JP2014175250A - Fuel cell controller, fuel cell control method, and fuel cell control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid inconvenience arising from a difference in the consumed amount of fuel due to a difference in wiring length, etc., thereby making effective use of fuel in a fuel cell.SOLUTION: Provided is a fuel cell controller 10 for controlling a plurality of fuel cells operating without being supplied with fuel from the outside, connected in parallel to a load, and outputting output power information and/or remaining fuel amount information, the fuel cell controller 10 comprising: a cell information receiving unit 11 for receiving the output power information and/or remaining fuel amount information from the plurality of fuel cells; an output voltage calculation unit 12 for comparing, between each fuel cell, the received output power information and/or remaining fuel amount information about each fuel cell, and, if there is a difference in the output power information and/or remaining fuel amount information about each fuel cell, calculating information regarding control of the output voltage of each fuel cell in order to dissolve the difference; and an output voltage instruction unit 13 for issuing an instruction to each fuel cell so as to dissolve the difference on the basis of the calculated information regarding control of the output voltage of each fuel cell.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell control device, a fuel cell control method, and a fuel cell control program.

  In recent years, fuel cells with high volume and weight energy density have attracted attention as backup power sources. The output of the fuel cell is determined for each product, and when power is supplied to a large load, the fuel cells are often connected in parallel (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-171919

When two or more fuel cells are used in parallel as a backup power source, for example, when the wiring length from the fuel cell to the load is different, the voltage drop value due to the wiring resistance is also different. As shown in FIG. 9, in the fuel cells B1 and B2 used in parallel as backup power sources, when the wiring length from the fuel cell B2 to the load is longer than the wiring length from the fuel cell B1 to the load, the respective wirings are connected. When the current through is assumed to be equal, the wiring resistance R ₂ of the fuel cell B2 is larger than the wiring resistance R ₁ of the fuel cell B1, becomes larger than the voltage drop value voltage drop due to the wiring resistance R ₂ is due to the wiring resistance R ₁ . Therefore, when the output voltage of each fuel cell is constant, in order to eliminate the difference between the voltage drop values, it becomes necessary for the fuel cell B1 to supply more current, and as a result, the amount of power output from the fuel cell. In other words, there will be a difference in fuel consumption. For example, if the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltage V ₁ and the fuel cell B2 of the fuel cell B1 are equal, it will be described by Figure 10 the voltage drop at point A in FIG. 9, assuming that the current flowing through each of the wires is equal to in the voltage drop solid b1 due to the wiring resistance R ₁ of the fuel cell B1, in the voltage drop dashed b2 due to the wiring resistance R ₂ of the fuel cell B2, each represented, the output of the fuel cell B1 is the output voltage after drops The voltage V ₁ ′ becomes higher than the output voltage V ₂ ′ of the fuel cell B2. Therefore, the fuel cell B1 to fill this voltage difference supplies more current, that the voltage drop due to the wiring resistance R ₁ of the fuel cell B1 is represented by a solid line b1 '. That is, P ₁ > P ₂ for the output powers P ₁ and P ₂ from the fuel cells B 1 and B 2 to the load, and L ₁ > L ₂ for the fuel consumption amounts L ₁ and L ₂ in the fuel cells B 1 and B _2. .

  In the situation where there is a difference in the output power from the plurality of fuel cells to the load and the fuel consumption in the plurality of fuel cells as described above, the fuel of one fuel cell among the plurality of fuel cells is depleted first. In such a situation, the electric circuit falls into an overload state, and the output of other fuel cells may also stop. Therefore, when a plurality of fuel cells that do not use a fuel supply infrastructure such as city gas (hereinafter referred to as “fuel supply infrastructure”) are used, even if fuel remains in a fuel cell other than a fuel cell that has been depleted of fuel. It is assumed that no fuel can be used.

  Therefore, the present invention avoids inconvenience caused by a difference in fuel consumption due to a difference in wiring length when using a plurality of fuel cells that do not use a fuel supply infrastructure, and effectively uses the fuel of the fuel cell. And

  In order to solve the above problems, a fuel cell control device according to the present invention is a plurality of fuel cells that operate using a built-in fuel without receiving an external fuel supply, and are parallel to a load. A fuel cell control device for controlling the plurality of fuel cells connected to output at least one of output power information and remaining fuel information, wherein the output power information and remaining fuel information output from the plurality of fuel cells. A battery information receiving unit that receives at least one of the battery information, and at least one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell received by the battery information receiving unit is compared between the fuel cells, and the output of each fuel cell When there is a difference between at least one of the power information and the remaining fuel information, an output voltage calculation unit that calculates information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell to eliminate the difference; Based on the information relating to the control of the output voltage of each fuel cell is calculated by the output voltage calculation unit, characterized in that it comprises an output voltage command unit for commanding to each fuel cell so as to eliminate the difference.

