Fuel cell module and fuel cell device

Abstract

To improve the degree of freedom in design to avoid the interference between pipelines.SOLUTION: A fuel cell module 10 has a container 11, a fuel cell stack 13, and a plurality of pipelines 12. The container 11 accommodates a reformer 16 and a combustor 17. The fuel cell stack 13 laminates a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cells generate power through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas generated by the reformer 16 and an oxidizing agent. The plurality of pipelines 12 send different types of gases between the container 11 and the fuel cell stack 13. Parts of the plurality of pipelines 12 are connected with a first surface of the container 11 and a first surface of the fuel cell stack 13. The other parts of the plurality of pipelines 12 are connected with at least one of a second surface of the container 11 and a second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13. The second surface of the container 11 is different from the first surface. The second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13 is different from the first surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device. [Background technology]

[0002] A fuel cell module including a reformer, a combustor, and a fuel cell stack is known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-119854 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a fuel cell module, piping is provided for sending fuel gas from a reformer to a fuel cell stack, and piping for sending fuel off-gas and oxidant off-gas from the fuel cell stack to the reformer. It has been difficult to connect these pipings to the fuel cell stack without interfering with each other.

[0005] Therefore, in consideration of the problems with the conventional technology as described above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device that improve the design freedom to avoid interference between pipes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a fuel cell module according to a first aspect comprises: a vessel housing a reformer and a combustor for heating the reformer; a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells stacked together, the fuel cell stack generating electricity by an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas generated by the reformer and an oxidant; a plurality of pipes for transmitting different types of gas between the container and the fuel cell stack, some of the plurality of pipes are connected to a first surface of the container and a first surface of the fuel cell stack; Another portion of the plurality of pipes is connected to at least one of a second surface of the container that is different from the first surface and a second surface of the fuel cell stack that is different from the first surface.

[0007] A fuel cell device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: The fuel cell module includes a container that houses a reformer and a combustor that heats the reformer, a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cell cells that generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction of a fuel gas produced by the reformer and an oxidant are stacked, and a plurality of pipes that transport different types of gas between the container and the fuel cell stack, wherein some of the plurality of pipes are connected to a first surface of the container and a first surface of the fuel cell stack, and another portion of the plurality of pipes is connected to at least one of a second surface of the container that is different from the first surface and a second surface of the fuel cell stack that is different from the first surface. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The fuel cell module and fuel cell device according to the present disclosure configured as described above provide greater freedom in designing to prevent interference between pipes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell module according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modified example of the fuel cell module of FIG. [Diagram 5]2 is a side view of the fuel cell module of FIG. 1, viewed from a first direction. [Figure 6] 2 is a side view of the fuel cell module of FIG. 1, seen from a direction opposite to a first direction. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of another modified example of the fuel cell module of FIG. 1, viewed from a first direction. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of another modified example of the fuel cell module of FIG. 1, seen from a direction opposite to the first direction. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of yet another modified example of the fuel cell module of FIG. 1, viewed from a first direction. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of yet another modified example of the fuel cell module of FIG. 1, seen from a direction opposite to the first direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a gas flow within a fuel cell stack having a folded structure in a first arrangement direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the gas flow within the fuel cell stack of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a gas flow in a fuel cell stack having a folded structure in a direction perpendicular to a first arrangement direction. [Figure 14] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a fuel cell module according to a second embodiment taken along a plane perpendicular to a second direction. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fuel cell module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a side view of the fuel cell module of FIG. 15, seen from a direction opposite to the second direction. [Figure 17] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 15. [Figure 18] 16 is a side view of the fuel cell module of FIG. 15 as viewed from a second direction. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fuel cell module according to a modification of the third embodiment, viewed from a direction opposite to the second direction. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fuel cell module according to a modification of the third embodiment, viewed from a second direction. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a side view of a fuel cell module according to a fourth embodiment, seen from a direction opposite to the second direction. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a side view of the fuel cell module of the fourth embodiment, as viewed from a second direction. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fuel cell module according to a modification of the fourth embodiment, viewed from a direction opposite to the second direction. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fuel cell module according to a modification of the fourth embodiment, viewed from a second direction. [Diagram 25] FIG. 24 is a top view of the fuel cell stack in FIG. 23, as viewed from a second arrangement direction. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fuel cell module according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from a direction opposite to the second direction. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a side view of the fuel cell module of the fifth embodiment, as viewed from a second direction. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fuel cell module according to a sixth embodiment, seen from a direction opposite to the second direction. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a side view of the fuel cell module of the sixth embodiment, as viewed from a second direction. [Diagram 30] 29 is a side view of the fuel cell stack in FIG. 28, viewed from a first direction. FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modified fuel cell stack in which the connection positions to a plurality of pipes are changed in the fuel cell module of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fuel cell module to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel cell module 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a container 11, a plurality of pipes 12, and a fuel cell stack 13.

[0012] A portion of the plurality of pipes 12 is connected to the first surface of the container 11 and the first surface of the fuel cell stack 13. Another portion of the plurality of pipes 12 is connected to at least one of the second surface of the container 11 and the second surface of the fuel cell stack 13. The second surface of the container 11 is different from the first surface of the container 11. The second surface of the fuel cell stack 13 is different from the first surface of the fuel cell stack 13. The first surface and the second surface of the container 11 and the first surface and the second surface of the fuel cell stack 13 will be described later. In the first embodiment, specifically, another portion of the plurality of pipes 12 may be connected to the first surface of the container 11 and the second surface of the fuel cell stack 13.

