JP2004196610A - System using reformer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology by which the burner of a reformer stably continues combustion in a fuel-cell power generation system. <P>SOLUTION: The technology provides: a reformer, the burner for the reformer, a fan, a 1st passage where a hydrogen gas generated in the reformer is fed into a fuel cell and where an off-gas is also fed into the burner, a 2nd passage where the hydrogen gas generated in the reformer is made to bypass the fuel cell and is fed into the burner, a control part, a memory part, and a regulation means. The control part, in a process for heating the reformer by the burner, shifts the following stages in the following order: a 1st stage where propane is not fed into the reformer, a 2nd stage where propane is fed into the reformer and only the 2nd passage is opened, and a 3rd stage where propane is fed into the reformer and only the 1st passage is opened. The memory part memorizes the amounts of propane and air fed at each of the stages. The regulation means regulates the amounts of propane and air to be fed into the burner based on the memorized content of the memory part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system using a reformer for producing hydrogen gas (reformer system). In particular, it relates to a burner combustion control technology for heating a reformer. A typical example of the reformer system of the present invention includes a power generation system using a fuel cell that generates power by reacting hydrogen gas generated by the reformer with oxygen in the air.
[0002]
2. Description of the Related Art A fuel cell power generation system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-176528. The system includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas from a hydrocarbon-based material, a hydrocarbon-based material supply unit that supplies a hydrocarbon-based material to the reformer, and a reformer (particularly, a catalyst in the reformer). , A combustion fuel supply means for supplying combustion fuel to the burner, and a combustion air supply means for supplying combustion air to the burner. Further, a first path for sending the hydrogen gas generated by the reformer to the fuel cell and sending hydrogen gas (off gas) not consumed by the fuel cell to the burner, and bypassing the hydrogen gas generated by the reformer to the fuel cell. And a second path for sending to the burner. The hydrogen gas sent to the burner is burned by the burner and used for heating the reformer.
In the fuel cell power generation system having the above configuration, the following states are sequentially realized in the process of heating the reformer by the burner.
First state: The catalyst in the reformer is heated by the combustion heat of the burner in a state where the hydrocarbon-based material supply means does not supply the hydrocarbon-based material to the reformer. The first state raises the temperature of the catalyst to about 700 ° C. When the catalyst temperature reaches about 700 ° C., the state shifts to the second state.
Second state: The hydrocarbon-based material supply means starts supplying the hydrocarbon-based material to the reformer. The hydrogen generation reaction starts in the reformer. In the second state, the hydrogen gas generated by the reformer is not sent to the fuel cell because the catalyst temperature may not be stable. That is, the first path is closed and the second path is opened, and hydrogen gas is sent to the burner bypassing the fuel cell. When the catalyst temperature is stabilized in the second state, the state shifts to the third state.
Third state: The first path is opened, the second path is closed, and the state shifts to the third state. The hydrogen gas generated by the reformer is sent to the fuel cell. The fuel cell generates power using the sent hydrogen gas and oxygen in the air. Hydrogen gas (off-gas) not consumed in the power generation reaction in the fuel cell is sent to a burner and becomes a part of combustion fuel.
[0003]
In the fuel cell power generation system described in Patent Document 1, the amount of combustion air required by the burner is calculated from the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the burner, and the calculated amount of combustion air is calculated. The combustion air supply means is adjusted.
Patent Document 2 discloses a device that measures the amount of combustion air and the amount of combustion fuel supplied to a burner, and performs feedback control of the amount of combustion air and the amount of combustion fuel based on the measurement result. ing.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-176528 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-165431 A
[0005]
In the fuel cell power generation system, when the state shifts from the first state to the second state, the amount of combustion air required by the burner changes. Alternatively, the ratio between the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air changes. This is because the hydrogen gas that has not been sent in the first state is sent to the burner or the amount of combustion fuel supplied to the burner changes. Also, when shifting from the second state to the third state, the burner is required because the amount of hydrogen gas sent to the burner changes or the amount of combustion fuel supplied to the burner changes. The combustion air amount changes. Alternatively, the ratio between the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air changes.
In the system of Patent Literature 1, it is necessary to recalculate the combustion air amount when the state shifts. Further, in the system of Patent Document 2, a response delay due to feedback control is inevitably generated. Therefore, in these systems, when the amount of combustion fuel or the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the burner changes, the adjustment of the amount of combustion air or the amount of combustion fuel in response to the change may be delayed. For this reason, at the time of the state transition, there is a possibility that the burner misfires because the amount of combustion air becomes too large, or a flashback phenomenon occurs in the burner because the amount of combustion air becomes too small.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a technique capable of stably burning a burner of a reformer.
[0007]
Means for Solving the Problems, Functions and Effects The invention of claim 1 created by the present invention relates to a system using a reformer (reformer system). It is typically embodied in a fuel cell power generation system, but is also embodied in a combustion system using hydrogen as a fuel or an engine system using hydrogen as a fuel.
This system consists of a reformer that generates hydrogen gas from hydrocarbon-based materials, a hydrocarbon-based material supply unit that supplies hydrocarbon-based materials to the reformer, a burner that heats the reformer, and a burner that burns the burner. Fuel supply means for supplying combustion fuel, combustion air supply means for supplying combustion air to the burner, and hydrogen gas generated by the reformer sent to the hydrogen gas consumption section and consumed by the hydrogen gas consumption section. There is provided a first path for sending the missing hydrogen gas to the burner, and a second path for sending the hydrogen gas generated by the reformer to the burner by bypassing the hydrogen gas consuming unit. The system further includes a control device, a storage unit, and an adjustment unit.
In the control device, in the process in which the burner heats the reformer, the hydrocarbon-based material supply unit supplies the hydrocarbon-based material from the first state in which the hydrocarbon-based material supply unit does not supply the hydrocarbon-based material. After passing through the second state in which the first path is closed and the second path is open, the hydrocarbon-based substance supply means supplies the hydrocarbon-based substance and opens the first path to the third state in which the second path is closed. Switch in order. The storage means stores “the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air” supplied in each state. The “combustion fuel amount and combustion air amount” stored in the storage means are uniquely set according to the first state, the second state, and the third state. The adjusting unit adjusts the amount of combustion fuel supplied by the combustion fuel supply unit and the amount of combustion air supplied by the combustion air supply unit based on the contents stored in the storage unit.
