JP2011165338A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system which takes measures in the case that a water level of a water accumulation part increases or decreases unexpectedly due to an abnormality of a valve. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system S includes: a fuel cell 12; and a water supply device 30 having the water accumulation part T for accumulating water used by the fuel cell 12, and a water level control means Z for conducting water-level maintaining control to maintain a water level in the water accumulation part T in a predetermined range. The water level control means Z carries out abnormality elimination control in which operating states of an opening/closing valve V and a water pump 34 are controlled so that water passes through the opening/closing valve V when a state that the water level in the water accumulation part T cannot be maintained in the predetermined range even if the water level maintaining control is conducted is detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system that performs water level maintenance control that maintains a water level within a predetermined range in a water storage unit that stores water used in a fuel cell.

  In a fuel cell system including a fuel cell composed of an anode and a cathode, the gas supplied to the anode is humidified, the gas supplied to the cathode is humidified, and the fuel cell is cooled for various purposes. Water is used. For example, the fuel cell system described in Patent Document 1 includes a water storage unit, and water stored in the water storage unit supplies water vapor used for steam reforming (in addition, gas supplied to the anode) In order to humidify the gas supplied to the cathode, it is used to cool the fuel cell.

  In addition, in the fuel cell system described in Patent Document 1, the water level in the water storage unit is monitored by a water level meter, and the water level of the water storage unit is controlled. For example, FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1 includes a supplementary water storage unit that stores water that can be supplied to the water storage unit, a water channel that connects between the supplementary water storage unit and the water storage unit, an on-off valve that can open and close the water channel, And the water pump which can energize the water in a waterway is described. And when the water level of a water storage part becomes less than a minimum water level, the water pump is drive | operated and the opening degree of a valve is adjusted, and water is supplied to the water storage part from the supplementary water storage part.

International Publication No. 01/071837 (Figure 5)

  In the fuel cell system described in Patent Document 1, no countermeasure is taken when an abnormality occurs in the on-off valve provided in the water channel connecting between the replenishment water storage unit and the water storage unit. For example, an electromagnetic valve as an on-off valve is a position where the plunger is disposed so as to be able to move relative to the valve seat, and is closed when the plunger moves to a position where it abuts against the valve seat and the plunger is separated from the valve seat. It is configured to open when it moves to. The movement of the plunger is controlled by a spring that continues to urge the plunger in one direction and an attractor (electromagnet) that can adjust the attractive force to the plunger. Usually, the plunger is moved in a direction away from the suction element by a spring. When the plunger is sucked from the suction element, the plunger moves in a direction to adhere to the suction element against the spring force. In such an electromagnetic valve, when a foreign object is caught between the plunger and the valve seat, the valve may be unexpectedly opened despite the valve closing operation. In addition, for example, even if an attempt is made to move the plunger by a spring force by reducing the suction force by the suction element in order to switch from the valve open state to the valve closed state, the spring force is applied to the fluid supply pressure in the valve open state. If the plunger remains attached to the suction element, the valve may not be unexpectedly switched to the closed state. And when the valve is in an unexpected state in this way, the water level in the water reservoir may rise or fall unexpectedly.

For example, when the water in the water storage part is used to humidify the gas supplied to the anode and to humidify the gas supplied to the cathode, when the water level rises, water is supplied to the fuel cell. There is a possibility of intrusion. In that case, the problem that the output voltage from a fuel cell falls may arise. Alternatively, when the water level in the water storage unit decreases, the water supplied to the fuel cell decreases, and the ionic conduction performance in the electrolyte between the anode and the cathode decreases, so the output voltage from the fuel cell decreases. The problem can arise.
Alternatively, when the water in the water storage part is used as cooling water for the fuel cell, the flow rate of the cooling water becomes insufficient as the water level decreases, the temperature of the fuel cell rises, and the output voltage There may be a problem that the value decreases.

  Thus, in a fuel cell system in which measures are not taken when the water level in the water reservoir rises or falls unexpectedly, in order to avoid a decrease in the output voltage or failure of the fuel cell, the power generation operation of the fuel cell is performed. I have to stop.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system in which measures are taken when the water level in the water storage section unexpectedly rises or falls due to a valve abnormality. In the point.

The characteristic configuration of the fuel cell system according to the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
A fuel cell;
A water reservoir for storing water used in the fuel cell;
A replenishment water storage unit that stores water that can be supplied to the water storage unit, a water channel that connects between the replenishment water storage unit and the water storage unit, an on-off valve that can open and close the water channel, and water in the water channel An energizable water pump, and a water supply device having water level control means for controlling the operation of the on-off valve and the water pump to maintain the water level in the water reservoir within a predetermined range; With
When the water level control means detects a state in which the water level in the water storage part cannot be maintained within a predetermined range even if the water level maintenance control is performed, the on-off valve and the on-off valve are arranged so that water passes through the on-off valve. It is in the point of performing abnormality elimination control that controls the operating state of the water pump.

If it is detected that the water level in the water reservoir cannot be maintained within the specified range even if the water level maintenance control is performed, the abnormality is opened despite the valve closing operation due to the valve biting in a foreign object. This may be caused by the valve state.
According to this feature configuration, the water level control means performs the abnormality elimination control for controlling the operation state of the on-off valve and the water pump so that water passes through the on-off valve. It can be expected to flow out of the on-off valve. In the present application, the control of the operation state of the on-off valve includes the opening degree control in addition to the valve opening / closing control, and the control of the operation state of the water pump is not only the control for switching between the stop and the operation, but also the operation. Or control including maintaining the stopped state is included. As a result, it is considered that the on-off valve operates normally thereafter, so that the water level in the water reservoir can be maintained within a predetermined range thereafter. Based on this, the power generation operation of the fuel cell can be continued.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell system in which measures are taken when the water level in the water storage section unexpectedly rises or falls due to valve abnormality.

  Another feature of the fuel cell system according to the present invention is that the water level control means operates the on-off valve and the water pump so as to repeatedly increase or decrease the flow rate of water passing through the on-off valve in the abnormality elimination control. The point is to control the state.

  According to the above characteristic configuration, it can be expected that the foreign matter moves by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the flow rate of the water passing through the on-off valve, and finally the foreign matter can be expected to flow out of the on-off valve.

