JP2010244924A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system for lengthening intervals of maintenance corresponding to clogging of a filter. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system includes: an oxidant condensed water tank 9 storing condensed water obtained by condensing oxidant gas after reaction exhausted from a fuel cell 1; a condensed water supply device 11 supplying the condensed water accumulated in the oxidant condensed water tank 9 to a water purification 10; a removing filter 18 removing foreign matters in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device 11; a pure water supply device 16 supplying pure water generated in the water purification device 10 to a hydrogen generating device 4; and a control device 19. The control device 19 increases the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device 11 according to the clogging state of the removing filter 18 caused by foreign matters, and even when the clogging of the removing filter 18 caused by the foreign matters is generated, the operation of the fuel cell system is continued while the supply shortage of the condensed water is covered by increasing the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system that includes a solid polymer type or phosphoric acid type fuel cell and supplies electricity.

  Fuel cell systems using solid polymer and phosphoric acid fuel cells that generate electricity by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen are produced by a steam reforming reaction using city gas, propane, kerosene and other hydrocarbon raw materials and water. Generator for generating a reducing agent gas containing a large amount of gas, an air supply device for supplying air as an oxidant gas, a reducing agent gas supplied from a hydrogen generator, and an oxidant gas supplied from an air supply device A fuel cell that generates electricity using the above, a condenser that recovers moisture as condensed water from the reducing agent gas and oxidant gas after use in the reaction in the fuel cell, and condensed water that stores the condensed water recovered by the condenser It consists of a tank and a deionizer for removing the impurities of the collected condensed water and reusing it as pure water.

  The generated pure water is supplied to the hydrogen generator and used for the steam reforming reaction. As described above, in the fuel cell system, the operation is generally performed in an independent system in the use and recovery of water.

  As described above, in the conventional fuel cell system, the use / recovery of water is repeatedly circulated in the system, but the condensate tank in which the condensate is stored is connected to the atmosphere, so that foreign matter such as dust can enter the Can not be prevented. Therefore, when using condensed water, the filter for removing a foreign material becomes indispensable (for example, refer patent document 1).

JP 2006-179373 A

  However, the removal of foreign matters by the filter causes the filter to become clogged by operating the fuel cell system for a long period of time and cause various abnormalities. It is necessary to maintain the filter regularly and to enlarge the filter. Met.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system capable of widening a maintenance interval corresponding to filter clogging and reducing the size of the filter.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a condensed water supply device that supplies condensed water stored in a condensed water tank to a deionizer, and a removal that removes foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device. A filter and a controller that increases the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device according to the degree of clogging of the removal filter due to foreign substances are provided.

  According to the present invention, the supply capacity of the condensate supply device increases in accordance with the clogging of the removal filter. Therefore, even when the removal filter is clogged with foreign matters such as dust in the condensed water, the supply amount of the condensate is insufficient. The fuel cell system can be continuously operated as long as the supply capacity of the condensate supply device can be increased.

  This makes it possible to widen the necessary maintenance interval and reduce maintenance work in installing the fuel cell system. Further, when the maintenance interval is sufficient, the filter can be miniaturized instead of increasing the required maintenance interval, and the cost of the fuel cell system and the filter size can be reduced.

  In order to achieve the above object, another aspect of the present invention provides a condensed water supply device that supplies condensed water flowing out from a drain of a condensed water tank to a deionizer, and the vicinity of the outlet of the condensed water tank. A water level sensor provided in the condensed water tank for measuring the water level of the condensed water tank, and provided in the condensed water tank so as to surround the drain port and the water level sensor of the condensed water tank. A protective filter that removes foreign matter in the supplied condensed water and protects the water level sensor from foreign matter in the condensed water, and tap water that is opened when the condensed water in the condensed water tank is insufficient is placed in the condensed water tank. A water supply valve to be replenished, and a controller for controlling each device, and the controller stops the operation of the condensed water supply device after detecting a decrease in the water level of the condensed water tank by the water level sensor. If further the drawdown of the condensed water tank is detected continuously for a predetermined period of time, it is to replenish the tap water by the water supply valve.

  According to the present invention, the protective filter that protects the water level sensor from the foreign matter in the condensed water has the function of a removal filter that removes the foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device. The protection filter that protects against foreign matter and the removal filter that removes foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device can be configured by one filter. Thereby, it becomes a simple structure and it becomes possible to reduce the work man-hour at the time of maintenance, such as cost and filter cleaning.

  By the way, if the protective filter that protects the water level sensor from foreign matter in the condensed water has the function of a removal filter that removes foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device, the protective filter is operated by the operation of the condensed water supply device. The water level inside the protective filter tends to be lower than the water level outside the protective filter, and the smaller the mesh size of the protective filter, or the more clogged with foreign matter in the protective filter, the more inside and outside the protective filter. The difference in water level becomes large, and even if the condensed water supply device stops operating, the time required until the difference in water level between the inside and outside of the protective filter disappears.

