JP2010044911A - Fuel cell system, and method of supplying hydrogen gas therein - Google Patents

Fuel cell system, and method of supplying hydrogen gas therein Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP2010044911A
JP2010044911A JP2008207090A JP2008207090A JP2010044911A JP 2010044911 A JP2010044911 A JP 2010044911A JP 2008207090 A JP2008207090 A JP 2008207090A JP 2008207090 A JP2008207090 A JP 2008207090A JP 2010044911 A JP2010044911 A JP 2010044911A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
hydrogen gas
fuel cell
valve
main body
cell main
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP2008207090A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Koichi Shiraishi
剛一 白石
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Equos Research Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Equos Research Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Equos Research Co Ltd filed Critical Equos Research Co Ltd
Priority to JP2008207090A priority Critical patent/JP2010044911A/en
Publication of JP2010044911A publication Critical patent/JP2010044911A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

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

Landscapes

  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system capable of filling exhaust gas from a fuel cell body to a buffer tank and then discharging, in order to prevent stay of hydrogen gas. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system 1 is equipped with a hydrogen tank 3, the fuel cell body 10, and a hydrogen gas circulation channel 20 arranged between the hydrogen tank 3 and the fuel cell body 10. A hydrogen supply valve V1 is provided between the hydrogen gas circulation channel 20 and the hydrogen tank 3, and the hydrogen gas circulation channel 20 is provided with the buffer tank 30. An exit valve V2 is provided between a hydrogen gas exhaust port 10c of the fuel cell body 10 and the buffer tank 30, and a circulation valve V3 is provided between a hydrogen gas supply inlet 10a of the fuel cell body 10 and the buffer tank 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、燃料電池システム及び水素ガス供給方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a fuel cell system and a hydrogen gas supply method.

高分子電解質膜を使用した燃料電池では、電解質膜を挟んだ両側で燃料ガス或いは酸化ガスがイオン化し、そのイオンが電解質膜を透過して電気化学的な反応を生じて発電が生じる。
一方、燃料電池の電解質膜の水素供給が不足すると、上記発電反応が進まず、燃料電池の出力低下を生じる。さらに、電解質膜の水素が不足する部位では、電極の電位が上昇して触媒劣化を引き起こす原因ともなる。このような水素が不足する部位は、空気極から透過したガスや、発電反応により生じた生成水などが水素ガス流路内に滞留することによって生じる。 In a fuel cell using a polymer electrolyte membrane, fuel gas or oxidizing gas is ionized on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and the ions pass through the electrolyte membrane to cause an electrochemical reaction to generate power.
On the other hand, when the hydrogen supply of the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell is insufficient, the power generation reaction does not proceed and the output of the fuel cell is reduced. Furthermore, at the portion of the electrolyte membrane where hydrogen is insufficient, the potential of the electrode rises and causes catalyst deterioration. Such a portion where hydrogen is deficient is caused by gas permeated from the air electrode, generated water generated by a power generation reaction, or the like staying in the hydrogen gas flow path.

かかる水素ガスの滞留を防止するために、下記特許文献１に記載の燃料電池システムは、燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と水素ガス排出口を連結した循環回路を形成しており、この循環回路に循環ポンプを設け、水素ガス容器から水素ガスが新に供給されていない状態でも、水素ガスを適宜循環させることで、燃料室内に気流が発生するようにしている。
特開平７−２４０２２０号公報 In order to prevent such stagnation of hydrogen gas, the fuel cell system described in Patent Document 1 below forms a circulation circuit in which a hydrogen gas supply port and a hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body are connected. A circulation pump is provided in the fuel gas chamber so that an air flow is generated in the fuel chamber by appropriately circulating the hydrogen gas even when hydrogen gas is not newly supplied from the hydrogen gas container.
JP-A-7-240220

しかしながら、上記燃料電池システムは、循環回路と、燃料電池本体を通過した排出ガスを循環させる循環ポンプを設ける必要があり、構成の大型化を招くとともに、ポンプの駆動するために消費電力が増加するという課題があった。
本発明は、上記課題を解決するためになされたもので、燃料電池本体内の水素ガスの滞留を防止すると共に、燃料電池本体の排出ガスをバッファタンクに充填して放出する簡易な燃料電池システム及び燃料ガス供給方法を提供することを目的とする。 However, the fuel cell system needs to be provided with a circulation circuit and a circulation pump that circulates exhaust gas that has passed through the fuel cell main body. This increases the size of the configuration and increases the power consumption for driving the pump. There was a problem.
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and is a simple fuel cell system that prevents the hydrogen gas from staying in the fuel cell main body and fills and releases the exhaust gas from the fuel cell main body into a buffer tank. It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel gas supply method.

上記課題を解決すべく鋭意検討を重ねた結果、本発明者は、水素ガスの滞留を防止するために、水素ガスの循環路にバッファタンクを設けて、燃料電池本体からの排出ガスをバッファタンクに充填してから放出することにより燃料電池本体にガスを流すことにより、燃料電池本体に気流を流すことに気づき、本発明に想到した。
即ち、本発明の第１の局面は次のように規定される。
水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備えてなる燃料電池システムであって、
前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、
前記水素ガス循環路にはバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備える、ことを特徴とする燃料電池システム。 As a result of extensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventor has provided a buffer tank in the hydrogen gas circulation path to prevent the hydrogen gas from staying, and the exhaust gas from the fuel cell main body is supplied to the buffer tank. When the gas was supplied to the fuel cell main body and then released, the gas flowed to the fuel cell main body, and the present invention was conceived.
That is, the first aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
A fuel cell system comprising a hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body,
A first valve is provided between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source;
The hydrogen gas circulation path includes a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, the hydrogen gas supply port of the fuel cell main body, the buffer tank, A fuel cell system comprising a third valve between the two.

このように規定される第１の局面の燃料電池システムによれば、第１から第３のバルブを開閉することにより、燃料電池本体からの排出ガスを、水素ガス循環路に設けたバッファタンクに充填してから放出することにより燃料電池本体にガスを流す。
これにより、第１から第３のバルブを開閉操作するのみで、循環ポンプを用いずにバッファタンクに充填した水素ガスを放出して燃料電池本体に流すという循環が可能になる。したがって、第１から第３のバルブを簡易な開閉操作により、燃料電池本体への水素ガスの滞留を防止できる。 According to the fuel cell system of the first aspect thus defined, the exhaust gas from the fuel cell main body is sent to the buffer tank provided in the hydrogen gas circulation path by opening and closing the first to third valves. Gas is flowed to the fuel cell body by discharging after filling.
Thus, it is possible to perform circulation by releasing the hydrogen gas filled in the buffer tank and flowing it to the fuel cell main body without using the circulation pump only by opening and closing the first to third valves. Therefore, it is possible to prevent stagnation of hydrogen gas in the fuel cell body by a simple opening / closing operation of the first to third valves.

本発明の第２の局面は次のように規定されることが好ましい。
即ち、第１の局面に規定の発明において、前記燃料電池本体において水素極側の圧力を測定するＦＣ圧力センサと、該ＦＣセンサの出力に基づき前記第１〜第３のバルブの開閉を制御する制御装置が更に備えられ、
前記制御装置は、前記第１及び第２のバルブが開放されていると共に、第３のバルブが閉塞されているとき、前記ＦＣ圧力センサの出力が第１の閾値を超えると、前記第１及び第２のバルブを閉塞すると共に、前記第３のバルブを開放して前記バッファタンクの水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給する、ことを特徴とする燃料電池システム。
このように規定される第２の局面の燃料電池システムによれば、第１及び第２のバルブを開放すると共に、第３のバルブを閉塞して燃料電池本体に水素ガスを供給して発電しつつ、燃料電池本体から排出されたガスをバッファタンクに充填する。この状態で燃料電池本体の水素極側のガス圧とバッファタンクのガス圧は等しい状態である。ＦＣ圧力センサで測定された水素極の圧力が第１の閾値を超えると、バッファタンク内にも充分な水素ガスが充填されたものとみなして、第１及び第２のバルブを閉じると共に、第３のバルブを開く。これにより、燃料電池反応に伴い水素極内の水素が消費されて水素極内の圧力が低下すると、バッファタンクに充填された水素ガスが水素極へ放出される。このように、第２の局面の発明によれば、水素ガス循環路に何ら循環ポンプを配置しなくても水素ガスの循環が可能となる。
水素極の圧力が所定の圧力を下回ると、バッファタンクの水素ガスが消費されたものとみなして、第１及び第２のバルブを開放し、第３のバルブを閉塞する。 The second aspect of the present invention is preferably defined as follows.
That is, in the invention defined in the first aspect, an FC pressure sensor that measures the pressure on the hydrogen electrode side in the fuel cell main body, and the opening and closing of the first to third valves are controlled based on the output of the FC sensor. A control device is further provided;
When the output of the FC pressure sensor exceeds a first threshold value when the first valve and the second valve are open and the third valve is closed, The fuel cell system is characterized in that the second valve is closed and the third valve is opened to supply hydrogen gas in the buffer tank to the fuel cell main body.
According to the fuel cell system of the second aspect defined as described above, the first and second valves are opened, the third valve is closed, and hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell body to generate power. Meanwhile, the gas discharged from the fuel cell main body is filled in the buffer tank. In this state, the gas pressure on the hydrogen electrode side of the fuel cell main body is equal to the gas pressure in the buffer tank. When the pressure of the hydrogen electrode measured by the FC pressure sensor exceeds the first threshold value, it is assumed that the buffer tank is filled with sufficient hydrogen gas, the first and second valves are closed, Open the 3 valve. Thereby, when the hydrogen in the hydrogen electrode is consumed and the pressure in the hydrogen electrode is reduced due to the fuel cell reaction, the hydrogen gas filled in the buffer tank is released to the hydrogen electrode. As described above, according to the invention of the second aspect, it is possible to circulate hydrogen gas without arranging any circulation pump in the hydrogen gas circulation path.
When the pressure of the hydrogen electrode falls below a predetermined pressure, it is considered that the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank has been consumed, the first and second valves are opened, and the third valve is closed.

