Fluid supply device

Abstract

To provide a fluid supply device which has a double pipe structure, supplies water and raw fuel to a reformer, and is excellent in processability and assemblability.SOLUTION: A fluid supply device includes: a distribution pipe 60 having a double pipe structure comprising an inner pipe 61 and an outer pipe 62; and a connection joint 70 which connects a raw fuel supply device 15 and a water supply device 16 to the distribution pipe 60. The connection joint 70 includes: a joint body 71 formed with a distribution pipe insertion passage 74 into which the distribution pipe 60 is inserted; a seal member 73 which is disposed within the distribution pipe insertion passage 74 and seals the outer pipe 62 and the distribution pipe insertion passage 74; and a fitting member 72 which is fitted in one end of the joint body 71. The seal member 73 is sandwiched by the joint body 71 and the fitting member 72 to be held thereby. The connection joint 70 can be assembled by placing the seal member 73 in the joint body 71 and attaching the fitting member 72 to the joint body 71 and is excellent in processability and assemblability.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid supply 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 the outside. They are configured to include a fuel cell module that generates electricity and auxiliary equipment for operating the fuel cell module within a housing.

[0003] Such a fuel cell device includes a reformer for generating fuel gas to be supplied to a fuel cell module from raw fuel such as natural gas or LP gas. The reformer has a vaporization section that vaporizes water to generate steam, and a reforming section that uses the generated steam to steam reform the raw fuel, and the raw fuel and water are introduced into the vaporization section. The steam generated in the vaporization section and the raw fuel are mixed and introduced into the downstream reforming section, where fuel gas is generated.

[0004] As a means for introducing water and raw fuel into this vaporization section, for example, a fluid supply device with a double pipe structure is used. In Patent Document 1, a main body 5 with a double pipe structure consisting of an inner pipe 5A and an outer pipe 5B is provided, and a joint member 2 that connects a raw fuel supply pipe 3 and a water supply pipe 4 to this main body 5, so that the raw fuel and water are supplied to the vaporization section from the tip of the main body 5 through the inside and outside of the double pipes, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-064862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-described configuration, a seal is provided to ensure airtightness between the water and raw fuel flow paths and the joint member. Typically, an O-ring is used for the seal. The joint member is made of a metal part, and an internal groove for fitting the O-ring is machined into it. However, with this structure, when fitting the O-ring, it is necessary to push the O-ring into the groove inside the joint. Since the O-ring passes through a portion narrower than the outer diameter of the O-ring, it can easily be twisted or pushed in too far, making it difficult to install.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a fluid supply device having a double-pipe structure for supplying water and raw fuel to a reformer, which has excellent processability and assembly properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a fluid supply device for supplying raw fuel and water to a reformer that performs steam reforming, a raw fuel supply device that supplies raw fuel; a water supply device for supplying water; a distribution pipe having a double-pipe structure consisting of an inner pipe and an outer pipe, a flow path for the raw fuel and a flow path for water, and connected to the reformer; a connection joint for connecting the raw fuel supply device and the water supply device to the distribution pipe; The connection joint comprises a joint body having a distribution pipe insertion passage through which the distribution pipe is inserted, a seal member disposed in the distribution pipe insertion passage and sealing between the outer pipe and the distribution pipe insertion passage, and a fitting member fitted onto one end of the joint body, The sealing member is an O-ring, the distribution pipe insertion passage includes a large diameter portion provided at one end of the joint body and a small diameter portion connected to the large diameter portion, The O-ring is placed on a step formed between the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion, The aforementioned O-ring is held between the joint body and the fitting member. 、 Further provided is a stopper attached to the distribution pipe, A plurality of convex portions that are convex in the axial direction of the distribution pipe are formed on the outer periphery of the fitting member at the end of the joint body, The retaining tool and the protrusion come into contact with each other. A fluid supply device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] With the above-described configuration, the seal member can be attached without forming an inner groove, resulting in a fluid supply device that is easy to process and assemble. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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 a perspective view of the distribution device of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1(a) is a top view of the distributor of this embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] 1(a) is a side view of the distributor of this embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a joint body of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connection joint of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are top views comparing the presence and absence of a fitting member in the dispensing device of this embodiment, where (a) shows a case where the fitting member is attached and (b) shows a case where the fitting member has been forgotten to be attached. 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 relates to a fluid supply device that supplies raw fuel and water to a steam reformer, and includes a distribution pipe having a double-pipe structure consisting of an inner pipe and an outer pipe, and a connection joint that connects a raw fuel supply device and a water supply device to the distribution pipe. The connection joint includes a joint body having a distribution pipe insertion passage through which the distribution pipe is inserted, a seal member disposed in the distribution pipe insertion passage and sealing between the outer pipe and the distribution pipe insertion passage, and a fitting member that fits onto one end of the joint body, the seal member being sandwiched and held between the joint body and the fitting member. In this configuration, the connection joint can be assembled by disposing the seal member within the joint body and attaching the fitting member to the joint body. Therefore, the seal member can be easily attached without the need for internal groove machining in the connection joint as in conventional cases, resulting in a fluid supply device with excellent processability and assembly.