[0013] A fuel cell device including a fuel cell module 10 has a fixed attitude with respect to the ground surface when installed. In this specification, the direction of the fuel cell module 10 in the fuel cell device that is vertically upward in the fixed attitude with respect to the ground surface is referred to as the upward direction. In this specification, the direction of the fuel cell module 10 in the fuel cell device that is vertically downward in the fixed attitude with respect to the ground surface is referred to as the downward direction. In this specification, two directions that are perpendicular to the up-down direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the container 11 may be, for example, substantially rectangular. The rectangular container 11 may be formed by a rectangular surface perpendicular to the up-down direction, a substantially rectangular surface perpendicular to the first direction, and a substantially rectangular surface parallel to the second direction. The rectangular surface may be composed of a long side and a short side. In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the container 11 is substantially parallel to the first direction. Also, the width direction of the container 11 is substantially parallel to the second direction. In this specification, substantially parallel may include a relationship of, for example, ±5° as long as the effect of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0015] The container 11 may be provided with a raw fuel gas and water supply pipe 14 and a discharge pipe 15 on a side surface SS1 on the first direction side. The raw fuel gas and water supply pipe 14 penetrates the wall on the first direction side of the container 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the raw fuel gas and water supply pipe 14 is connected to a reformer 16. The raw fuel gas and water supply pipe 14 supplies the raw fuel gas and water to the reformer 16. The discharge pipe 15 has an inner space communicating with the inside of the container 11. The discharge pipe 15 discharges exhaust gas generated by combustion in the combustor 17.

[0016] 1, the container 11 may be provided with a thermocouple 18 and an ignition heater 19 extending from a side surface SS1 on the first direction side into the container 11. The thermocouple 18 detects the temperature of a combustion chamber, which will be described later. The ignition heater 19 ignites a combustor 17, which will be described later. The container 11 may be provided with an oxidizer gas supply pipe 20 on an upper surface US. The oxidizer gas supply pipe 20 penetrates an outer wall on the upper side of the container 11 and is connected to an oxidizer gas supply path in the container 11.

[0017] The vessel 11 houses a reformer 16 and a combustor 17 .

[0018] 2, raw fuel gas and water are supplied to the reformer 16 through a raw fuel gas and water supply pipe 14. The reformer 16 includes at least a reforming section. The reformer 16 may include a vaporizing section.

[0019] The reforming unit contains a reforming catalyst and reforms the raw fuel gas with water to generate fuel gas containing hydrogen. The vaporizing unit vaporizes the water to produce steam and mixes it with the raw fuel gas. The vaporizing unit mixes the steam-like water with the raw fuel gas and supplies the mixed water to the reforming unit. The vaporizing unit may be a vaporizer external to the fuel cell module 10. Alternatively, as described above, the vaporizing unit may be integrated with the reforming unit and included in the reformer 16. The reformer 16 sends the fuel gas to the fuel cell stack 13 via a fuel gas pipe 21, which will be described later.

[0020] Unreacted oxidant gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack 13 to the combustor 17 via an oxidant off-gas pipe 22, which will be described later. In addition, unreacted fuel gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack 13 to the combustor 17 via a fuel off-gas pipe 23. The combustor 17 heats the reformer 16 by burning the unreacted combustion gas in the fuel cell stack 13 with the unreacted oxidant gas. The combustor 17 provides heat necessary for the steam reforming reaction in the reformer 16 by heating the reformer 16. The combustor 17 may include an oxidant off-gas combustor 24 and a fuel off-gas combustor 25.

[0021] 2 and 3, the combustor 17 may be provided below the reformer 16 inside the vessel 11. The combustor 17 may abut against the inner surface of the lower side of the vessel 11. More specifically, the oxidant off-gas combustor 24 may abut against the inner surface. The fuel off-gas combustor 25 may abut against the oxidant off-gas combustor 24 from above.

[0022] An oxidant off-gas injection port and a fuel off-gas injection port may be formed on the upper surface of the combustor 17. The oxidant off-gas injection port may inject unreacted oxidant gas into a space IS in the container 11 in which the reformer 16 and the combustor 17 are housed. The fuel off-gas injection port may inject unreacted fuel gas into the space IS in the container 11. Note that the combustor 17 and the reformer 16 may be separated from each other, and a configuration may be adopted in which the bottom surface of the reformer 16 is heated by combustion in the combustor 17.

[0023] 2 and 3, an oxidant flow path CH is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container 11. The flow path CH connects the oxidant gas supply pipe 20 to an oxidant gas pipe 26 described below. The flow path CH may be formed, for example, by an internal space defined by the outer walls and the inner walls on each of the upper surface US, the side surfaces, and the lower surface of the container 11. The side surfaces on which the flow path CH is formed may be two surfaces perpendicular to the second direction. The flow path CH supplies a gas (e.g., air) containing an oxidant such as oxygen, which is delivered from the oxidant gas supply pipe 20, to the fuel cell stack 13.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel gas pipe 21, the oxidant off-gas pipe 22, the fuel off-gas pipe 23, and the oxidant gas pipe 26 may be connected to the lower surface, which is the first surface, of the container 11. More specifically, the reformer 16 may be connected to the fuel gas pipe 21 via the combustor 17 and an internal pipe that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 11 and opens onto the lower surface of the container 11. The oxidant off-gas combustor 24 may be connected to the oxidant off-gas pipe 22 via an internal pipe that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 11 and opens onto the lower surface of the container 11. The fuel off-gas combustor 25 may be connected to the fuel off-gas pipe 23 via the oxidant off-gas combustor 24 and an internal pipe that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 11 and opens onto the lower surface of the container 11. The flow path CH may be connected to the oxidant gas pipe 26 via an opening formed on the lower surface of the container 11.

