Fixed fuel cell system and power generation equipment

Abstract

This stationary fuel cell system is provided with a power generation module (2) having an auxiliary machine structure (7) and a fuel cell stack (6), and a box-shaped housing (5), the power generation module being disposed on the inside of the housing, the auxiliary machine structure is further provided with pipes (8, 9, 11) through which gas supplied to the power generation module or discharged from the power generation module flows, and branch pipes (13, 14, 15) branched from the pipes and connected to the power generation module. The auxiliary machine structure is supported by cross beams (20) provided on a pair of opposing side surfaces of the frame body and extending in the horizontal direction. When one of a pair of side surfaces of the frame body, which are orthogonal to the side surface on which the cross beam is provided, is defined as an insertion surface and the other is defined as a non-insertion surface, a connection portion between the branch piping and the auxiliary machine structure is positioned on the non-insertion surface side of the auxiliary machine structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a stationary fuel cell system and power generation equipment. Background Art

[0002] As a structure of a stationary fuel cell system, Japanese JP2009-266772A discloses a structure having a fuel cell package for accommodating a fuel cell, a base provided in the fuel cell package and provided with the fuel cell, and a sliding device provided on the base. The sliding device has a function of enabling the fuel cell to slide forward from an opening provided in front of the fuel cell package. Such a sliding device is provided in order to facilitate the removal of the fuel cell from the opening of the fuel cell package during maintenance and other operations, thereby improving operability.

[0003] However, in the fuel cell system, piping is required for supplying the fuel and air required for power generation to the fuel cell stack, wiring is required for driving auxiliary machines such as fuel injection devices, etc., but there is no record of piping and wiring in the above document. For example, when it is necessary to replace the fuel cell, all piping needs to be removed from the fuel cell before the fuel cell is removed from the fuel cell package, and all piping needs to be connected to the fuel cell after the new fuel cell is placed in the fuel cell package. That is, in order to improve the operability of maintenance, etc., it is also necessary to consider the operability of connecting and disconnecting piping, etc., and in this regard, the fuel cell system of the above document still has room for improvement. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system having excellent workability such as maintenance.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a stationary fuel cell system is provided, comprising: a power generation module, which comprises an auxiliary machine structure including an auxiliary machine for exchanging gas with a fuel cell stack, a fuel cell stack connected to at least one side of the auxiliary machine structure in the vertical direction; and a box-shaped frame formed by a plurality of frame members, wherein the power generation module is inside the frame. The system comprises: piping for the flow of gas supplied to or discharged from the power generation module, and branch pipes branched from the piping and connected to the power generation module. Moreover, the auxiliary machine structure is supported by horizontal beams extending in the horizontal direction respectively provided on a pair of side surfaces of the frame opposite to the power generation module across the power generation module, and when any one of a pair of side surfaces of the frame orthogonal to any one of the pair of side surfaces provided with the horizontal beam is used as an insertion surface through which the power generation module passes when the power generation module is inserted into the inner side of the frame, and the other side is used as a non-insertion surface, the connection portion between the branch pipes and the auxiliary machine structure is located on the non-insertion surface side of the auxiliary machine structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of a stationary fuel cell system.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a front view of a stationary fuel cell system.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a rear view of a stationary fuel cell system.

[0009] Figure 4 It is the left side view of the stationary fuel cell system.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing fuel components of a stationary fuel cell system.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a pair of beams and a power generation module before assembly, as viewed from the rear side.

[0012] Figure 7 It was used Figure 1 A front view of a power generation device with a fuel cell system.

[0013] Fig. 8A This is a diagram showing the piping path of the air intake system.

[0014] Figure 8B It is a diagram showing the piping path of the exhaust system.

[0015] Figure 8C It is a diagram showing a circuit of an electric power system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a stationary fuel cell system (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a fuel cell system) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a front view of the fuel cell system 1 . Figure 3 It is a rear view of the fuel cell system 1 . Figure 4 It is a left side view of the fuel cell system 1 . Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a fuel system component of the fuel cell system 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the height direction of the fuel cell system 1 is set as the up-down direction, the flow path direction of the intake pipe 8 and the exhaust pipe 9 described later is set as the left-right direction, and the direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and the left-right direction is set as the front-back direction. In addition, with respect to the front-back direction, the side where the connection parts with the respective pipes 13 and 14 of the auxiliary machine structure 7 described later are provided is set as the front (front). With respect to the left-right direction, the front view is used as the reference.

[0018] The fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment is used in a stationary manner. The fuel cell used in the fuel cell system 1 is a solid oxide fuel cell.

[0019] The fuel cell system 1 includes two power generation modules 2 , a piping module 3 , a power recovery module 4 as an electrical installation module, and a frame 5 that supports them.

[0020] The power generation module 2 includes: an auxiliary machine structure 7, a first fuel cell stack 6A disposed on one surface of the auxiliary machine structure 7 in the vertical direction, and a second fuel cell stack 6B disposed on the other surface. The fuel cell stack 6 is a structure in which a plurality of single cells are stacked in the vertical direction. The vertical dimension of the first fuel cell stack 6A is larger than that of the second fuel cell stack 6B. That is, the first fuel cell stack 6A has a larger number of stacked single cells than the second fuel cell stack 6B.

[0021] In addition, when there is no need to distinguish between the first fuel cell stack 6A and the second fuel cell stack 6B, it is referred to as the fuel cell stack 6. In addition, in the present embodiment, the structure in which the fuel cell stack 6 is arranged on both sides of the auxiliary machine structure 7 in the vertical direction is described, but it can also be a structure in which the fuel cell stack 6 is arranged on only one side.