[0008]
Here, the fuel amount and the air amount refer to the amount per unit time, and correspond to the flow rate. In the storage means, the fuel amount may be stored in units of mass. Alternatively, when the fuel amount is adjusted by a proportional valve that changes the opening in proportion to the current supplied, the fuel amount may be stored in units of the current supplied to the proportional valve. Similarly, the air amount may be stored in units of mass, or when the combustion air supply unit is a fan, the air amount may be stored in units of fan rotation speed.
By storing "the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air" for each state, it is possible to store the relationship in which the burner does not cause misfire or flashback in any state. When the state shifts, the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air that do not cause misfire or flashback in the state after the shift are adjusted according to the shift timing. For this reason, even if the state shifts, it does not become an excessive air state or an excessive fuel state, and stable combustion can be continued in the burner.
[0009]
It is preferable to add a catalyst temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a catalyst that realizes a hydrogen gas generation reaction in the reformer to the above-described system. In this case, it is preferable that the storage means store "the temperature detected by the sensor, the amount of fuel for combustion, and the amount of combustion air" corresponding to the first state (claim 2).
According to this system, in the first state, the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air can be changed according to the catalyst temperature. For example, in the case where the relationship that the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air decrease as the catalyst temperature increases is stored in the “sensor detected temperature, the amount of combustion fuel, and the amount of combustion air” used in the first state, As the catalyst temperature increases, the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air supplied to the burner decrease. In this case, as the catalyst temperature increases, the rate of increase in the catalyst temperature decreases. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the catalyst temperature from greatly exceeding the target temperature, and to prevent deterioration of the catalyst.
[0010]
Further, the storage means stores “the amount of fuel for combustion and the amount of combustion air” used in the first transition state that switches from the first state to the second state, and the second transition state that switches from the second state to the third state. It is preferable to store “the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air” to be used (claim 3).
In the first state, the second path is filled with air (or air-rich gas) so that no hydrogen gas is generated. For this reason, immediately after shifting to the second state, air (or air-rich gas) is supplied to the burner instead of hydrogen. The “combustion fuel amount and the combustion air amount” used in the first transition state where the first state is switched to the second state is separately stored, and air (or air-rich gas) is burned from the second path into the burner. The burner continues to burn well in the transition state accompanying the state switching.
In the second state, the first path is filled with air (or air-rich gas). For this reason, immediately after shifting to the third state, air (or air-rich gas) is supplied to the burner instead of hydrogen. The “combustion fuel amount and the combustion air amount” used in the second transition state where the second state is switched from the second state to the third state are separately stored, and air (or air-rich gas) is burned from the first path into the burner. The burner continues to burn well in the transition state accompanying the state switching.
The duration of the transition state may be set in advance in time. In this case, it is preferable to set the time according to the length, the diameter, and the like of the second route (first route).
[0011]
The reformer further includes a catalyst temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a catalyst for realizing a hydrogen gas generation reaction in the reformer. When the sensor detected temperature reaches a predetermined value, the controller shifts from the first state to the second state. In addition, when the sensor detection temperature is stabilized around the predetermined value and the state is shifted from the second state to the third state, the adjustment means may be used for a system in which the sensor detection temperature during the third state departs from the predetermined value. It is preferable to provide changing means for changing the amount of combustion fuel supplied by the combustion fuel supply means and / or the amount of combustion air supplied by the combustion air supply means so that the sensor detection temperature approaches a predetermined value. (Claim 4).
If the “combustion fuel amount and combustion air amount” used in the third state are stored in the storage unit at the time of factory shipment, in many cases, the catalyst temperature is adjusted to a catalyst temperature suitable for the reforming reaction. However, the catalyst temperature may not be adjusted to the intended temperature depending on the quality of the combustion fuel used and the environment in which the system is installed. In such a case, if means for changing the amount of combustion fuel supplied by the combustion fuel supply means or the amount of combustion air supplied by the combustion air supply means is provided, the catalyst temperature suitable for the reforming reaction is increased. Can be adjusted.
[0012]
In the case of the reformer system according to claim 4, the amount of combustion fuel supplied by the combustion fuel supply means and / or the combustion fuel supplied by the combustion air supply means are based on the difference between the sensor detected temperature and the predetermined value. It is preferable to determine the degree to which the amount of air is changed (claim 5).
When the degree of the change is determined, the operation of adjusting the catalyst temperature suitable for the reforming reaction is simplified.
[0013]
In the reformer system according to claim 4 or 5, the amount of combustion fuel supplied by the combustion fuel supply means and / or the amount of combustion air supplied by the combustion air supply means are changed beyond a predetermined range. In such a case, means for notifying the abnormality and / or stopping the system operation may be provided.
The intended catalyst temperature may not be adjusted depending on the quality of the combustion fuel to be used, but in most cases, the intended catalyst temperature can be adjusted by changing the amount of combustion fuel or the amount of combustion air within the above-described predetermined range. . If the amount of combustion fuel or the amount of combustion air is changed beyond the predetermined range, it is highly possible that some abnormality has occurred in the system. The present invention prevents a system in which an abnormality has occurred from continuing to operate by notifying an abnormality or stopping the system operation.
[0014]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention described in the above claims can be suitably implemented in the following forms.
(Mode 1) The hydrogen gas consuming unit described in the claims is a fuel cell, and the reformer system is a fuel cell power generation system.
(Mode 2) The reformer according to the claim generates hydrogen gas by reacting a hydrocarbon-based substance (for example, propane) with steam under a high-temperature catalyst.
(Mode 3) The hydrocarbon-based material and the fuel for combustion described in the claims are propane. The hydrocarbon-based material supply means supplies propane contained in the container to the reformer. The combustion fuel supply means supplies propane stored in the container to the burner.
(Mode 4) The combustion air supply means described in the claims is a fan. As the number of revolutions of the fan increases, the amount of combustion air supplied to the burner increases.
(Embodiment 5) The fuel supply means for combustion described in the claims is constituted by a proportional valve and a device for controlling a current supplied to the proportional valve. As the current flowing through the proportional valve increases, the opening of the valve increases, thereby increasing the amount of combustion fuel supplied to the burner.