Still another characteristic configuration of the fuel cell system according to the present invention is:
A fuel cell;
A water reservoir for storing water used in the fuel cell;
A replenishment water storage unit that stores water that can be supplied to the water storage unit, a water channel that connects between the replenishment water storage unit and the water storage unit, an on-off valve that can open and close the water channel, and water in the water channel An energizable water pump, and a water supply device having water level control means for controlling the operation of the on-off valve and the water pump to maintain the water level in the water reservoir within a predetermined range; With
The water level control means performs abnormality elimination control to change the energization state of the on-off valve when a state in which the water level in the water storage unit cannot be maintained within a predetermined range is detected even if the water level maintenance control is performed. In the point.

If it is detected that the water level in the water reservoir cannot be maintained within the specified range even if the water level maintenance control is performed, the abnormality is caused by the valve opening operation by the plunger of the on-off valve remaining attached to the suction element. However, it may be caused by the valve closing state despite the fact that the valve is closed or by the valve opening state despite the valve closing operation being performed.
According to this characteristic configuration, the water level control means performs abnormality elimination control that changes the energization state of the on-off valve, so the suction force between the plunger of the on-off valve and the suction element changes, and the plunger and the suction element Can be expected to leave. As a result, it is considered that the on-off valve operates normally thereafter, so that the water level in the water reservoir can be maintained within a predetermined range thereafter. Based on this, the power generation operation of the fuel cell can be continued.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell system in which measures are taken when the water level in the water storage section unexpectedly rises or falls due to valve abnormality.

  Still another characteristic configuration of the fuel cell system according to the present invention is that the water level control means repeatedly increases or decreases the energization amount to the on-off valve in the abnormality elimination control.

  According to the above characteristic configuration, the plunger can be expected to move relative to the suction element by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the suction force between the plunger of the on-off valve and the suction element, and finally the plunger and the suction element are separated. I can expect that.

  Still another characteristic configuration of the fuel cell system according to the present invention is that the water level control means performs the water level maintenance control after performing the abnormality elimination control.

  According to the above characteristic configuration, the control for returning the water level in the water reservoir to a predetermined range is performed using the on-off valve that has been properly operated by the abnormality elimination control.

It is a schematic block diagram of the fuel cell system of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the fuel cell system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the fuel cell system of 3rd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
The fuel cell system according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment. The fuel cell system S1 (S) of the present embodiment includes a fuel cell power generation device 10A (10), a water supply device 30A (30), and a control means Z that controls the operation of each of the devices 10A and 30A.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the fuel cell power generation device 10A and the configuration of the water supply device 30A will be described.

[Configuration of fuel cell power generator]
The fuel cell power generator 10A includes a fuel cell 12 including an anode 12a, a cathode 12b, and an electrolyte 12c provided between the anode 12a and the cathode 12b. Furthermore, the fuel cell power generator 10A of the present embodiment is provided with a reformer 11 that reforms a hydrocarbon-based gas such as methane or a raw fuel such as alcohol to generate a gas mainly composed of hydrogen. ing. The fuel cell 12 is configured in the form of a cell stack in which a plurality of cells formed by sandwiching an electrolyte 12c between an anode 12a and a cathode 12b are stacked. In FIG. 1, only a single cell is shown for simplicity. A gas mainly composed of hydrogen generated by the reformer 11 is supplied to the anode 12a. Oxygen (air) is supplied to the cathode 12b.

  Further, the fuel cell power generation device 10 </ b> A includes an anode humidified water reservoir 13 and a cathode humidified water reservoir 14 as a water reservoir T that stores water used in the fuel cell 12. The gas supplied to the anode 12a is humidified in contact with the water stored in the humidification water storage section 13 for anode during the supply. That is, the anode humidified water storage unit 13 functions as an anode humidifier Wa that humidifies the gas supplied to the anode 12a. Similarly, the gas supplied to the cathode 12b comes into contact with the water stored in the cathode humidified water storage section 14 and is humidified during the supply. In other words, the cathode humidifying water reservoir 14 functions as a cathode humidifier Wb that humidifies the gas supplied to the cathode 12b.

The anode humidified water storage unit 13 is a sensor capable of detecting whether or not the water level is within a predetermined range for the anode where the water level is less than the upper limit water level and equal to or higher than the lower limit water level, that is, the stored water exceeds the upper limit water level. A level sensor 13a capable of detecting whether or not the water is stored and a level sensor 13b capable of detecting whether or not the stored water is below the lower limit water level. Similarly, a sensor capable of detecting whether the water level is within a predetermined range for the cathode where the water level is lower than the upper limit water level and equal to or higher than the lower limit water level, that is, the stored water is the upper limit in the cathode humidified water storage unit 14. A level sensor 14a capable of detecting whether or not the water level is equal to or higher than the water level and a level sensor 14b capable of detecting whether or not the stored water is lower than the lower limit water level are provided.
The capacity of the anode humidified water storage section 13 and the capacity of the cathode humidified water storage section 14 may be the same or different. Further, the predetermined range for anode (upper limit water level and lower limit water level) in the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 and the predetermined range for cathode (upper limit water level and lower limit water level) in the humidified water reservoir for cathode 14 are set separately. Yes.

[Configuration of water supply device]
The water supply device 30 </ b> A includes a supplementary water storage unit 32 that stores water that can be supplied to the anode humidification water storage unit 13 and the cathode humidification water storage unit 14 as the water storage unit T, and the supplementary water storage unit 32 and anode. Solenoid valves V (Va, Vb, V, V, V) that can open and close water channels 33, 35, 36, and 37, and water channels 35, 36, and 37 that connect between the humidified water storage unit 13 and the cathode humidified water storage unit 14. Vc) and a water pump 34 capable of energizing water in the water channels 33, 35, 36, 37. Moreover, the control means Z functions as a water level control means for performing water level maintenance control for maintaining the water level in the water storage section T of the water supply device 30A within a predetermined range.

  In the present embodiment, the water supply device 30 </ b> A includes a circulation water channel 33 and an anode water supply channel 35 as water channels that connect the replenishment water storage unit 32, the anode humidification water storage unit 13, and the cathode humidification water storage unit 14. And an anode drainage channel 36 and a cathode water supply / drainage channel 37. For example, in the circulation channel 33, the water stored in the replenishment water storage unit 32 is continuously or intermittently returned to the replenishment water storage unit 32 after being taken out of the replenishment water storage unit 32 by the water pump 34. Circulated.

