JP2006331656A - Water supply device of fuel cell system, and water supply device of apparatus system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water supply device of a fuel cell system, advantageous for handling an abnormality when the abnormality occurs in a water supplementation means, and to provide an apparatus system. <P>SOLUTION: This water supply device of a system is provided with a tank 1 having a storage chamber 10 capable of storing water; a water supply passage 2 for supplying water in the storage chamber 10 to water consumption parts 100 and 200 of the system; and water supplementation means 3 and 4 for executing a water supplementation operation for supplementing water to the storage chamber 10. The water supply device is also provided with an abnormality determination means 6 for determining that abnormality is occuring in the water supplementation means 3, and 4 when a water supply amount to the storage chamber 10 by a positive water supplementation operation of the water supplementation means 3 and 4 is smaller than the water draining amount from the storage chamber 10 in a reference period, under the condition where the water in the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the water consumption parts 100 and 200 via the water supply passage 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water supply device for a fuel cell system and a water supply device for an equipment system.

Conventionally, a water supply device of a fuel cell system generally has a tank having a storage chamber capable of storing water, a water supply channel for supplying water of the storage chamber to a water consumption part of the fuel cell system, and water in the storage chamber. And a control valve functioning as a water replenishing means for replenishing water (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2). For example, there is a reformer as a water consumption part of the fuel cell system. In this case, the water in the storage chamber is supplied to a reformer or the like and consumed for the steam reforming reaction in the reformer.
JP 2003-288936 A JP 2004-327170 A

  According to the water supply device of the fuel cell system described above, the control valve that functions as a water replenishing means for replenishing the storage chamber is an industrial product, and it cannot be said that there is no possibility of occurrence of abnormalities such as foreign object biting. . In this case, water leaks to the storage chamber through the control valve even though a command for closing the control valve is output from the control device. For this reason, when the amount of leakage is large, the tank is always full, and there is a possibility that the tank overflows.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a water supply device for a fuel cell system and a water supply device for an equipment system, which are advantageous for dealing with an abnormality occurring in water replenishment means represented by a control valve or the like. The issue is to provide.

A water supply device for a fuel cell system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a tank having a storage chamber capable of storing water, a water supply channel for supplying water in the storage chamber to a water consumption part of the fuel cell system, and water in the storage chamber. A water supply device for a fuel cell system, comprising a water replenishing means for performing a water replenishment operation to replenish
Under the condition that the water in the storage chamber is supplied to the water consuming part of the fuel cell system via the water supply channel, the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber by the active water replenishment operation of the water replenishment means is within the reference time within the reference time. When there is a difference in the amount of water discharged from the water, the water replenishing means is provided with an abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormality has occurred.

A water supply device for an apparatus system according to the present invention of aspect 2 includes a tank having a storage chamber capable of storing water, a water supply channel for supplying water in the storage chamber to a water consumption unit of the system, and replenishing the storage chamber with water. In a water supply apparatus of an equipment system comprising a water replenishment means for performing a water replenishment operation,
Under the condition that the water in the storage chamber is supplied to the water consumption part of the equipment system via the water supply channel, the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber by the active water replenishment operation of the water replenishing means is reduced from the storage chamber within the reference time. When there is a difference with respect to the amount of discharged water, an abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishing means is provided.

  According to the present invention relating to aspect 1 and aspect 2, the “proactive water replenishment operation of the water replenishing means” is performed by the controller or manual operation of the water replenishing means such as a valve in the direction of supplying water to the storage chamber of the tank. This is the case where the operation is performed. Under the condition that the water in the storage chamber is supplied to the water consumption part of the fuel cell system or the equipment system via the water supply channel, the water level in the storage chamber is lowered unless the water in the storage chamber is supplied.

  Therefore, in spite of supplying the water in the storage chamber to the water consuming part of the fuel cell system or the equipment system through the water supply channel, in other words, a request condition for requesting the water replenishment operation to the storage chamber occurs. However, if the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber by the active water replenishment operation of the water replenishment means is smaller than the amount of water discharged from the storage chamber within the reference time, an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishment means. In spite of the fact that the water supply stop command is output to the water replenishing means, it is assumed that water leaks from the water replenishing means to the storage chamber side. In this case, the abnormality determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishment unit.

  The reference time can be appropriately selected according to the type of system, application, etc., taking into account the ease of detecting abnormalities in the water replenishment means and the suppression of water leakage as much as possible. , Minute level, hour level, day level or month level can be selected.

