Drainage structure and fuel cell device

Abstract

To provide a highly reliable drain structure which prevents a situation that leads to failure and stop of a device even when drainage is not discharged in a normal manner.SOLUTION: A drainage discharge structure includes a drain joint 60 for connecting a drain passage 25 in which drainage circulates with a pipe 70. The drain joint 60 has an inner insertion cylinder part 61, into which the drain passage 25 is inserted, at one end side and has a pipe connection part 62, with which the pipe 70 is connected, at the other end side and connects the drain passage 25 with the pipe 70 without causing direct contact between the drain passage 25 and the pipe 70. On a bottom surface of the inner insertion cylinder part 61, a drain hole 63 is formed closer to the exterior case 50 side than an end surface of the drain passage 25, and drainage can be discharged from the drain hole 63 even if the pipe 70 is clogged by refuse. The structure prevents drainage from flowing back into a device to prevent failure related to discharge of drainage from affecting the device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drainage structure for discharging drainage generated inside the device, and to a fuel cell device equipped with this drainage structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuel cell devices are known that generate electricity using a hydrogen-containing fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas (air) and supply the electricity to an external source. Such fuel cell devices generate drainage during power generation, and are equipped with a mechanism for discharging the generated drainage to the outside of the device.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, exhaust gas is generated by power generation in a fuel cell module. The exhaust gas is introduced into a heat exchanger and cooled by heat exchange with circulating hot water. Water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is condensed to form condensed water, which is then collected from the water purifier through a condensed water supply pipe into a reforming water tank. After the condensed water has been collected, the exhaust gas passes through an exhaust pipe and is discharged to the outside of the housing through a combustion exhaust gas exhaust port. A drain pipe is provided in the exhaust pipe, branching off from the downstream side of the heat exchanger, and the drain pipe is configured to communicate with a water receiving member of the reforming water tank. Drain water from the drain pipe and reforming water overflowing from the reforming water tank flow into the water receiving member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-057438 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this configuration, the drainage collected in the water receiving member is drained to the outside of the housing through a drain pipe. However, if the drain pipe becomes clogged with debris or the water pipe becomes deformed, the drainage cannot be discharged to the outside of the housing. If the fuel cell device continues to operate without noticing the drainage abnormality, the drainage will overflow from the water receiving member, causing adverse effects such as an abnormal shutdown of the device.

[0006] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a highly reliable drainage structure that will not cause a situation that leads to equipment failure or shutdown even if drainage is not performed normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention includes a drainage flow path through which drainage generated inside the device flows; a drain joint attached to a side surface of an exterior case constituting the device and connecting the drain flow path to a pipe outside the device; The drain joint has an inserting cylindrical portion at one end into which the drain flow path is inserted, and a piping connection portion at the other end to which the piping is connected, A drain hole is formed on the bottom surface of the inner insertion tube portion from the end surface of the drain flow path toward the outer case. 、 An air hole is formed on the side surface of the inner tube portion from the end face of the drainage flow path toward the outer case. It is a drainage structure.

[0008] The present invention also provides a fuel cell device equipped with a drainage structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] By configuring as described above, even if it becomes difficult to discharge the drain from the piping due to clogging or deformation of the piping, the drain can be discharged from the drain joint, so that it does not cause any situation that could lead to equipment failure or shutdown, resulting in a highly reliable drainage structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a fuel cell device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drainage structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal shape of a drainage joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below, showing the operation of the present invention.

[0012] The present invention provides a drainage structure including a drainage joint that connects a drainage flow path through which drainage generated inside an apparatus flows and a pipe that discharges the drainage outside the apparatus. The drainage joint has an inner cylindrical portion at one end into which the drainage flow path is inserted and a pipe connection portion at the other end to which the pipe is connected, so that the drainage flow path and the external pipe are connected without direct contact. The drainage joint also has a drainage hole formed in the bottom surface of the inner cylindrical portion, closer to the outer case than the end surface of the drainage flow path. Therefore, even if the external pipe becomes clogged with debris or deformed and cannot discharge drainage normally, the drainage can be discharged through the hole in the bottom surface of the joint. This prevents drainage from flowing back into the apparatus, thereby preventing problems related to drainage from adversely affecting the apparatus.

[0013] Furthermore, since the drain joint is inclined downward from one end to the other end, the drain discharged from the drain passage can be naturally directed toward the external piping.

