JP6534014B2 - Hydrogen generator and fuel cell system - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system.

  In the case of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system, it is necessary to cool the fuel cell and maintain the temperature of the fuel cell at an appropriate temperature in order to appropriately generate power of the fuel cell. In addition, in the case of a solid oxide fuel cell system operating at high temperature, it is necessary to cool the exhaust gas from the fuel cell system to an appropriate temperature in order to perform the water self-sustaining operation properly. That is, any fuel cell system also has a cooling water path through which the cooling water circulates.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cooling water path and a cooling tank for storing the cooling water in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system. The fuel cell system of Patent Document 1 is configured such that the cooling water in the cooling water passage passes through the cooling tank, the fuel cell, and the heat exchanger in this order. Thus, the heat of the fuel cell is removed by the cooling water, and the heat of the cooling water having passed through the fuel cell is recovered by the water stored in the hot water storage tank in the heat exchanger. Thus, the temperature of the fuel cell is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

JP, 2013-008702, A

  By the way, when the fuel cell system is placed at, for example, a predetermined installation place, it is necessary to fill the cooling tank and the hot water storage tank with a desired amount of water (hereinafter referred to as a water filling operation). In addition, even when the fuel cell system is not used for a long time, there is a possibility of performing such a water filling operation.

  However, patent document 1 is not fully examined about simplification of said water filling operation. Details will be described in the embodiment.

  One aspect (aspect) of the present disclosure is made in view of such circumstances, and provides a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system capable of performing a water filling operation more simply than in the past.

  A hydrogen generator according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a reformer that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by reforming a raw material, a combustor that burns the hydrogen-containing gas, and an exhaust gas generated by the combustor. A condenser provided in an exhaust gas path, a cooling water path through which cooling water circulates, the exhaust gas path and the cooling water path, and heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the cooling water causes the water vapor in the exhaust gas to condense A water tank and a cooling water pump disposed in the cooling water passage, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a radiator for radiating cooling water flowing through the cooling water passage, and external water supplied to the hot water storage tank And a water supply path for supplying water from the hot water storage tank to the water tank, and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply path, the water tank being generated by the condenser When we store condensed water The water supply passage is connected to an upper portion of the hot water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank, the water supply valve, and the water tank flow the water in the water supply to the water tank. It is arrange | positioned at the said water supply path in this order in a direction.

  The hydrogen generator according to an aspect of the present disclosure can perform the water filling operation more simply than in the past.

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a hydrogen generator of the first embodiment. FIG. 2: is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement (water filling operation) of the hydrogen generation apparatus of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a hydrogen generator according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a hydrogen generation apparatus of the first example of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a hydrogen generator according to a second example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a fuel cell system according to a second embodiment.

  The inventors diligently studied the simplification of the water filling operation of the fuel cell system and obtained the following findings.

  As described above, in the water filling operation of the fuel cell system, it is necessary to fill the cooling tank and the hot water storage tank with water.

  However, since air exists in the hot water storage tank during the water filling operation of the fuel cell system, the internal pressure of the hot water storage tank may rise due to the water filling operation. As a result, there is a possibility that the precision equipment such as a pump provided in the stored water circulation path communicating with the stored water tank may be damaged. So, in patent document 1, in order to reduce such a possibility, the air vent valve 24 for releasing the air in a hot water storage tank outside is provided in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 14. As shown in FIG. However, this air vent valve 24 is a component necessary only for the water filling operation of the fuel cell system, and is considered not to be used in the normal operation of the fuel cell system. Therefore, by eliminating the air vent valve, it is possible to reduce the cost of parts necessary for the water filling operation, and thereby the water filling operation can be performed more simply than in the past.

  Further, in the water filling operation of Patent Document 1, after the water filling of the hot water storage tank 14 is completed, the pumps 33 and 34 for sending the water of the hot water storage tank 14 to the cooling tank 8 are operated to perform water filling of the cooling tank 8 There is. Therefore, by reviewing the operation of such water filling operation, the operability of the water filling operation can be improved, whereby the water filling operation can be performed more simply than in the past.

  In the case where the hydrogen generator is also provided with, for example, a combustor, a cooling water tank, a hot water storage tank for storing stored hot water from which heat of exhaust gas of the combustor has been recovered, it is considered that the same problem as above occurs.

