JP2004214133A - Fuel cell maintenance operation processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system enabling a high efficiency for a long time till the end of life of a product, by realizing an optimum maintenance through grasping of an actual state of use of a catalyst or the like which degrades in performance after a certain period of use. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell maintenance operation system has a fuel cell 5, an equipment information storing means 12, a state of use measuring and storing means 13, and a transmission means 14, in which the equipment information storing means 12 tells degradation characteristics of power generating efficiency and the state of use measuring and storing means 13 tells an operating state and an operating time, therby enabling foreseeing of a result of degradation of efficiency performance of the equipment, accurate grasping of maintenance information for exchanging a fuel cell, and a highly efficient operation for a long time with an optimum maintenance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell maintenance operation processing system, and in particular, realizes optimal maintenance by grasping the actual usage of the fuel cell, and enables high efficiency for a long time. It is in.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the awareness of protecting the global environment has been increasing for both companies, which are manufacturers, and consumers, who are users. In particular, it has become important to develop technology for highly efficient use of energy, which enables effective use of energy and resource saving while realizing a comfortable life. For this reason, a fuel cell capable of generating electricity and utilizing heat is expected to have a high efficiency of 80% or more, and its realization as a commercial product is desired.
[0003]
Conventionally, this type of fuel cell has a power generation cell in which a gas diffusion electrode carrying a catalyst on both surfaces of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane provided with ionic conductivity is superposed on both surfaces. Then, a plurality of the power generation cells are connected to obtain a predetermined voltage. For this reason, a separator is interposed between the power generation cells, and the power generation cells are stacked and stacked. When the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas are supplied to both sides of the separator, and the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas are supplied to the respective gas diffusion electrodes, the ionic conduction in the solid polymer membrane and the chemical reaction of each gas diffusion electrode proceed. As a result, a voltage is generated between the pair of gas diffusion electrodes, and power is supplied to an external circuit through a pair of separators on both ends having a function of a current collecting electrode.
[0004]
In such power generation, supplying the supplied gas to the electrode surface of the gas diffusion electrode as evenly as possible increases the gas utilization rate and improves power generation efficiency and output performance. When the supply gas is supplied to the entire surface of the gas diffusion electrode, the contact area between the separator and the gas diffusion electrode is lost, so that it is difficult to efficiently collect generated current and remove heat generated in the gas diffusion electrode. . For this reason, a flow channel for regulating the flow direction of the supply gas is provided at the boundary between the separator and the gas diffusion electrode, and the contact area between the separator and the gas diffusion electrode is maintained at a certain ratio. The channel groove formed on the separator side has a meandering serpentine configuration or a plurality of configurations (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0005]
It is important to maintain the increased power generation efficiency and output performance during the use period in order to effectively utilize energy and realize resource saving. In this type of fuel cell, a reaction is promoted by activating a catalyst supported on both surfaces of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. Therefore, when used for a long time, the catalyst performance deteriorates, and the power generation performance deteriorates. When platinum is used as the catalyst, the catalytic effect is significantly reduced by gases such as carbon monoxide and halogen ions. Therefore, a method for detecting this gas is disclosed. In this case, it is described that a plurality of temperature measuring elements are provided on the catalyst and monitored, so that the deterioration state and remaining life of the catalyst can be grasped (for example, see Patent Document 3).
[0006]
It also proposes a method to rationally collect and recycle devices installed in ordinary homes, or to perform fault diagnosis and maintenance.
[0007]
This means that equipment used in homes, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, is connected to the equipment via a communication line, and the usage information of the equipment is totaled. A device that collects used equipment and a waste item collection device that receives device information from the information collection device and collects used and waste products. Device information storage means for storing the identification information of the device as device information, usage status measurement storage device for measuring and storing usage status information such as the usage time of the device, and outputting a notification instruction signal to the transmission unit when the device is discarded And a transmitting unit for transmitting information from the device information storage unit and the usage actual measurement storage unit in response to the notification instruction signal. Receiving means for receiving the received information, a user information database section for storing user information such as the address and contact information of the device user, and receiving the device information from the receiving means into the user information database section for receiving a signal. User discriminating means for outputting user information of a device which is a transmission source of the device, a failure information database unit storing failure information and life information of each device, and inputting actual usage information from the receiving unit to the failure information database unit. Means for judging whether the equipment that is the source of the received signal is reused as used goods or discarded and reused, and a used goods collection acceptance device or waste collection according to the signal from the waste goods judgment means The reception device is provided with a distribution determination unit that distributes the device information and the user information to the reception device (for example, see Patent Document 4).
