The second pipe passes through the third stage and connects the second chamber and the fourth chamber. Here, the fuel reformer further includes a third pipe for supplying the first fluid from the heat source unit to the third stage, and a fourth pipe for supplying the gaseous second fluid to the reforming reaction unit.

In one embodiment of the fuel reformer, the first fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the first stage and the second fin structure is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the second stage.

According to the present invention, the output can be improved while reducing the volume of the evaporator. In particular, by arranging a plurality of disks which perform mutual heat exchange and installing a fin structure in each disk, it is possible to increase the area (specific surface area) in which the fluid touches in each disk without increasing the back pressure, whereby the heat exchange efficiency It is possible to increase the vaporization amount of the fluid and to increase the vaporization amount of the fluid. In addition, its simple structure makes it easy to manufacture and advantageous for mass production. In addition, the pulsation of the reforming reaction can be kept low in the fuel reformer employing the evaporator, thereby improving the performance stability and reliability of the fuel reformer. In addition, the fuel reformer provided with the evaporator can be downsized, whereby the startup time of the fuel reformer can be shortened.

In other words, in order to obtain the same performance or output as the evaporator of the present embodiment, it is necessary to form a multi-stage structure such as eight or more stages in the existing evaporator, so that it has a large volume. This large volume of evaporator increases the overall size of the fuel reformer and requires a lot of time for starting or preheating the evaporator.

On the other hand, the embodiment of the present invention described above provides an evaporator having an internal fin structure to increase the fluid flow through the internal fin structure and the heat exchange surface area of the evaporator. In one embodiment, the evaporator is a four stage evaporator having first, second, third and fourth stages each having a fin structure. The fourth and second stages are connected to each other through a second pipe passing through the third page, and the third and first stages are connected to each other through a first pipe passing through the second stage. The fin structures of the fourth and second stages use the heat energy transferred from the fin structures of the first and third stages to vaporize the liquid fuel and water into the gas phase. Here, the thermal energy of the first and third stages is derived from the exhaust gas coming from the heater (heat source portion), and the exhaust gas flows through the fin structures of the first and third stages. As such, the fin structures of the first, second, third, and fourth stages increase the heat exchange surface area between the exhaust gas, fuel, and water without increasing the overall size of the evaporator, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency or heat exchange efficiency. Let's do it.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings appended hereto illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the following description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the following detailed description, preferred embodiments of the present invention are provided to clearly explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention can be modified in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the context of the present application, when an element is on another element, it includes being directly on the element or present on the element with another element therebetween. Like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the specification.

In the following description, the term "gas-phase" refers to the state of a fluid that has the property to fill a container without having a constant shape and volume since each molecule flows freely because the molecules are far apart and have no cohesive force. The gaseous fluid is much smaller in density than the liquid or solid fluid, easily changes in volume due to pressure increase and decrease, and is easily compressed or thermally expanded.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the evaporator 100 of the present embodiment has a four-stage disk structure in which a first disk 110, a second disk 120, a third disk 130, and a fourth disk 140 are stacked on each other. It is provided.

The first disk 110 includes a first chamber 112, a first hole 114 for fluid communication, and a first fin structure 210 filled in the first chamber 112. The second disk 120 includes a second chamber 122, a second hole 124 for fluid communication, and a second fin structure 220 filled in the second chamber 122. The third disk 130 includes a third chamber 132, a third hole 134 for fluid communication, and a third fin structure 230 filled in the third chamber 132. The fourth disk 140 includes a fourth chamber 142, a fourth hole 144 for fluid communication, and a fourth fin structure 240 filled in the fourth chamber 142.

The third chamber 132 and the first chamber 112 are fluidly connected to each other by the first pipe 150. The second chamber 122 and the fourth chamber 142 are connected in fluid communication with each other by the second pipe 160. The third disk 130 and the first disk 110 have another hole connected to both ends of the first pipe 150, respectively. The second disk 120 and the fourth disk 140 have further holes respectively connected to both ends of the second pipe 160.

