Hydrogen production device

Abstract

To provide a technology for improving heat recovery efficiency of a hydrogen production device.SOLUTION: A hydrogen production device 100 of the present disclosure includes a vessel 10, a heating part 20, a vaporization part 21, a reformer 22, a CO remover 24, a discharge flow channel 44, and an outlet pipe 55. The discharge flow channel 44 is provided around the vaporization part 21 and is a flow channel for guiding hydrogen-containing gas from the CO remover 24 to an outside of the vessel 10. The outlet pipe 55 includes an open end 55t that opens toward the discharge flow channel 44. The outer peripheral surface 10p of the vessel 10 at a position where the outlet pipe 55 is attached and the outer peripheral surface 10p of the vessel 10 at a position where the CO remover 24 is disposed are flush with each other. The outlet pipe 55 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 10q of the vessel 10 toward the vaporization part 21 so that the open end 55t is positioned between the vaporization part 21 and the inner peripheral surface 10q of the vessel 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a hydrogen generator is described in Patent Document 1. The hydrogen generator described in Patent Document 1 is configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas from a raw material gas and water by heating a catalyst with a burner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-14373 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the hydrogen generation device described in Patent Document 1, an outlet pipe for guiding a hydrogen-containing gas to the outside is attached to an outer cylinder. The diameter of the outer cylinder at the position where the outlet pipe is attached is smaller than the diameter of the outer cylinder at the position where the CO remover is disposed. This structure promotes heat exchange between the hydrogen-containing gas and water, and is therefore considered to be advantageous for improving heat recovery efficiency.

[0005] In this type of hydrogen generator, a portion of the heat generated in a heating unit such as a burner is released into the ambient atmosphere through the outer casing. The less heat released into the ambient atmosphere, the higher the heat recovery efficiency. Improved heat recovery efficiency can reduce energy consumption in the heating unit. Therefore, the hydrogen generator requires a heat insulating member to reduce heat radiation into the ambient atmosphere and improve heat recovery efficiency.

[0006] As in the hydrogen generation apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is undesirable to have a step between the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder at the position where the outlet pipe is attached and the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder at the position where the CO remover is disposed, from the viewpoint of tightly covering the outer cylinder with a heat insulating member to suppress heat radiation into the surrounding atmosphere.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a technique for improving the heat recovery efficiency of a hydrogen generator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure provides: A container and a heating unit disposed inside the container; an evaporation section disposed around the heating section and evaporating water by heat from the heating section to generate water vapor; a reformer disposed downstream of the evaporator in a flow direction of the steam, the reformer generating a hydrogen-containing gas from the raw material gas and the steam; a CO remover disposed downstream of the reformer in a flow direction of the hydrogen-containing gas, the CO remover reducing a concentration of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas; an exhaust flow path provided around the evaporator and configured to guide the hydrogen-containing gas from the CO remover to the outside of the container; an outlet pipe attached to the container, the outlet pipe including an open end that opens toward the discharge flow path; Equipped with an outer circumferential surface of the container at a position where the outlet pipe is attached and an outer circumferential surface of the container at a position where the CO remover is disposed are flush with each other; the outlet pipe projects from the inner circumferential surface of the container toward the evaporator so that the open end is located between the evaporator and the inner circumferential surface of the container; A hydrogen generation device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the heat recovery efficiency of the hydrogen generation device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hydrogen generation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the operation of the hydrogen generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged view for explaining the operation of the hydrogen generation device of the reference example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the present inventors conceived the present disclosure, the hydrogen generation apparatus described in Patent Document 1 was known. According to the hydrogen generation apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an outlet pipe for guiding a hydrogen-containing gas to the outside is attached to a container (outer cylinder). There is a step between the outer peripheral surface of the container at the position where the outlet pipe is attached and the outer peripheral surface of the container at the position where the CO remover is disposed. The presence of such a step makes it necessary to wrap insulating members separately to fit the portions with different circumferential lengths. In this case, gaps are likely to occur between the insulating members. Such gaps reduce the heat recovery efficiency of the hydrogen generation apparatus.

[0012] In view of this, the present inventors have investigated eliminating the step between the outer peripheral surface of the container at the position where the outlet pipe is attached and the outer peripheral surface of the container at the position where the CO remover is disposed. However, such a structure may reduce the efficiency of heat exchange between the hydrogen-containing gas and water, and may actually reduce the heat exchange recovery efficiency. This is because, when the diameter of the container at the position where the outlet pipe is attached increases, the distance from the evaporation section to the open end of the outlet pipe increases.

