JP2009231167A - Fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell device capable of restraining (preventing) freezing of an auxiliary machine while a fuel cell module is stopped. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell device is made by partitioning a space into a module housing chamber 26 housing a module 25 and an auxiliary machine housing chamber 27 housing an auxiliary machine by a partitioning member 24 fitted in an outer package case 23, and is provided with an air blower 34 for supplying air to the module 25, a temperature sensor 32 for measuring a temperature inside the auxiliary machine housing chamber 27 or outside air, a control device 33 for controlling actions of the air blower 34 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 32 at the time of stopping the module 25, an exhaust air flow channel 29 for evacuating air in the module 25 to outside, a vent port 31 for supplying air flowing in the exhaust air flow channel 29 into the auxiliary machine housing chamber 27, and an opening and closing means 30 for opening and closing the vent port 31. Therefore, at the time of stopping the module 25, freezing of the auxiliary machine can be effectively restrained or prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device in which a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container is housed in an outer case.

  In recent years, as a next-generation energy, a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells that can obtain electric power using a hydrogen-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas (usually air) are housed in a housing container, Various fuel cell devices have been proposed in which auxiliary equipment for operating the fuel cell module is housed in an outer case.

  In addition, in a fuel cell apparatus that performs steam reforming with high reforming efficiency in a reformer when obtaining a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) used for power generation of a fuel cell from a raw fuel such as natural gas, In the case, for example, an apparatus for performing steam reforming such as a water pump and a water tank and an auxiliary machine such as a water supply pipe are accommodated.

  By the way, when such a fuel cell device is used in a cold region, there is a risk that a device for performing steam reforming such as a water pump or a water tank or an auxiliary device such as a water supply pipe may freeze. When the auxiliary machine is frozen, there is a risk that power generation by the fuel cell device may be difficult or power generation efficiency may be reduced.

Therefore, in addition to providing a heater in each of the apparatus for steam reforming and the water supply pipe, for example, a heater is provided in the fuel cell device, and the air heated by the heat of the heater using a ventilation fan is used as the fuel cell. Proposals have been made on fuel cell devices intended to circulate in the device or to effectively use the heat generated by the inverter (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
JP 2006-140050 A JP 2006-252964 A

  By the way, the fuel cell module or the like may be stopped during maintenance of the fuel cell device. Here, when the fuel cell device is installed in a cold region, there is a possibility that the device for performing steam reforming and the water supply pipe may freeze while the fuel cell device is stopped.

  In addition, for the purpose of suppressing (preventing) freezing of auxiliary equipment such as an apparatus for performing steam reforming and a water supply pipe in a reformer, a heater is provided for each of the apparatus for performing steam reforming and the water supply pipe. However, when the heater is provided, there are problems that it is difficult to suppress (prevent) freezing when the number of steps for providing the heater increases and when the heater is peeled off due to impact of transportation or the like.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary machine when the fuel cell module is stopped in a fuel cell device in which an auxiliary machine such as a device for performing steam reforming and an auxiliary machine such as a water supply pipe are housed in an outer case. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device capable of efficiently suppressing freezing of the fuel.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container in an exterior case, and an auxiliary device for operating the fuel cell module. A fuel cell device partitioned by a partition member provided in a case into a module storage chamber in which the fuel cell module is stored and an auxiliary device storage chamber in which the auxiliary device is stored. An air blower for supplying air, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the auxiliary equipment storage room or outside air, and a temperature measured by the temperature sensor when the fuel cell module is stopped And a control device for controlling the operation of the air blower, and for exhausting the air in the fuel cell module provided in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber to the outside of the outer case. An exhaust passage, and a flow port for supplying air flowing through the exhaust flow passage into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber, and an opening / closing means for opening and closing the flow port. It is characterized by.

  Such a fuel cell device includes a control device that controls the operation of the air blower based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the auxiliary equipment storage room or the outside air. When the temperature of the auxiliary equipment storage room or outside air is low when the module is stopped, air is supplied into the fuel cell module from the air blower, and the supplied air is discharged from the fuel cell module. Then, after flowing through the exhaust flow path, it is supplied into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber.

  Therefore, when the temperature of the fuel cell module is high when the fuel cell module is stopped, the air supplied by the air blower is warmed while circulating in the fuel cell module, and is warmed. By supplying the air to the auxiliary equipment storage chamber, the temperature in the auxiliary equipment storage room can be raised, and freezing of the auxiliary equipment can be suppressed or prevented.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, it is preferable that the opening / closing means when the flow port is open closes the exhaust flow channel on the exhaust port side from the position where the flow port is provided.

