JP2011175852A - Fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell device, capable of efficiently dissolving freezing of a water supply tube and a reforming water generator as well as performing an efficient operation. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell device, in the case an operation of a water pump 5 is determined to be in disorder, and yet, temperature inside the fuel cell device measured by a temperature measurement unit is below a given temperature, performs control of stopping operation of the water pump 5, and at the same time, controls a switcher 19 so that a power source for supplying power to a heater is changed to one with high voltage, so that freezing of a water supply tube 16 and a reforming water generator W can be efficiently dissolved to perform an efficient operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device.

  In recent years, a fuel cell in which a fuel cell and a reformer that can obtain electric power using a hydrogen-containing gas (fuel gas) and an oxygen-containing gas (air) are housed in a housing container in an outer case. There has been proposed a fuel cell device in which a module storage chamber for storing a module and an auxiliary device storage chamber for storing an auxiliary device for operating the fuel cell module are vertically divided. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In such a fuel cell apparatus, when steam reforming with high reforming efficiency is performed in a reformer, it is generated by reforming water generating means such as a water tank or an ion exchange resin apparatus, or by the reforming water generating means. A water pump for supplying the purified water to the reformer, and a water supply pipe for connecting the water pump and the reformer.

  By the way, when such a fuel cell device is used in a cold district, the water supply pipe and the reforming water generating means may freeze during operation stop, making it difficult to perform efficient operation.

  Therefore, for the purpose of suppressing freezing of these water supply pipes and reforming water generating means, it has been proposed to provide heating means such as a heater in the fuel cell device or the reforming water generating means ( For example, see Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).

JP 2009-205826 A JP 2004-207093 A JP 2005-259494 A

  By the way, in the fuel cell apparatus as described above, in order to reduce the operating cost, a low voltage power source is used for the heating means that operates with electric power for suppressing freezing of the water supply pipe and the reforming water generating means. It is assumed to be used.

  However, when such a fuel cell device is used particularly in a cold region, freezing of the water supply pipe and the reforming water generating means does not melt and it may be difficult to start the fuel cell device.

  On the other hand, when a high-voltage power source is continuously used for the heating means that operates with electric power to suppress freezing of the water supply pipe and the reforming water generation means, the operating cost becomes high. There is a problem.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device that can efficiently dissolve the freezing of the water supply pipe and the reforming water generating means and can perform an efficient operation. .

  The fuel cell device of the present invention includes a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells and a reformer for generating fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cells are housed in a housing container in an outer case, A reforming water generating means for generating water used for the reforming reaction in the reformer, and a water pump for supplying water generated by the reforming water generating means to the reformer A fuel cell device comprising an auxiliary machine provided with temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell device, a water supply pipe connecting the water pump and the reformer, and the modification Heating means that operates with electric power for heating each of the quality water generating means, a plurality of power sources having different voltages for supplying electric power to the heating means, and for supplying electric power to the heating means The power source with the low voltage and the voltage A switching unit for switching between the power source and the control unit for controlling the water pump and the switching unit, the control unit including a control signal transmitted to the water pump, and the water pump. On the basis of the operation signal transmitted from the vehicle, the temperature inside the fuel cell device measured by the temperature measuring means is a predetermined temperature when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump. In the following cases, control is performed to stop the operation of the water pump, and the power source for supplying power to the heating means is switched from the power source having a low voltage to the power source having a high voltage. The switching means is controlled.

  In such a fuel cell device, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump based on the control signal transmitted to the water pump and the operation signal transmitted from the water pump. When the temperature in the fuel cell device measured by the temperature measuring means is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, it is determined that the water supply pipe and the reforming water generating means are frozen.

