Apparatus and method for hydrogen generation

Abstract

This invention provides a hydrogen generator that has excellent energy efficiency and can reduce equipment cost. In the hydrogen generator, a hydrocarbon gas is reformed to produce a hydrogen-rich reformed gas. The hydrogen generator comprises a reformer (1) for catalytically reacting the hydrocarbon gas together with oxygen with a catalyst to perform combustion and reforming of the hydrocarbon gas and a first heat exchanger (3) for heating the hydrocarbon gas to be introduced into the reformer (1) after heat exchange between the reformed gas and the hydrocarbon gas in a reformed gas passage (25) provided on the downstream side of the reformer (1). According to the above construction, the raw material gas to be introduced into the reformer (1) is heated by the heat of the reformed gas produced by the combustion and the reforming, without the need to externally supply heat energy necessary for reforming by a burner or the like. Accordingly, the energy efficiency is improved. Further, since the need to provide any burner in the reformer (1) is eliminated, the structure of the reformer (1) per se can be simplified, and, at the same time, the structure for imparting heat resistance and pressure resistance can also be simplified. This advantageously leads to a reduction in equipment cost.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen generator for supplying hydrogen to hydrogen utilization devices such as fuel cells using natural gas, propane gas, gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, methanol, biogas, and other hydrocarbon-based compound gases, water, air, or oxygen as raw materials and methods. Background technique [0002] Hydrogen is attracting attention as one of the favorable candidates for energy to replace fossil fuels, but its effective use requires the completion of social infrastructure such as hydrogen pipelines. As one of these methods, a method of generating hydrogen gas by reforming these fuels at places where hydrogen is required is being studied by using existing transportation and transportation infrastructure such as natural gas, other fossil fuels, and alcohol. [0003] As such a hydrogen generator, for example, a device shown in Patent Document 1 below is disclosed. The hydrogen generating device introduces the mixed gas of ...

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Problems solved by technology

[0005] However, in the hydrogen generator of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to install a heating furnace equipped with a burner around the reformer, so there is a problem that the structure of the reformer itself becomes complicated, and it has heat resistance and durability. The structure also becomes complicated, and the cost of equipment increases. In addition, maintenance also requires effort and cost.

In addition, since the thermal energy required for the modification reaction is supplied from the outside, there are problems in that the thermal efficiency is also poor, and the energy cost is also increased. In addition, nitrogen oxides or sulfur oxides are generated.

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