  In addition, the water level sensor detects (measures) the water level inside the protective filter, so the smaller the mesh size of the protective filter, or the more clogged by foreign matter in the protective filter, the more the operation of the condensed water supply device When the water level is detected (measured) by the water level sensor, it is determined that the condensate in the condensate tank is insufficient compared to the actual level. Even if a sufficient amount of condensed water is stored in the condensed water tank, there is a high possibility that tap water will be supplied to the condensed water tank.

  Therefore, when the water level at which the water supply valve should be activated is detected, the operation of the condensate supply device is stopped and the system waits for a predetermined time, thereby eliminating the water level difference between the inside and outside of the protective filter caused by clogging of the protective filter. Or a water level difference can be made small and the unnecessary water supply of the tap water to a condensed water tank can be prevented. As a result, the load on the deionizer can be reduced, and the necessary maintenance interval can be increased.

  Even when the operation of the condensate supply device is stopped and waits for a predetermined time when the water level at which the water supply valve should be activated is detected, the pure water generated by the deionizer is stored in the deionized water tank. If the pure water stored in the tank is configured to be supplied to the hydrogen generator and a sufficient amount of pure water is stored in the pure water tank, there is no possibility that the supply of pure water to the hydrogen generator will be interrupted.

  In order to achieve the above object, yet another aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell that generates power using a reducing agent gas supplied from a hydrogen generator and an oxidant gas supplied from an air supply device. A reducing agent condenser for condensing the reducing agent gas after reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water, a reducing agent condensed water tank for storing condensed water obtained by the reducing agent condenser, and the fuel An oxidant condenser that condenses the oxidant gas after the reaction discharged from the battery to obtain condensed water, an oxidant condensate water tank that stores the condensed water obtained by the oxidant condenser, and pure water from the condensed water. A condensate water supply device for supplying to the vessel, a reducing agent water level sensor for measuring the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank, and the condensate water provided near or near the drain outlet at the bottom of the oxidant condensate water tank Differences in condensed water supplied to the feeder A drainage filter connecting the drainage port of the oxidant condensate water tank and a drainage port at the bottom of the reducing agent condensate water tank, a drainage valve installed in the drainage channel, and the drainage A condensate water supply path connecting the drainage path between the valve and the drain outlet of the oxidant condensate water tank and the condensate water supply device; and a controller for controlling each device; The tank is disposed at a position higher than the oxidant condensate water tank, and the controller detects a rise in the water level of the reductant condensate water tank by the reductant water level sensor, opens the drain valve, If the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank does not drop even after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening, the condensate water supply device is operated to drain the reducing agent condensate water tank.

  According to the present invention, when an increase in the level of the reducing agent condensate water tank is detected by the reducing agent water level sensor, the drain outlet at the bottom of the reducing agent condensate water tank and the drain outlet at the bottom of the oxidant condensate water tank are connected. The drain valve installed in the drainage channel opens. At this time, since the reducing agent condensate water tank is positioned higher than the oxidant condensate water tank, when the drain valve is opened, the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank and the water level of the oxidant condensate water tank are the same. Thus, the condensed water in the reducing agent condensed water tank flows into the oxidizing agent condensed water tank, and the water level of the reducing agent condensed water tank decreases. At this time, the rate at which the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank decreases decreases as the removal filter becomes clogged with foreign matter. If the water level in the reducing agent condensate water tank does not drop even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drain valve was opened, the condensate water supply device is operated to drain the reducing agent condensate water tank. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the drainage failure of the reducing agent condensate water tank.

  Thereby, a necessary maintenance interval can be widened. When the maintenance interval is sufficient, the filter can be miniaturized instead of increasing the necessary maintenance interval, and the cost of the fuel cell system and the filter size can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, even when the removal filter is clogged with foreign matters such as dust in the condensed water, the fuel cell can be used as long as the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device can cope with the insufficient supply amount of the condensed water. System operation can be continued. This makes it possible to widen the necessary maintenance interval and reduce maintenance work in installing the fuel cell system. Further, when the maintenance interval is sufficient, the filter can be miniaturized instead of increasing the required maintenance interval, and the cost of the fuel cell system and the filter size can be reduced.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the protection filter that protects the water level sensor from foreign matter in the condensed water and the removal filter that removes foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device can be configured by one filter. it can. Thereby, it becomes a simple structure and it becomes possible to reduce the work man-hour at the time of maintenance, such as cost and filter cleaning. In addition, unnecessary water supply to the condensed water tank can be prevented. As a result, the load on the deionizer can be reduced, and the necessary maintenance interval can be increased.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, defective drainage of the reducing agent condensate water tank caused by clogging of foreign substances in the removal filter can be suppressed, so that necessary maintenance intervals can be widened. When the maintenance interval is sufficient, the filter can be miniaturized instead of increasing the necessary maintenance interval, and the cost of the fuel cell system and the filter size can be reduced.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. System configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention System configuration diagram of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen generating device that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using a raw material and water, an air supply device that supplies an oxidizing gas, and a reducing agent gas that is supplied from the hydrogen generating device. A fuel cell that generates electricity using the oxidant gas supplied from the air supply device, and a condensation that condenses the reduced gas after reaction or the oxidant gas after reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water , A condensed water tank that stores the condensed water obtained by the condenser, a condensed water supply device that supplies the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank to a pure water device, and the condensed water supply device A removal filter that removes foreign matter in the condensed water, a pure water tank that stores pure water generated by the pure water device, and a pure water supply device that supplies the pure water stored in the pure water tank to the hydrogen generator And a controller for controlling each device. The controller is a fuel cell system, characterized in that to increase the supply capacity of the condensed water supplying apparatus in accordance with the clogging degree of the removal filter due to foreign matter.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device increases in accordance with the clogging of the removal filter. Therefore, even when the removal filter is clogged with foreign matters such as dust in the condensed water, the supply amount of the condensed water While the shortage can be dealt with by increasing the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device, the operation of the fuel cell system can be continued.

