Direct biomass fuel cell

Abstract

To operate the battery continuously efficiently and safely without causing electrical short circuits due to conductive materials. [Solution] An oxidizing agent supply means 21 is connected to one end of the battery cell 13, and an oxidizing agent discharge means 22 is connected to the other end of the battery cell 13. A cell-side insulating member 41 is placed in the part of the reaction case 14 through which the battery cell 13 passes. Oxidizing agent-side insulating members 42 are placed at the connection points between the oxidizing agent supply means 22 and the oxidizing agent discharge means and the battery cell 13, respectively. This ensures that the oxidizing agent is continuously supplied and discharged, while preventing conductivity by conductive members in the housing case 12, oxidizing agent supply means 21, and oxidizing agent discharge means 22, and preventing electrical short circuits caused by carbonized material and tar.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a direct biomass fuel cell including a cylindrical battery cell. 【Background Art】 【0002】 As a molten carbonate fuel cell, a technique including a cathode electrode and an anode electrode sandwiching an electrolyte member is known (Patent Document 1). A direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) has been developed in which a battery cell configured in a cylindrical shape with a cathode electrode and an anode electrode sandwiching an electrolyte member is inserted into a solid fuel material containing carbon (derived from biomass). The direct biomass fuel cell is operated by bringing the solid fuel material into contact with the anode electrode. 【0003】 In the technical field of fuel cells, various devices for continuously operating the battery have been studied. In the field of direct biomass fuel cells, it is actually desired to efficiently and safely supply a solid fuel material containing carbon (derived from biomass), an oxidant, etc. while maintaining the performance of the battery, and at present, establishment of a technique for safely performing continuous operation is desired. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-265845 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0005】 The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) that can continuously operate the battery efficiently and safely without causing an electrical short circuit due to a conductive member. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 To achieve the above objective, the direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) of the present invention according to claim 1 is: A battery cell is constructed comprising: a cylindrical body with numerous holes formed on its surface through which an oxidizing agent flows; a cylindrical cathode electrode provided around the surface of the cylindrical body; a cylindrical electrolyte member provided around the cathode electrode, in contact with the cathode electrode and holding the electrolyte; and a cylindrical anode electrode provided around the electrolyte member, in contact with the electrolyte member. This is a direct biomass fuel cell comprising a containment case containing a solid fuel material containing carbon, wherein the battery cell is inserted inside the containment case so that the solid fuel material comes into contact with the anode electrode. The battery cell is supplied with an oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism that supplies an oxidizing agent to the battery cell and discharges the oxidizing agent that has flowed through the battery cell. The oxidant supply and discharge mechanism consists of an oxidant supply means (inlet-side stack header: cell header) connected to one end of the battery cell for supplying the oxidant to the battery cell, and an oxidant discharge means (outlet-side stack header: cell header) connected to the other end of the battery cell for discharging the oxidant that has flowed through the battery cell. The reaction case comprises a housing case into which the battery cell is inserted, and the battery cell passes through the reaction case. The oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism is covered by an oxidizing agent case. A cell-side insulating member is provided at the portion of the reaction case through which the battery cell penetrates. The oxidant supply mechanism is characterized in that an oxidant-side insulating member is provided at the connection portion between the oxidant supply means and one end of the battery cell, and at the connection portion between the oxidant discharge means and the other end of the battery cell. 【0007】 In the present invention according to claim 1, the oxidant supply means (inlet-side stack header: cell header) of the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism is connected to one end of the battery cell, the oxidant discharge means (outlet-side stack header: cell header) of the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism is connected to the other end of the battery cell, an oxidant is continuously supplied from the oxidant supply means (inlet-side stack header: cell header), and the oxidant used for power generation is continuously discharged from the oxidant discharge means (outlet-side stack header: cell header), and continuous operation is performed. 【0008】 Furthermore, a cell-side insulating member is provided at the portion of the reaction case through which the battery cell penetrates, and an oxidant-side insulating member is provided at the connection point between the oxidant supply means and one end of the battery cell, and at the connection point between the oxidant discharge means and the other end of the battery cell, respectively. This prevents electrical conduction by conductive members in the reaction case and the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism, as well as electrical short circuits caused by char and tar. 