JP2007200679A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Fuel cell system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP2007200679A
JP2007200679A JP2006017115A JP2006017115A JP2007200679A JP 2007200679 A JP2007200679 A JP 2007200679A JP 2006017115 A JP2006017115 A JP 2006017115A JP 2006017115 A JP2006017115 A JP 2006017115A JP 2007200679 A JP2007200679 A JP 2007200679A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
temperature
fuel cell
switch
path
water
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP2006017115A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2007200679A5 (en
JP4929734B2 (en
Inventor
Shigeki Yasuda
繁樹 保田
Takashi Nishikawa
隆 西川
Hideo Obara
英夫 小原
Masataka Ozeki
正高 尾関
Shinji Miyauchi
伸二 宮内
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Holdings Corp
Original Assignee
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd filed Critical Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Priority to JP2006017115A priority Critical patent/JP4929734B2/en
Publication of JP2007200679A publication Critical patent/JP2007200679A/en
Publication of JP2007200679A5 publication Critical patent/JP2007200679A5/ja
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP4929734B2 publication Critical patent/JP4929734B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Landscapes

  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system in which water freezing is prevented, even when an abnormality in a temperature detecting part or a control unit occurs and when abnormality of freezing preventing operation becoming inoperative. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system is provided with a second switch 26 to be connected mechanically with a water freezing prevention circuit, at a temperature below a second set temperature. Even if abnormalities in this temperature-detecting part 15 or this control unit 16 occur, a freezing of water can be prevented by the second switch 26 controlling a heating part 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、燃料電池システムの水凍結の防止に関する。   The present invention relates to prevention of water freezing in a fuel cell system.

燃料電池システムは、水素と酸素の化学反応により発電する燃料電池２８と、燃料電池２８の冷却を行う水循環部２９とを備える。このような燃料電池システムを屋外で一定時間以上運転せずに放置すると、外気温度の低下とともに、水循環部２９が凍結し、燃料電池２８が運転不能になる、水循環部２９の構成部品が破損するといった恐れがある。したがって、低温環境下においても内部の水が凍結しない燃料電池システムが求められる。   The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell 28 that generates electric power through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and a water circulation unit 29 that cools the fuel cell 28. If such a fuel cell system is left outside for a certain period of time without being operated for a certain period of time, the water circulation unit 29 freezes and the fuel cell 28 becomes inoperable as the outside air temperature decreases, and the components of the water circulation unit 29 are damaged. There is a fear. Accordingly, there is a need for a fuel cell system in which the internal water does not freeze even in a low temperature environment.

上記凍結を防止するための燃料電池システムの一例として、外部の温度を検出する温度検出部３０を備え、閾値以下の温度を検出した際に凍結防止運転を行っていた（例えば特許文献１参照）。   As an example of the fuel cell system for preventing the freezing, a temperature detection unit 30 that detects an external temperature is provided, and the anti-freezing operation is performed when a temperature equal to or lower than a threshold is detected (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

以下に、その詳細について説明する。図４は、上記特許文献１に記載された従来の燃料電池システム構成の概要を示す。   The details will be described below. FIG. 4 shows an outline of a conventional fuel cell system configuration described in Patent Document 1.

上記特許文献１記載の燃料電池システムは、水素供給部３１から供給される水素と空気供給部３２から供給される空気中の酸素とを反応させて発電する燃料電池２８と、燃料電池２８に水を循環させる水循環部２９と、外部の温度を検出する温度検出部３０および制御装置３３とを備えていた。水循環部２９は、メインタンク３４と、メインタンク３４内の水をポンプ３５によって燃料電池２８に供給する給水路３６と、燃料電池２８からの排水をメインタンク３４に回収する排水路３７とから構成されている。   The fuel cell system described in Patent Document 1 includes a fuel cell 28 that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply unit 31 and oxygen in the air supplied from the air supply unit 32, and water to the fuel cell 28. The water circulation part 29 which circulates, the temperature detection part 30 which detects external temperature, and the control apparatus 33 were provided. The water circulation unit 29 includes a main tank 34, a water supply path 36 that supplies water in the main tank 34 to the fuel cell 28 by a pump 35, and a drainage path 37 that collects drainage from the fuel cell 28 in the main tank 34. Has been.

次に、この燃料電池システムの凍結防止運転の動作について説明する。   Next, the operation of the freeze prevention operation of this fuel cell system will be described.