(Embodiment 6) The storage means described in the claims stores a line segment drawn on a coordinate plane in which the horizontal axis represents the fan rotation speed and the vertical axis represents the proportional valve current, in association with the first state. The points drawn on the coordinate plane are stored in association with the second state, and the points drawn on the coordinate plane are stored in association with the third state. The point in the third state changes its position on the same coordinate plane according to the amount of power generated by the fuel cell. The line segment corresponding to the first state is extended corresponding to the catalyst temperature. If the catalyst temperature is low, a large fan rotation speed and a proportional valve current in the line segment are employed, and if the catalyst temperature is high, A small fan rotation speed and a proportional valve current in the line segment are employed.
(Embodiment 7) The storage means described in the claims stores, in association with the first state, that when the catalyst temperature is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature, the fan rotation speed is the first predetermined number, If the catalyst temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature, it is stored that the fan rotation speed is the second predetermined number. If the catalyst temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature and equal to or lower than the second predetermined temperature, the fan rotation speed is stored. The relationship in which the number changes from the first predetermined number to the second predetermined number is stored.
(Mode 8) For a system in which the sensor detected temperature greatly deviates from the predetermined value during the third state, the “combustion” is stored in the storage means and referred to in the third state so that the sensor detected temperature approaches the predetermined value. Means are provided for re-storing the "fuel amount and combustion air amount".
[0015]
(Mode 9) In the case of a fuel cell power generation system, the power generation amount of the fuel cell can be selected from any of a plurality of stages. For example, the power generation amount of the fuel cell is selected from any of 500, 1000, and 1500 (W). In some cases, the amount of power generation can be changed during power generation operation with a fuel cell. When there are a plurality of levels of power generation of the fuel cell, the storage means stores "amount of fuel for combustion and amount of combustion air" for each level of the amount of power generation of the fuel cell in association with the third state. For example, when the fuel cell is set to any of the three power generation amounts described above, the first storage means stores “combustion fuel amount and combustion air amount” corresponding to each of the three stages of power generation amounts. ing.
(Mode 10) The control device described in the claims causes the burner to perform an ignition operation when shifting from the first state to the second state and / or when shifting from the second state to the third state.
In this way, when the state transitions, even if the burner misfires, re-ignition can be performed immediately.
[0016]
【Example】
(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a fuel cell power generation system embodying the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic system diagram of a fuel cell power generation system 10. The fuel cell power generation system 10 includes a reformer 20, a burner 22, a fan 24, a raw fuel gas storage unit 30, a fuel cell 40, a control unit 50, and the like.
The reformer 20 generates hydrogen by reacting a hydrocarbon-based raw fuel (propane) supplied from the raw fuel gas storage unit 30 with steam under a high-temperature catalyst. The reformer 20 contains a catalyst that promotes a hydrogen generation reaction. If the temperature of the catalyst is lower than about 700 ° C., the hydrogen generation reaction does not sufficiently occur. Therefore, the catalyst is heated to about 700 ° C. by the burner 22 for heating the reformer. The operation of the reformer 20 is controlled by the control unit 50. The broken lines in FIG. 1 represent signal lines connecting various devices and the control unit 50.
Inside the reformer 20, a catalyst temperature sensor 26 for detecting the temperature of the catalyst is provided. The catalyst temperature sensor 26 is connected to the control unit 50. The catalyst temperature sensor 26 outputs the detected temperature to the control unit 50. Thereby, the control unit 50 can monitor the catalyst temperature. Although the catalyst temperature sensor 26 may directly detect the temperature of the catalyst, the catalyst temperature sensor 26 indirectly detects the temperature of the portion that varies in conjunction with the catalyst temperature, such as the temperature of the container of the reformer. May be detected.
The fan 24 has a motor for rotating the blade. This motor rotates the blade at a rotation speed according to a control signal output from the control unit 50. By driving the fan 24, combustion air is supplied to the burner 22. If the rotation speed of the fan 24 is high, the amount of combustion air supplied to the burner 22 increases, and if the rotation speed is low, the amount of combustion air supplied to the burner 22 decreases.
[0017]
The raw fuel gas storage unit 30 stores propane. A path 70a is connected to the raw fuel gas storage unit 30. The path 70a sends propane from the raw fuel gas storage unit 30. The route 70a is divided into two parts on the way. One is a path 70b extending to the reformer 20 side, and the other is a path 70c extending to the burner 22 side. A valve 86 is inserted in the passage 70b. When the valve 86 is opened, the propane in the raw fuel gas storage unit 30 is sent to the reformer 20. The opening of the valve 86 is adjusted based on a control signal output from the control unit 50. In the path 70c, a proportional valve 82 and a nozzle 84 having two diameters, large and small, are arranged. When the proportional valve 82 is opened, the propane in the raw fuel gas storage unit 30 is sent to the burner 22. The proportional valve 82 allows a current to flow based on a control signal output from the control unit 50, and the opening changes in proportion to the amount of the current. If the opening of the proportional valve 82 is large, the amount of propane sent to the burner 22 increases, and if the opening is small, the amount of propane sent to the burner 22 decreases.
The nozzle 84 is selected from a large diameter and a small diameter. The diameter of the nozzle 84 is selected based on a control signal from the control unit 50. In this system 10, a wide range of the propane amount that can be supplied to the burner 22 is secured by combining the proportional valve 82 and the diameter (large or small) of the nozzle 84.
The burner 22 burns the propane and heats the catalyst in the reformer 20. The burner 22 burns not only propane but also hydrogen gas generated by the reformer 20. This will be described later. The burner 22 performs an ignition operation and a fire extinguishing operation based on a control signal output from the control unit 50.
[0018]
A path 90 for sending water (steam) to the reformer 20 and a path 60a for sending hydrogen gas (reformed gas) generated by the reformer 20 are connected to the reformer 20. The reformer 20 causes a hydrogen generation reaction using steam sent from the passage 90 and propane sent from the passage 70b. A valve 88 is provided in the reformed gas path 60a. The valve 88 is connected to a path 60b extending toward the fuel cell 40 and a path 60c extending to the burner 22 bypassing the fuel cell 40. The valve 88 opens one of the paths 60b and 60c based on a control signal output from the control unit 50.
