Reforming unit, fuel cell module, and fuel cell system

Abstract

Make effective use of heat. [Solution] The reforming unit 10 has a combustion section 12, a reforming section 13, a combustion exhaust gas passage 14, an air passage 15, and an evaporation section 16. The combustion section 12 burns fuel off-gas in a space defined by at least a first bottom wall and a first side wall. The reforming section 13 reforms the raw fuel in a space defined by at least a first bottom wall, a first side wall, a second bottom wall, and a second side wall. The combustion exhaust gas passage 14 is defined by at least a second side wall, a third bottom wall, and a third side wall. Combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section 12 flows through the fuel exhaust gas passage 14. The air passage 15 is defined by at least a third side wall and a fourth side wall. The air passage 15 exchanges heat between the air supplied to the fuel cell and the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the combustion exhaust gas passage 14. The evaporation section 16 is located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas passage. The evaporation unit 16 vaporizes water and supplies it to the modification unit 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reforming unit, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell module has been proposed that includes a fuel cell stack, an evaporation section, and a reforming unit, and is compact as a whole while supplying sufficient heat to the reforming section and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the reforming unit, it is required to use heat more effectively.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a reforming unit, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device that effectively utilize heat as compared with the case where the configuration of the present disclosure is not used.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The reforming unit according to the first aspect is a combustion section that burns fuel off-gas from a fuel cell within a space at least defined by a first bottom wall located on the first direction side and a first side wall erected along an edge of the first bottom wall; a reforming section that reforms a raw fuel within a space at least defined by the first bottom wall, the first side wall, a second bottom wall that covers the first bottom wall with a gap therebetween, and a second side wall that surrounds the first side wall with a gap therebetween, and supplies the fuel gas to the fuel cell; A combustion exhaust gas flow path through which combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section flows is defined at least by the second side wall, a third bottom wall that defines an internal space on the first direction side of the second bottom wall, and a third side wall that surrounds the second side wall at a distance from the second side wall, At least, an air passage defined by the third side wall and a fourth side wall that surrounds the third side wall at a distance from the third side wall, which allows heat exchange between the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the combustion exhaust gas passage and the air supplied to the fuel cell, The system includes an evaporation unit located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path on the first direction side of the reforming unit, which vaporizes water and supplies it to the reforming unit.

[0007] From a second perspective, the fuel cell module is: A combustion section for burning fuel off-gas from a fuel cell in a space at least defined by a first bottom wall located on the first direction side and a first side wall erected along the edge of the first bottom wall; a reforming section for reforming raw fuel and supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell in a space at least defined by the first bottom wall, the first side wall, a second bottom wall covering the first bottom wall at a distance from the first bottom wall, and a second side wall surrounding the first side wall at a distance from the first side wall; and a third section defining an internal space on the first direction side from the second side wall and the second bottom wall. A reforming unit having: a combustion exhaust gas flow path through which combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section flows, defined at least by a bottom wall and a third side wall that surrounds the second side wall at a distance from the second side wall; an air flow path through which heat is exchanged between the combustion exhaust gas flowing in the combustion exhaust gas flow path and air supplied to the fuel cell, defined at least by the third side wall and a fourth side wall that surrounds the third side wall at a distance from the third side wall; and an evaporation section located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path on the first direction side of the reforming section, which vaporizes water and supplies it to the reforming section. The aforementioned fuel cell, An off-gas passage includes a first off-gas passage that supplies the fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell to the combustion section, and a second off-gas passage that supplies the fuel off-gas to somewhere in the fuel gas supply passage of the fuel cell. The system comprises the reforming unit, the fuel cell, and a housing container for the off-gas flow path.

[0008] From a third perspective, fuel cell devices are: A combustion section for burning fuel off-gas from a fuel cell in a space at least defined by a first bottom wall located on the first direction side and a first side wall erected along the edge of the first bottom wall; a reforming section for reforming raw fuel and supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell in a space at least defined by the first bottom wall, the first side wall, a second bottom wall covering the first bottom wall at a distance from the first bottom wall, and a second side wall surrounding the first side wall at a distance from the first side wall; and a third section defining an internal space on the first direction side from the second side wall and the second bottom wall. A reforming unit having: a combustion exhaust gas flow path through which combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section flows, defined at least by a bottom wall and a third side wall that surrounds the second side wall at a distance from the second side wall; an air flow path through which heat is exchanged between the combustion exhaust gas flowing in the combustion exhaust gas flow path and air supplied to the fuel cell, defined at least by the third side wall and a fourth side wall that surrounds the third side wall at a distance from the third side wall; and an evaporation section located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path on the first direction side of the reforming section, which vaporizes water and supplies it to the reforming section. The reforming unit comprises the fuel cell located in the opposite direction to the first direction, The entire area of ​​the first flange provided at the fifth inlet of the fuel cell, which communicates with the first outlet of the air passage, and the entire area of ​​the second flange provided at the sixth inlet of the fuel cell, which communicates with the third outlet of the reforming section, are included within the area of ​​the fuel cell when viewed from the first direction.

[0009] From the fourth perspective, fuel cell devices are: A combustion section for burning fuel off-gas from a fuel cell in a space at least defined by a first bottom wall located on the first direction side and a first side wall erected along the edge of the first bottom wall; a reforming section for reforming raw fuel and supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell in a space at least defined by the first bottom wall, the first side wall, a second bottom wall covering the first bottom wall at a distance from the first bottom wall, and a second side wall surrounding the first side wall at a distance from the first side wall; and a third section defining an internal space on the first direction side from the second side wall and the second bottom wall. A reforming unit having: a combustion exhaust gas flow path through which combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section flows, defined at least by a bottom wall and a third side wall that surrounds the second side wall at a distance from the second side wall; an air flow path through which heat is exchanged between the combustion exhaust gas flowing in the combustion exhaust gas flow path and air supplied to the fuel cell, defined at least by the third side wall and a fourth side wall that surrounds the third side wall at a distance from the third side wall; and an evaporation section located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path on the first direction side of the reforming section, which vaporizes water and supplies it to the reforming section. The aforementioned fuel cell, A housing container for the reforming unit and the fuel cell, The storage container is provided with a heat exchanger that is attached to the side wall surrounding the storage container with respect to the first direction, with a portion of it protruding from the storage container along the first direction, and which performs heat exchange using the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the reforming unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the modification unit, fuel cell module, and fuel cell device described above, heat is utilized more effectively. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram illustrating the usage of a modification unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the internal structure of the modification unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the reforming unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the combustion part of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of the reforming part of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view showing the combustion exhaust gas flow path of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a conceptual diagram for schematically explaining the structures of the first exhaust gas flow path, the second exhaust gas flow path, and the third exhaust gas flow path that constitute the combustion exhaust gas flow path of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a developed view for explaining that the second exhaust gas flow path of FIG. 7 is a meandering path. [Figure 9] It is a view seen from the first direction for explaining that the third exhaust gas flow path of FIG. 7 is a spiral path. [Figure 10] It is an exploded perspective view showing the air flow path of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] It is a developed view for explaining that the air flow path in the part sandwiched between the third side wall and the fourth side wall of FIG. 10 is a meandering path. [Figure 12] It is an exploded perspective view of the evaporation part and other components in the reforming unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 13] It is a view seen from the first direction for explaining that the path in the evaporation part in FIG. 12 is spiral. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the reforming unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a view of the first fuel cell device according to the first embodiment seen from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. [Figure 16] It is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the second fuel cell device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the second fuel cell device of the modification example of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] It is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the second fuel cell device of another modification example of FIG. 16. [Figure 19]This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the internal structure of the modification unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the reforming section and evaporation section in disassembled form. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example. [Figure 22] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the outlet of the evaporation section and the inlet of the reforming section are shared. [Figure 23] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the combustion exhaust gas flow path. [Figure 24] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the airflow channel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a modification unit to which this disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the reforming unit 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure may be used together with a fuel cell 11. The reforming unit 10 may be supplied with raw fuel gas and water. The reforming unit 10 may use water to reform the raw fuel gas and produce fuel gas. The reforming unit 10 may heat air. The fuel cell 11 may be supplied with fuel gas and heated air.