[0022] The auxiliary machine structure 7 is a box that includes auxiliary machines (for example, a heat exchanger, a burner, etc.) that exchange gas with the fuel cell stack 6 .

[0023] The power generation module 2 further includes a fuel injection unit 24 for injecting fuel supplied to the fuel cell stack 6 of the power generation module 2. The fuel injection unit 24 of the present embodiment includes two fuel injection valves, but the number of fuel injection valves is not limited thereto.

[0024] The piping module 3 includes an air intake pipe 8 for supplying air to the power generation module 2, an exhaust pipe 9 for supplying gas exhausted from the power generation module 2, a fuel pipe 11 for supplying fuel to the power generation module 2, and cooling water pipes 10 and 12 for the injection unit for supplying cooling water for cooling the fuel injection unit 24. In addition, the cooling water pipes 10 and 12 for the injection unit are sometimes referred to as "cooling water pipes 10 and 12" in the following description. In addition, the cooling water pipe 10 is sometimes referred to as an inlet-side cooling water pipe 10, and the cooling water pipe 12 is sometimes referred to as an outlet-side cooling water pipe 12.

[0025] The power recovery module 4 includes a power box 19, which stores equipment and wiring for recovering the power generated by the power generation module 2 and transmitting it to the power converter 43 described later, and equipment and wiring for introducing power required for driving auxiliary equipment from external equipment. The power box 19 is formed of a metal component that has been subjected to insulation treatment. In addition, the insulation treatment can use a known treatment.

[0026] The frame 5 is composed of a plurality of frame members arranged to surround the two power generation modules 2 and the one piping module 3 , a cross beam 20 , and first and second brackets 21 and 22 .

[0027] Inside the frame 5, two power generation modules 2 are stacked in the vertical direction, with a piping module 3 disposed therebetween. Hereinafter, when it is necessary to distinguish between upper and lower power generation modules 2, the upper side is referred to as the upper power generation module 2A, and the lower side is referred to as the lower power generation module 2B.

[0028] By arranging two power generation modules 2 in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction, the area required for setting up the fuel cell system 1 can be reduced compared to a structure in which two power generation modules 2 are arranged on the same surface (hereinafter also referred to as horizontal arrangement). Furthermore, in the case of horizontal arrangement, piping such as the intake pipe 8 and the exhaust pipe 9 are arranged between adjacent power generation modules 2, and piping branching from there to each auxiliary machine structure 7 is arranged. In contrast, in the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, a piping module 3 is arranged between the power generation modules 2 arranged in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction, so when viewed from above, the area dedicated to the piping becomes smaller than in the case of horizontal arrangement. That is, according to the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, the area required for setting up the fuel cell system 1 having a plurality of power generation modules 2 can be further reduced.

[0029] The frame 5 includes, for example, an upper portion surrounding the upper power generation module 2A, a lower portion surrounding the lower power generation module 2B, and a middle portion surrounding the piping module 3. The upper portion includes at least 12 frame members assembled into a box shape in a manner to surround the upper power generation module 2A, a crossbeam 20 arranged in a manner to cross the left and right side surfaces divided by the frame members in the front-to-back direction, and a first bracket 22 and a second bracket 21 arranged in a manner to cross the front and rear side surfaces (i.e., the front and back surfaces) divided by the frame members in the left-to-right direction. The lower portion has the same structure as the upper portion. The middle portion has at least 4 frame members connecting the upper portion and the lower portion at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction.

[0030] The fuel cell system 1 is provided with electric wires for supplying the power required for the operation of the auxiliary machines included in the fuel injection unit 24 and the auxiliary machine structure 7, as well as the valve bodies provided in the intake branch pipe 13 and the exhaust branch pipe 14 described later, and the actuators for driving the valve bodies (hereinafter collectively referred to as "auxiliary machines") from an external power supply. In addition, the fuel cell system 1 is also provided with a signal line for sending signals required for control from an external control device to the auxiliary machines. Hereinafter, these are also collectively referred to as "power / signal lines". Moreover, the power / signal lines are wound along the frame parts of the frame body 5 from the power recovery module 4 to the auxiliary machines of the connection target. The power / signal lines can be divided into main wiring connected to the external power supply and control device, and branch wiring branched from the main wiring and connected to the auxiliary machines of each fuel cell system 1.

[0031] The upper power generation module 2A is in a state where the first fuel cell stack 6A is arranged on the upper side of the auxiliary machine structure 7, and the second fuel cell stack 6B is arranged on the lower side. Hereinafter, this state is also referred to as the upright state. On the other hand, the structure of the lower power generation module 2B is the same as that of the upper power generation module 2A, but it is in a state where the first fuel cell stack 6A is arranged on the lower side of the auxiliary machine structure 7, and the second fuel cell stack 6B is arranged on the upper side. That is, the upper power generation module 2A is in a state of being reversed up and down with the axis extending in the front-to-back direction as the center. Hereinafter, this state is also referred to as the inverted state. In addition, the portion of the frame 5 surrounding the upper power generation module 2A and the portion of the frame 5 surrounding the lower power generation module 2B are also in the same structure and reversed up and down. In this way, by using two power generation modules 2 of the same structure with one side in an upright state and the other side in an inverted state, the cost can be reduced compared to the case where multiple types of power generation modules 2 are used. Furthermore, by adopting the same structure in the upper and lower parts, components of the same shape and size can be used for each pipe and each wire between the pipe module 3 and the power generation module 2, thereby also being able to reduce costs.

