Reforming reactor and fuel cell system
By utilizing the high-temperature exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack in the reforming reactor for heat exchange and combustion to provide heat, the problem of low efficiency of electric heating methods is solved, achieving efficient energy utilization and cost reduction of the fuel cell system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU POWER SUPPLY BUREAU GUANGDONG POWER GRID CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the energy conversion efficiency of the electric heating method in reforming reactors is low, resulting in high operating costs for fuel cell systems.
By utilizing the high-temperature exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack for heat exchange in the reforming reactor and combining it with exhaust gas combustion to provide heat, the energy of the fuel cell stack can be recycled and utilized, improving energy conversion efficiency and reducing operating costs.
This has improved the energy conversion efficiency and reduced the operating cost of fuel cell systems, and reduced energy consumption through the recovery and utilization of high-temperature exhaust gases.
Smart Images
Figure CN117645278B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to reforming reactors and fuel cell systems. Background Technology
[0002] Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a highly efficient and clean power generation technology. They utilize solid oxides as the electrolyte and catalyst, where hydrogen and oxygen undergo redox reactions at the anode and cathode, respectively, at high temperatures to generate electricity. SOFCs offer advantages such as high efficiency, low pollution, fuel flexibility, and long lifespan.
[0003] Hydrogen used in SOFCs is typically produced through a reforming reactor. The hydrogen production reaction is endothermic, requiring a heating device to provide the necessary heat. In related technologies, electric heating is the primary method for providing the heat source to the reforming reactor. However, electric heating has low energy conversion efficiency and slow heating speed, consuming a large amount of electrical energy to complete the heating process, thus increasing the operating cost of the fuel cell system. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a reforming reactor and fuel cell system to address the aforementioned technical problems, so as to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the fuel cell system and reduce the operating cost.
[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a reforming reactor for a fuel cell stack. The reforming reactor includes: a reforming component, wherein multiple reforming components are arranged at intervals along a first direction; and a heating component, wherein the heating component includes a heat exchanger and a combustion unit, the heat exchanger and the combustion unit respectively abutting against two sides of the reforming component in the first direction. The heat exchanger is used to transport exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell stack to transfer heat to the reforming component, and the combustion unit is configured to provide heat to the reforming component by burning the exhaust gas.
[0006] Because the fuel cell stack reaction is exothermic, the high-temperature exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell stack is transported through a heat exchanger on one side of the reforming assembly. This transfers the heat from the fuel cell stack to the reforming assembly, where the exhaust gas is burned in a combustion unit on the other side to further heat the reforming assembly, ensuring it remains at the required operating temperature. This heating method, which utilizes high-temperature exhaust gas for heat exchange and combustion to provide heat, achieves energy recovery and utilization from the fuel cell stack, improves energy conversion efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and lowers operating costs.
[0007] In one embodiment, the reforming assembly includes a reforming element and a blocking element. The reforming element has a reforming channel formed therein, and the reforming channel is filled with a catalyst. The catalyst is used to catalyze the conversion of fuel gas into a gaseous mixture to supply the fuel cell stack. The blocking element is spaced apart in the reforming channel along the flow direction of the fuel gas and can block the flow of the fuel gas.
[0008] In one embodiment, the blocking member includes a blocking portion and a passage portion connected to the blocking portion. The blocking portion is disposed on the side away from the catalyst and is used to block the flow of fuel gas. The passage portion is disposed on the side facing the catalyst and is used to allow fuel gas and / or gaseous mixture to flow in the reforming channel.
[0009] In one embodiment, the combustion unit includes a heating element and an ignition element. The heating element forms a heating channel for the exhaust gas of the fuel cell stack to flow through. The ignition element is connected to the side of the heating element away from the fuel cell stack and is capable of igniting the exhaust gas in the heating channel.
[0010] Secondly, this application provides a fuel cell system, which includes: a reforming reactor as described above; and a fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack including an inlet and an outlet disposed opposite to each other, the inlet being connected to the reforming assembly and the outlet being connected to a heat exchanger.