  This makes it possible to widen the necessary maintenance interval and reduce maintenance work in installing the fuel cell system. Further, when the maintenance interval is sufficient, the filter can be miniaturized instead of increasing the required maintenance interval, and the cost of the fuel cell system and the filter size can be reduced.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen generator that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using a raw material and water, an air supply device that supplies an oxidant gas, and a reducing agent gas that is supplied from the hydrogen generator. A fuel cell that generates electricity using the oxidant gas supplied from the air supply device, and a condensation that condenses the reduced gas after reaction or the oxidant gas after reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water A condensate water tank for storing the condensate water obtained by the condenser, a condensate water supply device for supplying the condensate water flowing out from the drain port of the condensate water tank to the deionizer, and drainage of the condensate water tank A water level sensor provided in the condensate tank near the mouth for measuring the water level of the condensate tank; and the condensate tank provided in the condensate tank so as to surround the drain port and the water level sensor of the condensate tank. Water supply equipment A protective filter that removes foreign matter in the supplied condensed water and protects the water level sensor from foreign matter in the condensed water, and tap water that is opened when the condensed water in the condensed water tank is insufficient is placed in the condensed water tank. A water supply valve for replenishing, a pure water tank for storing pure water generated by the pure water device, a pure water supply device for supplying pure water stored in the pure water tank to the hydrogen generator, and each device A controller for controlling, after the water level sensor detects a decrease in the water level of the condensed water tank, the controller stops the operation of the condensed water supply device, and further reduces the water level of the condensed water tank to a predetermined level. In the fuel cell system, tap water is replenished by the water supply valve when it is detected continuously.

  According to the second invention, the protective filter that protects the water level sensor from the foreign matter in the condensed water has the function of a removal filter that removes the foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device. The protection filter that protects against foreign matter in the condensed water and the removal filter that removes foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device can be configured as a single filter. Thereby, it becomes a simple structure and it becomes possible to reduce the work man-hour at the time of maintenance, such as cost and filter cleaning.

  By the way, if the protective filter that protects the water level sensor from foreign matter in the condensed water has the function of a removal filter that removes foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device, the protective filter is operated by the operation of the condensed water supply device. The water level inside the protective filter tends to be lower than the water level outside the protective filter, and the smaller the mesh size of the protective filter, or the more clogged with foreign matter in the protective filter, the more inside and outside the protective filter. The difference in water level becomes large, and even if the condensed water supply device stops operating, the time required until the difference in water level between the inside and outside of the protective filter disappears.

  In addition, the water level sensor detects (measures) the water level inside the protective filter, so the smaller the mesh size of the protective filter, or the more clogged by foreign matter in the protective filter, the more the operation of the condensed water supply device When the water level is detected (measured) by the water level sensor, it is determined that the condensate in the condensate tank is insufficient compared to the actual level. Even if a sufficient amount of condensed water is stored in the condensed water tank, there is a high possibility that tap water will be supplied to the condensed water tank.

  Therefore, when the water level at which the water supply valve should be activated is detected, the operation of the condensate supply device is stopped and the system waits for a predetermined time, thereby eliminating the water level difference between the inside and outside of the protective filter caused by clogging of the protective filter. Or a water level difference can be made small and the unnecessary water supply of the tap water to a condensed water tank can be prevented. As a result, the load on the deionizer can be reduced, and the necessary maintenance interval can be increased.

