JP2010150119A - Hydrogen generation apparatus and fuel cell system having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve easiness of startup compared to conventional hydrogen generation apparatuses in a hydrogen generation apparatus configured so as to perform at least any one motion of depressurizing, pressure-supplementing and raw material gas purging. <P>SOLUTION: This hydrogen generation apparatus 100 is equipped with a reformer 1 generating a hydrogen-containing gas by reforming reaction using a raw material gas, and a controller 10; which is configured so as to perform at least anyone of a depressurizing motion in which elevated inner pressure in a closed space is released to the atmosphere after the sealing motion where the pathway including the reformer 1 is made to a closed space, a pressure-supplementing motion in which a gas is supplemented to the closed space to compensate reduction of inner pressure accompanying reduction of temperature, and a raw material gas purging motion in which the inside of at least the reformer 1 is purged with the raw material gas; and the controller 10 makes the hydrogen generation apparatus 100 to a stand-by state of standing ready to start at any one time before completion of depressurizing motion, before completion of pressure-supplementing motion and before raw material gas purging motion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system including the same, and more particularly to an apparatus that performs a stop process when an abnormality of the hydrogen generator is detected.

  Conventionally, a fuel cell system capable of high-efficiency small-scale power generation is easy to build a system for using thermal energy generated during power generation. Development is progressing as a power generation system. In the fuel cell system, fuel gas (hydrogen gas) and oxidant gas are supplied from the outside to the fuel cell, and electric power is generated by an electrochemical reaction between the supplied fuel gas and oxidant gas, and is generated by the reaction. This system recovers heat and stores it as hot water in a hot water storage tank, and effectively uses this hot water to supply heat to the outside.

  In such a fuel cell system, the hydrogen gas used for power generation is not provided with a general infrastructure for its supply facilities. For example, a raw material obtained from existing infrastructure such as city gas and LPG is used as a reformer. Steam reforming reaction to produce hydrogen-containing reformed gas, carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas is sufficiently reduced by a transformer and purifier, and hydrogen production to produce fuel gas In general, the apparatus is provided in the fuel cell.

  By the way, in the stop process of the hydrogen generator, the inside of the hydrogen generator is opened to the atmosphere and a part of the pressure is released to the atmosphere in response to an increase in the internal pressure of the hydrogen generator accompanying the evaporation of water remaining in the hydrogen generator. It has been proposed to perform a pressure relief operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Similarly, in the stop process of the hydrogen generator, it has been proposed to perform a supplemental pressure operation to relieve the negative pressure by supplying a gas with respect to a decrease in internal pressure accompanying a temperature decrease of the hydrogen generator (for example, , See Patent Document 2).

  Similarly, in the stop process of the hydrogen generator, it has been proposed to perform a purge operation for purging (scavenging) the residual gas in the hydrogen generator with the source gas and discharging it to the outside of the hydrogen generator (for example, (See Patent Document 3).

JP 2005-243330 A JP 2003-229159 A JP 2000-95504 A

  However, the various operations of the hydrogen generator as disclosed in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 are not completed quickly and require some time. For example, in the case of the pressure release operation, the increase in internal pressure accompanying the evaporation of residual water continues for a while because the hydrogen generator is in a high temperature state, and this operation is continued until the increase in internal pressure stops. In addition, since the supplementary pressure operation and the purge operation with the raw material gas are started after the temperature of the reformer is lowered to some extent from the reaction temperature, some time is required until these operations are started. On the other hand, it is required to improve the startability of the hydrogen generator.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen generator that has improved startability as compared with the prior art and a fuel cell system including the hydrogen generator.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a reformer that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction using a raw material, and after the stop process starts, the water in the reformer Depressurization operation to release the internal pressure that has increased due to evaporation to the atmosphere, supplementary pressure operation to replenish gas to compensate for the decrease in internal pressure due to temperature decrease, and source gas purge operation to scavenge at least the inside of the reformer with source gas The hydrogen generator configured to perform at least one of the above, and waits for the hydrogen generator to start before completion of at least one of the depressurization operation, the supplementary pressure operation, and the source gas purge operation A controller for setting the standby state is provided.

  As a result, since the start-up process is permitted in a state where the hydrogen generator is at a higher temperature than in the prior art, the time required for warming up is shortened and the startability is improved.

  According to the hydrogen generator and the fuel cell system including the hydrogen generator according to the present invention, the start-up process is permitted in a state where the hydrogen generator is at a higher temperature than in the prior art. Will improve.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the raw material gas purge operation of the hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing an example of a pressure compensation operation of the hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing an example of the pressure compensation operation of the hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the pressure release operation of the hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a hydrogen generator according to Modification 3 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pressure release path of a hydrogen generator according to Modification 4 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pressure release path of a hydrogen generator according to Modification 4 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 9 (A) is a flowchart showing an example of the operation after stopping the hydrogen generation operation of the hydrogen generation apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention or the fuel cell system including the same. FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation after stopping the hydrogen generation operation of the hydrogen generator of the modification according to Embodiments 1 to 4 of the present invention or the fuel cell system including the same.

  The hydrogen generator of the present invention and the fuel cell system including the same will be described below.

  The hydrogen generation apparatus of the present invention comprises a reformer that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction using a raw material, and a controller, and after a sealing operation in which a path including the reformer is a closed space A depressurization operation for releasing the increased internal pressure in the closed space to the atmosphere, a supplementary pressure operation for replenishing the closed space with gas in order to compensate for a decrease in internal pressure due to a temperature decrease, and at least the interior of the reformer A hydrogen generator configured to perform at least one of a source gas purge operation for scavenging with a gas, wherein the controller is configured to perform the source gas purge before the completion of the depressurization operation, before the completion of the supplementary pressure operation, and the source gas purge. Either before the operation, the hydrogen generator is configured to be in a standby state for waiting for activation.

  As a result, since the start-up process is permitted in a state where the hydrogen generator is at a higher temperature than in the prior art, the time required for warming up is shortened and the startability is improved.

  The “reforming reaction” includes any of steam reforming reaction, autothermal reaction, and partial oxidation reaction.

  The “sealing operation” refers to a second valve provided in a communication path that closes the first valve provided in a path for supplying a reaction gas such as a raw material to the reformer and communicates the reformer with the atmosphere. It is defined as the operation of closing the valve and setting the path including the reformer as a closed space. In addition, a fluid supply device (for example, a raw material gas supply device, a water supply device, etc.) provided in the reaction gas supply path is provided with a valve (a discharge valve, a suction valve) having a closing function, such as a plunger pump or a diaphragm pump. When it has, you may employ | adopt the form which interrupts | blocks a reactive gas supply path by stopping the operation | movement of the said gas supply device, without providing the said 1st valve.

