JP2011243447A - Fuel cell control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system where problems associated with the central processing system are avoided.SOLUTION: A fuel cell control system of the present invention comprises a plurality of fuel cells 5a which generate power by using hydrogen, a plurality of first autonomous distributed control units 4a connected with respective fuel cells 5a and control the respective fuel cells 5a autonomously, a power distribution system 2 which interchanges power, and a control data field 1 which holds data including power distribution system information about the power distribution system 2 and fuel cell information about each fuel cell 5a. When such a state as the power distribution system 2 can receive power is confirmed with reference to the power distribution system information included in the data held in the control data field 1, each first autonomous distributed control unit 4a controls a fuel cell 5a connected with the first autonomous distributed control unit 4a to generate power, and power generated by the fuel cell 5a is supplied to the power distribution system 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell control system.

  In recent years, along with the widespread use of cordless devices such as personal computers and mobile phones, batteries that are power sources are increasingly required to be smaller and have higher capacities. Currently, lithium ion secondary batteries have been put into practical use as secondary batteries that have high energy density and can be reduced in size and weight, and demand for portable power sources is increasing. However, this lithium ion secondary battery has a limited output capacity, and does not reach a level that guarantees a sufficient continuous use time depending on the type of cordless device used.

  Under such circumstances, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) has been studied as an example of a battery that can meet the above-mentioned demand. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells that use solid polymer electrolyte as the electrolyte, oxygen in the air as the positive electrode active material, and fuel as the negative electrode active material are attracting attention as a battery that can be expected to have higher energy density than lithium ion secondary batteries. ing.

  Fuel cells can be used continuously as long as oxygen and fuel are supplied, and hydrogen, methanol, and the like have been proposed and used for such fuel cells. A fuel cell using hydrogen as a fuel is attracting attention because it can be expected to have an output.

  As a technique for producing hydrogen as a fuel source of a fuel cell, a method of generating hydrogen by a chemical reaction at a low temperature of 100 ° C. or lower and using it as a fuel has been proposed. In this method, for example, a metal that generates hydrogen by reacting aluminum, magnesium, silicon, zinc, or the like with water is used as a hydrogen source (Patent Documents 1 to 6).

  According to the method described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 in which aluminum is reacted with an alkali or an acid, hydrogen is easily generated chemically, but it is necessary to add an equivalent amount of alkali or acid corresponding to aluminum, and a hydrogen source. There arises a problem of a decrease in energy density due to an increase in the ratio of other materials. In addition, there is a problem that the oxide or hydroxide as a reaction product forms a film on the surface of the metal, the inner metal cannot contact with water, and the oxidation reaction stops only on the surface of the metal. Prone to occur. For this reason, Patent Document 3 proposes a hydrogen generating material in which the proportion of aluminum is 85% by weight or less. However, in the technique of Patent Document 3, hydrogen cannot be generated unless calcium oxide is added in an amount of 15% by weight or more with respect to the total amount of aluminum, and the hydrogen generation rate fluctuates greatly with the reaction time. A big problem is caused in terms of efficiency and stability.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 4 which attempts to avoid the above problem by mechanically removing the surface film, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes large, such as requiring mechanical equipment for removing the surface film. In Patent Document 5, alumina is added as a catalyst for making it difficult to form the hydroxide film, and hydrogen is generated at a low temperature of 50 ° C. However, aluminum alone does not generate hydrogen, and it is necessary to add a certain amount of catalyst, so that there is a problem that the aluminum content decreases.

  As a technique for solving these problems, in Patent Document 6, hydrogen is easily generated at a low temperature by using a hydrogen generating material containing at least one metal material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, and alloys thereof. A hydrogen production apparatus and a fuel cell that can be generated are disclosed.

  Incidentally, in recent years, autonomous distributed control has attracted attention as a technique for controlling a plurality of devices and the like. An autonomous distributed system composed of a plurality of devices that perform autonomous distributed control, for example, a plurality of information devices (computers, data processing devices, control devices, terminal devices, relay devices, etc.) are distributed and connected to a network, In addition, the system is configured such that each information device operates autonomously and on an equal basis. The autonomous distributed system is superior in that it is not necessary to centrally manage maintenance, expansion, or update of component devices.

  For example, the invention described in Patent Document 7 is such an autonomous distributed system, and includes a plurality of data field systems, a communication network connecting these data field systems, and a plurality of nodes connected to the data field systems. , A plurality of construction targets by an autonomous distributed information device connected to the node, a construction tool provided in a node connected to one of the data field systems, and other construction tools that do not have a construction tool This is an autonomous distributed system comprising construction means for setting construction information such as a program to a construction target connected to a node by function code communication via a data field system. The autonomous decentralized system is attracting attention because it allows multiple components to be distributed, enabling efficient control and flexible changes.