本発明の第３の局面は次のように規定されることが好ましい。
即ち、第１の局面に規定の発明において、前記燃料電池本体において水素極側の圧力を測定するＦＣ圧力センサと、該ＦＣセンサの出力に基づき前記第１〜第３のバルブの開閉を制御する制御装置が更に備えられ、
前記制御装置は、前記第１〜第３のバルブが全て閉塞されているとき、前記ＦＣ圧力センサの出力が第２の閾値を下回ると、前記第３のバルブを開放して前記バッファタンクの水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体に供給する、ことを特徴とする燃料電池システム。
このように規定される第３の局面の燃料電池システムによれば、制御装置は第１〜第３のバルブが全て閉塞されているとき燃料電池本体において電池反応が進行するとその水素極の水素が消費されてその圧力が低下する。水素極内の圧力が第２の閾値を下回ると、水素極の水素ガス量が不十分になったとみなして、第３のバルブを開放してバッファタンク内の水素ガスを燃料電池本体の水素極へ供給する。ここに、バッファタンク内の水素ガスは水素極を一旦通過しているので加湿されている。このように、第３の局面の発明によれば、水素ガス循環路に何ら循環ポンプを配置しなくても水素ガスの循環が可能となる。
水素極の圧力が所定の圧力を下回ると、バッファタンクの水素ガスが消費されたものとみなして、第１及び第２のバルブを開放し、第３のバルブを閉塞する。 The third aspect of the present invention is preferably defined as follows.
That is, in the invention defined in the first aspect, an FC pressure sensor that measures the pressure on the hydrogen electrode side in the fuel cell main body, and the opening and closing of the first to third valves are controlled based on the output of the FC sensor. A control device is further provided;
When the output of the FC pressure sensor falls below a second threshold value when all of the first to third valves are closed, the control device opens the third valve and supplies hydrogen to the buffer tank. A fuel cell system, wherein gas is supplied to the fuel cell main body.
According to the fuel cell system of the third aspect defined as described above, when the cell reaction proceeds in the fuel cell main body when all of the first to third valves are closed, the control device generates hydrogen at the hydrogen electrode. When consumed, the pressure drops. When the pressure in the hydrogen electrode falls below the second threshold value, it is considered that the amount of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen electrode has become insufficient, the third valve is opened, and the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank is used as the hydrogen electrode in the fuel cell body. To supply. Here, the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank is humidified because it has once passed through the hydrogen electrode. Thus, according to the invention of the third aspect, it is possible to circulate hydrogen gas without arranging any circulation pump in the hydrogen gas circulation path.
When the pressure of the hydrogen electrode falls below a predetermined pressure, it is considered that the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank has been consumed, the first and second valves are opened, and the third valve is closed.

本発明の第４の局面は次のように規定される。
即ち、第３の局面に規定の発明において、制御装置は第３のバルブを間欠的に開閉し、前記バッファタンクから前記燃料電池本体へ水素ガスを脈流として供給する、ことを特徴とする燃料電池システム。
このように規定される第４の局面の燃料電池システムによれば、制御装置は第３のバルブを間欠的に開閉して水素ガスを燃料電池本体へ脈流として供給する。したがって、燃料電池本体に脈流の水素ガスが流れるので、水素極に滞留することがある不純物（水等）を効果的に排出させることができ、水素極内内における部分的な水素ガスの滞留を抑制できる。 The fourth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
That is, in the invention defined in the third aspect, the control device intermittently opens and closes the third valve, and supplies hydrogen gas from the buffer tank to the fuel cell body as a pulsating flow. Battery system.
According to the fuel cell system of the fourth aspect defined as described above, the control device intermittently opens and closes the third valve to supply hydrogen gas as a pulsating flow to the fuel cell main body. Therefore, since the pulsating hydrogen gas flows through the fuel cell body, impurities (such as water) that may remain in the hydrogen electrode can be effectively discharged, and partial hydrogen gas stays in the hydrogen electrode. Can be suppressed.

本発明の第５の局面は次のように規定される。
即ち、第１から第４のいずれかの局面に規定の発明において、バッファタンクは前記燃料電池本体より下流側に配置されている、ことが好ましい。
このように規定される第５の局面の燃料電池システムによれば、燃料電池本体の水素極を通過して加湿された水素ガスがバッファタンクに貯蔵される。この加湿された水素ガスを燃料電池本体へ供給することにより、電極電解質のドライアップを防止できる。よって、燃料電池本体の出力が安定する。 The fifth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
That is, in the invention defined in any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that the buffer tank is disposed downstream of the fuel cell main body.
According to the fuel cell system of the fifth aspect defined as described above, the hydrogen gas that has been humidified through the hydrogen electrode of the fuel cell main body is stored in the buffer tank. By supplying this humidified hydrogen gas to the fuel cell body, it is possible to prevent the electrode electrolyte from drying up. Therefore, the output of the fuel cell main body is stabilized.

本発明の第６の局面は次のように規定される。
即ち、第１〜第５のいずれかの局面に規定の発明において、燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、制御装置はバッファタンクを負圧状態にして第２のバルブと第３のバルブを閉塞し、前記燃料電池本体の起動時に前記第１のバルブが開かれて前記水素ガス源から水素ガスが前記燃料電池本体へ供給されたとき、前記第２のバルブを開いて前記燃料電池本体内に滞留していたガスを前記バッファタンクへ引き込む、ことが好ましい。
このように規定される第６の局面の燃料電池システムによれば、停止時にバッファタンクを負圧状態に維持しておいて、起動時に第１のバルブを開いて水素ガス源から水素ガスを燃料電池本体へ供給されたとき、第２のバルブを開いて燃料電池本体内に滞留していたガスを負圧状態のバッファタンクへ引き込む。起動時には、バッファタンクの入口と出口との圧力差が大きくなっているので、燃料電池本体内に滞留していたガスを瞬時に、バッファタンクに充填できる。したがって、起動時の燃料電池本体内のガスを、速やかにバッファタンクを利用して除去できると共に、水素ガスを燃料電池本体に迅速に供給できる。 The sixth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
That is, in the invention specified in any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, the control device puts the buffer tank in a negative pressure state and closes the second valve and the third valve, When the fuel cell main body is started, the first valve is opened and when hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen gas source to the fuel cell main body, the second valve is opened and stays in the fuel cell main body. It is preferable to draw the gas that has been stored into the buffer tank.
According to the fuel cell system of the sixth aspect defined as described above, the buffer tank is maintained in a negative pressure state at the time of stop, and the first valve is opened at the time of startup to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas source. When supplied to the battery main body, the second valve is opened to draw the gas staying in the fuel cell main body into the negative pressure buffer tank. At startup, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the buffer tank is large, so that the gas staying in the fuel cell body can be instantaneously filled into the buffer tank. Therefore, the gas in the fuel cell body at the time of startup can be quickly removed using the buffer tank, and hydrogen gas can be quickly supplied to the fuel cell body.

本発明の第７の局面は次のように規定される。
即ち、第１〜第６のいずれかの局面に規定の発明において、前記バッファタンクと前記第３のバルブとの間に減圧ポンプを備えた排出路が分岐され、該排出路と前記水素ガス循環路との間には第４のバルブが介在され、前記第３のバルブと前記燃料電池本体の間に外気導入路が分岐され、該外気導入路と前記水素ガス循環路との間には第５のバルブが介在され、
前記燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、前記制御装置は、前記第１のバルブと前記第３のバルブを閉塞し、かつ前記第２、第４及び第５のバルブを開放し、前記減圧ポンプを動作させて、前記燃料電池本体及び前記水素ガス循環路内の水素ガスを空気に置き換え、
その後、前記減圧ポンプを動作させた状態で前記第２のバルブを閉塞し、前記バッファタンクを負圧の状態として前記第４のバルブを閉塞し、
前記燃料電池本体の起動時に、前記制御装置は、前記第１のバルブを開いて前記水素ガス源から水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給すると共に前記第２のバルブを開いて前記燃料電池本体内の空気を前記バッファタンク内へ引き込ませる、ことが好ましい。
このように規定される第７の局面の燃料電池システムによれば、燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、制御装置は、第１及び第３のバルブを閉塞し、かつ第２、第４及び第５のバルブを開放し、減圧ポンプを動作して、燃料電池本体及び水素ガス循環路内の水素ガスを空気に置き換える。これにより、バッファタンクを減圧状態にしながら外気を導入するので、燃料電池本体及び水素ガス循環路内の水素ガスを空気に迅速に置き換えできる。
その後、減圧ポンプを動作した状態で第２のバルブを閉塞し、バッファタンクを負圧の状態として第４のバルブを閉塞し（同時に、減圧ポンプは停止）、該負圧状態を維持した後、燃料電池本体の起動時に、制御装置は、第１のバルブを開いて水素ガス源から水素ガスを燃料電池本体へ供給すると共に、第２のバルブを開いて燃料電池本体内の空気を負圧状態のバッファタンク内へ引き込ませる。これにより、燃料電池本体の起動時のガス置換が迅速にできる。 The seventh aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
That is, in the invention defined in any one of the first to sixth aspects, a discharge path provided with a decompression pump is branched between the buffer tank and the third valve, and the discharge path and the hydrogen gas circulation A fourth valve is interposed between the third valve and the fuel cell main body, and an outside air introduction path is branched between the third valve and the hydrogen gas circulation path. 5 valves are interposed,
When the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, the control device closes the first valve and the third valve, and opens the second, fourth and fifth valves, and operates the pressure reducing pump. And replacing the hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body and the hydrogen gas circulation path with air,
Thereafter, the second valve is closed with the decompression pump operated, the buffer tank is in a negative pressure state, and the fourth valve is closed,
When starting the fuel cell main body, the control device opens the first valve to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas source to the fuel cell main body, and opens the second valve to open the inside of the fuel cell main body. It is preferable that the air is drawn into the buffer tank.
According to the fuel cell system of the seventh aspect defined in this way, when the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, the control device closes the first and third valves, and the second, fourth, and fifth. The valve is opened and the decompression pump is operated to replace the hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body and the hydrogen gas circuit with air. Accordingly, since the outside air is introduced while the buffer tank is in a reduced pressure state, the hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body and the hydrogen gas circulation path can be quickly replaced with air.
Thereafter, the second valve is closed with the vacuum pump operated, the buffer tank is in a negative pressure state, the fourth valve is closed (at the same time, the vacuum pump is stopped), and after maintaining the negative pressure state, When starting the fuel cell main body, the control device opens the first valve to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas source to the fuel cell main body, and opens the second valve to make the air in the fuel cell main body in a negative pressure state. Pull it into the buffer tank. Thereby, gas replacement at the time of starting of a fuel cell main body can be performed rapidly.