  The anode water supply channel 35 is provided so as to connect between the circulation water channel 33 and the anode humidified water storage unit 13. The anode water supply channel 35 is connected to the anode humidification water storage unit 13 via the circulation water channel 33 from the replenishment water storage unit 32. Used when supplying water. In the middle of the anode water supply channel 35, an anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va capable of opening and closing the anode water supply channel 35 is provided.

  The anode drainage channel 36 is provided so as to connect between the anode humidifying water reservoir 13 and the supplementary water reservoir 32 and is used when draining from the anode humidifying water reservoir 13 to the supplementary water reservoir 32. It is done. In the middle of the anode drainage channel 36, an anode drainage electromagnetic valve Vb capable of opening and closing the anode drainage channel 36 is provided.

  The cathode water supply / drainage channel 37 is provided so as to connect between the anode water supply channel 35 and the cathode humidified water storage unit 14, and passes from the replenishment water storage unit 32 through the circulation water channel 33 and the anode water supply channel 35. This is also used when supplying water to the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 and when draining from the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 to the replenishing water storing portion 32 via the anode water supply channel 35 and the circulation water channel 33. In the middle of the cathode water supply / drainage channel 37, a cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc capable of opening and closing the cathode water supply / drainage channel 37 is provided.

The water supply device 30 </ b> A includes an ion exchange resin device 31 in the middle of the circulation water channel 33. During normal operation when power generation is performed in the fuel cell power generation apparatus 10A, the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va, the anode water discharge electromagnetic valve Vb, and the cathode water supply and discharge electromagnetic valve Vc are closed, and the humidified water storage for the anode is stored. Both the unit 13 and the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 are isolated from the replenishment water storage unit 32.
During the normal operation of the fuel cell power generator 10A, the water supply device 30A circulates the water stored in the replenishment water storage unit 32 through the circulation channel 33 while the water pump 34 is operated. That is, since the water stored in the replenishment water storage unit 32 passes through the ion exchange resin device 31 while circulating in the circulation water channel 33, the ion exchange process is continuously performed. As a result, it is ensured that the water supplied to the anode humidified water reservoir 13 and the cathode humidified water reservoir 14 is water that has been subjected to the ion exchange treatment.

[Normal operation of fuel cell power generator]
If the power generation operation of the fuel cell power generator 10A is continued, the water level in the anode humidified water storage section 13 and the water level in the cathode humidified water storage section 14 will decrease. This is because the water in the anode humidified water reservoir 13 is used to humidify the gas supplied to the anode 12a, and the water in the cathode humidified water reservoir 14 is used to humidify the gas supplied to the cathode 12b. This is because it is used. Therefore, when the control means Z became less than the lower limit water level based on the output result of the level sensor 13b which can detect whether the water stored in the humidification water storage part 13 for anodes is less than a lower limit water level. If it determines, the water supply process to the humidification water storage part 13 for anodes mentioned later is performed. Similarly, the control means Z becomes less than the lower limit water level based on the output result of the level sensor 14b that can detect whether or not the water stored in the humidified water reservoir for cathode 14 is less than the lower limit water level. If it is determined that the water has been supplied, a water supply process to the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 as described later is performed.

  In addition, in the fuel cell system S1 of the present embodiment, at least a part of the water stored in the anode humidified water storage unit 13 is periodically replaced and stored in the cathode humidified water storage unit 14. At least a portion of the water is replaced. At that time, the control means Z performs the waste water treatment from the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 and the waste water treatment from the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 as described later. For the purpose of replacing the water stored in the humidifying water reservoir 13 for the anode and the humidifying water reservoir 14 for the cathode, the components in the gas supplied to the anode 12a and the components in the gas supplied to the cathode 12b are different. It exists in the point which melt | dissolves in the water currently stored by the humidification water storage parts 13 and 14, and is utilized in the state where the electrical conductivity of water has risen.

  Below, the control means Z performs the water level maintenance control (water supply to the anode humidified water storage unit 13) for maintaining the water level in the water storage unit T within a predetermined range, which is performed during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generator 10A. The contents of the treatment, the drainage treatment from the humidification water reservoir for anode 13, the water supply treatment to the humidification water reservoir for cathode 14, and the drainage treatment from the humidification water reservoir for cathode 14) will be described.

[Water supply to the humidified water reservoir for the anode]
When the control means Z determines that the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 has become lower than the lower limit water level based on the detection result of the level sensor 13b as described above, the anode water supply channel with the water pump 34 operated. The anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va provided at 35 is opened. In the present embodiment, the control means Z controls the amount of water delivered per unit time from the water pump 34 to be constant and opens the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va for a predetermined time, so that the upper limit water level is exceeded. Supply water to a level below the water level. That is, the control means Z manages the water supply amount to the humidification water storage part 13 for anodes by water supply time. As a result, a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the replenishment water reservoir 32 to the anode humidified water reservoir 13, and the water level in the anode humidified water reservoir 13 is maintained within the anode predetermined range.
In this way, during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generation device 10A, the water level stored in the anode humidified water storage unit 13 does not exceed the upper limit water level and is lower than the lower limit water level. Does not continue beyond the first set time. The first set time is from when it is detected that the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 is less than the lower limit water level until the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 becomes equal to or higher than the lower limit water level by the water supply process. Is equivalent to

[Water supply to the humidified water reservoir for the cathode]
If the control means Z determines that the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 is lower than the lower limit water level based on the detection result of the level sensor 14b as described above, the water supply channel for cathode is operated with the water pump 34 being operated. The cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc provided at the opening is opened. In the present embodiment, the control means Z controls the amount of water delivered per unit time from the water pump 34 to be constant and opens the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc for a predetermined time, thereby opening the upper limit water level above the lower limit water level. Supply water to a level that is less than That is, the control means Z manages the water supply amount to the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 by the water supply time. As a result, a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the replenishment water reservoir 32 to the cathode humidified water reservoir 14, and the water level in the cathode humidified water reservoir 14 is maintained within the predetermined range for the cathode.
As described above, during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generation device 10A, the water level stored in the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 does not exceed the upper limit water level and is lower than the lower limit water level. Does not continue beyond the second set time. The second set time is from when it is detected that the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 is less than the lower limit water level until the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 becomes equal to or higher than the lower limit water level by the water supply process. Is equivalent to

