Hydrogen generator

Abstract

The present invention provides a hydrogen generator suitable for suppressing damage caused by thermal stress resulting from thermal expansion during operation, as well as damage caused by stress concentration due to load during transportation. [Solution] The hydrogen generation apparatus 100 of this disclosure comprises a bottomed outer casing 115 having an internal space, a main body 100 housed in the internal space of the outer casing 115 and including a reforming unit 112 that generates hydrogen-containing gas from raw material gas and water, a first support 116 connected to the upper end 100a of the main body 100 and the upper end 115a of the outer casing 115, and a second support 117 connected to the lower end 100b of the main body 100. The outer casing 115 has an opening 115p that penetrates the bottom 115b. At least a portion of the second support 117 is inserted into the opening 115p.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen generation device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hydrogen generation device including a main body having a combustion unit that burns a medium capable of generating hydrogen and a reforming unit that generates a reformed gas containing hydrogen by subjecting a raw material gas and steam to a reforming reaction, and a support that supports the main body from above the main body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydrogen generation device suitable for suppressing breakage due to thermal stress generated by thermal expansion during operation and suppressing breakage due to stress concentration caused by a load during transportation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The hydrogen generation device in the present disclosure includes a bottomed exterior body having an internal space, a main body accommodated in the internal space of the exterior body and including a reforming unit that generates a hydrogen-containing gas from a raw material gas and water, a first support connected to the upper end portion of the main body and the upper end portion of the exterior body, a second support connected to the lower end portion of the main body, and is provided with the exterior body has an opening penetrating the bottom, at least a part of the second support is inserted into the opening.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a hydrogen generator suitable for suppressing damage caused by thermal stress resulting from thermal expansion during operation, as well as damage caused by stress concentration due to load during transportation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the operating state of the hydrogen generation apparatus in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Enlarged view of section II in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Section III-III in Figure 1 [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the hydrogen generation device during transport. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a hydrogen generation device in a modified form. [Figure 6] Enlarged view of section VI in Figure 5 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) In the hydrogen generation apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the main body, including the reforming section, is supported only from the upper side, which is a low-temperature region, by a support, thereby suppressing damage caused by thermal expansion during operation.

[0009] Hydrogen generators are generally heavy, raising safety concerns when transported in their operating state. Therefore, to improve safety during transport, hydrogen generators are often transported on their sides on trucks or other transport vehicles. However, when a hydrogen generator, as described in Patent Document 1, is laid on its side, the main body of the hydrogen generator is cantilevered by the support, causing stress to concentrate at the connection point between the support and the main body due to the load. This stress concentration is further amplified by the load amplification due to vibrations during transport. Deformation, cracks, and damage can occur at the stress-concentrated connection point.

[0010] The inventors have intensively studied a method for supporting the hydrogen generator main body so that it does not become a cantilever support when the hydrogen generator is laid on its side, while suppressing damage caused by thermal stress generated by thermal expansion during operation. As a result, the inventors have arrived at the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0011] The present disclosure provides a hydrogen generator suitable for suppressing damage caused by thermal stress generated by thermal expansion during operation and suppressing damage caused by stress concentration due to a load during transportation.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, detailed descriptions that are more than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0013] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for the parties to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described using FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0015] [1-1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the state during operation of the hydrogen generator in Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the hydrogen generator 200 is used with its central axis X placed parallel to the vertical direction during operation. In FIG. 1, the arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of fluids such as gas. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the II part of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1.