本発明の第８の局面は次のように規定される。
水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備え、前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備える、燃料電池システムにおける水素ガスの供給方法であって、
前記第１及び第２のバルブが開放されていると共に、第３のバルブが閉塞されているとき、前記ＦＣ圧力センサの出力が第１の閾値を超えると、前記第１及び第２のバルブを閉塞すると共に、前記第３のバルブを開放して前記バッファタンクの水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給する、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。
このように規定される第８の局面の水素ガスの供給方法によれば、第２の局面の発明と同様に、水素ガス循環路に何ら循環ポンプを配置しなくても水素ガスの循環が可能となる。 The eighth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
A hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body, and a first gas gap between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source. 1, the hydrogen gas circulation path is provided with a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply of the fuel cell main body is provided. A method for supplying hydrogen gas in a fuel cell system, comprising a third valve between a mouth and the buffer tank,
When the output of the FC pressure sensor exceeds a first threshold when the first and second valves are open and the third valve is closed, the first and second valves are turned on. The hydrogen gas supply method is characterized in that the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank is supplied to the fuel cell body by closing and closing the third valve.
According to the hydrogen gas supply method of the eighth aspect defined in this way, similarly to the invention of the second aspect, the hydrogen gas can be circulated without arranging any circulation pump in the hydrogen gas circulation path. It becomes.

本発明の第９の局面は次のように規定される。
水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備え、前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備える、燃料電池システムにおける水素ガスの供給方法であって、
前記第１〜第３のバルブが全て閉塞されているとき、前記燃料電池本体の圧力が第１の閾値を下回ると、前記第３のバルブを開放して前記バッファタンクの水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給する、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。
このように規定される第９の局面の水素ガスの供給方法によれば、第３の局面の発明と同様に、水素ガス循環路に何ら循環ポンプを配置しなくても水素ガスの循環が可能となる。 The ninth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
A hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body, and a first gas gap between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source. 1, the hydrogen gas circulation path is provided with a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply of the fuel cell main body is provided. A method for supplying hydrogen gas in a fuel cell system, comprising a third valve between a mouth and the buffer tank,
When all of the first to third valves are closed and the pressure of the fuel cell main body is lower than a first threshold value, the third valve is opened to supply hydrogen gas in the buffer tank to the fuel cell. A method for supplying hydrogen gas, comprising supplying to a main body.
According to the hydrogen gas supply method of the ninth aspect defined as described above, similarly to the invention of the third aspect, it is possible to circulate hydrogen gas without arranging any circulation pump in the hydrogen gas circulation path. It becomes.

本発明の第１０の局面は次のように規定されることが好ましい。
即ち、第９の局面の発明において、前記第３のバルブを間欠的に開閉し、前記バッファタンクから前記燃料電池本体へ前記水素ガスを脈流として供給する、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。
このように規定される第１０の局面の水素ガスの供給方法によれば、第３のバルブを間欠的に開閉し、前記バッファタンクから前記燃料電池本体へ水素ガスを脈流として供給する。これにより、燃料電池本体でも脈流の水素ガスが流れるので、水素極に滞留することがある不純物（水等）を効果的に排出させることができ、水素極内内における部分的な水素ガスの滞留を抑制できる。 The tenth aspect of the present invention is preferably defined as follows.
That is, in the ninth aspect of the invention, hydrogen gas supply, wherein the third valve is intermittently opened and closed, and the hydrogen gas is supplied as a pulsating flow from the buffer tank to the fuel cell main body. Method.
According to the hydrogen gas supply method of the tenth aspect thus defined, the third valve is intermittently opened and closed, and hydrogen gas is supplied from the buffer tank to the fuel cell body as a pulsating flow. As a result, since the pulsating hydrogen gas flows in the fuel cell body, impurities (such as water) that may remain in the hydrogen electrode can be effectively discharged, and the partial hydrogen gas in the hydrogen electrode can be effectively discharged. Stagnation can be suppressed.

本発明の第１１の局面は次のように規定される。
水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備え、前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備える、燃料電池システムにおける水素ガスの供給方法であって、
前記燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、前記バッファタンクを負圧状態にして前記第２のバルブと第３のバルブを閉塞し、前記燃料電池本体の起動時に前記第１のバルブが開かれて前記水素ガス源から水素ガスが前記燃料電池本体へ供給されたとき、前記第２のバルブを開いて前記燃料電池本体内に滞留していたガスを前記バッファタンクへ引き込む、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。
このように規定される第１１の局面の水素ガスの供給方法によれば、停止時にバッファタンクを負圧状態に維持しておいて、起動時に第１のバルブを開いて水素ガス源から水素ガスを燃料電池本体へ供給されたとき、第２のバルブを開いて燃料電池本体内に滞留していたガスを負圧状態のバッファタンクへ引き込む。
さらに、起動時には、バッファタンクの入り口と出口との圧力差が大きくなっているので、燃料電池本体内に滞留していた空気ガスを瞬時に、バッファタンクに充填できる。したがって、起動時の燃料電池本体内の空気ガスを、速やかにバッファタンクを利用して除去できるので、水素ガスを燃料電池本体に迅速に供給できる。 The eleventh aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
A hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body, and a first gas gap between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source. 1, the hydrogen gas circulation path is provided with a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply of the fuel cell main body is provided. A method for supplying hydrogen gas in a fuel cell system, comprising a third valve between a mouth and the buffer tank,
When the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, the buffer tank is brought into a negative pressure state to close the second valve and the third valve, and when the fuel cell main body is started, the first valve is opened and the hydrogen cell is opened. When hydrogen gas is supplied from a gas source to the fuel cell main body, the second valve is opened, and the gas staying in the fuel cell main body is drawn into the buffer tank. Supply method.
According to the hydrogen gas supply method of the eleventh aspect thus defined, the buffer tank is maintained in a negative pressure state at the time of stop, and the first valve is opened at the time of start-up to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas source. Is supplied to the fuel cell main body, the second valve is opened to draw the gas staying in the fuel cell main body into the negative pressure buffer tank.
Further, since the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the buffer tank is large at the time of startup, the air gas staying in the fuel cell main body can be instantaneously filled into the buffer tank. Therefore, since the air gas in the fuel cell main body at the time of start-up can be quickly removed using the buffer tank, hydrogen gas can be quickly supplied to the fuel cell main body.

本発明の第１２の局面は次のように規定される。
水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備え、前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備え、
更に、前記バッファタンクと前記第３のバルブとの間に減圧ポンプを備えた排出路が分岐され、該排出路と前記水素ガス循環路との間には第４のバルブが介在され、前記第３のバルブと前記燃料電池本体の間に外気導入路が分岐され、該外気導入路と前記水素ガス循環路との間には第５のバルブが介在される燃料電池システムにおける水素ガスの供給方法であって、
前記燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、前記第１のバルブと前記第３のバルブを閉塞し、かつ前記第２、第４及び第５のバルブを開放し、前記減圧ポンプを動作させて、前記燃料電池本体及び前記水素ガス循環路内の水素ガスを空気に置き換え、
その後、前記減圧ポンプを動作させた状態で前記第２のバルブを閉塞し、前記バッファタンクを負圧の状態として前記第４のバルブを閉塞し、
前記燃料電池本体の起動時に、前記第１のバルブを開いて前記水素ガス源から水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給すると共に前記第２のバルブを開いて前記燃料電池本体内の空気を前記バッファタンク内へ引き込ませる、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。
このように規定される第１２の局面の水素ガスの供給方法によれば、燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、第１のバルブと第３のバルブを閉塞し、かつ第２、第４及び第５のバルブを開放し、減圧ポンプを動作させて、燃料電池本体及び水素ガス循環路内の水素ガスを空気に置き換える。これにより、バッファタンクを減圧状態にしつつ、外気を導入するので、燃料電池本体及び水素ガス循環路内の水素ガスを空気に迅速に置き換えできる。
その後、減圧ポンプを動作させた状態で第２のバルブを閉塞し、バッファタンクを負圧の状態として第４のバルブを閉塞し（同時に減圧ポンプと停止させる）、該負圧状態を維持しながら、燃料電池本体の起動時に、制御装置は、第１のバルブを開いて水素ガス源から水素ガスを燃料電池本体へ供給すると共に、第２のバルブを開いて燃料電池本体内の空気を負圧状態のバッファタンク内へ引き込ませる。これにより、燃料電池本体の起動時のガス置換が迅速にできる。 The twelfth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.
A hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body, and a first gas gap between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source. 1, the hydrogen gas circulation path is provided with a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply of the fuel cell main body is provided. A third valve is provided between the mouth and the buffer tank;
Further, a discharge path provided with a pressure reducing pump is branched between the buffer tank and the third valve, and a fourth valve is interposed between the discharge path and the hydrogen gas circulation path. A hydrogen gas supply method in a fuel cell system in which an outside air introduction path is branched between the valve 3 and the fuel cell main body, and a fifth valve is interposed between the outside air introduction path and the hydrogen gas circulation path Because
When the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, the first valve and the third valve are closed, the second, fourth and fifth valves are opened, and the pressure reducing pump is operated to operate the fuel. Replace the hydrogen gas in the battery body and the hydrogen gas circuit with air,
Thereafter, the second valve is closed with the decompression pump operated, the buffer tank is in a negative pressure state, and the fourth valve is closed,
When the fuel cell main body is started, the first valve is opened to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas source to the fuel cell main body, and the second valve is opened to air in the fuel cell main body to the buffer. A method for supplying hydrogen gas, wherein the hydrogen gas is drawn into a tank.
According to the hydrogen gas supply method of the twelfth aspect thus defined, when the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, the first valve and the third valve are closed, and the second, fourth, and fifth valves are closed. The valve is opened and the decompression pump is operated to replace the hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body and the hydrogen gas circulation path with air. Thus, since the outside air is introduced while the buffer tank is in a reduced pressure state, the hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body and the hydrogen gas circulation path can be quickly replaced with air.
Thereafter, the second valve is closed while the pressure reducing pump is in operation, the buffer tank is in a negative pressure state, the fourth valve is closed (at the same time as the pressure reducing pump is stopped), and the negative pressure state is maintained. When starting the fuel cell main body, the control device opens the first valve to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas source to the fuel cell main body, and opens the second valve to negatively air in the fuel cell main body. Pull it into the buffer tank in the state. Thereby, gas replacement at the time of starting of a fuel cell main body can be performed rapidly.

