Reforming reactor and reaction system for SOFC stack

Abstract

The application relates to a vaporization-reforming integrated reactor and reaction system for a SOFC stack. The reactor comprises a vaporization element, a heating element and at least one reforming element. The vaporization element is used for converting fuel into fuel gas. The heating element is sleeved on the periphery of the vaporization element and supplies heat for the vaporization element. The heating element and the vaporization element are configured in an integrated structure. The reforming element is communicated with the vaporization element and configured in an integrated structure with the vaporization element and the heating element. The reforming element is used for converting the fuel gas into a gaseous mixture for supplying the SOFC stack. The heating element is sleeved on the periphery of the vaporization element, which realizes the partial integration of the vaporization element and the heating element. The reforming element is communicated with the vaporization element and configured in an integrated structure with the vaporization element and the heating element, which realizes the integrated design of the vaporization element, the heating element and the reforming element. The volume of the reactor is reduced, which is helpful for realizing the integration of the whole power generation system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to an integrated vaporization and reforming reactor and reaction system for SOFC stacks. Background Technology

[0002] Technological advancements have led to a continuous increase in societal demand for energy, making clean energy a key development area in the energy sector due to its environmentally friendly and renewable characteristics. Reversible solid oxide batteries (RSOCs), as a type of reversible electrochemical energy conversion device, can achieve direct and efficient conversion between fuel chemical energy and electrical energy, offering significant advantages such as high energy conversion efficiency, environmental friendliness, and low emissions. RSOCs can operate alternately in two modes: solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC).

[0003] In related technologies, the SOFC (Sodium Fuel Cell) system with exhaust gas recirculation includes an evaporator, a reformer, a heat exchanger unit, a fuel cell stack, a combustion chamber, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The evaporator and reformer are designed as separate modules, and the exhaust gas generated by the SOFC is treated by combustion in the combustion chamber, while high-temperature flue gas is provided to the heat exchanger unit. All components are connected by relevant pipelines, and the exhaust gas is recirculated under the condition that the temperature of the combustion chamber meets the temperature constraints.

[0004] However, although the aforementioned SOFC (Sodium Fuel Cell) exhaust gas recirculation system can improve the utilization rate of exhaust gas to a certain extent, the overall system size is relatively large, which is not conducive to the integration of the entire power generation system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to address the problem that the SOFC stack exhaust gas recirculation system is large in size and not conducive to the integration of the entire power generation system, and to provide an integrated vaporization and reforming reactor and reaction system for SOFC stacks.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC stacks, employing the following technical solution:

[0007] An integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC stacks includes a vaporization element, a heating element, and at least one reforming element. The vaporization element is used to convert fuel into fuel gas. The heating element is disposed around the vaporization element and provides heat to the vaporization element. The heating element and the vaporization element are constructed as an integral structure. The reforming element is connected to the vaporization element and is integrally constructed with the vaporization element and the heating element, and is used to convert the fuel gas into a gaseous mixture to supply the SOFC stack.

[0008] In one embodiment, the vaporization element includes a vaporization housing having a vaporization chamber, a feed passage, and an exhaust passage. The feed passage is connected to the vaporization chamber for supplying fuel into the vaporization chamber, and the exhaust passage is connected between the reforming element and the vaporization chamber for supplying the fuel gas to the reforming element.

[0009] In one embodiment, the reforming element comprises a reforming housing and a plurality of catalysts. The reforming housing has a catalytic chamber for mounting the catalysts. Along the direction of fuel gas transmission, the reforming housing can be integrated with the vaporization housing. All the catalysts are arranged at intervals. The reforming housing further comprises an inlet and an outlet connected to the catalytic chamber. Along the direction of fuel gas transmission, the inlet and the outlet are located on opposite sides of the catalytic chamber. The inlet is used to connect to the vaporization element, and the outlet is used to connect to the SOFC stack.

[0010] In one embodiment, the catalyst includes a body portion and a cover portion, the body portion having a plurality of accommodating cavities for placing the catalyst, the cover portion being able to conform to the body portion to close the accommodating cavities, and the cover portion including a plurality of venting channels.