[0016] The hydrogen generation device 200 includes a bottomed exterior body 115 having an internal space, a main body 100 housed in the internal space of the exterior body 115, a first support 116 connected to the upper end portion 100a of the main body 100 and the upper end portion 115a of the exterior body 115, and a second support 117 connected to the lower end portion 100b of the main body 100. The main body 100 includes a reforming section 112 that generates a hydrogen-containing gas G3 from a raw material gas G0 and water W.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the exterior body 115 has an opening 115p that penetrates the bottom portion 115b. At least a part of the second support 117 is inserted into the opening 115p.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of the hydrogen generation device 200 shown in FIG. 1 during transportation. As shown in FIG. 4, during transportation, the hydrogen generation device 200 may be placed on a transportation vehicle such as a truck in a state where the central axis X is parallel to the horizontal direction, that is, lying on its side with the axis horizontal. In the state of the hydrogen generation device 200 in the present embodiment during transportation while lying on its side, the outer peripheral surface 117e of the second support 117 abuts against the exterior body 115 at a part of the inner peripheral surface 115pi of the opening 115p. In other words, there is a contact portion 119 where the outer peripheral surface 117e of the second support 117 and the inner peripheral surface 115pi of the opening 115p contact each other. With such a configuration, in the state during transportation while lying on its side, the upper side (left side in the figure) of the main body 100 is supported by the first support 116 and the lower side (right side in the figure) of the main body 100 is supported by the second support 117, providing a double-support structure. As a result, it is possible to suppress the concentration of stress due to load at the connection portion between the first support 116 and the main body 100.

[0019] On the other hand, when the hydrogen generator 200 is in operation, the temperature of the reforming catalyst must be controlled to 600°C or higher when the reforming reaction is carried out in the reforming section 112. Therefore, it is known that the temperature of the main body 100 during operation expands due to thermal expansion compared to when it is stopped. For example, if the height of the main body 100 is 500 mm, when the temperature of the main body 100 rises by 500°C, the height of the main body 100 may increase by about 4 mm. As shown in Figure 2, in the hydrogen generator 200 of this embodiment, when in operation, there is a gap between the outer circumferential surface 117e of the second support 117 and the inner circumferential surface 115pi of the opening 115p. In other words, the outer circumferential surface 117e of the second support 117 and the inner circumferential surface 115pi of the opening 115p do not come into contact, i.e., there is no contact portion 119. With this configuration, when in operation, the main body 100 is supported by the first support 116 as if suspended, and can expand downward due to thermal expansion without being hindered by the second support 117. As a result, deformation, cracking, and damage to the connection between the main body 100 and the piping, as well as to the components of the main body 100, due to thermal stress caused by thermal expansion are suppressed. Furthermore, the presence of the above gap suppresses the transfer of heat from the main body 100, which becomes hot during operation, to the second support 117, to the outer casing 115. As a result, heat dissipation from the main body 100 to the outside is suppressed, and the thermal utilization efficiency of the main body 100 can be maintained at a high level.

[0020] Thus, the hydrogen generator 200 in this embodiment can suppress damage caused by thermal stress resulting from thermal expansion during operation, as well as damage caused by stress concentration due to load during transportation.

[0021] In this embodiment, the second support 117 has a front end 117a that extends to the outside of the outer casing 115 through the opening 115p, and a rear end 117b located inside the outer casing 115. With this configuration, when transported lying on its side, the second support 117 can stably support the lower part (right side in Figure 4) of the main body 100.

[0022] During operation, the distance D of the gap between the outer circumferential surface 117e of the second support 117 and the inner circumferential surface 115pi of the opening 115p is appropriately set according to, for example, the inner diameter of the opening 115p and the outer diameter of the second support 117. For example, if the outer diameter of the second support 117 is in the range of 5 to 10 mm, the gap distance D may be in the range of 1 to 2 mm. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the distance D is the distance of the gap in the direction perpendicular to the central axis X in a cross section passing through and parallel to the central axis X as shown in Figure 2.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a space SP1 exists between the lower end 100b of the main body 100 and the inner bottom 115bi of the outer casing 115. The existence of space SP1 prevents contact between the lower end 100b of the main body 100 and the inner bottom 115bi of the outer casing 115 when the main body 100 expands downward due to thermal expansion during operation.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a space SP2 exists between the outer part 100c of the main body 100 and the inner part 115c of the outer casing 115. The existence of this space SP2 prevents contact between the outer part 100c of the main body 100 and the inner part 115c of the outer casing 115 when the device is transported lying on its side.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the spaces SP1 and SP2 may be filled with a thermal insulation material 111. The thermal insulation material 111 is composed of, for example, multiple fumed silica thermal insulation boards stacked in a direction parallel to the central axis X.