  As one of such autonomous distributed systems, Patent Document 8 discloses an autonomous distributed control power storage system. In the autonomous distributed control power storage system of Patent Document 8, in a heat storage system that supplies power to a plurality of loads from a group of power storage devices distributed in a predetermined area, electric power stored in the power storage device from an external individual power source via a main input unit, respectively. The power storage device of each power storage unit is connected to the power storage device of all power storage units via the power storage device of at least one power storage unit directly connected to the unit. In addition, each power storage unit has a sub input / output unit that is controlled so as to transmit power from the power storage device that can be supplied out of the power storage device and the power storage device of the direct connection power storage unit from the one with the larger amount of power supply. . Regarding the individual power source of Patent Document 8, in addition to the commercial AC power source, power generation means using natural energy (photocells such as solar cells, wind power generation / thermoelectric conversion / piezoelectric conversion, etc.), and further power generation using secondary use of artificial energy Means (thermoelectric conversion using waste heat from buildings and photovoltaic power generation using illumination light), distributed power generators such as fuel cells and micro gas turbines, lead-acid batteries and external batteries with large capacity can be used. It is disclosed.

  Non-Patent Document 1 proposes an energy network in which electricity and hydrogen are interchanged between houses and devices such as a fuel cell stack are forced. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which fuel cell stacks are installed in a plurality of households, electricity generated by power generation of the fuel cell stacks can be accommodated, and hydrogen can be accommodated via pipes. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows a system in which a plurality of client-side devices are controlled by a server that performs supervising, and each client-side device controls a fuel cell and a DC electronic load device.

US Pat. No. 6,506,360 Japanese Patent No. 2566248 JP 2004-231466 A JP 2001-31401 A JP-T-2004-505879 JP 2006-306700 A JP-A-11-232219 JP 2006-174540 A

H. Aki, S. Yamamoto, Y. Ishikawa, J. Kondoh, T. Maeda, I. Ishii, "Operational Strategies of Networked Fuel Cells in Residential Homes", IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, Vol. 21, pp. 1405- 1414 (2006).

  However, Patent Document 6 does not describe a technique for constructing a system that maintains high reliability and can be operated flexibly when there are a plurality of fuel cells and hydrogen generators.

  Although Patent Document 7 and Patent Document 8 describe the use of a fuel cell as an example of a distributed power generator, there is no description of a technique for accommodating hydrogen used as fuel in a fuel cell in the system. Not. In addition, there is no description of a technique for accommodating power generated by power generation of a fuel cell that requires hydrogen supply in the system.

  The technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 is a method in which a server that performs supervising controls a plurality of client-side devices, and the server performs a final central processing. There is a problem. That is, there is a problem that when a problem occurs in the server, the entire system is affected, a system component is difficult to update, or a flexible system construction is difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and avoids problems associated with the central processing system by autonomously controlling each fuel cell in a fuel cell control system in which a plurality of fuel cells are dispersed. A highly autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system is provided.

  A first fuel cell control system of the present invention includes a plurality of fuel cells that generate power using hydrogen, and a plurality of first autonomous distributed control units that are connected to the fuel cells and autonomously control the fuel cells. A distribution system for accommodating power, and a control data field for holding data including distribution system information relating to the distribution system and fuel cell information relating to each fuel cell, and each of the first autonomous distributed control units Refers to the power distribution system information included in the data held in the control data field, and confirms that the power distribution system is capable of accepting power, the first autonomous distributed control unit The fuel cell connected to the power is generated, and the power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell is supplied to the distribution system.

  A second fuel cell control system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell that generates power using hydrogen, a plurality of hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cells including a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen, and each of the hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cells. A plurality of autonomous distributed control units that autonomously control the fuel cell and the hydrogen generation unit in each of the hydrogen generation unit mounted fuel cells, a power distribution system for accommodating power, and hydrogen for accommodating hydrogen A control data field for holding data including an accommodation system, distribution system information about the distribution system, hydrogen accommodation system information about the hydrogen accommodation system, fuel cell information about the fuel cell, and hydrogen generation section information about the hydrogen generation section; Each of the autonomous distributed control units refers to the distribution system information included in the data held in the control data field, and the distribution system can accept power Is confirmed, the hydrogen generation unit connected to the autonomous decentralized control unit generates hydrogen and supplies the hydrogen to the fuel cell connected to the autonomous decentralized control unit. The fuel cell is configured to generate power, and electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell is supplied to the distribution system.

  According to the present invention, a highly reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel that avoids problems associated with the central processing system by autonomously controlling each fuel cell in a fuel cell control system in which a plurality of fuel cells are distributed. A battery control system can be provided.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the fuel cell control system of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the data structure of a control data field. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating the autonomous distributed control by the autonomous distributed control part connected with the fuel cell. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the autonomous distributed control by the autonomous distributed control part connected with the hydrogen generation part. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other example of the fuel cell control system of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other example of the fuel cell control system of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the autonomous distributed control in the fuel cell control system shown in FIG.

  A first fuel cell control system of the present invention includes a plurality of fuel cells that generate power using hydrogen, and a plurality of first autonomous distributed control units that are connected to the fuel cells and autonomously control the fuel cells. A distribution system for accommodating power, and a control data field for holding data including distribution system information relating to the distribution system and fuel cell information relating to each fuel cell, and each of the first autonomous distributed control units Refers to the power distribution system information included in the data held in the control data field, and confirms that the power distribution system is capable of accepting power, the first autonomous distributed control unit The fuel cell connected to the power is generated, and the power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell is supplied to the distribution system. Thereby, since a plurality of fuel cells can be autonomously controlled, it is possible to realize a highly reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system that avoids various problems associated with the central processing system.

