Fuel cell unit and power generation device

Abstract

To improve a fuel cell unit.SOLUTION: The fuel cell unit integrally includes a cover that covers the outside of the fuel cell unit, a generator, a power generator, and a first heat exchanger. The generator generates hydrogen and a dehydrogenation product from an organic hydride. The power generation unit includes a fuel cell and is housed in the case. The first heat exchanger performs heat exchange between a first fluid supplied to the power generator and a second fluid output from the generator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fuel cell units and power generation devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, organic hydrides have been used for the stable storage and transportation of hydrogen. To dehydrogenate such organic hydrides, a fuel cell module equipped with a dehydrogenation reaction section that performs a dehydrogenation reaction of a nuclear hydride of an aromatic compound is known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 145674 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for improvements in fuel cell units, such as more efficient use of heat generated by the fuel cell and smaller fuel cell units.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to improve fuel cell units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A fuel cell unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A fuel cell unit, comprising: a cover that covers the outside of the fuel cell unit; a generation unit for generating hydrogen and dehydrogenated products from an organic hydride; a power generation unit that includes a fuel cell and is housed in a case; a first heat exchange section that exchanges heat between a first fluid supplied to the power generation section and a second fluid output from the generation section, the first heat exchange section being integrally provided with the fuel cell unit;

[0007] A power generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: The fuel cell unit is included. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an improved fuel cell unit can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fuel cell unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power generation device including the fuel cell unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Configuration of fuel cell unit) As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment includes a cover 2, a wall 3, and a case 4. The fuel cell unit 1 includes an outlet 5, a supply port 6, and a supply port 7. The fuel cell unit 1 includes a generation section 10, a gas-liquid separator 13, a heat exchanger 14, a power generation section 15, and a storage section 16. The fuel cell unit 1 includes flow paths 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27. The fuel cell unit 1 includes a heat exchange section 30 (second heat exchange section), a heat exchange section 31, a heat exchange section 32, and a heat exchange section 33 (first heat exchange section). The fuel cell unit 1 includes these elements integrally. "Integratedly included" may mean that these elements are integrated together by the cover 2.

[0012] The cover 2 is made of a material including a heat insulating material, etc. The cover 2 covers the outside of the fuel cell unit 1. In this embodiment, the cover 2 integrally covers the outside of the generation section 10, the heat exchanger 14, the power generation section 15, and the storage section 16.

[0013] The wall 3 is configured to include a heat insulating material or the like. The wall 3 is located at least partially between the case 4 and the flow path 23. The wall 3 may be located partially between the case 4 and the generation unit 10. The wall 3 may also extend into the storage unit 16.

[0014] The case 4 is made of a material including a metal material, etc. The case 4 houses the heat exchanger 14 and the power generation unit 15. The case 4 may also house the heat exchange unit 30.

[0015] The exhaust port 5 discharges the exhaust gas generated in the fuel cell unit 1 to the outside of the fuel cell unit 1.

[0016] An organic hydride is supplied to the supply port 6. The organic hydride is an organic compound that can reversibly release hydrogen. Examples of the organic hydride include methylcyclohexane, cyclohexane, and decalin.

[0017] A first fluid is supplied to the supply port 7. In this embodiment, the first fluid is air. However, the first fluid is not limited to air. The first fluid may be any fluid as long as it is an oxygen-containing gas.

[0018] The generation unit 10 is adjacent to the case 4. In this embodiment, the generation unit 10 is adjacent to the case 4 across the wall unit 3. The generation unit 10 is configured to transfer the heat of the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas flows passes through the generation unit 10, and thus the generation unit 10 is configured to transfer the heat of the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15.

[0019] The organic hydride is supplied to the generator 10 from the supply port 6 via a flow path 21. The generator 10 generates hydrogen and a dehydrogenated product from the organic hydride. The generator 10 has a vaporizer 11 and a dehydrogenator 12. The vaporizer 11 and the dehydrogenator 12 may be in communication with each other.

[0020] The vaporizing section 11 vaporizes the organic hydride. To promote the vaporization of the organic hydride, the vaporizing section 11 may be filled with a filler.

