Fuel cell modules and fuel cell systems

Abstract

To improve the degree of freedom in design to avoid the interference between pipelines.SOLUTION: A fuel cell module 10 has a container 11, a fuel cell stack 13, and a plurality of pipelines 12. The container 11 accommodates a reformer 16 and a combustor 17. The fuel cell stack 13 laminates a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cells generate power through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas generated by the reformer 16 and an oxidizing agent. The plurality of pipelines 12 send different types of gases between the container 11 and the fuel cell stack 13. Parts of the plurality of pipelines 12 are connected with a first surface of the container 11 and a first surface of the fuel cell stack 13. The other parts of the plurality of pipelines 12 are connected with at least one of a second surface of the container 11 and a second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13. The second surface of the container 11 is different from the first surface. The second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13 is different from the first surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell module including a reformer, a combustor, and a fuel cell stack is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a fuel cell module, pipes for sending fuel gas from a reformer to a fuel cell stack, and pipes for sending fuel off-gas and oxidant off-gas from the fuel cell stack to the reformer are provided. It has been difficult to connect these pipes to the fuel cell stack without interference between them.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure made in view of the problems of the prior art as described above is to provide a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device with improved freedom in design for avoiding interference between pipes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-described various problems, a fuel cell module according to a first aspect includes a container that houses a reformer and a combustor that heats the reformer, and a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells that generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction of the fuel gas generated by the reformer and an oxidant are stacked, and The container and the fuel cell cell stack are each provided with a plurality of pipes for supplying different types of gas, Some of the aforementioned plurality of pipes are connected to the first surface of the container and the first surface of the fuel cell stack. Another portion of the plurality of pipes is connected to at least one of a second surface different from the first surface of the container and a second surface different from the first surface of the fuel cell stack.

[0007] From a second perspective, fuel cell devices are: The fuel cell module comprises a container housing a reformer and a combustor for heating the reformer; a fuel cell cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cell cells stacked together to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas produced by the reformer and an oxidizer; and a plurality of pipes for supplying different types of gas between the container and the fuel cell cell stack, wherein a portion of the plurality of pipes is connected to a first surface of the container and a first surface of the fuel cell cell stack, and another portion of the plurality of pipes is connected to at least one of a second surface different from the first surface of the container and a second surface different from the first surface of the fuel cell cell stack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The fuel cell module and fuel cell device according to this disclosure, configured as described above, offer improved design flexibility in avoiding interference between pipes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a fuel cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modified example of the fuel cell module. [Figure 5]It is a side view of the fuel cell module in FIG. 1 seen from the first direction. [Figure 6] It is a side view of the fuel cell module in FIG. 1 seen from the direction opposite to the first direction. [Figure 7] It is a side view of another modification of the fuel cell module in FIG. 1 seen from the first direction. [Figure 8] It is a side view of another modification of the fuel cell module in FIG. 1 seen from the direction opposite to the first direction. [Figure 9] It is a side view of yet another modification of the fuel cell module in FIG. 1 seen from the first direction. [Figure 10] It is a side view of yet another modification of the fuel cell module in FIG. 1 seen from the direction opposite to the first direction. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the gas flow in the fuel cell stack having a folding structure in the first arrangement direction. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the gas flow in the fuel cell stack in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the gas flow in the fuel cell stack having a folding structure in a direction perpendicular to the first arrangement direction. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section by a plane perpendicular to the second direction of the fuel cell module of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the fuel cell module of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a side view of the fuel cell module in FIG. 15 seen from the direction opposite to the second direction. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 15. [Figure 18] It is a side view of the fuel cell module in FIG. 15 seen from the second direction. [Figure 19] It is a side view of the fuel cell module of a modification of the third embodiment seen from the direction opposite to the second direction. [Figure 20] It is a side view of the fuel cell module of a modification of the third embodiment seen from the second direction. [Figure 21] It is a side view of the fuel cell module according to the fourth embodiment as seen from the reverse direction of the second direction. [Figure 22] It is a side view of the fuel cell module according to the fourth embodiment as seen from the second direction. [Figure 23] It is a side view of the fuel cell module according to a modification of the fourth embodiment as seen from the reverse direction of the second direction. [Figure 24] It is a side view of the fuel cell module according to a modification of the fourth embodiment as seen from the second direction. [Figure 25] It is a top view of the fuel cell stack of FIG. 23 as seen from the second arrangement direction. [Figure 26] It is a side view of the fuel cell module according to the fifth embodiment as seen from the reverse direction of the second direction. [Figure 27] It is a side view of the fuel cell module according to the fifth embodiment as seen from the second direction. [Figure 28] It is a side view of the fuel cell module according to the sixth embodiment as seen from the reverse direction of the second direction. [Figure 29] It is a side view of the fuel cell module according to the sixth embodiment as seen from the second direction. [Figure 30] It is a side view of the fuel cell stack of FIG. 28 as seen from the first direction. [Figure 31] It is a perspective view showing a modification of a fuel cell stack in which the connection positions with a plurality of pipes are changed in the fuel cell module according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a fuel cell module to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [[ID=I43]]As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel cell module 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a container 11, a plurality of pipes 12, and a fuel cell stack 13.

[0012] Some of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to the first surface of the container 11 and the first surface of the fuel cell stack 13. Another portion of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to at least one of the second surface of the container 11 and the second surface of the fuel cell stack 13. The second surface of the container 11 is different from the first surface of the container 11. The second surface of the fuel cell stack 13 is different from the first surface of the fuel cell stack 13. The first and second surfaces of the container 11, and the first and second surfaces of the fuel cell stack 13 will be described later. Specifically in the first embodiment, another portion of the multiple pipes 12 may be connected to the first surface of the container 11 and the second surface of the fuel cell stack 13.