  In the first fuel cell control system, a hydrogen generation unit that generates hydrogen, a second autonomous distributed control unit that is connected to the hydrogen generation unit and autonomously controls the hydrogen generation unit, and for accommodating hydrogen And the data held in the control data field includes hydrogen accommodation system information about the hydrogen accommodation system and hydrogen generation section information about the hydrogen generation section, and the second autonomous distribution. The control unit refers to the hydrogen accommodation system information included in the data held in the control data field, and confirms that the hydrogen accommodation system is capable of accepting hydrogen. To generate hydrogen and supply it to the hydrogen accommodation system. Thereby, since the hydrogen generation part distributed separately from the fuel cell can be autonomously controlled, a more reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system can be realized. In addition, when a plurality of hydrogen generation units and the second autonomous distributed control unit are provided, a plurality of hydrogen generation units can be controlled autonomously, thereby realizing a more reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system. it can.

  In the first fuel cell control system, a fuel cell that generates power using hydrogen, a hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cell having a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen, and the hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cell, A third autonomous distributed control unit that autonomously controls the fuel cell and the hydrogen generation unit in the fuel cell mounted with the hydrogen generation unit, and a hydrogen accommodation system for accommodating hydrogen, and is held in the control data field The data includes the hydrogen accommodation system information regarding the hydrogen accommodation system and the hydrogen generation section information regarding each of the hydrogen generation sections, and the third autonomous distributed control section includes the data stored in the control data field. Is connected to the third autonomous distributed control unit when it is confirmed that the distribution system is in a state where it can accept power. Hydrogen is generated in the element generation unit and supplied to the fuel cell connected to the third autonomous distributed control unit, the fuel cell is generated using the hydrogen, and the electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell is generated. Supply to the above distribution system. Thereby, since the fuel cell equipped with a hydrogen generator can be autonomously controlled, a more reliable autonomous distributed control fuel cell control system can be provided.

  A second fuel cell control system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell that generates power using hydrogen, a plurality of hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cells having a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen, and each of the hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cells. A plurality of autonomous distributed control units that autonomously control the fuel cell and the hydrogen generation unit in each of the hydrogen generation unit mounted fuel cells, a power distribution system for accommodating power, and for accommodating hydrogen A control data field for holding data including a hydrogen accommodation system, distribution system information about the distribution system, hydrogen accommodation system information about the hydrogen accommodation system, fuel cell information about the fuel cell, and hydrogen generation section information about the hydrogen generation section; The autonomous distributed control unit refers to the power distribution system information included in the data held in the control data field, and the power distribution system accepts power. When it is confirmed that the battery is in an active state, hydrogen is generated by the hydrogen generation unit connected to the autonomous distributed control unit and supplied to the fuel cell connected to the autonomous distributed control unit, and the hydrogen is used. The fuel cell is caused to generate electric power, and the electric power generated by the electric power generation of the fuel cell is supplied to the distribution system. Thereby, since the hydrogen generation part mounted type fuel cell can be autonomously controlled, a highly reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system that avoids various problems associated with the central processing system can be provided.

  Here, in this specification, the “distribution system” means a transmission path for transmitting power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell, and is flexible such as transmitting to a load that requires power. It is possible to accommodate power. Further, the “hydrogen accommodation system” means a piping system for sending hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit, and can flexibly accommodate hydrogen.

  The hydrogen generation unit can generate hydrogen using, for example, a method of reacting a hydrogen generating material with water, a method of reforming fuel gas, a method using a hydrogen storage alloy, or the like.

  When the method of reacting the hydrogen generating material with water is used, the hydrogen generating material contains at least one metal material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, and alloys thereof, and the hydrogen is generated by the reaction with water. It is a generated hydrogen generating material, and the metal material preferably contains 80% by mass or more of particles having a particle size of 60 μm or less. More preferably, the hydrogen generating material further contains a heat generating material that generates heat by reacting with water at room temperature.

  Hereinafter, the fuel cell control system of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(Embodiment 1)
First, an example of the fuel cell control system of the present invention will be described as Embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, the fuel cell and the hydrogen generator are dispersed separately. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell control system of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell control system of this embodiment is connected to a fuel cell 5a that generates power using hydrogen as a fuel source, a hydrogen generator 6a that generates hydrogen, and the fuel cell 5a. An autonomous distributed controller 4a that autonomously controls the battery 5a and an autonomous distributed controller 4b that is connected to the hydrogen generator 6a and autonomously controls the hydrogen generator 6a are provided. The fuel cell control system includes a control data field 1 in which various information is held, a power distribution system 2 for accommodating power, and a hydrogen interchange system 3 for accommodating hydrogen.

  For example, PEFC can be used as the fuel cell 5a. The fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to PEFC, and any fuel cell that can generate power by supplying hydrogen to the negative electrode and supplying oxygen or air to the positive electrode may be used.