[0026] The shape of the second support 117 is not particularly limited, as long as it is connected to the lower end 100b of the main body 100 and at least a portion of it is inserted into the opening 115p. For example, the second support 117 includes a rod-shaped body extending parallel to the central axis X. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second support 117 may be a rod-shaped body extending parallel to the central axis X. If the second support 117 is a rod-shaped body, the contact area between the second support 117 and the main body 100 can be reduced, thereby suppressing heat transfer from the main body 100 to the second support 117. As a result, heat dissipation from the main body 100 to the outside can be suppressed.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the opening 115p and the lower support 117 may be located on the central axis X. The central axis of the opening 115p and the central axis of the lower support 117 may coincide with the central axis X. With such a configuration, for example, the amplification of load due to vibration during transport when the device is laid on its side is easily suppressed. As a result, stress concentration due to load during transport is reduced, and the occurrence of damage is further suppressed.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis X of the second support 117 may be circular. In this case, as shown in Figure 3, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis X of the opening 115p may also be circular. With such a configuration, for example, when the main body 100 expands downward due to thermal expansion during operation, the outer circumferential surface 117e of the second support 117 and the inner circumferential surface 115pi of the opening 115p are less likely to come into contact. However, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis X of the second support 117 and the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis X of the opening 115p are not limited to the example in Figure 3. For example, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis X of the second support 117 and the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis X of the opening 115p may be rectangular.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, in a cross section passing through and parallel to the central axis X, the width R115 of the opening 115p in the direction perpendicular to the central axis X is set appropriately according to the size of the hydrogen generator 200, for example. As an example, the width R115 can be in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm. Note that, as shown in Figure 3, if the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis X of the opening 115p is circular, the width R115 corresponds to the inner diameter of the opening 115p.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, in a cross-section passing through and parallel to the central axis X, the width R117 of the second support 117 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis X is appropriately set according to the size of the hydrogen generator 200, for example. As an example, the width R117 can be in the range of 3 mm to 9 mm. Note that, as shown in Figure 3, if the cross-sectional shape of the second support 117 perpendicular to the central axis X is circular, the width R117 corresponds to the outer diameter of the second support 117.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, in a cross-section passing through and parallel to the central axis X, the length L117 of the second support 117 in the direction parallel to the central axis X is appropriately set according to the size of the hydrogen generator 200, for example. As an example, the length L117 can be in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, in a cross-section passing through and parallel to the central axis X, the length L117a of the tip portion 117a of the second support 117 may be smaller than the length L117b of the rear portion 117b located on the lower end portion 100b side of the main body 100. With this configuration, the height of the hydrogen generator 200 can be reduced.

[0033] The ratio of length L117a to length L117, L117a / L117, can be in the range of, for example, 0.4 to 0.1.

[0034] Next, the main body 100 of the hydrogen generator 200 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the main body 100 comprises a heating section 110, a first partition wall 101, an inner cylinder 102, a second partition wall 103, and an outer cylinder 104. The first partition wall 101 is a cylindrical member that surrounds the heating section 110 in the circumferential direction. The inner cylinder 102 is a bottomed cylindrical member that surrounds the first partition wall 101 in the circumferential direction. The second partition wall 103 is a cylindrical member that surrounds the inner cylinder 102 in the circumferential direction. The outer cylinder 104 is a bottomed cylindrical member that surrounds the second partition wall 103 in the circumferential direction. The main body 100 has a four-layer shell structure.

[0035] In this embodiment, the main body 100 is a cylindrical member having a central axis X. The heating section 110, the first partition wall 101, the inner cylinder 102, the second partition wall 103, and the outer cylinder 104 are located on the central axis X.

[0036] The main body 100 further comprises an exhaust gas path 107, a raw material path 108, and a hydrogen-containing gas path 109. The exhaust gas path 107 is formed between the outer surface of the first partition wall 101 and the inner surface of the inner cylinder 102, and is a path that guides exhaust gas Ge from the bottom to the top of the main body 100 during operation. The raw material path 108 is formed between the outer surface of the inner cylinder 102 and the inner surface of the second partition wall 103, and is a path that guides raw material gas G0 and water W, which are raw materials, from the top to the bottom of the main body 100 during operation. The hydrogen-containing gas path 109 is formed between the outer surface of the second partition wall 103 and the inner surface of the outer cylinder 104, and is a path that guides hydrogen-containing gas G3 from the bottom to the top of the main body 100 during operation.