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 50-8777
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-7-263003
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-2002-260700
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-11-70378
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2 of the conventional examples, a method for improving the initial power generation efficiency of a basic fuel cell is to improve the initial performance by a serpentine structure or a plurality of structures in which a flow channel formed in a separator side is meandering. However, over time, the catalyst performance deteriorates and the power generation efficiency decreases, so this is not a solution.
[0010]
Further, in Patent Document 3 of the conventional example, it is described that a plurality of temperature measuring elements are provided on the catalyst and monitoring can be performed to ascertain the deterioration state and the remaining life of the catalyst. However, in a plant or the like where a repair manager is always present. In large-scale equipment, catalyst deterioration can be detected and maintenance can be performed optimally.However, when used in many ordinary homes, inspections cannot be completed, and when catalyst performance has deteriorated to some extent, equipment usage must be judged. It can only be stopped, not a fundamental solution.
[0011]
Further, in Patent Document 4 of the conventional example, there is a waste collection system aiming to effectively use resources by recycling used equipment. Therefore, information related to collection of equipment can be rationally managed and operated. However, in order to maintain the functions of the components of the device, usage information and maintenance cannot be performed.
[0012]
Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and realizes optimal maintenance by grasping the actual use of a catalyst or the like that deteriorates in performance when used to some extent, and realizes long-term maintenance over the life end of a product. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system that enables high efficiency.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the conventional problem, the present invention provides a pair of gas diffusion electrodes sandwiching a solid polymer electrolyte membrane supporting a catalyst, and a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas on each surface of the gas diffusion electrodes. A fuel cell composed of a separator formed with a flow channel leading from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold, device information storage means for storing identification information such as model number and serial number as device information, and usage status information such as usage time Is a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system having a use actual condition measurement storage means for measuring and storing information, and a transmitting means for transmitting information from the device information storage means and the use actual condition measurement storage means.
[0014]
According to the above invention, a fuel cell using a solid polymer electrolyte carrying a catalyst, when operated and used for power generation, essentially has the property that after a period of use, the catalyst deteriorates and the power generation efficiency decreases. A device information storage unit that stores identification information such as a model number and a serial number as device information, and measures and stores power generation efficiency deterioration characteristics due to catalysts and device configurations, and usage status information such as usage time. The operating state and the operating time can be known by the use actual state measurement storage means.
[0015]
As a result, it is possible to grasp the change in power generation efficiency due to catalyst deterioration due to operation and use, and from this result it is possible to predict and predict the decrease in the efficiency performance of the equipment. You can know information accurately. Therefore, the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system can realize the optimum maintenance by grasping the actual use state of the fuel cell and can realize the high efficiency for a long time.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 provides a pair of gas diffusion electrodes sandwiching a solid polymer electrolyte membrane supporting a catalyst, and a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas on each surface of the gas diffusion electrodes from respective inlet manifolds to outlet manifolds. A fuel cell composed of a separator formed with a channel groove for guiding, a device information storage means for storing identification information such as a model number and a serial number as device information, and measuring and storing actual use information such as use time. It is configured to include a usage actual measurement storage unit, and a transmission unit that transmits information from the device information storage unit and the usage actual measurement storage unit.
[0017]
Thereby, a fuel cell using a solid polymer electrolyte carrying a catalyst, when operated and used for power generation, has a characteristic that the power generation efficiency is reduced due to deterioration of the catalyst after a period of use, Device status information storage device that stores identification information such as model number and serial number as device information.Device status storage device that measures and stores usage status information such as power generation efficiency degradation characteristics and usage time due to catalyst and device configuration. The operating state and operating time can be known by means.
[0018]
From these two things, it is possible to grasp the change in power generation efficiency due to catalyst deterioration due to operation and use, and from this result it is possible to predict the result of the decrease in the efficiency performance of the equipment, and to transmit the information as the grasp result by the transmission means. It is possible to accurately know information on replacement and maintenance of a fuel cell using a solid polymer electrolyte carrying a catalyst. Therefore, the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system can realize the optimum maintenance by grasping the actual use state of the fuel cell and can realize the high efficiency for a long time. In addition, accurate maintenance means that products can be used longer and more usefully, and in addition to maintaining high-efficiency operation, it is also possible to prevent abandonment as garbage on the way or leaving operation stopped, and more efficient use of resources It becomes.