  In such a fuel cell device, since the opening / closing means when the flow port is opened closes the exhaust flow channel on the exhaust port side from the position where the flow port is provided, the fuel cell module exhausts the exhaust gas from the fuel cell module. The air flowing through the flow path will circulate into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber via the distribution port. Thereby, the temperature in the accessory storage chamber can be increased efficiently, and freezing of the accessory can be suppressed or prevented.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a heat source for increasing the temperature of the air supplied by the air blower, and an in-module temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell module. It is preferable that the control device also controls the operation of the heat source based on the temperature measured by the in-module temperature sensor.

  In such a fuel cell device, the control device increases the temperature of the air supplied by the air blower based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor in the module for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell module. Therefore, when the temperature in the fuel cell module is low, the air supplied from the air blower can be warmed by the heat source. Thereby, the warmed air can be supplied into the accessory storage chamber, and freezing of the accessory can be suppressed or prevented.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a water supply device for the auxiliary device to supply water to the fuel cell module, and the auxiliary device storage chamber is connected to the auxiliary device storage chamber via the circulation port. It is preferable to provide an air flow passage for circulating the air supplied to the water supply device.

  In such a fuel cell device, the air that has flowed into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber through the flow port flows through the air flow passage for circulating around the water supply device, so that the water supply device can be efficiently frozen. It can be suppressed or prevented.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are housed in a housing container in an exterior case, and an auxiliary device for operating the fuel cell module. A fuel cell device partitioned by a partition member provided in a case into a module storage chamber in which the fuel cell module is stored and an auxiliary device storage chamber in which the auxiliary device is stored. An air blower for supplying air, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the auxiliary equipment storage room or outside air, and a temperature measured by the temperature sensor when the fuel cell module is stopped And a control device for controlling the operation of the air blower, and for exhausting the air in the fuel cell module provided in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber to the outside of the outer case. An exhaust passage, and a flow port for supplying air flowing through the exhaust flow passage into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber, and an opening / closing means for opening and closing the flow port. Thus, when the fuel cell module is stopped, warmed air can be supplied into the accessory storage chamber, and freezing of the accessory stored in the accessory storage chamber can be suppressed or prevented. .

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell device of the present invention. The fuel cell device of the present invention corresponds to a power generation unit that generates power in FIG. 1, and includes a hot water storage unit that stores hot water after heat exchange, and a circulation pipe that circulates water between these units. A battery system is configured.

  A fuel cell apparatus (system) shown in FIG. 1 includes a fuel cell 1, a reformed gas supply means 2 that supplies a gas to be reformed such as natural gas and kerosene, and oxygen-containing gas (air) to the fuel cell 1. An oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 for supply and a reformer 4 for performing steam reforming with a gas to be reformed and steam are provided. The reformer 4 can perform partial oxidation reforming and autothermal reforming in addition to steam reforming.

  Further, in the fuel cell device (power generation unit) shown in FIG. 1, a heat exchanger 13 that performs heat exchange between exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by power generation of the fuel cell 1 and water, and condensation generated by heat exchange. A condensed water tank 19 for storing water and a condensed water recovery channel 21 for recovering (supplying) the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 13 to the condensed water tank 19 are provided. The condensed water thus supplied is supplied to the reformer 4. A condensed water treatment means (not shown) for treating the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is provided in the condensed water recovery passage 21 and the condensed water tank 19 and further in the condensed water supply pipe 20. be able to.

  On the other hand, when the amount of condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is small or when the purity of condensed water after being treated by the condensed water treatment means is low, water supplied from the outside (such as tap water) is used. It is preferable to treat it with pure water and supply it to the reformer 4. In FIG. 1, a water treatment device is provided as means for treating the water supplied from the outside into pure water.

  Here, the water treatment apparatus includes at least ion exchange among the activated carbon filter apparatus 7 for purifying water, the reverse osmosis membrane apparatus 8 and the ion exchange resin apparatus 9 for purifying purified water. A resin device 9 (preferably all devices) is provided. The pure water generated by the ion exchange resin device 9 is stored in the water tank 10. In addition, in FIG. 1, it has shown all the said apparatuses as a water treatment apparatus, and the example in the case of using together the water supplied from the outside, such as tap water, and condensed water is shown, and a condensed water tank is shown. 19 and the water tank 10 are connected by a condensed water supply pipe (tank connection pipe) 20. In the case where only condensed water is supplied to the reformer 4, the condensed water tank 19 and the reformer 4 can be connected via the water pump 11.