[0037] The main body 100 includes a reforming section 112 containing a reforming catalyst 112c filled in the space between the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 102 and the inner circumferential surface of the second partition wall 103.

[0038] As described above, the main body 100 is connected to the first support 116 together with the upper end 115a of the outer casing 115. The first support 116 is connected, for example, to the upper end of the first bulkhead 101 and the upper end of the inner cylinder 102.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the main body 100 further includes an exhaust gas outlet 121 connected to the downstream portion of the exhaust gas path 107. The exhaust gas outlet 121 is an opening for discharging exhaust gas Ge from the main body 100. The exhaust gas outlet 121 is provided above the main body 100 so as to penetrate the outer cylinder 104. As shown in Figure 1, an outlet pipe may be attached to the exhaust gas outlet 121 so as to protrude outward from the main body 100. The outlet pipe may extend inward from the outer cylinder 104 and be connected to the downstream portion of the exhaust gas path 107.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the main body 100 further includes a hydrogen-containing gas outlet 122 connected to the downstream portion of the hydrogen-containing gas path 109. The hydrogen-containing gas outlet 122 is an opening for discharging hydrogen-containing gas G3 from the main body 100. The hydrogen-containing gas outlet 122 is located above the main body 100, below the exhaust gas outlet 121, and penetrates the outer cylinder 104. As shown in Figure 1, an outlet pipe may be attached to the hydrogen-containing gas outlet 122 so as to protrude outward from the main body 100. The outlet pipe may extend inward from the outer cylinder 104 and be connected to the downstream portion of the hydrogen-containing gas path 109.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the main body 100 further includes a raw material gas inlet 120a connected to the uppermost part of the raw material path 108. The raw material gas inlet 120a is an opening for introducing raw material gas G0 into the main body 100. The raw material gas inlet 120a is provided above the main body 100 so as to penetrate the outer cylinder 104. As shown in Figure 1, an inlet pipe may be attached to the raw material gas inlet 120a so as to protrude outward from the main body 100. The inlet pipe may extend inward from the outer cylinder 104 and be connected to the uppermost part of the raw material path 108.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the main body 100 further includes a water inlet 120b connected to the upstream portion of the raw material path 108. The water inlet 120b is an opening for introducing water W into the main body 100. The water inlet 120b is located above the main body 100, below the raw material gas inlet 120a, and penetrates the outer cylinder 104. As shown in Figure 1, an inlet pipe may be attached to the water inlet 120b so as to protrude outward from the main body 100. The inlet pipe may extend inside the outer cylinder 104 and be connected to the upstream portion of the raw material path 108.

[0043] The upstream portion of the raw material path 108 has a spiral flow path. Water W evaporates as it flows through the spiral flow path. In other words, the upstream portion of the raw material path 108 functions as an evaporator. To put it another way, the main body 100 is equipped with an evaporator located upstream of the space between the outer surface of the inner cylinder 102 and the inner surface of the second partition wall 103.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 1, a coil-shaped member is placed in the upstream portion of the raw material path 108 to form a spiral path. As water W flows through the spiral path formed by the coil-shaped member, the water W evaporates into water vapor. The water vapor is mixed with the raw material gas G0 to obtain a mixed gas G1. The raw material gas G0 is, for example, a hydrocarbon gas such as city gas or liquefied petroleum gas.

[0045] However, the configuration of the upstream portion of the raw material path 108 is not limited to the example in Figure 1. For example, the upstream portion of the raw material path 108 may have a helical groove formed along the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the inner cylinder 102.

[0046] A reforming catalyst 112c is positioned in the downstream portion of the raw material path 108, constituting the reforming section 112. In other words, the main body 100 includes a reforming section 112 located downstream of the space between the outer surface of the inner cylinder 102 and the inner surface of the second partition wall 103.

[0047] The reforming unit 112 is a device for generating hydrogen gas by a reforming reaction such as a steam reforming reaction represented by the following formulas (1) and (2).