[0021] The dehydrogenation unit 12 is located closer to the case 4 than the vaporization unit 11. The dehydrogenation unit 12 causes a dehydrogenation reaction of the organic hydride vaporized by the vaporization unit 11. The dehydrogenation unit 12 may contain a dehydrogenation catalyst. The dehydrogenation reaction of the organic hydride produces hydrogen and a dehydrogenated product from the organic hydride. The mixed gas containing the produced hydrogen and dehydrogenated product is referred to as the "second fluid." When the organic hydride is methylcyclohexane, the second fluid becomes a mixed gas containing hydrogen and toluene. The second fluid is supplied to the gas-liquid separator 13 via the flow path 23.

[0022] Here, the dehydrogenation reaction caused in the dehydrogenation unit 12 is an endothermic reaction. Therefore, the amount of heat required for the dehydrogenation unit 12, including the amount of heat required for the reaction, is greater than the amount of heat required for vaporizing the organic hydride in the vaporization unit 11. By positioning the dehydrogenation unit 12 closer to the case 4 than the vaporization unit 11, the heat of the exhaust gas from the power generation unit 15 can be more easily transferred to the dehydrogenation unit 12 via the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 flows, as will be described later. By making the heat of the exhaust gas more easily transferred to the dehydrogenation unit 12, the dehydrogenation unit 12 can effectively utilize the exhaust heat of the fuel cell of the power generation unit 15 to cause the dehydrogenation reaction.

[0023] The dehydrogenation section 12 is adjacent to the vaporization section 11. In the dehydrogenation reaction occurring in the dehydrogenation section 12, a high temperature is advantageous in terms of reaction equilibrium, and therefore the temperature of the second fluid produced in the dehydrogenation section 12 becomes high. For example, when the organic hydride is methylcyclohexane, the temperature of the second fluid becomes, for example, about 300°C. By having the dehydrogenation section 12 adjacent to the vaporization section 11, heat dissipation loss can be reduced. In other words, if the dehydrogenation section 12 and the vaporization section 11 are separated, heat dissipation loss occurs due to the separation. In contrast, by having the dehydrogenation section 12 and the vaporization section 11 adjacent to each other, heat dissipation loss can be reduced.

[0024] The second fluid is supplied to the gas-liquid separator 13 via a flow path 23. The gas-liquid separator 13 includes a refrigerator. The refrigerator of the gas-liquid separator 13 may be supplied with power from the power generation unit 15 or from the grid. When power is supplied to the refrigerator of the gas-liquid separator 13 from the power generation unit 15, the amount of power supplied from the power generation unit 15 to the gas-liquid separator 13 is approximately several percent when converted to the amount of hydrogen energy used in the power generation unit 15. The gas-liquid separator 13 cools the second fluid by operating the refrigerator. As the gas-liquid separator 13 cools the second fluid, the second fluid is separated into hydrogen and a dehydrogenated product by gas-liquid separation. The gas-liquid separator 13 supplies the separated hydrogen to the power generation unit 15 via a flow path 24. The gas-liquid separator 13 supplies the separated dehydrogenated product to a storage tank or the like via a flow path 25.

[0025] A first fluid is supplied to the heat exchanger 14 via a flow path 26. That is, in this embodiment, air is supplied to the heat exchanger 14 as the first fluid. The heat exchanger 14 heats the air by exchanging heat between the air and a heat medium. The heat exchanger 14 is, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0026] Air is supplied to the power generation unit 15 from the heat exchanger 14 via a flow path 26. Hydrogen is supplied to the power generation unit 15 via a flow path 24. Water (condensed water) is supplied to the power generation unit 15 via a flow path 27.

[0027] The power generation unit 15 includes a fuel cell 15A. The fuel cell 15A is, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). However, the fuel cell 15A is not limited to an SOFC. The power generation unit 15 may include any fuel cell 15A. The fuel cell 15A causes an electrochemical reaction between air and hydrogen supplied to the power generation unit 15. The fuel cell 15A generates DC power by causing the electrochemical reaction. A portion of the DC power generated by the fuel cell 15A may be supplied to the gas-liquid separator 13. When the fuel cell unit 1 is included in a power generation device 100 as shown in FIG. 2 described below, the DC power generated by the fuel cell 15A is supplied to a power conversion device 101.

[0028] As the fuel cell 15A generates electricity, exhaust gas is discharged from the power generation section 15. The exhaust gas discharged from the power generation section 15 is discharged to the outside of the fuel cell unit 1 via the flow path 20 and the exhaust port 5.