  The hydrogen generator 6a generates hydrogen by, for example, reacting a hydrogen generating material with water. The hydrogen generation method is not limited to this, and various means such as a method for reforming a fuel gas, a method using a hydrogen storage alloy, a method using hydrogen stored in a high-pressure vessel, and the like can be used. it can.

  A current detection unit and a voltage detection unit are connected to the distribution system 2 at a portion (not shown), and it is monitored that current and voltage within the allowable range of the distribution system 2 are flowing. Furthermore, a power storage unit such as a secondary battery may be connected to the power distribution system 2 so that surplus power can be stored in the power storage unit.

  The control data field 1 holds control data that can be shared among autonomous distributed control units distributed in the fuel cell control system of the present invention. Since the control data field 1 only needs to be capable of transmitting and receiving digital information, the control data field 1 may be a wired network or a wireless network. In addition, a memory space may be provided in a recording medium such as a semiconductor or a hard disk, and reading and writing may be performed on the memory space.

  Here, an example of the data structure of the control data field 1 is shown in FIG. The control data field 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes power distribution system information 101, hydrogen accommodation system information 102, fuel cell information 103 and 104, and hydrogen generator information 105.

  Among these, the distribution system information 101 includes pair distribution system power supply permission information, pair distribution system power request information, distribution system operating state information, distribution system attribute information, and connection load information.

  Here, the pair distribution power supply permission information is information for determining whether or not the distribution system is allowed to supply power from the fuel cell. For example, if a large amount of power is already supplied to the power distribution system and more power is supplied to the power distribution system, the allowable power amount of the power distribution system is exceeded. Information indicating the power supply non-permission state is stored. In addition, even when no load such as an electronic device or a charging device is connected to the power distribution system and there is no load that consumes the power supplied to the power distribution system, the power distribution permission information for power distribution system does not include power supply. Information indicating permission status is stored. On the other hand, when the amount of power held in the distribution system is small, there is a margin to the allowable power amount of the distribution system, and a load such as an electronic device or a charging device is connected, The information indicating the power supply permission state is stored.

  The power distribution request power information is information for requesting that a load such as an electronic device or a charging device connected to the power distribution system supply power from the power distribution system. For example, when an electronic device such as a mobile phone charger is connected to a power distribution system, information indicating a power request is stored in the power distribution system power request information.

  The distribution system operating state information is information for determining whether the distribution system is in an operating state or a non-operating state. For example, when the operation of the wiring system is stopped for maintenance or the like, information indicating that the power distribution system is in a non-operating state is stored in the power distribution system operating state information.

  The distribution system attribute information is information related to distribution system attributes, and includes information on allowable power amount, maximum allowable voltage, maximum allowable current, version information, and distribution system maintenance of the distribution system.

  The connected load information is information relating to a connected load, and includes information relating to a current and a voltage that the distribution system has flowed due to a load connected to the distribution system.

  The hydrogen accommodation system information 102 includes hydrogen accommodation system hydrogen supply permission information, hydrogen accommodation system hydrogen request information, hydrogen accommodation system operating state information, and hydrogen accommodation system attribute information.

  Here, the hydrogen supply system hydrogen supply permission information is information for determining whether or not the hydrogen supply system is allowed to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen generator. For example, if a large amount of hydrogen has already been supplied to the hydrogen accommodation system and more hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen accommodation system, the allowable hydrogen amount of the hydrogen accommodation system will be exceeded. In the information, information indicating a hydrogen supply non-permission state is stored. In addition, even if no fuel cell is connected to the hydrogen interchange system and there is no fuel cell that consumes hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen interchange system, the hydrogen supply permission information for hydrogen interchange system does not permit hydrogen supply. Information indicating the state is stored. On the other hand, when the amount of hydrogen held in the hydrogen accommodation system is small, there is a margin to the allowable hydrogen amount of the hydrogen accommodation system, and the fuel cell is connected, the hydrogen supply hydrogen supply permission information for hydrogen Information indicating permission status is stored.

  The hydrogen-requiring hydrogen request information is information for requesting that a fuel cell connected to the hydrogen-accommodating system supply hydrogen from the hydrogen-accommodating system. For example, when the fuel cell is connected to a hydrogen interchangeable system and requires hydrogen for power generation, the hydrogen interchangeable hydrogen request information stores information indicating a hydrogen request.

  The hydrogen accommodation system operating state information is information for determining whether the hydrogen accommodation system is in an operating state or a non-operating state. For example, when the hydrogen accommodation system is stopped for maintenance or the like, the hydrogen accommodation system operation state information stores information indicating that the hydrogen accommodation system is in a non-operation state.

  The hydrogen accommodation system attribute information is information relating to the attributes of the hydrogen accommodation system, and includes an allowable hydrogen amount of the hydrogen accommodation system, a maximum hydrogen flow rate, a maximum hydrogen pressure, version information, information on maintenance of the hydrogen accommodation system, and the like.