温度検出部３０が閾値以下の温度を検出した際に、制御装置３３によって燃料電池２８へ水素供給部３１と空気供給部３２からそれぞれ水素と空気が供給され、燃料電池２８は発電を行う。同時に、水循環部２９を作動させる。このとき、燃料電池２８は発電反応で熱を発するため、水循環部２９であるメインタンク３４、給水路３６、排水路３７中の水は、その熱を利用することで凍結を防止することができる。
特開平１１−２１４０２５号公報 When the temperature detection unit 30 detects a temperature below the threshold value, hydrogen and air are supplied from the hydrogen supply unit 31 and the air supply unit 32 to the fuel cell 28 by the control device 33, respectively, and the fuel cell 28 generates power. At the same time, the water circulation unit 29 is activated. At this time, since the fuel cell 28 generates heat by a power generation reaction, the water in the main tank 34, the water supply channel 36, and the drainage channel 37, which are the water circulation unit 29, can be prevented from freezing by using the heat. .
JP-A-11-214025

しかしながら、前記従来の構成では、温度検出部または制御装置に異常が生じた場合、低温環境下においても凍結防止運転を作動させることができず、水循環部内部の水は凍結してしまう。   However, in the conventional configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the temperature detection unit or the control device, the freeze prevention operation cannot be operated even in a low temperature environment, and the water inside the water circulation unit is frozen.

その結果、次回起動時に燃料電池の温度制御ができずに発電できない、もしくは効率が著しく低下する可能性がある。また、燃料電池が、凍結による機械的ダメージを受け変形することも想定され、それにより、発電効率低下、運転不能になる可能性もある。同様の機械的ダメージは、水を循環させるポンプ、タンク、及び配管等にも生じる可能性がありそれにより、燃料電池の冷却を行うのに充分な水量を循環させることが出来ず、消費電力の増加、発電効率低下あるいは運転不能になることが想定される。更には、破損箇所から漏れた水が漏電を引き起こし、安全上危険な状態になることも危惧される。また、仮に、解凍後、全構成部品が再使用可能であったとしても、耐久性が劣化することが予想される。   As a result, there is a possibility that the temperature of the fuel cell cannot be controlled at the next startup and power generation cannot be performed, or the efficiency may be significantly reduced. In addition, it is assumed that the fuel cell is deformed due to mechanical damage due to freezing, which may reduce power generation efficiency and make it impossible to operate. Similar mechanical damage may occur in pumps, tanks, and pipes that circulate water, so that a sufficient amount of water cannot be circulated to cool the fuel cell, reducing power consumption. It is assumed that it will increase, power generation efficiency will decrease, or it will become impossible to operate. Furthermore, there is a concern that the water leaked from the damaged part may cause electric leakage, resulting in a dangerous state for safety. Moreover, even if all components can be reused after thawing, it is expected that the durability will deteriorate.

このように、燃料電池システムの水が凍結した場合、商品性、安全性に著しく悪影響を及ばすことが想定される。   As described above, when water in the fuel cell system is frozen, it is assumed that the merchantability and safety are significantly affected.

本発明は、前記従来の課題を解決するもので、温度検出部または制御装置に異常が生じた場合でも、凍結防止運転が作動不可となる前記異常が生じた場合においても、水凍結防止が可能な燃料電池システムを提供することを目的とする。   The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and even when an abnormality occurs in the temperature detection unit or the control device, water freezing prevention is possible even when the abnormality that the freeze prevention operation is disabled occurs. An object of the present invention is to provide a simple fuel cell system.

上記課題を解決するために、本発明の燃料電池システムは、水素含有ガスと酸化剤とを用いて発電する燃料電池と、前記燃料電池を冷却するための冷却水が流れる冷却水経路と、前記冷却水経路を流れる冷却水から熱を回収し、温水として蓄える貯湯経路と、前記燃料電池の排気ガス中の水分を回収する水回収経路と、前記冷却水経路、前記貯湯経路、及び前記水回収経路の少なくとも一つを加熱する加熱部と、温度検知部と、制御部と、前記制御部の異常を検知する異常検知部と、前記加熱部を作動させる凍結防止回路とを備え、前記凍結防止回路は、前記温度検出部で検出された温度が第1の設定温度以下である場合には前記制御部により接続される、ならびに前記温度検出部が故障した場合には前記制御部により接続される、及び／または前記異常検知部により前記制御部の異常が検知された場合には該異常検知部により接続される、第１のスイッチと、第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続される、第２のスイッチとを備え、前記第１のスイッチと第２のスイッチとが直列であることを特徴とする。   In order to solve the above problems, a fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell that generates power using a hydrogen-containing gas and an oxidant, a cooling water path through which cooling water for cooling the fuel cell flows, A hot water storage path for recovering heat from the cooling water flowing through the cooling water path and storing it as hot water, a water recovery path for recovering moisture in the exhaust gas of the fuel cell, the cooling water path, the hot water storage path, and the water recovery A heating unit that heats at least one of the paths; a temperature detection unit; a control unit; an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality of the control unit; and an anti-freezing circuit that operates the heating unit. The circuit is connected by the control unit when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a first set temperature, and is connected by the control unit when the temperature detection unit fails. And / or Is connected to the first switch when the abnormality of the control unit is detected by the abnormality detection unit, and mechanically connected at a temperature equal to or lower than the second set temperature. A switch, wherein the first switch and the second switch are in series.