[Drainage treatment from humidified water reservoir for anode]
When the control means Z reaches the replacement timing of the water stored in the humidifying water storage section 13 for anodes (for example, once every 10 minutes, etc.), the draining electromagnetic for anode provided in the anode drain passage 36 is provided. For example, the valve Vb is opened until the water level of the humidified water reservoir for anode 13 is less than the lower limit water level. Since the anode drainage channel 36 is isolated from the circulating water channel 33, the water pump 34 may remain operated. As a result, drainage from the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 to the supplementary water reservoir 32 is performed. However, not all of the water in the anode humidified water storage unit 13 is discharged, but water that can humidify the reformed gas (hydrogen) flowing into the anode humidified water storage unit 13 is left in the anode humidified water storage unit 13. It is necessary to keep.
When the waste water treatment is completed, the control unit Z performs the water supply process to the anode humidified water storage unit 13 and supplies the ion-exchanged water from the replenishment water storage unit 32 to the anode humidified water storage unit. 13 is supplied. The time from when the drainage treatment is performed and the water level of the humidification water reservoir for anode 13 becomes less than the lower limit water level until the water level of the humidification water reservoir for anode 13 becomes equal to or higher than the lower limit water level by the water supply treatment is the first time. Corresponds to the set time.

[Drainage treatment from humidified water storage for cathode]
When it is time to replace the water stored in the cathode humidified water storage section 14 (for example, once every 10 minutes), the control means Z stops the water pump 34 and stops the water supply / drain channel 37 for the cathode. For example, the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc is opened until the water level of the humidification water reservoir for cathode 14 becomes less than the lower limit water level. As a result, drainage from the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 to the circulation water channel 33 is performed. However, not all the water in the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 is discharged, but water that can humidify oxygen (air) flowing into the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 is left in the cathode humidified water storage unit 14. There is a need.
When the waste water treatment is completed, the control unit Z performs the water supply process to the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 described above to supply the ion-exchanged water from the replenishment water storage unit 32 to the cathode humidified water storage unit 14. To supply. The time from when the drainage treatment is performed and the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 becomes less than the lower limit water level until the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 becomes equal to or higher than the lower limit water level due to the water supply treatment is the second time. Corresponds to the set time.

  As described above, if the control unit Z performs the water level maintenance control as described above during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generation apparatus 10A, the anode humidification water storage unit 13 and the cathode humidification water storage unit 14 are provided. The water level of the stored water never exceeds the upper limit water level, and the state in which the water level of the humidification water storage section for anode 13 is less than the lower limit water level continues for the first set time or more and the humidification water storage for cathode The state in which the water level of the section 14 is less than the lower limit water level does not continue for the second set time or longer. Therefore, the control means Z detects that the water level in the anode humidified water reservoir 13 or the cathode humidified water reservoir 14 cannot be maintained within a predetermined range even if the water level maintenance control is performed (that is, above the upper limit water level). And when the state in which the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 is lower than the lower limit water level continues for the first set time or more, or the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 is lower than the lower limit water level. Is detected), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the above abnormalities are caused by abnormalities in the valves (anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va, anode drainage electromagnetic valve Vb, cathode water supply electromagnetic valve Vc). That is, the control means Z estimates that the water level of the anode humidified water reservoir 13 or the cathode humidified water reservoir 14 has unexpectedly increased or decreased due to an abnormality of these valves.
Below, abnormalities in which the water level stored in the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 or the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 becomes higher than the upper limit water level due to the abnormality of these valves, and the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 The reason why an abnormality in which the state where the water level is less than the lower limit water level continues for the first set time or an abnormality in which the state where the water level in the cathode humidifying water reservoir 14 is less than the lower limit water level continues for the second set time or more will be described. .

[Abnormal humidity level in the humidified water reservoir for the anode exceeds the upper limit level]
This abnormality may occur when the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va is opened despite being closed.
Specifically, the control means Z attempts to stop water supply to the anode humidified water storage unit 13 by closing the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va. However, for example, the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va may actually be in an open state due to biting of foreign matter. In this case, during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generator 10A, the water pump 34 is continuously operated except for the time period during which the water pump 34 is stopped in the above-described water level maintenance control. The water that has passed through the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va continues to be supplied to the anode humidified water reservoir 13. As a result, an abnormality occurs in which the water level of the anode humidified water storage unit 13 becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit water level.

[Abnormality in which the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode is below the lower limit water level continues for the first set time or longer]
This abnormality may occur when the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va is closed despite being opened, or when the anode drainage electromagnetic valve Vb is closed but opened. .
Specifically, the control means Z tries to start water supply to the anode humidified water storage unit 13 by opening the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va. However, for example, the plunger of the anode water supply electromagnetic valve Va may remain in a closed state despite the fact that the plunger is still attached to the suction element, even though the valve opening operation is being performed. In this case, since the water supply to the humidification water storage part 13 for anodes is not performed, the abnormality which the state where the water level of the humidification water storage part 13 for anodes becomes less than a minimum water level continues more than 1st setting time generate | occur | produces.
Alternatively, the control means Z attempts to stop drainage from the anode humidified water storage section 13 by closing the anode drain electromagnetic valve Vb. However, for example, the anode drain electromagnetic valve Vb may actually be in an open state due to a foreign object biting in. In this case, the water that has passed through the anode humidifying water storage section 13 and the anode drain electromagnetic valve Vb continues to be drained to the supplementary water storage section 32. As a result, an abnormality occurs in which the state in which the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 is less than the lower limit water level continues for the first set time or longer.

(Abnormality when the water level in the humidifying water reservoir for the cathode exceeds the upper limit level)
This abnormality may occur when the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc is opened despite being closed.
Specifically, the control means Z attempts to stop the water supply to the cathode humidified water storage section 14 by closing the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc. However, for example, the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc may actually be in an open state due to the biting of foreign matter. In this case, during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generator 10A, the water pump 34 is continuously operated except for the time period during which the water pump 34 is stopped in the above-described water level maintenance control. The water that has passed through the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc continues to be supplied to the cathode humidification water reservoir 14. As a result, an abnormality occurs in which the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for cathode 14 becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit water level.

