JP2009026719A - Fuel cell power generating device system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell power generating device system enabling to prevent water leakage due to the rupture or crack of a pipe in a water passage under low temperatures even when a control device runs away into an uncontrollable condition. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell power generating device system comprises a control means 2 for controlling a series of starting, power-generating and stopping operation, a runaway detecting means 23 for detecting the runaway of the control means 2, a temperature measuring means 3 for measuring an ambient temperature, a heater 7 for increasing the temperature of the water passage for an exhaust heat recovery means, a control switch 21 for changing over the heater 7 to be on/off from ambient temperature information measured by the temperature measuring means 3, and a temperature switch 22 for changing the heater 7 to be on/off when reaching a predetermined temperature. The heater 7 is connected in series to the control switch 21 and the temperature switch 22. When the runaway detecting means 23 detects the runaway of the control means 2, the control switch 21 is put into an energized condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell power generation system having a power generation function and a hot water supply function.

  The fuel cell power generation system generates a fuel gas mainly composed of hydrogen from a source gas such as city gas by a hydrogen generator, and generates power by reacting the generated fuel gas with an oxidant gas.

  The fuel cell power generator cools the heat generated during power generation or when the raw material gas such as city gas is reformed to the fuel gas by the hydrogen generator by circulating the cooling water and recovers the exhaust heat. Store hot water in a hot water storage tank.

  Therefore, in the fuel cell power generation system, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is used as water for daily life in the floor and kitchen, etc., so the combined power generation efficiency (electric power) and exhaust heat recovery efficiency (heat) It is a highly efficient system that uses primary energy.

  As described above, it is important for the fuel cell power generation system to perform exhaust heat recovery during power generation in order to increase the utilization efficiency of primary energy. For this reason, a water path for performing exhaust heat recovery is provided. It has been.

  For example, a cooling path between the hot water storage tank and the fuel cell power generation device using a hot water storage pump or a cooling source between the cooling water tank of the fuel cell power generation device main body and a heat source such as a stack. For example, a route for circulating water.

  As described above, for the fuel cell power generation apparatus, it is essential to recover the exhaust heat in order to increase the utilization efficiency of the primary energy. However, when the outside air temperature drops below the freezing point in winter, the water path between the hot water storage tank and the fuel cell power generator described above and the water path between the cooling water tank and a heat source such as a stack freezes. The pipes ruptured or cracked and leaked water, and water circulation was not performed normally or water leaks could cause equipment failure.

Therefore, in the conventional technology, when the fuel cell power generation system is placed at a low temperature, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature outside the apparatus is installed, and when the temperature outside the apparatus falls below a predetermined temperature, a predetermined amount of heat is generated by the fuel cell. There is a means for maintaining the circulating water at a temperature higher than the freezing point by heating the circulating water between the fuel cell and the main tank (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-11-214025

  However, as described above, the conventional configuration measures the temperature outside the apparatus with a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, determines whether the measured temperature is below a predetermined temperature with a control device such as a microcomputer, and determines the predetermined temperature. If it is below, the operation to prevent freezing of the water path is performed.

  Therefore, when the control means for measuring the temperature outside the device becomes incapable of measurement, it is not possible to perform an operation to prevent the water path from freezing, and water leaks due to rupture or cracks in the water path piping. May cause.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem, and prevents water leakage due to rupture or cracking of a water path pipe even at a low temperature even when the control device runs away and becomes uncontrollable. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell power generation system capable of performing

  In order to solve the conventional problems, a fuel cell power generation system according to the present invention includes a control unit that controls a series of operations of starting, generating, and stopping, a runaway detecting unit that detects a runaway of the control unit, and an environmental temperature. A temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature, a heater for raising the temperature of the water path of the exhaust heat recovery means, a control switch for switching the heater on / off from environmental temperature information measured by the temperature measuring means, and a predetermined temperature. In this case, the heater includes a temperature switch for switching on / off of the heater and the power supply of the heater, and the heater is connected in series with the control switch and the temperature switch. When it is detected that the control switch is running out of control, the control switch becomes energized.