上記構成により、前記温度検知部または前記制御部に異常が生じ、温度検知部に温度に基づいた凍結防止制御が不可となった場合は、通常時第１の設定温度以下で接続状態となる第１のスイッチは常時接続状態となり、第２のスイッチが第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続されることで、凍結防止運転が作動し、燃料電池システム内の水経路の凍結防止が可能となる。   With the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the temperature detection unit or the control unit and the anti-freezing control based on the temperature is disabled in the temperature detection unit, the connection state is set to a connection state below the first set temperature during normal operation. The switch 1 is always connected, and the second switch is mechanically connected at a temperature equal to or lower than the second set temperature, so that the freeze prevention operation is activated and the water path in the fuel cell system can be prevented from freezing. Become.

また、本発明の燃料電池システムは、前記凍結防止回路は、前記第１のスイッチに代えて前記温度検知部で検出された温度が第１の設定温度以下である場合には前記制御部により接続される、ならびに前記温度検知部が故障した場合には前記制御部により開放される、及び／または前記異常検知部により前記制御部の異常が検知された場合には該異常検知部により開放される、第３のスイッチと、前記第１の設定温度以下である第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続される第２のスイッチとを備え、前記第３のスイッチと前記第２のスイッチとが並列であることを特徴とする。上記構成により、前記温度検知部または前記制御部に異常が生じた場合は、通常時第１の設定温度以下で接続状態となる第１のスイッチは開放状態となり、第２のスイッチが第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続されることによって凍結防止運転が作動し、燃料電池システム内の水経路の凍結防止が可能になる。   In the fuel cell system of the present invention, the freeze prevention circuit is connected by the control unit when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than the first set temperature instead of the first switch. And when the temperature detection unit fails, it is opened by the control unit, and / or when the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality of the control unit, it is opened by the abnormality detection unit. A third switch and a second switch mechanically connected at a second set temperature that is lower than the first set temperature, wherein the third switch and the second switch are It is characterized by being parallel. With the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the temperature detection unit or the control unit, the first switch that is in a connected state at a normal temperature below the first set temperature is normally open, and the second switch is in the second state. By being mechanically connected below the set temperature, the freeze prevention operation is activated, and the water path in the fuel cell system can be prevented from freezing.

また、本発明の燃料電池システムは、前記燃料電池に供給される水素含有ガスを改質反応により生成する改質部と、前記改質部に水を供給するための改質水経路を備え、前記加熱部は、前記改質水経路、前記冷却水経路、前記貯湯経路、及び前記水回収経路の少なくとも一つに設けられていることを特徴とする。   The fuel cell system of the present invention includes a reforming unit that generates a hydrogen-containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell by a reforming reaction, and a reforming water path for supplying water to the reforming unit, The heating unit is provided in at least one of the reforming water path, the cooling water path, the hot water storage path, and the water recovery path.

本発明により、前記温度検知部または前記制御部に異常が生じ、温度検知部による凍結防止制御が不可となった場合においても、凍結防止制御のための凍結防止回路に第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続される第２のスイッチを用いることで、燃料電池システム内の水経路の凍結防止が可能になる。   According to the present invention, even when an abnormality occurs in the temperature detection unit or the control unit and the anti-freezing control by the temperature detection unit becomes impossible, the anti-freezing circuit for the anti-freezing control has a temperature lower than the second set temperature. By using the mechanically connected second switch, it is possible to prevent the water path in the fuel cell system from freezing.

以下本発明の実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。   Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