[0013] In a fuel cell system including a fuel cell module 10, the orientation relative to the ground at the time of installation is defined. In this specification, the direction of the fuel cell module 10 within the fuel cell system that is vertically upward in the orientation defined relative to the ground is referred to as the upward direction. In this specification, the direction of the fuel cell module 10 within the fuel cell system that is vertically downward in the orientation defined relative to the ground is referred to as the downward direction. In this specification, two directions that are perpendicular to the vertical direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the container 11 may be, for example, substantially rectangular. The rectangular container 11 may be formed by a rectangular face perpendicular to the vertical direction, a substantially rectangular face perpendicular to the first direction, and a substantially rectangular face parallel to the second direction. The rectangular face may consist of a long side and a short side. In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the container 11 is substantially parallel to the first direction. The width direction of the container 11 is substantially parallel to the second direction. In this specification, substantially parallel only needs to be able to achieve the effects of the present disclosure, and may include, for example, a relationship of ±5°.

[0015] The container 11 may be provided with a supply pipe 14 for raw fuel gas and water and a discharge pipe 15 on the first direction side SS1. The supply pipe 14 for raw fuel gas and water penetrates the first direction side wall of the container 11. As shown in Figure 2, the supply pipe 14 for raw fuel gas and water is connected to the reformer 16. The supply pipe 14 supplies raw fuel gas and water to the reformer 16. The discharge pipe 15 has an interior that communicates with the inside of the container 11. The discharge pipe 15 discharges exhaust gas generated by combustion in the combustor 17.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the container 11 may be provided with a thermocouple 18 and an ignition heater 19 extending from the side SS1 on the first direction side into the interior of the container 11. The thermocouple 18 detects the temperature of the combustion chamber, which will be described later. The ignition heater 19 ignites the combustor 17, which will be described later. The container 11 may be provided with an oxidizer gas supply pipe 20 on its upper surface US. The oxidizer gas supply pipe 20 penetrates the upper outer wall of the container 11 and is connected to the supply path for oxidizer gas in the container 11.

[0017] The container 11 houses the reformer 16 and the combustor 17.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the reformer 16 is supplied with raw fuel gas and water through a raw fuel gas and water supply pipe 14. The reformer 16 includes at least a reforming section. The reformer 16 may also include a vaporization section.

[0019] The reforming unit houses a reforming catalyst and generates a hydrogen-containing fuel gas by reforming the raw fuel gas with water. The vaporization unit vaporizes water into steam and mixes it with the raw fuel gas. The vaporization unit mixes the water vapor with the raw fuel gas and supplies it to the reforming unit. The vaporization unit may be an external vaporizer of the fuel cell module 10. Alternatively, as described above, the vaporization unit may be integrated with the reforming unit and included in the reformer 16. The reformer 16 delivers the fuel gas to the fuel cell stack 13 via the fuel gas piping 21, which will be described later.

[0020] Unreacted oxidizer gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack 13 to the combustor 17 via an oxidizer off-gas pipe 22, which will be described later. Unreacted fuel gas is also discharged from the fuel cell stack 13 to the combustor 17 via a fuel off-gas pipe 23. The combustor 17 heats the reformer 16 by burning the unreacted combustion gas in the fuel cell stack 13 with the unreacted oxidizer gas. By heating the reformer 16, the combustor 17 provides the heat necessary for the steam reforming reaction in the reformer 16. The combustor 17 may include an oxidizer off-gas combustor 24 and a fuel off-gas combustor 25.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the combustor 17 may be located below the reformer 16 within the container 11. The combustor 17 may be in contact with the lower inner surface of the container 11. More specifically, the oxidizer off-gas combustor 24 may be in contact with this inner surface. The fuel off-gas combustor 25 may be in contact above the oxidizer off-gas combustor 24.

[0022] An oxidizer off-gas injector and a fuel off-gas injector may be formed on the upper surface of the combustor 17. The oxidizer off-gas injector may inject unreacted oxidizer gas into the space IS within the container 11 that houses the reformer 16 and the combustor 17. The fuel off-gas injector may inject unreacted fuel gas into the space IS within the container 11. The combustor 17 and the reformer 16 may be spaced apart so that the bottom surface of the reformer 16 is heated by the combustion of the combustor 17.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an oxidizer flow path CH is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container 11. The flow path CH connects the oxidizer gas supply pipe 20 to the oxidizer gas piping 26, which will be described later. The flow path CH may be formed, for example, by the internal space defined by the outer and inner walls on the top surface US, side surface, and bottom surface of the container 11. The side surfaces on which the flow path CH is formed may be two surfaces perpendicular to the second direction. The flow path CH supplies a gas containing an oxidizer such as oxygen (e.g., air) delivered from the oxidizer gas supply pipe 20 to the fuel cell cell stack 13.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel gas piping 21, oxidizer off-gas piping 22, fuel off-gas piping 23, and oxidizer gas piping 26 may be connected to the lower surface, which is the first surface of the container 11. More specifically, the reformer 16 may be connected to the fuel gas piping 21 via the combustor 17 and internal piping that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 11 and opens to the lower surface of the container 11. The oxidizer off-gas combustor 24 may be connected to the oxidizer off-gas piping 22 via internal piping that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 11 and opens to the lower surface of the container 11. The fuel off-gas combustor 25 may be connected to the fuel off-gas piping 23 via the oxidizer off-gas combustor 24 and internal piping that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 11 and opens to the lower surface of the container 11. The flow path CH may be connected to the oxidizer gas piping 26 via an opening formed on the lower surface of the container 11.

