JP4374124B2 - Fuel reformer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel reformer that generates a reformed gas containing hydrogen by reforming a reforming fuel containing a hydrocarbon.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a fuel cell stack constructed by laminating a plurality of fuel cell units in which a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode and sandwiched by separators has been developed. Is being put into practical use.
[0003]
This type of fuel cell stack supplies a reformed gas (fuel gas) containing hydrocarbons, for example, hydrogen gas generated by steam reforming of an aqueous methanol solution, to the anode side electrode and an oxidant gas (oxygen gas or Air) is supplied to the cathode side electrode to hydrogen ionize the hydrogen gas, and this hydrogen gas flows through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, so that electric energy is obtained outside the fuel cell.
[0004]
In this case, a fuel reformer is used to generate a reformed gas containing hydrogen gas from an aqueous methanol solution and supply it to the fuel cell stack. This fuel reformer includes, for example, an evaporator for steaming a reforming fuel such as an aqueous methanol solution, and a reforming reaction is performed on the reforming fuel gas steamed through the evaporator to generate hydrogen. A reformer for generating a reformed gas containing gas, a warm-up combustor for warming up the entire system, and removing carbon monoxide in the reformed gas generated by the reformer A carbon monoxide remover, and a heat exchanger for adjusting the reformed gas to the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above fuel reformer, pellets are generally used as a reforming catalyst, and the pellets are formed long in the gas flow direction. For this reason, the temperature difference in the gas flow direction of the reforming catalyst becomes large, and it is difficult to realize a desired reforming reaction in the entire catalyst portion, and the problem is that the compactness is inferior.
[0006]
Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the thickness of the entire reforming catalyst portion by setting the reforming catalyst portion in a donut shape orthogonal to the gas flow direction. However, since the reforming fuel is introduced from the center side of the donut-shaped reforming catalyst portion, it may be difficult to uniformly supply the reforming fuel over the entire surface of the reforming catalyst portion.
[0007]
The present invention solves this type of problem, and is capable of supplying reforming fuel uniformly and reliably in the direction of the surface of the catalyst portion and capable of firmly welding a wire mesh member with a simple configuration. An object is to provide a reformer.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the fuel reformer according to the present invention, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the reforming catalyst layer whose surface direction is set orthogonal to the flow direction of the reforming fuel are held by the flow path member, and the modified A rectifying wire mesh member is disposed on the gas introduction surface side of the porous catalyst layer. For this reason, after the reforming fuel supplied to the reformer is supplied to the reforming catalyst layer side under the guide action of the flow path member, the reforming fuel is supplied under the action of the rectifying wire mesh member. It is uniformly supplied over the entire gas introduction surface of the reforming catalyst layer. As a result, the reforming catalyst layer can be easily set in, for example, a donut shape, and the entire reformer can be reduced in size.
[0009]
Furthermore, the rectifying wire mesh member is configured to have a higher density than other portions by pressurizing the portion welded to the flow path member. Usually, when welding a rectifying wire mesh member having pores, internal pores expand due to rapid heating during welding, and defects such as through-holes and blowholes occur in the welded portion. This may cause a decrease in strength at the welded portion or a loss in pressure loss distribution when used as a reformer.
[0010]
Therefore, by forming the welded portion of the rectifying wire mesh member at a higher density than the other portions, it is possible to effectively prevent the pores from becoming extremely small and causing defects in the welded portion. In addition, it is only necessary to form the welded portion of the rectifying wire mesh member at a high density, which makes it possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost and an increase in weight, which is economical and improves the handleability.
[0011]
Further, the rectifying wire mesh member is provided with a flange portion protruding upstream of the reforming catalyst layer, and a high-density portion is provided in a part of the flange portion. Therefore, the welding operation between the rectifying wire mesh member and the flow path member is easily and reliably performed.
[0012]
At that time, the rectifying wire mesh member is set to have a higher density toward the end side of the flange portion. For this reason, it becomes possible to effectively avoid problems such as the welding conditions gradually changing from the end of the flange portion toward the inside, and thermal stress being concentrated.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell system 12 in which a fuel reformer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated.
