JP2010250998A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system, capable of protecting a water feed pump from foreign matter such as dust included in condensed water with a simple structure, extending the life of a filter for protecting the water feed pump from the foreign matter, and preventing adhesion of the foreign matter to a float switch. <P>SOLUTION: The float switch 25 is disposed above an outlet 30 in the bottom of a condensed water tank 24, and a cylindrical filter 29 is provided to surround the outlet 30 of the tank 24 and the float switch 25. An outlet filter 31 is provided below the float switch 25 as an integrated unit with the cylindrical filter 29 to cover the outlet 30 of the tank 24. The mesh of the outlet filter 31 is set finer than the mesh of the cylindrical filter 29. Accordingly, condensed water recovered by condensing moisture in exhaust gas passes through the cylindrical filter 29 and then through the outlet filter before it flows through the outlet of the tank. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system that uses a fuel cell to generate power and recovers moisture in exhaust gas for effective use.

  As a conventional fuel cell system of this type, a filter is provided in a water supply path between a condensed water tank for storing condensed water collected by condensing moisture in exhaust gas of a hydrogen production apparatus and a water supply pump, There is a fuel cell system in which a supply pump is protected from foreign matters such as dust contained in condensed water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Hereinafter, the conventional fuel cell system will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a conventional fuel cell system.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the conventional fuel cell system includes a hydrogen production apparatus 1 that produces fuel gas from water and a raw material gas using heat of combustion, and a fuel gas and an oxidant produced by the hydrogen production apparatus 1. A fuel cell 2 that generates power using gas, a cooling water tank 3 that stores cooling water that cools the fuel cell 2, and a cooling water channel 4 that circulates the cooling water between the fuel cell 2 and the cooling water tank 3. A cooling water pump 5 provided in the cooling water channel 4 for circulating the cooling water between the fuel cell 2 and the cooling water tank 3, and a fuel cell 2 provided in the cooling water channel 4 returning from the fuel cell 2 to the cooling water tank 3. A heat exchanger 6 that cools the cooling water heated by heat exchange with the fuel, and a fuel-side condenser 7 that cools the exhaust fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell 2 and condenses moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust fuel gas. And discharged from the fuel cell 2 An air side condenser 8 that cools the gas oxidant gas and condenses moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust oxidant gas, and an open air type that stores the condensed water condensed by the fuel side condenser 7 and the air side condenser 8. The condensate tank 9 has a portion that moves up and down in conjunction with the water level of the condensate water tank 9 and is turned on when the water level of the condensate water tank 9 exceeds the first predetermined water level. When the water level becomes lower than the second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level, the float switch 10 is turned off, and the water supply pump 12 operated by the float switch 10 is provided on the way and flows out from the outlet at the bottom of the condensed water tank 9. The water supply path 13 that purifies the condensed water and leads it to the cooling water tank 3, the water discharge path 14 that discharges the excess cooling water inside the cooling water tank 3 to the condensed water tank 9, and the outlet at the bottom of the condensed water tank 9 And water supply pump 12 Foreign substances such as dust contained in the condensed water is provided to the water supply path 13 between is a singlet filter 15 to prevent flow through the water supply pump 12.

  The operation of the conventional fuel cell system configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG.

  During operation of the fuel cell system, the hydrogen production device 1 produces fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component from water and a raw material gas by using heat of combustion. The fuel cell 2 generates power using the fuel gas and oxidant gas produced by the hydrogen production apparatus 1. At this time, water is generated on the oxidant gas side by the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell 2, and exhaust fuel gas and exhaust oxidant gas are emitted from the fuel cell 2. A part of the fuel gas produced by the hydrogen production apparatus 1 is burned in the hydrogen production apparatus 1. The fuel cell 2 generates heat by power generation.

  The exhaust fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell 2 is led to the fuel side condenser 7 and is cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air in the fuel side condenser 7 to condense moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust fuel gas. . Further, the exhaust oxidant gas discharged from the fuel cell 2 is led to the air-side condenser 8 and is cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air in the air-side condenser 8, so that moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust oxidant gas is cooled. ) Condenses. The condensed water condensed by the fuel side condenser 7 and the air side condenser 8 is respectively stored in the condensed water tank 9.

