JP2006228618A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system which can be operated by alleviating an operation permitting condition of an operation stop after abnormal stop or at the time of maintenance. <P>SOLUTION: This is the fuel cell system which is provided at least with a raw material supply device for supplying the raw material, a water supply device for supplying the water, a hydrogen forming device to form a fuel containing hydrogen by reacting the raw material with water, an oxidizer supply device for supplying the oxidizer, the fuel cell in which electric power is generated by using the fuel formed by the hydrogen forming device and the oxidizer supplied by the oxidizer supply device, and a control device for operating the hydrogen forming device and the oxidizer supply device according to an operation program, and of which the operation is stopped by the control device when the fixed operation permitting condition is not satisfied. The operation program is provided at least with a normal operation mode, and a special operation mode of which the operation permitting condition is alleviated more than that of the normal operation mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fuel cell system having an activation mode for safely starting the system.

  In the fuel cell system, hydrogen in the fuel and oxygen in the air, which is an oxidant, cause an electrochemical reaction inside the fuel cell body to generate electric power and heat. One of the reactions generated by fuel is a steam reforming reaction. In the steam reforming reaction, a raw material using a hydrocarbon gas such as natural gas, LPG, alcohol such as methanol, or gasoline such as a naphtha component reacts with steam obtained by evaporating water to generate hydrogen. A general hydrogen generator uses this steam reforming reaction to generate a hydrogen-rich fuel. The hydrogen generator generally includes a reforming heater that generates heat and a water evaporator that generates water vapor, and the water supplied to the hydrogen generator uses heat from the reforming heater. It is converted into water vapor in the water evaporation section. Furthermore, the hydrogen generator includes a reformer for steam reforming reaction, a shift converter for shift reaction, and a purifier for CO selective oxidation, and a reforming catalyst body, a shift catalyst body, and CO selective oxidation are respectively provided in each part. A catalyst body is provided.

  Here, since the appropriate reaction temperatures of these catalyst bodies are different from each other, in order to supply hydrogen gas stably and efficiently, after the hydrogen generator is started, the appropriate reaction temperatures of the catalyst bodies are adjusted. It is necessary to quickly raise the temperature of the medium to keep this temperature constant. A heater may be provided as a temperature raising means for this purpose, but the above-described reforming heater may be used for the purpose of raising the temperature.

  When the operation of the hydrogen generator is terminated, it is common to replace (purge) water vapor and fuel with raw materials. If the water vapor is sufficiently expelled, the temperature inside the hydrogen generator is dry at the next start-up, so that the temperature can be quickly raised. However, when an abnormal stop occurs due to a power failure or an accident, a large amount of water vapor remains inside the hydrogen generator, and water is generated by condensation as the temperature decreases. In this case, at the next start-up, the heat of the reforming heater and the heater is deprived to evaporate water, and the temperature rise of each part of the hydrogen generator is delayed. In such a state, if water is supplied as usual from the outside of the hydrogen generator, the temperature rise may be further delayed.

In the fuel cell system described in Patent Document 1, the temperature inside the apparatus is detected during the operation of the hydrogen generator. Based on the detected temperature, it is determined whether or not there is excess water inside the hydrogen generator. If it is determined that there is excess water, the operation of the hydrogen generator is stopped, and the amount of water supplied to the hydrogen generator is reduced or the hydrogen generator is heated. This makes it possible to quickly evaporate the water inside the hydrogen generator and raise the temperature inside.
Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-007605

  For example, it is assumed that the temperature of a specific part of the hydrogen generator becomes equal to or higher than a certain temperature after a certain time from a change in temperature during normal operation. Here, if the temperature (control parameter) of the specific part after the predetermined time does not become equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature (control threshold value), an abnormality of the reforming heater or the temperature detector, leakage of the flow path, or the like occurs. There is a possibility. Therefore, in such a case, it is desirable to stop the operation of the fuel cell system.

  However, normally, when an abnormal stop occurs due to a power failure, combustible gas concentration abnormality, etc., the purge operation at the time of the operation stop is not performed, and in many cases, a large amount of liquid water is accumulated in the hydrogen generator. Takes time. Then, as in the fuel cell system described in Patent Document 1, the predetermined operation permission condition (in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 1, whether or not the temperature inside the apparatus detected during the predetermined period is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature). If the operation of the device is stopped unless the above condition is satisfied, the operation permission condition cannot be satisfied even though there is no abnormality in the device itself, and the operation of the fuel cell system is stopped. There is a problem that it ends up. Even when an abnormal stop occurs due to a failure, the same problem may occur after replacement of a part causing the failure.

  Even if there is some abnormality in the device and it is desired to identify the cause of the abnormality in maintenance work, the above-mentioned operation permission condition cannot be satisfied in the same manner, and the fuel cell system stops immediately, It may be difficult to identify the cause.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell system that can be operated with relaxed operation permission conditions after an abnormal stop or during maintenance. .

  In order to solve the above problems, a fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a raw material supply device that supplies a raw material, a water supply device that supplies water, and a fuel that contains hydrogen by reacting the raw material and the water. Hydrogen generating device to be generated, oxidant supplying device for supplying oxidant, fuel generated by the hydrogen generating device, fuel cell for generating electric power using oxidant supplied by the oxidant supplying device, and control device A normal operation mode and a normal operation mode, and the control device determines whether or not a first operation permission condition is satisfied in the normal operation mode. In accordance with the control to continue or stop the operation of the fuel cell system, and in the special operation mode, there is a second operation permission condition that is more relaxed than the first operation permission condition. Wherein the operation of the fuel cell system to continue or to control so as to stop depending on whether or not Tasa (claim 1).

  As a result, it becomes possible to relax the operation permission conditions after an abnormal stop or during maintenance.

  The fuel cell system according to the present invention further includes at least a temperature detector that detects a temperature of the hydrogen generator and a timer that measures an operation time of the hydrogen generator, The operation permission condition is whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator exceeds a first predetermined temperature during a first predetermined period after satisfying a specific condition, and the second operation permission condition is specified Whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator exceeds the first predetermined temperature during the second predetermined period after the condition is satisfied, and the second predetermined period is longer than the first predetermined period. (Claim 2).

  As a result, even when it is determined whether or not to stop the operation of the system based on the temperature after a certain time, it is possible to operate while relaxing the operation permission condition after an abnormal stop or during maintenance.

