Reforming unit, fuel cell module, and fuel cell system

Abstract

To provide a modification unit that can effectively utilize heat. [Solution] The reforming unit comprises a combustion section, a reforming section, and an oxygen-containing gas flow path. The combustion section has a first lower wall section not covered by the reforming section, and at least a portion of the reforming section is covered by the oxygen-containing gas flow path, and the oxygen-containing gas flow path has an oxygen-containing gas outlet that opens parallel to the first surface of the first lower wall section located along the combustion space of the combustion section, and extends from the oxygen-containing gas outlet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

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 including a fuel cell and a reforming unit is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document !

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the reforming unit, there is room for improvement in effectively utilizing heat.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a reforming section that generates a reformed gas containing hydrogen by reforming a raw material gas, a combustion section that burns off-gas discharged from a fuel cell that generates power using the reformed gas and an oxygen-containing gas, and an oxygen-containing gas flow path through which the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell flows. The combustion section has a first lower wall portion that is not covered by the reforming section, at least a part of the reforming section is covered by the oxygen-containing gas flow path, the oxygen-containing gas flow path has an oxygen-containing gas discharge port that opens parallel to a first surface of the first lower wall portion located along a combustion space of the combustion section, and a first lower wall portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first surface from the oxygen-containing gas discharge port, which is a reforming unit.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a fuel cell module comprising: a reforming unit that generates a hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming a raw material gas; a combustion unit for burning off-gas discharged from a fuel cell that generates electricity using the reformed gas and an oxygen-containing gas; and an oxygen-containing gas flow path through which the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell flows, wherein the combustion unit has a first lower wall portion not covered by the reforming unit, at least a part of the reforming unit is covered by the oxygen-containing gas flow path, and the oxygen-containing gas flow path has an oxygen-containing gas outlet that opens parallel to the first surface of the first lower wall portion located along the combustion space of the combustion unit, and extends from the oxygen-containing gas outlet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface; and the fuel cell.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a fuel cell device comprising a fuel cell module, which includes a reforming unit that generates a hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming a raw material gas; a combustion unit for burning off-gas discharged from a fuel cell that generates electricity using the reformed gas and an oxygen-containing gas; and an oxygen-containing gas flow path through which the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell flows, wherein the combustion unit has a first lower wall portion not covered by the reforming unit, at least a part of the reforming unit is covered by the oxygen-containing gas flow path, and the oxygen-containing gas flow path has an oxygen-containing gas outlet that opens parallel to the first surface of the first lower wall portion located along the combustion space of the combustion unit, and extends from the oxygen-containing gas outlet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface; and a fuel cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Compared to not using the configuration disclosed herein, the heat of the modification unit can be utilized more effectively. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a combustion battery module including a reforming unit according to an embodiment of this model. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a modification unit according to an embodiment of this product. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the I-I section in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the location of the heat-insulating section of the modification unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of modification 1 of the modification unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the position of the reforming catalyst in modification example 1 of the reforming unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the first exhaust gas flow path in the modified example 1 of the reforming unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the second exhaust gas flow path in the modified example 1 of the reforming unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the position of the ignition unit in modification example 1 of the reforming unit according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for parts having the same configuration and function, and the drawings are schematic representations.

[0011] [Embodiment] The embodiment relates to a fuel cell module comprising a reforming unit, a fuel cell, an evaporator, and a containment container.

[0012] (Fuel cell module) As shown in Figure 1, the fuel cell module 1 according to this embodiment includes a reforming unit 10, a fuel cell 20, an evaporator 30, and a housing container 40. The housing container 40 houses the reforming unit 10, the fuel cell 20, and the evaporator 30. The reforming unit 10 may also have an evaporator 30. In this case, the housing container 40 may house both the reforming unit 10 and the fuel cell 20.

[0013] <Modification Unit> As shown in FIG. 1, the reforming unit 10 may be supplied with a raw material gas and steam vaporized in the evaporation unit 30. In the reforming unit 10, the raw material gas and the oxygen-containing gas may be heated by burning the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 20.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the reforming unit 10 is columnar. The reforming unit 10 may be cylindrical. The reforming unit 10 may be prismatic. The reforming unit 10 may be tubular. Note that the reforming unit 10 may have other shapes.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the reforming unit 10 includes a combustion unit 11, a first wall unit 12, a reforming unit 13, a second wall unit 14, an exhaust gas flow path 15, a third wall unit 16, and an oxygen-containing gas flow path 17.