[0014] The fuel cell 11 may generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction using fuel gas and air. The fuel cell 11 may be a cell stack formed by stacking fuel cell cells. The fuel cell 11 may include multiple cell stacks. The fuel cell 11 may supply the fuel off-gas and air after the electrochemical reaction to the reforming unit 10. The reforming unit 10 may use the fuel off-gas for heating the raw fuel gas for reforming and for heating the air. Details of the reforming unit 10 and the fuel cell 11 will be described below.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the reforming unit 10 is composed of a combustion section 12, a reforming section 13, a combustion exhaust gas passage 14, an air passage 15, and an evaporation section 16. As shown in Figure 3, the reforming unit 10 may be cylindrical in shape overall.

[0016] As shown in Figure 4, the combustion section 12 has a combustion space defined by at least a first upper bottom wall (first bottom wall) 17 and a first side wall 18. The combustion space may be further defined by a first lower bottom wall 19. The combustion section 12 burns the fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 11 within the combustion space. The fuel off-gas includes unreacted fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas in the fuel cell 11, as will be described later.

[0017] The first upper bottom wall 17 is located in the combustion section 12 on the side of the first direction. The first direction is the direction in which the fuel cell module including the reforming unit 10 or the fuel cell device is oriented vertically upward during installation. The first upper bottom wall 17 may be disc-shaped.

[0018] The first side wall 18 is erected along the edge of the first upper bottom wall 17. Therefore, the first side wall 18 may be cylindrical. For example, in a configuration where the first upper bottom wall 17 is disc-shaped, the first side wall 18 may be cylindrical.

[0019] The first lower bottom wall 19 may be provided at the end of the first side wall 18 on the side opposite to the first direction. The first lower bottom wall 19 may have the same shape as the first upper bottom wall 17.

[0020] A burner 20 facing into the combustion space may be provided in the first lower bottom wall 19. The burner 20 may burn unreacted fuel gas contained in the fuel off-gas with an oxygen-containing gas. Fuel off-gas may be supplied to the burner 20 through an inlet 21 provided in the opposite direction to the first direction. At least one outlet 22 may be formed in the first lower bottom wall 19. Combustion exhaust gas generated by combustion in the burner 20 may be discharged from the combustion section 12 through the outlet 22.

[0021] The first upper bottom wall 17, the first side wall 18, and the first lower bottom wall 19 may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the modified section 13 has a modified space defined by at least a first upper bottom wall 17, a first side wall 18, a second upper bottom wall (second bottom wall) 23, and a second side wall 24. The modified space may be further defined by a second lower bottom wall 25.

[0023] A reforming catalyst may be contained in at least a portion of the reforming space. The reforming unit 13 generates fuel gas by reforming the raw fuel using water vapor vaporized in the evaporation unit 16, which will be described later. The reforming unit 13 supplies the fuel gas to the fuel cell 11.

[0024] The second upper base wall 23 is spaced apart from the first upper base wall 17 and covers the first upper base wall 17 from the first direction side. The wall surface of the second upper base wall 23 may be wider than that of the first upper base wall 17. The second upper base wall 23 may cover the entire first upper base wall 17 when viewed from the first direction. The second upper base wall 23 may be disc-shaped.

[0025] A through hole 26 may be formed in the second upper bottom wall 23. The through hole 26 may be located near the center of the second upper bottom wall 23. An outlet (second outlet) provided in the evaporation section 16, which will be described later, may be inserted through the through hole 26.

[0026] The second side wall 24 surrounds the first side wall 18, with a gap between them. The second side wall 24 may be erected along the edge of the second upper base wall 23. Therefore, the second side wall 24 may be cylindrical. For example, in a configuration where the second upper base wall 23 is disc-shaped, the second side wall 24 may be cylindrical.

[0027] The second lower bottom wall 25 may be provided at the end of the second side wall 24 on the side opposite to the first direction. The second lower bottom wall 25 may have the same shape as the second upper bottom wall 23. The second lower bottom wall 25 may have an insertion hole 27 through which the combustion section 12 is inserted. The first side wall 18 of the combustion section 12 may be in close contact with the insertion hole 27 around its entire circumference.

[0028] The second lower bottom wall 25 may be provided with an outlet (third outlet) 28 extending in the opposite direction to the first direction. The outlet 28 may allow the fuel gas generated in the reforming section 13 to flow out of the reforming space.

[0029] The second upper bottom wall 23, the second side wall 24, and the second lower bottom wall 25 may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the combustion exhaust gas passage 14 is defined by at least a second side wall 24, a third upper bottom wall (third bottom wall) 29, and a third side wall 30. The combustion exhaust gas passage 14 may be further defined by a second lower bottom wall 25 and a third lower bottom wall 31.

[0031] The third upper bottom wall 29 defines an internal space on the first direction side of the second upper bottom wall 23. In the first embodiment, the third upper bottom wall 29 may cover the second upper bottom wall 23 at a distance from it. The wall surface of the third upper bottom wall 29 may be wider than that of the second upper bottom wall 23. The third upper bottom wall 29 may cover the entire second upper bottom wall 23 when viewed from the first direction. The third upper bottom wall 29 may be disc-shaped.