  Even when the operation of the condensate supply device is stopped and waits for a predetermined time when the water level at which the water supply valve should be activated is detected, the pure water generated by the deionizer is stored in the deionized water tank. Therefore, if a sufficient amount of pure water is stored in the pure water tank, there is no possibility that the supply of pure water to the hydrogen generator is interrupted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen generator that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using a raw material and water, an air supply device that supplies an oxidant gas, and a reducing agent gas that is supplied from the hydrogen generator. A fuel cell that generates electricity using an oxidant gas supplied from the air supply device; a reducing agent condenser that condenses the reducing agent gas after reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water; and the reduction A reducing agent condensed water tank for storing condensed water obtained by the oxidizing agent condenser, an oxidizing agent condenser for condensing the oxidizing gas after reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water, and the oxidizing agent condenser An oxidant condensate water tank that stores the condensate water obtained in step 1, a condensate supply device that supplies the condensate water to a deionizer, a reductant level sensor that measures the water level of the reductant condensate water tank, and the oxidant Drain port at the bottom of the condensate tank or the drain A removal filter for removing foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensate water supply device and the drain port of the oxidant condensate water tank and the drain port at the bottom of the reducing agent condensate water tank. A condensate water supply path for connecting the condensate water supply device and a drainage path between the drainage valve installed in the drainage path, the drainage valve and the drainage port of the oxidizer condensate water tank A pure water tank that stores the pure water generated by the pure water device, a pure water supply device that supplies the pure water stored in the pure water tank to the hydrogen generator, and a controller that controls each device The reducing agent condensate water tank is disposed at a position higher than the oxidant condensate water tank, and the controller detects an increase in the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank by the reducing agent water level sensor. Open the drain valve and the drain When the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank does not drop even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the fuel cell system, the condensate water supply device is operated to drain the reducing agent condensate water tank. is there.

  According to the third invention, when the reducing agent water level sensor detects an increase in the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank, the drain outlet at the bottom of the reducing agent condensate water tank and the drain outlet at the bottom of the oxidant condensate water tank are provided. The drain valve installed in the drainage path to be connected opens. At this time, since the reducing agent condensate water tank is positioned higher than the oxidant condensate water tank, when the drain valve is opened, the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank and the water level of the oxidant condensate water tank are the same. Thus, the condensed water in the reducing agent condensed water tank flows into the oxidizing agent condensed water tank, and the water level of the reducing agent condensed water tank decreases. At this time, the rate at which the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank decreases decreases as the removal filter becomes clogged with foreign matter. If the water level in the reducing agent condensate water tank does not drop even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drain valve was opened, the condensate water supply device is operated to drain the reducing agent condensate water tank. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the drainage failure of the reducing agent condensate water tank.

  Thereby, a necessary maintenance interval can be widened. When the maintenance interval is sufficient, the filter can be miniaturized instead of increasing the necessary maintenance interval, and the cost of the fuel cell system and the filter size can be reduced.

  Embodiments of a fuel cell system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment includes a fuel cell 1, a reducing agent gas supply path 2 that is connected to the fuel cell 1 and supplies a reducing agent gas, and an oxidant that is connected to the fuel cell 1. An oxidant gas supply path 3 for supplying gas, a hydrogen generator 4 connected to the reductant gas supply path 2 for generating a reductant gas containing hydrogen, and an oxidant gas connected to the oxidant gas supply path 3 An air supply device 5 that supplies air, a reducing agent gas exhaust path 6 that exhausts the reducing agent gas after reaction in the fuel cell 1, and an oxidant gas exhaust path 7 that exhausts the oxidant gas after reaction in the fuel cell 1. And an oxidant condenser 8 connected to the oxidant gas exhaust path 7 for condensing and recovering moisture in the oxidant gas after reaction, an oxidant condensed water tank 9, a pure water device 10, and a pure water device 10 A condensed water supply device 11 for supplying condensed water to The condensed water supply path 12 connected to the deionizer 10 from the drain outlet at the bottom of the condensing agent condensate tank 9 through the condensed water supply device 11, and the pure water tank 13 connected to the deionizer 10 for storing pure water. A pure water path 14, a pure water level sensor 15 that detects the water level of the pure water tank 13, a pure water supply device 16 that supplies pure water from the pure water tank 13 to the hydrogen generator 4, and a pure water supply path 17. The removal filter 18 installed in the condensed water supply path | route 12 between the drain outlet of the bottom part of the oxidizing agent condensed water tank 9 and the condensed water supply apparatus 11 and the controller 19 are provided.

  The operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  In the fuel cell 1, such as air containing a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen supplied from the reducing agent gas supply path 2 by the hydrogen generation device 4 and oxygen supplied from the oxidant gas supply path 3 by the air supply device 5. Power generation is performed by an electrochemical reaction with the oxidant gas, and the reductant gas and the oxidant gas after being used for power generation are exhausted from the reductant gas exhaust path 6 and the oxidant gas exhaust path 7, respectively.

  In the hydrogen generator 4, a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen is generated from a hydrocarbon-based raw material such as city gas, propane gas, or kerosene by a steam reforming reaction or the like and supplied to the fuel cell 1. As the fuel cell 1, a solid polymer type or a phosphoric acid type is mainly used, and as the air supply device 5, a reciprocating pump, a turbo fan, a scroll fan or the like is mainly used.