  In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the second predetermined period may be not less than twice and not more than three times the first predetermined period.

  As a result, when determining whether or not to stop the operation of the system based on the temperature after a certain period of time, it is possible to operate while appropriately relaxing the operation permission conditions after an abnormal stop or during maintenance.

  Further, the hydrogen generation device reduces the carbon monoxide in the gas supplied from the reformer by reacting the raw material and the water to generate a gas containing hydrogen by a shift reaction. A temperature converter, and the temperature detector may detect a temperature of at least one of the reformer and the transformer.

  As a result, when determining whether to stop the system operation based on the temperature of the reformer or transformer of the hydrogen generator after a certain period of time, the system is operated with the operation permission conditions relaxed after an abnormal stop or during maintenance. It becomes possible.

  Further, the fuel cell system according to the present invention further includes a purifier that reduces the concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas supplied from the transformer by a selective oxidation reaction, and the temperature detector includes the reformer, The temperature of at least one of the transformer and the purifier may be detected.

  As a result, when determining whether to stop the system operation based on the temperature of the reformer, transformer, or purifier of the hydrogen generator after a certain period of time, the conditions for permitting the operation are relaxed after an abnormal stop or during maintenance. Driving.

  The fuel cell system according to the present invention further includes at least a heater for heating the hydrogen generator, and the controller is a fuel cell system for heating the hydrogen generator with the heater, wherein the controller However, in the special operation mode, the heating amount by the heater may be increased (Claim 6). Alternatively, in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the hydrogen generator includes at least a reformer that reforms a raw material and a reforming heater that heats the reformer, and the control device includes: In the fuel cell system that heats the reformer by the reforming heater, the control device may control to increase the amount of heating by the reforming heater in the special operation mode. Claim 7).

  As a result, in the special operation mode, the temperature of the hydrogen generator increases quickly. Therefore, even in a state where water has accumulated inside the hydrogen generator after an abnormal stop, it is possible to quickly return to normal operation.

  In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the control device may perform control so as to increase a supply amount of the raw material from the raw material supply device in the special operation mode.

  As a result, the flow rate of the fuel passing through the inside of the hydrogen generator increases, and a rapid temperature increase is possible even downstream of the gas. Therefore, even in a state where water has accumulated inside the hydrogen generator after an abnormal stop, it is possible to quickly return to normal operation.

  In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the reforming heater may combust the fuel exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell.

  As a result, the flow rate of the fuel passing through the inside of the hydrogen generator increases, and at the same time, the fuel sent to the reformer increases. Therefore, the flow rate of fuel passing through the inside of the hydrogen generator increases, and at the same time, the heating amount increases. Therefore, it is possible to quickly raise the temperature even downstream of the gas. Therefore, even in a state where water has accumulated inside the hydrogen generator after an abnormal stop, it is possible to quickly return to normal operation.

  In the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the control device may perform control so as to reduce the amount of water supplied by the water supply device in the special operation mode.

  Thereby, even if it is in the state where water has accumulated inside the hydrogen generator after an abnormal stop, supply of excess water can be prevented. Therefore, quick return to normal operation is possible.

The fuel cell system according to the present invention may be configured to allow an operator to select the normal operation mode and the special operation mode.
As a result, it is possible to operate with the operation permission conditions appropriately relaxed by an operator command after an abnormal stop or during maintenance.

  In addition, in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, at the start-up after the operation is stopped due to a power failure, the control device may perform the operation by selecting the special operation mode (claim 12).

  If water is accumulated inside the hydrogen generator due to an abnormal stop such as a power failure, even if the hydrogen generator itself has not failed, it may take too long to start and the operation may be stopped. is there. However, smooth recovery is possible by relaxing the operation permission condition.

  The fuel cell system according to the present invention further includes at least a display device that displays the state of the fuel cell system, and when the special operation mode is selected, displays that fact on the display device. (Claim 13).

  Thus, the operator can easily confirm that the fuel cell system is in the special operation mode. Therefore, maintenance can be performed more safely and reliably.

  The “fuel exhaust gas” referred to in the claims and specification refers to a gas discharged from the fuel electrode of the fuel cell, and includes unreacted fuel (such as hydrogen).

  Note that the “temperature of the hydrogen generator” in the claims and the specification may be the temperature of the hydrogen generator main body or the temperature of the gas inside the hydrogen generator. Any temperature may be used as long as the temperature reflects the temperature of the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator main body may be any member constituting the hydrogen generator.

  In addition, “relaxation” in the claims and specification means that the operation permission condition is set in the special operation mode so that the operation can be continued even if the operation is stopped in the normal operation mode. Say to change.

  In addition, the “time when a certain period of time has passed after satisfying a specific condition” in the claims and the specification refers to a certain period of time based on the time when the specific condition is satisfied in the process of operating the fuel cell system. Refers to the point in time. For example, it may be a time when a certain time has elapsed from the start of activation, or may be a time when a certain time has passed after that when the temperature of the hydrogen generator reaches a certain temperature. In other words, any reference time may be used.

  The present invention has the above-described configuration and has the following effects. That is, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a fuel cell system that can be operated with an operation permission condition eased after an abnormal stop or during maintenance.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
[Outline of Configuration and Operation of Fuel Cell System of Present Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment.

  The fuel cell system 300 mainly includes a fuel cell 203, an oxidant supply device 200 that supplies air as an oxidant to the fuel cell 203, and a hydrogen generator that supplies hydrogen-rich fuel (hereinafter referred to as fuel) to the fuel cell 203. 118, a raw material supply device 107 for supplying hydrocarbon-based raw materials such as methane, butane, and natural gas to the hydrogen generator 118, a first water supply device 108 for supplying water to the hydrogen generator 118, and a second water A supply device 109 and a control device 205 that controls the supply amount of the raw material, water, and oxidant and determines whether or not to allow the operation of the system based on the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 and the like. .

  The hydrogen generator 118 includes a reformer 100 that performs a steam reforming reaction, a shifter 103 that shifts steam and carbon monoxide gas into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas, and a carbon monoxide concentration of about 10 ppm by CO selective oxidation reaction. A purifier 105 for reducing the concentration is incorporated below.

