Power generation unit and power generation device

Abstract

To perform stable power generation with a simplified configuration.SOLUTION: The power generation unit 10 has a power generation part 14, a dehydrogenation part 15, a reforming part 16, and a first housing 17. The power generation unit 14 includes a fuel cell. The dehydrogenation unit 15 generates hydrogen, which is used as fuel for the fuel cell, by dehydrogenation reaction of the organic hydride. The reforming unit 16 reforms the organic compound delivered from the dehydrogenation unit 15 and supplied together with hydrogen to generate hydrogen as a fuel for the fuel cell. The first housing 17 houses the power generation unit 14, the dehydrogenation unit 15, and the reforming unit 16. The dehydrogenation part 15 and the reforming part 16 are displaced from the surface of the power generation part 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power generating unit and a power generating apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that organic hydrides are used for the stable storage and transportation of hydrogen in the utilization of hydrogen energy. Dehydrogenation of organic hydrides is generally an endothermic reaction, so a heat source is required. In fuel cells that generate electricity using hydrogen as a reaction source, high temperatures are generated during the power generation reaction, so it has been proposed to use organic hydrides as a heat source (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-143179 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a heat engine to generate power in order to ensure stable power generation, which makes the system complicated.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device that generate stable power with a simplified configuration in a fuel cell that uses an organic hydride. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power generating unit according to the first aspect comprises: a power generation unit having a fuel cell; a dehydrogenation unit that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by a dehydrogenation reaction of an organic hydride; a reforming unit that reforms organic compounds sent from the dehydrogenation unit and supplied together with the hydrogen to generate hydrogen that serves as fuel for the fuel cell; a first housing that houses the power generation unit, the dehydrogenation unit, and the reforming unit; The dehydrogenation section and the reforming section are positioned offset from the surface of the power generation section.

[0007] A power generating device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: The fuel cell comprises a power generation unit having a fuel cell, a dehydrogenation unit that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell through a dehydrogenation reaction of organic hydride, a reforming unit that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by reforming organic compounds that are sent from the dehydrogenation unit and supplied together with the hydrogen, and a first housing that houses the power generation unit, the dehydrogenation unit, and the reforming unit, and the dehydrogenation unit and the reforming unit comprise power generation units that are positioned offset from the surface of the power generation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the power generation unit and power generation device according to the present disclosure configured as described above, the configuration is simplified while the fuel cell utilizing an organic hydride can stably generate power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation device including a power generation unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the power generation unit of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of a modified example of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation device including a power generation unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the power generation unit of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation device including a power generation unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the power generation unit of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation device including a power generation unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the power generation unit of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation device including a power generation unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the power generation unit of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power generation unit to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a power generation device 11 including a power generation unit 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include the power generation unit 10, a gas-liquid separator 12, and an exhaust gas treatment device 13.

[0012] The power generation unit 10 includes a power generation section 14, a dehydrogenation section 15, a reforming section 16, and a first housing 17. The power generation unit 10 may further include a first combustion section 18, an introduction section 19, and an evaporation section 20.

[0013] The power generation unit 14 has a fuel cell. The fuel cell may be a cell stack in which fuel cell cells are stacked. The fuel cell may include a plurality of cell stacks. The fuel cell is, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction using oxygen-containing gas contained in the air and a fuel such as hydrogen delivered from the dehydrogenation unit 15, as described below. The fuel cell also generates water through an electrochemical reaction.

[0014] The power generation unit 14 discharges exhaust gas containing at least unreacted fuel, unreacted oxygen, and water vapor. As shown in FIG. 2, an exhaust gas outlet 21 may be provided on a first direction side of the power generation unit 14. The first direction is a direction designed to coincide with the vertically upward direction when the power generation device 11 is installed. Fuel cells, for example, SOFCs, operate at high temperatures of 700°C or higher, and therefore the exhaust gas is also at a high temperature. The exhaust gas from the fuel cell may be supplied to the first combustion unit 18 via an exhaust gas flow path.

[0015] The dehydrogenation unit 15 generates hydrogen, which serves as fuel for the fuel cell, through a dehydrogenation reaction of an organic hydride. The organic hydride is an organic compound that can reversibly release hydrogen, such as methylcyclohexane, cyclohexane, or decalin. The dehydrogenation unit 15 may output a raw fuel gas containing hydrogen, a dehydrogenated product, and unreacted organic hydride.

[0016] The dehydrogenation section 15 may contain a dehydrogenation catalyst. As shown in Fig. 1, the heat required for the dehydrogenation reaction in the dehydrogenation section 15 may be provided by the exhaust gas flowing around the dehydrogenation section 15 via the first combustion section 18 and by combustion in the first combustion section 18, which will be described later.

