JP2010033934A - Fuel cell control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell control system which can accurately estimate life of an air filler and a combustion fan in the fuel cell control system and presents life and locations necessary for exchange to a user before stopping due to breakdown as lifetime in advance. <P>SOLUTION: A life calculation means 2 makes the combustion fan 9 rotate at the fixed number of rotation by a combustion fan control means 6 at the time of a regular operation, a combustion air flow rate at this time is detected by a flow rate detection means 7, and detected results are memorized in a first memory means 3 in chronological order as first time series data. Furthermore, the number of rotation of the combustion fan is detected by a rotation number detection means 5 when the combustion fan 9 is operated at a fixed combustion air flow rate, and the detected results are memorized in a second memory means 4 in chronological order as second time series data. The life calculation means 2 can individually estimate life of the air filter 8 or the combustion fan 9 from the first time series data or the second time series data. An output means 11 presents estimated life of the air filter 8 and the combustion fan 9 to a user and an operator. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell control device having a reformer using a combustion device for reforming a raw material gas.

  Conventionally, in a reformer that reforms a raw material gas using a combustion device, a usable life time is set for each consumable part constituting the combustion device, and is replaced by maintenance or the like by that time. There is a need. Examples of consumable parts in the combustion apparatus include a combustion fan for blowing combustion air and an air filter for removing dust mixed in the combustion air.

  As an example of a method for determining the life time of a combustion fan or air filter, when the air flow rate is insufficient or the temperature rises in the combustion section, the combustion fan and air filter are A method for determining which is the cause of an abnormality has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, regarding the life of consumable parts, a means for obtaining the total use time was provided for each consumable part, and the remaining use time, that is, the life, was calculated by subtracting the total use time from the set usable time. .

  There is also a method in which the lifetime is calculated linearly from the relationship between the combustion air blower and the actual flow rate characteristic (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Also, when the combustion fan is operated for a certain period of time, the amount of change in the rotation speed of the combustion fan from the start of operation until the lapse of a certain period of time is detected, and this is stored in the memory means in chronological order. There is also a means for detecting clogging of the combustion fan or the supply / exhaust section depending on the situation. However, this method cannot distinguish and detect whether the combustion fan has deteriorated or the supply / exhaust section is clogged (for example, see Patent Document 3). The above-mentioned “constant operation” is described as meaning that the combustion fan is fixedly operated with one predetermined operation amount (eg, 80%).
JP 2002-153700 A JP-A-6-342308 JP-A-8-178273

  In the above-described prior art using the total use time, it is difficult to absorb individual differences peculiar to the combustion apparatus, and there is a problem that the life must be set with a margin. Therefore, the combustion fan or the air filter is exchanged even though it is still fully usable. Therefore, there are problems of an increase in the number of times of maintenance, an increase in cost due to an increase in the amount of replacement parts, and an increase in discarded parts due to part replacement. In addition, in the method of linearly predicting the life, it is difficult to cope with a sudden characteristic change (characteristic deterioration) during operation, and there is a possibility that an incorrect life is displayed.

  Further, even if there is a method for predicting the lifetimes of the combustion fan and the air filter, the lifetime cannot be predicted by distinguishing between the combustion fan and the air filter.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to provide a fuel cell control device capable of individually realizing life prediction of a combustion fan and an air filter constituting a combustion device as a reformer. To do.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first fuel cell control device of the present invention is provided in a combustion fan that feeds combustion air for reforming raw material gas, and a combustion air feed path by the combustion fan. Air filter for removing dust in the combustion air, a rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the combustion fan, a flow rate detection means for detecting the flow rate of the combustion air, and a rotation speed detection of the rotation speed detection means Combustion fan control means for controlling the rotation speed of the combustion fan at constant based on the signal, and first storage means for storing first time-series data of the flow rate of the combustion air at the constant rotation speed of the combustion fan; The first time-series data is acquired from the flow rate detection means and written to the first storage means, and the first time of the previous acquisition stored in the first storage means each time the first time-series data is acquired. Time series data and the number obtained this time And a and a time-series data and lifetime arithmetic means for calculating the expected life of the air filter.

  According to this configuration, the predicted life of the air filter can be calculated after being corrected with the latest inspection data, and therefore the predicted life of the air filter can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, the air filter replacement time can be optimized, the number of maintenance can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the amount of replacement parts can be reduced to the minimum necessary, cost reduction and waste parts Can be reduced.

  In the first fuel cell control device of the present invention, the life calculation means uses the first time-series data of three or more when calculating the predicted life of the air filter, and the combustion air flow rate is preset. It is preferable to calculate a time that falls below the threshold of 1.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous life prediction due to temporary characteristic fluctuations.

  In the first fuel cell control device of the present invention, the life calculation means preferably uses the least square method for calculating the time when the flow rate of the combustion air falls below the first threshold value.

  According to this configuration, linear lifetime estimation from three or more first time series data can be realized.

  In the first fuel cell control device of the present invention, it is preferable to have an output means for presenting a calculation result in the life calculation means.

  According to this configuration, the estimated calculation result can be presented to the user.

  In the first fuel cell control device of the present invention, the calculation result output from the life calculation means to the output means is preferably the predicted life or replacement time of the air filter.

  According to this configuration, since the predicted life or replacement time of the air filter is displayed on the output means, the life can be presented in a format that is easy for the user to understand.