  Thus, the inventors abolish the air vent valve as described in Patent Document 1, and review the operation of the water filling operation as described in Patent Document 1, as a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system. It has been found to be effective for the simplification of flooding operation, and reaches one aspect of the present disclosure below.

  That is, the hydrogen generator according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a reformer that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by reforming a raw material, a combustor that burns the hydrogen-containing gas, and an exhaust gas generated by the combustor. And a cooling water passage through which the cooling water circulates, and a condenser which is provided in the exhaust gas passage and the cooling water passage and through which heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the cooling water causes the water vapor in the exhaust gas to condense A water tank and a cooling water pump arranged in a route, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a radiator for radiating cooling water flowing through the cooling water route, and a water route for supplying external water to the hot water storage tank A water supply path for supplying water from the hot water storage tank to the water tank, and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply path, the water tank storing condensed water generated in the condenser and communicating with the outside Equipped with a drain that Is connected to the upper portion of the hot water tank, hot water storage tank, the water supply valve and the water tank in this order in the flow direction of water in the water supply to the water tank, is arranged in the water supply path.

  A hydrogen generator according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the hydrogen generator according to the first aspect, further comprising a controller that controls the opening and closing of the feed water valve, the controller including water in the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator. The water supply valve is opened so that water supply is performed in the order of the hot water storage tank, the water supply path, and the water tank from the path.

  According to this configuration, the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator can be performed more simply than in the past.

  Specifically, when the water supply valve disposed in the water supply path is opened and water is poured from the hot water storage tank to the water tank, the air in the hot water storage tank and the water tank is made to the outside through the drainage port provided in the water tank. It can be pulled out. Therefore, the air vent valve as described in Patent Document 1 becomes unnecessary, the cost of parts necessary for the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator can be reduced, and the water filling operation is simplified.

  Further, water can be poured from the hot water storage tank to the water tank, for example, by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure, simply by opening the water supply valve disposed in the water supply path. Therefore, the operation such as the pump operation in the water filling operation as described in Patent Document 1 becomes unnecessary, the operability of the water filling operation can be improved, and the water filling operation is simplified.

  Moreover, in the hydrogen generator according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the hydrogen generator according to the first or second aspect, the radiator is a heat exchanger in which the stored water and the cooling water exchange heat.

  According to this configuration, in the heat exchanger, the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the condenser can be lowered to the appropriate temperature necessary for recovering an appropriate amount of water from the exhaust gas in the condenser, and the heat of the cooling water is stored in the hot water storage tank. It can be recovered properly with hot and cold water.

  Hereinafter, embodiments, examples, and modifications of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

  The embodiments, examples, and modifications described below all show one specific example of the present disclosure. That is, numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown below are all examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Further, among the components shown below, components that are not described in the independent claims that define the highest level concept of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Moreover, in the drawings, the same reference numerals may be omitted from the description. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the drawings of the device configuration, each component is schematically shown, and the shape, size ratio, and the like may not be accurately displayed. In addition, the flowchart can change the order of steps, etc., as needed, and can add other known steps.

First Embodiment
[Device configuration]
FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a hydrogen generator of the first embodiment. In the drawings, for convenience, "upper" and "lower" are taken, and gravity acts from top to bottom.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen generator 100 includes a reformer 1, a combustor 2, an exhaust gas passage 3, a condenser 4, a water tank 5, a cooling water passage 6, and a radiator 6A. A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water passage 9, a water supply passage 10, a water supply valve 11, and a controller 39 are provided.

  The reformer 1 reforms the raw material to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. Specifically, in the reformer 1, the raw material undergoes a reforming reaction to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. The reforming reaction may be in any form. Examples of the reforming reaction include a steam reforming reaction, an autothermal reaction and a partial oxidation reaction. Although not shown in FIG. 1, equipment required for each reforming reaction is provided appropriately. For example, if the reforming reaction is a steam reforming reaction, an evaporator that generates steam and a water supplier that supplies water to the evaporator are provided. If the reforming reaction is an autothermal reaction, the hydrogen generator 100 is further provided with an air supplier that supplies air for the reforming reaction.