[0017] The reforming unit 16 is supplied with raw fuel gas. The raw fuel gas contains at least hydrogen and organic compounds delivered from the dehydrogenation unit 15. The organic compounds may contain dehydrogenated products and unreacted organic hydrides. The reforming unit 16 may be supplied with raw fuel gas directly from the dehydrogenation unit 15, or with raw fuel gas from which dehydrogenated products have been separated in the gas-liquid separator 12.

[0018] Furthermore, reforming water may be supplied to the reforming section 16. The reforming water may be condensed water recovered in the exhaust gas treatment device 13, which will be described later. The reforming water may be vaporized in the reforming section 16 or in a vaporization section 22 provided upstream of the reforming section 16. The reforming section 16 may constitute a reformer 23 together with the vaporization section 22. In the reformer 23, the reforming section 16 and the vaporization section 22 may be formed by being separated by an inner wall.

[0019] The reforming unit 16 may contain a reforming catalyst. The reforming unit 16 produces hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by steam reforming organic compounds in the raw fuel gas using reforming water. The heat required for the steam reforming reaction in the reforming unit 16 may be provided by exhaust gas flowing around the reforming unit 16 via the first combustion unit 18 and by combustion in the first combustion unit 18, which will be described later. The hydrogen supplied to the reforming unit 16 may be output as is. Hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and unreacted steam may be output from the reforming unit 16. The fuel gas produced by the reforming unit 16 may be supplied to the power generation unit 14.

[0020] 2, the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 are positioned offset from the surface of the power generation section 14. Positioned offset from the surface means that on the surface of the power generation section 14, the position closest to the dehydrogenation section 15 and the position closest to the reforming section 16 are offset from each other, in other words, different.

[0021] Furthermore, at least one of the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 may be located in a first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Alternatively, the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 may be located side by side in a direction intersecting the first direction in the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 face the end face on the first direction side of the power generation section 14 and are located side by side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the end face.

[0022] The first housing 17 houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 15, and the reforming section 16. In the first embodiment, the first housing 17 may further house a first combustion section 18, an introduction section 19, and an evaporation section 20.

[0023] 1, the first combustion unit 18 may be located in a first direction of the power generation unit 14. The first combustion unit 18 may combust unreacted fuel contained in the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port 21. The first combustion unit 18 combusts the unreacted fuel using unreacted oxygen in the power generation unit 14, for example.

[0024] The first combustion unit 18 may use the heat generated by burning the unreacted fuel to heat the dehydrogenation unit 15, the reforming unit 16, and the vaporization unit 22. The first combustion unit 18 may heat the dehydrogenation unit 15 to provide energy for causing a dehydrogenation reaction from the organic hydride. The first combustion unit 18 may also heat the reforming unit 16 to provide energy for causing a steam reforming reaction in the reforming unit 16. The first combustion unit 18 may also heat the vaporization unit 22 to provide energy for vaporizing the reforming water.

[0025] The first combustion section 18 may be located opposite the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16. Furthermore, the first combustion section 18 may be located opposite the vaporization section 22.

[0026] The first combustion unit 18 may be, for example, a space in a first direction from the power generation unit 14. In this space, unreacted fuel and unreacted oxygen injected from the outlet 21 of the power generation unit 14 may be combusted. Alternatively, the first combustion unit 18 may be, for example, a burner located in the first direction from the power generation unit 14.

[0027] Introduction section 19 may supply an oxygen-containing gas (hereinafter, air will be used as an example) to power generation section 14. Introduction section 19 may heat the air supplied to power generation section 14. Introduction section 19 may be positioned in a second direction relative to power generation section 14. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second direction may be a normal direction to the surface of power generation section 14 that has the largest area.

[0028] Specifically, the introduction section 19 may be configured to include a preheater 24 and an air introduction plate 25. Air taken in from the outside may flow into the preheater 24 directly or via a gas-liquid separator 12, which will be described later. The air may be configured to pass through the preheater 24 and the air introduction plate 25 and then be supplied to the power generation section 14.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the preheater 24 may be a hollow plate-like structure and be in surface contact with the first heater 26, which is also a hollow plate-like structure. As shown in Fig. 1, exhaust gas discharged from the power generation unit 14 and flowing into the first housing 17 may flow into the first heater 26. The preheater 24, which is in surface contact with the first heater 26, may exchange heat between the exhaust gas and air and heat the air.

[0030] 2, the air introduction plate 25 may be a hollow plate, positioned so that its main surface faces the power generation section 14. The main surface is the surface with the largest area. The air introduction plate 25 may also be positioned so that it faces the first heater 26 on the side opposite the power generation section 14. The air introduction plate 25 may heat the air using Joule heat generated during power generation by the power generation section 14 and the heat of the exhaust gas flowing inside the first heater 26.

