JP5368333B2 - Solid oxide fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a solid oxide fuel cell which is easy to disassemble and to replace components, even after it has operated. <P>SOLUTION: Gas passage members 27-30 include a communication hole 85, passing through the gas passage members 27-30 and extending in the same direction as that of through-holes 38-44 of a fuel cell stack 5, and communicated with the through-holes 38-44, and a branch hole 87 branching from the communication hole 85, and communicated with the outside. Bolts 8-14 are inserted through the through-holes 38-44 of the fuel cell stack 5 and the communication hole 85 of the gas passage members 27-30. The gas passage members 27-30 and a fuel cell laminate 5 are integrally fixed to each other, in a separable manner with bolts 8-14 and nuts 18-24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell including a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells are stacked.

Conventionally, as a fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell (hereinafter also referred to as SOFC) using a solid oxide as an electrolyte is known.
In this SOFC, for example, a stack (fuel cell stack: fuel cell stack) is formed by stacking a large number of fuel cell cells each having a fuel electrode and an air electrode on each surface of a plate-shaped solid electrolyte body. In addition to supplying fuel gas to the air electrode, air is supplied to the air electrode, and electric power is generated by causing a chemical reaction between the fuel and oxygen in the air via the solid electrolyte body.

As a stack structure of this SOFC, a structure in which flat cells and interconnectors are alternately stacked and then bolted together is known.
As an SOFC stack structure, there is known an internal manifold type structure in which gas introduction holes or gas discharge holes for introducing or discharging gas into each cell are provided in the stack.

Furthermore, the structure which combined the said bolt hole for said bolt fastening and a manifold is also known (refer patent document 1, 2).
Specifically, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the fuel cell stack is fixed by a bolt passing through the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction and a nut attached to the tip of the bolt, and communicated with each fuel cell around the bolt. And a gas flow path communicating with the outside is provided in the nut. In order to connect the gas flow path around the bolt and the gas flow path inside the nut, a communication hole is provided in the center of the bolt shaft, or the shaft outer periphery (the screwed portion of the nut) is connected to the shaft. There was a communication groove in the direction.

JP 2007-314863 A JP 2009-87550 A

  However, in the above-described prior art, a communication hole serving as a gas flow path is formed at the axial center of the bolt, or a communication groove serving as a gas flow path is formed around the bolt, so that the strength of the bolt is likely to decrease. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a solid oxide fuel cell in which the strength of an insertion member such as a bolt passing through the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction does not decrease.

  (1) In the invention of claim 1, a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of flat plate-shaped solid oxide fuel cells are stacked in the thickness direction, and the fuel cell stack is pierced in the stacking direction. Used in the laminated body at a through hole constituting a gas flow path through which fuel gas, oxidant gas, or exhaust gas after power generation flows, an insertion member inserted through the through hole, and both ends of the insertion member A fixing member that fixes the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction; and is disposed between the fixing member and the fuel cell stack, and between the gas flow path inside the fuel cell stack and the outside. A solid oxide fuel cell comprising: a gas passage member that introduces or discharges various gases; and the gas passage member penetrates the gas passage member and has the same direction as the through hole of the fuel cell stack. Communicating with the through hole A through hole and a branch hole that branches off from the communication hole and communicates with the outside, and the insertion member penetrates the through hole of the fuel cell stack and the communication hole of the gas passage member. It is characterized by being inserted.

  In other words, the solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention includes a gas passage member between the fixing member and the fuel cell stack, and the gas passage member communicates with the through hole of the fuel cell stack. And a branch hole branched from the communication hole.

  Therefore, in the present invention, it is not necessary to form a gas flow path (hollow structure) penetrating the axial center and a gas flow path (groove) extending in the axial direction along the outer periphery in the insertion member (for example, a bolt). The through hole of the fuel cell stack and the communication hole (further, the branch hole) of the gas passage member can be communicated with each other. That is, the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member are overlapped, the insertion member is disposed so as to pass through the through hole of the fuel cell stack and the communication hole of the gas passage member, and the insertion member and the fixing member If the battery stack and the gas passage member are fixed, a gas flow path from the inside of the fuel cell stack to the outside can be formed simultaneously with the fixing.