[0032] An insertion hole 32 may be formed in the third upper bottom wall 29. The insertion hole 32 may be located in the same position as the insertion hole 26 in the second upper bottom wall 23 when viewed from the first direction. An inlet provided in the evaporation section 16, which will be described later, may be inserted through the insertion hole 32.

[0033] An outlet (fourth outlet) 33 may be provided in the third upper bottom wall 29. The outlet 33 may be provided near the outer edge of the third upper bottom wall 29. Combustion exhaust gas may be discharged from the combustion exhaust gas passage 14 through the outlet 33.

[0034] The third side wall 30 is spaced apart from the second side wall 24 and surrounds the second side wall 24. The third side wall 30 may be erected along the edge of the third upper side wall 29. Therefore, the third side wall 30 may be cylindrical. For example, in a configuration where the third upper bottom wall 29 is disc-shaped, the third side wall 30 may be cylindrical.

[0035] The third lower bottom wall 31 may be provided at the end of the third side wall 30 on the side opposite to the first direction. The third lower bottom wall 31 may cover the second lower bottom wall 25 at a distance from it. The third lower bottom wall 31 may have the same shape as the third upper bottom wall 29.

[0036] An insertion hole 34 may be formed in the third lower bottom wall 31 for inserting the outlet 28 of the modification section 13. The outer surface of the outlet 28 may be in close contact with the insertion hole 34 around its entire circumference. In addition, an insertion hole 35 may be formed in the third lower bottom wall 31 for inserting the inlet 21 of the combustion section 12. The outer surface of the inlet 21 may be in close contact with the insertion hole 35 around its entire circumference.

[0037] With the configuration described above, the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 may be configured to include a first exhaust gas flow path 36, a second exhaust gas flow path 37, and a third exhaust gas flow path 38, as shown in Figure 7.

[0038] The first exhaust gas passage 36 may be a space defined between the first lower bottom wall 19, the second lower bottom wall 25, and the third lower bottom wall 31. The first exhaust gas passage 36 may be in communication with the outlet 22 of the combustion section 12.

[0039] The second exhaust gas passage 37 may be a space defined between the second side wall 24 and the third lower bottom wall 30. The second exhaust gas passage 37 may communicate with the first exhaust gas passage 36 at the end opposite to the first direction.

[0040] The second exhaust gas passage 37 may communicate with the first exhaust gas passage 36 over the entire circumference of the end opposite to the first direction. Alternatively, the second exhaust gas passage 36 may communicate with the first exhaust gas passage 36 in a portion of the entire circumference of the end opposite to the first direction. For example, as shown in Figure 8, in a configuration where the second exhaust gas passage 37 communicates with the first exhaust gas passage 36 in a portion of the entire circumference, a meandering path may be formed by separating the inside of the second exhaust gas passage 37 with an inner wall iw1.

[0041] The third exhaust gas passage 38 may be a space defined between the second upper bottom wall 23 and the third upper bottom wall 29. The third exhaust gas passage 38 may communicate at its outer edge with the first direction end of the second exhaust gas passage 37.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the third exhaust gas passage 38 may communicate with the second exhaust gas passage 37 along its entire outer circumference. Alternatively, the third exhaust gas passage 36 may communicate with the second exhaust gas passage 37 in a portion of its entire outer circumference. For example, as shown in Figure 9, in a configuration where the third exhaust gas passage 38 communicates with the second exhaust gas passage 37 via a communication hole 39 in a portion of its entire circumference, a spiral path may be formed from the communication hole 39 to the outlet 33 by separating the inside of the third exhaust gas passage 38 with an inner wall iw2.

[0043] Therefore, the combustion exhaust gas passage 14 may be connected from the outlet 22 of the combustion section 12 to the outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas passage 14 via the first exhaust gas passage 36, the second exhaust gas passage 37, and the third exhaust gas passage 38. In other words, the combustion exhaust gas passage 14 can allow the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section 12 to flow to the outlet 33.

[0044] The third upper bottom wall 29, the third side wall 30, and the third lower bottom wall 31 may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal.

[0045] As shown in Figure 10, the air passage 15 is defined by at least the third side wall 30 and the fourth side wall 40. The entire surface of the third upper bottom wall 29 on the first direction side and the end face of the fourth side wall 40 on the first direction side may be covered by the fourth upper bottom wall (fourth garden wall) 41. The entire surface of the third lower bottom wall 31 on the opposite direction to the first direction and the end face of the fourth side wall 40 on the opposite direction to the first direction may be covered by the fourth lower bottom wall 42.

[0046] The fourth side wall 40 surrounds the third side wall 30 at a distance from it. The fourth side wall 40 may be cylindrical. The fourth side wall 40 may be provided with an inlet (first inlet) 42 and an outlet 44. Air may be supplied to the air passage 15 from the inlet 43. Air may be discharged from the air passage 15 from the outlet 44.

[0047] The inlet 43 may be provided near the end on the first direction side. The outlet 44 may be provided near the end on the opposite side of the first direction. The inlet 43 may be located near the outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 when viewed from the first direction. Nearby means, for example, that the inlet 43 is located on the side of the outlet 33 from the center of the third side wall 30 and the fourth side wall 40 in the first direction. The outlet 44 may be located on the opposite side of the inlet 43, with the center of the fourth side wall 40 in between, when viewed from the first direction. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, in a configuration in which a meandering path is formed in the second exhaust gas flow path 37, the outlet 44 may be provided at approximately the same position as the inlet 43 when viewed from the first direction.

[0048] In a configuration where the outlet 44 and inlet 43 are located in approximately the same position when viewed from the first direction, a meandering path may be formed by separating the third side wall 30 and the fourth side wall 40 with an inner wall iw3. The meandering air passage 15 may have approximately the same shape as the meandering second exhaust gas passage 37 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth side wall 40. Therefore, in a configuration where the air passage 15 and the second exhaust gas passage 37 are meandering paths, the air and combustion exhaust gas flowing through them, respectively, may be opposing flows.

[0049] The wall surface of the fourth upper bottom wall 41 may be wider than that of the third upper bottom wall 29. The fourth upper bottom wall 41 may cover the entire third upper bottom wall 29 when viewed from the first direction. The fourth upper bottom wall 41 may be disc-shaped. The third upper bottom wall 29 and the fourth side wall 40 may be in close contact with the fourth upper bottom wall 41. In other words, an air passage 15 does not need to be formed between the third upper bottom wall 29 and the fourth upper bottom wall 41.

[0050] As shown in Figure 10, a through hole 45 may be formed in the fourth upper bottom wall 41. The through hole 45 may be located in the same position as the through hole 32 in the third upper bottom wall 29 when viewed from the first direction. An inlet provided in the evaporation section 16, which will be described later, may be inserted through the through hole 45. Furthermore, a through hole 46 may be formed in the fourth upper bottom wall 41 for inserting the outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14. The outer circumferential surface of the outlet 33 may be in close contact with the through hole 46 around its entire circumference.