[0025] Multiple pipes 12 each carry different types of gas between the container 11 and the fuel cell stack 13. The multiple pipes 12 include, for example, a fuel gas pipe 21, an oxidizer off-gas pipe 22, a fuel off-gas pipe 23, and an oxidizer gas pipe 26. The fuel gas pipe 21 may carry fuel gas produced by the reformer 16 in the container 11 to the fuel cell stack 13. The oxidizer off-gas pipe 22 may carry unreacted oxidizer in the fuel cell stack 13 to the combustor 17 in the container 11, more specifically to the oxidizer off-gas combustor 24. The fuel off-gas pipe 23 may carry unreacted fuel gas in the fuel cell stack 13 to the combustor 17 in the container 11, more specifically to the fuel off-gas combustor 25. The oxidizer gas pipe 26 may carry oxidizer from the flow path CH in the container 11 to the fuel cell stack 13.

[0026] The fuel cell stack 13 is located below the container 11. The fuel cell stack 13 includes multiple stacked flat-plate fuel cell cells. The fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas produced by the reformer 16 and the oxidizer. In the fuel cell, not all of the supplied fuel gas and oxidizer gas undergoes an electrochemical reaction, and unreacted fuel gas and oxidizer gas are discharged.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells may be substantially perpendicular to the first arrangement direction in which the container 11 and the fuel cell stack 13 are aligned, in other words, substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this specification, substantially perpendicular is sufficient if it is possible to achieve the effects of the present disclosure, and may include, for example, a relationship of 90° ± 5°. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells may be substantially parallel to the first direction, in other words, substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction in the container 11. Alternatively, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells may be substantially parallel to the second direction, in other words, substantially parallel to the width direction in the container 11. The width direction in the container 11 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel cell stack 13 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 that are substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction. The second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13 is the back surface of the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13. A portion of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13. The remaining portion of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fuel cell cell stack 13 may have a fuel gas inlet 27, an oxidizer gas inlet 28, a fuel off-gas outlet 29, and an oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 connected to a plurality of pipes 12. The fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be located closer to the container 11 than the fuel gas inlet 27. The oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 may be located closer to the container 11 than the oxidizer gas inlet 28. More specifically, the fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 may be located near the end of the fuel cell cell stack 13 that is on the container 11 side. The fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 may be located near the end of the fuel cell cell stack 13 that is away from the container 11.

[0030] The fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 13. The fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 13. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 13, and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 13. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 13, and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 13.

[0031] The fuel gas inlet 27 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be offset in a direction perpendicular to the first arrangement direction (the second direction in the first embodiment) when viewed from the stacking direction (the first direction in the first embodiment). The oxidizer gas inlet 28 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 may be offset in a direction perpendicular to the first arrangement direction (the second direction in the first embodiment) when viewed from the stacking direction (the first direction in the first embodiment). The line segment connecting the fuel gas inlet 27 and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the line segment connecting the oxidizer gas inlet 28 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 may intersect when viewed from the stacking direction.

[0032] In the fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment with the configuration described above, some of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to the first surface of the container 11 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 13, and other parts of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to at least one of the second surface of the container 11 that is different from the first surface and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 13 that is different from the first surface Scs1. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 10 has a greater degree of freedom in design to avoid interference compared to a configuration in which all of the multiple pipes 12 are connected to a single surface of the container 11 and a single surface of the fuel cell cell stack 13. In particular, the increased degree of freedom in design is especially beneficial when applying a fuel cell cell stack 13 in which flat-plate fuel cell cells are stacked.

[0033] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment, an oxidizer flow path CH is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container 11. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 10 can heat the oxidizer gas before sending it to the fuel cell stack 13 by utilizing the heat from the combustor 17 inside the container 11, which is used to heat the reformer 16. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 can suppress the occurrence of temperature distribution inside the fuel cell stack 13 due to the supply of low-temperature oxidizer gas to the fuel cell stack 13, thereby suppressing malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 13.

[0034] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment, the fuel off-gas outlet 29 is located closer to the container 11 than the fuel gas inlet 27, and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 is located closer to the container 11 than the oxidizer gas inlet 28. For example, in a typical fuel cell cell stack, a structure can be considered in which the fuel gas inlet and fuel off-gas outlet are located at the same position in the first orientation, and the oxidizer inlet and oxidizer off-gas outlet are located at the same position in the first orientation. In such a structure, as shown in Figure 11, the fuel gas and oxidizer gas flow from the inlet IN into some of the fuel cell cells 31', flow in one direction vertically (upward in Figure 11) within the fuel cell cells 31', and then flow in the opposite direction vertically (downward in Figure 11) within the fuel cell cells 31' and are discharged from the outlet OUT. In such a folded structure, gas pressure loss may occur. On the other hand, the fuel cell module 10 having the above configuration does not require the adoption of a structure that folds the gas back in the first arrangement direction (vertical direction) within the fuel cell cell stack 13. As shown in Figure 12, the fuel gas and oxidizer gas can pass from bottom to top within the fuel cell cell stack 13 without folding back in the vertical direction. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 does not require folding back in the first arrangement direction, and the occurrence of gas pressure loss can be suppressed, thus allowing for a smooth flow of fuel gas and oxidizer gas. As a result, the fuel cell module 10 can improve power generation efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 are provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 13, and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 are provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 13. For example, in a typical fuel cell cell stack, it is conceivable to position the inlets and outlets of the fuel gas and oxidizer gas on the same surface. In such a structure, as shown in Figure 13, the fuel gas and oxidizer gas flow from the inlet IN in one direction of the stacking direction, then flow within each fuel cell cell 31' in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and then flow in the opposite direction of the stacking direction and are discharged from the outlet OUT. In such a configuration, the pressure loss becomes large, making it difficult for the gas to reach the electrochemical cells 11' that are far from the inlet IN and outlet OUT. On the other hand, the fuel cell module 10 having the above-described configuration does not require the adoption of a structure that folds the gas back in the stacking direction within the fuel cell cell stack 13, and the fuel gas and oxidizer gas can pass from the first surface Scs1 side of the fuel cell cell stack 13 to the second surface Scs2 side of the fuel cell cell stack 13 within the fuel cell cell stack 13. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 can reduce pressure loss and reduce the difference in the amount of gas that reaches each of the multiple fuel cell cells. Thus, the fuel cell module 10 can improve power generation efficiency.