[0029] The accommodation unit 16 accommodates the flow paths 23, 26 and the heat exchange unit 33. The accommodation unit 16 accommodates the heat exchange unit 33, and the exterior of the accommodation unit 16 is covered with the cover 2, thereby enabling efficient heat exchange in the heat exchange unit 33. The heat exchange unit 33 may be, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0030] The accommodation section 16 may include an opening 16A and an opening 16B. The opening 16A is located between the accommodation section 16 and the dehydrogenation section 12. The flow path 23 passes through the opening 16A. The opening 16B is located between the accommodation section 16 and the heat exchanger 14. The flow path 26 passes through the opening 16B.

[0031] The flow path 20 discharges the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 to the outside of the fuel cell unit 1 via the outlet 5. In other words, the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 flows through the flow path 20 and is discharged from the outlet 5. The flow path 20 may pass through the heat exchanger 14, the dehydrogenation unit 12, and the vaporization unit 11 in that order. In this case, the flow path 20 may be configured to seal the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 and discharge it to the outside of the fuel cell unit 1. As an example, the flow path 20 may include at least one of a pipe extending from the power generation unit 15 to the outlet 5, a plate-like member processed to form a flow path, a blower, etc. A portion of the flow path 20 may include at least a portion of the flow path within the heat exchanger 14.

[0032] The flow path 21 supplies the organic hydride supplied from the supply port 6 to the vaporizer 11. The flow path 21 may be configured using any material or method as long as it can supply the organic hydride from the supply port 6 to the vaporizer 11. As an example, the flow path 21 may be configured by a communication hole that connects the supply port 6 and the vaporizer 11. In this case, the flow path 21 may be configured to include part of the space of the vaporizer 11. As another example, the flow path 21 may be configured to include a pipe or the like extending from the supply port 6 to the vaporizer 11. When the heat exchanger 32 is configured as a heat exchanger, part of the flow path 21 may include at least part of the flow path within the heat exchanger.

[0033] The flow path 22 supplies the organic hydride vaporized in the vaporization unit 11 to the dehydrogenation unit 12. The flow path 22 may be configured using any material or method as long as it can supply the organic hydride vaporized in the vaporization unit 11 to the dehydrogenation unit 12. As an example, when the vaporization unit 11 and the dehydrogenation unit 12 are connected to each other, the flow path 22 may be the portion where the vaporization unit 11 and the dehydrogenation unit 12 communicate with each other. As another example, the flow path 22 may be configured by a communication hole that connects the vaporization unit 11 and the dehydrogenation unit 12. When the flow path 22 includes such a communication portion or communication hole, it may be configured to include a portion of the space of the dehydrogenation unit 12. As yet another example, the flow path 22 may be configured to include a pipe or the like extending from the vaporization unit 11 to the dehydrogenation unit 12.

[0034] The flow path 23 supplies the second fluid produced in the dehydrogenation unit 12 to the gas-liquid separator 13. The flow path 23 may be configured using any member or method as long as it is capable of supplying the second fluid produced in the dehydrogenation unit 12 to the gas-liquid separator 13. As an example, the flow path 23 may be configured to include piping and a blower extending from the dehydrogenation unit 12 to the gas-liquid separator 13. When the heat exchange unit 33 is configured as a heat exchanger, a portion of the flow path 23 may include at least a portion of the flow path within the heat exchanger.

[0035] The flow path 24 supplies the hydrogen separated in the gas-liquid separator 13 to the power generation unit 15. The flow path 24 may be configured using any member or method as long as it is possible to supply hydrogen from the gas-liquid separator 13 to the power generation unit 15. As an example, the flow path 24 may be configured to include a pipe extending from the gas-liquid separator 13 to the power generation unit 15, a blower, and the like.

[0036] The flow path 25 supplies the dehydrogenated product separated in the gas-liquid separator 13 to a storage tank or the like. The flow path 25 may be configured using any member or method as long as it can supply the dehydrogenated product from the gas-liquid separator 13 to a storage tank or the like. As an example, the flow path 25 may be configured to include a pipe, a pump, and the like extending from the gas-liquid separator 13 to the storage tank.

[0037] The flow path 26 supplies the first fluid supplied from the supply port 7 to the power generation unit 15. The flow path 26 may be configured using any member or method as long as it is possible to supply the first fluid from the supply port 7 to the power generation unit 15. As one example, the flow path 26 may be configured to include a pipe extending from the supply port 7 to the power generation unit 15, a blower, and the like. As another example, the flow path 26 may be configured to include a dedicated space for the first flow path in the heat exchanger 14, and a space for the first fluid in the storage unit 16 partitioned by a wall.