The third pipe 170 may be connected to the third hole 134 of the third disk 130. The fourth pipe 180 may be connected to the fourth hole 144 of the fourth disk 140.

In the present embodiment, the first pipe 150 is provided to penetrate the second disk 120, the second pipe 160 is provided to penetrate the third disk 130, and the third pipe 170. Is provided to penetrate the fourth disk 140. This penetrating structure is an example for further miniaturizing the evaporator device. For example, each of the pipes described above may be provided outside the evaporator without passing through a specific disk. In addition, the third pipe 170 and the fourth pipe 140 are installed to protrude in the direction of gravity (y direction), which takes into account the reformer coupled to the evaporator 100 in the direction of gravity.

The first to fourth fin structures 210, 220, 230, and 240 increase the heat exchange specific surface area between the first fluid and the second fluid. Each fin structure may be formed of a single sheet-like metallic member provided with a plurality of uneven parts. That is, in one embodiment, each fin structure includes a plurality of first fins of a first wave pattern extending in one direction and a plurality of second fins arranged to be shifted by a wave pattern period and a half period of the plurality of first fins. Alternately arranged form (see FIG. 4). In other words, in one embodiment, each of the fin structures 210, 220, 230, 240 includes a plurality of first fins of a first wave pattern extending in one direction and a second substantially equal to the first wave pattern. And a plurality of second fins having a wave pattern and alternately extending side by side between two adjacent pins of the plurality of first fins in a second period that is shifted by a half period from the first period of the first wave pattern of the plurality of first fins. . As such, the fluid in each fin structure is distributed evenly to form turbulent flow and high turbulent flow. Therefore, the heat exchange area can be greatly increased.

Each fin structure is installed to be filled in each disk. That is, in one embodiment, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures 210, 220, 230, 240 substantially corresponds to the corresponding chambers 112, 122, 132, 142. At least one of the inner surfaces is in contact. In one embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures 210, 220, 230, 240 is substantially at an inner surface of the corresponding chamber 112, 122, 132, or 142. Each contact. Thus, when a first fluid having thermal energy flows through the third disk 130 and the first disk 110, the thermal energy of the first fluid causes the third disk 130 and the first disk 110 to flow. Is delivered efficiently. Thermal energy of the third disk 130 and the first disk 110 is transferred to the second disk 120 and the fourth disk 140. And, when the second fluid flows through the second disk 120 and the fourth disk 140, the second fluid is heated or vaporized by the thermal energy of the second disk 120 and the fourth disk 140. do.

Hereinafter, the evaporator structure according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the illustrated example.

2 is a perspective view of an evaporator according to another embodiment of the present invention. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 2 with fin structures omitted. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the first cover plate of FIG. 3A.

2 and 3A, the evaporator 300 of the present embodiment may include first to fourth cover plates (or stages) 310, 320, 330, and 340, an auxiliary plate 341b, and three first pipes. Fields 350a, 350b, 350c, second pipes 360, and first to fourth fin structures (see 410, 420, 430, and 440 of FIG. 4).

The first cover plate 310 is a first circumferential wall 311 (see FIG. 3B), which forms a first interior space (or chamber) 312 with an open first surface, and for fluid communication. The first hole 314 is provided. Here, when the first cover plate 310 is in the shape of a disk (or substantially flat plate), the first side of the first cover plate 310 is one of two opposite sides of the disc (disc One of two faces located at the upper and lower ends of the < RTI ID = 0.0 > The first surface of the first cover plate 310 is covered by the upper surface 321a of the second cover plate 320.