[0031] The evaporation unit 20 may vaporize the organic hydride to be supplied to the dehydrogenation unit 15. The evaporation unit 20 may vaporize the organic hydride by receiving heat from an external source. For example, in the first embodiment, the evaporation unit 20 may receive heat from exhaust gas. In the first embodiment, the evaporation unit 20 may receive heat from a non-gas source by having the following configuration.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the evaporator 20 may be located in the opposite direction to the second direction relative to the power generation unit 14. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, the evaporator 20 may be located farther from the power generation unit 14 than the dehydrogenation unit 15 and facing the dehydrogenation unit 15. Furthermore, the evaporator 20 may be located in the first direction relative to the dehydrogenation unit 15. With this configuration, exhaust gas can flow around the evaporator 20 within the first casing 17.

[0033] The gas-liquid separator 12 may separate the hydrogen, the dehydrogenate, and the unreacted organic hydride from the dehydrogenation unit 15 by liquefying the dehydrogenate and the organic hydride. The gas-liquid separator 12 may liquefy the dehydrogenate and the organic hydride by cooling from the outside. For example, in the first embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 12 may cool the fluid flowing therethrough by air in the atmosphere. In the first embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 12 may cool the fluid by having the following configuration.

[0034] 1, the gas-liquid separator 12 may be housed in a third housing 27. Inside the third housing 27, air that flows in from outside the third housing 27 and is sent to the air introduction plate 25 may flow around the gas-liquid separator 12. The gas-liquid separator 12 may cool the fluid flowing inside by exchanging heat between the air flowing around it and the fluid.

[0035] The exhaust gas treatment device 13 may treat the exhaust gas discharged from the first housing 17. In the first embodiment, the exhaust gas treatment device 13 may treat the exhaust gas discharged from the first housing 17 via the second housing 13.

[0036] The exhaust gas treatment device 13 may combust unreacted combustible gas in the exhaust gas and recover water contained in the gas. Specifically, the exhaust gas treatment device 13 may include a second combustion unit 28 and a latent heat exchanger 29. The second combustion unit 28 may house a combustion catalyst. The second combustion unit 28 may combust the combustible gas in the exhaust gas using the combustion catalyst. The latent heat exchanger 29 may condense and recover water vapor contained in the exhaust gas by cooling the exhaust gas discharged from the second combustion unit 28.

[0037] The power generation unit 10 of the first embodiment configured as described above includes a power generation unit 14 having a fuel cell, a dehydrogenation unit 15 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by dehydrogenating an organic hydride, a reforming unit 16 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by reforming an organic compound delivered from the dehydrogenation unit 15 and supplied together with hydrogen, and a first housing 17 that houses the power generation unit 14, the dehydrogenation unit 15, and the reforming unit, where the dehydrogenation unit 15 and the reforming unit 16 are positioned offset from the surface of the power generation unit 14. With this configuration, the power generation unit 10 can transfer heat generated in the power generation unit 14 to the dehydrogenation unit 15 and the reforming unit 16, thereby achieving stable power generation with a relatively simple configuration. Furthermore, the power generation unit 10 can cool the power generation unit 14 by supplying heat required for the endothermic reactions in the dehydrogenation unit 15 and the reforming unit 16 from the power generation unit 14.

[0038] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 10 of the first embodiment, the power generation section 14 has an exhaust gas outlet 21 on the first direction side, and at least one of the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 is located in the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. With this configuration, the power generation unit 10 can have the exhaust gas flow around one of the sections, thereby allowing the heat of the exhaust gas to be absorbed by the section. Therefore, the power generation unit 10 can also heat the section by the exhaust gas.

[0039] In the power generation unit 10 of the first embodiment, the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 are positioned side by side in the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. With this configuration, the power generation unit 10 can heat both the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 with exhaust gas.

[0040] Moreover, the power generation unit 10 of the first embodiment further includes a combustion section 18 that combusts exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port 21 in the first direction of the power generation section 14, and the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 face the combustion section 18. With this configuration, the power generation unit 10 can heat the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 using the heat of combustion in the combustion section 18 as well.

[0041] Furthermore, the power generation unit 10 of the first embodiment further includes an evaporation section 20 that vaporizes the organic hydride in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section 14 and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation section 15. With this configuration, the power generation unit 10 can vaporize the liquid organic hydride using heat generated in the power generation section 14 before supplying it to the dehydrogenation section 15. Therefore, the power generation unit 10 can use more heat for dehydrogenation in the dehydrogenation section 15, allowing the dehydrogenation catalyst to contribute more effectively to the reaction.