[0032] The two power generation modules 2 are arranged at positions where the center axis Cm in the front-rear direction is offset to the rear side relative to the center axis Cf in the front-rear direction of the frame 5 (see Figure 4 ). The power generation module 2 is fixedly supported by a pair of cross beams 20 provided on the right and left sides of the frame 5 and a first bracket 22 provided on the back of the frame 5. The cross beam 20 connects a pair of frame members extending in the up-down direction among the frame members forming the left and right sides of the frame. The first bracket 22 connects a pair of frame members forming the back of the frame 5. In addition, a method for fixing the power generation module 2 to the frame 5 will be described later.

[0033] Each pipe of the pipe module 3 is arranged so that the flow path is oriented in the left-right direction of the frame 5. The intake pipe 8 and the exhaust pipe 9 are supported on the frame 5 via brackets (not shown). In addition, the fuel pipe 11 and the cooling water pipes 10 and 12 are supported by brackets 25 provided on the frame 5.

[0034] As described above, the piping module 3 is arranged between the upper power generation module 2A and the lower power generation module 2B. More specifically, the air intake pipe 8 is arranged at a position overlapping with the fuel cell stack 6 in a plan view, and the exhaust pipe 9 is arranged at a position not overlapping with the fuel cell stack 6 in a plan view. By arranging the exhaust pipe 9 through which the high-temperature exhaust gas flows in this way, the heat radiated from the exhaust pipe 9 is easily discharged upward, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the electrical installation parts such as the fuel injection unit 24.

[0035] Flanges are provided at both ends in the left-right direction of the intake pipe 8 and the exhaust pipe 9. When a plurality of fuel cell systems 1 are connected in the left-right direction as described later, the flanges are fastened by bolts or the like.

[0036] The exhaust pipe 9 is a cylindrical single-tube component except for the flanges at both ends. In contrast, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the intake pipe 8 clamped by the flanges at both ends is larger than the area of ​​the opening provided at the flanges. Moreover, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion clamped by the flanges at both ends of the intake pipe 8 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion clamped by the flanges at both ends of the exhaust pipe 9. In other words, the volume of the flow path of the intake pipe 8 is larger than that of the exhaust pipe 9. In addition, the intake pipe 8 of the present embodiment is a rectangular parallelepiped having circular openings on the left and right sides, but is not limited thereto, and any shape may be used as long as it satisfies the above conditions.

[0037] The fuel pipe 11 and the cooling water pipes 10 and 12 are ribbed at both ends. When a plurality of fuel cell systems 1 are connected in the left-right direction, the fuel pipes 11 and the cooling water pipes 10 and 12 of adjacent fuel cell systems 1 are connected via rubber pipes or the like.

[0038] The air intake pipe 8 and the power generation module 2 are connected via an air intake branch pipe 13. More specifically, the air intake branch pipe 13 branched from the air intake pipe 8 is connected to an air intake port 7A provided in the auxiliary machine structure 7.

[0039] The exhaust pipe 9 and the power generation module 2 are connected via the exhaust branch pipe 14. More specifically, the exhaust branch pipe 14 branched from the exhaust pipe 9 is connected to the exhaust port 7B provided on the auxiliary machine structure 7. The exhaust gas discharged from the power generation module 2 becomes high temperature, and the connection portion between the auxiliary machine structure 7 and the exhaust branch pipe 14 also becomes high temperature, so the exhaust branch pipe is formed of a metal component. In addition, since the temperature of the air flowing inside the intake branch pipe 13 and the temperature of the connection portion between the auxiliary machine structure 7 and the intake branch pipe 13 are lower than those of the exhaust branch pipe 14, rubber piping can be used for the portion that is not easy to transfer heat from the power generation module 2, the exhaust branch pipe 14, and the exhaust pipe 9 that become high temperature.

[0040] As described above, the upper power generation module 2A is in an upright state, the lower power generation module 2B is in an inverted state, and the piping module 3 is arranged between the two power generation modules 2. As a result, both power generation modules 2 arrange the second fuel cell stack 6B, which is shorter in the vertical direction than the first fuel cell stack 6A, on the side close to the piping module 3. In other words, compared with the case where the upper power generation module 2A is in an inverted state and the lower power generation module 2B is in an upright state, the distance from the piping module 3 to each auxiliary machine structure 7 becomes shorter.

[0041] The air intake port 7A and the exhaust port 7B are arranged on the front side of the auxiliary machine structure 7 in a plan view. In addition, as described above, the power generation module 2 is located at a position offset to the back side relative to the frame 5. Therefore, the distance between the air intake port 7A and the exhaust port 7B and the frame 5 is ensured, and a margin is generated in the installation layout of the air intake branch pipe 13 and the exhaust branch pipe 14. In addition, in the present embodiment, the exhaust branch pipe 14 is connected from below to the lower surface of the portion of the auxiliary machine structure 7 that protrudes to the front side relative to the fuel cell stack 6, which is also included in "arranged on the front side of the auxiliary machine structure 7 in a plan view". In addition, the exhaust port 7B, like the air intake port 7A, can also be constructed to open in the front direction and be connected to the exhaust branch pipe 14 from the front.

[0042] In addition, assuming that any one of the air intake port 7A or the exhaust port 7B is arranged on the back side of the auxiliary machine structure 7 in a plan view, the amount of displacement of the power generation module 2 to the back side is limited due to the presence of the piping connected thereto. As a result, ineffective space is generated on the front side and the back side. On the other hand, the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment can make the back side of the power generation module 2 closer to the back side of the frame 5 because the air intake port 7A and the exhaust port 7B are concentrated on the front side. That is, according to this embodiment, the ineffective space ( Figure 4 IS).