（実施の形態１）
図１は、本発明の実施の形態１における燃料電池システムの構成図である。本実施の形態における燃料電池システムは、原料供給経路１から供給される原料ガスおよび水蒸気から水蒸気改質反応によって水素リッチガスを生成する改質器２と、改質器２に熱を供給するバーナー３と、水素リッチガスと空気中の酸素との化学反応により発電する燃料電池４と、燃料電池４の冷却を行う冷却水経路５と、冷却水経路５を流れる冷却水から熱を回収し、温水として蓄える貯湯経路６と、燃料電池４の反応で生じる生成水、バーナー３からの排気ガス７中に含まれる水分、および燃料電池４の反応に使われなかった排水素をバーナーに供給する排水素経路中８に含まれる水分を回収する水回収経路９と、水回収経路９と冷却水経路５との間を相互循環ポンプ１０によって循環させる相互循環経路１１と、改質器２での反応に使用される水を供給する改質水経路１２と、冷却水経路５、貯湯経路６、水回収経路９、相互循環経路１１、改質水経路１２に含まれる水をシステム外部へ排水する排水経路１３と、冷却水経路５、貯湯経路６、水回収経路９、相互循環経路１１、改質水経路１２、排水経路１３にそれぞれ設けられた加熱部１４と、外気温度を検出する位置に取付けられた温度検知部１５と、制御部１６と、制御部１６の異常を検知する異常検知部１７と、前記制御部１６により前記温度検知部１５の検知信号に基づき第１の設定温度以下であると判断された場合に、前記加熱部１４を作動させる凍結防止回路とを備える。 (Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment includes a reformer 2 that generates a hydrogen-rich gas by a steam reforming reaction from a raw material gas and steam supplied from a raw material supply path 1, and a burner 3 that supplies heat to the reformer 2. Then, heat is recovered from the fuel cell 4 that generates power by a chemical reaction between the hydrogen-rich gas and oxygen in the air, the cooling water passage 5 that cools the fuel cell 4, and the cooling water that flows through the cooling water passage 5, A hot water storage path 6 for storing, a generated hydrogen generated by the reaction of the fuel cell 4, a moisture contained in the exhaust gas 7 from the burner 3, and an exhaust hydrogen path for supplying the exhaust hydrogen not used for the reaction of the fuel cell 4 to the burner For the reaction in the reformer 2, the water recovery path 9 that recovers the water contained in the middle 8, the intercirculation path 11 that circulates between the water recovery path 9 and the cooling water path 5 by the intercirculation pump 10, A reforming water path 12 for supplying water to be used, a cooling water path 5, a hot water storage path 6, a water recovery path 9, a mutual circulation path 11, and a drainage path for draining water contained in the reforming water path 12 to the outside of the system 13, the cooling water path 5, the hot water storage path 6, the water recovery path 9, the mutual circulation path 11, the reforming water path 12, and the drainage path 13, respectively, and a position for detecting the outside air temperature. The temperature detection unit 15, the control unit 16, the abnormality detection unit 17 that detects an abnormality of the control unit 16, and the control unit 16, based on the detection signal of the temperature detection unit 15, is below the first set temperature. And a freeze prevention circuit that operates the heating unit 14 when it is determined.

加熱部１４は、例えば、ヒーターとし、低温時に凍結する可能性がある箇所を加熱により凍結防止できる箇所であれば良いが、本実施の形態では、冷却水経路５、貯湯経路６、水回収経路９、相互循環経路１１、改質水経路１２、排水経路１３にそれぞれ取り付けられている。   The heating unit 14 may be, for example, a heater and may be a part that can prevent freezing by heating a part that may be frozen at a low temperature. However, in the present embodiment, the cooling water path 5, the hot water storage path 6, and the water recovery path. 9 are attached to the mutual circulation path 11, the reforming water path 12, and the drainage path 13, respectively.

温度検知部１５の場所は、燃料電池システム内の水凍結防止のために温度を検知できる場所であれば、燃料電池システム内外を問わず、いずれの箇所でもかまわないが、外気温度の低下を最も敏感に検知できる箇所が望ましい。本実施の形態では、燃料電池システムの底板部に取り付けられている。   The location of the temperature detector 15 may be any location, whether inside or outside the fuel cell system, as long as the temperature can be detected to prevent water freezing in the fuel cell system. A location where sensitive detection is possible is desirable. In the present embodiment, it is attached to the bottom plate portion of the fuel cell system.

次に、本実施の形態における燃料電池システムの動作を説明する。原料供給経路１から供給された原料ガスはバーナー３により加熱され、改質水経路１２から供給される改質水との水蒸気改質反応により、水素リッチガスとなる。水素リッチガスは水素供給経路１８を通して、燃料電池４に供給され、空気供給部１９によって送り込まれた空気中の酸素と反応し、発電を行う。発電反応に消費されなかった排水素は排水素経路８を通して、バーナー３に供給され、改質器２の加熱に利用される。   Next, the operation of the fuel cell system in the present embodiment will be described. The raw material gas supplied from the raw material supply path 1 is heated by the burner 3 and becomes a hydrogen-rich gas by a steam reforming reaction with the reformed water supplied from the reformed water path 12. The hydrogen rich gas is supplied to the fuel cell 4 through the hydrogen supply path 18 and reacts with oxygen in the air sent by the air supply unit 19 to generate power. Exhaust hydrogen that has not been consumed in the power generation reaction is supplied to the burner 3 through the exhaust hydrogen passage 8 and used for heating the reformer 2.