  The “standby state” is defined as a state in which the hydrogen generator stop process is completed and the next start-up is awaited. In this state, when an activation request is generated, the controller immediately starts the activation process. Note that the “start-up request is generated” means, for example, that an operation start is instructed by a user's operation via an operating device (for example, a remote controller), or a demand for hydrogen from a hydrogen-using device increases (for example, When the hydrogen using device is a hydrogen storage container, it is detected that the hydrogen storage amount has become a predetermined threshold value or when the hydrogen using device is a fuel cell, the power load demand is And a predetermined power threshold value that requires power generation).

  “Pressure release operation” means that the reforming reaction proceeds by the reaction gas remaining in the reformer after the gas path including the reformer is sealed or the remaining liquid water evaporates. The amount of gas (number of moles of gas) in the closed space that is stopped may increase and the internal pressure may increase. To prevent damage to equipment due to excessive internal pressure increase, open the closed space to the atmosphere, An operation that opens at least a part to the atmosphere.

  “Complementary pressure operation” means that after the gas path including the reformer is sealed, the internal pressure of the closed space decreases as the temperature decreases. However, this decrease in internal pressure does not proceed excessively, so that the equipment is not damaged. The operation of supplying gas to the closed space.

  “Before completion of the depressurization operation” means either before the start of the depressurization operation or in the middle of the repetition of the depressurization operation when the depressurization operation is repeatedly performed. Point to.

  “Before completion of the pressure compensation operation” means either before the start of the pressure compensation operation or when the pressure compensation operation is repeatedly executed, in the middle of the repetition of the pressure compensation operation. Point to.

  Moreover, the hydrogen generator of the present invention is configured such that the controller executes the pressure-compensating operation in the stop process and performs the pressure-compensating operation even after shifting to the standby state.

  As a result, it is not possible to start up until the temperature is reduced to a temperature that does not require supplementary pressure (that is, the supplementary pressure operation is completed) as in the prior art, and the startup can be started at a higher temperature than in the past. It becomes possible and the startability is improved.

  Moreover, the hydrogen generator of the present invention is configured such that the controller places the hydrogen generator in a standby state before the start of the pressure compensation operation.

  Thereby, since it will be in a standby state before the temperature fall which requires supplementary pressure arises, it becomes possible to start starting at a higher temperature than before, and startability improves.

  Moreover, the hydrogen generator of the present invention is configured such that the controller executes the pressure releasing operation in the stop process and executes the pressure releasing operation even after shifting to the standby state.

  As a result, it is no longer possible to start up until the temperature drops to a temperature that does not require the pressure release operation (that is, the pressure release operation is completed) as before, and start up at a higher temperature than before. Is possible, and the startability is improved.

  Moreover, the hydrogen generator of the present invention is configured such that the controller places the hydrogen generator in a standby state before starting the depressurization operation.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to start at a higher temperature than before, and the startability is improved.

  Further, the hydrogen generator of the present invention is configured such that the controller puts the hydrogen generator into a standby state before starting the source gas purge operation.

  As a result, it is possible to start the reformer before the reformer falls to a temperature at which the raw material gas purge operation can be performed, and the startability is improved as compared with the conventional case.

  In addition, the hydrogen generator of the present invention is configured such that the controller does not permit activation of the hydrogen generator before shifting to the standby state.

  Further, the hydrogen generator of the present invention includes an operating device for instructing the start of operation of the hydrogen generating device by a user's operation, and the operation instruction is input by the operation of the operating device by the user before shifting to the standby state. If so, the controller is configured not to allow operation of the hydrogen generator.

  The fuel cell system of the present invention is configured to include the above-described hydrogen generator of the present invention and a fuel cell that generates power using a hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the hydrogen generator.

  As a result, the start-up process is permitted while the hydrogen generating device is at a higher temperature than before, so the time required for warming up the hydrogen generating device is shortened and the start-up performance of the fuel cell system is improved.

  The fuel cell system of the present invention is an operation device in which the operation device instructs the start of operation of the fuel cell system, and when the operation instruction is input by the operation of the operation device by the user before the transition to the standby state. The controller is configured not to permit the start of operation of the fuel cell system.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
[Configuration of hydrogen generator]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen generator 100 according to the first embodiment supplies a hydrogen-containing gas to the hydrogen utilization device 101. Examples of the hydrogen using device 101 include a hydrogen tank and a fuel cell. The hydrogen generator 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with respect to a hydrogen generator that performs steam reforming as a reforming reaction, but is not limited to a steam reforming reaction, and is not limited to an autothermal reaction or a partial modification. Any of the quality reactions may be used.

  The hydrogen generator 100 has a hydrogen generator main body 9. Inside the hydrogen generator main body 9, a reformer 1, an evaporator 2, and a combustor 4 are provided. The hydrogen-containing gas generated in the reformer 1 is supplied as a fuel gas from the hydrogen generator main body 9 to the hydrogen utilization device 101. A hydrogen storage container is used as the hydrogen using device 101, but the device is not limited to this as long as it uses hydrogen, and a form using a fuel cell or the like may be adopted.

  A water supply path 22 is connected to the evaporator 2, and a water supply unit 6 is provided in the water supply path 22. The inlet of the water supply device 6 is connected to, for example, a water pipe or a water tap (not shown), and the water supply device 6 supplies water (here, a water supply) to the evaporator 2 via the water supply path 22. Water). Further, the water supply path 22 is provided with a third valve 43 that opens and closes the water supply path 22 by opening and closing operations thereof. Further, the evaporator 2 is connected to the reformer 1 through a steam supply path 23. As a result, the evaporator 2 evaporates the water supplied from the water supplier 6 and vaporizes it into water vapor, and supplies the water vapor to the reformer 1. Here, the water supply device 6 and the evaporator 2 function as a water vapor supply device that supplies water vapor, which is a reaction gas necessary for the steam reforming reaction, and the third valve 43 is connected to the water supply channel 22 and the water vapor supply channel 23. It functions as a “first valve” that shuts off the configured water vapor supply path.

  Here, the water supply device 6 is configured to supply tap water to the evaporator 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the hydrogen utilization device 101 is a fuel cell, the water supply device 6 is used in the fuel cell. A configuration may be adopted in which cooling water or the like is supplied to the evaporator 2. Moreover, the water supply device 6 is comprised here, for example with the flow regulating valve. Moreover, the 3rd valve 43 may be comprised with opening-and-closing valves, such as a solenoid valve, for example, and may be comprised with the flow regulating valve.