[0013] Based on the above findings, the present inventors have arrived at the subject matter of the present disclosure, which provides a hydrogen generation device that can efficiently exchange heat between a hydrogen-containing gas and water and that can easily suppress heat radiation into the surrounding atmosphere.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0015] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] [1-1.Configuration] Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a hydrogen generation apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. The hydrogen generation apparatus 100 includes a container 10, a heating unit 20, an evaporating unit 21, a reformer 22, a CO reducer 23, and a CO remover 24. The heating unit 20, the evaporating unit 21, the reformer 22, the CO reducer 23, and the CO remover 24 are disposed inside the container 10. In Fig. 1, thick arrows indicate the flow of hydrogen-containing gas. Thin arrows indicate the flow of water and raw material gas, the flow of air, the flow of hydrogen-containing gas, and the flow of combustion exhaust gas, respectively.

[0018] The container 10 serves to house the components of the hydrogen generation apparatus 100. The container 10 is a bottomed, tubular member having a central axis O parallel to the vertical direction. The container 10 is typically cylindrical in shape. A combustion tube 30, a partition wall 31, and an inner tube 32 are provided inside the container 10 as members for dividing the space inside the container 10. A heating unit 20 is disposed inside the combustion tube 30. An evaporation unit 21 and a reformer 22 are disposed in the space between the partition wall 31 and the inner tube 32. A CO reducer 23 and a CO remover 24 are disposed in the space between the inner tube 32 and the container 10. The container 10 includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The diameter of the upper portion is larger than the diameter of the lower portion.

[0019] The heating unit 20 serves to increase the temperature inside the container 10. The heating unit 20 is typically a burner. The burner combusts fuel gas and discharges combustion exhaust gas. In this embodiment, a downward flame is formed by the burner.

[0020] The combustion liner 30 is disposed around the heating unit 20. The heating unit 20 is surrounded by the combustion liner 30. The combustion liner 30 is a tubular member having a central axis O parallel to the vertical direction. The combustion liner 30 is typically cylindrical in shape.

[0021] The partition wall 31 is disposed around the combustion liner 30. The combustion liner 30 is surrounded by the partition wall 31. The partition wall 31 is a bottomed, cylindrical member having a central axis O parallel to the vertical direction. The partition wall 31 is typically cylindrical in shape. The central axis O of the partition wall 31 coincides with the central axis O of the combustion liner 30. A combustion exhaust gas flow path 40 is provided between the combustion liner 30 and the partition wall 31. When the heating unit 20 is a burner, the heat of the burner flame and the heat of the combustion exhaust gas are applied to the partition wall 31. An outlet pipe 57 is attached to the top of the partition wall 31. The combustion exhaust gas is discharged to the outside through the outlet pipe 57.

[0022] The inner cylinder 32 is disposed around the partition wall 31. The partition wall 31 is surrounded by the inner cylinder 32. The inner cylinder 32 is a tubular member having a central axis O parallel to the vertical direction. The inner cylinder 32 is typically cylindrical in shape. The central axis O of the inner cylinder 32 coincides with the central axes O of the partition wall 31 and the combustion cylinder 30. The evaporation section 21 and the reformer 22 are disposed between the partition wall 31 and the inner cylinder 32. A supply pipe 58 is attached to the upper part of the inner cylinder 32. Raw material gas and water are supplied to the evaporation section 21 through the supply pipe 58.

[0023] The inner cylinder 32 includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The diameter of the lower portion is larger than the diameter of the upper portion. The upper portion of the inner cylinder 32 is surrounded by the upper portion of the container 10. The lower portion of the inner cylinder 32 is surrounded by the lower portion of the container 10.

[0024] Evaporation section 21 serves to evaporate water using the heat of heating section 20 to generate water vapor. Evaporation section 21 is disposed in the space between partition wall 31 and inner cylinder 32. More specifically, a rod-shaped body 65 is disposed in the space between partition wall 31 and the upper part of inner cylinder 32. As a result, a spiral flow path serving as evaporation section 21 is formed around heating section 20.