【0009】 Therefore, the direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) described above can operate continuously and safely, efficiently, without electrical short circuits. 【0010】 Furthermore, the direct biomass fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 2 is, In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 1, The aforementioned containment case is made of an insulating material (porous ceramic) and is configured to allow gas to diffuse (at least a portion of it is provided where gas diffuses), The device is characterized by comprising a fuel input means for continuously feeding a solid fuel material containing carbon into the containment case, and an discharge means (upper sliding shutter) provided at the bottom of the containment case for discharging emissions (ash, unburned carbon) derived from the solid fuel material after the reaction. 【0011】 In the present invention as described in claim 2, solid fuel is continuously fed from a fuel feeding means into a containment case made of an insulating material, and the emissions derived from the solid fuel after the reaction (ash, unburned carbon: solid fuel that did not contribute to the reaction) are discharged from a discharge means (upper slide shutter). As a result, solid fuel containing carbon is continuously fed (continuously in an intermittent state), and the emissions after the reaction (ash, unburned carbon: solid fuel that did not contribute to the reaction) are continuously discharged. 【0012】 Furthermore, by supplying a fluid such as air to the discharge mechanism (upper slide shutter), it is possible to prevent discharge materials (ash, unburned carbon: solid fuel materials that did not contribute to the reaction) from adhering to and accumulating on the movable parts of the discharge mechanism (upper slide shutter). 【0013】 Furthermore, the direct biomass fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 3 is In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 2, The system is characterized by comprising a purge container for containing the waste discharged from the discharge means, and a purge means for circulating purge gas through the purge container. 【0014】 In the present invention according to claim 3, the waste discharged from the discharge means is temporarily contained in a purge container, and a purge gas is circulated by the purge means to purge flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO). Therefore, leakage of flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO) to the outside of the device is prevented. 【0015】 Furthermore, the direct biomass fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 4 is In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 3, The system is characterized by comprising: a recovery means provided at the bottom of the purge container for recovering the discharged material after the purge gas has been circulated by the purge means; and a lower discharge means (lower slide shutter) provided between the purge container and the recovery means for sending the discharged material after the purge gas has been circulated to the recovery means. 【0016】 In the present invention according to claim 4, by operating the lower discharge means (lower slide shutter), the discharged matter from which combustible gas and toxic gas (H2, CO) have been purged is recovered from the purge container to the recovery means (such as a recovery container), and the discharged ash and the like are recovered and processed. 【0017】 Further, the direct biomass fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 5 In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 4 The discharge means is an opening and closing means (upper slide shutter) formed of an insulating material, and at least one of the cell-side insulating member, the housing case, and the opening and closing means (upper slide shutter) is characterized in that a carbonate is applied to the surface. 【0018】 In the present invention according to claim 5, by applying a carbonate to the surface of at least one of the cell-side insulating member, the housing case, and the opening and closing means, the deposition and growth of solid carbon and tar are suppressed (promoting the gasification and decomposition of carbon and tar), and the formation of a conduction path is suppressed even during long-term operation. As the carbonate, for example, a eutectic salt of lithium carbonate and sodium hydrochloride (molar ratio 60:40) is used. The location where the carbonate is applied can be applied to an arbitrary part of a ceramic member which is an insulating member as required. The amount to be applied may be an amount such that the carbonate is retained on the surface of the material. 【0019】 Further, the direct biomass fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 6 In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 5 The inside of the housing case is partitioned into a plurality of rooms by an insulating wall (ceramic) to form a plurality of stacks, a plurality of the battery cells are arranged in one of the stacks, and an oxidant-side insulating member is arranged at each connection part of the battery cells with the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism between adjacent stacks. 【0020】 In the present invention according to claim 6, a plurality of battery cells are arranged in each of a plurality of stacks, and an oxidant-side insulating member is arranged at a connection portion of each stack with an oxidant supply / discharge mechanism (cell header) for battery cells between adjacent stacks. Therefore, a reaction case in a battery composed of a plurality of stacks, conduction by a conductive member in the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism, and electrical short circuits due to carbides and tars are prevented. 