  A raw material gas supply path 21 is connected to the reformer 1, and a raw material gas supply unit 5 is provided in the raw material gas supply path 21. The upstream end of the source gas supply unit 5 is connected to a source gas source (for example, a piping or main plug (not shown) of a city gas infrastructure), and the source gas supply unit 5 is connected via a source gas supply path 21. A raw material gas (for example, city gas containing methane as a main component) is supplied to the reformer 1. The source gas supply path 21 is provided with a first valve 41 that opens and closes the source gas supply path 21 by opening and closing operations thereof. The first valve 41 functions as a “first valve” that shuts off the raw material gas supply path 21 in a sealing operation in which a path including the reformer 1 is a closed space. The source gas supply path 21 may be provided with a deodorizer described later.

  A reforming catalyst (not shown) is provided in the internal space of the reformer 1, and the raw material gas supplied from the raw material gas supply device 5 and the steam supplied from the evaporator 2 are converted into a steam reforming reaction. Thus, a hydrogen-containing gas containing hydrogen is generated. Further, the reformer 1 is provided with a temperature detector 51, and the temperature detector 51 detects the temperature in the reformer 1 and outputs it to the controller 10.

  The fuel gas generated by the hydrogen generator 100 flows through the fuel gas supply path 24 and is supplied to the hydrogen utilization device 101. In the present embodiment, the hydrogen-containing gas generated in the reformer 1 is configured to be discharged from the hydrogen generator main body 9 as it is, but the reformer 1 is disposed downstream of the reformer 1. A configuration may be employed in which a carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas generated in step 1 is provided with a transformer that reduces the carbon monoxide by a shift reaction or a CO remover that reduces the carbon monoxide by an oxidation reaction.

  In the middle of the fuel gas supply path 24, a fourth valve 44 that opens and closes the fuel gas supply path 24 by an opening / closing operation thereof is provided. Further, the upstream end of the bypass path 25 is connected to the upstream side of the fourth valve 44 of the fuel gas supply path 24, and the downstream end thereof is connected to the combustor 4. In the middle of the bypass path 25, a second valve 42 that opens and closes the bypass path 25 by the opening and closing operation is provided. The second valve 42 functions as a “second valve” that opens and closes a communication path that communicates with the atmosphere of the reformer. Further, the gas-liquid separator 7 is provided on the downstream side of the bypass valve 25 from the second valve 42. The gas-liquid separator 7 is configured to condense and separate water vapor from water flowing through the fuel gas supply path 24 and the bypass path 25 into water. The separated water is stored in the tank of the gas-liquid separator 7. In addition, as the 2nd valve 42 and the 4th valve 44, on-off valves, such as a solenoid valve, may be used, and the flow volume adjustment valve which can adjust a flow volume may be used.

  An air supply unit 8 is connected to the combustor 4 via a combustion air supply path 26. The air supply unit 8 supplies combustion air to the combustor 4, and is, for example, a blower or a sirocco fan. Fans can be used. The combustor 4 is provided with an igniter 3. The igniter 3 is configured to ignite combustible gas and air. For example, an igniter can be used.

  As a result, in the combustor 4, the gas containing the combustible gas such as the hydrogen gas and the raw material gas discharged from the reformer 1 through the bypass path 25 and the air supplied from the air supplier 8 are ignited. 3 is ignited and burned, and combustion exhaust gas is generated. And each apparatus, such as the reformer 1 and the evaporator 2, is heated by the heat transfer of this combustion exhaust gas. The combustion exhaust gas flows through the combustion exhaust gas path 27 and is discharged out of the hydrogen generator 100 (in the atmosphere) via the exhaust port at the downstream end of the combustion exhaust gas path 27. Here, the communication path that connects the reformer 1 and the atmosphere is a portion of the fuel gas supply path 24 upstream from the connection point with the upstream end of the bypass path 25, the bypass path 25, and the combustor 4. And a combustion exhaust gas path.

  The hydrogen generator 100 includes a controller 10 that is an example of a “controller”. The controller 10 is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer and performs various controls relating to the hydrogen generator 100.

  Further, the hydrogen generator 100 includes a remote controller 15 that is an example of an “operator”. When the operator presses a predetermined button provided on the remote controller 15, an operation stop command for the hydrogen generator 100 is input to the controller 10.

[Operation of hydrogen generator]
Next, the purge process (purge operation) in which the hydrogen generator 100 is shifted from the stop process (stop operation) according to the first embodiment to the standby state and the hydrogen generator 100 is on standby is shown in FIGS. The description will be given with reference. The following operation is performed by the controller 10 controlling the hydrogen generator 100.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a purge process in which the hydrogen generating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shifts from a stop process to a standby state and the hydrogen generating apparatus 100 is on standby.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the hydrogen generator 100 is in a rated operation (an operation that supplies the maximum amount of hydrogen that can be stably supplied during the hydrogen supply operation of the hydrogen generator 100). For example, when an operation stop request is input from the user via the remote controller 15, the controller 10 outputs a stop command.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the combustor 4, the raw material gas supply device 5 and the water supply device 6 stop their operations (step S101), and close the first valve 41 to the fourth valve 44 (step S101). Step S102). Thereby, supply of the raw material gas and water to the hydrogen generator 100 is stopped, and combustion of the fuel gas and air in the combustor 4 is stopped. Further, by closing the first valve first valve 41 to the fourth valve 44, the path including the reformer 1 in the hydrogen generator main body 9 is closed and sealed (sealing operation of the hydrogen generator 100). ). Thereafter, an air supply operation from the air supplier 8 is executed, and the hydrogen generator 100 is cooled by the air flowing through the combustion exhaust gas path (cooling operation of the hydrogen generator). At this time, the controller 10 supplies an operation amount larger than the operation amount of the air supply device 8 during the rated operation of the hydrogen generator 100 (that is, supplied to the combustor 4 during the rated operation of the hydrogen generator 100). The air supply unit 8 is controlled so as to be larger than the air supply amount to be supplied.

  Then, during the cooling operation period of the hydrogen generator, the temperature detector 51 detects the temperature t1 of the reformer 1 (step S103), and the controller 10 determines whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the standby temperature. Is determined (step S104). Here, the “standby temperature” is defined as a temperature at which the start of the next start-up process of the hydrogen generator 100 can be permitted. For example, only the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer 1 as a combustion start operation of the start-up process. In the case of adopting a form in which the raw material gas that is supplied and flows into the combustor 4 via the bypass passage 25 is started to be combusted, it is defined as a temperature at which the reformer 1 does not deposit carbon in this operation. For example, when the reforming catalyst is a ruthenium-based catalyst, the temperature is defined as a predetermined temperature of 500 ° C. or lower. However, the temperature is reduced to 500 ° C. or lower before starting to supply the raw material gas to the reformer 1 for the combustion start operation. When the temperature is expected to fall to the maximum, it may be set as a standby temperature.