  The fuel cell control device according to the present invention controls a plurality of fuel cells that operate by using a built-in fuel without receiving an external fuel supply. The plurality of fuel cells to be controlled are connected in parallel to the load and output at least one of output power information and remaining fuel information. Here, in the fuel cell control device according to the present invention, when the battery information reception unit receives at least one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information output from the plurality of fuel cells, the output voltage calculation unit is received. Compare at least one of the output power information and remaining fuel information of each fuel cell between each fuel cell, and if there is a difference in at least one of the output power information and remaining fuel information of each fuel cell, eliminate the difference Information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell is calculated. Then, the output voltage command unit commands each fuel cell to eliminate the difference based on the calculated information relating to the control of the output voltage of each fuel cell. Thereby, in each fuel cell that has received the command, control is performed to eliminate the difference (difference in at least one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information) grasped by the comparison. Therefore, even when using a plurality of fuel cells that do not use the fuel supply infrastructure, it is possible to avoid inconveniences caused by differences in fuel consumption due to differences in wiring length, for example, and to effectively use the fuel in the fuel cells. it can.

  In the above fuel cell control device, the output voltage calculation unit outputs a preset output for each fuel cell when the information regarding the control of the output voltage of each fuel cell for eliminating the difference includes a plurality of options. Control may be performed so that the output voltage of the fuel cell that is most greatly deviated from the voltage approaches the preset output voltage. Thus, when the information regarding the control of the output voltage of each fuel cell for eliminating the above difference includes a plurality of options, the output voltage of the fuel cell that is most greatly deviated from the preset output voltage for each fuel cell. Is controlled so as to approach the preset output voltage, the effect of control for eliminating the difference becomes significant.

  The above-described invention relating to the fuel cell control device can also be regarded as an invention relating to a fuel cell control method and an invention relating to a fuel cell control program, and can be described as follows. Since these inventions are substantially the same, they exhibit the same actions and effects.

  A fuel cell control method according to the present invention is a plurality of fuel cells that operate using a built-in fuel without receiving an external fuel supply, and are connected in parallel to a load and output power information and fuel remaining amount A fuel cell control method executed by a fuel cell control device for controlling the plurality of fuel cells that output at least one of information, wherein the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information output from the plurality of fuel cells A battery information receiving step for receiving at least one of the fuel cell information, and at least one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information for each fuel cell received in the battery information receiving step is compared between the fuel cells, When there is a difference in at least one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information, an output for calculating information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell for eliminating the difference A pressure calculating step, and an output voltage commanding step for commanding each fuel cell to eliminate the difference based on information relating to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell calculated in the output voltage calculating step. It is characterized by.

  A fuel cell control program according to the present invention is a plurality of fuel cells that operate by using a built-in fuel without receiving external fuel supply, and are connected in parallel to a load and output power information and fuel remaining amount A fuel cell control program for controlling the plurality of fuel cells that outputs at least one of information, wherein the computer receives at least one of output power information and fuel remaining amount information output from the plurality of fuel cells. At least one of the output information and the remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell received by the battery information receiving unit and the battery information receiving unit is compared between the fuel cells, and the output power information and the remaining fuel amount of each fuel cell When there is a difference in at least one of the information, an output voltage calculation unit that calculates information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell to eliminate the difference; Based on the information relating to the control of the output voltage of each fuel cell is calculated by the output voltage calculation unit, characterized in that to function as an output voltage command unit, which commands to each fuel cell so as to eliminate the difference.

  According to the present invention, even when a plurality of fuel cells that do not use the fuel supply infrastructure are used, inconvenience due to a difference in fuel consumption due to, for example, a difference in wiring length can be avoided, and the fuel in the fuel cell is effectively used. Can be used.

It is a figure which shows the system which the fuel cell control apparatus which concerns on this invention operate | moves. It is a block diagram of the fuel cell control apparatus in 1st, 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a fuel cell control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the fuel cell control apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st modification of the process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd modification of the process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the fuel cell control apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a fuel cell control program. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a conventional system. It is a figure which shows the problem of a conventional system.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Below, 1st Embodiment which concerns on the basic aspect of this invention, and 2nd Embodiment which devised some control methods are described.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a system in which the fuel cell control device 10 of this embodiment operates. As shown in FIG. 1, an AC commercial power source 50 is connected to a load 30 such as a communication device via a rectifier 40 as a main power source. AC power from the commercial power source 50 is converted into DC power by the rectifier 40, and the converted DC power is supplied to the load 30.