[0014]
The fuel cell system 12 includes a fuel reformer 10 according to the present embodiment that generates hydrogen gas by reforming a reforming fuel containing hydrocarbons, and the reformed gas is supplied from the fuel reformer 10. In addition, for example, air (or oxygen gas) is supplied as an oxidant gas, and a fuel cell stack 14 is provided that generates power by a reaction between the hydrogen gas in the reformed gas and the oxygen gas in the air. As the hydrocarbon, methanol, natural gas, methane, or the like can be used.
[0015]
The fuel reformer 10 includes a methanol tank 16 that stores hydrocarbons, for example, methanol, a water tank 18 that stores generated water discharged from the fuel cell system 12, and the methanol tank 16 and the water tank 18. A mixer 20 for supplying a predetermined amount of methanol and water to mix the aqueous methanol solution, an evaporator 22 for evaporating the aqueous methanol solution supplied from the mixer 20, and supplying evaporation heat to the evaporator 22 A catalytic combustor 24 for reforming, a reformer 26 for reforming a vaporized methanol aqueous solution (hereinafter referred to as reforming fuel) introduced from the evaporator 22 to generate a reformed gas containing hydrogen gas, A CO selective oxidizer (carbon monoxide remover) 28 for removing carbon monoxide in the reformed gas derived from the reformer 26 is provided.
[0016]
Air is supplied from an air supply unit 30 to the reformer 26 and the CO selective oxidizer 28, and the entire fuel cell system 12 is interposed between the reformer 26 and the CO selective oxidizer 28. An intermediate combustor (warm-up combustor) 32 for shortening the warm-up time is disposed, and a start combustor 34 is disposed upstream of the reformer 26. A heat exchanger 36 for lowering the temperature of the reformed gas is disposed on the downstream side of the CO selective oxidizer 28, and a path 37a for supplying the reformed gas to the fuel cell stack 14 is disposed in the heat exchanger 36. And a three-way switching valve 38 for switching to the return path 37b for supplying the unstable exhaust gas before completion of warm-up to the catalytic combustor 24.
[0017]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the fuel reformer 10 includes an evaporator 22, a reformer 26, an intermediate combustor 32, and a CO selective oxidizer along the flow direction (arrow A direction) of the reforming fuel. 28 are arranged in this order, and these components are accommodated integrally, and the inner casing means 44 constituting the reforming chamber 40 and the gas flow path 42 between the components, and the inner casing means 44 are surrounded. And an outer casing means 45 that forms a heat insulating closed space 52 having a predetermined degree of vacuum between the outer casing and the outer wall of the inner casing means 44.
[0018]
The inner casing means 44 includes a support plate 46 that supports and supports the evaporator 22, the reformer 26, the intermediate combustor 32, and the CO selective oxidizer 28 that are components, and the evaporator that is supported by the support plate 46. 22, first plate-like inner cases 48a and 50a and second plate-like inner cases 48b and 50b for accommodating the reformer 26, the intermediate combustor 32, and the CO selective oxidizer 28.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the support plate 46 is made of a thin plate material having a single elasticity, for example, a metal plate, and includes a first opening 56 that accommodates the evaporator 22, the reformer 26, and the intermediate plate. A second opening 58 that is long in the direction of arrow A for accommodating the combustor 32 and the CO selective oxidizer 28 is provided. The support plate 46 is formed with three semi-cylindrical portions 62 corresponding to the three tubes 60 of the evaporator 22 at the end on the first opening 56 side, and the end of the second opening 58. On the side, a semi-cylindrical portion 66 is provided corresponding to the tube body 64 of the CO selective oxidizer 28. Similarly, a semi-cylindrical portion 68 is provided at the boundary between the first and second openings 56 and 58, while methanol vapor conduits 70 a and 70 b are provided on both long sides of the second opening 58. A plurality of semi-cylindrical portions 78a and 78b are provided corresponding to the air pipeline 72 and the cooling water pipelines 76a and 76b.
[0020]
The first and second plate-like inner cases 48a, 48b are configured to have a substantially elliptical shape (flat shape) when viewed from the front, and a flange portion 80 is formed at each opening side end. The flange portion 80 is provided with three semi-cylindrical portions 84 corresponding to the pipes 60 of the evaporator 22, and a single semi-cylindrical portion 84 is formed on the opposite side of the semi-cylindrical portion 84. The In the second plate-like inner case 48b, holes 88a and 88b are formed corresponding to the connecting portions 86a and 86b provided in the evaporator 22.