  The first fuel cell control device of the present invention preferably has an input means for initializing the calculation result of the life calculation means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to initialize each deterioration progress state (predicted life) held or stored when the air filter is replaced, and newly estimate the life of the air filter after the air filter is replaced.

  The first fuel cell control device of the present invention preferably has an input means for initializing the first time series data stored in the first storage means.

  According to this configuration, since the first time-series data is initialized when the air filter is replaced, the life of the air filter can be newly estimated after the air filter is replaced.

  The second fuel cell control device of the present invention includes a combustion fan for supplying combustion air for reforming a raw material gas, an input means for inputting a timing for performing a combustion fan inspection, and a rotation speed of the combustion fan. A rotational speed detection means for detecting the combustion fan, a combustion fan control means for operating the combustion fan at a constant rate, a second storage means for storing second time-series data of the rotational speed of the combustion fan during a constant operation of the combustion fan, The second time-series data is acquired from the rotation speed detection means and written to the second storage means, and the second time of the previous acquisition stored in the second storage means each time the second time-series data is acquired. Life time calculating means for calculating the predicted life of the combustion fan from the time series data and the second time series data acquired this time, and obtaining the second time series data and calculating the predicted life at the input timing by the input means And with That.

  According to this configuration, the predicted life of the combustion fan can be calculated after being corrected with the latest inspection data. Further, the time when the air filter is replaced is detected by the input from the input means, and the inspection timing of the combustion fan is determined. Since the combustion fan inspection can be performed only when the air filter is replaced, that is, only when the air filter is new, the predicted life of the combustion fan can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible to optimize the replacement timing of the combustion fan, reduce the number of maintenances to the minimum necessary, reduce the amount of replacement parts to the minimum necessary, reduce costs and discard parts. Can be reduced.

  In the second fuel cell control apparatus of the present invention, the life calculation means uses the second time series data of three or more when the predicted life of the combustion fan is calculated, and the rotation speed of the combustion fan is preset. It is preferable to calculate a time that falls below the threshold of 2.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous life prediction due to temporary characteristic fluctuations.

  In the second fuel cell control device of the present invention, the life calculation means preferably uses the least square method for calculating the time when the rotational speed of the combustion fan falls below the second threshold.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to realize linear lifetime estimation from three or more second time-series data.

  In the second fuel cell control device of the present invention, it is preferable to have an output means for presenting a calculation result in the life calculation means.

  According to this configuration, the estimated calculation result can be presented to the user.

  In the second fuel cell control device of the present invention, the calculation result output from the life calculation means to the output means is preferably the predicted life or replacement time of the combustion fan.

  According to this configuration, since the predicted life or replacement time of the combustion fan is displayed on the output means, the life can be presented in a format that is easy for the user to understand.

  The second fuel cell control device of the present invention preferably has an input means for initializing the calculation result of the life calculation means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to initialize each deterioration progress state (predicted life) held or stored at the time of replacement of the combustion fan, and newly estimate the life of the air filter after replacement of the combustion fan.

  The second fuel cell control device of the present invention preferably has an input means for initializing the second time-series data stored in the second storage means.

  According to this configuration, since the second time-series data is initialized when the combustion fan is replaced, the life of the combustion fan can be newly estimated after the combustion fan is replaced.

  A third fuel cell control device according to the present invention includes a combustion fan for supplying combustion air for reforming a raw material gas, an input means for inputting a timing for performing a combustion fan inspection, and a combustion fan for combustion using the combustion fan. An air filter provided in the air supply path for removing dust in the combustion air, a rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the combustion fan, a flow rate detection means for detecting the flow rate of the combustion air, Combustion fan control means having a state in which the rotational speed of the combustion fan is controlled to be constant and a state in which the combustion fan is operated in a constant manner based on the rotational speed detection signal of the rotational speed detection means, and combustion at a constant rotational speed of the combustion fan First storage means for storing the first time-series data of the flow rate of the working air, second storage means for storing the second time-series data of the rotational speed of the combustion fan during a constant operation of the combustion fan, Flow rate detection means First time series data is acquired and written in the first storage means, and the first time series data at the time of previous acquisition stored in the first storage means each time the first time series data is acquired. And the first time-series data acquired this time, the predicted life of the air filter is calculated, the second time-series data is acquired from the rotation speed detection means, written to the second storage means, and the second time series Each time data is acquired, the predicted life of the combustion fan is calculated from the second time series data at the previous acquisition stored in the second storage means and the second time series data acquired this time, and the second time Acquisition of series data and calculation of a predicted life are provided with life calculation means that is performed at an input timing by the input means.

  According to this configuration, the predicted life of the air filter can be calculated after being corrected with the latest inspection data, and therefore the predicted life of the air filter can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, the air filter replacement timing can be optimized, the number of maintenance can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the amount of replacement parts can be reduced to the minimum necessary, cost reduction and part disposal Can be reduced.

  In addition, the predicted life of the combustion fan can be calculated after correcting it with the latest inspection data, and the time when the air filter is replaced is detected by the input from the input means, and the inspection timing of the combustion fan is replaced with the replacement of the air filter. Since the combustion fan inspection can be performed only at times, that is, only when the air filter is new, the predicted life of the combustion fan can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible to optimize the replacement timing of the combustion fan, reduce the number of maintenances to the minimum necessary, reduce the amount of replacement parts to the minimum necessary, reduce costs and discard parts. Can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the predicted life of the air filter can be detected without being affected by the deterioration of the combustion fan, and the predicted life of the combustion fan can be detected without being affected by the deterioration of the air filter. That is, the predicted life of the air filter and the predicted life of the combustion fan can be detected independently.

