Reformer suitable for SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) system

Abstract

The utility model provides a reformer suitable for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system, and belongs to the field of fuel cells. The reformer comprises a box, a fuel gas inlet, a fuel gas outlet, a combustion tail gas inlet and a combustion tail gas outlet are formed in the box, a water vapor inlet communicated with the fuel gas inlet is formed in the fuel gas inlet, the interior of the box is divided into a gas inlet cavity, a heating cavity and a gas outlet cavity, the fuel gas inlet is communicated with the gas inlet cavity, and the heating cavity is communicated with the gas outlet cavity. The combustion tail gas inlet and the combustion tail gas outlet are both communicated with the heating cavity, the fuel gas outlet is communicated with the gas outlet cavity, a reforming pipe is arranged in the heating cavity, and the two ends of the reforming pipe are communicated with the gas inlet cavity and the gas outlet cavity respectively. By adopting the reformer suitable for the SOFC system provided by the embodiment of the utility model, the problem of lower energy utilization rate in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a reformer suitable for SOFC systems. Background Technology

[0002] The fuel gas used in mainstream SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) systems is mainly a hydrogen-rich mixture obtained by reforming alkanes. The existing solid oxide fuel cell reforming methods are mainly divided into three types: steam reforming, partial oxidation reforming, and autothermal reforming. Alkane reforming requires a certain reaction temperature, and steam reforming is a strongly endothermic reaction. Since the hydrogen content in the fuel gas affects the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack, and the hydrogen conversion rate in steam reforming is strongly correlated with the temperature of the reforming system, it is necessary to maintain the reforming system at a suitable reaction temperature to improve the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack.

[0003] The most common technology in existing SOFC systems is to use the combustion of the anode exhaust gas of the fuel cell stack, and then provide the high-temperature environment required for stable power generation through heat exchange. For the reformer, the heat exchange method is usually to use an independent heat exchanger at the front end, and then use gas heat exchange to make the reformer reach the required reaction temperature.

[0004] In existing reformers, a separate heat exchanger is usually required to heat the gas to reach the temperature required for the reforming reaction. However, the additional heat exchanger results in some heat loss during the heat exchange process, leading to lower energy utilization. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a reformer suitable for SOFC systems, which can solve the problem of low energy utilization in the prior art. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] A reformer suitable for SOFC systems includes: a housing,

[0007] The housing is equipped with a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a combustion exhaust gas inlet, and a combustion exhaust gas outlet. A water vapor inlet is connected to the gas inlet.

[0008] The housing is divided into an air inlet chamber, a heating chamber, and an air outlet chamber. The gas inlet is connected to the air inlet chamber, the combustion exhaust gas inlet and the combustion exhaust gas outlet are both connected to the heating chamber, and the gas outlet is connected to the air outlet chamber. A reforming pipe is installed in the heating chamber, and the two ends of the reforming pipe are connected to the air inlet chamber and the air outlet chamber, respectively.

[0009] Optionally, a first gas baffle is provided in the air intake chamber, the first gas baffle is perpendicular to the gas inlet, and a first vent hole is provided on the first gas baffle.

[0010] Optionally, a second gas baffle is provided in the air intake chamber. The second gas baffle is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first gas baffle. A second vent hole is provided on the second gas baffle. The second vent hole is arranged in a staggered manner from the first vent hole.

[0011] Optionally, multiple reformers are provided, and the multiple reformers are distributed in a rectangular array.

[0012] Optionally, the reforming tube is provided with a metal tube shell.

[0013] Optionally, the reforming tube is interference-fitted with the metal tube housing.

[0014] Optionally, the housing has a square structure, including a top plate and a bottom plate. The combustion exhaust gas inlet and the combustion exhaust gas outlet are both located on the top plate. A combustion exhaust gas baffle is provided inside the heating chamber. The combustion exhaust gas baffle is perpendicular to the reforming pipe. The combustion exhaust gas baffle protrudes from the top plate to the bottom plate and has a gap with the bottom plate, or it protrudes from the bottom plate to the top plate and has a gap with the top plate.

[0015] Optionally, multiple combustion exhaust gas baffles are provided, and the multiple combustion exhaust gas baffles are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. Each combustion exhaust gas baffle includes a first combustion exhaust gas baffle and a second combustion exhaust gas baffle. The first combustion exhaust gas baffle protrudes from the top plate to the bottom plate and has a gap with the bottom plate. The second combustion exhaust gas baffle protrudes from the bottom plate to the top plate and has a gap with the top plate. The first combustion exhaust gas baffle and the second combustion exhaust gas baffle are interleaved.

[0016] Optionally, the reforming tube includes a carrier and a reaction conduit, the reaction conduit being arranged along the extension direction of the reforming tube.