[0025] The multiple pipes 12 send different types of gas between the container 11 and the fuel cell stack 13. The multiple pipes 12 include, for example, a fuel gas pipe 21, an oxidant off-gas pipe 22, a fuel off-gas pipe 23, and an oxidant gas pipe 26. The fuel gas pipe 21 may send the fuel gas generated by the reformer 16 in the container 11 to the fuel cell stack 13. The oxidant off-gas pipe 22 may send the unreacted oxidant in the fuel cell stack 13 to the combustor 17 in the container 11, more specifically, to the oxidant off-gas combustor 24. The fuel off-gas pipe 23 may send the unreacted fuel gas in the fuel cell stack 13 to the combustor 17 in the container 11, more specifically, to the fuel off-gas combustor 25. The oxidant gas pipe 26 may send the oxidant from the flow path CH in the container 11 to the fuel cell stack 13.

[0026] The fuel cell stack 13 is located below the container 11. The fuel cell stack 13 includes a plurality of stacked flat fuel cells. The fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas generated by the reformer 16 and the oxidant. In the fuel cell, not all of the fuel gas and oxidant gas supplied undergo an electrochemical reaction, and unreacted fuel gas and oxidant gas are discharged.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cells may be substantially perpendicular to a first arrangement direction in which the container 11 and the fuel cell stack 13 are arranged, in other words, the up-down direction. In this specification, substantially perpendicular may mean any direction capable of achieving the effects of the present disclosure, and may include, for example, a relationship of 90°±5°. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cells may be substantially parallel to a first direction, in other words, the longitudinal direction of the container 11. Alternatively, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the stacking direction of the fuel cells may be substantially parallel to a second direction, in other words, the width direction of the container 11. The width direction of the container 11 is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0028] 2, the fuel cell stack 13 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 that are substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction. The second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13 is a surface on the rear side of the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13. Some of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13. The remaining part of the multiple pipes 12 is connected to the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13.

[0029] 5 and 6, the fuel cell stack 13 may have a fuel gas inlet 27, an oxidant gas inlet 28, a fuel off-gas outlet 29, and an oxidant off-gas outlet 30 connected to a plurality of pipes 12. The fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be located closer to the container 11 than the fuel gas inlet 27. The oxidant off-gas outlet 30 may be located closer to the container 11 than the oxidant gas inlet 28. More specifically, the fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 may be located near an end of the fuel cell stack 13 on the container 11 side. Furthermore, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidant gas inlet 28 may be located near an end of the fuel cell stack 13 away from the container 11.

[0030] The fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidant gas inlet 28 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13. The fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13, and the oxidant gas inlet 28 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13, and the oxidant gas inlet 28 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13.

[0031] The fuel gas inlet 27 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be positioned with a shift in a direction perpendicular to the first arrangement direction (second direction in the first embodiment) when viewed from the stacking direction (first direction in the first embodiment). The oxidant gas inlet 28 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 may be positioned with a shift in a direction perpendicular to the first arrangement direction (second direction in the first embodiment) when viewed from the stacking direction (first direction in the first embodiment). A line segment connecting the fuel gas inlet 27 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 and a line segment connecting the oxidant gas inlet 28 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 may intersect when viewed from the stacking direction.

[0032] In the fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment configured as described above, some of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to a first surface of the container 11 and a first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13, and another part of the multiple pipes 12 is connected to at least one of a second surface of the container 11 different from the first surface and a second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13 different from the first surface Scs1. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 10 improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference, compared to a configuration in which all of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to a single surface of the container 11 and a single surface of the fuel cell stack 13. In particular, improving the degree of freedom in design is particularly beneficial in a configuration in which a fuel cell stack 13 in which flat-plate type fuel cells are stacked is used.

[0033] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment, an oxidant flow path CH is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container 11. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 10 can heat the oxidant gas before sending it to the fuel cell stack 13 by utilizing the heat of the combustor 17 in the container 11, which is used to heat the reformer 16. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 suppresses the occurrence of temperature distribution inside the fuel cell stack 13, which is caused by the supply of low-temperature oxidant gas to the fuel cell stack 13, and therefore can suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 13.

[0034] In the fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment, the fuel off-gas outlet 29 is located closer to the container 11 than the fuel gas inlet 27, and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 is located closer to the container 11 than the oxidant gas inlet 28. For example, in a typical fuel cell stack, a structure is conceivable in which the fuel gas inlet and the fuel off-gas outlet are located at the same position in the first arrangement direction, and the oxidant inlet and the oxidant off-gas outlet are located at the same position in the first arrangement direction. In such a structure, as shown in FIG. 11, the fuel gas and the oxidant gas flow from the inlet IN into some fuel cell 31' and flow in one vertical direction (upward in FIG. 11) within the fuel cell 31', and then flow in the opposite vertical direction (downward in FIG. 11) within the fuel cell 31' and are discharged from the outlet OUT. In such a folded structure, a gas pressure loss may occur. On the other hand, the fuel cell module 10 having the above-mentioned configuration does not require the adoption of a structure that turns back gas in the first arrangement direction (vertical direction) within the fuel cell stack 13, and as shown in Fig. 12, the fuel gas and oxidant gas can pass from bottom to top within the fuel cell stack 13 without turning back in the vertical direction. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 does not require turning back in the first arrangement direction and can suppress the occurrence of gas pressure loss, thereby enabling the flow of the fuel gas and oxidant gas to be smooth. As a result, the fuel cell module 10 can improve the power generation efficiency.