【0021】 In addition, a carbonate can be applied to the surface of an insulating wall (ceramic) or / and the oxidant-side insulating member to suppress precipitation and growth of solid carbon and tar. 【0022】 Moreover, the direct biomass fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 7 In the direct biomass fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the battery cell is formed in a U shape, one end of the U-shaped battery cell is connected to an oxidant supply side (supply-side header) of the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism, and the other end of the U-shaped battery cell is connected to an oxidant discharge side (discharge-side header) of the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism. 【0023】 In the present invention according to claim 7, since the battery cell is formed in a U shape, a battery can be constructed without requiring a complicated structure including the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism. 【0024】 Moreover, the direct biomass fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 8 In the direct biomass fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the battery cell is formed of a double tube, an inner tube of the double tube is connected to an oxidant supply side of the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism, and an outer tube of the double tube is connected to an oxidant discharge side of the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism. 【0025】 In the present invention according to claim 8, since the battery cell is formed of a double tube, the battery can be constructed in a small space. [Effects of the Invention] 【0026】 The direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) of the present invention enables efficient and safe continuous operation of the battery without electrical short circuits caused by conductive materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0027】 [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of the entire direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the main components of the oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a conceptual diagram of the boundary between the oxidizing agent supply / discharge mechanism (oxidizing agent case) and the reaction section (reaction case). [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the discharge section. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a plan view of the main part of a direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery cells in the oxidizer supply and discharge mechanism in the parallel arrangement direction. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view in plan view conceptually showing the main parts of a direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) according to an embodiment in which the battery cell is composed of a double tube. [Figure 12] This is a side view of the main part of the oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of a key part of a direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) according to another embodiment in which the battery cell is composed of a double tube. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0028】 The embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. For the sake of explanation, the illustrated embodiments conceptually represent the configuration of each component, and the actual cross-sectional conditions, dimensions, shapes, and proportions of each component may differ from those of an actual structure. 【0029】 Figure 1 conceptually illustrates the overall configuration of a direct biomass fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows the view along the line II-II in Figure 1, Figure 3 shows the concept of the oxidant supply means, Figure 4 shows the view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3, and Figure 5 shows the view along the line VV in Figure 3. Furthermore, Figure 6 shows the conceptual configuration of the boundary between the oxidant supply and discharge mechanism (oxidant case) and the reaction mechanism (reaction case), and Figure 7 shows the schematic configuration of the purge section. 【0030】 The overall configuration of the direct biomass fuel cell is explained based on Figure 1. 【0031】 As shown in the figure, the direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) 1 consists of a header section (oxidant supply and discharge mechanism) 2, a reaction section (reaction mechanism) 3, and a discharge section 4. The reaction section 3 is equipped with a containment case 12 that houses a solid fuel material (fuel material) 11 containing carbon, and a battery cell 13 is inserted into the containment case 12, thereby supplying carbon from the fuel material 11 to the battery cell 13. 【0032】 The containment case 12 is made of ceramics, an insulating material, and is covered by a reaction case (made of metal) 14 to form the reaction section 3. The reaction section 3 is equipped with a fuel supply means (for example, a conveyor belt) 15 for continuously (intermittently) supplying fuel material 11 to the containment case 12. 【0033】 Furthermore, the lower part of the containment case 12 is equipped with an upper slide shutter 17 (opening / closing mechanism) as an outlet means for discharging emissions (ash, unburned carbon: solid fuel materials that did not contribute to the reaction) 16 derived from the fuel material 11 after the reaction. The upper slide shutter 17 is made of ceramics, which is an insulating material. The reaction case 14 is also provided with a gas outlet line 18 for discharging gas (e.g., CO) generated inside the containment case 12 and passing through the porous material to the outside. 