[0048] CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2···(1) CH4 + 2H2O → CO2 + 4H2···(2)

[0049] In the reforming section 112, the reforming reaction proceeds with the reforming catalyst 112c. The reforming section 112 uses a mixed gas G1, which is a mixture of water vapor and raw material gas G0, to generate a reformed gas G2 containing hydrogen gas.

[0050] The raw material path 108 communicates with the hydrogen-containing gas path 109 at the lower end of the inner cylinder 102. The hydrogen-containing gas path 109 is also called the return path because it constitutes a flow path that guides the reformed gas G2 from below to above.

[0051] The downstream portion of the hydrogen-containing gas path 109 is filled with a CO conversion catalyst 113c, forming a CO reduction section 113. In other words, the main body 100 includes a CO reduction section 113 located downstream of the space between the outer circumferential surface of the second partition wall 103 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 104.

[0052] The CO conversion catalyst 113c reduces carbon monoxide through a conversion reaction represented by the following formula (3). This conversion reaction represented by the following formula (3) is also called the CO shift reaction.

[0053] CO+H2O → CO2+H2...Equation (3)

[0054] The upstream portion of the hydrogen-containing gas path 109 is filled with a CO selective oxidation removal catalyst 114c, forming a CO removal section 114. In other words, the main body 100 includes a CO removal section 114 located upstream of the space between the outer circumferential surface of the second partition wall 103 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 104.

[0055] The CO selective oxidation removal catalyst 114c further reduces carbon monoxide through a selective oxidation reaction represented by the following formula (4).

[0056] 2CO+O2→ 2CO2...Equation (4)

[0057] The CO reduction unit 113 and the CO removal unit 114 reduce the carbon monoxide concentration to 0.1% or less, resulting in a hydrogen-rich hydrogen-containing gas G3.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the main body 100 further includes an air inlet 123 connected to the hydrogen-containing gas path 109, located downstream of the CO reduction section 113 and upstream of the CO removal section 114. The air inlet 123 is an opening for introducing air Ga into the main body 100. The air inlet 123 is located above the main body 100 and below the hydrogen-containing gas outlet 122, penetrating the outer cylinder 104. As shown in Figure 1, an inlet pipe may be attached to the air inlet 123 so as to protrude outward from the main body 100. The inlet pipe may extend inward from the outer cylinder 104 and be connected to the hydrogen-containing gas path 109. The air Ga supplied from the air inlet 123 is mixed with the reformed gas G2 upstream of the CO removal section 114.

[0059] The heating section 110 is located in the internal space of the first partition wall 101. The heating section 110 extends parallel to the central axis X. The heating section 110 includes an air intake port 110a, an air passage 110b, a combustible gas passage 110c, and a combustion section 110d. The combustion section 110d is located below the air intake port 110a. The air intake port 110a draws in air. The air passage 110b allows air to flow from top to bottom, from the air intake port 110a to the combustion section 110d. The combustible gas passage 110c allows combustible gas to flow from top to bottom, to the combustion section 110d. In the combustion section 110d, the air and combustible gas burn, forming a downward flame and generating exhaust gas Ge. In the example in Figure 1, the heating section 110 is a burner. The combustion section 110d is the opening of the burner. The combustible gases are, for example, residual hydrogen gas and unreacted feedstock gases emitted from fuel cells.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 1, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream portion corresponding to the reforming section 112 in the raw material path 108 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream portion corresponding to the evaporator. However, the configuration of the raw material path 108 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the hydrogen-containing gas path 109 corresponding to the CO reduction section 113 and the CO removal section 114 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the upstream section. However, the configuration of the hydrogen-containing gas path 109 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 1, a heat transfer buffer space 125 is provided between the raw material path 108 and the hydrogen-containing gas path 109 that constitutes the CO reduction section 113 and the CO removal section 114. The heat transfer buffer space 125 includes a lower space located below the throttling section 125a and an upper space located above the throttling section 125a. The lower space provides a heat transfer buffer between the evaporator and the CO reduction section 113. The upper space provides a heat transfer buffer between the evaporator and the CO removal section 114. However, the main body 100 does not necessarily have to be provided with a heat transfer buffer space 125. The configuration of the main body 100 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1.