[0011] In one embodiment, the integrated vaporization and reforming reactor further includes a connecting element connecting the vaporization element and the reforming element. The connecting element includes a connecting shell, the connecting shell including a connecting cavity, a first pair of interfaces and a second pair of interfaces. The first pair of interfaces is provided corresponding to the exhaust channel to connect the vaporization cavity and the connecting cavity, and the second pair of interfaces is provided corresponding to the air inlet to connect the connecting cavity and the catalytic cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heating element includes a heating housing and an ignition element. The heating housing includes a mounting notch, a heating chamber, and multiple input channels. The mounting notch is used for mounting the vaporization element. The input channels are connected to the heating chamber to supply air and / or SOFC exhaust gas and / or natural gas to the heating chamber. The ignition element is mounted on the heating housing and is used to ignite the SOFC exhaust gas and / or the natural gas in the heating chamber. The heating housing and the reforming housing can be constructed as an integral structure along the fuel gas transmission direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heating housing further includes a waste discharge channel for discharging high-temperature gases generated during combustion from the heating chamber.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vaporization-reforming integrated reactor further includes at least one heat exchange element connected to the heating element and in contact with the reforming element, the heat exchange element being used to supply heat to the reforming element.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heat exchange element includes a heat exchange shell and at least one barrier. The heat exchange shell has a heat exchange cavity and a hot gas input channel and a hot gas output channel arranged opposite to each other. The hot gas input channel connects the heat exchange cavity and the exhaust channel, and the hot gas output channel connects the heat exchange cavity to one of the input channels. All the barrier is disposed in the heat exchange cavity. When viewed along the transmission direction of the fuel gas, adjacent two barrier have only partial overlap. The heat exchange shell can be constructed as an integral structure with the reforming shell.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a reaction system, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0017] A reaction system includes a detection module, a control module, and the aforementioned vaporization-reforming integrated reactor. The detection module includes a first detection element and a second detection element. The first detection element is used to detect the liquid level height inside the vaporization element, and the second detection element is used to detect the temperature of the heating element. The control module includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit is signal-connected to the first detection element to control the opening and closing of the vaporization element, and the second control unit is signal-connected to the second detection element to control the opening and closing of the heating element.

[0018] The aforementioned integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC stacks achieves partial integration of the vaporization and heating elements by placing the heating element around the vaporization element. Furthermore, the reforming element is connected to the vaporization element and forms an integrated structure with the vaporization and heating elements, realizing the overall integrated design of the vaporization, heating, and reforming elements. This reduces the overall volume of the reactor and helps to achieve the overall integration of the power generation system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an integrated vaporization and reforming reactor in one embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a vaporization element in one embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of a heating element in one embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of a connecting element in one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a reforming element in one embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the reforming housing and sealing ring in one embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the catalyst in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchange element in one embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a control logic diagram of the first control unit in one embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a control logic diagram of the second control unit in one embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a control logic diagram of the third control unit in one embodiment of this application.

[0030] Attached image annotations:

[0031] 1. Vaporizing element; 11. Vaporizing shell; 111. Vaporizing chamber; 1111. Evaporation zone; 1112. Liquid zone; 112. Feed channel; 113. Exhaust channel; 2. Heating element; 21. Heating shell; 211. Mounting notch; 212. Heating chamber; 213. Input channel; 214. Waste discharge channel; 22. Ignition element; 3. Reforming element; 31. Reforming shell; 311. Catalytic chamber; 312. Air inlet; 313. Exhaust port; 32. Catalytic element; 321. Main body 3211, Receptacle; 322, Cover; 3221, Ventilation Channel; 33, Sealing Ring; 4, Connecting Element; 41, Connecting Housing; 411, Connecting Cavity; 412, First Pair of Interfaces; 413, Second Pair of Interfaces; 5, Heat Exchange Element; 51, Heat Exchange Housing; 511, Heat Exchange Cavity; 512, Hot Gas Input Channel; 513, Hot Gas Output Channel; 52, Barrier Element; 6, Detection Module; 61, First Detection Element; 62, Second Detection Element; 63, Third Detection Element; G1, Preset Liquid Level. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0034] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0038] Technological advancements have led to a continuous increase in societal demand for energy, and clean energy, with its environmentally friendly and renewable characteristics, has become a key development area in the energy sector. Reversible solid oxide batteries (RSOCs), as a type of reversible electrochemical energy conversion device, can achieve direct and efficient conversion between fuel chemical energy and electrical energy, offering significant advantages such as high energy conversion efficiency, environmental friendliness, and low emissions.