【0034】 Furthermore, a fluid such as air can be supplied to the upper slide shutter 17 (for example, the lower part). By supplying a fluid such as air, it is possible to prevent discharge materials (ash, unburned carbon: solid fuel materials that did not contribute to the reaction) from adhering to and accumulating on the movable parts of the upper slide shutter 17 (movable parts and surrounding parts). 【0035】 The header section (oxidant supply and discharge mechanism) 2 is a mechanism for supplying oxidant gas (O2, CO2) to the battery cell 13 and for discharging the oxidant gas that has flowed through the battery cell 13. 【0036】 In DBFC1, air (O2) and CO2, which are oxidizing gases, are supplied to the inside of the battery cell 13 in the reaction section (reaction mechanism) 3 and come into contact with the cathode electrode. Then, the carbon of the solid fuel material 11 comes into contact with (is supplied to) the anode electrode. This causes an electrochemical reaction to occur via the electrolyte held (impregnated) in the electrolyte material, and electricity is obtained. The exhaust gas (CO) from DBFC1 is sent to the necessary equipment downstream from the gas outlet line 18. 【0037】 As will be described in more detail later, the header section 2 consists of an oxidant supply means 21 connected to one end of the battery cell 13 to supply oxidant gas to the battery cell 13, and an oxidant discharge means 22 connected to the other end of the battery cell to discharge the oxidant that has flowed through the battery cell. The header section 2 is covered with a metal oxidant case 23. 【0038】 The battery cell 13 is formed in a U-shape, with one end 13a of the U-shaped battery cell 13 connected to the oxidant supply means 21, and the other end 13b of the U-shaped battery cell 13 connected to the oxidant discharge means 22. 【0039】 The discharge section 4 is equipped with a purge container 31 in which the discharged material 16, which is discharged when the upper slide shutter 17 is opened, is temporarily contained. Purge gas is blown into the purge container 31 from the purge means 32 (purge line), and the purge gas is circulated into the purge container 31. 【0040】 The purging means 32 allows purge gas to flow, purging flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO). This prevents the leakage of flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO) to the outside of the device. 【0041】 A recovery means 33 (such as a recovery container) is provided at the bottom of the purge container 31, and the waste 16 after the purge gas has been circulated by the purge means 32 is recovered by the recovery means 33. In addition, a lower slide shutter 34 is provided between the purge container 31 and the recovery means 33 as a lower discharge means to send the waste 16 after the purge gas has been circulated to the recovery means 33. 【0042】 By operating the lower slide shutter 34 (opening and closing operation), the exhaust 16 after the flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO) have been purged is collected from the purge container 31 into the recovery means 33 (recovery container, etc.), where the discharged ash and other materials are recovered and processed. 【0043】 A cell-side insulating member 41 is provided at the portion (upper surface) of the reaction case 14 that constitutes the reaction section 3 through which the battery cell 13 penetrates, insulating the battery cell 13 from the reaction case 14. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, an oxidant-side insulating member 42 is provided at the connection point between the oxidant supply means 21 and the oxidant discharge means 22 and the battery cell 13. 【0044】 In the DBFC1 configured as described above, carbonate is applied to the surface of the housing case 12, the bottom surface (surface) of the upper slide shutter 17, and the surface of the cell-side insulating member 41 (at least one of each). By applying carbonate to the surface, the precipitation and growth of solid carbon and tar are suppressed (promoting the gasification and decomposition of carbon and tar), and the formation of conductive paths can be suppressed even during long-term operation. As the carbonate, for example, a eutectic salt of lithium carbonate and sodium hydrochloride (molar ratio of 60:40) is used. 【0045】 In the direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) 1 described above, the oxidizer supply means 21 is connected to one end 13a of the U-shaped battery cell 13, and the oxidizer discharge means 22 is connected to the other end 13b of the U-shaped battery cell 13, so that the oxidizer is continuously supplied and discharged. This enables continuous operation. 【0046】 Furthermore, a cell-side insulating member 41 is provided at the portion (upper surface) through which the battery cell penetrates the reaction case 14, and an oxidant-side insulating member 42 is provided at the connection point between the oxidant supply means 21 and one end 13a of the battery cell 13 (between the inlet-side stack header 25, described later, and one end 13a), and at the connection point between the oxidant discharge means 22 and the other end 13b of the battery cell 13 (between the outlet-side stack header 26, described later, and the other end 13b). Thus, electrical conduction by conductive members in the housing case 12, oxidant supply means 21, and oxidant discharge means 22 within the reaction case 14, as well as electrical short circuits caused by char and tar, are prevented. 【0047】 The configuration of the header section (oxidant supply and discharge mechanism) 2 will be specifically explained based on Figures 2 to 5. 【0048】 Based on Figure 2, the configuration of the oxidant supply means 21 and the oxidant discharge means 22 of the header section (oxidant supply / discharge mechanism) 2 will be specifically explained. 