  In this case, by switching the power source for supplying power to the heating means from the low voltage power source to the high voltage power source, the freezing of the water supply pipe and the reforming water generating means can be efficiently dissolved. And efficient operation can be performed.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, a plurality of fuel cells and a reformer for generating fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cells are stored in a storage container by a partition member provided in the outer case. Generated in the module storage chamber in which the fuel cell module is stored, the reforming water generating means for generating water used for the reforming reaction in the reformer, and the reforming water generating means. A fuel cell device in which an auxiliary machine storage chamber in which an auxiliary machine having a water pump for supplying water to the reformer is stored is vertically divided, and measures the temperature in the module storage chamber Module storage room temperature measuring means for measuring, auxiliary machine storage room temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage room, electric power provided in a water supply pipe connecting the water pump and the reformer Operates with The first heating means and the reforming water generating means have different voltages for supplying electric power to the second heating means that operates with electric power, the first heating means, and the second heating means. A plurality of power sources, a switching unit for switching between the low voltage power source and the high voltage power source for supplying power to the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and the water pump And a control device for controlling the switching means, the control device controlling the operation of the first heating means on the basis of the temperature measured by the module housing room temperature measuring means, and the auxiliary machine. Controlling the operation of the second heating means based on the temperature measured by the storage room temperature measuring means, a control signal transmitted to the water pump, and the water pump On the basis of the transmitted operation signal, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump, and is measured by the module storage room temperature measurement means or the auxiliary machine storage room temperature measurement means. The power source for supplying power to the first heating means or the second heating means is controlled to stop the operation of the water pump when the temperature of the power source is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. The switching means is controlled to switch from the low power source to the high voltage power source.

  In such a fuel cell device, the operation of the first heating means for heating the water supply pipe that connects the water pump and the reformer among the auxiliary machines stored in the auxiliary machine storage chamber, Control based on the temperature in the module storage chamber and control the operation of the second heating means for heating the reforming water generating means based on the temperature in the accessory storage chamber, In order to supply power to the first heating means or the second heating means while performing control to stop the operation of the water pump when the temperature measured by the auxiliary equipment storage room temperature measuring means is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. Since the switching means is controlled so that the power source is switched from a low voltage power source to a high voltage power source, freezing of the water supply pipe and the reforming water generating means can be efficiently dissolved, It is possible to perform stomach operation.

  Further, in the fuel cell device of the present invention, the control device operates the power source having a high voltage as the power source for supplying power to the heating means, and the power having the low voltage is passed after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is preferable to control the switching means so as to switch to the source, and to perform control to restart the operation of the water pump.

  In such a fuel cell device, as a power source for supplying power to the heating means, the switching means is controlled so that a high voltage power source is operated and a low voltage power source is switched after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, efficient operation can be performed.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the control device operates the power source having a high voltage as the power source for supplying power to the first heating unit or the second heating unit. It is preferable to control the switching means so as to switch to the power source having a low voltage after a predetermined time has elapsed, and to perform control to restart the operation of the water pump.

  In such a fuel cell apparatus, a power source having a low voltage is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed since a power source having a high voltage is operated as a power source for supplying power to the first heating means or the second heating means. By controlling the switching means so as to switch to, efficient operation can be performed.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the control device may be a case where the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after the operation of the water pump is resumed. When it is determined again that there is an abnormality in the operation of the water pump, the control of stopping the operation of the water pump is performed, and the switching means is configured to supply power to the heating means from the power source having a high voltage. It is preferable to control.

  In such a fuel cell device, after resuming the operation of the water pump, when it is determined again that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump, the heating means is supplied again from the high voltage power source. By operating with electric power, efficient operation can be performed without immediately stopping the fuel cell device.

  Further, in the fuel cell device of the present invention, the control device has a predetermined temperature measured by the module storage room temperature measurement means or the auxiliary machine storage room temperature measurement means after the operation of the water pump is restarted. And when it is determined again that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump, control is performed to stop the operation of the water pump, and the first heating means or the first Preferably, the switching means is controlled so that power is supplied from the power source having a high voltage to the second heating means.

In such a fuel cell device, after restarting the operation of the water pump, it is determined again that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump, and the module storage room temperature measuring means or the auxiliary device When the temperature measured by the storage room temperature measuring means is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the first heating means or the second heating means is operated again with the electric power supplied from the high-voltage power source, thereby immediately Efficient operation can be performed without stopping the fuel cell device.

  In the fuel cell device of the present invention, when the control device repeats activation and stop of the water pump a predetermined number of times, a control signal transmitted to the water pump and an operation signal transmitted from the water pump Based on the above, it is preferable to control the fuel cell device to stop when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump.

