JP4313558B2 - Fuel cell and operation method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel cell and a method for operating the fuel cell, and more particularly to a fuel cell that can be quickly started up and a method for operating the fuel cell.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, various fuel cells in which a stack of fuel cells is accommodated in a storage container have been proposed as next-generation energy.
[0003]
A solid oxide fuel cell is configured by accommodating a cell stack composed of a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells in a storage container.
[0004]
Since the solid oxide fuel cell has a high operating temperature of 600 to 1000 ° C., it is necessary to heat the fuel cell up to this temperature, and there is a problem that it takes a long time to generate power substantially.
[0005]
In addition, since it takes a long time to heat the fuel cells, the problem is that the start-up time is long, and energy loss occurs if it is not an efficient heating method, so that the overall power generation efficiency is reduced. There is also.
In order to solve such problems, conventionally, in a fuel cell using a cylindrical fuel cell, a combustion chamber for burning surplus fuel not involved in power generation is provided, and a function of a heat exchanger with the introduced gas is provided. As a means for indirectly heating the fuel cell by this combustion heat, the thermal efficiency is improved.
[0006]
Further, in this method, the fuel cell itself becomes a heat conductor, and the combustion heat generated in the combustion chamber is conducted from one end of the fuel cell to the entire fuel cell, and the fuel cell is heated (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-4-237963
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described method of heating the fuel cell from one end, the distance from the heating portion at one end of the fuel cell to the other end of the fuel cell to be heated is large, so the fuel cell can generate power. There is a problem that it takes time to heat up to a certain temperature and the time until the start of power generation is still long.
[0009]
In addition, since the distance from the heating part at one end of the fuel cell to the other end is large, a large temperature difference between the other end of the fuel cell when the heating part at one end of the fuel cell is rapidly heated. There is also a problem that it is easy to break due to thermal stress.
[0010]
Furthermore, when heating one end of the fuel cell, the heated portion of the fuel cell is very small relative to the entire fuel cell, and it is difficult to transfer a sufficient amount of heat to the entire fuel cell in a short time. There is also the problem of being.
That is, there is a problem that the conventional method cannot sufficiently shorten the startup time and still takes a long time to start up.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell and a method of operating the same that can significantly shorten the startup time.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Fuel cells of the present invention, the storage container, the fuel cell formed by accommodating the fuel cell stacks arrayed at predetermined intervals elliptic cylindrical fuel cell having a plurality of gas flow passages in the longitudinal direction A flat plate-like heating body for heating the fuel cell from the side is provided at a predetermined interval from the side surface of the fuel cell.
[0013]
According to the present invention, by providing a flat plate-like heating body that heats the elliptical columnar fuel cell having a plurality of gas flow passages in the longitudinal direction from the side, with a predetermined distance from the side surface of the fuel cell , Since the distance between the heating unit and the part of the fuel cell farthest from the heating unit can be reduced, the time required to heat the entire fuel cell can be greatly shortened.
[0014]
Furthermore, since the temperature difference in the fuel cell can be reduced for the same reason, the thermal stress generated in the fuel cell can be reduced even when rapid heating is performed. As a result, rapid heating and improved reliability are achieved. Can be achieved at the same time.
[0015]
In addition, by heating from the side of the fuel cell having a large area to be heated compared to the end of the fuel cell, more heat can be applied to the fuel cell in a short time, and the heating time is reduced. Can be greatly shortened.
[0016]
Furthermore, when the distance between the fuel cell and the heating element is sufficiently small, direct heating is possible, and further, the startup time can be shortened and the efficiency can be improved.
[0017]
As described above, since the effects described above act synergistically, according to the present invention, the start-up time of the fuel cell can be greatly shortened.
[0018]
In the fuel cell of the present invention , the heating element is a flat heating element. Even if it is a rod-shaped heating element, the same effect can be obtained if it is arranged densely, but by using a flat heating element, more uniform heating of the fuel cells is possible, such as thermal stress during rapid heating, etc. Can prevent destruction.
[0019]
Further, since the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the rod-shaped heating body, the assemblability is improved, and as a result, the cost of the product can be reduced.
[0020]
In the fuel cell of the present invention, it is preferable that the length of the flat heater is the same as the length of the fuel cell stack in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells. As a result, the fuel cells constituting the fuel cell stack can be heated more uniformly.
