Fuel cell unit and power generation device

Abstract

To improve energy efficiency of a fuel cell unit.SOLUTION: The fuel cell unit includes a cover covering the outside of the fuel cell unit, a power generation part including a fuel cell, a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage. The first flow path discharges the first fluid generated in the power generation part to the outside of the fuel cell unit. The second flow path supplies the second fluid to the power generation part. The third flow path supplies the third fluid to the fuel cell unit and supplies a fourth fluid generated from the third fluid in the fuel cell unit to the outside of the cover. Heat exchange is performed between the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The temperature of exhaust gas from a fuel cell becomes high during power generation, so a technique is known that utilizes the heat of the exhaust gas from the fuel cell (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 111824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a fuel cell unit equipped with a fuel cell, heat may be generated in addition to the heat of the exhaust gas from the fuel cell. If such heat could be effectively utilized, the energy efficiency of the fuel cell unit could be improved.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the energy efficiency of a fuel cell unit. [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 power generation unit including a fuel cell; a first flow path that discharges a first fluid generated in the power generation section to the outside of the fuel cell unit; a second flow path for supplying a second fluid to the power generation unit; a third flow path that supplies a third fluid to the fuel cell unit and supplies a fourth fluid generated from the third fluid in the fuel cell unit to the outside of the cover; The first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path are configured to perform heat exchange therebetween.

[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 an embodiment of the present disclosure, the energy efficiency of a fuel cell unit can be improved. [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 a flow path 20 (first flow path), flow paths 21, 22, and 23 (third flow paths), flow paths 24 and 25, a flow path 26 (second flow path), and a flow path 27. The fuel cell unit 1 includes a heat exchange section 30, a heat exchange section 31, a heat exchange section 32, and a heat exchange section 33. 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 to 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 outlet 5 discharges the first fluid generated in the power generation section 15 to the outside of the fuel cell unit 1. In this embodiment, the first fluid is exhaust gas. However, the first fluid is not limited to exhaust gas. The first fluid may be any fluid generated in the power generation section 15.

[0016] A second fluid is supplied to the supply port 6. In this embodiment, the second fluid is air, which is an oxygen-containing gas. However, the second fluid is not limited to air. The second fluid may be any fluid as long as it is an oxygen-containing gas.

[0017] A third fluid is supplied to the supply port 7. In this embodiment, the third fluid is an organic hydride. An organic hydride is an organic compound that can reversibly release hydrogen. Examples of the organic hydride include methylcyclohexane, cyclohexane, and decalin. However, the third fluid is not limited to an organic hydride.

[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, the generation unit 10 is configured to transfer the heat of the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 by having a flow path 20 through which the exhaust gas flows, which will be described later, pass through the generation unit 10.

[0019] The organic hydride is supplied to the generator 10 from the supply port 7 via a flow path 21. The generator 10 generates a fourth fluid from the organic hydride. In this embodiment, the fourth fluid contains hydrogen and a dehydrogenation product. The generator 10 has a vaporization section 11 and a dehydrogenation section 12 (separation section). The vaporization section 11 and the dehydrogenation section 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. In other words, hydrogen and a dehydrogenated product, which are a fourth fluid, are produced from the organic hydride, which is a third fluid. When the organic hydride, which is the third fluid, is methylcyclohexane, the fourth fluid becomes a mixed gas containing hydrogen and toluene. The fourth 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 15A 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 fourth fluid produced in the dehydrogenation section 12 becomes high. For example, if the organic hydride is methylcyclohexane, the temperature of the fourth 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 fourth 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 fourth fluid by operating the refrigerator. By cooling the fourth fluid by the gas-liquid separator 13, the fourth 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 second 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 second 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 using 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 (first flow path) discharges the first fluid, i.e., exhaust gas in this embodiment, generated in 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 this order. In this case, the flow path 20 may be configured to seal and discharge the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 to the outside of the fuel cell unit 1. For example, the flow path 20 may include at least one of a pipe, a plate-like member processed to form a flow path, a blower, and the like. When the flow path 20 includes a pipe, the pipe of the flow path 20 may extend from the power generation unit 15 to the outlet 5 and pass through the heat exchanger 14, the dehydrogenation unit 12, and the vaporization unit 11 in this order. 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 paths 21, 22, 23 (third flow paths) supply a third fluid, that is, an organic hydride in this embodiment, to the fuel cell unit 1, and supply a fourth fluid generated from the organic hydride to the outside of the cover 2. The flow paths 21, 22, 23 will be described below.