  When the water level of the condensed water in the condensed water tank 9 exceeds the first predetermined water level, the float switch 10 is turned on and the water supply pump 12 is operated. By the operation of the water supply pump 12, the condensed water in the condensed water tank 9 flows from the bottom outlet of the condensed water tank 9 to the water supply path 13. The condensed water flowing into the water supply path 13 is filtered by the filter 15, passes through the water supply pump 12, becomes pure water by a purification device (not shown), and is poured into the cooling water tank 3. At this time, even if water enters the cooling water tank 3 excessively, the excess cooling water is discharged to the condensed water tank 9 through the water discharge passage 14. Here, since the gas above the cooling water tank 3 is connected to the condensed water tank 9 opened to the atmosphere through the water discharge passage 14, the pressure inside the cooling water tank 3 is always equivalent to the state opened to the atmosphere. is there. When the water level of the condensed water in the condensed water tank 9 falls below a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level, the float switch 10 is turned off, the water supply pump 12 is stopped, and the outlet of the bottom of the condensed water tank 9 The condensate flow from the water stops.

  The cooling water in the cooling water tank 3 is sent to the fuel cell 2 through the cooling water passage 4 by the cooling water pump 5 and warmed by heat exchange with the fuel cell 2. The cooling water heated by heat exchange with the fuel cell 2 is cooled by the heat exchanger 6 and returned to the cooling water tank 3. The heat of the fuel cell 2 recovered by the heat exchanger 6 is stored as hot water in a hot water storage tank (not shown) and used for hot water supply or the like. The cooling water tank 3 is cooled by operating the water supply pump 12 of the water supply path 13 when it is detected by a water level detection means (not shown) that the cooling water in the cooling water tank 3 is below a predetermined water level or when the fuel cell is started. The water in the condensed water tank 9 may be supplied to the water tank 3. At this time, even if water enters the cooling water tank 3 excessively, the excess cooling water is discharged to the condensed water tank 9 through the water discharge passage 14.

  Here, because the condensed water tank 9 is open to the atmosphere, the condensed water in the condensed water tank 9 may contain dust and scale. The dust and scale together with the condensed water flows out from the outlet at the bottom of the condensed water tank 9 to the water supply path 13 and flows toward the water supply pump 12. However, the dust and scale larger than the eyes of the filter 15 The condensed water captured by the filter 15 disposed immediately before (just before) 12 and filtered by the filter 15 flows into the water supply pump 12. Therefore, the filter 15 can protect the water supply pump 12 from foreign matters such as dust contained in the condensed water.

JP-A-9-306523

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, the filter 15 in front (immediately before) the water supply pump 12 has a fine filter so as to catch foreign matter in the condensed water, so that dirt such as dust or scale accumulates. Easy. Therefore, there is a problem that the filter life is short and the frequency of replacing the filter 15 is increased.

  Further, the float switch 10 has a portion that moves up and down in conjunction with the water level of the condensate water tank 9 due to adhesion of foreign matters such as fibrous dust and dust. 12 had the subject that the operation | movement according to the water level of the condensed water tank 9 was not carried out.

  In order to solve the problem of the float switch 10, a configuration in which a filter for protecting the float switch 10 is added is also conceivable. However, in that case, there is a problem that a plurality of filters are provided and the structure becomes complicated. It was.

  Therefore, the present invention has a simple structure and can protect the water supply pump from foreign matters such as dust contained in the condensed water, the life of the filter that protects the water supply pump from foreign matters is prolonged, and no foreign matter adheres to the float switch. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system that can be configured as described above.