[0016] <Combustion unit> The combustion unit 11 burns the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 20. The off-gas may contain unreacted reformed gas or oxygen-containing gas in the fuel cell 20. The combustion unit 11 is columnar. The combustion unit 11 may be cylindrical. The combustion unit 11 may be prismatic. The combustion unit 11 may be tubular. The combustion unit 11 may have other shapes.

[0017] The combustion unit 11 has a first lower wall portion 111 that is not covered by the reforming unit 13. The combustion unit 11 is covered by the reforming unit 13 on the wall portions other than the first lower wall portion 111. As a result, when compared with the state where the combustion unit 11 is not covered by the reforming unit 13 at all, the heat generated in the combustion unit 11 is transmitted to the reforming unit 13 that covers the surfaces of the combustion unit 11 other than the first lower wall portion 111, so that the reforming efficiency of the reforming unit 13 can be improved.

[0018] Here, "covered" means that, in any two members, when viewed from above, one member overlaps with at least a portion of the other member. Alternatively, "covered" may also mean that, in any two members, one member is in contact with at least a portion of the other member.

[0019] The first lower wall portion 111 is rectangular parallelepiped. The first lower wall portion 111 may also be cubic. The first lower wall portion 111 may have any other shape. The first lower wall portion 111 may be covered by an exhaust gas passage 15 or an oxygen-containing gas passage 17.

[0020] The combustion section 11 may have an off-gas introduction pipe 112. If the combustion section 11 has an off-gas introduction pipe 112, the first lower wall section 111 has an insertion hole 1111 for inserting the off-gas introduction pipe 112. Here, insertion may mean that in any two members, one member penetrates the other member. Off-gas is supplied to the combustion section 11 via the off-gas introduction pipe 112.

[0021] The first lower wall portion 111 has at least one exhaust gas outlet 1112. The exhaust gas generated in the combustion section 11 is discharged from the exhaust gas outlet 1112.

[0022] The off-gas inlet pipe 112 is cylindrical. The off-gas inlet pipe 112 may also be rectangular. The off-gas inlet pipe 112 may have any other shape. The off-gas inlet pipe 112 may be inserted into the exhaust gas passage 15 or the oxygen-containing gas passage 17.

[0023] The first lower wall portion 111 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal. Examples of materials for the first lower wall portion 111 include silver, gold, copper, aluminum, and tin. However, the first lower wall portion 111 may be made of materials other than these. Furthermore, the material for the first lower wall portion 111 may be a resin, alloy, or ceramic other than a metal.

[0024] <First wall> The first wall portion 12 is located between the combustion portion 11 and the reforming portion 13. The first wall portion 12 may be in contact with the combustion portion 11. The first wall portion 12 may be in contact with the reforming portion 13. The first wall portion 12 is cylindrical. The first wall portion 12 may be a bottomed cylindrical shape. The first wall portion 12 may be a bottomed rectangular tubular shape. The first wall portion 12 may have any other shape.

[0025] The first wall portion 12 has a side wall portion 121 connected to the end of the first lower wall portion 111 and a first upper wall portion 122 facing the first lower wall portion 111. Here, the opposing members may include, for example, other members between the first lower wall portion 111 and the first upper wall portion 122. The side wall portion 121 is cylindrical. The side wall portion 121 may be cylindrical. The side wall portion 121 may be rectangular. The side wall portion 121 may have any other shape. The first upper wall portion 122 is rectangular. The first upper wall portion 122 may be cubic. The first upper wall portion 122 may have any other shape.

[0026] The combustion section 11 has a combustion space partitioned by, for example, a first wall 12 and a first lower wall 111. Here, "partitioned" means that a boundary is defined by at least one wall within a given space.

[0027] The combustion section 11 has a burner 113. The burner 113 is located on the first lower wall 111. The burner 113 burns unreacted reformed gas or oxygen-containing gas contained in the off-gas. The burner 113 is located in the center of the combustion space. The burner 113 may be located near the center of the combustion space or at the edge of the combustion space.

[0028] The first wall portion 12 may be included in the combustion section 11. The first wall portion 12 may be included in the modification section 13.

[0029] The first lower wall portion 111 has a first surface 1113 located along the combustion space of the combustion section 11. The direction perpendicular to the first surface 1113, from the combustion section 11 toward the reforming section 13, is referred to as the first direction. The direction perpendicular to the first surface 1113, from the reforming section 13 toward the combustion section 11, is referred to as the second direction.

[0030] The first wall portion 12 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal. Examples of materials for the first wall portion 12 include silver, gold, copper, aluminum, and tin. However, the first wall portion 12 may be made of materials other than these. Furthermore, the material for the first wall portion 12 may be a resin, alloy, or ceramic other than a metal.