[0042] Moreover, the power generation unit 10 of the first embodiment further includes an introduction section 19 that supplies air to the power generation section 14, and an evaporation section 20 that vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies it to the dehydrogenation section 15. The power generation section 14 has an exhaust gas outlet 21 on the first direction side, the introduction section 19 is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section 14, and the evaporation section 20 is located in the opposite direction to the second direction relative to the power generation section 14. With this configuration, the power generation unit 10 can vaporize the liquid organic hydride using heat generated in the power generation section 14 before supplying it to the dehydrogenation section 15, and can cool the power generation section 14 by sandwiching it between the evaporation section 20 and the introduction section 19.

[0043] Alternatively, the power generation unit 10 of the first embodiment further includes an evaporation section 20 located farther from the power generation section 14 than the dehydrogenation section 15 and facing the dehydrogenation section 15, which vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies it to the dehydrogenation section 15. With this configuration, the power generation unit 10 can vaporize the liquid organic hydride before supplying it to the dehydrogenation section 15 using heat supplied by the heat released from the dehydrogenation section 15, which is heated by the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 10 can use more heat for dehydrogenation in the dehydrogenation section 15, allowing the dehydrogenation catalyst to contribute more effectively to the reaction.

[0044] Next, a power generation unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the arrangement of the evaporator section differs from that of the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0045] 4, a power generation device 110 including a power generation unit 100 according to the second embodiment may be configured to include the power generation unit 100, a gas-liquid separator 12, and an exhaust gas treatment device 13, similar to the first embodiment. The power generation device 110 may further be configured to include an evaporator section 200 and a second housing 300. The configurations and functions of the gas-liquid separator 12 and the exhaust gas treatment device 13 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0046] Similar to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 100 includes a power generation section 14, a dehydrogenation section 15, a reforming section 16, and a first housing 170. As in the first embodiment, the power generation unit 100 may further include a first combustion section 18 and an introduction section 19. The configurations and functions of the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 15, the reforming section 16, the first combustion section 18, and the introduction section 19 may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0047] As in the first embodiment, the first casing 170 houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 15, and the reforming section 16. As in the first embodiment, the first casing 170 may further house the first combustion section 18 and the introduction section 19. Unlike the first embodiment, the first casing 170 does not need to house the evaporation section 200.

[0048] As in the first embodiment, the evaporation section 200 may vaporize the organic hydride to be supplied to the dehydrogenation section 15. In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the evaporation section 200 may receive heat from the exhaust gas. In the second embodiment, the evaporation section 200 may receive heat from the exhaust gas by having the following configuration.

[0049] Unlike the first embodiment, the evaporation section 200 may be housed in a second housing 300. As shown in Fig. 5 , in the second housing 300, the exhaust gas that is discharged from the outlet 21 and flows out of the first housing 17 via the first heater 26 may flow around the evaporation section 200. The evaporation section 200 may receive heat in such a manner that heat exchange occurs between the exhaust gas flowing around the evaporation section 200 and the organic hydride flowing inside the evaporation section 200.

[0050] The power generation unit 100 of the second embodiment configured as described above is similar to the first embodiment and includes a power generation section 14 having a fuel cell, a dehydrogenation section 15 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell through a dehydrogenation reaction of organic hydride, a reforming section 16 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by reforming organic compounds that are sent from the dehydrogenation section 15 and supplied together with hydrogen, and a first housing 170 that houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 15, and the reforming section 16, the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 being positioned offset from the surface of the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 100 can also achieve stable power generation and cool the power generation section 14 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0051] Also, in the power generation unit 100 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the power generation section 14 has an exhaust gas outlet 21 on the first direction side, and at least one of the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 is located in the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 100 can also heat the one section by the exhaust gas.

[0052] Also, in the power generation unit 100 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 are positioned side by side in the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Therefore, in the power generation unit 100 as well, both the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 can be heated by exhaust gas.

[0053] Similarly to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 100 of the second embodiment also includes a combustion section 18 that combusts exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port 21 in the first direction of the power generation section 14, and the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 face the combustion section 18. Therefore, the power generation unit 100 can also heat the dehydrogenation section 15 and the reforming section 16 using the heat of combustion in the combustion section 18.

[0054] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 100 of the second embodiment, the dehydrogenation section 15 is supplied with organic hydride that is discharged from the outlet 21 in the evaporator 200 housed in the second casing 300 and vaporized by heat exchange with the exhaust gas flowing around the evaporator 200. With this configuration, the power generation unit 100 can vaporize the liquid organic hydride using the exhaust gas before supplying it to the dehydrogenation section 15. Therefore, the power generation unit 100 can use more heat for dehydrogenation in the dehydrogenation section 15, allowing the dehydrogenation catalyst to contribute more effectively to the reaction.