The path 60b is connected to the fuel cell 40. The hydrogen gas flowing in the passage 60b is taken into the fuel cell 40. The fuel cell 40 generates power by consuming the hydrogen gas (a hydrogen gas consuming unit described in claims). Specifically, electricity is generated by reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen in the air. The fuel cell 40 cannot consume all of the sent hydrogen gas for the power generation reaction. The hydrogen gas (off gas) not consumed in the power generation reaction is sent to the burner 22 via a path 62 (first path in claims). The burner 22 burns the sent hydrogen gas. In the present system 10, not only propane but also hydrogen gas is used as fuel in the burner 22. The fuel cell 40 is driven based on a control signal output from the control unit 50. The power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 can be adjusted in multiple stages, and in this embodiment, can be adjusted in any of three stages. In the fuel cell 40 of this embodiment, the smallest power generation amount is 500 (W), and the largest power generation amount is 1500 (W). Then, power can be generated even at 1000 (W) between them.
When the opening of the valve 86 is changed, the amount of propane supplied to the reformer 20 changes, and when the amount of propane supplied to the reformer 20 changes, the amount of hydrogen gas generated in the reformer 20 changes. When the amount of hydrogen gas generated by the reformer 20 changes, the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell 40 changes, and when the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell 40 changes, the power generated by the fuel cell 40 changes. When the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 changes, the amount of off-gas sent from the fuel cell 40 to the burner 22 also changes.
The path 60c (second path in the claims) sends hydrogen gas to the burner 22 bypassing the fuel cell 40 (hydrogen gas consuming unit). The first path 60b is closed and the second path 60c is opened when the catalyst temperature in the reformer 20 is not stable and hydrogen gas cannot be generated stably. This will be described in detail later.
[0019]
Subsequently, the configuration of the control unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 50 includes a processing unit 120, a storage unit 122, an input port 124, and an output port 126. The processing unit 120 is connected to the input port 124 and the output port 126 by a signal line (not shown). Further, the processing unit 120 is configured to be able to refer to the storage content of the storage unit 122. The processing unit 120 generally controls the operation of the fuel cell power generation system 10 according to a preset program. The storage unit 122 stores various data. The storage contents of the storage unit 122 will be described later in detail. A catalyst temperature sensor 26 is connected to the input port 124, and the catalyst temperature detected by the temperature sensor 26 is constantly input. Also, a power generation operation start signal and a power generation operation stop signal output from a remote controller (not shown) are input. The operation of the remote controller is performed by the user of the system 10. The catalyst temperature, the power generation operation start (stop) signal, and the like input to the input port 124 are taken into the processing unit 120. The output port 126 is connected to each device 20, 22, 24, 40, 82, 84, 86, 88 and the like. The processing unit 120 outputs a control signal to each device via the output port 126. In addition, the control unit 50 fetches a so-called FR signal, a fan rotation speed detection signal, and the like in addition to the above, and outputs a control signal to other devices. The same is true, and a detailed description is omitted.
[0020]
Next, the operation of the system 10 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 schematically shows an operation time chart of the fuel cell power generation system 10.
(State 1: Mode I)
The catalyst is heated by the burner 22 to raise the temperature of the catalyst in the reformer 20. In this state 1, propane gas is sent to the burner 22. Valve 82 is open. How the opening of the valve 82 is set and how the diameter of the nozzle 84 is selected will be described later in detail. In state 1, the valve 86 is closed, and propane is not supplied to the reformer 20. By the state 1, the catalyst in the reformer 20 is heated to about 700 ° C.
[0021]
(State 2: Mode II)
The valve 86 is opened to supply propane to the reformer 20. Water is sent from the path 90 to the reformer 20. Thereby, a hydrogen generation reaction occurs in the reformer 20 to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generation reaction is a considerable endothermic reaction. For this reason, the production of hydrogen lowers the catalyst temperature. In this state 2, the catalyst temperature is maintained at about 700 ° C. even if hydrogen is continuously generated. That is, this is a mode for stabilizing the catalyst temperature and thereby stably generating hydrogen gas.
In state 2, the second path 60c is opened by the valve 88 (the first path 60b is closed). For this purpose, the hydrogen gas generated in the reformer 20 is sent to the burner 22 bypassing the fuel cell 40.
[0022]
Note that, in state 1, no hydrogen gas is generated, so that when the state 2 shifts, the paths 60a, 60c, and 62 are filled with an air-rich gas. For this reason, the air-rich gas in the paths 60a, 60c, and 62 is supplied to the burner 22 for a while after shifting to the state 2. Therefore, when the fan 24 is driven assuming that hydrogen is sent from the second path when the state 2 is shifted to the state 2, the burner 22 is in an excessive air state. In this case, there is a possibility that the flame of the burner 24 is not stabilized (a phenomenon in which the flame lifts up) and a fire occurs. In the present system 10, the rotation speed of the fan 24 (the fan 24 supplies the burner 22) in consideration of the fact that the air-rich gas in the paths 60a, 60c, and 62 is sent immediately after shifting to the state 2. The amount of combustion air) and the amount of current of the proportional valve 82 (the amount of propane supplied to the burner 22) are controlled. Hereinafter, the adjustment of the amount of combustion air and the amount of propane supplied to the burner 22 in this manner is referred to as “measures for air entrapment”. The countermeasure against air entrapment is executed in a transition state described in the claims.
[0023]
(State 3: Mode III)
In this mode, hydrogen gas is generated with the catalyst temperature stabilized. The first path 60b is opened by the valve 88 (the second path 60c is closed). The hydrogen gas generated in the reformer 20 is sent to the fuel cell 40 via the paths 60a and 60b. The fuel cell 40 performs a power generation operation. Hydrogen gas not consumed by the fuel cell 40 (excess hydrogen gas; off-gas) is sent to the burner 22 via a path 62.
As in the case of switching to the state 2, "the countermeasure against air biting" is performed for a while after the transition to the state 3. In the state of the state 2, the path 60b is filled with an air-rich gas. For this reason, the air-rich gas in the path 60b is supplied to the burner 22 for a while after transition to the state 3. The amount of combustion air and the amount of propane supplied to the burner 22 are adjusted in consideration of the air-rich gas.