  When the temperature detected by the temperature detector 51 becomes equal to or lower than the standby temperature (Yes in Step S104), the controller 10 stops the operation of the air supply device 8 (Step S105). Then, the stop process of the hydrogen generator 100 is completed, and a transition is made to a standby state waiting for the next activation (step S106). In this standby state, when an operation start command is input by the operator via the remote controller 15, the controller 10 starts the startup process of the hydrogen generator 100, but before the transition to the standby state (stop) Before the completion of processing), the hydrogen generator 100 is configured not to be allowed to start.

  Next, after shifting to the standby state, the temperature detector 51 detects the temperature t1 of the reformer 1 (step S107), and the controller 10 determines whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the FP purge temperature. (Step S108). The FP purge temperature is equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature at which carbon is not deposited from the raw material gas in the reformer 1 even if a temperature rise caused by burning the combustible gas in the combustor 4 during the raw material gas purging operation described later is added. Defined as temperature.

  Here, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector 51 is equal to or lower than the FP purge temperature (Yes in Step S108), a source gas purge operation for scavenging the interior of the reformer 1 with the source gas is started (Step S109). As the source gas purge operation, the controller 10 opens the first valve 41 and the second valve 42 and starts the operation of the source gas supply unit 5. As a result, the source gas is supplied from the source gas supply unit 5 to the path in the hydrogen generator 100 including the reformer 1, and the gas such as water vapor existing in the path in the hydrogen generator 100 is purged by the source gas. (FP (Fuel Processor) purge). The purged gas is supplied to the combustor 4, and at this time, the igniter 3 performs an ignition operation.

  And if the controller 10 confirms that it was ignited with the combustor 4 with the ignition detector which is not shown in figure, it will stop operation | movement of the igniter 3. FIG. Next, the controller 10 integrates the supply amount of the raw material gas supplied to the path in the hydrogen generator 100 by the raw material gas supply device 5 and determines whether or not the integrated raw material gas supply amount is equal to or greater than the first supply amount. Determine. Here, the first supply amount refers to an accumulated supply amount of the raw material gas necessary for purging at least the gas present in the reformer 1. The first supply amount is a determination threshold value for directly determining that the integrated supply amount of the raw material gas is an integrated supply amount of the raw material gas that can purge at least the gas existing in the reformer 1. For example, for example, an elapsed time since the source gas supply device 5 is operated is detected, and it is determined whether or not the detected time is equal to or longer than an integrated supply time of the source gas necessary for the purge. A form of indirectly determining the integrated supply amount of the source gas may be adopted.

  Next, the controller 10 stops the raw material gas supply device 5 and closes the first valve 41 and the second valve 42 when the integrated raw material gas supply amount is equal to or higher than the first supply amount. The operation is stopped (step S110).

  Here, if an activation request is generated between the time when the hydrogen generator 100 is shifted to the standby state at step S106 and the time when the hydrogen gas purging operation of the hydrogen generator is started at step S100, the controller 10 is activated. A command is output and the start-up process of the hydrogen generator is started. Note that “the activation request is generated” means, for example, that an operation start is instructed by an operation of the user via an operating device (for example, the remote controller 15), or that the hydrogen demand of the hydrogen using device increases ( For example, when the hydrogen using device is a hydrogen storage container, it is detected that the hydrogen storage amount has become a predetermined threshold or less, or when the hydrogen using device is a fuel cell, the power load demand is the fuel cell. And a predetermined power threshold value that requires the power generation of the power source).

  As described above, since the hydrogen generator 100 according to Embodiment 1 is configured to shift to the standby state before the raw material gas purge operation is performed, the reformer 1 is lowered to a temperature at which the raw material gas purge operation can be performed. Before it becomes possible to start up. That is, since it becomes possible to start the reformer 1 at a higher temperature than before, the startability of the hydrogen generator 100 is improved.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 of the present invention shows an example of the pressure compensation process of the hydrogen generator of the present invention.

  As for the hydrogen generator, the temperature of the hydrogen generator decreases as time passes after the sealing operation of the hydrogen generator is performed in the stop process like the hydrogen generator of the first embodiment. Then, the internal pressure of the sealed hydrogen generator decreases as the temperature decreases. However, as the internal pressure decreases, the hydrogen generator becomes excessively negative and may damage the components. Therefore, in the hydrogen generator of the present embodiment, when the internal pressure of the hydrogen generator is equal to or lower than the first pressure threshold value that is larger than the negative pressure limit value of the hydrogen generator, the hydrogen generator is supplemented with gas. It is comprised so that a pressure process may be implemented.

  However, during the hydrogen generation operation of the hydrogen generator, the reformer is at a very high temperature of around 700 ° C., so it usually takes a considerable time for the temperature of the reformer to drop to the same level as the outside temperature. (For example, 8 hours for natural cooling). Accordingly, the state in which the supplementary pressure treatment is not necessary for the closed space including the reformer is also required to take a considerable time similarly depending on the size of the first pressure threshold. Therefore, in the hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the controller is configured to shift to a standby state in which the controller waits for activation before the compensation pressure process is completed.

  As an example, the controller is configured to execute a pressure-compensating operation in the stop process and perform the pressure-compensating operation even after shifting to the standby state. In this case, the above-described pressure compensation operation is configured to be repeatedly executed, and at least one pressure compensation operation is performed in the stop process, and then at least one pressure compensation operation is performed even in the standby state. . As a result, it is not possible to start up until the temperature is reduced to a temperature that does not require supplementary pressure (that is, the supplementary pressure operation is completed) as in the prior art, and the startup can be started at a higher temperature than in the past. It becomes possible and the startability is improved.

  As another example, the controller is configured to place the hydrogen generator in a standby state before the start of the pressure compensation operation. Thereby, since it will be in a standby state before the temperature fall which requires supplementary pressure arises, it becomes possible to start starting at a higher temperature than before, and startability improves.

