JP2008186726A - Power supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply system in which operation state of a load device can be checked and a low consumption power generation operation corresponding to operation status of the load device is possible. <P>SOLUTION: The power supply system comprises a load device, a power supply device which has a power generating device and a power storage device and supplies power to the load device, and a two-way communication means to transmit and receive information between the load device and the power generation device. In the power supply system, when the power supply device side receives a signal of an operation mode showing the operation status of the load device through the two-way communication means, the power generation status of the power generating device can be changed according to the operation mode. Thereby, a low consumption power generation operation corresponding to the operation status of the load device is possible and fuel control of low consumption becomes possible in the case the power generation device is a fuel cell. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power feeding system, and more particularly, to a technology for controlling a power generation state of a fuel cell in accordance with an operating state of a hybrid power supply device having a fuel cell and an electricity storage device and a load device connected to the hybrid power supply device.

  Currently, once a fuel cell starts generating electricity for a load device, there is a slight change depending on the load change regardless of the load device status (standby state, operating state, load mounted state, etc.). Constant power generation is continued, and even when the load is light, a certain amount of fuel is consumed, which is a waste of fuel.

In order to solve these problems, some proposals have heretofore been made. As one of them, according to Patent Document 1, in communication between the electronic device and the fuel cell, only the remaining amount of the methanol aqueous solution and the operating state of the direct methanol fuel cell unit are unilaterally transmitted to the fuel cell side.
JP 2004-71261 A

  However, in fact, when the electronic device connected to the fuel cell is a printer or copier, these devices have various operation modes from the viewpoint of energy saving, and the amount of power generation is changed according to the state of the electronic device. Otherwise, it will be a waste of fuel. For example, when an electronic device (= load device) is in an operating state, power is generated in the most efficient state that a hybrid power supply can have, and when the electronic device (= load device) is in a standby state, the load device itself does not require power. For this reason, if the power generation capacity of the fuel cell is reduced or if a long-term stopped state continues, the fuel cell is stopped to suppress wasteful consumption of the fuel cell.

  In addition, the hybrid power supply device is not connected only to a specific electronic device (= load device), and the electronic device (= load device) can be powered regardless of the load as long as it is within the rated output condition range of the hybrid power supply device. Supply is possible. However, if an attempt is made to design an electronic device (= load device) having a large capacity so as to match the power generation capacity of the fuel cell, the power generation module itself needs to have a large capacity, resulting in an increase in size and cost. Therefore, in general, it is necessary to make a power generation module as small as possible and make up for the shortage with a secondary battery. Then, when a large electronic device (= load device) is used, depending on the capacity of the secondary battery, if the power generation capacity of the power generation module does not rise to a certain extent, the supply capability to the electronic device (= load device) cannot keep up with consumption and is insufficient. There is a possibility that a failure such as an electronic device cannot be used immediately after connection is predicted. Especially when an electronic device (= load device) having a large load capacity is connected after the hybrid power supply is stopped once, an electronic device (= load device) having a large load capacity cannot be used immediately. Failure is expected. Based on the above, it is predicted that there is a possibility that the fuel cell will be replaced without actually stopping in actual use.There is a possibility that the hybrid power supply may be left in a power generation state even when there is no load, and fuel is wasted. Expected to be consumed. Therefore, it is confirmed whether or not the electronic device (= load device) is connected, and if the electronic device (= load device) is not connected, the power generation capacity of the fuel cell is reduced or stopped to reduce wasteful fuel consumption. Therefore, it is not sufficient to send the fuel cell status information unilaterally to the load device as in Patent Document 1.

  The present invention is intended to solve these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power feeding system that can confirm the operating state of a load device and can perform low power generation operation according to the operating state of the load device. To do.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a load device, a power generation device, and a power storage device, and transmits and receives information between the power supply device that supplies power to the load device and the load device and the power supply device. This is a power supply system constructed with two-way communication means. According to the power supply system of the present invention, when the power supply device side receives the operation mode signal indicating the operation state of the load device via the bidirectional communication means, the power generation state of the power generation device is varied according to the operation mode. There is a feature. Therefore, low-power generation operation according to the operating state of the load device is possible, and when the power generation device is a fuel cell, low-consumption fuel control is possible.

  In addition, when the power supply device receives a signal whose operation mode is the power saving mode or no load device via the two-way communication means, the power generation state of the power generation device becomes a state where the generated power is suppressed. Power generation can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, monitoring means for monitoring the output of the power storage device based on the voltage waveform of the power storage device is provided, and the monitoring result of the output of the power storage device after the power saving mode state by the signal that is the power saving mode continues for a certain time or more is a voltage. When a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the input specification lower limit value of the waveform or a voltage equal to or higher than the predetermined value is indicated, the power generation of the power generator is stopped. Therefore, if the load device is in the power saving mode in order to minimize the consumption in the low consumption mode and the power storage device has a voltage higher than a certain level, the power generation device can be stopped.

  Further, by starting the power generation operation when the output of the power storage device reaches the power generation start voltage of the power generation device, consumption in the low consumption mode can be minimized.

  Furthermore, when the power supply device receives the return start signal for returning from the power saving mode state from the load device via the bidirectional communication means, the power generation device starts the power generation operation, thereby suppressing the consumption in the low consumption mode to the limit. Can do.

  In addition, when the power supply device receives a return start signal for returning from the power saving mode state or a signal notifying that the output of the power storage device has reached the power generation start voltage of the power generation device from the load device via the bidirectional communication means, The power generator starts a power generation operation. Therefore, the consumption in the low consumption mode can be minimized.

  Furthermore, the load device is in the low-consumption mode state by providing a unit detection signal for detecting whether or not the load device is connected and means for shutting off the power supply line for supplying power to the load device. At the same time, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the power storage device of the power supply device, and to further reduce the power generation consumption by extending the stop time of the power generation device.

  The power generation device is preferably a fuel cell.