  Thereby, it is not necessary to perform special processing (for example, forming processing such as “hollow structure” or “groove”) on the insertion member, and the strength of the insertion member is not reduced. The remarkable effect that the gas flow path mentioned above can be constituted easily is produced. Moreover, since a simple rod-shaped member such as a bolt can be used as the insertion member and it is not necessary to perform special processing, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the cost can be greatly reduced.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the gas passage member is provided with a branch hole that branches off from the communication hole (for example, orthogonal to the stacking direction), so that radiant heat from the stack is used for the gas passing through the branch hole. There is also an advantage that heat receiving (preheating) property is improved.

  Note that the fixing member of the present invention can be attached to and detached from the insertion member. In this case, examples of the (detachable) fixing member include a nut that is screwed into a bolt. On the other hand, in addition to a similar (detachable) fixing member, a fixing member (not removable) can be used at the end opposite to the (detachable) fixing member. Examples of the member include a nut fixed by welding or the like, and a bolt head (in the case of a bolt having a head).

In the present invention, the outside means other than the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member. For example, the branch hole of the gas passage member may be connected to an auxiliary device described later in addition to the gas pipe.
In addition, the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member of the present invention can be “separate”. That is, the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member can be integrally and detachably fixed by the insertion member and the fixing member that penetrate the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member.

  (2) In the invention of claim 2, an insulating member having an insulating property is provided between at least one of the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member and between the gas passage member and the fixing member. It is characterized by that.

In the present invention, the insulating member can prevent a short circuit or leakage between the fuel cell stack (which is configured to generate power) and the gas passage member or the fixing member.
(3) In the invention of claim 3, a heat resistant temperature of 700 ° C. or higher is provided between at least one of the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member and between the gas passage member and the fixing member. A member is provided.

  In the present invention, even when the solid oxide fuel cell is operated at a high temperature, the seizure between the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member and the seizure between the gas passage member and the fixing member are performed by the heat-resistant member. Can be prevented.

(4) The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that the insulating member according to claim 2 and the heat-resistant member according to claim 3 are the same member.
In this invention, an insulating member and a heat-resistant member can be comprised with a common member. Thereby, insulation and heat resistance are realizable with one member.

(5) The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the insulating member according to claim 2 or the heat-resistant member according to claim 3 is made of a mica material.
The present invention exemplifies suitable materials for the insulating member and the heat-resistant member.

  (6) The invention of claim 6 is a reformer for reforming the fuel gas used for power generation reaction between the branch hole of the gas passage member and the outside, and combustion for burning exhaust gas after power generation An auxiliary device having at least one function among the functions of the heater, the oxidant gas preheater for preheating the oxidant gas used for the power generation reaction, and the fuel gas preheater for preheating the fuel gas is connected. In addition, the gas passage member is integrated with the auxiliary device, and the auxiliary device and the gas flow path inside the fuel cell stack are communicated with each other through the gas passage member. Features.

The present invention exemplifies a solid oxide fuel cell equipped with an auxiliary device. Thereby, members can be shared, the apparatus can be made compact, and weight reduction can be realized.
As the auxiliary layer, one layer or a plurality of layers (having the same or different functions) can be adopted, and the arrangement thereof may be arranged only in one of the solid oxide fuel cell stacks, but arranged in both. May be.

  The insertion member and the fixing member not only integrally fix the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member, but also press the plurality of solid oxide fuel cells to integrate the fuel cell stack itself. May be.

(A) is a top view of the solid oxide fuel cell of Example 1, (b) is a front view of a solid oxide fuel cell. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the solid oxide fuel cell. (A) is a front view of a gas passage member, (b) is AA sectional view of (a), and (c) is a top view of a gas passage member. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the gas flow path inside a solid oxide fuel cell. (A) is a front view of the solid oxide fuel cell of Example 2, (b) is BB sectional drawing of (a), (c) is CC sectional drawing of (a). (A) is a front view of the solid oxide fuel cell of Example 3, (b) is DD sectional drawing of (a), (c) is EE sectional drawing of (a). (A) is a front view of the solid oxide fuel cell of Example 4, (b) is FF sectional drawing of (a), (c) is GG sectional drawing of (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of another solid oxide fuel cell.

  Embodiments of a solid oxide fuel cell to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

a) First, the schematic configuration of the solid oxide fuel cell of this example will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the solid oxide fuel cell 1 is a device that generates power by receiving supply of a fuel gas (for example, hydrogen) and an oxidant gas (for example, air).