[0021]
The first and second plate-like inner cases 50a, 50b are configured to have a substantially elliptical shape when viewed from the front, and the inside of the reforming chamber is formed by overlapping flange portions 90 provided at the respective opening side ends. 40 is formed. At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the flange portion 90, a semi-cylindrical portion 92 corresponding to the semi-cylindrical portion 84 and a semi-cylindrical portion 94 corresponding to the pipe body 64 of the CO selective oxidizer 28 are provided. The part is provided with semi-cylindrical parts 96 a and 96 b corresponding to the semi-cylindrical parts 78 a and 78 b of the support plate 46. On the inner walls of the first and second plate-like inner cases 50a, 50b, bulges 98a, 98b projecting toward the reforming chamber 40 are formed.
[0022]
The outer casing means 45 forms a heat insulating closed space 52 between the first plate-like inner cases 48a, 50a and the outer walls of the second plate-like inner cases 48b, 50b, and the first plate-like inner case 48a, 50a and a second plate-like outer case 54b and a second plate-like outer case 54b surrounding the second plate-like inner cases 48b and 50b.
[0023]
The first and second plate-like outer cases 54a and 54b are configured to have a substantially elliptical shape when viewed from the front, and a rotating flange portion 100 is formed at each opening side end. A semi-cylindrical portion 102 corresponding to the tubular body 60 of the evaporator 22 and a semi-cylindrical portion 104 corresponding to the tubular body 64 of the CO selective oxidizer 28 are formed at both ends of each flange portion 100 in the longitudinal direction. On both sides of 100, semi-cylindrical portions 106a, 106b corresponding to the semi-cylindrical portions 96a, 96b of the first and second plate-like inner cases 50a, 50b are provided. A semi-cylindrical portion 107 corresponding to the leak check pipe 74 is provided on one side of the flange portion 100.
[0024]
Disk-shaped bulging portions 108a and 108b for supporting the first plate-like inner case 48a are formed in the first plate-like outer case 54a, while the second plate-like outer case 54b has Disk-shaped bulging portions 110a and 110b that support the second plate-like inner case 48b are formed. Holes 112a and 112b for inserting the connection portions 86a and 86b of the evaporator 22 are formed in the bulging portion 110b.
[0025]
In a state where the evaporator 22, the reformer 26, the intermediate combustor 32, and the CO selective oxidizer 28 are disposed in the first plate-like inner cases 48a and 50a via the support plate 46, the second plate-like inner case 48b, 50b is disposed by overlapping the flange portions 80 and 90, and the flange portions 80 and 90 are fixed to each other by spot welding or the like. The first and second plate-like outer cases 54a and 54b are arranged so as to cover the first plate-like inner cases 48a and 50a and the second plate-like inner cases 48b and 50b, and the respective flange portions 100 are overlapped. Fixed by spot welding.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, the reformer 26 has a cylindrical shape fixed to the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e and the inner peripheral surfaces of the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e. First to fifth flow path members 118a to 118e fixed to the outer peripheral surfaces of the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e, and the first to fifth reformers. The rectifying wire mesh member 120 is provided on the gas introduction surface side of the porous catalyst layers 114a to 114e.
[0027]
The first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e are made of a copper or zinc-based catalyst, and each has a donut-shaped honeycomb structure (hereinafter referred to as a honeycomb catalyst). The surface direction of each honeycomb catalyst is orthogonal to the flow direction of the reforming fuel in the reforming chamber 40 (arrow A direction), and the honeycomb catalysts are arranged in parallel in the arrow A direction.
[0028]
The metal mesh member 120 is configured by laminating a metal material, for example, a stainless steel mesh member, and is set to a predetermined porosity. As shown in FIG. 4, an outer flange 121 that is bent in a direction opposite to the gas flow direction (arrow A direction) is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the wire mesh member 120, and on the inner peripheral side, Similarly, an inner flange portion 123 that is bent in the opposite direction is provided.