[0019]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a receiving unit for receiving information transmitted from a transmitting unit, and a usage information database storing life information for each model and serial number. Unit and a maintenance judging unit for inputting usage status information from the receiving unit to the usage information database unit and judging whether to maintain the device or to continuously operate the device. The received usage status information is received by the receiving means, and this information is compared with the data in the usage information database unit, so that the maintenance determining means can determine optimally whether the equipment should be maintained or operated continuously.
[0020]
In other words, information on the actual use of the fuel cells used in various operations, such as the operation time for each operation mode, is received by the receiving means, and the information in the usage information database section storing different life information depending on the device is used as the maintenance determining means. Thus, it is possible to determine whether it is better to replace the fuel cell when the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell is equal to or less than a certain value, and to perform necessary maintenance in a timely manner.
[0021]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in particular, the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to the first or second aspect is characterized in that a user information database unit for storing user information such as a user's address and contact information and a judgment from a maintenance judgment unit. The system includes a user discriminating unit that inputs information to the user information database unit and outputs user information of the device, and a maintenance output unit that outputs device information and the user information.
[0022]
Device information such as the model number and serial number of the device and usage status information such as the usage time of the device are received, and the judgment information from the maintenance judgment means that judges the result, and the user address from the device information by the user information database unit And user identification information for identifying contacts. Then, the device information and the user information are output by the maintenance output unit. This makes it possible to obtain a device that is advantageous as a whole when maintenance is performed, together with information necessary for responding to a user or the like. Therefore, since the model number, serial number, user address and contact information are known, it is possible to respond quickly and reliably. In addition, maintenance can be speeded up and work efficiency can be increased.
[0023]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in particular, when the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to the first to third aspects is subjected to maintenance, a part of the actual use information stored in the actual use measurement storage means is erased to initialize the fuel use. Is characterized in that
[0024]
For maintenance of the fuel cell, various modes are conceivable, such as replacing the solid polymer membrane containing the catalyst, replacing the entire stack, or replacing a part or all of a large number of stacked fuel cells. Therefore, by erasing and initializing a part of the usage status information stored in the usage status measurement storage means in accordance with the maintenance conditions, the maintenance timing due to the decrease in power generation efficiency due to the next catalyst deterioration can be performed with high accuracy. Since the determination can be performed, the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system can realize high efficiency for a longer time.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 5 provides a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to claims 1 to 4, wherein a failure state investigating means for examining failure state information such as a failure location of a device, and when a failure is found by the failure state investigating means. And a transmission unit for transmitting information from the device information storage unit, the usage actual measurement storage unit, and the failure state investigation unit.
[0026]
When a device used by a user fails, failure state information such as the location of the failure is examined by failure state investigation means. At this time, device information such as the model number and serial number of the device is transmitted from the device information storage unit, usage status information such as the usage time of the device from the usage status measurement storage unit, and information from the failure status investigation unit are also transmitted. Send by means.
[0027]
Then, when this is received and the repair is accepted using the device information, the failure state information, and the user information, it is possible to quickly and surely respond and repair the device. As described above, even if the user does not arrange, the repair is automatically notified according to the failure state, so that the maintenance can be promptly and efficiently performed.
[0028]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to the first to fifth aspects is connected to a fuel cell using a reformer for reforming a fuel using a catalyst. There is provided a use condition measurement storage unit for storing use condition information such as use time.
[0029]
Similarly to the solid polymer membrane catalyst, the catalyst for reforming the fuel into hydrogen deteriorates after a long operation, and the degree of the deterioration is correlated with the amount and time of the fuel. Further, if the catalyst deteriorates and the refining efficiency of the refining device decreases, the amount of hydrogen decreases and the power generation efficiency decreases, so that the entire system cannot be maintained at high efficiency. Therefore, by performing timely maintenance based on the information on the actual usage of the refining equipment, fuel cell maintenance that can maintain high efficiency for both the fuel cell and the refining equipment at all times and enable high efficiency over a long period of time An operation processing system can be realized.