[0038] Condensed water recovered from exhaust gas is supplied to the flow path 27. The flow path 27 supplies the condensed water to the power generation unit 15. The flow path 27 may be configured using any member or method as long as it can supply condensed water to the power generation unit 15. As an example, the flow path 27 may be configured to include piping, a pump, and the like. However, water may also be supplied to the power generation unit 15 from outside.

[0039] The heat exchange unit 30 is located in the heat exchanger 14. The heat exchange unit 30 exchanges heat between the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 and a first fluid supplied to the heat exchanger 14. The heat exchange unit 30 heats the first fluid by exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the first fluid. Here, the temperature of the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 during power generation is high. For example, if the fuel cell 15A is an SOFC, the temperature of the exhaust gas output from the power generation unit 15 during power generation will be approximately 700 to 900°C. By exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the first fluid using the heat exchange unit 30, the first fluid, which is air, can be efficiently heated using the heat of the exhaust gas. Therefore, the temperature of the air supplied to the power generation unit 15 can be efficiently increased.

[0040] The heat exchange unit 30 may have any configuration as long as heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the first fluid is possible. As an example, if the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas flows and the flow path 26 through which the first fluid flows each include a pipe, the heat exchange unit 30 may be configured by bringing the pipe of flow path 20 and the pipe of flow path 26 close to each other. As another example, if the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas flows includes a pipe and the flow path 26 includes a space dedicated to the first flow path in the heat exchanger 14, the heat exchange unit 30 may be configured by passing the pipe of flow path 20 through the dedicated space in the heat exchanger 14.

[0041] The heat exchange unit 30 is configured so that heat exchange occurs between the upstream side of the flow path 20 and the downstream side of the flow path 26. In this embodiment, the "upstream side of the flow path" means the side opposite to the direction in which the fluid flows through the flow path. In this embodiment, the "downstream side of the flow path" means the side in the direction in which the fluid flows through the flow path. High-temperature exhaust gas immediately after being discharged from the power generation unit 15 flows through the upstream side of the flow path 20. Air immediately before being supplied to the power generation unit 15 flows through the downstream side of the flow path 26. By performing heat exchange between the upstream side of the flow path 20 and the downstream side of the flow path 26, the air immediately before being supplied to the power generation unit 15 can be efficiently heated by the exhaust gas immediately after being discharged from the power generation unit 15.

[0042] The heat exchange section 30 is located downstream of the heat exchange section 33 in the direction of the first fluid. In this embodiment, "downstream of the fluid" means the side in the direction in which the fluid flows. In this embodiment, "upstream of the fluid" means the opposite side to the direction in which the fluid flows. As will be described later, the first fluid is heated by heat exchange in the heat exchange section 33. Since the heat exchange section 30 is located downstream of the first fluid from the heat exchange section 33, the first fluid that has been heated by the heat exchange section 33 is supplied to the heat exchange section 30. The heat exchange section 30 can efficiently heat the first fluid that has been heated by the heat exchange section 33 using high-temperature exhaust gas immediately after being discharged from the power generation section 15.

[0043] The heat exchanger 31 is located in the dehydrogenation unit 12. The heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the exhaust gas and the vaporized organic hydride supplied to the dehydrogenation unit 12. The heat exchanger 31 heats the organic hydride by exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the vaporized organic hydride. As described above, the temperature of the exhaust gas output from the power generation unit 15 during power generation is high. By exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the vaporized organic hydride by the heat exchanger 31, the heat exchanger 31 can efficiently heat the organic hydride by utilizing the heat of the exhaust gas. As a result, hydrogen and dehydrogenated products can be efficiently produced from the organic hydride in the dehydrogenation unit 12.

[0044] The heat exchange unit 31 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the vaporized organic hydride. As an example, when the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas flows and the flow path 22 through which the organic hydride flows each include a pipe, the heat exchange unit 31 may be configured by bringing the pipe of the flow path 20 close to the pipe of the flow path 22. As another example, when the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas flows includes a pipe, the heat exchange unit 31 may be configured by passing the dehydrogenation unit 12 inside the pipe of the flow path 20.