  This solid oxide fuel cell 1 includes a fuel cell stack (fuel cell stack) 5 in which a plurality of flat plate fuel cells 3 as power generation units are stacked, and a plurality (eight) that penetrates the fuel cell stack 5. Bolts (insertion member, outer diameter: 10 mm) 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and nuts (fixing members) 17, 18, 19 which are screwed into one ends of the bolts 7 to 14. , 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, gas passage members 27, 28, 29, 30 and spacers 33, 34, 35, 36 disposed between the fuel cell stack 5 and the nuts 17-24. ing.

  The bolts 7 to 14 are cylindrical through holes 37, 38, 39, 40 opened along the outer peripheral edge of the fuel cell stack 5 so as to penetrate the fuel cell stack 5 in the stacking direction. , 41, 42, 43, and 44, respectively.

Each configuration will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell 3 is a so-called fuel electrode support membrane type fuel cell, and a fuel electrode (anode) 53 is disposed on the fuel gas flow channel 51 side. A thin solid electrolyte body 55 is formed on the upper surface of the fuel electrode 51 in FIG. On the other hand, an air electrode (cathode) 59 is formed on the surface of the solid electrolyte body 55 on the air flow path 57 side. The fuel cell stack 5 has a plurality of fuel cells 3 electrically connected in series.

  As the solid electrolyte body 55, materials such as YSZ, ScSZ, SDC, GDC, and perovskite oxide can be used. As the fuel electrode 53, Ni and a cermet of Ni and ceramic can be used, and as the air electrode 59, a perovskite oxide, various noble metals and cermets of noble metal and ceramic can be used.

  A current collector 62 is disposed between the air electrode 59 and the metal interconnector 61 in the upper part of FIG. Here, the fuel electrode 53, the solid electrolyte body 55, and the air electrode 59 are referred to as a cell body 63.

  Further, the interconnector (its outer peripheral edge) 61, the air electrode frame 65, the insulating frame 67, the separator (its outer peripheral edge) 69 and the fuel electrode frame 71 constitute a frame 73 of the fuel cell 3. In the frame portion 73, through holes 37 to 44 through which the bolts 7 to 14 are inserted are formed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gas passage members 27 to 30 have a cylindrical (outer diameter φ24 mm) main body portion 81 and a cylindrical shape branched from the central portion of the main body portion 81 at right angles in the outer direction (radial direction). And a branch pipe 83 having an outer diameter of φ12.7 mm.

  In addition, a communication hole 85 is formed in a cylindrical shape (inner diameter φ14 mm) communicating with the through holes 37 to 44 of the fuel cell stack 5 at the axial center of the main body portion 81, so as to communicate with the communication hole 85. A branch hole 87 having a cylindrical shape (inner diameter φ10 mm) is formed in the branch pipe 83.

The spacers 33 to 36 are cylindrical members similar to the main body 83 (however, there is no branch pipe 83).
The gas passage members 27 to 30 and the like are arranged on one side (upper side of FIG. 4) of the fuel cell stack 5 so that a part of the solid oxide fuel cell 1 is schematically shown in FIG. .

  Specifically, among the eight through holes 37 to 44 of the fuel cell stack 5, the through holes 38, 40, 42, 44 used for inflow or outflow of gas to the outside and the gas passage members 27 to 30 are used. The gas passage members 27 to 30 are arranged so as to communicate with the communication hole 85 (coaxially).

  Further, between the gas passage members 27 to 30 and the spacers 33 to 36 and the nuts 17 to 24, between the gas passage members 27 to 30 and the spacers 33 to 36 and the fuel cell stack 5, and the fuel cell stack 5 And mica sheets 93, 94, and 95 having electric insulation, heat resistance (above 700 ° C.), and gas sealability are arranged between the heads 91 of the bolts 7 to 14.

  In addition, as a material of the said gas channel | path members 27-30, metal materials, such as SUS and a nickel-type alloy, can be used, for example, as a material of the volt | bolt 7-14 and the nuts 17-24, SUS, a nickel-type alloy, etc. Metal materials can be used. In addition to the mica sheets 93 to 95, various materials such as a ceramic fiber sheet, a ceramic powder sheet, a glass sheet, and a glass ceramic composite can be used.

b) Next, fixing by bolts 7 to 14 and nuts 17 to 24 through gas passage members 27 to 30 and the like, which are the main parts of the present embodiment, will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the bolts 7 to 14 and the nuts 17 to 24 fix the fuel cell stack 5, the gas passage members 27 to 30, and the spacers 33 to 36 together in a separable manner. It is a connection member for.