[0031] <Modified section> The reforming unit 13 generates a hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming the raw material gas using the raw material gas and water vapor supplied from the evaporation unit 30. The reforming unit 13 is concave. The reforming unit 13 may have other shapes.

[0032] At least a portion of the reforming section 13 is covered by the exhaust gas passage 15. The reforming section 13 may be completely covered by the exhaust gas passage 15. At least a portion of the reforming section 13 may be covered by the oxygen-containing gas passage 17. This allows the reforming unit 10 to supply oxygen-containing gas heated by the heat of the reforming section 13 to the fuel cell 20.

[0033] <Second wall> The second wall portion 14 is located between the reforming section 13 and the exhaust gas flow path 15. The second wall portion 14 may be in contact with the reforming section 13. The second wall portion 14 may be in contact with the exhaust gas flow path 15. The second wall portion 14 is concave. The second wall portion 14 may have a shape other than those described above.

[0034] The second wall portion 14 may be located between the reforming portion 13 and the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17. The second wall portion 14 may be in contact with the reforming portion 13. The second wall portion 14 may be in contact with the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17.

[0035] The second wall portion 14 has a second upper wall portion 141 facing the first upper wall portion 121 and a second lower wall portion 142 facing the second upper wall portion 141. Here, the opposing members may include, for example, other members between the second upper wall portion 141 and the second lower wall portion 142. The second upper wall portion 141 and the second lower wall portion 142 are rectangular parallelepipeds. The second upper wall portion 141 and the second lower wall portion 142 may be cubic. The second upper wall portion 141 and the second lower wall portion 142 may have shapes other than those described above.

[0036] The second upper wall portion 141 is located on the side of the first lower wall portion 111 where the first upper wall portion 122 is located. The second lower wall portion 142 overlaps with the first lower wall portion 111. The second lower wall portion 142 is The second lower wall portion 142 does not have to overlap with the first lower wall portion 111. If the second lower wall portion 142 does not overlap with the first lower wall portion 111, it may be separated from the first lower wall portion 111 on the side where the first upper wall portion 122 is not located. The end of the second upper wall portion 141 and the end of the second lower wall portion 142 may be connected by the second wall portion 14. The end of the first upper wall portion 122 and the end of the second lower wall portion 142 may be connected by the second wall portion 14.

[0037] The modification section 13 has a modification space separated by a first wall 12 and a second wall 14.

[0038] The reforming section 13 may have a reformed gas introduction pipe 132. Raw material gas and water vapor are supplied to the reforming section 13 via the reformed gas introduction pipe 132. The second upper wall section 141 may have an insertion hole 1412 for inserting the reformed gas introduction pipe 132. The reformed gas introduction pipe 132 is cylindrical. The reformed gas introduction pipe 132 may be rectangular. The reformed gas introduction pipe 132 may have any other shape. The reformed gas introduction pipe 132 may be inserted into the exhaust gas flow path 15 or the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17.

[0039] The reforming section 13 may have a reformed gas discharge pipe 133. The fuel cell 20 is supplied with reformed gas via the reformed gas discharge pipe 133. The second lower wall section 142 may have an insertion hole 1421 for inserting the reformed gas discharge pipe 133. The reformed gas discharge pipe 133 is cylindrical. The reformed gas discharge pipe 133 may be rectangular. The reformed gas discharge pipe 133 may have any other shape. The reformed gas discharge pipe 133 may be inserted into the exhaust gas flow path 15 or the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17.

[0040] The second wall portion 14 may be included in the reforming portion 13. The second wall portion 14 may be included in the exhaust gas flow path 15. The second wall portion 14 may be included in the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17.

[0041] The second wall portion 14 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal. Examples of materials for the second wall portion 14 include silver, gold, copper, aluminum, and tin. However, the second wall portion 14 may be made of materials other than these. Furthermore, the material for the second wall portion 14 may be a resin, alloy, or ceramic other than a metal.

[0042] <Exhaust gas flow path> The exhaust gas passage 15 discharges the exhaust gas emitted from the exhaust gas outlet 1112 of the combustion section 11 to the outside of the reforming unit 10. The exhaust gas flows within the exhaust gas passage 15, following the off-gas inlet pipe 112, the reformed gas inlet pipe 132, or the reformed gas discharge pipe 133, which are inserted into the exhaust gas passage 15. The exhaust gas passage 15 is concave. The exhaust gas passage 15 may have other shapes.