  According to the power feeding system of the present invention, it is possible to provide a power feeding system in which the operating state of the load device can be confirmed and a low power consumption operation according to the operating state of the load device is possible.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a system configuration of a hybrid power supply apparatus, a load apparatus equipped with the hybrid power supply apparatus, and a load control apparatus in the power supply system of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a communication path is constructed using a bidirectional communication cable 101 between a load apparatus 100 such as a printer and the hybrid power supply apparatus on which the hybrid power supply apparatus of the present invention is mounted. Can be used to send and receive each other's operating status. The load device 100 is provided with a wireless antenna 102, and the load control device 200 such as a PC is also provided with an antenna (not shown). Therefore, it is possible to control the load device 100 and the hybrid power supply device according to the operating conditions of each other, which is convenient for the operator and enables low fuel consumption control of the fuel cell.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hybrid power supply apparatus in the power supply system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same components. A hybrid power supply 10 that is a power supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a CPU 11, a display unit 12, a RAM 13, a ROM 14, a fuel cell module 15, a fuel cell voltage monitoring circuit 16, a thermistor 17, a fuel pump 18, a radiator fan 19, and a circulation pump 20. , Water pump 21, blower 22, fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23, secondary battery 24, secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25, charge ON / OFF control circuit 26, switches 27 to 29, DC-DC converter for control system 30 and a DC-DC converter 31 for drive system. The control system DC-DC converter 30 is connected to the control system circuit 103 of the load device 100 via a control system power supply, and the drive system DC-DC converter 31 drives the load device 100 via a drive system power supply. It is connected to the system circuit 104. Furthermore, the hybrid power supply device 10 can communicate with the load device 100 via a bidirectional communication cable 101 as a communication means. The load device 100 also has a wireless communication path 300 with a load control circuit 200 such as an external PC. Via a communicable connection. The CPU 11 is supplied with detection signals from the fuel cell voltage monitoring circuit 16, the thermistor 17, and the secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25. Then, the CPU 11 generates a drive control signal for controlling the drive of the fuel pump 18, the radiator fan 19, the circulation pump 20, the water pump 21 and the blower 22, and controls the switch 27 via the charge ON / OFF control circuit 26. A secondary battery charging ON / OFF signal, a control system power ON / OFF signal for controlling the switches 28 and 29, and a drive system power ON / OFF signal are generated and supplied.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing operations in the load device operation mode and the load device standby mode in the power supply system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, first, after the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 is turned on, the control system power supply and the drive system power supply of the load apparatus 100 are turned on to supply power to the load apparatus 100 (step S101). After that, the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 sends a load information request signal to the load apparatus 100 through the bidirectional communication cable 101 of the communication means with the load apparatus 100 and confirms that the load apparatus 100 is connected (step). S102; YES), information in which the power of the load device 100 is turned on and the energy saving mode signal from the load device 100 indicates an operation request, and load information, for example, information indicating the power consumption of the load, is managed by the load ID. If the information is obtained (step S103; YES), the hybrid power supply device 10 using the fuel cell supplies the CPU 11 with parameter information prepared in advance in the ROM 14 in the power supply device based on the load information. Calling is set (step S104; YES, step S105). Thereafter, in order to enter the power generation operation of the fuel cell, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 of the fuel cell is turned off once to cut off the power supply to the load connected to the fuel cell, the fuel pump 18, the radiator Auxiliary machines such as the fan 19, the circulation pump 20, the water pump 21, and the blower 22 are operated (step S106). When these auxiliary machines start operating, the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored, and the fuel pump is operated for a specified time according to the surface temperature to supply the fuel to the circulation tank. When the initial fuel supply is completed, the fuel cell is placed in a standby state for a sufficient predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) until the temperature of the fuel cell module 15 reaches a predetermined temperature.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the temperature of the fuel cell module 15 reaches a predetermined temperature, the CPU 11 uses a secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25 to determine whether or not the secondary battery is charged. Call the next battery voltage via A / D. If the value of the secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25 indicates the necessity of charging, that is, the upper limit value ± first allowable margin value of the input voltage of the voltage waveform shaping device such as a DC-DC converter. If it is in the state, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 is turned on for the purpose of charging, and the charging operation (CHARGE_OPERATING) to the secondary battery is executed. If the voltage of the secondary battery shows a value close to full charge, that is, the upper limit value of the input voltage of the voltage waveform shaping device such as a DC-DC converter ± first allowable margin value If so, the charging operation is cut off. Thereafter, after a predetermined time elapses, the temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored, and fuel is operated from the fuel tank to the circulation tank by operating the fuel pump 18 for a predetermined time according to the temperature. Thereafter, this series of operations is repeated periodically.

  While the fuel cell is in operation, the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored by the thermistor 17 so that the fuel cell is not damaged by abnormal heat generation. The power generation operation of the fuel cell is stopped (step S107; YES, step S108).

  Next, after the fuel cell is operated, a signal for requesting a standby state is generated as an energy saving mode signal, or the load device 100 is separated from the hybrid power supply device 10 for replacement of the load device, and communication with the load device 100 becomes impossible. When it is determined that there is no load (step S104; NO), when the load device 100 is turned off to save power after using the load device, specifically, the energy saving mode of the OA device is the load. After a certain period of time has elapsed after using the device 100, the communication line and the CPU in the control circuit remain ON when a part of the drive power supply and control power supply of the load device 100 is automatically turned off to save power. In general, the CPU is in the sleep mode and the communication is interrupting the activation signal of the load device 100. Thus, when the load device 100 enters the energy saving mode, the hybrid power supply device 10 and the load device 100 transmit a signal from the load device 100 notifying that the load device 100 has entered the energy saving mode through the bidirectional communication cable 101. At this time, a connection signal and a communication state are periodically checked between the load device 100 and the hybrid power supply device 10 through the bidirectional communication cable 101. When communication is impossible (when there is no response or the signal is “no load device”). ”Is determined), it is determined that the load device 100 is separated from the hybrid power supply device 10. Thereafter, when the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 receives a signal notifying that the load apparatus 100 has entered the energy saving mode or that the load apparatus 100 has been separated from the hybrid power supply apparatus 10, the CPU 11 of the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 receives energy from the load apparatus 100. The standby state request signal of the mode signal and the parameter value associated with the load information prepared in advance from the ROM 14 are confirmed and set, and it is recognized that the load device 100 has entered the standby state (steps S109 and S110). Thereafter, the CPU 11 cuts off the power supply to the drive system power supply of the load device 100, turns on only the control system power supply, and monitors the value of the secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25, thereby monitoring the consumption status of the secondary battery ( Step S111).

  As shown in FIG. 5, if the monitoring result of the secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25 is close to full charge or more, the monitoring result is the secondary battery charge request value, that is, the input voltage of the DC-DC converter. The secondary battery is not charged until the lower limit value + the second allowable margin value is reached (step S113; NO). After that, the output voltage of the secondary battery is periodically monitored, and the output voltage monitoring result of the secondary battery is the secondary battery charge request value, that is, the lower limit value of the input voltage of the DC-DC converter + the second allowable margin value. When the battery reaches the rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery is charged and a certain amount of fuel is refilled from the variable refilling operation according to the temperature. The fuel concentration is reduced and the power generation capacity is lowered to the same or equivalent position as the power used by the load device. After that, the fuel cell is generated by periodically performing the fuel supply operation according to the consumption of the secondary battery, and the charging operation (CHARGE_OPERATING) from the fuel cell is performed by supplying the generated power to the secondary battery. Execute (Step S113; YES, Steps S102 to S106).

  While the fuel cell is in operation, the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored so that the fuel cell is not damaged due to abnormal heat generation. Stop power generation. Further, at the time of operation or standby, an energy saving mode signal transmitted from the load device 100 or a signal for notifying that the power supply of the load device 100 is turned on is put into a waiting state. After that, when the signal is transmitted through the bidirectional communication cable 101 with the load device 100, the parameter is returned to the load device operating value again (when the load device is in operation), and the contents are restored.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the hybrid power supply apparatus in the power supply system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same components. As a component different from FIG. 2, a communication power source 105 is included in the control system circuit 103 of the load device 100.

  Next, the fuel cell operation mode of the hybrid power supply apparatus in the power supply system of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. The fuel cell operation mode includes three operations: an operation mode, a standby mode, and a stop mode. First, when the power of the load device 100 is turned on (step S201), the CPU 11 in FIG. 6 confirms the state of the energy saving mode signal transmitted from the load device 100, and indicates that the confirmation signal is in the load device operating state. If so, the load device operation mode as described above is executed (steps S202 and S203). Then, after the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 is turned on, the drive system power supply and the control system power supply of the load apparatus 100 are turned on to supply power to the load apparatus 100. After that, the hybrid power supply device 10 sends a load information request signal to the load device 100 through the bidirectional communication cable 101 of the communication means with the load device 100. Thereafter, the power supply of the load device 100 is turned on, and the energy saving mode signal from the load device 100 emits a signal indicating an operation request and load information, for example, information indicating the power consumption of the load, and the like managed by the load ID. Then, the hybrid power supply device 10 using the fuel cell calls the CPU 11 for parameter information prepared in advance in the ROM 14 in the power supply device based on the load information (step S204; YES, step S205). Thereafter, in order to start the power generation operation of the fuel cell, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 of the fuel cell is temporarily turned off to cut off the power supply to the load connected to the fuel cell, and the fuel pump 18, radiator Auxiliary devices such as the fan 19, the circulation pump 20, the water pump 21, and the blower 22 are put into operation (step S206). At this time, power supply to the load device 100 is supplied from the secondary battery 24. Thereafter, when the auxiliary machinery starts operation, the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored, and the fuel pump is operated for a specified time according to the surface temperature to supply the fuel to the circulation tank. When the fuel supply is completed, the fuel cell module 15 is placed in a standby state for a while until the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 reaches a predetermined temperature. When the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 reaches a predetermined temperature, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 is turned on for the purpose of charging the secondary battery 24, and the charging operation (CHAGE_OPERATING) to the secondary battery 24 is executed. To do. At this time, if the monitoring result of the secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25 indicates a value close to a fully charged state or a voltage value higher than that, the charging operation is prohibited. Thereafter, after the lapse of the specified time, an operation for monitoring the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is executed, and the fuel pump 18 is operated for a specified time according to the surface temperature at that time, and supplied to the circulation tank. This series of operations is periodically repeated until the energy saving mode signal changes to the standby mode.

