fuel cell device

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell device that can reduce costs by reducing the number of temperature sensors.SOLUTION: A fuel cell device includes thermocouples TC1 and TC2 that measure the temperature of a predetermined part within the device, and reference temperature detection means 18 that detects the temperature of the reference junction of the thermocouple, and a control device 30 uses the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means 18 for purposes other than thermocouple contact temperature compensation. Therefore, the number of temperature sensors can be reduced and costs can be reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell device.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell device that generates electricity using a fuel gas containing hydrogen and an oxygen-containing gas (air) and supplies electricity to the outside is known. Such a fuel cell device is configured to include a plurality of temperature sensors inside a housing, and the power generation operation is controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensors.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a first temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a combustion part, a second temperature sensor that detects the temperature near the outlet of a combustion catalyst, a third temperature sensor that detects the temperature near the center of a cell stack, and a fourth temperature sensor that detects the temperature near the outlet of a reformer are provided. Further, in Patent Document 2, an outside air temperature sensor that detects the outside air temperature and water temperature sensors that detect the water temperature of a water circulation line are provided. For these temperature sensors, a thermocouple, a thermistor, or the like can be used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Thus, by detecting the temperatures of various parts, the operation of the fuel cell device can be appropriately controlled. On the other hand, an increase in the number of sensors leads to an increase in component costs.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a fuel cell device that can reduce the number of sensors and thus lower costs by utilizing the temperature detected by a single temperature sensor for multiple purposes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention Inside the rectangular prism-shaped enclosure, A fuel cell that generates electricity using fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas, A fuel cell module in which the aforementioned fuel cell is housed, A thermocouple that measures the temperature of a predetermined part inside the device, A reference temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the reference junction of the thermocouple, It comprises a control device for controlling power generation operation. The control device uses the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means. It can be used as a substitute value for the outside temperature. The reference temperature detection means is positioned opposite the first panel constituting the housing, with a partition wall in between it and the fuel cell module. A control board on which the reference temperature detection means is mounted is placed on the partition wall. The first panel is not provided with any intake or exhaust ports for ventilating or cooling the inside of the housing. The intake port and exhaust port are provided on a panel adjacent to the first panel and are formed on the panel side facing the first panel, rather than on the side of the partition wall. It is a fuel cell device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means can be used for multiple purposes, thus reducing the number of sensors and lowering costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram of the fuel cell device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the control device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of the housing of the fuel cell device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the fuel cell device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention considered to be suitable will be briefly described while showing the operation of the present invention.

[0011] The fuel cell device of the present invention has a thermocouple that measures the temperature of a predetermined part inside the device, and reference temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the reference junction of the thermocouple, and the control device uses the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means not only for compensating the junction temperature of the thermocouple. When detecting the temperature by a thermocouple, reference temperature detection means is required for compensating the junction temperature. Therefore, by using the temperature detected by this reference temperature detection means for other purposes and substituting it for other temperature sensors, the number of temperature sensors can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

[0012] In addition, the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means is used as an alternative value for the outside air temperature. The outside air temperature is one of the temperatures required for power generation operation, but by arranging the reference temperature detection means at a position where it is less affected by the heat generated by power generation, a temperature having a correlation with the outside air temperature can be detected by the reference temperature detection means. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both reduction in the number of sensors and appropriate control of the fuel cell device.

[0013] In addition, a fuel cell module in which a fuel cell is housed is provided, and the reference temperature detection means is arranged with a partition wall interposed therebetween and the fuel cell module. Thereby, the influence of the heat generated from the fuel cell module on the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means can be mitigated, and the correlation with the outside air temperature can be maintained.

[0014] In addition, a fuel cell module in which a fuel cell is housed is provided, the reference temperature detection means is attached to a control board, and the control board is arranged with the mounting surface of the reference temperature detection means facing away from the fuel cell module. Thereby, the influence of the heat generated from the fuel cell module on the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means can be mitigated, and the correlation with the outside air temperature can be maintained.