  In such a fuel cell device, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump even when the water pump is started and stopped a predetermined number of times, the water pump itself has an abnormality. Therefore, by stopping the operation of the fuel cell device, an efficient operation can be performed.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention is a case where it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump based on the control signal transmitted to the water pump and the operation signal transmitted from the water pump, When the temperature in the fuel cell device measured by the temperature measuring means is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, control is performed to stop the operation of the water pump, and the power source for supplying power to the heating means is Since the switching means is controlled so as to switch to a high power source, freezing of the water supply pipe and the reforming water generating means can be efficiently dissolved, and an efficient operation can be performed.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a fuel cell system provided with the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the fuel cell module which comprises the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic which shows roughly an example of a structure of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of control of the fuel cell apparatus of this invention.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a fuel cell system including the fuel cell device of the present invention. In the following drawings, the same numbers are assigned to the same members.

  The fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1 includes a power generation unit that generates power, a hot water storage unit that stores hot water after heat exchange, and a circulation pipe that circulates water between these units. Corresponds to the fuel cell device of the present invention.

  The fuel cell device (power generation unit) shown in FIG. 1 may be abbreviated as a fuel cell stack 1 (hereinafter, cell stack) formed by combining a plurality of fuel cells (for example, hollow plate type fuel cells). ), Raw fuel supply means 2 for supplying raw fuel such as natural gas, oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 for supplying oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cells constituting the cell stack 1, steam reforming with raw fuel and steam The reformer 4 is provided. The reformer 4 vaporizes water supplied by a water pump 5 to be described later (pure water, sometimes abbreviated to water as appropriate), and supplies the raw fuel and steam supplied from the raw fuel supply means 2. And a reforming unit for generating a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) by reacting the mixed raw fuel with water vapor.

  In FIG. 1, the cell stack 1 and the reformer 4 are housed in the housing container to constitute a fuel cell module that constitutes the fuel cell device of the present invention. In FIG. 1, each device constituting the fuel cell module is surrounded by a two-dot chain line (indicated by M in FIG. 1).

  Further, in the fuel cell device (power generation unit) shown in FIG. 1, heat exchange is performed by exchanging heat between exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by power generation of the fuel cells constituting the cell stack 1 and water flowing through the circulation pipe 12. 6, a condensed water treatment device 15 for treating the condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 6 into pure water, and a water tank 7 for storing water (pure water) treated in the condensed water treatment device 15. The water tank 7 and the heat exchanger 6 are connected by a condensed water supply pipe 14. In addition, depending on the quality of the condensed water produced | generated by the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 6, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide the condensed water processing apparatus 15. FIG. Moreover, when the condensed water processing apparatus 15 has the function to store water, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide the water tank 7. FIG. In the fuel cell device of the present invention, the condensed water treatment device 15 and the water tank 7 correspond to the reforming water generating means (indicated by W in FIG. 1).

  The water stored in the water tank 7 is supplied to the reformer 4 (vaporizer, not shown) by a water pump 5 provided in a water supply pipe 16 that connects the water tank 7 and the reformer 4. The

  Furthermore, the fuel cell device shown in FIG. 1 converts a DC power generated by the fuel cell into an AC power, and adjusts the supply amount of the converted current to an external load (power condition unit). Na) 8, In addition to the outlet water temperature sensor 10 for measuring the water temperature of the water (circulated water stream) provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger 6 and flowing through the outlet of the heat exchanger 6, a control device 9 is provided for circulation. A power generation unit (fuel cell device) is configured together with a circulation pump 11 that circulates water in the pipe 12. The power conditioner 8 and the control device 9 will be described in detail later. And each apparatus which comprises these electric power generation units can be set as an electric power generation unit with easy installation, carrying etc. by accommodating in an exterior case (not shown). The hot water storage unit includes a hot water storage tank 13 for storing hot water after heat exchange.

  Moreover, between the cell stack 1 and the heat exchanger 6, there is provided an exhaust gas treatment device (not shown) for treating the exhaust gas generated during the operation of the fuel cell (cell stack 1). In addition, the exhaust gas treatment apparatus houses exhaust gas treatment means in a storage container, and generally known combustion catalysts can be used as the exhaust gas treatment means.