[0025] The reformer 22 serves to generate a hydrogen-containing gas from a mixed gas of a raw material gas and steam. The reformer 22 is disposed in the space between the partition wall 31 and the inner cylinder 32. Specifically, a reforming catalyst serving as the reformer 22 is filled in the space between the partition wall 31 and a lower part of the inner cylinder 32. That is, the reformer 22 is disposed downstream of the evaporation section 21 in the flow direction of the raw material gas and steam. The reformer 22 is heated by the heating section 20 via the partition wall 31. As a result, the temperature of the reformer 22 rises to a temperature suitable for the reforming reaction.

[0026] The hydrogen-containing gas flows downward from the reformer 22. Below the reformer 22, a gap through which the hydrogen-containing gas can flow is secured between the container 10 and the inner cylinder 32. A return flow path 41 is formed between a lower portion of the container 10 and a lower portion of the inner cylinder 32. The return flow path 41 changes the flow of the hydrogen-containing gas upward and guides the hydrogen-containing gas to the CO reducer 23.

[0027] The CO reducer 23 serves to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas through a CO transformation reaction. The CO reducer 23 is disposed between the inner cylinder 32 and the container 10. Specifically, a CO reduction catalyst serving as the CO reducer 23 is filled in the space between the upper part of the inner cylinder 32 and the upper part of the container 10. That is, the CO reducer 23 is disposed downstream of the reformer 22 in the flow direction of the hydrogen-containing gas. The CO reducer 23 is heated by the heating unit 20 via the evaporator 21. This increases the temperature of the CO reducer 23 to a temperature suitable for the transformation reaction.

[0028] An air supply pipe 36 is inserted into the first flow path 42 between the CO reducer 23 and the CO remover 24. Air to be used in the selective oxidation reaction is supplied to the first flow path 42 through the air supply pipe 36 and mixed with the hydrogen-containing gas.

[0029] The CO remover 24 serves to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas by a selective oxidation reaction. The CO remover 24 is disposed above the CO reducer 23, between the inner cylinder 32 and the container 10. Specifically, a CO removal catalyst serving as the CO remover 24 is filled in the space between the upper part of the inner cylinder 32 and the upper part of the container 10. The CO remover 24 is disposed downstream of the reformer 22 in the flow direction of the hydrogen-containing gas. The CO remover 24 is heated by the heating unit 20 via the evaporator 21. This increases the temperature of the CO remover 24 to a temperature suitable for the selective oxidation reaction.

[0030] The hydrogen generator 100 further includes a relay tube 34. The relay tube 34 is a member for buffering the heat of the heating unit 20 from being transmitted to the CO reducer 23 and the CO remover 24. The relay tube 34 is disposed coaxially with the inner tube 32 so as to surround the upper portion of the inner tube 32. The upper and lower ends of the relay tube 34 are fixed to the inner tube 32. A relay flow path 52 is formed inside the relay tube 34. The relay tube 34 is provided with an inlet 50 and an outlet 51. The CO reducer 23 is located between the container 10 and the relay tube 34. An annular partition plate 35 is disposed between the inlet 50 and the outlet 51 in the vertical direction. As a result, a second flow path 43 facing the outlet 51 and the CO remover 24 is formed between the container 10 and the relay tube 34. After flowing out of the CO reducer 23, the hydrogen-containing gas passes through the first flow path 42, the relay flow path 52, and the second flow path 43, and then flows into the CO remover 24.

[0031] The hydrogen generator 100 further includes an exhaust flow path 44 and an outlet pipe 55. The exhaust flow path 44 is a flow path provided around the evaporation unit 21 to guide the hydrogen-containing gas from the CO remover 24 to the outside of the container 10. The outlet pipe 55 is attached to the container 10 so as to penetrate the container 10. The outlet pipe 55 includes an open end 55t that opens toward the exhaust flow path 44. The outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 at the position where the outlet pipe 55 is attached is flush with the outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 at the position where the CO remover 24 is disposed. In other words, the outer diameter of the container 10 is constant. The outlet pipe 55 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 10q of the container 10 toward the evaporation unit 21 so that the open end 55t is located between the evaporation unit 21 and the inner peripheral surface 10q of the container 10.

[0032] When the outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 at the position where the outlet pipe 55 is attached and the outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 at the position where the CO remover 24 is disposed are flush with each other, the container 10 can be easily covered with a heat insulating member without any gaps. As a result, heat radiation from the container 10 to the ambient atmosphere can be suppressed, thereby improving the heat recovery efficiency of the hydrogen generation apparatus 100. Improved heat recovery efficiency can reduce the energy consumption of the heating unit 20. Note that even if a thin groove or shallow recess is formed on the outer peripheral surface 10p near the outlet pipe 55, the outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 at the position where the outlet pipe 55 is attached and the outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 at the position where the CO remover 24 is disposed can be considered to be flush with each other. This is because such a thin groove or shallow recess does not prevent the container 10 from being covered with a heat insulating member such as glass wool without any gaps.