Similarly, the second cover plate 320 has a second boundary wall forming a second interior space (or chamber) with a second surface open, and a second hole 324 for fluid communication. The second surface of the second cover plate 320 is covered by the upper surface 331a of the third cover plate 330. The third cover plate 330 has a third boundary wall forming a third inner space (or chamber) with a third surface open, and at least one hole for fluid communication. The third surface of the third cover plate 330 is covered by the top surface 341a of the fourth cover plate 340. The fourth cover plate 340 has a fourth boundary wall forming a fourth inner space (chamber) with an open fourth surface, and at least one hole for fluid communication. The fourth surface of the fourth stage 340 is covered by the auxiliary plate 341b.

The auxiliary plate 341b and the fourth to first stages 340, 330, 320, and 310 may be coupled to each other by edges that contact each other. According to the above configuration, the evaporator 300 of the present embodiment may have a four-stage disc structure similar to the evaporator structure shown in FIG.

The three first pipes 350a, 350b, and 350c pass through the second cover plate 320 and have a third inner space of the third cover plate 330 and a first inner space of the first cover plate 310. 312) is connected in fluid communication. To this end, one end of each of the first pipes 350a; 350b; 350c is connected to the other three holes 326a, 326b, and 326c of the second cover plate 320, respectively. And the other end of each of the first pipe (350a; 350b; 350c) is connected to the other three holes of the third cover plate 330, respectively. The connection between one end of each first pipe and the second cover plate 320 and / or the connection between the other end of each first pipe and the third cover plate 330 may be a screw coupling structure. In this embodiment, three first pipes are one embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, one, two or more than four first piping may be used.

The second pipe 360 penetrates through the third cover plate 330 and fluidly connects the second inner space of the second cover plate 320 and the fourth inner space of the fourth cover plate 340. To this end, one end of the second pipe 360 is connected to the third hole 334 of the third cover plate 330. The other end of the second pipe 360 is connected to the fourth hole 348 of the fourth cover plate 340. One end of the second pipe 360 and the connection of the third cover plate 330 and / or the other end of the second pipe 360 and the fourth cover plate 340 may have a screw coupling structure.

The auxiliary plate 341b may include a plurality of holes 344a, 344b, and 346. One of the holes 346 may include a third pipe 370 that penetrates the fourth cover plate 340 and guides the first fluid flowing into the third inner space of the third cover plate 330. Can be. One end of the third pipe 370 is connected to another hole 343 of the fourth cover plate 340. In addition, two fourth pipes 380a and 380b may be connected to the remaining holes 344a and 344b of the auxiliary plate 341b to guide the discharge of the second fluid. In this embodiment, two fourth pipes are an embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, one or more than four pipes may be used.

More specifically, the evaporator 300 includes a first cover plate (or stage) 310, a second cover plate (or stage) 320, a third cover plate (or stage) 330, and a fourth Cover plate (or stage) 340. The first stage 310 includes a first inlet that allows the first fluid to enter the first stage 310, and a first hole (or outlet) that allows the first fluid to exit the first stage 310 ( 314). The first fin structure (see 410 of FIG. 4) is formed in the chamber 312 of the first stage 310. The second stage 320 includes a second hole (or inlet) 324 that allows the second fluid to enter the second stage 320, and an agent that allows the second fluid to exit from the second stage 320. 2 outlets are provided. The second fin structure (see 420 of FIG. 4) is located in the chamber of the second stage 320. The third stage 330 has a third inlet that allows the first fluid to enter the third stage 330, and a third outlet that allows the first fluid to exit the third stage 330. In this case, the second stage 320 is formed between the first stage 310 and the third stage 330. The third fin structure (see 430 of FIG. 4) is formed in the chamber of the third stage 330. The first pipes 350a, 350b, and 350c pass through the second stage 320 and connect the first stage 310 and the third stage 330. The fourth stage 340 has a fourth inlet that allows the second fluid to enter the fourth stage, and fourth outlets (or holes) 344a, 344b that allow the second fluid to exit the fourth stage. Equipped. The fourth fin structure (see 440 of FIG. 4) is formed in the chamber of the fourth stage 340. The second pipe 360 penetrates through the third stage 330 and connects the second stage 320 and the fourth stage 340.