  Next, when the energy saving mode signal changes to the standby mode, the load device standby mode is executed (step S204; NO). In the load device standby mode, after the fuel cell is operated, when the energy saving mode signal generates a signal requesting the standby state, or the load device 100 is separated from the hybrid power supply device 10 for replacement of the load device, When it is determined that there is no load, such as when communication is no longer possible, or when the load device 100 is turned off to save power after using the load device 100, the energy saving mode of the OA device, for example, is a load. When a part of the drive power supply and control power supply of the load device 100 is automatically turned off after a certain period of time has elapsed after using the device to save power, the communication lines and CPU in the control circuit remain on. In general, the CPU is in the sleep mode and the communication is interrupting the start signal of the load device.When the load device enters the energy saving mode in this way, the hybrid power supply device 10 and the load device 100 transmit a signal from the load device that informs that the load device 100 has entered the energy saving mode through the bidirectional communication cable 101. At this time, a connection signal and a communication state are periodically checked between the load device 100 and the hybrid power supply device 10 through the bidirectional communication cable 101. When communication is impossible (when there is no response or the signal is “no load device”). ”Is determined), it is determined that the load device 100 is separated from the hybrid power supply device 10. Thereafter, when the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 receives a signal notifying that the load apparatus 100 has entered the energy saving mode or that the load apparatus 100 has been separated from the hybrid power supply apparatus 10, the CPU 11 of the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 receives energy from the load apparatus 100. The standby state request signal of the mode signal and the parameter value associated with the load information prepared in advance from the ROM 14 are confirmed and set (step S209), and it is recognized that the load device 100 has entered the standby state (step S210). Thereafter, the CPU 11 cuts off the energization to the drive system power supply of the load device 100, turns on only the control system power supply, and monitors the value of the secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25 to monitor the consumption status of the secondary battery ( Step S211).

  As shown in FIG. 8, if the monitoring result of the secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit 25 is close to full charge or more, the monitoring result is a secondary battery charge request value, that is, a voltage waveform of a DC-DC converter or the like. The charging operation to the secondary battery 24 is not performed until the lower limit value of the input voltage of the shaping device + the second allowable margin value is reached (step S213; NO). Thereafter, the output voltage of the secondary battery 24 is periodically monitored, and the output voltage monitoring result of the secondary battery 24 is the secondary battery charge request value, that is, the lower limit value of the input voltage of the voltage waveform shaping device such as a DC-DC converter. + When the second allowable margin value is reached, the rechargeable battery 24 is charged and a constant amount of fuel is replenished from the variable replenishment operation according to the temperature. The fuel concentration in the circulation tank is lowered by making it longer than this, and the fuel consumption is reduced by lowering the power generation capacity to the same or equivalent position as the electric power used by the load device. After that, the fuel cell is generated by periodically performing the fuel supply operation according to the consumption of the secondary battery, and the charging operation (CHARGE_OPERATING) from the fuel cell is performed by supplying the generated power to the secondary battery. Execute (Step S213; YES, Steps S202 to S206). While the fuel cell is in operation, the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored so that the fuel cell is not damaged by abnormal heat generation. When the fuel cell is abnormally heated, an error is displayed and the fuel cell is displayed. The power generation operation of is stopped.

  Further, during operation and standby, an energy saving mode signal transmitted from the load device and a signal for notifying that the power supply of the load device is turned on are kept in a waiting state. Thereafter, when the signal is transmitted through the communication line with the load device, the parameter is returned to the load device operating value again, and the load device operating mode is restored.

  Next, the operation in the fuel cell stop mode will be described. When the standby mode of the energy saving mode signal continues for a predetermined time or longer (step S214; YES), or the load device 100 is separated from the hybrid power supply device 10 for replacement of the load device, and communication with the load device 100 becomes impossible. When it is determined that there is no load, or when the load device 100 is used and then the power of the load device 100 is turned off to save power, specifically, the energy saving mode of OA equipment or the like is after the load device 100 is used. When a part of the driving power source and the control power source of the load device 100 is automatically turned off after a certain period of time to save power, the communication line and CPU in the control circuit are kept in the ON state, or In general, the CPU is in the sleep mode and the communication is interrupting the activation signal of the load device 100. Thus, when the load device 100 enters the energy saving mode, the hybrid power supply device 10 and the load device 100 transmit a signal from the load device 100 notifying that the load device 100 has entered the energy saving mode through the bidirectional communication cable 101. Thereafter, the load device 100 enters the energy saving mode and a certain period of time elapses, or the connection signal and the communication state are periodically checked between the load device 100 and the hybrid power supply device 10 through the bidirectional communication cable 101, and communication is impossible. (When there is no response or when the signal generates a signal indicating “no load device”), when it is determined that the load device 100 is separated from the hybrid power supply device 10, the following fuel cell stop mode is set. It performs (step S215) and performs the operation | movement which suppresses further fuel consumption.

  Specifically, when the hybrid power supply apparatus receives the above signal as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 in FIG. 6 monitors the charging status of the secondary battery 24, and the output voltage of the secondary battery 24 is the input voltage of the DC_DC converter. If it is determined that the upper limit value ± the first allowable margin value, the fuel cell is stopped. In the stop operation of the fuel cell, the power generation operation is stopped by first stopping the fuel pump 18 and the blower 22. Next, in order to suppress wasteful power consumption of the secondary battery 24, all the auxiliary equipment such as the fuel pump 18, the radiator fan 19, the circulation pump 20, the water pump 21, and the blower 22 that are supplied with power from the secondary battery 24 are also included. Stop. Note that if the output voltage monitoring result of the secondary battery 24 is almost fully charged when the fuel cell is stopped, that is, the upper limit value of the input voltage of the DC_DC converter ± the first allowable margin value, the fuel cell output ON / OFF The output of the fuel cell is shut off by turning off the switch 23, and the power supply to the load device 100 is supplied from the secondary battery 24. In addition, when the protective diode which prevents the wraparound from the secondary battery 24 is provided in the output of the fuel cell, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 can be left ON. Even after the stop, the periodic reaction heat monitoring operation of the fuel cell module 15, the output voltage monitoring operation of the secondary battery 24, and the operation mode monitoring operation of the load device 100 are continuously performed. Thereafter, the operation mode monitoring operation result of the load device 100 indicates that the load device 100 is in operation, a signal indicating that the power supply of the load device 100 has changed from OFF to ON is received, or the output voltage monitoring result of the secondary battery 24 is the DC_DC converter. When the input voltage approaches the upper limit value ± first allowable margin value, power generation is started again (step S217; YES, steps S202 to S206).