  In addition to the main power source as described above, a plurality (here, two as an example) of fuel cells B1 and B2 are connected in parallel to the load 30, and the plurality of fuel cells B1 and B2 are used in parallel as backup power sources. ing. The fuel cell control device 10 is connected to each of the plurality of fuel cells B1 and B2, and controls output voltages of the plurality of fuel cells B1 and B2, as will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each fuel cell controls a stack 22 in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked and packaged, and an output voltage output from the stack 22 to a load based on a command from the fuel cell control device 10. A DC / DC converter 23 for storing the fuel, and a fuel tank 21 for storing fuel. Each fuel cell is configured to operate using the fuel in the built-in fuel tank 21 without receiving fuel supply from a fuel supply infrastructure such as city gas. The stack 22 has a function of detecting an output voltage, and output power information obtained by the detection is output from the stack 22 to the fuel cell control device 10. The fuel tank 21 has a function of detecting the remaining amount of fuel, and the remaining fuel amount information obtained by the detection is output from the fuel tank 21 to the fuel cell control device 10.

  Here, an example in which both output power information and fuel remaining amount information are output to the fuel cell control device 10 will be described, but it is not essential that both output power information and fuel remaining amount information be output. The present invention is also applicable to the case where one of output power information and remaining fuel information is output. A case where one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information is output will be described later as modified examples 1 and 2.

  The fuel cell control device 10 includes a battery information receiving unit 11 that receives at least one of output power information and fuel remaining amount information (here, both output power information and remaining fuel amount information) output from a plurality of fuel cells; At least one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell received by the battery information receiving unit 11 is compared between the fuel cells, and the difference between at least one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell is different. If there is an output voltage, the output voltage calculation unit 12 calculates information related to the control of the output voltage of each fuel cell to eliminate the difference, and the information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell calculated by the output voltage calculation unit 12 And an output voltage command unit 13 for commanding each fuel cell so as to eliminate the difference. Details of the operation of the fuel cell control apparatus 10 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the fuel cell control device 10. The fuel cell control device 10 includes, as a hardware configuration, a CPU 10A, a RAM 10B, a ROM 10C, an input unit 10D including a keyboard and the like, data stored in a storage medium M inserted at a predetermined position, a program to be described later, and the like. A reading unit 10E for reading, a communication unit 10F for performing communication with the outside, an auxiliary storage unit 10G, and a display unit 10H including a display or the like are provided. The function of each functional block of the fuel cell control device 10 described above is realized by causing the RAM 10B or the like to read a program, data, or the like and executing the program under the control of the CPU 10A. The hardware configuration of the fuel cell control device 10 in the second embodiment to be described later is the same as the hardware configuration of FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a processing operation according to the fuel cell control method, which is executed by the fuel cell control device 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the battery information receiving unit 11 receives output power information and remaining fuel amount information output from a plurality of fuel cells (here, fuel cells B1 and B2) (step S1). The received output power information and fuel remaining amount information are sent to the output voltage calculation unit 12.

Next, the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines whether there is a difference in the remaining fuel amount of each fuel cell from the received remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell (step S2). Whether or not there is a difference in the remaining amount of fuel in each fuel cell is determined, for example, by whether or not the difference in the remaining amount of fuel in each fuel cell exceeds a predetermined threshold. Here, when there is a difference in the fuel remaining quantity of each fuel cell, the fuel remaining amount Z ₁ of the fuel cell B1 is determines whether more than fuel quantity Z ₂ of the fuel cell B2 (step S3).

If the fuel quantity Z ₁ at this time is larger than the fuel quantity Z ₂ is the output power information of each fuel cell received, the output power P ₂ is greater than or not the output power P ₁ is a fuel cell B2 of the fuel cell B1 Is determined (step S5). As a result, if the output power P ₁ of the fuel cell B1 towards the fuel remaining amount is large is larger than the output power P ₂ of the fuel cell B2, then, it is expected difference in fuel quantity for each fuel cell is gradually narrowed Therefore, the output voltage is not controlled. On the other hand, the output power P ₁ of the fuel cell B1 towards the fuel remaining amount is large, if the output power P ₂ than the fuel cell B2, then the difference between the fuel quantity in each fuel cell is expected to spread Therefore, the output voltage calculation unit 12 calculates control information for lowering the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltages V ₁ or the fuel cell B2 increases the fuel cell B1 (step S8). At this time, the output voltage calculation unit 12 may calculate, for example, a voltage increase width that should increase the output voltage V ₁ or a voltage decrease width that should decrease the output voltage V ₂ as the control information. Good. Further, it may be calculated target voltage value of the output voltages V ₁ to increase, may calculate the target voltage value of the output voltage V ₂ to be reduced. The control information calculated as described above is sent to the output voltage command unit 13. Then, the output voltage command unit 13 sends the command information based on the received control information to the DC / DC converter 23 of the target fuel cell, thereby giving a command based on the control information (step S9). Thereby, in the target fuel cell, control according to the command, that is, control for increasing the output voltage V ₁ or decreasing the output voltage V ₂ is performed.

