JP2007179886A - Fuel cell system for coping with emergency - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system for coping with emergency capable of using a power source by a distributed power generation near an electricity demand site in a form of connected with a commercial power source, capable of independent operation and independent start even if the fuel cell system is cut off from the commercial power source, capable of supplying electricity to houses by avoiding a short circuit accident in a disaster and the like and capable of conducting safe operation by appropriately consuming surplus electrical power owing to fluctuation of household electricity consumption. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system for coping with emergency includes a fuel cell 1 for coping with emergency, an interconnection protection device 2 for controlling interconnection and parallel-off of the fuel cell 1 for coping with emergency and a commercial power source system, a wall socket 6 for outputting generated electric power of a power generation device 4 for supplying electrical power for starting the fuel cell 1 for coping with emergency when the fuel cell 1 for coping with emergency is paralleled off from the commercial power source system and the fuel cell 1 for coping with emergency, a hot water storing tank 5 for storing coolant for heat exchange of heat generation attendant on power generation of the fuel cell 1 for coping with emergency and a loading device 3 for consuming surplus electricity that remains when electrical power generation of the fuel cell 1 for coping with emergency exceeds household electrical power consumption. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an emergency response type fuel cell system that supplies power efficiently and disconnects from a commercial power supply system in the event of a disaster to enable independent power generation.

  In recent years, fuel cells that generate electricity using a reaction that generates water from hydrogen and oxygen have been actively developed as power generation systems with high energy utilization efficiency. The fuel cell system generates hydrogen using fuel gas such as natural gas, city gas, methanol, LPG, and butane and water, and removes the generated hydrogen by using a reformer. Power is supplied to the anode by utilizing the potential difference generated between the anode and the cathode along with the generation of water by reaction with oxygen (air) supplied to the cathode. Since the potential difference generated between the anode and the cathode is usually about 1 V, a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of cells are provided in multiple stages so as to obtain a desired voltage level is used. Among such fuel cell systems, a fuel cell system using a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) provided with an anode and a cathode via a polymer electrolyte membrane. It is particularly attracting attention for home use because of its high power density and easy handling.

Fuel cell systems using such fuel cells include reformers that generate hydrogen from fuel gas, polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), controllers, AC converters, and water to recover heat generated during power generation. Known to be equipped with a heat exchanger that uses hot water as the water stored in the tank and a heat recovery device that includes a storage tank that stores this hot water. A power generation system that is used separately from a commercial power source has been developed. In a fuel cell system used in conjunction with a commercial power source, the control device and auxiliary equipment are driven using commercial power at the time of startup. Here, interconnecting with a commercial power source means interconnecting with the commercial power source. In such a system, when the power consumption (load) becomes smaller than the power generation amount of the fuel cell and surplus power is generated, In order to prevent a reverse power flow phenomenon in which electric power generated by a battery flows into a commercial power source, a system (Patent Document 1) that can accurately process surplus power has been reported. However, in a power generation system that is used in conjunction with a commercial power supply, if an emergency such as a natural phenomenon occurs and the supply of commercial power is stopped, the fuel cell system cannot be activated and generates power. Is impossible. On the other hand, as a portable power generation system, a system in which a hydrogen storage tank is loaded or a secondary battery is installed to cope with a disaster has been reported (Patent Document 2). However, these systems are used as a backup power source for generating power in an emergency when the supply of city gas is stopped, and are not considered to be used as a daily household power source.
JP 2004-213985 A JP-A-8-287933

  The present invention is close to a power demand place that is a demand on the power demand side, so-called on-site power generation, power generation in a depopulated area / remote island, small power generation, high power conversion efficiency power generation, clean energy conversion power generation, etc. The power generated by the type generator can be used in conjunction with the commercial power supply, and even if it is disconnected from the commercial power supply, it can operate independently and start up independently. It is an object of the present invention to provide a disaster response type fuel cell system that can supply a large amount of electric power and that can safely operate by appropriately consuming surplus power due to fluctuations in household power consumption.

  As a result of diligent research to achieve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention connected with commercial power in a normal condition in order to cover household power in a household fuel cell system. When there is a danger of stopping or short-circuiting, the fuel cell is started by disconnecting from commercial power, and an outlet is provided in the fuel cell to supply power to the home. It is difficult to generate power in response to the fluctuations of the power supply immediately, so it is possible to cope with emergencies by generating excessive power more than the power consumed at home, and surplus power is consumed separately by the load device. Also, in the normal power supply, the inventors have obtained the knowledge that the distributed power supply combined with the commercial power supply can be made, and have come to the present invention based on such knowledge.