[0030]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the entire fuel cell. In FIG. 2, a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a power generation cell in which a gas diffusion electrode 2 carrying a catalyst on both surfaces of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 1 provided with ion conductivity is superposed on both surfaces. I have. Then, a plurality of the power generation cells are connected to obtain a predetermined voltage. For this reason, the power generation cells are stacked with the separator 3 interposed between the power generation cells to form a stack. When the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas are supplied to both sides of the separator and the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas are supplied to the respective gas diffusion electrodes 2, the ionic conduction in the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 1 and the electrochemical As the reaction proceeds, a voltage is generated between the pair of gas diffusion electrodes 2, and power is supplied to an external circuit (not shown) through the pair of separators 3 on both ends having a function of a current collecting electrode. In such power generation, supplying the supply gas to the electrode surface of the gas diffusion electrode 2 as evenly as possible increases the gas utilization rate and improves the power generation efficiency and output performance.
[0032]
Next, FIG. 1 shows a state where a fuel cell is installed in a general household. The supplied fuel is changed to hydrogen in the reformer 4 and sent to the fuel cell 5. The fuel cell 5 operates by supplying power to the refrigerator 6, the lighting fixture 7, the air conditioner 8 and the like in the home by generating power using hydrogen and oxygen in the air. The energy not generated by the fuel cell 5 is converted into heat, stored in hot water storage tank 9 as hot water, and used in bath 10, washroom 11, etc. as appropriate. The fuel cell 5 includes a device information storage unit 12 for storing identification information such as a model number and a serial number as device information, a usage status measurement storage unit 13 for measuring and storing usage status information such as usage time, Transmission means 14 for transmitting information is provided. The fuel cell 5, the device information storage unit 12, the usage actual measurement storage unit 13, and the transmission unit 14 are electrically connected, and the transmission unit is connected so as to be able to communicate with an external service window 15 or the like by telephone, wireless, or the like. I have.
[0033]
The operation and operation of the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system configured as described above will be described. First, the deterioration characteristics of the power generation efficiency due to the configuration of the catalyst and the device are known from the device information storage means 12 based on the performance and specifications unique to the fuel cell. A fuel cell using a solid polymer electrolyte membrane carrying a catalyst essentially has the property that when used for power generation by operation, the catalyst deteriorates after a period of use and the power generation efficiency is reduced. Therefore, the deterioration characteristics of the power generation efficiency due to the configuration of the catalyst and the device are known by the device information storage unit that stores the identification information such as the model number and the serial number as the device information.
[0034]
Then, the operating state and the operating time are known by the actual use measurement storage unit 13 which measures and stores the actual use information such as the use time. The catalyst of the fuel cell 5 is generally determined by the conditions of use and the length of time. As the amount of power generation increases and the use time exceeds a certain value, performance degradation occurs. FIG. 3 shows the characteristics. When the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 5 is plotted on the vertical axis and the usage time is plotted on the horizontal axis, the smaller the power generation amount with respect to the rating, the higher the power generation efficiency and can be maintained for a long time. This is a phenomenon peculiar to equipment that utilizes the activity of the catalyst, and material deterioration such as sintering due to the selection of the catalyst material and poisoning due to cleaner fuel gas always occur. Deterioration occurs. Therefore, the deterioration state of the catalyst can be determined by knowing the operation state and the operation time from the actual use measurement storage unit 13. The usage actual state measuring means 13 measures an operation signal obtained from a control unit (not shown) for controlling the equipment. What is measured is the usage time of the fuel cell 5, the output ratio with respect to the rating, the number of operation stoppages, and the like. In addition, if there is an element with a large stress applied to the device, a sensor for measuring the element may be provided, and the usage status information obtained from the sensor to obtain a measured value may be used. For example, the temperature and vibration of the surrounding environment.
[0035]
From these two things, it becomes possible to grasp the change in the power generation efficiency due to the catalyst deterioration due to the operation and use, and it is possible to predict the result of the decrease in the efficiency performance of the equipment. Since the information as the result of the grasp can be transmitted by the transmitting means 14, it is possible to accurately know the information of the maintenance for replacement of the fuel cell 5 using the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 1 supporting the catalyst.