On the other hand, when the fuel remaining amount Z ₁ is less than the fuel quantity Z ₂ in step S3, the output power information of each fuel cell received, the output power P ₁ of the fuel cell B1 is the output power P ₂ of the fuel cell B2 It is determined whether it is larger (step S6). As a result, the fuel cell B1 (i.e., the fuel cell remaining fuel amount is less than the fuel quantity Z ₂ of the fuel cell B2) if the output power P ₁ of the following output power P ₂ of the fuel cell B2, then the Since the difference in the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel cell is not expected to increase, the output voltage is not controlled. On the other hand, the fuel cell B1 (i.e., the fuel cell remaining fuel amount is less than the fuel quantity Z ₂ of the fuel cell B2) If the output power P ₁ of greater than the output power P ₂ of the fuel cell B2, then the fuel cell control information for the difference in the fuel remaining amount is expected to spread, the output voltage calculation unit 12, to increase the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltages V ₁ or the fuel cell B2 decreases the fuel cell B1 of Is calculated (step S10). At this time, the output voltage calculation unit 12 may calculate, as the control information, for example, a voltage decrease width that should decrease the output voltage V ₁ or a voltage increase width that should increase the output voltage V _2. Good. Further, the target voltage value of the output voltage V ₁ to be decreased may be calculated, or the target voltage value of the output voltage V ₂ to be increased may be calculated. The control information calculated as described above is sent to the output voltage command unit 13. And the output voltage command part 13 performs the command based on the said control information by sending out the command information based on the received control information to the DC / DC converter 23 of the target fuel cell (step S11). Thereby, in the target fuel cell, control according to the command, that is, control for decreasing the output voltage V ₁ or increasing the output voltage V ₂ is performed.

  By the way, when there is no difference in the fuel remaining amount of each fuel cell in step S2, the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines whether there is a difference in the output power of each fuel cell from the received output power information of each fuel cell. Is determined (step S4). Whether or not there is a difference in the output power of each fuel cell is determined by, for example, whether or not the difference in the output power of each fuel cell exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Here, when there is no difference in the output power of each fuel cell, it is expected that there will be no difference in the remaining amount of fuel in each fuel cell, so the output voltage is not controlled.

Also, when there is a difference in the output power of each fuel cell, the output power P ₁ of the fuel cell B1 is greater determines whether than the output power P ₂ of the fuel cell B2 (step S7). Here, when the output power P ₁ is greater than the output power P ₂ , the remaining fuel amount Z ₁ of the fuel cell B ₁ is expected to decrease sooner thereafter. calculating the control information for increasing the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltages V ₁ or the fuel cell B2 decreases the battery B1 (step S12). The calculation process in step S12 is the same as that in step S10 described above. The calculated control information is sent to the output voltage command unit 13. Then, the output voltage command unit 13 sends the command information based on the received control information to the DC / DC converter 23 of the target fuel cell, thereby giving a command based on the control information (step S13). Thereby, in the target fuel cell, control according to the command, that is, control for decreasing the output voltage V ₁ or increasing the output voltage V ₂ is performed.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7 (if the output power P ₂ is greater than the output power P ₁₎ can then since the direction of the fuel quantity Z ₂ of the fuel cell B2 can be expected to continue decreasing fast, output voltage calculation unit 12 calculates control information for lowering the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltages V ₁ or the fuel cell B2 increases the fuel cell B1 (step S14). The calculation process in step S14 is the same as step S8 described above. The calculated control information is sent to the output voltage command unit 13. Then, the output voltage command unit 13 sends the command information based on the received control information to the DC / DC converter 23 of the target fuel cell, thereby giving a command based on the control information (step S15). Thereby, in the target fuel cell, control according to the command, that is, control for increasing the output voltage V ₁ or decreasing the output voltage V ₂ is performed.

  As is clear from FIG. 4, thereafter, the processes in steps S1 to S15 are repeatedly performed, and the output power information and remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell newly received in step S1 are used to perform steps S2 to S15. The process is executed again.