  The raw material is supplied to the reformer 1 by a raw material supply device (not shown). The raw material supply device is a device for adjusting the flow rate of the raw material to be supplied to the reformer 1. For example, although the raw material supply device is configured by a booster and a flow control valve, it may be configured by any one of them. As a booster, a pump can be illustrated, for example. For example, a booster type pump is used as the pump, but is not limited thereto. The raw material is supplied from a raw material supply source. The source supply comprises a predetermined supply pressure. As a raw material supply source, for example, a raw material cylinder, a raw material infrastructure and the like can be mentioned.

  In addition, as a raw material, a fuel gas containing an organic compound composed of at least carbon and hydrogen such as city gas mainly containing methane, natural gas and LPG may be used, or a fuel such as alcohol, biofuel and light oil May be used.

  The combustor 2 burns a hydrogen-containing gas. The heat of combustion of the combustor 2 heats the reformer 1 to an appropriate temperature of the catalyst. As a fuel of the combustor 2, for example, when the hydrogen generator 100 is incorporated into a fuel cell system, an anode off gas (hydrogen-containing gas) of the fuel cell may be used. Details will be described in the second embodiment.

  Combustion air is supplied to the combustor 2 by an air supply device (not shown). The air supplier may have any configuration as long as it can supply air to the combustor 2. As an air supply device, a blower etc. can be illustrated, for example. By using such a blower, the flow rate of air supplied to the combustor 2 can be appropriately adjusted.

  The exhaust gas passage 3 is a flow passage through which the exhaust gas generated by the combustor 2 flows. The exhaust gas that has passed through the exhaust gas passage 3 is discharged to the outside. The cooling water path 6 is a flow path through which the cooling water circulates. The water tank 5 and the cooling water pump 7 are disposed in the cooling water passage 6. That is, the water tank 5 and the cooling water pump 7 communicate with the cooling water passage 6 and, together with the cooling water passage 6, constitute a part of a circulation passage for circulating the cooling water. The cooling water pump 7 may have any configuration as long as it can circulate the cooling water in the cooling water passage 6. As the cooling water pump 7, for example, an impeller type axial flow pump, a brander pump, etc. can be exemplified.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the condenser 4 is provided in the exhaust gas passage 3 and the cooling water passage 6, and the heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the cooling water condenses the water vapor in the exhaust gas. And while the water tank 5 stores the condensed water which generate | occur | produces with the condenser 4, it is equipped with the drainage port 5A connected with the exterior. When the amount of water in the water tank 5 exceeds a predetermined amount, water overflows from the drainage port 5A.

  In the condenser 4, the exhaust gas of the exhaust gas passage 3 functions as a heating fluid, the cooling water of the cooling water passage 6 functions as a heat receiving fluid, and heat exchange between the two fluids is performed. The exhaust gas is cooled by heat exchange, whereby the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is condensed. The condensed water is separated from the exhaust gas passage 3 through which the exhaust gas flows, and is sent to the water tank 5 through appropriate piping. The cooling water can appropriately recover the heat of the exhaust gas by being heated by the above-mentioned heat exchange.

  The radiator 6A is a device that radiates the cooling water flowing through the cooling water path 6. The radiator 6A may have any configuration as long as the cooling water flowing through the cooling water passage 6 can be dissipated. As the radiator 6A, for example, an air-cooled heat exchanger may be used, but in the present embodiment, the hydrogen generator 100 includes the hot water storage tank 8 for storing hot water, and the radiator 6A is a cooling water passage. It is comprised by the heat exchanger which heat exchange between the cooling water and hot water which flow through 6 is carried out.

  As described above, in the radiator 6A (heat exchanger) of the present embodiment, the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the condenser 4 can be lowered to the appropriate temperature necessary for recovering an appropriate amount of water from the exhaust gas by the condenser 4 The heat of the cooling water can be properly recovered by the hot water of the hot water storage tank 8.

  The water path 9 is a flow path for supplying external water (hereinafter may be referred to as city water) to the hot water storage tank 8. The upstream end of the water path 9 is connected to, for example, a water infrastructure (not shown), and the downstream end of the water path 9 is connected to the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 8. The downstream end of the water passage 9 may be provided other than the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the main plug valve for performing start and stop of city water supply to the hot water storage tank 8 is provided in the middle of the water path 9. As shown in FIG. Thus, when the main plug valve is opened, the water in the hot water storage tank 8 can also be sent to the outside through appropriate piping by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure.