  In the third fuel cell control device of the present invention, the life calculation means uses the first time-series data of three or more when the predicted life of the air filter is calculated, and the combustion air flow rate is preset. Calculate the time when the rotational speed of the combustion fan falls below a preset second threshold using three or more second time-series data when calculating the predicted life of the combustion fan. It is preferable to do.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous life prediction due to temporary characteristic fluctuations.

  In the third fuel cell control device of the present invention, the life calculation means calculates the time when the flow rate of the combustion air falls below the first threshold and calculates the time when the rotation speed of the combustion fan falls below the second threshold. It is preferable to use the least square method for each.

  According to this configuration, linear life estimation from three or more first and second time series data can be realized.

  In the third fuel cell control device of the present invention, it is preferable to have an output means for presenting a calculation result in the life calculation means.

  According to this configuration, the estimated calculation result can be presented to the user.

  In the third fuel cell control device of the present invention, it is preferable that the calculation result output from the life calculation means to the output means is a predicted life or replacement time between the air filter and the combustion fan.

  According to this configuration, since the predicted life or replacement time of the air filter and the combustion fan is displayed on the output means, the life can be presented in a format that is easy for the user to understand.

  The third fuel cell control device of the present invention preferably has an input means for initializing the calculation result of the life calculation means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to initialize each deterioration progress state (predicted life) held or stored when the air filter is replaced, and newly estimate the life of the air filter after the air filter is replaced. In addition, it is possible to initialize the respective deterioration progress states (predicted lifetimes) held or stored at the time of replacement of the combustion fan, and newly estimate the lifetime of the air filter after replacement of the combustion fan.

  In the third fuel cell control device of the present invention, the first time series data stored in the first storage means and the second time series data stored in the second storage means are initialized. It is preferable to have the input means.

  According to this configuration, since the first time-series data is initialized when the air filter is replaced, the life of the air filter can be newly estimated after the air filter is replaced. In addition, since the second time-series data is initialized when the combustion fan is replaced, the life of the combustion fan can be newly estimated after the replacement of the combustion fan.

  A fourth fuel cell control device of the present invention includes a combustion fan that feeds combustion air for reforming a raw material gas, and dust in the combustion air that is provided in a combustion air feed path by the combustion fan. Based on the rotation speed detection signal of the rotation speed detection means, the rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the combustion fan, the flow rate detection means for detecting the flow rate of the combustion air, and the rotation speed detection signal of the rotation speed detection means. Based on the output of the combustion fan control means for controlling the rotational speed to be constant and the flow rate detecting means, it is detected that the flow rate of the combustion air at the constant rotational speed of the combustion fan has fallen below a preset first threshold value. And a deterioration determining unit that determines that the air filter has reached the end of its life.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to detect the end of the life of the air filter. As a result, the air filter replacement timing can be optimized, the number of maintenance can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the amount of replacement parts can be reduced to the minimum necessary, cost reduction and part disposal Can be reduced.

  In the fourth fuel cell control device of the present invention, it is preferable to have an output means for presenting a determination result in the deterioration determination section.

  According to this configuration, the estimated determination result can be presented to the user.

  In the fourth fuel cell control device of the present invention, the determination result output from the deterioration determination unit to the output means is preferably a warning that the air filter has already reached the end of its life.

  According to this configuration, since the output means presents that the air filter has reached the end of its life, it is possible to prompt the user to replace the air filter.

  The fifth fuel cell control device of the present invention includes a combustion fan that supplies combustion air for reforming the raw material gas, an input means for inputting a timing for performing the combustion fan inspection, and rotation of the combustion fan. A rotational speed detection means for detecting the number of revolutions, a combustion fan control means for operating the combustion fan at a constant rate, and a combustion fan when the operation amount of the combustion fan is constant based on the output of the rotational speed detection means at the input timing by the input means A deterioration determining unit that detects that the rotational speed has fallen below a preset second threshold and determines that the combustion fan has reached the end of its life.

  According to this configuration, the combustion fan inspection can be performed at the time of input from the input means for inputting the timing for performing the combustion fan inspection, and the life end of the combustion fan can be detected. As a result, it is possible to optimize the replacement timing of the combustion fan, reduce the number of maintenances to the minimum necessary, reduce the amount of replacement parts to the minimum necessary, reduce costs and discard parts. Can be reduced.

  In the fifth fuel cell control device of the present invention, it is preferable to have an output means for presenting a determination result in the deterioration determination section.

  According to this configuration, the estimated determination result can be presented to the user.

  In the fifth fuel cell control device of the present invention, it is preferable that the determination result output from the deterioration determination unit to the output means is a warning that the combustion fan has already reached the end of its life.

  According to this configuration, since the output means indicates that the combustion fan has reached the end of its life, it is possible to prompt the user to replace the combustion fan.