[0036]
Therefore, a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system that realizes optimum maintenance by grasping the usage state of the fuel cell 5 and enables high efficiency for a long time can be realized. In addition, accurate maintenance means that products can be used longer and more usefully, and in addition to maintaining high-efficiency operation, it is also possible to prevent abandonment as garbage on the way or leaving operation stopped, and more efficient use of resources It becomes.
[0037]
(Example 2)
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that a receiving unit 16 that receives information transmitted from the transmitting unit 14, a usage information database unit 17 that stores life information for each model and serial number, and that the usage status information is received from the receiving unit 16. This is a configuration in which a maintenance determining unit 18 that inputs the information to the usage information database unit 17 and determines whether to maintain the device or to continuously operate the device is provided.
[0038]
As a result, the usage status information transmitted from the fuel cell 5 is received by the reception means 16 of the service window 15, and this information is compared with the data of the usage information database unit 17 to determine whether the maintenance is to be performed by the maintenance determination means 18. Alternatively, it is possible to determine optimally whether to continue driving.
[0039]
That is, the receiving means 16 receives information on the actual use of the fuel cell 5 used in various operations, such as the operation time for each operation mode, and maintains the information in the usage information database 17 which stores different life information depending on the device. The determination means 18 can determine whether it is better to replace the fuel cell 5 when the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 5 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and can perform necessary and timely maintenance.
[0040]
Further, a user information database unit 19 for storing user information such as a user's address and contact information, and judgment information from the maintenance judgment unit 18 are input to the user information database unit 19 to output user information of the device. And a maintenance output unit 21 for outputting device information and user information.
[0041]
The device information such as the model number and the serial number of the device and the usage status information such as the usage time of the device are received. User identification information for identifying the address and contact information of the user is extracted. The device information and the user information are output by the maintenance output unit 21. This makes it possible to obtain a device that is advantageous as a whole when maintenance is performed, together with information necessary for responding to a user or the like. Therefore, since the model number, serial number, user address and contact information are known, it is possible to respond quickly and reliably. In addition, maintenance can be speeded up and work efficiency can be increased.
[0042]
(Example 3)
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that when maintenance is performed, a part of the usage status information stored in the usage status measurement storage unit 12 is erased and initialized.
[0043]
That is, the actual use measurement storage unit 12 includes an operation time measurement unit 22 that measures an operation time, an operation state measurement unit 23 that measures an operation state (for example, a rated output ratio), and an operation time measurement unit 22. , The actual operating time storage unit 25 which is obtained by adding the value of the operating state measuring unit 23 to the value of the operating time measuring unit 22, and the operation which is obtained by integrating the number of operation stoppages. The stop number storage unit 26 is provided. The total operation time storage unit 24, the actual use time storage unit 25, and the number of operation stop times storage unit 26 are transmitted as actual use information from the actual use measurement storage unit 12 by the transmission unit to perform maintenance.
[0044]
When the fuel cell is maintained, various modes can be considered, such as replacing the solid polymer electrolyte membrane containing the catalyst, replacing the entire stack, and replacing a part or all of a large number of stacked fuel cells. For example, when the solid polymer electrolyte membrane containing the catalyst is replaced, the actual usage time storage unit 25 and the number of operation stop times storage unit 26 are initialized. Then, when the entire stack is replaced, the performance of the fuel cell 5 is equivalent to the initial performance, so that the entire operation time storage unit 24, the actual use time storage unit 25, and the number of operation stop times storage unit 26 are initialized. In this way, by erasing and initializing a part of the usage status information stored in the usage status measurement storage unit 12 in accordance with the maintenance conditions, the maintenance time is increased due to the decrease in power generation efficiency due to the next catalyst deterioration. Since the determination can be performed with high accuracy, the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system can realize high efficiency for a longer time.
[0045]
(Example 4)
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that a failure state investigating unit 27 for examining failure state information such as a failure position of a device, and that when a failure is found by the failure state investigating unit 27, the device information storage unit 12, the actual usage measurement storage unit 13, It has a transmitting means 14 for transmitting information from the state investigating means 27.