  The fuel cell information 103, 104 includes a fuel cell device number, a fuel cell type, fuel cell state information, and the like. In FIG. 2, the fuel cell information 103 is, for example, information related to a fuel cell whose fuel cell device number is FC01, and includes the fuel cell device number, fuel cell type, and fuel cell state information of the fuel cell. The fuel cell information 104 is, for example, information related to a fuel cell whose fuel cell device number is FC02, and includes the fuel cell device number of the fuel cell, the fuel cell type, and fuel cell state information. As described above, since the information related to the fuel cell type is shared in the control data field, a plurality of various types of fuel cells can be connected to the fuel cell control system of the present invention. The fuel cell state information includes, for example, information on the rated voltage, maximum voltage, current-voltage characteristics, and average life of the fuel cell. By sharing these among a plurality of autonomous distributed control units, stable system operation can be achieved. Further, when the fuel cell state information includes the abnormality occurrence frequency of the fuel cell, it is possible not to use the fuel cell having a high abnormality occurrence frequency, so that the reliability of the system can be improved.

  The hydrogen generation unit information 105 includes a hydrogen generation unit number, a hydrogen generation unit type, and a hydrogen generation unit state information. By sharing and referring to such information in the control data field, a plurality of hydrogen generation units and hydrogen generation units can be referred to. It becomes possible to use a plurality of hydrogen generators with different methods. The hydrogen generator state information includes, for example, information on the hydrogen flow rate, temperature, pressure, and average life of the hydrogen generator itself in the hydrogen generator. By sharing these among a plurality of autonomous distributed control units, stable system operation can be achieved.

  Further, when the abnormality occurrence frequency of the hydrogen generation unit is included in the hydrogen generation unit state information, the hydrogen generation unit having a high abnormality occurrence frequency can be prevented from being used, thereby improving the reliability of the system. it can. Here, the abnormality occurrence frequency is information regarding the frequency with which the object controlled by the autonomous distributed control unit did not perform normal operation. Examples of the object controlled by the autonomous distributed control unit include a fuel cell or a hydrogen generation unit. The fuel cell abnormality occurrence frequency stores information related to the probability of occurrence of abnormality in power generation after the fuel cell has started power generation operation. The abnormality occurrence frequency of the hydrogen generation unit stores information on the probability that an abnormality has occurred in hydrogen generation after the hydrogen generation unit has started hydrogen generation.

  In addition, when the hydrogen generation unit state information includes the hydrogen generation capacity information corresponding to the accumulated reaction amount of the hydrogen generation material, the hydrogen generation amount that can be generated in the hydrogen generation unit can be confirmed in advance. When the amount of hydrogen is small, hydrogen generation by the hydrogen generation unit can be stopped, or new hydrogen generation material can be supplied to the hydrogen generation unit.

  Next, autonomous distributed control by the autonomous distributed control unit 4a will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the autonomous distributed control by the autonomous distributed control unit 4a connected to the fuel cell 5a.

  First, when the data held in the control data field 1 is acquired (received) (step S201), the power distribution permission information for power distribution system in the power distribution system information 101 (FIG. 2) included in the received data is referred to. It is determined whether the power distribution permission state is set for the power distribution system 2 (step S202). Here, “the power supply permission state for the power distribution system 2” means that power is supplied to the power distribution system 2 from a device (here, the fuel cell 5a) connected to the power distribution system 2 of the present invention. Means the state. For example, the power supply permission state can be set for the power distribution system 2 by connecting a charging device or the like having a sufficient charging capacity to a portion not shown. In other words, if no load such as an electronic device or a charging device is connected to the power distribution system, there is no load that appropriately consumes the power supplied to the power distribution system. If is supplied to the power distribution system, heat is generated according to the electrical resistance of the power distribution system, which may cause damage to the power distribution system. However, if a charging device with sufficient charging capacity is connected, even if power is supplied to the power distribution system in the above-described state, it is sufficient to use that power for charging the charging device. Can do.

  As a result of the determination in step S202, when the power supply permission state is set for the distribution system 2, the process proceeds to step S203, and otherwise, the process returns to the state of receiving the data in the control data field 1 in step S201.

  In step S203, the fuel cell state information in the fuel cell information 103 (FIG. 2) is confirmed, and the fuel cell 5a to be controlled, that is, the fuel cell 5a connected to the autonomous distributed control unit 4a is in a state capable of generating power. Determine if there is. Here, it is assumed that information on the fuel cell 5a is held in the fuel cell information 103 of FIG. As a result of the determination in step S203, if the fuel cell 5a to be controlled is in a state in which power generation is possible, the process proceeds to step S204. Otherwise, the process returns to the state in which data in the control data field 1 in step S201 is received.

  In step S204, it is determined whether the fuel cell 5a to be controlled is currently generating power. As a result of the determination in step S204, if the fuel cell 5a to be controlled is currently generating power, the process proceeds to step S205. Otherwise, power generation is started in the fuel cell 5a to be controlled (step S206), and the process proceeds to step 205.