  As a result, the present invention provides, for example, a microcomputer when the environment where the fuel cell power generation system is installed is exposed to a low temperature in winter and the fuel cell power generation apparatus is not in use. In a control device such as the outside air temperature measurement function and the heater control function to prevent freezing even when the temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the heater that prevents freezing is energized and the water path circulates. Water can be heated, and water leakage due to rupture or cracking of the water path piping due to freezing of the water path can be prevented.

  Also, when the control device of the microcomputer becomes uncontrollable, even if the control switch becomes energized, the heater is not energized unless the temperature switch is closed. Can be cut off, and power consumption can be kept low.

  The first invention is a control means for controlling a series of operations of starting, power generation, and stopping, a runaway detecting means for detecting a runaway of the control means, a temperature measuring means for measuring the environmental temperature, and water in the exhaust heat recovery means. A heater for heating the path, a control switch for switching the heater on / off from environmental temperature information measured by the temperature measuring means, a temperature switch for switching the heater on / off when a predetermined temperature is reached, and a heater power supply. The heater is configured to be connected in series with the control switch and the temperature switch. When the runaway detecting means detects that the control means is running out of control, the control switch becomes energized.

  As a result, the present invention provides, for example, a microcomputer when the environment where the fuel cell power generation system is installed is exposed to a low temperature in winter and the fuel cell power generation apparatus is not in use. In a control device such as the outside air temperature measurement function and the heater control function to prevent freezing even when the temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the heater that prevents freezing is energized and the water path circulates. Water can be heated, and water leakage due to rupture or cracking of the water path piping due to freezing of the water path can be prevented.

  Also, when the control device of the microcomputer becomes uncontrollable, even if the control switch becomes energized, the heater is not energized unless the temperature switch is closed. Can be cut off, and power consumption can be kept low.

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, when the runaway detecting means detects a runaway of the control means, the abnormality notifying means notifies the abnormality without using the control means.

  With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the abnormality of the fuel cell power generation apparatus, and thus it is possible to prevent the damage from being expanded when a problem occurs.

  According to a third invention, in the first invention, at least a temperature measurement abnormality detecting means for detecting disconnection of the temperature measurement means is provided, and when the control means detects an abnormality of the temperature measurement means, the control switch is set in a state in which power can be supplied. Is.

  According to the above configuration and operation, when an abnormality occurs in the temperature measuring means by providing an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality including at least disconnection of the temperature measuring means for measuring the environmental temperature such as the outside temperature in the fuel cell power generation device. By closing the heater control switch to prevent freezing, the temperature switch such as a bimetal switch can be closed (can be energized) even when the ambient temperature cannot be measured. Since the cooling water in the water path can be heated by the heater that prevents freezing immediately after the condition is reached, the cooling water in the water path can be heated to prevent the water path from being broken or leaking due to cracks. .

  Also, as long as the temperature switch connected in series with the control switch is not closed (energized state), that is, below the set temperature of the temperature switch, freezing is immediately prevented even if an abnormality occurs in the temperature measuring means. Since the heater is not turned on, power consumption can be reduced even when an abnormality occurs in the temperature measuring means.

  According to a fourth invention, in the first invention, there is provided a fuel gas generator temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the fuel gas generator, and a correction temperature measuring means for correcting the temperature of the fuel gas generator temperature measuring means. When the control means detects an abnormality of the temperature measuring means, the control switch is controlled based on the information of the correction temperature measuring means instead of the temperature measuring means.

  According to the above-described configuration and operation, the fuel gas generator temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the fuel gas generator of the fuel cell power generator needs to usually measure from 600 ° C. to 700 ° C. Pairs are used. In the configuration of the present invention, a correction thermistor for correcting the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple is provided, and when an abnormality of the temperature measuring means is detected, the temperature measurement of the ambient temperature such as the outside temperature is measured. Therefore, even when an abnormality occurs in the temperature measuring means, it is possible to measure the environmental temperature, so that it is possible to continue the control of the heater that prevents the freezing suddenly.