  A sixth fuel cell control device according to the present invention includes a combustion fan for supplying combustion air for reforming a raw material gas, an input means for inputting a timing for performing a combustion fan inspection, and a combustion fan for combustion by the combustion fan. An air filter provided in the air supply path for removing dust in the combustion air, a rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the combustion fan, a flow rate detection means for detecting the flow rate of the combustion air, Based on the output of the flow rate detecting means, the combustion fan control means having a state in which the rotational speed of the combustion fan is controlled to be constant based on the rotational speed detection signal of the rotational speed detection means, and a state in which the combustion fan is operated to be constant It is determined that the flow rate of the combustion air at the constant rotation speed of the combustion fan has fallen below a preset first threshold value, and it is determined that the air filter has reached the end of its life. A deterioration determination unit that determines that the combustion fan has reached the end of its life by detecting that the number of rotations of the combustion fan when the operation amount of the combustion fan is constant is below a preset second threshold based on the output of the means And.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to detect the end of the life of the air filter. As a result, the air filter replacement timing can be optimized, the number of maintenance can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the amount of replacement parts can be reduced to the minimum necessary, cost reduction and part disposal Can be reduced.

  Further, by performing the combustion fan inspection at the time of input from the input means for inputting the timing for performing the combustion fan inspection, it is possible to detect the arrival of the life of the combustion fan when the air filter is new. As a result, it is possible to optimize the replacement timing of the combustion fan, reduce the number of maintenances to the minimum necessary, reduce the amount of replacement parts to the minimum necessary, reduce costs and discard parts. Can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the life end of the air filter can be detected without being affected by the deterioration of the combustion fan, and the life end of the combustion fan can be detected without being affected by the deterioration of the air filter. That is, it is possible to independently detect the air filter life and the combustion fan life.

  In the sixth fuel cell control device of the present invention, it is preferable to have an output means for presenting a determination result in the deterioration determination unit.

  According to this configuration, the estimated determination result can be presented to the user.

  In the sixth fuel cell control device of the present invention, the determination result output from the deterioration determination unit to the output means is the first warning that the air filter has already reached the end of life and the combustion fan has already reached the end of the end. It is preferable that this is the second warning.

  According to this configuration, since the output means presents that the air filter and the combustion fan have reached the end of their lives, the user can be urged to replace the air filter and the combustion fan.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a fuel cell control device will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description may be abbreviate | omitted again.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration of the fuel cell control apparatus that performs the life prediction of the air filter 8 and the combustion fan 9 by providing the combustion fan control means 6 and the life calculation means 2 having a calculation function and connecting them to each other. This will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In addition to the above-described components, the fuel cell control device includes a rotation speed detection means 5 that detects the rotation speed of the combustion fan, a flow rate detection means 7 that detects the combustion air flow rate through the air filter 8, and a combustion air flow rate that is stored in time series. A first storage means 3, a second storage means 4 for storing the combustion fan rotational speed in time series, an input means 10, and an output means 11. The life calculation means 2 has a life calculation function for the air filter and the combustion fan. The combustion fan control means 6 obtains the rotational speed of the combustion fan from the rotational speed detection means 5 and obtains the air flow rate from the flow rate detection means 7. Then, based on the rotational speed obtained from the rotational speed detection means 5, feedback control is performed to control the rotational speed of the combustion fan 9 to be constant.

  The life calculation means 2 detects the flow rate of the combustion air in a state where the combustion fan 9 is rotating at a constant rotational speed during the regular operation in order to predict the life of the air filter 8 by the flow rate detection means 7. . Specifically, the combustion air flow rate detected by the flow rate detection means 7 is transmitted to the life calculation means 2 via the combustion fan control means 6.

  “Periodical operation” means, for example, “The fuel cell device has a timing for self-diagnosis, such as once a week or once a month, and the air filter is diagnosed as part of the timing”. Assume the situation.

  The “state where the combustion fan 9 is rotating at a constant rotational speed” refers to a state where the combustion fan 9 is rotating at a constant rotational speed by means of rotational speed feedback control.

  Here, the combustion fan 9 is controlled to a constant rotational speed as described above by feedback control of the combustion fan control means 6 during regular operation. Specifically, the rotational speed of the combustion fan 9 is detected by the rotational speed detection means 5. The combustion fan control means 6 controls the amount of operation of the combustion fan 9 to increase / decrease based on the rotational speed of the combustion fan 9 detected by the rotational speed detection means 5 to control the rotational speed of the combustion fan 9 to be constant.

  The life calculation means 2 stores the combustion air flow rate at the constant rotation speed of the combustion fan detected during the current operation in the first storage means 3 in time series. Further, the life calculation means 2 reads the three or more time-series combustion air flow rates stored in the first storage means 3 as first time-series data, reads it, and as shown in FIG. The predicted life T1α of the air filter 8 is calculated from the combustion air flow rate data and the combustion air flow rate data detected this time using the least square method.

  In the life prediction method using the least square method, the first time series data D1 in the actual measurement section in FIG. 2A exists from D1_0 to D1_n, D1_0 is temporal first data, and D1_n is temporal final data. When this is done, a linear line is calculated by the method of least squares based on data from D1_0 to D1_n. The time when the combustion air flow rate on the calculated extension of the primary straight line falls below a preset threshold value is defined as a predicted life T1α. Note that a period between D1_n and the predicted life is referred to as a predicted section.