  The oxidant gas after being used for the reaction in the fuel cell 1 is separated into gas and liquid by the vapor in the gas being condensed in the oxidant condenser 8 installed in the oxidant gas exhaust path 7 to condense the oxidant. Condensed water is stored in the water tank 9. As the oxidant condenser 8, a plate heat exchanger, a double tube heat exchanger, or the like is mainly used.

  The condensed water stored in the oxidant condensed water tank 9 removes foreign matters such as dust with a removal filter 18 installed in the condensed water supply path 12 and then is sent to the deionizer 10 by the condensed water supply device 11. Various ions are removed and stored in the pure water tank 13. As the condensed water supply device 11, a centrifugal pump, a mixed flow pump, a reciprocating pump, or the like is mainly used. As the pure water device 10, an ion exchange resin, a reverse osmosis membrane, or the like is mainly used.

  The pure water stored in the pure water tank 13 is supplied to the hydrogen generator 4 via the pure water supply path 17 by the pure water supply device 16 and used for the steam reforming reaction. As the pure water supply device 16, a centrifugal pump, a mixed flow pump, a reciprocating pump, or the like is mainly used.

  The electric power generated by the fuel cell 1 is converted from direct current power to alternating current power by a power conversion device (not shown) and the voltage is adjusted, and is supplied to a power load such as an electric lamp or various electric devices. The power load is connected to the commercial power system of an electric power company such as a thermal power plant together with the output power from the fuel cell system, and uses both powers as necessary. These devices are controlled by the controller 19 to control temperature, gas supply amount, power generation amount, and the like.

  The controller 19 monitors the water level of the pure water tank 13 with the pure water level sensor 15, detects a decrease in the level of pure water due to use in the hydrogen generator 4, and operates the condensed water supply device 11 to operate the pure water tank. The 13 water level is maintained within a predetermined range. As the pure water level sensor 15, a float sensor, an optical interface sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like is mainly used.

  Further, when the water level in the pure water tank 13 does not recover within a predetermined time after the operation of the condensed water supply device 11, the controller 19 may cause the removal filter 18 to be clogged with foreign matters such as dust in the condensed water. Therefore, an instruction to increase the control voltage, the control frequency, etc. is executed to the condensed water supply device 11 so that the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device 11 is increased.

  The fuel cell system of the present embodiment is supplied from a hydrogen generator 4 that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using raw materials and water, an air supply device 5 that supplies an oxidant gas, and a hydrogen generator 4. Fuel cell 1 that generates electric power using the reducing agent gas that is generated and the oxidant gas that is supplied from the air supply device 5, and the oxidation that condenses the oxidant gas after the reaction discharged from the fuel cell 1 to obtain condensed water The condensate condenser 8, the oxidant condensate water tank 9 that stores the condensate obtained by the oxidant condenser 8, and the condensed water supply device that supplies the condensate water stored in the oxidant condensate water tank 9 to the pure water device 10 11, a removal filter 18 for removing foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device 11, a pure water tank 13 for storing pure water generated by the pure water device 10, and a pure water tank 13. Pure water supply device for supplying pure water to the hydrogen generator 4 6 and a controller 19 that controls each device. The controller 19 increases the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device 11 according to the degree of clogging of the removal filter 18 by foreign matter. Since the supply capacity of the condensed water supply device 11 increases in accordance with the clogging, even if the removal filter 18 is clogged with foreign matter such as dust in the condensed water, the supply of the condensed water supply device 11 will indicate that the supply amount of the condensed water is insufficient. The fuel cell system can continue to operate as long as the capacity can be increased.

  This makes it possible to widen the necessary maintenance interval and reduce maintenance work in installing the fuel cell system. Further, when the maintenance interval is sufficient, the filter can be miniaturized instead of increasing the required maintenance interval, and the cost of the fuel cell system and the filter size can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, as the condenser and the condensed water tank, a system for recovering water from the oxidant gas is illustrated, but this water recovery is not limited to the oxidant gas but is recovered from the reducing agent gas. The apparatus which employ | adopted.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is provided about the component similar to Embodiment 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell system in the present embodiment detects the water level of the oxidant condensate water tank 9 provided in the oxidant condensate water tank 9 above the bottom drain outlet of the oxidant condensate water tank 9. (Measurement) Condensate water level sensor 20, a protective filter provided to surround the condensate water level sensor 20 and the bottom drain outlet of the oxidant condensate water tank 9 and protect the condensate water level sensor 20 from foreign substances in the condensed water 21, a water supply path 22 that is connected to the oxidant condensate water tank 9 and supplies tap water from a water pipe, and a water supply valve 23 that opens and closes the water supply path 22. The protection filter 21 also has the function of the removal filter 18 in the first embodiment, and the removal filter is abolished in the present embodiment.

  The operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  The controller 19 monitors the water level of the oxidant condensate water tank 9 by means of the condensate water level sensor 20, detects a decrease in the water level of the condensate water due to the operation of the condensate water supply device 11, and opens the water supply valve 23 to cause the oxidant to open. The water level of the condensed water tank 9 is maintained within a predetermined range.