[0043] At least a portion of the exhaust gas passage 15 is covered by the oxygen-containing gas passage 17. The exhaust gas passage 15 may be completely covered by the oxygen-containing gas passage 17. This allows the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the oxygen-containing gas passage 17 to be heated by the heat of the exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section 11, which can improve the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 20.

[0044] <Third wall section> The third wall portion 16 may be located between the exhaust gas passage 15 and the oxygen-containing gas passage 17. The third wall portion 16 may be in contact with the exhaust gas passage 15. The third wall portion 16 may be in contact with the oxygen-containing gas passage 17. The third wall portion 16 is concave. The third wall portion 16 may have a shape other than those described above.

[0045] The third wall portion 16 has a third upper wall portion 161 facing the first lower wall portion 111, and a third lower wall portion 162 facing the third upper wall portion 161. Here, the opposing portion is, for example, the third upper The third upper wall portion 161 and the third lower wall portion 162 may include cases where other members are present between them. The third upper wall portion 161 and the third lower wall portion 162 are rectangular parallelepipeds. The third upper wall portion 161 and the third lower wall portion 162 may also be cubic. The third upper wall portion 161 and the third lower wall portion 162 may also have shapes other than those described above.

[0046] The third upper wall portion 161 is located on the side of the first lower wall portion 111 where the first upper wall portion 122 is located. The third lower wall portion 162 is separated from the first lower wall portion 111 on the side where the first upper wall portion 122 is not located. The third lower wall portion 162 may overlap with the first lower wall portion 111. The end of the third upper wall portion 161 and the end of the third lower wall portion 162 may be connected by the third wall portion 16. The second lower wall portion 142 and the third lower wall portion 162 may be connected by the third wall portion 16.

[0047] The exhaust gas passage 15 may have an exhaust gas discharge pipe 151. The third upper wall portion 161 may have an insertion hole 1511 for inserting the exhaust gas discharge pipe 151. The exhaust gas discharge pipe 151 is cylindrical. The exhaust gas discharge pipe 151 may be rectangular. The exhaust gas discharge pipe 151 may have any other shape. The exhaust gas discharge pipe 151 may be inserted into the oxygen-containing gas passage 17. The exhaust gas discharge pipe 151 may be inserted into the oxygen-containing gas passage 17.

[0048] The third wall portion 16 may be included in the exhaust gas flow path 15. The third wall portion 16 may be included in the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17.

[0049] The third wall portion 16 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal. Examples of materials for the third wall portion 16 include silver, gold, copper, aluminum, and tin. However, the third wall portion 16 may be made of materials other than these. Furthermore, the material of the third wall portion 16 may be a resin, alloy, or ceramic other than a metal.

[0050] <Oxygen-containing gas flow path> The oxygen-containing gas channel 17 supplies the fuel cell 20 with the oxygen-containing gas necessary for the power generation reaction. The oxygen-containing gas channel 17 is concave. The oxygen-containing gas channel 17 may have other shapes.

[0051] The oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 has an outer wall portion 171. The outer wall portion 171 has a fourth upper wall portion 1711 facing the first lower wall portion 111, and a fourth lower wall portion 1712 facing the fourth lower wall portion 1711. Here, the opposing members may include, for example, other members between the fourth upper wall portion 1711 and the fourth lower wall portion 1712. The fourth upper wall portion 1711 and the fourth lower wall portion 1712 are rectangular parallelepipeds. The fourth upper wall portion 1711 and the fourth lower wall portion 1712 may be cubic. The fourth upper wall portion 1711 and the fourth lower wall portion 1712 may have shapes other than those described above.

[0052] The fourth upper wall section 1711 is located on the side of the first lower wall section 111 where the first upper wall section 122 is located. The fourth lower wall section 1712 is separated from the first lower wall section 111 on the side where the first upper wall section 122 is not located. The fourth lower wall section 1712 may overlap with the first lower wall section 111. The end of the fourth upper wall section 1711 and the end of the fourth lower wall section 1712 may be connected by an outer wall section 171. The third lower wall section 162 and the fourth lower wall section 1712 may be connected by an outer wall section 171.

[0053] The oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 may have an oxygen-containing gas inlet pipe 172. Oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 via the oxygen-containing gas inlet pipe 172. The fourth upper wall portion 1711 may have an insertion hole 1721 for inserting the oxygen-containing gas inlet pipe 172. The oxygen-containing gas inlet pipe 172 is cylindrical. It may also be rectangular or cylindrical. The oxygen-containing gas introduction tube 172 may have any other shape.