  According to the present invention, although the water in the storage chamber is supplied to the water consuming part of the fuel cell system or the equipment system via the water supply channel, the water supply to the storage chamber by the active water replenishment operation. When the water supply amount differs from the water discharge amount from the storage chamber (when it is small or large), it is determined by the determination means that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishment means. For this reason, when a malfunction occurs in the water replenishment operation, it is advantageous to deal with the malfunction, and an increase in water cost can be suppressed.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, when the water replenishment operation by the water replenishment means for the storage chamber is not executed for a set time or longer, the abnormality determination means can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishment means. . In this case, the determination means can exemplify a form having a measurement means for measuring a time during which the water replenishment to the storage chamber is not executed by the water replenishment means. In this case, when the measuring unit measures that the water replenishing unit does not replenish the storage chamber with water for a set time or longer, the determining unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishing unit.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the abnormality determination means includes a water supply amount WA supplied to the storage chamber by the water replenishment means within the reference time, and a water discharge amount discharged from the storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber within the reference time. A mode in which the water balance between the water supply amount and the water discharge amount for the storage chamber is calculated based on WB, and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishment means based on the calculation result. In this case, the water replenishment means actively replenishes water even though it is calculated that water replenishment to the storage chamber is necessary based on the water balance between the water supply amount WA and the water discharge amount WB within the reference time. When the operation is not sufficient (for example, when the water replenishment command by the water replenishing means is not executed within the reference time by the control device), the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishing means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to exemplify a form in which the tank has an overflow portion that causes water to overflow. In this case, if the storage chamber is filled so that water overflows from the overflow portion of the tank, the amount of water in this full state is a fixed value, so that it can be set as the calculation reference water amount of the storage chamber.

  According to the present invention, the abnormality determining means can exemplify a form in which the water replenishing means is operated at least once when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishing means such as the control valve. In this case, when foreign matter or the like is caught in the water replenishing means such as the control valve, it can be expected that the foreign matter or the like is discharged from the water replenishing means.

  According to the present invention, the water replenishing means can be exemplified as having a control valve for supplying water directly or indirectly to the storage chamber. “Indirect supply” means that the control valve supplies water to the storage chamber via another element such as a water purification unit. In this case, based on the opening amount (opening area) of the control valve and the opening time of the control valve, basically, the water supply amount WA supplied to the storage chamber via the control valve can be obtained by calculation. In addition, a flow rate sensor for measuring the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber and a flow rate sensor for measuring the amount of water discharged from the storage chamber are provided, and based on this flow rate sensor, the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber within the reference time The form which calculates | requires WA and water discharge amount WB can be illustrated.

  Further, according to the present invention, the water replenishing means can be exemplified as having a pump for supplying water directly or indirectly to the storage chamber. “Indirect supply” means that the pump supplies water to the storage chamber via another element such as a water purification section. Moreover, when supplying the water of a storage chamber to the water consumption part of a system, the form which uses a pump can be illustrated. In this case, based on the opening degree of the pump and the driving time of the pump, basically, the water supply amount WA and the water discharge amount WB within the reference time flowing through the pump can be obtained by calculation.

  Further, according to the present invention, the water replenishing means can be exemplified as having a water recovery system for recovering water in a device system such as a fuel cell system. Furthermore, the form which has the water purification part which purifies at least one part of the collection | recovery water collect | recovered with the water collection | recovery system or tap water can be illustrated. As a water recovery system, the form which condenses the gas containing water vapor | steam in a condenser and collect | recovers as condensed water can be illustrated. In this case, the amount of water generated as condensed water, that is, the amount of recovered water based on the parameters such as the temperature ta of the gas containing water vapor condensed in the condenser, the temperature tb of the condenser, and the humidity ca of the gas containing water vapor Can be obtained by calculation. A tap water supply system can be illustrated as a water replenishment means. It is preferable to determine the abnormality of the control valve provided in the tap water supply system because the tap water is likely to be mixed with foreign substances. In addition, when the recovered water of the system is insufficient, it can be supplemented with tap water.

  According to the present invention, the water purification unit may be any unit that can purify water, and at least one of a filter function that removes foreign matters contained in water and a pure water purification function that increases the purity of water. You can have one. Moreover, according to this invention, the water replenishment means can illustrate the form which replenishes the water of a hot water tank system. In this case, water in the hot water tank system can be effectively used as a water source for the tank, so that it is not necessary to newly install another water source.

  Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. A water supply device of a fuel cell system is connected to a tank 1 having a storage chamber 10 capable of storing water and a reformer 100 or a humidifier 200 as a water consuming part of the fuel cell system. A water supply path 2 for supplying water in the storage chamber 10 of the tank 1, a first water replenishing means 3 having a function of indirectly replenishing the storage chamber 10 with water, and a function of directly replenishing the storage chamber 10 with water And a second water replenishing means 4.

  In the upper part of the tank 1, an overflow portion 11 that overflows the water in the storage chamber 10 is formed. When the water level of the storage chamber 10 rises from the lower side to the height position of the overflow portion 11, the water overflows from the overflow portion 11, so that the water level of the storage chamber 10 may actually exceed the height position of the overflow portion 11. Absent. Further, a water level detection sensor 12 that detects a drop in the water level of the storage chamber 10 is provided at the lower portion of the tank 1. The water level detection sensor 12 has a function of detecting the lower limit of the water level of the storage chamber 10 and a function of detecting the upper limit of the water level of the storage chamber 10.

  The water supply path 2 is provided with a pump 20 as a conveyance source, a flow rate sensor 21 that detects the amount of water flowing through the water supply path 2, and a second control valve 22 that can be opened and closed. As the flow rate sensor 21, a detection method is not particularly limited, and a known method can be adopted. An electromagnetic flow rate sensor or a volumetric flow rate sensor may be used, or a differential pressure before and after a throttle hole such as an orifice may be used per unit time. A flow sensor for detecting the flow rate may be used. According to the flow rate sensor 21, it is possible to detect the water discharge amount WB <b> 1 in which the water in the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 (water consumption unit) via the water supply channel 2.