  In order to achieve the above object, the fuel cell system of the present invention is arranged such that a portion of the float switch that moves up and down in conjunction with the water level of the condensed water tank is disposed above the outlet of the bottom of the condensed water tank. A cylindrical filter that surrounds the outlet and the part that moves up and down in the float switch is provided. Instead of the filter in front of the conventional water supply pump, the condensed filter is integrated with the cylindrical filter below the part that moves up and down of the float switch. An outlet filter is provided to cover the tank outlet. The condensed water collected by condensing the moisture in the exhaust gas after passing through the cylindrical filter passes through the outlet filter. Therefore, it is configured to flow out from the outlet of the condensed water tank.

  In the fuel cell system of the present invention, the cylindrical filter surrounding the part that moves up and down in the float switch is provided. Therefore, even in a float switch that requires a water level interlock with a simple structure that moves up and down by the buoyancy of water, The float switch can be protected from foreign matters such as fibrous dust and dust, the foreign matter can be prevented from adhering to the vertically moving part of the float switch, and the float switch can be turned ON / OFF correctly in conjunction with the water level. .

  Further, in the fuel cell system of the present invention, instead of the filter in front of the conventional water supply pump, the outlet filter that is integrally formed with the cylindrical filter below the vertically moving portion of the float switch and covers the outlet of the condensed water tank Therefore, the configuration of the entire fuel cell system becomes simpler than when the filter is located in the water supply path, and the cylindrical filter and the outlet filter can be arranged and replaced together. It becomes easy.

  In the fuel cell system of the present invention, the condensed water recovered by condensing the moisture in the exhaust gas passes through the cylindrical filter and then flows out from the outlet of the condensed water tank. The foreign matter larger than the eyes of the cylindrical filter is captured by the cylindrical filter before reaching the outlet filter, and only the foreign matter that has passed through the cylindrical filter reaches the outlet filter. The service life of the filter at the outlet filter is increased.

  Further, in the fuel cell system of the present invention, since the outlet filter has a finer mesh than the cylindrical filter, foreign matter that reaches the water supply pump is suitable for the cylindrical filter. It can be limited to a small foreign object compared with the case where it matches the size of the eyes of the filter. In addition, the difference between the water level inside the cylindrical filter and the water level outside the cylindrical filter is smaller than when the size of the cylindrical filter is adjusted to the size suitable for the outlet filter, and the float switch is condensed. The water level in the water tank can be detected correctly.

  In addition, since the condensed water flowing out from the outlet of the condensed water tank always passes through the cylindrical filter, it is simpler to omit the outlet filter in the configuration of the present invention, but the cylindrical filter in that case Adjusting the size of the filter to the size of the filter suitable for the cylindrical filter can reduce the difference between the water level inside the cylindrical filter and the water level outside the cylindrical filter, but it reaches the water supply pump. It becomes impossible to limit the foreign matter to be small to a small foreign matter. Conversely, if the size of the cylindrical filter is adjusted to the size of the filter suitable for the outlet filter, the foreign matter reaching the water supply pump can be limited to small foreign matter. The difference between the water level and the water level outside the cylindrical filter cannot be reduced. Therefore, it is better not to omit the outlet filter in the configuration of the present invention.

  According to the fuel cell system of the present invention, the water supply pump can be protected from foreign matters such as dust contained in the condensed water with a simple structure, and the life of the filter that protects the water supply pump from foreign matters can be extended. Foreign matter can be prevented from adhering, the filter can be easily arranged and replaced, and the float switch can correctly detect the water level of the condensed water tank.

1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Sectional drawing which shows the cylindrical filter and exit filter which were used for the fuel cell system of the embodiment The perspective view which shows the cylindrical filter and exit filter which were used for the fuel cell system of the embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the cylindrical filter and exit filter which were used for the fuel cell system in Embodiment 2 of this invention The perspective view which notched a part which shows the cylindrical filter and exit filter which were used for the fuel cell system of the embodiment Configuration diagram of conventional fuel cell system