実施の形態１.
本発明の一実施の形態を図１によって説明する。図１は一実施の形態による燃料電池システムの全体図である。
図１において、燃料電池システム１は、水素ガス源としての水素タンク３と、燃料電池本体１０と、水素ガス循環路２０と、水素ガス循環路２０に設けられたバッファタンク３０と、制御装置１００とを有している。燃料電池本体１０には、空気系と冷却系とが接続されており、出力電圧を検出する電圧検出器１３を有している。水素ガス循環路２０は、水素ガス供給路２２と、充填路(燃料排出路)２４と、放出路２６と、から成っている。水素タンク３には、第１のバルブＶ１としての水素供給バルブＶ１を介して水素ガス導入路７が水素ガス循環路２０の端部に接続されており、つまり水素タンク３と水素ガス循環路２０との間に水素供給バルブＶ１が備えられ、水素供給バルブＶ１の開閉により水素ガスを発生遮断するように形成されている。
燃料電池本体１０の水素ガス排出口１０ｃとバッファタンク３０との間に第２のバルブＶ２としての出口バルブＶ２を備え、出口バルブＶ２の一端に水素ガス排出口１０ｃが連結され、他端がバッファタンク３０の供給口３０ａに連結されている。燃料電池本体１０の水素ガス供給口１０ａとバッファタンク３０との間で、水素ガス循環路２０の端部には、即ち放出路２６には、第３のバルブＶ３としての循環バルブＶ３を備えている。 Embodiment 1.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an overall view of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a fuel cell system 1 includes a hydrogen tank 3 as a hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body 10, a hydrogen gas circulation path 20, a buffer tank 30 provided in the hydrogen gas circulation path 20, and a control device 100. And have. The fuel cell main body 10 is connected to an air system and a cooling system, and has a voltage detector 13 for detecting an output voltage. The hydrogen gas circulation path 20 includes a hydrogen gas supply path 22, a filling path (fuel discharge path) 24, and a discharge path 26. The hydrogen tank 3 is connected to the end of the hydrogen gas circulation path 20 through the hydrogen supply valve V1 as the first valve V1, that is, the hydrogen tank 3 and the hydrogen gas circulation path 20 are connected. The hydrogen supply valve V1 is provided between and the hydrogen supply valve V1 and is formed to shut off the generation of hydrogen gas.
An outlet valve V2 as a second valve V2 is provided between the hydrogen gas outlet 10c of the fuel cell body 10 and the buffer tank 30, and the hydrogen gas outlet 10c is connected to one end of the outlet valve V2, and the other end is a buffer. The tank 30 is connected to the supply port 30a. Between the hydrogen gas supply port 10a of the fuel cell body 10 and the buffer tank 30, a circulation valve V3 as a third valve V3 is provided at the end of the hydrogen gas circulation path 20, that is, in the discharge path 26. Yes.

水素ガス供給路２２は、水素供給バルブＶ１を通して供給された水素ガスを燃料電池本体１０に供給するために水素ガス供給口１０ａに接続されており、充填路２４は、燃料電池本体１０の水素ガス排出口１０ｃが出口バルブＶ２を介してバッファタンク３０の供給口３０ａに接続されており、放出路２６は、バッファタンク３０の放出口３０ｃから循環バルブＶ３を介して水素ガス供給路２２の一端に接続されている。
すなわち、水素供給バルブＶ１,出口バルブＶ２が開放されておれば、水素供給バルブＶ１を通過した水素ガスは、水素ガス供給路２２を通過して燃料電池本体１０を介して出口バルブＶ２を有する充填路２４を通過し、バッファタンク３０を介して循環バルブＶ３を有する放出路２６を通過し、燃料電池本体１０というように、循環路を流れる。この循環路を水素ガス循環路２０という。 The hydrogen gas supply path 22 is connected to the hydrogen gas supply port 10a in order to supply the hydrogen gas supplied through the hydrogen supply valve V1 to the fuel cell main body 10, and the filling path 24 is the hydrogen gas of the fuel cell main body 10. The discharge port 10c is connected to the supply port 30a of the buffer tank 30 via the outlet valve V2, and the discharge path 26 extends from the discharge port 30c of the buffer tank 30 to one end of the hydrogen gas supply path 22 via the circulation valve V3. It is connected.
That is, if the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the outlet valve V2 are opened, the hydrogen gas that has passed through the hydrogen supply valve V1 passes through the hydrogen gas supply path 22 and is filled with the outlet valve V2 through the fuel cell body 10. It passes through the passage 24, passes through the discharge passage 26 having the circulation valve V <b> 3 through the buffer tank 30, and flows through the circulation passage like the fuel cell main body 10. This circuit is referred to as a hydrogen gas circuit 20.

水素ガス循環路２０には、燃料電池本体１０において水素極側の圧力を測定して第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１を発生するＦＣ圧力センサ１１と、バッファタンク３０の入力側の圧力を測定して第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２を発生するバッファタンク圧力センサ３２と、を備えている。
そして、バッファタンク３０の放出口３０ｃと循環バルブＶ３との間に分岐された排出路２８が形成されており、排出路２８には、第４のバルブＶ４としての減圧バルブＶ４が分岐され、減圧バルブＶ４を介して減圧ポンプ５２が接続されている。減圧ポンプ５２は、バッファタンク３０及び燃料電池本体１０の水素ガスを吸引して排出するように動作するように形成されている。さらに、燃料電池本体１０の水素ガス供給口１０ａと循環バルブＶ３との間に外気導入路２９が分岐され、該外気導入路２９には、第５のバルブＶ５としての外気導入バルブＶ５が設けられて水素ガス循環路２０に外気を導入するように形成されている。
また、排出路２８には、第６のバルブＶ６としてのパージバルブＶ６が接続され、パージバルブＶ６は、燃料電池システム１が起動する時と、通常運転時にバッファタンク３０内に溜まった不純物（水や窒素）の排出動作（間欠的に開閉する）を行う時以外は、閉塞されている。
なお、各バルブＶ１〜Ｖ６は、例えば電磁弁で構成され、制御信号に基づいて電気的に開閉制御可能に構成されている。 The hydrogen gas circulation path 20 includes an FC pressure sensor 11 that measures the pressure on the hydrogen electrode side in the fuel cell body 10 and generates a first pressure detection signal P1, and measures the pressure on the input side of the buffer tank 30 to measure the pressure. And a buffer tank pressure sensor 32 that generates a two-pressure detection signal P2.
A discharge passage 28 branched between the discharge port 30c of the buffer tank 30 and the circulation valve V3 is formed. A pressure reducing valve V4 as a fourth valve V4 is branched into the discharge passage 28 to reduce the pressure. A decompression pump 52 is connected via the valve V4. The decompression pump 52 is configured to operate so as to suck and discharge the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank 30 and the fuel cell main body 10. Further, an outside air introduction path 29 is branched between the hydrogen gas supply port 10a of the fuel cell body 10 and the circulation valve V3, and the outside air introduction path 29 is provided with an outside air introduction valve V5 as a fifth valve V5. Thus, the outside air is formed into the hydrogen gas circulation path 20.
Further, a purge valve V6 as a sixth valve V6 is connected to the discharge path 28, and the purge valve V6 has impurities (water and nitrogen) accumulated in the buffer tank 30 when the fuel cell system 1 is started and during normal operation. ) Except when performing the discharging operation (opening and closing intermittently).
Each of the valves V1 to V6 is composed of, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and is configured to be able to be electrically opened and closed based on a control signal.

制御装置１００は、第１記憶部１０２と第１制御部１０４とを有しており、ＣＰＵなどの集積回路により構成され、ＦＣ圧力センサ１１からの第１圧力検出信号(第１圧力検出値）Ｐ１と、バッファタンク圧力センサ３２からの第２圧力検出信号(第２圧力検出値）Ｐ２とが入力される。第１記憶部１０２は、圧力値としての第１閾値から第４閾値と、大気圧値とを記憶をしており、第１制御部１０４は、図２から図５のフローチャートに対応するプログラムが実行されるように形成され、第１から第６制御信号によりリレー回路等を介して各バルブＶ１〜Ｖ６を開閉制御するように形成されている。   The control device 100 includes a first storage unit 102 and a first control unit 104, is configured by an integrated circuit such as a CPU, and the first pressure detection signal (first pressure detection value) from the FC pressure sensor 11. P1 and a second pressure detection signal (second pressure detection value) P2 from the buffer tank pressure sensor 32 are input. The first storage unit 102 stores first to fourth threshold values and atmospheric pressure values as pressure values, and the first control unit 104 stores a program corresponding to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 5. It is formed so as to be executed, and is configured to control opening and closing of the valves V1 to V6 via a relay circuit or the like by first to sixth control signals.

上記のように構成された燃料電池システムの水素ガスの循環動作を図１から図３を参照して説明する。
＜水素ガスの循環＞
まず、すべてのバルブＶ1〜Ｖ６が閉塞した状態において、制御装置１００は、時間ｔ0で第１及び第２制御信号により水素供給バルブＶ１，出口バルブＶ２を開放すると共に、第３制御信号により循環バルブＶ３を閉塞すると(ステップＳ１０１)、水素タンク３から供給される水素ガスは水素供給バルブＶ１を介して水素ガス供給路２２を通過して燃料電池本体１０に流れ、燃料電池本体１０から排出された排出ガスは、出口バルブＶ２を介して充填路２４を通過し、図３の（ｃ）に示すように、バッファタンク３０に短時間で大きくパルス状に充填する。これにより、瞬間的に燃料電池本体１０から排出ガスの高流速が流れる。 The hydrogen gas circulation operation of the fuel cell system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
<Hydrogen gas circulation>
First, in a state where all the valves V1 to V6 are closed, the control device 100 opens the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the outlet valve V2 by the first and second control signals at time t0, and the circulation valve by the third control signal. When V3 is closed (step S101), the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen tank 3 passes through the hydrogen gas supply path 22 via the hydrogen supply valve V1 and flows into the fuel cell main body 10 and is discharged from the fuel cell main body 10. The exhaust gas passes through the filling passage 24 via the outlet valve V2, and is filled into the buffer tank 30 in a large pulse shape in a short time, as shown in FIG. Thereby, a high flow rate of exhaust gas flows from the fuel cell main body 10 instantaneously.