[0039] RSOC can operate in two modes alternately: solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC). In SOFC mode, hydrogen is introduced at the anode and oxygen at the cathode to achieve efficient conversion of fuel chemical energy into electrical energy. In SOEC mode, water is introduced at the anode, and after providing external electrical energy, electrical energy can be converted into the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen.

[0040] Specifically, an SOFC system typically consists of components such as a fuel vaporizer, a reformer, and an SOFC stack. The fuel vaporizer is used to convert fuel into fuel gas that can be used by the SOFC stack, with heat provided by heating elements. The reformer is used to convert natural gas and other fuels entering the system into a gaseous mixture to supply the SOFC stack.

[0041] Current research suggests designing methanol-water vaporizers and methanol-water steam reformers as separate modules. The methanol gas output from the vaporizer is directly fed to the steam reformer, where it is converted into the fuel gas (typically hydrogen) required by the SOFC stack. This process is known as methanol reforming. However, while SOFC systems can improve exhaust gas utilization to some extent, their overall size is relatively large, hindering integration into the entire power generation system.

[0042] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-11 The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail.

[0043] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an integrated vaporization and reforming reactor according to an embodiment of this application is shown. To address the aforementioned problems, an embodiment of this application provides an integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC stacks, including a vaporization element 1, a heating element 2, and at least one reforming element 3. The heating element 2 is used to convert fuel into fuel gas, and is sleeved around the vaporization element 1 to supply heat to the vaporization element 1. The heating element 2 and the vaporization element 1 are constructed as an integral structure.

[0044] In some other embodiments, the vaporization-reforming integrated reactor further includes a connecting element 4 that connects the vaporization element 1 and the reforming element 3, the connecting element 4 being used to evenly distribute the fuel gas decomposed from the vaporization element 1 to each reforming element 3.

[0045] In this embodiment, the vaporization element 1, heating element 2, connecting element 4, and reforming element 3 are all constructed as cuboid structures. The integrated reactor is also constructed as a cuboid structure, which is compatible with the shape of the square fuel cell stack and can achieve a better combination effect with the square fuel cell stack, which is beneficial to the integration of the entire power generation system.

[0046] Specifically, the reforming element 3 is connected to the vaporization element 1 and is used to convert the fuel gas into a gaseous mixture for supplying to the SOFC stack. The connecting element 4 connects the vaporization element 1 and the reforming element 3, integrating the vaporization element 1 and the reforming element 3 into a single unit, improving the integration of the integrated vaporization-reforming reactor and reducing the overall volume of the reactor. In this embodiment, the fuel is specifically a methanol-water solution, the fuel gas is specifically methanol-water vapor, and the gaseous mixture specifically refers to the gas generated from the catalytic reaction of methanol-water vapor and used to supply the SOFC stack.

[0047] Combination Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2A schematic perspective view of a vaporization element 1 in one embodiment of this application is shown. The vaporization element 1 includes a vaporization shell 11 configured as a cuboid structure. The vaporization shell 11 has a vaporization chamber 111 for carrying out a vaporization reaction. Along the fuel gas transmission direction, the vaporization gas also includes a feed channel 112 and an exhaust channel 113 disposed opposite to each other. The feed channel 112 and the exhaust channel 113 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the vaporization chamber 111 in the fuel gas transmission direction.