[0055] Next, a power generation unit according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, the arrangement of one of the dehydrogenation section and the reforming section differs from that of the first embodiment. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0056] 6, a power generation device 111 including a power generation unit 101 according to the third embodiment may be configured to include the power generation unit 101, a gas-liquid separator 12, and an exhaust gas treatment device 13, similar to the first embodiment. The configurations and functions of the gas-liquid separator 12 and the exhaust gas treatment device 13 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0057] Similar to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 101 includes a power generation section 14, a dehydrogenation section 151, a reforming section 161, and a first housing 171. Similar to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 101 may further include a first combustion section 18, an introduction section 19, and an evaporation section 201. The configurations and functions of the power generation section 14, the first combustion section 18, and the introduction section 19 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0058] In the third embodiment, the arrangement of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is different from that of the first embodiment. The configuration other than the function and arrangement of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 may be similar to that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7 , one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 may be located in a first direction from the power generation section 14. Furthermore, the other of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 may be located in a second direction from the power generation section 14.

[0059] For example, the reforming section 161 may be located in a first direction relative to the power generation section 14, and the reforming section 161 may be located so that its center overlaps with the power generation section 14 in a second direction when viewed from the first direction. The dehydrogenation section 151 may be located in the second direction relative to the power generation section 14.

[0060] Similar to the first embodiment, the first casing 171 houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 151, and the reforming section 161. In the third embodiment, the first casing 171 may further house the first combustion section 18, the introduction section 19, and the evaporation section 201. Unlike the first embodiment, the first casing 171 may house the dehydrogenation section 151, the reforming section 161, and the evaporation section 201 at different positions inside.

[0061] Within the first housing 171, the introduction section 19 may be located in the opposite direction to the second direction relative to the power generation section 14. However, in both the first and third embodiments, the second direction is one of two directions perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the normal to the surface of the power generation section 14 that has the largest area; in the first embodiment, it is one of the directions, and in the third embodiment, it is the other direction. Therefore, the arrangement of the introduction section 19 within the first housing 171 is the same in the first and third embodiments.

[0062] Similar to the first embodiment, the evaporation section 201 may vaporize the organic hydride to be supplied to the dehydrogenation section 151. In the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the evaporation section 201 may receive heat from the exhaust gas. Specifically, the evaporation section 201 may be located farther from the power generation section 14 than the dehydrogenation section 151 and facing the dehydrogenation section 151. Furthermore, the evaporation section 201 may be located in a second direction relative to the dehydrogenation section 151.

[0063] The power generation unit 101 of the third embodiment configured as described above is similar to the first embodiment and includes a power generation section 14 having a fuel cell, a dehydrogenation section 151 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell through a dehydrogenation reaction of organic hydride, a reforming section 161 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by reforming organic compounds that are sent from the dehydrogenation section 151 and supplied together with hydrogen, and a first housing 171 that houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 151, and the reforming section 161, the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 being positioned offset from the surface of the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 101 can also achieve stable power generation and cool the power generation section 14 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0064] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 101 of the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the power generation section 14 has an exhaust gas outlet 21 on the first direction side, and at least one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is located in the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 101 can also heat the one section by the exhaust gas.

[0065] Similarly to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 101 of the third embodiment also includes an evaporation section 201 that is located farther from the power generation section 14 than the dehydrogenation section 151 and faces the dehydrogenation section 151, and that vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies it to the dehydrogenation section 15. Therefore, the power generation unit 101 can also use more heat for dehydrogenation in the dehydrogenation section 151, allowing the dehydrogenation catalyst to contribute more effectively to the reaction.

[0066] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 101 of the third embodiment, one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is located in a first direction from the power generation section 14, and the other is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. With this configuration, the power generation unit 101 can maximize the surface area of ​​the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 that faces the surface area of ​​the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 101 can efficiently heat the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161.

[0067] Next, a power generation unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the arrangement of one of the dehydrogenation section and the reforming section, and the arrangement of the evaporation section are different from those of the first embodiment. The fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0068] 8, a power generation device 112 including a power generation unit 102 according to the fourth embodiment may be configured to include the power generation unit 102, a gas-liquid separator 12, and an exhaust gas treatment device 13, similar to the first embodiment. The power generation device 112 may further include an evaporator 202 and a second housing 302. The configurations and functions of the gas-liquid separator 12 and the exhaust gas treatment device 13 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0069] Similar to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 102 includes a power generation section 14, a dehydrogenation section 151, a reforming section 161, and a first housing 172. As in the first embodiment, the power generation unit 102 may further include a first combustion section 18 and an introduction section 19. The configurations and functions of the power generation section 14, the first combustion section 18, and the introduction section 19 may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0070] In the fourth embodiment, the arrangement of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is different from that of the first embodiment. The configuration other than the function and arrangement of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 may be similar to that of the first embodiment. The arrangement of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 in the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 may be located in a first direction from the power generation section 14. Furthermore, the other of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 may be located in a second direction from the power generation section 14.