[0014] The inner insertion tube portion is also provided with a retaining portion that forms a gap between the drainage flow path and the inner circumferential surface of the inner insertion tube portion to hold the drainage flow path. If the drainage flow path comes into contact with the inner surface of the drainage joint, surface tension may act, causing condensate that flows out of the drainage flow path to flow directly out the drain hole. Therefore, the retaining portion prevents the drainage flow path from coming into contact with the inner surface of the drainage joint. This prevents condensate from flowing out of the drain hole of the joint under normal conditions and ensures that it is reliably discharged from the external piping.

[0015] The inner tube portion is also provided with a correction portion that corrects the direction of the drainage flow path so that it slopes downward, thereby ensuring that the drain that has passed through the drainage flow path can be reliably guided to the drainage joint.

[0016] The drain joint is also provided with a restricting portion that restricts the insertion length of the drain passage, thereby preventing the end of the drain passage from being sealed off and ensuring that the drain can flow out reliably.

[0017] In addition, an air hole is formed on the side of the inner tube portion, closer to the outer case than the end face of the drainage flow path. A drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the drainage joint, and there is a risk of air being blown in through this drainage hole. However, the air blown in through the drainage hole escapes through this air hole, preventing drainage from returning to the device due to the pressure of the blown in air.

[0018] Furthermore, by using the drainage structure in a fuel cell device, the generated drainage can be efficiently discharged outside the device, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel cell device. [Example]

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drainage structure of the present disclosure can be applied to any device that generates drainage inside. In the following, a fuel cell device will be described as an example of a device equipped with the drainage structure.

[0020] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a fuel cell device. The fuel cell device 100 includes a fuel cell module 1, and a plurality of accessories for operating the fuel cell module 1, such as a first heat exchanger 2, a heat storage tank 3, a condensed water tank 4, a radiator 5, an air supply device 14, a fuel supply device 15, and a reforming water supply device 16, are housed in an exterior case 50. It is not necessary to house all of the above-mentioned devices within the exterior case 50; for example, the first heat exchanger 2 and the heat storage tank 3 may be provided outside the exterior case 50. It is also possible to omit some of the above-mentioned devices in a fuel cell device.

[0021] The fuel cell module 1 is constructed by housing, inside a box-shaped storage container 10, a fuel cell 11 that generates electricity using fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas, and a reformer 12 that generates fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 11.

[0022] The configuration of the fuel cell 11 is not particularly limited, but may have, for example, a cell stack structure in which a plurality of fuel cell units are arranged. The fuel cell 11 having a cell stack structure is constructed, for example, by fixing the lower end of each fuel cell unit to a manifold using an insulating bonding material such as a glass sealant.

[0023] The reformer 12 steam reforms raw fuel gas such as natural gas or LP gas to generate fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 11. The reformer 12 is connected to a fuel supply device 15 that supplies the raw fuel gas and a reforming water supply device 16 that supplies reforming water, and the raw fuel gas and the reforming water undergo a reforming reaction in the heated reformer 12 to generate fuel gas containing hydrogen.

[0024] The fuel cell 11 is supplied with fuel gas produced in the reformer 12 and air (oxygen-containing gas) introduced by the air supply device 14. As the fuel gas passes through the fuel cell, it reacts with the oxygen-containing gas to generate electricity. The fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas that are not used for power generation join together at the top of the fuel cell 11 and are burned. This combustion of the fuel gas generates high-temperature exhaust gas, which heats the reformer 12. The exhaust gas produced in this way within the fuel cell module 1 is supplied to the first heat exchanger 2.

[0025] The first heat exchanger 2 is connected to a heat storage tank 3, a heat medium pump P1, and a radiator 5 via piping, forming a first heat medium circulation line HC1. A heat medium is introduced into this first heat medium circulation line HC1, and in the first heat exchanger 2, heat exchange occurs between this heat medium and the exhaust gas, heating the heat medium. Water or the like can be used as the heat medium, and the heat storage tank 3 stores the heat medium whose temperature has been increased by heat exchange. The heat medium stored in the heat storage tank 3 is sent to the radiator 5 to be cooled, and then exchanges heat with the exhaust gas again in the first heat exchanger 2 before returning to the heat storage tank 3. As a result, high-temperature heat medium is stored in the heat storage tank 3 from the top, forming a temperature stratification.

[0026] In addition, a condensed water tank 4 is connected to the first heat exchanger 2 via a condensed water recovery path 20. When the exhaust gas generated in the fuel cell module 1 is cooled by heat exchange, the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is separated into drainage water and gas, and the separated drainage water is collected in the condensed water tank 4 through the condensed water recovery path 20. In the condensed water tank 4, the collected drainage water is purified by removing impurities through an ion exchanger (not shown) or the like. The purified drainage water is supplied to the reformer 12 by the water supply device 16 and used as reforming water. Meanwhile, the gas from which the moisture has been removed passes through the exhaust path 21 and is then discharged to the outside of the exterior case 50.