[0029]
The outer flange 121 of the wire mesh member 120 is subjected to, for example, TIG welding or seam welding on the frame 125 constituting the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e, and similarly to the inner flange 123. In addition, TIG welding or seam welding is performed on the outer periphery of the pipe line member 116. The outer flange portion 121 and the inner flange portion 123 of the metal mesh member 120 are provided with compressed portions 121a and 123a at higher density than other portions at the welded portion between the frame 125 and the pipe line member 116. The compression portions 121a and 123a are formed so as to increase in density toward the end side of the outer flange portion 121 and the inner flange portion 123.
[0030]
The metal mesh member 120 has an appropriate pressure loss, equalizes the flow of the reforming fuel to the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e, and equalizes the flow in each catalyst layer surface. It has a function to convert.
[0031]
A plurality of hole portions 122 are formed on the outer periphery of the pipe member 116 so as to correspond to the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e. As shown in FIG. 3, a cover member 124 is provided on the downstream side of the pipe member 116 in the direction of arrow A to prevent the reforming fuel from passing through the pipe member 116.
[0032]
The cover member 124 has substantially the same shape as the first to fifth flow path members 118a to 118e, and is provided with a bottomed cylindrical portion 126 to be inserted into the pipe line member 116. A plurality of hole portions 129 for allowing gas to pass through are formed in the substantially conical portion 128 whose diameter increases from the bottomed cylindrical portion 126 in the direction of the arrow A, and at the end of the substantially conical portion 128, Ring portions 131 that are gripped by the bulging portions 98a and 98b of the first and second plate-like inner cases 50a and 50b are integrally provided.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a molding machine 140 for molding the compression portions 121a and 123a in the outer flange portion 121 and the inner flange portion 123 of the wire mesh member 120. A motor 144 is mounted on a base 142 constituting the molding machine 140, and a gantry 146 that accommodates the motor 144 is fixed on the base 142.
[0034]
A rotating shaft 150 is rotatably supported on the gantry 146 via a bearing 148, and the motor 144 and the rotating shaft 150 are connected to each other via a driving belt 152. A rotating plate 154 is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 150, and an outer peripheral restraining jig 156 is fixed to the end surface of the rotating plate 154. A pressurizing unit 158 is erected on the base 142, and a pressurizing jig 160 is mounted on the upper part of the pressurizing unit 158 so as to be pressable in the direction of an arrow via an actuator (not shown). .
[0035]
Next, the operation | work which shape | molds the metal-mesh-like member 120 is demonstrated below, referring FIG.
[0036]
First, a porous metal plate formed by laminating mesh members is processed to obtain a filter material 170 having a predetermined donut shape, while a SUS material forms a metal plate 172 having substantially the same dimensions as the filter material 170. (See (a) and (b) of FIG. 6). The filter material 170 and the metal plate 172 are set on the outer shape forming machine 176 as shown in FIG. 6D in a state where they are overlapped with each other via the lubricating oil 174 (see FIG. 6C). The
[0037]
In the outer shape forming machine 176, roll drawing is performed on the outer periphery of the filter material 170 and the metal plate 172. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6E, outer flange portions 121 and 172a are formed on the outer periphery of the filter material 170 and the metal plate 172, respectively. Next, the inner periphery of the filter material 170 and the metal plate 172 is formed by the inner periphery forming machine 178, and the inner flange portions 123 and 172b are formed.
[0038]
The metal mesh member 120 thus molded is removed from the metal plate 172 and set in the molding machine 140. In this molding machine 140, as shown in FIG. 5, the wire mesh member 120 is centered and held on the mounting surface of the rotating plate 154 via the sleeve member 162, and is driven via the drive belt 152 under the action of the motor 144. The rotating shaft 150 rotates. The rotating shaft 150 is supported in the horizontal direction via a bearing 148, and the rotating plate 154 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 150.
[0039]
At that time, the pressing jig 160 provided in the pressing portion 158 presses the inner surface side of the outer flange portion 121 of the wire mesh member 120 in the direction of the arrow under the action of an actuator (not shown). The outer flange 121 is subjected to pressure treatment via the jig 160 and the outer periphery restraining jig 156. Thereby, the compression part 121a which is a high-density part which inclines toward the front end side is shape | molded by the outer side flange part 121 of the metal-mesh-like member 120 (refer (f) of FIG. 6).