[0011] In one embodiment, the fuel cell stack includes a first connecting surface extending along a second direction, and the reforming reactor includes a second connecting surface extending along a second direction. The first connecting surface is capable of fitting against the second connecting surface, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.
[0012] In one embodiment, the fuel cell stack further includes a fixing part extending from the first connecting surface along a third direction. The fixing part is used to fix the reforming reactor such that the first connecting surface is in contact with the second connecting surface, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.
[0013] In one embodiment, the reforming reactor further includes a housing for accommodating the reforming components and the heating components, the housing being shaped and connected to the stationary portion.
[0014] In one embodiment, the fuel cell system further includes a gas storage device connected to a heat exchanger and a combustion unit. The gas storage device is used to store exhaust gas flowing out of the heat exchanger and to deliver the exhaust gas to the combustion unit.
[0015] In one embodiment, the fuel cell system further includes a control unit connected to the combustion unit and the reforming assembly, the control unit being configured to control the use of the combustion unit based on the temperature within the reforming assembly. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a reforming reactor in one embodiment of this application.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the inlet side of a reforming reactor according to one embodiment of this application.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the outlet side of the reforming reactor in one embodiment of this application.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a reorganizing component in one embodiment of this application.
[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a combustion unit in one embodiment of this application.
[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a receiving member in one embodiment of this application.
[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of this application.
[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the air intake side of a fuel cell stack according to one embodiment of this application.
[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the gas outlet side of a fuel cell stack according to one embodiment of this application.
[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing part of the fuel cell stack in one embodiment of this application.
[0026] Figure 11 This is an operational logic diagram of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] See Figures 1 to 3 , Figures 1 to 3 A schematic diagram of a reforming reactor according to one embodiment of this application is shown. (In conjunction with...) Figure 7 The reforming reactor 10 is used to reform the fuel gas to generate the gaseous mixture required for the reaction in the fuel cell stack 20, and then transport the gaseous mixture to the fuel cell stack 20. Optionally, the fuel gas is methanol, methane, natural gas, etc.
[0034] Specifically, when methane is used, it reacts in the reforming reactor 10 to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide gas, which are then fed into the fuel cell stack 20 to generate electricity, thus converting chemical energy into electrical energy.
[0035] In some embodiments, the reforming reactor 10 includes a reforming component 11 and a heating component. The reforming component 11 is the core of the reforming reactor 10, providing a site for the reforming reaction of the fuel gas, enabling the fuel gas to be converted into a gaseous mixture. The heating component provides heat to the reforming component 11, thereby providing a high-temperature environment for the reforming reaction of the fuel gas, allowing the reforming reaction to proceed smoothly.
[0036] The reforming assembly 11 is configured with multiple components spaced apart along the first direction S1. The heating assembly includes a heat exchanger 121 and a combustion unit 122. The heat exchanger 121 and the combustion unit 122 are respectively abutted on both sides of the reforming assembly 11 in the first direction S1. The heat exchanger 121 is used to transport the exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell stack 20 to transfer heat to the reforming assembly 11. The combustion unit 122 is configured to provide heat to the reforming assembly 11 by burning the exhaust gas of the fuel cell stack 20.
[0037] Because the fuel cell stack 20 undergoes an exothermic reaction, the high-temperature exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell stack 20 is transported through the heat exchanger 121 on one side of the reforming assembly 11, thereby transferring the heat generated by the fuel cell stack 20 to the reforming assembly 11. The exhaust gas is then burned through the combustion unit 122 on the other side of the reforming assembly 11 to heat the reforming assembly 11, ensuring that the reforming assembly 11 is always at the required operating temperature.
[0038] This heating method uses high-temperature exhaust gas for heat exchange and provides heat through the combustion of the exhaust gas. By recycling and reusing the high-temperature exhaust gas, the energy of the fuel cell stack 20 is recovered and utilized, which improves energy conversion efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and lowers operating costs.