[0043] In addition, in the upper power generation module 2A, the air intake port 7A is arranged on the left side and the air exhaust port 7B is arranged on the right side when viewed from the front. On the other hand, in the lower power generation module 2B, the air intake port 7A is arranged on the right side and the air exhaust port 7B is arranged on the left side when viewed from the front. That is, the arrangement of the air intake port 7A and the air exhaust port 7B is opposite in the upper power generation module 2A and the lower power generation module 2B. As a result, the position of the connection portion of the air intake pipe 8 with the air intake branch pipe 13 for the upper power generation module 2A and the connection portion with the air intake branch pipe 13 for the lower power generation module 2B can be offset in the left-right direction. The air intake branch pipe 13 has auxiliary equipment such as a valve body and an actuator that drives the valve body (both not shown in the figure). By offsetting the positions of the two connection portions in the left-right direction, the positions of the auxiliary equipment can be dispersed, and a margin is generated in the installation layout of the two air intake branch pipes 13. In addition, if the two connecting parts are located at a relatively close position, it may be difficult for air to flow to any of the air intake branch pipes 13, but as described above, this problem can be solved by shifting the positions of the two connecting parts in the left-right direction. The same is true for the connecting parts of the exhaust pipe 9 and the two exhaust branch pipes 14.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, the same structure of the power generation module 2 is used in the upright state and the inverted state, so as mentioned above, the arrangement of the air intake port 7A and the exhaust port 7B is necessarily opposite. However, even when two power generation modules 2 with different structures are used, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the arrangement of the air intake port 7A and the exhaust port 7B is opposite in the upper power generation module 2A and the lower power generation module 2B.

[0045] However, when the fuel cell system 1 is used in power generation equipment, for example, it is necessary to perform maintenance / inspection operations such as confirming whether each piping has leakage, replacing consumables or problematic parts. In the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment, the power generation module 2 is offset relative to the frame 5 and arranged on the back side, and the air intake port 7A and the exhaust port 7B of the upper and lower power generation modules 2 are all arranged on the front side, so the auxiliary equipment such as the stop valve described later included in the piping module 3 can also be concentrated on the front side. Therefore, according to the fuel cell system 1 of this embodiment, the movement of the operator during maintenance / inspection operations is reduced, and the work efficiency can be improved.

[0046] In addition, when performing maintenance / inspection operations, if the position of the operating object is low, the operator needs to bend over to enter, and sometimes even need to lie down. On the contrary, if the position of the operating object is high, the operator needs to tiptoe or step onto a step. Either case will be the main reason for the deterioration of operability. However, in the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, the upper power generation module 2A is in an upright state, the lower power generation module 2B is in an inverted state, and a piping module 3 is arranged between the two power generation modules 2. As a result, the auxiliary machine structure 7 of the upper and lower power generation modules 2 is positioned close to the center of the fuel cell system 1 in the up and down direction, thereby suppressing the deterioration of operability.

[0047] Furthermore, the inventors have found that if the height from the installation surface of the object part of the operation is within the range of about 400mm-1500mm, the deterioration of the workability can be suppressed. Therefore, the size of the power generation module 2 and the frame 5 can be set arbitrarily, but from the viewpoint of the above-mentioned workability, the size of the power generation module 2 and the frame 5 is set so that the height of the installation surface of the upper and lower power generation modules 2 from the air intake port 7A and the exhaust port 7B is within the range of 400mm-1500mm. In addition, the connection part of the fuel supply pipe 26 and the auxiliary machine structure 7 described later is also preferably within this range.

[0048] The fuel injection unit 24 is fixedly supported by the second bracket 21 provided on the front side of the frame 5. The fuel is supplied from the fuel pipe 11 to the fuel injection unit 24 via the fuel branch pipe 15, and is supplied from the fuel injection unit 24 to the auxiliary machine structure 7 via the fuel supply pipe 26, and is supplied from there to the power generation module 2. The connection portion between the fuel supply pipe 26 and the auxiliary machine structure 7 is arranged on the front side of the auxiliary machine structure 7 in a plan view, similarly to the air intake port 7A and the air exhaust port 7B. In addition, the fuel injection unit 24 is provided with a cooling water passage 27 surrounding the injection portion of the fuel injection valve. The cooling water passage 27 and the inlet cooling water pipe 10 are connected by the first cooling water branch pipe 17, and the cooling water passage 27 and the outlet cooling water pipe 12 are connected by the second cooling water branch pipe 16. That is, the cooling water is supplied from the inlet cooling water pipe 10 to the cooling water passage 27 via the first cooling water branch pipe 17, cools the fuel injection valve there, and flows into the outlet cooling water pipe 12 via the second cooling water branch pipe 16.

[0049] The inlet cooling water pipe 10 is arranged on the non-insertion surface side relative to the fuel pipe 11, and the outlet cooling water pipe 12 is arranged on the insertion surface side relative to the fuel pipe 11. In other words, the inlet cooling water pipe 10 is arranged at the farthest position from the exhaust pipe 9, the outlet cooling water pipe 12 is arranged at the closest position to the exhaust pipe 9, and the fuel pipe 11 is arranged between the inlet cooling water pipe 10 and the outlet cooling water pipe 12. The reason for such arrangement is as follows.