  The first water replenishing means 3 includes a first water replenishment path 31 connected to a water pipe (or exhaust heat recovery line) that functions as a water supply source, and a first control valve 33 that can be opened and closed provided in the first water replenishment path 31. And have. When the first control valve 33 is opened, water is supplied from the first water replenishment path 31 to the inlet 42 i of the water purification unit 42 and further supplied to the storage chamber 10 via the water purification unit 42. The amount of water in the water purification unit 42 is limited to a certain amount, and a larger amount of water is sent from the communication path 43 to the storage chamber 10 of the tank 1. Accordingly, the amount corresponding to the amount of water newly supplied to the water purification unit 42 is sent from the communication passage 43 to the storage chamber 10 of the tank 1.

  The second water replenishing means 4 has a recovery path 40 (water recovery system) including a condenser 45 and a water purification unit 42 provided at the tip of the recovery path 40. The water purification unit 42 has at least one function of removing foreign substances contained in water and a function of increasing the purity of water. In order to increase the durability of the catalyst used for the reforming reaction in the reformer 100, it is preferable that the purity of water is high. Therefore, the water purification function by the water purification unit 42 is important. The humidifier 200 humidifies at least one of the fuel and the oxidizer of the fuel cell. In order to prevent contamination of the inside of the fuel cell, particularly the electrode catalyst and the electrolyte, and to increase the durability of the fuel cell, it is preferable to increase the purity of water. For this reason, the water whose purity has been increased by the water purification unit 42 is supplied to the storage chamber 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water purification unit 42 and the storage chamber 10 are connected via a communication path 43. As shown in FIG. 1, a condenser 45 that condenses a gas containing water vapor used in the system (for example, an oxidant off-gas after power generation reaction discharged from a fuel cell) to generate condensed water is provided in a recovery path 40. Is provided. Furthermore, a condenser water level detection sensor 46 that detects the water level of the condensed water in the condenser 45 is provided in the condenser 45. When the condensed water level detection sensor 46 detects that a predetermined amount of condensed water has accumulated in the condenser 45, the third control valve 47 is opened, and the condensed water is supplied to the water purification unit 42 as recovered water. . According to the present embodiment, the amount of water supplied from the third control valve 47 is smaller than the amount of water supplied from the first control valve 33. Therefore, measures against water leakage with respect to the first control valve 33 are significant.

  According to the present embodiment, the control device 6 that can function as the abnormality determination means is provided. The control device 6 is connected to the pump 20, the flow rate sensor 21, the first control valve 33, the second control valve 22, the third control valve 47, the water level detection sensor 12, and the condensed water level detection sensor 46. As a result, detection signals from the flow rate sensor 21, the water level detection sensor 12, and the condensed water level detection sensor 46 are input to the control device 6. The control device 6 outputs command signals for controlling the pump 20, the first control valve 33, the second control valve 22, and the third control valve 47, respectively.

  According to this embodiment, when the second control valve 22 is opened and the pump 20 is driven, the water in the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 via the water supply channel 2. In this case, the water level in the storage chamber 10 is lowered. When the actual water level in the storage chamber 10 falls below the reference water level L in the storage chamber 10, the water level detection sensor 12 detects this, and a detection signal is output from the water level detection sensor 12 to the control device 6. Then, the control device 6 outputs a signal for opening the first control valve 33 and opens the first control valve 33.

  When the first control valve 33 is thus opened, water is supplied from the first water replenishment path 31 to the inlet 42 i of the water purification unit 42. Furthermore, the water whose purity has been increased by the water purification unit 42 is supplied to the storage chamber 10 via the communication path 43, and thus the water level of the storage chamber 10 becomes high. Thus, when the water level of the storage chamber 10 becomes high, the control device 6 outputs a signal for closing the first control valve 33 based on the signal from the water level detection sensor 12 and the like, and closes the first control valve 33. When the first control valve 33 is closed in this way, the supply of water from the first water replenishment path 31 to the water purification unit 42 is stopped.

  As described above, the first control valve 33 opens as the water level in the storage chamber 10 decreases. That is, as the water is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 through the water supply path 2, the water level in the storage chamber 10 is lowered and the first control valve 33 is opened. Therefore, although the water in the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 via the water supply channel 2, the storage chamber by the first control valve 33 to the storage chamber 10 within the reference time. When the water supply amount to 10 is smaller than the water discharge amount discharged from the storage chamber 10, an abnormality has occurred in the first control valve 33, and it is expected that the first control valve 33 is not sufficiently closed. .

  In this case, due to the influence of the water flowing through the first water replenishment path 31, there is a possibility that the first control valve 33 bites foreign matter, and there is a possibility that the complete closure of the first control valve 33 is restricted. . In this case, although the control device 6 outputs a signal for closing the first control valve 33 to the first control valve 33, the first control valve 33 is not sufficiently closed and opened to some extent. become. In this way, if an abnormality occurs in the first control valve 33, water continuously leaks from the first control valve 33, so that the water is purified through the first control valve 33 and the first water replenishment path 31. The unit 42 is continuously supplied for a long time. As a result, the water purified by the water purification unit 42 is continuously supplied to the storage chamber 10 through the communication path 43 for a long time. In this case, the purified water continues to overflow from the overflow portion 11 of the tank 1, which may increase the water cost. Furthermore, the water purification unit 42 purifies water more than necessary, which is not preferable in terms of extending the life of the water purification unit 42.