[0015] Further, the reference temperature detection means is arranged to face the first panel constituting the housing, and neither an intake port nor an exhaust port for ventilating or cooling the inside of the housing is provided in the first panel. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means from being affected by intake and exhaust, and maintain the correlation with the outside air temperature.

Embodiment

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 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 auxiliary machines 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 reformed water supply device 16 for operating the fuel cell module 1 are housed in a housing 50. It is not necessary to house all the above-described devices in the housing 50. For example, the first heat exchanger 2 and the heat storage tank 3 may be provided outside the housing 50. Further, a fuel cell device in which a part of the above-described devices is omitted is also possible.

[0018] The fuel cell module 1 is configured by housing a fuel cell 11 that generates electricity using a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas, and a reformer 12 that generates the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 11 inside a box-shaped storage container 10.

[0019] The configuration of the fuel cell 11 is not particularly limited. For example, it may have a cell stack structure in which a plurality of fuel cells are arranged. The fuel cell 11 having a cell stack structure is configured, for example, by fixing the lower end of each fuel cell to a manifold using an insulating bonding material such as a glass sealing material.

[0020] The reformer 12 steam reforms raw fuel gases such as natural gas and LPG to produce fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 11. The reformer 12 is connected to a fuel supply device 15 that supplies raw fuel gas and a reformed water supply device 16 that supplies reformed water. The raw fuel gas and reformed water undergo a reforming reaction in the heated reformer 12 to produce fuel gas containing hydrogen.

[0021] 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 cell, it reacts with the oxygen-containing gas to generate electricity. The space between the fuel cell 11 and the reformer 12 is the combustion section 13, where the fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas not used for power generation merge and burn. This combustion of fuel gas generates high-temperature exhaust gas, which heats the reformer 12. The exhaust gas generated in this way within the fuel cell module 1 is supplied to the first heat exchanger 2.

[0022] The first heat exchanger 2 is connected to a heat storage tank 3, a heat transfer pump P1, and a radiator 5 via piping, forming a first heat transfer circulation line HC1. The radiator 5 is equipped with a cooling fan 5a. A heat transfer medium is introduced into this first heat transfer circulation line HC1, and in the first heat exchanger 2, heat exchange takes place between this heat transfer medium and the aforementioned exhaust gas, heating the heat transfer medium. Water or other materials can be used as the heat transfer medium, and the heat storage tank 3 stores the heat transfer medium whose temperature has risen due to heat exchange. The heat transfer medium stored in the heat storage tank 3 is sent to the radiator 5 to be cooled, and after exchanging heat with the exhaust gas again in the first heat exchanger 2, it is returned to the heat storage tank 3. As a result, the heat transfer medium with the highest temperature is stored in the heat storage tank 3 from the top, forming a temperature stratification.

[0023] A replenishment channel 25 for supplying water is connected to the heat storage tank 3. The replenishment channel 25 is branched off from a supply channel 26 connected to an external water supply source and is equipped with a water supply valve 25a that opens and closes the channel. When the fuel cell device 100 is installed or when the water level in the heat storage tank 3 falls below a predetermined level during operation, tap water is supplied to the heat storage tank 3 through the replenishment channel 25 by opening the water supply valve 25a.

[0024] Furthermore, the heat storage tank 3 is equipped with a water level detection means 7 for monitoring the amount of water in the heat storage tank 3 and a heating heater 8 for heating the heat transfer medium. As the water level detection means, a known water level sensor such as a float sensor or a capacitance sensor can be used, and the presence of water is detected when the amount of water in the heat storage tank 3 is above a predetermined amount, and the absence of water is detected when it falls below the predetermined amount. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the water level detection means 7 is provided in one location, but multiple water level detection means 7 may be provided in the vertical direction to detect the water level at multiple locations.