  The arrows in the figure indicate the flow directions of raw fuel, oxygen-containing gas, and water, and the broken lines are transmitted (transmitted) from the main signal path transmitted to the control device 9 or from the control device 9. The main signal paths are shown.

  Here, an operation method of the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. When steam reforming is performed to generate fuel gas used for power generation of the fuel cell, water used in the reformer 4 is accompanied by operation of the fuel cell (cell stack 1) in the heat exchanger 6. The condensed water produced | generated by heat exchange with the waste gas produced | generated and the water which flows through the circulation piping 12 is used. The condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 6 is processed by the condensed water treatment device 15 (made pure water) and supplied to the water tank 7. Water stored in the water tank 7 is supplied to the reformer 4 by the water pump 5, steam reforming is performed with the raw fuel supplied from the raw fuel supply means 2, and the generated fuel gas is used as a fuel cell. Supplied to the cell. In the fuel battery cell, power generation is performed using the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3. Thus, water self-sustained operation can be performed by using condensed water effectively.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the module M shown in FIG. The module M has a lower end of a cell stack 1 in which a plurality of fuel cells 21 are electrically connected in series via a current collecting member (not shown) in the storage container 20. A cell stack device 26 fixed to a manifold 22 for supplying fuel gas to 21 is housed.

  In order to obtain the fuel gas used in the fuel battery cell 21, a reformer 4 for reforming raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene to generate fuel gas is disposed above the cell stack 1. ing. The reformer 4 also includes a vaporizer 23 for vaporizing water supplied from the water pump 5 via the water supply pipe 16 and a vaporizer 23 so as to perform steam reforming in the reformer 4. And a reforming section 24 including a reforming catalyst for performing a reforming reaction with the vaporized water and raw fuel. The fuel gas generated in the reforming unit 24 is supplied to the manifold 22 via the gas flow pipe 25 and supplied to the fuel battery cell 21 via the manifold 22.

  FIG. 2 shows a state where a part (front and rear walls) of the storage container 20 is removed and the cell stack device 26 and the reformer 4 housed inside are taken out rearward. Here, in the fuel cell module M shown in FIG. 2, the cell stack device 26 can be slid and stored in the storage container 20. Note that the cell stack device 26 may include the reformer 4.

  Although not specifically described, the bottom surface of the storage container 20 is provided with an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe (left side in FIG. 2) for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell 21 and power generation of the fuel cell. An exhaust pipe (on the right side in FIG. 2) for exhausting the generated exhaust gas toward the heat exchanger 6 is connected.

  An oxygen-containing gas introduction member 27 for supplying the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe to the fuel cell 21 is disposed inside the storage container 20. In the module M shown in FIG. The oxygen-containing gas introduction member 27 is disposed between the cell stacks 1 juxtaposed on the manifold 22, and the side of the fuel cell 21 from the lower end is aligned with the flow of the fuel gas. An oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lower end portion of the fuel cell 21 so as to flow toward the upper end portion.

  The temperature of the fuel cell 21 can be increased by burning the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas discharged from the fuel cell 21 on the upper end side of the fuel cell 21. Start-up can be accelerated. Further, the fuel gas discharged from the fuel battery cell 21 and the oxygen-containing gas are combusted on the upper end side of the fuel battery cell 21, thereby improving the fuel cell 21 (cell stack 1) disposed above. The quality device 4 can be warmed. Thereby, the reforming reaction can be efficiently performed in the reformer 4.

  A fuel cell device can be obtained by housing such a module M, reforming water generation means W, and the like in an outer case.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view schematically showing an example of the fuel cell device of the present invention, in which a part of the outer case 29 is removed so that the inside of the outer case 29 can be seen.

  In FIG. 3, the fuel cell device 28 has a partition member 30 in an outer case 29, and the upper portion of the partition member 30 is a module storage chamber 31 in which the module M is disposed. Further, a lower side of the partition member 30 serves as a supplementary storage chamber 31 for storing an auxiliary machine for operating the module M. The module M is disposed on a heat insulating material 33 disposed on the partition member 30.