  Therefore, when the solid oxide fuel cell 1 is tightened in the stacking direction by the bolts 7 to 14 and the nuts 17 to 24, the fuel cell stack 5, the gas passage members 27 to 30 and the spacers 33 to 36 can be fixed integrally. . On the contrary, when the fixing with the bolts 7 to 14 and the nuts 17 to 24 is loosened, the fuel cell stack 5, the gas passage members 27 to 30 and the spacers 33 to 36 can be separated.

  In addition, among the bolts 7 to 14, the bolts 8, 10, 12, and 14 are used as flow paths through which gas flows while fixing the fuel cell stack 5 and the gas passage members 27 to 30. That is, as will be described later, the through hole 38 through which the bolt 8 is inserted is used as a flow path for introducing fuel gas, and the through hole 40 through which the bolt 10 is inserted is used as a flow path for introducing air, The through hole 42 through which the bolt 12 is inserted is used as a flow path for discharging fuel gas, and the through hole 44 through which the bolt 14 is inserted is used as a flow path for discharging air.

  The four bolts 7, 9, 11, 13 arranged at the four corners of the solid oxide fuel cell 1 are bolts used only for fixing the fuel cell stack 5 and the spacers 33 to 36. is there.

c) Next, the gas flow path in the present embodiment will be described.
<Flow path of fuel gas>
As shown in FIG. 4, a gas pipe 101 is connected to the branch pipe 83 of the gas passage member 27 in order to supply fuel gas from the outside to the solid oxide fuel cell 1.

  Accordingly, the fuel gas is introduced from the gas pipe 101 through the branch hole 87 of the branch pipe 83 into the communication hole 85 of the main body 81, and then the through hole (with the bolt 8 inserted) of the fuel cell stack 5. 38.

The fuel gas is distributed and supplied to the fuel gas flow paths 51 of the fuel cells 3 through the through holes 38.
Thereafter, the remaining fuel gas that has contributed to power generation in each fuel cell 3 is introduced into the communication hole 85 of the gas passage member 29 through the through hole 42 around the bolt 12, and via the branch hole 87. It is discharged to another gas pipe 103.

<Air flow path>
As shown in FIG. 4, a gas pipe 105 is connected to the branch pipe 83 of the gas passage member 28 in order to supply air to the solid oxide fuel cell 1 from the outside.

  Therefore, air is introduced from the gas pipe 105 into the communication hole 85 of the main body 81 through the branch hole 87 of the branch pipe 83, and then the through hole 40 (the bolt 10 is inserted) of the fuel cell stack 5. To be introduced.

The air is distributed and supplied to the air flow path 57 of each fuel cell 3 through the through hole 40.
Thereafter, the remaining air that contributed to power generation in each fuel cell 3 is introduced into the communication hole 85 of the gas passage member 30 through the through hole 44 around the bolt 14, and the other air is passed through the branch hole 87. The gas pipe 107 is discharged.

d) The effect of this embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, the solid oxide fuel cell 1 includes (separate) gas passage members 27 to 30 between the nuts 17 to 24 and the fuel cell stack 5, and the gas passage members 27 to 30 are provided. Includes a communication hole 85 and a branch hole 87. Further, the gas passage is formed by the bolts 7 to 14 and the nuts 17 to 24 (through the through holes 37 to 44 of the fuel cell stack 5 and the communication holes 85 of the gas passage members 27 to 30 and the communication holes of the spacers 33 to 36). The members 27 to 30 and the fuel cell stack 5 are fixed integrally. Further, between the gas passage members 27 to 30 and the spacers 33 to 36 and the nuts 17 to 24, between the gas passage members 27 to 30 and the spacers 33 to 36 and the fuel cell stack 5, and between the fuel cell stack 5 and the bolts. Mica sheets 93 to 95 are disposed between the 7 to 14 heads 91.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the fuel cell stack can be formed without forming the gas flow path penetrating the axial center and the gas flow path extending in the axial direction along the outer periphery in the bolts 8, 10, 12, and 14. 5 through holes 38, 40, 42, 44 and the communication holes 85 of the gas passage members 27-30 can be communicated with each other. That is, the fuel cell stack 5 and the gas passage members 27 to 30 (and the spacers 33 to 36) are overlapped, and the through holes 37 to 44 of the fuel cell stack 5 and the communication holes 85 of the gas passage members 27 to 30 (and the spacer 33). Bolts 7 to 14 are arranged so as to pass through the communication holes (36 to 36), and the fuel cell stack 5 and the gas passage members 27 to 30 (and spacers 33 to 36) with the bolts 7 to 14 and nuts 17 to 24. Can be formed simultaneously with the fixing, and a gas flow path from the inside of the fuel cell stack 5 to the outside can be formed.