[Abnormality in which the water level in the humidifying water reservoir for the cathode is below the lower limit water level continues for the second set time or longer]
This abnormality may occur when the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc is opened but closed.
Specifically, the control means Z tries to start the water supply to the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 by opening the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc. However, for example, the plunger of the cathode water supply / drainage electromagnetic valve Vc may remain in a closed state despite the fact that the plunger is still attached to the suction element, even though the valve opening operation is being performed. In this case, since water supply to the humidification water reservoir 14 for cathodes is not performed, the abnormality which the state where the water level of the humidification water storage part 14 for cathodes becomes less than a minimum water level continues more than 2nd setting time generate | occur | produces.

As described above, the humidified water reservoir for anode 13 or the cathode is caused by any one of the abnormality that is opened despite the closing operation and the abnormality that is closed despite the opening operation. An abnormality in which the water level stored in the humidifying water storage unit 14 is higher than the upper limit water level and an abnormality in which the water level is lower than the lower limit water level may continue for the first set time or the second set time.
In the present embodiment, the control means Z performs the following abnormality elimination control in order to eliminate the abnormality. And the control means Z maintains the water level in the water storage part T in a predetermined range by performing water level maintenance control (water supply process and waste water treatment) suitably after performing abnormality elimination control.

[Abnormality elimination control for abnormalities caused by the electromagnetic valve biting in foreign matter]
As described above, the abnormality that occurs when the electromagnetic valve V bites in the foreign matter includes an abnormality in which the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 becomes higher than the upper limit water level, and the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 is lower than the lower limit water level There are abnormalities in which the state of being less than or equal to the first set time or abnormalities in which the water level in the cathode humidified water reservoir is higher than or equal to the upper limit water level.
When the state where this abnormality has occurred is detected, the control means Z performs abnormality elimination control for controlling the operation state of the electromagnetic valve V and the water pump 34 so that water passes through the electromagnetic valve V. Specifically, the control means Z opens the electromagnetic valve V. As a result, the flow rate of water passing through the electromagnetic valve V increases, so that foreign matter can be expected to flow out of the electromagnetic valve V with the pressure of the water. The control means Z may increase the discharge amount of water from the water pump 34 instead of the opening operation of the electromagnetic valve V or in addition to the opening operation of the electromagnetic valve V. Also in this case, since the flow velocity of the water passing through the electromagnetic valve V increases, it can be expected that foreign matter flows out of the electromagnetic valve V with the pressure of the water.

  Furthermore, the control means Z may perform abnormality elimination control for controlling the operation states of the electromagnetic valve V and the water pump 34 so as to repeatedly increase or decrease the flow rate of water passing through the electromagnetic valve V. Specifically, the control means Z passes through the solenoid valve V by alternately repeating the opening and closing operations of the solenoid valve V or alternately increasing and decreasing the amount of water discharged from the water pump 34. The flow rate of water can be repeatedly increased or decreased. It can be expected that the foreign matter moves as the flow rate of the water passing through the solenoid valve V repeatedly increases and decreases, and finally the foreign matter can be expected to flow out of the solenoid valve V.

[Abnormality elimination control for abnormalities occurring when the plunger of the solenoid valve remains attached to the attractor]
As described above, the abnormality that occurs when the plunger of the electromagnetic valve V remains attached to the attractor is such that the state where the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for anode 13 is less than the lower limit water level is the first set time. There are abnormalities that continue as described above, abnormalities in which the water level of the humidifying water reservoir for the cathode is less than the lower limit water level, and the like that continues for the second set time or longer.
The control means Z performs abnormality elimination control for changing the energization state of the solenoid valve V when the state where this abnormality occurs is detected. As a result, since the attraction force between the plunger of the electromagnetic valve V and the attractor changes, it can be expected that the plunger and the attractor are separated. Furthermore, the control means Z may perform abnormality elimination control that repeatedly increases or decreases the energization amount to the electromagnetic valve V. In this case, the plunger can be expected to move relative to the attractor by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the attracting force between the plunger of the solenoid valve V and the attractor, and finally the plunger and the attractor are expected to be separated. it can.

  As described above, the control means Z performs the abnormality elimination control, and thereafter the solenoid valve V operates normally, that is, based on the assumption that the water level in the water reservoir T can be maintained within the predetermined range thereafter. Thus, the power generation operation of the fuel cell 12 can be continued.

Second Embodiment
The fuel cell system of the second embodiment is different from the fuel cell power generator of the first embodiment in the configuration of the fuel cell power generator. The fuel cell system of the second embodiment will be described below, but the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel cell system according to the second embodiment. The fuel cell system S2 (S) of the present embodiment includes a fuel cell power generation device 10B (10), a water supply device 30B (30), and a control means Z that controls the operation of each of the devices 10B and 30B. In the present embodiment, the fuel cell 12 is provided with a cooling unit 12d capable of cooling a cell formed by sandwiching the electrolyte 12c between the anode 12a and the cathode 12b. That is, a cell stack is formed in which a plurality of cells formed by sandwiching the electrolyte 12c and the cooling unit 12d are stacked between the anode 12a and the cathode 12b.

  A portion of the water stored in the cathode humidified water storage section 14 is supplied to the cooling section 12d through the cooling water circulation path 20 while being energized by the cooling water pump 21. The water discharged from the cooling unit 12d reaches the anode humidified water storage unit 13 through the cooling water circulation path 20, and exchanges heat with the water stored in the anode humidified water storage unit 13. However, the water flowing through the cooling water circulation path 20 and the water stored in the humidifying water storage section 13 for anode are not mixed by merely exchanging heat. The water after the heat exchange in the anode humidified water storage unit 13 returns to the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 through the cooling water circulation path 20 and is mixed with the water stored in the cathode humidified water storage unit 14. Thus, the cooling water circulation path 20 through which the water stored in the cathode humidifying water storage unit 14 circulates as the cooling water is the cathode humidifying water storing unit 14 to the cooling unit 12d and the anode humidifying water storing unit 13 in order. A flow path that passes back to the cathode humidified water reservoir 14 is formed. As a result, the heat recovered by the cooling unit 12d of the fuel cell 12 is transferred to the water stored in the anode humidified water storage unit 13 and used to increase the temperature of the water stored in the anode humidified water storage unit 13. Is done.