  In step S205, the electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 5a is transmitted to the distribution system 2, and the distribution system information 101 (FIG. 2) and the fuel cell information 103 (FIG. 2) stored in the control data field 1 are stored. The battery state information is updated, and the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, based on the updated data, it is determined whether or not the power distribution system 2 is in a power supply permission state. As a result of the determination in step S207, if the power supply permission state is in the distribution system 2, the process proceeds to step S208, and if not, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S208, it is determined whether the fuel cell 5a to be controlled can generate power. As a result of the determination in step S208, if the fuel cell 5a to be controlled can generate power, the process proceeds to step S204, and if not, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the power generation of the fuel cell 5a to be controlled is stopped, and the power distribution system information 101 (FIG. 2) and the fuel cell state information of the fuel cell information 103 (FIG. 2) in the control data field 1 are updated. And it returns to the state which receives the data of the control data field 1 of step S201.

  As described above, the autonomous distributed control unit 4a performs processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 and autonomously controls the fuel cell 5a, thereby avoiding problems associated with the central processing method and having high reliability. This makes it possible to realize a stable fuel cell control system. Moreover, the autonomous distributed control part 4a can implement | achieve a more reliable fuel cell control system by updating the content of the control data field 1 according to the autonomous distributed control shown in FIG.

  Next, autonomous distributed control by the autonomous distributed control unit 4b will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the autonomous distributed control by the autonomous distributed control unit 4b connected to the hydrogen generation unit 6a.

  First, when data held in the control data field 1 is obtained (received) (step S301), the hydrogen supply system hydrogen supply permission information in the hydrogen accommodation system information 102 (FIG. 2) included in the received data is referred to. Then, it is determined whether the hydrogen supply system 3 is in a hydrogen supply permission state (step S302). Here, the “hydrogen supply permission state for the hydrogen accommodation system 3” means that hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen accommodation system 3 from a device (here, the hydrogen generator 6 a) connected to the hydrogen accommodation system 3 of the present invention. Means that it is allowed.

  If it is determined in step S302 that the hydrogen supply system 3 is in a hydrogen supply permission state, the process proceeds to step 303. Otherwise, the process returns to the state in which the data in the control data field 1 in step 301 is received.

  In step S303, the hydrogen generation unit state information in the hydrogen generation unit information 105 (FIG. 2) is confirmed, and it is determined whether the hydrogen generation unit 6a controlled by the autonomous distributed control unit 4b itself is in a state capable of generating hydrogen. Here, it is assumed that information on the hydrogen generator 6a is held in 105 of FIG. As a result of the determination in step S303, if the hydrogen generator 6a to be controlled is in a state capable of generating hydrogen, the process proceeds to step S304, and if not, the process returns to the state in which data in the control data field 1 in step S301 is received.

  In step S304, it is determined whether the hydrogen generator 6a to be controlled is currently generating hydrogen. As a result of the determination in step S304, if the hydrogen generator 6a to be controlled is currently generating hydrogen, the process proceeds to step S305. Otherwise, hydrogen generation is started in the hydrogen generator 6a to be controlled (step S306). Proceed to 305.

  In step S305, the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generator 6a is supplied to the hydrogen flexible system 3, and the hydrogen flexible system information 102 (FIG. 2) and the hydrogen generator information 105 (FIG. 2) held in the control data field 1 are stored. ) Is updated, and the process proceeds to step S307. Here, it is assumed that the information regarding the hydrogen generator 6a is held in 105 of FIG.

  In step S307, based on the updated data, it is determined whether or not the hydrogen accommodation system 3 is in a hydrogen supply permission state. If it is determined in step S307 that the hydrogen supply system 3 is in a hydrogen supply permission state, the process proceeds to step S308. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S308, it is determined whether the hydrogen generator 6a to be controlled can generate hydrogen. In step S308, if the hydrogen generator 6a to be controlled can generate hydrogen, the process proceeds to step S304. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S309, the hydrogen generation by the hydrogen generator 6a to be controlled is stopped, and the hydrogen generating system information 102 (FIG. 2) and the hydrogen generator state information in the hydrogen generator information 105 (FIG. 2) in the control data field 1 are updated. . And it returns to the state which receives the data of the control data field 1 of step S301.

  In this way, the autonomous distributed control unit 4b performs processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 and autonomously controls the hydrogen generation unit 6a, thereby avoiding problems associated with the central processing method and having high reliability. Type fuel cell control system can be realized, and a stable fuel cell control system can be operated. Moreover, the autonomous distributed control part 4b can implement | achieve a more reliable fuel cell control system by updating the content of the control data field 1 according to the autonomous distributed control shown in FIG.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, another example of the fuel cell control system of the present invention will be described as a second embodiment. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the fuel cell is equipped with a hydrogen generator, and that one autonomous distributed controller can autonomously control the power generation of the fuel cell and the hydrogen supply by the hydrogen generator. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the fuel cell control system of the present embodiment. 5, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel cell control system of the present embodiment includes a hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cell 7 having a fuel cell 5b and a hydrogen generator 6b, and an autonomous distributed controller 4c. The fuel cell 5b generates power using hydrogen as a fuel source. For example, PEFC can be used as the fuel cell 5b. For example, the hydrogen generation unit 6 b reacts a hydrogen generation material with water to generate hydrogen, and supplies the hydrogen to the fuel cell 5 b or the hydrogen interchange system 3. The autonomous decentralized control unit 4c is connected to the fuel cell 5b and the hydrogen generation unit 6b, refers to the data held in the control data field 1, performs an operation according to a flowchart shown in FIG. And autonomously controlling the hydrogen generator 6b.