[0039] Furthermore, to fully utilize the heat from the high-temperature exhaust gas and the heat from exhaust gas combustion, in some embodiments, two adjacent reforming components 11 may share a heat exchanger 121 or a combustion unit 122. Preferably, the heat exchanger 121 and the combustion unit 122 are alternately arranged along the first direction S1 on one side of the reforming component 11, so that at low temperatures, the reforming component 11 can always be heated by the combustion unit 122, ensuring that each reforming component 11 can be used normally. This arrangement also makes the components of the reforming reactor 10 more compact, helping to reduce the volume of the reforming reactor 10 and achieving an integrated configuration of the reforming reactor 10.
[0040] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The reforming assembly 11 includes a reforming component 111 and a blocking component 112. A reforming channel is formed in the reforming component 111, and a catalyst is filled in the reforming channel. The catalyst is used to catalyze the conversion of fuel gas into a gaseous mixture to supply fuel cell stack 20. The fuel gas undergoes a reforming reaction in the reforming channel under high temperature catalysis.
[0041] The baffles 112 are spaced apart along the flow direction of the fuel gas within the reforming channel, dividing the reforming channel into several reaction chambers. The baffles 112 can block the flow of fuel gas to reduce the flow rate of the fuel gas, so that the fuel gas in each reaction chamber can fully contact and react with the catalyst, thereby improving the utilization rate of the fuel gas.
[0042] Feasible, see [reference] Figure 4 The blocking member 112 includes a blocking portion 1121 and a passing portion 1122 connected to the blocking portion 1121. The blocking portion 1121 is disposed on the side away from the catalyst and is used to block the flow of fuel gas. The passing portion 1122 is disposed on the side facing the catalyst and is used to allow fuel gas and / or gaseous mixture to flow in the reforming channel.
[0043] Specifically, the shielding part 1121 is a solid structure. When fuel gas comes into contact with the shielding part 1121, the shielding part 1121 blocks the flow of fuel gas, forcing the fuel gas to flow only through the passage part 1122, effectively increasing the contact area between the fuel gas and the catalyst, and improving the reaction rate of the fuel gas. The passage part 1122 is provided with a dense mesh of through holes, so that only the less dense fuel gas can flow through, preventing the catalyst from flowing with the fuel gas, thereby ensuring the catalytic efficiency and utilization rate of the catalyst, while preventing impurities from being transported to the fuel cell stack 20.
[0044] Furthermore, in an embodiment not shown, a heat exchange channel is formed inside the heat exchange member 121, and a barrier is provided inside the heat exchange channel. The barrier is spaced apart in the heat exchange channel along the transmission direction of the high-temperature exhaust gas, thereby blocking the flow of the high-temperature exhaust gas and improving the heat transfer efficiency of the high-temperature exhaust gas.
[0045] Feasibly, along the transmission direction of the high-temperature exhaust gas, the two adjacent barrier elements 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 elements, 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 121, and improves the heat exchange efficiency.
[0046] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 5 The combustion unit 122 includes a heating element 1221 and an ignition element 1222. The heating element 1221 forms a heating channel for the flow of exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack 20. The ignition element 1222 is connected to the side of the heating element 1221 away from the fuel cell stack 20, and can ignite the exhaust gas in the heating channel. Conveniently, the ignition element 1222 is a spark plug. Igniting the exhaust gas helps improve its utilization rate, and combustion provides stable heat to the reforming assembly 11, ensuring its normal operation.
[0047] Alternatively, the combustion unit 122 can be connected to the heat exchanger 121. The high-temperature exhaust gas, after being cooled by heat exchanger 121, flows into the heating channel and is heated by combustion. This arrangement facilitates further integration of the reforming reactor 10 and reduces the transport path of the exhaust gas. In other embodiments, the combustion unit 122 can be connected to the fuel cell stack 20, heating it by directly igniting the exhaust gas of the fuel cell stack 20.
[0048] Furthermore, the high-temperature exhaust gas generated by the combustion unit 122 can be directly treated and discharged, or the high-temperature exhaust gas can be collected to preheat and reform the fuel gas at the intake end 1111 to improve the efficiency of the fuel gas reaction, and then treated and discharged to reduce the impact on the environment.
[0049] See Figure 7 In another aspect, this application also provides a fuel cell system 100, which includes a reforming reactor 10 and a fuel cell stack 20. The reforming reactor 10 is the reforming reactor 10 in the above embodiments.