[0024]
Next, data stored in the storage unit 122 of the control unit 50 will be described. FIGS. 4 to 10 show a plurality of data stored in the storage unit 122. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 122 stores a nozzle diameter for each mode. In state 1, the diameter is large, and in states 2 and 3, the diameter is small.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 122 stores the relationship between the catalyst temperature and the fan speed. The stored contents of FIG. 5 are referred to in the state 1. When the catalyst temperature is lower than 500 ° C., the fan rotation speed is specified to be high (300 Hz). When the catalyst temperature is between 500 ° C. and 680 ° C., the fan speed decreases as the catalyst temperature increases. If the catalyst temperature exceeds 680 ° C., the fan rotation speed is specified to be low (120 Hz).
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the storage unit 122 stores a fan rotation speed and a proportional valve current amount. The contents stored in FIG. 6 are referred to in the state 1. The stored contents in FIG. 7 are referred to in the state 2. The storage contents in FIG. 8 are referred to in the state 3.
FIG. 6 shows a line segment connecting point A and point B. When the fan speed is x1 (Hz), the proportional valve current is y1 (mA) (point A). A specific numerical value of x1 is 300 (Hz). When the proportional valve current is x2 (Hz), the proportional valve current is y2 (mA) (point B). The specific numerical value of x2 is 120 Hz. The numerical value (unit: W) described on the right side of the coordinates in FIG. 6 represents the propane amount at that point as the amount of heating of the burner 22. For example, at point A (when the proportional valve current is y1 (mA)), it is indicated that propane is supplied to the burner 22 in such an amount that the heating amount of the burner 22 becomes 3500 (W). Also, at point B (when the proportional valve current is y2 (mA)), propane is supplied to the burner 22 in such an amount that the heating amount of the burner 22 becomes 1100 (W).
In addition, instead of storing the relationship between the fan rotation speed and the proportional valve current as a line segment as shown in FIG. 6, it is only necessary to store the gradient (y1-y2) / (x1-x2) of this line segment ( That is, the air-fuel ratio is stored). Since the number of revolutions of the fan is determined by the contents stored in FIG. 5 and the catalyst temperature, the proportional valve current amount can be specified from the number of revolutions of the fan as long as the inclination of the line segment only exists.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 7, only the point C is stored in the data referred to in the state 2. At point C, the fan speed is x3 (Hz) and the proportional valve current is y3 (mA). In addition, during the state 2, the heating amount of the burner 22 becomes 900 (W). The amount of heating is 300 (W) by burning propane and 600 by heating hydrogen gas (hydrogen gas sent from paths 60a, 60c, and 62). (W). During the state 2, propane is supplied to the burner 22 in an amount of 300 (W), and hydrogen gas is generated in the reformer 20 in an amount of 600 (W). The numerical value of “600 (W)” is obtained in advance by an experiment in which the reformer 20 of the present embodiment was driven.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 8, the point D, the point E, and the point F are stored in the data referred to in the state 3. Point D is referred to when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is set to 500 (W). Point E is referred to when the power generation amount is 1000 (W), and point F is referred to when the power generation amount is 1500 (W). At point D, when the fan speed is x4 (Hz), the proportional valve current is y4 (mA). At point F, when the fan speed is x5 (Hz), the proportional valve current is y4 (mA). In this embodiment, the proportional valve current amount is the same at any of the points D, E, and F.
When the proportional valve current amount is y4 (mA), propane is supplied to the burner 22 in such an amount that the heating amount of the burner 22 becomes 400 (W). Further, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is 500 (W) (when the point D is adopted), the amount of offgas at which the heating amount of the burner 22 becomes 400 (W) is supplied to the burner 22. Therefore, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is 500 (W), the heating amount of the burner 22 becomes 800 (400 + 400) (W). The fact that the off-gas amount is 400 (W) is obtained in advance by an experiment in which the reformer 20 of the present embodiment was driven. When the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 is 1500 (W) (when the point F is adopted), the amount of off-gas at which the amount of heating of the burner 22 becomes 1100 (W) is supplied to the burner 22. When the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is 1500 (W), the heating amount of the burner 22 is 1500 (400 + 1100) (W). The numerical value “1100 (W)” is also obtained in advance by an experiment in which the reformer 20 of the present embodiment was driven.
In the present embodiment, as the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 increases, the amount of off-gas increases. Therefore, the current flowing through the proportional valve 82 that supplies the combustion fuel to the burner 22 is maintained constant regardless of the amount of power generation. The sum of the amount of heat from off-gas and the amount of heat from combustion fuel needs to be increased or decreased according to the amount of power generation. If it changes in response, the amount of fuel for combustion can be kept constant. The data in FIG. 8 is obtained when the above conditions are obtained. In this case, even if the amount of fuel for combustion is kept constant, the amount of combustion air is switched according to the amount of power generation because the amount of off-gas increases and decreases according to the amount of power generation. If the amount of off-gas heat that varies depending on the amount of power generation does not change in response to the required amount of heat that needs to be increased or decreased according to the amount of power generation, both the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air will depend on the amount of power generation. Is stored.
[0029]
The control unit 50 stores the data shown in FIG. 9 as a countermeasure against air biting when shifting to the state 2. This data is referred to in the first transition state immediately after switching from state 1 to state 2. Only the point C 'is stored as a countermeasure for air bite. The other two points B and C are only shown as a reference for illustrating the position of the point C ′, and are not data stored for air bite countermeasures.
At the point C ′, propane is supplied in such an amount that the heating amount of the burner 22 becomes 900 W (the proportional valve current amount is adjusted in such a manner. Actually, in state 1, the nozzle diameter is large, and in state 2, However, since the nozzle diameter is small, the proportional valve current amount is increased although the propane amount at point C ′ in FIG. 9 is smaller than the propane amount at point B in FIG. 6).
For a while (t1 seconds in the present embodiment) after shifting to the state 2, the fan speed and the proportional valve current are adjusted to the values indicated by the point C ′. Then, when t1 (second) elapses after shifting to the state 2, the relation of the point C is adjusted (FIG. 7). At this time, the temperature may be gradually changed from the point C ′ to the point C over t1 ′ seconds.
