JP2015146258A - fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized, inexpensive fuel cell device that can perform start processing, even in a case where no power is supplied from a system power supply.SOLUTION: A fuel cell device comprises: a fuel cell connected with a system power supply and generating a power by using a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas; a plurality of auxiliary equipment used for the power generation of the fuel cell, and an accumulator battery 20; an auxiliary equipment power switcher 57 for switching respective supplies of power from the accumulator battery 20 to the plurality of auxiliary equipment, respectively; and a control device 7 controlling the auxiliary equipment power switcher 57. The control device 7, when starting a stopped fuel cell device, distinguishes auxiliary equipment required for the starting of the fuel cell from auxiliary equipment unnecessary for starting, with respect to the plurality of auxiliary equipment, and controls the auxiliary equipment power switcher 57 so that a power is supplied to the auxiliary equipment required for the starting from the accumulator battery 20.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system that can be activated even when there is no power supply from a system power supply.

  In recent years, various fuel cell modules in which fuel cells are stored in a storage container and fuel cell systems in which the fuel cell modules are stored in an outer case have been proposed as next-generation energy (for example, patents). Reference 1). The fuel battery cell is configured such that electric power can be obtained using a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and an oxygen-containing gas (air).

  By the way, in a fuel cell system expected as a next-generation energy, many auxiliary machines such as a pump for supplying fuel gas, oxygen-containing gas and the like to a fuel cell module are electrically operated. Therefore, for example, when the operation of the fuel cell system is temporarily stopped at the time of a power failure of the system power supply, there is a problem that the fuel cell system cannot be started until the power failure is recovered.

  For this reason, when starting a fuel cell system that has been stopped conventionally at the time of a power failure of the system power supply, for example, a large-capacity storage battery is used to supply power to all the auxiliary machines to start operation (for example, Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4).

JP 2007-59377 A JP 2007-207661 A JP 2008-22650 A JP 2008-269908 A

  However, in the fuel cell systems described in Patent Documents 2 to 4 described above, since power is supplied to all the auxiliary machines necessary for power generation of the plurality of stack devices and operated, when the fuel cell system is enlarged, There is a problem that it is necessary to start up using a large-capacity storage battery, which increases the cost of the fuel cell system.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell system that can be started up with a small-capacity storage battery even when there is no power supply from a system power supply.

The fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell stack that is connected to a system power source and generates power using fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas, an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe that supplies the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell stack, and the fuel cell. A plurality of stack devices each having a fuel gas supply pipe for supplying fuel gas to the stack, an auxiliary machine used for power generation of the fuel cell stack, a storage battery, and an electric power so as to supply electric power from the storage battery to the auxiliary machine An auxiliary power switch for switching a supply path; and a control device for controlling the auxiliary power switch, the control device configured to turn on the plurality of stack devices when starting a stopped fuel cell system. The auxiliary power switch is controlled so that power is supplied from the storage battery to the auxiliary equipment required for starting some of the stack devices, and one of the plurality of stack devices is controlled. Wherein the start of the stacking device.

  In the fuel cell system of the present invention, when starting the stopped fuel cell system, power is supplied from the storage battery to an auxiliary machine required for starting some of the stack devices among the plurality of stack devices, Since some of the stack devices are activated, the large-capacity fuel cell system that has been stopped can be activated with a small-capacity storage battery.