[0013] The distribution pipe insertion passage in which the O-ring, a sealing member, is placed has a large diameter section provided at one end of the fitting body and a small diameter section connected to the large diameter section, and the O-ring is placed on a step formed between the large diameter section and the small diameter section, which allows the O-ring to be reliably placed in the specified position.

[0014] The fitting body further includes a retainer that is attached to the distribution pipe, and the end of the fitting body has a plurality of protrusions formed on the outer periphery of the fitting that are convex in the axial direction of the distribution pipe, and the retainer abuts against the protrusions. This allows the fitting to be seen from between the retainer and the fitting body, making it possible to notice if the fitting has been left attached. [Example]

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] 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 raw 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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. A distributor 17 is connected to the reformer 12, and a raw fuel supply device 15 that supplies raw fuel gas to the distributor 17 and a reforming water supply device 16 that supplies reforming water are also connected to the distributor 17. The raw fuel gas and reforming water that have passed through the distributor 17 undergo a reforming reaction in the heated reformer 12, generating fuel gas containing hydrogen.

[0020] 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 thus produced within the fuel cell module 1 is supplied to the first heat exchanger 2.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The raw 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 supply passage 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 supply passage 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 supply passage 24. Note that the accessories listed here are merely examples, and the configuration may include other accessories.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Next, the structure of the distribution device of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the distribution device of this embodiment. Figure 3(a) is a top view of the distribution device of this embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a). Figure 4(a) is a side view of the distribution device of this embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in (a). Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the joint body of this embodiment.

[0027] The distributor 17 is a device that supplies the raw fuel gas supplied from the raw fuel supply device 15 and the reforming water supplied from the reforming water supply device 16 to the reformer 12. The distributor 17 is configured to include a distribution pipe 60 connected to the reformer 12, a connection joint 70 that connects the raw fuel supply device 15 and the reforming water supply device 16 to the distribution pipe 60, and a partition section 80 that separates the flow paths of the raw fuel gas and the reforming water inside the connection joint 70. The fluid supply device of this embodiment is configured by connecting the raw fuel supply device 15 and the reforming water supply device 16 to this distributor 17.

[0028] The distribution pipe 60 has a double pipe structure consisting of an inner pipe 61 and an outer pipe 62, extends from a connection joint 70, and has its tip connected to the reformer 12. The internal space of the inner pipe 61 is a raw fuel flow path G through which the raw fuel gas flows, and the space between the inner pipe 61 and the outer pipe 62 is a reforming water flow path W through which the reforming water flows, and the raw fuel gas and the reforming water are supplied to the reformer 12 in a separated state.