  First, after detecting the water level at which the water supply valve 23 should be operated by the condensed water level sensor 23, the operation is stopped if the condensed water supply device 11 is in operation, and the water level by the condensed water level sensor 23 is again measured after a predetermined time. Water supply is performed by the water supply valve 23 only when the water level is to activate the water supply valve 23. As the condensed water level sensor 20, a float sensor, an optical interface sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like is mainly used.

  Since the protective filter 21 in the present embodiment has a function of removing foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device 11, the protective filter 21 is disposed inside the protective filter 21 during the operation of the condensed water supply device 11. The water level tends to be lower than the water level outside the protective filter 21, and the smaller the mesh size of the protective filter 21, or the more clogging of the protective filter 21 due to foreign matter, the more inside and outside the protective filter 21. The difference in the water level increases, and the time required from when the operation of the condensed water supply device 11 stops until the difference between the water levels inside and outside the protective filter 21 disappears becomes longer.

  Further, since the condensed water level sensor 20 detects (measures) the water level inside the protective filter 21, the smaller the mesh size of the protective filter 21, or the greater the clogging of the protective filter 21 with foreign matter, During the operation of the condensed water supply device 11, it is determined by the water level detection (measurement) by the condensed water level sensor 20 that the condensed water in the oxidant condensed water tank 9 is insufficient compared to the actual condition. If tap water is supplied to the oxidant condensate water tank 9 immediately after the condensate water shortage is detected, the tap water in the oxidant condensate water tank 9 is stored even though a sufficient amount of condensate is stored in the oxidant condensate water tank 9. Is likely to be replenished.

  Therefore, when the condensate water level sensor 20 detects the water level at which the water supply valve 23 should be activated, the operation of the condensate supply device 11 is stopped and a predetermined time is waited, thereby protecting the protective filter 21 due to foreign matter clogging. The difference in water level between the inside and outside of the filter 21 can be eliminated or the water level difference can be reduced, and unnecessary water supply can be prevented.

  Even when the operation of the condensed water supply device 11 is stopped and a predetermined time is waited when the water level at which the water supply valve 23 should be activated is detected, the pure water generated by the deionizer 10 is stored in the pure water tank 13. Since the pure water stored in the pure water tank 13 is supplied to the hydrogen generator 4, if a sufficient amount of pure water is stored in the pure water tank 13, the pure water to the hydrogen generator 4 is stored. There is no risk of supply disruption.

  The fuel cell system of the present embodiment is supplied from a hydrogen generator 4 that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using raw materials and water, an air supply device 5 that supplies an oxidant gas, and a hydrogen generator 4. Fuel cell 1 that generates electric power using the reducing agent gas that is generated and the oxidant gas that is supplied from the air supply device 5, and the oxidation that condenses the oxidant gas after the reaction discharged from the fuel cell 1 to obtain condensed water The oxidant condenser 8, the oxidant condensate water tank 9 that stores the condensate obtained by the oxidant condenser 8, and the condensate water that flows out from the drain outlet at the bottom of the oxidant condensate water tank 9 are supplied to the pure water device 10 A condensate water supply device 11, a condensate water level sensor 20 provided in the oxidant condensate water tank 9 in the vicinity of the drain of the oxidant condensate water tank 9 for measuring the water level of the oxidant condensate water tank 9, an oxidant The drain outlet at the bottom of the condensate tank 9 and the condensate water level A protective filter 21 provided in the oxidant condensed water tank 9 so as to surround the sensor 20 and removing foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device 11 and protecting the condensed water level sensor 20 from foreign matter in the condensed water; A water supply valve 23 that is opened when the condensate in the oxidant condensate water tank 9 is insufficient, and replenishes tap water into the oxidant condensate water tank 9, and a pure water tank that stores pure water generated by the deionizer 10. 13, a pure water supply device 16 that supplies the pure water stored in the pure water tank 13 to the hydrogen generator 4, and a controller 19 that controls each device. The controller 19 includes a condensed water level sensor 20. After detecting the water level drop of the oxidant condensate water tank 9, the operation of the condensate water supply device 11 is stopped, and when the water level drop of the oxidant condensate water tank 9 is continuously detected for a predetermined time, the water supply valve 23 Tap water It is intended to supply.

  According to the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, the protective filter 21 that protects the condensed water level sensor 20 from foreign matter in the condensed water removes the foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device 11. Therefore, the protection filter that protects the condensed water level sensor 20 from foreign matter in the condensed water and the removal filter that removes foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device 11 can be configured as a single filter. it can. Thereby, it becomes a simple structure and it becomes possible to reduce the work man-hour at the time of maintenance, such as cost and filter cleaning.

  Furthermore, when the water level at which the water supply valve 23 is to be operated is detected, the operation of the condensed water supply device 11 is stopped and a predetermined time is waited. The water level difference can be eliminated or the water level difference can be reduced, and unnecessary water supply to the oxidant condensate water tank 9 can be prevented. Thereby, the load to the deionizer 10 can be reduced, and the necessary maintenance interval can be widened.