  The fuel cell control system also includes a control data field 1 in which various information is held, a power distribution system 2, and a hydrogen interchange system 3. Since these have been described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, autonomous distributed control by the autonomous distributed control unit 4c will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the autonomous decentralized control by the autonomous decentralized control unit 4c connected to the fuel cell 7 equipped with the hydrogen generator.

  First, when the data held in the control data field 1 is acquired (received) (step S401), the power distribution permission information for power distribution system in the power distribution system information 101 (FIG. 2) included in the received data is referred to. It is determined whether the power distribution permission state is set for the power distribution system 2 (step S402).

  As a result of the determination in step 402, when the power supply permission state is set for the distribution system 2, the process proceeds to step S403. Otherwise, the process returns to the state of receiving the data in the control data field 1 in step S401.

  In step S403, the fuel cell state information in the fuel cell information 104 (FIG. 2) is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the fuel cell 5b to be controlled is in a state capable of generating power. Here, it is assumed that information on the fuel cell 5b is held in 104 of FIG. As a result of the determination in step S403, if the fuel cell 5b to be controlled is in a state where power generation is possible, the process proceeds to step S404. Otherwise, the process returns to the state in which data in the control data field 1 in step S401 is received.

  In step S404, it is determined whether the fuel cell 5b to be controlled is currently generating power. As a result of the determination in step S404, if the fuel cell 5b to be controlled is currently generating power, the process proceeds to step S405. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the hydrogen generation unit state information in the hydrogen generation unit information 105 (FIG. 2) is confirmed, and it is determined whether the hydrogen generation unit 6b to be controlled can generate hydrogen. If it is determined in step S409 that the hydrogen generator 6b to be controlled can generate hydrogen, the process proceeds to step S410. If not, the process returns to the state of receiving data in the control data field 1 in step S401. In step S410, it is determined whether the hydrogen generator 6b to be controlled is currently generating hydrogen. In step S410, if it is determined that the hydrogen generator 6b to be controlled is currently generating hydrogen, the process proceeds to step S411. Otherwise, hydrogen generation by the hydrogen generator 6b to be controlled is started (step S412). Proceed to step S411. In step S411, hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generator 6b is supplied to the fuel cell 5b, and the fuel cell 5b is caused to generate power using hydrogen from the hydrogen generator 6b. Then, the process proceeds to step S405 and step S413.

  In step S405, the power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 5b is transmitted to the distribution system 2, and the distribution system information 101 (FIG. 2) and the fuel cell information 104 (FIG. 2) stored in the control data field 1 are stored. The battery state information is updated, and the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, it is determined whether or not the distribution system 2 is in a power supply permission state based on the updated data. As a result of the determination in step S406, when the power supply permission state is set for the distribution system 2, the process proceeds to step S407, and if not, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S407, it is determined whether the fuel cell 5b to be controlled can generate power. As a result of the determination in step S407, if the fuel cell 5b to be controlled can generate power, the process proceeds to step S404, and if not, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, the power generation of the fuel cell 5b to be controlled is stopped, and the power distribution system information 101 (FIG. 2) and the fuel cell state information of the fuel cell information 104 (FIG. 2) in the control data field 1 are updated. And it returns to the state which receives the data of the control data field 1 of step S401.

  In step S413, it is determined whether surplus hydrogen is present during the power generation of the fuel cell 5b and hydrogen can be supplied to the hydrogen interchange system 3. If it is determined in step S413 that surplus hydrogen exists and hydrogen can be supplied to the hydrogen fusion system 3, the process proceeds to step S414. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S414, surplus hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen accommodation system 3 and the hydrogen accommodation system information 102 (FIG. 2) in the control data field 1 and the hydrogen generation unit state information in the hydrogen generation unit information 105 (FIG. 2) are updated. And it returns to the state which receives the data of the control data field 1 of step S401.

  As described above, the autonomous distributed control unit 7 performs the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 and autonomously controls the fuel cell 7 with the hydrogen generator 6b having the fuel cell 5b and the hydrogen generator 6b. A highly reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system that avoids various problems can be realized, and a stable fuel cell control system can be operated. In addition, in the case where there is surplus hydrogen among the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation section 6b, surplus hydrogen is effectively supplied because the surplus hydrogen is supplied if the hydrogen accommodation system 3 is in a state capable of accepting hydrogen. It is possible to realize a fuel cell control system that can be utilized for

(Embodiment 3)
Next, another example of the fuel cell control system of the present invention will be described as a third embodiment.

  The fuel cell control system of Embodiment 3 includes the fuel cell control system of Embodiment 1 and the fuel cell control system of Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of the fuel cell control system of the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG. 1 or FIG. Note that the autonomous decentralized control of the fuel cell control system of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  According to the third embodiment, since a plurality of dispersed fuel cells 5a, a plurality of hydrogen generators 6a, and a plurality of hydrogen supply unit-equipped fuel cells 7 can be controlled autonomously, various problems associated with the central processing system are avoided. A highly reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system can be realized.