  The reformer 100 is provided with a reforming catalyst body 101 that promotes a steam reforming reaction, and a reforming heater 102 for supplying heat to the reforming catalyst body 101. In the present embodiment, a burner is used as the reforming heater 102. However, any heating means may be used for the reforming heater 102, for example, a heating means such as an electric heater. The shifter 103 is provided with a shift catalyst body 104 and a shifter heater 113 for heating the shift catalyst body 104, and the purifier 105 heats the CO selective oxidation catalyst body 106 and the CO selective oxidation catalyst body 106. A purifier heater 114 is provided. In the present embodiment, electric heaters are used as the transformer heater 113 and the purifier heater 114. However, any heating means may be used for the transformer heater 113 and the purifier heater 114, for example, a heating means such as a burner. In the fuel cell system of the first embodiment, the reforming heater 102, the transformer heater 113, and the purifier heater 114 are “heaters” in the scope of the claims.

  The oxidant supply device 200 includes an air supply device 201 such as a blower, and an oxidation side humidifier 202 that humidifies air.

Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the fuel cell system 300 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The fuel cell 203 generates power by reacting a hydrogen-rich gas (hereinafter referred to as fuel) introduced into a fuel electrode (not shown) with air introduced into an air electrode (not shown). , Electricity and heat are generated.

  First, the path of the fuel introduced to the fuel electrode side and the gas reaction related thereto will be described. The raw material of the raw material supply device 107 is adjusted in flow rate by an electromagnetic valve 206 for opening and closing provided in the first fuel passage 301 and a raw material flow rate adjustment valve (not shown) in the raw material supply device 107, and then the reforming catalyst body 101. At the same time, moisture is also supplied from the first water supply device 108 to the reforming catalyst body 101 via the first water passage 308. As a result, in the reformer 100, the steam reforming reaction is promoted by the reforming catalyst body 101, and hydrogen-rich fuel is generated from the raw material and the steam.

  Further, an electromagnetic valve 110 is also provided in the second fuel passage 302 branched from the first fuel passage 301, and the raw material whose flow rate is controlled by the electromagnetic valve 110 and the raw material flow rate adjusting valve is reformed through the passage 302. Is supplied to the burner of the heater 102 as a raw material for combustion. Combustion air is also supplied to the burner of the reforming heater 102 by the combustion fan 111.

  Thereafter, fuel is introduced from the reforming catalyst body 101 into the shift catalyst body 104 via the first fuel path 303, while moisture is converted from the second water supply device 109 via the third water passage 310. 104 is supplied. As a result, the carbon monoxide gas and water vapor contained in the fuel can be shifted to hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas. Then, for the purpose of reducing the concentration of carbon monoxide in the reaction gas after the shift reaction to a predetermined concentration level (for example, 10 ppm or less), the fuel after the shift reaction is selectively oxidized through the second fuel path 304. It leads to the medium 106, and further CO concentration reduction is aimed at by CO selective oxidation. In this way, a fuel mainly composed of hydrogen gas with reduced CO concentration is generated in the hydrogen generator 118.

  Next, the fuel supplied from the purifier 105 of the hydrogen generator 118 first flows into the third fuel path 305, and then the first by the switching valve 204 provided in the third fuel path 305. Are switched to the second diversion path 306 and the second diversion path 307 and supplied to the fuel cell 203 or the reforming heater 102. That is, in the first shunt path 306, a part of the fuel led to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 203 is consumed by a required amount by the electrode reaction of the fuel electrode, and then the remaining fuel is turned off gas (in the claims) The fuel exhaust gas) is returned to the burner of the reforming heater 102. In the second diversion path 307, the fuel is directly returned to the burner of the reforming heater 102 without being led to the fuel electrode.

  The fuel recirculated to the burner of the reforming heater 102 is combusted inside the reforming heater 102 together with the air blown to the reforming heater 102 by the combustion fan 111.

  Next, a path of air introduced to the air electrode side will be described.

  The air in the air supply device 201 is once supplied to the oxidation side humidifier 202 via the first air passage 311. Further, the moisture from the first water supply device 108 is supplied to the oxidation side humidifier 202 via the second water passage 309 branched from the first water passage 308. Thus, the oxidation side humidifier 202 humidifies the air and guides the humidified air to the air electrode of the fuel cell 203 via the second air passage 312. Note that the humid air that has not contributed to the reaction at the air electrode of the fuel cell 203 is directly released into the atmosphere.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the fuel cell system 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

  There are various temperature detectors as input sensors of the control device 205. More specifically, the temperature detector includes a reformer temperature detector 115 that detects the gas temperature of the reformer 100, a transformer temperature detector 116 that detects the gas temperature of the transformer 103, and a purifier 105. A purifier temperature detector 117 for detecting the gas temperature is included. The reformer temperature detector 115, the transformer temperature detector 116, and the purifier temperature detector 117 are “temperature detectors” in the scope of the claims.

  In this embodiment, the reformer temperature detector 115 is attached to the reformer 100 and can detect the gas temperature upstream of the reforming catalyst body, and the transformer temperature detector 116 is attached to the transformer 100 and transformed. The purifier temperature detector 117 is attached to the purifier 100 and can detect the gas temperature upstream of the CO selective oxidation catalyst body.

  At the lower end (downstream side of the catalyst) of the catalyst body, water condensed due to excess of water vapor is accumulated, and the environment is more severe for the catalyst than the upper part of the catalyst (upstream side of the gas). For this reason, if a temperature detector is arranged upstream of the catalyst gas and an abnormality due to excessive moisture is detected at this position, it is naturally possible to determine that the downstream catalyst portion is also in excess of moisture. It is. However, the reformer temperature detector 115, the transformer temperature detector 116, and the purifier temperature detector 117 may detect the temperature of other portions.

  The output operation unit of the control device 205 includes a first water supply device 108, a flow rate adjustment unit of the second water supply device 109, an electromagnetic valve 206 that controls the amount of raw material supplied to the reforming catalyst body 101, and a reforming device. An electromagnetic valve 110 for controlling the amount of raw material supplied to the burner of the heater 102, a raw material flow rate adjusting valve (not shown) for adjusting the amount of raw material built in the raw material supply device 107 and supplied by the raw material supply device 107, a transformer There are a transformer heater 113 that heats 103, a purifier heater 114 that heats the purifier 105, a switching valve 204 that switches the flow path of fuel supplied from the hydrogen generator 118, and the like.