  Further, in the fuel cell device 28 shown in FIG. 3, some of the auxiliary machines (see FIG. 1) stored in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 32 are omitted, and are stored in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 32. As auxiliary equipment, water pump 5, heat exchanger 6, power conditioner 8, control device 9, reforming water generation means W (water tank 7, condensate treatment device 15), water supply pipe 16 (partly a module) A part of the storage chamber 31), the switching means 18, etc. are shown.

  Thus, the fuel cell device 28 having a compact shape can be obtained by forming the outer case 29 in a vertically partitioned shape.

  Here, when the fuel cell device 28 is used in a cold region, the water supply pipe 16 and the reforming water generating means W may be frozen, particularly when the operation of the fuel cell device 28 is stopped. Therefore, in the fuel cell device 28 shown in FIG. 3, the first heating means 17 (heater or the like) is provided in the water supply pipe 16 as the heating means, and the second heating means 18 is provided in the reforming water generation means W. Is provided. In the following description, the case where two heating means, ie, the first heating means 17 and the second heating means 18 are used will be described. However, the heating means may be one, and in that case, One temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell device 28 can also be provided.

  Further, when the operation of the fuel cell device 28 is stopped, the temperature in the module storage chamber 31 may be lower than that in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 32. Therefore, in the fuel cell device 28 shown in FIG. 3, the module storage room temperature measuring means 34 (temperature sensor or the like) for measuring the temperature in the module storage room 31 and the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage room 32 are measured. The control device 9 includes a first heating unit 17 and a second heating unit 18 based on the temperatures measured by these temperature measuring units. Each operation is preferably controlled. Thereby, freezing of the water supply pipe 16 and the reforming water generating means W connecting the water pump 5 and the reformer 4 can be efficiently dissolved, and similarly the water supply pipe 16 and the reforming water generating means. Freezing of W can be suppressed, and a fuel cell device with improved operating efficiency can be obtained.

  Specifically, the control device 9 performs the operation of the first heating unit 17 when the temperature in the module storage chamber 31 measured by the module storage chamber temperature measuring unit 34 becomes equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature. When the temperature in the module storage chamber 31 measured by the module storage chamber temperature measuring unit 34 reaches the second predetermined temperature set higher than the first predetermined temperature, the first heating unit is started. It is preferable to control to stop the operation of 17.

  Here, the first predetermined temperature is preferably a temperature at which freezing of the water supply pipe 16 can be efficiently suppressed and a temperature at which the first heating means 17 can be operated efficiently, for example, 0. It is preferable to set appropriately between 5 ° C and 5 ° C.

  On the other hand, the second predetermined temperature is preferably set higher than the first predetermined temperature, and is preferably set to a temperature at which the water supply pipe 16 is unlikely to freeze, for example, appropriately set between 7 to 10 ° C. Is preferred.

  In this case, the module storage room temperature measuring means 34 is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the water supply pipe 16 in order to efficiently melt or suppress freezing of the water supply pipe 16 (in FIG. 3, in the module storage room). The example which has arrange | positioned the temperature measurement means 34 adjacent to the water supply pipe 16 is shown.

In particular, when the operation is stopped, the temperature in the module storage chamber 31 is lower than the temperature in the auxiliary device storage chamber 32, so that the first heating means 17 is at least partially in the module storage chamber 31. It is preferable to arrange so as to be located, and particularly as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable to arrange so as to cover the entire portion of the water supply pipe 16 located in the module storage chamber 31.

  The first heating means 17 is arranged so that at least a part thereof is located in the module storage chamber 31, and the operation of the first heating means 17 is measured by the module storage room temperature measuring means 34. By controlling based on the temperature within 31, the freezing of the water supply pipe 16 can be efficiently dissolved and the freezing of the water supply pipe 16 can be efficiently suppressed.

  Further, the control device 9 starts the operation of the second heating means 18 when the temperature in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 32 measured by the auxiliary equipment storage room temperature measuring means 35 becomes equal to or lower than the third predetermined temperature. And controlling the operation of the second heating means 18 to stop when the temperature in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 32 measured by the auxiliary equipment storage room temperature measuring means 35 reaches the fourth predetermined temperature. Is preferred.