  The fuel cell supplies power to a load (secondary battery, load device, etc.) connected to the fuel cell by turning off the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 once to prevent overload of the fuel cell at the start of power generation. The fuel in accordance with the load device operation mode described above is supplied by supplying power from the secondary battery 24 to the auxiliary machines such as the fuel pump 18, the radiator fan 19, the circulation pump 20, the water pump 21 and the blower 22. The power generation operation of the battery is started again. When the fuel cell starts a power generation operation, the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored, and the fuel pump 18 is operated and supplied for a specified time according to the surface temperature. When the fuel supply is completed, the fuel cell module 15 enters a standby state until the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 reaches a predetermined temperature. Thereafter, when the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 reaches a predetermined temperature, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 is turned on, and the charging voltage of the secondary battery 24 is changed to the DC_DC converter while the output voltage of the secondary battery 24 is monitored. The charging operation (CHARGE_OPERATING) is executed up to a value close to the upper limit value of the input voltage ± the first allowable margin value. Thereafter, a series of operations in the load device operation mode is continued (step S216; YES, steps S202 to S206). While the fuel cell is in operation, the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored so that the fuel cell is not damaged due to abnormal heat generation. Stop power generation.

  By the way, in a hybrid power source equipped with a fuel cell, it is ideal that one fuel cell module can satisfy a predetermined power generation capacity. However, considering the effects of mass production at the time of mass production, multiple types of fuel cell modules are produced, and multiple types of fuel cell modules are used rather than managing them. By connecting them in series and in parallel, high voltage and high capacity hybrid power supply The production cost is lower, and the total cost is lower in terms of downsizing the production line and production management. Therefore, the present invention proposes a method for minimizing fuel consumption and reducing fuel consumption according to the operating condition of the load device when a plurality of fuel cell modules are used.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the hybrid power supply apparatus in the power supply system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same components. Hereinafter, the operation of the hybrid power supply apparatus in the power supply system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 11 showing the operation flow.

  First, when the power supply of the load device 100 is turned on (step S301), the CPU 11 in FIG. 11 confirms the state of the energy saving mode signal transmitted from the load device 100 and indicates that the confirmation signal is in the load device operating state. If so, the aforementioned load device operation mode is executed (steps S302 and S303). First, after the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 is turned on, the drive system power supply and the control system power supply of the load apparatus 100 are turned on to supply power to the load apparatus 100. After that, the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 sends a load information request signal to the load apparatus 100 through communication means with the load apparatus 100, and then the power supply of the load apparatus 100 is turned on, and the energy saving mode signal from the load apparatus 100 is activated. If the signal indicating the request and the load information, that is, the information indicating the power consumption of the load, and the like are managed by the load ID, the hybrid power supply device 10 using the fuel cell is in the power supply device based on the load information. The parameter information prepared in advance in the ROM 14 is called into the CPU 11 and set (step S304; YES, step S305). Thereafter, in order to start the power generation operation of the fuel cell, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 is turned OFF to cut off the power supply to the load device 100 connected to the fuel cell, and the fuel pump 18, radiator fan 19, Auxiliary machines such as the circulation pump 20, the water pump 21, and the blower 22 are put into operation (step S306). At this time, power supply to the load device 100 is supplied from the secondary battery 24. Thereafter, when the auxiliary machinery starts operation, the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is monitored, and the fuel pump 18 is operated for a specified time according to the surface temperature to supply the fuel to the circulation tank. In this embodiment, each of the fuel cell modules is provided with a blower and a fuel pump, but of course, the fuel and air output from a pair of blowers and fuel pumps are used using a solenoid valve, etc. The same effect can be obtained even if it is turned ON / OFF. Then, when the fuel supply is completed, the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 are set in a standby state for a while until the surface temperature of the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 reaches a predetermined temperature. When the surface temperature of each of the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 reaches a predetermined temperature, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 is turned on for the purpose of charging the secondary battery 24. The charging operation (CHAGE_OPERATING) to the next battery 24 is executed. Thereafter, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the monitoring operation of the surface temperature of each of the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 is executed, and the fuel pumps 18-1 and 18 are supplied with fuel for a specified time according to the surface temperature at that time. -2 is operated and supplied to the circulation tank. Thereafter, this series of operations is periodically repeated until the energy saving mode signal changes to the standby mode.

  Next, when the energy saving mode signal changes to the standby mode, the following load device standby mode is executed (step S304; NO). When a signal requesting a standby state is generated after the fuel cell is operated, when the load device 100 is separated from the hybrid power supply device 10 for replacement of the load device 100 and communication with the load device 100 becomes impossible. When the load device 100 is used and then the power supply of the load device 100 is turned off to save power after using the load device 100, for example, a normal OA device or the like is a control line for the main power supply and the device power supply in the device power supply. In many cases, the control communication line and the power supply around the CPU remain on when the device is shut down. Therefore, communication between the load device 100 and the hybrid power supply device 10 is performed. When the load device 100 is turned off via the bidirectional communication cable 101 of the communication means with the load device 100, When receiving these signals, the CPU 11 of the hybrid power supply device 10 receives the standby state request signal of the energy saving mode signal from the load device 100 and the parameter value accompanying the load information prepared in advance from the ROM 14. Confirmation and setting are performed (step S309), and it is recognized that the load device 100 has entered a standby state (step S310). Thereafter, the CPU 11 cuts off the power supply to the drive system power supply of the load device 100, turns on only the control system power supply, and monitors the consumption status of the secondary battery 24 (step S311).

  If the monitoring result is close to full charge or more, the next secondary until the output voltage monitoring result of the secondary battery 24 reaches the upper limit value ± second allowable margin value of the input voltage of the DC-DC converter. The battery 24 is not charged (step S315; NO). Thereafter, the output voltage of the secondary battery 24 is periodically monitored, and when the voltage monitoring result reaches the upper limit value ± first allowable margin value of the input voltage of the DC-DC converter, each fuel cell module 15-1 , 15-2, the fuel supply operation according to the temperature of each fuel cell module 15-1, 15-2 in the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 constituted by the fuel cell module 15-1, 15-2 is performed. The operation is activated and the secondary battery 24 provided in parallel with the fuel cell output is charged.

  At this time, by changing the number of operating fuel cell modules, that is, the extra fuel cell modules can be stopped by stopping the auxiliary equipment consisting of pumps and blowers, so the power generation operation can be stopped. Fuel consumption can be reduced by reducing power consumption and reducing it to the same level as secondary batteries.

  After that, the fuel cell generates power by periodically performing the fuel supply operation according to the surface temperature of the operating secondary battery, and charging from the fuel cell is performed by supplying the generated power to the secondary battery. Execute the operation (CHARGE_OPERATING). During the operation of the fuel cell, the surface temperature of each fuel cell module is monitored so that the fuel cell is not damaged by abnormal heat generation. The power generation operation of the fuel cell module is stopped.

  Further, if the standby mode of the energy saving mode signal is continued for a predetermined time, the following fuel cell stop mode is executed to further suppress the fuel consumption.

  Further, when the standby state of the load device 100 is longer than the predetermined time (step S316; YES), when the operation mode does not change or when the load device connection monitoring signal is no load (no load device is connected), the power supply of the load device 100 When a signal notifying that the switch has been turned off is sent, the following fuel cell stop mode is executed (step S317).