  Thereby, there exists a remarkable effect that the gas flow path mentioned above can be constituted easily, without reducing the intensity of bolts 8, 10, 12, and 14. In addition, since simple members such as bolts 8, 10, 12, and 14 can be used and no special processing is required, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the cost can be greatly reduced. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, the gas passage members 27 to 30 are provided with the branch holes 87 that branch from the communication holes 85 (perpendicular to the stacking direction), so that the gas that passes through the branch holes 87 receives heat (preheating). There is an advantage that the performance is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the gas pipes 101 to 107 from the outside are connected to the branch holes 87 of the gas passage members 27 to 30. Therefore, when the solid oxide fuel cell 1 is operated at a high temperature, Even when the connecting portions between the pipes 101 to 107 and the gas passage members 27 to 30 are seized, if the fastening between the bolts 7 to 14 and the nuts 17 to 24 is loosened, the gas passage members 27 to 30 (further spacers 33 to 36) and the fuel cell stack 5 can be easily separated. That is, even after the solid oxide fuel cell 1 is once operated, the solid oxide fuel cell 1 can be easily disassembled and parts can be easily replaced.

  Further, the mica sheets 93 to 95 prevent short circuit and leakage between the fuel cell stack 5 and the gas passage members 27 to 30 (further spacers 33 to 36), bolts 7 to 14 and nuts 17 to 24. be able to.

The arrangement of the bolts 7 to 14 and the nuts 17 to 24 may be reversed in the stacking direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4).
Moreover, as a structure for fixation with the bolts 7-14 and the nuts 17-24, it is good also as a structure which attaches a nut (cap nut etc.) to the both ends of a rod-shaped stud bolt.

Next, the second embodiment will be described, but the description of the same contents as the first embodiment will be omitted.
a) First, the configuration of the solid oxide fuel cell of this example will be described.
As schematically shown in FIG. 5, the solid oxide fuel cell 121 of the present embodiment is a flat air preheater that preheats air on one side of the fuel cell stack 123 (downward in FIG. 5A). The fuel cell stack 123 and the air preheater 125 are integrally connected to each other by a plurality of (eight) bolts 127 and nuts 129 in a separable manner.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the air preheater 125 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped container 131, and one corner of a square frame 133 that forms the side of the container 131 (the same figure). In the upper left), an external introduction part 135 for introducing air from the outside into the container 131 of the air preheater 125 is connected.

  The external introduction part 135 is obtained by connecting a branch pipe 139 to a plate-like main body part 137, and the main body part 137 is joined to the container 131 (for example, by welding). The main body 137 is formed with a communication hole 143 through which the bolt 127 is inserted and a flow path 142 communicating with the inside of the container 131.

  In addition, spacers 145, 147, and 149 having the same shape as the main body portion 137 of the external introduction portion 135 are joined to the other three corner portions of the container 131, and the spacers 145 to 149 are also joined. Communication holes 151, 153, and 155 through which the bolts 127 are inserted are formed.

  Further, plate-like gas passage members 157, 159, 161, and 163 that serve as gas flow paths are provided at the central portions of the sides of the frame 133 of the container 131. ).

  Specifically, a gas passage member 157 for introducing air is joined to the right side of FIG. 5B in order to introduce the air preheated in the container 131 of the air preheater 125 into the fuel cell stack 123. Has been. The gas passage member 157 is formed with a communication hole 165 (penetrating in the plate thickness direction) and a branch hole 167 branched from the communication hole 165 at a right angle, and the branch hole 167 opens into the container 131. .

  In addition, a gas passage member 159 for fuel introduction for introducing fuel gas from the outside into the fuel cell stack 123 is joined to the other side (lower side in the figure) of the container 131. The gas passage member 159 is formed with a communication hole 169 and a branch hole 171 branched from the communication hole 169 at a right angle, and the branch hole 171 opens to the outside.