  By comparing the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell by the processing of FIG. 4 described above, the difference in the remaining fuel amount has increased or the difference in the remaining fuel amount has occurred. Even if multiple fuel cells that do not use the fuel supply infrastructure as shown in FIG. 1 are used to detect and control the difference, the difference in fuel consumption due to differences in wiring length, etc. The inconvenience can be avoided, and the fuel of the fuel cell can be used effectively.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the fuel cell control device 10 receives both the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell has been described. However, one of the output power information and the remaining fuel amount information is obtained. The present invention is also applicable to the case of receiving. Therefore, as an example in which the fuel cell control device 10 receives only the output power information of each fuel cell and performs control based on the output power information as “Modification 1”, the fuel cell control device 10 performs the remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell. Hereinafter, an example in which only control is received and control is performed based on the remaining fuel amount information will be described as “Modification 2” in order.

(Modification 1 of the first embodiment)
The configuration of the fuel cell control device 10 according to Modification 1 is the same as the configuration of FIG. 2 described above, but in FIG. 2, the remaining fuel amount information of the fuel tank 21 is output from the fuel tank 21 to the fuel cell control device 10. However, the output power information of each fuel cell is output from the stack 22 to the fuel cell control device 10.

  In the fuel cell control device 10, the process of FIG. 5 is executed. As shown in FIG. 5, first, the battery information receiving unit 11 receives output power information output from a plurality of fuel cells (here, fuel cells B1 and B2) (step S21). The received output power information is sent to the output voltage calculation unit 12.

  Next, the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines whether there is a difference in the output power of each fuel cell from the received output power information of each fuel cell (step S22). The method for determining whether or not there is a difference in the output power of each fuel cell is the same as in step S4 of FIG. 4 described above. Here, when there is no difference in the output power of each fuel cell, it is considered that there is no difference in the fuel consumption of each fuel cell, so the output voltage is not controlled.

Also, when there is a difference in the output power of each fuel cell, the output power P ₁ of the fuel cell B1 is greater determines whether than the output power P ₂ of the fuel cell B2 (step S23). Here, if the output power P ₁ is greater than the output power P _2, since the direction of the fuel cell B1 is considered that there are many fuel consumption than the fuel cell B2, the output voltage calculation unit 12, the fuel cell B1 calculating the control information for increasing the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltages V ₁ or the fuel cell B2 decreases the (step S24). The calculation process in step S24 is the same as steps S10 and S12 in FIG. 4 described above. The calculated control information is sent to the output voltage command unit 13. The output voltage command unit 13 sends a command based on the received control information to the DC / DC converter 23 of the target fuel cell. Then, a command based on the control information is given (step S25). As a result, control according to the command, that is, control for decreasing the output voltage V ₁ or increasing the output voltage V ₂ is performed, and the difference in output power between the fuel cells is reduced.

On the other hand, in step S23, if the output power P ₁ is not larger than the output power P _2, since the direction of the fuel cell B2 can be considered that there are many fuel consumption than the fuel cell B1, the output voltage calculation unit 12, calculating the control information for lowering the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltages V ₁ or the fuel cell B2 increases the fuel cell B1 (step S26). The calculation process in step S26 is the same as steps S8 and S14 in FIG. 4 described above. The calculated control information is sent to the output voltage command unit 13. The output voltage command unit 13 sends a command based on the received control information to the DC / DC converter 23 of the target fuel cell. Then, a command based on the control information is issued (step S27). Thus, control according to the command, that is, control for increasing the output voltage V ₁ or decreasing the output voltage V ₂ is performed, and the difference in output power between the fuel cells is reduced.

  Thereafter, the processes of steps S21 to S27 are repeatedly executed, and the processes of steps S22 to S27 are executed again using the output power information of each fuel cell newly received in step S21.

  By comparing the output power of each fuel cell by the processing of FIG. 5 described above and when there is a difference in the output power of each fuel cell, control is performed so as to eliminate the difference, as in the first embodiment. Inconvenience due to the difference in fuel consumption due to the difference in wiring length can be avoided, and the fuel of the fuel cell can be used effectively.

(Modification 2 of the first embodiment)
The configuration of the fuel cell control device 10 according to the modified example 2 is the same as the configuration of FIG. 2 described above, but in FIG. 2, the output power information of each fuel cell is not output from the stack 22 to the fuel cell control device 10. The remaining fuel amount information of the fuel tank 21 of each fuel cell is output from the fuel tank 21 to the fuel cell control device 10.

  In the fuel cell control device 10, the process of FIG. 6 is executed. As shown in FIG. 6, first, the battery information receiving unit 11 receives fuel remaining amount information output from a plurality of fuel cells (here, fuel cells B1 and B2) (step S31). The received remaining fuel amount information is sent to the output voltage calculation unit 12.