[Operation of hydrogen generator]
Next, the operation of the hydrogen generator 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be specifically described. Note that the hydrogen generating apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the hydrogen generating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, and thus the details of the configuration of the hydrogen generating apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The detailed explanation is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example of the hydrogen generation apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, which is shifted to the standby state before the start of the pressure compensation operation.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, as in the first embodiment, the controller 10 stops the operations of the combustor 4, the raw material gas supply device 5, and the water supply device 6 (step S201). The valves 41 to 44 are closed (step S202). Thereby, the supply of the raw material gas and water to the hydrogen generator 100 is stopped, and the operation of sealing the path including the reformer 1 in the hydrogen generator 100 is performed.

  Thereafter, an air supply operation from the air supplier 8 is executed, and the hydrogen generator 100 is cooled by the air flowing through the combustion exhaust gas path (cooling operation of the hydrogen generator). At this time, the controller 10 supplies an operation amount larger than the operation amount of the air supply device 8 during the rated operation of the hydrogen generator 100 (that is, supplied to the combustor 4 during the rated operation of the hydrogen generator 100). The air supply unit 8 is controlled so as to be larger than the air supply amount to be supplied.

  Then, during the cooling operation period of the hydrogen generator, the temperature detector 51 detects the temperature t1 of the reformer 1 (step S203), and the controller 10 detects that the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the standby temperature (for example, 500 ° C.). Or less) (step S204). Here, the standby temperature is defined as a temperature at which the start of the next start-up process of the hydrogen generator 100 can be permitted. For example, only the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer 1 as the combustion start operation of the start-up process. In the case where the form of starting the combustion of the raw material gas flowing into the combustor 4 via the bypass path 25 is adopted, the temperature is defined as the temperature at which the reformer 1 does not deposit carbon in this operation.

  When the temperature detected by the temperature detector 51 is equal to or lower than the standby temperature (Yes in Step S204), the controller 10 stops the operation of the air supply device 8 (Step S205). Then, the stop process of the hydrogen generator 100 is completed, and a transition is made to a standby state waiting for the next activation (step S206).

  Next, the controller 10 detects the temperature t1 of the reformer 1 from the temperature detector 51 (step S207), and determines whether or not the acquired temperature t1 is equal to or lower than the temperature threshold T1 (step S208). Here, the temperature threshold T1 is lower than the negative pressure limit value of the hydrogen generator 100 due to a decrease in the internal pressure accompanying the temperature decrease of the hydrogen generator 100, and a supplementary pressure gas supply source (for example, source gas) Is a temperature estimated to be equal to or lower than a first pressure threshold value lower than the gas pressure of the city gas infrastructure or propane gas cylinder.

  Then, when the temperature t1 detected by the temperature detector 51 becomes equal to or lower than the temperature threshold T1 (Yes in step S208), the controller 10 opens the first valve 41 and supplies the source gas as the supplemental gas (step S209). ). Here, since the pressure in the closed space including the reformer 1 is lower than the pressure of the source gas supply source, the closed space including the reformer 1 is not required to be boosted by the source gas supply unit 5. A source gas is supplied inside. This compensates for at least part of the reduced pressure in the closed space.

  When step S209 is completed, the temperature (t) at that time is temporarily stored as a threshold value (Tth) (step S210). Next, it is determined whether or not the temperature (t) is below 0.9 times the threshold value (Tth) (step S211). If the determination result in step S211 is NO, the process returns to step S211 again. If the decision result in the step S211 is YES, the first valve 41 is opened, and the raw material gas as the supplementary pressure gas is supplied to the closed space (step S212). Then, the pressure compensation operation in steps S211 to S212 is repeatedly executed until the temperature in the closed space is lowered to a temperature at which the pressure compensation operation is not necessary.

  In the second embodiment, the temperature detected by the temperature detector 51 that indirectly detects the pressure value in the closed space including the sealed reformer when the execution of the pressure compensation operation is determined. Although used, as a method of indirectly detecting the pressure in the closed space, a form is adopted in which the compensation process is executed based on the elapsed time after the start of the stop process correlated with the pressure value or after the standby state. It doesn't matter. In addition, a pressure detector that directly detects the pressure in the closed space is provided, and the pressure compensation operation is executed when the pressure detected by the pressure detector is equal to or lower than the first pressure threshold. It doesn't matter.

[Modification 1]
The hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 2 employs a mode in which the hydrogen generating device shifts to a standby state before executing the above-described pressure-compensating operation. However, in this modification, the controller performs the pressure-compensating operation at least once. After that, it shifts to a standby state. As a result, it is not possible to start up until the temperature is reduced to a temperature that does not require supplementary pressure (that is, the supplementary pressure operation is completed) as in the prior art, and the startup can be started at a higher temperature than in the past. It becomes possible and the startability is improved.

  This modification is employed, for example, when the standby temperature used in S204 is lower than the temperature threshold T1 used in step S208 of the second embodiment. In such a case, for example, the reforming catalyst is a nickel-based catalyst, and as a combustion start operation, combustion starts with the raw material gas flowing into the combustor 4 via the reformer 1 and the bypass path 25. Conceivable. This is because when the reforming catalyst is a nickel-based catalyst, the temperature at which carbon deposition starts is lower than that of the ruthenium-based catalyst (300 ° C.), which is higher than the temperature threshold value T1 (450 ° C.) exemplified in the second embodiment. Because it becomes lower.

(Embodiment 3)
Embodiment 3 of the present invention shows an example of the pressure release operation of the hydrogen generator of the present invention.

  As in the hydrogen generator of the first embodiment, the hydrogen generator stops the supply of the reaction gas to the hydrogen generation operation in the stop process, and for a while, hydrogen is generated or remains by the reaction gas remaining in the reformer. The amount of gas (number of moles of gas) due to evaporation of liquid water increases. Therefore, after stopping the supply of the reaction gas and performing the sealing operation of the hydrogen generator, the internal pressure of the closed space including the reformer rises for a while, but if this internal pressure rises excessively, the hydrogen generator There is a possibility of damaging the components. Therefore, in the hydrogen generator of the present embodiment, when the internal pressure of the hydrogen generator is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure threshold value that is smaller than the positive pressure limit value of the hydrogen generator, a part of the pressure in the closed space is returned to the atmosphere. It is comprised so that the pressure release operation | movement which opens may be performed.

  However, during the hydrogen generation operation of the hydrogen generator, the reformer is at a very high temperature of around 700 ° C., so the increase in the amount of gas in the closed space including the reformer stops and the pressure is released from the closed space. The operation is no longer necessary (for example, the reformer temperature becomes 450 ° C. or less), although it depends on the predetermined pressure threshold value as well. 2 hours). Therefore, in the hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the controller is configured to shift to a standby state for waiting for activation before the depressurization operation is completed.

