fuel cell device

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell device that suppresses increases in component costs related to an air supply device and has excellent power generation efficiency.SOLUTION: A fuel cell device 100 including an air supply device 14 that supplies air to a fuel cell module 1, the air supply device 14 includes an air filter 60, an air flow meter 61, and a blower 62 which are arranged in a straight line. Therefore, a pipe connecting the air filter 60, the air flow meter 61, and the blower 62 becomes shorter, so that the component cost can be reduced. Furthermore, since the pressure loss of the air supplied to the fuel cell module 1 can be reduced, the power generation efficiency is also excellent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 fuel gas containing hydrogen and an oxygen-containing gas (air) and supply the electricity to the outside. In such fuel cell devices, a power generation module that generates electricity is connected to a fuel gas supply device that supplies the fuel gas and an air supply device that supplies the air (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The air supply device, for example, operates a diaphragm-type air blower to suck in air through an air filter and supplies it to the power generation module through an air pipe as oxygen-containing gas for the cathode. The air pipe is fitted with an air flow meter for the cathode air and a three-way switching valve as moisture discharge means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-73815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned air supply device, the air flow path from the air filter to the power generation module is connected by a bent pipe. This makes it difficult to reduce the manufacturing costs of the components that make up the air supply device. In addition, the bent pipe creates resistance to the air passing through the inside of the pipe, increasing pressure loss. This may result in a decrease in power generation efficiency.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a fuel cell device that suppresses increases in component costs and has excellent power generation efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a fuel cell module in which a fuel cell is housed in a housing; an air supply device that supplies air to the fuel cell to be used for power generation; The air supply device includes an air filter having an intake port for taking in air, an air flow meter for measuring the flow rate of air supplied to the fuel cell, and a blower for generating an air flow. The air filter, the air flow meter, and the blower are arranged in a straight line. And, the air supply device is disposed on the side of the fuel cell module with the intake facing upward, a retaining metal fitting that engages the air filter and holds the air supply device to the side of the fuel cell module; The retaining metal fitting has a canopy portion that covers the space above the intake port. It is a fuel cell device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] By configuring as described above, it is possible to suppress increases in component costs and to provide a fuel cell device with excellent power generation efficiency. [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] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the fuel cell module showing the state in which the air supply device is attached. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fuel cell module with an air supply device attached thereto. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an air supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a retaining fixture according to the present embodiment. 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 system equipped with an air supply device that supplies air to a fuel cell module. The air supply device is configured with an air filter, air flow meter, and blower arranged in a straight line. This shortens the piping connecting the air filter, air flow meter, and blower, thereby reducing parts costs. In addition, it reduces pressure loss in the air supplied to the fuel cell module, resulting in a fuel cell system with excellent power generation efficiency.

[0012] The air supply device is also located to the side of the fuel cell module with the air filter's air intake facing upward, allowing the air supply device to take in air whose temperature has been increased by the heat generated by the fuel cell module, further improving power generation efficiency.

[0013] The air filter is also fitted with a metal retainer that has a canopy that covers the space above the intake port, which allows the air filter to be attached in a predetermined position and also prevents dirt and dust from falling into the air intake port.

[0014] The air filter has a protruding piece, and the retaining metal fitting has a locking portion extending from the eaves portion, which locks onto the protruding portion. This configuration makes it easy to attach and detach the air filter, improving maintainability. [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 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. 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.

[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 produced in this way 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 fuel supply device 15 that supplies raw fuel to the reformer 12 is provided with accessories such as a first solenoid valve 150, a pressure sensor 151, a desulfurizer 152, a gas flow meter 153, a fuel pump 154, and a second solenoid valve 155 on a raw fuel flow path 22 that connects 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 160 on a reforming water flow path 23 that connects 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 filter 60, an air flow meter 61, and a blower 62 on an oxygen-containing gas flow path 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] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air supply device of this embodiment. The air supply device 14 includes an air filter 60 with an intake port 601 for taking in air, an air flow meter 61 for measuring the flow rate of air passing through the air filter 60 and supplied to the fuel cell module 1, and a blower 62 for generating an air flow. The air filter 60, air flow meter 61, and blower 62 are arranged in a vertical line. By arranging the air filter 60, air flow meter 61, and blower 62 in a line in this manner, components such as piping connecting these components can be shortened, and the manufacturing process can be reduced, resulting in lower component costs. Furthermore, the pressure loss of the air supplied to the fuel cell module 1 can be reduced, resulting in a fuel cell device with excellent power generation efficiency.