  A first invention includes a fuel cell that generates power using fuel gas and an oxidant gas, a hydrogen production device that produces the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell from water and a raw material gas using heat of combustion, Atmospheric open type condensed water tank for storing condensed water recovered by condensing moisture in exhaust gas of at least one of the fuel cell and the hydrogen production apparatus, and a cooling water tank for storing cooling water for cooling the fuel cell And a water supply path having a water supply pump in the middle to purify the condensed water flowing out from the outlet at the bottom of the condensed water tank and leading it to the cooling water tank, and the condensation above the outlet of the condensed water tank When the water level of the condensate water tank exceeds the first predetermined water level, the water supply pump is turned on and the water level of the condensate water tank is set to the first predetermined water level. Lower second A float switch for turning off the water supply pump when the water level falls below a predetermined water level, a cylindrical filter provided so as to surround the outlet of the condensed water tank and the vertically moving part of the float switch, and the float switch An outlet filter that is integrated with the cylindrical filter and covers the outlet of the condensed water tank, and the outlet filter has a finer mesh than that of the cylindrical filter. Condensed water collected by condensing the moisture therein passes through the cylindrical filter and then flows out of the outlet of the condensed water tank through the outlet filter.

  In the fuel cell system of the present invention, the cylindrical filter surrounding the part that moves up and down in the float switch is provided. Therefore, even in a float switch that requires a water level interlock with a simple structure that moves up and down by the buoyancy of water, The float switch can be protected from foreign matters such as fibrous dust and dust, the foreign matter can be prevented from adhering to the vertically moving part of the float switch, and the float switch can be turned ON / OFF correctly in conjunction with the water level. .

  Further, in the fuel cell system of the present invention, instead of the filter in front of the conventional water supply pump, the outlet filter that is integrally formed with the cylindrical filter below the vertically moving portion of the float switch and covers the outlet of the condensed water tank Therefore, the configuration of the entire fuel cell system becomes simpler than when the filter is located in the water supply path, and the cylindrical filter and the outlet filter can be arranged and replaced together. It becomes easy.

  In the fuel cell system of the present invention, the condensed water recovered by condensing the moisture in the exhaust gas passes through the cylindrical filter and then flows out from the outlet of the condensed water tank. The foreign matter larger than the eyes of the cylindrical filter is captured by the cylindrical filter before reaching the outlet filter, and only the foreign matter that has passed through the cylindrical filter reaches the outlet filter. The service life of the filter at the outlet filter is increased.

  Further, in the fuel cell system of the present invention, since the outlet filter has a finer mesh than the cylindrical filter, foreign matter that reaches the water supply pump is suitable for the cylindrical filter. It can be limited to a small foreign object compared with the case where it matches the size of the eyes of the filter. In addition, the difference between the water level inside the cylindrical filter and the water level outside the cylindrical filter is smaller than when the size of the cylindrical filter is adjusted to the size suitable for the outlet filter, and the float switch is condensed. The water level in the water tank can be detected correctly.

  In addition, since the condensed water flowing out from the outlet of the condensed water tank always passes through the cylindrical filter, it is simpler to omit the outlet filter in the configuration of the present invention, but the cylindrical filter in that case Adjusting the size of the filter to the size of the filter suitable for the cylindrical filter can reduce the difference between the water level inside the cylindrical filter and the water level outside the cylindrical filter, but it reaches the water supply pump. It becomes impossible to limit the foreign matter to be small to a small foreign matter. Conversely, if the size of the cylindrical filter is adjusted to the size of the filter suitable for the outlet filter, the foreign matter reaching the water supply pump can be limited to small foreign matter. The difference between the water level and the water level outside the cylindrical filter cannot be reduced. Therefore, it is better not to omit the outlet filter in the configuration of the present invention.

  In the second invention, in particular, as the exit filter in the first invention, a filter having a three-dimensional shape is used as the exit filter. Since the surface area of a certain part of the outlet filter becomes larger, the outlet filter can have a longer life as compared with the case where a filter having a planar shape is used as the outlet filter. It is possible to replace the filter without waste by adjusting so that the life of the cylindrical filter approaches.