According to the above configuration, the first fluid is introduced into the third internal space (third chamber) through the hole 343 of the third pipe 370 and the fourth cover plate (or fourth stage) 340, Heat energy is transferred to the third fin structure (see 430 of FIG. 4) and flows to the first inner space (or the first chamber) 312 through the first pipes 326a, 326b, and 326c. The first fluid then transfers thermal energy to the first fin structure (see 410 in FIG. 4) and discharges it out through the first hole 314 of the first cover plate (or first stage) 310. do.

The liquid second fluid flows into the second inner space (or the second chamber) through the second hole 324 of the second cover plate (or the second stage) 320, and the second fin structure (see FIG. 4). After passing through the second pipe 360, the second pipe 360 flows to the fourth internal space (or the fourth chamber). Then, the second fluid is discharged to the outside through the fourth fin structure (see 440 of FIG. 4) through the holes 344a and 344b of the auxiliary plate 341b and the fourth pipes 380a and 380b. Here, the liquid second fluid is vaporized by heat energy transferred from the third fin structure and the first fin structure to the second fin structure and the fourth fin structure.

4 is a perspective view illustrating a fin structure provided in the evaporator of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first to fourth fin structures 410, 420, 430, and 440 according to the present exemplary embodiment may have respective interior spaces provided in the first to fourth cover plates 310, 320, 330, and 340. Are each filled. Here, the filling of the first to fourth fin structures 410, 420, 430, and 440 means that the fin structures are in close contact with the inner surface of each cover plate, and the fins of the fin structures are substantially uniform in the respective inner spaces. It is distributed. In one embodiment, the first fin structure 410 substantially contacts the inner surface of the first cover plate (or first stage) 310 and the second fin structure 420 is substantially the second cover plate ( Or in contact with the inner surface of the second stage 320, the third fin structure 430 substantially in contact with the inner surface of the third cover plate (or third stage) 330, and / or the fourth surface. The fin structure 440 substantially contacts the inner surface of the fourth cover plate (or fourth stage) 340. The second fin structure 420 may include three holes 422a, 422b, and 422c through which three first pipes pass. The third fin structure 430 may include a hole 432 through which the second pipe passes. The fourth fin structure 440 may include a hole 446 through which the third pipe passes.

The fin structures of the present embodiment basically have the same structure. A portion of the fourth fin structure 440 is enlarged to explain the structure of the fin structures in more detail.

Referring to the enlarged portion, the fourth fin structure 440 has a first fin array and a second fin array. The first fin array includes a plurality of first fins 442 extending in a first direction, and the second fin array includes a plurality of second fins 444 extending half-shifted in a first direction between two adjacent first fins. ). In other words, in one embodiment, the fourth fin structure 440 has a first wave pattern having a first period and extending in a first direction, and a plurality of first fins substantially extending from the first wave shape. And a plurality of second fins having the same second wavy shape, alternately extending between the two adjacent first fins, having a second period that is shifted from the first period and the half period. Here, the first fin 442 and the second fin 444 may be formed by adding a wave shape to the sheet-like and stripe-shaped members. The first fin 442 and the second fin 444 may be formed of a material having excellent heat transfer characteristics. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first fin structure 440 may be formed as a single layer structure including a plurality of first fins 442 and a plurality of second fins 444 as well as a multilayer structure in which a plurality of fins are stacked. .

The first to third fin structures 410, 420, and 430 have substantially the same structure as the fourth fin structure 440 except for the presence or absence of a hole or the position of the hole. Each fin structure of the present embodiment can be manufactured by brazing a single metal plate through a press process.

According to the configuration of the evaporator described above, active turbulent flow of the fluid passing through each fin structure can be induced. Therefore, the fluid is evenly distributed in each fin structure and the inner space of each cover plate, thereby greatly increasing the heat exchange area between the fluid and each cover plate. In other words, each disk has a high heat transfer efficiency. Thus, the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator can be improved. In addition, the evaporator can be miniaturized.