  As an example, the controller is configured to perform a pressure relief operation in the stop process and perform the pressure relief operation even after shifting to the standby state. In this case, the pressure release operation is configured to be repeatedly executed, and at least one pressure release operation is executed in the stop process, and then at least one pressure release operation is executed even in the standby state. . As a result, it is no longer possible to start up until the temperature drops to a temperature that does not require the pressure release operation (that is, the pressure release operation is completed) as before, and start up at a higher temperature than before. Is possible, and the startability is improved.

  As another example, the controller is configured to place the hydrogen generator in a standby state before the start of the depressurization operation. Thereby, it becomes possible to start at a higher temperature than before, and the startability is improved.

[Operation of hydrogen generator]
Next, the operation of the hydrogen generator 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be specifically described. Note that the hydrogen generating apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment has the same basic configuration as the hydrogen generating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, so the details of the configuration of the hydrogen generating apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment are detailed. The detailed explanation is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the hydrogen generation apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, which shifts to a standby state before the start of the pressure release operation.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, as in the first embodiment, the controller 10 stops the operations of the combustor 4, the raw material gas supply device 5, and the water supply device 6 (step S <b> 301). The valves 41 to 44 are closed (step S302). Thereby, the supply of the raw material gas and water to the hydrogen generator 100 is stopped, and the path sealing operation including the reformer 1 in the hydrogen generator 100 is performed. Thereafter, the controller 10 shifts the hydrogen generator 100 to a standby state (step S303), and detects the pressure in the closed space using a pressure detector that detects the pressure in the closed space (not shown) (step S304). . When the pressure detected by the pressure detector becomes equal to or higher than the second pressure threshold (Yes in step S305), the second valve 42 is opened, and at least a part of the increased pressure in the closed space is combusted by the bypass path 25 and combustion. The air is released to the atmosphere through the vessel 4 and the combustion exhaust gas path 27 (step S306).

  Then, the controller 10 performs steps S304 to S306 until the temperature in the closed space is lowered to a temperature at which the depressurization operation is not required, and the pressure in the closed space does not become the second pressure threshold value P2 or more. Repeat the depressurization operation.

  In the second embodiment, when the execution of the pressure release operation is determined, the detection pressure of the pressure detector that directly detects the pressure value in the closed space including the sealed reformer is used. However, as a method for indirectly detecting the pressure in the closed space, a form in which the pressure release operation is executed based on an elapsed time after the sealing operation correlated with the pressure value may be adopted. Further, as a method for indirectly detecting the pressure in the closed space, a mode in which a pressure releasing operation is executed based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector 51 may be adopted. In addition, when the method of indirectly detecting the pressure in the closed space is employed, a mode in which the determination of stopping the pressure release operation is also performed based on the elapsed time and the temperature detected by the temperature detector is employed.

[Modification 2]
Next, a modification of the hydrogen generator 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to the third embodiment employs a mode of shifting to a standby state before executing the above-described pressure-compensating operation. However, in this modification, the controller performs the pressure-compensating operation at least once. It shifts to a standby state later, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. As a result, it is no longer possible to start up until the temperature drops to a temperature that does not require the pressure release operation (that is, the pressure release operation is completed) as before, and start up at a higher temperature than before. Is possible, and the startability is improved.

  This modification is used when the hydrogen generator reaches the critical value of the transition condition to the standby state between the time when the pressure releasing operation is first executed and the time when the last pressure releasing operation is started. Adopted. For example, in a mode in which combustion starts with the raw material gas flowing into the combustor 4 via the reformer 1 and the bypass path 25, the raw material gas is supplied to the reformer 1 for starting combustion as the transition condition to the standby state. Even so, it is preferably a temperature at which carbon does not precipitate in the reformer 1. Here, when the reforming catalyst has a critical value of a temperature at which the raw material gas does not deposit in the temperature range of the reformer where the depressurization operation is performed, the transition condition is set to the critical value (for example, ruthenium-based reforming). It is set to a predetermined threshold temperature not higher than 500 ° C. for the catalyst and not lower than the temperature of the reformer at which the final depressurization operation starts (for example, 450 ° C.). As an example, when the reforming catalyst is a ruthenium-based catalyst, the critical value at which carbon deposition from the raw material gas stops is 500 ° C., and the control temperature of the reformer during the hydrogen generation operation of the hydrogen generator 100 is set to 650. When the temperature is around 0 ° C., the temperature range in which the pressure release operation is required is about 630 ° C. to 450 ° C. Accordingly, the condition for shifting to the standby state is that the temperature value of the reformer is not more than a predetermined temperature threshold value (for example, 480 ° C.) of 500 ° C. or less and 450 ° C. or more. Is realized.

[Modification 3]
Next, another modification of the hydrogen generator 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. In the hydrogen generator of Embodiment 3 described above, opening the second valve (second valve 42) provided in the communication path communicating with the atmosphere downstream of the reformer 1 performed a pressure release operation. The depressurization operation is performed by opening a second valve provided in a communication path communicating with the reformer and the atmosphere upstream of the reformer 1. According to the hydrogen generator of this modification, compared with the case where the pressure release operation is performed by opening the downstream communication passage of the reformer 1, the discharge of carbon monoxide contained in the gas path in the hydrogen generator is performed. The amount is reduced. This is because the gas path downstream of the reformer 1 is filled with a hydrogen-containing gas containing carbon monoxide, but the path upstream of the reformer 1 contains a fluid such as a raw material gas, water vapor, or water. This is because they are preferentially discharged in the pressure release operation.

[Configuration of hydrogen generator]
Next, the configuration of the hydrogen generator according to this modification will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a hydrogen generator according to this modification.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the hydrogen generator 100 according to the present modification has the same basic configuration as the hydrogen generator 100 according to Embodiment 1, and therefore only the differences will be described below.

  In the hydrogen generator 100 according to this modification, the deodorizer 11 is provided in the source gas supply path 21 upstream of the first valve 41. The deodorizer 11 is configured to remove odorous components contained in the raw material gas, and may have, for example, activated carbon or a filter. In the present embodiment, the deodorizer 11 is provided between the source gas supply unit 5 and the first valve 41, but if the source gas supply path 21 is upstream of the first valve 41. It may be arranged at any location. For example, it may be upstream of the source gas supply unit 5.

  Further, a pressure relief path 28 branched from the source gas supply path 21 is provided between the first valve 41 of the source gas supply path 21 and the reformer 1, and its downstream end is connected to the recovered water tank 12. Has been. A second valve 42A is provided in the middle of the pressure relief path 28 to permit / block the flow of gas such as a raw material gas that flows through the pressure relief path 28 by its opening and closing operation. The second valve 42A is an example of a “second valve”.