[0017] Optionally, multiple reaction pipes are provided, and the multiple reaction pipes are arranged in a rectangular array.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model embodiment include at least the following:

[0019] This invention provides a reformer suitable for SOFC systems. By incorporating a heating chamber within the housing, the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas generated in the SOFC system is introduced into the heating chamber through the combustion exhaust gas inlet. This allows the reforming tubes within the heating chamber to reach the reaction temperature. The combustion exhaust gas is then transported to other external equipment through the combustion exhaust gas outlet. The fuel gas and steam participating in the reforming reaction enter the inlet chamber through the fuel gas inlet and steam gas inlet, respectively. After undergoing reforming within the reforming tubes, they reach the outlet chamber and are transported to the fuel cell stack for further reaction via the fuel gas outlet. By incorporating a heating chamber within the reformer, the temperature of the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas is directly utilized, reducing the need for separate heat exchangers and additional heat exchange processes. This reduces the additional connection structures caused by heat exchangers, preventing combustible gas leakage. Furthermore, the integrated design saves on the overall system volume, which is beneficial for reducing the overall size of the SOFC system and effectively solves the problem of low energy utilization in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the reforming tube provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram: 1-Box body; 11-Inlet chamber; 12-Heating chamber; 13-Outlet chamber; 14-First gas baffle; 141-First vent hole; 15-Second gas baffle; 151-Second vent hole; 16-Top plate; 17-Bottom plate; 18-Combustion exhaust gas baffle; 181-First combustion exhaust gas baffle; 182-Second combustion exhaust gas baffle; 2-Gas inlet; 3-Gas outlet; 4-Steam inlet; 5-Combustion exhaust gas inlet; 6-Combustion exhaust gas outlet; 7-Reformer pipe; 71-Carrier; 72-Reaction pipe; 8-Metal pipe shell. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the reforming tube provided in an embodiment of this utility model. (See diagram below.) Figures 1 to 3 A reformer suitable for SOFC systems is shown, comprising: a housing 1, on which a gas inlet 2, a gas outlet 3, a combustion exhaust gas inlet 5, and a combustion exhaust gas outlet 6 are provided; a steam inlet 4 is provided on the gas inlet 2 and connected thereto; the housing 1 is divided into an inlet chamber 11, a heating chamber 12, and an outlet chamber 13; the gas inlet 2 is connected to the inlet chamber 11; the combustion exhaust gas inlet 5 and the combustion exhaust gas outlet 6 are both connected to the heating chamber 12; the gas outlet 3 is connected to the outlet chamber 13; a reforming pipe 7 is provided in the heating chamber 12, and the two ends of the reforming pipe 7 are connected to the inlet chamber 11 and the outlet chamber 13, respectively.

[0027] Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, the purpose of the reformer is to reform methane gas and water vapor into hydrogen gas, so that the hydrogen gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack for electrochemical reaction. The inlet chamber 11, heating chamber 12, and outlet chamber 13 are separated by a sealing plate. The gas inlet 2 is connected to an external methane gas pipeline, and the water vapor inlet 4 is connected to an external water vapor pipeline. Methane and water vapor are simultaneously introduced. After being fully mixed in the inlet chamber 11, the methane and water vapor enter the reforming tube 7. A catalyst is provided in the reforming tube 7 to promote the reaction of methane and water vapor, producing hydrogen gas, which reaches the outlet chamber 13 at the other end of the reforming tube 7, and is then transported to the fuel cell stack through the gas outlet 3 for electrochemical reaction. In the reforming reaction of methane and water vapor, a certain temperature needs to be reached. In SOFC systems, there is a combustion exhaust gas step. High-temperature combustion exhaust gas is connected to the combustion exhaust gas inlet 5. After heating the reforming tube 7 in the heating chamber 12, the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas is sent to other equipment for treatment through the combustion exhaust gas outlet 6 before being discharged into the atmosphere. Compared to the traditional technology where the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas is sent to a heat exchanger and then used to heat the reformer, in this embodiment, the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas is directly introduced into the reformer, thereby reducing the need for a heat exchanger. This not only reduces production costs but also reduces intermediate heat transfer equipment, thus improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0028] This utility model provides a reformer suitable for SOFC systems. By setting a heating chamber 12 inside the housing 1, the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas generated in the SOFC system is introduced into the heating chamber 12 through the combustion exhaust gas inlet 5. This allows the temperature of the reforming tube located in the heating chamber 12 to reach the reaction temperature. The combustion exhaust gas is then transported to other external equipment through the combustion exhaust gas outlet 6. The fuel gas and steam participating in the reforming reaction enter the inlet chamber 11 through the fuel gas inlet 2 and steam gas inlet 4, respectively. After undergoing reforming reactions inside the reforming tube, they reach the outlet chamber 13 and are then transported to the fuel cell stack for further reaction through the fuel gas outlet 3. By setting a heating chamber 12 inside the reformer, the temperature of the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas is directly utilized, reducing the need for a separate heat exchanger and additional heat exchange processes, effectively solving the problem of low energy utilization in existing technologies.