このようにして、バッファタンク３０に排出ガスが充填されると、図３（ｂ）に示すように、バッファタンク３０の供給口３０ａ側の圧力が僅かに高くなると共に、燃料電池本体１０の水素極側の圧力も高くなる。制御装置１００は、第１記憶部１０２から第１閾値を読み出し該第１閾値とバッファタンク圧力センサ３２の第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２とを比較して第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２が第１閾値を超えるか否かを判断し(ステップＳ１０３)、時間ｔ1で超えると、第１及び第２制御信号により水素供給バルブＶ１，出口バルブＶ２を閉塞して水素タンク３からの水素ガスの供給を停止し、燃料電池本体１０からの排出ガスも遮断すると共に、第３制御信号により循環バルブＶ３を開放する(ステップＳ１０５)。
これにより、バッファタンク３０に充填された水素ガスが放出路２６を介して燃料電池本体１０に流れる。この放出される水素ガスは、図３（ｃ）に示すように、バッファタンク３０の上記充填量よりも低く、上記充填時間よりも長い、ほぼ一定値が燃料電池本体１０に流れる。バッファタンク３０に充填された水素ガスが除々に放出されるから、図３（ｂ）に示すように、バッファタンク３０の入力側の圧力が時間とともに、直線的に低くなり、同時に、燃料電池本体１０の水素ガス供給口１０ａの圧力も低くなる。 When the buffer tank 30 is filled with the exhaust gas in this way, the pressure on the supply port 30a side of the buffer tank 30 becomes slightly higher and the hydrogen of the fuel cell main body 10 is increased as shown in FIG. The pressure on the pole side also increases. The control device 100 reads the first threshold value from the first storage unit 102, compares the first threshold value with the second pressure detection signal P2 of the buffer tank pressure sensor 32, and the second pressure detection signal P2 exceeds the first threshold value. (Step S103), and when time t1 is exceeded, the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the outlet valve V2 are closed by the first and second control signals to stop the supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen tank 3, The exhaust gas from the fuel cell main body 10 is also shut off, and the circulation valve V3 is opened by the third control signal (step S105).
As a result, the hydrogen gas filled in the buffer tank 30 flows to the fuel cell main body 10 via the discharge path 26. As shown in FIG. 3C, the released hydrogen gas flows into the fuel cell body 10 at a substantially constant value that is lower than the filling amount of the buffer tank 30 and longer than the filling time. Since the hydrogen gas filled in the buffer tank 30 is gradually released, as shown in FIG. 3B, the pressure on the input side of the buffer tank 30 decreases linearly with time, and at the same time, the fuel cell body The pressure of the 10 hydrogen gas supply ports 10a is also lowered.

制御装置１００は、第１記憶部１０２の第２閾値とＦＣ圧力センサ１１からの第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１とを比較して第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１が第２閾値より小さくなるか否かを判断し(ステップＳ１０７)、Ｐ１＜第2閾値となると（ｔ２）、バッファタンク３０の水素ガスが減少し、水素極の水素量が不十分になったとみなし、ステップＳ１０１へ戻る。このとき、第１のバルブの間欠的な開閉により水素ガス循環路２０をより燃料電池本体１０へ水素ガスを脈流の状態で供給することができる。   The control device 100 compares the second threshold value in the first storage unit 102 with the first pressure detection signal P1 from the FC pressure sensor 11, and determines whether or not the first pressure detection signal P1 is smaller than the second threshold value. (Step S107) When P1 <the second threshold value is satisfied (t2), the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank 30 decreases and the amount of hydrogen at the hydrogen electrode is deemed insufficient, and the process returns to Step S101. At this time, hydrogen gas can be supplied in a pulsating state through the hydrogen gas circulation path 20 to the fuel cell body 10 by intermittently opening and closing the first valve.

このような燃料電池システム１は、水素供給バルブＶ１、出口バルブＶ２、循環バルブＶ３を開閉するのみで、供給された水素ガスと燃料電池本体１０の発電に伴って排出された排出ガスを、バッファタンク３０に充填し、該バッファタンク３０から水素ガスを放出して燃料電池本体１０に流すという循環が可能になる。したがって、上記各バルブＶ１〜Ｖ３の開閉により、燃料電池本体１０へ水素ガスの循環ができるので、燃料電池本体１０の水素ガスの滞留を防止できる。
また、バッファタンク３０に短時間で大きくパルス状に排出ガスが充填されるので、瞬間的に燃料電池本体１０から排出ガスの高流速が流れる。これにより、燃料電池本体１０の水素極室内に滞留する水などの不純物排出性が高くなる。
さらに、燃料電池本体１０から排出された水分を含んだ加湿水素ガスをバッファタンク３０に充填し、バッファタンク３０から加湿水素ガスを放出して燃料電池本体１０に供給する。これにより、燃料電池本体１０の電極電解質のドライアップを防止できる。 Such a fuel cell system 1 simply opens and closes the hydrogen supply valve V1, the outlet valve V2, and the circulation valve V3 to buffer the supplied hydrogen gas and the exhaust gas discharged along with the power generation of the fuel cell main body 10. Circulation is possible by filling the tank 30, releasing hydrogen gas from the buffer tank 30, and flowing it to the fuel cell body 10. Therefore, since the hydrogen gas can be circulated to the fuel cell main body 10 by opening and closing the valves V1 to V3, the stagnation of hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body 10 can be prevented.
Further, since the buffer tank 30 is filled with the exhaust gas in a large pulse shape in a short time, a high flow rate of the exhaust gas flows from the fuel cell body 10 instantaneously. Thereby, impurities such as water staying in the hydrogen electrode chamber of the fuel cell main body 10 can be discharged.
Further, the humidified hydrogen gas containing moisture discharged from the fuel cell main body 10 is filled into the buffer tank 30, and the humidified hydrogen gas is released from the buffer tank 30 and supplied to the fuel cell main body 10. Thereby, dry-up of the electrode electrolyte of the fuel cell main body 10 can be prevented.

なお、第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１と第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２とはほぼ等しいので、上記ステップＳ１０３において、第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２と第１閾値を比較しても良く、上記ステップＳ１０７において、第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１と第２閾値を比較しても良い。
また、ステップＳ１０３，ステップＳ１０７は、共に一定時間後に次のステップに移行しても良い。このような構成にすることにより、ＦＣ圧力センサ１１及びバッファタンク圧力センサ３２を省略できる。 Since the first pressure detection signal P1 and the second pressure detection signal P2 are substantially equal, in step S103, the second pressure detection signal P2 may be compared with the first threshold value. In step S107, the first pressure detection signal P1 is equal to the first pressure detection signal P2. The pressure detection signal P1 may be compared with the second threshold value.
Further, both step S103 and step S107 may move to the next step after a predetermined time. By adopting such a configuration, the FC pressure sensor 11 and the buffer tank pressure sensor 32 can be omitted.

上記のように構成された燃料電池システムの停止動作を図１及び図４を参照して説明する。
＜停止処理＞
まず、制御装置１００は、第１から第５制御信号を各バルブＶ１〜Ｖ５に与えて、水素供給バルブＶ１，循環バルブＶ３を閉塞すると共に、出口バルブＶ２、減圧バルブＶ４、外気導入バルブＶ５を開放する(ステップＳ２０１）。水素供給バルブＶ１，循環バルブＶ３の閉塞により、水素ガス導入路７を遮断する。同時に、出口バルブＶ２、減圧バルブＶ４、外気導入バルブＶ５の開放により、燃料電池本体１０、出口バルブＶ２を介して、外気をバッファタンク３０に導入する。 A stop operation of the fuel cell system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
<Stop processing>
First, the control device 100 gives first to fifth control signals to the valves V1 to V5, closes the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the circulation valve V3, and sets the outlet valve V2, the pressure reducing valve V4, and the outside air introduction valve V5. Release (step S201). The hydrogen gas introduction path 7 is shut off by closing the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the circulation valve V3. At the same time, open air is introduced into the buffer tank 30 through the fuel cell body 10 and the outlet valve V2 by opening the outlet valve V2, the pressure reducing valve V4, and the outside air introduction valve V5.

次に、水素供給バルブＶ１，循環バルブＶ３を閉塞し、減圧バルブＶ４を開放した状態で、制御装置１００は、第２及び第５制御信号を与えて、出口バルブＶ２，外気導入バルブＶ５を開放から閉塞すると共に、減圧ポンプ５２をオン動作にする(ステップＳ２０３）。
バッファタンク３０への外気導入を遮断した状態で、減圧ポンプ５２のオン動作によりバッファタンク３０を排気して負圧状態になる。 Next, with the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the circulation valve V3 closed and the decompression valve V4 opened, the control device 100 gives the second and fifth control signals to open the outlet valve V2 and the outside air introduction valve V5. And the decompression pump 52 is turned on (step S203).
With the outside air introduction into the buffer tank 30 blocked, the buffer tank 30 is evacuated by the ON operation of the decompression pump 52 to be in a negative pressure state.

制御装置１００は、第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２を取り込み、当該信号Ｐ２が第３閾値を下回るか否かを判断し(ステップＳ２０５）、下回ると、減圧バルブＶ４を開放から閉塞すると共に、減圧ポンプ５２をオフする(ステップＳ２０７）。出口バルブＶ２，循環バルブＶ３を閉塞した状態で、第４制御信号により減圧バルブＶ４を開放から閉塞することにより、減圧ポンプ５２をオフ(停止)するので、バッファタンク３０を負圧状態に維持して停止できる。
なお、上記ステップＳ２０５の代わりに、一定時間後に、上記ステップＳ２０７を実行しても良い。 The control device 100 takes in the second pressure detection signal P2 and determines whether or not the signal P2 falls below the third threshold value (step S205). When the signal P2 falls below, the pressure reducing valve V4 is closed from being opened and the pressure reducing pump 52 is closed. Is turned off (step S207). With the outlet valve V2 and the circulation valve V3 closed, the pressure reducing valve V4 is closed from the open state by the fourth control signal to turn off (stop) the pressure reducing pump 52, so that the buffer tank 30 is maintained in a negative pressure state. Can be stopped.
Note that step S207 may be executed after a predetermined time instead of step S205.

このように、燃料電池本体１０の運転停止時に、制御装置１００は、水素供給バルブＶ１，循環バルブＶ３を閉塞し、かつ出口バルブＶ２、減圧バルブＶ４、外気導入バルブＶ５を開放し、減圧ポンプ５２を動作して、燃料電池本体１０及び水素ガス循環路２０内の水素ガスを空気に置き換える。これにより、バッファタンク３０を減圧状態にしながら外気を導入するので、燃料電池本体１０及び水素ガス循環路内２０の水素ガスを空気に迅速に置き換えできる。
その後、減圧ポンプ５２をオン動作した状態で出口バルブＶ２を閉塞してから、減圧ポンプ５２をオフにすると共に、減圧バルブＶ４を閉塞してバッファタンク３０を負圧状態に維持した状態で、次の起動に備えることができる。
また、上記ステップＳ２０５において、第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２が第３閾値を下回った後に減圧ポンプ５２をオフにすると共に、減圧バルブＶ４を閉塞することが好ましい。バッファタンク３０内の圧力値を所望の値にできるからである。 Thus, when the operation of the fuel cell body 10 is stopped, the control device 100 closes the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the circulation valve V3, and opens the outlet valve V2, the pressure reducing valve V4, and the outside air introduction valve V5, and the pressure reducing pump 52. The hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body 10 and the hydrogen gas circulation path 20 is replaced with air. Accordingly, since the outside air is introduced while the buffer tank 30 is in a reduced pressure state, the hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body 10 and the hydrogen gas circulation path 20 can be quickly replaced with air.
Thereafter, the outlet valve V2 is closed while the pressure reducing pump 52 is on, and then the pressure reducing pump 52 is turned off and the pressure reducing valve V4 is closed to keep the buffer tank 30 in the negative pressure state. Can be prepared for the start of.
In step S205, it is preferable to turn off the pressure reducing pump 52 and close the pressure reducing valve V4 after the second pressure detection signal P2 falls below the third threshold value. This is because the pressure value in the buffer tank 30 can be set to a desired value.