[0029] A retaining device 63 is attached to this distribution pipe 60. An E-ring, for example, can be used as the retaining device 63. A recess into which the E-ring engages is formed in the distribution pipe 60, and the distribution pipe 60 and the connection joint 70 are fixed together by attaching the E-ring to the outer periphery of the distribution pipe 60 and sandwiching the distribution pipe 60 and the connection joint 70 with a quick fastener (not shown).

[0030] The connection joint 70 includes a joint body 71, a fitting member 72 that fits onto one end 71a of the joint body 71, and a seal member 73 that seals between the joint body 71 and the distribution pipe 60. The joint body 71 and the fitting member 72 are both made of resin. The joint body 71 has a distribution pipe insertion passage 74 formed therein through which the distribution pipe 60 is inserted, and the outer periphery is provided with a protruding raw fuel supply flow path connection portion 75 that opens upward and is connected to the raw fuel supply flow path 22, and a protruding reforming water supply flow path connection portion 76 that opens to the side and is connected to the reforming water supply flow path 23.

[0031] The seal member 73 is an O-ring that is placed at a predetermined position in the distribution pipe insertion passage 74 and seals the outer pipe 62 of the distribution pipe 60 from the distribution pipe insertion passage 74. A fitting member 72 is attached to one end 71a of the coupling body 71, and the seal member 73 is held in a predetermined position in the distribution pipe insertion passage 74 by being sandwiched between the coupling body 71 and the fitting member 72. In this way, the connection coupling 70 can be assembled by placing the seal member 73 inside the coupling body 71 and attaching the fitting member 72 to the coupling body 71. Therefore, there is no need to machine an internal groove in the connection coupling 70 as in the conventional case, and the seal member 73 can be easily attached, resulting in excellent processability and assembly.

[0032] 5, the distribution pipe insertion passage 74 formed inside the fitting body 71 has a large-diameter portion 74a with a large passage diameter provided at one end 71a into which the fitting member 72 fits, and a small-diameter portion 74b connected to the large-diameter portion 74a and having a small passage diameter, with a step portion 74c formed at the boundary between the large-diameter portion 74a and the small-diameter portion 74b. The outer diameter of the seal member 73 is smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter portion 74a but larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 74b, so that the seal member 73 is inserted from the one end 71a of the fitting body 71 and placed on the step portion 74c. The seal member 73 is held in place by attaching the fitting member 72, so that the seal member 73 can be reliably positioned in the desired position.

[0033] A partition 80 is inserted into the distribution pipe insertion passage 74 on the upstream side of the distribution pipe 60. The partition 80 includes a cylindrical partition main body 81 with a hollow portion 811 formed therein, and a plurality of rib-like protrusions 82 extending circumferentially from the partition main body 81. The tip of the partition main body 81 abuts against the inner pipe 61 of the distribution pipe 60, and the hollow portion 811 communicates with the inner pipe 61. O-rings 83 and 84 are disposed between the protrusions 82, respectively, and these O-rings 83 and 84 seal the gap with the distribution pipe insertion passage 74. The partition 80 prevents the raw fuel gas and reforming water supplied from the raw fuel supply device 15 and the reforming water supply device 16 from mixing with each other and they are introduced into the raw fuel flow path G and the reforming water flow path W.

[0034] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the partition body 81 is provided with an inlet hole 812 communicating with the hollow portion 811, and an outlet hole 75a is provided in the bottom surface of the raw fuel supply flow path connecting portion 75 of the joint body 71. The raw fuel gas supplied from the raw fuel supplier 15 is introduced from the outlet hole 75a through the inlet hole 812 into the hollow portion 811 of the partition body 80. The raw fuel gas then flows through the hollow portion 811 into the raw fuel flow path G. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4(b), an outlet hole 76a is provided in the bottom surface of the reforming water supply flow path connecting portion 76 of the joint body 71. The reforming water supplied from the reforming water supply device 16 flows from the outlet hole 76a through the gap between the joint body 71 and the partition body 80 into the distribution pipe 60 and then into the reforming water flow path W.