  That is, the present invention relates to an emergency-ready fuel cell system including an emergency-ready fuel cell that is connected to a commercial power supply system and supplies power to a home, and operates independently when disconnected from the commercial power supply system. Preferably, the emergency response type fuel cell system can be activated using a power generator when disconnected from the commercial power system, and the power generator is a power generator mounted on an automobile. A compatible fuel cell has a connection terminal to the power generator installed in the vehicle. When disconnected from the commercial power system, power can be supplied to the home from the outlet provided in the emergency compatible fuel cell. It is. Further, an emergency response type fuel cell system of the present invention includes an emergency response type fuel cell, a connection protection device that controls connection and disconnection of the emergency response type fuel cell and a commercial power supply system, A power generator that supplies power to start the emergency-response fuel cell when the compatible fuel cell is disconnected from the commercial power system, and an emergency-response model when the emergency-compatible fuel cell is disconnected from the commercial power system The outlet that outputs the power generated by the fuel cell, the hot water storage tank for heat exchange generated by the power generation of the emergency response type fuel cell, and the amount of power generated by the emergency response type fuel cell consumes surplus power that exceeds the power consumption at home. The present invention relates to an emergency response type fuel cell system characterized in that a load device is provided.

  The present invention is close to a power demand place that is a demand on the power demand side, so-called on-site power generation, power generation in a depopulated area / remote island, small power generation, high power conversion efficiency power generation, clean energy conversion power generation, etc. The power generated by the type generator can be used in conjunction with the commercial power supply, and even if it is disconnected from the commercial power supply, it can operate independently and start up independently. Power can be supplied, and surplus power due to fluctuations in household power consumption can be appropriately consumed for safe driving.

  An emergency-ready fuel cell system of the present invention is an emergency-ready fuel cell system including an emergency-ready fuel cell that is connected to a commercial power supply system and supplies power to a home. There are no particular restrictions as long as it is capable of independent operation when queued, for example, an emergency-ready fuel cell, and an interconnection between the emergency-ready fuel cell and a commercial power supply system, Interconnection protection device that controls disconnection, power generation device that supplies power to start the emergency response fuel cell when the emergency response fuel cell is disconnected from the commercial power system, and emergency response fuel cell are commercial An outlet that outputs the power generated by the emergency-response fuel cell when disconnected from the power supply system, a hot water storage tank for exchanging heat generated by the power generation of the emergency-response fuel cell, and power generation by the emergency-response fuel cell The amount exceeds the power consumption at home That surplus power can be made with a load device for consuming.

  As the emergency response type fuel cell used in the emergency response type fuel cell system of the present invention, any one can be used as long as it can generate electric power that can supply power to the home. For example, Alkaline fuel cell (AFC) using potassium hydroxide as electrolyte, phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) using phosphoric acid as electrolyte, solid polymer fuel cell (PEFC) using polymer membrane as electrolyte, electrolyte Examples thereof include a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) using a molten carbonate, and a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using an oxygen conductive solid oxide such as stabilized zirconia as an electrolyte. Among these, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that is small and easy to handle is preferable.

  Such a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is a reforming that generates hydrogen as a fuel using a carbon-containing fuel gas such as hydrocarbon and water, removes carbon monoxide from the reaction mixture gas, and supplies hydrogen. The device is provided with hydrogen and air generated by the reformer, respectively, to the anode and cathode provided through the solid polymer membrane disposed in the cell, and the anode is reacted by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the air. An example of using the potential difference generated between the cathodes can be given, and it is preferable to provide cells in multiple stages as required in order to obtain a desired potential difference. As a carbon-containing fuel gas used for hydrogen generation in such a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, city gas is used in normal times, and in an emergency, a commercial power source and a fuel cell are connected by a connection protection device described later. It is possible to switch to a carbon-containing fuel gas stored in a portable cylinder or stationary tank, etc. along with the disconnection, but it is portable or stationary storage regardless of normal or emergency. It is preferable to use a carbon-containing fuel such as natural gas, methanol, LPG, butane, naphtha, kerosene, etc. stored in the section because piping is not required.

  In addition, the emergency type fuel cell preferably has a connection terminal with a power generator mounted on the automobile when activated by a power generator mounted on the automobile described later. The connection terminal may have any shape.