  The fuel cell system S2 of the present embodiment is provided with the device configuration that can cool the fuel cell 12 and the device configuration that can raise the temperature of the water stored in the humidifying water storage section 13 for the anode as described above. It is different from the fuel cell system S1 of the first embodiment, and other device configurations and operation modes are the same as the fuel cell system S1 of the first embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>
The fuel cell system according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the description of the same configuration as the above embodiment will be omitted.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fuel cell system according to the third embodiment. The fuel cell system S3 (S) of the present embodiment includes a fuel cell power generation device 10C (10), a water supply device 30C (30), and a control means Z that controls the operation of each of the devices 10C and 30C.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the fuel cell power generation device 10C and the configuration of the water supply device 30C will be described.

[Configuration of fuel cell power generator]
The fuel cell power generator 10C includes the same fuel cell 12 as described in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the fuel cell power generation device 10C of the present embodiment includes a cooling water storage unit 19 that stores cooling water that can cool the fuel cell 12 ("water storage unit T that stores water used in the fuel cell 12" of the present invention). And a cooling water circulation path 17 configured so that the cooling water is energized by the cooling water pump 18 and flows through the fuel cell 12 and the heat exchanger 15 in order. In addition, the fuel cell power generation device 10 </ b> C circulates through the heat exchanger 15 by the exhaust heat recovery device 16 that can recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell 12, and the exhaust heat recovery heat medium energized by the heat medium pump 23. A heat medium circulation path 22 configured as described above is provided. The cooling water and the heat medium for exhaust heat recovery exchange heat in the heat exchanger 15. That is, the cooling water that has received heat from the fuel cell 12 exchanges heat with the exhaust heat recovery heat medium in the heat exchanger 15, and as a result, the exhaust heat of the fuel cell 12 is recovered by the exhaust heat recovery device 16.

  The cooling water storage unit 19 has a sensor capable of detecting whether or not the water level is within a predetermined range between the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level, that is, whether or not the stored cooling water is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level. And a level sensor 19b capable of detecting whether or not the stored coolant is below the lower limit water level.

[Configuration of water supply device]
The water supply device 30 </ b> C includes a supplementary water storage unit 32 that stores water that can be supplied to the cooling water storage unit 19 as the water storage unit T, and a water channel that connects the supplementary water storage unit 32 and the cooling water storage unit 19. (Circulation water channel 33), a solenoid valve V (Vd, Ve) capable of opening and closing the water channel 33, and a water pump 34 capable of energizing water in the water channel 33. In this embodiment, the water stored in the replenishment water storage unit 32 can flow through the ion exchange resin device 31 and the cooling water storage unit 19 in order through the circulation water channel 33. A part of the circulating water channel 33 functions as a water supply channel 33 a for supplying water from the supplementary water storage unit 32 to the cooling water storage unit 19, and another part of the circulating water channel 33 is supplied from the cooling water storage unit 19 to the supplementary water storage unit 32. It functions as a drainage channel 33b when draining water. In the middle of the water supply passage 33a, a water supply electromagnetic valve Vd capable of opening and closing the water supply passage 33a is provided. In the middle of the drainage channel 33b, a drainage electromagnetic valve Ve that can open and close the drainage channel 33b is provided. When the water stored in the replenishment water storage unit 32 is supplied to the cooling water storage unit 19, it passes through the ion exchange resin device 31 and is subjected to an ion exchange process.

[Normal operation of fuel cell power generator]
During normal operation when power generation is being performed in the fuel cell power generation device 10C, the cooling water pump 18 and the heat medium pump 23 are operated, and the fuel cell 12 is cooled (that is, exhaust heat is recovered from the fuel cell 12). Has been done.
The level of the cooling water stored in the cooling water storage unit 19 does not increase or decrease if it is normal during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generation device 10C. Therefore, during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generator 10C, the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd and the drainage electromagnetic valve Ve are closed, and the cooling water storage unit 19 is isolated from the replenishment water storage unit 32. Further, the water pump 34 capable of energizing the water stored in the replenishment water storage unit 32 is also stopped. That is, the fuel cell power generation device 10C can perform water self-sustained operation with respect to the cooling water.

  Below, the control means Z performs the water level maintenance control (the water supply process to the cooling water storage part 19 in order to maintain the water level in the water storage part T in a predetermined range) during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generator 10C. The contents of the waste water treatment from the cooling water storage unit 19 will be described.

[Drainage treatment from cooling water reservoir]
When the timing of replacement of the water stored in the cooling water storage unit 19 is reached, the control unit Z switches the electromagnetic valve Ve for drainage provided in the drainage channel 33b to the cooling water storage, for example, with the water pump 34 stopped. Opening operation is performed until the water level of the part 19 becomes less than the lower limit water level. The purpose of replacing the water stored in the cooling water storage unit 19 is to prevent the water stored in the cooling water storage unit 19 from being used in a state where the electrical conductivity has been increased. It is in. As a result, drainage from the cooling water reservoir 19 to the supplementary water reservoir 32 is performed. However, instead of discharging all of the water in the cooling water reservoir 19, it is necessary to leave in the cooling water reservoir 19 enough water to be sent to the fuel cell 12 as cooling water.
When the waste water treatment is completed, the control unit Z performs a water supply process to a cooling water storage unit 19 described later, and supplies the water subjected to the ion exchange process to the cooling water storage unit 19. The time until the water level of the cooling water storage unit 19 becomes equal to or higher than the lower limit water level by the water supply process described later after the drainage treatment is performed and the water level of the cooling water storage unit 19 becomes less than the lower limit water level is referred to as a third set time. To do.

[Water supply treatment to cooling water reservoir]
When it is determined that the water level of the cooling water storage unit 19 has become lower than the lower limit water level based on the detection result of the level sensor 19b, the control unit Z determines that it is time to perform a water supply process to the cooling water storage unit 19. In the present embodiment, the timing for performing the water supply process to the cooling water storage unit 19 is the timing at which the water level is lowered by performing the above-described drainage process. When the control means Z determines that it is time to perform the water supply process to the cooling water storage unit 19, the control means Z opens the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd provided in the water supply path 33a with the water pump 34 operated. In the present embodiment, the control means Z controls the water delivery amount per unit time from the water pump 34 to be constant and opens the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd for a predetermined time, so that it is equal to or higher than the lower limit water level and the upper limit water level. Supply water to a level that is less than That is, the control means Z manages the water supply amount by the water supply time. As a result, a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the replenishment water storage unit 32 to the cooling water storage unit 19, and the water level in the cooling water storage unit 19 is maintained within a predetermined range.

