fuel cell device

Abstract

To provide a fuel battery device which is safe and stable when the device is carried.SOLUTION: A plurality of supporting members 60 extending in a shorter direction of a bottom plate 51 are attached to the lower surface of the bottom plate 51 of a housing 50. The bottom plate 51 includes: a first step part 511 formed in both end parts in a longer direction and located above the region surrounding the first step part; and a second step part 512 between the supporting members 60. The first step part 511 serves to ensure a space for a hand to put under the bottom plate 51 when a fuel battery device is carried, and the supporting member 60 and the second step part 512 can reinforce the bottom plate 51. The safety and the stability when the fuel battery device is carried are thus excellent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell device. [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 device. Such fuel cell devices generally include multiple components that make up the system within a housing. The housing is rectangular and includes a bottom plate, a top panel, and multiple side panels. The bottom plate is fitted with installation legs that are secured to the installation location using bolts or other fasteners.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a housing provided with an attachment portion that allows selective attachment and detachment of a fixing piece for fixing the housing to an installation location or a handle for supporting the housing when transporting it. When transporting the housing, attaching a handle to the attachment portion makes it easier to support the housing, improving portability. On the other hand, when fixing the housing, the fixing piece can be attached to the attachment portion of the housing, allowing the fixing piece to extend from the housing. Then, by fixing this fixing piece to the installation location, the housing can be fixed to the installation location. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-160391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the above-described configuration, when transporting the fuel cell device, it is necessary to attach a handle, which is troublesome, and there is also a risk that the housing may be accidentally damaged when attaching the handle.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a fuel cell device that is safe and stable during transportation without requiring any troublesome work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a fuel cell device in which a fuel cell module that generates electricity using a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas is disposed in a housing having a top panel, a plurality of side panels, and a bottom plate, A plurality of support members extending in a short direction of the bottom plate are attached to a lower surface of the bottom plate, The bottom plate is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction and positioned above the periphery. When the bottom plate is brought into contact with the ground, a space is formed between the bottom plate and the ground where a hand can fit. a first step portion formed between the support members and a second step portion formed between the support members, A detachable anchor mounting member is provided through which an anchor bolt is inserted and fixed to the foundation, the anchor mounting member has a grounding portion having an insertion portion for the anchor bolt, a bent portion continuous with the grounding portion and having at least an L-shape, and a protruding piece portion extending upward from the bent portion, The bent portion is engaged with the support member, and the protruding piece is fitted into a hole provided in the bottom plate. It is a fuel cell device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] With the above-described configuration, a space is secured under the bottom plate for inserting hands during transportation, resulting in a fuel cell device that is safe and stable during transportation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a fuel cell device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the housing of the fuel cell device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the bottom of the housing as seen from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a support member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 shows an anchor attachment member. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the attached state of the anchor attachment member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below, showing the operation of the present invention.

[0011] The present invention is a fuel cell device having a fuel cell module in a housing, in which a plurality of support members extending in the short direction of the bottom plate are attached to the underside of the bottom plate that constitutes the housing, and the bottom plate has first step portions formed at both longitudinal ends and positioned higher than the surrounding area, and second step portions formed between the support members. The first step portions ensure space under the bottom plate to fit hands during transport, and the support members and second step portions can reinforce the bottom plate, resulting in a fuel cell device that is safe and stable during transport.

[0012] The support member also has an extension that extends along the first step, and the extension has a convex portion that is convex downward. When a hand is placed under the bottom plate during transportation of the fuel cell device, the hand is caught on the convex portion, which acts as an anti-slip device. By providing the support member with an anti-slip function, safety and stability during transportation can be improved.

[0013] The anchor mounting member has a grounding portion having an insertion portion for the anchor bolt, a bent portion continuous with the grounding portion and having at least an L-shape, and a protruding piece extending upward from the bent portion, the bent portion engaging with the support member and the protruding piece fitting into a hole provided in the bottom plate. This allows the anchor mounting member to be attached and detached without using screws or the like, improving the workability of the installation work. [Example]

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a fuel cell device according to this embodiment. 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 a housing 50. It is not necessary to house all of the above-mentioned devices within the housing 50; for example, the first heat exchanger 2 and the heat storage tank 3 may be provided outside the housing 50. It is also possible to omit some of the above-mentioned devices in a fuel cell device.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 water and gas, and the separated water is recovered in the condensed water tank 4 through the condensed water recovery path 20. In the condensed water tank 4, the recovered water is purified by removing impurities through an ion exchanger (not shown) or the like. The purified water is supplied to the reformer 12 by the water supply device 16 and used as reforming water. Meanwhile, the gas from which the water has been removed passes through the exhaust path 21 and is then discharged to the outside of the housing 50.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 25 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 26. The fuel cell device 100 may be a so-called monogeneration system that does not supply hot water to the outside.