[0025] The heating element 8 is installed inside the heat storage tank 3 and heats the water inside the heat storage tank 3. For example, when the outside temperature is low and there is a risk of the water inside the fuel cell device 100 freezing, the heating element 8 can be energized to raise the water temperature and prevent freezing. Furthermore, if the amount of electricity generated by the fuel cell 11 exceeds the amount of electricity consumed by the consumer, the heating element 8 may be energized to consume the excess electricity (surplus electricity).

[0026] Furthermore, a condensate tank 4 is connected to the first heat exchanger 2 via a condensate recovery channel 20. When the exhaust gas generated by 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 into the condensate tank 4 through the condensate recovery channel 20. In the condensate tank 4, impurities are removed from the recovered water through an ion exchanger (not shown) and the like to produce pure water. The purified water is supplied to the reformer 12 by a water supply device 16 and used as reformed water. On the other hand, the gas from which the water has been removed is discharged outside the housing 50 after passing through the exhaust channel 21.

[0027] The fuel supply device 15, which supplies raw fuel to the reformer 12, is equipped with auxiliary equipment 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 the raw fuel flow path 22 connected to the fuel supply source. The reformed water supply device 16, which supplies reformed water to the reformer 12, is equipped with auxiliary equipment such as a reformed water pump 160 on the reformed water flow path 23 connected to the condensate tank 4. The air supply device 14, which supplies oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module 1, is equipped with auxiliary equipment such as an air filter 140, an air flow meter 141, and an air blower 142 on the oxygen-containing gas flow path 24. Note that the auxiliary equipment listed here is just an example, and other configurations with other auxiliary equipment are also possible.

[0028] The fuel cell system 100 may also include a second heat exchanger 6, a heat supply pump P2 for circulating the heat transfer medium from the heat storage tank 3, and a second heat transfer medium circulation line HC2 including piping connecting these. In the second heat transfer medium circulation line HC2, tap water supplied from the outside via a supply channel 25 is heated in the second heat exchanger 6 using a high-temperature heat transfer medium stored in the heat storage tank 3. The heated water can be supplied to an external reheating device such as a water heater via a supply channel 26. The fuel cell system 100 may also be a so-called monogeneration system that does not supply hot water to the outside.

[0029] Furthermore, the fuel cell device 100 is equipped with multiple temperature detection means, such as temperature sensors and thermistors, for measuring the temperature of various parts inside and outside the housing 50.

[0030] In the flow paths through which the heat transfer medium flows, such as the first heat transfer medium circulation line HC1 and the second heat transfer medium circulation line HC2, temperature detection means TH1 to TH6 are provided to measure the temperature of the heat transfer medium.

[0031] For example, the system includes a tank low thermistor TH1 and a tank high thermistor TH2 as means for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the heat storage tank 3. The tank low thermistor TH1 detects the temperature of the relatively low-temperature heat transfer medium in the heat storage tank 3 and is located at the bottom of the heat storage tank 3. The tank high thermistor TH2 detects the temperature of the relatively high-temperature heat transfer medium in the heat storage tank 3 and is located on the second heat transfer medium circulation line HC2 near the heat storage tank 3. In addition, the system includes a heat transfer medium low thermistor TH3 and a heat transfer medium high thermistor TH4 as means for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first heat transfer medium circulation line HC1. The heat transfer medium low thermistor TH3 is located between the heat transfer medium pump P1 and the first heat exchanger 2 and detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium that has been cooled by the radiator 5 and flows into the first heat exchanger 2. The heat transfer medium high thermistor TH4 is located between the first heat exchanger 2 and the heat storage tank 3 and detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium after it has passed through the first heat exchanger 2. Furthermore, the supply channel 26 is equipped with an inlet thermistor TH5 that detects the temperature of water supplied from the outside, and the supply channel 27 is equipped with a outlet thermistor TH6 that detects the temperature of water heated by the second heat exchanger 6.