  According to a fifth invention, in the first invention, the control means includes at least a main control means for controlling a series of operations of starting, generating, and stopping, controlling an auxiliary device of the fuel cell power generation device, and reading a sensor output. Receiving a signal from the main control means, controlling at least the auxiliary machine and reading the sensor output, and transmitting the result to the main control means, and exchanging information between the main control means and the sub control means. The main control means includes a reset means for resetting the sub-control means, and the sub-control means raises the temperature of the temperature measurement means for measuring the environmental temperature and the water path of the exhaust heat recovery means. A heater and a control switch that switches the heater on / off based on the environmental temperature information measured by the temperature measurement means, the sub-control means runs away, and communication with the main control means is established When exhausted, the main control means is for resetting the sub-control means.

  According to the above configuration and operation, when the sub control means runs away and becomes uncontrollable, the main control means resets by turning off / on the control power of the sub control means, so that the sub control means returns to the normal state. In addition, since it becomes possible to normally measure the outside air temperature of the fuel cell power generation device and to control the heater that prevents freezing, it is possible to prevent water leakage due to rupture or cracking of the piping in the water path.

  According to a sixth invention, in the fifth invention, the temperature measuring means for measuring the environmental temperature, and a control switch for switching the heater on / off from information on the environmental temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, and a main control means Both the sub-control means are provided, and the control switch of the main control means and the control switch of the sub-control means are connected in parallel.

  According to the above configuration and operation, the temperature measurement means for measuring the outside air temperature and the control switch for turning on / off the heater are provided in both the main control means and the sub control means, so that either one of the controls is provided. Even if the temperature of the installation environment of the fuel cell power generation system is below the freezing point when an abnormality has occurred in the switch or temperature measuring means, the water path can be raised with the antifreeze heater. In addition, it is possible to prevent water leakage due to rupture or cracking of the piping of the water path.

  In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the fuel cell power generation apparatus includes display means for displaying setting information and operating state information, and the control means detects abnormality of the temperature measurement abnormality detection means. Then, the control switch is brought into an energizable state and informs the display means that an abnormality has occurred in the temperature measuring means.

  According to the configuration and operation described above, by providing means for notifying the user of equipment failure that may cause a serious failure such as water path rupture or water leakage due to cracks at low temperatures in winter, etc. Failures can be minimized and the expansion of equipment failures can be reduced.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a fuel cell power generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a fuel cell power generation system includes a fuel cell power generation apparatus 1 that generates hydrogen from raw material gas such as city gas, and hot water storage that collects heat generated during power generation and stores it in hot water storage tank 12 as hot water. The unit 11 is configured.

  The fuel cell power generation device 1 includes a control unit 2 that controls a series of operations of power generation and stop, a temperature measurement unit 3 that measures the outside temperature of the environment where the fuel cell power generation device 1 is installed, a fuel gas, and an oxidant. A stack 5 that generates power using gas, and a waste heat recovery means 6 that recovers heat from the exhaust gas from the fuel gas generator 4 that generates the fuel gas mainly including cooling of the stack 5 and the like and hydrogen. A heater 7 for preventing freezing of the water path of the exhaust heat recovery means 6, a pump 8a for supplying cooling water to the water path of the exhaust heat recovery means 6a, and a hot water storage unit in the water path of the exhaust heat recovery means 6b 11 has a pump 8b for supplying water for recovering exhaust heat from 11.

  The fuel cell power generation device 1 and the hot water storage unit 11 are connected by a communication cable 13a, and information such as the amount and temperature of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 12, the power generation amount and the power generation time of the fuel cell power generation device 1, and the like. We are exchanging. In addition, information such as the amount and temperature of hot water, the amount of power generation, and the power generation time can be notified to the user by the display means 61 such as a remote controller connected to the hot water storage unit 11 via the communication cable 13b.

  However, even if the display means 61 is configured to be connected to the fuel cell power generator 1, various information can be notified to the user, so the effect of the invention does not change.

  Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of a configuration diagram for preventing freezing of the water path in the fuel cell power generator 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the fuel cell power generator 1 includes a control switch 21 for turning on / off the heater 7 that prevents freezing of the water path based on a command from the control means 2, and the control switch 21 and the heater 7 in series. A temperature switch 22 connected to the control means 2, a runaway detection means 23 for detecting a runaway of the control means 2, and an abnormality notification for notifying a user or a maintenance person when a runaway of the control means 2 is detected. Means 24 are provided.

  Here, the temperature switch 22 includes a bimetal switch as a representative component. The bimetal switch closes (energizes) when the temperature around the switch is below a predetermined temperature. The switch opens (cuts off) when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operation when the temperature of the environment in which the fuel cell power generation device 1 is installed decreases when the fuel cell power generation device 1 is operating normally will be described with reference to FIG.

  In general, the fuel cell power generation system including the fuel cell power generation apparatus 1 is usually installed outdoors because of the size of the product. In addition, when the fuel cell generates power, the stack 5 is cooled, or water used for cooling the heat generating portion, for example, the stack 5, is collected and stored in the hot water storage tank 12. Passing through.

  In summer and when the system is operating, the water in the pipes flows, and the temperature inside the equipment is definitely higher than the freezing point, so the water pipes burst or cracks due to freezing. It does n’t happen first.

  However, in winter, especially in cold regions, when the system does not operate for a while, such as during a winter vacation, the water flow in the water circulation path stops, and when the system is not operating, heat is generated. Since there is no place, the temperature inside the system becomes almost equal to the outside air temperature, so the water in the pipe freezes, causing water leakage due to destruction or cracking, which can cause great damage to the system. Therefore, it is important to prevent the water in the pipe from freezing by heating the pipe with the heater 7 or circulating the water with the pump 8 when the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a freezing prevention heater 7 is installed at a location where the water pipe of the system is easily frozen. As shown in FIG. 2, the heater 7 is connected to a system power supply, and the energization of the heater 7 is controlled by a temperature switch 22 and a control switch 21 connected in series with the heater 7.

  However, even if the power supply source is a DC power source produced in the system, the power supply source only changes, so that freezing can be prevented and the effect of the invention does not change.

  In the case of a simple system, the heater 7 is turned on / off only by a temperature switch 22 such as a bimetal switch. When the temperature is low, the bimetal switch is closed. When the temperature is high, the bimetal is warped and the switch is opened to stop energization. At this time, the temperature for controlling on / off of the heater 7 is determined only by the set temperature specification of the temperature switch 22.

  Since the temperature switch 22 such as a bimetal switch has relatively large component variations, the temperature specification for closing / opening the switch is generally about ± 3 ° C. to 5 ° C. Therefore, in order to reliably turn on the heater 7 before freezing, it is necessary to select a component whose temperature specification for closing / opening the switch is, for example, about 5 ° C.

  However, for example, if the system is equipped with a temperature switch 22 that closes when the outside air temperature is 5 ° C and the temperature variation is ± 3 ° C, the switch closes at about 8 ° C due to component variations, preventing freezing. Since the heater 7 is energized, destruction of the water pipe due to freezing can be reliably prevented, but the power consumption also increases.

  On the other hand, if a part with a set temperature of 3 ° C. is selected, depending on the temperature switch 22, the system may be such that the switch does not close until it is close to 0 ° C. Therefore, depending on the environment, the water pipe can be warmed by the freeze heater 7. It may be too late.

  Therefore, a control switch 21 such as a relay or a triac is provided in series with the temperature switch 22, and the control means 2 closes / opens the control switch 21 in accordance with the outside air temperature measured by the temperature measuring means 3. 7 is controlled.

  The close / open control of the control switch 21 by the temperature measuring means 3 and the control means 2 can be made more accurate (for example, about ± 1 ° C. or less) than the case of the temperature switch 22, and the heater 7 is energized. Even if the set temperature is about 2 ° C., the variation in control due to temperature is small, so that it is not necessary to energize the heater 7 to near the freezing point, and destruction of the water pipe can be reliably prevented.

  Further, by connecting the temperature switch 22 in series, even if the temperature switch 22 is short-circuited, the heater 7 can be controlled only by the control switch 21, so that it can flexibly cope with troubles. Is possible.