[0027] A drainage flow path 25 is connected to the condensed water tank 4. Drainage that overflows from the condensed water tank 4 passes through the drainage flow path 25 and is discharged to the outside of the exterior case 50. A drainage joint 60 is attached to the side of the exterior case 50, and this drainage joint 60 connects the drainage flow path 25 to a pipe 70 outside the fuel cell device 100. The pipe 70 is connected to a sewage manhole in the house, and the drainage passes through the pipe 70 and is discharged into the sewage manhole.

[0028] The fuel supply device 15 that supplies raw fuel to the reformer 12 is provided with accessories such as a first solenoid valve V1, a pressure sensor PS, a desulfurizer DS, a gas flow meter FM1, a fuel pump B1, and a second solenoid valve V2 on a raw fuel flow path 22 that is connected to a fuel supply source. The reforming water supply device 16 that supplies reforming water to the reformer 12 is provided with accessories such as a reforming water pump P3 on a reforming water flow path 23 that is connected to the condensed water tank 4. The air supply device 14 that supplies oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module 1 is provided with accessories such as an air flow meter FM2 and a blower B2 on an oxygen-containing gas flow path 24. Note that the accessories listed here are merely examples, and the configuration may include other accessories.

[0029] Furthermore, the fuel cell device 100 is provided with a control device 30 that controls the operation of various devices, as well as a power supply adjustment unit (power conditioner) 40 that converts the DC power generated by the fuel cell module 1 into AC power and adjusts the amount of the converted electricity supplied to an external load.

[0030] The fuel cell device 100 may also include a second heat exchanger 6, a heat pump P2 that circulates the heat medium from the heat storage tank 3, and a second heat medium circulation line HC2 that includes piping connecting these. In the second heat medium circulation line HC2, tap water supplied from the outside via a supply flow path 26 is heated in the second heat exchanger 6 using the high-temperature heat medium stored in the heat storage tank 3. The heated water can be supplied to a reheating device such as an external water heater via a supply flow path 27. The fuel cell device 100 may be a so-called monogeneration system that does not supply hot water to the outside.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drainage structure of this embodiment, Fig. 3 is an external perspective view of the drainage joint, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the internal shape of the drainage joint. The drainage joint 60 is attached to the side of the outer case 50 with screws or the like, and connects the drainage flow path 25 extending from the inside of the fuel cell device 100 to piping 70 outside the fuel cell device 100. The drainage flow path 25 is fixed to the outer case 50 with a fixing member 51 made of resin.

[0032] The drainage flow path 25 is connected to one end 60a of the drainage joint 60, and the piping 70 is connected to the other end 60b. The drainage joint 60 of this embodiment is molded in a shape consisting of multiple cylindrical sections with different outer diameters connected together, and has a large-diameter inner insertion cylindrical section 61 and a small-diameter pipe connection section 62. The drainage flow path 25 is inserted inside the inner insertion cylindrical section 61, and the piping 70 is connected to the outside of the pipe connection section 62. The pipe connection section 62 has a male screw with a thread formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical section, and can be connected to a female screw provided on the pipe. Note that the drainage joint 60 is only required to be arranged so that the drainage flow path 25 and the piping 70 do not come into direct contact with each other; the diameter of the pipe connection section 62 may be increased so that the piping 70 is inserted inside.

[0033] The drain joint 60 is inclined downward from one end 60a to the other end 60b. The drain that flows through the drain flow path 25 drips into the drain joint 60, flows into the pipe 70 via the pipe connection part 62, and is then drained to the outside.

[0034] A drain hole 63 is provided on the bottom surface of the inner insertion tube portion 61. As shown in FIG. 2, this drain hole 63 is provided closer to the outer case 50 than the end surface 25a of the drain flow path 25. If the piping 70 becomes clogged with debris or deformed and the condensate cannot be discharged normally, the condensate can be discharged through this drain hole 63. This prevents the condensate from flowing back into the device, thereby preventing problems related to the condensate discharge from adversely affecting the device. Furthermore, if it is discovered that condensate is flowing from the drain hole 63, the piping 70 can be checked for any abnormalities and the cause of the abnormality can be removed to restore the device to a normal state.

[0035] The drain hole 63 is rectangular and extends to one end 60a of the drain joint 60. The hole may have any of a variety of shapes, such as a circle or an oval. A plurality of holes may also be provided.