In the fuel cell of the present invention, it is preferable that the flat heater has a heating portion on the front and back surfaces .
[0021]
By having the heating part on the front and back surfaces of the flat heating element, it becomes possible to simultaneously heat the fuel cells in a plurality of directions. For the same reason, it is possible to heat the fuel cell and the heat insulating material, heat exchanger, heat medium, and other members at the same time, thereby shortening the heating time and saving space by reducing the number of parts. It can be achieved at the same time.
[0022]
In the fuel cell of the present invention, it is preferable that the flat heater is a surface combustion type burner.
[0023]
Even if an electric heater is used, the same effect can be obtained. However, for the purpose of high-temperature heating, heating by combustion provides higher efficiency than heating by electricity.
Further, by using a surface combustion type burner, more uniform heating can be realized, and heating of the fuel cells can be performed with high efficiency and uniformity.
In the fuel cell of the present invention, the flat heater is a surface combustion type burner having a combustion plate on the fuel cell side, and the combustion plate is preferably made of ceramics.
[0024]
Heat resistance and durability are improved by using ceramic as the combustion plate of the surface combustion type burner. Moreover, the bad influence to the fuel cell by the volatilization of an element etc. can also be suppressed.
[0025]
Further, in the fuel cell of the present invention, the fuel cell has a fuel-side electrode, the outer surface of the fuel-side electrode, a solid electrolyte, it becomes to form the oxygen-side electrode successively in the plate-shaped heating body the combustion gas supplying passage the combustion gas is supplied and is formed, the oxygen-containing gas is supplied between the fuel cell through the combustion gas supplying passage of the plate-shaped heating body during power generation It is preferable .
[0026]
Combustion gas refers to a gas involved in the combustion in the plate-shaped heating body, there is a mixed gas of oxygen-containing gas such as a fuel gas and air, such as propane.
[0027]
According to the present invention, it is not necessary to separately provide a supply pipe for supplying an oxygen-containing gas between the fuel cells by providing a function of introducing the oxygen-containing gas to the flat heater.
[0028]
Moreover, since the flat heater of the present invention itself generates heat, the oxygen-containing gas can be easily heated to a necessary temperature.
[0029]
Furthermore, since the heat source is in the vicinity of the fuel cell, it is not necessary to circulate the oxygen-containing gas in a complicated manner, it can be supplied between cells, heat energy loss can be minimized, and thermal efficiency is inevitably increased. .
The fuel cell operating method of the present invention, the storage container, which has a fuel-side electrode, the outer surface of the fuel-side electrode, a solid electrolyte, made by sequentially forming an oxygen-side electrode, and a plurality in the longitudinal direction A fuel cell operating method comprising a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of elliptical cylinder-shaped fuel cells having gas flow passages arranged at predetermined intervals is housed. The fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas are supplied to a combustion gas supply path of the flat plate-shaped heating body provided in the combustion chamber and burned in the heating section of the flat plate-shaped heating body, and the side surface of the fuel cell is laterally viewed. During heating and power generation, oxygen-containing gas is supplied between the fuel cells via a combustion gas supply path of the flat heater.
[0030]
In the first half of the period from the stop state to the steady operation, the fuel cell does not have the ability to generate electric power, so oxygen required for electric power generation is not necessary.
[0031]
The gas introduced into and discharged from the fuel cell functions as a medium for cooling the fuel cell as long as it is not involved in heating or power generation. Therefore, the greater the total amount of gas that is not involved in heating or power generation, the more heat that is discharged out of the system and the lower the efficiency. Therefore, in this temperature region, the amount of oxygen-containing gas introduced may be as small as not causing a problem. Therefore, in the temperature range before power generation, the flat plate heating body should have priority only on the heating function. The fuel gas necessary for heating and the oxygen-containing gas sufficient to completely burn the fuel gas are supplied to the flat plate heating body. The side of the fuel cell is heated from the side.
[0032]
In the temperature range where the fuel cell can generate power, oxygen required for combustion of the fuel gas and oxygen required for power generation of the fuel cell in the heating part of the flat heater are required. When the cell starts power generation, it is necessary to gradually increase the amount of oxygen-containing gas introduced. At least the oxygen required for the combustion of the fuel gas in the heating portion of the flat heater and the power generation of the fuel cell and the total amount of oxygen-containing gas of oxygen and a fuel gas is supplied to the heating portion of the plate-like heating member, wherein the heated oxygen-containing gas by tabular heating element which is not involved in the combustion of the fuel gas fuel cell Supply in between.