[0050] The fuel cell stack 20 is the core of the fuel cell system 100. It generates electrons and ions by subjecting a gaseous mixture (such as hydrogen) and oxygen to redox reactions at the anode and cathode, respectively, at high temperatures. The ions are transferred to the cathode side via the electrolyte, reacting with oxygen to produce water vapor or carbon dioxide, etc. The electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electrical energy.
[0051] See Figures 8 to 9 The fuel cell stack 20 includes an inlet section 21 and an outlet section 22 disposed opposite to each other along a second direction S2, which intersects with a first direction S1. The inlet section 21 is connected to the reforming assembly 11, so that the gaseous mixture generated by the reforming reaction can be transported to the inlet section 21, enabling the fuel cell stack 20 to generate electrical energy. The outlet section 22 is connected to the heat exchanger 121. Because the operating temperature channel of the fuel cell is relatively high, the high-temperature exhaust gas generated after the reaction of the fuel cell stack 20 is easily transferred to the heat exchanger 121 to provide heat for the reforming assembly 11.
[0052] Furthermore, the fuel cell stack 20 also includes a stack body 23, with an air inlet 21 and an air outlet 22 respectively connected to both ends of the stack body 23 in the second direction S2. Through the stack body 23, the gaseous mixture and oxygen react to generate electrical energy.
[0053] In some embodiments, the fuel cell stack 20 includes a first connecting surface 25 extending along the second direction S2, and the reforming reactor 10 includes a second connecting surface 14 extending along the second direction S2. The first connecting surface 25 can fit into the second connecting surface 14, that is, the fuel cell stack 20 and the reforming reactor 10 in this application can be integrated into one unit, thereby reducing the space occupied by the fuel cell system 100 and improving the integration level of the fuel cell system 100.
[0054] Specifically, in this embodiment, the fuel cell stack 20 is generally square, and the reforming reactor 10 is also generally square, which facilitates the combined installation of the fuel cell stack 20 and the reforming reactor 10 and is beneficial to the integration of the fuel cell system 100. It should be noted that as long as the first connecting surface 25 can fit against the second connecting surface 14 to realize the assembly of the fuel cell stack 20 and the reforming reactor 10, this application does not limit the shape of the fuel cell stack 20 and the reforming reactor 10.
[0055] In some embodiments, the fuel cell stack 20 further includes a fixing part 24, which extends from the first connecting surface 25 along a third direction S3. The fixing part 24 is used to fix the reforming reactor 10 such that the first connecting surface 25 is in contact with the second connecting surface 14, and the first direction S1, the second direction S2, and the third direction S3 intersect each other. The fixing part 24 helps to fix the reforming reactor 10 to the fuel cell stack 20, realizing the integrated installation of the fuel cell system 100.
[0056] Further in the embodiments, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 and Figure 7The reforming reactor 10 also includes a housing 13 for accommodating the reforming assembly 11 and the heating assembly. The housing 13 is shaped and connected to the fixing part 24. Preferably, the housing 13 is made of a high-temperature resistant insulation material, which helps to reduce heat loss and improve the heating effect of the heat exchanger 121 and the combustion unit 122. The housing 13 provides space for the reforming assembly 11 and the heating assembly, facilitating the integrated installation of the reforming reactor 10. Furthermore, the housing 13 provides an installation path for the reforming reactor 10, and adjusting the shape of the housing 13 allows the reforming reactor 10 to be adapted to different fixing parts 24.
[0057] Specifically, in this embodiment, combined with Figure 6 and Figure 10 The fixing part 24 includes a hook-shaped bent part 241, and the receiving member 13 is provided with a connecting groove 131 corresponding to the hook shape. By matching the shapes of the connecting groove 131 and the bent part 241, the receiving member 13 can be inserted into the fixing part 24, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the reforming reactor 10 and the fuel cell stack 20.
[0058] In some embodiments, the fuel cell system 100 further includes a gas storage device (not shown), which is connected to the heat exchanger 121 and the combustion unit 122. The gas storage device is used to store the exhaust gas flowing out of the heat exchanger 121 and to deliver the exhaust gas to the combustion unit 122.