  This method is a method for predicting the life using the first time-series data D1_0 to D1_n stored in the first storage means 3, and every time-series data is acquired, the latest data acquired is added again. Perform life prediction.

  Note that the first time-series data D1 used for prediction may be averaged in order to reduce the influence of a temporary characteristic change.

  Next, the input means 10 will be described.

  The maintenance worker performs input using the input means 10 in order to initialize the deterioration progress of the air filter 8 after the maintenance is completed. The life calculation means 2 receives the input and receives the first time-series data stored in the first storage means 3 and the deterioration progress state stored in the life calculation means 2 (remaining life of the air filter 8 or air The filter 8 is deteriorated and it is time to replace it).

  According to the first embodiment, by having the input means for initializing the calculation result of the life calculation means, each deterioration progress status (predicted life) that is held or stored when the air filter 8 is replaced. And the life of the air filter 8 can be newly estimated after the air filter 8 is replaced.

  In addition, by having the input means 10 for initializing the first time series data stored in the first storage means 3, when the air filter 8 is replaced, the first time series data is initialized. The life of the air filter 8 can be newly estimated after the replacement of the air filter 8.

  In addition, since the life calculation means 2 predicts the life of the combustion fan 9, when the air filter replacement is input from the input means 10 as shown in FIG. 4, the operation amount of the combustion fan 9 is constant. The rotation speed detecting means 5 detects the rotation speed of the combustion fan at the time (when the operation amount is determined in advance). Specifically, the rotational speed of the combustion fan detected by the rotational speed detection means 5 is transmitted to the life calculation means 2 via the combustion fan control means 6.

  Making the operation amount of the combustion fan 9 constant is one of the functions of the combustion fan control means 6 and means an operation of driving the combustion fan 9 according to one operation amount determined in advance.

  When the air filter replacement is input from the input means 10, the combustion fan characteristics when the air filter 8 is new can be inspected by inspecting the combustion fan 9. Therefore, the influence of air filter deterioration can be eliminated from the combustion fan inspection result, and an accurate combustion fan life can be calculated.

  The life calculating means 2 stores the number of rotations of the combustion fan when the operation amount of the combustion fan 9 detected during the current operation is constant in the second storage means 4 in time series. The time series combustion fan rotational speeds of three or more points stored in the second storage means 4 are used as second time series data, which is read, and as shown in FIG. The predicted life T2α is calculated from the combustion fan rotation speed detected this time using the least square method.

  In the life prediction method using the least square method, the second time-series data D2 in the actual measurement section in FIG. 2B exists from D2_0 to D2_n, D2_0 is temporal first data, and D2_n is temporal final data. When this is done, a linear straight line is calculated from the data from D2_0 to D2_n by the method of least squares. A case where the calculated rotational speed of the combustion fan on the extended line of the primary straight line is below a preset threshold is referred to as a predicted life, and a portion between D2_n and the predicted life is referred to as a predicted section.

  Note that the rotational speed of the combustion fan is considered to decrease if the manipulated variable is constant (applied voltage is constant) at the end of its life.This is due to wear of the rotary bearing of the motor and deterioration of mechanical parts. This is because the rotational resistance increases, and as a result, the motor rotates poorly.

  In addition, the end of life of the combustion fan means, for example, the following state. In other words, even when the combustion fan operation amount is increased or decreased by feedback processing of the air flow rate, the actual flow rate does not reach the target air flow rate due to the deterioration of the fan performance. As a result, the operation amount sticks to the maximum value, and the air flow rate is also the target. It means the state that is lower than the amount. In this state, incomplete combustion or the like occurs, so it is necessary to replace it with a margin so far. Further, since the maximum operation amount is set, that is, the maximum voltage is applied to the motor, the power consumption is also increased. In addition, since the safety | security falls when an actual exchange time reaches said state, it replaces early with a margin more.

  This method is a method for predicting the life using the second time-series data D2_0 to D2_n stored in the second storage means 4, and every time-series data is acquired, the latest data acquired is added again. Perform life prediction.

  Note that the second time series data D2 used for prediction may be averaged in order to mitigate the influence of a temporary characteristic change.

  In the present embodiment, the life estimation of both the air filter and the combustion fan is performed. However, either one of the life estimations is effective.

  Further, although the least square method is used as the estimation calculation method, the same effect can be obtained by the sequential prediction method.

  Next, the sequential prediction method will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 (a) and 3 (b).

  The life calculating means 2 detects the flow rate of the combustion air when the combustion fan 9 is rotating at a constant rotational speed by the flow rate detecting means 7 during regular operation in order to predict the life of the air filter 8. The time is stored in the first storage means 4 in time series. Next, two or more time-series combustion air flow rates stored in the first storage unit 4 are read, and the predicted life T1β of the air filter 8 is calculated using the sequential prediction method shown in FIG.

  In the sequential prediction method, when the first time-series data in the actually measured section in FIG. 3A exists from D1_0 to D1_n, and D1_0 is temporal head data and D1_n is temporal final data, D1_n− A primary straight line is obtained between 1 and D1_n, and a time when the combustion air flow rate on the extended line of the primary straight line falls below a preset threshold is defined as a predicted life T2α. Note that a period between D1_n and the predicted life is referred to as a predicted section.

  This method is a method of predicting the life using the latest two points of data from the time series data, and every time acquisition of the time series data, the life prediction is performed using the latest data at that time.