[0032] The fuel cell module 1 is equipped with a core temperature sensor TC1 that detects the temperature of the core of the fuel cell 11, and a combustion section temperature sensor TC2 that detects the temperature of the combustion section 13 where the fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas not used for power generation are burned. The core temperature sensor TC1 and the combustion section temperature sensor TC2 are thermocouples. Thermocouples are generally used when measuring the temperature of high-temperature regions.

[0033] The thermistors and temperature sensors mentioned above are merely examples of temperature detection means, and the temperature to be detected and the placement location are not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, other temperature detection means may also be provided.

[0034] Furthermore, the fuel cell device 100 is equipped 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 converted electricity supplied to the external load, and a ventilation fan 17 that takes in ventilation air into the housing 50.

[0035] The control device 30 is connected to the auxiliary equipment and various sensors that make up the fuel cell device 100, and controls the operation of the fuel cell device 100 based on values ​​detected by the various sensors and instructions from a remote control (not shown).

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the control device of this embodiment. A thermocouple is a temperature sensor that measures temperature by measuring the electromotive force generated by a temperature difference. In this embodiment, the core temperature sensor TC1 and the combustion section temperature sensor TC2 are composed of thermocouples. In order to accurately measure temperature using thermocouples, a circuit to compensate for the temperature of the cold junction is necessary, so the control device 30 is equipped with a junction temperature compensation circuit 31. As shown in the figure, the core temperature sensor TC1, the combustion section temperature sensor TC2, and the reference temperature detection means 18 are connected to the junction temperature compensation circuit 31.

[0037] The reference temperature detection means 18 is a thermistor that detects a reference temperature for temperature compensation. The control device 30 uses the temperature detected by this reference temperature detection means 18 for purposes other than contact temperature compensation, and controls the operation of the fuel cell device 100 as a substitute value for the temperature detected by other thermistors.

[0038] To properly control the fuel cell device 100, various temperature information is required, so temperature detection means are provided at various locations within the device. The thermistors TH1 to TH6 mentioned above are one example. By using the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means 18 as a substitute value for other thermistors, the number of thermistors can be reduced.

[0039] For example, the reference temperature detection means 18 may be used as a substitute for an ambient temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature. Ambient temperature is one of the temperatures required for power generation operation and is used when determining whether or not freeze prevention operation is necessary. The reference temperature detection means 18 can be installed at any location within the fuel cell device 100, but by placing it in a location that is less affected by the heat generated by power generation operation, the reference temperature detection means 18 can be made to detect a temperature that has a correlation with the ambient temperature. This makes it possible to eliminate the ambient temperature sensor.

[0040] The following describes an example in which the reference temperature detection means 18 is used as a substitute value for the ambient temperature.

[0041] (Anti-freezing operation control) If the outside temperature is low and there is a risk of the water in the fuel cell device 100 freezing, an anti-freeze operation is performed. When the control device 30 determines that an anti-freeze operation is necessary, it energizes the heating heater 8 to raise the temperature of the water in the heat storage tank 3, and drives the heat transfer pump P1 and the heat supply pump P2 to circulate the water in the first heat transfer fluid circulation line HC1 and the second heat transfer fluid circulation line HC2. The heating heater 8 may be controlled to turn ON / OFF according to the water temperature; for example, it can be energized when the temperature detected by the heat transfer fluid low thermistor TH3 is 30°C or lower, and stopped when it exceeds 40°C. In addition, heaters other than the heating heater 8 may be provided in the water flow path.

[0042] The ambient temperature is used as a criterion for deciding whether to perform this anti-freezing operation. For example, the anti-freezing operation is performed when the ambient temperature is 4°C or lower, and the anti-freezing operation is canceled when the ambient temperature reaches 6°C or higher. Based on the relationship between the ambient temperature and the detected temperature Ts of the reference temperature detection means 18, if the detected temperature Ts corresponding to an ambient temperature of 4°C is 6°C, and the detected temperature Ts corresponding to an ambient temperature of 6°C is 10°C, the control device 30 will perform the anti-freezing operation when Ts reaches 6°C or lower, and will cancel the anti-freezing operation when Ts reaches 10°C or higher.