  Embodiments of a fuel cell system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the above-described embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are cylindrical filters used in the fuel cell system of the same embodiment. It is sectional drawing and a perspective view which show an outlet filter.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fuel cell system of the present embodiment is manufactured by a hydrogen production device 16 that produces fuel gas from water and a raw material gas using heat of combustion, and a hydrogen production device 16. A solid polymer fuel cell 17 that generates power using the fuel gas and the oxidant gas, a cooling water tank 18 that stores cooling water that cools the fuel cell 17 by heat exchange with the fuel cell 17, and a fuel cell 17 A cooling water channel 19 for circulating the cooling water between the cooling water tank 18, a heat exchanger 20 provided in the cooling water channel 19 for cooling the cooling water warmed by heat exchange with the fuel cell 17, and cooling The fuel cell 17 and the cooling water tank 18 are provided so that the cooling water in the cooling water tank 18 provided in the water channel 19 is heated by heat exchange with the fuel cell 17 and then cooled by the heat exchanger 20 and returned to the cooling water tank 18. Between A cooling water pump 21 that circulates the reject water, a fuel side condenser 22 that cools the exhaust fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell 17 and condenses moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust fuel gas, and is discharged from the fuel cell 17. The air-side condenser 23 that cools the exhaust oxidant gas and condenses the moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust oxidant gas, and has an outlet 30 at the bottom and is condensed by the fuel-side condenser 22 and the air-side condenser 23. Condensed water tank 24 having an open-air condensed water tank 24 for storing condensed water, and a portion that moves up and down in conjunction with the water level of condensed water tank 24 in condensed water tank 24 above outlet 30 of condensed water tank 24. A float switch 25 that is turned on when the water level of 24 exceeds the first predetermined water level and turned off when the water level of the condensate tank 24 falls below a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level; 25, a water supply path 27 having a water supply pump 26 that operates by purifying the condensed water flowing out from the outlet 30 at the bottom of the condensed water tank 24 and leading it to the cooling water tank 18, and excess cooling water inside the cooling water tank 18 Is discharged to the condensed water tank 24, the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24, the cylindrical filter 29 provided so as to surround the vertically moving part of the float switch 25, and the float switch 25 are vertically moved. A packing 33 that is integrally formed with the cylindrical filter 29 below the portion and covers the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24 and the outlet 33 of the condensed water tank 24 and the inlet 32 of the water supply path 27 communicate without leakage. The outlet filter 31 has a finer mesh than the cylindrical filter 29, and condensed water recovered by condensing moisture in the exhaust gas has passed through the cylindrical filter 29. It is configured to pass through the outlet filter 31 later and flow from the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24 to the inlet 32 of the water supply path 27. In the present embodiment, the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24 is formed integrally with the lower part of the cylindrical filter 29.

  In general, the float switch 25 has a simple structure that moves up and down due to the buoyancy of water, and the sliding portion has a large clearance. On the other hand, the water supply pump 26 is a precision component that controls a delicate flow of water. The sliding part has a very small clearance.

  The operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  During the operation of the fuel cell system, the hydrogen production device 16 produces fuel gas containing hydrogen as a main component from water and the raw material gas using the heat of combustion. The fuel cell 17 generates power using the fuel gas and oxidant gas produced by the hydrogen production device 16. At this time, water is generated on the oxidant gas side by the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell 17, and the exhaust fuel gas and the exhaust oxidant gas are discharged from the fuel cell 17. A part of the fuel gas produced by the hydrogen production device 16 is burned in the hydrogen production device 16. The fuel cell 17 generates heat by power generation.

  The exhaust fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell 17 is led to the fuel-side condenser 22 and is cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air in the fuel-side condenser 22, so that moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust fuel gas is condensed. . Further, the exhaust oxidant gas discharged from the fuel cell 17 is led to the air-side condenser 23 and cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air in the air-side condenser 23, and moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust oxidant gas is cooled. ) Condenses. The condensed water condensed by the fuel side condenser 22 and the air side condenser 23 is stored (recovered) in the condensed water tank 24, respectively.