[0050] The cooling water flowing through the cooling water pipes 10 and 12 is used to cool the fuel injection unit 24 as described above. Therefore, the inlet cooling water pipe 10, through which the cooling water flows before the fuel injection unit 24 is supplied, preferably has a small amount of heat transfer from the exhaust pipe 9 through which the high-temperature exhaust gas flows. On the other hand, the cooling water supplied to cool the fuel injection unit 24 is then cooled by a radiator (not shown), so the outlet cooling water pipe 12 has a larger allowable amount of heat transfer from the exhaust pipe 9 than the inlet cooling water pipe 10. In addition, from the perspective of reactivity in the fuel cell stack 6, the fuel is preferably the one that is easy to evaporate (i.e., the one with a high temperature), but it is not desirable to have a high temperature that is such that bubbles are generated in the fuel pipe 11. Therefore, the inlet cooling water pipe 10, which is desired to suppress the amount of heat transfer from the exhaust pipe 9, is arranged at the farthest position from the exhaust pipe 9, and the outlet cooling water pipe 12, which is less susceptible to the heat of the exhaust pipe 9, is arranged at the closest position to the exhaust pipe 9, and the fuel pipe 11, which is desired to have its temperature rise to a temperature that is easy to evaporate after the fuel is injected, is arranged between them.

[0051] The power box 19 is arranged between the upper and lower power generation modules 2 on the back of the frame 5. The power generation module 2 and the power box 19 are electrically connected via a bus bar 18 used as a branch wire. The bus bar 18 is led out from the surface (i.e., the upper surface and the lower surface) of the fuel cell stack 6 opposite to the surface in contact with the auxiliary machine structure 7, extends in a direction different from the direction in which the exhaust pipe 9 is located, and is connected to the power box 19 through a wiring passage 23 provided along the frame member of the frame 5. The "extending in a direction different from the direction in which the exhaust pipe 9 is located" mentioned here means not close to the exhaust pipe 9. The main wire 53 connected to the power converter 43 provided outside is stored in the power box 19, and the bus bar 18 is connected to the main wire 53. In addition, the wiring passage 23 is also formed by a metal part that has been subjected to insulation treatment, just like the power box 19. As a result, when the bus bar 18 and the live parts of the wires and the like are disassembled for maintenance / inspection operations, the frequency of contact between the frame member and the live parts can be reduced.

[0052] When two power generation modules 2 are placed horizontally, the space for installing the power box 19 needs to be separate from the installation space of the power generation modules 2. However, this is not necessary according to the structure of this embodiment. That is, the area required for installing the fuel cell system 1 can be reduced.

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 6 A method of mounting the power generation module 2 in the frame 5 will be described.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a state before the pair of beams 20 and the power generation module 2 are assembled, as viewed from the back side. In this stage, the first bracket 22 is not mounted on the frame 5.

[0055] On the opposite surfaces of the pair of beams 20, there are provided guide grooves 33 extending in the front-rear direction (horizontally) and having at least an open end at the back side. The auxiliary machine structure 7 of the power generation module 2 is provided with a first sliding portion 31 and a second sliding portion 32 having a shape corresponding to the guide grooves 33. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the sliding member 30 including the second sliding portion 32 is formed separately from the auxiliary machinery structure 7 and attached to the auxiliary machinery structure 7 . However, the second sliding portion 32 may be formed integrally with the casing of the auxiliary machinery structure 7 .

[0056] Next, the back side of the frame 5 is used as the insertion side and the front side is used as the non-insertion side. The first sliding part 31 and the second sliding part 32 are moved along the guide groove 33 from the insertion side to move the power generation module 2, thereby inserting the power generation module 2 into the inner side of the frame 5. Then, after the insertion, the power generation module 2 and the frame 5 are rigidly connected using the first bracket 22. Thus, the power generation module 2 is fixed to the frame 5. At this time, if the guide groove 33 is set from one end to the other end of the crossbeam 20, it is necessary to insert the power generation module 2 into the frame 5 while confirming the position of the power generation module 2 to position the power generation module 2. However, in this embodiment, the position of the end of the front side of the guide groove 33 is made consistent with the position of the first sliding part 31 when the power generation module 2 is properly positioned. In other words, if the first sliding part 31 is inserted until it abuts against the end of the front side of the guide groove 33, the positioning of the power generation module 2 is completed. In this way, positioning becomes easy. In addition, since the insertion surface is located on the back side, the connection portion between the auxiliary machine structure 7 and each pipe is located on the front side of the auxiliary machine structure 7, and each pipe is installed and arranged so as to avoid interference with the trajectory of the auxiliary machine structure 7 when sliding, the power generation module 2 can be pulled out from the frame 5 by simply releasing the connection with each pipe. That is, when replacing the power generation module 2, etc., it is not necessary to remove each pipe from the frame 5.

[0057] In addition, after the power generation module 2 is fixed to the frame 5 as described above, the power generation module 2, especially the auxiliary machine structure 7, also functions as a structural component connected to a pair of beams 20 set on the left and right sides of the frame 5. The upper part of the frame 5 has the left and right sides reinforced by a pair of beams 20, the front side reinforced by a second bracket 21, and the back side reinforced by a second bracket 21, but the auxiliary machine structure 7 functions as a structural component that crosses the left and right sides, thereby improving the rigidity of the upper part as a whole. The same is true for the lower part. In this way, deformation and collapse caused by external forces such as earthquakes can be suppressed.

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 7 A power generation facility using the fuel cell system 1 will be described.

[0059] Figure 7 It is a front view of a power generation facility using the fuel cell system 1 .

[0060] As shown in the figure, a plurality of fuel cell systems 1 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and each frame 5 is rigidly connected to each other by bolts or the like. Thus, a pair of rigidly connected frame members function as reinforcing members to suppress deformation of the frame 5. In addition, the intake pipe 8, exhaust pipe 9, fuel piping 11 and cooling water piping 10, 12 of each fuel cell system 1 are also connected. The intake pipe 8 of the adjacent fuel cell system 1 is connected via piping as a joint. The same is true for the exhaust pipe 9. The piping as a joint has flange portions at both ends, and is formed by a round tube member having a flow path cross section and an opening portion of the flange portion provided on the intake pipe 8 and the exhaust pipe 9 in the same shape. The fuel piping 11 and cooling water piping 10, 12 of the adjacent fuel cell system 1 are connected via piping (e.g., rubber piping, etc.) as a joint. As a result, the connected linear air intake pipe (air intake main pipe) 8, exhaust pipe (exhaust main pipe) 9, fuel pipe (fuel main pipe) 11 and cooling water pipes 10 and 12 are arranged between the row of the upper power generation module 2A and the row of the lower power generation module 2B. In addition, the wirings stored in the power box 19 of the adjacent fuel cell systems 1 are electrically connected.