[0054] The oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 has an oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 173. The oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 discharges oxygen-containing gas from the fuel cell 20 through the oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 173. The fourth lower wall portion 1712 may have an insertion hole 1721 for inserting the oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 173. The oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 173 is cylindrical. The oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 173 may be rectangular. The oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 173 may have any other shape.

[0055] The oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 has an oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 at the point where it connects to the oxygen-containing gas outlet pipe 173. The oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 opens parallel to the first lower wall portion 111. The oxygen-containing gas outlet pipe 173 extends perpendicular to the first surface 1113. This reduces the expansion of the reforming unit 10 in the direction parallel to the first surface 1113, thereby reducing the occurrence of dead space in the direction parallel to the first surface 1113 of the reforming unit 10. Furthermore, compared to the case where the oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 opens parallel in the direction perpendicular to the first surface 1113, the distance between the oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 and the fuel cell 20 can be shortened, allowing a higher temperature oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 20, potentially improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 20. An example of a case where the opening is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the first surface 1113 is when the oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 is located on the outer wall portion 171 that connects the fourth upper wall portion 1711 and the fourth lower wall portion 1712. Alternatively, for example, the oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 may be located on the outer wall portion 171 that connects the fourth upper wall portion 1711 and the fourth lower wall portion 1712.

[0056] The oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 may be positioned such that the fuel cell 20 is located in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 1113. This reduces the expansion of the fuel cell module 1 in a direction parallel to the first surface 1113, thereby reducing the occurrence of dead space in the direction parallel to the first surface 1113 of the fuel cell module 1.

[0057] The outer wall portion 171 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. Examples of materials for the outer wall portion 171 include silver, gold, copper, aluminum, and tin. However, the outer wall portion 171 may be made of materials other than these. Furthermore, the material for the outer wall portion 171 may be a resin, alloy, or ceramic other than metal.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the reforming unit 10 may have an insulating section 18. The insulating section 18 can reduce the escape of heat from the reforming unit 10 to the outside. The material of the insulating material is not particularly limited and can be any commonly used material, or a gas or vacuum space may be placed instead of insulating material. The insulating section 18 is located on the second direction side with respect to the first lower wall section 111. The insulating section 18 may also be located on the first direction side with respect to the first lower wall section 111. The insulating section 18 is located between the first lower wall section 111 and the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17. This makes it easier for the heat generated in the combustion section 11 to be transferred to the reforming section 13, thereby improving the reforming efficiency.

[0059] <Fuel cell 20> The fuel cell 20 generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction using reformed gas and oxygen-containing gas. The fuel cell 20 has a cell stack in which fuel cell cells are stacked. The fuel cell 20 may have multiple cell stacks. The fuel cell 20 supplies the off-gas and oxygen-containing gas after the electrochemical reaction to the reforming unit 10.

[0060] The fuel cell 20 is positioned such that the reforming unit 10 or the oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 is located in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 1113. The fuel cell 20 is positioned such that the reforming unit 10 or the oxygen-containing gas outlet 17121 is located in a direction parallel to the first surface 1113.

[0061] (Example of change 1) The following describes a modified embodiment, focusing primarily on the differences from the embodiment described above. In this modified embodiment, the exhaust gas passage 15 has a first exhaust gas passage 152 and a second exhaust gas passage 153. Below, an example in which the exhaust gas passage 15 has a first exhaust gas passage 152 and a second exhaust gas passage 153 will be described.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the exhaust gas passage 15 has a first exhaust gas passage 152 located between the reforming section 13 and the oxygen-containing gas passage 17, and a second exhaust gas passage 153 to which the combustion section 11 and the first exhaust gas passage 152 are connected. The exhaust gas passage 15 may also have a first exhaust gas passage 152 located between the second wall section 14 and the third wall section 16, and a second exhaust gas passage 153 to which the first wall section 12 and the second wall section 14 are connected. In this modified example, the surface area on which the exhaust gas passage 15 and the reforming section 13 can exchange heat is increased, which allows the reforming section 13 to be heated more, and thus the reforming efficiency of the reforming section 13 may be improved.

[0063] The exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust gas outlet 1112 of the combustion section 11 flows through the second exhaust gas passage 153, then through the first exhaust gas passage 152, and is discharged to the outside from the exhaust gas discharge pipe 151.