  The interconnection protection device used in the emergency response type fuel cell system of the present invention controls the interconnection and disconnection between the emergency response type fuel cell and the commercial power supply system, and at the time of normal power supply of the commercial power supply system. The emergency-response type fuel cell is connected to the commercial power supply system, and when the commercial power supply system is stopped, the connection between the emergency-response type fuel cell and the commercial power supply system is disconnected. Here, the commercial power supply system means a commercial power supply, the interconnection with the commercial power supply system means a connection with the commercial power supply, and the disconnection of the interconnection means a disconnection. The interconnection protection device includes a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current from the emergency-response fuel cell to alternating current and supplies alternating current power to the home, and also converts the AC of the commercial power supply system into direct current and fuel. An AC / DC converter is provided to supply the battery. When the emergency-response fuel cell is connected to the commercial power supply system, the emergency-response fuel cell is powered by the power from the commercial power supply system. The power generated by the emergency response type fuel cell is supplied to the home, and the shortage when the power generation amount of the emergency response type fuel cell is insufficient relative to the power consumption in the home is supplied from the commercial power supply system. You may do it.

  In addition, the interconnection protection device is provided with a reverse power relay that prevents the power generation from the emergency-response fuel cell from flowing back to the commercial power supply system, and the power generation amount of the emergency-response fuel cell is the power consumption at home. If the amount is excessive, the adverse effect on the commercial power supply system may be prevented. Further, the interconnection protection device is provided with a comparison detection device for comparing and detecting the power generation amount of the emergency type fuel cell and the power consumption at home, and the commercial power supply system and the fuel cell system are connected. When the amount of power generated by the emergency type fuel cell is less than the amount of power consumed at home, supply the shortage of power from the commercial power system, and the amount of power generated by the emergency type fuel cell is the amount of power consumed at home. In the case where it is larger, surplus power from the emergency response type fuel cell may be supplied to a load device described later. Or, when the commercial power system and the emergency-response fuel cell system are linked, the power supply to the home is the main power from the commercial power system. Alternatively, auxiliary power supply may be performed.

  The power generation device for start-up used in the emergency-response fuel cell system of the present invention supplies power for starting the system including the emergency-response fuel cell that is disconnected from the commercial power supply system in the event of a disaster. As such a power generator, a dynamo as a DC generator, an alternator generator as an AC generator, a lead storage battery, a lithium ion battery, a lithium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a polymer battery, a silver oxide battery, A chemical battery such as an air battery, an alkaline battery, and a manganese battery, a physical battery such as a solar battery, and a nuclear battery can be given, and a capacitor is widely applicable as a device for storing electric power.

  As the power generation device, a power generation device mounted on an automobile can be applied. The power generator mounted on the automobile is preferably an alternator that generates electricity used in the automobile. The on-vehicle power generation device can be connected to the connection terminal provided in the above-mentioned emergency response type fuel cell to start the emergency response type fuel cell.

  In addition, the outlet used in the emergency-response fuel cell system of the present invention is for outputting power from the emergency-response fuel cell that is disconnected from the commercial power supply system in an emergency, and the shape of the outlet is Although it is not particularly defined, it is preferably a JIS standard outlet. Further, although the number of outlets is not particularly defined, it is preferably two or more.

  The hot water storage tank used in the emergency response type fuel cell system of the present invention stores heat exchange water generated by the power generation of the fuel cell and is arranged so as to surround the emergency response type fuel cell. Connected to the road.

  The load device used in the emergency response type fuel cell system of the present invention is a device for consuming surplus power when power is generated more than the power consumption at home in the emergency response type fuel cell. What can be utilized is preferable, and examples of the load device include a heater and a lighting device. Moreover, you may integrate with other apparatuses, such as providing a heater in the said hot water storage tank, or an emergency type fuel cell system main body. Such a load device is not limited to the case where the emergency response type fuel cell is disconnected from the commercial power supply system, and the power generation amount of the emergency response type fuel cell is consumed even when the emergency response type fuel cell is connected. The surplus power exceeding the power may be effectively used.

  Such an emergency response type fuel cell system of the present invention is normally connected to a commercial power supply system, and the emergency response type fuel cell is powered by power from the commercial power supply system. The power generated by the power supply is supplied to the home, and the shortage when the power generation amount of the emergency type fuel cell is insufficient with respect to the power consumption in the home is supplied from the commercial power supply system. Or during normal times, it is connected to the commercial power supply system, and the power from the commercial power supply system is supplied to the home as the main power supply. Power generation may be supplementarily supplied. When the amount of power generated by the emergency response type fuel cell is excessive with respect to the power consumption at home, surplus power is supplied to the load device, and heat generated by the power generation of the emergency response type fuel cell is exchanged by the refrigerant, Effective use of surplus power and heat generated by power generation can be achieved.