[0027] Intake 601 of air filter 60 opens into housing 50, and air within housing 50 is taken into air supply device 14. By opening intake 601 into housing 50 in this way, air filter 60 can be placed anywhere, improving the degree of freedom in placing air supply device 14. Although not shown, housing 50 is provided with an external air inlet that takes in external air, and the external air inlet is provided with a filter device that captures dust in the air. Therefore, air is taken into air supply device 14 after dust has been removed by the filter device.

[0028] The air supply device 14 of this embodiment is configured to include an air filter 60, an air flow meter 61, and a blower 62, but an on-off valve or the like may be provided between these. Also, although an example has been shown in which the air flow meter 61 is provided upstream of the blower 62, the air flow meter 61 may also be configured to be provided downstream of the blower 62. Furthermore, the straight line is not limited to a vertical direction, but may also be a horizontal direction or an oblique direction.

[0029] Additionally, the air supply device 14 is disposed to the side of the fuel cell module 1. The fuel cell module 1 becomes hot when generating electricity, and this heat increases the temperature around the fuel cell module 1. By disposing the air supply device 14 to the side of the fuel cell module 1, it is possible to take in hot air, further improving power generation efficiency.

[0030] The temperature is higher at the top than at the bottom of the side of the fuel cell module 1. Therefore, by arranging the air supply device 14 so that the intake 601 of the air filter 60 faces upward, air with a higher temperature can be taken in, thereby further improving the power generation efficiency.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a side view of the fuel cell module with an air supply device attached, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fuel cell module with an air supply device attached. The fuel cell module 1 is configured by accommodating a fuel cell 11 and a reformer 12 inside a box-shaped storage container 10, and the outer surface of this storage container 10 is covered with a thermal insulator 80. Covering the periphery of the storage container 10 with the thermal insulator 80 prevents heat generated by power generation from dissipating to the outside. The thermal insulator 80 is made up of multiple plate-shaped thermal insulators facing each side of the storage container 10, and the thermal insulators 80 are fixed to the storage container 10 by attaching a thermal insulator frame 81 that holds the joints between these plate-shaped thermal insulators. Auxiliary equipment required for operating the fuel cell device can be attached to this thermal insulator frame 81.

[0032] The air supply device 14 is attached to one of the heat insulating frames 81 via a retaining bracket 70. The frame to which the retaining bracket 70 is attached is not particularly limited. In the drawing, it is attached to a frame extending vertically, but the upper part of the fuel cell module 1 can also be attached to a frame extending horizontally. If the fuel cell device has a frame structure other than the heat insulating frame 81, the retaining bracket 70 can be attached to the other frame structure. The retaining bracket 70 can also be attached to something other than a frame, for example, it can be attached to the inside of an exterior panel that constitutes the housing 50.

[0033] As in this embodiment, by attaching the retaining metal fittings 70 to the heat insulating frame 81, the air supply device 14 can be easily arranged to the side of the fuel cell module 1. Furthermore, by attaching it to a frame that extends vertically, the position where the air supply device 14 is attached can be easily adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0034] The retaining bracket 70 attaches the air supply device 14 to the side of the fuel cell module 1 with the intake 601 of the air filter 60 facing upward. The retaining bracket 70 also has a hood 72 that covers the space above the intake 601. A gap is provided between the hood 72 and the intake 601, and the air used for power generation by the fuel cell module 1 is taken into the air supply device 14 through this gap. Because the intake 601 opens upward, there is a risk that dirt, dust, etc. may fall into the air filter 60, but by covering the space above the intake 601 with the hood 72, it is possible to prevent dust, etc. from falling into the air filter 60.