[0051] The fourth lower bottom wall 42 may have the same shape as the fourth upper bottom wall 41. The third lower bottom wall 31 and the fourth side wall 40 may be in close contact with the fourth lower bottom wall 42. In other words, an air passage 15 does not need to be formed between the third lower bottom wall 31 and the fourth lower bottom wall 42. Alternatively, a gap may be provided between the third lower bottom wall 31 and the fourth lower bottom wall 42. With this configuration, a part of the air passage 15 may be defined by the third lower bottom wall 31 and the fourth lower bottom wall 42. In a configuration in which a part of the air passage 15 is defined by the third lower bottom wall 31 and the fourth lower bottom wall 42, the outlet 44 may be provided on the fourth lower bottom wall 42 instead of the fourth side wall 40. In this configuration, the outlet 44 may extend in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0052] The fourth lower bottom wall 41 may have through holes for inserting the inlet 21 and for inserting the outlet 28.

[0053] With this configuration, the air passage 15 can allow air flowing in from the inlet 43 to the outlet 44. The air flowing out from the outlet 44 is supplied to the fuel cell 11 as described above. Furthermore, the air passage 15, with the above configuration, exchanges heat between the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the combustion exhaust gas passage 14 and the air.

[0054] The fourth upper bottom wall 41, the fourth side wall 40, and the third lower bottom wall 42 may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal.

[0055] As shown in Figure 12, the evaporation section 16 is located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 on the first direction side of the reforming section 13. Contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 means direct contact with the member defining the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14, and contact with an interposed member capable of conducting heat. For example, a configuration in which a fourth upper bottom wall 41 is interposed between the third upper bottom wall 29 defining the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 and the evaporation section 16 is included in a configuration in which the evaporation section 16 is in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14. In the first embodiment, the evaporation section 16 may be located beyond the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 from the reforming section 13 in the first direction.

[0056] The evaporation unit 16 vaporizes the incoming water. The evaporation unit 16 supplies the vaporized water to the reforming unit 13. An internal space is may be formed in the evaporation unit 16. The evaporation unit 16 may heat the water flowing into the internal space is using the heat from the outside, specifically the heat from the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the combustion exhaust gas passage 14.

[0057] The evaporation section 16 may have the same shape as the fourth upper bottom wall 41 when viewed from the first direction. The evaporation section 16 may be provided with an inlet 47 and an outlet 48 that communicate with the internal space is.

[0058] Water and raw fuel may flow into the evaporation section 16 from the inlet 47. The inlet 47 may be a single inlet, and the water and raw fuel may be mixed upstream of the inlet 47. Alternatively, the water and raw fuel may flow into the evaporation section 16 through separate inlets 47. The inlet 47 may be provided on the end face in the first direction. The inlet 47 may be located away from the outlet 48 when viewed from the first direction.

[0059] The outlet 48 may be provided on the end face opposite to the first direction. The outlet 48 may be located at the same position as the insertion hole 45 when viewed from the first direction. Therefore, the outlet 48 may be located near the center of the second upper bottom wall 23 when viewed from the first direction. As described above, the outlet 48 may reach the modified space by passing through the insertion hole 26, the insertion hole 32, and the insertion hole 45.

[0060] An insertion hole 49 may be formed in the evaporation section 16, penetrating along the first direction. The insertion hole 49 may be located near the inlet 47 when viewed from the first direction. Nearby means, for example, in a configuration where the third side wall 30 and the fourth side wall 40 are coaxial, the insertion hole 49 may be located near the inlet 47 from the center of the second upper bottom wall 23. The outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 may be inserted through the insertion hole 49. Therefore, the inlet 47 of the evaporation section may be located near the outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 when viewed from the first direction. The outer circumferential surface of the outlet 33 may be in close contact with the insertion hole 49 around its entire circumference.

[0061] In a configuration where the third exhaust gas passage 38 has a spiral path, as shown in Figure 13, the path from the inlet 47 to the outlet 48 in the internal space is of the evaporation section 16 may be formed in a spiral shape when viewed from the first direction by the inner wall iw4. Also, when viewed from the first direction, at least a part of the spiral path of the third exhaust gas passage 38 may overlap with the spiral path of the evaporation section 16. Therefore, in a configuration where the third exhaust gas passage 38 and the internal space of the evaporation section 16 have spiral paths, the air and combustion exhaust gas flowing in them, respectively, may partially be in opposing flow.

[0062] The evaporation section 16 may have the same shape and size as the fourth upper bottom wall 41 when viewed from the first direction.

[0063] As shown in Figure 14, the reforming unit 10 may constitute a fuel cell module 50. The fuel cell module 50 may consist of the reforming unit 10, a fuel cell 11, an off-gas flow path 51, and a housing container 52.

[0064] The off-gas flow path 51 may have a first off-gas flow path 53 and a second off-gas flow path 54. The first off-gas flow path 53 and the second off-gas flow path 54 may be configured to branch off from a single outlet of the fuel cell 11. Alternatively, the first off-gas flow path 53 and the second off-gas flow path 54 may be configured to be connected to a plurality of outlets separately provided in the fuel cell 11.

[0065] The first off-gas passage 53 may supply fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 11 to the combustion section 12 via the inlet 21. The second off-gas passage 54 may supply fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 11 to any part of the fuel gas supply path for the fuel cell 11. The fuel gas supply path is a path in the fuel cell module 50 that supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell 11 and may also include a path that supplies raw fuel gas to the reforming unit 10.

[0066] The storage container 52 may house the reforming unit 10, the fuel cell 11, and the off-gas flow path 51.

[0067] As shown in Figure 15, the reforming unit 10 may constitute a first fuel cell device 55. The first fuel cell device 55 may include the reforming unit 10 and a fuel cell 11. The fuel cell 11 may be located in the opposite direction from the reforming unit 10 to the first direction.

[0068] The fuel cell 11 may have an air inlet (fifth inlet) 56 and a fuel gas inlet (sixth inlet) 57 extending in the first direction. The inlet 56 may communicate with the outlet 44 of the air passage 15. The inlet 56 may communicate with the outlet 28 of the reforming section 13. The inlet 56 may be provided with a first flange 58. The inlet 57 may be provided with a second flange 59. The first flange 58 and the second flange 59 may have planes perpendicular to the first direction. The entire area of ​​the first flange 58 and the entire area of ​​the second flange 59 may be included in the area of ​​the fuel cell 11 when viewed from the first direction.