  Further, the life calculating means 2 performs the life prediction of the combustion fan 9, and when the air filter replacement is input from the input means 10, the rotation speed of the combustion fan when the operation amount of the combustion fan 9 is constant is rotated. The combustion air flow rate when the operation amount of the combustion fan 9 detected by the number detection means 5 and detected during the current operation is constant is stored in the second storage means 4 in time series. Then, two or more time-series combustion fan rotation speed data D2 stored in the second storage means 5 are read, and the combustion fan rotation speed acquired in the current operation and the time-series combustion fan rotation speed data Using the fan rotation speed, the predicted life T2β of the combustion fan 9 is calculated by the sequential prediction method shown in FIG. Since the sequential prediction method is the same as the life prediction method of the air filter 8 and its use data is the second time-series data, description thereof is omitted.

  Note that the first time-series data D1 or the second time-series data D2 used for prediction may be averaged in order to mitigate the influence of a temporary characteristic change.

  As a method for estimating the lifetime, the least square method and the sequential prediction method may be used in combination. Hereinafter, the combined use of the least square method and the sequential prediction method will be described.

  The life calculation means 2 stores in the first storage means 4 the combustion air flow rate when the combustion fan 9 obtained during the current operation rotates at a constant speed in order to predict the life of the air filter 8. Three or more first time series data D1 stored in the first storage means 4 is read, and a predicted life candidate T1α of the air filter 8 is calculated from the first time series data D1 using the least square method.

  Further, the predicted life candidate T1β of the air filter 8 is calculated using the latest two points of the first time series data D1 and using the sequential prediction method. The calculated predicted lifetime candidate T1α of the air filter 8 is compared with the predicted lifetime candidate T1β, and an earlier lifetime is determined as the predicted lifetime T1.

  Further, in order to predict the life of the combustion fan 9, the life calculation means 2 reads three or more second time series data D2 stored in the second storage means 5, and uses the least square method to read the combustion fan 9 The predicted lifetime candidate T2α is calculated.

  In addition, the latest two points of the second time series data D2 are used to calculate the predicted life candidate T2β of the combustion fan 9 by the sequential prediction method. The calculated predicted lifetime candidate T2α of the combustion fan 9 is compared with the predicted lifetime candidate T2β, and an earlier lifetime is determined as the predicted lifetime T2.

  Note that the first time-series data D1 or the second time-series data D2 used for prediction may be averaged in order to mitigate the influence of a temporary characteristic change.

  The predicted lifetimes of the air filter 8 and the combustion fan 9 predicted by the lifetime calculation unit 2 are sent to the output unit 11.

  The output means 11 is connected to the life calculation means 2, and the predicted life T1α or T1β or T1 of the air filter 8 calculated by the life calculation means 2 or the predicted life T2α or T2β or T2 of the combustion fan 9 is used as time information. To present. This time information is characterized in that the remaining time that can be used, that is, the lifetime is presented to the user in the form of days or months. As an example of the presentation form, it is possible to use a display device, an audio output, and a report that is output from the output means to the network. When the output means 11 is connected to the network, the remaining life can be presented directly to the fuel cell manufacturer without user intervention. It is also possible to display the replacement time.

  When the remaining life is presented to the user, the user can request the next maintenance systematically. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the user cannot use due to sudden maintenance or failure due to failure.

  In addition, a manufacturer who performs maintenance can perform maintenance systematically by a planned maintenance request from the user and a direct life output from the output means 11.

  In FIG. 1, the inside of the broken line shows the internal device of the microcomputer for controlling the fuel cell, and the outside of the broken line shows the external device of the microcomputer. This is an example, and it does not mean that separation is necessary. Even if the storage means is inside the microcomputer, the effect is the same whether the rotational speed detection means is outside.

  According to the fuel cell control apparatus of the first embodiment, the predicted life of the air filter 8 can be calculated after being corrected with the latest inspection data, and therefore the predicted life of the air filter 8 is detected with high accuracy. be able to. As a result, the replacement time of the air filter 8 can be optimized, the number of maintenance can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the amount of replacement parts can be reduced to the minimum necessary, and cost reduction and parts can be reduced. Reduction of disposal can be achieved.

  In addition, the predicted life of the combustion fan 9 can be calculated after the air filter 8 is inspected with the characteristics of the combustion fan when the air filter 8 is new and further corrected with the latest inspection data. Can be detected. As a result, the replacement time of the combustion fan 9 can be optimized, the number of maintenance can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the amount of replacement parts can be reduced to the minimum necessary, and cost reduction and parts can be reduced. Reduction of disposal can be achieved.

  Furthermore, the predicted life of the air filter 8 can be detected without being affected by the deterioration of the combustion fan 9, and the predicted life of the combustion fan 9 can be detected without being affected by the deterioration of the air filter 8. That is, the predicted life of the air filter 8 and the predicted life of the combustion fan 9 can be detected independently.

  Further, the life calculation means 2 calculates the time when the flow rate of the combustion air falls below a preset first threshold using three or more first time series data when calculating the predicted life of the air filter 8; By calculating the time when the rotational speed of the combustion fan 9 falls below a preset second threshold using three or more second time-series data when calculating the predicted life of the combustion fan 9, a temporary characteristic is obtained. Prevents erroneous life prediction due to fluctuations.