[0064] The exhaust gas flowing from the exhaust gas outlet 1112 of the combustion section 11 into the second exhaust gas passage 153 undergoes heat exchange between the second exhaust gas passage 153 and the reforming section 13. Furthermore, the exhaust gas flowing from the second exhaust gas passage 153 into the first exhaust gas passage 152 undergoes heat exchange between the first exhaust gas passage 152 and the reforming section 13. In addition, the exhaust gas flowing from the second exhaust gas passage 153 into the first exhaust gas passage 152 undergoes heat exchange between the first exhaust gas passage 152 and the oxygen-containing gas passage 17.

[0065] The first lower wall portion 111 may be covered by the first exhaust gas passage 152. The off-gas introduction pipe 112 may be inserted into the first exhaust gas passage 152. At least a portion of the reforming section 13 is covered by the first exhaust gas passage 152. The reforming section 13 may be completely covered by the first exhaust gas passage 152. The second wall portion 14 is located between the reforming section 13 and the first exhaust gas passage 152. The second wall portion 14 may be in contact with the first exhaust gas passage 152. This makes it easier for the heat generated in the combustion section 11 to be transferred to the reforming section 13, thereby improving the reforming efficiency. The reformed gas introduction pipe 132 may be inserted into the first exhaust gas passage 152. The reformed gas discharge pipe 133 may be inserted into the first exhaust gas passage 152. The second wall portion 14 may be included in the first exhaust gas passage 152. The third wall portion 16 may be in contact with the first exhaust gas passage 152. The first exhaust gas passage 152 may have an exhaust gas discharge pipe 151. The third wall portion 16 may be included in the first exhaust gas passage 152.

[0066] The first exhaust gas passage 152 is concave. The first exhaust gas passage 152 may have a shape other than those described above. At least a portion of the first exhaust gas passage 152 is covered by the oxygen-containing gas passage 17. The first exhaust gas passage 152 may be completely covered by the oxygen-containing gas passage 17. A third wall portion 16 may be present between the first exhaust gas passage 152 and the oxygen-containing gas passage 17.

[0067] The second exhaust gas passage 153 connects the combustion section 11 and the first exhaust gas passage 152, spanning the reforming space between the first wall section 12 and the second wall section 14. The second exhaust gas passage 153 is cylindrical. The second exhaust gas passage 153 may also be cylindrical. The second exhaust gas passage 153 is angular The second exhaust gas passage 153 may be cylindrical. The second exhaust gas passage 153 may have a shape other than those described above. The second exhaust gas passage 153 may connect the second wall portion 14 and the side wall portion 121. As a result, in this modified example, the exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section 11 can heat the inside of the reforming section 13 or the reformed gas passing through the reforming section 13, thereby improving the reforming efficiency of the reforming section 13.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the reforming section 13 has a reforming catalyst 131 in the reforming space. The reforming catalyst 131 is a catalyst for the steam reforming reaction carried out in the reforming section 13. The reforming catalyst 131 may be located along the first wall 12, the second wall 14, the exhaust gas flow path 15, or the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17. The reforming catalyst 131 may be in contact with the combustion section 11 via the first wall 12. The reforming catalyst 131 may be in contact with the exhaust gas flow path 15 or the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 via the second wall 14.

[0069] The reforming catalyst 131 is located along the second exhaust gas flow path 153. This allows the second exhaust gas flow path 153 to directly exchange heat with the exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section 11. As a result, the reforming catalyst 131 can be heated more. Therefore, the reforming efficiency of the reforming section 13 can be improved.

[0070] The second exhaust gas passage 153 may be located on the first direction side with respect to the reforming catalyst 131. In this modified example, the second exhaust gas passage 153 is positioned further towards the first direction, and the higher temperature exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section 11 flows through the second exhaust gas passage 153, which can improve the reforming efficiency of the reforming section 13. The second exhaust gas passage 153 may also be located on the second direction side with respect to the reforming catalyst 131. Furthermore, the reforming catalyst 131 may be located on either the first direction side or the second direction side with respect to the second exhaust gas passage 153. In addition, the reforming catalyst 131 may be positioned so as not to be in contact with the second exhaust gas passage 153.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the first exhaust gas flow path 152 has a first exhaust gas inner flow path 1521 located along the reforming section 13 and a first exhaust gas outer flow path 1522 located along the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17. As a result, in this modified example, the surface area on which the exhaust gas flow path 15 and the reforming section 13 can exchange heat is increased, allowing the reforming section 13 to be heated more, and thus potentially improving the reforming efficiency of the reforming section 13.