  In the case described above, the water level in the storage chamber 10 is the reference even though the second control valve 22 is opened and the water in the tank 1 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 via the water supply channel 2. It does not drop below the water level L. For this reason, although the water in the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200, the water level detection sensor 12 continues to output an off signal. That is, the water level detection sensor 12 does not output a signal for lowering the water level to the control device 6 for a long time. As a result, the water supply command for opening the first control valve 33 and supplying water to the water purification unit 42 is not output from the control device 6 to the first control valve 33 for a long time.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the operation of opening the first control valve 33 is performed for the set time even though the water in the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 via the water supply channel 2. When not executed for t1 or more, the control device 6 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first control valve 33 and outputs an abnormality signal. Here, the set time t1 can be defined in advance according to the type of fuel cell system or the operating condition. When the abnormal signal is output in this way, the control device 6 gives an alarm with an alarm device, or interrupts or stops the operation of the fuel cell system. The abnormal signal may be output immediately after the set time t1 has elapsed. Alternatively, the number of repetitions for measuring the set time t1 is set as NA, and the abnormality 1 is detected without interrupting or stopping the operation of the fuel cell system until the number of measurements for the set time t1 reaches the number of repetitions NA. The next judgment is made and a preliminary warning is given by an alarm device. Then, when the number of measurement times of the set time t1 reaches the reference number NA, the abnormality may be secondarily determined, and the operation of the fuel cell system may be interrupted or stopped.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a flowchart of a control law executed by the control device 6. Of course, the control law is not limited to this flowchart. As shown in FIG. 2, the flowchart is executed with the start of operation of the fuel cell system. First, the measurement time t is initialized to 0 (step S102). Next, measurement of the measurement time t is started (step S104). Next, it is determined whether or not the water level in the storage chamber 10 is lower than the reference water level L. That is, it is determined whether or not the water level detection sensor 12 is on (step S106). Here, when the water level of the storage chamber 10 is lower than the reference water level L, the water level detection sensor 12 is turned on.

  Here, when the 1st control valve 33 closes normally, the 1st control valve 33 can stop water supply by the instruction | command of the control apparatus 6. FIG. In this case, the water level of the storage chamber 10 is lowered as usual with the supply of water to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200, so the water level detection sensor 12 is turned on. When the water level detection sensor 12 is turned on in this way, it is estimated that the first control valve 33 is normal and not abnormal. In this case, since the first control valve 33 is normal, the process returns from step S106 to step S102, the measurement time t is initialized again to 0, and the measurement of the measurement time t is restarted.

  However, when an abnormality such as a foreign matter biting has occurred in the first control valve 33, the first control valve 33 does not close normally, and the first control valve 33 remains open to some extent as described above. In other words, with the water supply to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200, the first control valve 33 is opened to some extent although the water level in the storage chamber 10 is inherently lowered, so the first control is performed. Water is continuously supplied to the water purification unit 42 and thus to the storage chamber 10 via the valve 33 and the first water replenishment path 31, the water level of the storage chamber 10 does not drop below the reference water level L, and the water level detection sensor 12 is long. Will remain off over time.

  In the case described above, since the water level detection sensor 12 is not turned on in the determination in step S106 and the off state is continued, the process proceeds from step S106 to step S108. Then, the actual measurement time t is compared with the set time t1 (step S108). When the actual measurement time t is less than the set time t1, it is not determined to be abnormal, and the detection state of the water level detection sensor 12 is continuously detected (step S106). On the other hand, when the actual measurement time t is equal to or longer than the set time t1, an abnormality determination signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the first control valve 33 is output (step S110).

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a flowchart of another control law executed by the control device 6. Of course, the control law is not limited to this flowchart. As shown in FIG. 3, this control law is executed at the start of operation of the fuel cell system. First, the measurement time t is initialized to 0, and the count number K is initialized to 0 (step SA102). Next, measurement of the measurement time t is started (step SA104). Next, it is determined whether or not the water level detection sensor 12 is on (step SA106).

  Here, as described above, although the water in the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200, foreign matter biting or the like occurs in the first control valve 33, and the first control valve When 33 does not close normally, the first control valve 33 is open to some extent. For this reason, water is continuously supplied to the water purification unit 42 and thus the storage chamber 10 via the first control valve 33, and the water level of the storage chamber 10 does not fall below the reference water level L. In this case, since the water level detection sensor 12 is kept off, the process proceeds from step SA106 to step SA108. Then, the actual measurement time t is compared with the set time t1 (step SA108). When the actual measurement time t is less than the set time t1, the detection of the state of the water level detection sensor 12 is continued (step SA106).

  On the other hand, when the actual measurement time t is equal to or longer than the set time t1, it is determined whether or not the number of times that the set time t1 has been exceeded exceeds the set number of times NA (step SA110). If the count number K is equal to or less than the set number NA, the abnormality is primarily determined (step SA112) and an alarm signal is output, but the operation of the fuel cell system is not stopped. Then, the count number K, which means the number of abnormalities, is incremented by 1 (step SA114). Furthermore, the measurement time t is initialized to 0 (step SA116), the process returns to step SA104, and measurement of the measurement time t is resumed. If it is determined in step SA110 that the count number K exceeds the set number NA, the abnormality is secondarily determined and an abnormality determination signal is output (step SA122). In this case, the operation of the fuel cell system is stopped (step SA124).

  FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the second embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the first embodiment. Even in this embodiment, the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber 10 is maintained in the storage chamber 10 even though the water in the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 of the fuel cell system via the water supply channel 2. When the amount of water discharged from 10 is smaller, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the first control valve 33, and the opening / closing operation of the first control valve 33 (corresponding to a foreign substance discharge operation) is repeated a set number of times. .

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, after step SA116, the opening and closing of the first control valve 33 is repeated a set number of times (step SA118). If the opening and closing operation of the first control valve 33 is repeated in this way, the possibility that the foreign matter biting into the first control valve 33 can be discharged and removed increases. The operation of repeatedly opening and closing the first control valve 33 a set number of times is not limited to after step SA116, but may be after step SA114 or after step SA112. If the same opening / closing operation is repeated for the third control valve 47, the possibility that the foreign matter biting into the third control valve 47 can be discharged and removed increases.

  FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, a hot water tank system 7 is provided for storing exhaust heat in the fuel cell system as hot water. The first water replenishment path 31 is connected to the branch portion 7 x of the hot water tank system 7. The hot water tank system 7 is provided in the circulating water path 74, a hot water tank 71 having a hot water storage room 70, a circulation water channel 74 that connects an outlet port 72 at the lower part of the hot water storage room 70, and an inlet port 73 at the upper part of the hot water tank 71. And a heat exchanger 75. The heat exchanger 75 includes a heat exchange part 75 a provided in the circulation water channel 74 and a heat exchange part 77 a provided in the exhaust heat circuit 77. The heat exchanging unit 77a is relatively hotter than the heat exchanging unit 75a, and the heat of the heat exchanging unit 77a is transmitted to the heat exchanging unit 75a. When the hot water in the hot water tank 71 is discharged from the discharge port 78 and used, the water level in the hot water tank 71 is lowered. In this case, replenishment water such as tap water is supplied from the replenishment port 76 into the hot water tank 71.

  In general, the temperature of the water stored in the lower part of the hot water tank 71 is relatively lower than the temperature of the water stored in the upper part of the hot water tank 71. In this way, water having a relatively low temperature in the hot water storage tank 71 is discharged from the outlet port 72, passed through the circulation water channel 74, received heat by the heat exchanger 75, and then heated to enter the hot water storage from the inlet port 73. Return to the hot water storage chamber 70 of the tank 71. Then, the water flowing through the circulation water channel 74 is supplied to the inlet 42 i of the water purification unit 42 via the first water replenishment channel 31 and the first control valve 33 by the branching unit 7 x.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the water in the hot water tank 71 is supplied to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 of the fuel cell system via the water purification unit 42 and the tank 1, and the reformer 100 or the humidifier is supplied. 200 is consumed. According to the present embodiment, the first water replenishment path 31 constituting the first water replenishing means 3 uses a hot water tank 71 that can store hot water as a water source, and the water stored in the hot water storage chamber 70 of the hot water tank 71. Is replenished to the storage chamber 10 via the water purification unit 42, so that the water in the hot water tank 71 can be used effectively, and it is advantageous that a water source for the first water replenishment path 31 is not required. Even when the system is used in a cold region or the like, the water in the hot water tank 71 for storing hot water is generally less likely to be at a lower temperature than other water sources, so that excessively low water is purified. The trouble which supplies to the part 42, the tank 1, the reformer 100, or the humidifier 200 is suppressed. Further, generally, the hot water storage chamber 70 of the hot water storage tank 71 has a large volume, and even if the water level in the hot water storage tank 71 is lowered, water is replenished from the replenishment port 76 into the hot water storage tank 71. There is no hindrance. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the outlet port 72 connected to the first water replenishment path 31 is formed in the lower part of the hot water tank 71. Therefore, the water in the hot water storage chamber 70 is supplied to the tank 1 through the first water replenishment path 31 with the lower side water having a relatively lower temperature than the upper side in the hot water storage chamber 70. For this reason, the amount of warm water used in the hot water storage chamber 70 does not become excessive, and the original hot water storage function of the hot water storage tank 71 is not impaired. Further, since the recovered water is almost covered by the recovered water during steady operation, the operation frequency of the valve 33 is low, and there is a high possibility of malfunction due to foreign matter, etc. Further, when tap water is used, foreign matter is more likely to be mixed. In order to protect the fuel cell and the reformer, it is important that the valve 33 detects the abnormality at the time of startup. In this embodiment, the water flowing through the circulation water channel 74 is supplied to the first water replenishment channel 31, but the water in the hot water storage tank 71 may be directly supplied to the first water replenishment channel 31 from the discharge port 78 of the hot water storage tank 71. good.

  6 and 7 show a fourth embodiment. The present embodiment has basically the same configuration and function as the third embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the third embodiment. According to the present embodiment, the water supply amount WA supplied to the storage chamber 10 via the water purification unit 42 within the reference time and the water discharge amount WB discharged from the storage chamber 10 within the reference time are obtained by calculation.