[0061] By making the intake pipe 8, exhaust pipe 9, fuel pipe 11 and cooling water pipes 10 and 12 connected as described above straight, pressure loss can be suppressed compared with the case where a curved portion is formed. In addition, these pipes can be accessed from the front side, so the workability is excellent.

[0062] In addition, as described above, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the intake pipe 8 of each fuel cell system 1 that is sandwiched by the flange portion and is provided on the left and right sides (hereinafter, also referred to as the "flow path portion") is larger than the area of ​​the opening portion provided in the flange portion, and the volume of the flow path portion is larger than that of the exhaust pipe 9. Therefore, the air supplied to the intake pipe 8 via the above-mentioned joint is accumulated in the flow path portion and then flows into the intake branch pipe 13 connected to the upper power generation module 2A and the intake branch pipe 13 connected to the lower power generation module 2B. That is, the flow path portion plays the same function as the buffer tank in the intake system of the internal combustion engine, and can obtain the effect of equalizing the air supplied to the upper and lower power generation modules 2.

[0063] At one end in the left-right direction of a row (hereinafter also referred to as a fuel cell row) of a plurality of connected fuel cell systems 1 (at Figure 7The second frame 40 is connected to the second frame 40 (right end in the middle). The second frame 40 is fixedly supported with: an air inlet pipe 41 connected to the intake pipe 8 at one end, an exhaust outlet pipe 42 connected to the exhaust pipe 9 at one end, a power converter 43, a fuel inlet pipe 45 connected to the fuel pipe 11 at one end, a cooling water inlet pipe 44 connected to the cooling water pipe 10 at one end, and a cooling water outlet pipe 46 connected to the cooling water pipe 12 at one end. Hereinafter, the second frame 40, the air inlet pipe 41, the exhaust outlet pipe 42, the power converter 43, the fuel inlet pipe 45, the cooling water inlet pipe 44 and the cooling water outlet pipe 46 are collectively referred to as an external connection module 47.

[0064] At the other end of the fuel cell array in the left-right direction, the openings of the intake pipe 8, the exhaust pipe 9, and the fuel pipe 11 are closed with a cap or a plug. In addition, the end of the cooling water pipe 10 is connected to the end of the cooling water pipe 12.

[0065] The other end of the air inlet pipe 41 is connected to an air intake device (not shown) provided outside the fuel cell array and equipped with a blower 57 or the like. The other end of the exhaust gas outlet pipe 42 is open to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the other end of the exhaust gas outlet pipe 42 may be connected to an exhaust gas treatment device (not shown) provided outside the fuel cell array.

[0066] The other end of the fuel introduction pipe 45 is connected to a fuel device (not shown) including a fuel tank, a pressure regulating valve, etc. The other ends of the cooling water introduction pipe 44 and the cooling water outlet pipe 46 are connected to a cooling device (not shown) including a cooling water tank, a circulation pump, a radiator, etc.

[0067] The power converter 43 is electrically connected to each power box 19 of the fuel cell array via power wiring. That is, the power generated by each power generation module 2 of the fuel cell array is output via one power converter 43. By combining the power converters 43 into one in this way, the following effects can be obtained. First, compared with a structure in which the power converters 43 are arranged in each fuel cell system 1, the installation area of ​​the power generation equipment can be reduced. In addition, when a cooling mechanism for the power converter 43 is provided, the cooling target is one place, so the structure of the cooling mechanism becomes simple, which can reduce costs. In addition, when more fuel cell systems 1 are connected, Figure 7 In the example, a fuel cell column is formed on the right side of the external connection module 47 in the same manner as on the left side. In this case, the air inlet pipe 41, the exhaust outlet pipe 42, the fuel inlet pipe 45, the cooling water inlet pipe 44, and the cooling water outlet pipe 46 are respectively branched and connected to the right fuel cell column. The power wiring is similar, and the right fuel cell column is also electrically connected to the power converter 43.

[0068] The power generation module 2 of each fuel cell system 1 can be taken out from the insertion surface by disconnecting each piping 13, 14, 26 from the auxiliary machine structure 7 from the non-insertion surface side, disconnecting the main wire and the branch wire on the insertion surface side, and disconnecting the main wiring of the power / signal line from the branch wiring. However, in a power generation device composed of a plurality of fuel cell systems 1, the intake pipe 8 and the exhaust pipe 9 of each fuel cell system 1 are connected in series, so the intake port 7A and the exhaust port 7B are opened to the atmosphere only by disconnecting the auxiliary machine structure 7 from the intake branch pipe 13 and the exhaust branch pipe 14. In this case, in order to replace one power generation module 2, the operation of the power generation device must be stopped.

[0069] In addition, when the fuel cell system 1 is stopped for inspection, etc., it is necessary to stop the supply of air and fuel gas, but in order to inspect only a specific power generation module 2 while the power generation equipment is running, it is necessary to have a mechanism that stops the supply only to the power generation module 2 being inspected, etc. The same applies to the power transmission path including the bus bar 18 and the power / signal line.

[0070] Therefore, the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment has a mechanism for stopping only the specific power generation module 2 described above.