5 is a perspective view of a fuel reformer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the fuel reformer of the present embodiment includes an evaporator 300 and a cylindrical body 500. The evaporator 300 is the evaporator described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. Therefore, detailed description of the evaporator 300 will be omitted.

However, the cylindrical body 500 generates heat by burning the first fuel supplied through the first connection pipe 512, and supplies the first fluid having thermal energy to the evaporator 300, and the evaporator ( The second fluid may be received from 300, the second fuel may be reformed to generate a reformate, and the reformate may be discharged through the second connection pipe 514. The first fluid may comprise an exhaust gas at about 300 ° C. to about 400 ° C., and the second fluid may comprise a second fuel and water vapor.

In the present embodiment, for convenience of description, the second fuel is illustrated as being supplied to the body 500 through the evaporator 300. However, it is merely an example, and the fuel reformer of the present embodiment may naturally be implemented such that the gaseous second fuel is supplied directly to the body 500 without entering the evaporator 300. The second fuel includes hydrocarbon fuels such as LPG, natural gas, methanol, and ethanol.

In addition, in the present embodiment, for convenience of illustration, the third pipe 370 for transferring the first fluid and the fourth pipes 380a and 380b for transferring the second fluid may include the evaporator 300 and the body 500. It is shown to be exposed in between. However, it is only one example, and the fuel reformer of the present embodiment may be implemented such that the evaporator 300 and the body 500 directly adhere to each other by shortening the lengths of the pipes so that the pipes are not exposed.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure applicable to the body of the fuel reformer of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, the body 500a of the fuel reformer of the present embodiment includes a heat source unit 550 and a reforming reaction unit 600. The body 550a has a double cylindrical structure in which the heat reaction unit 600 of the cylindrical structure surrounds the reforming reaction unit 600 of another cylindrical structure.

The heat source part 550 may include a first cylindrical body 560, an oxidation catalyst 570 provided in the inner space 562 of the first cylindrical body 560, and an igniter 572. One side of the first cylindrical body 560 is provided with a first opening 564, the other side is provided with a second opening (566). The first fuel and air are supplied to the internal space 562 through the first opening 564 and are oxidized at the surface of the oxidation catalyst 570. At this time, a part of the generated reaction heat is supplied to the reforming reaction unit 600, and another part is discharged through the second opening 566 together with the air. The igniter 572 ignites the first fuel supplied to the initial internal space 562 of the heat source unit 550. The second opening 566 may be connected to one end of the third pipe 370 (see FIG. 5).

The reforming reaction unit 600 includes a second cylindrical body 610 coaxially surrounding the first cylindrical body 560, and a reforming catalyst 620 provided in the inner space 612 of the second cylindrical body 610. Include. The reforming catalyst 620 may be a granular catalyst. In this case, the reforming catalyst 620 may be surrounded by the network 622 to reduce or prevent the scattering of the catalyst. One side of the second cylindrical body 610 is provided with two third openings 614 with the first opening 564 interposed therebetween, and the fourth opening 616 is provided at the other side.

The water vapor supplied from the evaporator 300 of the present embodiment and the second fuel of the gaseous phase supplied through the evaporator 300 or another pipe are supplied to the internal space 612 through the third openings 614. The second fuel is reformed by heat of the heat source unit 550 while passing through the reforming catalyst 620. The reformate produced by the reforming reaction is released through the fourth opening 616. Here, the reforming reaction may be implemented to include at least one reforming reaction of steam reforming, autothermal reforming, and partial oxidation.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another structure that may be employed in the body of the fuel reformer of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 7, the body 500b of the fuel reformer of the present embodiment includes a heat source unit 650, a reforming reaction unit 700, and a carbon monoxide removal unit 750. The body 500b is surrounded by the reforming reaction unit 700 of the second cylindrical structure on the coaxial axis of the heat source portion 650 of the first cylindrical structure, and the third cylindrical structure coaxially on the reforming reaction unit 770 of the second cylindrical structure. It has a triple cylinder structure that surrounds it.