[0025] Next, the detailed structure of the housing 50 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 8. For the sake of explanation, the fuel cell module 1 and auxiliary equipment housed in the housing 50 may be omitted from the following figures.

[0026] 2 is an exploded view of the housing of the fuel cell device of this embodiment. The housing 50 of the fuel cell device 100 is rectangular parallelepiped and includes a bottom plate 51, a top panel 52, and multiple side panels 53 to 56. The side panels include a left side panel 53, a right side panel 54, a front panel 55, and a rear panel 56, and the bottom plate 51 and each of the panels 52 to 56 are formed by bending sheet metal members. Each of the panels 52 to 56 may be made from a single member, or may be made by combining multiple members in advance.

[0027] A maintenance surface for performing maintenance is set in advance on the fuel cell device 100. The top panel 52 and some of the side panels 53 to 56 are maintenance panels that are removed during maintenance.

[0028] The right side panel 54 is made up of an upper panel 541 and a lower panel 542. The upper panel 541 has an openable cover 541a, and removing this cover 541a makes it possible to operate the power switch and breaker switch of the fuel cell device 100. During maintenance, the upper panel 541 can be removed alone, while the lower panel 542 remains attached. The panel that can be removed during maintenance is not limited to the above-mentioned upper panel 541; other panels can also be designed to be removable. Furthermore, pipes for fuel, water, etc. are connected to the lower panel 542 via joints.

[0029] Auxiliary devices are disposed on the bottom plate 51, and side panels 53 to 56 are attached to the bottom plate 51. The fuel cell device 100 of this embodiment does not include a frame for supporting the side panels 53 to 56, and the housing 50 can be assembled by assembling the side panels 53 to 56 to the bottom plate 51.

[0030] The procedure for assembling the housing 50 will now be described. First, the left side panel 53 and the right side panel 54 are attached to the bottom plate 51. Because the left side panel 53 and the right side panel 54 are short in width, they can be relatively stable simply by engaging them with the bottom plate 51 without being secured with screws or the like. Then, the front panel 55 and the rear panel 56 are engaged with the bottom plate 51 and then with the previously assembled left side panel 53 and right side panel 54. Because the front panel 55 and the rear panel 56 are long in width, it is difficult to stabilize them simply by engaging the bottoms, but they can be stabilized by engaging their both sides with other panels. Then, with the side panels engaged with the bottom plate 51, the side panels 53 to 56 are secured in place with screws or the like. Finally, the top panel 52 is attached.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a view of the housing as seen from below. Support members 60 extending in the short direction of the bottom plate 51 are attached to the underside of the bottom plate 51. The support members 60 are used to reinforce the bottom plate 51 and to secure it to the foundation during installation. One support member 60 is provided at each end of the bottom plate 51 in the longitudinal direction, and they are arranged so as not to protrude from the bottom plate 51. Support members 60 need only be provided in at least two locations, at both ends of the bottom plate 51, and additional support members 60 can be placed as needed to ensure reinforcement and stability during installation. Anchor mounting members 70 are detachably attached to both ends of the support member 60. Details of the anchor mounting members 70 will be described later.

[0032] 4 is a side view of the bottom plate. First step portions 511 located higher than the surrounding area are formed by drawing at both longitudinal ends of the bottom plate 51. The first step portions 511 extend toward the outside of the support member 60, and a space S shown by the dashed line is formed between the ground and the first step portions 511.

[0033] When transporting the fuel cell device 100 to the installation location, it is preferable that the housing 50 has a place to hold onto for stable transportation. Furthermore, it is even better if a part of the housing 50 can be used as a handle rather than attaching a handle to the housing 50. Therefore, in the present invention, a first step 511 is formed on the bottom plate 51 of the housing 50, and a space S is formed between this first step 511 and the ground. When transporting the fuel cell device 100, two workers can stand on the left side panel 53 and the right side panel 54, respectively, and insert their hands into this first step 511 from below to lift it up. Furthermore, due to the space S, there is no risk of their hands getting caught between the fuel cell device 100 and the ground when it is set down, allowing for safe transportation.

[0034] 3 and 4, a second step portion 512 is formed on the bottom plate 51 between the two support members 60 by drawing. Providing the second step portion 512 increases the strength of the bottom plate 51. In the bottom plate 51 of this embodiment, the second step portion 512 is formed by recessing so that it is lower than the surrounding area, but it may also be formed so that it is higher than the surrounding area. Furthermore, the number of second step portions 512 is not limited to one, and multiple second step portions 512 may be arranged. Furthermore, the shape is not limited to that of this embodiment, and can be set as appropriate.

[0035] If the second step portion 512 is formed by recessing it, a small hole for draining water can be provided on the bottom surface of the second step portion 512, so that water that accumulates on the bottom plate 51 can be discharged outside the housing 50 through this small hole.