[0063] For example, austenitic stainless steel and duplex stainless steel can be used as materials for the components constituting the main body 100. The components constituting the main body 100 include a first partition wall 101, an inner cylinder 102, a second partition wall 103, and an outer cylinder 104. By using the above materials, the main body 100 can be constructed at an economically reasonable cost. For these reasons, the above materials are suitable as materials for the components constituting the main body 100.

[0064] The materials of the outer casing 115, the first support 116, and the second support 117 may be the same as or different from the materials of the components constituting the main body 100. From the viewpoint of ensuring strength, it is desirable that the materials of the first support 116 and the second support 117 be austenitic stainless steel or duplex stainless steel.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, during operation, the hydrogen generator 200 may be used by being placed on, for example, a base 501. The height of the base 501 is greater than the length L117a of the tip 117a of the second support 117. This prevents the tip 117a of the second support 117 from coming into contact with the mounting surface.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, when transported on its side, the hydrogen generator 200 may be placed on a base 502, for example, and loaded onto a transport vehicle such as a truck. The height of the base 502 is, for example, greater than the length of the inlet and outlet pipes. This prevents the inlet and outlet pipes from coming into contact with the mounting surface.

[0067] (modified version) The configuration of the second support 117 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3. For example, the second support 117 may include a temperature sensor. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a modified hydrogen generation device. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part VI of Figure 5. In the hydrogen generation device 201 shown in Figure 5, the second support 117 includes a temperature sensor 118. With this configuration, the temperature of the reforming section 112 can be measured by the temperature sensor 118. With the hydrogen generation device 201, the second support 117 can be equipped with a temperature measurement function, eliminating the need for a separate temperature sensor. As a result, heat dissipation from the main body 100 can be suppressed compared to the case where a separate temperature sensor is provided, thus maintaining a high thermal utilization efficiency.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the temperature sensor 118 may include a sheathed tube 118a having an internal space and a thermocouple 118b disposed in the internal space of the sheathed tube 118a. In other words, the temperature sensor 118 may be a grounded sheathed thermocouple. With such a configuration, the temperature of the modification section 112 can be measured with a simple configuration.

[0069] A thermocouple 118b consists of two strands made of different types of metals joined together. The thermocouple 118b measures temperature by the thermoelectric power generated at the temperature of its junction. In a grounded sheathed thermocouple, the tip 118b1 of the thermocouple 118b is inserted into the internal space of the sheath tube 118a so as to contact the bottom 118a1 of the sheath tube 118a, forming a junction. Heat is measured by the bottom 118a1 of the sheath tube 118a where the junction is located. The internal space of the sheath tube 118a is filled with powdered inorganic insulator 118c to fill the gap with the thermocouple 118b. The inorganic insulator 118c is, for example, MgO. The open end 118a2 of the sheath tube 118a is closed, forming a through hole. Through the through hole, the thermocouple 118b is led out to the outside of the sheath tube 118a.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the sheath tube 118a and the thermocouple 118b may be located on the central axis X. The central axis of the sheath tube 118a and the central axis of the thermocouple 118b may coincide with the central axis X. The bottom portion 118a1 of the sheath tube 118a is positioned in contact with the outer surface 104e of the outer cylinder 104.

[0071] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the hydrogen generator 200, configured as described above, will be explained below with reference to Figures 1 and 4.

[0072] (While driving) As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen generator 200 in this embodiment is used with its central axis X parallel to the vertical during operation.

[0073] First, a combustible gas is burned in the heating section 110. This heats the first partition wall 101, the inner cylinder 102, the second partition wall 103, and the outer cylinder 104. The exhaust gas Ge from the heating section 110 is discharged to the outside of the main body 100 through the exhaust gas outlet 121 via the first exhaust gas path 106 and the second exhaust gas path 107.

[0074] Next, the raw material gas G0 and water W required to obtain the necessary amount of hydrogen in the main unit 100 are supplied to the raw material path 108 from the raw material gas inlet 120a and the water inlet 120b, respectively.