The heat source part 650 includes a first cylindrical body 660 and a burner 670 that emits flame in the inner space 562 of the first cylindrical body 660. One side of the first cylindrical body 660 is provided with a first opening 664, the other side is provided with a second opening 666. Air is supplied to the internal space 662 through the first opening 664. Part of the thermal energy generated by the flame of the burner 670 is supplied to the reforming unit 700 and the carbon monoxide removing unit 750, and another portion of the thermal energy is supplied through the second opening 666 together with the air. Is released. The second opening 666 may be connected to one end of the third pipe 370 (see FIG. 5).

The reforming reaction unit 700 includes a reforming catalyst 720 provided in the second cylindrical body 710 coaxially surrounding the first cylindrical body 660 and the inner space 712 of the second cylindrical body 710. Include. The reforming catalyst 720 may include a honeycomb or helical support and a catalyst layer 722 coated on the support. Two third openings 714 are provided at one side of the second cylindrical body 710. The third openings 714 may be connected to one end of the fourth pipes 380a and 380b (see FIG. 5).

The carbon monoxide removing unit 750 is disposed in the third cylindrical body 760 coaxially surrounding the first cylindrical body 660 and the second cylindrical body 710, and the internal space 762 of the third cylindrical body 760. A catalyst 770 is provided. Catalyst 770 may comprise a shift catalyst and / or a PROX catalyst. The shift catalyst removes carbon monoxide contained in the reformate through low temperature and / or high temperature water gas shift reactions. The proxy catalyst removes carbon monoxide contained in the reformate through a selective CO oxidation reaction.

The inner space 762 of the third cylindrical body 710 is connected in fluid communication with the inner space 712 of the second cylindrical body 710 through a connecting passage 764. One side of the third cylindrical body 710 is provided with a fourth opening 766. The reformed carbon monoxide is released to the outside through the fourth opening 766 in the interior space 762.

The water vapor supplied from the evaporator 300 of the present embodiment and the second fuel in the gaseous phase supplied through the evaporator 300 or another pipe may be formed in the internal space of the reforming reaction unit 700 through the third openings 714. 712, and the second fuel is reformed by the heat of the heat source unit 650 while passing through the reforming catalyst 720. Then, the reformate generated by the reforming reaction flows through the connecting passage 764 into the internal space 762 of the carbon monoxide removing unit 750, and after some carbon monoxide is removed by the catalyst 770, a fourth carbon monoxide is removed. It is emitted to the outside through the opening 766.

In this embodiment, a fuel reformer having a cylindrical body is shown for convenience of description. However, it is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the fuel reformer of the present invention may be implemented to have a body of various types and forms while having the evaporator 100 (300) of the present embodiment described above.

As described above, in the evaporator used in the fuel reformer of the present embodiment, the specific surface area between the heat of the exhaust gas and the introduced second fluid (eg, water) is increased by allowing the exhaust gas or water introduced into the chamber of each stage to be spread evenly throughout the chamber. It is possible to increase the heat transfer efficiency. In addition, the fin structure allows more efficient vaporization of the second fluid so that the pulsation (or flow rate variation) of the generated reformate is maintained at about ± 0.2 L / mim or less. This value is considerably smaller than the existing about ± 0.65 L / mim, indicating that a more uniform flow rate can be generated.

The scope of the above-described invention is defined in the following claims, which are not bound by the description in the specification body, and all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents shall fall within the scope of the present invention.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view of an evaporator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

3A is an exploded perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 2 with fin structures omitted;

3B is a cross-sectional view of the first stage of FIG. 3A.

4 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the fin structure provided in the evaporator of FIG.