As described above, the power generation efficiency can be improved by appropriately adjusting the amount of the oxygen-containing gas and the amount of the fuel gas supplied through the flat heater in accordance with the operation state of the fuel cell.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a fuel cell according to the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a storage container having a heat insulating structure.
[0034]
The storage container 1 includes a frame body (not shown) made of a heat-resistant metal and a heat insulating material (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the frame body.
[0035]
A plurality of fuel cell stacks 3 in which a plurality of fuel cells 2 are gathered are accommodated in the storage container 1, and the lower end portion of the fuel cells 2 constituting the fuel cell stack 3 is a support for the fuel cells 2. Is supported and fixed to the upper lid 6 of the fuel gas tank 5, and the upper end portion is supported and fixed to the partition plate 7.
[0036]
A power generation chamber 9 and a combustion chamber 11 are formed in the storage container 1 by the partition plate 7. The partition plate 7 is formed with an oxygen-containing gas discharge hole 13 for introducing an oxygen-containing gas from the power generation chamber 9 to the combustion chamber 11.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell stack 3 includes a plurality of fuel cells 2 arranged in two rows, and the electrodes of the two outermost fuel cells 2 arranged adjacent to each other are electrically conductive members 15. Thus, a plurality of fuel cells 2 arranged in two rows are electrically connected in series.
[0037]
In FIG. 2, the detailed structure of the fuel cell 2 is omitted.
[0038]
FIG. 3 illustrates the structure of the fuel cell 2 and the fuel cell stack 3 in detail. The fuel cell 2 has a flat cross section and an overall elliptical column shape. A plurality of fuel gas passages 17 are formed in the longitudinal direction. The fuel cell 2 is elongated in the fuel gas passage 17 direction, the length in the longitudinal direction is formed longer than the width direction length perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0039]
The fuel battery cell 2 has a flat cross section and a dense solid electrolyte 2b, porous conductivity on the outer surface of a fuel-side electrode 2a mainly composed of an elliptical cylindrical porous metal as a whole. The oxygen side electrode 2c made of ceramics is sequentially laminated, and an interconnector 2d is formed on the outer surface of the fuel side electrode 2a opposite to the oxygen side electrode 2c. The fuel side electrode 2a serves as a support. .
[0040]
A current collecting member 19 made of metal felt and / or a metal plate is interposed between one fuel cell 2 and the other fuel cell 2, and the fuel side electrode 2a of one fuel cell 2 is fuel-side electrode 2a interconnector 2d provided, electrically connected to the oxygen side electrode 2c of the other fuel cell 2 via the current collecting member 19, the fuel cell stack 3 is constructed.
[0041]
In the fuel cell stack 3, a portion where the fuel side electrode 2a, the solid electrolyte 2b, and the oxygen side electrode 2c overlap is a portion that generates power.
[0042]
In the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell 2, the portion where the fuel side electrode 2a, the solid electrolyte 2b, and the oxygen side electrode 2c are overlapped exists in the center of the power generation chamber 9, and both ends in the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell 2 are A region where the oxygen-side electrode 2c is not formed is formed on the upper surface of the solid electrolyte 2b, and both ends of the fuel cell 2 do not contribute to power generation. Both ends of the fuel cell 2 where the oxygen side electrode 2 c is not formed are supported by the upper lid 6 and the partition plate 7 of the fuel tank 5. The dense solid electrolyte 2b prevents gas mixing inside and outside the solid electrolyte 2b in the power generation chamber 9.
[0043]
The fuel gas tank 5 includes an upper lid 6, a bottom plate, and side plates. A fuel gas tank chamber 21 is formed in the fuel gas tank 5. A fuel gas for introducing fuel gas required for power generation of the fuel cell 2 is introduced into the fuel gas tank chamber 21. A gas introduction pipe 22 is joined. A gas passage (not shown) is formed in the upper cover 6 of the fuel cell 2 and the fuel gas tank 5, and this gas passage communicates with the fuel gas passage 17 of the fuel cell 2. The fuel gas is introduced into the fuel gas. It passes through the gas passage and the fuel gas passage 17 of the fuel cell 2 through the pipe 22 and the fuel gas tank chamber 21, and is introduced into the combustion chamber 11 from the upper end of the fuel cell 2.