[0071] Similar to the first embodiment, the first casing 172 houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 151, and the reforming section 161. As in the first embodiment, the first casing 172 may further house the first combustion section 18 and the introduction section 19. Unlike the first embodiment, the first casing 172 does not need to house the evaporation section 202. Unlike the first embodiment, the first casing 172 may house the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 at different positions inside.

[0072] Within the first housing 172, the introduction section 19 may be located in the direction opposite to the second direction relative to the power generation section 14. However, in both the first and fourth embodiments, the second direction is one of two directions perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the normal to the face of the power generation section 14 that has the largest area; in the first embodiment, it is one of the directions, and in the fourth embodiment, it is the other direction. Therefore, the arrangement of the introduction section 19 within the first housing 172 is the same in the first and fourth embodiments.

[0073] Similar to the first embodiment, the evaporation unit 202 may vaporize the organic hydride to be supplied to the dehydrogenation unit 151. In the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the evaporation unit 202 may receive heat from the exhaust gas. In the second embodiment, the evaporation unit 202 may receive heat from the exhaust gas by having the following configuration.

[0074] Unlike the first embodiment, the evaporation unit 202 may be located in the opposite direction to the first direction relative to the power generation unit 14. Unlike the first embodiment, the evaporation unit 202 may be housed in a second housing 302. Inside the second housing 302, the exhaust gas that is discharged from the outlet 21 and flows out of the first housing 17 via the first heater 26 may flow around the evaporation unit 202. The evaporation unit 202 may receive heat in such a manner that heat exchange occurs between the exhaust gas flowing around it and the organic hydride flowing inside it.

[0075] Similar to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 102 of the fourth embodiment configured as described above also includes a power generation section 14 having a fuel cell, a dehydrogenation section 151 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell through a dehydrogenation reaction of organic hydride, a reforming section 161 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by reforming organic compounds that are output from the dehydrogenation section 151 and supplied together with hydrogen, and a first housing 172 that houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 151, and the reforming section 161, the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 being positioned offset from the surface of the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 102 can also achieve stable power generation and cool the power generation section 14 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0076] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 102 of the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the power generation section 14 has an exhaust gas outlet 21 on the first direction side, and at least one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is located in the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 102 can also heat the one section by the exhaust gas.

[0077] Also, in the power generation unit 102 of the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the dehydrogenation section 151 is supplied with organic hydride that is discharged from the outlet 21 in the evaporation section 202 housed in the second casing 302 and vaporized by heat exchange with the exhaust gas flowing around the evaporation section 202. Therefore, in the power generation unit 102, the dehydrogenation section 151 can use more heat for dehydrogenation, allowing the dehydrogenation catalyst to contribute more effectively to the reaction.

[0078] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 102 of the fourth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is located in a first direction from the power generation section 14, and the other is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 102 can also efficiently heat the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161.

[0079] In addition, the power generation unit 102 of the fourth embodiment further includes an inlet section 19 that supplies air to the power generation section 14, and an evaporation section 202 that vaporizes organic hydride and supplies it to the dehydrogenation section 151, the power generation section 14 has an exhaust gas outlet 21 on the first direction side, one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is located in the first direction from the power generation section 14, and the other is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section 14, the inlet section 19 is located in the opposite direction to the second direction relative to the power generation section 14, the evaporation section 202 is located in the opposite direction to the first direction relative to the power generation section 14, and the evaporation section 202 is housed in a second housing 203 around which the exhaust gas discharged from the outlet 21 flows. With this configuration, the power generation unit 102 has the dehydrogenation section 151, reforming section 161, introduction section 19, and evaporation section 202 arranged around the power generation section 14, which can improve the stability of the structure.

[0080] Next, a power generation unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the arrangement of one of the dehydrogenation section and the reforming section, and the arrangement of the evaporation section are different from those of the first embodiment. The fifth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0081] 10, a power generation device 113 including a power generation unit 103 according to the fifth embodiment may be configured to include the power generation unit 103, a gas-liquid separator 12, and an exhaust gas treatment device 13, similar to the first embodiment. The configurations and functions of the gas-liquid separator 12 and the exhaust gas treatment device 13 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0082] Similar to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 103 includes a power generation section 14, a dehydrogenation section 151, a reforming section 161, and a first housing 173. Similar to the first embodiment, the power generation unit 103 may further include a first combustion section 18, an introduction section 193, and an evaporation section 203. The configurations and functions of the power generation section 14 and the first combustion section 18 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0083] In the fifth embodiment, the arrangement of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is different from that in the first embodiment. The configuration other than the function and arrangement of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 may be similar to that in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the arrangement of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is the same as that in the third embodiment.