  As described above, the control of the antifreezing heater 7 by connecting the temperature switch 22 and the control switch 21 in series can surely prevent the energy consumption at a low temperature and the destruction of the water pipe.

  Next, an example of operation when the control means 2 is in an uncontrollable state such as microcomputer runaway will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the two-cell battery power generation system including the fuel cell power generation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention runs out of control to monitor whether the control means 2 such as a microcomputer is operating normally. Detection means 23 is provided.

  When the control means 2 such as a microcomputer is operating normally, a periodic pulse (for example, 500 Hz to 1 kHz) is output from the control means 2, and when the pulse is output, the relay that is the control switch 21 is turned on. To drive.

  When the control means 2 such as a microcomputer is not operating normally, it is impossible to output a pulse from the control means 2, so that the relay as the control switch 21 cannot be driven inevitably.

  Here, the control switch 21 uses a normally closed type relay. Since the relay is a normally closed type relay, when the control means 2 is operating normally (outputting a pulse), when the relay that is the control switch 21 is driven, the switch is opened (cut-off state). To do.

  Conversely, when the control means 2 is not operating normally (when no pulse is output), the relay that is the control switch 21 is not driven, so the switch is closed (energized state).

  If the control switch 21 is closed, the heater 7 can be energized if the outside air temperature is lowered and the temperature switch 22 is lowered to a close temperature.

  The fact that the control switch 21 does not operate normally (for example, a microcomputer runaway state) means that the outside air temperature information measured by the temperature measuring means 3 cannot be recognized, and a control signal for driving the control switch 21 is not provided. Cannot output.

  Therefore, in addition to the control signal for driving the control switch 21 when the control means 2 is operating normally, by providing a circuit that closes the control switch 21 when the control means 2 detects runaway, the control means 2 Since the control switch 21 can be closed even when the control becomes impossible, the energization of the heater 7 can be controlled only by opening / closing the temperature switch 22 when the outside air temperature decreases.

  Therefore, even when the control unit 2 becomes uncontrollable, water in the water path is frozen, and mechanical destruction such as water leakage due to pipe rupture or cracking can be prevented.

  Further, at the same time when the control means 2 is in an uncontrollable state and the control switch 21 is driven, an abnormality notifying means 24 such as an LED or a lamp for notifying the user that the control means 2 has become uncontrollable is provided. Thus, even when the control means 2 becomes uncontrollable and cannot be notified of abnormality, the runaway detection means 23 drives the abnormality notification means 24 such as an LED so that a user or a maintenance person may have a device failure (control circuit). Failure).

In the above description, it is assumed that the temperature measuring means 3 measures the outside air temperature, and the temperature switch 22 operates according to the ambient temperature. However, the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means 3 and the temperature at which the temperature switch 22 operates are the outside air. The temperature is not limited to the atmospheric temperature in the fuel cell power generator 1, and an environmental temperature including a pipe temperature that forms a water path directly related to freezing of water in the water path can be applied.
(Embodiment 2)
The configuration of FIG. 3 showing the second embodiment is an example in the case where an abnormality occurs in the temperature measuring means in addition to the configuration of FIG. 2 showing the first embodiment, and other configurations and operations are the same as those of the embodiment. Same as 1.

  Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the second embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment, and other configurations and operations will be the same as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a configuration diagram of the fuel cell power generation apparatus 1 in the case where the temperature measuring unit 3 has a function of detecting that an abnormality has occurred.

  In FIG. 3, the control unit 2 of the fuel cell power generator 1 has a temperature measurement abnormality detection unit 31 that detects an abnormality of the temperature measurement unit 3.

  The temperature measurement abnormality detection means 31 of the control means 2 receives the temperature information from the temperature measurement means, and if the temperature information is out of the predetermined temperature range, the temperature measurement means 3 has an abnormality (thermistor disconnection or short circuit). Judge that it occurred. If an abnormality occurs in the temperature measuring means 3, the outside air temperature at which the fuel cell power generation device 1 is installed cannot be measured, so that it cannot be detected that the outside air temperature has become a predetermined temperature or less.