  The detected temperatures of the reformer temperature detector 115, the transformer temperature detector 116, and the purifier temperature detector 117 are output to the control device 205. Based on the detected temperature, the control device 205 includes a flow rate adjusting valve and a built-in flow rate adjusting valve that stabilize the reaction temperatures of the reforming catalyst body 101, the shift catalyst body 104, and the CO selective oxidation catalyst body 106. The electromagnetic valve 110 and the electromagnetic valve 206 are operated. Further, the control device 205 controls the outputs of the transformer heater 113 and the purifier heater 114 in order to shorten the heating time of the transformer 103 and the purifier 105 when the hydrogen generator 118 is started. Further, the control device 205 controls the operation of the switching valve 204 so as to guide the generated gas (fuel) supplied from the hydrogen generator 118 to the fuel cell 203 or the reforming heater 102.

  Next, the configuration of the control device 205 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the control device 205. Hereinafter, the configuration of the control device 205 will be described with reference to FIG. The control device 205 includes a control unit 27, a storage unit 28, an input / output device 29, and a timer 30. For example, a CPU is used as the control unit 27. For the storage unit 28, for example, an internal memory is used. As the input / output device 29, for example, a touch panel is used. For the timer 30, for example, a built-in clock is used.

The controller 27 is communicably connected to the input / output device 29 and the timer 30. Further, the control unit 27 is connected to the reformer temperature detector 115, the transformer temperature detector 116, and the purifier temperature detector 117 so that the respective detection signals can be input. Further, the control unit 27 includes an oxidant supply device 200, a first water supply device 108, a second water supply device 109, a raw material supply device 107, an air supply device 201, a transformer heater 113, a purifier heater 114, a solenoid valve. 110, the switching valve 204, and the electromagnetic valve 206 are connected to enable output of control signals. In addition, the control unit 27 receives an input regarding the operation mode to be set by the input / output device 29. That is, the operator can start the operation of the fuel cell system 300 or set the operation mode via the input / output device 29. The control unit 27 stores the received detection signal and input in the storage unit 28 as necessary. Further, the control unit 27 processes the received signal based on the software and parameter values stored in the storage unit 28. And based on the processed result, the control unit 27 sends control signals and the like to the oxidant supply device 200, the first water supply device 108, the second water supply device 109, the raw material supply device 107, the air supply device 201, This is applied to the transformer heater 113, the purifier heater 114, the electromagnetic valve 110, the switching valve 204, and the electromagnetic valve 206. Thereby, the temperature, raw material, fuel, water flow rate, etc. of the hydrogen generator 118 are controlled. In addition, the arrow in a figure shows the direction where a signal is given.
[Principle of the present invention]
Next, the principle of the present invention will be described. The present invention is characterized in that a normal operation mode and a special operation mode are provided in the operation of the fuel cell system. That is, during normal operation (normal operation mode), an operation permission condition (condition for continuing operation) for permitting the operation of the fuel cell system 300 is set for safety, and an emergency stop such as maintenance or power outage is set. When the fuel cell is operated later, the operation permission condition is relaxed as a special operation mode. As a result, when liquid water is accumulated inside the hydrogen generator or when maintenance is performed, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the fuel cell system stops immediately because the operation permission condition cannot be cleared.

  As an example, a case where an operation permission condition based on the elapsed time from the start of activation and the temperature of the hydrogen generator is used will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a graph showing the temperature rise characteristics of the reformer 100, the transformer 103, and the purifier 105, with the elapsed time from the start of starting the hydrogen generator 118 (t0) as the horizontal axis. At the time of startup, there is no surplus water in the hydrogen generator 118, the amount of water vapor that can be properly supplied to the reformer 100 and that contributes to the steam reforming reaction, and the temperature of the transformer 103 is stably controlled. 3 can be properly supplied, the rising characteristics of the detected temperatures of the reformer 100, the transformer 103, and the purifier 105 are represented by the KS profile, HSG profile, and JSG profile shown in FIG. 3, respectively.

  Here, the control target values of the reaction temperature zones of the reforming catalyst body 101, the shift catalyst body 104, and the CO selective oxidation catalyst body 106 are TKs (predetermined temperature existing between 600 to 700 ° C.) and THs (200 to 400), respectively. And a predetermined temperature existing between 100 and 300 ° C.). The times when the KS profile, the HSG profile, and the JSG profile reach the control target values in the reaction temperature zones of the reforming catalyst body 101, the shift catalyst body 104, and the CO selective oxidation catalyst body 106 are approximately t1, t2, and t3, respectively. is there. The period from the start of activation of the hydrogen generator 118 (t0) to these times is estimated as t1 = 20 to 30 minutes, t2 = 30 to 40 minutes, and t3 = 40 to 50 minutes.

  Here, for example, when the detected temperature of the purifier 105 does not reach TJs even after 60 minutes, the hydrogen generator is informed of a failure of the purifier temperature detector 117 or a defective heating due to the purifier heater 114. Some abnormality may have occurred. Therefore, it is desirable to stop the operation of the fuel cell system when the temperature detected by the purification unit 105 does not reach TJs even after 60 minutes from the start. The transformer 104 and the reformer 100 can also be determined and stopped by the same principle. Here, whether or not the detected temperature of the purifying unit 105 after 60 minutes has passed after starting has reached TJs is the “operation permission condition” in the claims. However, this is merely an example, and any temperature at any point may be used as the operation permission condition as long as it is the temperature of the hydrogen generator after activation. Further, the operation permission condition is not limited to time and temperature, and any operation permission condition may be used as long as an abnormality of the hydrogen generator can be detected. That is, various parameters such as the hydrogen concentration, pressure, and moisture content of the fuel can be used as the operation permission condition.

  Here, if water is excessively supplied to the hydrogen generator 118 or if the fuel cell system is urgently stopped due to a power failure or the like, excessive condensed moisture is stagnant inside the transformer 103 and / or the purifier 105. As a result, the inside of the transformer 103 and / or the purifier 105 may become a factor of water wetting or water accumulation. In such a situation, a rising curve of the detected temperature detected by the transformer temperature detector 116 or a rising curve of the detected temperature detected by the purifier temperature detector 117 has a rate of temperature rise of the detected temperature. It becomes slow and shows a gentle temperature rise curve as compared with the normal HGS profile and JSG profile. The HSN profile in FIG. 3 shows the detected temperature characteristics of the transformer 103 whose temperature increase rate has been slowed by the influence of water or the like accumulated in the hydrogen generator 118, and the JSN profile is in the hydrogen generator 118. It shows the detected temperature characteristics of a purifier whose heating rate has been slowed by the influence of accumulated water.