  The water supply path 10 is a flow path for supplying water from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the downstream end of the water supply path 10 may be connected to an appropriate position of the water tank 5, although not shown, the water supply pipe extending from the hot water storage tank 8 corresponds to the water tank 5. These pipes may constitute the water supply path 10 by connecting to other pipes in communication.

  The water supply valve 11 is disposed in the water supply path 10. The water supply valve 11 adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply path 10. The feed valve 11 may have any configuration as long as the flow rate of water flowing through the feed passage 10 can be adjusted. As the water supply valve 11, an electromagnetic needle valve etc. can be illustrated, for example.

  Thereby, even if the feed water piping extending from the hot water storage tank 8 is connected to, for example, the cooling water piping constituting the cooling water passage 6 and these piping constitute the water supply passage 10, an appropriate amount of cooling water piping can be used. Water is supplied. This is due to the following reasons.

  The circulation flow rate of water in the cooling water pipe at the time of operation of the hydrogen generator 100 is generally smaller than the supply flow rate of water in the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100. Therefore, the diameter of the cooling water pipe is often made smaller than the diameter of the water supply pipe. Therefore, if a large amount of water is temporarily supplied to the small-diameter cooling water pipe in the water filling operation, an excessive load may be applied to the cooling water pipe, but the water flow rate is appropriately adjusted by the water supply valve 11 Can reduce such possibility.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the water supply path 10 is connected to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 8, and the hot water storage tank 8, the water supply valve 11, and the water tank 5 supply water in this order in the flow direction of water in the water supply to the water tank 5. It is arranged in the route 10. Thus, the upstream end of the water supply passage 10 is preferably connected to the upper portion (upper part) of the hot water storage tank 8. In the present embodiment, the upstream end of the water supply path 10 is connected to the upper wall portion of the container constituting the hot water storage tank 8.

  Further, the controller 39 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 11. Then, the controller 39 opens the water supply valve 11 so that water supply is performed in order of the hot water storage tank 8, the water supply path 10, and the water tank 5 from the water path 9 in the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100.

  The controller 39 may have any configuration as long as it has a control function. The controller 39 may include, for example, an arithmetic processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit (not shown) that stores a control program. As the arithmetic processing unit, for example, one or more arithmetic circuits (not shown) can be exemplified. As an arithmetic circuit, MPU (micro processor), CPU etc. can be illustrated, for example. As a memory | storage part, one or several memory circuits (not shown) etc. can be illustrated, for example. As a memory circuit, a semiconductor memory etc. can be illustrated, for example. The controller 39 may be configured of a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be configured of a plurality of controllers that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other. The controller 39 may control various devices (for example, the cooling water pump 7 and the like) of the hydrogen generator 100 in addition to the water supply valve 11.

  By the above, the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100 can be performed more simply than before.

  Specifically, when the water supply valve 11 disposed in the water supply path 10 is opened to fill water from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 in the water filling operation of the hydrogen generation apparatus 100, the drainage provided in the water tank 5 The air in the hot water storage tank 8 and the water tank 5 can be discharged to the outside through the port 5A. Therefore, the air vent valve as described in Patent Document 1 becomes unnecessary, the cost of parts necessary for the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100 can be reduced, and the water filling operation is simplified. The feed valve 11 is closed in the normal operation other than the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100. Thereby, it can suppress appropriately that city water mixes with the cooling water which flows through cooling water course 6.

  Further, water can be poured from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 only by opening the water supply valve 11 disposed in the water supply path 10, for example, by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure. Therefore, the operation such as the pump operation in the water filling operation as described in Patent Document 1 becomes unnecessary, the operability of the water filling operation can be improved, and the water filling operation is simplified.