  In addition, the fuel cell device (power generation unit) shown in FIG. 1 includes a water supply pipe 5 that connects the activated carbon filter device 7, the reverse osmosis membrane device 8, the ion exchange resin device 9, and the water tank 10 in this order. The water supply pipe 5 is provided with a water supply valve 6 for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the water supply pipe 5.

  In the present invention, the water treatment device for supplying water to the reformer 4 and the condensed water treatment means are collectively shown as a water supply device X, and are shown surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Note that the water supply pipe 5 connecting the reformer 4 and the water pump 11 and the condensed water recovery passage 21 are also included in the water supply apparatus X).

  Furthermore, the fuel cell device of the present invention is provided at the outlet of the heat conditioner 12 and the heat exchanger 13 for switching the DC power generated in the fuel cell 1 to AC power and supplying it to an external load. In addition to the outlet water temperature sensor 15 for measuring the temperature of the water flowing through the outlet (circulated water stream), a control device 14 is provided, and a power generation unit is configured together with the circulation pump 16. The control device 14 will be described in detail later. And each apparatus which comprises these electric power generation units can be set as a fuel cell apparatus with easy installation, carrying, etc. by accommodating in an exterior case. Although not shown, a to-be-reformed gas humidifier for humidifying the to-be-reformed gas may be provided between the to-be-reformed gas supply means 2 and the reformer 4. The hot water storage unit includes a hot water storage tank 18 for storing hot water after heat exchange.

  Next, an operation method of the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is mainly used to increase or maintain the temperature of the fuel cell 1 and then supplied from the fuel cell 1 to the heat exchanger 13. In the heat exchanger 13, heat exchange is performed between the exhaust gas generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 and the water that passes through (circulates) the heat exchanger 13 (water that flows through the circulation pipe 17). The heat-exchanged water (hot water) is circulated through the circulation pipe 17 and stored in the hot water storage tank 18.

  On the other hand, the condensed water generated by heat exchange flows through the condensed water recovery passage 21 and is stored in the condensed water tank 19. The condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is treated with pure water by condensed water treatment means (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in the condensed water tank 19 and then condensed water supply pipe 20 (tank). It is supplied to the water tank 10 through a connecting pipe 20. The water stored in the water tank 10 is supplied to the reformer 4 by the water pump 11 according to the amount of water required by the reformer 4. In the case where only the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank 19 is supplied to the reformer 4, the condensed water supply pipe 20 may be connected to the water pump 11. As the condensed water treatment means, a spherical ion exchange resin or the like can be used.

  In the reformer 4, steam reforming is performed by the water supplied by the water pump 11 and the reformed gas (raw fuel gas) supplied from the reformed gas supply means 2. The reformed gas (hydrogen-containing gas) generated in the reformer 4 is supplied to the fuel cell 1 and reacts with the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 to generate power in the fuel cell 1. Is done. The electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 1 is supplied to an external load through the power conditioner 12.

  On the other hand, when supplying water (tap water or the like) supplied from the outside to the reformer 4, the water supply valve 6 is opened, and the water supplied from the outside through the water supply pipe 5 is activated carbon filter device. 7 is supplied with water. The water treated by the activated carbon filter device 7 is subsequently supplied to the RO membrane device 8. The water treated by the RO membrane device 8 is subsequently supplied and treated to the ion exchange resin device 9 to produce pure water. The pure water produced in the ion exchange resin device 9 is supplied to the water tank 10 and the condensed water is supplied to the reformer 4 according to the amount of water required in the reformer 4. The water pump 11 supplies the reformer 4 with the water.

  By the way, it is known that a heater is provided in order to suppress (prevent) freezing of the water supply device X when a fuel cell device in which such devices are housed in an outer case is used in a cold region. However, in that case, there are problems that the power that can be supplied to the load is reduced, the number of steps for installing the heater is increased, and it is difficult to suppress (prevent) freezing if the heater is peeled off due to impact of transportation or the like. There is a fear.