[0033] Flow path 21 supplies the third fluid supplied from supply port 7, i.e., organic hydride in this embodiment, to vaporizer 11. Flow path 21 may be configured using any material or method as long as it can supply the organic hydride from supply port 7 to vaporizer 11. As an example, flow path 21 may be configured by a communication hole that connects supply port 7 and vaporizer 11. In this case, flow path 21 may be configured to include part of the space of vaporizer 11. As another example, flow path 21 may be configured to include piping or the like extending from supply port 7 to vaporizer 11. When heat exchanger 32 is configured as a heat exchanger, part of flow path 21 may include at least part of the flow path within the heat exchanger.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The flow path 23 supplies the fourth fluid produced in the dehydrogenation unit 12, i.e., in this embodiment, a fluid containing hydrogen and a dehydrogenated product, to the gas-liquid separator 13. The flow path 23 may be configured using any member or method as long as it is possible to supply the fourth 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, part of the flow path 23 may include at least a part of the flow path within the heat exchanger.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The flow path 26 (second flow path) supplies the second fluid supplied from the supply port 6, i.e., air in this embodiment, 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 air from the supply port 6 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 6 to the power generation unit 15, a blower, etc. As another example, the flow path 26 may be configured to include a space dedicated to air in the heat exchanger 14 and a space dedicated to air in the housing unit 16 separated by a wall.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The heat exchange unit 30 is located in the heat exchanger 14. The heat exchange unit 30 is configured to perform heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 26. By performing heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 26, heat exchange occurs between the exhaust gas flowing through the flow path 20 and the air flowing through the flow path 26. By performing heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the air, the air can be heated. Here, the temperature of the exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 15 during power generation is high. For example, when the fuel cell 15A is an SOFC, the temperature of the exhaust gas output from the power generation unit 15 during power generation is approximately 700 to 900°C. By performing heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the air by the heat exchange unit 30, the heat of the exhaust gas can be used to efficiently heat the air. Therefore, the temperature of the air supplied to the power generation unit 15 can be efficiently increased.

[0041] The heat exchange unit 30 may have any configuration as long as heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 26 is possible. As an example, if the flow path 20 and the flow path 26 each include a pipe, the heat exchange unit 30 may be configured by bringing the pipe of the flow path 20 close to the pipe of the flow path 26. As another example, if the flow path 20 includes a pipe and the flow path 26 includes a space dedicated to the air in the heat exchanger 14, the heat exchange unit 30 may be configured by passing the pipe of the flow path 20 through the dedicated space of the heat exchanger 14.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The heat exchange section 30 is located downstream of the heat exchange section 33 in the flow path 26. As will be described later, heat exchange occurs in the heat exchange section 33, and the air passing through the flow path 26 is heated. Because the heat exchange section 30 is located downstream of the heat exchange section 33 in the flow path 26, air that has been heated by the heat exchange section 33 is supplied to the heat exchange section 30. Because the heat exchange section 30 is located downstream of the heat exchange section 33 in the flow path 26, the air that has been heated by the heat exchange section 33 can be efficiently heated by the high-temperature exhaust gas that has just been discharged from the power generation section 15.

[0044] The heat exchange unit 31 is located in the dehydrogenation unit 12. The heat exchange unit 31 is configured to perform heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 22. By performing heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 22, heat exchange occurs between the exhaust gas flowing through the flow path 20 and the vaporized organic hydride flowing through the flow path 22. By performing heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the vaporized organic hydride, the organic hydride can be heated. As described above, the temperature of the exhaust gas output from the power generation unit 15 during power generation is high. By performing heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the vaporized organic hydride, the organic hydride can be efficiently heated using 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.

[0045] The heat exchange section 31 may have any configuration as long as heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 22 is possible. As an example, when the flow path 20 and the flow path 22 each include a pipe, the heat exchange section 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 includes a pipe and the flow path 22 includes a part of the space of the dehydrogenation section 12, the heat exchange section 31 may be configured by passing the pipe of the flow path 20 through the space of the dehydrogenation section 12 included in the flow path 22, or vice versa.

[0046] The heat exchanger 32 is located in the vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 32 is configured to perform heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 21. By performing heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 21, heat exchange occurs between the exhaust gas flowing through the flow path 20 and the organic hydride flowing through the flow path 21. By performing heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the organic hydride, the organic hydride can be heated. As described above, the temperature of the exhaust gas output from the power generator 15 during power generation is high. By performing heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the organic hydride, the organic hydride can be efficiently heated using the heat of the exhaust gas. As a result, the organic hydride can be efficiently vaporized in the vaporizer 11.