  The water supply amount WA supplied to the storage chamber 10 at the reference time is basically transferred to the storage chamber 10 via the first water replenishment path 31 and the water purification unit 42 by opening the first control valve 33 within the reference time. It is determined based on the sum of the supplied water amount WA1 and the supplied water amount WA2 supplied from the recovery path 40 to the storage chamber 10 via the water purification unit 42 by opening the third control valve 47 within the reference time. .

  The above-described water supply amount WA1 is basically obtained based on the flow path area α1 when the first control valve 33 is opened and the opening time Tα1 of the first control valve 33. The water supply amount WA2 is basically obtained based on the flow path area α3 when the third control valve 47 is opened and the opening time Tα3 of the third control valve 47. Here, the flow path area α1 when the first control valve 33 is opened is a fixed value and is known. The flow path area α3 when the third control valve 47 is opened is a fixed value and is known. Since the opening time Tα1 of the first control valve 33 and the opening time Tα3 of the third control valve 47 correspond to the time when the opening command is output to the control valves 33 and 47 by the control device 6, the internal timer of the control device 6 is used. Detected by function. Therefore, the water supply amount WA (WA = WA1 + WA2) to the tank 1 is obtained by calculation.

  Further, the water discharge amount WB discharged from the storage chamber 10 within the reference time basically corresponds to the water discharge amount WB1 supplied from the water supply channel 2 to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 within the reference time, and the reference time. This is based on the sum total of the water discharge amount WB2 overflowed from the overflow portion 11 inside. The water discharge amount WB1 is obtained by the flow rate sensor 21 of the water supply channel 2. The overflow portion 11 is provided with an overflow sensor 11e that detects the amount of water that has overflowed from the overflow portion 11. The water discharge amount WB2, which is the amount of overflow within the reference time, is detected by the overflow sensor 11e and the overflow time.

  According to the present embodiment, the control device 6 calculates the water balance between the water supply amount WA and the water discharge amount WB for the storage chamber 10 within the reference time. Based on the calculation, it is calculated whether or not a water replenishment operation to the storage chamber 10 is inherently necessary. As a result of the calculation, since the water discharge amount WB is larger than the water supply amount WA by a predetermined amount or more, the controller 6 determines that an active water replenishment operation to the storage chamber 10 is inherently necessary. When the opening command is not output to the first control valve 33, water leaks from the first control valve 33 even though the closing command is output to the first control valve 33, and the leaked water is removed from the water purification unit. It is presumed that leaking into the tank 1 through 42. For this reason, the control device 6 constituting the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first control valve 33.

  That is, it is presumed that the first control valve 33 bites foreign matter and the like, and the closing operation is insufficient. Therefore, the control device 6 outputs an abnormal signal. In this case, an alarm is given by an alarm device, or the operation of the fuel cell system is interrupted or stopped.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a flowchart of a control law executed by the control device 6. The control law is not limited to this flowchart. As shown in FIG. 7, first, this control law is executed with the start of operation of the fuel cell system. Registers and the like are initialized (step SB102). Since the water level of the storage chamber 10 changes, it is preferable to clarify the amount of water that serves as a calculation reference for the water level of the storage chamber 10. Therefore, simultaneously with the start of operation of the fuel cell system, water is supplied to the storage chamber 10 by the first water replenishing means 3 so that the storage chamber 10 becomes full (steps SB104 and SB106). In this case, water is allowed to overflow from the overflow portion 11 of the tank 1. In this way, the amount of water in the storage chamber 10 in the full water state is set as the calculation reference water amount (step SB108).

  Next, signal data for the opening time Tα1 of the first control valve 33 and the opening time Tα3 of the third control valve 47 at the reference time, signal data of the flow sensor 21 regarding the amount of water that has passed through the water supply channel 2 at the reference time, and reference time The signal data of the overflow sensor 11e relating to the amount of water that has passed through the overflow portion 11 is read (step SB110).

  Next, the water supply amount WA1, the water supply amount WA2, the water discharge amount WB1, and the water discharge amount WB2 are obtained by calculation (step SB112). Further, a water balance amount WX (WX = WB−WA) based on the water supply amount WA (WA1 + WA2) and the water discharge amount WB (WB1 + WB2) for the storage chamber 10 is obtained by calculation (step SB114). Next, the water balance amount WX is corrected so that the water balance amount WX becomes more appropriate in consideration of factors such as temperature (step SB116). Next, based on the corrected water balance amount WX ', it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality (step SB118). If the water balance amount WX ′ is smaller than the predetermined value δ, it is determined as normal, and if it is equal to or larger than the predetermined value δ, it is determined as abnormal, an abnormal signal is output (step SB120), and the system operation is stopped (step SB122). . If not abnormal, the process returns to step SB110 and reading of signal data is resumed.

  FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and function as the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the second water replenishing means 4 for replenishing the recovered water to the tank 1 is provided with a second recovery path 50 in addition to the recovery path 40 and the condenser 45. A second condenser 52 connected to 50 is provided. The condensed water condensed in the second condenser 52 is supplied to the water purification unit 42 via the second recovery path 50. Furthermore, the flow sensor 21 in the water supply channel 2 is abolished.

  According to the present embodiment, as in the case of the fourth embodiment, the water supply amount WA supplied to the storage chamber 10 via the water purification unit 42 within the reference time and the discharge from the storage chamber 10 within the reference time. The water discharge amount WB is obtained by calculation.