  On the other hand, when the heater is not provided, the fuel cell module that houses the fuel cell 1 may be stopped during maintenance of the fuel cell device, and the water supply device X is turned off when the fuel cell module is stopped. There is a risk that each of the constituent devices will freeze.

  2 and 3 are side views schematically showing an example of the fuel cell device according to the present invention, in which the side portion constituting the outer case 23 is removed so that the inside of the outer case 23 can be seen. Yes. In the following drawings, the same number is assigned to the same configuration.

  2 and 3, the fuel cell device 22 includes a partition member 24 in an outer case 23, and a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells 1 are stored in a storage container above the partition member 24. A fuel cell module storage chamber 26 (hereinafter also referred to as a module storage chamber) in which 25 (hereinafter also referred to as a module 25) is disposed is formed. Also, auxiliary equipment necessary for operating the module 25 (in FIG. 1, a water supply device X, which will be described later, and an air blower for supplying oxygen-containing gas (air) to the module 25 are provided below the partition member 24. 34 and a heat exchanger 35.), an auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 for storing the same is formed. In the present invention, the auxiliary machinery means devices, piping, and the like used for operating the module 25 and stored in the auxiliary machinery storage chamber. Moreover, the partition member 24 should just partition the module storage chamber 26 and the auxiliary machinery storage chamber 27, and the module storage chamber 26 and the auxiliary machinery storage chamber 27 may be partitioned with a clearance.

  Further, for example, the fuel cell device 22 is configured such that the outer case 23 is divided into left and right by a partition member 24, one of which is a module storage chamber 26 for storing a module 25 and the other is an auxiliary device storage chamber 27 for storing auxiliary machinery. You can also

  In addition, the fuel cell apparatus 22 can be made into a compact shape by using the partition member 24 as shown in FIG.

  Here, the module 25 used in the fuel cell device 22 of the present invention will be described. The module 25 is arranged in a storage container in a state where, for example, columnar fuel cells 1 having gas flow paths through which gas flows are erected, and a current collecting member is disposed between adjacent fuel cells 1. And a cell stack in which the lower end of the fuel cell 1 is fixed to the manifold by an insulating bonding material such as a glass seal material, and the fuel cell 1 is disposed above the fuel cell. A reformer 4 for supplying a hydrogen-containing gas to the cell 1 is accommodated (not shown).

  Here, various types of fuel cells are known as the fuel cells 1 constituting the cell stack. However, the solid oxide fuel cells 1 can be used to reduce the size of the fuel cell device 22. . As a result, in addition to the fuel cell 1, auxiliary equipment necessary for the operation of the fuel cell 1 can be reduced in size, and the fuel cell device 22 can be reduced in size. In addition, it is possible to perform a load following operation that follows a fluctuating load required for a household fuel cell.

  In addition, although the fuel battery cell 1 of various shapes can be used as the shape of the fuel battery cell 1, it can be set as the hollow plate type fuel battery cell 1 in order to generate electric power efficiently. As such a hollow plate type fuel cell 1, a fuel electrode support type hollow plate type fuel cell 1 in which a fuel electrode layer is formed on the inside and an oxygen electrode layer is formed on the outside can be used.

2 and 3, a temperature sensor 32 for measuring the temperature of the auxiliary machine storage room 27 is provided in the auxiliary machine storage room 27 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an auxiliary machine storage room temperature sensor).
Here, during maintenance of the fuel cell device 22, the operation of the module 25 or the like may be stopped, and particularly when the fuel cell device 22 (module 25) installed in a cold region is stopped, the auxiliary equipment storage chamber The temperature inside 27 and the temperature of the outside air are lowered, and the water supply device X may be frozen.

  Therefore, a control device 33 for operating an air blower 34 for supplying air to the module 25 when the temperature in the accessory storage chamber 27 is lowered is provided in the accessory storage chamber 27.

  Specifically, temperature information measured by the auxiliary machine storage room temperature sensor 32 is transmitted to the control device 33, and the control device 33 controls the air blower 34 based on the temperature information detected by the auxiliary machine storage room temperature sensor 32. The module 25 is controlled to supply air.