[0035] 5 and 6, in the fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidant gas inlet 28 are provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13, and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 are provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13. For example, in a general fuel cell stack, it is conceivable that the inlet and outlet of the fuel gas and the oxidant gas are located on the same surface. In such a structure, as shown in FIG. 13, the fuel gas and the oxidant gas flow from the inlet IN in one direction of the stacking direction, then flow in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction in each fuel cell 31', and then flow in the opposite direction to the stacking direction and are discharged from the outlet OUT. In such a configuration, the pressure loss is large, so that the gas is less likely to reach the electrochemical cell 11' that is far from the inlet IN and the outlet OUT. On the other hand, the fuel cell module 10 having the above-mentioned configuration does not require the adoption of a structure that turns back gas in the stacking direction within the fuel cell stack 13, and can pass the fuel gas and oxidant gas from the first surface Scs1 side of the fuel cell stack 13 to the second surface Scs2 side of the fuel cell stack 13 within the fuel cell stack 13. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 can reduce pressure loss and can reduce the difference in the amount of gas that reaches the multiple fuel cells. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 can improve the power generation efficiency.

[0036] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the fuel cell module 10 of the modified example of the first embodiment, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 are provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13, and the oxidant gas inlet 28 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 are provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 10 does not need to adopt a structure that turns back gas in the stacking direction in the fuel cell stack 13, and the fuel gas can be directed from the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13 to the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13, and the oxidant gas can be passed from the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13 to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13. Thus, the fuel cell module 10 similarly does not need to turn back in the first arrangement direction, and the occurrence of gas pressure loss can be suppressed, and the flow of the fuel gas and the oxidant gas can be made smooth. As a result, the fuel cell module 10 can improve the power generation efficiency.

[0037] Next, a fuel cell module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells is different from that of the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate parts having the same configuration as the first embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 14, the fuel cell module 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and includes a container 110, a plurality of pipes 120, and a fuel cell stack .

[0039] The configuration of the container 110 is similar to that of the first embodiment, except for the surface on which the fuel gas pipe 210 is provided.

[0040] In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the reformer 16 may be connected to the fuel gas piping 210 via an internal piping that penetrates a wall of the container 11 that sandwiches the combustor 17 together with the reformer 16, in other words, a wall other than the lower wall. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the internal piping may penetrate a side surface SS2 on the opposite side to the first direction and be connected to the fuel gas piping 210, and may send out the fuel gas generated by the reformer 16.

[0041] The multiple pipes 120 send different types of gas between the container 110 and the fuel cell stack 130, as in the first embodiment. The multiple pipes 120 may include a fuel gas pipe 210, an oxidant off-gas pipe 220, a fuel off-gas pipe 230, and an oxidant gas pipe 260, as in the first embodiment. The function of the fuel gas pipe 210 may be the same as that of the fuel gas pipe 21 in the first embodiment. The function of the oxidant off-gas pipe 220 may be the same as that of the oxidant off-gas pipe 22 in the first embodiment. The function of the fuel off-gas pipe 230 may be the same as that of the fuel off-gas pipe 23 in the first embodiment. The function of the oxidant gas pipe 260 may be the same as that of the oxidant gas pipe 26 in the first embodiment.

[0042] As described below, the multiple pipes 120 are connected to a fuel cell stack 130 whose attitude with respect to the container 110 is different from that in the first embodiment. Therefore, the shape of the multiple pipes 120 may be different from the shape of the multiple pipes 12 in the first embodiment.

[0043] The function and internal structure of the fuel cell stack 130 may be the same as those in the first embodiment. The attitude of the fuel cell stack 130 relative to the container 110 differs from that in the first embodiment in that the stacking direction of the fuel cells is parallel to a first arrangement direction in which the container 110 and the fuel cell stack 130 are arranged, in other words, parallel to the vertical direction.

[0044] In the fuel cell module 100 of the second embodiment configured as described above, some of the multiple pipes 120 are connected to a first surface of the container 11 and a first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 130, and another part of the multiple pipes 120 are connected to at least one of a second surface different from the first surface of the container 11 and a second surface Scs2 different from the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 130. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 100 also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0045] Also in the fuel cell module 100 of the second embodiment, a flow path CH for the oxidant is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container 110. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 100 can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 130.

[0046] Also, in the fuel cell module 100 of the second embodiment, the fuel off-gas outlet 29 is located closer to the container 11 than the fuel gas inlet 27, and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 is located closer to the container 11 than the oxidant gas inlet 28. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 100 can also improve the power generation efficiency.

[0047] Also in the fuel cell module 100 of the second embodiment, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidant gas inlet 28 are provided on the first face Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13, and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 are provided on the second face Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 100 can also improve the power generation efficiency.