[0036] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, in a modified fuel cell module 10 of the first embodiment, the fuel gas inlet 27 and oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 are provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13, and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 and fuel off-gas outlet 29 are provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 10 does not require a structure that folds the gas back in the stacking direction within the fuel cell stack 13, and the fuel gas can be passed from the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13 to the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13, and the oxidizer gas can be passed from the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 13 to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 13. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 also does not require folding in the first arrangement direction, can suppress the occurrence of gas pressure loss, and can smooth the flow of fuel gas and oxidizer gas. As a result, the fuel cell module 10 can improve power generation efficiency.

[0037] Next, a fuel cell module according to a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells is different from that of the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0038] As shown in Figure 14, the fuel cell module 100 according to the second embodiment is configured similarly to the first embodiment, including a container 110, a plurality of pipes 120, and a fuel cell stack 130.

[0039] In the container 110, the configuration other than the surface on which the fuel gas piping 210 is provided is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0040] In the second embodiment, unlike in the first embodiment, the reformer 16 may be connected to the fuel gas piping 210 via internal piping that penetrates the wall of the container 11 that sandwiches the combustor 17 together with the reformer 16, in other words, the wall other than the lower wall. More specifically in the second embodiment, the internal piping may penetrate the side SS2 on the opposite side of the first direction and be connected to the fuel gas piping 210, and the fuel gas generated by the reformer 16 may be delivered.

[0041] The multiple pipes 120, as in the first embodiment, each deliver different types of gas between the container 110 and the fuel cell stack 130. The multiple pipes 120 may include a fuel gas pipe 210, an oxidizer off-gas pipe 220, a fuel off-gas pipe 230, and an oxidizer gas pipe 260, as in the first embodiment. The function of the fuel gas pipe 210 may be the same as that of the fuel gas pipe 21 in the first embodiment. The function of the oxidizer off-gas pipe 220 may be the same as that of the oxidizer off-gas pipe 22 in the first embodiment. The function of the fuel off-gas pipe 230 may be the same as that of the fuel off-gas pipe 23 in the first embodiment. The function of the oxidizer gas pipe 260 may be the same as that of the oxidizer gas pipe 26 in the first embodiment.

[0042] As will be described later, the multiple pipes 120 are connected to a fuel cell cell stack 130 whose orientation relative to the container 110 differs from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the shape of the multiple pipes 120 may differ from the shape of the multiple pipes 12 in the first embodiment.

[0043] The function and internal structure of the fuel cell stack 130 may be the same as in the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the orientation of the fuel cell stack 130 relative to the container 110 is such that the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells is parallel to the first arrangement direction in which the container 110 and the fuel cell stack 130 are aligned, in other words, parallel to the vertical direction.

[0044] In the fuel cell module 100 of the second embodiment with the configuration described above, some of the multiple pipes 120 are connected to the first surface of the container 11 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 130, and other parts of the multiple pipes 120 are connected to at least one of the second surface of the container 11 that is different from the first surface and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 130 that is different from the first surface Scs1. Therefore, the fuel cell module 100, like the first embodiment, also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0045] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 100 of the second embodiment, an oxidizer flow path CH is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container 110. Therefore, the fuel cell module 100, like the first embodiment, can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 130.

[0046] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 100 of the second embodiment, the fuel off-gas outlet 29 is located closer to the container 11 than the fuel gas inlet 27, and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 is located closer to the container 11 than the oxidizer gas inlet 28. Therefore, the fuel cell module 100 can also improve power generation efficiency, similar to the first embodiment.

[0047] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 100 of the second embodiment, the fuel gas inlet 27 and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 are provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 13, and the fuel off-gas outlet 29 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 are provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 13. Therefore, the fuel cell module 100 can also improve power generation efficiency in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

[0048] Next, a fuel cell module according to a third embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, the arrangement of the fuel cell stack in relation to the container and the connection structure of the multiple pipes differ from those of the first embodiment. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0049] As shown in Figure 15, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, some of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131. Another portion of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to at least one of the second surface of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131. Specifically in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, another portion of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131.

[0050] As shown in Figure 15, in the third embodiment, the shape of the container 111 is the same as in the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the container 111 is provided with a supply pipe 141 for raw fuel gas and water and a discharge pipe 151 on the first surface Svl1, which is the upper surface. The supply pipe 141 for raw fuel gas and water penetrates the wall of the container 111 on the first surface Svl1 side. As shown in Figure 17, similar to the first embodiment, the supply pipe 141 for raw fuel gas and water is connected to the reformer 161. The discharge pipe 151, similar to the first embodiment, has its interior space in communication with the space IS inside the container 111.