  When the water level of the condensed water in the condensed water tank 24 exceeds the first predetermined water level, the float switch 25 is turned on and the water supply pump 26 operates. By the operation of the water supply pump 26, the condensed water in the condensed water tank 24 is filtered by the cylindrical filter 29, and then filtered by the outlet filter 31, and the water supply path 27 from the outlet 30 at the bottom of the condensed water tank 24. To the inlet 32 of The condensed water flowing into the water supply path 27 passes through the water supply pump 26 and becomes pure water by a purifier (not shown) and is poured into the cooling water tank 18. At this time, even if water enters the cooling water tank 18 excessively, the excess cooling water is discharged to the condensed water tank 24 through the water discharge path 28. Here, since the gas above the cooling water tank 18 is connected to the condensed water tank 24 opened to the atmosphere through the water discharge passage 28, the pressure inside the cooling water tank 18 is always equivalent to the state opened to the atmosphere. is there. When the level of the condensed water in the condensed water tank 24 falls below a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level, the float switch 25 is turned off, the water supply pump 26 is stopped, and the outlet of the bottom of the condensed water tank 24 is turned off. The outflow of condensed water from 30 stops.

  In order to keep the temperature of the fuel cell 17 constant, the cooling water in the cooling water tank 18 is sent to the fuel cell 17 through the cooling water channel 19 by the cooling water pump 21 and is heated by heat exchange with the fuel cell 17. The cooling water warmed by heat exchange with the fuel cell 17 is cooled by the heat exchanger 20 and returned to the cooling water tank 18. The heat of the fuel cell 17 recovered by the heat exchanger 20 is stored as hot water in a hot water storage tank (not shown) and used for hot water supply or the like. The cooling water tank 18 is cooled by operating the water supply pump 26 in the water supply path 27 when it is detected by a water level detection means (not shown) that the cooling water in the cooling water tank 18 is below a predetermined water level or when the fuel cell is started. The water from the condensed water tank 24 may be supplied to the water tank 18. At this time, even if water enters the cooling water tank 18 excessively, the excess cooling water is discharged to the condensed water tank 24 through the water discharge passage 28.

  Here, since the condensed water tank 24 is open to the atmosphere, the condensed water in the condensed water tank 24 may contain dust and scale. The dust and scale together with the condensed water flows out from the outlet 30 at the bottom of the condensed water tank 24 to the water supply path 27 and flows toward the water supply pump 26, but the cylindrical filter 29 is larger than the eyes of the cylindrical filter 29. Dust and scale are captured by the cylindrical filter 29, and dust and scale larger than the eyes of the outlet filter 31 among the dust and scale that have passed through the cylindrical filter 29 are captured by the outlet filter 31, and the water supply pump 26. The condensed water filtered by the cylindrical filter 29 and the outlet filter 31 flows into the. Therefore, the cylindrical filter 29 and the outlet filter 31 can protect the water supply pump 26 from foreign matters such as dust contained in the condensed water.

  In the present embodiment, there is an outlet filter 31 that is finer than the cylindrical filter 29 formed integrally with the cylindrical filter 29 on the outlet 30 below the cylindrical filter 29 in the condensed water tank 24, and is delicate. A precision part that controls the flow of water is designed to prevent entry of extremely small dust into the water supply pump 26 in which the clearance of the sliding portion is extremely small. Further, the cylindrical filter 29, Since the outlet filter 31 has a double filter structure in this order, a state in which fibrous dust, dust and the like are not directly attached to the outlet filter 31 is obtained. At the same time, even in the float switch 25 that follows the water level of the condensed water tank 24 with simple parts that move up and down due to the buoyancy of water, a state in which fibrous dust, dust and the like are not attached to the cylindrical filter 29 can be obtained.