[0048] Next, a fuel cell module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, the arrangement of the fuel cell stack relative to the container and the connection structure of the multiple pipes are different from those of the first embodiment. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0049] 15, in the third embodiment, like the first embodiment, some of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131. Another part of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to at least one of the second surface Scs2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131. In the third embodiment, specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, another part of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 15, in the third embodiment, the shape of the container 111 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the container 111 is provided with a supply pipe 141 for raw fuel gas and water and a discharge pipe 151 on a first surface Svl1, which is the surface on the upper side. The supply pipe 141 for raw fuel gas and water penetrates the wall of the container 111 on the first surface Svl1 side. As shown in Fig. 17, similar to the first embodiment, the supply pipe 141 for raw fuel gas and water is connected to a reformer 161. The discharge pipe 151 communicates the inner space with a space IS in the container 111, similar to the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 15, the container 111 is provided with a thermocouple 18 and an ignition heater 19 extending from a side surface SS1 on the first direction side into the container 111, as in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, the container 111 is provided with an oxidizer gas supply pipe 201 on a second surface Svl2 behind the first surface Svl1. Therefore, the oxidizer is introduced into the container 111 from the opposite side of a second arrangement direction, which will be described later. The oxidizer gas supply pipe 201 penetrates the outer wall on the lower side of the container 111 and is connected to an oxidizer gas supply path in the container 111.

[0052] The vessel 111 houses a reformer 161 and a combustor 171, similar to the first embodiment.

[0053] 17, similar to the first embodiment, raw fuel gas and water are supplied to the inside of the reformer 161 via a raw fuel gas and water supply pipe 14. Similar to the first embodiment, the reformer 161 sends out the generated fuel gas to the fuel cell stack 131 via a fuel gas pipe 211 described later.

[0054] Similar to the first embodiment, unreacted oxidant gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack 131 to the combustor 171 via an oxidant off-gas piping 221 described below. Also, similar to the first embodiment, unreacted fuel gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack 131 to the combustor 171 via a fuel off-gas piping 231. Similar to the first embodiment, the combustor 171 may include an oxidant off-gas combustor 241 and a fuel off-gas combustor 251.

[0055] In the container 111, the combustor 171 and the reformer 161 are arranged next to each other along a second arrangement direction in that order of the combustor 171 and the reformer 161. The second arrangement direction is the upward direction in the fuel cell module 101.

[0056] 17, similar to the first embodiment, an oxidant flow path CH is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container 111. The flow path CH connects the oxidant gas supply pipe 201 to an oxidant gas pipe 261, which will be described later. The flow path CH may be formed by, for example, an inner space defined by the outer walls and inner walls of the first surface Svl1, the side surface, and the second surface Svl2 of the container 111.

[0057] 15 to 17, the fuel gas pipe 211 and the oxidant gas pipe 261 may be connected to a first surface Svl1 of the vessel 11. The oxidant off-gas pipe 221 and the fuel off-gas pipe 231 may be connected to a second surface Svl2 of the vessel 111.

[0058] One end of the fuel gas pipe 211 may be connected to the reformer 161, specifically via the container 111, more specifically through the inner and outer walls of the container 111. The oxidant off-gas pipe 221 may be connected to the oxidant off-gas combustor 241, specifically via an internal pipe that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 111. The fuel off-gas pipe 231 may be connected to the fuel off-gas combustor 251, specifically via an internal pipe that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 111 and the oxidant off-gas combustor 241. The oxidant gas pipe 261 may be connected to the flow path CH, specifically via an opening formed in the first surface Svl1 of the container 11.

[0059] In the third embodiment, the fuel cell stack 131 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the second arrangement direction with respect to the container 111. More specifically, the fuel cell stack 131 is positioned in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the container 111. The stacking direction of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack 131 is, for example, the same as the second direction.

[0060] In the third embodiment, the fuel cell stack 131 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction as shown in Figs. 15 and 16, similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the first surface Scs1 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131 are perpendicular to the second direction. A portion of the plurality of pipes 121 is connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131, similar to the first embodiment. The remaining portion of the plurality of pipes 121 is connected to the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131, similar to the first embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figures 16 and 18, the fuel cell stack 131, similar to the first embodiment, has a fuel gas inlet 271, an oxidant gas inlet 281, a fuel off-gas outlet 291, and an oxidant off-gas outlet 301 connected to multiple pipes 121.

[0062] The fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 301 may be provided on a first face Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131. The oxidant gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291 may be provided on a second face Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the oxidant gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 301 may be provided on the first face Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131, and the fuel gas inlet 271 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291 may be provided on the second face Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 16, 19, and 20, the oxidant gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291 may be provided at the same position in the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 301 may be provided at the same position in the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 16, 18 to 20, the fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 301 may be located closer to the container 111 than the oxidant gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291. More specifically, the fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 301 may be located near the end of the fuel cell stack 131 on the container 111 side. Also, the oxidant gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291 may be located near the end of the fuel cell stack 131 away from the container 111.

[0064] The fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidant gas inlet 281 may be provided at the same position in the second arrangement direction. The fuel off-gas outlet 291 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 301 may be provided at the same position in the second arrangement direction. The fuel gas inlet 271 may be located on the second arrangement direction side, in other words, on the upper side, of the connection port with the fuel gas pipe 211 in the reformer 161. Therefore, the fuel gas pipe 211, which is one of the multiple pipes 121, is connected to the fuel cell stack 131 on the second arrangement direction side of one end connected to the reformer 161. The oxidant gas inlet 281 may be located on the second arrangement direction side, in other words, on the upper side, of the connection port with the oxidant gas pipe 261 in the container 111. Therefore, the oxidant gas pipe 261, which is one of the multiple pipes 121, is connected to the fuel cell stack 131 on the second arrangement direction side of one end connected to the container 111.