  Similarly, an air discharge gas passage member 161 for discharging air (after power generation) from the fuel cell stack 123 to the outside is joined to the other side (left side of the figure) of the container 131. . The gas passage member 161 is formed with a communication hole 173 and a branch hole 175 branched from the communication hole 173 at a right angle, and the branch hole 175 opens to the outside.

  Similarly, a gas passage member 163 for discharging fuel for discharging the fuel gas (after power generation) from the fuel cell stack 123 to the outside is joined to the other side (upper side in the figure) of the container 131. . The gas passage member 163 is formed with a communication hole 177 and a branch hole 179 branched from the communication hole 177 at a right angle, and the branch hole 179 opens to the outside.

  The communication holes 165, 169, 173, and 177 of the gas passage members 157 to 163 communicate with the through holes 181 (see FIG. 5C) serving as gas flow paths (through the fuel cell stack 123), respectively. Each through hole 181 communicates with the air flow path or fuel gas flow path inside the cell, corresponding to the air or fuel gas flowing through the hole.

  On the other hand, the communication hole 141 of the external introduction part 135 and the communication holes 151 to 155 of the spacers 145 to 149 communicate with the through holes 183 for bolt insertion (see FIG. 5B). Is simply a bolt hole and is separated from the inside of the cell.

b) Next, gas flow paths in the solid oxide fuel cell 121 will be described.
<Flow path of fuel gas>
The fuel gas introduced into the through hole 181 from the outside through the branch hole 171 and the communication hole 169 of the gas passage member 159 is introduced into the fuel gas flow path of each cell of the fuel cell stack 123.

The remaining fuel gas used for power generation in each cell is discharged to the outside through the through hole 181, the communication hole 177 and the branch hole 179 of the gas passage member 163.
<Air flow path>
The air introduced from the outside into the container 131 of the air preheater 125 through the external introduction part 135 is preheated in the container 131, and the fuel is passed through the branch hole 167 and the communication hole 165 of the gas passage member 157. It is introduced into the through hole 181 of the battery stack 123 and then introduced into the air flow path of each cell.

The remaining air used for power generation in each cell is discharged to the outside through the through hole 181, the communication hole 173 and the branch hole 175 of the gas passage member 161.
c) In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained. Further, in this embodiment, the fuel cell stack 123 and the air preheater 125 (to which the gas passage members 157 to 163 are joined) are stacked, and are integrally fixed by a bolt 127 and a nut 129 so as to be separable. Therefore, there are advantages that the members can be shared, the apparatus can be made compact, and the weight can be reduced.

Next, the third embodiment will be described, but the description of the same contents as the second embodiment will be omitted.
a) First, the configuration of the solid oxide fuel cell of this example will be described.
As schematically shown in FIG. 6, the solid oxide fuel cell 191 of the present embodiment has a flat plate shape for reforming the fuel gas on one side of the fuel cell stack 193 (downward in FIG. 6A). A reformer 195 is disposed, and the fuel cell stack 193 and the reformer 195 are integrally coupled to each other by a plurality of (eight) bolts 197 and nuts 199 so as to be separable.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, a reforming catalyst (for example, Ni catalyst, Ru catalyst, Rh catalyst, Pt catalyst, etc.) is filled in the inside of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped container 201 of the reformer 195. In addition, it has a function of reforming hydrocarbon gas (mainly city gas and natural gas) supplied from the outside, that is, a function of reforming to a hydrogen-rich fuel gas. The reforming method includes steam reforming and partial reforming, but any method may be used.

  In this reformer 195, an external introduction part 205 for introducing fuel gas into the container 201 from the outside is connected to one corner (upper right in the figure) of the frame 203 that forms the side of the container 201. Yes. As in the second embodiment, the external introduction unit 205 is obtained by connecting a branch pipe 209 to a plate-shaped main body 207, and the main body 207 is joined to the container 201.

In addition, spacers 211, 213, and 215 are joined to the other three corners of the container 201 as in the second embodiment.
Further, gas passage members 217, 219, 221, and 223 are joined to the central portion of each side of the frame 203 of the container 201.

  Specifically, in the lower side of FIG. 6 (b), in order to introduce the fuel gas reformed in the container 201 of the reformer 195 into the fuel cell stack 193, a gas passage member 219 for fuel introduction. Are joined. A communication hole 225 and a branch hole 227 are formed in the gas passage member 219.