  Next, the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines whether there is a difference in the remaining fuel amount of each fuel cell from the received remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell (step S32). The method for determining whether or not there is a difference in the remaining amount of fuel in each fuel cell is the same as step S2 in FIG. Here, when there is no difference in the fuel remaining amount of each fuel cell, the output voltage is not controlled.

Also, when there is a difference in the fuel remaining quantity of each fuel cell, the fuel remaining amount Z ₁ of the fuel cell B1 often determines whether than the fuel quantity Z ₂ of the fuel cell B2 (step S33). Here, when the fuel remaining amount Z ₁ is larger than the fuel quantity Z _2, in order to eliminate the difference between the two, the output voltage calculation unit 12, or a fuel cell to raise the output voltage V ₁ of the fuel cell B1 B2 calculating the control information for lowering the output voltage V ₂ of (step S34). The calculation process in step S34 is the same as steps S8 and S14 in FIG. 4 described above. The calculated control information is sent to the output voltage command unit 13. The output voltage command unit 13 sends a command based on the received control information to the DC / DC converter 23 of the target fuel cell. Then, a command based on the control information is issued (step S35). Thus, control according to the command, that is, control for increasing the output voltage V ₁ or decreasing the output voltage V ₂ is performed. As a result, the fuel cell B1 consumes more fuel than the fuel cell B2. Thus, the difference in the remaining amount of fuel in each fuel cell is reduced.

On the other hand, in step S33, when the fuel remaining amount Z ₁ is less than the fuel quantity Z _2, in order to eliminate the difference between the two, the output voltage calculation unit 12 reduces the output voltage V ₁ of the fuel cell B1 or calculating the control information for increasing the output voltage V ₂ of the fuel cell B2 (step S36). The calculation process in step S36 is the same as steps S10 and S12 in FIG. 4 described above. The calculated control information is sent to the output voltage command unit 13. The output voltage command unit 13 sends a command based on the received control information to the DC / DC converter 23 of the target fuel cell. Then, a command based on the control information is issued (step S37). Thus, control in accordance with the command, i.e., control for increasing or output voltage V ₂ decreases the output voltage V ₁ is performed, as a result, many fuel consumption than the fuel cell B1 is more fuel cell B2 Thus, the difference in the remaining amount of fuel in each fuel cell is reduced.

  Thereafter, the processes in steps S31 to S37 are repeatedly executed, and the processes in steps S32 to S37 are executed again using the remaining fuel amount information of each fuel cell newly received in step S31.

  By the processing of FIG. 6 described above, the remaining fuel amount of each fuel cell is compared. If there is a difference in the remaining fuel amount of each fuel cell, control is performed so as to eliminate the difference. Similarly, it is possible to avoid inconvenience due to a difference in fuel consumption due to a difference in wiring length or the like, and to effectively use the fuel of the fuel cell. In addition, if there is a difference in the remaining amount of fuel in each fuel cell regardless of the difference in the wiring length from each fuel cell to the load, the difference in the fuel consumption of each fuel cell as described above This can contribute to the effective use of fuel in each fuel cell.

[Second Embodiment]
In the following second embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which processing is devised when the control information for eliminating the difference in the output power of each fuel cell or the difference in the remaining amount of fuel includes a plurality of options.

The configuration of the fuel cell control device 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of FIG. 2 described above. However, for each fuel cell, an output voltage serving as a reference for control is set in advance, and the output voltage calculation unit 12 stores information on an output voltage (hereinafter referred to as “set voltage”) set in advance for each fuel cell. I remember it. Hereinafter, the output voltage for the fuel cell B1 is referred to as V ₁ , the set voltage is referred to as V _1PRESET , and the difference between the set voltage and the output voltage is referred to as ΔV ₁ . These have the following relationship:
ΔV ₁ = V _{1 PRESET} −V ₁
Similarly, the output voltage of the fuel cell B2 _{V 2,} the set voltage _{V 2PRESET,} refers to difference between the set voltage and the output voltage [Delta] V _2. These have the following relationship:
ΔV ₂ = V _2PRESET −V ₂

For example, the control information for lowering the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltages V ₁ or the fuel cell B2 increases the fuel cell B1, multiple choice, namely the "control information to increase the output voltages V _1", " so that the included control information for reducing the output voltage V ₂ "is. In such a case, the output voltage calculation unit 12 employs, as control information, an option of the plurality of options that has the largest deviation of the output voltage of each fuel cell from the set voltage.