  When the power supply of the load device 100 is turned on, the CPU 11 in FIG. 11 monitors the charging status of the secondary battery 24, and the output voltage of the secondary battery 24 is the upper limit value ± first allowable margin value of the input specifications of the DC_DC converter. If it is determined, the power generation operation of all the fuel cell modules is stopped. When stopping, the power generation operation is stopped by first stopping the fuel pumps 18-1 and 18-2 and the blowers 22-1 and 22-2. Next, in order to suppress wasteful power consumption of the secondary battery 24, the fuel pumps 18-1, 18-2, the radiator fans 19-1, 19-2, and the circulation pump 20-1 supplied with power from the secondary battery 24 are used. , 20-2, water pumps 21-1, 21-2 and blowers 22-1 and 22-2 are all stopped. If the output voltage monitoring result of the secondary battery 24 is close to the upper limit value ± the first allowable margin value of the DC_DC converter when the fuel cell is stopped, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 is turned OFF. Thus, the output of the fuel cell is shut off, and the power supply to the load device 100 is supplied from the secondary battery 24. When the output of each of the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 is provided with a protective diode for preventing wraparound from the secondary battery 24 or another fuel cell, the fuel cell output is turned on / off. The switch 23 can be left ON. Even after stopping, the reaction heat monitoring operation of each fuel cell module 15-1, 15-2, the output voltage monitoring operation of the secondary battery 24, the operation mode monitoring operation of the load device 24, and the power switch of the load device 100 are turned off. The operation of monitoring that the signal indicating that the signal is changed to ON is transmitted through the bidirectional communication cable 101 of the communication unit of the load device 100 is continued. The operation mode monitoring operation result of the periodic load device 100 indicates operation, the power switch of the load device 100 is changed from OFF to ON, or the output voltage monitoring result of the secondary battery 24 is the upper limit of the input voltage of the DC_DC converter. When the value ± the first allowable margin value is approached, all fuel pumps 18-1, 18-2, radiator fans 19-1, 19-2, circulation pumps 20-1, 20-2, water pump 21-1, The fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 start power generation by operating auxiliary machines such as 21-2 and blowers 22-1 and 22-2 (step S319; YES, steps S302 to S306). .

  When the fuel cell starts generating power again, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 is turned OFF once to prevent the fuel cell from overloading to a load (secondary battery, load device, etc.) connected to the fuel cell. Are cut off, and fuel pumps 18-1, 18-2, radiator fans 19-1, 19-2, circulation pumps 20-1, 20-2, water pumps 21-1, 21-2 and blower 22- The power generation operation of the fuel cell according to the load device operation mode described above is started by supplying power from the secondary battery 24 to the auxiliary machines such as 1, 22-2.

  When the fuel cell starts a power generation operation, the surface temperature of each of the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 is monitored, and the fuel pumps 18-1 and 18-2 are operated according to the surface temperature to supply fuel. To do. When the fuel supply is completed, the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 enter a standby state until the surface temperature of the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 reaches a predetermined temperature. Thereafter, when the surface temperature of each of the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 reaches a predetermined temperature, the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 is turned on for the purpose of charging the secondary battery 24, and the secondary battery is turned on. While monitoring the output voltage of 24, the charging operation (CHARGE_OPERATING) is executed until the upper limit value ± first allowable margin value of the input voltage of the DC_DC converter of the secondary battery 24 is reached. Thereafter, a series of operations in the load device operation mode is continued (step S318; YES, steps S302 to S306). During the operation of the fuel cell, the surface temperature of each of the fuel cell modules 15-1 and 15-2 was monitored so that each fuel cell was not damaged by the abnormal heat generation, resulting in abnormal heat generation. In such a case, an error is displayed and the power generation operation of all the fuel cells is stopped.

  Here, only a specific load is not connected to the hybrid power supply device, and the load device can supply power regardless of the load as long as it is within the rated output condition range of the hybrid power supply device. However, if the fuel cell is stopped once and then a different load device is connected and operated, the fuel cell module itself becomes large and expensive if an attempt is made to make room for the power generation capacity. Therefore, the hybrid power supply device needs to be moved in a state close to the maximum capacity of the hybrid power supply device with respect to the load.

  However, if the fuel cell is stopped once and a different load device is connected and operated, the hybrid power supply device needs to be moved in a state close to the maximum capacity of the hybrid power supply device with respect to the load. Therefore, in order to operate in a state close to the maximum capacity that the hybrid power supply can have, it is necessary for the fuel cell to have a power generation capacity that has risen to some extent, and the capacity of the secondary battery (the capacity that can be supplied from the secondary battery to the load device) Depending on the situation, a failure such as being unable to immediately bring the load device into operation is expected. Therefore, it is expected that the actual use of the operator in the market will be dealt with only by replacing the cable without turning off the power of the hybrid power supply device equipped with the fuel cell (without stopping the fuel cell).

  On the other hand, if the load device is replaced while the fuel cell is in operation, the connector is in a live state, so sparks may occur between the load device and the terminals of the hybrid power supply in the connector section, or spark noise may occur. This can cause device failure, malfunction, and operator discomfort. Therefore, a load output ON / OFF switch is provided for the operator to intentionally turn each DC-DC converter output on and off, and a light display is displayed in conjunction with the ON / OFF of the load output ON / OFF switch. By providing display means to display the load output in the form), the operator's vision is turned ON / OFF to manage the device due to the operator's discomfort and spark noise due to the occurrence of a spark between the load device and the hybrid power supply. The cause of failure can be avoided.

  Of course, when the hybrid power supply is turned ON / OFF when the cable is replaced or when the load device is connected, this use can be supported in order to turn the power supply device ON / OFF with the load output ON / OFF switch. In addition, it is proposed that the following power supply sequence and load output display (in the present embodiment, a load output display LED is shown) be mounted on a fuel cell-mounted hybrid power supply.

  For example, when the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 is turned on / off in a state where the load apparatus 100 is connected in FIG. 12, the load apparatus 100 having the control system circuit 103 and the drive system circuit 104 as shown in FIG. If power is to be supplied to the load device 100 from the outside, the drive system power supply is turned on in a state where the control circuit in the load device 100 does not operate unless the drive system circuit 104 is started up after the control system circuit 103 is started up first. Applied to the load device 100 may cause malfunction or failure. Therefore, in order to avoid the problem at the time of starting the power supply, as shown in FIG. 10, communication means that operates with the communication power supply 105 on the control circuit is provided between the load device 100 and the hybrid power supply device 10 equipped with the fuel cell. Provide. When the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 is started up, the output of the control system DC-DC converter 30 and the drive system DC-DC converter 31 and the load output display are turned off, and the communication apparatus is connected. A load connection confirmation signal and load information indicating that the load device 100 is connected through the bidirectional communication cable 101 of the communication means are transmitted to the hybrid power supply device 10 equipped with the fuel cell. Thereafter, the hybrid power supply device 10 confirms the load device connection and load information with the CPU 11, and then the CPU 11 turns on the control system power ON / OFF signal to supply power to the load output display and the control circuit. The DC-DC converter 30 and load output display are turned on. Next, the drive system power supply ON / OFF signal is turned ON to bring the drive system DC-DC converter 31 into an output state. By performing the above, a sequence for starting up the load device is secured, and the fuel cell starts a normal power generation operation according to the load information. Of course, the same operation is performed by turning on the load output ON / OFF switch after exchanging the next load when replacing the cable.