  The fuel cell system of the present embodiment includes a fuel cell 17 that generates power using fuel gas and an oxidant gas, and hydrogen that produces fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 17 from water and raw material gas using the heat of combustion. Manufacturing device 16, an open-air condensed water tank 24 that stores condensed water collected by condensing moisture in exhaust gas of at least one of fuel cell 17 and hydrogen manufacturing device 16, and cooling for cooling fuel cell 17 A cooling water tank 18 for storing water, a water supply path 27 having a water supply pump 26 in the middle, purifying the condensed water flowing out from the outlet 30 at the bottom of the condensed water tank 24 and leading it to the cooling water tank 18, and condensed water When the water level of the condensed water tank 24 exceeds the first predetermined water level, the water supply pump 26 is turned on when the water level of the condensed water tank 24 exceeds the first predetermined level. When the water level of 24 falls below a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level, the float switch 25 for turning off the water supply pump 26, the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24, and the vertically moving part of the float switch 25 are A cylindrical filter 29 provided so as to surround; and an outlet filter 31 which is integrally formed with the cylindrical filter 29 and covers the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24 below the vertically moving portion of the float switch 25. The condensed water collected by condensing the moisture in the exhaust gas after passing through the cylindrical filter 29 and passing through the outlet filter 31 from the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24 is finer than that of the cylindrical filter 29. It is configured to flow out.

  In the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, since the cylindrical filter 29 is provided surrounding the vertically moving portion of the float switch 25, even in the float switch 25 that requires a water level interlocking with a simple structure that moves up and down by the buoyancy of water, The cylindrical filter 29 can protect the float switch 25 from foreign matters such as fibrous dust and dust, and can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the vertically moving portion of the float switch 25. The float switch 25 is interlocked with the water level. Correct ON / OFF operation can be performed.

  Further, in the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, instead of the filter in front of the conventional water supply pump, the condensate water tank 24 is configured integrally with the cylindrical filter 25 below the vertically moving portion of the float switch 25. Since the outlet filter 31 covering the outlet 30 is provided, the configuration of the entire fuel cell system becomes simpler than when the filter is located in the water supply path 27, and the cylindrical filter 29 and the outlet filter 31 are arranged together. The filters 29 and 31 can be easily arranged and replaced.

  In the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the condensed water recovered by condensing moisture in the exhaust gas passes through the cylindrical filter 29 and then passes through the outlet filter 31 and flows out from the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24. Therefore, foreign matters larger than the eyes of the cylindrical filter 29 are captured by the cylindrical filter 29 before reaching the outlet filter 31, and only foreign matters that have passed through the cylindrical filter 29 reach the outlet filter 31. As a result, the life of the filter in the portion of the outlet filter 31 is increased by the presence of the cylindrical filter 29.

  Further, in the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, since the outlet filter 31 has a finer mesh than the cylindrical filter 29, foreign matter that reaches the water supply pump 26 is reduced in size by the size of the outlet filter 31. It can be limited to a small foreign object, compared with the case where the size of the filter suitable for the cylindrical filter 29 is adjusted. In addition, the difference between the water level inside the cylindrical filter 29 and the water level outside the cylindrical filter 29 becomes smaller than when the eye of the cylindrical filter 29 is matched to the size of the eye suitable for the outlet filter 31. The float switch 25 can correctly detect the water level in the condensed water tank 24.

  Note that the condensed water flowing out from the outlet 30 of the condensed water tank 24 always passes through the cylindrical filter 29, so that the configuration is simpler if the outlet filter 31 is omitted in the configuration of the present embodiment. In this case, when the size of the cylindrical filter 29 is adjusted to the size of the filter suitable for the cylindrical filter 29, the difference between the water level inside the cylindrical filter 29 and the water level outside the cylindrical filter 29 is obtained. However, the foreign matter that reaches the water supply pump 26 cannot be limited to small foreign matters. Conversely, if the size of the cylindrical filter 29 is adjusted to the size of the filter suitable for the outlet filter 31, foreign matter reaching the water supply pump 26 can be limited to small foreign matter. The difference between the water level inside the filter 29 and the water level outside the cylindrical filter 29 cannot be reduced. Therefore, it is better not to omit the outlet filter 31 in the configuration of the present embodiment.