[0045] The heat exchanger 32 is located in the vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat between the exhaust gas and the organic hydride supplied to the vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 32 heats the organic hydride by exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the organic hydride. As described above, the temperature of the exhaust gas output from the power generation unit 15 during power generation is high. By exchanging heat between the exhaust gas and the organic hydride by the heat exchanger 32, the heat exchanger 32 can efficiently heat the organic hydride by utilizing the heat of the exhaust gas. As a result, the organic hydride can be efficiently vaporized in the vaporizer 11.

[0046] The heat exchange unit 32 may have any configuration as long as heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the organic hydride is possible. As an example, when the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas flows and the flow path 21 through which the organic hydride flows each include a pipe, the heat exchange unit 32 may be configured by bringing the pipe of the flow path 20 and the pipe of the flow path 21 close to each other. As another example, when the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas flows includes a pipe, the heat exchange unit 32 may be configured by passing the vaporizer 11 inside the pipe of the flow path 20. As yet another example, the heat exchange unit 32 may be configured as a heat exchanger. When the heat exchange unit 32 is configured as a heat exchanger, the flow path of the heat exchanger may include at least a portion of the flow path 20 and at least a portion of the flow path 21. In this case, the heat exchanger may be, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0047] The heat exchanger 32 is configured to perform heat exchange between the downstream side of the flow path 20 and the flow path 21. The heat exchanger 32 may be configured to perform heat exchange between the downstream side of the flow path 20 and the upstream side of the flow path 21, or may be configured to perform heat exchange between the downstream side of the flow path 20 and the downstream side of the flow path 21, as long as heat exchange occurs between the downstream side of the flow path 20 and the flow path 21. Exhaust gas flows downstream of the flow path 20 just before being discharged from the fuel cell unit 1. By performing heat exchange between the downstream side of the flow path 20 and the flow path 21, the temperature of the exhaust gas just before being discharged from the fuel cell unit 1 can be lowered.

[0048] The heat exchange section 32 is located downstream of the heat exchange section 31 in the exhaust gas direction. As described above, the amount of heat required for the dehydrogenation section 12 is greater than the amount of heat required for vaporizing the organic hydride in the vaporization section 11. By locating the heat exchange section 32 downstream of the exhaust gas direction from the heat exchange section 31, the heat exchange section 31 can efficiently heat the vaporized organic hydride in the dehydrogenation section 12. As a result, hydrogen and dehydrogenated products can be efficiently produced from the organic hydride in the dehydrogenation section 12.

[0049] The heat exchange unit 33 is located in the accommodation unit 16. The heat exchange unit 33 exchanges heat between the first fluid supplied to the power generation unit 15 and the second fluid output from the generation unit 10. The heat exchange unit 33 heats the first fluid by exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid. As described above, the dehydrogenation reaction occurring in the dehydrogenation unit 12 is an endothermic reaction, and therefore the temperature of the second fluid generated in the dehydrogenation unit 12 becomes high. By exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid using the heat exchange unit 33, the first fluid can be efficiently heated using the heat of the second fluid.

[0050] The heat exchange unit 33 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid. As an example, if the flow path 26 through which the first fluid flows and the flow path 23 through which the second fluid flows each include piping, the heat exchange unit 33 may be configured by bringing the piping of the flow path 26 and the piping of the flow path 23 close to each other. As another example, if the flow path 26 includes a space for the first fluid defined by a wall in the storage unit 16 and the flow path 23 includes piping, the heat exchange unit 33 may be configured by passing the piping of the flow path 23 through the space for the first fluid in the storage unit 16. As yet another example, the heat exchange unit 33 may be configured as a heat exchanger. When the heat exchange unit 33 is configured as a heat exchanger, the flow path of the heat exchanger may include at least a portion of the flow path 26 and at least a portion of the flow path 23. In this case, the heat exchanger may be, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0051] The heat exchange section 33 is configured to perform heat exchange between the upstream side of the flow path 26 and the flow path 23. The heat exchange section 33 may be configured to perform heat exchange between the upstream side of the flow path 26 and the upstream side of the flow path 23, or may be configured to perform heat exchange between the upstream side of the flow path 26 and the downstream side of the flow path 23, as long as heat exchange occurs between the upstream side of the flow path 26 and the flow path 23. A second fluid flows through the flow path 23. As described above, a high temperature is advantageous in terms of reaction equilibrium in the dehydrogenation reaction occurring in the dehydrogenation section 12, and therefore the temperature of the second fluid produced in the dehydrogenation section 12 becomes high. By performing heat exchange between the upstream side of the flow path 26 and the flow path 23, the air flowing through the flow path 26 can be efficiently heated by the heat of the second fluid.