  In addition, a gas passage member 217 for introducing air is joined to the other side of the container 201 (right side in the figure) in order to introduce air into the fuel cell stack 193 from the outside. A communication hole 229 and a branch hole 231 are formed in the gas passage member 217.

  Similarly, a gas passage member 221 for discharging air is joined to the other side (left side of the figure) of the container 201 in order to discharge air (after power generation) from the fuel cell stack 193 to the outside. Yes. A communication hole 233 and a branch hole 235 are formed in the gas passage member 221.

  Similarly, a gas passage member 223 for discharging fuel is joined to the other side (upper side of the figure) of the container 201 in order to discharge the fuel gas (after power generation) from the fuel cell stack 193 to the outside. Yes. A communication hole 237 and a branch hole 239 are formed in the gas passage member 223.

b) Next, gas flow paths in the solid oxide fuel cell 191 will be described.
<Flow path of fuel gas>
The fuel gas introduced from the outside into the container 201 of the reformer 195 through the external introduction unit 205 is reformed in the container 201 and is passed through the branch hole 227 and the communication hole 225 of the gas passage member 219. Then, it is introduced into the through hole 241 (see FIG. 6C) and then introduced into the fuel gas flow path of each cell of the fuel cell stack 193.

The remaining fuel gas used for power generation in each cell is discharged to the outside through the through hole 241, the communication 237 of the gas passage member 223, and the branch hole 239.
<Air flow path>
Air introduced into the through hole 241 of the fuel cell stack 193 from the outside through the branch hole 231 and the communication hole 229 of the gas passage member 217 is introduced into the air flow path of each cell.

The remaining air used for power generation in each cell is discharged to the outside through the through hole 241, the communication hole 233 and the branch hole 235 of the gas passage member 221.
Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment are obtained.

Next, the fourth embodiment will be described, but the description of the same contents as the second embodiment will be omitted.
a) First, the configuration of the solid oxide fuel cell of this example will be described.
As schematically shown in FIG. 7, the solid oxide fuel cell 251 of the present embodiment has the remaining air and fuel gas after power generation on one side of the fuel cell stack 253 (downward in FIG. 7A). Is disposed, and the fuel cell stack 253 and the combustor 255 are integrally connected to each other by a plurality of (eight) bolts 257 and nuts 259 in a separable manner.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the combustor 255 burns from the container 261 to the outside at one corner (lower right in the figure) of the frame 263 that forms the side of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped container 261. An external discharge unit 265 for discharging gas is connected. As in the second embodiment, the external discharge portion 265 is obtained by connecting a branch pipe 269 to a plate-like main body portion 267, and the main body portion 267 is joined to the container 261.

In addition, spacers 271, 273, and 275 are joined to the other three corners of the container 261 as in the second embodiment.
Further, gas passage members 277, 279, 281, and 283 are joined to the central portion of each side of the frame 263 of the container 261.

  Specifically, a gas passage member 277 for introducing air is joined to the right side of FIG. 7B in order to introduce air into the fuel cell stack 253 from the outside. A communication hole 285 and a branch hole 287 are formed in the gas passage member 277.

  Similarly, a gas passage member 279 for introducing fuel is joined to the other side (lower side of the figure) of the container 261 in order to introduce fuel gas into the fuel cell stack 253 from the outside. A communication hole 289 and a branch hole 291 are formed in the gas passage member 279.

  In addition, a gas passage member 281 for discharging air is joined to the other side (left side of the figure) of the container 261 in order to introduce air (after power generation) from the fuel cell stack 253 into the container 261. ing. A communication hole 293 and a branch hole 295 are formed in the gas passage member 281.

  Similarly, in order to introduce the fuel gas (after power generation) from the fuel cell stack 253 into the container 161, a gas passage member 283 for fuel introduction is joined to the other side of the container 201 (upper side in the figure). Has been. A communication hole 297 and a branch hole 299 are formed in the gas passage member 283.

b) Next, gas flow paths in the solid oxide fuel cell 251 will be described.
<Flow path of fuel gas>
The air introduced from the outside into the through hole 301 (see FIG. 7C) of the fuel cell stack 251 through the branch hole 291 and the communication hole 289 of the gas passage member 279 is the fuel of each cell of the fuel cell stack 253. It is introduced into the gas flow path.