燃料電池４での反応で生じる生成水は、水回収経路９に回収される。また、バーナー３からの排気ガス７中に含まれる水分、およびバーナー３での燃焼を安定させるために除去された排水素経路中８の水分も水回収経路９に回収される。水回収経路９で回収された水分は、凝縮水タンク２０に貯められ、相互循環ポンプ１０により相互循環経路１１を通して燃料電池４を冷却するための冷却水、そして改質水ポンプ２１により改質器２に供給される改質水として利用される。また、燃料電池４の発電反応で生じる熱は冷却水ポンプ２２により冷却水を循環させることにより冷却水経路５中の熱交換器２３を介して、貯湯経路６を流れる貯湯水に伝えられ、家庭の給湯、暖房等に使用される。   The generated water generated by the reaction in the fuel cell 4 is recovered in the water recovery path 9. Further, the water contained in the exhaust gas 7 from the burner 3 and the water in the exhaust hydrogen path removed to stabilize the combustion in the burner 3 are also recovered in the water recovery path 9. The water recovered in the water recovery path 9 is stored in the condensed water tank 20, cooling water for cooling the fuel cell 4 through the mutual circulation path 11 by the mutual circulation pump 10, and a reformer by the reforming water pump 21. 2 is used as the reformed water supplied to 2. Further, the heat generated by the power generation reaction of the fuel cell 4 is transmitted to the stored hot water flowing through the hot water storage path 6 via the heat exchanger 23 in the cooling water path 5 by circulating the cooling water by the cooling water pump 22, Used for hot water supply, heating, etc.

また、停電時など凍結防止運転を作動できない場合は、燃料電池システム内の水は各水経路と接続された排水経路１３を通して、外部へと排水される。   In addition, when the freeze prevention operation cannot be activated, such as during a power failure, the water in the fuel cell system is drained to the outside through the drainage path 13 connected to each water path.

次に、本実施の形態における凍結防止回路、および凍結防止運転の動作について説明する。   Next, the operation of the freeze prevention circuit and the freeze prevention operation in the present embodiment will be described.

図２は本発明の実施の形態１における凍結防止部を作動させる凍結防止回路図である。図２において、図１と同じ構成要素については同一符号を用い、説明を省略する。   FIG. 2 is a freeze prevention circuit diagram for operating the freeze prevention unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG.

凍結防止回路は、電源２４と、前記加熱部１４と、第１のスイッチ２５と、第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続される第２のスイッチ２６とを備え、両スイッチは直列に接続されている。ここで、上記第１のスイッチは、通常時には、温度検出部１５で検出された温度が、第１の設定温度以下になった場合に、接続状態となるが、制御部１６に温度検出部１５が故障したと判定された場合には制御部１６により接続され、異常検知部１７により制御部１６が故障したと判定された場合にも接続される。なお、本実施の形態においては、上記温度検出部１５の故障の際の第１のスイッチの接続及び上記制御部１６の異常の際の第１のスイッチの接続のうち両方の機能を備えているが、いずれか一方の機能のみを備えていても構わない。   The anti-freezing circuit includes a power source 24, the heating unit 14, a first switch 25, and a second switch 26 that is mechanically connected at a temperature equal to or lower than a second set temperature, and both switches are connected in series. Has been. Here, although the first switch is normally connected when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 15 is equal to or lower than the first set temperature, the control unit 16 is connected to the temperature detection unit 15. Is connected by the control unit 16, and is also connected when the abnormality detection unit 17 determines that the control unit 16 has failed. In the present embodiment, both functions of the connection of the first switch when the temperature detection unit 15 fails and the connection of the first switch when the control unit 16 is abnormal are provided. However, only one of the functions may be provided.

次に、本実施の形態における凍結防止運転の動作について説明する。   Next, the operation of the freeze prevention operation in the present embodiment will be described.

第１のスイッチ２５は温度検知部１５で検知された温度が、燃料電池システム内の水温が凍結領域またはその近傍と推定される温度である第１の設定温度以下になった場合、制御部１６により凍結防止回路に接続され、本実施の形態では、第１の設定温度を０℃とする。また、第２のスイッチ２６は、温度検知部１５または制御部１６が故障した場合に、加熱部１４を制御し燃料電池システムの凍結防止を行うための安全装置であり、第２の設定温度以下になった場合に、機械的に凍結防止回路に接続されるよう構成されている。この第２のスイッチ２６としては、例えば、第２の設定温度以下で接続状態となるバイメタルを用いたスイッチが挙げられる。なお、燃料電池システム内の水が凍結しないためには、第２の設定温度は第１の設定温度以上であることが望ましく、例えば本実施の形態では、第２の設定温度を４℃とする。   When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 15 is equal to or lower than a first set temperature, which is a temperature at which the water temperature in the fuel cell system is estimated to be the frozen region or the vicinity thereof, the first switch 25 is controlled by the control unit 16. In this embodiment, the first set temperature is set to 0 ° C. The second switch 26 is a safety device for controlling the heating unit 14 to prevent the fuel cell system from freezing when the temperature detection unit 15 or the control unit 16 breaks down, and is below the second set temperature. In such a case, it is mechanically connected to the freeze prevention circuit. As this 2nd switch 26, the switch using the bimetal which will be in a connection state below 2nd preset temperature is mentioned, for example. In order to prevent the water in the fuel cell system from freezing, the second set temperature is preferably equal to or higher than the first set temperature. For example, in the present embodiment, the second set temperature is set to 4 ° C. .