[0029] Optionally, a first gas baffle 14 is provided in the air intake chamber 11. The first gas baffle 14 is perpendicular to the gas inlet 2, and a first vent hole 141 is provided on the first gas baffle 14.

[0030] Exemplary, in embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, from Figure 2 Viewed from the right, the interface connecting the gas inlet 2 and the intake chamber 11 is located in the upper left, and the first vent 141 is located in the lower right of the first gas baffle 14. By setting the first gas baffle 14 inside the intake chamber 11, the intake chamber 11 can be divided into two chambers, and the first chamber can only enter the second chamber through the first vent 141. By misaligning the interface connecting the gas inlet 2 and the intake chamber 11 with the first vent 141, the travel distance of methane and water vapor in the intake chamber 11 is lengthened. After entering the first chamber, they can be fully mixed, and then enter the second chamber for further mixing before being introduced into the reformer 7 for the reforming reaction. By setting the first gas baffle 14, methane and water vapor can be mixed more thoroughly, thereby making the reforming reaction more complete and improving the reaction efficiency of the reforming reaction.

[0031] Optionally, a second gas baffle 15 is provided in the air intake chamber 11. The second gas baffle 15 is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first gas baffle 14. A second vent hole 151 is provided on the second gas baffle 15. The second vent hole 151 is arranged in a staggered manner from the first vent hole 141.

[0032] Exemplary, in embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, from Figure 2Viewed from the right side, the first vent 141 is located at the lower right of the first gas baffle 14, and the second vent 151 is located at the upper left of the second gas baffle 15. By setting the second gas baffle 15 and staggering the second vent 151 with the first vent 141, the mixed gas of methane and water vapor has to travel a longer distance to reach the reformer 7 for reaction, thereby allowing for more thorough mixing of methane and water vapor and further improving the reaction efficiency of the reforming reaction.

[0033] Optionally, multiple reformers 7 are provided, and the multiple reformers 7 are distributed in a rectangular array.

[0034] Exemplary, in embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, by setting multiple reforming tubes 7, multiple reforming tubes 7 can carry out reforming reactions simultaneously, thereby multiplying the rate of reforming reactions and further improving the reaction efficiency of reforming reactions.

[0035] Optionally, the reformer tube 7 is provided with a metal tube casing 8.

[0036] Exemplary, in embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the reformer tube 7 is made of high-temperature ceramic material with good thermal conductivity, and the metal tube shell 8 is made of high-temperature resistant stainless steel. By setting the metal tube shell 8 on the outside of the reformer tube 7, a certain physical protection can be provided for the reformer tube 7. At the same time, it can prevent the combustion exhaust gas from directly contacting the reformer tube 7, and prevent some of the gases in the combustion exhaust gas from corroding or reacting with the reformer tube 7. By setting the metal tube shell 8, the service life of this reformer is improved.

[0037] Optionally, the reformer 7 is interference-fitted with the metal tube housing 8.

[0038] For example, in this embodiment of the present invention, by interfering with the reformer tube 7 and the metal tube shell 8, the reformer tube 7 can be stably installed inside the metal tube shell 8, and the reformer tube 7 and the metal tube shell 8 can be tightly attached to each other, thereby making the heat transfer efficiency between them higher and thus improving the heat energy utilization rate.

[0039] Optionally, the housing 1 has a square structure, including a top plate 16 and a bottom plate 17. The combustion exhaust gas inlet 5 and the combustion exhaust gas outlet 6 are both located on the top plate 16. A combustion exhaust gas baffle 18 is provided in the heating chamber 12. The combustion exhaust gas baffle 18 is perpendicular to the reforming pipe 7. The combustion exhaust gas baffle 18 protrudes from the top plate 16 to the bottom plate 17 and has a gap with the bottom plate 17, or it protrudes from the bottom plate 17 to the top plate 16 and has a gap with the top plate 16.

[0040] Exemplary, in embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2As shown, by setting the combustion exhaust gas baffle 18, the heating chamber 12 is divided into a "U" shaped channel, which can extend the flow path of the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas in the heating chamber 12, thereby allowing the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas to fully heat the reformer tube 7, thereby further improving the thermal energy utilization rate.