  The recovered water tank 12 is open to the atmosphere, is connected to the combustor 4 via the combustion exhaust gas path 27, and is configured to recover water contained in the combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustor 4. Yes. Specifically, the recovered water tank 12 is configured to store water condensed while flowing through the combustion exhaust gas passage 27. In addition, it is good also as a structure which provides a condenser etc. in the middle of the combustion exhaust gas path | route 27, and stores the water condensed with this condenser.

  And in the hydrogen generator 100 according to this modified example configured as described above, the controller 10 is the same in that the depressurization operation is performed in the same manner as in the third embodiment. The difference is that the second valve 42A is operated in place of the second valve 42.

  For this reason, in the present modification, the “communication path” is composed of the source gas supply path 21 and the pressure release path 28.

  In the present modification, the controller 10 is configured to operate the second valve 42A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the controller 10 operates both the second valve 42 and the second valve 42A. You may comprise.

[Modification 4]
Next, the hydrogen generator 100 according to Modification 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating a schematic configuration of the hydrogen generator 100 according to Modification 4 which is a modification of the hydrogen generator 100 according to Modification 3. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 6 (A) shows the hydrogen generator 100 of Modification 4-1, FIG. 6 (B) shows the hydrogen generator 100 of Modification 4-2, and FIG. The hydrogen generator 100 of the modification 4-3 is shown. FIG. 7A shows the hydrogen generator 100 of Modification 4-4, FIG. 7B shows the hydrogen generator 100 of Modification 4-5, and FIG. 7C shows the modification. The hydrogen generator 100 of Example 4-6 is shown. 9 and 10 are partially omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hydrogen generators 100 of the modified examples 4-1 to 6 have the same basic configuration as the hydrogen generator 100 according to the fourth embodiment, but the raw material gas supply path 21. The connection destination (i.e., the downstream end) is different from the connection source (i.e., the upstream end) of the pressure relief path 28. However, in any of the above modifications, the pressure relief path 28 is provided in a path upstream of the reformer 1 and downstream of the first valve 41 or the third valve 43. Yes.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, in the hydrogen generators 100 of Modifications 4 to 1 to 3, the downstream end of the raw material gas supply path 21 is the water vapor supply path 23. It is connected to the. In the modified example 4-1, the upstream end of the pressure relief path 28 is connected to the path on the downstream side of the first valve 41 of the source gas supply path 21, and in the modified example 4-2, the water supply It is connected to a path downstream of the third valve 43 of the path 22, and in the modified example 4-3, connected to a path downstream of the first valve 41 and the third valve 43 (water vapor supply path 23). Has been.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, in the hydrogen generators 100 of Modifications 4-4 to 6-6, the upstream end of the source gas supply path 21 is connected to the evaporator 2. Yes. In Modification 4-4, the upstream end of the pressure relief path 28 is connected to a path downstream of the first valve 41 of the source gas supply path 21, and in Modification 4-5, water supply It is connected to the path downstream of the third valve 43 of the path 22, and in Modification 4-6, it is connected to the path downstream of the first valve 41 and the third valve 43 (water vapor supply path 23). Has been.

  Also in the hydrogen generators 100 of the present modified examples 4-1 to 6 configured as described above, the same effects as the hydrogen generator 100 according to the modified example 3 are achieved.

(Embodiment 4)
The fourth embodiment of the present invention exemplifies a mode in which the hydrogen utilization device is a fuel cell.

  A fuel cell system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention includes the hydrogen generator according to Embodiment 1 and a fuel cell that generates power using a hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the hydrogen generator.

  Further, also in the fuel cell system of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the raw material gas purge operation, the supplementary pressure operation of the hydrogen generator shown in the first to third embodiments, the first modification, and the second modification, and Any one of the depressurization operations is configured to be executed in the same manner including the transition timing to the standby state.

  As a result, the start-up process is permitted while the hydrogen generator in the fuel cell system is at a higher temperature than before, so that the time required for warm-up is shortened and the start-up performance of the fuel cell system is improved.

[Configuration of fuel cell system]
Next, the configuration of the fuel cell system 200 according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell system 200 according to the fourth embodiment includes a hydrogen generator 100, a fuel cell 101, and a cathode air supplier 13. The fuel cell 101 has an anode 102 and a cathode 103. Further, the fuel cell 101 is configured to supply a fuel gas to the anode 102, and an oxidant gas configured to supply an oxidant gas (here, air) to the cathode 103. A flow path 33 is provided.

  The upstream end of the fuel gas passage 32 of the fuel cell 101 is connected to the reformer 1 via the fuel gas supply passage 24, and the combustor 4 is connected to the downstream end thereof via the anode off-gas passage 29. ing. Further, the cathode air supply unit 13 is connected to the upstream end of the oxidant gas flow path 33 via the cathode air supply path 30, and the cathode off-gas path 31 is connected to the downstream end thereof.

  In the fuel cell 101, the fuel gas supplied to the anode 102 and the air supplied to the cathode react electrochemically to generate electricity and heat. The surplus fuel gas that has not been used at the anode is supplied to the combustor 4, and the surplus oxidant gas that has not been used at the cathode is discharged out of the fuel cell system 200 (in the atmosphere).

  Further, the bypass path 25 connects the downstream path of the fourth valve 44 of the fuel gas supply path 24 and the anode off-gas path 29. A gas-liquid separator 7 is provided in the middle of the anode off gas path 29.

  Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the controller 10 is configured to control not only the hydrogen generator 100 but also other devices that constitute the fuel cell system 200. Then, the controller 10 also has a timing when any one of the raw material gas purge operation, the supplementary pressure operation, and the depressurization operation of the hydrogen generator shown in the first to third embodiments, the first modification, and the second modification shifts to the standby state. It is comprised so that it may perform similarly including.

  For this reason, the fuel cell system 200 according to Embodiment 4 has the same effects as the hydrogen generator 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 3, Modification 1 and Modification 2.

  In addition, in this Embodiment 4, although it was set as the structure provided with the hydrogen generator 100 which concerns on Embodiment 1, it is not limited to this, The hydrogen generator of the hydrogen generator 100 which concerns on the modification 3 and the modification 4 When a pressure relief operation is performed, a part of the pressure that rises in the closed space including the reformer 1 via the pressure relief path provided upstream of the reformer 1 is provided. You may employ | adopt the form open | released to air | atmosphere.