[0052] As described above, the fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment integrally includes the cover 2, the generation section 10, the power generation section 15, and the heat exchange section 33. By integrally including these elements in the fuel cell unit 1, the fuel cell unit 1 can be made smaller overall. Furthermore, as described above, by performing heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid using the heat exchange section 33, the first fluid can be efficiently heated using the heat of the second fluid. Therefore, the heat generated in the fuel cell unit 1 can be effectively utilized, and the energy efficiency of the fuel cell unit 1 can be improved. Therefore, according to this embodiment, an improved fuel cell unit 1 can be provided.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the generation unit 10 may be adjacent to the case 4. The generation unit 10 may be configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell. As described above, the dehydrogenation reaction caused by the dehydrogenation unit 12 of the generation unit 10 is an endothermic reaction. Therefore, heat is required for the generation unit 10 to generate hydrogen and dehydrogenated products from organic hydrides. In this embodiment, the generation unit 10 is configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell, so that the generation unit 10 can effectively utilize the exhaust heat of the fuel cell to generate hydrogen and dehydrogenated products.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the generation unit 10 may have a vaporization unit 11 and a dehydrogenation unit 12. The dehydrogenation unit 12 may be located closer to the case 4 than the vaporization unit 11. As described above, the amount of heat required for the dehydrogenation unit 12 is greater than the amount of heat required for vaporizing the organic hydride in the vaporization unit 11. By positioning the dehydrogenation unit 12 closer to the case 4 than the vaporization unit 11, the heat of the exhaust gas from the power generation unit 15 may be more easily transferred to the dehydrogenation unit 12 via the flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 flows. By making the heat of the exhaust gas more easily transferred to the dehydrogenation unit 12, the dehydrogenation unit 12 can effectively utilize the exhaust heat of the fuel cell of the power generation unit 15 to cause a dehydrogenation reaction.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dehydrogenation section 12 may be adjacent to the vaporization section 11. By having the dehydrogenation section 12 adjacent to the vaporization section 11, as described above, the heat of the second fluid can be transferred to the vaporization section 11. By transferring the heat of the second fluid to the vaporization section 11, the vaporization of the organic hydride in the vaporization section 11 can be further promoted.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a wall portion 3 may be located at least partially between the case 4 and the flow path 23 through which the second fluid flows. The wall portion 3 may be configured to include a heat insulating material. By locating such a wall portion 3 between the case 4 and the flow path 23, it is possible to reduce the likelihood that the temperature of the second fluid flowing through the flow path 23 will be transferred to the case 4. With this configuration, it is possible to maintain the temperature of the second fluid at a high temperature. By maintaining the temperature of the second fluid at a high temperature, the heat exchange portion 33 can efficiently exchange heat between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0057] The fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment may further include a heat exchanger 30 that exchanges heat between the first fluid and the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15. The heat exchanger 30 may be located downstream of the heat exchanger 33 in the first fluid. This configuration allows the heat exchanger 30 to efficiently heat the first fluid, which has been heated by the heat exchanger 33, using the high-temperature exhaust gas immediately after being discharged from the power generation unit 15. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell in the power generation unit 15 can be improved. Furthermore, since the heat exchanger 30 is located downstream of the heat exchanger 33 in the first fluid, heat exchange occurs between the first fluid, whose temperature has been increased by the heat exchanger 33, and the exhaust gas in the heat exchanger 30. This configuration reduces the degree of decrease in the temperature of the exhaust gas. This reduces the degree of decrease in the temperature of the exhaust gas, allowing the heat of the exhaust gas to be effectively utilized in the heat exchangers 31 and 32.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the heat exchange unit 30 may be housed in the case 4 together with the power generation unit 15. By housing the heat exchange unit 30 in the case 4 together with the power generation unit 15, the first fluid whose temperature has been increased by the heat exchange unit 30 can be efficiently supplied to the power generation unit 15.

[0059] (Configuration of power generation equipment) The fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment may be used in a variety of applications, such as a power generation device 100, as will be described below.

[0060] The power generation device 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a fuel cell unit 1 and a power conversion device 101. The fuel cell unit 1 generates DC power using the power generation section 15 shown in FIG. 1. The fuel cell unit 1 supplies the generated DC power to the power conversion device 101. The power conversion device 101 converts the DC power supplied from the fuel cell unit 1 into AC power. The power conversion device 101 supplies the converted AC power to a load device 200.