上記のように構成された燃料電池システムの起動動作を図１及び図５を参照して説明する。
＜起動処理＞
まず、停止状態において、すべてのバルブＶ１〜Ｖ６が閉塞した状態で（ステップＳ３０１）、制御装置１００は、第２制御信号により出口バルブＶ２を閉塞から開放する(ステップＳ３０３）。該開放により、燃料電池本体１０とバッファタンク３０の入力側が連通する。制御装置１００は、第１圧力検出信号Ｐ1と第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２との圧力差が第４閾値を下回る否か判断し(ステップＳ３０５）、下回ると、第１制御信号により水素供給バルブＶ１を閉塞から開放する(ステップＳ３０７）。これにより、バッファタンク３０は負圧の状態から水素ガスと燃料電池本体１０のガスを速やかに吸引する。 The startup operation of the fuel cell system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
<Startup process>
First, in a stopped state, with all the valves V1 to V6 closed (step S301), the control device 100 opens the outlet valve V2 from the closed state by a second control signal (step S303). By the opening, the fuel cell main body 10 and the input side of the buffer tank 30 communicate with each other. The control device 100 determines whether or not the pressure difference between the first pressure detection signal P1 and the second pressure detection signal P2 is lower than the fourth threshold value (step S305). If the pressure difference is lower, the control device 100 controls the hydrogen supply valve V1 according to the first control signal. Release from the blockage (step S307). As a result, the buffer tank 30 quickly sucks the hydrogen gas and the gas of the fuel cell main body 10 from the negative pressure state.

制御装置１００は、第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２が大気圧力値を超えるか否かを判断し(ステップＳ３０９）、大気圧力値を超えると、パージバルブＶ６を閉塞から開放する(ステップＳ３１１）。バッファタンク３０内のガスを速やかにパージバルブＶ６より外部に放出する。
なお、上記ステップＳ３０９の代わりに、一定時間後に、上記ステップＳ３１１を実行しても良い。 The control device 100 determines whether or not the second pressure detection signal P2 exceeds the atmospheric pressure value (step S309), and when it exceeds the atmospheric pressure value, opens the purge valve V6 from the closed state (step S311). The gas in the buffer tank 30 is quickly discharged to the outside through the purge valve V6.
Note that step S311 may be executed after a predetermined time instead of step S309.

燃料電池システム１の起動時に、制御装置１００は、水素供給バルブＶ１を開いて水素タンク３から水素ガスを燃料電池本体１０へ供給すると共に、出口バルブＶ２を開いて燃料電池本体１０内の空気を負圧状態のバッファタンク３０内へ引き込ませる。これにより、燃料電池本体１０の起動時のガス置換が迅速にできる。
その後、燃料電池本体の動作が安定したら（ステップＳ３１３）、パージバルブＶ６を閉塞し（ステップＳ３１５）、ステップＳ１０１の循環動作を実行する。 When the fuel cell system 1 is started, the control device 100 opens the hydrogen supply valve V1 to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen tank 3 to the fuel cell main body 10, and opens the outlet valve V2 to allow air in the fuel cell main body 10 to flow. It is drawn into the buffer tank 30 in a negative pressure state. Thereby, gas replacement at the time of starting of the fuel cell main body 10 can be performed quickly.
Thereafter, when the operation of the fuel cell main body is stabilized (step S313), the purge valve V6 is closed (step S315), and the circulation operation of step S101 is executed.

実施形態２.
本発明の他の実施形態を図６によって説明する。図６は他の実施形態による燃料電池システム２００の全体図で、図６中、図1と同一符号は、同一部分を示し、適宜説明を省略する。
図６において、制御装置３００は、上記実施形態１の第１記憶部の記憶内容に加えて、第５閾値を記憶した第２記憶部３０２と、上記実施形態１の図２のフローチャートに代えて、図７のフローチャートを実行する第２制御部３０４とを備えている。 Embodiment 2.
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an overall view of a fuel cell system 200 according to another embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
In FIG. 6, the control device 300 replaces the second storage unit 302 storing the fifth threshold in addition to the storage content of the first storage unit of the first embodiment, and the flowchart of FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. And a second control unit 304 that executes the flowchart of FIG.

上記のように構成された燃料電池システム２００の水素ガスの循環動作を図６から図８を参照して説明する。
制御装置３００は、実施形態１と同様にステップＳ１０１，Ｓ１０３を実行すると、時間ｔ1で超えると、循環バルブＶ３が閉塞状態で、第１及び第２制御信号により水素供給バルブＶ１，出口バルブＶ２を開放から閉塞して水素タンク３からの水素ガスの供給を停止する(ステップＳ４０５)。この状態で、水素ガスの供給が遮断されるので、第１圧力検出信号Ｐ1は除々に直線的に低くなる。
一方、バッファタンク３０は、出口バルブＶ２，循環バルブＶ３の閉塞により入力側と出力側ともに遮断されているので、ほぼ一定の圧力値を継続するので、第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２がほぼ一定値となる。 The hydrogen gas circulation operation of the fuel cell system 200 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the control device 300 executes steps S101 and S103 as in the first embodiment, when the time t1 is exceeded, the circulation valve V3 is closed, and the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the outlet valve V2 are turned on by the first and second control signals. The supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen tank 3 is stopped by closing from the opening (step S405). In this state, since the supply of hydrogen gas is cut off, the first pressure detection signal P1 gradually decreases linearly.
On the other hand, since both the input side and the output side of the buffer tank 30 are shut off due to the closing of the outlet valve V2 and the circulation valve V3, the buffer tank 30 continues to have a substantially constant pressure value, so that the second pressure detection signal P2 becomes substantially constant. Become.

次に、制御装置３００は、第２記憶部３０２の第２閾値とＦＣ圧力センサ１１からの第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１とを比較して第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１が第２閾値を下回るか否かを判断し(ステップＳ４０７)、時間ｔ2で下回ると、第３制御信号により循環バルブＶ３を閉塞から開放する(ステップＳ４０９)。これにより、つまり、第１圧力検出信号と第２圧力信号との差が大きくなると、燃料電池本体１０の水素ガス供給口１０ａと水素ガス排出口１０ｃとの圧力差が生じることになるから、図８（ｃ）に示すようにバッファタンク３０に充填された水素ガスが放出路２６を介して燃料電池本体１０に急峻に流れる。この放出される水素ガスは、バッファタンク３０の上記充填量よりも僅かに低く、略ノギス状の波形が燃料電池本体１０に流れる。   Next, the control device 300 compares the second threshold value in the second storage unit 302 with the first pressure detection signal P1 from the FC pressure sensor 11, and determines whether or not the first pressure detection signal P1 falls below the second threshold value. (Step S407), and if it falls below time t2, the third control signal opens the circulation valve V3 from the closed state (step S409). In other words, when the difference between the first pressure detection signal and the second pressure signal becomes large, a pressure difference between the hydrogen gas supply port 10a and the hydrogen gas discharge port 10c of the fuel cell main body 10 is generated. As shown in FIG. 8C, the hydrogen gas filled in the buffer tank 30 flows steeply into the fuel cell main body 10 through the discharge path 26. The released hydrogen gas is slightly lower than the filling amount of the buffer tank 30, and a substantially caliper-shaped waveform flows to the fuel cell main body 10.

バッファタンク３０に充填された水素ガスが瞬間的に放出されるから、図８（ｂ）に示すように燃料電池本体１０の水素ガス供給口１０ａ側の圧力が瞬間的に高くなり、除々に低くなる。一方、バッファタンク３０の供給口３０ａ側の圧力は、瞬間的に低下して第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１とほぼ同様になる。次に、制御装置１００は、第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２と第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１との圧力差が第５閾値を下回る否か判断し(ステップＳ４１１）、下回ると、上記ステップＳ１０１に移行して水素ガス循環路２０を用いて燃料電池本体１０を介してバッファタンク３０に水素ガスを充填して放出するという水素ガスの循環の一周期が終了する。
なお、ステップＳ１０３，ステップＳ４０７は、共に一定時間後に次のステップに移行しても良い。 Since the hydrogen gas filled in the buffer tank 30 is instantaneously released, the pressure on the hydrogen gas supply port 10a side of the fuel cell main body 10 instantaneously increases as shown in FIG. 8B, and gradually decreases. Become. On the other hand, the pressure on the supply port 30a side of the buffer tank 30 decreases instantaneously and becomes substantially the same as the first pressure detection signal P1. Next, the control device 100 determines whether or not the pressure difference between the second pressure detection signal P2 and the first pressure detection signal P1 is less than the fifth threshold value (step S411). One cycle of the circulation of hydrogen gas, in which the buffer tank 30 is filled with hydrogen gas and discharged through the fuel cell main body 10 using the hydrogen gas circulation path 20, is completed.
Note that both step S103 and step S407 may move to the next step after a predetermined time.

このように、制御装置３００は、水素供給バルブＶ１、出口バルブＶ２、循環バルブＶ３３が全て閉塞されているとき、ＦＣ圧力センサからの第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１が第１の閾値を下回ると、循環バルブＶ３を開放する。
これにより、燃料電池本体１０において水素極側の圧力が低下した状態で、水素極より高圧であるバッファタンクの水素ガスを燃料電池本体１０へ上記実施形態１に比較して急速に放出するので、燃料電池本体内に滞留する水等の不純物の排出性が高くなる。このとき、第３のバルブＶ３を間欠的に開閉することにより、水素ガスの供給が脈流となり、不純物の排出性が更に向上する。なお、第３のバルブＶ３は１秒間に１〜５回程度開閉するか、または第１圧力検出信号Ｐ１、第２圧力検出信号Ｐ２の圧力差に応じて複数回に分けて開閉することが好ましい。 Thus, when the hydrogen supply valve V1, the outlet valve V2, and the circulation valve V33 are all closed, the control device 300 circulates when the first pressure detection signal P1 from the FC pressure sensor falls below the first threshold value. Open the valve V3.
Thereby, in the state where the pressure on the hydrogen electrode side in the fuel cell body 10 is reduced, the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank having a pressure higher than that of the hydrogen electrode is rapidly released to the fuel cell body 10 as compared with the first embodiment. The discharge property of impurities such as water staying in the fuel cell main body is increased. At this time, by intermittently opening and closing the third valve V3, the supply of hydrogen gas becomes a pulsating flow, and the impurity discharge performance is further improved. Note that the third valve V3 is preferably opened and closed about 1 to 5 times per second, or opened and closed in a plurality of times depending on the pressure difference between the first pressure detection signal P1 and the second pressure detection signal P2. .