Further, it can be clearly understood from the comparison between the point C ′ and the point C that more combustion air is required than propane in order to successfully burn the hydrogen gas.
[0030]
The control unit 50 stores the data shown in FIG. 10 as a countermeasure against air biting when shifting to the state 3. This data is referred to in the second transition state immediately after switching from state 2 to state 3. The point D 'is stored as a countermeasure for the air bite. Note that the points C and D in FIG. 10 are shown only for reference to illustrate the position of the point D ′, and are not data stored as a countermeasure for air bite.
At the point D ′, propane is supplied in such an amount that the heating amount of the burner 22 becomes 800 W. For a while after transition to the state 3 (t2 seconds in this embodiment), the fan rotation speed and the proportional valve current are adjusted so as to have a relation of the point D ′. When the time t2 (second) elapses after the transition to the state 3, the relation of the point D is adjusted (FIG. 8). In this case, the temperature may be gradually changed from the point D ′ to the point D over t2 ′ seconds.
[0031]
Next, a power generation operation process performed by the control unit 50 will be described. 11 and 12 show flowcharts of the power generation operation process performed by the control unit 50.
The control unit 50 constantly monitors whether or not there is a power generation operation start command (step S2). If the remote control is operated by the system user to start the power generation operation, and a signal output from the remote control is input by the operation, the result is YES. It is also possible to set so that a power generation operation start command is automatically input at a certain time.
[0032]
(State 1: Mode I)
When the power generation operation start command is input (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the proportional valve 82 is opened and the large diameter of the nozzle 84 is selected. These operations are performed by outputting signals to the proportional valve 82 and the nozzle 84. Thereby, propane is supplied to the burner 22. In step S4, the valve 86 is closed.
Subsequently, step S6 is executed. In step S6, the proportional valve current amount and the fan speed are set based on the catalyst temperature, the stored contents of FIG. 5, and the stored contents of FIG. Specifically, the following processing is performed. At the start of step S6, since the catalyst temperature in the reformer 20 is low (500 ° C. or less), the fan speed is set to x1 (Hz), and the proportional valve current is set to y1 (mA). (Point A). Then, the burner 22 is ignited. Thereafter, the fan speed is gradually decreased with the rise of the monitored catalyst temperature (see FIG. 5), and the proportional valve current is also decreased as the fan speed is decreased (FIG. 6). reference). As described above, the fan rotation speed and the proportional valve current amount are reduced as the catalyst temperature increases, thereby preventing the temperature from becoming too high than the desired temperature (700 ° C.). This prevents the catalyst from deteriorating.
When the catalyst temperature becomes 680 ° C. or higher in step S6, the fan speed is set to x2 (Hz) and the proportional valve current is set to y2 (mA) (point B). After setting the relationship of point B, the process proceeds to step S8.
In step S8, it is monitored whether or not the catalyst temperature has reached 700 ° C. or higher. When the catalyst temperature has reached 700 ° C. or higher (YES in step S8), the state 1 is ended and the process proceeds to step S10 (state 2). If the catalyst temperature has not reached 700 ° C. (NO in step S8), the process waits until the catalyst temperature reaches 700 ° C.
[0033]
(State 2: Mode II)
In step S10, the valve 86 is opened. As a result, propane is supplied to the reformer 20. Further, water is supplied to the reformer 20 via the path 90. In the state of step S10 (state of state 2), the path 60c is opened and the path 60b is closed by the valve 88. In step S10, the nozzle 84 is changed to a small diameter. Step S12 is executed almost simultaneously with step S10. In step S12, a countermeasure against air entrapment is executed. Specifically, the proportional valve current amount and the fan speed are adjusted based on the stored contents of FIG. The fan speed is set to x3 '(Hz) and the proportional valve current is set to y3' (mA) (point C '). After waiting for t1 seconds in this state, step S14 is subsequently executed. This t1 second is a value set according to the length and diameter of the paths 60a, 60c, 62. For example, if the paths 60a, 60c, and 62 are long, the air is continuously sent to the burner 22 for a long time at the time of transition to the state 2, so that a larger value is set as t1.
In step S14, the proportional valve current amount and the fan speed are set based on the stored contents of FIG. Specifically, the fan rotation speed is set to x3 (Hz), and the proportional valve current amount is set to y3 (mA) (point C). Then, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, it is determined whether or not the catalyst temperature has fallen within a range from 690 ° C. to 710 ° C. for 30 seconds. That is, it is determined whether or not the catalyst temperature is stable. If YES is determined here, the state 2 is ended and the process proceeds to the step S18 (see FIG. 12; state 3).
[0034]
(State 3: Mode III)
In step S18, a signal is output to the valve 88 to open the path 60b and close the path 60c. After performing this process, the process advances to the next step S20.
In step S20, a countermeasure against air bite is taken. Specifically, the proportional valve current amount and the fan speed are set based on the stored contents of FIG. That is, the fan speed is set to x4 '(Hz) and the proportional valve current is set to y4' (mA) (point D '). After waiting for t2 seconds in the state adjusted to the relationship of the point D ', the step S22 is executed. The time t2 is a value set according to the length and diameter of the paths 60a, 60b, 62.
In step S22, the proportional valve current amount and the fan speed are set based on the stored contents of FIG. When the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is set to 500 (W), the fan speed is set to x4 (Hz), and the proportional valve current amount is set to y4 (mA) (point D). Further, when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is set to 1000 W or 1500 W, the fan rotation speed and the proportional valve current amount are set so as to have the relationship between the points E and F. Note that the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 can be changed while the state 3 is being executed. For example, when the power is changed from 500 (W) to 1500 (W), the data adjusted to the relation of the point D is readjusted to the relation of the point F. This is not shown in the flowchart.
When step S22 ends, it is monitored whether or not there is a power generation operation stop command (step S24). If the system user operates the remote controller to stop the power generation operation and inputs a signal output by the operation, the result is YES. Note that the power generation operation may be automatically stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the power generation operation. If there is a power generation operation stop command (YES in step S24), the power generation operation process ends. At this time, the burner 22 is extinguished, the proportional valve 82 and the valve 86 are closed, the operation of the reformer 20 is turned off, water is prevented from being sent through the path 90, the rotation of the fan 24 is stopped, and the fuel cell is stopped. The operation of 40 is turned off.