  Here, the third predetermined temperature is preferably a temperature at which freezing of the reforming water generating means W can be efficiently suppressed, and a temperature at which the second heating means 18 can be operated efficiently, For example, it can be set to the same temperature as the first predetermined temperature for efficiently operating the first heating means 17 (set appropriately between 0 ° C. and 5 ° C.).

  On the other hand, the fourth predetermined temperature is preferably set higher than the third predetermined temperature, and is preferably set to a temperature at which the reforming water generating unit W is unlikely to freeze, and the first heating unit 17 operates efficiently. It can be set to the same temperature as the second predetermined temperature (set appropriately between 7 ° C. and 10 ° C.).

  In this case, the auxiliary equipment storage room temperature measuring means 35 is used to efficiently melt or suppress the freezing of the reforming water generating means W. It is preferable to arrange on the bottom surface side (ground side) or outside air intake side in the storage chamber 34 (in FIG. 3, the auxiliary device storage room temperature measuring means 35 is connected to the condensed water supply pipe 14 on the bottom surface side. Shows an example of being placed adjacent to.).

  As described above, the control device 9 controls the operation of the first heating unit 17 based on the temperature in the module storage chamber 31 measured by the module storage chamber temperature measuring unit 34, and the auxiliary device storage chamber temperature. A water supply pipe 16 that connects the water pump 4 and the reformer 5 by controlling the operation of the second heating means 18 based on the temperature in the auxiliary equipment storage chamber 32 measured by the measuring means 35, and Freezing of the reforming water generating means W can be efficiently dissolved or suppressed, and the fuel cell device 28 with improved operating efficiency can be obtained.

  By the way, in such a fuel cell device 28, in order to reduce the operation cost, a power source having a low voltage is used as a power source for supplying power to the first heating means 17 and the second heating means 18. Is assumed.

  However, when such a fuel cell device 28 is used particularly in a cold region, the fuel cell device can be started up without freezing the freezing of the water supply pipe 16 and the reforming water generating means W, particularly at the time of startup. May be difficult.

  On the other hand, when a high-voltage power source is continuously used for the heating means that operates with electric power for melting or suppressing the freezing of the water supply pipe 16 and the reforming water generation means W, the operating cost There is a problem that becomes high.

  Therefore, in the fuel cell device 28 of the present invention, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the operation of the water pump 5, electric power is supplied to each heating unit based on the temperature measured by each temperature measurement unit. A switching means 19 for switching the power source for supply is provided, and the control device 9 controls the operation of the switching means 19.

  Here, the abnormality of the water pump 5 can be determined as follows. For example, the control device 9 transmits a control signal to the water pump 5 so as to supply a predetermined amount of water to the reformer 4. On the other hand, the water pump 5 operates based on a control signal transmitted from the control device 9. Here, when the water pump 5 is of a type that discharges water by rotating a motor, for example, the rotation information is transmitted to the control device 9 as an operation signal simultaneously with the rotation of the motor. The control device 9 compares the control signal transmitted to the water pump 5 with the operation signal (rotation information) transmitted from the water pump 5, and if the difference is outside the predetermined range, the water pump 5 is abnormal. Is determined to have occurred.

  Here, the control device 9 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water pump 5 based on the control signal transmitted to the water pump 5 and the operation signal transmitted from the water pump 5, and stores the module. When the temperature measured by the room temperature measuring means 34 or the auxiliary equipment storage room temperature measuring means 35 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (the above-mentioned first predetermined temperature or lower or the third predetermined temperature or lower), water It can be determined that the abnormality of the pump 5 is due to freezing of the water supply pipe 16 or the reforming water generation means W.

  In this case, the control device 9 performs control for stopping the operation of the water pump 5 and uses a power source for supplying power to the first heating unit 17 or the second heating unit 18 as a power source having a high voltage. The switching means 19 is controlled to switch to.