[0065] In the fuel cell module 101 of the third embodiment configured as described above, some of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131, and another part of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to at least one of a second surface Svl2 different from the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and a second surface Scs2 different from the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 101 also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0066] Also in the fuel cell module 101 of the third embodiment, a flow path CH for the oxidant is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container 111. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 101 can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 131.

[0067] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 101 of the third embodiment, one end of each of the multiple pipes 121 is connected to the reformer 161 via the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 131 on the second arrangement direction side of the one end. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 101 improves the efficiency of supplying high-temperature fuel gas, which tends to flow upward, from the reformer 161 to the fuel cell stack 131. Therefore, the fuel cell module 101 can improve power generation efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 101 of the third embodiment, one end of each of the multiple pipes 121 is connected to the flow path CH in the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 131 on the second arrangement direction side of the one end. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 101 improves the efficiency of supplying high-temperature oxidant gas, which tends to flow upward, from the container 111 to the fuel cell stack 131. Therefore, the fuel cell module 101 can improve power generation efficiency.

[0069] Next, a fuel cell module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack is different from that of the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate parts having the same configuration as the third embodiment.

[0070] 21 and 22 , in the fourth embodiment, like the third embodiment, some of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132. Another part of the multiple pipes 122 is connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132. In the fourth embodiment, specifically, another part of the multiple pipes 122 is connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132.

[0071] In the fourth embodiment, the structure, internal structure, and function of the container 111 are the same as those in the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the connection structure of the multiple pipes 122 to the container 111 is the same as those in the third embodiment.

[0072] In the fourth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 132 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the second arrangement direction with respect to the container 111, similar to the third embodiment. Unlike the third embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack 132 is the same as the second arrangement direction.

[0073] In the fourth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 132 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 that are substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, similar to the third embodiment. Therefore, the first surface Scs1 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132 are perpendicular to the second arrangement direction. A portion of the plurality of pipes 122 is connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132, similar to the third embodiment. The remaining portion of the plurality of pipes 122 is connected to the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132, similar to the third embodiment.

[0074] The fuel cell stack 132 has a fuel gas inlet 272 , an oxidant gas inlet 282 , a fuel off-gas outlet 292 , and an oxidant off-gas outlet 302 that connect to a plurality of pipes 122 , similar to the third embodiment.

[0075] The fuel gas inlet 272 and the oxidant gas inlet 282 may be provided on a first face Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132. The fuel off-gas outlet 292 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 302 may be provided on a second face Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132. stomach.

[0076] The fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be provided at the same position in the first direction. The oxidant gas inlet 282 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 302 may be provided at the same position in the first direction. The fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located closer to the container 111 than the oxidant gas inlet 282 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 302. More specifically, the fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located near an end of the fuel cell stack 132 on the container 111 side. Also, the oxidant gas inlet 282 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 302 may be located near an end of the fuel cell stack 132 on the side away from the container 111. The fuel gas inlet 272 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 302 may be provided at the same position in the second direction. The oxidant gas inlet 282 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be provided at the same position in the second direction.

[0077] 23 and 24, the fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be provided at the same position in the first direction. The oxidant off-gas outlet 302 may be located closer to the container 111 than the fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292. The fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located closer to the container 111 than the oxidant gas inlet 282. More specifically, the oxidant off-gas outlet 302 may be located near an end of the fuel cell stack 132 on the container 111 side. The oxidant gas inlet 282 may be located near an end of the fuel cell stack 132 on the side away from the container 111. The fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located between the oxidant gas inlet 282 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 302 in the first direction. 25, the fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located near opposite ends of the fuel cell stack 132 in the second direction. The oxidant gas inlet 282 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 302 may be located at the same position in the second direction.

[0078] 21 to 24, the fuel gas inlet 272 may be located on the second arrangement direction side, in other words, upward, of the connection port to the fuel gas pipe 212 in the reformer 161. The oxidizing gas inlet 282 may be located on the second arrangement direction side, in other words, upward, of the connection port to the oxidizing gas pipe 262 in the container 111.

[0079] In the fuel cell module 102 of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, some of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132, and another part of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to at least one of a second surface Svl2 different from the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and a second surface Scs2 different from the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 102 also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0080] Also in the fuel cell module 102 of the fourth embodiment, a flow path CH for the oxidant is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container 111. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 102 can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 132.

[0081] Also in the fuel cell module 102 of the fourth embodiment, one end of each of the multiple pipes 122 is connected to the reformer 161 via the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 132 on the second arrangement direction side of the one end. Therefore, similar to the third embodiment, the fuel cell module 102 can also improve power generation efficiency.

[0082] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 102 of the fourth embodiment, one end of each of the multiple pipes 122 is connected to the flow path CH in the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 132 on the second arrangement direction side of the one end. Therefore, the fuel cell module 102 can also improve power generation efficiency, similar to the third embodiment.

[0083] Next, a fuel cell module according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the connection structure between the multiple pipes and the fuel cell stack is different from that of the third embodiment. The fifth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as the third or fourth embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0084] 26 and 27 , in the fifth embodiment, like the third embodiment, some of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133. Another part of the multiple pipes 123 is connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 133. In the fifth embodiment, specifically, another part of the multiple pipes 123 is connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132.