[0047] The heat exchange unit 32 may have any configuration as long as heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 21 is possible. As an example, when the flow path 20 and the flow path 21 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 includes a pipe and the flow path 21 includes a part of the space of the vaporizer 11, the heat exchange unit 32 may be configured by passing the pipe of the flow path 20 through the space of the vaporizer 11 included in the flow path 21, or vice versa. As yet another example, when the heat exchange unit 32 is configured as a heat exchanger, the flow path of the heat exchanger may include at least a part of the flow path 20 and at least a part of the flow path 21. In this case, the heat exchanger may be, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0048] 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 flow path 21 is located upstream of the flow paths 21, 22, and 23, which are the third flow paths. 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.

[0049] The heat exchange section 32 is located downstream of the heat exchange section 31 in the flow path 20. 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 heat exchange section 31 in the flow path 20, 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.

[0050] The heat exchange unit 33 is located in the accommodation unit 16. The heat exchange unit 33 is configured to perform heat exchange between the flow path 23 and the flow path 26. By performing heat exchange between the flow path 23 and the flow path 26, heat exchange occurs between the fourth fluid flowing through the flow path 23 and the air flowing through the flow path 26. By performing heat exchange between the fourth fluid and the air, the air can be heated. As described above, the dehydrogenation reaction occurring in the dehydrogenation unit 12 is an endothermic reaction, and therefore the temperature of the fourth fluid produced in the dehydrogenation unit 12 becomes high. By performing heat exchange between the fourth fluid and the air, the heat of the fourth fluid can be used to efficiently heat the air.

[0051] The heat exchange unit 33 may have any configuration as long as heat exchange between the flow path 23 and the flow path 26 is possible. As an example, if the flow path 23 and the flow path 26 each include a pipe, the heat exchange unit 33 may be configured by bringing the pipe of the flow path 23 and the pipe of the flow path 26 close to each other. As another example, if the flow path 23 includes a pipe and the flow path 26 includes a dedicated space for air separated by a wall in the storage unit 16, the heat exchange unit 33 may be configured by passing the pipe of the flow path 23 through the dedicated space for air contained in the flow path 26. 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 paths of the heat exchanger may include at least a portion of the flow path 23 and at least a portion of the flow path 26. In this case, the heat exchanger may be, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0052] 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. The flow path 23 is downstream of the flow paths 21, 22, and 23, which are the third flow paths. A fourth fluid flows through the flow path 23, which is downstream of the third flow path. As described above, a high temperature is advantageous in terms of reaction equilibrium in the dehydrogenation reaction occurring in the dehydrogenation section 12, so the temperature of the fourth fluid generated in the dehydrogenation section 12 is 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 fourth fluid.

[0053] As described above, the fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment includes the cover 2, the power generation section 15, the flow path 20 (first flow path), the flow path 26 (second flow path), and the flow paths 21, 22, and 23 (third flow path). Furthermore, the fuel cell unit 1 is configured to perform heat exchange between the flow path 20, the flow path 26, and the flow paths 21, 22, and 23, respectively. In this embodiment, the fuel cell unit 1 includes heat exchange sections 30, 31, 32, and 33 so that heat exchange occurs between the flow path 20, the flow path 26, and the flow paths 21, 22, and 23, respectively. By performing heat exchange between the flow path 20, the flow path 26, and the flow paths 21, 22, and 23, respectively, the heat generated in the fuel cell unit 1 can be effectively utilized. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the energy efficiency of the fuel cell unit 1 can be improved.

[0054] Furthermore, the fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment may be configured so that heat exchange occurs between the upstream side of the flow path 20 (first flow path) and the downstream side of the flow path 26 (second flow path). That is, in this embodiment, the heat exchange section 30 may be configured so that heat exchange occurs between the upstream side of the flow path 20 and the downstream side of the flow path 26. With this configuration, as described above, the air immediately before being supplied to the power generation section 15 can be efficiently heated by the exhaust gas immediately after being discharged from the power generation section 15. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the power generation section 15 can be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, the fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment may be configured so that heat exchange occurs between the downstream side of the flow path 20 (first flow path) and the upstream side of the flow paths 21, 22, 23 (third flow paths). That is, in this embodiment, the heat exchange section 32 may be configured so that heat exchange occurs between the downstream side of the flow path 20 and the flow path 21. As described above, heat exchange between the downstream side of the flow path 20 and the flow path 21 can lower the temperature of the exhaust gas immediately before it is discharged from the fuel cell unit 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment may be configured so that heat exchange occurs between the upstream side of the flow path 26 (second flow path) and the downstream side of the flow paths 21, 22, 23 (third flow paths). That is, in this embodiment, the heat exchange section 33 may be configured so that heat exchange occurs between the upstream side of the flow path 26 and the flow path 23. With this configuration, as described above, the air flowing through the flow path 26 can be efficiently heated by the heat of the fourth fluid flowing through the flow path 23.