[Operation]
FIG. 2: is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement (water filling operation) of the hydrogen generation apparatus of 1st Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the water filling operation of the hydrogen generator 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The following filling operation is automatically performed by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 39 reading out the control program stored in the storage unit. When the hydrogen generator 100 is placed at a predetermined installation site, for example, the water tank 5 and the hot water storage tank 8 are empty, so it is necessary to perform the water filling operation. Further, even when the hydrogen generator 100 is not used for a long time, the water in the water tank 5 and the hot water storage tank 8 may run short, so there is a possibility of performing the water filling operation.

  First, as a preparation operation for the water filling operation by the controller 39, the main plug valve provided in the water path 9 is manually opened.

  Next, in step S1, it is determined whether the power switch (not shown) of the hydrogen generator 100 is turned on.

  When it is determined that the power switch is turned on, the water supply valve 11 is opened in step S2. Then, city water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 8 by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure, and the hot water storage tank 8 is filled with water. Further, water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 through the water supply path 10. At this time, the air in the hydrogen generator 100 (specifically, the air in the hot water storage tank 8 and the water tank 5) is exhausted to the outside from the drainage port 5A provided in the water tank 5. In addition, after a power supply switch is turned on, you may be the structure provided with the step which turns on a water supply switch (not shown).

  Next, in step S3, it is determined whether or not filling of the hydrogen generator 100 has been completed.

  When it is determined that the water filling is completed, the water supply valve 11 is closed in step S4, and the water filling operation of the hydrogen generation device 100 is completed.

  The completion of the water filling in step S3 may be determined based on, for example, the passage of time from the opening of the water supply valve 11. That is, since the supply pressure of the water infrastructure, the flow path resistance of the water supply path 10, the internal volume of the portion to be filled with water, etc. can be grasped beforehand, it is necessary to complete the filling of the hydrogen generator 100 from these values. I can know the time. Further, the completion of the water filling in step S3 may be determined, for example, by detecting that the water has overflowed from the drainage port 5A or that the water has overflowed for a predetermined time or more. Alternatively, a flow meter may be attached to a path connected to the water tank 5 to detect the flow rate of water, and when the change in the detected flow rate of water becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, it may be determined as the water filling completion time. For example, in a state where the drainage port 5A is closed by a plug or the like, when the change in the measurement value of the flowmeter provided at the appropriate position of the cooling water passage 6 or the water supply passage 10 becomes less than a predetermined value May be

  As described above, it is possible to automatically fill water from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure only by opening the water supply valve 11 disposed in the water supply path 10.

(Modification)
FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a hydrogen generator according to a modification of the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the hydrogen generator 100 includes the reformer 1, the combustor 2, the exhaust gas passage 3, the condenser 4, the water tank 5, the cooling water passage 6, and the radiator 6A. A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water path 9, water supply paths 10A and 10B, a water supply valve 11A, a hot water supply path 20, and a controller 39 are provided.

  Regarding the reformer 1, the combustor 2, the exhaust gas path 3, the condenser 4, the water tank 5, the cooling water path 6, the radiator 6A, the cooling water pump 7, the hot water storage tank 8, the water path 9 and the controller 39, the first The description is omitted because it is the same as the embodiment.

  In the hydrogen generator 100 of the present modification, in the hydrogen generator 100 according to any one of the first to third aspects, the hot water supply path 20 is connected to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 8 and supplies hot water of the hot water storage tank. The water supply paths 10A and 10B are a flow path, and a first path 10A branched from the hot water supply path 20 to the water tank 5 and a second path between the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 8 and the branched portion of the hot water supply path 20 And 10B. The water supply valve 11A is disposed in the first path 10A.

  The hydrogen generator 100 of the present modification may be configured in the same manner as the hydrogen generator 100 of any of the first to third aspects, except for the above-described feature points.

  In the middle of the hot water supply path 20, a backup boiler (not shown) may be provided to control the temperature of the hot water used at home to an appropriate temperature.

  According to this configuration, since a part of the water supply paths 10A and 10B and a part of the hot water supply path 20 are shared, the water supply piping can be simplified as compared with the hydrogen generator 100 of the first embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a hydrogen generation apparatus of the first example of the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the hydrogen generator 100 includes the reformer 1, the combustor 2, the exhaust gas path 3, the condenser 4, the water tank 5, the cooling water path 6, and the radiator 6A. A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water path 9, a water supply path 10, a water supply valve 11, a reforming water path 13, and a controller 39 are provided.