Thus, when the water level maintenance control described above is performed during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generation device 10C, the water level stored in the cooling water storage unit 19 is lower than the lower limit water level in the third state. It will not last longer than the set time. Further, assuming that the time during which the water level can continuously exceed the upper limit water level when the cooling water overflow occurs in the cooling water storage unit 19 is the fourth set time, the water level described above during the normal operation of the fuel cell power generation device 10C. By performing the maintenance control, the state in which the water level stored in the cooling water storage unit 19 is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level does not continue for the fourth set time or longer.
Therefore, the control means Z detects that a state in which the water level in the cooling water storage unit 19 cannot be maintained within the predetermined range even if the water level maintenance control is performed, that is, a state where the water level is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level is the fourth set time. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred when it is detected that the state has been continued or the state of being lower than the lower limit water level has continued for the third set time or longer.

In the present embodiment, any abnormality (such as an abnormality in which the state of being above the upper limit water level has continued for the fourth set time or an abnormality in which the state of being below the lower limit water level has been continued for the third set time or longer is a valve (water supply). This is presumed to be caused by the abnormality of the electromagnetic valve Vd for drainage and the electromagnetic valve Ve for drainage. That is, the control means Z estimates that the water level in the cooling water reservoir 19 has unexpectedly increased or decreased due to the abnormality of these valves.
Below, the state where the water level stored in the cooling water storage unit 19 due to the abnormality of these valves is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level continues for the fourth set time or less, and the state where the water level is lower than the lower limit water level is the third set time. The reason why an abnormality that continues is described above will be described.

[Abnormality in which the water level in the cooling water storage part is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level for the fourth set time or longer]
This abnormality may occur when the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd is opened despite being closed.
Specifically, the control means Z attempts to stop the water supply to the cooling water reservoir 19 by closing the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd. However, for example, the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd may actually be in an open state due to a foreign object. In this case, if the water pump 34 is still operating or if the water pressure in the water supply passage 33a is high even if the water pump 34 is stopped, the water that has passed through the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd that is unexpectedly opened is shown in FIG. May be supplied to the cooling water reservoir 19. As a result, an abnormality occurs in which the state where the water level of the cooling water storage unit 19 is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level continues for the fourth set time or longer.

[Abnormality where the water level in the cooling water reservoir is below the lower limit water level continues for the third set time or longer]
This abnormality may occur when the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd is opened despite being opened, or when the drainage electromagnetic valve Ve is closed even when opened.
Specifically, the control unit Z attempts to start water supply to the cooling water storage unit 19 by opening the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd while the water pump 34 is operated. However, for example, the plunger of the water supply electromagnetic valve Vd may remain in a closed state despite the fact that the plunger is left attached to the suction element, even though the valve opening operation is being performed. In this case, since water supply to the cooling water storage part 19 is not performed, the abnormality which the state where the water level of the cooling water storage part 19 becomes less than a minimum water level continues more than 3rd setting time generate | occur | produces.
Alternatively, the control means Z attempts to stop the drainage from the cooling water reservoir 19 by closing the drainage electromagnetic valve Ve. However, for example, the drainage electromagnetic valve Ve may actually be in the open state due to the foreign object biting in. In this case, the water that has passed through the drainage electromagnetic valve Ve from the cooling water reservoir 19 continues to be drained to the replenishment water reservoir 32. As a result, an abnormality occurs in which the state in which the water level of the cooling water storage unit 19 is less than the lower limit water level continues for the third set time or longer.

As described above, it is stored in the cooling water storage unit 19 due to either the abnormality that has been opened despite the closing operation or the abnormality that has been closed despite the opening operation. An abnormality in which the state where the water level in the water is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level continues for the fourth set time or an abnormality in which the state where the water level is lower than the lower limit water level continues for the third set time or more may occur.
In the present embodiment, the control means Z performs the following abnormality elimination control in order to eliminate the abnormality. And the control means Z maintains the water level in the water storage part T in a predetermined range by performing water level maintenance control (water supply process and waste water treatment) suitably after performing abnormality elimination control.

[Abnormality elimination control for abnormalities caused by the electromagnetic valve biting in foreign matter]
As described above, the abnormality that occurs due to the electromagnetic valve V biting in the foreign material includes an abnormality in which the state where the water level of the cooling water storage unit 32 is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level continues for the fourth set time or longer. There is an abnormality in which the state where the water level of the part 32 is less than the lower limit water level continues for the third set time or longer.
When the state where this abnormality has occurred is detected, the control means Z performs abnormality elimination control for controlling the operation state of the electromagnetic valve V and the water pump 34 so that water passes through the electromagnetic valve V. Specifically, the control means Z opens the electromagnetic valve V. As a result, the flow rate of water passing through the electromagnetic valve V increases, so that foreign matter can be expected to flow out of the electromagnetic valve V with the pressure of the water. The control means Z may increase the discharge amount of water from the water pump 34 instead of the opening operation of the electromagnetic valve V or in addition to the opening operation of the electromagnetic valve V. Also in this case, since the flow velocity of the water passing through the electromagnetic valve V increases, it can be expected that foreign matter flows out of the electromagnetic valve V with the pressure of the water.

  Furthermore, the control means Z may perform abnormality elimination control for controlling the operation states of the electromagnetic valve V and the water pump 34 so as to repeatedly increase or decrease the flow rate of water passing through the electromagnetic valve V. Specifically, the control means Z passes through the solenoid valve V by alternately repeating the opening and closing operations of the solenoid valve V or alternately increasing and decreasing the amount of water discharged from the water pump 34. The flow rate of water can be repeatedly increased or decreased. It can be expected that the foreign matter moves as the flow rate of the water passing through the solenoid valve V repeatedly increases and decreases, and finally the foreign matter can be expected to flow out of the solenoid valve V.