  In this embodiment, as the condenser and the condensed water tank, a system for recovering water from the oxidant gas is illustrated, but this water recovery is not limited to the oxidant gas but is recovered from the reducing agent gas. The apparatus which employ | adopted.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is provided about the component similar to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment is connected to the reducing agent gas exhaust path 6 and condenses and recovers the moisture in the reducing agent gas after the reaction, and the reducing agent condensation. A drainage path that connects the water tank 25, the reducing agent water level sensor 26 that detects the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25, and the bottom drain port of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 and the bottom drain port of the oxidant condensate water tank 9. 27 and a drain valve 28 installed in the drain path 27, and the condensed water supply path 12 is connected to the drain path 27 between the drain valve 28 and the bottom drain port of the oxidant condensed water tank 9.

  The operation of the fuel cell system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  The controller 19 monitors the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 with the reducing agent water level sensor 26, detects the rise in the water level of the condensed water collected by the reducing agent condenser 24, opens the drain valve 28, and condenses the reducing agent. The water level of the water tank 25 is maintained within a predetermined range.

  First, after the water level at which the drain valve 28 should be operated is detected by the reducing agent water level sensor 26, the drain valve 28 is opened. When the water level by the reducing agent water level sensor 26 is the water level at which the drain valve 28 should be actuated again after a predetermined time has elapsed, the condensed water supply device 11 is operated to drain the reducing agent condensed water tank 25. As the reducing agent water level sensor 26, a float sensor, an optical interface sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like is mainly used.

The fuel cell system of the present embodiment is
A hydrogen generator 4 that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using a raw material and water, an air supply device 5 that supplies an oxidizing gas, and a reducing agent gas and an air supply device 5 that are supplied from the hydrogen generator 4 A fuel cell 1 that generates electricity using an oxidant gas supplied from the fuel cell, a reducing agent condenser 24 that condenses the reducing agent gas after the reaction discharged from the fuel cell 1 to obtain condensed water, and a reducing agent condenser. 24, the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 that stores the condensed water obtained in 24, the oxidant condenser 8 that condenses the oxidant gas after the reaction discharged from the fuel cell 1 to obtain condensed water, and the oxidant condenser 8 The condensate water tank 9 for storing the condensate water obtained in the above, the condensate water supply device 11 for supplying the condensate water to the deionizer 10, and the condensate water collected in the oxidant condensate water tank 9 for the deionizer 10 Condensed water supply device 11 for supplying water to the reducing agent condensed water tank 25 A reductant water level sensor 26 that measures the water level, a condensate water level sensor 20 that measures the water level in the oxidant condensate water tank 9 provided in the oxidant condensate water tank 9 near the bottom outlet of the oxidant condensate water tank 9, and The foreign water in the condensed water that is provided in the oxidant condensed water tank 9 and is supplied to the condensed water supply device 11 so as to surround the drain outlet of the oxidant condensed water tank 9 and the condensed water level sensor 20 is removed and the condensed water level is A drainage path 27 that connects the protective filter 21 that also serves as a removal filter that protects the sensor 20 from foreign matter in the condensed water, and the drain outlet at the bottom of the oxidant condensate water tank 9 and the drain outlet at the bottom of the reductant condensate water tank 25. And a drain valve 28 installed in the drainage path 27, a drainage path 27 between the drainage valve 28 and the drainage port at the bottom of the oxidant condensate water tank 9, and a condensing connecting the suction side of the condensed water supply device 11 A supply path 12, a pure water tank 13 for storing pure water generated by the pure water device 10, a pure water supply device 16 for supplying pure water stored in the pure water tank 13 to the hydrogen generator 4, and each device The reducing agent condensate water tank 25 is disposed at a position higher than the oxidant condensate water tank 9, and the controller 19 uses a reducing agent water level sensor 26 to control the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25. When the rise is detected and the drain valve 28 is opened, and the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 does not decrease even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drain valve 28 is opened, the condensate water supply device 11 is operated to reduce the condensing water tank. 25 drainage is performed.

  According to the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, when the reducing agent water level sensor 26 detects an increase in the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25, the drain outlet at the bottom of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 and the oxidant condensate water tank. The drain valve 28 installed in the drainage path 27 connecting the drain outlet at the bottom of 9 opens. At this time, since the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 is disposed at a position higher than the oxidant condensate water tank 9, when the drain valve 28 is opened, the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 and the oxidant condensate water tank 9 The condensed water in the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 flows into the oxidant condensate water tank 9 so that the water level becomes the same, and the water level in the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 decreases. At this time, the rate at which the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 decreases decreases as the amount of clogging of the protective filter 21 by foreign matter increases. When the water level in the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 does not drop even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drain valve 28 is opened, the condensate water supply device 11 is operated to drain the reducing agent condensate water tank 25, so that the protective filter Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the drainage failure of the reducing agent condensate water tank 25 caused by the clogging of the foreign matter into 21.