  The reformer 100 is disposed on the most upstream side of the raw material and the steam supply, and the temperature is also high. For this reason, the reformer 100 is not easily affected by the water accumulated in the hydrogen generator 118. Actually, it was confirmed that the temperature rise characteristic of the detected temperature detected by the reformer temperature detector 115 has little difference between the normal time and the time when water is accumulated in the hydrogen generator 118. ing. Further, in FIG. 3, the control target values for the reaction temperature zones of the shift catalyst body 104 and the CO selective oxidation catalyst body 106 (THs in the shift catalyst body 104, TJs in the CO selective oxidation catalyst body 106) are mainly used. There are upper and lower limits of the reaction temperature zone of the catalyst bodies 104 and 106, and the upper and lower limits of the reaction temperature zone of the shift catalyst body 104 are indicated by THsh and THsl, respectively, and above the reaction temperature zone of the CO selective oxidation catalyst body 106. The lower limit values are shown as TJsh and TJsl, respectively. Further, the temperature difference between the control target value (THs) of the reaction temperature zone of the shift catalyst body 104 and the upper and lower limit values (THsh, THsl) of the control range is shown by ΔTHh and ΔTHl, respectively. The temperature differences between the control target value (TJs) of the reaction temperature and the upper and lower limit values (TJsh, TJsl) of the control range are shown as ΔTJh and ΔTJl, respectively.

  When water is accumulated in the hydrogen generator 118, the HSN profile of the transformer 103 and / or the JSN profile of the purifier 105 is a catalyst from the start time (t0) to the normal time (for example, HSG profile or JSG profile). Within the reaction temperature arrival time to reach any value between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the reaction temperature zone (in FIG. 3, the time t2 and t3 to the control target value are illustrated as examples of the reaction temperature arrival time. In other words, the minimum reaction temperature of each catalyst (THsl in the transformer 103 and TJsl in the purifier 105) may not be exceeded. The temperature finally reaches the control target value at time tHN for the transformer 103 and at time tJN for the purifier 105.

  Here, a case is considered in which an operation permission condition is set such that the operation is stopped if the temperature of the purification unit 105 at t3 does not exceed TJsl. In this case, if excessive water is present in the hydrogen generator 118, the temperature of the purification unit 105 falls below TJsl at time t3, as can be seen from the JSN profile. For this reason, even if there is no failure in the fuel cell system 300 itself, the operation is stopped.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a special operation mode is provided so that such a situation does not occur. That is, in the special operation mode, the operation permission condition is relaxed so that a longer operation is possible. Here, relaxing the operation permission condition means changing the operation permission condition so that the fuel cell system 300 operates even when the operation is stopped in the normal operation mode.

  For example, in the special operation mode, it may be possible to make the determination time later. As a specific example, it is assumed that the operation permission condition is set such that the operation is stopped unless the temperature of the purification unit 105 at the time point when t3 of t3 has passed exceeds TJsl. Then, at time 2t3, the temperature of the purification unit 105 is sufficiently higher than TJsl, so that the operation can be continued as it is. Therefore, even when water is accumulated in the hydrogen generator 118 and the operation is normally stopped because the temperature rise is slow, the operation can be continued for a certain period of time. In the meantime, the internal water can be discharged as water vapor to increase the temperature. Therefore, even when an emergency stop or the like due to a power failure occurs, it can be easily restored without requiring a complicated operation.

  In the operation in the special operation mode, the operation permission condition is relaxed, so that the operation is less likely to stop. Therefore, also in maintenance, the cause of failure can be investigated for a longer time at the time of startup. This facilitates the identification of the cause of failure.

It should be noted that the degree of relaxation of the operation permission condition is desirably as large as possible within a range that does not cause a safety problem. Further, when an emergency stop due to a power failure occurs, it is desirable to relax the operation permission condition to such an extent that excess water remaining in the hydrogen generator 118 can be evaporated and removed. Considering the temperature rise characteristic (FIG. 3) when excessive water is accumulated inside the hydrogen generator, the time required for determination in the special operation mode is two to three times that in the normal operation mode. It is preferable to set to double. On the other hand, if the length is too long, the operation is continued even when an abnormality such as a failure actually occurs in the hydrogen generator, which is rather dangerous.
[Operation Characterizing the Fuel Cell System of the Present Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation program (here, an activation program) of the control device 205 of the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the characteristic operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1, the fuel cell system 300 is in a standby state.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the control device 205 receives an input related to the operation mode selected by the operator from the input / output device 29.

  Next, in step S <b> 3, when the control device 205 receives a start command from the input / output device 29, the control device 205 starts operation of the fuel cell system 300.

  Next, in step S4, the control device 205 starts the timer 30. At this time, the parameter t indicating the elapsed time after the start of activation is reset to zero.

  Next, in step S5, the control device 205 sequentially controls the heating means such as the reforming heater 102, the supply means such as the raw material supply device 107, and the like according to the first startup sequence. To start up.

  Next, in step S6, the control device 205 determines whether or not the special operation mode is selected as the operation mode.

  When it is determined in step S6 that the special operation mode is not selected as the operation mode, the control device 205 proceeds to step S7, and determines whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature. I do. In the present embodiment, this determination is made based on whether or not the temperature (T) of the purifier 105 exceeds the reference temperature TJsl.

  If it is determined in step S7 that T> TJsl, the control device 205 proceeds to step S10 and shifts to a normal power generation operation.

  If it is determined in step S7 that T> TJsl is not satisfied, the control device 205 proceeds to step S8 and determines whether or not the time (t) measured by the timer 30 is equal to or greater than t3. .

  If it is determined in step S8 that t ≧ t3, the control device 205 proceeds to step S9 and stops the operation of the fuel cell system 300.