  The fuel cell control system of the present invention can be widely used as a highly reliable autonomous distributed control type fuel cell control system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control data field 2 Power distribution system 3 Hydrogen interchangeable system 4a, 4b, 4c Autonomous distributed control part 5a, 5b Fuel cell 6a, 6b Hydrogen generation part 7 Hydrogen generation part loading fuel cell

Claims (15)

A plurality of fuel cells that generate electricity using hydrogen;
A plurality of first autonomous distributed controllers connected to each fuel cell and autonomously controlling each fuel cell;
A power distribution system to accommodate power,
A control data field for holding data including power distribution system information relating to the power distribution system and fuel cell information relating to each fuel cell, and
Each of the first autonomous distributed control units refers to the power distribution system information included in the data held in the control data field, and confirms that the power distribution system is in a state where it can accept power A fuel cell control system characterized in that the fuel cell connected to the first autonomous distributed control unit generates electric power and supplies electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell to the power distribution system. A hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen;
A second autonomous distributed controller coupled to the hydrogen generator and autonomously controlling the hydrogen generator;
A hydrogen accommodation system for accommodating hydrogen,
The data held in the control data field includes hydrogen accommodation system information about the hydrogen accommodation system and hydrogen generation section information about the hydrogen generation section,
The second autonomous distributed control unit refers to the hydrogen accommodation system information included in the data held in the control data field, and confirms that the hydrogen accommodation system is in a state in which hydrogen can be received. 2. The fuel cell control system according to claim 1, wherein hydrogen is generated by the hydrogen generation unit and supplied to the hydrogen accommodation system. A fuel cell equipped with a hydrogen generator including a fuel cell that generates power using hydrogen and a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen; and
A third autonomous decentralized control unit connected to the hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cell and autonomously controlling the fuel cell and the hydrogen generator in the hydrogen generator-equipped fuel cell;
A hydrogen accommodation system for accommodating hydrogen,
The data held in the control data field includes hydrogen accommodation system information on the hydrogen accommodation system and hydrogen generation section information on each hydrogen generation section,
When the third autonomous distributed control unit refers to the power distribution system information included in the data held in the control data field and confirms that the power distribution system is in a state where it can accept power, The hydrogen generator connected to the third autonomous decentralized control unit generates hydrogen and supplies the hydrogen to the fuel cell connected to the third autonomous decentralized control unit. The fuel cell control system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell control system is configured to generate electric power and supply electric power generated by the power generation of the fuel cell to the power distribution system. A plurality of hydrogen generator mounted fuel cells including a fuel cell that generates power using hydrogen and a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen;
A plurality of autonomous decentralized control units connected to each of the hydrogen generation unit mounted fuel cells and autonomously controlling the fuel cell and the hydrogen generation unit in each of the hydrogen generation unit mounted fuel cells;
A power distribution system to accommodate power,
A hydrogen interchange system for accommodating hydrogen;
A control data field for holding data including distribution system information regarding the distribution system, hydrogen interchange system information regarding the hydrogen interchange system, fuel cell information regarding the fuel cell, and hydrogen generation unit information regarding the hydrogen generation unit, and
Each autonomous distributed control unit refers to the power distribution system information included in the data held in the control data field, and confirms that the power distribution system is in a state where it can accept power. A hydrogen generation unit connected to the dispersion control unit generates hydrogen and supplies the hydrogen to a fuel cell connected to the autonomous distributed control unit. The hydrogen is used to generate power, and the fuel cell generates power. A fuel cell control system, characterized in that the electric power generated by is supplied to the distribution system.   The fuel cell control system according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of the hydrogen generation units and the second autonomous distributed control unit.   2. The fuel cell control system according to claim 1, wherein the first autonomous distributed control unit transmits data including an abnormality occurrence frequency of a fuel cell that performs autonomous control to the control data field.   The fuel cell control system according to claim 2, wherein the second autonomous distributed control unit transmits data including an abnormality occurrence frequency of the hydrogen generation unit that performs autonomous control to the control data field.   4. The fuel cell control system according to claim 3, wherein the third autonomous distributed control unit transmits, to the control data field, data including an abnormality occurrence frequency of the fuel cell and the hydrogen generation unit that perform autonomous control. .   5. The fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein the autonomous distributed control unit transmits data including an abnormality occurrence frequency of the fuel cell and the hydrogen generation unit that perform autonomous control to the control data field.   The fuel cell control system according to claim 3, wherein the third autonomous distributed control unit controls the hydrogen generation unit to supply surplus hydrogen to the hydrogen accommodation system.   The fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein the autonomous distributed control unit controls the hydrogen generation unit to supply surplus hydrogen to the hydrogen accommodation system.   The fuel cell control system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell information includes state information of the fuel cell.   The fuel cell control system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the hydrogen generation unit information includes state information of the hydrogen generation unit.   The fuel cell control system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the hydrogen generating unit generates hydrogen using a hydrogen generating material that generates hydrogen by a reaction with water.   The fuel cell control system according to claim 14, wherein the hydrogen generation unit information includes hydrogen generation capacity information corresponding to a reaction accumulation amount of the hydrogen generation material.

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