  In addition, when the load device 100 is disconnected from the hybrid power supply device 10 with the load device 100 connected, it is confirmed that the load device has been removed through a load connection confirmation signal, and the drive system DC-DC converter 31 is connected. After the power is turned off, the control system DC-DC converter 30 is turned off, the output from the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 is stopped, and the load output display is turned off. The same operation is performed even when the load output ON / OFF switch is turned OFF to replace the load when replacing the cable. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the load connection confirmation signal supply means provides the pull-up resistor 32 to the hybrid power supply device 10 and connects the load device 100, whereby the CPU 11 in the hybrid power supply device 10 is connected. The I / O port signal is confirmed to change from the H level to the L level by connecting a load. However, even if the control system power supply is photoisolated, it can be confirmed by the CPU 11 of the hybrid power supply 10. In this embodiment, the load connection confirmation signal and the communication with the load device are used to confirm the load information and the load connection. However, if the function is only for the load connection confirmation, the load connection confirmation signal is used. And either of the communication with the load device can be made possible.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load output ON / OFF switch is provided to perform the power ON / OFF management by the operator, but there is no certainty in the power switch ON / OFF management. Therefore, the load connection confirmation signal rises automatically to turn on / off the power supply line with certainty, and when the connection to the load is confirmed reliably, the power supply line rises to prevent sparks at the time of load connection. It is desirable to provide a delay time to prevent it.

  As a specific embodiment, in FIG. 14, the power supply line and the load connection confirmation signal line are one power plug 51, and the load connection confirmation signal line is first connected to the ground when the power plug 51 is inserted into the inlet. After the CPU confirms the change in the signal, the control system and drive system DC-DC converter is turned on to supply power from the power supply line to the load device (load connection confirmation signal terminal is connected to other power It can be realized by making it longer than the supply line. As another method, a CR switch circuit may be implemented as a method for minimizing the influence on the circuit even if a spark occurs in each power supply line.

  In addition, the load output ON / OFF switch is turned ON / OFF to provide a lock mechanism that mechanically locks and unlocks the power supply mechanism of the load device and the hybrid power supply, so that the operator can reliably turn the power on / off. The same effect can be obtained that OFF management can be performed.

  In FIG. 14 described above, the power supply line and the communication line for the load signal are connected by separate connectors, but the same effect can be obtained when they are actually bundled or bundled. However, since the power supply line is a power line when bundled, there is a concern that the current fluctuation is large and electromagnetic noise is generated. In addition, if the power supply line is mounted with a signal line for communication with a load signal, there is a risk of malfunction due to electromagnetic noise. Therefore, it is desirable to separate the communication line for the load signal and the power supply line by separately shielding them.

  Next, a series of operations of the dilution circulation type fuel cell using alcohol as fuel is operated by the fuel pump 18 from the fuel tank 33 holding the high concentration fuel as shown in FIG. The amount of liquid to be fed is set to a constant concentration with respect to the amount of dilution water supplied from the drain tank by the water pump 21. The sent fuel and the diluted water sent from the water tank 35 are sent to the circulation tank 34, and become a fixed ratio of diluted fuel and held in the circulation tank. Next, the diluted fuel in the circulation tank is sent and circulated to the fuel cell module 15 by the circulation pump 20, reacts with the air blown from the blower 22, and electric power, water, heat, etc. are taken out from the fuel cell module 15. be able to. The water generated by the reaction between the fuel and air in the fuel cell module 15 is gasified by heat at this point, so it is cooled by passing through the radiator 36 and is collected in the water tank 35 as generated water. The recovered product water is reused as dilution water for high-concentration fuel.

  The electric power generated in the fuel cell module 15 is used as a power source for the storage and control system DC-DC converter 30 and the drive system DC-DC converter 31 of the secondary battery, and each DC-DC converter is connected to the load device 100. Used as a power source. The above is a series of operations of a diluted circulation fuel cell (DMFC) using methanol as fuel.

  By the way, if there is no fuel or dilution water, it becomes impossible to control the concentration of diluted fuel, and if a load is applied when the fuel concentration is insufficient, overload or crossover will occur more than necessary. It may cause deterioration of From the above, it is an indispensable technique in this apparatus to grasp the remaining amount of liquid in the tank in which the high-concentration fuel and dilution water that are the main raw materials for fuel cell power generation are held.

  Therefore, the present invention performs dilution water and remaining fuel detection for the purpose of preventing a decrease in power generation voltage output and module deterioration of the hybrid power supply due to a lack of dilution water and fuel in the hybrid power supply device.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, the fuel tank 33 and the water tank 35 of the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 have upper limit liquid level position sensors 37 and 40 for detecting the upper limit liquid level position, and an intermediate liquid level position sensor for detecting the intermediate liquid level position. 38, 41, and lower limit liquid level position sensors 39, 42 for detecting the lower limit liquid level position are provided in the respective tanks, and these signals are taken into the CPU 11 in the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 and are constantly in the liquid level of each tank. The change is monitored, and the monitoring result is displayed on the display means 12 provided in the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 and also transmitted to the load apparatus 100 by exchanging commands and statuses through the bidirectional communication cable 101 which is a communication path with the load apparatus. The monitoring result of the change in the amount of liquid in each tank is transmitted. The load device 100 that has received these pieces of information displays the change in the liquid amount in each tank on the display means 61 of the load device, as in the hybrid power supply device 10 described above. Furthermore, the liquid volume change information of each tank is sent to the load control device 200 of the PC (information device in this embodiment) in the “communication path between the load control device and the load device” (in the case of a PC, a universal communication interface such as USB or RS232C By using the communication channel 300 and displaying the liquid volume change information on the monitor or the like, the operator or serviceman can always determine the remaining amount of fuel and dilution water in the hybrid power supply 10 equipped with the fuel cell. Since it can be confirmed even at the position and the stop time of the fuel cell can be predicted, the cause of the failure of the load device due to the sudden power stop can be avoided. When the stop time is predicted to be below the lower limit liquid level position sensors 39 and 42 provided in each tank, the CPU 11 measures and stores the operation time of the fuel pump 18 and the water pump 21 and calculates the total operation time of each pump. Then, the total liquid feeding amount from the time when the liquid feeding amount of each pump per unit time, which is known in advance, falls below the lower limit liquid level position sensors 39 and 42 is obtained. After that, the remaining amount of each tank can be grasped by obtaining the difference between the total liquid feeding amounts from the remaining amount of liquid in the tank from the lower limit liquid level position sensors 39 and 42 which are known in advance, and the time until the fuel cell stops Predict in real time. The total liquid feeding amount arithmetic result from the time when it falls below the lower limit liquid level position sensors 39 and 42 is obtained by using an SRAM or the like as a storage unit provided in the control circuit so that the information does not disappear even after the hybrid power supply 10 is stopped. Save it.

  In the present embodiment, the method of providing the liquid level sensor positions at the upper, middle, and lower positions of each tank has been described. However, the amount of change in the liquid level can be detected more finely by arranging the sensor positions finely. Fuel tanks and water tanks use liquid level sensors. To reduce costs, only one liquid level sensor is provided in each tank, and the total operating time of each pump is measured from there as described above. The same effect can be obtained by calculating the total liquid supply amount from the tank and calculating the difference from the remaining amount of liquid from the sensor position of each tank or by using the pressure sensor and converting the liquid amount to weight. .

