Microchannel reforming hydrogen production device and solid oxide fuel cell power generation system

By utilizing a microchannel reforming hydrogen production device with an integrated honeycomb ceramic catalyst module and heat recycling, the problems of large size, high energy consumption, and low efficiency of existing reforming hydrogen production devices have been solved, realizing a high-efficiency and compact SOFC power generation system.

CN224156844UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-24SHANDONG AOFU ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SCI & TECH +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHANDONG AOFU ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SCI & TECH
Filing Date
2025-05-21
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing solid oxide fuel cell power generation systems, reforming hydrogen production units suffer from problems such as large size, high energy consumption, low efficiency, and low adaptability, making it difficult to integrate them compactly with SOFCs.

Method used

The microchannel reforming hydrogen production device uses an integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module with a pore size of 0.5-2 mm and a pore density of 400-3000 CPSI. The catalyst modules can be arranged in series or in parallel, with a reforming catalyst layer loaded on the surface to form a microchannel reactor structure. Combined with a mixer, burner and heat exchanger, it can achieve full contact between gas and catalyst and heat recycling.

Benefits of technology

It improves the efficiency of hydrogen production through reforming, reduces catalyst volume and energy consumption, enhances the flexibility and compactness of the system, and improves power generation efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of solid oxide fuel cells, in particular to a microchannel reforming hydrogen production device and a solid oxide fuel cell power generation system. The microchannel reforming hydrogen production device comprises a reformer, wherein at least one integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module is packaged in the reformer; the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module is provided with a plurality of pore channels, the pore diameter of each pore channel is 0.5-2 mm, and the pore density of the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module is 400-3000 CPS I. The reformer can reduce the volume of the catalyst and improve the reforming hydrogen production efficiency, so that reaction gas is in full contact with the loaded catalyst, and the generation of carbon deposition is reduced. The solid oxide fuel cell power generation system further comprises an SOFC electric pile and has the advantages of being small in total size, high in power generation efficiency and the like.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solid oxide fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to a microchannel reforming hydrogen production device and a solid oxide fuel cell power generation system. Background Technology

[0002] Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are all-solid-state chemical power generation devices that efficiently and environmentally convert the chemical energy stored in fuel and oxidant into electrical energy directly at medium to high temperatures. SOFC power generation systems generate electricity based on solid oxide fuel cells, using hydrogen as the fuel. However, due to the high composition of hydrogen during its preparation, transportation, and storage, SOFC power generation systems have always faced challenges in widespread adoption and application.

[0003] Because typical SOFC power generation systems are equipped with reforming units for hydrogen production, these units generally use hydrocarbon fuels, steam, or air to reform hydrogen under the action of a catalyst, which effectively reduces the cost of the power generation system.

[0004] However, existing reforming hydrogen production units conventionally use fixed-bed or granular catalyst reactors. Such reactors have low mass and heat transfer efficiency, and insufficient contact between the reactant gas and the catalyst, resulting in low reforming efficiency and easy carbon buildup. At the same time, the gas flow through the granular bed has high resistance and pressure drop, leading to increased system energy consumption.

[0005] In addition, such reactors are often bulky, making it difficult to integrate them compactly with SOFCs, and also difficult to adapt to SOFC power generation systems of different power through modular design. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a microchannel reforming hydrogen production device and a solid oxide fuel cell power generation system to solve the problems of large size, high energy consumption, low efficiency and low adaptability in the prior art.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0008] This invention discloses a microchannel reforming hydrogen production device, comprising a reformer, wherein at least one integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module is encapsulated within the reformer; the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module has multiple channels, the pore diameter of which is 0.5-2 mm, and the pore density of which is 400-3000 CPSI.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the reforming hydrogen production device can reduce the catalyst volume and improve the reforming hydrogen production efficiency, and can also make the reactant gas fully contact the loaded catalyst, thereby further improving the reforming reaction efficiency and reducing the generation of carbon deposits; it can also be compactly integrated with solid oxide fuel cells, and the number of integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst modules can be adjusted according to the scale of SOFC, giving the reforming hydrogen production device and SOFC power generation system good flexibility.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0011] Furthermore, the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module is made of cordierite or silicon carbide-based composite material.

[0012] The advantages of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme are that it has good strength and other properties, making it more suitable for supporting catalysts.

[0013] Furthermore, the surface of the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module is loaded with a reforming catalyst layer, the material of which is a non-precious metal-based catalyst or a precious metal catalyst.

[0014] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that it has good catalytic efficiency.

[0015] Furthermore, the reformer contains multiple integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst modules, which are arranged in series or in parallel with the channels.

[0016] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that the channels of multiple integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst modules are interconnected, which can form a microchannel network for gas distribution, giving the reformer a microchannel reactor structure, thereby further improving the catalytic efficiency and effect.

[0017] Furthermore, the cross-section of the channel is square, and the diameter of the channel is the side length of the square.