  Hereinafter, specific processing will be described with reference to FIG. The process of FIG. 7 corresponds to a detailed process of adopting one option from a plurality of options in steps S8, S10, S12, and S14 in FIG. Since processes other than steps S8, S10, S12, and S14 are common in FIG. 7 and FIG.

Step S8A~S8C in Figure 7, details the "processing for calculating the control information for lowering the output voltage V ₂ of the output voltages V ₁ or the fuel cell B2 increases the fuel cell B1" in step S8 in FIG. 4 Corresponds to First, in step S8A, the output voltage calculation unit 12 compares the difference between the output voltage of each fuel cell and the set voltage between the fuel cells. At this time, since it is required to increase the output voltage V ₁ or decrease the output voltage V ₂ , the output voltage V ₁ is lower than the set voltage V _{1 PRESET} , and the output voltage V ₂ is lower than the set voltage V _{2 PRESET.} It is assumed that it is in a high state. Therefore, in step S8A, the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines whether or not ΔV ₁ > −ΔV _2, that is, whether or not “V _{1 PRESET} −V ₁ ” is larger than “V ₂ −V _{2 PRESET} ”. judge. Here, if ΔV ₁ > −ΔV _2, it can be determined that the output voltage V ₁ has a larger deviation from the set voltage than the output voltage V _2, so the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines in step S8B. Among “control information for increasing output voltage V ₁ ” and “control information for decreasing output voltage V ₂ ”, “control information for increasing output voltage V ₁ ” is employed. On the other hand, if ΔV ₁ > −ΔV _{2 is} not satisfied, it can be determined that the output voltage V ₂ has a larger or equal deviation from the set voltage than the output voltage V _1, so the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines in step S8C. “Control information for decreasing the output voltage V ₂ ” among “control information for increasing the output voltage V ₁ ” and “control information for decreasing the output voltage V ₂ ” is employed. As described above, by adopting, as control information, the option whose output voltage is most greatly deviated from the set voltage, control for eliminating the largest deviating is performed.

  Note that steps S14A to S14C in FIG. 7 are the same as steps S8A to S8C described above, and similar effects can be obtained.

Next, step S10A~S10C 7 calculates control information for increasing the output voltage _{V 2} of the output voltages _{V 1} is allowed or fuel cell B2 decreases the "fuel cell B1 at the step S10 in FIG. 4 process Is a more detailed version. First, in step S10A, the output voltage calculator 12 compares the difference between the output voltage of each fuel cell and the set voltage between the fuel cells. At this time, since the raising or output voltage _{V 2} decreases the output voltage _{V 1} is being sought, the output voltage _{V 1} is higher than the set voltage _{V 1PRESET,} than the output voltage _{V 2} is set voltage _{V 2PRESET} It is assumed to be in a low state. Therefore, the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines whether or not −ΔV ₁ > ΔV ₂ in Step S10A, that is, whether or not “V ₁ −V _{1 PRESET} ” is larger than “V _{2 PRESET} −V ₂ ”. judge. Here, if -ΔV ₁ > ΔV _2, it can be determined that the output voltage V ₁ has a larger deviation from the set voltage than the output voltage V _2, and therefore the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines in step S10B. Of the “control information for decreasing the output voltage V ₁ ” and the “control information for increasing the output voltage V ₂ ”, “control information for decreasing the output voltage V ₁ ” is employed. On the other hand, if −ΔV ₁ > ΔV ₂ , it can be determined that the output voltage V ₂ has a larger or equal deviation from the set voltage than the output voltage V _1, and therefore the output voltage calculation unit 12 determines in step S10C. “Control information for increasing the output voltage V ₂ ” among “control information for decreasing the output voltage V ₁ ” and “control information for increasing the output voltage V ₂ ” is employed. As described above, by adopting, as control information, the option whose output voltage is most greatly deviated from the set voltage, control for eliminating the largest deviating is performed.

  Note that steps S12A to S12C in FIG. 7 are the same as steps S10A to S10C described above, and the same effects can be obtained.

  As described above, the output voltage calculation unit 12 adopts, as control information, an option for controlling a fuel cell in which the output voltage of each fuel cell is most different from the set voltage among a plurality of options. Then, control for eliminating the largest deviation is executed, and the effect of the output voltage control according to the present invention becomes remarkable.

  Note that the device described above (devices for processing when the control information includes a plurality of options) can also be applied to the processing in FIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, steps S10A to S10C of FIG. 7 are executed in step S24 of FIG. 5 and step S36 of FIG. 6, and steps S8A to S8C of FIG. 7 are executed in step S26 of FIG. 5 and step S34 of FIG. Thus, the same effect can be obtained.