[0059] The gas storage device provides a space to contain the exhaust gas after heat exchange by the heat exchanger 121, which helps to store the exhaust gas and prevents it from being lost into the air and wasted. In addition, the gas storage device helps to control the combustion unit 122. By controlling the gas storage device to deliver gas to the combustion unit 122, the exhaust gas content in the combustion unit 122 can be controlled, improving the utilization rate of the exhaust gas and thus improving the energy utilization rate of the fuel cell stack 20.
[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, see [reference] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9The air inlet 21 has an air inlet hole 211 on the side away from the fuel cell stack body 23, and the air outlet 22 has an air outlet hole 221 on the side away from the fuel cell stack body 23. The reforming component 111 includes a reforming air inlet end 1111 and a reforming air outlet end 1112. The heat exchanger 121 has a heat exchange channel including a heat exchange air inlet end 1211 and a heat exchange air outlet end 1212. The heating component 1221 includes a heating air inlet end 1223 and a heating air outlet end 1224. The reforming exhaust end 1112 is connected to the air inlet 211 through the exhaust pipe, the heat exchange air inlet 1211 is connected to the air outlet 221 through the exhaust pipe, and the heat exchange exhaust end 1212 is connected to the air inlet of the air storage device through the exhaust pipe, thereby storing the cooled exhaust gas in the air storage device. The air outlet of the air storage device is connected to the heating air inlet 1223 through the exhaust pipe, thereby transporting the exhaust gas to the heating channel and finally discharging it through the heating exhaust end 1224.
[0061] In some embodiments, the fuel cell system 100 further includes a control unit connected to the combustion unit 122 and the reforming assembly 11, the control unit being configured to control the use of the combustion unit 122 based on the temperature within the reforming assembly 11.
[0062] Specifically, the reforming assembly 11 also includes a temperature sensor 113, which is disposed within the reforming channel to measure the temperature within the channel, thereby determining whether a reforming reaction can proceed. Optionally, the temperature sensor 113 is a thermocouple. Further, the temperature sensor 113 is connected to a control unit, enabling the control unit to acquire the temperature of the reforming channel. When the reforming channel temperature is low, the control unit controls the ignition element 1222 to ignite the exhaust gas to provide heat to the reforming channel. The control unit can also control the number of combustion units 122 based on the temperature within the reforming channel.
[0063] The specific control logic of the control unit is as follows: the reforming reaction temperature is set according to the corresponding fuel gas; it is determined whether the temperature of the reformer 111 is lower than the preset temperature. If so, all combustion units 122 are activated; if not, it is determined whether the temperature of the reformer 111 is in the first temperature range. If so, some combustion units 122 are controlled to provide heat; if not, it is determined that the temperature of the reformer 111 is in the second temperature range, and all combustion units 122 are shut down.
[0064] For example, when the reforming reactor 10 includes four reforming components 11, three heat exchangers 121, and two combustion units 122, the heat exchangers 121, reforming components 11, combustion units 122, and reforming components 11 are arranged sequentially along the first direction S1. When the combustion gas is methane, when the temperature measuring element 113 detects that the temperature inside the reforming component 111 is below 700°C, the control element activates two combustion units 122 to quickly increase the temperature inside the reforming component 111. When the temperature measuring element 113 detects that the temperature inside the reforming component 111 is between 700°C and 850°C, the control element shuts down one of the combustion units 122, activating only one combustion unit 122. When the temperature measuring element 113 detects that the temperature inside the reforming component 111 is between 850°C and 1000°C, the control element controls the shutdown of two combustion units 122.
[0065] See Figure 11 In the fuel cell system 100 of this application, during operation, fuel gas enters the reforming channel of the reforming component 11 and reacts to generate a gaseous mixture. The gaseous mixture enters the stack body 23 through the inlet 21 to generate electricity. The high-temperature exhaust gas generated by power generation enters the heat exchanger 121 through the outlet 22, which heats the reforming component 11. The low-temperature exhaust gas after heating enters the gas storage unit for later use. When the heating provided by the heat exchanger 121 cannot meet the temperature requirements of the fuel gas reforming reaction, the control unit adjusts the exhaust gas in the gas storage unit to enter the heating channel of the heater 1221 and controls the ignition unit 1222 to ignite the exhaust gas to heat the reforming component 11. The high-temperature exhaust gas released by the heater 1221 can then be used to preheat the fuel gas at the reforming inlet, and finally the exhaust gas is treated and discharged.