  Therefore, since it becomes impossible to determine the timing to put the heater 7 to prevent freezing, there is a risk that the outside air temperature will drop, the water in the piping will freeze, burst or cracked, and the system will be seriously damaged There is sex.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when an abnormality occurs in the temperature measurement means 3 by the temperature measurement abnormality detection means 31 of the control means 2, the control switch 21 is closed regardless of the temperature of the outside air temperature. Is high, the temperature switch 22 is open and the heater 7 is not energized. Since the temperature switch 22 is in a closed state when the outside air temperature is lowered, the heater 7 is turned on, so that water in the pipe can be prevented from freezing.

At this time, while performing the operation to prevent freezing, as shown in FIG. 1, the temperature measuring means 3 is abnormal (thermistor is disconnected or short-circuited) on the display means 61 of the hot water storage unit 11 connected to the fuel cell power generator 1. ) Can be notified to the user, so that it is possible to promptly cope with the occurrence of a system trouble.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is also an example of a configuration diagram of the fuel cell power generator 1 when the control switch 21 is performed by temporarily substituting another temperature measurement unit when an abnormality occurs in the temperature measurement unit 3.

  In FIG. 4, the fuel cell power generator 1 includes a fuel gas generator temperature measuring means 41 for measuring the temperature of the hydrogen generator 4 and a correction temperature measuring means 42 for correcting the fuel gas generator temperature measuring means 41. Have.

  The fuel cell power generator 1 includes a fuel gas generator 4 that reforms a source gas such as city gas and generates a fuel gas mainly containing hydrogen, and reforms the source gas and mainly contains hydrogen. In the process of generating the fuel gas, the fuel gas generator 4 needs to be heated to a high temperature of about 600 ° C to 700 ° C. A thermocouple is generally used for temperature measurement in such a high temperature region. The configuration of the fuel cell power generator 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a correction temperature measuring means 42 that is a correction thermistor that corrects the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple.

  The fuel gas generator temperature measuring means 41, which is a thermocouple, requires a circuit that compensates the temperature of the cold junction, and the thermoelectromotive force of the thermocouple uses 0 ° C. as the reference junction, so the measurement point (inside the hydrogen generator) ) And the terminal of the control means 2 (generally, the terminal temperature of the control means 2 must be known in order to know the temperature from the thermoelectromotive force generated by the temperature difference between the terminals of the control means 2 (generally, the connector of the control board and the temperature measurement unit). Therefore, it is necessary to know the terminal temperature of the control means 2 because the temperature cannot be accurately measured by a thermocouple.

  Since the terminal temperature of the control means 2 is substantially equal to the outside air temperature, the measured temperatures of the temperature measuring means 3 and the correction temperature measuring means 42 are substantially equal.

  Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the temperature measuring means 3, the correction temperature measuring means 42 is temporarily adopted as outside air temperature information, and the control is performed when the value measured by the correction temperature measuring means 42 falls below a predetermined temperature. By means 2, the control switch 21 can be controlled to open / close.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when an abnormality occurs in the temperature measurement means 3 by the temperature measurement abnormality detection means 31 of the control means 2, the temperature measurement abnormality is measured by measuring the outside air temperature by the correction temperature measurement means 42. Even when an abnormality occurs in the detection means 31, the heater 7 that prevents freezing can be controlled, so that water in the pipe can be prevented from freezing and problems such as pipe rupture at low temperatures can be prevented.
(Embodiment 4)
The fourth embodiment is an example in which the control means is reset when the control means for controlling the heater 7 goes out of control in addition to the first or second embodiment. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Or it is the same as 2.

  Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first to third embodiments, and the other configurations and operations will be the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

  First, the configuration of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the fuel cell power generator 1 includes a main control unit 2 that controls a series of operations of starting, generating, and stopping, controls auxiliary devices such as the heater 7 and the pump 8 of the fuel cell power generator, and reads sensor outputs. A sub-control means 51 for receiving signals from the main control means, controlling auxiliary devices such as the heater 7 and the pump 8 and reading sensor outputs, and transmitting the results to the main control means 2; and the main control means 2 And communication means 52 for exchanging information of the sub-control means 51.