[0071] Fig. 8A This is a diagram showing the piping path of the air intake system. Figure 8B is a diagram showing the piping path of the exhaust system. Figure 8C 1 is a diagram showing a circuit of an electric power system that transmits electric power generated by the power generation module 2 .

[0072] like Fig. 8A As shown, the air intake system includes: an air intake main pipe composed of the air intake pipe 8 of each fuel cell system 1 and a joint 54 connecting them, an air introduction pipe 41 connected to the air intake main pipe, a blower 57 that supplies air to the air intake main pipe via the air introduction pipe 41, and an air intake branch pipe 13 of each fuel cell system 1. In addition, a stop valve 50 capable of opening and closing the flow path is provided in each air intake branch pipe 13. Figure 1 to Figure 7 The stop valve 50 is omitted.

[0073] like Figure 8B As shown, the exhaust system includes: an exhaust main pipe composed of the exhaust pipe 9 of each fuel cell system 1 and a joint 55 connecting them, an exhaust outlet pipe 42 connected to the exhaust main pipe, and an exhaust branch pipe 14 of each fuel cell system 1. In addition, a stop valve 51 capable of opening and closing the flow path is provided in each exhaust branch pipe 14. Figure 1 to Figure 7 The stop valve 51 is omitted.

[0074] like Figure 8CAs shown, the power system includes: main electric wires 53 of each fuel cell system 1, electric wires 56 connecting them, power converter 43, and bus bar 18 of each fuel cell system 1. In addition, a circuit breaker 52 is provided in the bus bar 18. Figure 1 to Figure 7 The circuit breaker 52 is omitted.

[0075] Although not shown in the drawings, a shutoff valve is also provided between the fuel pipe 11 and the fuel injection unit 24 .

[0076] Next, effects obtained by the above-described fuel cell system 1 and a power generation facility using the fuel cell system 1 will be described.

[0077] In the present embodiment, a stationary fuel cell system 1 is provided, which includes: a power generation module 2, which includes an auxiliary machine structure 7 including an auxiliary machine for exchanging gas with a fuel cell stack 6, and a fuel cell stack 6 connected to at least one side of the auxiliary machine structure 7 in the vertical direction; a box-shaped frame 5, which is formed by a plurality of frame members, and the power generation module 2 is arranged inside the frame 5. The system includes: piping 8, 9, 11 for supplying gas flow to the power generation module 2 or exhausting gas from the power generation module 2; and branching pipes 13, 14, 15 branched from the piping 8, 9 and connected to the power generation module. In addition, the auxiliary machine structure 7 is supported by a crossbeam 20, which is respectively provided on a pair of side surfaces of the frame 5 that are opposite to each other across the power generation module 2 and extends in the horizontal direction. Moreover, when either one of a pair of side surfaces of the frame 5 that are orthogonal to either one of a pair of side surfaces on which the cross beam 20 is provided is used as an insertion surface through which the power generation module 2 passes when the power generation module 2 is inserted into the inner side of the frame 5, and the other side is used as a non-insertion surface, the connection portion between the branch pipes 13, 14 and the auxiliary machine structure 7 is located on the non-insertion surface side of the auxiliary machine structure 7.

[0078] Thus, for example, when the fuel cell stack needs to be replaced, the intake branch pipe 13, the exhaust branch pipe 14, and the fuel supply pipe 26 can be disconnected collectively from the non-insertion surface side, thereby providing excellent workability for maintenance and the like.

[0079] In this embodiment, the pair of beams 20 are respectively provided with guide grooves 33 extending in the longitudinal direction of the beams 20, and the auxiliary machine structure 7 is provided with a sliding portion 31 slidably engaged with the guide grooves 33. The end of the guide groove 33 on the insertion surface side is an open end, and the end on the non-insertion surface side is a closed end, and the power generation module 2 is fixed to the frame 5 in a state where the closed end of the guide groove 33 abuts against the sliding portion 31. That is, the position of the power generation module 2 is determined by the relationship between the position of the end of the guide groove 33 on the non-insertion surface side and the sliding portion 31, so positioning is easy.

[0080] In this embodiment, there is also a first bracket 22 for rigidly connecting the auxiliary machine structure 7 to a pair of opposing frame members among the frame members constituting the insertion surface of the frame 5. Thus, the power generation module 2 can be fixed to the frame 5 in a positioned state. In addition, the auxiliary machine structure 7 of the power generation module 2, in particular, functions as a structural member, and the rigidity of the frame 5 can be improved.

[0081] In the present embodiment, at least the exhaust branch pipe 14 is formed of a metal pipe member among the intake branch pipe 13, the exhaust branch pipe 14 and the fuel supply pipe 26. This can suppress thermal degradation of the exhaust branch pipe 14 where the high-temperature exhaust gas flows.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the air intake branch pipe 13, the exhaust branch pipe 14, and the fuel supply pipe 26 are installed and arranged to avoid interference with the trajectory of the power generation module 2 when the auxiliary machine structure 7 slides along the guide groove 33. Therefore, when the power generation module 2 is disassembled, the power generation module 2 will not interfere with the disconnected air intake branch pipe 13, the exhaust branch pipe 14, and the fuel supply pipe 26, so that the power generation module 2 can be easily disassembled.