参考例
上記実施形態１及び２では、バッファタンク３０を燃料電池本体１０より下流側、すなわち、つまり水素ガス排出口１０ｃの後に配置したが、上流側に配置した本発明の参考例を図９によって説明する。図９中、図1と同一符号は、同一部分を示し、適宜説明を省略する。
図９において、燃料電池システム４００は、水素供給バルブＶ１の他端から燃料電本体１０の供給口１０ａとの間にバッファタンク４３０が配置されている。つまり、燃料電池本体１０から見て水素ガスの流れの上流側には、バッファタンク４３０が配置されている。
図９のように燃料電池システム４００を構成することにより、バッファタンク４３０内の水素ガスが消費された後、水素供給バルブＶ１、Ｖ２を開いて水素ガスを供給することで、燃料電池本体１０に供給する水素ガスを脈動させることができる。図６に示したシステムにおいても同様に、バッファタンクを水素供給バルブＶ１の他端から燃料電池本体１０の供給口１０ａとの間に配置することもできる。 Reference example
In the first and second embodiments, the buffer tank 30 is disposed on the downstream side of the fuel cell main body 10, that is, after the hydrogen gas discharge port 10c, but a reference example of the present invention disposed on the upstream side will be described with reference to FIG. . 9, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
9, in the fuel cell system 400, a buffer tank 430 is disposed between the other end of the hydrogen supply valve V1 and the supply port 10a of the fuel cell main body 10. That is, the buffer tank 430 is arranged on the upstream side of the hydrogen gas flow as viewed from the fuel cell main body 10.
By configuring the fuel cell system 400 as shown in FIG. 9, after the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank 430 is consumed, the hydrogen supply valves V <b> 1 and V <b> 2 are opened to supply the hydrogen gas to the fuel cell main body 10. The supplied hydrogen gas can be pulsated. Similarly, in the system shown in FIG. 6, the buffer tank can be disposed between the other end of the hydrogen supply valve V <b> 1 and the supply port 10 a of the fuel cell main body 10.

本発明は、上記発明の実施の形態及び実施例の説明に何ら限定されるものではない。特許請求の範囲の記載を逸脱せず、当業者が容易に想到できる範囲で種々の変形態様も本発明に含まれる。   The present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments and examples of the invention described above. Various modifications are also included in the present invention as long as those skilled in the art can easily conceive without departing from the scope of the claims.

本発明の一実施形態による燃料電池システムの全体図である。1 is an overall view of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図１に示す燃料電池のシステムの水素ガスの循環動作を説明するフローチャート。The flowchart explaining the circulation operation | movement of the hydrogen gas of the system of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 図１に示す燃料電池システムの水素ガスの循環動作を説明するタイムチャート。2 is a time chart for explaining the circulation operation of hydrogen gas in the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1. 図１に示す燃料電池のシステムの停止動作を説明するフローチャート。The flowchart explaining the stop operation | movement of the system of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 図１に示す燃料電池のシステムの起動動作を説明するフローチャート。The flowchart explaining the starting operation | movement of the system of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 本発明の他の実施形態による燃料電池システムの全体図である。FIG. 4 is an overall view of a fuel cell system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 図６に示す燃料電池のシステムの水素ガスの循環動作を説明するフローチャート。7 is a flowchart for explaining the hydrogen gas circulation operation of the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 6. 図６に示す燃料電池システムの水素ガスの循環動作を説明するタイムチャート。7 is a time chart for explaining the circulation operation of hydrogen gas in the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 本発明の他の実施形態による燃料電池システムの全体図である。FIG. 4 is an overall view of a fuel cell system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１、２００、４００ 燃料電池システム、３ 水素タンク、 １０ 燃料電池本体、１１ ＦＣ圧力センサ、 ２０ 水素ガス循環路、２８ 排出路、２９ 外気導入路、３０ バッファタンク、５２ 減圧ポンプ、１００，３００ 制御装置、Ｖ１ 水素供給バルブ(第１のバルブ)、Ｖ２ 出口バルブ(第２のバルブ)、Ｖ３ 循環バルブ(第３のバルブ)、Ｖ４ 減圧バルブ(第４のバルブ）、 Ｖ５ 外気導入バルブ(第５のバルブ)。 1, 200, 400 Fuel cell system, 3 Hydrogen tank, 10 Fuel cell body, 11 FC pressure sensor, 20 Hydrogen gas circulation path, 28 Discharge path, 29 Outside air introduction path, 30 Buffer tank, 52 Pressure reducing pump, 100, 300 Control Equipment, V1 hydrogen supply valve (first valve), V2 outlet valve (second valve), V3 circulation valve (third valve), V4 pressure reducing valve (fourth valve), V5 outside air introduction valve (fifth Valve).

Claims (12)