  Accordingly, when the temperature in the module 25 is high when the fuel cell device 22 (module 25) is stopped, the air blower 34 is operated to supply air into the module 25. The air supplied by the air blower 34 is warmed while circulating in the module 25, and the warmed air is supplied to the module 25 and the exhaust port 28 provided in the exterior case constituting the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27. Circulates through the exhaust passage 29 connecting the two. Subsequently, the air flowing through the exhaust passage 29 is supplied into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 from a circulation port 31 opened by an opening / closing means 30 provided in the exhaust passage 29. 2 and 3, the heat exchanger 35 is disposed in the middle of the exhaust flow path 29, and FIG. 2 shows a state where the opening / closing means 30 does not open the flow port 31. A state in which the opening / closing means 30 opens the circulation port 31 is shown.

  Thereby, the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 rises, and freezing of the water supply device X can be suppressed or prevented.

  Here, the opening / closing means 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can open and close the flow port 31 provided in the exhaust passage 29. For example, in addition to an electric damper, a member such as a lid that moves electrically may be used. It doesn't matter. 2 and 3 show an example in which an electric damper is used as the opening / closing means 30, and the same applies to the following drawings.

  The opening / closing means 30 can be controlled based on the temperature measured by the accessory storage chamber temperature sensor 32 so that the flow port 31 is opened simultaneously with the control of the air blower 34. It is also possible to control to open the circulation port 31 at the same time as stopping.

  Specifically, when the flow port 31 is opened simultaneously with the control of the air blower 34, the temperature information measured by the accessory storage chamber temperature sensor 32 is transmitted to the control device 33. Based on the transmitted temperature information, the control device 33 transmits a signal for operating the air blower 34 to the air blower 34 and transmits a signal for opening the circulation port 31 to the opening / closing means 30. Thereby, the operation of the opening / closing means 30 can be controlled, the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 can be raised, and freezing of the auxiliary machine (water supply device X) can be suppressed or prevented.

  On the other hand, when the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 rises, the auxiliary machine stored in the auxiliary machine storage room 27 may cause a failure or abnormality, or the deterioration may be accelerated. Therefore, the temperature in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 can suppress (prevent) the water supply device X from freezing, and the temperature at which the auxiliary equipment does not fail or malfunction, or does not affect the deterioration of the auxiliary equipment. It is preferable to control the range.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the control device 33 controls the air blower 34 to stop when the temperature measured by the auxiliary device storage chamber temperature sensor 32 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

  Here, for a while after the air blower 34 is stopped, the control device 33 stops the air blower 34 at the same time as the air heated in the module 25 and the exhaust passage 29 circulates. It is preferable to control the opening / closing means 30 so that 31 is closed. Thereby, it can suppress that an auxiliary machine produces a failure and abnormality.

  In the case where control is performed to stop the air blower 34 before the auxiliary machine stored in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 reaches a temperature at which failure or abnormality occurs, the control is performed after the air blower 34 is stopped. The opening / closing means 30 can be controlled to close the circulation port 31. When there is no particular problem with the failure or abnormality of the auxiliary machine, the opening / closing means 30 can be controlled so as to close the flow port 31 when the fuel cell device 22 is activated.

  That is, the control device 33 performs control to operate the air blower 34 and supply air into the module 25 when the temperature in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 becomes a predetermined temperature or less (and also distribute the air). The opening / closing means 30 can also be controlled so as to open the mouth 31.) When the interior of the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 reaches a predetermined temperature or higher, control is performed to stop the air blower 34 (and distribution). The opening / closing means 30 can also be controlled to close the mouth 31).

  Specifically, for example, the control device 33 controls the air blower 34 to operate and supply air into the module 25 when the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 becomes 5 ° C. or lower. It is preferable (in addition, the opening / closing means 30 can be controlled to open the circulation port 31). On the other hand, when the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 becomes 30 ° C. or higher, the control device 33 performs control to stop the air blower 34 (in addition, the opening / closing means 30 is closed so as to close the circulation port 31. Can also be controlled). Thereby, it is possible to suppress (prevent) the failure of the auxiliary machine and the rapid deterioration.

  By the way, in order to efficiently suppress or prevent freezing of the water supply device X, when the flow port 31 is opened based on the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27, the air (exhaust flow path 29 is supplied by the air blower 34). It is preferable that all of the air (circulated) is supplied into the accessory storage chamber 27.

  Therefore, when the opening / closing means 30 operates to open the flow port 31, it is preferable to close the exhaust flow channel 29 on the exhaust port 28 side from the position where the flow port 31 is provided in the exhaust flow channel 29. FIG. 3 shows such a state.