[0085] In the fifth embodiment, the structure, internal structure, and function of the container 111 are the same as those in the third embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the connection structure of the multiple pipes 123 to the container 111 is the same as those in the third embodiment.

[0086] In the fifth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the fuel cell stack 133 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the second arrangement direction with respect to the container 111. Unlike the third embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack 133 is the same as the first direction.

[0087] In the fifth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 133 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 that are substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, similar to the third embodiment. Therefore, the first surface Scs1 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 133 are perpendicular to the first direction. Unlike the third embodiment, all of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133.

[0088] Similar to the third embodiment, the fuel cell stack 133 has a fuel gas inlet 273, an oxidant gas inlet 283, a fuel off-gas outlet 293, and an oxidant off-gas outlet 303 that are connected to the multiple pipes 123. The fuel gas inlet 273, the oxidant gas inlet 283, the fuel off-gas outlet 293, and the oxidant off-gas outlet 303 may be provided on a first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133.

[0089] The fuel gas inlet 273 may be located on the second arrangement direction side, in other words, upward, of the connection port to the fuel gas pipe 213 in the reformer 161. The oxidant gas inlet 283 may be located on the second arrangement direction side, in other words, upward, of the connection port to the oxidant gas pipe 263 in the container 111.

[0090] In the fuel cell module 103 of the fifth embodiment configured as described above, some of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133, and another part of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to at least one of a second surface Svl2 different from the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and a second surface Scs2 different from the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 103 also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0091] Also in the fuel cell module 103 of the fifth embodiment, a flow path CH for the oxidant is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container 111. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 103 can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 133.

[0092] Also in the fuel cell module 103 of the fifth embodiment, one end of each of the multiple pipes 123 is connected to the reformer 161 via the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 133 on the second arrangement direction side of the one end. Therefore, similar to the third embodiment, the fuel cell module 103 can also improve the power generation efficiency.

[0093] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 103 of the fifth embodiment, one end of each of the multiple pipes 123 is connected to the flow path CH in the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 133 on the second arrangement direction side of the one end. Therefore, the fuel cell module 103 can also improve power generation efficiency, similar to the third embodiment.

[0094] Next, a fuel cell module according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the connection structure between the multiple pipes and the fuel cell stack is different from that of the third embodiment. The sixth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate parts having the same configuration as the third, fourth, or fifth embodiment.

[0095] 28 and 29 , in the sixth embodiment, like the first embodiment, some of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 114 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134. Another part of the multiple pipes 124 is connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 114 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 134. In the sixth embodiment, specifically, another part of the multiple pipes 124 is connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 114 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134.

[0096] In the sixth embodiment, the shape of the container 114 is the same as that of the third embodiment. Unlike the third embodiment, the container 114 is provided with an oxidant gas supply pipe 204 on a first surface Svl1, which is the surface on the upper side, in addition to the supply pipe 141 and exhaust pipe 151 for raw fuel gas and water. Similar to the third embodiment, the oxidant gas supply pipe 204 penetrates the outer wall on the upper side of the container 114 and is connected to the flow path CH of the oxidant gas in the container 111.

[0097] In the sixth embodiment, the fuel gas pipe 214 may be connected to a first surface Svl1 of the vessel 114. The oxidant gas pipe 264, the oxidant off-gas pipe 224, and the fuel off-gas pipe 234 may be connected to a second surface Svl2 of the vessel 114.

[0098] In the sixth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 134 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the second arrangement direction with respect to the container 114, similar to the third embodiment. The stacking direction of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack 132 is the same as the first direction, as in the fifth embodiment.

[0099] In the sixth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 134 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 that are substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, similar to the third embodiment. Therefore, the first surface Scs1 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 134 are perpendicular to the first direction. All of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134, similar to the fifth embodiment.

[0100] 30 , the fuel cell stack 134, similar to the third embodiment, has a fuel gas inlet 274, an oxidant gas inlet 284, a fuel off-gas outlet 294, and an oxidant off-gas outlet 304 connected to multiple pipes 124. The fuel gas inlet 274, the oxidant gas inlet 284, the fuel off-gas outlet 294, and the oxidant off-gas outlet 304 may be provided on a first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134.

[0101] The fuel gas inlet 274 may be located on the second arrangement direction side, in other words, on the upper side, of the connection port of the reformer 161 with the fuel gas pipe 214 .

[0102] In the fuel cell module 104 of the sixth embodiment configured as described above, some of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 114 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134, and another part of the multiple pipes 124 is connected to at least one of a second surface Svl2 different from the first surface Svl1 of the container 114 and a second surface Scs2 different from the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 104 also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0103] Also in the fuel cell module 104 of the sixth embodiment, a flow path CH for the oxidant is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container 114. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the fuel cell module 104 can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 134.

[0104] Also in the fuel cell module 104 of the sixth embodiment, one end of each of the multiple pipes 124 is connected to the reformer 161 via the container 114, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 134 on the second arrangement direction side of the one end. Therefore, similar to the third embodiment, the fuel cell module 104 can also improve the power generation efficiency.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0106] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29, and the oxidant gas inlet 28 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 are provided near both ends in the same direction on a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cell, but are not limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 30, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be provided near both ends in any one direction (first direction) on a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the oxidant gas inlet 28 and the oxidant off-gas outlet 30 may be provided near both ends in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the one direction on the plane.