水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備えてなる燃料電池システムであって、
前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、
前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備える、ことを特徴とする燃料電池システム。 A fuel cell system comprising a hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body,
A first valve is provided between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source;
The hydrogen gas circulation path includes a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank A fuel cell system comprising a third valve in between. 前記燃料電池本体において水素極側の圧力を測定するＦＣ圧力センサと、該ＦＣセンサの出力に基づき前記第１〜第３のバルブの開閉を制御する制御装置が更に備えられ、
前記制御装置は、前記第１及び第２のバルブを開放すると共に、第３のバルブを閉塞して水素ガスを供給し、前記ＦＣ圧力センサの出力が第１の閾値を超えると、前記第１及び第２のバルブを閉塞すると共に、前記第３のバルブを開放して前記バッファタンクの水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給する、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の燃料電池システム。 An FC pressure sensor that measures the pressure on the hydrogen electrode side in the fuel cell main body, and a control device that controls the opening and closing of the first to third valves based on the output of the FC sensor;
The control device opens the first and second valves and closes the third valve to supply hydrogen gas. When the output of the FC pressure sensor exceeds a first threshold, the first control device opens the first and second valves. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the second valve is closed and the third valve is opened to supply hydrogen gas in the buffer tank to the fuel cell main body. 前記燃料電池本体において水素極側の圧力を測定するＦＣ圧力センサと、該ＦＣセンサの出力に基づき前記第１〜第３のバルブの開閉を制御する制御装置が更に備えられ、
前記制御装置は、前記第１〜第３のバルブが全て閉塞されているとき、前記ＦＣ圧力センサの出力が第２の閾値を下回ると、前記第３のバルブを開放して前記バッファタンクの水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給する、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の燃料電池システム。 An FC pressure sensor that measures the pressure on the hydrogen electrode side in the fuel cell main body, and a control device that controls the opening and closing of the first to third valves based on the output of the FC sensor;
When the output of the FC pressure sensor falls below a second threshold value when all of the first to third valves are closed, the control device opens the third valve and supplies hydrogen to the buffer tank. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein gas is supplied to the fuel cell main body. 前記制御装置は前記第３のバルブを間欠的に開閉し、前記バッファタンクから前記燃料電池本体へ水素ガスを脈流として供給する、ことを特徴とする請求項３に記載の燃料電池システム。   4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the control device intermittently opens and closes the third valve to supply hydrogen gas from the buffer tank to the fuel cell main body as a pulsating flow. 5. 前記バッファタンクは前記燃料電池本体より下流側に配置されている、ことを特徴とする請求項１〜４のいずれかに記載の燃料電池システム。   5. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the buffer tank is disposed downstream of the fuel cell main body. 前記制御装置は、前記燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、前記バッファタンクを負圧状態にして前記第２のバルブと第３のバルブを閉塞し、前記燃料電池本体の起動時に前記第１のバルブが開かれて前記水素ガス源から水素ガスが前記燃料電池本体へ供給されたとき、前記第２のバルブを開いて前記燃料電池本体内に滞留していたガスを前記バッファタンクへ引き込む、ことを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれかに記載の燃料電池システム。   The control device causes the buffer tank to be in a negative pressure state when the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, closes the second valve and the third valve, and causes the first valve to operate when the fuel cell main body is started up. When the hydrogen gas is opened and hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen gas source to the fuel cell main body, the second valve is opened to draw the gas retained in the fuel cell main body into the buffer tank. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 前記バッファタンクと前記第３のバルブとの間に減圧ポンプを備えた排出路が分岐され、該排出路と前記水素ガス循環路との間には第４のバルブが介在され、前記第３のバルブと前記燃料電池本体の間に外気導入路が分岐され、該外気導入路と前記水素ガス循環路との間には第５のバルブが介在され、
前記制御装置は、前記燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、前記第１のバルブと前記第３のバルブを閉塞し、かつ前記第２、第４及び第５のバルブを開放し、前記減圧ポンプを動作させて、前記燃料電池本体及び前記水素ガス循環路内の水素ガスを空気に置き換え、
その後、前記減圧ポンプを動作させた状態で前記第２のバルブを閉塞し、前記バッファタンクを負圧の状態として前記第４のバルブを閉塞し、
前記燃料電池本体の起動時に、前記制御装置は、前記第１のバルブを開いて前記水素ガス源から水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給すると共に前記第２のバルブを開いて前記燃料電池本体内の空気を前記バッファタンク内へ引き込ませる、ことを特徴とする請求項１から６のいずれかに燃料電池システム。 A discharge path having a pressure reducing pump is branched between the buffer tank and the third valve, a fourth valve is interposed between the discharge path and the hydrogen gas circulation path, and the third valve An outside air introduction path is branched between the valve and the fuel cell body, and a fifth valve is interposed between the outside air introduction path and the hydrogen gas circulation path,
The control device closes the first valve and the third valve and opens the second, fourth and fifth valves when the fuel cell main body is stopped, and operates the pressure reducing pump. And replacing the hydrogen gas in the fuel cell main body and the hydrogen gas circulation path with air,
Thereafter, the second valve is closed with the decompression pump operated, the buffer tank is in a negative pressure state, and the fourth valve is closed,
When starting the fuel cell main body, the control device opens the first valve to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas source to the fuel cell main body, and opens the second valve to open the inside of the fuel cell main body. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the air is drawn into the buffer tank. 水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備え、前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備える、燃料電池システムにおける水素ガスの供給方法であって、
前記第１及び第２のバルブが開放されていると共に、第３のバルブが閉塞されているとき、前記ＦＣ圧力センサの出力が第１の閾値を超えると、前記第１及び第２のバルブを閉塞すると共に、前記第３のバルブを開放して前記バッファタンクの水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給する、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。 A hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body, and a first gas gap between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source. 1, the hydrogen gas circulation path is provided with a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply of the fuel cell main body is provided. A method for supplying hydrogen gas in a fuel cell system, comprising a third valve between a mouth and the buffer tank,
When the output of the FC pressure sensor exceeds a first threshold when the first and second valves are open and the third valve is closed, the first and second valves are turned on. The hydrogen gas supply method is characterized in that the hydrogen gas in the buffer tank is supplied to the fuel cell body by closing and closing the third valve. 水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備え、前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備える、燃料電池システムにおける水素ガスの供給方法であって、
前記第１〜第３のバルブが全て閉塞されているとき、前記燃料電池本体の圧力が第１の閾値を下回ると、前記第３のバルブを開放して前記バッファタンクの水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給する、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。 A hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body, and a first gas gap between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source. 1, the hydrogen gas circulation path is provided with a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply of the fuel cell main body is provided. A method for supplying hydrogen gas in a fuel cell system, comprising a third valve between a mouth and the buffer tank,
When all of the first to third valves are closed and the pressure of the fuel cell main body is lower than a first threshold value, the third valve is opened to supply hydrogen gas in the buffer tank to the fuel cell. A method for supplying hydrogen gas, comprising supplying to a main body. 前記第３のバルブを間欠的に開閉し、前記バッファタンクから前記燃料電池本体へ前記水素ガスを脈流として供給する、ことを特徴とする請求項９に記載の水素ガスの供給方法。   The method for supplying hydrogen gas according to claim 9, wherein the third valve is intermittently opened and closed, and the hydrogen gas is supplied from the buffer tank to the fuel cell main body as a pulsating flow. 水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備え、前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備える、燃料電池システムにおける水素ガスの供給方法であって、
前記燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、前記バッファタンクを負圧状態にして前記第２のバルブと第３のバルブを閉塞し、前記燃料電池本体の起動時に前記第１のバルブが開かれて前記水素ガス源から水素ガスが前記燃料電池本体へ供給されたとき、前記第２のバルブを開いて前記燃料電池本体内に滞留していたガスを前記バッファタンクへ引き込む、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。 A hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body, and a first gas gap between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source. 1, the hydrogen gas circulation path is provided with a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply of the fuel cell main body is provided. A method for supplying hydrogen gas in a fuel cell system, comprising a third valve between a mouth and the buffer tank,
When the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, the buffer tank is brought into a negative pressure state to close the second valve and the third valve, and when the fuel cell main body is started, the first valve is opened and the hydrogen cell is opened. When hydrogen gas is supplied from a gas source to the fuel cell main body, the second valve is opened, and the gas staying in the fuel cell main body is drawn into the buffer tank. Supply method. 水素ガス源と、燃料電池本体と、前記水素ガス源と前記燃料電池本体との間に配設される水素ガス循環路とを備え、前記水素ガス循環路と前記水素ガス源との間に第１のバルブが備えられ、前記水素ガス循環路はバッファタンクを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス排出口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第２のバルブを備え、前記燃料電池本体の水素ガス供給口と前記バッファタンクとの間に第３のバルブを備え、
更に、前記バッファタンクと前記第３のバルブとの間に減圧ポンプを備えた排出路が分岐され、該排出路と前記水素ガス循環路との間には第４のバルブが介在され、前記第３のバルブと前記燃料電池本体の間に外気導入路が分岐され、該外気導入路と前記水素ガス循環路との間には第５のバルブが介在される燃料電池システムにおける水素ガスの供給方法であって、
前記燃料電池本体の運転停止時に、前記第１のバルブと前記第３のバルブを閉塞し、かつ前記第２、第４及び第５のバルブを開放し、前記減圧ポンプを動作させて、前記燃料電池本体及び前記水素ガス循環路内の水素ガスを空気に置き換え、
その後、前記減圧ポンプを動作させた状態で前記第２のバルブを閉塞し、前記バッファタンクを負圧の状態として前記第４のバルブを閉塞し、
前記燃料電池本体の起動時に、前記第１のバルブを開いて前記水素ガス源から水素ガスを前記燃料電池本体へ供給すると共に前記第２のバルブを開いて前記燃料電池本体内の空気を前記バッファタンク内へ引き込ませる、ことを特徴とする水素ガスの供給方法。 A hydrogen gas source, a fuel cell main body, and a hydrogen gas circulation path disposed between the hydrogen gas source and the fuel cell main body, and a first gas gap between the hydrogen gas circulation path and the hydrogen gas source. 1, the hydrogen gas circulation path is provided with a buffer tank, a second valve is provided between the hydrogen gas discharge port of the fuel cell main body and the buffer tank, and the hydrogen gas supply of the fuel cell main body is provided. A third valve is provided between the mouth and the buffer tank;
Further, a discharge path provided with a pressure reducing pump is branched between the buffer tank and the third valve, and a fourth valve is interposed between the discharge path and the hydrogen gas circulation path. A hydrogen gas supply method in a fuel cell system in which an outside air introduction path is branched between the valve 3 and the fuel cell main body, and a fifth valve is interposed between the outside air introduction path and the hydrogen gas circulation path Because
When the operation of the fuel cell main body is stopped, the first valve and the third valve are closed, the second, fourth and fifth valves are opened, and the pressure reducing pump is operated to operate the fuel. Replace the hydrogen gas in the battery body and the hydrogen gas circuit with air,
Thereafter, the second valve is closed with the decompression pump operated, the buffer tank is in a negative pressure state, and the fourth valve is closed,
When the fuel cell main body is started, the first valve is opened to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas source to the fuel cell main body, and the second valve is opened to air in the fuel cell main body to the buffer. A method for supplying hydrogen gas, wherein the hydrogen gas is drawn into a tank.
JP2008207090A 2008-08-11 2008-08-11 Fuel cell system, and method of supplying hydrogen gas therein Pending JP2010044911A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2008207090A JP2010044911A (en) 2008-08-11 2008-08-11 Fuel cell system, and method of supplying hydrogen gas therein

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2008207090A JP2010044911A (en) 2008-08-11 2008-08-11 Fuel cell system, and method of supplying hydrogen gas therein

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2010044911A true JP2010044911A (en) 2010-02-25

Family

ID=42016150

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2008207090A Pending JP2010044911A (en) 2008-08-11 2008-08-11 Fuel cell system, and method of supplying hydrogen gas therein

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2010044911A (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102012007375A1 (en) 2012-04-12 2013-10-17 Daimler Ag Fuel cell system i.e. proton-conducting membrane fuel cell system, for use in vehicle, has pulsation device comprising movable element, which is automatically moved by variable force caused over flow and reaction force
WO2013152834A1 (en) 2012-04-12 2013-10-17 Daimler Ag Method for operating a fuel cell system
KR20150115164A (en) * 2014-04-03 2015-10-14 현대자동차주식회사 Device and method for operating anode of fuel cell
CN113027745A (en) * 2021-03-09 2021-06-25 柳州易舟汽车空调有限公司 Durable testing arrangement of hydrogen circulating pump
JP2022502823A (en) * 2018-10-12 2022-01-11 上海恒勁動力科技有限公司 Fuel cell hydrogen recovery device
CN114284525A (en) * 2021-12-22 2022-04-05 上海重塑能源科技有限公司 Hydrogen circulation system for fuel cell and hydrogen supply control method thereof

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102012007375A1 (en) 2012-04-12 2013-10-17 Daimler Ag Fuel cell system i.e. proton-conducting membrane fuel cell system, for use in vehicle, has pulsation device comprising movable element, which is automatically moved by variable force caused over flow and reaction force
WO2013152834A1 (en) 2012-04-12 2013-10-17 Daimler Ag Method for operating a fuel cell system
DE102012007374A1 (en) 2012-04-12 2013-10-17 Daimler Ag Method for operating a fuel cell system
KR20150115164A (en) * 2014-04-03 2015-10-14 현대자동차주식회사 Device and method for operating anode of fuel cell
KR101637642B1 (en) 2014-04-03 2016-07-07 현대자동차주식회사 Device and method for operating anode of fuel cell
JP2022502823A (en) * 2018-10-12 2022-01-11 上海恒勁動力科技有限公司 Fuel cell hydrogen recovery device
CN113027745A (en) * 2021-03-09 2021-06-25 柳州易舟汽车空调有限公司 Durable testing arrangement of hydrogen circulating pump
CN114284525A (en) * 2021-12-22 2022-04-05 上海重塑能源科技有限公司 Hydrogen circulation system for fuel cell and hydrogen supply control method thereof
CN114284525B (en) * 2021-12-22 2023-11-14 上海重塑能源科技有限公司 Hydrogen circulation system for fuel cell and hydrogen supply control method thereof

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5267669B2 (en) Operation control device and operation control method for fuel cell power plant
JP6112882B2 (en) Starting method of fuel cell system
JP2010044911A (en) Fuel cell system, and method of supplying hydrogen gas therein
JP2005100827A (en) Fuel cell system
WO2007013453A1 (en) Fuel battery system
JP2004342473A (en) Operation control of fuel cell system
JP2007273276A (en) Fuel cell power generation system and its operation method
JP2007080723A (en) Fuel cell system, and method of maintaining exhaust hydrogen concentration
JP2007042309A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2009117189A (en) Control method of fuel cell system
JP2005032652A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2010108756A (en) Fuel cell system and purge control method of fuel cell system
JP2005063712A (en) Fuel cell system and operation method of same
JP2007035369A (en) Fuel cell system and antifreeze method therefor
JP2010062015A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2006252933A (en) Power supply device using fuel cell
JP2006351318A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2010153246A (en) Fuel cell system
JP4666629B2 (en) Fuel cell system
JP2008027743A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2006155927A (en) Fuel cell system and its control method
JP2007242381A (en) Fuel cell system
JP2007128902A (en) Hydrogen purge method at starting of fuel cell system
JP2006331966A (en) Fuel cell system
KR101543121B1 (en) Controlling apparatus and method for purging hydrogen