【0049】 The state shown in Figure 2 is a conceptual plan view of the header section (oxidant supply and discharge mechanism) 2. This embodiment is explained using a configuration in which three U-shaped battery cells 13 are arranged in each of three stacks (housing cases 12). Specifically, the inside of the housing case 12 is divided into three rooms (stacks) by two insulating walls 12a (ceramic), forming three stacks. Three battery cells 13 are arranged in each stack. 【0050】 Furthermore, the number of battery cells 13, the number of stacks, and the shape of the stacks are arbitrary, and the design can be any configuration, such as 2 cells, 4 or more cells, 2 stacks, 4 or more stacks, or arc-shaped stacks. 【0051】 The oxidizing agent supply means 21 is equipped with an inlet-side stack header 25, and the oxidizing agent discharge means 22 is equipped with an outlet-side stack header 26. 【0052】 Three inlet-side cell headers 27 are connected to the inlet-side stack header 25, with each inlet-side cell header 27 corresponding to a specific stack. Three outlet-side cell headers 28 are connected to the outlet-side stack header 26, with each outlet-side cell header 28 corresponding to a specific stack. In other words, each stack is equipped with both an inlet-side cell header 27 and an outlet-side cell header 28. 【0053】 One end 13a of the U-shaped battery cell 13 is connected to the inlet-side cell header 27 (oxidant supply means 21), and the other end 13b of the U-shaped battery cell 13 is connected to the outlet-side cell header 28 (oxidant discharge means 22). 【0054】 Furthermore, an oxidizer-side insulating member 42 is provided at the connection point between the inlet-side stack header 25 and the three inlet-side cell headers 27, and an oxidizer-side insulating member 42 is also provided at the connection point between the outlet-side stack header 26 and the outlet-side cell header 28. 【0055】 In other words, an oxidant-side insulating member 42 is provided at the connection point between the oxidant supply means 21 and one end 13a of the battery cell 13 (inlet side cell header 27), and at the connection point between the oxidant discharge means 22 and the other end 13b of the battery cell 13 (outlet side cell header 28). 【0056】 The gist of the configuration of the header section (oxidant supply and discharge mechanism) 2 described above will be conceptually explained based on Figures 3 to 5. Note that the configuration of the oxidant discharge means 22 is basically the same as that of the oxidant supply means 21, so its explanation has been omitted. 【0057】 As shown in Figure 3, the inlet-side stack header 25 of the header section (oxidant supply / discharge mechanism) 2 is connected to the inlet-side cell header 27 via the oxidant-side insulating member 42. One end 13a of the battery cell 13 is directly connected to the inlet-side cell header 27. 【0058】 Three battery cells 13 in the same stack are connected to the inlet-side cell header 27, and the inlet-side stack header 25 and the inlet-side cell header 27 are insulated by the oxidizer-side insulating member 42. Therefore, even if one end 13a of a battery cell 13 is directly connected to the inlet-side cell header 27, conductivity by conductive members between the housing case 12 (see Figure 1) inside the reaction case 14 (see Figure 1) and the oxidizer supply means 21 (oxidizer discharge means 22) (and the outside), and electrical short circuits due to char and tar are prevented. 【0059】 The configuration of the battery cell 13 in the reaction section 3 will be specifically explained based on Figure 6. Since there are components that overlap with those shown in Figure 1, the same reference numerals are used for identical components. 【0060】 As shown in the figure, the battery cell 13 has a portion 13c of a metal substrate tube that is electrically connected to the cathode, a portion 13d that is insulated, and an anode portion 13e. The portion 13c of the metal substrate tube is supported on the upper surface of the reaction case 14 via a cell-side insulating member 41, and a lead wire 45 is connected to the portion 13c of the metal substrate tube. In addition, a lead wire 46 is connected to the anode portion 13e of the battery cell 13, and the lead wire 46 is supported on the upper surface of the reaction case 14 via an insulating member 47. 【0061】 The lower part of the reaction section 3 and the configuration of the discharge section 4 will be explained in detail based on Figure 7. Since there are some components that overlap with those shown in Figure 1, the same reference numerals are used for the same components. 【0062】 As shown in the figure, carbonate 48 is applied to the bottom surface (surface) of the upper slide shutter 17. As mentioned above, by applying carbonate 48 to the bottom surface of the upper slide shutter 17, the deposition and growth of solid carbon and tar on the bottom surface of the upper slide shutter 17 is suppressed (gasification and decomposition of carbon and tar are promoted), and the formation of conductive paths can be suppressed even during long-term operation. 【0063】 To reiterate, purge gas is blown into the purge container 31 from the purge means 32 (purge line), purging flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO). This prevents leakage of flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO) to the outside of the device. 【0064】 A recovery means 33 is provided at the bottom of the purge container 31, and the waste 16 after the purge gas has been circulated by the purge means 32 is collected in the recovery container 33a of the recovery means 33. By operating the lower slide shutter 34 (opening and closing operation), the waste 16 from which flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO) have been purged is collected from the purge container 31 into the recovery container 33a of the recovery means 33, and the discharged ash and other materials are collected and processed. 