[0048] Specifically, during the vaporization reaction, liquid fuel is fed into the vaporization chamber 111 through the feed channel 112, where it evaporates under the heating of the heating element 2 to form fuel gas. The fuel gas is then fed to the connecting element 4 through the exhaust channel 113. In this embodiment, the vaporization chamber 111 is divided into an interconnected evaporation zone 1111 and a liquid zone 1112 along the height direction. The liquid zone 1112 is used to contain the liquid fuel (methanol-water solution) input into the vaporization chamber 111. The liquid zone 1112 is closer to the ground than the evaporation zone 1111. A preset liquid level G1 is defined between the evaporation zone 1111 and the liquid zone 1112. The feed channel 112 and the exhaust channel 113 are both connected to the same side as the evaporation zone 1111 to reduce the possibility of liquid fuel overflowing from the liquid zone 1112 through the feed channel 112 and / or the exhaust channel 113.

[0049] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 , Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a heating element 2 in one embodiment of this application is shown. The heating element 2 includes a heating shell 21 configured as a through-hole square tube. The heating shell 21 has an installation notch 211 for embedding the vaporization element 1. The vaporization element 1 is embedded in the installation notch 211 along the transmission direction of the fuel gas. This achieves the integrated design of the vaporization element 1 and the heating element 2, and also enables the heating element 2 to heat the vaporization element 1 more evenly, thereby improving the heating effect.

[0050] In this embodiment, the heating housing 21 further includes a heating cavity 212 arranged circumferentially along the mounting notch 211 and a plurality of input channels 213 connected to the heating cavity 212. A portion of the input channels 213 is used to input SOFC exhaust gas into the heating cavity 212, and this input channel 213 is set as an SOFC exhaust gas inlet. Another portion of the input channels 213 is used to input natural gas into the heating cavity 212, and this input channel 213 is set as a natural gas inlet. The remaining portion of the input channels 213 is used to input air for combustion into the heating cavity 212, and this input channel 213 is set as an air inlet.

[0051] During the operation of the heating element 2, the operator can selectively supply air and / or SOFC tail gas and / or natural gas into the heating chamber 212 through the input channel 213 to adjust the heating temperature in the heating chamber 212. In addition, in some embodiments, the heating element 2 further includes an ignition element 22, which is installed on the side wall of the heating housing 21 and is used to ignite the SOFC tail gas and / or natural gas input into the heating chamber 212.

[0052] In addition, in some embodiments, the heating housing 21 further includes a waste discharge channel 214 for connecting the heating chamber 212 to the outside, and the waste gas generated during the combustion of the SOFC tail gas and / or natural gas can be discharged to the outside through the waste discharge channel 214.

[0053] Refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown in Figure 4 Fig. shows a schematic perspective view of the connecting element 4 in an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the connecting element 4 is a gas distribution plate. The connecting element 4 includes a connecting housing 41 with a hollow plate-like structure. The connecting housing 41 includes a connecting cavity 411, a first pair of interfaces 412 and a second pair of interfaces 413. Along the transmission direction of the fuel gas, the first pair of interfaces 412 and the second pair of interfaces 413 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the connecting cavity 411.

[0054] Among them, the first pair of interfaces 412 is used to communicate with the vaporizing element 1 described above to realize the input of fuel gas, and the second pair of interfaces 413 is used to communicate with the reforming element 3 described above to realize the output of fuel gas. In the embodiment of the present application, the second pair of interfaces 413 is arranged corresponding to the reforming element 3 one by one, and is used to evenly distribute the fuel gas input into the connecting cavity 411 to each reforming element 3.

[0055] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 , Figure 5 Fig. shows a schematic perspective view of the reforming element 3 in an embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment of the present application, a total of four reforming elements 3 are provided, and the four reforming elements 3 are arranged in a "field" shape and are connected to the connecting element 4 described above.