[Abnormality elimination control for abnormalities occurring when the plunger of the solenoid valve remains attached to the attractor]
As described above, the abnormality in which the plunger of the electromagnetic valve V remains attached to the suction element continues the state in which the water level of the cooling water storage unit 32 is lower than the lower limit water level for the third set time or longer. There is an abnormality to do.
The control means Z performs abnormality elimination control for changing the energization state of the solenoid valve V when the state where this abnormality occurs is detected. As a result, since the attraction force between the plunger of the electromagnetic valve V and the attractor changes, it can be expected that the plunger and the attractor are separated. Furthermore, the control means Z may perform abnormality elimination control that repeatedly increases or decreases the energization amount to the electromagnetic valve V. In this case, the plunger can be expected to move relative to the attractor by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the attracting force between the plunger of the solenoid valve V and the attractor, and finally the plunger and the attractor are expected to be separated. it can.

  As described above, the control means Z performs the abnormality elimination control, and thereafter the solenoid valve V operates normally, that is, based on the assumption that the water level in the water reservoir T can be maintained within the predetermined range thereafter. Thus, the power generation operation of the fuel cell 12 can be continued.

<Another embodiment>
<1>
In the above embodiment, the configuration example of the fuel cell system S has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration of the fuel cell system S can be modified. For example, a fuel cell system including a water channel for supplying water from the water supply device 30 to the cathode humidified water storage unit 14 and a water channel for discharging water from the cathode humidification water storage unit 14 to the water supply device 30. May be constructed. Alternatively, it is provided with one water channel that is used when water is supplied from the water supply device 30 to the humidification water reservoir for anode 13 and when water is discharged from the humidification water storage portion for anode 13 to the water supply device 30. A fuel cell system may be constructed. Thus, the internal configuration of the fuel cell system S, the configuration of the water channel, the arrangement of the valves, and the like can be changed as appropriate.

<2>
In the above embodiment, although the solenoid valve V is opened unexpectedly despite the valve closing operation, the state in which the solenoid valve V bites foreign matter is illustrated as an example. Depending on the cause, the solenoid valve V may open unexpectedly. For example, in the case of an electromagnetic valve that closes when the plunger moves away from the attractor, the plunger remains attached to the attractor, but the valve is opened despite the valve closing operation. Sometimes. Therefore, the control means Z, when the state where the water level abnormality has occurred due to the electromagnetic valve V opening unexpectedly despite the valve closing operation is detected, An abnormality elimination control for an abnormality occurring when the plunger of the valve remains attached to the suction element may be performed.

<3>
In the above embodiment, the control means Z determines several criteria for determining that a state in which the water level in the water reservoir T cannot be maintained within a predetermined range (that is, a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the water level in the water reservoir T) has been detected. Although illustrated, you may determine with the state which cannot maintain the water level in the water storage part T within the predetermined range based on another reference | standard. For example, in the first embodiment, when the control unit Z detects that the water level of the water storage unit T is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level, an abnormality has occurred in the water level of the water storage unit T. Although it is determined that the state has been detected, when the control means Z continues for a set time when the water level of the water storage unit T is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level, there is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the water level of the water storage unit T. Modifications that determine that it has been detected are also possible.

<4>
In the above embodiment, the electromagnetic valve V is cited as an example of the electric on-off valve. However, a motor valve that controls the opening degree of the valve body by the operation control of the stepping motor that drives the valve body is used as the on-off valve. May be. In this case as well, there may be a problem that foreign matter adheres to the surface of the valve body and the water channel cannot be closed despite the closing operation. Even when this problem occurs, the foreign matter can be discharged by performing the opening operation of the motor valve (or alternately repeating the opening operation and the closing operation) in the same manner as described above.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in a fuel cell system including a water supply device that can supply water from a supplementary water storage unit to a water storage unit that stores water used in a fuel cell.

12 Fuel cell 13 Humidified water reservoir for anode (water reservoir T)
14 Humidified water reservoir for cathode (water reservoir T)
30 (30A-30C) Water supply device 32 Replenishment water storage unit 33 Circulating water channel (water channel)
33a Water supply channel (water channel)
33b Drainage channel (water channel)
34 Water pump 35 Anode water supply channel (water channel)
36 Anode drainage channel (water channel)
37 Cathode water supply / drainage channel (water channel)
Z control means (water level control means)
S (S1-S3) Fuel cell system V Solenoid valve (open / close valve)
Va anode water supply solenoid valve (solenoid valve V)
Vb Anode drain solenoid valve (solenoid valve V)
Vc Cathode water supply / drainage solenoid valve (solenoid valve V)
Vd Solenoid valve for water supply (solenoid valve V)
Ve Solenoid valve for drainage (solenoid valve V)

Claims (5)

A fuel cell;
A water reservoir for storing water used in the fuel cell;
A replenishment water storage unit that stores water that can be supplied to the water storage unit, a water channel that connects between the replenishment water storage unit and the water storage unit, an on-off valve that can open and close the water channel, and water in the water channel An energizable water pump, and a water supply device having water level control means for controlling the operation of the on-off valve and the water pump to maintain the water level in the water reservoir within a predetermined range; With
When the water level control means detects that the water level in the water storage part cannot be maintained within the predetermined range even if the water level maintenance control is performed, the water level control means A fuel cell system for performing abnormality elimination control for controlling an operation state of the water pump.   2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the water level control means controls an operating state of the on-off valve and the water pump so as to repeatedly increase and decrease a flow rate of water passing through the on-off valve in the abnormality elimination control. A fuel cell;
A water reservoir for storing water used in the fuel cell;
A replenishment water storage unit that stores water that can be supplied to the water storage unit, a water channel that connects between the replenishment water storage unit and the water storage unit, an on-off valve that can open and close the water channel, and water in the water channel An energizable water pump, and a water supply device having water level control means for controlling the operation of the on-off valve and the water pump to maintain the water level in the water reservoir within a predetermined range; With
When the water level control means detects a state where the water level in the water storage unit cannot be maintained within the predetermined range even if the water level maintenance control is performed, the water level control means performs abnormality elimination control to change the energization state of the on-off valve. Fuel cell system to perform.   4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein the water level control means repeatedly increases or decreases the energization amount to the on-off valve in the abnormality elimination control.   The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water level control means performs the water level maintenance control after performing the abnormality elimination control.

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