【0065】 In other words, with the lower slide shutter 34 closed, the upper slide shutter 17 is opened, sending the discharged material 16 to the purge container 31. The upper slide shutter 17 is then closed, and the flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO) are purged by the purge means 32. After the purging process is complete, the lower slide shutter 34 is opened, and the discharged material 16, from which the flammable and toxic gases (H2, CO) have been purged, is collected from the purge container 31 into the recovery container 33a of the recovery means 33. 【0066】 Other embodiments of the present invention will be described based on Figures 8 to 10. 【0067】 Figure 8 shows a conceptual cross-sectional view of the main parts of a direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) according to another embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to the cross-sectional view in Figure 2), Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the oxidant supply and discharge mechanism (inlet-side cell header 27) (corresponding to the cross-sectional view in Figure 4), and Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the oxidant supply and discharge mechanism (inlet-side cell header 27) in the direction in which the battery cells are arranged side by side (corresponding to the cross-sectional view in Figure 5). Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 5. 【0068】 In the embodiment shown in the figure, the housing case 12 is divided into nine compartments (stacks) by multiple insulating walls 12a (ceramic), forming nine stacks. Two battery cells 13 are arranged in each stack. 【0069】 Three inlet-side cell headers 27 are connected to the inlet-side stack header 25, with each inlet-side cell header 27 corresponding to a specific stack. Three outlet-side cell headers 28 are connected to the outlet-side stack header 26, with each outlet-side cell header 28 corresponding to a specific stack. In other words, each stack is equipped with both an inlet-side cell header 27 and an outlet-side cell header 28. 【0070】 One end 13a of the U-shaped battery cell 13 is connected to the inlet-side cell header 27 (oxidant supply means 2: see Figure 1), and the other end 13b of the U-shaped battery cell 13 is connected to the outlet-side cell header 28 (oxidant discharge means 22: see Figure 1). 【0071】 Each input-side cell header 27 and output-side cell header 28 corresponds to six battery cells 13, and each stack corresponds to two battery cells 13. In other words, each input-side cell header 27 and output-side cell header 28 corresponds to three stacks, and each stack corresponds to two battery cells 13. 【0072】 As shown in Figures 9 and 10, one end 13a of the battery cell 13 is connected to the inlet-side cell header 27. An insulating heat-insulating material 43 is individually provided between the end 13a of the battery cell 13 and the inlet-side cell header 27, serving as an oxidizer-side insulating member. The insulating heat-insulating material 43 provides insulation between the battery cell 13 and the inlet-side cell header 27 (oxidizer supply means 21, oxidizer discharge means 22: see Figure 1) (and between it and the outside), and prevents conduction by conductive members and electrical short circuits by char and tar. 【0073】 Although multiple (3) battery cells 13 corresponding to a stack are connected to a single inlet-side cell header 27 (outlet-side cell header 28), an insulating and heat-insulating material 43 is individually provided between one end 13a of the battery cell 13 and the inlet-side cell header 27. This prevents electrical conduction by conductive members between the housing case 12 (see Figure 1) inside the reaction case 14 (see Figure 1) and the oxidizer supply means 21 (oxidizer discharge means 22) (and the outside), as well as electrical short circuits caused by char and tar. 【0074】 The configuration shown in Figure 10 corresponds to the configuration in Figure 5, with individual oxidizer-side insulating members (insulating heat-insulating material 43) provided at the connection points between the six battery cells and the cell header. The illustrated example is a schematic of the inlet-side cell header 27, but the outlet-side configuration (configuration of the outlet-side cell header 28) is the same in an inverted state, and insulating heat-insulating material 43 is also provided. 【0075】 An embodiment in which the battery cell is formed from a double tube will be described based on Figures 11 to 13. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 10. 【0076】 Figure 11 shows a conceptual plan view cross-sectional view of the main parts of a direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) in an embodiment in which the battery cells are composed of double tubes, Figure 12 shows a side view of the main parts of the oxidant supply and discharge mechanism (inlet cell header 27, outlet cell header 28), and Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the oxidant supply and discharge mechanism (inlet cell header 27, outlet cell header 28) (corresponding to the cross-sectional view in Figure 10). 【0077】 As shown in Figures 11 and 12, six inlet-side cell headers 27 are connected to the inlet-side stack header 25, and an outlet-side cell header 28 is located below each of the inlet-side cell headers 27. The six outlet-side cell headers 28 are connected to the outlet-side stack header 26. 【0078】 An oxidizer-side insulating member 42 is provided between the inlet-side stack header 25 and the inlet-side cell header 27. Furthermore, an oxidizer-side insulating member 42 is provided between the outlet-side stack header 26 and the outlet-side cell header 28. 