[0056] Specifically, the reforming element 3 includes a reforming housing 31 and a plurality of catalytic elements 32. The reforming housing 31 is configured as a cuboid structure and has a catalytic cavity 311 for installing the catalytic elements 32. Along the transmission direction of the fuel gas, the reforming housing 31 is integrally formed on the side of the connecting housing 41 facing away from the vaporizing housing 11, and all the catalytic elements 32 are arranged at intervals in the catalytic cavity 311 in sequence.

[0057] In addition, the reforming housing 31 also includes an inlet 312 and an outlet 313 connected to the catalytic chamber 311. Along the fuel gas transmission direction, the inlet 312 and the outlet 313 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the catalytic chamber 311. The inlet 312 is provided corresponding to the second pair of interfaces 413 of the aforementioned connecting element to introduce fuel gas into the catalytic chamber 311, while the outlet 313 is used to connect to the SOFC stack. The fuel gas introduced into the catalytic chamber 311 will be converted into a gaseous mixture after passing through each catalyst element 32 in sequence to supply the SOFC stack.

[0058] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 The diagram shows a reforming housing 31 and a sealing ring 33 in one embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the reforming element 3 further includes a sealing ring 33, which is arranged along the periphery of the air inlet 312 and connected to the reforming housing 31. The sealing ring 33 plays a sealing role when the fuel gas is introduced into the catalytic chamber 311 through the second pair of interfaces 413 and the air inlet 312, thereby reducing the possibility of fuel gas leakage during transportation.

[0059] Combination Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 An exploded view of the catalyst 32 in one embodiment of this application is shown. Specifically, the catalyst 32 includes a main body 321 and a cover 322. The main body 321 has multiple accommodating cavities 3211 for placing the catalyst. The cover can fit into the main body 321 to seal the accommodating cavities 3211, making it difficult for the catalyst in the solute cavity to leak out. In this embodiment, the cover is specifically a mesh permeable cover plate with multiple permeable channels 3221 on its surface.

[0060] See Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 A schematic perspective view of a heat exchange element 5 in one embodiment of this application is shown. In some embodiments, the vaporization-reforming integrated reactor further includes at least one heat exchange element 5, and a heat exchange element 5 is provided between any two adjacent reforming elements 3. In this embodiment, two heat exchange elements 5 are provided, and the heat exchange elements 5 are constructed into a plate-like structure. The heat exchange elements 5 and the reforming elements 3 are attached to each other and can be assembled into an integrated structure.

[0061] Continue reading Figure 8Specifically, the heat exchange element 5 includes a heat exchange housing 51, which contains a heat exchange cavity 511 and a hot gas input channel 512 and a hot gas output channel 513 arranged opposite to each other. The hot gas input channel 512 connects the heat exchange cavity 511 and the exhaust channel 214 to transport the high-temperature exhaust gas generated in the heating cavity 212 to the heat exchange cavity 511 to heat the reforming element 3. The hot gas output channel 513 connects the input channel 213, which is used to input SOFC exhaust gas into the heating cavity 212, to the heating cavity 212, so that the high-temperature exhaust gas circulates between the heat exchange cavity 511 and the heating cavity 212.

[0062] In this embodiment, the high-temperature exhaust gas circulates between the heat exchange chamber 511 and the heating chamber 212, which on the one hand realizes the heating of the reforming element 3 and improves the energy utilization rate; on the other hand, the high-temperature exhaust gas circulates between the heat exchange chamber 511 and the heating chamber 212, which realizes the reuse of unreacted H2 and CO in the exhaust gas and improves the fuel utilization rate.

[0063] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the heat exchange element further includes at least one barrier 52, all of which are uniformly arranged in the heat exchange cavity 511 along the fuel gas transmission direction. In this embodiment, the barrier 52 is configured as a plate-like structure, and the width of the barrier 52 is the same as the height of the heat exchange cavity 511.

[0064] Observing along the transmission direction of the fuel gas, the two adjacent barrier elements 52 only partially overlap. That is, the high-temperature exhaust gas will be transmitted along an "S"-shaped path under the blocking effect of the barrier element 52, which slows down the flow speed of the high-temperature exhaust gas, prolongs the residence time of the high-temperature exhaust gas in the heat exchange element 5, and improves the heat exchange efficiency.