[Modifications According to Embodiments 1 to 4]
In the hydrogen generator and the fuel cell system according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the hydrogen generator 100 is configured to perform any one of the source gas purge, the supplementary pressure operation, and the pressure release operation after the hydrogen generation operation of the hydrogen generator 100 is stopped. However, a mode in which at least two of the above three operations are executed in combination may be adopted. However, when the pressure release operation and the purge operation are included in the combined two or more operations, it is preferable that the pressure release operation is executed in advance of the purge operation.

  Next, as an example, an embodiment in which all of the raw material gas purge, the supplementary pressure operation, and the pressure release operation are performed will be described.

9 (A) and 9 (B) show the operation flow when performing the hydrogen generation operation stop operation and thereafter the above three operations in the hydrogen generation apparatus 100 according to this modification or the fuel cell system including the same. An example,
First, as shown in FIG. 9, as in the first embodiment, the controller 10 stops the operations of the combustor 4, the raw material gas supply device 5, and the water supply device 6 (step S501). The valves 41 to 44 are closed (step S502). Thereby, the supply of the raw material gas and water to the hydrogen generator 100 is stopped, and the operation of sealing the path including the reformer 1 in the hydrogen generator 100 is performed.

  Thereafter, an air supply operation from the air supplier 8 is executed, and the hydrogen generator 100 is cooled by the air flowing through the combustion exhaust gas path (cooling operation of the hydrogen generator). At this time, the controller 10 supplies an operation amount larger than the operation amount of the air supply device 8 during the rated operation of the hydrogen generator 100 (that is, supplied to the combustor 4 during the rated operation of the hydrogen generator 100). The air supply unit 8 is controlled so as to be larger than the air supply amount to be supplied.

  Then, during the cooling operation period of the hydrogen generator, a time after the sealing operation is detected by a timer (not shown) is detected, and the depressurization operation is repeatedly executed periodically at predetermined time intervals. During the cooling operation period, the temperature detector 51 detects the temperature t1 of the reformer (step S504), and when the detected temperature t1 becomes a standby temperature or lower (for example, 500 ° C. or lower) (step S505). Yes), the operation of the air supply device 8 is stopped (step S506). Then, the stop process of the hydrogen generator 100 is completed, and a transition is made to a standby state waiting for the next activation (step S507).

  Then, the controller 10 keeps the pressure until the temperature of the reformer 1 (detected temperature of the temperature detector 51) drops to a temperature (for example, 450 ° C.) that does not require the depressurization operation even after shifting to the standby state. A pulling operation is executed (step S508). The temperature at which the pressure release operation is not required is defined as a switching temperature from the pressure release operation to the next supplementary pressure operation. Then, after the temperature of the reformer 1 (the temperature detected by the temperature detector 51) becomes equal to or lower than the switching temperature, the pressure compensation operation of the hydrogen generator 100 of the second embodiment (step S211 in FIG. 3B). To S212) are repeatedly executed (step S509). When the temperature of the reformer 1 (the temperature detected by the temperature detector 51) becomes equal to or lower than the purgeable temperature, the raw material gas purge operation (see S109 and S110 in FIG. 2) of the hydrogen generator of the first embodiment is performed. (Step S510). Then, even after the raw material gas purge operation is completed, the pressure compensation operation is continuously performed as the temperature of the closed space including the reformer 1 decreases (step S511).

  The above-described operation flow described in the present modification is merely an example, and a combination of at least two or more of the source gas purge, the supplementary pressure operation, and the depressurization operation performed after the hydrogen generation operation of the hydrogen generator 100 is stopped. And the transition timing to the standby state in that case is suitably set in the range which does not impair the meaning of this invention.

  The hydrogen generator according to the present invention and the fuel cell system including the hydrogen generator are allowed to start up when the hydrogen generator is at a higher temperature than before, so the time required for warm-up is shortened and the startability is improved. This is useful in the technical field of fuel cells.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reformer 2 Evaporator 3 Igniter 4 Combustor 5 Raw material gas supply 6 Water supply 7 Gas-liquid separator 8 Air supply 9 Hydrogen generator main body 10 Controller 11 Deodorizer 12 Recovery water tank 13 Cathode air supply 14 Remote controller 21 Raw material gas supply path 22 Water supply path 23 Water vapor supply path 24 Fuel gas supply path 25 Bypass path 26 Combustion air supply path 27 Combustion exhaust gas path 28 Depressurization path 29 Anode off-gas path 30 Cathode air supply path 31 Cathode off-gas path 31 32 Fuel gas flow path 33 Oxidant gas flow path 41 1st valve 42 2nd valve 42A 2nd valve 43 3rd valve 44 4th valve 51 Temperature detector 100 Hydrogen generator 101 Hydrogen utilization apparatus (fuel cell)
102 Anode 103 Cathode 200 Fuel Cell System

Claims (10)

A reformer that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction using a raw material gas; and a controller, and the interior of the closed space rises after a sealing operation in which a path including the reformer is closed. A depressurization operation for releasing the internal pressure to the atmosphere, a supplemental pressure operation for replenishing the closed space with gas to compensate for a decrease in internal pressure due to a temperature decrease, and a raw material gas purge operation for scavenging at least the interior of the reformer with the raw material gas. A hydrogen generator configured to perform at least one of the following:
The controller is a hydrogen generator that is in a standby state waiting for activation of the hydrogen generator before completion of the depressurization operation, before completion of the supplementary pressure operation, or before the source gas purge operation.   The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to execute the supplementary pressure operation in a stop process and to execute the supplemental pressure operation even after shifting to the standby state.   The hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to put the hydrogen generator into the standby state before the start of the pressure compensation operation.   The hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to execute the pressure releasing operation in a stop process and to execute the pressure releasing operation even after shifting to the standby state.   The hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to put the hydrogen generator into the standby state before starting the pressure release operation.   The hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to put the hydrogen generator into the standby state before the start of the source gas purge operation.   The hydrogen generation device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured not to permit activation of the hydrogen generation device before the transition to the standby state. An operating device for instructing the start of operation of the hydrogen generator by a user's operation;
When the operation instruction is input by the operation of the controller by the user before the transition to the standby state,
The hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured not to permit operation of the hydrogen generator. A hydrogen generator according to claim 1;
A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell that generates electric power using a hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the hydrogen generator. The operating device is an operating device for instructing start of operation of the fuel cell system;
When the driving instruction is input by an operation on the controller by a user before the transition to the standby state,
The fuel cell system according to claim 9, wherein the controller does not permit the start of operation of the fuel cell system.

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