[0069] Furthermore, the entire area of ​​the piping connecting the outlet 28 to the inlet 57 may be included in the area of ​​the fuel cell 11 when viewed from the first direction. In addition, the entire area of ​​the reforming unit 10 may be included in the area of ​​the fuel cell 11 when viewed from the first direction, and its dimensions may be increased within the area included in the area of ​​the fuel cell 11.

[0070] As shown in Figure 16, the reforming unit 10 may constitute a second fuel cell device 60. The second fuel cell device 60 may consist of the reforming unit 10, a fuel cell 11, a housing container 61, and a heat exchanger 62. The housing container 61 may house the reforming unit 10 and the fuel cell 11.

[0071] The heat exchanger 62 may be provided on the side wall of the storage container 61 such that a portion of it protrudes from the storage container 61 along the first direction. The side wall of the storage container 61 is the wall portion that surrounds the storage container 61 with the first direction as the axis. The heat exchanger 62 may exchange heat with a heat transfer medium using combustion exhaust gas discharged from the reforming unit 10. The heat transfer medium is, for example, water.

[0072] A portion of the heat exchanger 62 may protrude in the opposite direction to the first direction. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, a portion of the heat exchanger 62 may protrude in the first direction. In a configuration in which a portion of the heat exchanger 62 protrudes in the first direction, the combustion exhaust gas piping may be provided so as to pass through the wall of the storage container 61 on the first direction side. In such a configuration, the piping that sends the combustion exhaust gas from the reforming unit 10 to the heat exchanger 62 can be shortened, thereby reducing heat loss.

[0073] As shown in Figure 18, the heat exchanger 62 may be provided on the wall of the housing container 61 on the first direction side such that a portion of it protrudes from the housing container 61 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In such a configuration, the piping that sends combustion exhaust gas from the reforming unit 10 to the heat exchanger 62 can be shortened, and the entire piping can be housed within the housing container 61, thereby reducing heat loss.

[0074] In the fuel cell module 50, the first fuel cell device 55, and the second fuel cell device 60, the shape and size of the reforming unit 10 and the fuel cell 11 as viewed from the first direction may be the same.

[0075] The reforming unit 10 of the first embodiment, having the configuration described above, includes a combustion section 12 that burns fuel off-gas from the fuel cell 11 in a space defined at least by a first bottom wall 17 located on the first direction side and a first side wall 18 erected along the edge of the first bottom wall 17; a reforming section 13 that reforms raw fuel and supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell 11 in a space defined at least by the first bottom wall 17, the first side wall 18, a second bottom wall 23 that covers the first bottom wall 17 at a distance from the first bottom wall 17, and a second side wall 24 that surrounds the first side wall 18 at a distance from the first side wall 18; and a reforming section 13 that supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell 11 in a space defined at least by the first bottom wall 17, the first side wall 18, a second bottom wall 23 that covers the first bottom wall 17 at a distance from the first side wall 18; and The device comprises a combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 through which combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section 12 flows, defined at least by a third bottom wall 29 that defines an internal space on the first direction side and a third side wall 30 that surrounds the second side wall 24 at a distance from the second side wall 24; an air flow path 15 that exchanges heat between the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 and air supplied to the fuel cell 11, defined at least by the third side wall 30 and a fourth side wall 40 that surrounds the third side wall 30 at a distance from the third side wall 30; and an evaporation section 16 located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 on the first direction side of the reforming section 13, which vaporizes water and supplies it to the reforming section 13. With this configuration, the reforming unit 10 can share a wall that defines the combustion section 12, the reforming section 13, the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14, the air flow path 15, and the evaporation section 16, thus allowing the reforming unit 10 to be miniaturized. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the reforming unit 10 integrates the evaporation section 16, thus suppressing heat loss. Therefore, the reforming unit 10 makes efficient use of heat.

[0076] Furthermore, in the reforming unit 10 of the first embodiment, the second inlet 47 and the second outlet 48 of the evaporation section 16 are separated when viewed from the first direction, and the fourth outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 is located near the second inlet 47. With this configuration, the reforming unit 10 partially creates a counterflow between the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 and the air and raw fuel gas flowing through the evaporation section 16. Therefore, the reforming unit 10 improves the heat exchange efficiency between the combustion exhaust gas and water and raw fuel gas, thereby improving reforming efficiency and power generation efficiency.

[0077] Furthermore, in the reforming unit 10 of the first embodiment, the fourth outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 is located near the first inlet 43 of the air flow path 15. With this configuration, the reforming unit 10 causes the combustion exhaust gas to flow in the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 toward the first inlet 43. Therefore, the reforming unit 10 causes the combustion exhaust gas in the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 to flow as a counterflow to the air in the air flow path 15, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the combustion exhaust gas and the air. As a result, the reforming unit 10 improves the power generation efficiency.

[0078] Furthermore, in the reforming unit 10 of the first embodiment, the second outlet 48 of the evaporation section 16 is located near the center of the second bottom wall 23 when viewed from the first direction, the fourth outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 is located near the second inlet 47 of the evaporation section 16, the path from the second inlet 47 to the second outlet 48 of the evaporation section 16 is spiral-shaped when viewed from the first direction, and the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14 overlaps at least a portion with the path of the evaporation section 16 when viewed from the first direction. With this configuration, the reforming unit 10 can increase the surface area of ​​air in the air flow path 15 with respect to the combustion exhaust gas in the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the combustion exhaust gas and the air. Therefore, the reforming unit 10 improves the power generation efficiency. In addition, with the above configuration, the reforming unit 10 can homogeneously mix the raw fuel gas and air in the evaporation section 16 by causing them to flow through a spiral-shaped path. Therefore, the modification unit 10 can ensure that the modification reaction proceeds uniformly.

[0079] Furthermore, the fuel cell module 50 of the first embodiment includes a reforming unit 10, a fuel cell 11, an off-gas flow path including a first off-gas flow path 53 that supplies fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 11 to the combustion unit 12 and a second off-gas flow path 54 that supplies fuel off-gas somewhere in the fuel gas supply path of the fuel cell 11, and a housing container 52 that houses the reforming unit 10, the fuel cell 11, and the off-gas flow path. With this configuration, when the reforming unit 10 reuses a portion of the unreacted fuel gas in the fuel off-gas for the fuel cell 11, the entire off-gas flow path is housed in the housing container 52, so heated off-gas is supplied to the fuel cell 11, which can improve power generation efficiency.

[0080] Furthermore, the fuel cell device 55 of the first embodiment comprises a reforming unit 10 and a fuel cell 11 located in the opposite direction from the reforming unit 10 to the first direction. The entire area of ​​the first flange 58 provided at the fifth inlet 56 of the fuel cell 11, which communicates with the first outlet 44 of the air passage 15, and the entire area of ​​the second flange 59 provided at the sixth inlet 57 of the fuel cell 11, which communicates with the third outlet 28 of the reforming section 13, are included within the area of ​​the fuel cell 11 when viewed from the first direction. With this configuration, the fuel cell device 55 can be covered around a line parallel to the first direction by an insulating material that contacts the fuel cell 11 from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the fuel cell device 55 suppresses heat dissipation, thereby reducing the decrease in power generation efficiency.