  The reformer 1, the combustor 2, the exhaust gas path 3, the condenser 4, the water tank 5, the cooling water path 6, the radiator 6A, the cooling water pump 7, the hot water storage tank 8, the water path 9, the water supply path 10, the water supply valve 11 The controller 39 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the hydrogen generator 100 of the present embodiment, the reforming water path 13 is branched from the cooling water path 6 in the hydrogen generator 100 according to any one of the first to third aspects and the modification of the first embodiment. A part of the cooling water is supplied to the reformer 1 as reforming water through the reforming water path 13. Thereby, in the reformer 1, steam reforming of the raw material, autothermal reaction and the like can be appropriately performed.

  The hydrogen generator 100 of the present embodiment may be configured the same as the hydrogen generator 100 of any of the first to third aspects and the modification of the first embodiment, except for the above-described feature points.

  The upstream end of the reforming water path 13 may be connected to any point as long as the cooling water path 6 through which the cooling water flows. In the present embodiment, the upstream end of the reforming water path 13 is connected to the cooling water path 6 between the radiator 6A and the condenser 4. That is, the water tank 5, the radiator 6A, the branch portion to the reforming water path 13, and the condenser 4 are disposed in the cooling water path 6 in this order in the flow direction of the cooling water.

  In addition, for example, an ion exchange resin filter or the like may be provided in the modified water path 13. The ion exchange resin filter may be disposed on the cooling water path 6 upstream of the branch portion where the reforming water path 13 branches.

  According to this configuration, since the water recovered by the condenser 4 can be used for reforming, it is possible to suppress the cost increase due to the consumption of the external water.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a hydrogen generator according to a second example of the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the hydrogen generator 100 includes a reformer 1, a combustor 2, an exhaust gas passage 3, a condenser 4, a water tank 5, a cooling water passage 6, and a radiator 6A. A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water path 9, a water supply path 10, a water supply valve 11, a reforming water path 13, a reforming water pump 15, and a controller 39 are provided.

  The reformer 1, the combustor 2, the exhaust gas path 3, the condenser 4, the water tank 5, the cooling water path 6, the radiator 6A, the cooling water pump 7, the hot water storage tank 8, the water path 9, the water supply path 10, the water supply valve 11 The reforming water path 13 and the controller 39 are the same as in the first example of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the hydrogen generator 100 of the first embodiment of the first embodiment, a reforming water pump 15 is disposed in the reforming water passage 13 in the hydrogen generator 100 of the first embodiment.

  The hydrogen generator 100 of the present embodiment may be configured the same as the hydrogen generator 100 of the first embodiment of the first embodiment, except for the above-described feature points.

  The reforming water pump 15 is a device for adjusting the flow rate of reforming water supplied to the reformer 1. The reforming water pump 15 may have any configuration as long as the flow rate of the reforming water supplied to the reformer 1 can be adjusted. As the reforming water pump 15, for example, a positive displacement pump can be exemplified. As a positive displacement pump, for example, a plunger pump etc. can be exemplified.

  According to this configuration, by controlling the output of the reforming water pump 15, the amount of reforming water supplied to the reformer 1 can be adjusted to an amount suitable for the reforming reaction.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a fuel cell system according to a second embodiment.

  The fuel cell system 200 of this embodiment includes the hydrogen generation device 100 according to any one of the first to third aspects, the modification of the first embodiment, and the first and second examples of the first embodiment. And a fuel cell 18 generating electricity using the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the reformer 1 of the apparatus 100.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the fuel cell system 200 includes the reformer 1, the combustor 2A, the exhaust gas path 3, the condenser 4, the water tank 5, the cooling water path 6, and the radiator 6A. A cooling water pump 7, a hot water storage tank 8, a water passage 9, a water supply passage 10, a water supply valve 11, a fuel cell 18, and a controller 39 are provided.

  Reformer 1, exhaust gas path 3, condenser 4, water tank 5, cooling water path 6, radiator 6A, cooling water pump 7, hot water storage tank 8, water path 9, water supply path 10, water supply valve 11, controller 39 Since the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, the description will be omitted.