[0084] Similar to the first embodiment, the first casing 173 houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 151, and the reforming section 161. In the fifth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the first casing 173 may further house the first combustion section 18, the introduction section 193, and the evaporation section 203. Unlike the first embodiment, the first casing 171 may house the dehydrogenation section 151, the reforming section 161, the introduction section 193, and the evaporation section 203 at different positions inside.

[0085] The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the introduction section 193. The configuration other than the function and arrangement of the introduction section 193 may be similar to that of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11 , the introduction section 193 may be located in the opposite direction to the second direction with respect to the power generation section 14, with the evaporation section 203 sandwiched between them.

[0086] Similar to the first embodiment, the evaporation section 203 may vaporize the organic hydride to be supplied to the dehydrogenation section 151. Unlike the first embodiment, the evaporation section 203 may receive heat from the heat generated by the power generation section 14 and the exhaust gas. Specifically, the evaporation section 203 may be located in the opposite direction to the second direction relative to the power generation section 14.

[0087] The power generation unit 103 of the fifth embodiment configured as described above is similar to the first embodiment and includes a power generation section 14 having a fuel cell, a dehydrogenation section 151 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell through a dehydrogenation reaction of organic hydride, a reforming section 161 that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by reforming organic compounds that are sent from the dehydrogenation section 151 and supplied together with hydrogen, and a first housing 173 that houses the power generation section 14, the dehydrogenation section 151, and the reforming section 161, the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 being positioned offset from the surface of the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 103 can also achieve stable power generation and cool the power generation section 14 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0088] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 103 of the fifth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the power generation section 14 has an exhaust gas outlet 21 on the first direction side, and at least one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is located in the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 103 can also heat the one section by the exhaust gas.

[0089] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 103 of the fifth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, one of the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161 is located in a first direction from the power generation section 14, and the other is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section 14. Therefore, the power generation unit 103 can also efficiently heat the dehydrogenation section 151 and the reforming section 161.

[0090] Moreover, the power generation unit 103 of the fifth embodiment further includes an evaporation section 203 that vaporizes the organic hydride in the direction opposite to the second direction relative to the power generation section 14 and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation section 151. With this configuration, the power generation unit 103 can use the heat generated in the power generation section 14 to heat the dehydrogenation section 151, the reforming section 161, and the evaporation section 203.

[0091] In one embodiment, (1) the power generation unit comprises: a power generation unit having a fuel cell; a dehydrogenation unit that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by a dehydrogenation reaction of an organic hydride; a reforming unit that reforms organic compounds sent from the dehydrogenation unit and supplied together with the hydrogen to generate hydrogen that serves as fuel for the fuel cell; a first housing that houses the power generation unit, the dehydrogenation unit, and the reforming unit; The dehydrogenation section and the reforming section are positioned offset from the surface of the power generation section.

[0092] (2) In the power generation unit described in (1) above, the power generation unit has an exhaust gas outlet on a first direction side, At least one of the dehydrogenation section and the reforming section is located in the first direction relative to the power generation section.

[0093] (3) In the power generation unit described in (2) above, The dehydrogenation section and the reforming section are positioned side by side in the first direction relative to the power generation section.

[0094] (4) The power generation unit in (3) above is a combustion unit that combusts exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port in the first direction of the power generation unit, The dehydrogenation section and the reforming section face the combustion section.

[0095] (5) Any of the power generation units (2) to (4) above, The power generation unit further includes an evaporation unit that vaporizes the organic hydride in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation unit and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation unit.

[0096] (6) The power generation unit in (2) above is One of the dehydrogenation section and the reforming section is located in the first direction from the power generation section, and the other is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section.

[0097] (7) The power generation unit in (6) above is The system further includes an evaporation section that vaporizes the organic hydride in the direction opposite to the second direction relative to the power generation section and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation section.

[0098] (8) Any of the power generation units (1) to (4) above, The organic hydride is supplied to the dehydrogenation section, and is vaporized by heat exchange with exhaust gas that is discharged from the outlet in the evaporation section housed in the second housing and flows around the evaporation section.

[0099] (9) Any of the power generation units (1) to (4) and (6) above is The system further includes an evaporation section located farther from the power generation section than the dehydrogenation section and facing the dehydrogenation section, which vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation section.

[0100] (10) Any of the power generation units (2) to (4) above, an introduction section for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the power generation section; an evaporation unit that vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation unit; the power generation unit has an exhaust gas outlet on a first direction side, the introduction section is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section, The evaporation section is located in a direction opposite to the second direction relative to the power generation section.

[0101] (11) The power generation unit in (2) above is an introduction section for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the power generation section; an evaporation unit that vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation unit; the power generation unit has an exhaust gas outlet on a first direction side, one of the dehydrogenation unit and the reforming unit is located in the first direction from the power generation unit, and the other is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the power generation unit; the introduction section is located in a direction opposite to the second direction with respect to the power generation section, the evaporation unit is located in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the power generation unit, The evaporation section is housed in a second housing around which the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port flows.