[0107] Furthermore, for example, in the third to sixth embodiments, the fuel cell stacks 131 to 134 are configured to be positioned on the opposite side of the containers 111, 114 in the first direction, but may be positioned in the second direction, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10, 100 Fuel Cell Module 11, 110, 111, 114 containers 12, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124 Multiple piping 13, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134 Fuel cell stack 14, 141 Raw fuel gas and water supply pipes 15, 151 Discharge pipe 16, 161 Reformer 17, 171 Combustor 18 Thermocouple 19 Ignition heater 20, 201, 204 Oxidant gas supply pipe 21, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214 Fuel gas piping 22, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224 Oxidant off-gas piping 23, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234 Fuel off-gas piping 24, 241 Oxidizer off-gas combustor 25, 251 Fuel off-gas combustor 26, 260, 261, 262, 262, 264 Oxidant gas piping 27, 271, 272, 273 Fuel gas inlet 28, 281, 282, 283 Oxidant gas inlet 29, 291, 292, 293 Fuel off-gas outlet 30, 301, 302, 303 Oxidant off-gas outlet 31' Fuel Cell CH channel IN Entrance IS Space inside the container OUT exit Scs1: First side of fuel cell stack Scs2 Second side of fuel cell stack SS1 First direction side SS2: The opposite side of the second direction Svl1 First side of the container Svl2 Second side of the container US top

Claims

1. a vessel housing a reforming section and a combustor for heating the reforming section; a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells stacked together, the fuel cell stack generating electricity by an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas generated by the reforming unit and an oxidant; a plurality of pipes for transmitting different types of gas between the container and the fuel cell stack; some of the plurality of pipes are connected to a first surface of the container and a first surface of the fuel cell stack; Another part of the plurality of pipes is connected to at least one of a second surface of the container that is different from the first surface and a second surface of the fuel cell stack that is different from the first surface. Fuel cell module.

2. 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, a first surface of the fuel cell stack that is substantially perpendicular to a stacking direction of the fuel cells; the second surface of the fuel cell stack is a back side of the first surface of the fuel cell stack, The remaining part of the plurality of pipes is connected to a second surface of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

3. 3. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, An oxidant flow path is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container. Fuel cell module.

4. 4. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, An internal pipe in the container for delivering the fuel gas generated by the reforming unit penetrates through walls of the container other than the walls sandwiching the combustor together with the reforming unit. Fuel cell module.

5. 5. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, the fuel cell stack has a fuel gas inlet, an oxidant gas inlet, a fuel off-gas outlet, and an oxidant off-gas outlet connected to the plurality of pipes, the fuel off-gas outlet is located closer to the vessel than the fuel gas inlet; The oxidant off-gas outlet is located closer to the vessel than the oxidant gas inlet. Fuel cell module.

6. 6. The fuel cell module according to claim 5, The fuel gas inlet and the oxidant gas inlet are provided on a first surface of the fuel cell stack, and the fuel off-gas outlet and the oxidant off-gas outlet are provided on a second surface of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

7. 6. The fuel cell module according to claim 5, The fuel gas inlet and the oxidant off-gas outlet are provided on a first surface of the fuel cell stack, and the oxidant gas inlet and the fuel off-gas outlet are provided on a second surface of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

8. 6. The fuel cell module according to claim 5, The fuel gas inlet and the fuel off-gas outlet are provided on a first surface of the fuel cell stack, and the oxidant gas inlet and the oxidant off-gas outlet are provided on a second surface of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

9. 9. The fuel cell module according to claim 6, The stacking direction is substantially perpendicular to a first arrangement direction in which the container and the fuel cell stack are arranged. Fuel cell module.

10. 10. The fuel cell module according to claim 9, A longitudinal direction of the container that is substantially perpendicular to the first arrangement direction is parallel to the stacking direction. Fuel cell module.

11. 10. The fuel cell module according to claim 9, A width direction of the container that is substantially perpendicular to the first arrangement direction is substantially parallel to the stacking direction. Fuel cell module.

12. 7. The fuel cell module according to claim 6, The stacking direction is parallel to a first arrangement direction in which the container and the fuel cell stack are arranged. Fuel cell module.

13. 2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, the combustor and the reformer are arranged in the container in this order along a second arrangement direction, The fuel cell stack is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the second arrangement direction with respect to the container. Fuel cell module.

14. 14. The fuel cell module according to claim 13, One end of one of the plurality of pipes is connected to the reforming section via the container, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack on the second arrangement direction side of the one end. Fuel cell module.

15. 15. The fuel cell module according to claim 13 or 14, The first surface of the container is a surface on the second arrangement direction side, the second surface of the container is a surface behind the first surface of the container; the second surface of the fuel cell stack is a surface on a rear side of the first surface of the fuel cell stack, Another part of the plurality of pipes is connected to a second surface of the container and a second surface of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

16. 15. The fuel cell module according to claim 13 or 14, The first surface of the container is a surface on the second arrangement direction side, the second surface of the container is a surface opposite to the second arrangement direction, Another part of the plurality of pipes is connected to a first surface of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

17. 17. The fuel cell module according to claim 13, A flow path for an oxidant is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container; An oxidant is introduced into the container from a side opposite to the second orientation; One of the plurality of pipes connected to the oxidant flow path is connected to the fuel cell stack on the second arrangement direction side of the container. Fuel cell module.

18. A fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is provided. Fuel cell device.

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