[0046]
When a device such as the fuel cell 5 and the reformer 4 used by a user fails, failure state information such as a failure location is examined by the failure state investigating means 27. Then, the device information such as the model number and the serial number of the device from the device information storage unit 12, the usage status information such as the usage time of the device from the usage status measurement storage unit 13, and the information from the failure status investigation unit 27 are combined. The call is sent by the sending means 14. Then, upon receiving this, the device information, the failure state information, and the user information are accepted for repair, so that the device can be quickly and surely dealt with and the device can be repaired. As described above, even if the user does not arrange, the repair is automatically notified according to the failure state, so that the maintenance can be promptly and efficiently performed. The method of transmitting by the transmitting means 14 is not limited to a telephone line, but may be any method that connects a house to an external communicator such as a coaxial cable network such as a cable television or an optical fiber network.
[0047]
In addition, a reformer 4 for reforming a fuel such as city gas, LPG, kerosene or the like using a catalyst is connected to a fuel cell 5 and actual usage information such as usage time of the reformer 4 is stored. The storage means 13 is provided (in the present embodiment, the use condition measurement storage means 13 of the fuel cell 5 and the refurbishment device 4 is integrally configured, but may be separate). The catalyst for reforming the fuel into hydrogen, like the solid polymer electrolyte membrane catalyst, deteriorates after a long operation, and the degree of the deterioration is correlated with the amount and time of the fuel. Further, when the catalyst is deteriorated and the refining efficiency of the refining device 4 is reduced, the amount of hydrogen is reduced and the power generation efficiency is reduced, so that the entire system cannot be maintained at high efficiency. Therefore, by performing timely maintenance based on the usage status information of the capital reformer 4, it is possible to realize that both the fuel cell 5 and the capital reformer 4 always maintain high efficiency and enable high efficiency for a long time. It is possible to realize a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the deterioration characteristics of the power generation efficiency due to the catalyst and the configuration of the device are known by the device information storage unit, and the operating state and the operation time are known by the actual usage measurement storage unit. The result can be predicted as a result of the decrease in the fuel cell, and the maintenance information for replacing the fuel cell can be accurately known. Therefore, the fuel cell maintenance operation processing system can realize optimal maintenance and can achieve high efficiency for a long time. In addition, accurate maintenance means that products can be used longer and more usefully, and in addition to maintaining high-efficiency operation, it is also possible to prevent abandonment as garbage on the way or leaving operation stopped, and more efficient use of resources It becomes.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram of the fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 solid polymer electrolyte membrane
2 Gas diffusion electrode
3 separator
4 Reformer
5 Fuel cell
12 Device information storage means
13 Actual usage measurement storage means
14 Transmission means
16 receiving means
17 Usage Information Database Division
18 Maintenance judgment means
19 User information database section
20 User identification means
21 Maintenance output means
27 Failure state investigation means

Claims (6)

A pair of gas diffusion electrodes sandwiching a solid polymer electrolyte membrane supporting a catalyst, and a separator formed on each surface of the gas diffusion electrodes with a flow channel for guiding fuel gas and oxidizing gas from a respective inlet manifold to an outlet manifold. A fuel cell, comprising: a device information storage unit for storing identification information such as a model number and a serial number as device information; a usage status measurement storage unit for measuring and storing usage status information such as usage time; A fuel cell maintenance operation processing system comprising transmission means for transmitting information from the device information storage means and the usage actual state measurement storage means. Receiving means for receiving information transmitted from the transmitting means, a usage information database unit storing life information for each model and serial number, and inputting actual usage information from the receiving means to the usage information database unit, 2. The fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to claim 1, further comprising maintenance judgment means for judging whether to perform maintenance or to continue operation. A user information database unit for storing user information such as a user's address and contact information; and a user discrimination for inputting judgment information from a maintenance judgment unit to the user information database unit and outputting user information of the device. 3. A fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a maintenance output unit configured to output the device information and the user information. The fuel cell maintenance operation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when maintenance is performed, a part of the usage status information stored in the usage status measurement storage unit is erased and initialized. Processing system. A failure state investigating means for examining failure state information such as a failure position of the equipment, and transmitting information from the equipment state information storage means, the actual use measurement storage means and the failure state investigation means when a failure is found by the failure state investigation means. The fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a transmission unit that performs the operation. A reforming device for reforming a fuel using a catalyst is connected to the fuel cell, and a use actual condition measurement storage means for storing actual use information such as a use time of the reformer is provided. The fuel cell maintenance operation processing system according to any one of claims 5 to 13.

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