[0036] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the bottom of the housing as viewed from below, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the support member. The support member 60 includes a bottom wall 61 that contacts the installation surface and first side wall portions 62 (62a, 62b) bent upward from both ends of the bottom wall portion 61 in the short direction, and is formed in a generally U-shape. One of the first side wall portions 62a has extension portions 63 at both ends, with the upper end bent outward, and the extension portions 63 extend along a first step portion 511 formed in the bottom plate 51. The end of the extension portion 63 has a downwardly protruding protrusion 64. The other first side wall portion 62b has a flange portion 65 bent outward from the upper end. Note that the flange portion 65 can also be provided on one of the first side wall portions 62a at a position where the extension portions 63 are not provided.

[0037] The support member 60 is attached to the bottom plate 51 by fixing the extension portion 63 and the flange portion 65 to the bottom plate 51. Various methods can be used for fixing, such as screwing, welding, or crimping, but in this embodiment, the members are joined using TOX (registered trademark), which is a type of crimping joint. TOX allows metal plates to be joined without using joining materials such as rivets, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0038] The aforementioned protrusions 64 act as an anti-slip surface. When the fuel cell device 100 is transported and a hand is placed under the bottom plate 51, the protrusions 64 catch the hand, preventing the hand from slipping off. By providing the support member 60 with an anti-slip function in this way, safety and stability during transportation can be improved.

[0039] Anchor mounting members 70 are detachably attached to both ends of the support member 60. The fuel cell device 100 is fixed to the foundation by inserting anchor bolts into the anchor mounting members 70. Because the anchor mounting members 70 protrude outward from the outer shape of the bottom plate 51, they are not attached when transporting the fuel cell device 100, but are attached when securing it to the installation location. In order to install the fuel cell device 100, it may be necessary to pass through narrow passages, such as between houses, and if there are members protruding from the outer shape of the bottom plate 51, they may come into contact with and scratch the surrounding walls. Therefore, transporting the device without attaching the anchor mounting members 70 prevents scratches on the surrounding surfaces. The support member 60 is designed so that it does not protrude from the outer shape of the bottom plate 51, so the above-mentioned problem does not occur.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an anchor mounting member. The anchor mounting member 70 has a grounding portion 71 that contacts the foundation, an L-shaped bent portion 72 that extends upward from the grounding portion 71, and a protruding piece portion 73 that extends further upward from the bent portion 72. The grounding portion 71 has a U-shaped cutout formed therein to form an insertion portion 711 for inserting an anchor bolt. In this embodiment, the bent portion 72 is formed in an L-shape with an upright portion 721 and a horizontal portion 722, but it is sufficient if it has a portion bent into an L-shape. The anchor mounting member 70 is attached to the support member 60 by engaging the bent portion 72 with the support member 60 and fitting the protruding piece portion 73 into a hole provided in the bottom plate.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the attached state of the anchor mounting member. The support member 60 has a second side wall 66 formed by bending an end of the bottom wall 61 upward. This second side wall 66 has a through-hole 67 through which the horizontal portion 722 of the anchor mounting member 70 passes, and the bottom plate 51 of the housing 50 has a fitting hole 513 into which the protruding piece 73 fits. When attaching the anchor mounting member 70, the horizontal portion 722 is tilted and inserted into the through-hole 67. When the upright portion 721 abuts against the second side wall 66, the horizontal portion 722 is horizontalized, and the protruding piece 73 fits into the fitting hole 513. This positions the anchor mounting member 70. Then, by inserting an anchor bolt into the through-hole 711 and fastening it to the foundation, the anchor mounting member 70 is fixed and will not come off the support member 60. In this way, the anchor mounting member 70 can be easily attached without using screws or other fasteners. In addition, removal can be easily performed by following the reverse procedure, making it easy to work with. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 51 Bottom plate 511 First step 512 Second step 513 Fitting hole 52 Top panel 53~56 Side panels 60 Support member 63 Extension section 64 Convex part 70 Anchor mounting member 71 Grounding part 711 Insertion part 72 Bend 73 Projection part

Claims

1. A fuel cell device in which a fuel cell module for generating electricity using a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas is disposed in a housing having a top panel, a plurality of side panels, and a bottom plate, A plurality of support members extending in a short direction of the bottom plate are attached to a lower surface of the bottom plate, The bottom plate has first step portions formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction and positioned higher than the surrounding area, forming a space between the bottom plate and the ground where a hand can fit when the bottom plate is brought into contact with the ground, and second step portions formed between the support members, A detachable anchor mounting member is provided through which an anchor bolt is inserted and fixed to the foundation, the anchor mounting member has a grounding portion having an insertion portion for the anchor bolt, a bent portion continuous with the grounding portion and having at least an L-shape, and a protruding piece portion extending upward from the bent portion, The bent portion is engaged with the support member, and the protruding piece is fitted into a hole provided in the bottom plate.

2. the support member includes an extension portion extending along the first step portion, 2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the extension has a downwardly protruding portion.

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