[0040]
Further, the inner flange portion 123 of the wire mesh member 120 is similarly subjected to pressure treatment. For this reason, the inner flange portion 123 is formed with a compressed portion 123a having a higher density than other portions. After the outer flange portion 121 and the inner flange portion 123 of the metal mesh member 120 are molded, the metal mesh member 120 is removed from the molding machine 140 and set in the seam welder 180. In the seam welder 180, the outer flange portion 121 and the frame 125, the inner flange portion 123, and the pipe line member 116 of the wire mesh member 120 are seam welded (see FIG. 6G).
[0041]
Thus, in this embodiment, compression parts 121a and 123a having a higher density than other parts are formed on the outer flange part 121 and the inner flange part 123 of the wire mesh member 120, and the compression parts 121a and 123a and the frame are formed. 125 and the pipe member 116 are seam welded. For this reason, the porosity of the compression parts 121a and 123a, which are the welding parts, becomes considerably small, and it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of defects such as through-holes and blowholes due to expansion of internal pores during seam welding. it can.
[0042]
Thereby, the welding quality of the nugget by seam welding is improved, and the bonding strength and pressure loss distribution between the wire mesh member 120 which is a welded body and the first to fifth flow path members 118a to 118e are uniformly maintained. In addition, it is not necessary to use filler material such as filler wire, and it is possible to suppress an increase in weight, and in particular, it is possible to satisfy the weight reduction and temperature rise characteristics required when used for in-vehicle use. Become.
[0043]
Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to weld the wire mesh member 120 and the first to fifth flow path members 118a to 118e firmly and without impairing the pressure loss characteristic with a simple process and configuration. It is done.
[0044]
Moreover, the compression parts 121a and 123a are inclined and molded so as to increase in density toward the end side (see FIG. 4). For this reason, when performing seam welding of the outer flange portion 121 and the inner flange portion 123 to the frame 125 and the pipe line member 116, even if the welding conditions gradually change along the shape of the respective compression portions 121a, 123a, It is possible to effectively avoid breakage due to a sudden change in welding conditions.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, the case where the outer flange portion 121 and the inner flange portion 123 are seam welded to the frame 125 and the pipe member 116 has been described. However, for example, TIG welding or the like can be performed using a welding torch. It is.
[0046]
Next, the operation of the fuel reformer 10 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail.
[0047]
First, when the fuel reformer 10 is started, as shown in FIG. 1, methanol is supplied from the methanol tank 16 to the start combustor 34, and this methanol is burned to generate high-temperature combustion gas. With the combustion gas mixed with air and the temperature of the combustion gas adjusted, the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e disposed in the reforming chamber 40 are heated.
[0048]
On the other hand, methanol vapor is introduced into the intermediate combustor 32 from the pipelines 70a and 70b using the heat release amount of the start combustor 34, and the entire fuel reformer 10 is warmed up. At this time, under the action of the three-way switching valve 38, the reformed gas path is disconnected from the path 37a and communicates with the return path 37b, thereby preventing unstable reformed gas from being sent to the fuel cell stack 14. is doing.
[0049]
Next, the methanol aqueous solution in which methanol and water are mixed at a predetermined mixing ratio is supplied to the evaporator 22 via the mixer 20. In the evaporator 22, the high-temperature combustion gas generated in the catalytic combustor 24 exchanges heat with the evaporation gas, whereby the methanol aqueous solution is vaporized and mixed with the air sent from the air supply device 30. While the start-up combustor 34 is stopped.
[0050]
The reforming fuel supplied to the reformer 26 is introduced into the pipe member 116 and led out from the hole 122 toward the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e as shown in FIG. Is done. In the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e, an oxidation reaction that is an exothermic reaction and a fuel reforming reaction that is an endothermic reaction are performed by methanol water vapor and oxygen in the reforming fuel. The reformed gas generated through the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e flows in the reforming chamber 40 in the direction of arrow A, and is a hole formed in the substantially conical portion 128 of the cover member 124. 129 and the gas flow path 42 are sent to the intermediate combustor 32 side, and further sent to the CO selective oxidizer 28 via the gas flow path 42.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the CO selective oxidizer 28, CO in the reformed gas is selectively oxidized and removed, and then introduced into the heat exchanger 36 to be a predetermined fuel cell operating temperature (for example, 80 ° C.). After being adjusted to the temperature, the fuel cell stack 14 is supplied through the path 37a under the action of the three-way switching valve 38. The fuel cell stack 14 is supplied with an oxidant gas, for example, air, and the hydrogen gas in the reformed gas reacts with the oxygen gas in the air to start power generation.