[0075] The water W supplied to the raw material path 108 evaporates into water vapor as it flows through the spiral path, due to heat transmitted through the outer surface of the first partition wall 101 and the inner surface of the inner cylinder 102. This vapor is then mixed with the raw material gas G0. This yields a mixed gas G1. In this way, the upstream portion of the raw material path 108 functions as an evaporator.

[0076] The mixed gas G1 is supplied to the reforming section 112, located downstream of the raw material path 108. In the reforming section 112, a steam reforming reaction proceeds with the reforming catalyst 112c. This yields reformed gas G2 containing hydrogen gas.

[0077] The reformed gas G2 flows into the hydrogen-containing gas pathway 109 and is first supplied to the CO reduction section 113. In the CO reduction section 113, a reformation reaction proceeds with the CO reformation catalyst 113c. Next, the reformed gas G2 is supplied to the CO removal section 114. In the CO removal section 114, a selective oxidation reaction proceeds with the CO selective oxidation removal catalyst 114c. This yields a hydrogen-containing gas G3 with a reduced carbon monoxide concentration.

[0078] The hydrogen-containing gas G3 is discharged to the outside of the main body 100 through the hydrogen-containing gas outlet 122. The discharged hydrogen-containing gas G3 is supplied to, for example, a fuel cell. The fuel cell generates electricity using an oxidizer gas and hydrogen gas. The fuel cell is, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

[0079] During operation, a gap exists between the outer surface 117e of the second support 117 and the inner surface 115pi of the opening 115p. Therefore, the main body 100 is supported as if suspended by the first support 116 and can expand downward due to heat without being hindered by the second support 117. As a result, deformation, cracking, and damage to the connection part between the main body 100 and the piping, and the components of the main body 100, due to thermal stress generated by thermal expansion are suppressed. In addition, the existence of the above gap suppresses the transfer of heat from the main body 100, which has become hot during operation, to the second support 117, and then to the outer casing 115. As a result, heat dissipation from the main body 100 to the outside is suppressed, and the thermal utilization efficiency of the main body 100 can be maintained at a high level.

[0080] (During transport) As shown in Figure 4, the hydrogen generator 200 may be loaded onto a transport vehicle such as a truck with its central axis X parallel to the horizontal, i.e., lying on its side, during transport.

[0081] When transported lying on its side, the outer surface 117e of the second support 117 abuts against the outer casing 115 at a portion of the inner surface 115pi of the opening 115p. Therefore, the upper part (left side in the figure) of the main body 100 is supported by the first support 116, and the lower part (right side in the figure) of the main body 100 is supported by the second support 117. As a result, stress concentration due to load at the connection point between the first support 116 and the main body 100 is suppressed.

[0082] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, added to, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in the above embodiment and its modifications.

[0083] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and may be modified, replaced, added, or omitted within the scope of the claims or equivalents.

[0084] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0085] (Technology 1) An exterior body with a bottom and an internal space, A main body, which is housed in the internal space of the outer casing and includes a reforming unit that generates hydrogen-containing gas from raw material gas and water, A first support connected to the upper end of the main body and the upper end of the outer casing, A second support connected to the lower end of the main body, Equipped with, The exterior body has an opening that penetrates the bottom, At least a portion of the second support is inserted into the opening. Hydrogen generator.

[0086] According to the hydrogen generation apparatus of Technology 1, damage caused by thermal stress resulting from thermal expansion during operation can be suppressed, as can damage caused by stress concentration due to load during transportation.

[0087] (Technology 2) The hydrogen generation apparatus is the hydrogen generation apparatus according to Technical 1, wherein, when the central axis of the hydrogen generation apparatus is positioned parallel to the horizontal direction, the outer circumferential surface of the second support and the inner circumferential surface of the opening come into contact. With such a configuration, damage caused by stress concentration due to load during transportation can be suppressed.

[0088] (Technology 3) The hydrogen generation apparatus according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein, when the central axis of the hydrogen generation apparatus is positioned parallel to the vertical direction, there is no contact portion where the outer surface of the second support and the inner surface of the opening come into contact. With such a configuration, damage caused by thermal stress generated by thermal expansion during operation can be suppressed.