[0081] Furthermore, the fuel cell device 60 of the first embodiment includes a reforming unit 10, a fuel cell 11, a housing container 61 that houses the reforming unit 10 and the fuel cell 11, and a heat exchanger 62 provided on the side wall surrounding the housing container 61 with a first direction as its axis, such that a portion of the heat exchanger protrudes from the housing container 61 along the first direction, and which exchanges heat using the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the reforming unit 10. With this configuration, since a portion of the heat exchanger 62 is separated from the housing container 61, the fuel cell device 60 can suppress excessive temperature rise of the heat exchanger 62, thereby suppressing damage due to thermal stress. In addition, since the heat exchanger 62 is properly cooled in the fuel cell device 60, heat exchange is performed efficiently, and as a result, the thermal efficiency can be improved.

[0082] Next, a modification unit according to a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the arrangement of the evaporation 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 in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0083] As shown in Figure 19, the reforming unit 100 comprises a combustion section 12, a reforming section 13, a combustion exhaust gas passage 140, an air passage 150, and an evaporation section 160. Similar to the first embodiment, the reforming unit 100 may be cylindrical overall. The configuration of the combustion section 12 and the reforming section 13 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0084] As shown in Figure 20, the evaporation section 160 may be positioned in contact with the second upper bottom wall 23 of the modification section 130. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 21, the evaporation section 160 may be positioned together with the second upper bottom wall 23 of the modification section 13 to sandwich the thermal insulation material 630. Therefore, the thermal insulation material 630 may be interposed between the modification section 13 and the evaporation section 160. In a configuration in which the thermal insulation material 630 is provided, the thermal insulation material 630 may have through holes 640 formed in the same position as the through holes 26 when viewed from the first direction.

[0085] The evaporation section 160 may have an internal space is formed therein, similar to the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the internal space is of the evaporation section 160 may be defined by a second upper bottom wall 23. The shape of the evaporation section 160 as viewed from a first direction may be the same shape and size as the second upper bottom wall 23.

[0086] The evaporation section 160 may be provided with an inlet 470 and an outlet 480 that communicate with the internal space is, similar to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 22, the outlet 480 may be a through hole 26 in a configuration in which the internal space is is defined by the second upper bottom wall 23. In other words, in a configuration in which the internal space is defined by the second upper bottom wall 23, the outlet 480 of the evaporation section 160 may be the same as the inlet (through hole 26) of the modification section 13.

[0087] The inlet 470 may be provided on the end face of the evaporation section 160 on the first direction side, similar to the first embodiment. The inlet 470 may be located away from the outlet 480 when viewed from the first direction.

[0088] The outlet 480 may be provided on the end face opposite to the first direction, similar to the first embodiment. The outlet 480 may be located at the same position as the insertion hole 26 when viewed from the first direction. Therefore, the outlet 48 may be located near the center of the second upper bottom wall 23 when viewed from the first direction. In a configuration without the insulating material 630, the outlet 480 may be a hole formed on the end face opposite to the first direction, unlike the first embodiment. The outlet 48 may be connected to the insertion hole 26 and reach into the modified space. In a configuration with the insulating material 630, the outlet 480 may be cylindrical, extending in the opposite direction to the first direction, similar to the first embodiment.

[0089] As shown in Figure 23, the combustion exhaust gas passage 140 is defined by at least a second side wall 24, a third upper bottom wall (third bottom wall) 290, and a third side wall 300, as in the first embodiment. The combustion exhaust gas passage 140 may also be defined by a second lower bottom wall 25 and a third lower bottom wall 31, as in the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the insertion hole 26 does not need to be formed in the third upper bottom wall 290. Unlike the first embodiment, the insertion hole 650 for inserting the inlet 470 may be formed in the third upper bottom wall 290. The outer circumferential surface of the inlet 470 may be in close contact with the insertion hole 650 around its entire circumference.

[0090] Unlike the first embodiment, the combustion exhaust gas passage 140 may be defined by covering it with a third upper bottom wall 29 at a distance from the end face of the evaporation section 160 on the first direction side. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the evaporation section 160 may be located on the reforming section 13 side of the combustion exhaust gas passage 140 in the first direction. Also, the evaporation section 160 may be in contact with the combustion exhaust gas passage 140 between the reforming section 13 and the combustion exhaust gas passage 140.

[0091] As shown in Figure 24, the air passage 150 is defined by at least a third side wall 300 and a fourth side wall 400, similar to the first embodiment. The entire surface of the third upper bottom wall 29 on the first direction side and the end face of the fourth side wall 400 on the first direction side may be covered by a fourth upper bottom wall (fourth garden wall) 410, similar to the first embodiment. The entire surface of the third lower bottom wall 31 on the opposite direction to the first direction and the end face of the fourth side wall 400 on the opposite direction to the first direction may be covered by a fourth lower bottom wall 42, similar to the first embodiment.

[0092] Unlike the first embodiment, a gap may be provided between the third upper bottom wall 290 and the fourth upper bottom wall 410. With this configuration, a portion of the air passage 15 may be defined by the third upper bottom wall 290 and the fourth upper bottom wall 410.

[0093] Unlike the first embodiment, the fourth upper bottom wall 410 does not need to have an insertion hole 45. The fourth upper bottom wall 410 may have an insertion hole 46 for inserting the outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 14, as in the first embodiment. The outer circumferential surface of the outlet 33 may be in close contact with the insertion hole 46 around its entire circumference. Unlike the first embodiment, the fourth upper bottom wall 410 may have an insertion hole 660 for inserting the inlet 470 of the evaporation section 160. The outer circumferential surface of the inlet 470 may be in close contact with the insertion hole 660 around its entire circumference.

[0094] The reforming unit 100 of the second embodiment, having the configuration described above, is similar to the first embodiment in that it includes a combustion unit 12 that burns fuel off-gas from the fuel cell 11 in a space defined at least by a first bottom wall 17 located on the first direction side and a first side wall 18 erected along the edge of the first bottom wall 17, and a reforming unit 13 that reforms the raw fuel and supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell 11 in a space defined at least by the first bottom wall 17, the first side wall 18, a second bottom wall 23 that covers the first bottom wall 17 at a distance from the first bottom wall 17, and a second side wall 24 that surrounds the first side wall 18 at a distance from the first side wall 18, and the second side wall 24, the second bottom wall 23 The reforming unit 100 comprises a combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 through which combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section 12 flows, defined at least by a third bottom wall 290 that defines the internal space on the first direction side and a third side wall 300 that surrounds the second side wall 24 at a distance from the second side wall 24; an air flow path 150 that exchanges heat between the combustion exhaust gas flowing in the combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 and the air supplied to the fuel cell 11, defined at least by the third side wall 300 and a fourth side wall 400 that surrounds the third side wall 300 at a distance from the second side wall 300; and an evaporation section 160 located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 on the first direction side of the reforming section 13, which vaporizes water and supplies it to the reforming section 13. Therefore, the reforming unit 100 also makes effective use of heat, similar to the first embodiment.