これにより、外気温度の低下と共に温度検知部１５が０℃以下であると制御部１６により判定された場合には、第１のスイッチ２５、第２のスイッチ２６共に回路接続状態となり、燃料電池システムの水経路に取り付けられた加熱部１４が作動し、凍結が防止される。さらに、制御部１６により温度検知部１５が故障したと判定された場合、または異常検知部１７により制御部１６がノイズ等の影響により異常が起きたと判定された場合においても第１のスイッチ２５は回路接続状態となり、４℃以下で機械的に接続される第２のスイッチ２６によって加熱部１４が制御され、凍結が防止される。   As a result, when the controller 16 determines that the temperature detector 15 is 0 ° C. or less as the outside air temperature decreases, both the first switch 25 and the second switch 26 are in a circuit connection state, and the fuel cell system The heating unit 14 attached to the water path is activated and freezing is prevented. Further, even when the control unit 16 determines that the temperature detection unit 15 has failed, or when the abnormality detection unit 17 determines that the control unit 16 has failed due to the influence of noise or the like, the first switch 25 is The heating unit 14 is controlled by the second switch 26 that is in a circuit connection state and mechanically connected at 4 ° C. or lower, and freezing is prevented.

（実施の形態２）
図３は、本発明の実施の形態２における凍結防止部を作動させる凍結防止回路図である。実施の形態１と同様のものについては、同一符号を用い、説明を省略する。 (Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a freeze prevention circuit diagram for operating the freeze prevention unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

本実施の形態において、凍結防止回路は、電源２４と、前記加熱部１４と、第３のスイッチ２７と、第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続される第２のスイッチ２６とを備え、第３のスイッチ２７と第２のスイッチ２６は並列に接続されている。ここで、第３のスイッチは、通常時には、温度検出部１５で検出された温度が、第１の設定温度以下になった場合に、接続状態となるが、制御部１６により温度検出部１５が故障したと判定された場合には制御部１６により開放状態が維持され、異常検知部１７により前記制御部１６が故障したと判定された場合にはこの異常検知部１７により開放状態が維持される。   In the present embodiment, the freeze prevention circuit includes a power supply 24, the heating unit 14, a third switch 27, and a second switch 26 that is mechanically connected at a temperature equal to or lower than a second set temperature. The third switch 27 and the second switch 26 are connected in parallel. Here, the third switch is normally connected when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 15 is equal to or lower than the first set temperature. However, the control unit 16 causes the temperature detection unit 15 to be connected. When it is determined that there is a failure, the control unit 16 maintains the open state, and when the abnormality detection unit 17 determines that the control unit 16 has failed, the abnormality detection unit 17 maintains the open state. .

なお、本実施の形態においては、通常時に温度検知部で検知された温度が第１の設定温度以下になることで凍結防止運転が作動するよう、第２の設定温度は、第１の設定温度以下となっており、さらに、燃料電池システムの水経路の凍結防止を確実にするために、具体的には、第１の設定温度は４℃で、第２の設定温度が０℃となる。また、本実施の形態においては、上記温度検出部１５の故障の際の第３のスイッチの開放状態の維持及び上記制御部１６の異常の際の第３のスイッチの開放状態の維持のうち両方の機能を備えているが、いずれか一方の機能のみを備えていても構わない。   In the present embodiment, the second set temperature is the first set temperature so that the freeze-preventing operation is activated when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit at the normal time is equal to or lower than the first set temperature. Further, in order to ensure prevention of freezing of the water path of the fuel cell system, specifically, the first set temperature is 4 ° C. and the second set temperature is 0 ° C. Further, in the present embodiment, both of maintaining the open state of the third switch when the temperature detecting unit 15 fails and maintaining the open state of the third switch when the control unit 16 is abnormal. However, you may provide only one of the functions.

以上の構成により、本実施の形態の燃料電池システムは、通常時には温度検知部１５で検知された温度が第１の設定温度以下になった場合に、加熱部１６が動作し、燃料電池システムの水経路の凍結防止が可能となるが、制御部１６により温度検知部１５が故障したと判定された場合、または異常検知部１７により制御部１６が故障したと判定された場合においても、第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続される第２のスイッチ２６によって加熱部１４が動作し、燃料電池システムの水経路内の水の凍結が防止される。   With the above configuration, in the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the heating unit 16 operates when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 15 is normally equal to or lower than the first set temperature, and the fuel cell system The water path can be prevented from freezing. However, even if the controller 16 determines that the temperature detector 15 has failed or the abnormality detector 17 determines that the controller 16 has failed, the second is also possible. The heating unit 14 is operated by the second switch 26 that is mechanically connected at a temperature equal to or lower than the preset temperature, and water in the water path of the fuel cell system is prevented from freezing.