[0065] See Figures 1 to 11 An embodiment of this application also provides a reaction system, which includes the above-described vaporization-reforming integrated reactor, a detection module 6, and a control module (not shown). The detection module 6 is installed in the vaporization-reforming integrated reactor, and the control module is signal-connected to the detection module 6.

[0066] The detection module 6 includes a first detection element 61, a second detection element 62, and a third detection element 63. The first detection element 61 is installed in the vaporization element 1 to detect the liquid level in the vaporization chamber 111. The second detection element 62 is installed in the heating element 2 to detect the temperature in the heating chamber 212. The third detection element 63 is installed in the connector to detect the liquid level in the connector chamber 411.

[0067] The control module includes a first control unit (not shown), a second control unit (not shown), and a third control unit (not shown). The first control unit is signal-connected to the first detection element 61 to control the opening and closing of the feed channel 112. The second control unit is signal-connected to the second detection element 62 to control the opening and closing of the input channel 213. The third control unit is signal-connected to the third detection element 63 to control the opening and closing of the first interface 412.

[0068] It is understandable that, in order to facilitate the control module's control over the opening and closing states of the feed channel 112, input channel 213, and first pair of interfaces 412 in the reaction system, valves for controlling their opening and closing states can be installed at the feed channel 112, input channel 213, and first pair of interfaces 412. These valves are connected to the corresponding detection signal in the detection module 6.

[0069] See Figure 2 and Figure 9 , Figure 9 The diagram shows the control logic of the first control unit in one embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the first detection element 61 includes a high-temperature resistant liquid level sensor probe and a high-temperature resistant signal transmission line electrically connected to the high-temperature resistant liquid level sensor probe. The high-temperature resistant liquid level sensor probe is installed in the vaporization chamber 111 and detects the liquid level height in the vaporization chamber 111. The detected first liquid level signal is transmitted to the first control unit through the high-temperature resistant signal transmission line. The first control unit compares the first liquid level signal with the preset liquid level G1.

[0070] If the liquid level represented by the first liquid level signal is higher than the preset liquid level G1, the valve at the feed channel 112 is closed; if the liquid level represented by the first liquid level signal is lower than the preset liquid level G1, the valve at the feed channel 112 is opened to continue feeding fuel into the vaporization chamber 111.

[0071] See Figure 3 and Figure 10 , Figure 10 The diagram shows the control logic of the second control unit in one embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the second detection element 62 includes a temperature-sensing thermocouple and a thermocouple signal output line electrically connected to the temperature-sensing thermocouple. The temperature-sensing thermocouple is installed in the heating chamber 212 and acquires the temperature signal in the heating chamber 212. The temperature-sensing thermocouple transmits the detected temperature signal to the second control unit through the thermocouple signal output line. The second control unit adjusts the opening and closing state of the valve at the input channel 213 according to the received temperature signal to determine whether natural gas needs to be introduced for auxiliary heating.

[0072] See Figure 4 and Figure 11 , Figure 11The control logic diagram of the third control unit in one embodiment of this application is shown. In this embodiment, the third detection element 63 includes a liquid level sensor probe and a signal output line electrically connected between the liquid level sensor probe and the third control unit. The liquid level sensor probe is installed in the connecting cavity 411 to obtain the second liquid level signal in the connecting cavity 411.

[0073] If the second liquid level signal is always 0, it means that there is no liquid in the connecting cavity 411. At this time, the third control unit controls the valve at the first pair of interfaces 412 to be in the open state, and the reaction system operates normally. If the second liquid level signal exceeds 0, it means that the fuel in the vaporization cavity 111 may flow into the connecting cavity 411 through the exhaust channel 113 and the first pair of interfaces 412. At this time, the third control unit controls the valve at the first pair of interfaces 412 to be closed and shuts down the reaction system.

[0074] In some other embodiments, the reaction system also includes an alarm module (not shown), which is signal-connected to the control module described above. When the third control system receives a second liquid level signal exceeding 0, it activates the alarm module and issues an alarm to remind the operator to shut down the reaction system in time to avoid damage, thereby improving the safety of the reaction system during operation.