[0036] Furthermore, the drain joint 60 has a side wall 64 extending downward from the drain hole 63. The side wall 64 has a rounded portion 64a, and this rounded portion 64a is disposed so that it is at its lowest position, so that the drainage water flowing out from the drain hole 63 runs down the side wall 64 and drips from the tip of the rounded portion 64a. This prevents the drainage water from soiling the exterior case 50. The side wall 64 also serves as a windbreak that prevents wind from blowing in through the drain hole 63.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the drain joint 60 has a plurality of ribs 651, 652, 653 formed on the inside thereof so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface.

[0038] The rib 651 is a retaining portion that holds the drainage flow path 25 so that the drainage flow path 25 does not come into contact with the inner surface of the drainage joint 60. If the bottom of the drainage flow path 25 comes into contact with the inner surface of the drainage joint 60, surface tension will come into play, and drainage may flow out from the drain hole 63 even though there is no abnormality in the piping 70. Therefore, to prevent this, the retaining portion 651 is provided to prevent the drainage flow path 25 from coming into contact with the inner surface of the drainage joint 60. The retaining portion 651 is provided below the drainage flow path 25 in the inner insertion tube portion 61, and this retaining portion 651 forms a gap between the drainage flow path 25 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner insertion tube portion 61.

[0039] The rib 652 is a correction portion that corrects the orientation of the drainage flow path 25 so that it slopes downward. The correction portion 652 is provided above the drainage flow path 25 in the inner insertion tube portion 61. When the drainage flow path 25 is inserted into the inner insertion tube portion 61, its end is directed downward by abutting against the correction portion 652. This allows the drain that has passed through the drainage flow path 25 to be reliably guided to the drainage joint 60.

[0040] The rib 653 is a restricting portion that restricts the insertion length of the drainage flow path 25. The restricting portion 653 is provided on the pipe connection portion 62. It prevents the end face 25a of the drainage flow path 25 inserted into the inner tube portion 61 from being sealed, allowing the drain to flow out reliably. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 653 is provided on the pipe connection portion 62, but it may also be provided on the inner tube portion 61.

[0041] An air hole 66 is formed on the side of the inner tube portion 61. A drain hole 63 is provided at the bottom of the drain fitting 60, and if air blows in through this drain hole 63, the wind pressure may push the drain back into the device. The air hole 66 is provided to avoid this. In other words, the wind blowing in through the drain hole 63 can be released through this air hole 66, preventing the drain from being pushed back into the device by wind pressure. In addition, it is preferable to provide the air hole 66 closer to the outer case 50 than the end face 25a of the drain flow path 25. This prevents the air blown in from the drain hole 63 from passing through the air hole 66 on the side without interfering with the discharge of the drain.

[0042] Furthermore, flat surfaces 67 made of lattice-like ribs are provided on both sides of the drainage joint 60. When holding the drainage joint 60 with a tool, the flat surfaces 67 can be clamped with the tool, making it easier to install the piping 70. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Fuel Cell Module 11 Fuel Cell 25 Drainage channel 50 outer case 60 Drainage joint 61 Inner cylinder part 62 Piping connection 63 Drain hole 651 Holding part 652 Correction Unit 653 Regulatory Department 66 Air vent 70 Piping

Claims

1. a drainage flow path through which drainage generated inside the device flows; a drain joint attached to a side surface of an exterior case constituting the device and connecting the drain flow path to a pipe outside the device; The drain joint has an inserting cylindrical portion at one end into which the drain flow path is inserted, and a piping connection portion at the other end to which the piping is connected, a drain hole is formed in the bottom surface of the inner insertion tube portion closer to the outer case than the end surface of the drain flow path; A drainage structure in which an air hole is formed on the side surface of the inner insertion tube portion closer to the outer case than the end face of the drainage flow path.

2. 2. The drain structure according to claim 1, wherein the drain joint is inclined downward from the one end side to the other end side.

3. The drainage structure according to claim 2, wherein the inner cylindrical portion is provided with a holding portion that holds the drainage flow path by forming a gap between the drainage flow path and the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion.

4. The drainage structure according to claim 3, wherein the inner cylindrical portion is provided with a correcting portion for correcting the direction of the drainage flow path so that the drainage flow path is inclined downward.

5. 5. The drain structure according to claim 4, wherein the drain joint is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the insertion length of the drain passage.

6. a fuel cell module including a fuel cell that generates electricity using a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas; A fuel cell device comprising the drainage structure for a drain according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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