[0033] In the hydrogen generation device described in Patent Document 1, there is a step between the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder at the position where the outlet pipe is attached and the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder at the position where the CO remover is disposed. The presence of such a step makes it necessary to wrap the insulating members separately to fit the portions with different circumferential lengths. In this case, gaps are likely to occur between the insulating members. Such gaps reduce the heat recovery efficiency of the hydrogen generation device.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the hydrogen generation apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the outlet pipe 55 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 10q of the container 10 toward the evaporation section 21. In this case, the following effects can be obtained.

[0035] 2 is a partial enlarged view for explaining the operation of the hydrogen generator 100 of this embodiment. When the open end 55t of the outlet pipe 55 is located near the evaporator 21, the hydrogen-containing gas tends to flow from the CO remover 24, pass through a position close to the evaporator 21, and then flow into the outlet pipe 55. In this case, heat from the hydrogen-containing gas is easily imparted to the water and raw material gas flowing through the evaporator 21, so the amount of heat released to the outside of the container 10 together with the hydrogen-containing gas can be reduced. As a result, the heat recovery efficiency of the hydrogen generator 100 can be improved. If the heat recovery efficiency is improved, the energy consumption of the heating unit 20 can be reduced.

[0036] 3 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the operation of the hydrogen generation apparatus of the reference example. According to the structure shown in FIG. 3, the outer diameter of the container 200 is constant. However, the position of the open end 155t of the outlet pipe 155 coincides with the position of the inner circumferential surface of the container 200. In this case, the hydrogen-containing gas tends to flow in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface of the container 200 after flowing out of the CO remover 124 and then flow into the outlet pipe 155. Therefore, the heat of the hydrogen-containing gas is not easily transferred to the water and raw material gas flowing through the evaporation section 121.

[0037] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the CO remover 24 is located between the inner circumferential surface 10q of the container 10 and the evaporation section 21. The outlet pipe 55 is located above the CO remover 24. An open end 55t of the outlet pipe 55 is located closer to the evaporation section 21 than the inner edge of the CO remover 24. With this configuration, even if condensation occurs inside the outlet pipe 55, it is possible to prevent the condensation water from dripping from the outlet pipe 55 onto the CO remover 24. This prevents the CO remover 24 from getting wet and causing catalyst deterioration.

[0038] The hydrogen generator 100 of the present embodiment further includes a partition wall 56 disposed between the inner circumferential surface 10q of the container 10 and the evaporation section 21. The partition wall 56 is an annular member having an L-shaped cross section, and is disposed so as to be in contact with the inner cylinder 32 that defines the evaporation section 21. The CO remover 24 is located between the inner circumferential surface 10q of the container 10 and the partition wall 56. The open end 55t of the outlet piping 55 is located above the space between the partition wall 56 and the evaporation section 21. This configuration makes it easier to prevent condensed water from dripping from the outlet piping 55 onto the CO remover 24.

[0039] For example, the distance d between the open end 55t of the outlet pipe 55 and the inner edge of the CO remover 24 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis O (i.e., the radial direction of the container 10) is 2 mm or more. In this case, it is easy to prevent condensed water from dripping from the outlet pipe 55 onto the CO remover 24. There is no particular upper limit to the distance d, and it is, for example, 10 mm.

[0040] In this embodiment, the outlet pipe 55 is provided at only one location in the circumferential direction of the container 10. In this case, it is highly effective to have the outlet pipe 55 protrude into the container 10. This is because both the evaporator 21 and the CO remover 24 are provided 360 degrees around the central axis O. The hydrogen-containing gas flows out of the CO remover 24 even at a position 180 degrees opposite to the position where the outlet pipe 55 is attached. When the open end 55t of the outlet pipe 55 is located near the evaporator 21, the hydrogen-containing gas easily flows in the circumferential direction along the surface of the inner cylinder 32.