[0075] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0076] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC fuel cell stacks, characterized in that, The integrated vaporization and reforming reactor includes: Vaporizing elements are used to convert fuel into fuel gas; A heating element is sleeved around the vaporizing element and supplies heat to the vaporizing element; the heating element and the vaporizing element are constructed as an integral structure. At least one reforming element, connected to the vaporization element and integrally constructed with the vaporization element and the heating element, is used to convert the fuel gas into a gaseous mixture for supplying the SOFC stack; The vaporization element includes a vaporization shell, which has a vaporization chamber, a feed channel, and an exhaust channel. The feed channel is connected to the vaporization chamber for supplying fuel into the vaporization chamber, and the exhaust channel is connected between the reforming element and the vaporization chamber for supplying the fuel gas to the reforming element. The reforming element includes a reforming shell and multiple catalysts. The reforming shell has a catalytic chamber for mounting the catalysts. Along the transmission direction of the fuel gas, the reforming shell can be constructed as an integral structure with the vaporization shell, and all the catalysts are arranged at intervals. The reforming housing also includes an air inlet and an exhaust outlet connected to the catalytic chamber. Along the transmission direction of the fuel gas, the air inlet and the exhaust outlet are located on opposite sides of the catalytic chamber. The air inlet is used to connect to the vaporization element, and the exhaust outlet is used to connect to the SOFC stack. The catalyst includes a main body and a cover. The main body has multiple cavities for placing the catalyst. The cover can fit into the main body to close the cavities. The cover includes multiple air-permeable channels. The heating element includes a heating housing and an ignition element. The heating housing includes a mounting notch, a heating chamber, and multiple input channels. The mounting notch is used for mounting the vaporization element. The input channels are connected to the heating chamber to supply air and / or SOFC exhaust gas and / or natural gas to the heating chamber. The ignition element is mounted on the heating housing and is used to ignite the SOFC exhaust gas and / or natural gas in the heating chamber. The heating housing and the reforming housing can be constructed as an integral structure along the transmission direction of the fuel gas.

2. The integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC stacks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated vaporization and reforming reactor further includes a connecting element connecting the vaporization element and the reforming element. The connecting element includes a connecting shell, which includes a connecting cavity, a first pair of interfaces, and a second pair of interfaces. The first pair of interfaces is provided corresponding to the exhaust channel to connect the vaporization cavity and the connecting cavity, and the second pair of interfaces is provided corresponding to the air inlet to connect the connecting cavity and the catalytic cavity.

3. The integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC stacks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating housing also includes a waste discharge channel for discharging high-temperature gases generated during combustion from the heating chamber.

4. The integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC stacks according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vaporization-reforming integrated reactor further includes at least one heat exchange element, which is connected to the heating element and is in contact with the reforming element. The heat exchange element is used to supply heat to the reforming element.

5. The integrated vaporization and reforming reactor for SOFC stacks according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange element includes a heat exchange shell and at least one barrier. The heat exchange shell has a heat exchange cavity and a hot gas input channel and a hot gas output channel arranged opposite to each other. The hot gas input channel connects the heat exchange cavity and the exhaust channel. The hot gas output channel connects the heat exchange cavity to one of the input channels. All the barrier is located in the heat exchange cavity. When viewed along the transmission direction of the fuel gas, adjacent barrier components only partially overlap. The heat exchange shell can be constructed as an integral structure with the reforming shell.

6. A reaction system, characterized in that, The reaction system includes: The vaporization and reforming integrated reactor as described in any one of claims 1-5; The detection module includes a first detection element and a second detection element. The first detection element is used to detect the liquid level height inside the vaporization element, and the second detection element is used to detect the temperature of the heating element. The control module includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit is signal-connected to the first detection element to control the opening and closing of the vaporization element, and the second control unit is signal-connected to the second detection element to control the opening and closing of the heating element.

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