  Thereby, a necessary maintenance interval can be widened. When the maintenance interval is sufficient, the filter can be miniaturized instead of increasing the necessary maintenance interval, and the cost of the fuel cell system and the filter size can be reduced.

  The fuel cell system of the present invention is useful as, for example, a household fuel cell cogeneration system because the maintenance interval corresponding to filter clogging can be extended and the filter can be downsized.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell 4 Hydrogen generator 5 Air supply device 8 Oxidant condenser 9 Oxidant condensate water tank 10 Pure water device 11 Condensate water supply device 12 Condensate water supply path 13 Pure water tank 16 Pure water supply device 18 Removal filter 19 Control 20 Condensate water level sensor 21 Protective filter 23 Water supply valve 24 Reductant condenser 25 Reductant condensate water tank 26 Reductant water level sensor 27 Drain path 28 Drain valve

Claims (3)

A hydrogen generator that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using raw materials and water, an air supply device that supplies an oxidant gas, a reducing agent gas that is supplied from the hydrogen generator, and a supply that is supplied from the air supply device A fuel cell that generates electric power using the oxidant gas that is generated, a condenser that condenses the reduced gas after reaction or the oxidant gas after reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water, and the condenser The condensed water tank that stores the condensed water obtained in step 1, the condensed water supply device that supplies the condensed water stored in the condensed water tank to the deionizer, and foreign substances in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device are removed. A deionizing filter, a deionized water tank for storing deionized water generated by the deionizer, a deionized water supply device for supplying deionized water stored in the deionized water tank to the hydrogen generator, and controlling each device A controller for Fuel cell system, characterized in that to increase the supply capacity of the condensed water supplying apparatus in accordance with the clogging degree of the removal filter due to foreign matter. A hydrogen generator that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using raw materials and water, an air supply device that supplies an oxidant gas, a reducing agent gas that is supplied from the hydrogen generator, and a supply that is supplied from the air supply device A fuel cell that generates electric power using the oxidant gas that is generated, a condenser that condenses the reduced gas after reaction or the oxidant gas after reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water, and the condenser A condensed water tank for storing the condensed water obtained in step (b), a condensed water supply device for supplying condensed water flowing out from the drain outlet of the condensed water tank to a deionizer, and the condensed water near the outlet of the condensed water tank. A water level sensor provided in the tank for measuring the water level of the condensed water tank; and provided in the condensed water tank so as to surround the drain outlet and the water level sensor of the condensed water tank and supplied to the condensed water supply device. Condensation A protective filter that removes foreign matter and protects the water level sensor from foreign matter in the condensed water, and a water supply valve that is opened when the condensed water in the condensed water tank is insufficient and replenishes tap water into the condensed water tank A pure water tank that stores the pure water generated by the pure water device, a pure water supply device that supplies the pure water stored in the pure water tank to the hydrogen generator, and a controller that controls each device And the controller stops the operation of the condensed water supply device after detecting a decrease in the water level of the condensed water tank by the water level sensor, and further continues the lowering of the water level of the condensed water tank for a predetermined time. When it detects, the fuel cell system characterized by replenishing tap water with the said water supply valve. A hydrogen generator that generates a reducing agent gas containing hydrogen using raw materials and water, an air supply device that supplies an oxidant gas, a reducing agent gas that is supplied from the hydrogen generator, and a supply that is supplied from the air supply device Obtained by the fuel cell for generating power using the oxidant gas generated, the reducing agent condenser for condensing the reducing agent gas after the reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water, and the reducing agent condenser. A reducing agent condensed water tank for storing the condensed water, an oxidant condenser for condensing the oxidant gas after reaction discharged from the fuel cell to obtain condensed water, and the condensed water obtained by the oxidant condenser An oxidant condensate water tank, a condensate supply device for supplying condensate to the deionizer, a reductant water level sensor for measuring the water level of the reductant condensate water tank, and a bottom of the oxidant condensate water tank. Provided in the vicinity of the drain or the drain A removal filter for removing foreign matter in the condensed water supplied to the condensed water supply device, and a drainage path connecting the drainage port of the oxidant condensate water tank and the drainage port at the bottom of the reducing agent condensate water tank; A drainage valve installed in the drainage path, a drainage path between the drainage valve and the drainage port of the oxidant condensate water tank, and a condensed water supply path for connecting the condensed water supply device; A pure water tank for storing pure water generated by the water device, a pure water supply device for supplying the pure water stored in the pure water tank to the hydrogen generator, and a controller for controlling each device, The reducing agent condensate water tank is disposed at a position higher than the oxidant condensate water tank, and the controller detects a rise in the water level of the reducing agent condensate water tank by the reducing agent water level sensor and opens the drain valve. , Predetermined from the opening of the drain valve The fuel cell system if after time does not lower the level of the reducing agent condensed water tank and performs drainage of the reducing agent condensed water tank by operating the condensed water supplying device.

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