[0041] The hydrogen generation apparatus 100 of the present embodiment further includes a first insulating member 53. The first insulating member 53 covers the outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 across the outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 at a position where the outlet piping 55 is attached and the outer peripheral surface 10p of the container 10 at a position where the CO remover 24 is disposed. In detail, the first insulating member 53 extends downward from the upper end of the container 10 so as to cover the entire upper portion of the container 10. A through-hole for passing the outlet piping 55 therethrough is provided in the first insulating member 53. With this configuration, heat radiation from the container 10 to the surrounding atmosphere can be suppressed.

[0042] The first insulating member 53 may be a single member made of glass wool. The first insulating member 53 made of glass wool is suitable for wrapping around the outer peripheral surface 10p, which has no steps. In this embodiment, the first insulating member 53 is wrapped around the upper portion of the container 10.

[0043] The hydrogen generator 100 of this embodiment further includes a second insulating member 54. The second insulating member 54 covers the container 10 from above the first insulating member 53. In detail, the second insulating member 54 directly covers the lower portion of the container 10 and extends upward to below the outlet piping 55 to cover the first insulating member 53. The second insulating member 54 can further suppress heat radiation from the outer peripheral surface of the container 10 to the surrounding atmosphere. The material of the second insulating member 54 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, fumed silica.

[0044] The first heat insulating member 53 and the second heat insulating member 54 are provided around the container 10 in 360 degrees.

[0045] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the hydrogen generator 100 configured as above will be described below.

[0046] The heating unit 20 burns the combustible gas and discharges the combustion exhaust gas. The heat of the flame and the combustion exhaust gas is provided to the reformer 22. This raises the temperature of the reformer 22 to a desired temperature. The combustion exhaust gas is discharged to the outside through the combustion exhaust gas flow path 40.

[0047] A raw material gas such as city gas and liquid water are supplied to the evaporation section 21. The water is vaporized by heat transmitted through the partition wall 31, and a mixed gas of the raw material gas and water vapor is generated.

[0048] The reformer 22 generates a hydrogen-containing gas from the mixed gas through a steam reforming reaction. Specifically, the reactions of chemical formula (1) and chemical formula (2) occur in the reformer 22. The hydrogen-containing gas flows out of the reformer 22 and then flows into the CO reducer 23 through the return flow path 41.

[0049] CH4 + 2H2O → 4H2 + CO2 (1) CH4 + H2O → 3H2 + CO (2)

[0050] The CO reducer 23 reduces the concentration of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas through a CO shift reaction. Specifically, the reaction of chemical formula (3) occurs in the CO reducer 23. After flowing out of the CO reducer 23, the hydrogen-containing gas flows into the CO remover 24 through the first flow path 42, the relay flow path 52, and the second flow path 43. In the first flow path 42, air is added to the hydrogen-containing gas through the air supply pipe 36. When flowing through the relay flow path 52, the hydrogen-containing gas is cooled by the evaporator 21.

[0051] CO + H2O → CO2 + H2 (3)

[0052] The CO remover 24 further reduces the concentration of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas through a selective oxidation reaction. Specifically, the reactions of chemical formulas (4) and (5) occur in the CO remover 24.

[0053] 2CO + O2 → 2CO2 (4) 2H2+O2→2H2O (5)

[0054] The hydrogen-containing gas flows out of the CO remover 24 and is then discharged to the outside through the discharge flow path 44 and the outlet pipe 55. For example, when the hydrogen generation device 100 is mounted on a fuel cell system, the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to a fuel cell stack.

[0055] According to the present embodiment, the outlet pipe 55 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 10q of the container 10 toward the evaporator 21. After flowing out of the CO remover 24, the hydrogen-containing gas tends to flow through a position close to the evaporator 21 and into the outlet pipe 55. In this case, heat from the hydrogen-containing gas is easily imparted to the water and raw material gas flowing through the evaporator 21, so that the amount of heat released to the outside of the container 10 together with the hydrogen-containing gas can be reduced. As a result, the heat recovery efficiency of the hydrogen generator 100 can be improved. If the heat recovery efficiency is improved, the energy consumption of the heating unit 20 can be reduced.