[0089] (Technology 4) A hydrogen generation apparatus according to any one of the technologies 1 to 3, wherein a space exists between the lower end of the main body and the inner bottom of the outer casing. With such a configuration, for example, when the main body expands downward due to thermal expansion during operation, contact between the lower end of the main body and the inner bottom of the outer casing is avoided.

[0090] (Technology 5) The hydrogen generator according to any one of the technologies 1 to 4, wherein the second support includes a rod-shaped body extending parallel to the central axis of the hydrogen generator. With this configuration, the contact area between the second support and the main body can be reduced, thereby suppressing heat transfer from the main body to the second support. As a result, heat dissipation from the main body to the outside can be suppressed.

[0091] (Technology 6) The hydrogen generation apparatus according to Technical Reference 5, wherein the opening and the second support are located on the central axis. With such a configuration, for example, the amplification of load due to vibration during transport when the apparatus is laid on its side is easily suppressed. As a result, stress concentration due to load during transport is reduced, and the occurrence of damage is further suppressed.

[0092] (Technology 7) The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of the Art 1 to 6, wherein the second support includes a temperature sensor. With such a configuration, the temperature of the reforming section can be measured by the temperature sensor.

[0093] (Technology 8) The hydrogen production apparatus according to Technical Reference 7, wherein the temperature sensor includes a sheath tube having an internal space and a thermocouple disposed in the internal space of the sheath tube. With such a configuration, the temperature of the reforming section can be measured with a simple configuration. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] The hydrogen generation device described herein can be combined with fuel cell power generation devices, hydrogen purification systems, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 200,201 Hydrogen Generator 100 Main Unit 100a Upper end 100b Bottom end 100c outer part 101 1st bulkhead 102 Inner cylinder 103 Second bulkhead 104 Outer cylinder 104e External surface 107 Exhaust gas path 108 Raw material supply chain 109 Hydrogen-containing gas pathway 110 Heating section 110a air intake 110b Airflow channel 110c Flammable gas flow path 110d Combustion section 111 Insulation material 112 Modification section 112c Reforming catalyst 113 CO Reduction Section 113c CO-modified catalyst 114 CO removal section 114c CO selective oxidation removal catalyst 115 Exterior 115a Upper end 115b bottom 115bi inner bottom 115c inner part 115p aperture 115pi inner surface 116 1st support 117 Second support 117a Tip 117b Rear end 117e Outer surface 118 Temperature Sensor 118a Sheathed tube 118a1 bottom 118a2 open end 118b Thermocouple 118b1 Tip 118c Inorganic insulator 119 Contact part 120a Raw material gas inlet 120b water inlet 121 Exhaust gas outlet 122 Hydrogen-containing gas outlet 123 Air Inlet 125 Heat transfer buffer space 125a Aperture section SP1,SP2 space X center axis Exhaust gas Ga Air G0 raw material gas W water G1 mixed gas G2 reformed gas G3 Hydrogen-containing gas

Claims

1. An exterior body with a bottom and an internal space, A main body, which is housed in the internal space of the outer casing and includes a reforming unit that generates hydrogen-containing gas from raw material gas and water, A first support connected to the upper end of the main body and the upper end of the outer casing, A second support connected to the lower end of the main body, Equipped with, The exterior body has an opening that penetrates the bottom, At least a portion of the second support is inserted into the opening. Hydrogen generator.

2. The hydrogen generating device has a contact portion in which the outer circumferential surface of the second support and the inner circumferential surface of the opening come into contact when the central axis of the hydrogen generating device is positioned parallel to the horizontal direction. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The hydrogen generation device does not have a contact portion where the outer surface of the second support and the inner surface of the opening come into contact when the central axis of the hydrogen generation device is positioned parallel to the vertical direction. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.

4. A space exists between the lower end of the main body and the inner bottom of the outer casing. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The second support includes a rod-shaped body extending parallel to the central axis of the hydrogen generator, The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The opening and the second support are located on the central axis, The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The second band includes a temperature sensor, The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The temperature sensor includes a sheath tube having an internal space and a thermocouple disposed in the internal space of the sheath tube. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 7.

Images