  Specifically, for example, when an electric damper that operates up and down is used as the opening and closing means 30, the opening and closing means 30 is operated upward to open the circulation port 31, and the circulation port 31 of the exhaust passage 29 is It is preferable to close the exhaust flow path 29 on the exhaust port 28 side from the provided position.

  As a result, all of the air supplied by the air blower 34 (air flowing through the exhaust passage 29) is supplied into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 via the flow port 31. Therefore, the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 can be increased efficiently, and freezing of the water supply device X and the like can be efficiently suppressed or prevented.

  FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing a fuel cell device including an outside air temperature sensor 36 for measuring the temperature of the outside air. A side part constituting the exterior case 23 is removed, and the interior of the exterior case 23 is Shown to be visible.

  In suppressing freezing of auxiliary equipment such as the water supply device X, the air blower 34 and the opening / closing means 30 can be controlled based on the temperature of the outside air. The control method in the control device 33 is the same as in the case of controlling based on the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 described above.

  That is, the temperature information measured by the outside air temperature sensor 36 is transmitted to the control device 33, and the control device 33 supplies the air blower 34 into the module 25 based on the temperature information detected by the outside air temperature sensor 36. To control.

  Thereby, the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 rises, and freezing of the water supply device X can be suppressed or prevented.

  As the control of the opening / closing means 30, it is possible to control the opening of the circulation port 31 simultaneously with the control of the air blower 34 based on the temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 36, and for example, at the same time as stopping the module 25. It is also possible to control the opening 31 to open.

  Specifically, when opening the circulation port 31 simultaneously with the control of the air blower 34, the temperature information measured by the outside air temperature sensor 32 is transmitted to the control device 33. Based on the transmitted temperature information, the control device 33 transmits a signal for operating the air blower 34 to the air blower 34 and transmits a signal for opening the circulation port 31 to the opening / closing means 30. Thereby, the operation of the opening / closing means 30 can be controlled, the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 can be raised, and freezing of the auxiliary machine (water supply device X) can be suppressed or prevented.

  On the other hand, when the temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 36 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control device 33 preferably controls the air blower 34 to stop.

  Here, in controlling to stop the air blower 34, after controlling the opening / closing means 30 so as to close the circulation port 31 at the same time as stopping the air blower 34, after performing control to stop the air blower 34, The opening / closing means 30 can be controlled to close the circulation port 31. When there is no particular problem with the failure or abnormality of the auxiliary machine, the opening / closing means 30 can be controlled so as to close the flow port 31 when the fuel cell device 22 is activated.

  Specifically, for example, when the temperature of the outside air becomes 5 ° C. or lower, the control device 33 preferably controls the air blower 34 to operate so as to supply air into the module 25 (matching). Thus, the opening / closing means 30 can be controlled to open the circulation port 31). On the other hand, when the outside air temperature becomes 20 ° C. or higher, the control device 33 performs control to stop the air blower 34 (in addition, the opening / closing means 30 can be controlled to close the circulation port 31. Is preferred. Thereby, it is possible to suppress (prevent) the failure of the auxiliary machine and the rapid deterioration.

  FIG. 5 shows a fuel cell device 22 having a module 25 including a heat source 37 for increasing the temperature of air supplied by the air blower 34 and an in-module temperature sensor 38 for measuring the temperature in the module 25. FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing an example, in which a side portion constituting the outer case 23 is removed so that the inside of the outer case 23 can be seen.

  When the temperature of the air supplied by the air blower 34 is low when the module 25 is stopped, or when the module 25 is stopped for a long time, the temperature in the module 25 is assumed to decrease. The In this case, since the temperature of the air exhausted from the module 25 (air flowing through the exhaust passage 29) is also lowered, the temperature in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 does not rise efficiently, and the water supply device X or the like Auxiliary equipment may freeze.

  Here, in the fuel cell device 22 shown in FIG. 5, since the heat source 37 for raising the temperature of the air supplied by the air blower 34 is provided in the module 25, the control device 33 is provided with the module. By controlling the operation of the heat source 37 based on the temperature in the module 25 measured by the internal temperature sensor 38, the temperature of the air supplied into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 37 can be increased.

  Thereby, since the air warmed by the heat source 37 can be supplied into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27, freezing of the auxiliary equipment such as the water supply device X can be suppressed or prevented.

  On the other hand, when the temperature in the module 25 rises, it is preferable to control the heat source 37 to stop in order to improve the power generation efficiency. Thereby, it can suppress that the electric power generation efficiency of the fuel cell apparatus 22 falls.