[0018] The advantages of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are that the channel of this shape is easy to prepare, the hole wall is not easy to break, and the yield is high.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a mixer, the air inlet of which is connected to the feeding system, and the air outlet of which is connected to the air inlet of the reformer.

[0020] The advantage of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that the mixer can supply mixed fuel to the reformer.

[0021] This utility model also provides a solid oxide fuel cell power generation system, including the microchannel reforming hydrogen production device as described above, and also including an SOFC stack, wherein the outlet of the reformer is connected to the inlet of the SOFC stack.

[0022] The solid oxide fuel cell power generation system of this invention has the advantages of small overall size and high power generation efficiency.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes a burner and a heat exchanger connected in sequence, with the inlet of the burner connected to the outlet of the SOFC stack.

[0024] The advantage of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that the burner can collect and fully combust the exhaust gas discharged from the SOFC stack.

[0025] Furthermore, the reformer also includes an exhaust gas recirculation port, which is connected to the burner.

[0026] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that the combustion heat of the burner can be recycled to the reformer, ensuring that the reformer maintains a certain reaction temperature, and at the same time, the combustion heat of the combustion is reused, further reducing the energy consumption of the system.

[0027] Furthermore, the heat exchanger is also connected to the SOFC stack.

[0028] The advantage of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme is that the heat exchanger can provide heat for the SOFC stack. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the solid oxide fuel cell power generation system of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module in the reformer of this utility model.

[0031] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0032] 1. Mixer; 2. Reformer; 21. Integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module; 22. Channel;

[0033] 3. SOFC stack; 4. Burner; 5. Heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The principles and features of this utility model are described below. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0035] like Figure 1-2As shown, the microchannel reforming hydrogen production device of this utility model includes a reformer 2, and at least one integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 is encapsulated inside the reformer 2; the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 has multiple channels 22, the pore diameter of the channels 22 is 0.5-2mm, and the pore density of the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 is 400-3000 CPSI.

[0036] The microchannel reforming hydrogen production device of this invention encapsulates at least one integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 within the reformer 2 for reforming hydrogen production. Due to its high specific surface area, it can not only reduce the catalyst volume but also effectively improve the reforming hydrogen production efficiency. The multiple channels 22, pore size, and pore density range of the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 enable the reactant gas to fully contact the supported catalyst, thereby further improving the reforming reaction efficiency and reducing the generation of carbon deposits.

[0037] In addition, the integrated honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 has low flow resistance characteristics, which can effectively reduce the pressure drop of the gas, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the reforming hydrogen production unit.

[0038] The microchannel reforming hydrogen production device of this invention can be compactly integrated with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and the number of integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst modules 21 can be adjusted according to the scale of the SOFC, giving the reforming hydrogen production device and SOFC power generation system good flexibility.

[0039] Preferably, the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 is made of cordierite or silicon carbide-based composite material; the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 made of the above materials has good strength and other properties, and is more suitable for loading catalysts.

[0040] Preferably, the surface of the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 is loaded with a reforming catalyst layer, the material of which is a non-precious metal-based catalyst or a precious metal catalyst; the reforming catalyst layer of the above materials has good catalytic efficiency.

[0041] Preferably, the reformer 2 is encapsulated with multiple integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst modules 21, which are arranged in series or in a manner with channels 22. In this way, the multiple integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst modules 21 are interconnected and can form a microchannel network for gas distribution, so that the reformer 2 has a microchannel reactor structure, thereby further improving the catalytic efficiency and effect.

[0042] The integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 used in this invention can, in principle, have channels 22 of any shape. However, when the shape and diameter of the channels 22 are the same, the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 has the best strength and catalytic efficiency.

[0043] Furthermore, the cross-section of the channel 22 can be circular, rectangular, or square.

[0044] More preferably, the cross-section of the channel 22 is square, and the diameter of the channel 22 is the side length of the square. Compared with the circular channel, the square channel 22 can effectively increase the degree of turbulence, improve the mass transfer efficiency, and has a high yield, thus having a wider range of application prospects.

[0045] Preferably, the microchannel reforming hydrogen production device of this utility model further includes a mixer 1, the inlet of which is connected to the feeding system and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the reformer 2; the mixer 1 can mix hydrocarbon fuel with water vapor / air and supply it to the reformer 2.

[0046] More preferably, hydrocarbon fuels can be methanol, natural gas, methane, ammonia, etc.

[0047] This invention relates to a microchannel reforming hydrogen production device. Using the same amount of catalyst, the honeycomb ceramic microchannel structure increases the gas-catalyst contact area by 3-5 times, achieving a reforming efficiency greater than or equal to 85%. Simultaneously, the reformer 2 is 40% smaller in volume than a traditional reactor and can be directly connected in series with an SOFC stack 3. This reformer 2 can reduce pressure drop by 60%, reducing air compressor energy consumption. By increasing or decreasing the number of catalyst modules, it can adapt to different power generation requirements ranging from 300W to 150kW.