[0043] (Autonomous operation control) In the fuel cell system 100, condensate is recovered from the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module 1, and this condensate is used for steam reforming, thereby enabling so-called water-independent operation. When the exhaust gas is introduced into the first heat exchanger 2 and cooled by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium flowing through the first heat transfer medium circulation line HC1, the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas condenses, generating condensate. If the amount of condensate recovered exceeds the amount consumed (the amount used for steam reforming), water-independent operation can be continued. However, if the consumption exceeds the amount recovered, water-independent operation cannot be continued. If the ambient temperature is low, the temperature of the heat transfer medium decreases when it passes through the radiator 5, allowing for efficient heat exchange with the exhaust gas and enabling the recovery of condensate. However, if the ambient temperature is high, the temperature of the heat transfer medium does not decrease, reducing the cooling efficiency of the exhaust gas, and thus the amount of condensate recovered decreases. Thus, the amount of condensate recovered is greatly affected by the ambient temperature.

[0044] Therefore, when the control device 30 detects that the amount of condensed water is below the lower limit water level, and the ambient temperature is above a predetermined temperature, it determines that it cannot continue power generation operation because recovery of the amount of condensed water cannot be expected, and stops power generation operation. The predetermined temperature can be set to 40°C. Based on the relationship between the ambient temperature and the detected temperature Ts of the reference temperature detection means 18, if the detected temperature Ts corresponding to an ambient temperature of 40°C is 50°C, the control device 30 stops power generation operation when the amount of condensed water is below the lower limit water level and the detected temperature Ts is 50°C or higher.

[0045] (Water filling detection control) Before starting power generation from the fuel cell 11, a "water filling" procedure is performed by filling the heat storage tank 3 with water. If water filling is performed when the outside temperature is low, freezing may occur in the piping inside the fuel cell device 100. Therefore, the control device 30 performs a water filling determination to determine whether water filling is feasible before performing the water filling.

[0046] In the water filling determination, the possibility of freezing is determined based on the ambient temperature. For example, water filling is performed when the ambient temperature is 5°C or higher, and not performed when the ambient temperature is below 2°C. When the ambient temperature is between 2°C and 5°C, the determination of whether water filling is possible is made based on the temperature detected by other thermistors. Based on the relationship between the ambient temperature and the detection temperature Ts of the reference temperature detection means 18, if the detection temperature Ts corresponding to an ambient temperature of 5°C is 7°C and the detection temperature Ts corresponding to an ambient temperature of 2°C is 4°C, the control device 30 performs water filling when the detection temperature Ts is 7°C or higher, and does not perform water filling when the detection temperature Ts is below 4°C. When the detection temperature Ts is between 4°C and 7°C, the determination of whether water filling is possible is made based on the temperature detected by other thermistors.

[0047] The fuel cell device 100 may also be equipped with control mechanisms that are performed based on ambient temperature, in addition to those described above. Furthermore, the above control mechanisms are merely examples, and the specific operations and numerical values ​​are not limited to this embodiment.

[0048] Next, the detailed structure of the fuel cell device will be described. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the housing of the fuel cell device of this embodiment. Note that in Figure 3, the fuel cell module 1 and auxiliary equipment housed within the housing 50 are omitted.

[0049] The housing 50 of the fuel cell device 100 is rectangular in shape and comprises a base panel 51, a top panel 52, and a number of 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 each of the panels 51 to 56 is formed by bending sheet metal.

[0050] The fuel cell device 100 has pre-configured maintenance areas. For example, the top panel 52 and some of the side panels 53-56 can be designated as maintenance panels that are removed during maintenance. In this embodiment, the top panel 52, the right side panel 54, and the front panel 55 are designated as maintenance panels.