[0044]
And in the fuel cell of this invention, the flat heating body 23 which heats the side of the fuel battery cell 2, ie, the side surface of the fuel battery cell 2, and the side surface of the fuel battery cell is arrange | positioned. . In the following description, the flat heater 23 is abbreviated as the heater 23.
[0045]
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional structure of the heating element 23 using combustion of fuel gas as a heating means.
[0046]
Heating body 23 and the combustion plate 23a provided to face, these combustion outer frame 25 that holds the plate 23a, the fuel gas in the outer frame 25 the combustion gas supply path 23c between the connected fuel plates 23a to And a pipe 27 for supplying an oxygen-containing gas.
[0047]
The pipe 27 is connected to the combustion gas inlet tube 28 from the container 1 external.
[0048]
Combustion gas is a mixed gas of oxygen-containing gas such as a fuel gas and air, such as propane. The combustion plate 23a is porous ceramics having air permeability, and expresses a function as a heating body by burning fuel gas on a combustion surface (heating unit) 23d which is an outer surface of the combustion plate 23a. The combustion plate 23 a is formed so as to face almost the entire side surface of the fuel cell 2 in the power generation chamber 9.
[0049]
At this time, the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas introduced into the combustion gas supplying passage 23c through the pipe 27 passes through the pores of the combustion plate 23a, it is combusted in the combustion surface 23d. By this combustion, the heating body 23, the fuel gas, the oxygen-containing gas, the fuel battery cell 2, and the storage container 1 are heated at the same time.
[0050]
The oxygen-containing gas that has not contributed to the combustion is heated by the combustion of the fuel gas and supplied between the fuel cells 2.
[0051]
At this time, the fuel gas reaches the combustion surface 23d, ignited with an ignition device (not shown), and the entire surface of the combustion surface 23d and the combustion region.
[0052]
The pore diameter of the combustion plate 23a used in the example of FIG. 4 may be any as long as the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas can pass therethrough. Further, for reinforcement of the combustion plate, a composite of a net made of a refractory metal or the like may be used.
[0053]
The fuel cell configured as described above is operated as follows, for example.
In a state from when the fuel cell is stopped until the fuel cell starts power generation, that is, in a temperature range where the fuel cell 2 does not start power generation, the fuel gas and the fuel cell 2 are heated in the heating element 23. An oxygen-containing gas containing an amount of oxygen necessary for burning the fuel gas used for the combustion is introduced.
[0054]
In combustion surface 23d of the combustion plate 23a of the heater 23, the combustion gas is combusted, heated member 23 by generated combustion heat, the fuel gas, the oxygen-containing gas, the fuel cell 2, to heat the container 1.
When the fuel cell 2 is heated and reaches a temperature at which power generation is started, oxygen consumed by the fuel cell 2 for power generation must be introduced in addition to oxygen necessary for complete combustion of the fuel gas. In this temperature region, the amount of oxygen-containing gas introduced is increased compared to immediately after startup.
[0055]
Further, when the temperature of the fuel battery cell 2 rises and a steady operation state is reached, the amount of fuel gas required for heating decreases. Or it becomes unnecessary. Therefore, only the fuel gas required for heat retention is introduced in this temperature range. Or when heating is unnecessary, supply of fuel gas is stopped.
[0056]
At the same time, the amount of oxygen-containing gas required to burn the fuel gas decreases, but the oxygen-containing gas consumed by the fuel cell in power generation increases. Therefore, the total amount of the oxygen-containing gas necessary for burning the fuel gas required for heat retention during the steady operation and the amount of the oxygen-containing gas consumed by the fuel cell by power generation is introduced.
[0057]
The power generation in the fuel cell 2 is introduced into the power generation chamber 9 through the fuel gas introduction pipe 22 and the fuel gas tank chamber 21 and into the fuel gas passage 17 of the fuel cell 2 and the heating element 23. The oxygen-containing gas is used.
[0058]
Excess fuel gas that has not been involved in power generation, such as hydrogen, is discharged from the upper end of the fuel cell 2 to the combustion chamber 11.
[0059]
Excess oxygen-containing gas that has not been involved in power generation, for example, air, is discharged into the combustion chamber 11 through an oxygen-containing gas discharge hole 13 provided in the partition plate 7 that partitions the power generation chamber 9 and the combustion chamber 11.