  Next, as described above, it is an indispensable technique in this apparatus to grasp the remaining amount of liquid in the tank in which the high-concentration fuel that is the main raw material for fuel cell power generation and dilution water is held. In particular, the present invention is effective when there is a risk that the generated water (= diluted water) will freeze, such as when used at low temperatures in winter. The means for realizing the liquid supply error function will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the fuel cell is provided with a sensor for confirming the liquid level position in each of the fuel tank 33, the circulation tank 34, and the water tank 35. In describing the pump operation and a series of operations related to the tank and sensor, the operation of the sensor provided in each tank and the operation of each pump for supplying liquid to each tank are the same. Add

  First, when the power supply switch 10 is turned on, the hybrid power supply device 10 equipped with the fuel cell confirms the POWER_ON signal by the CPU 11, and then the CPU 11 always confirms that the circulation tank upper limit liquid level sensor 43 provided in the circulation tank 34 of FIG. Perform the action. If this confirmation signal has not reached the H level (indicating a state where there is no liquid level up to the sensor position), the water pump 35 is operated, and the water supply operation from the drain tank is executed until the signal changes to the L level. At the same time, a timer that sets the time until the tank is filled with liquid is started, and if the liquid level does not reach the upper limit sensor position within the time, there is some trouble in the water supply system, such as freezing in winter. It is judged that there is a danger or the possibility of burning of the pump, and the water supply error is set. When the water supply error is recognized as an error, the circulation pump 20, the blower 22, the water pump 21, the drive system power supply, and the secondary battery charging operation are turned off, the error lamp is turned on, and the blinking operation is performed. Note that this error mode recovery method may be in an important error state, so that it is returned not by automatic recovery but by power-on for the purpose of confirmation by a service person.

  Furthermore, when a large load is continuously applied in a state where the output voltage of the fuel cell module 15 is lowered, there is a risk that the fuel cell module 15 enters an overload state and leads to deterioration of module confidence. This is probably because the fuel concentration is low and the reaction does not proceed as expected and the output voltage decreases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, in order to prevent these failures, the output voltage of the fuel cell module 15 is periodically monitored by the A / D terminal of the CPU 11 when the voltmeter or resistance is divided, Monitoring is performed so as not to fall below the lower limit voltage of the fuel cell module 15. If the voltage falls below the lower limit voltage of the fuel cell module 15, it is judged as an error, the blower, water pump, drive system power supply, circulation pump, fuel pump, radiator fan, secondary battery charging operation is turned off, and the error lamp is lit. To do. In addition, when measuring the output voltage of a fuel cell module, it shall measure with the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 turned off.

  Further, when the surface temperature of the fuel cell module 15 becomes an abnormally high temperature state, the fuel cell module 15 may self-heat and damage internal components (MEA, catalyst, etc.), leading to deterioration of module confidence. The reason is that the fuel concentration becomes too high and the reaction is activated more than expected, resulting in a crossover state, the output voltage is lowered and the reaction heat of the module itself causes a high temperature state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is periodically monitored using the thermistor 17 to prevent these failures, and the temperature change is monitored by the A / D terminal of the CPU. Monitor not to exceed the maximum temperature. If the upper limit temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is exceeded, it is judged as an error. First, the blower, fuel pump, water pump, drive system power supply, radiator fan, and secondary battery charging operation are turned off, and the error lamp is turned on. Light. At this time, if the fuel inside the module in a high temperature state stagnate inside, the internal pumps (MEA, catalyst, etc.) may be damaged, leading to the risk of deterioration of module confidence. Leave in state. Thereafter, the circulation pump is stopped when the fuel temperature or the module temperature is lowered to some extent.

  Furthermore, when a large load is continuously applied in a state where the temperature of the fuel cell module is lowered, the fuel cell module is overloaded and there is a risk of degrading the module self-confidence. This is probably because the fuel concentration becomes low for some reason and the reaction does not proceed as expected, so the module reaction does not proceed and the module temperature decreases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the temperature of the fuel cell module 15 is periodically used by the thermistor 17 to prevent these failures, and the temperature change is monitored by the A / D terminal of the CPU. Monitor the temperature so that it does not fall below the minimum temperature. If the temperature falls below the lower limit temperature of the fuel cell module 15, it is judged as an error, the blower, water pump, drive system power supply, circulation pump, fuel pump, radiator fan, secondary battery charging operation is turned off, and the error lamp is lit. To do.

  In addition, if the in-flight fan in the hybrid power supply equipped with the fuel cell stops and a large load continues to be applied when the in-flight temperature is high, the chemical reaction activation of the fuel is accelerated in the fuel cell module due to the ambient temperature. There is a risk that the module will become hotter than expected, leading to deterioration of module confidence, malfunction of the control board of the hybrid power supply, vaporization of dilution water and fuel, and normal concentration control becoming impossible. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the in-machine temperature of the hybrid power supply apparatus in which the fuel cell is periodically mounted to prevent these obstacles is monitored using the thermistor 44 and the change in the in-machine temperature is monitored by the A / D terminal of the CPU. Then, monitoring is performed so as not to exceed the upper limit value of the in-machine temperature of the hybrid power supply. If it exceeds the upper limit of the in-machine temperature of the hybrid power supply, it is determined that an abnormality such as an in-machine fan stop has occurred and an error is assumed. If an error is determined, the blower, water pump, drive system power supply, circulation pump, fuel pump, radiator fan, and secondary battery charging operation are turned off, and the error lamp is turned on.

  Furthermore, although a secondary battery is used as a power storage device in a hybrid power supply apparatus equipped with a fuel cell, over-charging of the battery may cause a significant decrease in life and possibly damage. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, the surface temperature of the secondary battery 24 of the hybrid power supply device in which the secondary battery is periodically mounted to prevent these failures is used, the thermistor 45 is used, and the temperature change of the battery is measured by the CPU. Monitoring is performed at the A / D terminal so as not to exceed the upper limit value of the battery high temperature protection value when the secondary battery 24 is charged. If the upper limit value of the battery high temperature protection value at the time of charging the secondary battery 24 is exceeded, it is determined that the high temperature error of the secondary battery 24 has occurred, and the charging ON / OFF switch and the fuel cell output ON / OFF are determined. By forcibly turning off the OFF switch 23, it is possible to protect with a double switch and cut off charging. If the temperature continues to rise even though charging is forcibly stopped, a thermal fuse 46 or the like is provided on the surface of the secondary battery 24 to prevent liquid leakage, rupture or ignition due to battery damage. A mechanism for mounting and mechanically shutting off the power is provided. By mechanically shutting off, it is possible to prevent self-returning to a dangerous state again, and to protect in triplicate.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the insulating outer cover 71, the conductive outer frame 72, the perforated smooth insulating sheet member 73, the conductive inner frame 74, and the perforated insulating sheet member 75 are covered from the outside in order. A liquid composed of a comparator 77 that uses the outer frame 72 and the conductive inner frame 74 as electrodes, detects an insulation resistance 76 between these electrodes, compares it with a reference voltage, and passes it as a binary signal to the I / O port of the CPU. A leak detection circuit is provided. Since this circuit uses the conductive outer frame 72, the perforated smooth insulating sheet member 73 and the conductive inner frame 74 as electrodes, if fuel or generated water (= dilution water) leaks from the fuel cell to the conductive inner frame 74, The leaked liquid enters between the perforated smooth insulating sheet member 73 and the conductive inner frame 74 and eventually comes into contact with the conductive outer cover 72. Then, the resistance value between the conductive outer cover 72 and the conductive inner frame 74 decreases, the voltage value becomes lower than the reference voltage of the comparator 77, and the comparator output is inverted. The CPU senses the inverted signal of the comparator 77 and turns on the LED and the like through the I / O port. By doing so, an operator or a service person can confirm that a liquid leak has occurred, and can quickly respond and investigate the cause.

  Further, when an error occurs in a hybrid power supply device equipped with a fuel cell, the CPU determines the type of error, and a display device (in this embodiment, an LED is taken as an example) provides a display device in the hybrid power supply device. In addition, it is possible to respond quickly to errors by making announcements to operators and service personnel through error codes and abbreviations. Further, in order to make it easy to understand the response to the error, the display device displays the position of the location where the error occurred, the error code, possible countermeasures, and the like.