本発明に係る燃料電池システムは、燃料電池システム内の凍結防止運転を制御する温度検知部、制御部の少なくともひとつに異常が生じた際においても、凍結防止運転を作動させることが可能であり、水凍結による発電効率低下や運転不能になるといった商品性の低下を防止でき、かつ安全性も確保できるため、家庭用等で用いられる燃料電池システムに有用である。   The fuel cell system according to the present invention can operate the freeze prevention operation even when an abnormality occurs in at least one of the temperature detection unit and the control unit for controlling the freeze prevention operation in the fuel cell system, It is useful for fuel cell systems used in homes and the like because it can prevent a decrease in merchantability such as a decrease in power generation efficiency due to water freezing and an inability to operate, and can ensure safety.

実施の形態１における燃料電池システムを示す構成図1 is a configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 実施の形態１における凍結防止部を作動させる回路図Circuit diagram for operating freeze prevention unit in embodiment 1 実施の形態２における凍結防止部を作動させる回路図Circuit diagram for operating freeze prevention unit in embodiment 2 従来の技術における燃料電池システムを示す構成図Configuration diagram showing a conventional fuel cell system

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

４ 燃料電池
５ 冷却水経路
６ 貯湯経路
９ 水回収経路
１１ 相互循環経路
１２ 改質水経路
１３ 排水経路
１４ 加熱部
１５ 温度検知部
１６ 制御部
１７ 異常検知部
２５ 第１のスイッチ
２６ 第２のスイッチ
２７ 第３のスイッチ 4 Fuel Cell 5 Cooling Water Path 6 Hot Water Storage Path 9 Water Recovery Path 11 Mutual Circulation Path 12 Reformed Water Path 13 Drainage Path 14 Heating Unit 15 Temperature Detection Unit 16 Control Unit 17 Abnormality Detection Unit 25 First Switch 26 Second Switch 27 Third switch

Claims (3)

水素含有ガスと酸化剤とを用いて発電する燃料電池と、前記燃料電池を冷却するための冷却水が流れる冷却水経路と、前記冷却水経路を流れる冷却水から熱を回収し、温水として蓄える貯湯経路と、前記燃料電池の排気ガス中の水分を回収する水回収経路と、前記冷却水経路、前記貯湯経路、及び前記水回収経路の少なくとも一つを加熱する加熱部と、温度検知部と、制御部と、前記制御部の異常を検知する異常検知部と、前記加熱部を作動させる凍結防止回路とを備え、前記凍結防止回路は、前記温度検出部で検出された温度が第1の設定温度以下である場合には前記制御部により接続される、ならびに前記温度検出部が故障した場合には前記制御部により接続される、及び／または前記異常検知部により前記制御部の異常が検知された場合には該異常検知部により接続される、第１のスイッチと、第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続される、第２のスイッチとを備え、前記第１のスイッチと第２のスイッチとが直列であることを特徴とする燃料電池システム。 A fuel cell that generates electricity using a hydrogen-containing gas and an oxidant, a cooling water path through which cooling water for cooling the fuel cell flows, and heat is recovered from the cooling water flowing through the cooling water path and stored as hot water A hot water storage path, a water recovery path for recovering moisture in the exhaust gas of the fuel cell, a heating section for heating at least one of the cooling water path, the hot water storage path, and the water recovery path, and a temperature detection section; A control unit, an abnormality detection unit for detecting an abnormality of the control unit, and a freeze prevention circuit for operating the heating unit, wherein the freeze detection circuit has a temperature detected by the temperature detection unit as a first temperature. Connected by the control unit when the temperature is lower than a set temperature, and connected by the control unit when the temperature detection unit fails, and / or detects abnormality of the control unit by the abnormality detection unit If Includes a first switch connected by the abnormality detection unit, and a second switch mechanically connected at a temperature equal to or lower than the second set temperature, and the first switch and the second switch, Is a series of fuel cell system. 前記凍結防止回路は、前記第１のスイッチに代えて前記温度検知部で検出された温度が第１の設定温度以下である場合には前記制御部により接続される、ならびに前記温度検知部が故障した場合には前記制御部により開放される、及び／または前記異常検知部により前記制御部の異常検知された場合には該異常検知部により開放される、第３のスイッチと、前記第１の設定温度以下である第２の設定温度以下で機械的に接続される第２のスイッチとを備え、前記第３のスイッチと前記第２のスイッチとが並列であることを特徴とする請求項１記載の燃料電池システム。 The anti-freezing circuit is connected by the control unit when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit instead of the first switch is equal to or lower than a first set temperature, and the temperature detection unit fails. A third switch that is opened by the control unit and / or opened by the abnormality detection unit when an abnormality of the control unit is detected by the abnormality detection unit, and the first switch 2. A second switch that is mechanically connected at a temperature equal to or lower than a second set temperature that is equal to or lower than a set temperature, wherein the third switch and the second switch are in parallel. The fuel cell system described. 前記燃料電池に供給される水素含有ガスを改質反応により生成する改質部と、前記改質部に水を供給するための改質水経路を備え、前記加熱部は、前記改質水経路、前記冷却水経路、前記貯湯経路、及び前記水回収経路の少なくとも一つに設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１または２記載の燃料電池システム。 A reforming unit that generates a hydrogen-containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell by a reforming reaction; and a reforming water path for supplying water to the reforming unit, wherein the heating unit includes the reforming water path The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell system is provided in at least one of the cooling water path, the hot water storage path, and the water recovery path.
JP2006017115A 2006-01-26 2006-01-26 Fuel cell system Active JP4929734B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006017115A JP4929734B2 (en) 2006-01-26 2006-01-26 Fuel cell system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006017115A JP4929734B2 (en) 2006-01-26 2006-01-26 Fuel cell system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2007200679A true JP2007200679A (en) 2007-08-09
JP2007200679A5 JP2007200679A5 (en) 2009-01-29
JP4929734B2 JP4929734B2 (en) 2012-05-09