[0072] The first exhaust gas inner passage 1521 may be located along the reforming catalyst 131 of the reforming section 13. The first exhaust gas inner passage 1521 may be located along the reforming section 13 via the second wall 14. The first exhaust gas inner passage 1521 may be located along the reforming catalyst 131 of the reforming section 13 via the second wall 14. In this modified example, the surface area on which the exhaust gas passage 15 and the reforming catalyst 131 can exchange heat is increased, which can heat the reforming catalyst 131 of the reforming section 13 more, thus potentially improving the reforming efficiency of the reforming section 13.

[0073] The first exhaust gas outer passage 1522 may be located along the oxygen-containing gas passage 17 via the third wall portion 16. In this modified example, the surface area on which the exhaust gas passage 15 and the oxygen-containing gas passage 17 can exchange heat is increased, which can further heat the oxygen-containing gas flowing through the oxygen-containing gas passage 17, potentially improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 20.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8, the second exhaust gas passage 153 may extend toward the first direction relative to the combustion section 11. In this modified example, when the exhaust gas flows above the combustion section 11, it becomes easier to discharge the high-temperature exhaust gas to the outside of the combustion section 11, improving combustion efficiency and leading to improved reforming efficiency. The first exhaust gas passage 152 also has a return passage. Furthermore, from the inside of the reforming unit 10, the exhaust gas in the combustion section 11 flows toward the first direction, and the reformed gas in the reforming section 13 flows toward the first direction. In the second direction, the exhaust gas outside the first exhaust gas flow path 152 flows in the first direction, and the oxygen-containing gas in the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 flows in the second direction. As a result, each flow path becomes hotter from hotter to colder from the inside to the outside of the reforming unit 10, and the flow becomes counter-flowing, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the fact that the exhaust gas inside the first exhaust gas flow path 152 flows in the second direction has the effect of keeping the exhaust gas outside the first exhaust gas flow path 152 warm, and the oxygen-containing gas in the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17 can be heated further. Here, "outside" refers to the direction from the combustion section 11 toward the reforming section 13. Alternatively, "outside" may also refer to the direction from the combustion section 11 toward the exhaust gas flow path 15. Furthermore, "outside" may also refer to the direction from the combustion section 11 toward the oxygen-containing gas flow path 17. "Inside" refers to the direction opposite to "outside".

[0075] As shown in Figure 9, the reforming unit 10 has an ignition unit 19. The ignition unit 19 ignites and burns the off-gas. The ignition unit 19 may be located along the second exhaust gas passage 153. This allows the exhaust gas discharged from the combustion unit 11 to raise the temperature of the ignition unit 19, thereby shortening the start-up time of the ignition unit 19. The ignition unit 19 may have a shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 1113.

[0076] The first upper wall portion 122 has an insertion hole 1221. The insertion hole 1221 is located in the center of the first upper wall portion 122. The insertion hole 1221 may be located near the center of the first upper wall portion 122 or at the edge of the first upper wall portion 122. The ignition unit 19 is inserted into the insertion hole 1221. The evaporation unit 30 may also be inserted into the insertion hole 1221.

[0077] The second upper wall portion 141 has an insertion hole 1411. The insertion hole 1411 is located in the center of the second upper wall portion 141. The insertion hole 1411 may be located near the center of the second upper wall portion 141 or at the end of the second upper wall portion 141. The ignition unit 19 is inserted into the insertion hole 1411. The evaporation unit 30 may also be inserted into the insertion hole 1411.

[0078] The third upper wall portion 161 has an insertion hole 1611. The insertion hole 1611 is located in the center of the third upper wall portion 161. The insertion hole 1611 may be located near the center of the third upper wall portion 161 or at the edge of the third upper wall portion 161. The ignition unit 19 is inserted into the insertion hole 1611. The evaporation unit 30 may also be inserted into the insertion hole 1611.

[0079] The fourth upper wall portion 1711 has an insertion hole 17111. The insertion hole 17111 is located in the center of the fourth upper wall portion 1711. The insertion hole 17111 may be located near the center of the fourth upper wall portion 1711 or at the edge of the fourth upper wall portion 1711. The ignition unit 19 is inserted into the insertion hole 17111. The evaporation unit 30 may also be inserted into the insertion hole 17111.

[0080] [Other embodiments] The diagrams illustrating the embodiments described herein are schematic. Dimensions and proportions shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components can be combined into one or separated.

[0083] All of the constituent elements described in this disclosure, and / or all of the methods and steps of the processes disclosed, are not subject to any combination except for any combination in which these features are mutually exclusive. They can be combined in this way. Furthermore, each of the features described in this disclosure may be replaced by an alternative feature that works for the same, equivalent, or similar purposes, unless expressly disregarded. Thus, unless expressly disregarded, each of the disclosed features is merely one example of a comprehensive set of identical or equivalent features.