[0061] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art could make various modifications or alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component, etc. can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple components, etc. can be combined into one or divided. It should be understood that these modifications are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] In one embodiment, (1) the fuel cell unit comprises: A fuel cell unit, comprising: a cover that covers the outside of the fuel cell unit; a generation unit for generating hydrogen and dehydrogenated products from an organic hydride; a power generation unit that includes a fuel cell and is housed in a case; The power generating unit includes a first heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between a first fluid supplied to the power generating unit and a second fluid output from the generating unit.

[0063] (2) In the fuel cell unit described in (1) above, the first fluid is an oxygen-containing gas; The second fluid may include the hydrogen and the dehydrogenate.

[0064] (3) In the fuel cell unit according to (1) or (2), The generation unit may be adjacent to the case and configured to transfer heat of exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit.

[0065] (4) In the fuel cell unit described in (3) above, the generation unit includes a vaporization unit that vaporizes the organic hydride, and a dehydrogenation unit that causes a dehydrogenation reaction in the organic hydride vaporized by the vaporization unit, The dehydrogenation unit may be disposed closer to the case than the vaporization unit.

[0066] (5) In the fuel cell unit described in (4), The dehydrogenation section may be adjacent to the vaporization section.

[0067] (6) In the fuel cell unit according to any one of (1) to (5), A wall portion including a heat insulating material may be located at least partially between the case and the flow path through which the second fluid flows.

[0068] (7) The fuel cell unit according to any one of (1) to (6) above, a second heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the first fluid and exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit, The second heat exchange section may be located downstream of the first heat exchange section in the direction of the first fluid.

[0069] (8) In the fuel cell unit described in (7) above, The second heat exchange unit may be housed in the case together with the power generation unit.

[0070] In one embodiment, (9) the power generation device is The fuel cell unit includes the fuel cell unit according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

[0071] In this disclosure, descriptions such as "first" and "second" are identifiers for distinguishing the configuration. In this disclosure, the configurations distinguished by descriptions such as "first" and "second" can have their numbers interchanged. For example, the first fluid can exchange the identifiers "first" and "second" with the second fluid. The identifier exchange is performed simultaneously. The configurations remain distinguished even after the identifier exchange. The identifiers may be deleted. A configuration from which the identifiers have been deleted is distinguished by a symbol. The identifiers "first" and "second" in this disclosure should not be used solely to interpret the order of the configurations or to justify the existence of an identifier with a lower number. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 fuel cell unit 2 Cover 3 wall 4 cases 5 Outlet 6 Supply port 7 Supply port 10 Generation part 11 Vaporization section 12 Dehydrogenation section 13 Gas-liquid separator 14 Heat exchanger 15 Power Generation Department 16 Storage section 16A,16B opening 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 Flow path 30,31,32,33 Heat exchange section 100 Power generating equipment 101 Power conversion device 200 Load equipment

Claims

1. A fuel cell unit, comprising: a cover that covers the outside of the fuel cell unit; a generation unit for generating hydrogen and dehydrogenated products from an organic hydride; a power generation unit that includes a fuel cell and is housed in a case; a first heat exchange section that exchanges heat between a first fluid supplied to the power generation section and a second fluid output from the generation section, the first heat exchange section being integrally provided with the fuel cell unit;

2. the first fluid is an oxygen-containing gas; 2. The fuel cell unit of claim 1, wherein the second fluid comprises the hydrogen and the dehydrogenate.

3. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1 , wherein the generation section is adjacent to the case and configured to transfer heat of exhaust gas discharged from the power generation section.

4. the generation unit includes a vaporization unit that vaporizes the organic hydride, and a dehydrogenation unit that causes a dehydrogenation reaction in the organic hydride vaporized by the vaporization unit, 4. The fuel cell unit according to claim 3, wherein the dehydrogenation section is disposed closer to the case than the vaporization section.

5. The fuel cell unit according to claim 4 , wherein the dehydrogenation section is adjacent to the vaporization section.

6. 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein a wall portion including a heat insulating material is located at least partially between said case and the flow path through which said second fluid flows.

7. a second heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the first fluid and exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit, 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the second heat exchange section is located downstream of the first heat exchange section in the direction of the first fluid.

8. The fuel cell unit according to claim 7 , wherein the second heat exchange section is housed in the case together with the power generation section.

9. A power generation system comprising a fuel cell unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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