[0035] The metal holder 70 holds the air filter 60 so that it hangs from above, thereby holding the air supply device 14. The air filter 60 can be easily removed from the metal holder 70, which provides excellent maintainability.

[0036] 5 is a diagram showing the air supply device of this embodiment. Air filter 60 has protruding pieces 602 at two upper locations on the left and right sides, and is designed to be locked by hooking these protruding pieces 602 onto retaining fittings 70. These protruding pieces 602 have upper protruding portion 602a and lower protruding portion 602b that protrude at different heights.

[0037] Air outlet 603 at the bottom of air filter 60 is directly connected to air inlet 611 at the top of air flow meter 61, and the connection is secured with quick fasteners 64. Air outlet 612 at the bottom of air flow meter 61 and air inlet 621 at the top of blower 62 are connected via thin coupling 66, and the connection is similarly secured with quick fasteners 65. By arranging air filter 60, air flow meter 61, and blower 62 in a straight line, the accessories can be connected directly as described above, or can be connected simply by using thin coupling 66.

[0038] The blower 62 and the fuel cell module 1 are connected by an air pipe 63. The air pipe 63 is looped and extends vertically, thereby reducing the layout space for the air pipe 63 while ensuring a predetermined pipe length. When the power generation operation of the fuel cell device is stopped, some of the air supplied to the fuel cell module 1 may flow back into the air supply device 14. This air is hot and humid, and the backflowing over-humid air may reduce the durability of the blower 62. Therefore, by ensuring a predetermined length of the air pipe 63 between the blower 62 and the fuel cell module, the over-humid air condenses within the pipe, preventing moisture from reaching the blower 62. Note that although the air pipe 63 in this embodiment is looped, this shape is not limited as long as the predetermined pipe length can be ensured. Note that the air pipe 63 may be straight if a structure is provided to prevent over-humid air from flowing into the blower 62.

[0039] The air pipe 63 can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. Using a material with high thermal conductivity can promote condensation of overly humid air, thereby improving the effect of preventing moisture from reaching the blower 62.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a retaining bracket of this embodiment. The retaining bracket 70 is formed by bending a metal plate and has an attachment portion 71, a eaves portion 72, and a locking portion 73. The attachment portion 71 has a screw hole 71a for screwing to the insulation frame 81. The eaves portion 72, which extends horizontally from the attachment portion 71, is disposed above the intake port 601 of the air filter 60 and covers the space above the intake port 601. The locking portions 73, formed by bending both left and right ends of the eaves portion 72 downward, lock onto the protruding pieces 602 of the air filter 60 to hold the air supply device 14. More specifically, the locking portion 73 has a flange 73a formed by bending the lower end inward, and the flange 73a has a notch. When the lower protruding portion 602b of the protruding piece 602 is aligned with the notch, the upper protruding portion 602a is caught and locked onto the flange 73a. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 Fuel Cell Module 10 Storage container 11 Fuel Cell 14 Air supply device 60 Air Filter 601 Intake 602 Projecting piece 61 Air flow meter 62 Blower 70 Retaining bracket 72 Eaves 73 Locking part

Claims

1. a fuel cell module in which a fuel cell is housed in a housing; an air supply device that supplies air to the fuel cell to be used for power generation; The air supply device includes an air filter having an intake port for taking in air, an air flow meter for measuring the flow rate of air supplied to the fuel cell, and a blower for generating an air flow. the air filter, the air flow meter, and the blower are arranged in a straight line; the air supply device is disposed on the side of the fuel cell module with the intake facing upward, a retaining metal fitting that engages the air filter and holds the air supply device to the side of the fuel cell module; The holding metal fitting has a canopy portion that covers the space above the intake port.

2. The air filter has a protruding piece, The retaining metal fitting has a locking portion extending from the eave portion, 2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is locked onto the protruding piece.

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