[0057] The fuel cell unit 1 according to this embodiment may further include a vaporization section 11 and a dehydrogenation section 12 (separation section). The flow path 20 (first flow path) may pass through the dehydrogenation section 12 and the vaporization section 11 in that order. The dehydrogenation section 12 may be configured to perform heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 22. The vaporization section 11 may be configured to perform heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 21. That is, in this embodiment, the fuel cell unit 1 may include a heat exchange section 31 located in the dehydrogenation section 12 and a heat exchange section 32 located in the vaporization section 11. With this configuration, after heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 22 in the dehydrogenation section 12, heat exchange between the flow path 20 and the flow path 21 in the vaporization section 11 occurs. Here, as described above, the amount of heat required for the dehydrogenation section 12 is greater than the amount of heat required for vaporization of the organic hydride in the vaporization section 11. After heat exchange takes place between flow path 20 and flow path 22 in dehydrogenation section 12, heat exchange takes place between flow path 20 and flow path 21 in vaporization section 11, whereby in dehydrogenation section 12 the vaporized organic hydride can be heated by exhaust gas that is hotter than in vaporization section 11. As a result, hydrogen and dehydrogenated products can be efficiently produced from the organic hydride in dehydrogenation section 12.

[0058] (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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 power generation unit including a fuel cell; a first flow path that discharges a first fluid generated in the power generation section to the outside of the fuel cell unit; a second flow path for supplying a second fluid to the power generation unit; a third flow path that supplies a third fluid to the fuel cell unit and supplies a fourth fluid generated from the third fluid in the fuel cell unit to the outside of the cover; The first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path are configured to perform heat exchange therebetween.

[0062] (2) In the fuel cell unit described in (1) above, The heat exchange may be performed between the upstream side of the first flow path and the downstream side of the second flow path.

[0063] (3) In the fuel cell unit according to (1) or (2), The heat exchange may be performed between the downstream side of the first flow path and the upstream side of the third flow path.

[0064] (4) In the fuel cell unit according to any one of (1) to (3), The heat exchange may be performed between the upstream side of the second flow path and the downstream side of the third flow path.

[0065] (5) In the fuel cell unit according to any one of (1) to (4), the first fluid is exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit, the third fluid is an organic hydride; the fourth fluid comprises hydrogen and a dehydrogenate; The fuel cell unit comprises: a vaporization unit that vaporizes the organic hydride; a separation unit that separates hydrogen and dehydrogenated products from the organic hydride vaporized by the vaporization unit, the first flow path passes through the separation unit and the vaporization unit in this order, The separation section is configured so that heat exchange occurs between the first flow path and the third flow path, The vaporizer may be configured so that heat exchange occurs between the first flow path and the third flow path.

[0066] (6) In the fuel cell unit according to any one of (1) to (5), The second fluid may be an oxygen-containing gas.

[0067] In one embodiment, (7) a power generation device, The fuel cell unit includes the fuel cell unit according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0068] 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]

[0069] 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 power generation unit including a fuel cell; a first flow path that discharges a first fluid generated in the power generation section to the outside of the fuel cell unit; a second flow path that supplies a second fluid to the power generation unit; a third flow path that supplies a third fluid to the fuel cell unit and supplies a fourth fluid generated from the third fluid in the fuel cell unit to the outside of the cover; A fuel cell unit configured so that heat exchange occurs between the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

2. 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein heat exchange is performed between the upstream side of the first flow path and the downstream side of the second flow path.

3. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1 , wherein heat exchange is performed between the downstream side of the first flow path and the upstream side of the third flow path.

4. 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein heat exchange is performed between the upstream side of the second flow path and the downstream side of the third flow path.

5. the first fluid is exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit, the third fluid is an organic hydride; the fourth fluid includes hydrogen and a dehydride; The fuel cell unit comprises: a vaporization unit that vaporizes the organic hydride; a separation unit that separates hydrogen and dehydrogenated products from the organic hydride vaporized by the vaporization unit, the first flow path passes through the separation unit and the vaporization unit in this order, heat exchange is performed between the first flow path and the third flow path in the separation section, The fuel cell unit according to claim 1 , wherein heat exchange is performed between the first flow path and the third flow path in the vaporization section.

6. 10. The fuel cell unit of claim 1, wherein the second fluid is an oxygen-containing gas.

7. A power generation system comprising a fuel cell unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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