5 is a perspective view of a fuel reformer of the present invention.

6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a structure that can be employed in the body of the fuel reformer of FIG.

7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining another structure that can be employed in the body of the fuel reformer of FIG.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100, 300: evaporator

110, 120, 130, 140, 310, 320, 330, 340: stage

210, 220, 230, 240, 410, 420, 430, 440: pin structure

500, 500a, 500b: body of fuel reformer

550, 650: heat source unit

600, 700: reforming reaction part

750: carbon dioxide reduction unit

Claims (35)

A first stage having a first chamber and a first-first opening and a first-second opening that allow inflow or outflow of a first fluid to the first chamber; A second chamber and a second-first opening and a second-second opening for allowing the inflow or outflow of a second fluid to the second chamber, the second chamber being stacked together as a stack with the first stage; 2 stages; A first fin structure provided inside the first chamber and increasing a heat exchange surface area with the first fluid flowing in the first chamber; And And a second fin structure provided inside the second chamber and increasing a heat exchange surface area with the second fluid flowing in the second chamber. The method of claim 1, The first fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the first chamber. The method of claim 2, The second fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the second chamber. The method of claim 1, The first fin structure is configured to create turbulence in the flow of the first fluid inside the first chamber, And the second fin structure is configured to create turbulence in the flow of the second fluid within the second chamber. The method of claim 1, A third stage having a third chamber and a 3-1 opening and a 3-2 opening allowing the inflow or outflow of a first fluid to the third chamber; A first pipe connecting the first chamber and the third chamber and passing through the second stage; And And a third fin structure provided inside the third chamber and increasing a heat exchange surface area with the first fluid flowing in the third chamber. The method of claim 5, The first fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the first chamber, The second fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the second chamber, The third fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the third chamber. The method of claim 5, And the first pipe has a first end located at the first-first opening and a second end located at the third-second opening. The method of claim 5, A fourth stage having a fourth chamber and a 4-1 opening and a 4-2 opening allowing the inflow or outflow of a second fluid to the fourth chamber; A second pipe connecting the second chamber and the fourth chamber and passing through the third stage; And And a fourth fin structure provided inside the fourth chamber and increasing a heat exchange surface area with the second fluid flowing in the fourth chamber. The method of claim 8, The first fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the first chamber, The second fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the second chamber, The third fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the third chamber, The fourth fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the fourth chamber. The method of claim 8, The first pipe has a first end located in the first-first opening, and a second end located in the third-2 opening, And the second pipe has a first end positioned at the second-2 opening, and a second end positioned at the 4-1 opening. The method of claim 10, The first fluid includes exhaust gas from the heat source portion, And the second fluid comprises at least one of fuel or water. The method of claim 8, Each of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures, A plurality of first wavy first fins having a first period and extending in a first direction; And And a plurality of second fins alternately with the first fins so as to extend in the first direction and be disposed between the two adjacent first fins with a second period that is shifted half the period from the first period. The method of claim 8, Wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures comprises a metallic member. The method of claim 8, The second fin structure and the fourth fin structure is an evaporator for converting the second liquid in the liquid phase to the gas phase by the heat energy transferred from the third fin structure and the first fin structure. A first stage having a first inlet through which a first fluid flows and a first outlet through which the first fluid flows out; A first fin structure provided in the first stage; A second stage having a second inlet through which a second fluid flows in, and a second outlet through which the second fluid flows out; A second fin structure provided in the second stage; A third stage having a third inlet through which the first fluid flows in and a third outlet through which the first fluid flows out; A third fin structure provided in the third stage; A first pipe connecting the first stage and the third stage and penetrating the second stage; A fourth stage including a fourth inlet through which the second fluid flows in, and a fourth outlet through which the second fluid flows out; A fourth fin structure provided in the fourth stage; And And a second pipe connecting the second stage and the