  Further, in the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the cylindrical filter 29 and the outlet filter 31 are configured as an integral double filter. The cylindrical filter 29 captures fibrous dust, dust, and the like, and then the cylindrical filter 29. A finer outlet filter 31 captures extremely small dust and the like to protect the water supply pump 26 from dirt, and at the same time, a cylindrical filter 29 captures fibrous dust and dust and protects the float switch 25. it can. As a result, the life of the filter of the water supply pump 26, that is, the outlet filter 31, can be extended with a simple structure, and malfunction of the float switch 25 can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the water supply pump 26 can be protected from foreign matters such as dust contained in the condensed water, and the water supply pump 26 can be protected from foreign matters with a simple structure. The life of the outlet filter 31 can be extended, foreign matter can be prevented from adhering to the float switch 25, and the arrangement and replacement of the filters 29 and 31 can be facilitated. The float switch 25 can correctly detect the water level of the condensed water tank 24. .

(Embodiment 2)
4 and 5 are a sectional view showing a cylindrical filter and an outlet filter used in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and a perspective view with a part cut away.

  In the present embodiment, the portion of the outlet filter 31 having the eye in the first embodiment has a three-dimensional concave shape, and the surface area of the portion of the outlet filter 31 having the eye is increased in the cylindrical filter 29. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The outlet filter 31 used in the present embodiment has a larger surface area than the outlet filter 31 according to the first embodiment in which the part with eyes has a planar shape. The life of the outlet filter 31 can be made longer than in the case of the first embodiment in which a part having a flat shape uses a flat filter, and the life of the outlet filter 31 and the life of the cylindrical filter 29 are increased. It is possible to replace the filter without waste by adjusting the distance to approach.

  Further, by increasing the surface area of the outlet filter 31 while the cylindrical filter 29 and the outlet filter 31 are integrated, the life of the outlet filter 31 can be further extended with a simple structure. In this embodiment, a concave shape is used, but a convex shape, a dome shape, a waveform, or the like may be used.

  The fuel cell system of the present invention has a simple structure, can protect the water supply pump from foreign matters such as dust contained in the condensed water, prolongs the life of the filter that protects the water supply pump from foreign matters, and foreign matters are present in the float switch. The filter can be prevented from adhering, the filter can be easily arranged and replaced, and the float switch can correctly detect the water level of the condensate tank, so that it is suitable for a domestic fuel cell system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 Hydrogen production apparatus 17 Fuel cell 18 Cooling water tank 19 Cooling water path 20 Heat exchanger 21 Cooling water pump 22 Fuel side condenser 23 Air side condenser 24 Condensed water tank 25 Float switch 26 Water supply pump 27 Water supply path 29 Cylindrical shape Filter 30 outlet 31 outlet filter

Claims (2)

A fuel cell that generates power using fuel gas and an oxidant gas; a hydrogen production device that produces the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell from water and a raw material gas using heat of combustion; the fuel cell and the hydrogen Atmospheric open type condensate water tank for storing condensed water recovered by condensing moisture in exhaust gas of at least one of the manufacturing equipment, a cooling water tank for storing cooling water for cooling the fuel cell, and water supply in the middle A water supply path that has a pump and purifies condensed water flowing out from the outlet at the bottom of the condensed water tank and leads it to the cooling water tank, and is linked to the water level of the condensed water tank above the outlet of the condensed water tank And when the water level of the condensed water tank exceeds a first predetermined water level, the water supply pump is turned on and the water level of the condensed water tank is lower than the first predetermined water level. Below the water level In this case, a float switch for turning off the water supply pump, a cylindrical filter provided so as to surround the outlet of the condensed water tank and the vertically moving portion of the float switch, and the vertical movement of the float switch. And an outlet filter that is integrated with the cylindrical filter and covers the outlet of the condensed water tank, and the outlet filter has a finer mesh than the cylindrical filter, and removes moisture in the exhaust gas. A fuel cell system configured such that condensed water recovered by condensation passes through the cylindrical filter and then flows out of the outlet of the condensed water tank through the outlet filter. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the outlet filter has a three-dimensional portion with eyes.

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