[0083] In the present embodiment, there are also provided a fuel injection unit 24 for injecting fuel to the power generation module 2, a fuel piping 11 for the flow of fuel as piping, a fuel branch pipe for connecting the fuel piping 11 and the fuel injection unit 24 as branch pipes, a fuel supply pipe 26 for connecting the fuel injection unit 24 and the auxiliary machine structure 7, an inlet cooling water piping 10 for the flow of cooling water supplied to the fuel injection unit 24, and an outlet cooling water piping 12 for the flow of cooling water after cooling the fuel injection unit 24. Moreover, the inlet cooling water piping 10 is arranged on the non-insertion surface side with respect to the fuel piping 11, and the outlet cooling water piping 12 is arranged on the insertion surface side with respect to the fuel piping 11. In this way, since the fuel piping 11 is arranged at a position sandwiched by the intake pipe 8 for the relatively low temperature intake flow and the exhaust pipe 9 for the relatively high temperature exhaust flow, the fuel flowing in the fuel piping 11 is kept at a temperature at which it is easy to evaporate after injection and bubbles are not generated.

[0084] In this embodiment, each stationary fuel cell system 1 includes: a piping module 3 including an air intake pipe 8, an exhaust pipe 9, and a fuel pipe 11; a power box 19 for collecting the power generated by the power generation module 2; and a bus bar 18 (power wiring) connecting the power box 19 and the power generation module 2. The piping modules 3 of adjacent stationary fuel cell systems 1 are connected to form an air intake main pipe, an exhaust main pipe, and a fuel main pipe, and an external connection module 47 is further provided, which includes: an air introduction pipe 41 connected to the air intake main pipe and introducing air from an external device; an exhaust outlet pipe 42 connected to the exhaust main pipe and exhausting air to the outside; and a power converter 43 connected to the power box 19 of each stationary fuel cell system 1 and collectively outputting the power generated by each stationary fuel cell system 1. Shutoff valves 50 and 51 are provided in the air intake branch pipe 13, the exhaust branch pipe 14, and the fuel pipe 11 of each stationary fuel cell system 1, and a circuit breaker 52 is provided in each bus bar 18. This makes it possible to stop only an arbitrary fuel cell system 1 among the fuel cell systems 1 included in the power generation facility. As a result, maintenance and inspection work becomes easy.

[0085] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely represent a part of application examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A stationary fuel cell system comprising: A power generation module comprising: an auxiliary machine structure including an auxiliary machine for exchanging gas with a fuel cell stack, and a fuel cell stack connected to at least one side in a vertical direction of the auxiliary machine structure; A box-shaped frame, which is formed by a plurality of frame parts. The power generation module is arranged inside the frame, wherein: The stationary fuel cell system has: Pipes for the flow of gas supplied to or exhausted from the power generation module; Branch pipes branched from the pipes and connected to the power generation module, The auxiliary machine structure is supported by horizontal beams provided on a pair of opposite side surfaces of the frame across the power generation module. When either one of a pair of side surfaces of the frame that are orthogonal to either one of a pair of side surfaces on which the cross beam is provided is used as an insertion surface through which the power generation module passes when the power generation module is inserted into the inner side of the frame, and the other side is used as a non-insertion surface, the connection portion between the branch pipes and the auxiliary machine structure is located on the non-insertion surface side of the auxiliary machine structure.

2. The stationary fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of beams are respectively provided with guide grooves extending along the length direction of the beams. The auxiliary machine structure includes a sliding portion slidably engaged with the guide groove. The end of the guide groove on the insertion surface side is an open end, and the end on the non-insertion surface side is a closed end. The power generation module is fixed to the frame body in a state where the closed end of the guide groove abuts against the sliding portion.

3. The stationary fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein: A first bracket is further provided for rigidly connecting the auxiliary machine structure to a pair of opposing frame members of the frame body that constitute the insertion surface.

4. The stationary fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein: The pipes include an intake pipe for the flow of air supplied to the power generation module and an exhaust pipe for the flow of gas exhausted from the power generation module. The branch pipes include an intake branch pipe connecting the intake pipe and the auxiliary machinery structure, and an exhaust branch pipe connecting the exhaust pipe and the auxiliary machinery structure.

5. The stationary fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein: Among the intake branch pipe and the exhaust branch pipe, at least the exhaust branch pipe is formed of a metal pipe member.

6. The stationary fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein: The intake branch pipe, the exhaust branch pipe, and the fuel supply pipe are installed and arranged so as to avoid interference with a trajectory of the power generation module when the auxiliary machine structure slides along the guide groove.

7. The stationary fuel cell system according to claim 1, further comprising: a fuel injection unit that injects fuel into the power generation module; A fuel pipe, which serves as the pipe and through which the fuel flows; A fuel branch pipe, which serves as the branch pipe type and connects the fuel pipe and the fuel injection unit; a fuel supply pipe connecting the fuel injection unit and the auxiliary machine structure; an inlet-side cooling water pipe for flowing cooling water supplied to the fuel injection unit; an outlet cooling water pipe for cooling the cooling water after the fuel injection unit is cooled, The inlet-side cooling water pipe is arranged on the non-insertion surface side with respect to the fuel pipe, and the outlet-side cooling water pipe is arranged on the insertion surface side with respect to the fuel pipe.

8. A power generation device comprising a plurality of stationary fuel cell systems according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the stationary fuel cell systems comprises: a piping module having the piping and the branch piping, a power box for recovering the power generated by the power generation module, and power wiring connecting the power box and the power generation module. The pipe modules of the adjacent stationary fuel cell systems are connected to form an intake main pipe and an exhaust main pipe. The invention also includes an external connection module, which includes: an air inlet pipe connected to the air intake main pipe and introducing air from an external device, an exhaust outlet pipe connected to the exhaust main pipe and exhausting air to the outside, and a power converter connected to the power box of each stationary fuel cell system and centrally outputting the power generated by each stationary fuel cell system. The branch pipes of each of the stationary fuel cell systems are provided with a shutoff valve, and the power wirings are provided with a circuit breaker.

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