[0051] As shown in Figure 15, the container 111 is provided with a thermocouple 18 and an ignition heater 19 extending into the interior of the container 111 from the side surface SS1 on the first direction side, as in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the container 111 is provided with an oxidizer gas supply pipe 201 on the second surface Svl2 on the back side of the first surface Svl1. Therefore, the oxidizer is introduced into the container 111 from the opposite side of the second arrangement direction, which will be described later. The oxidizer gas supply pipe 201 penetrates the lower outer wall of the container 111 and is connected to the supply path for oxidizer gas in the container 111.

[0052] The container 111 houses the reformer 161 and the combustor 171, similar to the first embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Figure 17, the reformer 161 is supplied with raw fuel gas and water via a raw fuel gas and water supply pipe 14, similar to the first embodiment. The reformer 161 then sends the generated fuel gas to the fuel cell stack 131 via a fuel gas piping 211, which will be described later, similar to the first embodiment.

[0054] In the combustor 171, similar to the first embodiment, unreacted oxidizer gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack 131 via an oxidizer off-gas pipe 221, which will be described later. Also, in the combustor 171, similar to the first embodiment, unreacted fuel gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack 131 via a fuel off-gas pipe 231. The combustor 171 may include an oxidizer off-gas combustor 241 and a fuel off-gas combustor 251, similar to the first embodiment.

[0055] Within the container 111, the combustor 171 and the reformer 161 are arranged in the order of combustor 171 and reformer 161 along the second arrangement direction. The second arrangement direction is the upward direction in the fuel cell module 101.

[0056] As shown in Figure 17, a flow path CH for the oxidizing agent is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container 111, similar to the first embodiment. The flow path CH connects the oxidizing agent gas supply pipe 201 to the oxidizing agent gas piping 261, which will be described later. The flow path CH may be formed, for example, by the internal cavity defined by the outer and inner walls of the first surface Svl1, the side surface, and the second surface Svl2 of the container 111, respectively.

[0057] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the fuel gas pipe 211 and the oxidizer gas pipe 261 may be connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 11. The oxidizer off-gas pipe 221 and the fuel off-gas pipe 231 may be connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 111.

[0058] One end of the fuel gas pipe 211 may be connected to the reformer 161, specifically via the container 111, and more specifically through the inner and outer walls of the container 111. The oxidizer off-gas pipe 221 may be connected to the oxidizer off-gas combustor 241, specifically via internal piping that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 111. The fuel off-gas pipe 231 may be connected to the fuel off-gas combustor 251, specifically via internal piping that penetrates the inner and outer walls of the container 11 and the oxidizer off-gas combustor 241. The oxidizer gas pipe 261 may be connected to the flow path CH, specifically via an opening formed in the first surface Svl1 of the container 11.

[0059] In the third embodiment, the fuel cell stack 131 is positioned perpendicular to the second arrangement direction with respect to the container 111. More specifically, the fuel cell stack 131 is positioned in the opposite direction to the first direction with respect to the container 111. The stacking direction of the fuel cell cells in the fuel cell stack 131 is, for example, the same as the second direction.

[0060] In the third embodiment, the fuel cell stack 131 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, similar to the first embodiment. Thus, the first surface Scs1 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131 are perpendicular to the second direction. A portion of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131, similar to the first embodiment. The remaining portion of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131, similar to the first embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figures 16 and 18, the fuel cell stack 131, similar to the first embodiment, has a fuel gas inlet 271, an oxidizer gas inlet 281, a fuel off-gas outlet 291, and an oxidizer off-gas outlet 301 connected to a plurality of pipes 121.

[0062] The fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 301 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 131. The oxidizer gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 131. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the oxidizer gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 301 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 131, and the fuel gas inlet 271 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 131.

[0063] As shown in Figures 16, 19, and 20, the oxidizer gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291 may be located at the same position in the first direction. As shown in Figures 18 to 20, the fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 301 may be located at the same position in the first direction. As shown in Figures 16, 18 to 20, the fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 301 may be located closer to the container 111 than the oxidizer gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291. More specifically, the fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 301 may be located near the end of the fuel cell cell stack 131 on the container 111 side. Also, the oxidizer gas inlet 281 and the fuel off-gas outlet 291 may be located near the end of the fuel cell cell stack 131 on the side away from the container 111.

[0064] The fuel gas inlet 271 and the oxidizer gas inlet 281 may be located at the same position in the second orientation. The fuel off-gas outlet 291 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 301 may be located at the same position in the second orientation. The fuel gas inlet 271 may be located on the second orientation side, or in other words, upward side, of the connection port to the fuel gas piping 211 in the reformer 161. Therefore, the fuel gas piping 211, which is one of the multiple pipes 121, is connected to the fuel cell stack 131 on the second orientation side, of the end connected to the reformer 161. The oxidizer gas inlet 281 may be located on the second orientation side, or in other words, upward side, of the connection port to the oxidizer gas piping 261 in the container 111. Therefore, the oxidizer gas piping 261, which is one of the multiple pipes 121, is connected to the fuel cell stack 131 on the second orientation side, of the end connected to the container 111.

[0065] In the fuel cell module 101 of the third embodiment with the configuration described above, some of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 131, and other parts of the multiple pipes 121 are connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 111, which is different from the first surface Svl1, and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 131, which is different from the first surface Scs1. Therefore, the fuel cell module 101, like the first embodiment, also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0066] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 101 of the third embodiment, an oxidizer flow path CH is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container 111. Therefore, the fuel cell module 101, similar to the first embodiment, can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 131.