[0041] Optionally, multiple combustion exhaust gas baffles 18 are provided, and the multiple combustion exhaust gas baffles 18 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The combustion exhaust gas baffles 18 include a first combustion exhaust gas baffle 181 and a second combustion exhaust gas baffle 182. The first combustion exhaust gas baffle 181 protrudes from the top plate 16 to the bottom plate 17 and has a gap with the bottom plate 17. The second combustion exhaust gas baffle 182 protrudes from the bottom plate 17 to the top plate 16 and has a gap with the top plate 16. The first combustion exhaust gas baffle 181 and the second combustion exhaust gas baffle 182 are arranged interlaced.

[0042] Exemplary, in embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, by setting this structure, an "S"-shaped channel is formed in the heating chamber 12, which can further extend the flow path of the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas in the heating chamber 12, thereby allowing the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas to heat the reformer tube 7 more fully, thus further improving the thermal energy utilization rate.

[0043] Optionally, the reformer 7 includes a carrier 71 and a reaction conduit 72, the reaction conduit 72 being arranged along the extension direction of the reformer 7.

[0044] Exemplary, in embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the reformer 7 is composed of a reaction channel 72 opened on the carrier 71. A catalyst is placed in the reaction channel 72. When methane and water vapor pass through the reaction channel 72, the catalyst in the reaction channel 72 catalyzes the methane and water vapor to undergo a reforming reaction to generate hydrogen gas for subsequent electrochemical reactions in the fuel cell stack.

[0045] Optionally, multiple reaction pipes 72 are provided, and the multiple reaction pipes 72 are arranged in a rectangular array.

[0046] Exemplary, in embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, by setting multiple reaction channels 72 in each reforming tube 7, and setting a catalyst in each reaction channel 72, a reforming reaction can occur in each reaction channel 72, which can increase the contact area between the mixed gas of methane and water vapor and the reforming tube 7, thereby further increasing the reaction efficiency of the reforming reaction.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising” or “including” and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding “comprising” or “including” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “linked” and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0048] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems, characterized in that, include: Box (1), The housing (1) is provided with a gas inlet (2), a gas outlet (3), a combustion exhaust gas inlet (5), and a combustion exhaust gas outlet (6). The gas inlet (2) is provided with a water vapor inlet (4) connected to it. The housing (1) is divided into an air intake chamber (11), a heating chamber (12), and an air outlet chamber (13). The gas inlet (2) is connected to the air intake chamber (11). The combustion exhaust gas inlet (5) and the combustion exhaust gas outlet (6) are both connected to the heating chamber (12). The gas outlet (3) is connected to the air outlet chamber (13). A reforming pipe (7) is provided in the heating chamber (12). The two ends of the reforming pipe (7) are connected to the air intake chamber (11) and the air outlet chamber (13) respectively.

2. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake chamber (11) is provided with a first gas baffle (14), which is perpendicular to the gas inlet (2), and a first vent hole (141) is provided on the first gas baffle (14).

3. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air intake chamber (11) is provided with a second gas baffle (15), which is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first gas baffle (14). The second gas baffle (15) is provided with a second vent hole (151), which is staggered from the first vent hole (141).

4. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple reformers (7) are provided, and the multiple reformers (7) are distributed in a rectangular array.

5. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reformer tube (7) is provided with a metal tube shell (8).

6. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reformer tube (7) is interference-fitted with the metal tube shell (8).

7. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) has a square structure and includes a top plate (16) and a bottom plate (17). The combustion exhaust gas inlet (5) and the combustion exhaust gas outlet (6) are both located on the top plate (16). A combustion exhaust gas baffle (18) is provided inside the heating chamber (12). The combustion exhaust gas baffle (18) is perpendicular to the reforming pipe (7). The combustion exhaust gas baffle (18) protrudes from the top plate (16) toward the bottom plate (17) and has a gap with the bottom plate (17), or it protrudes from the bottom plate (17) toward the top plate (16) and has a gap with the top plate (16).

8. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 7, characterized in that, Multiple combustion exhaust gas baffles (18) are provided, and the multiple combustion exhaust gas baffles (18) are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. Each combustion exhaust gas baffle (18) includes a first combustion exhaust gas baffle (181) and a second combustion exhaust gas baffle (182). The first combustion exhaust gas baffle (181) protrudes from the top plate (16) to the bottom plate (17) and has a gap with the bottom plate (17). The second combustion exhaust gas baffle (182) protrudes from the bottom plate (17) to the top plate (16) and has a gap with the top plate (16). The first combustion exhaust gas baffle (181) and the second combustion exhaust gas baffle (182) are interleaved.

9. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reforming tube (7) includes a carrier (71) and a reaction pipe (72), the reaction pipe (72) being arranged along the extension direction of the reforming tube (7).

10. A reformer suitable for SOFC systems according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reaction pipes (72) are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple reaction pipes (72) are arranged in a rectangular array.

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