  The water supply amount WA supplied to the storage chamber 10 at the reference time is basically transferred to the storage chamber 10 via the first water replenishment path 31 and the water purification unit 42 by opening the first control valve 33 within the reference time. The supplied water amount WA1 and the water amount WA2 supplied from the recovery path 40 to the storage chamber 10 through the water purification unit 42 by opening the third control valve 47 within the reference time, and the second condensation within the reference time. It is determined based on the sum total with the water supply amount WA3 of the condensed water collected by the vessel 52.

  As described above, the water supply amount WA1 is basically obtained based on the flow path area α1 when the first control valve 33 is opened and the opening time Tα1 of the first control valve 33. The water supply amount WA2 is basically obtained based on the flow path area α3 when the third control valve 47 is opened and the opening time Tα3 of the third control valve 47. As described above, the opening time Tα1 of the first control valve 33 and the opening time Tα3 of the third control valve 47 correspond to the time when the opening command is output by the control device 6, and are thus obtained by the control device 6.

  Further, the water supply amount WA3 from the second condenser 52 is basically the flow rate va of the oxidant off-gas containing the water vapor supplied to the second condenser 52 and the oxidation containing the water vapor condensed in the second condenser 52. It is obtained by calculation based on each parameter such as the temperature ta of the oxidant off gas and the humidity ca of the oxidant off gas. It can be considered that the water supply amount WA3 corresponding to the amount of condensed water condensed in the second condenser 52 is supplied to the water purification unit 42 via the second recovery path 50. Note that the oxidant off-gas containing water vapor can be regarded as saturated water vapor, and in this case, the humidity of the oxidant off-gas need not be detected. As a result, the water supply amount WA, which is the sum of the water supply amounts WA1, WA2, and WA3, is obtained by calculation.

  As described above, the water discharge amount WB discharged from the storage chamber 10 within the reference time is basically the water discharge amount WB1 supplied from the water supply channel 2 to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 within the reference time. And the sum of the water discharge amount WB2 that is the amount of water overflowed from the overflow portion 11 within the reference time. Since the flow rate sensor 21 of the water supply channel 2 is abolished, the water discharge amount WB1 from the water supply channel 2 is basically determined by the pump 20 at the reference time and the opening degree β (known) of the pump 20 of the water supply channel 2. It is obtained based on the driving time Tβ. As described above, the water discharge amount WB2 overflowed from the overflow portion 11 of the tank 1 within the reference time is obtained by the overflow sensor 11e.

  According to the present embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the control device 6 performs the water balance amount WX between the water supply amount WA and the water discharge amount WB for the storage chamber 10 within the reference time (WX = water supply amount WA−discharge). The amount of water WB) is obtained by calculation. And based on a calculation result, it is calculated whether the water replenishment operation to the storage chamber 10 is fundamentally required. As a result of the calculation, when the water discharge amount WB is larger than the water supply amount WA by a predetermined amount or more within the reference time, the control device 6 is calculated even though it is calculated that the water supply operation to the storage chamber 10 is inherently necessary. When the first control valve 33 is not opened by the command, the control device 6 constituting the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first control valve 33. In this case, since the foreign matter is discharged from the first control valve 33, the opening / closing operation of the first control valve 33 can be repeated a set number of times.

FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and effect as the fifth embodiment described above. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG.
Since the tank 1 has a large volume that does not actually overflow, it is needless to consider the amount of overflow. Also in the present embodiment, the water supply amount WA supplied to the storage chamber 10 at the reference time basically passes through the first water replenishment path 31 and the water purification unit 42 by opening the first control valve 33 within the reference time. The water supply amount WA1 supplied to the storage chamber 10 via the water supply amount WA2 supplied to the storage chamber 10 from the recovery path 40 via the water purification unit 42 by opening the third control valve 47 within the reference time, and the reference It is determined based on the sum total with the water supply amount WA3 by the condensed water collected by the second condenser 52 within the time.

  Further, the water discharge amount WB discharged from the storage chamber 10 within the reference time is basically based on the water discharge amount WB1 supplied from the water supply channel 2 to the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 within the reference time. Since the flow rate sensor 21 of the water supply channel 2 is abolished, the water discharge amount WB1 from the water supply channel 2 is basically determined by the pump 20 at the reference time and the opening degree β (known) of the pump 20 of the water supply channel 2. It is obtained based on the driving time Tβ.

  According to the present embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, the control device 6 calculates the water balance between the water supply amount WA and the water discharge amount WB for the storage chamber 10 within the reference time. Based on the calculation, it is calculated whether or not a water replenishment operation to the storage chamber 10 is inherently necessary. As a result of the calculation, when the water discharge amount WB is larger than the water supply amount WA by a predetermined amount or more, the first control valve 33 is opened although it is calculated that the water replenishment operation to the storage chamber 10 is inherently necessary. When not operated, the control device 6 constituting the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first control valve 33.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart according to the seventh embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and function as the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the fourth embodiment. In this case, when the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber 10 by the aggressive water replenishment operation of the water replenishment means is larger than the amount of water discharged from the storage chamber 10 within the reference time, an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishment means. Is provided. Here, the input water supply amount: WA (= WA1 + WA2), and the output water discharge amount WB (= WB1 + WB2).