  Specifically, for example, it is preferable that the control device 33 also performs control to operate the heat source 37 when the temperature in the module 25 becomes 5 ° C. or lower. On the other hand, the control device 33 preferably performs control to stop the heat source 37 when the temperature in the module 25 becomes 30 ° C. or higher. Thereby, while freezing of an auxiliary machine can be suppressed, it can suppress that the electric power generation efficiency of the fuel cell apparatus 22 falls.

  As the heat source 37, for example, an ignition heater used for burning surplus fuel gas and air discharged from the fuel battery cell 1 can also be used, and a burner or the like can be used in addition thereto. it can.

  In addition to the module 25, the heat source 37 can be appropriately provided between the module 25 and the circulation port 31 in the exhaust passage 29, or between the air blower 34 and the module 25.

  FIG. 6 shows air supplied to the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 through the circulation port 31 by disposing an air flow passage forming member 39 around the water supply device X stored in the auxiliary machine storage room 27. Shows an example of a fuel cell device that forms an air flow passage for circulating around the water supply device X.

  That is, the air flow passage is formed by the air flow passage forming member 39 and the outer case 23 so as to surround the water supply device X. As a result, the warmed air supplied into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 through the circulation port 31 is efficiently circulated around the water supply device X, and the water supply device X is efficiently frozen. Can be suppressed (prevented).

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, when the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 27 measured by the auxiliary machine storage room temperature sensor 32 is 30 ° C. or higher, or when the temperature of the outside air measured by the outside air temperature sensor 36 is 20 ° C. or higher, the opening / closing means 30 is changed. Although an example of performing the closing control has been shown, in order to further avoid affecting the deterioration of the auxiliary machinery, when the temperature in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27 or the outside air temperature becomes 10 ° C. or higher, the opening / closing means 30 is changed. Close control can also be performed.

  In addition, a fan or the like may be provided at the circulation port 31 in order to forcibly circulate the air flowing through the exhaust passage 29 into the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 27. In this case, the control device 33 preferably controls the fan and the like based on the temperature information of the auxiliary equipment storage room temperature sensor 32 and the outside air temperature sensor 36. For example, the control device 33 controls the operation of the fan or the like in the temperature range as described above. It is preferable to do.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a fuel cell system. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the fuel cell device of the present invention, showing a state in which an opening / closing means closes a circulation port 31. It is a side view which shows an example of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention which shows the state which the opening-and-closing means has opened the circulation port. It is a side view which shows roughly another example of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention which comprises an external temperature sensor. It is a side view which shows roughly another example of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention which comprises a heat source and a module internal temperature sensor in a module. It is a side view which shows roughly another example of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention which provided the air flow path around the water supply apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

23: Exterior case 24: Partition member 25: Fuel cell module 26: Module storage chamber 27: Auxiliary storage chamber 28: Exhaust port 29: Exhaust flow path 30: Opening / closing means 31: Distribution port 32: Auxiliary storage chamber temperature sensor 33 : Control device 34: Air blower 36: Outside air temperature sensor 37: Heat source 38: In-module temperature sensor 39: Air flow path forming member

Claims (4)

  A partition member provided in the exterior case, having a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells are accommodated in a storage container and an auxiliary device for operating the fuel cell module in the exterior case The fuel cell device is divided into a module storage chamber in which the fuel cell module is stored and an auxiliary device storage chamber in which the auxiliary device is stored, and an air blower for supplying air to the fuel cell module A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the auxiliary equipment storage room or outside air, and the operation of the air blower based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor when the fuel cell module is stopped. A control device for controlling, and an exhaust passage for exhausting the air in the fuel cell module provided in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber to the outside of the exterior case; In addition, a fuel cell comprising: a flow port for supplying air flowing through the exhaust flow channel into the accessory housing chamber; and an opening / closing means for opening and closing the flow port. apparatus.   2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing means when the flow port is open closes the exhaust flow path closer to the exhaust port than a position where the flow port is provided. 3.   A heat source for raising the temperature of the air supplied by the air blower; and a module temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell module. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the heat source is also controlled based on the measured temperature. The auxiliary device includes a water supply device for supplying water to the fuel cell module, and air supplied to the auxiliary device storage chamber through the flow port is supplied to the water supply device. The fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an air flow passage for circulating the air around the fuel cell.

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