  When it is determined in step S8 that t ≧ t3 is not satisfied, the control device 205 returns to step S7 again and determines whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the special operation mode is selected as the operation mode, the control device 205 proceeds to step S11 and determines whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature. I do. In the present embodiment, this determination is made based on whether or not the temperature (T) of the purifier 105 exceeds the reference temperature TJsl.

  If it is determined in step S11 that T> TJsl, the control device 205 proceeds to step S14 and shifts to a normal power generation operation.

  When it is determined in step S11 that T> TJsl is not satisfied, the control device 205 proceeds to step S12 and determines whether or not the time (t) measured by the timer 30 is 2t3 or more. .

  When it is determined in step S12 that t ≧ 2t3, the control device 205 proceeds to step S13 and stops the operation of the fuel cell system 300.

  If it is determined in step S12 that t ≧ 2t3 is not satisfied, the control device 205 returns to step S11 again and determines whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature.

  With this operation, the fuel cell system of the present embodiment includes a normal operation mode and a special operation mode. Even when water is accumulated in the hydrogen generator 118 and the operation is normally stopped due to a slow temperature rise, the operation is normally stopped by selecting the special operation mode. Even in such a state, the operation can be continued. In the meantime, the internal water can be discharged as water vapor to increase the temperature. Therefore, even when an emergency stop or the like due to a power failure occurs, it can be easily restored without requiring a complicated operation. On the other hand, it is possible to operate the fuel cell system more safely by tightening the operation continuation condition in the normal operation mode.

  Moreover, according to the above-mentioned operation, even during maintenance, the operation is hardly stopped by selecting the special operation mode. Therefore, also in maintenance, the cause of failure can be investigated for a longer time at the time of startup. Therefore, it becomes easy to identify the cause of the failure.

  In the above description, whether or not the temperature of the purifying unit 105 has exceeded TJsl after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start is set as the operation permission condition. In the normal operation mode, the fixed time is t3, and in the special operation mode, the fixed time is twice t3. However, the operation permission condition is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is the temperature of the hydrogen generator after activation, the temperature of any part at any time point may be used as the operation permission condition. The operation permission condition may be whether or not the temperature exceeds a certain temperature, and whether or not the temperature falls within a certain temperature range composed of an upper limit and a lower limit. The operation permission condition is not limited to time and temperature, and any operation permission condition can be used as long as it can be used to determine whether or not the operation of the hydrogen generator 112 or the fuel cell system 300 should be stopped. Good. That is, various parameters such as the hydrogen concentration, pressure, and moisture content of the fuel can be used as the operation permission condition.

  In the special operation mode, the amount of water supplied to the reformer 100 by the first water supply device may be reduced. Thereby, even if it is in the state where water has accumulated inside the hydrogen generator after an abnormal stop, supply of excess water can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to quickly raise the temperature and return to normal operation.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the operator inputs whether the operation mode is the normal operation mode or the special operation mode. However, at the time of startup after the operation is stopped due to a power failure, the control device may automatically select the special operation mode and perform the operation without depending on the selection by the operator. Even when water is accumulated in the hydrogen generator due to an abnormal stop such as a power failure, a smooth recovery is possible.

Further, when the special operation mode is selected, the fact may be displayed on the input / output device 29. Thus, the operator can easily confirm that the fuel cell system is in the special operation mode. Therefore, maintenance can be performed more safely and reliably. Here, the input / output device 29 is the “display device” in the claims.
(Embodiment 2)
The configuration of the fuel cell system manufactured in the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the hydrogen generator 118 is heated by the reforming heater 103 (a burner disposed in the reforming heater 103), the transformer heater 113, or the purifier heater 114. In the case of the special operation mode, the operation permission condition is relaxed, and at the same time, the heating amount in the heating is increased.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation program (here, an activation program) of the control device 205 of the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an operation that characterizes the fuel cell system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S21, the fuel cell system 300 is in a standby state.

  Next, in step S <b> 22, the control device 205 receives an input regarding the operation mode selected by the operator from the input / output device 29.

  Next, in step S <b> 23, when the control device 205 receives a startup command from the input / output device 29, the control device 205 starts operation of the fuel cell system 300.

  Next, in step S <b> 24, the control device 205 starts the timer 30. At this time, the parameter t indicating the elapsed time after the start of activation is reset to zero.

  Next, in step S25, the control device 205 causes the fuel cell system 300 to perform a start-up operation by sequentially controlling supply means such as the raw material supply device 107 in accordance with the second start-up sequence.

  Next, in step S26, the control device 205 determines whether or not the special operation mode is selected as the operation mode.

  If it is determined in step S26 that the special operation mode is not selected as the operation mode, the control device 205 proceeds to step S27, and outputs the outputs of the transformer heater 113 and the purifier heater 114 to K1 and K2 ( The transformation unit 103 and the purification unit 105 are heated under the control of unit: W).

  Next, in step S28, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature. In the present embodiment, this determination is made based on whether or not the temperature (T) of the purifier 105 exceeds the reference temperature TJsl.

  When it is determined in step S28 that T> TJsl, the control device 205 proceeds to step S31 and shifts to a normal power generation operation.

  If it is determined in step S28 that T> TJsl is not satisfied, the control device 205 proceeds to step S29 and determines whether or not the time (t) measured by the timer 30 is equal to or greater than t3. .

  When it is determined in step S29 that t ≧ t3, the control device 205 proceeds to step S30 and stops the operation of the fuel cell system 300.

  If it is determined in step S29 that t ≧ t3 is not satisfied, the control device 205 returns to step S28 again and determines whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature.

  If it is determined in step S26 that the special operation mode is selected as the operation mode, the control device 205 proceeds to step S32 and outputs the outputs of the transformer heater 113 and the purifier heater 114 to K3 and K4 ( The transformation unit 103 and the purification unit 105 are heated under the control of unit: W). Here, K3> K1 and K4> K2.

  Next, in step S33, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature. In the present embodiment, this determination is made based on whether or not the temperature (T) of the purifier 105 exceeds the reference temperature TJsl.

  When it is determined in step S33 that T> TJsl, the control device 205 proceeds to step S36 and shifts to a normal power generation operation.

  When it is determined in step S33 that T> TJsl is not satisfied, the control device 205 proceeds to step S34 and determines whether or not the time (t) measured by the timer 30 is 2t3 or more. .

  When it is determined in step S34 that t ≧ 2t3, the control device 205 proceeds to step S35 and stops the operation of the fuel cell system 300.