[0052]
In this case, in this embodiment, the reforming fuel introduced from the hole portion 122 of the pipe member 116 to the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114 a to 114 e has resistance through the wire mesh member 120. Therefore, the reforming fuel can be supplied uniformly over the entire surface of the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e. As a result, the entire surface of the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e can be effectively used, and an effect that the reforming reaction is efficiently performed can be obtained. In particular, the reforming fuel can be supplied uniformly over the entire surface of the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e set in a donut shape, and the entire reformer 26 can be easily made compact. The effect of being carried out is obtained.
[0053]
Further, an outer flange portion 121 is formed on the peripheral surface portion of the wire mesh member 120 so as to protrude in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the reforming fuel. (See FIG. 4). Therefore, there is no portion where the reforming fuel hardly passes on the outer peripheral side of the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e, and the first to fifth reforming catalyst layers 114a to 114e The entire surface can be used effectively, and the reforming reaction is efficiently performed. In addition, since the outer flange portion 121 is firmly and reliably welded to the frame 125, pressure loss due to poor welding can be prevented.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
In the fuel reformer according to the present invention, the rectifying wire mesh member is disposed on the gas introduction surface side of the reforming catalyst layer constituting the reformer, and this rectifying wire mesh member is welded to the flow path member. The part to be formed is configured with a higher density than other parts, and the porosity of the welded part can be reduced. For this reason, welding defects caused by the internal pores of the rectifying wire mesh member can be reliably prevented, and welding can be performed firmly and without impairing the pressure loss characteristic. In addition, it is not necessary to add a filler material or the like, and it is possible to avoid an increase in manufacturing cost and an increase in weight, and it is particularly possible to cope with it suitably as an in-vehicle structure.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of a fuel cell system in which a fuel reformer according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an inner casing means, an outer casing means, and components constituting the fuel reformer.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional explanatory view of the inner casing means and the outer casing means shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a wire mesh member mounted on the reformer.
FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view of a molding machine for molding the wire mesh member.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a molding process of the rectifying filter member.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fuel reformer 12 ... Fuel cell system 14 ... Fuel cell stack 20 ... Mixer 22 ... Evaporator 24 ... Catalytic combustor 26 ... Reformer 28 ... CO selective oxidizer 32 ... Intermediate combustor 40 ... Reforming chamber DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 42 ... Gas flow path 44 ... Inner casing means 45 ... Outer casing means 52 ... Closed space 114a-114e ... Reforming catalyst layer 118a-118e ... Flow path member 120 ... Wire mesh member 121 ... Outer flange part 121a, 123a ... Compression site 122 ... Hole 123 ... Inner flange 124 ... Cover member 125 ... Frame 140 ... Molding machine 144 ... Motor 150 ... Rotating shaft 154 ... Rotating plate 156 ... Outer peripheral restraining jig 158 ... Pressurizing part 160 ... Pressing jig 170 ... Filter material 176 ... Outline forming machine 180 ... Seam welding machine

Claims (3)

A fuel reformer including a reformer for generating a reformed gas containing hydrogen by reforming a reforming fuel containing hydrocarbon,
The reformer includes a reforming catalyst layer whose surface direction is set perpendicular to the flow direction of the reforming fuel;
A flow path member for holding the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the reforming catalyst layer and supplying the reforming fuel to the reforming catalyst layer;
A rectifying wire mesh member disposed on the gas introduction surface side of the reforming catalyst layer and welded to the flow path member;
With
The rectifying wire mesh member is configured such that a portion welded to the flow path member is pressurized and configured to have a higher density than other portions.   2. The fuel reformer according to claim 1, wherein the rectifying wire mesh member includes a flange portion protruding upstream of the reforming catalyst layer, and a high-density portion is provided in a part of the flange portion. A fuel reformer characterized by the above.   3. The fuel reformer according to claim 2, wherein the rectifying wire mesh member is set so as to increase in density toward an end side of the flange portion.

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