【0079】 The inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28 are arranged overlapping each other vertically, and below the inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28 are the individual compartments (stacks) of the housing case 12, which are separated by insulating walls 12a (ceramic). In other words, the inside of the housing case 12 is divided into six compartments (stacks) by multiple insulating walls 12a (ceramic), forming six stacks. And corresponding to one stack, the inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28 are arranged overlapping each other vertically. 【0080】 Three battery cells 51 are connected to the inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28, which are arranged overlapping each other vertically. Each battery cell 51 consists of an inner tube 52 and an outer tube 53 which is arranged concentrically outside the inner tube 52 and communicates at the bottom (communicating while being isolated from the outside) (it is composed of a double tube). 【0081】 The upper end 52a of the inner tube 52 of the battery cell 51 (one end of the battery cell: oxidant supply side) is connected to the inlet side cell header 27, and the upper end 53a of the outer tube 53 of the battery cell 51 (the other end of the battery cell: oxidant discharge side) is connected to the outlet side cell header 28. 【0082】 As shown in Figure 13, insulating thermal insulation material 43 is individually provided as an oxidizer-side insulating member between the upper end 52a of the inner tube 52 of the battery cell 51 and the inlet-side cell header 27, and between the upper end 53a of the outer tube 53 of the battery cell 51 and the outlet-side cell header 28. The insulating thermal insulation material 43 insulates the space between the double-tube battery cell 51 and the inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28 (oxidizer supply means 21, oxidizer discharge means 22: see Figure 1) (from the outside), and prevents conduction by conductive members and electrical short circuits by char and tar. 【0083】 Furthermore, as the oxidizing agent-side insulating member, it is also possible to use only either the oxidizing agent-side insulating member 42 shown in Figures 11 and 12, or the insulating heat-insulating material 43 shown in Figure 13. 【0084】 Because the battery cell 51 is formed as a double tube, many battery cells 51 can be arranged in a small space. Furthermore, electrical conduction by conductive members between the housing case 12 (see Figure 1) inside the reaction case 14 (see Figure 1) and the oxidizing agent supply means 21 and oxidizing agent discharge means 22 (and the outside), as well as electrical short circuits caused by char and tar, are prevented. 【0085】 Based on Figure 14, another embodiment in which the battery cell is formed from a double tube will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 13 (mainly Figures 11 and 13). 【0086】 As shown in the diagram, six (six columns) of entry-side cell headers 27 are connected to the entry-side stack header 25, and below each of the entry-side cell headers 27, an exit-side cell header 28 is positioned. The six exit-side cell headers 28 are connected to the exit-side stack header 26. 【0087】 The inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28 are arranged overlapping each other vertically, and below the inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28 are the individual compartments (stacks) of the housing case 12, which are separated by insulating walls 12a (ceramic). In other words, the inside of the housing case 12 is divided into nine compartments (stacks) by multiple insulating walls 12a (ceramic), forming nine stacks. 【0088】 Six battery cells 51 are connected to the input-side cell header 27 and the output-side cell header 28, which are arranged overlapping vertically. The twelve battery cells 51 connected to the two rows of input-side cell headers 27 and output-side cell headers 28 are arranged in groups of three, with four cells forming each stack. 【0089】 Similar to the configuration shown in Figure 13, insulating thermal insulation material 43 is individually provided as an oxidizer-side insulating member between the upper end 52a of the inner tube 52 of the battery cell 51 and the inlet-side cell header 27, and between the upper end 53a of the outer tube 53 of the battery cell 51 and the outlet-side cell header 28. The insulating thermal insulation material 43 insulates the space between the double-tube battery cell 51 and the inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28 (oxidizer supply means 21, oxidizer discharge means 22: see Figure 1) (from the outside), and prevents conduction by conductive members and electrical short circuits by char and tar. 【0090】 Since the battery cell 51 is formed in a double tube, many battery cells 51 can be arranged in a small space. Although the battery cells 51 corresponding to multiple stacks are connected to the inlet-side cell header 27 and the outlet-side cell header 28, insulating and heat insulating material 43 is individually provided at the upper end 52a of the inner tube 52 and the upper end 53a of the outer tube 53. This prevents conductivity by conductive members between the housing case 12 (see Figure 1) inside the reaction case 14 (see Figure 1) and the oxidizer supply means 21 and oxidizer discharge means 22 (and the outside), as well as electrical short circuits caused by char and tar. 【0091】 The direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) of the above invention enables efficient and safe continuous operation of the battery without electrical short circuits caused by conductive materials. [Industrial applicability] 【0092】 This invention can be used in the industrial field of direct biomass fuel cells (DBFCs). [Explanation of Symbols] 【0093】 1. Direct Biomass Fuel Cell (DBFC) 2. Header section 3. Reaction section 4 Discharge section 11 Solid fuel (fuel) 12 storage cases 13, 51 battery cells 14 reaction cases 15 Fuel input means 16 Emissions 17. Upper sliding shutter 18 Gas outlet line 21. Oxidizing agent supply means 22. Means for discharging oxidizing agents 23 Oxidizer Case 25 Header for entrance-side stack 26 Header for exit-side stack 27 Header for entrance-side cell 28 Header for exit-side cell 31. Purge container 32. Purge means 33. Recovery methods 34 Lower sliding shutter 41 Cell-side insulating material 42 Oxidizing agent side insulating member 43. Insulating materials 45, 46 Lead wires 47 Insulating material 48 Carbonates 52 Inner tube 53 Outer tube