[0048] The solid oxide fuel cell power generation system of this invention includes a microchannel reforming hydrogen production device as described above, and also includes an SOFC stack 3. The outlet of the reformer 2 is connected to the cathode inlet of the SOFC stack 3. The hydrogen produced by the reformer 2 can be directly supplied to the SOFC stack 3 for power generation.

[0049] The solid oxide fuel cell power generation system of this invention has the advantages of small overall size and high power generation efficiency.

[0050] Preferably, the solid oxide fuel cell power generation system of this utility model further includes a burner 4 and a heat exchanger 5 connected in sequence. The inlet of the burner 4 is connected to the anode outlet of the SOFC stack 3. The gas discharged from the SOFC stack 3 can be fully combusted in the burner 4 to prevent the exhaust gas from the SOFC stack 3 from causing environmental pollution. The combusted gas enters the heat exchanger 5 to achieve energy storage.

[0051] Preferably, the reformer 2 also includes an exhaust gas recirculation port, which is connected to the burner 4; in this way, the combustion heat of the burner 4 can be recycled to the reformer 2, ensuring that the reformer 2 maintains a certain reaction temperature, and at the same time realizing the reuse of the combustion heat of the burner 4, further reducing the energy consumption of the system.

[0052] Preferably, the heat exchanger 5 is also connected to the SOFC stack 3; in this way, the heat exchanger 5 can provide heat to the SOFC stack 3.

[0053] Preferably, in some embodiments, the reformer 2, SOFC stack 3 and burner 4 can be integrated into a single unit or placed in a heat-insulated enclosure.

[0054] The present invention will be illustrated by specific embodiments below.

[0055] Example 1

[0056] The solid oxide fuel cell power generation system of this embodiment has a power output of 300W. The system is equipped with the microchannel reforming hydrogen production device of this utility model. The reformer 2 of the microchannel reforming hydrogen production device is provided with an integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21.

[0057] The integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 of this embodiment has dimensions of 50×50×100mm, a pore size of 1mm, a square cross-section, and a Ni / Al2O3 coating for the reforming catalyst.

[0058] The feedstock used in this embodiment is a methanol-water mixture (S / C = 2.0), the reforming temperature for hydrogen production is 600℃, and the hydrogen yield is ≥1.2 Nm³. 3 / h.

[0059] In this embodiment, the SOFC stack 3 is specifically composed of 5 SOFC single cells, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation system is greater than or equal to 45%.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] The solid oxide fuel cell power generation system of this embodiment has a power output of 150kW. The system is equipped with the microchannel reforming hydrogen production device of this invention. The reformer 2 of the microchannel reforming hydrogen production device is provided with 20 identical integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst modules 21 connected in parallel.

[0062] Each integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module 21 has dimensions of 200×200×150mm, a pore size of 1.5mm, a square cross-section, and a Ru / CeO2 coating on the reforming catalyst.

[0063] In this embodiment, the feedstock is a natural gas-air mixture (O / C = 0.3), the reforming temperature for hydrogen production is 800℃, and the hydrogen yield is ≥80 Nm³. 3 / h.

[0064] In this embodiment, the SOFC stack 3 is specifically composed of 200 SOFC single cells, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation system is greater than or equal to 50%.

[0065] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 utility model.

[0066] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0067] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly 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 explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through 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. "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.

[0069] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0070] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microchannel reforming hydrogen production device, characterized in that, The reformer (2) includes at least one integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module (21) encapsulated therein; the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module (21) has multiple channels (22) with a pore diameter of 0.5-2 mm and a pore density of 400-3000 CPSI.

2. The microchannel reforming hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module (21) is made of cordierite or silicon carbide-based composite material.

3. The microchannel reforming hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst module (21) is loaded with a reforming catalyst layer, the material of which is a non-precious metal-based catalyst or a precious metal catalyst.

4. The microchannel reforming hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reformer (2) contains multiple integral honeycomb ceramic catalyst modules (21), which are arranged in series or in parallel through the channels (22).

5. A microchannel reforming hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the channel (22) is square, and the diameter of the channel (22) is the side length of the square.

6. A microchannel reforming hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a mixer (1), the air inlet of which is connected to the feeding system, and the air outlet of the mixer (1) is connected to the air inlet of the reformer (2).

7. A solid oxide fuel cell power generation system, characterized in that, The device includes a microchannel reforming hydrogen production apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-6, and further includes an SOFC stack (3), wherein the outlet of the reformer (2) is connected to the inlet of the SOFC stack (3).

8. A solid oxide fuel cell power generation system according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a burner (4) and a heat exchanger (5) connected in sequence, with the inlet of the burner (4) connected to the outlet of the SOFC stack (3).

9. A solid oxide fuel cell power generation system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reformer (2) also includes an exhaust gas recirculation port, which is connected to the burner (4).

10. A solid oxide fuel cell power generation system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (5) is also connected to the SOFC stack (3).