  In the event of an emergency such as a disaster, the connection between the emergency-response fuel cell and the commercial power supply system is disconnected by the interconnection protection device, and the emergency-response fuel cell is started up by the power generation device and the power generation to the home Supply power from an electrical outlet. At this time, the emergency response type fuel cell can be started by connecting a connection terminal connected to the power generation device mounted on the automobile provided in the emergency response type fuel cell to the power generation device mounted on the automobile. When surplus power is generated in the amount of power generated by an emergency response type fuel cell relative to the power consumed at home, or the heat generated by the power generation of an emergency response type fuel cell can be used effectively as in the case of grid connection. Even in an emergency when disconnected from the commercial power system, it is possible to stably supply power to the home.

Hereinafter, the emergency response type fuel cell system of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.
[Example 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, the emergency-response fuel cell system of the present invention includes an emergency-response fuel cell 1, an interconnection protection device 2, a load device 3, a power generation device 4, a hot water tank 5, and an outlet 6. It is done. A heater is used as a load device, and this is incorporated into a storage tank and configured as an integral unit. During normal times, a commercial power supply and an emergency type fuel cell are connected, and the fuel cell system is activated using the commercial power supply, as shown by the arrows in the figure. The electric power generated after the start-up is provided to a household load as indicated by an arrow in FIG. In the event of a disaster, as shown in FIG. 3, the interconnection protection device disconnects the fuel cell from the commercial power source, and the emergency response type fuel cell is activated by using the power generation device, as shown by the arrow in the figure. Supply and do. As shown in FIG. 4, the electric power generated after the start-up is output to the household load from the outlet attached to the emergency-response fuel cell body, and the surplus power is consumed by the load device.
[Example 2]
As shown in FIG. 5, the emergency response type fuel cell system of the present invention includes an emergency response type fuel cell 1, a connection protection device 2, a load device 3, a connection terminal 7, and a hot water tank 5. A heater is used as a load device, which is incorporated into a hot water tank and configured as an integral unit. During normal operation, a commercial power supply and an emergency response type fuel cell are connected, and the emergency response type fuel cell system is started up using the commercial power supply as indicated by an arrow in the figure. The electric power generated after startup is provided to a household load as shown by the arrow in FIG. In the event of a disaster, as shown in FIG. 7, the interconnection protection device disconnects the emergency-response fuel cell from the commercial power source, and the emergency-response fuel cell is activated by the on-vehicle power generation device and the emergency-response fuel cell. A connection terminal provided in the terminal is connected, and power is supplied as shown by an arrow in the figure. As shown in FIG. 8, the electric power generated after the start-up is output from the outlet attached to the emergency response type fuel cell body to the household load, and the surplus power is consumed by the load device.

It is a figure which shows the starting state of the normal time in Example 1 of the emergency correspondence type fuel cell system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the normal driving | running state in Example 1 of the emergency correspondence type fuel cell system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the starting state at the time of emergency in Example 1 of the emergency correspondence type fuel cell system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the driving | running state in emergency in Example 1 of the emergency correspondence type fuel cell system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the starting state of the normal time in Example 2 of the emergency correspondence type fuel cell system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the normal driving | running state in Example 2 of the emergency correspondence type fuel cell system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the starting state at the time of emergency in Example 2 of the emergency correspondence type fuel cell system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the driving | running state in emergency in Example 2 of the emergency correspondence type fuel cell system of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Emergency response type fuel cell 2 Linkage protection device 3 Load device 4 Power generation device 5 Hot water tank 6 Outlet 7 Connection terminal

Claims (5)

  An emergency-ready fuel cell system that includes an emergency-ready fuel cell that is connected to the commercial power supply system and supplies power to the home, and can operate independently when disconnected from the commercial power supply system. Compatible fuel cell system.   2. The emergency-response fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell system can be started using a power generator when disconnected from the commercial power supply system.   3. The emergency-response fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the power-generation device is a power-generation device mounted on an automobile, and the emergency-response fuel cell has a connection terminal with the power-generation device mounted on the automobile.   4. The emergency response type fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein electric power can be supplied to a home from an outlet provided in the emergency response type fuel cell.   Emergency response type fuel cell, connection between emergency response type fuel cell and commercial power supply system, interconnection protection device for controlling disconnection, when emergency response type fuel cell is disconnected from commercial power supply system A power generator that supplies power to start up the emergency fuel cell, an outlet that outputs the power generated by the emergency fuel cell when the emergency fuel cell is disconnected from the commercial power system, and emergency response A hot water storage tank for exchanging heat generated by the power generation of the fuel cell, and a load device for consuming surplus power exceeding the power consumption at home by the emergency type fuel cell. Item 5. The emergency-response fuel cell system according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

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