  The control unit 2 includes a reset unit 53 that resets the sub control unit 51 when the sub control unit 51 becomes uncontrollable and communication by the communication unit 52 becomes impossible.

  The reset means 53 is, for example, a method of shutting down the control power supply of the sub-control means 51 and turning on the control power again after a predetermined time has elapsed, a method of resetting by inputting a reset signal to a predetermined terminal of the sub-control means 51, etc. However, the resetting method is not limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The sub-control unit 51 includes the temperature measurement unit 3 and the temperature measurement abnormality detection unit 31, and the control switch 21 for turning on / off the heater 7 is controlled by a signal from the sub-control unit 51.

  Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the sub-control means 51 becomes in an uncontrollable state such as microcomputer runaway and the temperature measurement means 3 cannot measure the outside air temperature and cannot be controlled by the control switch 21, the runaway detection means 23 closes the control switch 21.

  Further, since the communication with the main control means 2 becomes impossible when the sub control means 51 becomes uncontrollable, the main control means 2 determines that the sub control means 51 is out of control, and the control power supply of the sub control means 51 The sub-control means 51 is reset by a method such as turning on / off.

  If the sub-control means 51 returns to a controllable state after resetting, the temperature measurement by the temperature measurement means 3 becomes possible, so that the control switch 21 can be controlled to open / close according to the outside air temperature.

  If the sub-control means 51 remains in an uncontrollable state after reset (communication with the sub-control means 51 is not established), the main control means 2 does not perform an operation for resetting the sub-control means 51.

  Alternatively, the main control unit 2 stops the reset operation after performing the operation of resetting the sub control unit 51 a predetermined number of times. At this time, since the sub-control unit 51 cannot output a pulse, the control switch 21 is closed by the runaway detection unit 23. Therefore, when the outside air temperature decreases, the heater 7 is turned on only by the temperature switch 22. / Off can be controlled.

  As described above, when the sub-control unit 51 that controls the switch for turning on / off the heater 7 is in an uncontrollable state, the sub-control unit 51 is brought into a normal state by performing an operation for improving the uncontrollable state. Can be returned.

  Therefore, since the heater 7 can be turned on / off based on the outside air temperature measurement by a temperature measuring means such as a thermistor, the energy consumption can be reduced compared to the case of the heater control using only the temperature switch 22.

Even after the reset operation, even if the runaway state of the sub-control means 51 continues, the control switch 21 is closed by the runaway detection means 23, so the heater 7 is turned on / off by the temperature switch 22. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water in the pipe from freezing and to prevent problems such as rupture of the pipe at a low temperature.
(Embodiment 5)
The fifth embodiment is an example in which control switches 21a and 21b for turning on / off the heater 7 are provided in parallel, and other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

  Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 focusing on differences from the first to third embodiments.

  The control switch connected in series with the temperature switch 22 includes a control switch (main) 21a for controlling the opening / closing of the switch from the main control means 2, and a control switch for controlling the opening / closing of the switch from the sub-control means 51. (Sub) 21b is connected in parallel.

  Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In general, the fuel cell power generator 1 has a large system scale, and the number of actuators such as heaters 7 and pumps 8 and the number of sensors such as thermistors, thermocouples, and flow meters are very large. There are many cases.

  In the fifth embodiment, control switches 21a and 21b for controlling on / off of the heater 7 for preventing freezing are provided in a plurality of control means, and the temperature measurement means is in a state where the temperature switch 22 is closed. When the temperature of the outside air temperature measured by 3a and 3b becomes a predetermined temperature or less, the main control means 2 and the sub control means 51 close the control switch (main) 21a and the control switch 21b (sub), respectively, and turn the heater 7 on. Turn on to prevent freezing of water in the piping.