[0060]
Excess fuel gas and excess oxygen-containing gas are burned in the combustion chamber 11 and discharged to the outside through the exhaust gas discharge pipe 29.
[0061]
The combustion chamber 11 is also provided with an ignition device (not shown) for igniting excess fuel.
[0062]
In the fuel cell configured as described above, the entire side surface of the fuel cell 2 can be heated almost uniformly and rapidly from the side.
[0063]
In addition, since the side surface of the fuel cell 2 is heated using the flat heater 23, the area of the heated portion of the fuel cell 2 can be increased, so that the fuel cell 2 is given per unit time. The amount of heat generated can be increased, and the startup time can be shortened.
[0064]
Further, since the oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the fuel cell 2 through the heating body 23, the oxygen-containing gas can be easily heated. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a heat exchanger or a heat exchanger for heating the oxygen-containing gas, and the structure can be simplified.
[0065]
Further, in the fuel cell operating method of the present invention, when the heating or heat generation is not involved, the introduction amount of the oxygen-containing gas or the fuel gas that functions as a cooling medium is changed according to the operating state, that is, the heating element 23 By changing the amount of fuel gas necessary for starting the fuel cell to be introduced, oxygen-containing gas necessary for combustion of the fuel gas, and oxygen-containing gas consumed by the fuel cell 2 during power generation, the startup time can be shortened and power generation can be achieved. Efficiency improvement can be achieved at the same time.
[0066]
Here, another embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Between the container 1 and the fuel cell stack 3 in the example of FIG. 5, has a two two heating bodies 23 connected to each of the combustion gas introducing pipe 28 is disposed forms a plurality of fuel cells A heating body 23 is provided so as to surround the cell stack 3.
[0067]
2, 5 even heating body cases 23 are joined to the combustion gas inlet tube 28 through the pipe 27, the oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the fuel cell 2 from the heating element 23. In such a fuel cell, the fuel cells 2 can be heated more uniformly and rapidly than in the above embodiment, and an oxygen-containing gas can be sufficiently supplied between the fuel cells 2. Another embodiment of the heating element used in the fuel cell of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b).
[0068]
The heating body in FIG. 6A is an example using combustion of fuel gas as in FIG. Heating body 53 in FIG. 6 (a), a combustion plate 53b, an outer frame 55 for holding the combustion plate 53b, is composed of a pipe 27 connected to the outer frame 55, between the combustion plate 53b combustion gases A supply path 53c is formed. Gas lead-out hole 53e is formed in the combustion plate 53b.
[0069]
Through the pipe 27 in such a heating body 53 of the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the combustion gas supplying passage 53c, as the path the gas outlet hole 53e of the combustion plate 53b, leading to the combustion surface 53d. The fuel gas reaches the combustion surface 53d, ignited with an ignition device (not shown), the entire surface of the combustion surface 53d and the combustion region.
[0070]
By this combustion, the heating body 53, the fuel gas, the oxygen-containing gas, the fuel battery cell 2, and the storage container 1 are heated at the same time.
[0071]
Like the case of FIG. 4 in this structure, the oxygen-containing gas which has not contributed to the combustion of the fuel gas is heated by the combustion heat of the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel cell 2.
[0072]
The difference between FIG. 4 is not a porous material having air permeability as a combustion plate, it is to use a combustion plate 53b provided with a gas outlet hole 53e to dense plate.
[0073]
Here gas outlet hole 53e that notation emit fuel gas from burning, as a general designation also translates into burner port.
[0074]
In the heating body of FIG. 6A, the strength of the combustion plate 53b is improved by using a dense body, and the heating body 53 can be made smaller.
[0075]
The material of the combustion plate 53b is preferably made of ceramic from the viewpoint of heat resistance, but may be made of a heat resistant metal . Gas for scan outlet hole 53e of the hole shape and arrangement as long as the combustion region is formed on the entire surface of the combustion plate 53b, are not limited in any way.
[0076]
In the present invention, when combustion of fuel gas is used as a heating means, it is necessary to provide a mixing chamber for the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas outside or inside the storage container. Alternatively, it is also possible to use the combustion gas supplying passage 53c in the heating body 53 as a mixing chamber for the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas.