(A) is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell system in which each fuel cell stack is accommodated in a storage container and has an auxiliary machine for driving the fuel cell stack, and (b) is a fuel cell stack in each storage container. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell system that is housed in a fuel cell and has a shared auxiliary machine. It is a lineblock diagram showing one form of a fuel cell system provided with a power generation unit and a hot water storage unit. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows a fuel cell module. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell system. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell system in which fuel cell stacks are housed in storage containers and each has a shared auxiliary machine and a dedicated auxiliary machine in one fuel cell stack. It is sectional drawing which shows a fuel cell module. (A) is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell system in which a plurality of fuel cell stacks are housed in one storage container and each has an auxiliary machine for driving the fuel cell stack, and (b) is a plurality of fuel cell stacks. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell system that is housed in one storage container and each has a shared auxiliary machine. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a fuel cell system in which a plurality of fuel cell stacks are accommodated in one storage container, each having a shared auxiliary machine, and one fuel cell stack having a dedicated auxiliary machine.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a fuel cell system including four fuel cell devices 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d). FIG. 1 shows a case where a solid oxide fuel cell is used as the fuel cell device. In the following description, a solid oxide fuel cell will be described as an example of the fuel cell. Note that a fuel cell device using a solid polymer fuel cell as the fuel cell may be used. In this case, the configuration of the fuel cell device may be appropriately changed according to the solid polymer fuel cell.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 2, the fuel cell system is connected to four fuel cell devices 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) and the respective fuel cell devices 1, and after the heat exchange. One hot water storage unit 2 for storing hot water and a circulation pipe 15 for circulating water between the fuel cell device 1 and the hot water storage unit 2 are configured. The fuel cell device 1 and the hot water storage unit 2 are shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the hot water storage unit 2 is connected to one fuel cell device 1.

  A fuel cell device 1 is connected to a system power source, and a fuel cell stack (hereinafter also referred to as a cell stack) 5 that generates power with fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas, and a fuel gas that supplies raw fuel such as city gas A supply pipe 18, an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the cell stack 5, and a reformer 3 for reforming the raw fuel with the raw fuel and the oxygen-containing gas or water vapor are provided.

  The fuel gas supply pipe 18 includes an electric pump P, and the pump P supplies raw fuel such as city gas and propane gas to the reformer 3. The oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 is provided with an electric blower B, and an oxygen-containing gas, for example, air is supplied to the cell stack 5 by the blower B. The cell stack 5, the fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 constitute a stack device 21, and the fuel cell module 4 is constructed by housing the stack device 21 in a storage container 22 described later. Each of the fuel cell devices 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) includes the stack device 21.

  As will be described later, by storing the cell stack 5 and the reformer 3 in a storage container, a fuel cell module 4 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a module) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is configured. . In FIG. 2, the module 4 is surrounded by a two-dot chain line.

  In the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 2, the condensed water treatment device 9 for treating the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 8 and the water (pure water) treated by the condensed water treatment device 9 are used. A water tank 11 for storing water is provided, and the water tank 11 and the heat exchanger 8 are connected by a condensed water supply pipe 10. The heat exchanger 8 of the fuel cell device 1 and the hot water storage tank 16 of the hot water storage unit 2 are connected by a circulation pipe 15 that circulates water. The heat exchanger 8 is configured to exchange heat between exhaust gas (exhaust heat) generated by power generation of the cell stack 5 of the fuel cell device 1 and water of the hot water storage unit 2.

  In addition, depending on the quality of the condensed water produced | generated by the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 8, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide the condensed water processing apparatus 9. FIG. Moreover, when the condensed water processing apparatus 9 has the function to store water, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide the water tank 11. FIG.

  The water tank 11 and the reformer 3 are connected by a water supply pipe 13, and the water supply pipe 13 is provided with a water pump 12 that is a water supply device, and the water stored in the water tank 11 is stored in the water tank 11. The water pump 12 is configured to be supplied to the reformer 3.

  Further, the fuel cell apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes, as auxiliary equipment, a power conditioner (supply power adjusting unit) 6, a ventilation fan (not shown) of the power conditioner 6, a pump P of the fuel gas supply pipe 18, oxygen In addition to the blower B of the contained gas supply pipe 19, various sensors in the storage container 22, the circulation pump 17 that circulates the water in the circulation pipe 15, and the exhaust port 53 of the exterior plate 49 of the fuel cell device 46 shown in FIG. Are provided with a ventilation fan (not shown), an outlet water temperature sensor 14, an ignition device to be described later, and the like.