  At this time, even if either one of the main control means 2 or the sub control means 51 is in an uncontrollable state, if either one of the control means is operating normally, they are connected in parallel. Since either one of the control switch 21a or the control switch 21b can be closed, the water in the pipe can be prevented from freezing, and a problem such as a pipe rupture at a low temperature can be prevented.

  The fuel cell power generation system of the present invention can be used to prevent freezing of pipes including a fuel cell power generation system, an engine power generation system, and a water pipe such as a water heater.

Configuration diagram of a fuel cell power generation system according to Embodiment 1 Configuration diagram of fuel cell power generator in Embodiment 1 Configuration diagram of fuel cell power generator in Embodiment 2 Configuration diagram of fuel cell power generator in Embodiment 3 Configuration diagram of fuel cell power generator in Embodiment 4 Configuration diagram of fuel cell power generator in Embodiment 5

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell power generator 2 Control means 3, 3a, 3b Temperature measurement means 4 Fuel gas generator 5 Stack 6a, 6b Waste heat recovery means 7 Heater 21, 21a, 21b Control switch 22 Temperature switch 23 Runaway detection means 24 Abnormality notification means 31 Temperature measurement abnormality detection means 41 Fuel gas generator temperature detection means 42 Correction temperature measurement means 52 Communication means 53 Reset means

Claims (7)

A stack that generates power by reacting a fuel gas mainly composed of hydrogen and an oxidant gas, waste heat recovery means that recovers heat from the stack, and the like, and a control that controls a series of operations of starting, generating, and stopping A runaway detecting means for detecting runaway of the control means, a temperature measuring means for measuring the environmental temperature, a heater for raising the temperature of the water path of the exhaust heat recovery means, and the environmental temperature measured by the temperature measuring means A control switch for switching on / off of the heater from information, a temperature switch for switching on / off of the heater when a predetermined temperature is reached, and a power source of the heater, wherein the heater includes the control switch and the temperature switch When the control unit detects that the control unit is running out of control, the control switch is in an energized state. Power generation system. 2. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 1, wherein when the runaway detection unit detects a runaway of the control unit, the abnormality notification unit reports an abnormality without using the control unit. 2. The fuel cell power generator according to claim 1, further comprising: a temperature measurement abnormality detection unit that detects disconnection of the temperature measurement unit, wherein the control unit sets the control switch to a state in which power can be supplied when the temperature measurement unit detects an abnormality. system. A fuel gas generator that generates a fuel gas mainly composed of hydrogen from a hydrocarbon-based raw material gas and water, a fuel gas generator temperature measuring means that measures the temperature of the fuel gas generator, and the fuel gas generator temperature And a correction temperature measurement unit configured to perform temperature correction of the measurement unit. When the control unit detects an abnormality of the temperature measurement unit, the control unit detects the abnormality based on the information of the correction temperature measurement unit instead of the temperature measurement unit. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the control switch is controlled. The control means includes at least a main control means for controlling a series of operations of starting, power generation, and stopping, control of auxiliary equipment of the fuel cell power generation device and reading of sensor output, and a signal from the main control means. A sub-control means for controlling at least the auxiliary machine and reading the sensor output and transmitting the result to the main control means; and a communication means for exchanging information between the main control means and the sub-control means. The main control means includes a reset means for resetting the sub control means, and the sub control means includes a temperature measuring means for measuring an environmental temperature and a heater for raising the temperature of the water path of the exhaust heat recovery means. And a control switch for switching on / off of the heater from information on the environmental temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, and the sub-control means runs out of control. When communication with the emission control device is not established, the main control unit fuel cell power generation system according to claim 1, wherein resetting the sub-control means. The temperature measuring means for measuring the environmental temperature, and the control switch for switching on / off of the heater from the information on the environmental temperature measured by the temperature measuring means are provided in both the main control means and the sub-control means, 6. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 5, wherein the control switch of the main control means and the control switch of the sub-control means are connected in parallel. And a display means for displaying setting information and operating state information of the fuel cell power generator. When the control means detects an abnormality in the temperature measurement abnormality detection means, the control switch is set in a state where electricity can be supplied and the display The fuel cell power generator system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means is notified that an abnormality has occurred in the temperature measuring means.

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