[0095] Furthermore, in the reforming unit 100 of the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the second inlet 470 and the second outlet 480 of the evaporation section 160 are separated when viewed from the first direction, and the fourth outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 is located near the second inlet 470. Therefore, the reforming unit 100 also improves reforming efficiency and power generation efficiency.

[0096] Furthermore, in the reforming unit 100 of the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the fourth outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 is located near the first inlet 43 of the air flow path 150. Therefore, the reforming unit 100 also improves power generation efficiency.

[0097] Furthermore, in the reforming unit 100 of the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the second outlet 480 of the evaporation section 160 is located near the center of the second bottom wall 23 when viewed from the first direction, the fourth outlet 33 of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 is located near the second inlet 470 of the evaporation section 160, the path from the second inlet 470 to the second outlet 480 of the evaporation section 160 is spiral-shaped when viewed from the first direction, and the combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 overlaps at least a portion with the path of the evaporation section 160 when viewed from the first direction. Therefore, the reforming unit 100 can also carry out the reforming reaction uniformly.

[0098] Furthermore, in the modification unit 100 of the second embodiment, the air passage 150 is also defined by a third bottom wall 290 and a fourth bottom wall 410 that covers the third bottom wall 290 at a distance from the third bottom wall 290, and a first inlet 43 of the air passage 150 is provided on the fourth side wall 400 on the first direction side. With this configuration, the modification unit 100 can suppress interference with the piping connected to the inlet 470 of the evaporation unit 160 compared to a configuration in which the first inlet 43 of the air passage 150 is provided on the end face on the first direction side.

[0099] Furthermore, the reforming unit 100 of the second embodiment further includes an insulating material 630 interposed between the reforming section 13 and the evaporation section 160, and the evaporation section 160 is located on the reforming section 13 side of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 in the first direction. With this configuration, the amount of heat transferred from the reforming section 13 to the evaporation section 160 is reduced in the reforming unit 100. Therefore, the reforming unit 100 can suppress the occurrence of heat deficiency in the reforming section 13.

[0100] Furthermore, in the reforming unit 100 of the second embodiment, the evaporation section 160 is located on the reforming section 13 side of the combustion exhaust gas flow path 140 in the first direction, and the second outlet 480 of the evaporation section 16 is shared with the third inlet (through hole 26) of the reforming section 13. With this configuration, the reforming unit 100 does not require piping to connect the outlet 48 of the evaporation section 160 and the inlet (through hole 26) of the reforming section 13, thereby reducing pressure loss, improving reforming efficiency, and enabling miniaturization.

[0101] In one embodiment, (1) the modification unit is A combustion section for burning fuel off-gas from a fuel cell is provided within a space defined at least by a first bottom wall located on the first directional side and a first side wall erected along the edge of the first bottom wall. A reforming unit that reforms raw fuel and supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell within a space defined by at least the first bottom wall, the first side wall, the second bottom wall that covers the first bottom wall at a distance from the first bottom wall, and the second side wall that surrounds the first side wall at a distance from the first side wall, A combustion exhaust gas flow path through which combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section flows is defined at least by the second side wall, a third bottom wall that defines an internal space on the first direction side of the second bottom wall, and a third side wall that surrounds the second side wall at a distance from the second side wall, At least, an air passage defined by the third side wall and a fourth side wall that surrounds the third side wall at a distance from the third side wall, which allows heat exchange between the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the combustion exhaust gas passage and the air supplied to the fuel cell, The system includes an evaporation unit located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path on the first direction side of the reforming unit, which vaporizes water and supplies it to the reforming unit.

[0102] (2) In the modification unit described in (1) above, The air passage is also defined by the third bottom wall and the fourth bottom wall which covers the third bottom wall at a distance from it. A first inlet for the air passage is provided in the fourth side wall on the first direction side.

[0103] (3) The modification unit described in (1) or (2) above is The system further comprises an insulating material interposed between the modifying section and the evaporation section, The evaporation section is located on the reforming section side of the combustion exhaust gas flow path in the first direction.

[0104] (4) In the modification unit of (1) or (2) above, The evaporation section is located on the reforming section side of the combustion exhaust gas flow path in the first direction. The second outlet of the evaporation section is shared with the third inlet of the modification section.

[0105] (5) In any of the modification units described in (1) to (4) above, Viewed from the first direction, the second inlet and second outlet of the evaporation section are separated, The fourth outlet of the combustion exhaust gas flow path is located near the second inlet.

[0106] (6) In any of the modification units described in (1) to (5) above, The fourth outlet of the combustion exhaust gas passage is located near the first inlet of the air passage.

[0107] (7) In any of the modification units described in (1) to (6) above, The second outlet of the evaporation section is located near the center of the second bottom wall when viewed from the first direction. The fourth outlet of the combustion exhaust gas flow path is located near the second inlet of the evaporation section. The path from the second inlet to the second outlet of the evaporation section is spiral-shaped when viewed from the first direction. The combustion exhaust gas flow path overlaps, at least in part, with the path of the evaporation section as viewed from the first direction.

[0108] (8) The fuel cell module is A modification unit of any of the above (1) to (7), The aforementioned fuel cell, An off-gas passage includes a first off-gas passage that supplies the fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell to the combustion section, and a second off-gas passage that supplies the fuel off-gas to somewhere in the fuel gas supply passage of the fuel cell. The system comprises the reforming unit, the fuel cell, and a housing container for the off-gas flow path.

[0109] (9) Fuel cell devices are A modification unit of any of the above (1) to (7), The reforming unit comprises the fuel cell located in the opposite direction to the first direction, The entire area of ​​the first flange provided at the fifth inlet of the fuel cell, which communicates with the first outlet of the air passage, and the entire area of ​​the second flange provided at the sixth inlet of the fuel cell, which communicates with the third outlet of the reforming section, are included within the area of ​​the fuel cell when viewed from the first direction.

[0110] (10) Fuel cell devices are A modification unit of any of the above (1) to (7), The aforementioned fuel cell, A housing container for the reforming unit and the fuel cell, The storage container is provided with a heat exchanger that is attached to the side wall surrounding the storage container with respect to the first direction, with a portion of it protruding from the storage container along the first direction, and which performs heat exchange using the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the reforming unit.