  Further, the life calculation means 2 uses the least square method for calculating the time when the flow rate of the combustion air falls below the first threshold and for calculating the time when the rotational speed of the combustion fan 9 falls below the second threshold, respectively. Linear life estimation from three or more first and second time-series data can be realized.

  Furthermore, by having an output means for presenting the result of the calculation by the life calculation means 2, the estimated calculation result can be presented to the user.

  Furthermore, since the calculation result output from the life calculation means 2 to the output means 11 is the predicted life or replacement time of the air filter 8 and the combustion fan 9, the life can be presented in a format that is easy for the user to understand. .

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the fuel cell control device according to the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration of a fuel cell control device having a deterioration determination unit 1 that determines deterioration of the air filter 8 and the combustion fan 9 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment, the deterioration determination unit 1 is added, and the first and second storage units 3 and 4 are omitted.

  Next, the degradation determination unit 1 will be described.

  The life calculation means 2 is connected to the combustion fan control means 6 and the deterioration determination unit 1. The deterioration determination unit 1 is connected to the combustion fan control means 6, the rotational speed detection means 5, and the flow rate detection means 7.

  The deterioration determination unit 1 instructs the combustion fan control means 6 to acquire the combustion air flow rate when the combustion fan 9 is rotating at a constant rotational speed during regular operation.

  In response to this command, the combustion fan control means 6 performs feedback control on the operation voltage for the combustion fan 9 with reference to the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detection means 5 so that the combustion fan 9 has a constant rotation.

  The deterioration determination unit 1 obtains the combustion air flow rate at this time by the flow rate detection means 7, and determines that the clogging of the air filter 8 has reached the end of its life when the combustion air flow rate is equal to or less than a preset threshold value. The signal is transmitted to the life calculation means 2.

  In addition, when the air filter replacement is input from the input unit 10 via the life calculation unit 2, the deterioration determination unit 1 performs the combustion fan rotation speed when the combustion fan operation amount is constant with respect to the combustion fan control unit 6. To get.

  Upon receiving this command, the combustion fan control means 6 controls the operation voltage for the combustion fan 9 to be constant.

  The deterioration determination unit 1 acquires the combustion fan rotation speed at this time by the rotation speed detection means 5, and determines that the deterioration of the combustion fan 9 has reached the end of its life when the combustion fan rotation speed is equal to or less than a preset threshold value. The combustion fan deterioration signal is transmitted to the life calculation means 2.

  The life calculation means 2 sends an air filter deterioration signal or a combustion fan deterioration signal to the output means 11. The output means 11 presents that the air filter or combustion fan has reached the end of its life and is time for replacement. As an example of the presentation form by the output means 11, a display device, audio output, and notification issued by connecting the output means to the network can be used.

  When the output unit 11 provides warning indication that the air filter 8 or the combustion fan 9 has already reached the end of its life, the user receives the warning indication and requests maintenance from the fuel cell manufacturer. In the case of warning output to the network, the warning is presented directly to the fuel cell manufacturer without user intervention. The requested maintenance worker can perform maintenance on the air filter 8 or the combustion fan 9 on which the warning is presented.

  According to the fuel cell control device of the second embodiment, it is possible to detect the end of life of the air filter 8. As a result, the replacement time of the air filter 8 can be optimized, the number of maintenance can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the amount of replacement parts can be reduced to the minimum necessary, and cost reduction and parts can be reduced. Reduction of disposal can be achieved.

  In addition, when the air filter replacement is input from the input means 10, the combustion fan 9 is inspected, so that the air filter 8 can inspect the characteristics of the combustion fan when it is new, and the air filter deterioration results from the combustion fan inspection result. The influence can be eliminated.

  Thereby, the end of the life of the combustion fan 9 can be detected. As a result, the replacement time of the combustion fan 9 can be optimized, the number of maintenance can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the amount of replacement parts can be reduced to the minimum necessary, and cost reduction and parts can be reduced. Reduction of disposal can be achieved.

  Furthermore, the life end of the air filter 8 can be detected without being affected by the deterioration of the combustion fan 9, and the life end of the combustion fan 9 can be detected without being affected by the deterioration of the air filter 8. In other words, it is possible to detect the life of the air filter 8 and the life of the combustion fan 9 independently.

  Furthermore, the estimated judgment result can be presented to the user by including the output means 11 for presenting the judgment result in the degradation judgment unit 1.

  Furthermore, since the output means 11 indicates that the air filter 8 and the combustion fan 9 have reached the end of their lives, the user can be urged to replace the air filter 8 and the combustion fan 9.

  In the fuel cell control device according to the present invention, the combusting fan and the air filter inspection method for removing the dust of the combustion air generated from the combustion fan comprise the time series characteristics of the combustion air flow rate, By focusing on the time-series characteristics of the rotational speed, the life of the combustion fan and air filter can be predicted, eliminating the inconvenience of sudden stoppage for the user and reducing the maintenance cost of the manufacturer. This is useful for a failure inspection method of a fuel cell control device.