  The remaining fuel gas used for power generation in each cell is introduced into the container 261 of the combustor 255 through the through hole 301, the communication hole 297 of the gas passage member 283, and the branch hole 299, and then into the container 261. The remaining air is combusted and the combustion gas is discharged to the outside via the external discharge member 265.

<Air flow path>
The air introduced into the through hole 301 of the fuel cell stack 253 from the outside through the branch hole 287 and the communication hole 285 of the gas passage member 277 is introduced into the air flow path of each cell.

  The remaining air used for power generation in each cell is introduced into the container 261 of the combustor 255 via the through hole 301, the communication hole 293 of the gas passage member 281, and the branch hole 295. Then, as described above, the remaining fuel gas burns in the container 261, and the combustion gas is discharged to the outside via the external discharge member 265.

Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment are obtained.
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various aspect can be taken.

(1) As an auxiliary device stacked on the fuel cell stack, for example, a fuel gas preheater that preheats fuel gas may be used in addition to the air preheater, the reformer, and the combustor.
(2) Further, for example, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the fuel cell stack 315 (nuts) is formed by a headed bolt 311 and a nut (cap nut) 313 screwed to the tip thereof. Although the gas passage member 317 (located on the 313 side) is fixed, the gas passage member 319 may be disposed on the head 323 side of the bolt 321 as shown in FIG. Moreover, as shown in FIG.8 (c), you may make it attach the nut 327 to the both ends of the rod-shaped volt | bolt (stud bolt) 325 without a head.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 121, 191, 251 ... Solid oxide fuel cell 3 ... Fuel cell 5, 123, 193, 253, 315 ... Fuel cell stack 8, 10, 12, 14, 127, 197, 257, 311, 321, 325 ... Bolt 18, 20, 22, 24, 129, 199, 259, 313, 327 ... Nuts 27, 28, 29, 30, 157, 159, 161, 163, 217, 219, 221, 223, 277, 279, 281, 283, 317, 319 ... gas passage members 38, 40, 42, 44, 181, 241, 301 ... (through holes of the fuel cell stack) 85, 165, 169, 173, 177, 225, 229, 233, 237 285, 289, 293, 297 ... communication holes (gas passage members) 87, 167, 171, 175, 179, 227, 2 1,235,239,287,291,295,299 ... branch hole 91,323 ... head 93, 94, 95 ... mica sheet 125 ... air preheater 195 ... reformer 255 ... combustor

Claims (6)

A fuel cell stack in which a plurality of plate-shaped solid oxide fuel cells are stacked along the thickness direction; and
A through hole that penetrates the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction and constitutes a gas flow path through which fuel gas, oxidant gas, or exhaust gas after power generation flows.
An insertion member inserted through the through hole;
A fixing member that is used at both ends of the insertion member and fixes the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction;
A gas passage member that is disposed between the fixing member and the fuel cell stack, and that introduces or discharges the various gases between the gas flow path inside the fuel cell stack and the outside;
In a solid oxide fuel cell comprising:
The gas passage member is
A communication hole that penetrates the gas passage member and extends in the same direction as the through hole of the fuel cell stack, and communicates with the through hole;
A branch hole branched from the communication hole and communicating with the outside;
With
The solid oxide fuel cell, wherein the insertion member is inserted into the through hole of the fuel cell stack and the communication hole of the gas passage member.   The insulating member having an insulating property is provided between at least one of the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member and between the gas passage member and the fixing member. Solid oxide fuel cell.   The heat-resistant member having a heat-resistant temperature of 700 ° C. or more is provided between at least one of the fuel cell stack and the gas passage member and between the gas passage member and the fixing member. 2. The solid oxide fuel cell according to 1.   3. The solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the insulating member according to claim 2 and the heat-resistant member according to claim 3 are the same member.   3. The solid oxide fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the insulating member according to claim 2 or the heat-resistant member according to claim 3 is made of a mica material. Between the branch hole of the gas passage member and the outside, a reformer for reforming the fuel gas used for power generation reaction, a combustor for combusting exhaust gas after power generation, and the oxidation used for power generation reaction An auxiliary device having at least one function among the functions of the oxidant gas preheater for preheating the agent gas and the fuel gas preheater for preheating the fuel gas is connected,
The gas passage member is integrated with the auxiliary device,
The solid oxidation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the auxiliary device and the gas flow path inside the fuel cell stack are communicated with each other through the gas passage member. Physical fuel cell.

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