[0067] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 101 of the third embodiment, one end of one of the multiple pipes 121 is connected to the reformer 161 via a container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 131 on the second arrangement direction side of the said end. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 101 improves the efficiency of supplying high-temperature fuel gas, which flows easily upward, from the reformer 161 to the fuel cell stack 131. Therefore, the fuel cell module 101 can improve power generation efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 101 of the third embodiment, one end of one of the multiple pipes 121 is connected to the flow path CH in the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 131 on the second arrangement direction side of the said end. With this configuration, the fuel cell module 101 improves the efficiency of supplying high-temperature oxidizer gas, which flows easily upward, from the container 111 to the fuel cell stack 131. Therefore, the fuel cell module 101 can improve power generation efficiency.

[0069] Next, a fuel cell module according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack differs from that of the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0070] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, some of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132. Another portion of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132. Specifically in the fourth embodiment, another portion of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132.

[0071] In the fourth embodiment, the structure, internal structure, and function of the container 111 are the same as in the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the connection structure of the multiple pipes 122 to the container 111 is the same as in the third embodiment.

[0072] In the fourth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 132 is positioned perpendicular to the second arrangement direction relative to the container 111, similar to the third embodiment. Unlike the third embodiment, the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells in the fuel cell stack 132 is the same as the second arrangement direction.

[0073] In the fourth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 132 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, as in the third embodiment. Thus, the first surface Scs1 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132 are perpendicular to the second arrangement direction. A portion of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132, as in the third embodiment. The remaining portion of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132, as in the third embodiment.

[0074] The fuel cell stack 132, similar to the third embodiment, has a fuel gas inlet 272, an oxidizer gas inlet 282, a fuel off-gas outlet 292, and an oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 connected to a plurality of pipes 122.

[0075] The fuel gas inlet 272 and the oxidizer gas inlet 282 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell cell stack 132. The fuel off-gas outlet 292 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 may be provided on the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell cell stack 132. stomach.

[0076] The fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located at the same position in the first direction. The oxidizer gas inlet 282 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 may be located at the same position in the first direction. The fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located closer to the container 111 than the oxidizer gas inlet 282 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 302. More specifically, the fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located near the end of the fuel cell cell stack 132 on the container 111 side. The oxidizer gas inlet 282 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 may be located near the end of the fuel cell cell stack 132 on the side away from the container 111. The fuel gas inlet 272 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 may be located at the same position in the second direction. The oxidizer gas inlet 282 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located at the same position in the second direction.

[0077] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located at the same position in the first direction. The oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 may be located closer to the container 111 than the fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292. The fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located closer to the container 111 than the oxidizer gas inlet 282. More specifically, the oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 may be located near the end of the fuel cell cell stack 132 that is on the container 111 side. The oxidizer gas inlet 282 may be located near the end of the fuel cell cell stack 132 that is away from the container 111. The fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located between the oxidizer gas inlet 282 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 in the first direction. As shown in Figure 25, the fuel gas inlet 272 and the fuel off-gas outlet 292 may be located near both ends of the fuel cell stack 132 in the second direction. The oxidizer gas inlet 282 and the oxidizer off-gas outlet 302 may be located in the same position in the second direction.

[0078] As shown in Figures 21-24, the fuel gas inlet 272 may be located on the second side of the configuration direction, or in other words, on the upward side, of the connection port to the fuel gas piping 212 in the reformer 161. The oxidizer gas inlet 282 may be located on the second side of the configuration direction, or in other words, on the upward side, of the connection port to the oxidizer gas piping 262 in the container 111.

[0079] In the fourth embodiment of the fuel cell module 102 with the configuration described above, some of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132, and other parts of the multiple pipes 122 are connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 111, which is different from the first surface Svl1, and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 132, which is different from the first surface Scs1. Therefore, the fuel cell module 102, like the first embodiment, also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0080] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 102 of the fourth embodiment, an oxidizer flow path CH is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container 111. Therefore, the fuel cell module 102, like the first embodiment, can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 132.

[0081] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 102 of the fourth embodiment, one end of one of the multiple pipes 122 is connected to the reforming section 161 via the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 132 on the second arrangement direction side of the said end. Therefore, the fuel cell module 102 can also improve power generation efficiency, similar to the third embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 102 of the fourth embodiment, one end of one of the multiple pipes 122 is connected to the flow path CH in the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 132 on the second arrangement direction side of the said end. Therefore, the fuel cell module 102 can also improve power generation efficiency, similar to the third embodiment.

[0083] Next, a fuel cell module according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the connection structure between the multiple pipes and the fuel cell stack differs from that of the third embodiment. The fifth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as in the third or fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0084] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, in the fifth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, some of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133. Another portion of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 133. Specifically in the fifth embodiment, another portion of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 132.

[0085] In the fifth embodiment, the structure, internal structure, and function of the container 111 are the same as in the third embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the connection structure of the multiple pipes 123 to the container 111 is the same as in the third embodiment.

[0086] In the fifth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 133 is positioned perpendicular to the second arrangement direction relative to the container 111, similar to the third embodiment. The stacking direction of the fuel cell cells in the fuel cell stack 133 is the same as the first direction, unlike in the third embodiment.

[0087] In the fifth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 133 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, as in the third embodiment. Thus, the first surface Scs1 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 133 are perpendicular to the first direction. Unlike the third embodiment, all of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133.