fourth stage and passing through the third stage. The method of claim 15, The first fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the first stage, The second fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the second stage, The third fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the third stage, The fourth fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the fourth stage. The method of claim 15, The first stage, the second stage, the third stage, and the fourth stage are stacked together as one stack. The method of claim 15, Evaporator comprising a four-stage evaporator as the evaporator. The method of claim 15, The second fin structure has a first through hole penetrated by the first pipe, The third fin structure has a second through hole penetrated by the second pipe, The fourth fin structure has an evaporator having a third through hole penetrated by a third pipe for supplying the first fluid from a heat source portion to the third stage. The method of claim 15, A third pipe for supplying the first fluid from a heat source to the third stage; And And a fourth pipe for supplying the gaseous second fluid to the reforming reaction part. The method of claim 20, The first pipe having a first end located at the first inlet, and a second end located at the third outlet, The second pipe having a first end located at the second outlet, and a second end located at the fourth inlet, The third pipe has a first end located at the third inlet, and a second end connected to the heat source unit, And the fourth pipe has a first end located at the fourth outlet and a second end connected to the reforming reaction part. The method of claim 21, The first pipe is an evaporator having a plurality of pipes. The method of claim 22, The fourth pipe is an evaporator having a plurality of pipes. The method of claim 23, wherein The second fin structure includes a plurality of first through holes penetrated by the plurality of first pipes, The third fin structure has a second through hole penetrated by the second pipe, The fourth fin structure has an evaporator having a third through hole penetrated by a third pipe for supplying the first fluid from a heat source to the third stage. The method of claim 15, The first fluid includes exhaust gas from the heat source portion, And the second fluid comprises at least one of fuel or water. The method of claim 15, Each of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures, A plurality of first wavy first fins having a first period and extending in a first direction; And And a plurality of second fins alternately with the first fins so as to extend in the first direction and be disposed between the two adjacent first fins with a second period that is semi-periodic offset from the first period. The method of claim 15, Wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth fin structures comprises a metallic member. The method of claim 15, The second fin structure and the fourth fin structure is an evaporator for converting the liquid second liquid in the gas phase by the heat energy transmitted from the third fin structure and the first fin structure. Reforming reaction unit; An evaporator supplying a second fluid to the reforming reaction part; And A heat source part for supplying a first fluid to the evaporation part, The evaporation unit, A first stage having a first inlet through which the first fluid flows and a first outlet through which the first fluid flows out; A first fin structure provided in the first stage; A second stage including a second inlet through which the second fluid flows in, and a second outlet through which the second fluid flows out, and being stacked together as a stack together with the first stage; And A fuel reformer having a second fin structure provided in the second stage. The method of claim 29, The heat source unit is surrounded by the reforming reaction unit and supplies heat to the reforming reaction unit, The first fluid includes exhaust gas from the heat source portion, And the second fluid comprises at least one of fuel and water. The method of claim 29, A first pipe having a first end connected to the heat source and a second end connected to the evaporator; And And a second pipe having a first end connected to the evaporator and a second end connected to the reforming reaction part. The method of claim 29, The fuel reformer further comprises a carbon monoxide reduction unit receiving the reformed fuel in the reforming reaction unit. The method of claim 29, The evaporator, A third stage having a third inlet through which the first fluid flows in and a third outlet through which the first fluid flows out; A third fin structure provided in the third stage; A first pipe connecting the first stage and the third stage and penetrating the second stage; A fourth stage including a fourth inlet through which the second fluid flows in, and a fourth outlet through which the second fluid flows out; A fourth fin structure provided in the fourth stage; And And a second pipe connecting the second stage and the fourth stage and penetrating the third stage. The method of claim 33, wherein A third pipe for supplying the first fluid from the heat source part to the third stage; And And a fourth pipe for supplying the second fluid in the gas phase to the reforming reaction part. The method of claim 29, The first fin structure is in contact with the inner surface of the first stage, And the second fin structure is in contact with an inner surface of the second stage.

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