[0077]
FIG. 6B shows another form of the heating body 63, which uses an electric heater 23f.
[0078]
6B includes a heating plate 63b and an outer frame 65 that holds these heating plates 63b, and an oxygen-containing gas supply path 63c is formed between the heating plates 63b. .
[0079]
The heating plate 63b is formed with an oxygen-containing gas outlet hole 63g and a heater 63f. A pipe 27 is connected to the heating body 63.
In such a heating body 63, an oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the oxygen-containing gas supply path 63c through the pipe 27 while flowing an electric current through the heater 63f and heated, and the oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the fuel cell 2 from the oxygen-containing gas outlet hole 63g. And supply.
[0080]
At this time, the heating surface 63i can heat the side surface of the fuel cell 2 and the storage container 1, and can also heat the oxygen-containing gas at the same time.
[0081]
In addition, the structure of the heating bodies 23, 53, and 63 of the present invention is not limited to the above example, and can be modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0082]
Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the cell stack is configured using the fuel cell 2 having the elliptic cylinder shape and the plurality of fuel gas passages 17 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is described. However, the fuel cell is cylindrical. There may be one fuel gas passage, and the shape of the fuel cell is not particularly limited.
[0083]
Further, although not shown for the heat exchanger, it is needless to say that various heat exchangers may be used in order to improve the thermal efficiency and the overall efficiency.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
According to the fuel cell of the present invention, the flat plate-like heating body that heats the elliptical columnar fuel cell having a plurality of gas flow passages in the longitudinal direction from the side is provided at a predetermined interval from the side surface of the fuel cell. As a result, the distance between the heating unit and the part of the fuel cell farthest from the heating unit can be reduced, so that the time required to heat the entire fuel cell can be greatly reduced, and the startup time can be greatly increased. Can be shortened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a fuel cell of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fuel cell shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the fuel cell stack of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 shows an example of a heating element used in the fuel cell of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a heating element in which a combustion plate is formed of a ceramic having air permeability.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the heating element used in the fuel cell of the present invention, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the heating element in which the combustion plate is formed of ceramics having a flame opening, and (b) It is sectional drawing which shows the heating body with a built-in electric heater.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Storage container 2 ... Fuel cell 2b ... Solid electrolyte 2c ... Oxygen side electrode 22 ... Fuel gas introduction pipe 23, 53, 63 ... Heating body 23c, 53c ... combustion gas supply passage 23d, 53d, 63i ··· heating unit

Claims (7)

A fuel cell in which a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of elliptical columnar fuel cells having a plurality of gas flow passages in the longitudinal direction are arranged at predetermined intervals is housed in a storage container, A fuel cell, characterized in that a flat plate-like heating body for heating from the side is provided at a predetermined interval from the side surface of the fuel cell. 2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a length of the flat heater is the same as a length of the fuel cell stack in an arrangement direction of the fuel cells. The fuel cell according or claim 1 to claim 2 wherein the plate-shaped heating body and having a heating section on the front and back surfaces. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flat heater is a surface combustion type burner. It said plate-shaped heating body is a surface combustion burner having a combustion plate to the fuel cell side, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the combustion plate is made of ceramics Fuel cell. The fuel cell has a fuel-side electrode, the outer surface of the fuel-side electrode, a solid electrolyte, it becomes to form the oxygen-side electrode successively in the plate-shaped heating body is burned combustion gas is supplied use and gas supply passage is formed, 1 to claim, characterized in that the oxygen-containing gas is supplied between the through the combustion gas supplying passage of the plate-shaped heating body during power generation fuel cell The fuel cell according to claim 5. A storage container, which has a fuel-side electrode, the outer surface of the fuel-side electrode, the solid electrolyte, the oxygen-side electrode Ri Na sequentially formed by a, and elliptic cylindrical fuel cell having a plurality of gas flow passages in the longitudinal direction A method of operating a fuel cell comprising a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of cells are arranged at a predetermined interval, wherein at the time of start-up, a plate-shaped heating body provided at a predetermined interval from the fuel cell by supplying fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to the combustion gas supplying passage, wherein the heating portion of the plate-shaped heating body is burned, the sides of the fuel cell is heated from the side, at the time of power generation, the plate-like the fuel cell operating method characterized by supplying an oxygen-containing gas through the combustion gas supplying passage of the heating body between the fuel cell.

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