[0084] 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 in this disclosure, or all novel methods or combinations thereof described.

[0085] For example, the dimensions of the reforming unit 10 may be matched to the dimensions of the fuel cell 20, or the shape of the reforming unit 10 may be the same as that of the fuel cell 20. This reduces dead space in the fuel cell module 1, which includes both the reforming unit 10 and the fuel cell 20.

[0086] 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]

[0087] 1 Fuel cell module 10 Modification Units 11 Combustion section 111 1st lower wall section 1111 Insertion hole 1112 Exhaust gas outlet 1113 1st page 112 Off-gas inlet pipe 113 Burner 12 1st wall section 121 4th wall 122 1st upper wall section 1221 Insertion hole 13 Modification section 131 Reforming catalyst 132 Reformed gas introduction pipe 133 Reformed gas discharge pipe 14 Second wall section 141 Second upper wall section 1411 Insertion hole 1412 Insertion hole 142 2nd lower wall section 1421 Insertion hole 15 Exhaust gas flow path 151 Exhaust gas discharge pipe 152 First exhaust gas flow path 1521 First Exhaust Gas Inner Flow Path 1522 1st exhaust gas outer flow path 153 Second exhaust gas flow path 16 Third wall 161 Third upper wall section 1611 Insertion hole 162 3rd lower wall section 17. Oxygen-containing gas flow path 171 Exterior wall 1711 4th upper wall section 17111 Insertion hole 1712 4th lower wall section 17121 Oxygen-containing gas outlet 172 Oxygen-containing gas inlet pipe 1721 Insertion hole 173 Oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 18. Insulation section 19 Ignition part 20 Fuel Cell 30 Evaporation section 40 containers

Claims

1. A reforming unit that generates a hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming the raw material gas, A combustion section for burning off-gas discharged from a fuel cell that generates electricity using the aforementioned reformed gas and oxygen-containing gas, The system comprises an oxygen-containing gas flow path through which the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell flows, The combustion section has a first lower wall portion that is not covered by the modification section. At least a portion of the reforming section is covered by the oxygen-containing gas flow path. The oxygen-containing gas flow path has an oxygen-containing gas outlet that opens parallel to the first surface of the first lower wall portion located along the combustion space of the combustion section, and extends from the oxygen-containing gas outlet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, in the reforming unit.

2. The modification unit according to claim 1, wherein the combustion section is covered by the modification section in the wall sections other than the first lower wall section.

3. The reforming unit according to claim 1, wherein the oxygen-containing gas outlet is positioned such that the fuel cell is located in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

4. A first wall portion located between the combustion section and the reforming section, The modification unit according to claim 1, further comprising a second wall portion located between the modification portion and the oxygen-containing gas flow path.

5. The system further comprises an exhaust gas passage through which exhaust gas discharged from the combustion section flows, The modification unit according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas passage comprises a first exhaust gas passage located between the modification unit and the oxygen-containing gas passage, and a second exhaust gas passage connected to the combustion unit and the first exhaust gas passage.

6. The aforementioned modification unit further comprises a modifying catalyst, The reforming unit according to claim 5, wherein the reforming catalyst is located along the second exhaust gas flow path.

7. The reforming unit according to claim 6, wherein the second exhaust gas flow path is located with respect to the reforming catalyst in a first direction direction from the combustion section toward the reforming section, in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

8. The reforming unit according to claim 5, wherein the first exhaust gas flow path comprises a first exhaust gas inner flow path located along the reforming section and a first exhaust gas outer flow path located along the oxygen-containing gas flow path.

9. The aforementioned modification unit further comprises a modifying catalyst, The reforming unit according to claim 8, wherein the first exhaust gas internal flow path is located along the reforming catalyst.

10. It also includes an insulated section, The first lower wall portion is covered by the oxygen-containing gas flow path, The heat insulating portion is located relative to the first lower wall portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first surface, from the reforming portion toward the combustion portion, and is located between the first lower wall portion and the oxygen-containing gas flow path, as described in claim 1.

11. The combustion section has a first upper wall portion facing the first lower wall portion, The reforming unit according to claim 5, wherein the second exhaust gas passage is connected to the first upper wall portion and the first exhaust gas passage.

12. The system further comprises an ignition unit for burning the aforementioned off-gas, The reforming unit according to claim 11, wherein the ignition unit is in contact with the second exhaust gas passage.

13. The modification unit according to claim 1, A fuel cell module comprising the aforementioned fuel cell.

14. A fuel cell device comprising the fuel cell module described in claim 13.

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