  Thereby, freezing of the water supply pipe 16 and the reforming water generating means W can be efficiently dissolved, and an efficient operation (startup) can be performed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow in the fuel cell device 28 of the present invention. Hereinafter, an example of control in the fuel cell device 28 of the present invention will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the control of the fuel cell device 28, the control device 9 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the water pump 5 by the above-described method (step S1). Here, when it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the water pump 5, the operation is continued as it is (step S11).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the water pump 5, the temperature in the module storage chamber 31 or the auxiliary device storage chamber 32 is subsequently set to the first predetermined temperature or the third predetermined temperature. Determine if:

  Here, when the temperature in the module storage chamber 31 or the auxiliary machine storage chamber 32 is higher than the first predetermined temperature or the third predetermined temperature, the water supply pipe 16 or the reforming water generating means W is used. In this case, it can be determined that the water pump 5 has failed, and in this case, the operation of the fuel cell device 28 is stopped (step S12).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the temperature in the module storage chamber 31 or the auxiliary device storage chamber 32 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature or the third predetermined temperature, the water supply pipe 16 or the modified It is determined that the quality water generating means W is frozen, and control is first performed to stop the operation of the water pump 5 (step S4).

  Subsequently, the control device 9 controls the switching unit 19 to switch the power source for supplying power to the first heating unit 17 or the second heating unit 18 from the low voltage side to the high voltage side. Do. Here, the switching means 19 can be arranged in the power conditioner 8. As the power source connected to the switching means, the current generated by the power generation of the fuel cell device 28 is converted to the low voltage side (for example, DC12V or DC24V), and the current supplied from the commercial power supply is converted to high power. It can be on the voltage side (for example, AC 100V). As a power source on the high voltage side, a current generated by the power generation of the fuel cell device 28 can be converted to a high voltage side (for example, DC 48 V). Here, in the normal operation, when the first heating unit 17 or the second heating unit 18 is operated for the purpose of preventing the water supply pipe 16 or the reforming water generating unit W from freezing, the power supply on the low voltage side is used. The operating cost of the fuel cell device 28 can be reduced.

  Subsequently, the first heating means 17 or the second heating means 18 is activated based on the temperatures in the module storage chamber 31 and the auxiliary machine storage chamber 32 (step S6).

  When a predetermined time elapses after the first heating means 17 or the second heating means 18 is activated (step S7), the operation of the switching means 19 is controlled to control the first heating means 17 or the second heating means. Control for switching the power source for supplying power to 18 from the high voltage side to the low voltage side is performed (step S8). Subsequently, the water pump 5 is operated (step S9). A power source for supplying power to the first heating means 17 or the second heating means 18 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the first heating means 17 or the second heating means 18 was started. The reason for performing control to switch the high voltage side to the low voltage side is to suppress an increase in operating cost and to suppress an excessive increase in the temperature of the water in the water supply pipe 16 or the reforming water generating means W. Because. The predetermined time after starting the first heating means 17 or the second heating means 18 can be appropriately set depending on the power source on the high voltage side to be used, the size of the piping, etc. When AC100V is used as the power source on the side, it can be appropriately set in about 1 to 10 minutes.

  After starting the water pump 5 in step S9, it returns to step S1 again and repeats said operation | movement. Here, when the frequency | count of starting and a stop of the water pump 5 exceeds predetermined frequency | count, it determines with the water pump 5 having produced abnormality and stops the driving | operation of the fuel cell apparatus 28 (step S12). .

  By performing the control as described above, freezing of the water supply pipe 16 and the reforming water generating means W can be efficiently dissolved, and an efficient operation can be performed.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, instead of stopping the operation of the fuel cell device 28 in step S12 in the flowchart, the reforming reaction in the reformer 4 can be switched to the partial oxidation reforming reaction. In this case, the oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the reformer 4 from the oxygen-containing gas supply means 3 (or another oxygen-containing gas supply means), so that steam reforming is performed in the reformer 4. Although the operation efficiency is reduced, the operation can be continued without stopping the fuel cell device 28.

Moreover, although the example of controlling the operation continuation or operation stop of the fuel cell device 28 by the number of times of starting and stopping of the water pump 5 has been shown, Based on this, it is possible to control the continuation or stop of the operation of the fuel cell device 28.

  Furthermore, in step S8 in the flowchart, instead of switching the power source for supplying power to the first heating means 17 or the second heating means 18 from the high voltage side to the low voltage side, the first heating means 17 Alternatively, the supply of electric power to the second heating means 18 can be stopped.