[0066] This application achieves energy recovery and utilization by using the high-temperature exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell stack 20 to heat the reforming assembly 11, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing energy waste. By using the low-temperature exhaust gas in the gas storage unit as a backup energy source, additional heating capacity can be provided when the high-temperature exhaust gas heating is insufficient. By regulating the gas in the gas storage unit to enter the combustion unit 122 and ignite the exhaust gas for heating, the heating capacity can be flexibly adjusted to meet the temperature requirements of the fuel gas reforming reaction. Preheating the fuel gas at the reforming inlet with the high-temperature exhaust gas from the combustion unit 122 improves the efficiency of the fuel gas reaction, reduces energy consumption, and the treated exhaust gas reduces environmental pollution and impact.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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. A reforming reactor for a fuel cell stack, characterized by, The reforming reactor includes: Reforming components, wherein multiple reforming components are configured and spaced apart along a first direction; and A heating assembly, comprising a heat exchanger and a combustion unit, wherein the heat exchanger and the combustion unit are respectively abutted against both sides of the reforming assembly in the first direction, the heat exchanger being used to transport exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell stack to transfer heat to the reforming assembly, and the combustion unit being configured to provide heat to the reforming assembly by burning the exhaust gas. The reforming assembly includes a reforming element and a blocking element. A reforming channel is formed within the reforming element, and the reforming channel is filled with a catalyst. The catalyst is used to catalyze the conversion of fuel gas into a gaseous mixture to supply the fuel cell stack. The blocking element is spaced apart within the reforming channel along the flow direction of the fuel gas and is capable of blocking the flow of the fuel gas.
2. The reforming reactor of claim 1, wherein The heat exchanger has a heat exchange channel inside, and a barrier is provided inside the heat exchange channel. The barrier is spaced apart in the heat exchange channel along the transmission direction of the exhaust gas.
3. The reforming reactor of claim 1, wherein, The blocking member includes a blocking portion and a passage portion connected to the blocking portion. The blocking portion is disposed on the side away from the catalyst and is used to block the flow of the fuel gas. The passage portion is disposed on the side facing the catalyst and is used to allow the fuel gas and / or the gaseous mixture to flow in the reforming channel.
4. The reforming reactor of claim 1, wherein The combustion unit includes a heating element and an ignition element. The heating element forms a heating channel for the exhaust gas of the fuel cell stack to flow through. The ignition element is connected to the side of the heating element away from the fuel cell stack and is capable of igniting the exhaust gas in the heating channel.
5. A fuel cell system characterized by comprising: The fuel cell system includes: The reforming reactor as described in any one of claims 1-4; and A fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack including an air inlet and an air outlet disposed opposite to each other, the air inlet being connected to the reforming assembly and the air outlet being connected to the heat exchanger.
6. The fuel cell system of claim 5, wherein The fuel cell stack includes a first connecting surface extending along a second direction, and the reforming reactor includes a second connecting surface extending along a second direction. The first connecting surface can fit into the second connecting surface, and the first and second directions intersect each other.
7. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack also includes a fixing part, which extends from the first connecting surface along a third direction. The fixing part is used to fix the reforming reactor, such that the first connecting surface is in contact with the second connecting surface, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.
8. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reforming reactor also includes a housing for accommodating the reforming assembly and the heating assembly, the housing being shaped and connected to the fixing part.
9. The fuel cell system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fuel cell system also includes a gas storage device connected to the heat exchanger and the combustion unit. The gas storage device is used to store the exhaust gas flowing out of the heat exchanger and to deliver the exhaust gas to the combustion unit.
10. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that, The fuel cell system also includes a control unit connected to the combustion unit and the reforming assembly, the control unit being configured to control the use of the combustion unit based on the temperature within the reforming assembly.