[0035] As described above, the fluid supply device of this embodiment is configured by connecting the raw fuel supply device 15 and the reforming water supply device 16 to the distributor 17, and is able to supply the raw fuel gas and reforming water in a separated state to the reformer 12. The connection joint 70 that constitutes the distributor 17 can be assembled by placing a seal member 73 inside a joint body 71 and attaching a fitting member 72 to the joint body 71. This eliminates the need to machine an internal groove in the connection joint 70 as in the conventional case, and allows the seal member 73 to be easily attached, resulting in excellent processability and assembly.

[0036] 6 is a perspective view of the connection joint. One end 71a of the joint body 71 is provided with two protrusions 77 on the outer periphery of the fitting member 72, which protrude in the axial direction of the distribution pipe 60 (indicated by the dashed lines in the figure). The fitting member 72 is cut out at the portion where the protrusions 77 are formed so as not to interfere with the protrusions 77. The retaining device 63 is provided so as to abut against the protrusions 77. With this configuration, the fitting member 72 can be visually confirmed after the distribution device 17 is assembled and the retaining device 63 is attached. Therefore, even if the fitting member 72 is forgotten to be attached, it can be noticed.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a top view comparing the presence and absence of a fitting member in the dispensing device of this embodiment, where (a) shows a case where the fitting member is attached and (b) shows a case where the fitting member has been left attached. In (a), the fitting member 72 can be seen between the protrusion 77 and the retaining member 63, indicating that the fitting member 72 is attached and assembled correctly. In (b), on the other hand, the fitting member 72 that should be visible between the protrusion 77 and the retaining member 63 is not present, indicating that the fitting member 72 has been left attached. Note that when the dispensing device 17 is viewed from an angle other than from above (for example, when viewed from the side, see FIG. 4(a)), the position of the protrusion 77 differs from that shown in FIG. 7(a), but the fitting member 72 can be seen from any angle.

[0038] In this embodiment, an example in which the protrusions 77 are provided in two locations has been shown, but it is sufficient to provide a plurality of protrusions 77. Furthermore, as long as the retaining device 63 can be stably attached, there are no particular limitations on the arrangement or shape of the protrusions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 11 Reformer 15 Raw fuel supply equipment 16. Reformed water supply device 17 Distribution device 60 minutes plumbing 61 Inner tube 62 Outer tube 63 Stopper 70 Connection joint 71 Joint body 72 Fitting member 73 Sealing material 74 Distribution pipe insertion passage 74a Large diameter section 74b Small diameter section 74c Step part 77 Convex part

Claims

[Claim 1] A fluid supply device that supplies raw fuel and water to a reformer that performs steam reforming, a raw fuel supply device that supplies raw fuel; a water supply device for supplying water; a distribution pipe having a double-pipe structure consisting of an inner pipe and an outer pipe, a flow path for the raw fuel and a flow path for water, and connected to the reformer; a connection joint for connecting the raw fuel supply device and the water supply device to the distribution pipe; The connection joint comprises a joint body having a distribution pipe insertion passage through which the distribution pipe is inserted, a seal member disposed in the distribution pipe insertion passage and sealing between the outer pipe and the distribution pipe insertion passage, and a fitting member fitted onto one end of the joint body, The sealing member is an O-ring, the distribution pipe insertion passage includes a large diameter portion provided at one end of the joint body and a small diameter portion connected to the large diameter portion, the O-ring is placed on a step formed between the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion, The O-ring is sandwiched and held between the joint body and the fitting member, Further provided is a stopper attached to the distribution pipe, A plurality of convex portions that are convex in the axial direction of the distribution pipe are formed on the outer periphery of the fitting member at the end of the joint body, The fluid supply device has the retaining member and the protrusion abutting against each other.

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