[0051] The right side panel 54 is composed of two divisible panels, an upper and a lower panel 542. The right side panel 54 consists of an upper panel 541 and a lower panel 542. The upper panel 541 has an openable and closable cover 541a, and removing this cover 541a allows access to the power switch and breaker switch of the fuel cell device 100. During maintenance, only the upper panel 541 can be removed while the lower panel 542 remains attached. The removable panel for maintenance is not limited to the upper panel 541; other panels can also be designed to be removable. The lower panel 542 also has multiple openings for fittings, through which pipes for fuel, water, etc., are connected.

[0052] The rear panel 56 is provided with an air intake 60 for ventilation air and an air intake 61 for cooling air introduced into the radiator 5. The front panel 55 is provided with an exhaust port 62 for ventilation air and an exhaust port 63 for cooling air that has passed through the radiator 5.

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the fuel cell device according to this embodiment. The panels constituting the housing 50 are shown with dashed lines, illustrating a transparent view inside the housing 50. A fuel cell module 1 containing a fuel cell 11 is located approximately in the center of the housing 50. A heat storage tank 3 is located between the fuel cell module 1 and the left side panel 53, a radiator 5 is located below the fuel cell module 1, and a control board 32 is located between the fuel cell module 1 and the right side panel 54. Other auxiliary equipment and the piping and wiring connecting them are partially omitted from the illustration, but these are located in the available space inside the housing 50.

[0054] The control board 32 is configured with electronic components such as a microcontroller to form the control device 30, and the reference temperature detection means 18 is attached to the control board 32. The control board 32 is positioned so that the mounting surface on which the reference temperature detection means 18 is mounted faces away from the fuel cell module 1. This mitigates the influence of heat emitted from the fuel cell module 1 on the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means 18, thereby maintaining the correlation between the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means 18 and the ambient temperature.

[0055] Furthermore, the control board 32 is mounted on a support base 33, and the reference temperature detection means 18 is positioned with the support base 33 acting as a partition between it and the fuel cell module 1. By providing this partition, the influence of the heat emitted from the fuel cell module 1 on the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means 18 can be mitigated.

[0056] The reference temperature detection means 18 is provided facing the right side panel 54. Since the right side panel 54 does not have any intake ports 60, 61 or exhaust ports 62, 63 for ventilating or cooling the inside of the housing 50, the vicinity of the right side panel 54 is less affected by airflow and heat trapped inside the housing 50. Therefore, the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means 18 is less affected by intake and exhaust, and a correlation with the outside temperature can be maintained. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the reference temperature detection means 18 is provided facing the right side panel 54, but the panel without intake and exhaust ports is not limited to the right side panel 54, so it may also be provided facing the left side panel 53 or the top panel 52. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1 Fuel cell module 11 Fuel Cell 18 Reference temperature detection means 30 Control device 32 Control board 33 Support stand (bulkhead) 54 Right side panel (first panel) 60 Air intake 61 Air intake 62 Exhaust vents 63 Exhaust vent TC1 Center Temperature Sensor (Thermocouple) TC2 Combustion section temperature sensor (thermocouple)

Claims

1. Inside a rectangular parallelepiped housing, A fuel cell that generates electricity using fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas, A fuel cell module in which the aforementioned fuel cell is housed, A thermocouple that measures the temperature of a predetermined part inside the device, A reference temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the reference junction of the thermocouple, It comprises a control device for controlling power generation operation. The control device uses the temperature detected by the reference temperature detection means as a substitute value for the ambient temperature. The reference temperature detection means is positioned opposite the first panel constituting the housing, with a partition wall in between it and the fuel cell module. A control board on which the reference temperature detection means is mounted is placed on the partition wall. The first panel is not provided with any intake or exhaust ports for ventilating or cooling the inside of the housing. The fuel cell device wherein the intake port and the exhaust port are provided on a panel adjacent to the first panel and are formed on the panel side facing the first panel, relative to the position of the partition wall.

2. The fuel cell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control board is arranged so that the mounting surface of the reference temperature detection means faces away from the fuel cell module.

Images