  In the above explanation, the radiator fan motor and cooling fan are stopped when an error occurs. However, the water generated in the hybrid power supply is vaporized inside the machine and sent to the outside by the radiator fan or the cooling fan of the device. Suddenly stopping these fans when the fan is on will cause condensation. Therefore, it is more desirable to reduce the rotational speed by reducing the voltage applied to the radiator fan motor and the cooling fan in order to prevent condensation.

  Furthermore, it is not known when an error occurs. However, if an operator or service person is not in the vicinity of the hybrid power supply even if an error is notified only by displaying the hybrid power supply apparatus, the countermeasure is delayed. In particular, when a liquid leak occurs, depending on the location where the power supply is installed, there is a risk that the cause of failure of other equipment or documents may be soiled. Therefore, means for transmitting error information to the load device is provided in order to promptly notify the operator or service person that an error has occurred. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the load device 100 is notified of an error using the relationship between the command and status through the bidirectional communication cable 101 which is a communication path with the load device. By doing so, not only the display unit 12 of the hybrid power supply apparatus 10 but also the display unit of the load apparatus 100 can display the same information as the information displayed on the hybrid power supply apparatus 10. However, when an error occurs in the fuel cell, the display time of the load device 100 and the hybrid power source 10 is that power is supplied until the voltage of the secondary battery 24 in the hybrid power source device 10 reaches a specified value. It cannot be displayed for a long time. Therefore, when the load device 100 receives error information from the hybrid power supply device 10 equipped with the fuel cell, the communication path between the load control device and the load device in FIG. 10, for example, a general-purpose interface such as USB, RS232C, or a communication path such as a network. 300, the same information as the information sent to the load device 100 is sent to the load control device 200 as soon as possible. By doing so, even if the secondary battery 24 of the hybrid power supply device 10 reaches the specified value, the power supply to the load device 100 becomes impossible and the display means 12 disappears, the operator or serviceman can load the load control device ( The occurrence of an error can be confirmed in the device 200 that gives information to a PC or a load device and controls it. In addition, when power supply is stopped after an error occurs, information is transmitted to the load device 100 in stages, such as an estimated time until stoppage, to the operator or service person, and the secondary battery 24 of the hybrid power supply device 10 defines in advance. If the power supply to the load device 100 becomes impossible and the load device 100 cannot be supplied with power, the hybrid power supply device 10 displays a message to that effect to the operator or service person. Make step-by-step display announcements using the device. By doing so, an operator or the like can refrain from transmitting an operation (such as transmission of print information when the load device is a printer) to the load device 100. Specifically, step-by-step display can be announced in an easy-to-understand manner to the operator by displaying the state in which the battery capacity gradually decreases as shown in FIG.

  Further, when a liquid leak occurs in the hybrid power supply device, there is a risk that the cause of failure of other equipment or documents may be soiled depending on the place where the power supply is installed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, the installation surface and the halfway position of the side surface of the cover 82 in which a plurality of holes 81 are processed so that the liquid does not leak outside (the height at which the liquid does not overflow = the tank with the largest capacity) It is desirable to make the shape of a height that does not overflow even if the liquid leaks into a tray shape without drilling or the like.

  Furthermore, when the power generation operation is stopped due to an error, the output of the fuel cell is set to no load. The term "no load" as used herein means that the fuel cell output ON / OFF switch 23 can be turned off by turning off the fuel cell output ON / OFF signal through the I / O output of the CPU 11 shown in FIG. Can be unloaded.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It cannot be overemphasized that various deformation | transformation and substitution are possible if it is description in a claim.

It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the system configuration | structure of the hybrid power supply device in the electric power feeding system of this invention, the load apparatus carrying the said hybrid power supply device, and a load control apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the hybrid power supply device in the electric power feeding system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the load apparatus operating mode and load apparatus standby mode in the electric power feeding system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the fuel cell control of the load apparatus operating mode in a fuel cell module. It is the schematic which shows the fuel cell control of the load apparatus standby mode in a fuel cell module. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the hybrid power supply device in the electric power feeding system which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the load apparatus operation mode in the electric power feeding system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, load apparatus standby mode, and fuel cell stop mode. It is the schematic which shows another fuel cell control of the load apparatus standby mode in a fuel cell module. It is the schematic which shows the fuel cell control of the fuel cell stop mode in a fuel cell module. It is the schematic which shows another structure of the hybrid power supply device in the electric power feeding system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the load apparatus operation mode, load apparatus standby mode, and fuel cell stop mode when using the fuel cell which has several fuel cell modules in the electric power feeding system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement concept of the load apparatus operation mode in the electric power feeding system of this invention, load apparatus standby mode, and fuel cell stop mode. It is the schematic which shows the connection form of a hybrid power supply device and a load apparatus. It is the schematic which shows an example of a plug. It is the schematic which shows an example of the failure prevention of a fuel cell module. It is the schematic which shows an example of the failure prevention of a fuel cell module. It is the schematic which shows an example of the failure prevention of a fuel cell module. It is the schematic which shows an example of the failure prevention of a fuel cell module. It is the schematic which shows an example of the failure prevention of a fuel cell module. It is a figure which shows the flame | frame structure of a fuel cell. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the battery capacity state of a fuel cell. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a fuel cell cover.

Explanation of symbols

10; hybrid power supply device; 11; CPU; 12; display means;
13; RAM, 14; ROM, 15; Fuel cell module,
16; fuel cell voltage monitoring circuit; 17; thermistor;
18; fuel pump, 19; radiator fan, 20; circulation pump,
21; water pump, 22; blower,
23; Fuel cell output ON / OFF switch, 24; Secondary battery,
25; Secondary battery voltage monitoring circuit; 26; Charging ON / OFF control circuit;
27 to 29; switch, 30; DC-DC converter for control system,
31; DC-DC converter for driving system,
100; load device; 101; bidirectional communication cable; 102; antenna;
103; control system circuit; 104; drive system circuit;
105; battery for communication, 200; load control circuit,
300: Wireless communication path.

Claims (8)

A load apparatus, a power generation apparatus, and a power storage device are provided, and a power supply apparatus that supplies power to the load apparatus and a bidirectional communication unit that transmits and receives information between the load apparatus and the power supply apparatus are configured. In the power supply system,
When the power supply device side receives an operation mode signal indicating the operation state of the load device via the bidirectional communication means, the power generation state of the power generation device is varied according to the operation mode. .   When the power supply device side receives a signal indicating that the operation mode is a power saving mode or a signal indicating that the load device is not present via the bidirectional communication unit, the power generation state of the power generation device is a state where the generated power is suppressed. The power feeding system according to claim 1.   A monitoring unit that monitors the output of the power storage device based on the voltage waveform of the power storage device is provided, and the monitoring result of the output of the power storage device after the power saving mode state by the signal that is the power saving mode continues for a certain time or more 3. The power feeding system according to claim 2, wherein power generation of the power generation device is stopped when a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to a lower limit value of the input voltage of the voltage waveform or a voltage equal to or higher than the predetermined value is indicated.   The power feeding system according to claim 3, wherein a power generation operation is started when an output of the power storage device reaches a power generation start voltage of the power generation device.   The power generation device starts a power generation operation when the power supply device receives a return start signal for returning from the power saving mode state from the load device via the bidirectional communication means. Power supply system.   A return start signal for returning from the power saving mode state or a signal notifying that the output of the power storage device has reached the power generation start voltage of the power generation device from the load device via the bidirectional communication means. The power feeding system according to claim 3, wherein the power generation device starts a power generation operation when receiving the power.   7. A unit detection signal for detecting whether or not the load device is connected and means for shutting off a power supply line for supplying power to the load device. The power feeding system according to claim 1.   The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the power generation device is a fuel cell.

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