It is a block diagram which shows the component of the fuel cell control apparatus of Embodiment 1 concerning this invention. (A) is the life prediction figure of the air filter which uses the least squares method in Embodiment 1 concerning this invention, (b) is the life prediction of the combustion fan which uses the least squares method in Embodiment 1 concerning this invention. FIG. (A) is the lifetime prediction figure of the air filter which uses the sequential prediction method in Embodiment 1 concerning this invention, (b) is the lifetime prediction of the combustion fan using the sequential prediction method in Embodiment 1 concerning this invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the test | inspection timing of the air filter and combustion fan in Embodiment 1 concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the component of the fuel cell control apparatus of Embodiment 2 concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Degradation judgment part 2 Life calculation means 3 1st memory | storage means 4 2nd memory | storage means 5 Rotational speed detection means 6 Combustion fan control means 7 Flow rate detection means 8 Air filter 9 Combustion fan 10 Input means 11 Output means

Claims (20)

A combustion fan for supplying combustion air for raw material gas reforming,
An air filter provided in the combustion air supply path by the combustion fan to remove dust in the combustion air;
A rotational speed detection means for detecting the rotational speed of the combustion fan;
Flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the combustion air;
Combustion fan control means for controlling the rotational speed of the combustion fan to be constant based on the rotational speed detection signal of the rotational speed detection means;
First storage means for storing first time-series data of the flow rate of the combustion air at a constant rotational speed of the combustion fan;
Obtaining the first time-series data from the flow rate detection means and writing it to the first storage means, as well as previous acquisitions stored in the first storage means each time the first time-series data is obtained A fuel cell control device comprising: life calculation means for calculating a predicted life of the air filter from the first time series data of time and the first time series data acquired this time.   The life calculation means calculates a time when the flow rate of the combustion air falls below a preset first threshold by using three or more first time series data when calculating the predicted life of the air filter. Item 4. The fuel cell control device according to Item 1.   The fuel cell control device according to claim 2, wherein the life calculation means uses a least square method for calculating a time when the flow rate of the combustion air falls below the first threshold value.   The fuel cell control device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that presents a calculation result obtained by the lifetime calculation unit.   The fuel cell control device according to claim 4, wherein a calculation result output from the life calculation means to the output means is a predicted life or replacement time of the air filter.   The fuel cell control device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, further comprising an input means for initializing a calculation result of the life calculation means.   6. The fuel cell control device according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for initializing the first time series data stored in the first storage unit. . A combustion fan for supplying combustion air for raw material gas reforming,
An input means for inputting a combustion fan inspection time;
A rotational speed detection means for detecting the rotational speed of the combustion fan;
A combustion fan control means for operating the combustion fan at a constant rate;
Second storage means for storing second time-series data of the rotational speed of the combustion fan during a constant operation of the combustion fan;
The second time-series data is acquired from the rotation speed detection means and written to the second storage means, and the previous time stored in the second storage means each time the second time-series data is acquired. The predicted life of the combustion fan is calculated from the second time series data at the time of acquisition and the second time series data acquired this time, and the second time series data is acquired and the calculation of the predicted life is performed by the input. A fuel cell control device comprising life calculation means implemented at input timing by the means.   The life calculating means calculates a time when the rotational speed of the combustion fan falls below a preset second threshold value using three or more second time-series data when calculating the predicted life of the combustion fan. Item 9. The fuel cell control device according to Item 8.   10. The fuel cell control device according to claim 9, wherein the life calculation unit uses a least squares method for calculating a time when the rotational speed of the combustion fan falls below the second threshold.   11. The fuel cell control device according to claim 8, further comprising an output unit that presents a calculation result obtained by the lifetime calculation unit.   The fuel cell control device according to claim 11, wherein a calculation result output from the life calculation means to the output means is a predicted life or replacement time of the combustion fan.   The fuel cell control device according to any one of claims 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, further comprising an input unit for initializing a calculation result of the life calculation unit.   13. The fuel cell control device according to claim 8, further comprising an input unit configured to initialize the second time-series data stored in the second storage unit. . A combustion fan for supplying combustion air for raw material gas reforming,
An air filter provided in the combustion air supply path by the combustion fan to remove dust in the combustion air;
A rotational speed detection means for detecting the rotational speed of the combustion fan;
Flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the combustion air;
Combustion fan control means for controlling the rotational speed of the combustion fan to be constant based on the rotational speed detection signal of the rotational speed detection means;
Based on the output of the flow rate detection means, it is detected that the flow rate of the combustion air at a constant rotational speed of the combustion fan has fallen below a preset first threshold, and the air filter has reached the end of its life. A fuel cell control device comprising a deterioration determination unit for determining.   The fuel cell control device according to claim 15, further comprising an output unit that presents a determination result in the deterioration determination unit.   The fuel cell control device according to claim 16, wherein the determination result output from the deterioration determination unit to the output means is a warning that the air filter has already reached the end of its life. A combustion fan for supplying combustion air for raw material gas reforming,
An input means for inputting a combustion fan inspection time;
A rotational speed detection means for detecting the rotational speed of the combustion fan;
A combustion fan control means for operating the combustion fan at a constant rate;
At the input timing by the input means, it is detected based on the output of the rotational speed detection means that the rotational speed of the combustion fan when the operation amount of the combustion fan is constant falls below a preset second threshold value. And a deterioration determining unit that determines that the combustion fan has reached the end of its life.   The fuel cell control device according to claim 18, further comprising an output unit that presents a determination result in the deterioration determination unit.   The fuel cell control device according to claim 19, wherein the determination result output from the deterioration determination unit to the output means is a warning that the combustion fan has already reached the end of its life.

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