  Moreover, although 1st, 2nd embodiment demonstrated by the structural example which uses "two fuel cells" connected in parallel with load as a backup power supply, "three or more units | sets connected in parallel with load were used. The present invention can also be applied to the case where the “fuel cell” is used as a backup power source, and the same effect is obtained.

[About fuel cell control program]
The invention relating to the fuel cell control device 10 can be understood as an invention relating to a fuel cell control program for causing a computer to function as a fuel cell control device.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing modules of a fuel cell control program P10 for causing a computer to function as the fuel cell control device 10 of FIG. The fuel cell control program P10 includes a battery information reception module P11, an output voltage calculation module P12, and an output voltage command module P13. Functions realized by executing the modules P11 to P13 are the same as the functions of the battery information receiving unit 11, the output voltage calculating unit 12, and the output voltage commanding unit 13 in FIG.

  The fuel cell control program P10 of FIG. 8 is stored in the storage medium M shown in FIG. 3 and provided to the fuel cell control device 10, for example. Examples of the storage medium M include storage media such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD. The fuel cell control program P10 may be provided to the fuel cell control device 10 via a wired network or a wireless network as a computer data signal superimposed on a carrier wave.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fuel cell control apparatus, 10A ... CPU, 10B ... RAM, 10C ... ROM, 10D ... Input part, 10E ... Reading part, 10F ... Communication part, 10G ... Auxiliary storage part, 10H ... Display part, M ... Storage medium, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Battery information receiving part, 12 ... Output voltage calculation part, 13 ... Output voltage command part, B1, B2 ... Fuel cell, 21 ... Fuel tank, 22 ... Stack, 23 ... DC / DC converter, 30 ... Load, 40 ... Rectifier 50 ... Commercial power source, P10 ... Fuel cell control program, P11 ... Battery information receiving module, P12 ... Output voltage calculation module, P13 ... Output voltage command module.

Claims (4)

A plurality of fuel cells that operate using a built-in fuel without receiving an external fuel supply, the plurality of fuel cells being connected in parallel to a load and outputting at least one of output power information and remaining fuel information A fuel cell control device for controlling a fuel cell,
A battery information receiving unit that receives at least one of output power information and fuel remaining amount information output from the plurality of fuel cells;
At least one of the output power information and fuel remaining amount information of each fuel cell received by the battery information receiving unit is compared between the fuel cells, and the difference between at least one of the output power information and fuel remaining amount information of each fuel cell is different. If there is, an output voltage calculation unit that calculates information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell to eliminate the difference;
An output voltage command unit that commands each fuel cell to eliminate the difference, based on information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell calculated by the output voltage calculation unit;
A fuel cell control device comprising: The output voltage calculator is
When the information related to the control of the output voltage of each fuel cell for eliminating the difference includes a plurality of options, the output voltage of the fuel cell that is most different from the preset output voltage for each fuel cell is set in advance. Control so that the output voltage approaches
The fuel cell control device according to claim 1. A plurality of fuel cells that operate using a built-in fuel without receiving an external fuel supply, the plurality of fuel cells being connected in parallel to a load and outputting at least one of output power information and remaining fuel information A fuel cell control method executed by a fuel cell control device for controlling a fuel cell,
A battery information receiving step for receiving at least one of output power information and fuel remaining amount information output from the plurality of fuel cells;
At least one of the output power information and fuel remaining amount information of each fuel cell received in the battery information receiving step is compared between the fuel cells, and at least one of the output power information and fuel remaining amount information of each fuel cell is compared. When there is a difference, an output voltage calculation step for calculating information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell to eliminate the difference;
Based on information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell calculated in the output voltage calculation step, an output voltage command step for instructing each fuel cell to eliminate the difference;
A fuel cell control method comprising: A plurality of fuel cells that operate using a built-in fuel without receiving an external fuel supply, the plurality of fuel cells being connected in parallel to a load and outputting at least one of output power information and remaining fuel information A fuel cell control program for controlling a fuel cell,
Computer
A battery information receiving unit that receives at least one of output power information and fuel remaining amount information output from the plurality of fuel cells;
At least one of the output power information and fuel remaining amount information of each fuel cell received by the battery information receiving unit is compared between the fuel cells, and the difference between at least one of the output power information and fuel remaining amount information of each fuel cell is different. If there is, an output voltage calculation unit that calculates information related to control of the output voltage of each fuel cell to eliminate the difference;
An output voltage command unit that commands each fuel cell to eliminate the difference based on information on control of the output voltage of each fuel cell calculated by the output voltage calculation unit;
Fuel cell control program to function as

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