Family

ID=38455080

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2006017115A Active JP4929734B2 (en) 2006-01-26 2006-01-26 Fuel cell system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP4929734B2 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007142278A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2007-12-13 Panasonic Corporation Fuel cell system
JP2009026719A (en) * 2007-07-24 2009-02-05 Panasonic Corp Fuel cell power generating device system
JP2009266641A (en) * 2008-04-25 2009-11-12 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd Fuel cell system
JP2011175851A (en) * 2010-02-24 2011-09-08 Kyocera Corp Fuel cell device
JP2018054189A (en) * 2016-09-28 2018-04-05 株式会社ノーリツ Hot water device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11214025A (en) * 1998-01-21 1999-08-06 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Fuel cell apparatus
JP2002015761A (en) * 2000-06-30 2002-01-18 Fuji Electric Co Ltd Heat insulation device for fuel cell stack
JP2004006270A (en) * 2002-03-26 2004-01-08 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Fuel cell system
JP2005209344A (en) * 2004-01-19 2005-08-04 Toyota Motor Corp Fuel cell system
JP2005259494A (en) * 2004-03-11 2005-09-22 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Fuel cell cogeneration system
JP2006332002A (en) * 2005-05-30 2006-12-07 Toyota Motor Corp Fuel cell system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11214025A (en) * 1998-01-21 1999-08-06 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Fuel cell apparatus
JP2002015761A (en) * 2000-06-30 2002-01-18 Fuji Electric Co Ltd Heat insulation device for fuel cell stack
JP2004006270A (en) * 2002-03-26 2004-01-08 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Fuel cell system
JP2005209344A (en) * 2004-01-19 2005-08-04 Toyota Motor Corp Fuel cell system
JP2005259494A (en) * 2004-03-11 2005-09-22 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Fuel cell cogeneration system
JP2006332002A (en) * 2005-05-30 2006-12-07 Toyota Motor Corp Fuel cell system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007142278A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2007-12-13 Panasonic Corporation Fuel cell system
US8329353B2 (en) 2006-06-06 2012-12-11 Panasonic Corporation Fuel cell system
JP5139282B2 (en) * 2006-06-06 2013-02-06 パナソニック株式会社 Fuel cell system
JP2009026719A (en) * 2007-07-24 2009-02-05 Panasonic Corp Fuel cell power generating device system
JP2009266641A (en) * 2008-04-25 2009-11-12 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd Fuel cell system
JP2011175851A (en) * 2010-02-24 2011-09-08 Kyocera Corp Fuel cell device
JP2018054189A (en) * 2016-09-28 2018-04-05 株式会社ノーリツ Hot water device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4929734B2 (en) 2012-05-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5139282B2 (en) Fuel cell system
JP4296226B2 (en) Fuel cell system
US9252436B2 (en) Fuel cell system
JP2008084730A (en) Fuel cell system
KR100525668B1 (en) Fuel cell system
JP4661063B2 (en) Fuel cell cogeneration system
JP5410833B2 (en) Power generation system and auxiliary unit
JP4929734B2 (en) Fuel cell system
JP5410832B2 (en) Power generation system and auxiliary unit
JP2007305334A (en) Fuel cell system
JP5410831B2 (en) Power generation system and auxiliary unit
JP5476950B2 (en) Fuel cell power generation system
JP2009301721A (en) Fuel battery power generator system
JP2006236734A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2013089529A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2024024238A (en) fuel cell device
JP2011003417A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2024027818A (en) fuel cell device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A521 Written amendment

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20081209

A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20081209

RD01 Notification of change of attorney

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A7421

Effective date: 20091127

A977 Report on retrieval

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007

Effective date: 20111226

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20120117

A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20120130

R151 Written notification of patent or utility model registration

Ref document number: 4929734

Country of ref document: JP

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R151

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20150224

Year of fee payment: 3