  If it is determined in step S34 that t ≧ 2t3 is not satisfied, the control device 205 returns to step S33 again and determines whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature.

  With this operation, the fuel cell system of the present embodiment includes a normal operation mode and a special operation mode. Even in a state where liquid water is accumulated in the hydrogen generator 118, the heating amount of the heater is increased by selecting the special operation mode, and the water is quickly evaporated, so that the hydrogen generator 118 Can be discharged to the outside. Therefore, even when an emergency stop or the like due to a power failure occurs, it is possible to return to normal operation more easily. On the other hand, in the normal operation mode, it is possible to operate the fuel cell system more safely by tightening the operation continuation conditions.

  Further, according to the above-described operation, even during maintenance, the operation is less likely to be stopped by selecting the special operation mode. Therefore, also in maintenance, the cause of failure can be investigated for a longer time at the time of startup. Therefore, it becomes easy to identify the cause of the failure.

  In the above description, whether or not the temperature of the purifying unit 105 has exceeded TJsl after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start is set as the operation permission condition. In the normal operation mode, the fixed time is t3, and in the special operation mode, the fixed time is twice t3. However, the operation permission condition is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is the temperature of the hydrogen generator after activation, the temperature of any part at any time point may be used as the operation permission condition. The operation permission condition may be whether or not the temperature exceeds a certain temperature, and whether or not the temperature falls within a certain temperature range composed of an upper limit and a lower limit. Further, the operation permission condition is not limited to time and temperature, and any operation permission condition may be used as long as an abnormality of the hydrogen generator can be detected. That is, various parameters such as the hydrogen concentration, pressure, and moisture content of the fuel can be used as the operation permission condition.

  In the above description, the heating amount in the special operation mode is increased by changing the outputs of the transformer heater 113 and the purifier heater 114, but the output of the reforming heater 102 is changed (for example, The heating amount in the special operation mode may be increased by increasing the amount of raw material to be supplied). The parameter to be changed in order to increase the heating amount is not necessarily output. When the heating time is set, this heating time may be increased. Heating may be performed until the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 reaches a certain value. As a result, when water is accumulated in the hydrogen generator 118, as a result, the amount of heat required for heating increases, so that the amount of heating also increases. Further, in the special operation mode, the constant value used for determination by temperature may be increased.

In the special operation mode, the amount of water supplied to the reformer 100 by the first water supply device may be reduced. At the time of startup after the operation is stopped due to a power failure, the control device may automatically select the special operation mode and perform the operation without depending on the selection by the operator. Further, when the special operation mode is selected, the fact may be displayed on the input / output device 29. In the special operation mode, it is preferable to set the time until the determination is performed to 2 to 3 times as compared with the normal operation mode.
(Embodiment 3)
The configuration of the fuel cell system manufactured in the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. The feature of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment is that, in the special operation mode, the operation permission condition is relaxed and at the same time the amount of raw material supplied to the reforming catalyst body 101 by the raw material supply device 107 is increased.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation program (here, an activation program) of the control device 205 of the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an operation that characterizes the fuel cell system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S41, the fuel cell system 300 is in a standby state.

  Next, in step S <b> 42, the control device 205 receives an input related to the operation mode selected by the operator from the input / output device 29.

  Next, in step S <b> 43, the control device 205 starts the operation of the fuel cell system 300 when receiving the activation command from the input / output device 29.

  Next, in step S44, the control device 205 starts the timer 30. At this time, the parameter t indicating the elapsed time after the start of activation is reset to zero.

  Next, in step S45, the control device 205 causes the fuel cell system 300 to perform a startup operation by sequentially controlling supply means such as the raw material supply device 107 in accordance with the third startup sequence.

  Next, in step S46, the control device 205 determines whether or not the special operation mode is selected as the operation mode.

  If it is determined in step S46 that the special operation mode is not selected as the operation mode, the control device 205 proceeds to step S47, and sets the amount of raw material supplied to the reforming catalyst body 101 by the raw material supply device 107 by M1. (Unit: L / min)

  Next, in step S48, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature. In the present embodiment, this determination is made based on whether or not the temperature (T) of the purifier 105 exceeds the reference temperature TJsl.

  When it is determined in step S48 that T> TJsl, the control device 205 proceeds to step S51 and shifts to a normal power generation operation.

  If it is determined in step S48 that T> TJsl is not satisfied, the control device 205 proceeds to step S49 and determines whether or not the time (t) measured by the timer 30 is equal to or greater than t3. .

  When it is determined in step S49 that t ≧ t3, the control device 205 proceeds to step S50 and stops the operation of the fuel cell system 300.

  When it is determined in step S49 that t ≧ t3 is not satisfied, the control device 205 returns to step S48 again and determines whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature.

  If it is determined in step S46 that the special operation mode is selected as the operation mode, the control device 205 proceeds to step S52, and sets the amount of raw material supplied to the reforming catalyst body 101 by the raw material supply device 107 by M2. (Unit: L / min) Here, M2> M1.

  Next, in step S53, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature. In the present embodiment, this determination is made based on whether or not the temperature (T) of the purifier 105 exceeds the reference temperature TJsl.

  When it is determined in step S53 that T> TJsl, the control device 205 proceeds to step S56 and shifts to a normal power generation operation.

  If it is determined in step S53 that T> TJsl is not satisfied, the control device 205 proceeds to step S54 and determines whether or not the time (t) measured by the timer 30 is 2t3 or more. .

  If it is determined in step S54 that t ≧ 2t3, the control device 205 proceeds to step S55 and stops the operation of the fuel cell system 300.

  If it is determined in step S54 that t ≧ 2t3 is not satisfied, the control device 205 returns to step S53 again and determines whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator 118 exceeds the reference temperature.

  With this operation, the fuel cell system of the present embodiment includes a normal operation mode and a special operation mode. In the special operation mode, the amount of raw material supplied to the reforming catalyst body 101 increases. Then, the flow rate of the fuel flowing inside the hydrogen generator 118 increases. Therefore, the amount of heat transport to the downstream increases. As a result, the temperature of the entire hydrogen generator 118 can be increased more quickly. Therefore, even when an emergency stop or the like due to a power failure occurs, it is possible to return to normal operation more easily. On the other hand, in the normal operation mode, it is possible to operate the fuel cell system more safely by tightening the operation continuation conditions.