The fuel cell device 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) of the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1 (a) also has the auxiliary equipment shown in FIG. 2, but in FIG. 1 (a) Only the pump P of the fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the blower B of the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are described.
The power conditioner 6 converts the DC power generated by the module 4 into AC power and adjusts the amount of the converted power supplied to an external load. The outlet water temperature sensor 14 is provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger 8 and measures the water temperature of water (circulated water stream) flowing through the outlet of the heat exchanger 8.

  And while storing the fuel cell module 4 enclosed with a dashed-dotted line in an exterior case, among the fuel cell apparatus 1 of the range enclosed with a dashed-dotted line, what remove | excluding the range enclosed with the dashed-two dotted line is used as an auxiliary machine. By storing it in an exterior case, which will be described later, the fuel cell device 1 that can be easily installed and carried can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, four fuel cell devices 1 (1a, 1b, 1
c, 1d), and one hot water storage unit 2 is connected to four fuel cell devices 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), and each fuel cell device 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, Heat is exchanged in the heat exchanger 8 of 1d), and hot hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 16. Each fuel cell device 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) has a stack device 21 respectively.

  Further, the fuel cell system includes a storage battery 20 as shown in FIG. The storage battery 20 is composed of at least one of, for example, a vehicle battery, a secondary battery, and a dry battery. In particular, it is desirable to use a small and inexpensive dry battery.

  The storage battery 20 is connected to the control device 7, and is configured to be able to supply power from the storage battery 20 to the auxiliary machines of the respective fuel cell devices 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d). When starting the stopped fuel cell system, the control device 7 is an auxiliary device required for starting some of the four fuel cell devices 1 (stack devices). On the other hand, the auxiliary power switch 57 is controlled to supply power from the storage battery 20.

  That is, the control device 7 is connected to an auxiliary machine power switch 57 that switches ON / OFF the power supply from the storage battery 20 to each auxiliary machine, and the control device 7 converts the power from the storage battery 20 to the control device. 7, the auxiliary power switch 57 is controlled so as to supply only to the auxiliary machine for which power supply is required. The auxiliary power switch 57 is configured by, for example, a field effect transistor (FET). Thereby, one fuel cell apparatus 1 (stack apparatus) can be started among the four fuel cell apparatuses 1 (stack apparatus).

  Then, after starting one fuel cell device 1, the control device 7, when predetermined power can be obtained from the activated fuel cell device 1, other than the activated fuel cell device 1. The auxiliary power switch 57 is controlled so that the power generated by the previously activated fuel cell device 1 is supplied to the auxiliary machinery required to activate the fuel cell device 1, and the other fuel cell devices 1 are activated. Then, the fuel cell system is started. For example, after the fuel cell device 1b of FIG. 1A is activated and a predetermined amount of electric power can be obtained, the generated power of the fuel cell device 1b is used to activate other fuel cell devices 1a, 1c, and 1d. The auxiliary power switch 57 is controlled so as to supply the necessary auxiliary equipment.

  Therefore, in the fuel cell system of the present embodiment, when starting a stopped fuel cell system, a storage battery is used for auxiliary equipment required for starting some of the fuel cell devices 1 among the plurality of fuel cell devices 1. Since power is supplied from 20 and a part of the plurality of fuel cell devices 1 is started, a large-sized fuel cell system of, for example, 3 kW class or more is stopped. You can start with. Such a fuel cell system is particularly useful during a power failure of the system power supply.

  For example, when the storage battery 20 and the auxiliary machine power switching device 57 are provided only in the fuel cell device 1b and started up, first, the auxiliary device of the fuel cell device 1b is driven from the storage battery 20 to start and generate power. Other fuel cell devices 1a, 1c, and 1d may be activated using the generated power of the battery device 1b.

  3 and 4 show one mode of the module 4 constituting the fuel cell device 1, FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the module 4, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the module 4 shown in FIG.