Claims

[Claim 1] A cylindrical body with numerous holes formed on its surface through which an oxidizing agent flows, A cylindrical cathode electrode is provided around the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical body, A cylindrical electrolyte member is provided around the cathode electrode, in contact with the cathode electrode, and holds the electrolyte. A battery cell is constructed comprising a cylindrical anode electrode provided around the electrolyte member and in contact with the electrolyte member, This is a direct biomass fuel cell comprising a containment case containing a solid fuel material containing carbon, wherein the battery cell is inserted inside the containment case so that the solid fuel material comes into contact with the anode electrode. The system is equipped with an oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism that supplies an oxidizing agent to the battery cell and discharges the oxidizing agent that has flowed through the battery cell. The aforementioned oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism is: It consists of an oxidizing agent supply means connected to one end of the battery cell for supplying an oxidizing agent to the battery cell, and an oxidizing agent discharge means connected to the other end of the battery cell for discharging the oxidizing agent that has flowed through the battery cell, The reaction case comprises a housing case into which the battery cell is inserted, and the battery cell passes through the reaction case. The oxidizing agent supply and discharge mechanism is covered by an oxidizing agent case. A cell-side insulating member is provided at the portion of the reaction case through which the battery cell penetrates. An oxidant-side insulating member is provided at the connection point between the oxidant supply means of the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism and one end of the battery cell, and at the connection point between the oxidant discharge means and the other end of the battery cell. A direct biomass fuel cell characterized by the following features. [Claim 2] In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 1, The aforementioned containment case is made of an insulating material and is configured to allow gas to diffuse. A fuel feeding means for continuously feeding a solid fuel containing carbon into the containment case, The storage case is provided at the bottom and includes an discharge means for discharging waste derived from the solid fuel after the reaction. A direct biomass fuel cell characterized by the following features. [Claim 3] In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 2, A purge container containing the waste discharged from the discharge means, The system includes a purging means for circulating purge gas through the purge container. A direct biomass fuel cell characterized by the following features. [Claim 4] In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 3, A recovery means provided at the bottom of the purge container for recovering the discharged material after the purge gas has been circulated by the purge means, The collection means is provided between the purge container and the collection means, and includes a lower discharge means for sending the discharged material after the purge gas has been passed through to the collection means. A direct biomass fuel cell characterized by the following features. [Claim 5] In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 4, The discharge means is an opening / closing means formed of an insulating material, At least one of the cell-side insulating member, the housing case, and the opening / closing means has a carbonate coating on its surface. A direct biomass fuel cell characterized by the following features. [Claim 6] In the direct biomass fuel cell according to claim 5, The interior of the aforementioned storage case is divided into multiple compartments by insulating walls, forming multiple stacks. Multiple battery cells are arranged in one of the stacks. An oxidizer-side insulating member is provided at the connection point between the battery cell and the oxidizer supply / discharge mechanism between adjacent stacks. A direct biomass fuel cell characterized by the following features. [Claim 7] In a direct biomass fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned battery cell is formed in a U-shape, One end of the U-shaped battery cell is connected to the oxidant supply side of the oxidant supply and discharge mechanism. The other end of the U-shaped battery cell is connected to the oxidant discharge side of the oxidant supply and discharge mechanism. A direct biomass fuel cell characterized by the following features. [Claim 8] In a direct biomass fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned battery cell is formed of a double tube, The inner tube of the double tube is connected to the oxidant supply side of the oxidant supply / discharge mechanism. The outer tube of the double tube is connected to the oxidant discharge side of the oxidant supply and discharge mechanism. A direct biomass fuel cell characterized by the following features.

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