[0035]
Although not shown in the above flowchart, the control unit 50 also performs the following processing. The control unit 50 causes the burner 22 to continuously perform the ignition operation when shifting to the state 2 and when shifting to the state 3. In this way, when the state transitions, even if the burner misfires, re-ignition can be performed immediately.
[0036]
FIG. 13 shows how the amount of air supplied to the burner 22 and the amount of fuel (propane amount + hydrogen gas amount) supplied to the burner change in the process of driving the present system 10. I have. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is set to 500 (W). Point A → Point B → Point C ′ → Point C → Point D ′ → Point D Between the point A and the point B, the propane amount and the air amount gradually decrease. The ratio between the amount of propane and the amount of air (air-fuel ratio; slope of the line segment AB) is constant between AB.
At the point C ′, the propane amount is 900 (W). The air-fuel ratio at the point C 'is larger than that at the points A and B. This is because air biting measures have been implemented. That is, at the time of the transition from the state 1 to the state 2, the air in the paths 60a, 60c, and 62 is supplied to the burner 22, so that the air amount is smaller than the ideal air-fuel ratio (straight line AB) when burning propane. Is reduced.
The air-fuel ratio at the point C has more combustion air than at the points A and B. This is because, at the point C, a large amount of air is required for successfully burning the hydrogen gas. (If a large amount of hydrogen gas is contained, a large amount of air is required because flashback easily occurs.)
The air-fuel ratio at the point D 'is larger than that at the points A and B. This is because air biting measures have been implemented. The air-fuel ratio at the point D has a larger amount of air than the points A and B. This is because a large amount of air is required for successfully burning hydrogen gas.
[0037]
In the system 10 of the first embodiment described above, the proportional valve current amount and the fan speed for each state are input to the storage unit 122, and the propane supplied to the burner 22 based on the input storage contents. The volume and air volume are adjusted. When the state shifts, the optimum propane amount and air amount in the state after the shift are adjusted according to the shift timing. For this reason, even if the state shifts, a phenomenon such as excessive air or excessive fuel in the burner 22 does not occur. According to the present system 10, stable combustion can be realized in the burner 22.
Further, in the system 10, "measures against air entrapment" is executed for a while after shifting to the state 2 or the state 3. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the burner from becoming misfired due to an excess of air when shifting to the second state or the third state.
[0038]
(Second Embodiment) Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, during state 3, when the catalyst temperature greatly deviates from 700 ° C., the proportional valve current amount is corrected.
With reference to FIG. 14, a specific description will be given of how to correct. When the detected temperature of the catalyst temperature sensor 26 becomes higher than 710 ° C. or becomes lower than 690 ° C., the controller 50 corrects the proportional valve current amount (that is, the propane amount). For example, when the temperature is between 710 and 720 ° C., the proportional valve current amount is reduced so that the amount of combustion heat of the burner 22 decreases by 10 (W). For example, when the relationship is adjusted to the relation of the point D in the state 3, the proportional valve current amount is corrected so that the propane amount becomes 390W. If the catalyst temperature rises and exceeds 720 ° C. even though the propane amount is reduced by 10 W, the proportional valve current amount is further reduced so as to decrease by 20 W from there. In this case, the amount of propane supplied to the burner 22 when the temperature is stable around 700 ° C. becomes smaller by 30 W (shown as “−30” in the table of FIG. 14). For example, if the relationship is adjusted to the relationship of the point D, the adjustment is made to be 370 (W). When the catalyst temperature further rises to 730 ° C. or higher, the proportional valve current amount is decreased so as to decrease by 50 (W). In this case, the amount of propane supplied to the burner 22 when the temperature is stable around 700 ° C. becomes 50 (W) smaller (in the table of FIG. 14, “−50” is indicated). Even when the temperature detected by the catalyst temperature sensor 26 becomes lower than 690 ° C., the proportional valve current amount is adjusted according to FIG.
[0039]
In the above case, only the propane amount is corrected, and the air amount is not corrected. In the system 10 of the present embodiment, the propane amount and the air amount in the state 3 are stored so that the catalyst temperature becomes around 700 ° C. Therefore, there is usually no large difference in the catalyst temperature. The large deviation of the catalyst temperature may be caused by the displacement of the proportional valve 82 or the problem of the characteristic of propane gas. In this case, by adjusting the amount of propane, the amount of heat is adjusted to the intended amount of heat. If the amount of heat is adjusted to the intended amount, the intended amount of air will be required, and there is no need to adjust the amount of combustion air. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the propane amount is corrected. However, the present technology is not limited to correcting only the propane amount, but may correct only the air amount, or may correct the propane amount and the air amount simultaneously.
[0040]
When the propane amount is corrected as described above, it is preferable to continue the correction thereafter. For example, when learning to correct the propane amount by plus 10 (W) when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is 500 (W), the power generation amount is changed from 500 (W) to 1000 (W). Also, the correction of plus 10 (W) is continuously performed. By doing so, the catalyst temperature can be stabilized at around 700 ° C. even if the amount of power generation is changed.
[0041]
Further, for example, when learning to correct the propane amount by plus 10 W when the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 is 500 W, if the power generation amount is changed from 500 W to 1000 W, the correction of plus 20 W may be performed. Good. Since the power generation amount is doubled from 500 W to 1000 W, the correction amount is also doubled correspondingly.
[0042]
In FIG. 14, the upper and lower limits of the correction amount of the propane amount are set to plus 100 and minus 50, respectively. With this setting, the air-fuel ratio is prevented from being extremely large. If the catalyst temperature does not reach 700 ° C. even when the correction amount of the propane amount is set to the upper limit or the lower limit, it is preferable to notify a system abnormality. For example, a warning sound may be sounded. In this case, the operation of the system 10 may be stopped. The upper limit and the lower limit of the correction amount may not be set as in the present embodiment. In this case, when the correction amount exceeds a certain limit, it is preferable to notify an abnormality or stop the operation of the system 10.