  The fuel cell 18 generates electric power using the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the reformer 1. Specifically, a power generation reaction is performed inside the fuel cell 18 by hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas and oxygen in the air from the air supply device (not shown), and a current is extracted from the fuel cell 18. The fuel cell 18 may be of any type. As the fuel cell 18, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell is exemplified, but not limited thereto.

  In the present embodiment, the combustor 2A burns the anode off gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and the cathode off gas (air) that did not contribute to the power generation reaction in the fuel cell 18. The heat of combustion of the combustor 2A heats the reformer 1 and the fuel cell 18 to an appropriate temperature (for example, about 500 ° C. to 1000 ° C.) of their catalysts.

  As described above, the water filling operation of the fuel cell system 200 can be performed more simply than in the past.

  Specifically, when the water supply valve 11 disposed in the water supply path 10 is opened to fill water from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 in the water filling operation of the fuel cell system 200, the drainage provided in the water tank 5 The air in the hot water storage tank 8 and the water tank 5 can be discharged to the outside through the port 5A. Therefore, the air vent valve as described in Patent Document 1 becomes unnecessary, the cost of parts necessary for the water filling operation of the fuel cell system 200 can be reduced, and the water filling operation is simplified.

  Further, water can be poured from the hot water storage tank 8 to the water tank 5 only by opening the water supply valve 11 disposed in the water supply path 10, for example, by the supply pressure of the water infrastructure. Therefore, the operation such as the pump operation in the water filling operation as described in Patent Document 1 becomes unnecessary, the operability of the water filling operation can be improved, and the water filling operation is simplified.

  One aspect of the present disclosure can be used for a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system that can perform water filling operation more easily than in the past.

1: Reformer 2: Combustor 3: Exhaust gas route 4: Condenser 5: Water tank 5A: Outlet 6: Cooling water route 6A: Radiator 7: Cooling water pump 8: Hot water storage tank 9: Water route 10: Water supply Path 11: Water supply valve 11A: Water supply valve 13: Reforming water path 15: Reforming water pump 18: Fuel cell 20: Hot water supply path 39: Controller 100: Hydrogen generator 200: Fuel cell system

Claims (9)

A reformer that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by reforming the raw material;
A combustor for burning the hydrogen-containing gas;
An exhaust gas passage through which the exhaust gas generated by the combustor flows;
A cooling water path through which the cooling water circulates,
A condenser provided in the exhaust gas path and the cooling water path, and heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the cooling water causes the water vapor in the exhaust gas to condense;
A water tank and a cooling water pump disposed in the cooling water path;
With hot water storage tank which stores hot water storage,
A radiator that radiates the cooling water flowing through the cooling water path;
A water path for supplying external water to the hot water storage tank;
A water supply path for supplying water from the hot water storage tank to the water tank;
And a water supply valve disposed in the water supply path,
The water tank has a drain port communicating with the outside as well as storing condensed water generated in the condenser.
The water supply path is connected to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank, the water supply valve, and the water tank are disposed in the water supply path in this order in the flow direction of water in the water supply to the water tank. Generator. A controller for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve;
The said controller opens the said water supply valve so that water supply may be performed in order of the said hot water storage tank, the said water supply path, and the said water tank from the said water path in the water filling operation of the said hydrogen production apparatus. Hydrogen generator.   The hydrogen generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiator is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the stored hot water and the cooling water. A hot water supply path connected to an upper portion of the hot water storage tank for supplying hot water of the hot water storage tank;
The water supply path includes a first path branched from the hot water supply path to the water tank, and a second path between an upper portion of the hot water storage tank and a branch portion of the hot water supply path. The hydrogen generator according to any one of the above. A reforming water path branched from the cooling water path to the reformer;
The hydrogen generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a part of the cooling water flows through the reforming water path and is supplied to the reformer as reforming water.   The hydrogen generator according to claim 5, further comprising a reforming water pump disposed in the reforming water path.   The said water tank, the said radiator, the branch part to the said reforming water path, and the said condenser are arrange | positioned in this cooling water path in this order in the flow direction of the said cooling water. Hydrogen generator. A hydrogen generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A fuel cell that generates electric power using a hydrogen-containing gas supplied from a reformer of the hydrogen generation device.   The fuel cell system according to claim 8, wherein the fuel cell is a solid oxide fuel cell.

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