  Moreover, according to the above-mentioned operation, even during maintenance, the operation is hardly stopped by selecting the special operation mode. Therefore, also in maintenance, the cause of failure can be investigated for a longer time at the time of startup. Therefore, it becomes easy to identify the cause of the failure.

  In the above description, whether or not the temperature of the purifying unit 105 has exceeded TJsl after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start is set as the operation permission condition. In the normal operation mode, the fixed time is t3, and in the special operation mode, the fixed time is twice t3. However, the operation permission condition is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is the temperature of the hydrogen generator after activation, the temperature of any part at any time point may be used as the operation permission condition. The operation permission condition may be whether or not the temperature exceeds a certain temperature, and whether or not the temperature falls within a certain temperature range composed of an upper limit and a lower limit. Further, the operation permission condition is not limited to time and temperature, and any operation permission condition may be used as long as an abnormality of the hydrogen generator can be detected. That is, various parameters such as the hydrogen concentration, pressure, and moisture content of the fuel can be used as the operation permission condition.

  In the present embodiment, since the raw material supply device 107 supplies the raw material to both the reforming catalyst body 101 and the reforming heater 102, the amount of the raw material supplied to the reforming medium 101 is increased. did. However, when the raw material supply apparatus 107 supplies the raw material only to the reforming catalyst body 101, the raw material supply amount to the hydrogen generator 118 may be increased. In any case, it is only necessary to increase the flow rate of the fuel that passes through the hydrogen generator 118 (the gas that is reformed, transformed, and purified by passing through the catalyst body). Thereby, the amount of heat transport to the downstream increases, and the temperature of the entire hydrogen generator can be increased more quickly.

  In the special operation mode, the amount of water supplied to the reformer 100 by the first water supply device may be reduced. At the time of startup after the operation is stopped due to a power failure, the control device may automatically select the special operation mode and perform the operation without depending on the selection by the operator. Further, when the special operation mode is selected, the fact may be displayed on the input / output device 29. In the special operation mode, it is preferable to set the time until the determination is performed to 2 to 3 times as compared with the normal operation mode.

  The fuel cell system according to the present invention is useful as a fuel cell system that can be operated with relaxed operation permission conditions after an abnormal stop or during maintenance.

It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of schematic structure of the fuel cell system of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the control apparatus of the fuel cell system of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the temperature rise characteristic of a reformer, a transformer, and a purifier with the elapsed time from the starting start time (t0) of the hydrogen generator mounted in the fuel cell system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention as a horizontal axis. is there. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation program of the control apparatus of the fuel cell system of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation program of the control apparatus of the fuel cell system of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation program of the control apparatus of the fuel cell system of Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

27 Control unit 28 Storage unit 29 Input / output device 30 Timer 100 Reformer 101 Reforming catalyst body 102 Reforming heater 103 Transformer 104 Transformation catalyst body 105 Purifier 106 CO selective oxidation catalyst body 107 Raw material supply apparatus 108 One water supply device 109 Second water supply device 110 Solenoid valve 111 Combustion fan 113 Transformer heater 114 Purifier heater 115 Reformer temperature detector 116 Transformer temperature detector 117 Purifier temperature detector 118 Hydrogen generator 200 Oxidant supply device 201 Air supply device 202 Oxidizing side humidifier 203 Fuel cell main body 204 Switching valve 206 Solenoid valve 300 Fuel cell system 301 First fuel passage 302 Second fuel passage 303 First reformed gas passage 304 Second Reformed gas passage 305 Third reformed gas passage
306 First branch passage 307 Second branch passage 308 First water passage 309 Second water passage 310 Third water passage 311 First air passage 312 Second air passage

Claims (13)

A raw material supply device for supplying raw materials;
A water supply device for supplying water;
A hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen-containing fuel by reacting the raw material with the water;
An oxidant supply device for supplying an oxidant;
A fuel cell that generates electricity using the fuel generated by the hydrogen generator and the oxidant supplied by the oxidant supply device;
A fuel cell system comprising at least a control device,
A normal operation mode and a special operation mode,
The control device controls to continue or stop the operation of the fuel cell system according to whether or not the first operation permission condition is satisfied in the normal operation mode;
In the special operation mode, the fuel cell is controlled so as to continue or stop the operation of the fuel cell system depending on whether or not a second operation permission condition relaxed from the first operation permission condition is satisfied. system. A temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the hydrogen generator;
A timer for measuring the operating time of the hydrogen generator, at least,
The first operation permission condition is whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator exceeds a first predetermined temperature during a first predetermined period after satisfying a specific condition,
The second operation permission condition is whether or not the temperature of the hydrogen generator exceeds a first predetermined temperature during a second predetermined period after satisfying a specific condition,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined period is longer than the first predetermined period. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the second predetermined period is not less than twice and not more than three times the first predetermined period. The hydrogen generator is
A reformer that reacts the raw material with the water to produce a gas containing hydrogen;
A transformer for reducing carbon monoxide in the gas supplied from the reformer by a shift reaction,
The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the temperature detector detects a temperature of at least one of the reformer and the transformer. Further, a purifier for reducing the carbon monoxide concentration in the gas supplied from the transformer by a selective oxidation reaction,
The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the temperature detector detects a temperature of at least one of the reformer, the transformer, and the purifier. Furthermore, at least a heater for heating the hydrogen generator,
The control device is a fuel cell system in which the hydrogen generator is heated by the heater,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the control device increases a heating amount by the heater in the special operation mode. The hydrogen generator is
A reformer for reforming the raw material;
A reforming heater for heating the reformer,
The control device is a fuel cell system for heating the reformer by the reforming heater,
2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls to increase a heating amount by the reforming heater in the special operation mode. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls to increase a supply amount of the raw material from the raw material supply device in the special operation mode. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein the reforming heater burns fuel exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the control device performs control so as to reduce an amount of water supplied by the water supply device in the special operation mode. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell system is configured to allow an operator to select the normal operation mode and the special operation mode. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein at the time of start-up after operation is stopped due to a power failure, the control device performs operation by selecting a special operation mode. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, further comprising at least a display device that displays a state of the fuel cell system, wherein when the special operation mode is selected, the display device displays the fact.

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