[0043]
The correction of the propane amount when the catalyst temperature is 690 ° C. or lower may be performed as follows. After making the correction, the catalyst temperature is monitored over time. For example, the temperature rise per hour is calculated (for example, 5 ° C. rise in 5 seconds). Then, the correction amount is changed based on a temporal change of the monitored catalyst temperature. For example, when the correction amount is plus 20 (W) (see FIG. 14), if the temperature rise per hour is large (if the catalyst temperature rises sharply), the correction amount is changed to plus 10 (W). This prevents the catalyst temperature from rapidly increasing. As a result, the catalyst temperature is prevented from greatly exceeding 700 ° C., and the deterioration of the catalyst can be prevented.
[0044]
As mentioned above, although the specific example of this invention was demonstrated in detail, these are only illustrations and do not limit a claim. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples illustrated above.
In the above embodiment, only the point D ′ is stored as data (FIG. 10) referred to in the second transition state immediately after switching from the state 2 to the state 3, but the points D ′, E ′, and F ′ may be stored. Then, data (points D ′, E ′, and F ′) to be referred to in the second transition state is determined based on the set power generation amount (any of 500 W, 1000 W, and 1500 W) of the fuel cell 40. You may. For example, when the power generation amount is 500 W, the point D 'is referred to, when the power generation amount is 1000 W, the point E' is referred, and when the power generation amount is 1500 W, the point F 'is referred. In this case, when t2 (second) has elapsed after the transition to the state 3, the relationship may be adjusted to any one of the points D, E, and F (FIG. 8). If it is adjusted to point D 'in the second transition state, it is adjusted to point D, if it is adjusted to point E' in the second transition state, it is adjusted to point E, and it is adjusted to point F 'in the second transition state. If it is adjusted to point F, it is adjusted to point F.
[0045]
Further, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility singly or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell power generation system.
FIG. 2 schematically shows a configuration of a control unit.
FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an operation of the fuel cell power generation system.
FIG. 4 shows storage contents of a storage unit (nozzle diameter for each mode).
FIG. 5 shows the contents stored in a storage unit (relationship between catalyst temperature and fan speed; state 1).
FIG. 6 shows the contents stored in a storage unit (relationship between fan speed and proportional valve current amount; state 1).
FIG. 7 shows the contents stored in a storage unit (relationship between fan speed and proportional valve current amount; state 2).
FIG. 8 shows the contents stored in the storage unit (relationship between fan speed and proportional valve current amount; state 3).
FIG. 9 shows the contents stored in a storage unit (relationship between fan speed and proportional valve current amount; at the time of transition to state 2: first transition state).
FIG. 10 shows the contents stored in a storage unit (relationship between fan speed and proportional valve current; at the time of transition to state 3: second transition state).
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process performed by a control unit.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process performed by the control unit (continuation of FIG. 11).
FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the amount of combustion air supplied to the burner and the amount of fuel (propane + hydrogen gas) during the operation of the system.
FIG. 14 shows storage contents of a storage unit in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Fuel cell power generation system
20 ・ ・ Reformer
22 Burner
24 ・ Fan
26..Catalyst temperature sensor
30. Raw fuel gas storage
40 ・ ・ Fuel cell
50 Control unit
60a, 60b, 60c, 62 ... Route for sending hydrogen gas
70a, 70b, 70c-Propane sending route
82 Proportional valve
84 ・ ・ Nozzle
86 ・ ・ Valve
88 ・ ・ Valve
90 ・ ・ Route for sending water to the reformer
120 processing unit
122 storage unit
124 ... input port
126 output port

Claims (6)

A reformer that generates hydrogen gas from hydrocarbon-based substances,
A hydrocarbon-based material supply means for supplying the hydrocarbon-based material to the reformer,
A burner for heating the reformer,
Combustion fuel supply means for supplying combustion fuel to the burner;
Combustion air supply means for supplying combustion air to the burner;
A first path for sending the hydrogen gas generated by the reformer to the hydrogen gas consuming unit and sending the hydrogen gas not consumed by the hydrogen gas consuming unit to the burner;
A second path for sending the hydrogen gas generated by the reformer to the burner bypassing the hydrogen gas consuming unit;
In the process in which the burner heats the reformer, the hydrocarbon-based material supply unit supplies the hydrocarbon-based material and closes the first path from the first state in which the hydrocarbon-based material supply unit does not supply the hydrocarbon-based material. A second state in which the second path is opened, and the hydrocarbon-based substance supply means supplies the hydrocarbon-based substance and sequentially switches to the third state in which the first path is opened and the second path is closed. When,
Storage means for storing, for each state, "the amount of combustion fuel and the amount of combustion air" supplied in that state;
Adjusting means for adjusting the amount of combustion fuel supplied by the combustion fuel supply means and the amount of combustion air supplied by the combustion air supply means, based on the contents stored in the storage means;
A system that uses a reformer provided with: The reformer further includes a catalyst temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a catalyst that realizes a hydrogen gas generation reaction,
The system using the reformer according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores "sensor detected temperature, combustion fuel amount, and combustion air amount" corresponding to the first state. . The storage means is used in the first transition state where the first state is switched from the first state to the second state, and is used in the second transition state where the second state is switched from the second state to the third state. The system using the reformer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein "a fuel amount for combustion and an air amount for combustion" is stored. The reformer further includes a catalyst temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a catalyst that realizes a hydrogen gas generation reaction,
The controller shifts from the first state to the second state when the sensor detected temperature reaches a predetermined value, and shifts from the second state to the third state when the sensor detected temperature stabilizes near the predetermined value. ,
The adjusting means may include: for a system in which the sensor detection temperature is different from the predetermined value during the third state, the combustion fuel amount and / or combustion supplied by the combustion fuel supply means such that the sensor detection temperature approaches the predetermined value. The system using the reformer according to claim 1, further comprising changing means for changing an amount of combustion air supplied by the air supply means. The change unit changes the amount of combustion fuel supplied by the combustion fuel supply unit and / or the amount of combustion air supplied by the combustion air supply unit based on the difference between the sensor detected temperature and the predetermined value. The system utilizing the reformer according to claim 4, wherein the system is determined. When the amount of combustion fuel supplied by the combustion fuel supply means and / or the amount of combustion air supplied by the combustion air supply means is changed beyond a predetermined range, the abnormality notification and / or the stop of the system operation are performed. A system utilizing a reformer according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising means for performing.

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