[0088] The fuel cell stack 133, similar to the third embodiment, has a fuel gas inlet 273, an oxidizer gas inlet 283, a fuel off-gas outlet 293, and an oxidizer off-gas outlet 303 connected to a plurality of pipes 123. The fuel gas inlet 273, oxidizer gas inlet 283, fuel off-gas outlet 293, and oxidizer off-gas outlet 303 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133.

[0089] The fuel gas inlet 273 may be located on the second orientation side, or in other words, on the upward side, of the connection port to the fuel gas piping 213 in the reformer 161. The oxidizer gas inlet 283 may be located on the second orientation side, or in other words, on the upward side, of the connection port to the oxidizer gas piping 263 in the container 111.

[0090] In the fifth embodiment of the fuel cell module 103 with the configuration described above, some of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 111 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 133, and other parts of the multiple pipes 123 are connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 111, which is different from the first surface Svl1, and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 133, which is different from the first surface Scs1. Therefore, the fuel cell module 103, like the first embodiment, also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0091] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 103 of the fifth embodiment, an oxidizer flow path CH is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container 111. Therefore, the fuel cell module 103, like the first embodiment, can suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 133.

[0092] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 103 of the fifth embodiment, one end of one of the multiple pipes 123 is connected to the reforming section 161 via the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 133 on the second arrangement direction side of the said end. Therefore, the fuel cell module 103 can also improve power generation efficiency, similar to the third embodiment.

[0093] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 103 of the fifth embodiment, one end of one of the multiple pipes 123 is connected to the flow path CH in the container 111, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 133 on the second arrangement direction side of the said end. Therefore, the fuel cell module 103 can also improve power generation efficiency, similar to the third embodiment.

[0094] Next, a fuel cell module according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the connection structure between the multiple pipes and the fuel cell stack differs from that of the third embodiment. The sixth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as in the third, fourth, or fifth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0095] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, in the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, some of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 114 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134. Another portion of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 114 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 134. Specifically in the sixth embodiment, another portion of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 114 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134.

[0096] In the sixth embodiment, the shape of the container 114 is the same as in the third embodiment. Unlike the third embodiment, the container 114 is provided with an oxidizer gas supply pipe 204 on the first surface Svl1, which is the upper surface, in addition to the raw fuel gas and water supply pipes 141 and the discharge pipe 151. Similar to the third embodiment, the oxidizer gas supply pipe 204 penetrates the upper outer wall of the container 114 and is connected to the oxidizer gas flow path CH in the container 111.

[0097] In the sixth embodiment, the fuel gas piping 214 may be connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 114. The oxidizer gas piping 264, the oxidizer off-gas piping 224, and the fuel off-gas piping 234 may be connected to the second surface Svl2 of the container 114.

[0098] In the sixth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 134 is positioned perpendicular to the second arrangement direction relative to the container 114, similar to the third embodiment. The stacking direction of the fuel cell cells in the fuel cell stack 132 is the same as the first direction, as in the fifth embodiment.

[0099] In the sixth embodiment, the fuel cell stack 134 has a first surface Scs1 and a second surface Scs2 substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, as in the third embodiment. Thus, the first surface Scs1 and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 134 are perpendicular to the first direction. All of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134, as in the fifth embodiment.

[0100] As shown in Figure 30, the fuel cell stack 134, similar to the third embodiment, has a fuel gas inlet 274, an oxidizer gas inlet 284, a fuel off-gas outlet 294, and an oxidizer off-gas outlet 304 connected to a plurality of pipes 124. The fuel gas inlet 274, oxidizer gas inlet 284, fuel off-gas outlet 294, and oxidizer off-gas outlet 304 may be provided on the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134.

[0101] The fuel gas inlet 274 may be located on the second arrangement side, or in other words, on the upward side, of the connection port with the fuel gas piping 214 in the reformer 161.

[0102] In the fuel cell module 104 of the sixth embodiment with the configuration described above, some of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to the first surface Svl1 of the container 114 and the first surface Scs1 of the fuel cell stack 134, and other parts of the multiple pipes 124 are connected to at least one of the second surface Svl2 of the container 114, which is different from the first surface Svl1, and the second surface Scs2 of the fuel cell stack 134, which is different from the first surface Scs1. Therefore, the fuel cell module 104, like the first embodiment, also improves the degree of freedom in design to avoid interference.

[0103] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 104 of the sixth embodiment, an oxidizer flow path CH is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container 114. Therefore, the fuel cell module 104, like the first embodiment, can also suppress malfunctions in the fuel cell stack 134.

[0104] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module 104 of the sixth embodiment, one end of one of the multiple pipes 124 is connected to the reforming section 161 via a container 114, and the other end is connected to the fuel cell stack 134 on the second arrangement direction side of the said end. Therefore, the fuel cell module 104 can also improve power generation efficiency, similar to the third embodiment.

[0105] While the present invention has been described based on various drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0106] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the fuel gas inlet 27 and fuel off-gas outlet 29, and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 and oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 are both located near both ends in the same direction on a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 30, the fuel gas inlet 27 and fuel off-gas outlet 29 may be located near both ends in any one direction (first direction) on a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the oxidizer gas inlet 28 and oxidizer off-gas outlet 30 may be located near both ends in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to that one direction on the same plane.