[0111] The diagrams illustrating the embodiments described herein are schematic. Dimensions and proportions shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions.

[0112] While embodiments relating to this disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions and other elements included in each component can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components can be combined into one or separated.

[0113] For example, the fuel cell module 50, the first fuel cell device 55, and the second fuel cell device 60 are configured to include the reforming unit 10 of the first embodiment, but may also include the reforming unit 100 of the second embodiment.

[0114] All of the constituent elements described in this disclosure, and / or all of the disclosed methods or steps of processing, can be combined in any combination except for any combination in which these features are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, each of the features described in this disclosure can be replaced by an alternative feature that works for the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly disregarded. Thus, unless expressly disregarded, each of the disclosed features is merely an example of a comprehensive set of identical or equivalent features.

[0115] Furthermore, the embodiments relating to this disclosure are not limited to any specific configuration of the embodiments described above. The embodiments relating to this disclosure can be extended to all novel features or combinations thereof described herein, or all novel methods or processing steps or combinations thereof described herein.

[0116] In this disclosure, the designations "First," "Second," etc., are identifiers used to distinguish the configurations. Configurations distinguished by the designations "First," "Second," etc., in this disclosure may have their numbers swapped. For example, the first upper base wall may swap the identifiers "First" and "Second" with the second upper base wall. The swapping of identifiers occurs simultaneously. The configurations remain distinguishable even after the swapping of identifiers. Identifiers may be deleted. Configurations from which identifiers have been deleted are distinguished by codes. The designations "First," "Second," etc., in this disclosure should not be used alone to interpret the order of the configurations or to justify the existence of smaller numbered identifiers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10,100 Modification Units 11 Fuel Cell 12 Combustion section 13 Modification section 14, 140 Combustion exhaust gas flow path 15, 150 air passages 16, 160 Evaporation section 17. First upper base wall 18. First side wall 19. First lower base wall 20 burners 21 Inlet 22 Outlet 23. Second upper bottom wall 24 Second side wall 25. Second lower bottom wall 26 Through hole 27 Through hole 28 Outlet 29, 290 Third upper bottom wall 30 Third side wall 31 Third lower bottom wall 32 Through hole 33 Outlet 34 Through hole 35 Through hole 36. First exhaust gas flow path 37. Second exhaust gas flow path 38 Third exhaust gas flow path 39 Communication hole 40, 400 Fourth side wall 41, 410 Fourth upper bottom wall 42. Fourth lower bottom wall 43 Inlet 44 Outlet 45 Through hole 46 Through hole 47, 470 Inlet 48, 480 Outlet 49 Through hole 50 fuel cell modules 51 Off-gas flow path 52 Storage containers 53 First off-gas flow path 54 Second off-gas channel 55 First fuel cell device 56 Air inlet 57 Fuel gas inlet 58 First flange 59 Second flange 60 Second fuel cell device 61 Storage containers 62 Heat exchanger 630 Insulation 640 Through hole 650 Through hole 660 Through hole is internal space iw1 inner wall iw2 inner wall iw3 inner wall iw4 inner wall

Claims

1. A combustion section for burning fuel off-gas from a fuel cell is provided within a space defined at least by a first bottom wall located on the first direction side and a first side wall erected along the edge of the first bottom wall. A reforming unit that reforms raw fuel and supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell within a space defined by at least the first bottom wall, the first side wall, the second bottom wall that covers the first bottom wall at a distance from the first bottom wall, and the second side wall that surrounds the first side wall at a distance from the first side wall, A combustion exhaust gas flow path through which combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section flows is defined at least by the second side wall, a third bottom wall that defines an internal space on the first direction side of the second bottom wall, and a third side wall that surrounds the second side wall at a distance from the second side wall, At least, an air passage defined by the third side wall and a fourth side wall that surrounds the third side wall at a distance from the third side wall, which allows heat exchange between the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the combustion exhaust gas passage and the air supplied to the fuel cell, The modification section comprises an evaporation section located in contact with the combustion exhaust gas flow path on the first direction side of the modification section, which vaporizes water and supplies it to the modification section. Modification unit.

2. In the modification unit according to claim 1, The air passage is also defined by the third bottom wall and the fourth bottom wall which covers the third bottom wall at a distance from it. A first inlet for the air passage is provided on the fourth side wall on the first direction side. Modification unit.

3. In the modification unit according to claim 1 or 2, The system further comprises an insulating material interposed between the modifying section and the evaporation section, The evaporation section is located on the reforming section side of the combustion exhaust gas flow path in the first direction. Modification unit.

4. In the modification unit according to claim 1 or 2, The evaporation section is located on the reforming section side of the combustion exhaust gas flow path in the first direction. The second outlet of the evaporation section is common to the third inlet of the modification section. Modification unit.

5. In the modification unit according to claim 1 or 2, Viewed from the first direction, the second inlet and second outlet of the evaporation section are separated. The fourth outlet of the combustion exhaust gas flow path is located near the second inlet. Modification unit.

6. In the modification unit according to claim 1 or 2, The fourth outlet of the combustion exhaust gas passage is located near the first inlet of the air passage. Modification unit.

7. In the modification unit according to claim 1 or 2, The second outlet of the evaporation section is located near the center of the second bottom wall when viewed from the first direction. The fourth outlet of the combustion exhaust gas flow path is located near the second inlet of the evaporation section. The path from the second inlet to the second outlet of the evaporation section is spiral-shaped when viewed from the first direction. The combustion exhaust gas flow path overlaps, at least in part, with the path of the evaporation section as viewed from the first direction. Modification unit.

8. A modification unit according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned fuel cell, An off-gas path includes a first off-gas path that supplies the fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell to the combustion section, and a second off-gas path that supplies the fuel off-gas somewhere in the fuel gas supply path of the fuel cell. The system comprises the reforming unit, the fuel cell, and a housing container for the off-gas flow path. Fuel cell module.

9. A modification unit according to claim 1 or 2, The reforming unit comprises the fuel cell located in the opposite direction to the first direction, The entire area of ​​the first flange provided at the fifth inlet of the fuel cell, which communicates with the first outlet of the air passage, and the entire area of ​​the second flange provided at the sixth inlet of the fuel cell, which communicates with the third outlet of the reforming section, are included within the region of the fuel cell when viewed from the first direction. Fuel cell device.

10. A modification unit according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned fuel cell, A housing container for the reforming unit and the fuel cell, The storage container is provided with a heat exchanger that is provided on the side wall surrounding the storage container with respect to the first direction, with a portion of it protruding from the storage container along the first direction, and which exchanges heat using the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the reforming unit. Fuel cell device.

Images