[0056] [2. Notes] The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0057] (Technology 1) A container and a heating unit disposed inside the container; an evaporation section disposed around the heating section and evaporating water by heat from the heating section to generate water vapor; a reformer disposed downstream of the evaporator in a flow direction of the steam, the reformer generating a hydrogen-containing gas from the raw material gas and the steam; a CO remover disposed downstream of the reformer in a flow direction of the hydrogen-containing gas, the CO remover reducing a concentration of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas; an exhaust flow path provided around the evaporator and configured to guide the hydrogen-containing gas from the CO remover to the outside of the container; an outlet pipe attached to the container, the outlet pipe including an open end that opens toward the discharge flow path; Equipped with an outer circumferential surface of the container at a position where the outlet pipe is attached and an outer circumferential surface of the container at a position where the CO remover is disposed are flush with each other; the outlet pipe projects from the inner circumferential surface of the container toward the evaporator so that the open end is located between the evaporator and the inner circumferential surface of the container; Hydrogen generator.

[0058] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the heat recovery efficiency of the hydrogen generation device.

[0059] (Technology 2) The hydrogen generation apparatus according to technique 1, wherein the CO remover is located between an inner circumferential surface of the container and the evaporator, the outlet pipe is located above the CO remover, and the open end of the outlet pipe is located closer to the evaporator than an inner edge of the CO remover. With this configuration, even if condensation water occurs inside the outlet pipe, it is possible to prevent the condensation water from dripping from the outlet pipe onto the CO remover.

[0060] (Technology 3) 3. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a partition wall disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the container and the evaporation unit, wherein the CO remover is located between the inner circumferential surface of the container and the partition wall, and the open end of the outlet piping is located above a space between the partition wall and the evaporation unit. Such a configuration makes it easier to prevent condensed water from dripping from the outlet piping onto the CO remover.

[0061] (Technology 4) The hydrogen generation apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, further comprising a heat insulating member covering the outer peripheral surface of the container across a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the container where the outlet pipe is attached and a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the container where the CO remover is disposed. With this configuration, heat radiation from the container to the surrounding atmosphere can be suppressed.

[0062] (Technology 5) The hydrogen generation apparatus according to technique 4, wherein the heat insulating member is a single member made of glass wool. The first heat insulating member made of glass wool is suitable for wrapping around an outer peripheral surface that is smooth. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The technology of the present disclosure is useful for hydrogen generation devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 containers 10p outer surface 10q Inner surface 20 Heating section 21 Evaporation section 22 Reformer 23 CO reducer 24 CO remover 30 Combustion tube 31 Bulkhead 32 Inner cylinder 34 Relay tube 35 Partition 36 Air supply piping 40 combustion exhaust gas flow path 41 Return flow path 42 First Channel 43 Second Channel 44 Discharge flow path 50 Entrance 51 Exit 52 Relay Channel 53 First insulation member 54 Second insulation member 55,57 Outlet piping 55t open end 56 Bulkhead 58 Supply piping 65 Rod-shaped body 100 Hydrogen generator O center axis

Claims

1. A container and a heating unit disposed inside the container; an evaporation section disposed around the heating section and evaporating water by heat from the heating section to generate water vapor; a reformer disposed downstream of the evaporator in a flow direction of the steam, the reformer generating a hydrogen-containing gas from the raw material gas and the steam; a CO remover disposed downstream of the reformer in a flow direction of the hydrogen-containing gas, the CO remover reducing a concentration of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas; an exhaust flow path provided around the evaporator and configured to guide the hydrogen-containing gas from the CO remover to the outside of the container; an outlet pipe attached to the container, the outlet pipe including an open end that opens toward the discharge flow path; Equipped with an outer circumferential surface of the container at a position where the outlet pipe is attached and an outer circumferential surface of the container at a position where the CO remover is disposed are flush with each other; the outlet pipe projects from the inner circumferential surface of the container toward the evaporator so that the open end is located between the evaporator and the inner circumferential surface of the container; Hydrogen generator.

2. the CO remover is located between an inner circumferential surface of the container and the evaporator, the outlet pipe is located above the CO remover, the open end of the outlet pipe is located closer to the evaporating section than an inner edge of the CO remover. The hydrogen generation device according to claim 1 .

3. Further, a partition wall is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the container and the evaporation section, the CO remover is located between an inner circumferential surface of the container and the partition wall, the open end of the outlet pipe is located above a space between the partition wall and the evaporation section. The hydrogen generation device according to claim 2 .

4. The apparatus further includes a heat insulating member covering an outer peripheral surface of the container across a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the container where the outlet pipe is attached and a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the container where the CO remover is disposed. The hydrogen generation device according to claim 1 .

5. The heat insulating member is a single member made of glass wool. The hydrogen generation device according to claim 4 .

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