1: cell stack 4: reformer 5: water pump 8: power conditioner 9: controller 16: water supply pipe 17: first heating means 18: second heating means 19: switching means 28: fuel cell device 29: Exterior case 30: Partition member 31: Module storage chamber 32: Auxiliary storage chamber 34: Module storage indoor temperature measurement means 35: Auxiliary storage indoor temperature measurement means M: Fuel cell module W: Reforming water generation means

Claims (7)

A fuel cell module in which a reformer for generating a plurality of fuel cells and fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cells is housed in a housing container, and reforming by the reformer A reforming water generating means for generating water used for the reaction, and an auxiliary device including a water pump for supplying water generated by the reforming water generating means to the reformer. A fuel cell device comprising:
Temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature in the fuel cell device;
A water supply pipe that connects the water pump and the reformer, and a heating unit that operates with electric power for heating each of the water supply units provided in the reforming water generation unit;
A plurality of power sources having different voltages for supplying power to the heating means;
Switching means for switching between the low voltage power source for supplying power to the heating means and the high voltage power source;
And a control device for controlling the water pump and the switching means,
The control device is a case where it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump based on a control signal transmitted to the water pump and an operation signal transmitted from the water pump, The power source for controlling the operation of the water pump and supplying power to the heating unit when the temperature in the fuel cell device measured by the temperature measuring unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. The fuel cell device is characterized in that the switching means is controlled so as to switch from the power source having a low voltage to the power source having a high voltage. A partition member provided in the outer case accommodates a fuel cell module in which a plurality of fuel cells and a reformer for generating fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cells are accommodated in a storage container. Module storage chamber, reforming water generating means for generating water used for the reforming reaction in the reformer, and water generated by the reforming water generating means is supplied to the reformer A fuel cell device in which an auxiliary machine storage chamber in which an auxiliary machine including a water pump is stored is vertically divided,
Module storage room temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature in the module storage room and auxiliary machine storage room temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature in the auxiliary machine storage room;
A first heating means that is operated by electric power provided in a water supply pipe connecting the water pump and the reformer, and a second that is operated by electric power, provided in the reforming water generating means. A plurality of power sources having different voltages for supplying power to the heating means, the first heating means, and the second heating means;
Switching means for switching between the low voltage power source and the high voltage power source for supplying power to the first heating means and the second heating means;
And a control device for controlling the water pump and the switching means,
The control device controls the operation of the first heating unit based on the temperature measured by the module housing room temperature measuring unit, and based on the temperature measured by the auxiliary unit housing room temperature measuring unit. While controlling the operation of the two heating means,
Based on the control signal transmitted to the water pump and the operation signal transmitted from the water pump, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump,
When the temperature measured by the module storage room temperature measurement means or the auxiliary machine storage room temperature measurement means is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, control is performed to stop the operation of the water pump,
Controlling the switching means to switch the power source for supplying power to the first heating means or the second heating means from the power source having a low voltage to the power source having a high voltage. A fuel cell device.   The control device controls the switching means to operate the power source having a high voltage as the power source for supplying power to the heating means and to switch to the power source having a low voltage after a predetermined time has elapsed. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein control for resuming operation of the water pump is performed.   The control device operates the power source having a high voltage as the power source for supplying power to the first heating unit or the second heating unit, and the power having the low voltage after a predetermined time has elapsed. 3. The fuel cell device according to claim 2, wherein the switching unit is controlled so as to switch to a source, and control is performed to restart the operation of the water pump.   When the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after resuming the operation of the water pump, the control device again when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the water pump. The control of stopping the operation of the water pump when judged, and controlling the switching means to supply power to the heating means from the power source having a high voltage. The fuel cell device described in 1.   The control device is a case where, after resuming the operation of the water pump, a temperature measured by the module storage room temperature measuring means or the auxiliary machine storage room temperature measuring means is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, When it is determined again that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the water pump, control is performed to stop the operation of the water pump, and the electric power having a high voltage is applied to the first heating means or the second heating means. 5. The fuel cell device according to claim 4, wherein the switching means is controlled to supply electric power from a source.   The control device operates the water pump based on a control signal transmitted to the water pump and an operation signal transmitted from the water pump when the water pump is started and stopped a predetermined number of times. 7. The fuel cell device according to claim 5, wherein the fuel cell device is controlled to stop when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the fuel cell device. 8.

Images