[0102] In one embodiment, (12) the power generation device The power generation unit is any one of the power generation units (1) to (11) above.

[0103] The drawings illustrating the embodiments of the present disclosure are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

[0104] 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 can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple components can be combined or divided into one.

[0105] All of the features described in this disclosure and / or all steps of all of the disclosed methods or processes may be combined in any combination except combinations in which these features are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, each feature described in this disclosure may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly denied. Thus, unless expressly denied, each disclosed feature is only one example of a generic series of identical or equivalent features.

[0106] Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific configurations of any of the above-described embodiments, but rather extend to any novel feature or combination thereof described herein, or any novel method or process step or combination thereof described herein.

[0107] 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 exchanged. For example, a first housing can exchange the identifiers "first" and "second" with a second housing. The exchange of identifiers is performed simultaneously. The configurations remain distinguished even after the identifier exchange. Identifiers may be deleted. A configuration from which an identifier has been deleted is distinguished by a symbol. The descriptions of identifiers such as "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 smaller number. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10, 100, 101, 102, 103 Power generating units 11, 110, 111, 112, 113 Power generating equipment 12 Gas-liquid separator 13 Exhaust gas treatment device 14 Power Generation Department 15, 151 Dehydrogenation part 16, 161 Reforming section 17, 170, 171, 172, 174 First enclosure 18 First combustion section 19 Introduction 20, 200, 201, 202, 204 Evaporation section 21 Outlet 22 Vaporization section 23 Reformer 24 Preheater 25 Air intake plate 26 First heater 27 Third Enclosure 28 Second Combustion Section 29 Latent heat exchanger 300, 302 Second housing

Claims

1. a power generation unit having a fuel cell; a dehydrogenation unit that generates hydrogen as fuel for the fuel cell by a dehydrogenation reaction of an organic hydride; a reforming unit that reforms organic compounds sent from the dehydrogenation unit and supplied together with the hydrogen to generate hydrogen that serves as fuel for the fuel cell; a first housing that houses the power generation unit, the dehydrogenation unit, and the reforming unit; The dehydrogenation section and the reforming section are positioned offset from the surface of the power generation section. Power generation unit.

2. 2. The power generating unit according to claim 1, the power generation unit has an exhaust gas outlet on a first direction side, At least one of the dehydrogenation unit and the reforming unit is located in the first direction relative to the power generation unit. Power generation unit.

3. 3. The power generating unit according to claim 2, The dehydrogenation unit and the reforming unit are positioned side by side in the first direction relative to the power generation unit. Power generation unit.

4. 4. The power generating unit according to claim 3, a combustion unit configured to combust exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port in the first direction of the power generation unit, The dehydrogenation section and the reforming section face the combustion section. Power generation unit.

5. 5. The power generation unit according to claim 2, an evaporation section that vaporizes the organic hydride in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the power generation section and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation section; Power generation unit.

6. 3. The power generating unit according to claim 2, One of the dehydrogenation unit and the reforming unit is located in the first direction from the power generation unit, and the other is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the power generation unit. Power generation unit.

7. 7. The power generating unit according to claim 6, an evaporation section that vaporizes the organic hydride in a direction opposite to the second direction relative to the power generation section and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation section; Power generation unit.

8. 5. The power generation unit according to claim 1, The dehydrogenation unit is supplied with the organic hydride that is vaporized by heat exchange with the exhaust gas that is discharged from the outlet in the evaporation unit housed in the second housing and flows around the evaporation unit. Power generation unit.

9. 7. The power generation unit according to claim 1, an evaporation section that is located farther from the power generation section than the dehydrogenation section and faces the dehydrogenation section, and that vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation section. Power generation unit.

10. 5. The power generation unit according to claim 2, an introduction section for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the power generation section; an evaporation unit that vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation unit; the power generation unit has an exhaust gas outlet on a first direction side, the introduction section is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the power generation section, The evaporation section is located in a direction opposite to the second direction with respect to the power generation section. Power generation unit.

11. 3. The power generating unit according to claim 2, an introduction section for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the power generation section; an evaporation unit that vaporizes the organic hydride and supplies the vaporized organic hydride to the dehydrogenation unit; the power generation unit has an exhaust gas outlet on a first direction side, one of the dehydrogenation unit and the reforming unit is located in the first direction from the power generation unit, and the other is located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the power generation unit; the introduction section is located in a direction opposite to the second direction with respect to the power generation section, the evaporation unit is located in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the power generation unit, The evaporation unit is accommodated in a second housing around which the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port flows. Power generation unit.

12. A power generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided. Power generation equipment.

Images