[0107] Furthermore, for example, in the third to sixth embodiments, the fuel cell stacks 131 to 134 are configured to be located on the opposite side of the first direction relative to the containers 111 and 114, but they may be located in the second direction, for example. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 10,100 fuel cell modules 11, 110, 111, 114 containers 12, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124 Multiple pipes 13, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134 Fuel cell stack 14, 141 Supply pipes for raw fuel gas and water 15, 151 Discharge pipe 16, 161 Reformer 17, 171 Combustor 18 Thermocouples 19. Ignition heater 20, 201, 204 Oxidizer gas supply pipes 21, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214 Fuel gas piping 22, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224 Oxidizer off-gas piping 23, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234 Fuel off-gas piping 24, 241 Oxidizer-off gas combustor 25, 251 Fuel Off-Gas Combustor 26, 260, 261, 262, 262, 264 Oxidizer gas piping 27, 271, 272, 273 Fuel gas inlet 28, 281, 282, 283 Oxidizer gas inlet 29, 291, 292, 293 Fuel off-gas outlet 30, 301, 302, 303 Oxidizer off-gas outlet 31' Fuel cell CH channel IN Entrance Space inside the IS container OUT exit First side of the SCS1 fuel cell cell stack Second side of the SCS2 fuel cell cell stack SS1 Side view on the first direction side SS2 Side view opposite to the second direction Svl1 The first side of the container Svl2 Second side of the container US top

Claims

1. A container housing a modification section and a combustor for heating the modification section, A fuel cell cell stack comprising multiple fuel cell cells stacked together, which generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas produced by the reforming unit and an oxidizer, The container and the fuel cell cell stack are each provided with a plurality of pipes for supplying different types of gas, The stacking direction of the fuel cell cells is perpendicular to the first arrangement direction in which the container and the fuel cell stack are arranged. The container has a flow channel formed between the outer wall and the inner wall on the surface facing the fuel cell stack, through which an oxidizing agent flows. At least the oxidizer gas piping is connected to the surface of the container facing the fuel cell stack and to a first surface perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

2. In the fuel cell module according to claim 1, The first surface of the fuel cell cell stack is substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells, The second surface of the fuel cell stack is the back side of the first surface of the fuel cell stack. The remaining portion of the aforementioned plurality of pipes is connected to the second surface of the fuel cell cell stack. Fuel cell module.

3. In the fuel cell module according to claim 2, A channel for the oxidizing agent is formed between the outer and inner walls of the container. Fuel cell module.

4. In the fuel cell module according to claim 2 or 3, The internal piping within the container, which delivers the fuel gas generated by the reforming unit, penetrates the walls of the container other than the walls that sandwich the combustor together with the reforming unit. Fuel cell module.

5. In the fuel cell module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The fuel cell cell stack has a fuel gas inlet, an oxidizer gas inlet, a fuel off-gas outlet, and an oxidizer off-gas outlet connected to the plurality of pipes, The fuel off-gas outlet is located closer to the container than the fuel gas inlet. The oxidizer off-gas outlet is located closer to the container than the oxidizer gas inlet. Fuel cell module.

6. In the fuel cell module according to claim 5, The fuel gas inlet and the oxidizer gas inlet are provided on the first surface of the fuel cell cell stack, and the fuel off-gas outlet and the oxidizer off-gas outlet are provided on the second surface of the fuel cell cell stack. Fuel cell module.

7. In the fuel cell module according to claim 5, The fuel gas inlet and the oxidizer off-gas outlet are provided on the first surface of the fuel cell cell stack, and the oxidizer gas inlet and the fuel off-gas outlet are provided on the second surface of the fuel cell cell stack. Fuel cell module.

8. In the fuel cell module according to claim 5, The fuel gas inlet and fuel off-gas outlet are provided on the first surface of the fuel cell cell stack, and the oxidizer gas inlet and oxidizer off-gas outlet are provided on the second surface of the fuel cell cell stack. Fuel cell module.

9. In the fuel cell module according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The stacking direction is substantially perpendicular to the first arrangement direction in which the container and the fuel cell stack are aligned. Fuel cell module.

10. In the fuel cell module according to claim 9, The longitudinal direction of the container substantially perpendicular to the first arrangement direction is parallel to the stacking direction. Fuel cell module.

11. In the fuel cell module according to claim 9, In the container, the width direction substantially perpendicular to the first arrangement direction is substantially parallel to the stacking direction. Fuel cell module.

12. In the fuel cell module according to claim 6, The stacking direction is perpendicular to the first arrangement direction in which the container and the fuel cell stack are aligned. Fuel cell module.

13. A container housing a modification section and a combustor that heats the modification section, which is located separately from the modification section. A fuel cell cell stack comprising multiple fuel cell cells stacked together, which generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas produced by the reforming unit and an oxidizer, The container and the fuel cell cell stack are each provided with a plurality of pipes for supplying different types of gas, A portion of the plurality of pipes is connected to the first surface of the container and the first surface of the fuel cell stack. Another portion of the plurality of pipes is connected to a second surface different from the first surface of the container, and to a second surface different from the first surface of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

14. A container housing a modification section and a combustor for heating the modification section, A fuel cell cell stack comprising multiple fuel cell cells stacked together, which generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the fuel gas produced by the reforming unit and an oxidizer, The container and the fuel cell cell stack are each provided with a plurality of pipes for supplying different types of gas, A portion of the plurality of pipes is connected to the first surface of the container and the first surface of the fuel cell stack. Another portion of the aforementioned plurality of pipes is connected to a second surface of the fuel cell stack that is different from the first surface. The first surface of the fuel cell cell stack is substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells, The second surface of the fuel cell stack is the back side of the first surface of the fuel cell stack. The remaining portion of the aforementioned plurality of pipes is connected to the second surface of the fuel cell cell stack. Fuel cell module.

15. A fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 14 Fuel cell device.

Images