  Here, the state of the water discharge amount WB1 supplied from the hot water storage chamber 10 of the tank 1 (WA1 = WA1 = WA1 = While the control valves 33 and 47 remain closed without questioning whether or not water is discharged. When WA2 = 0), the case where the overflow sensor 11e continues to detect the overflow amount is unusual, and the time t2 is a time to ignore the overflow detection after the valves 33 and 47 are opened. A buffer time is provided so that the overflow sensor 11e does not detect the overflow amount for a certain time after opening 47. Time t1 is an abnormality determination time when overflow is continuously detected, and is set in advance. First, it is determined whether any of the valves 33 and 47 is open (step SD102), and if it is open, it is counted for a set time t2, and the overflow sensor 11e is discharging water due to overflow. Then, the timer is initialized and the count is started (step SD106), and it is further determined whether the overflow sensor 11e detects the overflow and is discharging water from the tank 1 (step SD108). If there is, the timer count ends (step SD110) If the counted time is equal to or longer than the set time t1, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

(Other examples)
According to the first embodiment described above, the first water replenishment path 31 may be connected to the hot water tank system, and the water in the hot water tank system may be supplied to the tank 1 via the first water replenishment path 31. According to Example 1 described above, the reformer 100 or the humidifier 200 is used as the water consuming part of the fuel cell system. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other type may be used as long as it uses water. . In all the embodiments, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the foreign matter is discharged from the first control valve 33. Therefore, the opening / closing operation of the first control valve 33 can be repeated a set number of times. In each embodiment, the amount of water overflowing from the overflow portion 11 may be detected by a flow sensor 11 e provided in the overflow portion 11. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope not departing from the gist.

  The present invention can be used for, for example, fuel cell systems for stationary use, vehicles, electrical equipment, electronic equipment, and other equipment systems such as cogeneration systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a water supply device of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control law according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another control law according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another control law according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a water supply device of a fuel cell system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a water supply device of a fuel cell system according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control law according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a water supply device of a fuel cell system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a water supply device of a fuel cell system according to Example 6. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control law according to the seventh embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 is a tank, 10 is a hot water storage room, 11 is an overflow part, 11e is an overflow sensor, 12 is a water level detection sensor, 2 is a water supply path, 20 is a pump, 21 is a flow sensor, 22 is a 2nd control valve, 3 is 1st Water replenishment means, 31 is a first water replenishment path, 33 is a first control valve, 4 is a second water replenishment means, 40 is a recovery path (water recovery system), 42 is a water purifier, 43 is a communication path, 45 is Condenser, 47 is a third control valve, 6 is a control device (abnormality determination means), 100 is a reformer (water consumption unit), and 200 is a humidifier (water consumption unit).

Claims (9)

A tank having a storage chamber capable of storing water;
A water supply channel for supplying water in the storage chamber to the water consumption part of the fuel cell system;
A water supply device for a fuel cell system, comprising water replenishing means for performing a water replenishment operation for replenishing water in the storage chamber;
Under the condition of supplying the water in the storage chamber to the water consuming unit through the water supply channel, the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber by the positive water replenishment operation of the water replenishing means is within the reference time. A water supply device for a fuel cell system, comprising: an abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishing means when the amount of water discharged from the chamber differs.   2. The abnormality determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality replenishing unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishing unit when the water replenishment operation by the water replenishing unit to the storage chamber is not executed for a set time or longer. A water supply device for a fuel cell system.   2. The abnormality determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the water supply amount WA supplied to the storage chamber by the water replenishment unit within a reference time, and the water discharge amount WB discharged from the storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber within a reference time. The water supply of the fuel cell system is characterized in that a water balance between the water supply amount and the water discharge amount for the storage chamber is calculated based on the calculation result, and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishing means based on the calculation result. apparatus.   In Claim 3, The said tank has the overflow part which overflows water, It fills up so that water may overflow from the said overflow part of the said tank, and the amount of water of this full state is the calculation reference | standard water quantity of the said storage chamber A water supply device for a fuel cell system, characterized in that   In any 1 item | term of the Claims 1-4, When the said abnormality determination means determines with abnormality having generate | occur | produced in the said water replenishment means, the said water replenishment means is operated at least once, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. A water supply system for a fuel cell system.   6. The water supply apparatus for a fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the water replenishing means includes a water recovery system for recovering water in the fuel cell system.   7. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the water replenishing unit includes a water purification unit that purifies at least one of tap water and recovered water. Water supply device.   8. The water supply device of a fuel cell system for supplying according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water replenishing means replenishes hot water tank water. A tank having a storage chamber capable of storing water;
A water supply channel for supplying water in the storage chamber to the water consumption part of the equipment system;
In a water supply apparatus of an equipment system comprising a water replenishing means for performing a water replenishment operation for replenishing water in a storage chamber,
Under the condition of supplying the water in the storage chamber to the water consumption part of the equipment system via the water supply channel, the amount of water supplied to the storage chamber by the active water replenishment operation of the water replenishment means is within a reference time. A water supply device for an equipment system, comprising: an abnormality determining unit that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water replenishing unit when the amount of water discharged from the storage chamber differs.

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