In the module 4 shown in FIG. 3, a cell formed by fixing the lower ends of a plurality of columnar fuel cells 23 to a gas tank 24 with an insulating bonding material (not shown) such as a glass sealing material, in a storage container 22. A stack device 21 having two stacks 5 is accommodated. The cell stack 5 is arranged in a row in a state where a plurality of fuel cells 23 are erected, and adjacent fuel cells 23 are electrically connected in series via current collecting members (not shown). Yes. The fuel cell 23 has a gas flow path (not shown) through which fuel gas flows.

  At both ends of the cell stack 5, conductive members having current drawing portions for collecting and drawing the electricity generated by the power generation of the cell stack 5 (fuel cell 23) to the outside are disposed ( Not shown). FIG. 3 shows the case where the cell stack device 21 includes two cell stacks 5, but the number can be changed as appropriate. For example, only one cell stack 5 is provided. Or three or more may be provided.

  Further, the storage container 22 includes a thermoelectric device for measuring the temperature in the motor-driven first and second ignition devices 30 and 31 and the module 4 for burning fuel gas that has passed through a fuel cell 23 described later. A pair 32 is provided.

  In FIG. 3, the fuel battery cell 23 is a hollow flat plate type having a gas flow path through which fuel gas flows in the longitudinal direction, and a fuel electrode layer, a solid electrolyte is formed on the surface of a support having the gas flow path. 1 illustrates a solid oxide fuel cell 23 in which a layer and an oxygen electrode layer are sequentially laminated. In addition, in the fuel cell 23, it can also be set as the shape which has a gas flow path through which oxygen-containing gas distribute | circulates to an inside. In this case, an oxygen electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a fuel electrode layer are provided in this order from the inside, and the configuration of the module 4 may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the fuel cell 23 is not limited to a hollow plate type, and may be a plate type or a cylindrical type, for example, and it is preferable to change the shape of the storage container 22 as appropriate.

  Further, in the module 4 shown in FIG. 3, the reformer 3 is disposed above the cell stack 5 in order to obtain fuel gas used for power generation of the fuel battery cell 23. A raw fuel such as city gas is supplied to the reformer 3 through a raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and reformed to generate a fuel gas containing hydrogen gas.

  The reformer 3 can have a structure capable of performing steam reforming, which is an efficient reforming reaction, and partial oxidation reforming, and includes a vaporization unit 26 for vaporizing water, And a reforming unit 25 in which a reforming catalyst (not shown) for reforming fuel into fuel gas is disposed.

  As the reforming catalyst, a combustion catalyst capable of partial oxidation reforming in addition to steam reforming can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) generated in the reformer 3 is supplied to the gas tank 24 through the fuel gas circulation pipe 27, and enters the fuel cell 23 from the gas tank 24. It is supplied to the gas flow path provided. Note that the configuration of the cell stack device 21 can be changed as appropriate depending on the type and shape of the fuel cell 23. For example, the reformer 3 can be included in the stack device 21.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which a part (front and rear surfaces) of the storage container 22 is removed and the stack device 21 stored inside is taken out rearward. Here, in the module 4 shown in FIG. 3, the stack device 21 can be slid and stored in the storage container 22.

  A reaction for supplying an oxygen-containing gas (reactive gas) such as air so that the oxygen-containing gas flows from the lower end portion toward the upper end portion of the fuel cell 23 inside the storage container 22. A gas introduction member 29 is disposed. The reaction gas introduction member 29 is disposed between the cell stacks 5 juxtaposed in the gas tank 24.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage container 22 constituting the module 4 has a double structure having an inner wall 33 and an outer wall 34. The outer wall 34 forms an outer frame of the storage container 22, and the inner wall 33 forms a cell stack. A power generation chamber 35 for accommodating the device 21 is formed. Further, in the storage container 22, a reaction gas flow path 40 through which the oxygen-containing gas introduced into the fuel cell 23 circulates between the inner wall 33 and the outer wall 34. An oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 is connected to the reaction gas channel 40.

  Here, a reaction gas introduction member 29 is inserted through the inner wall 33 and fixed in the storage container 22. The reaction gas introduction member 29 includes an oxygen-containing gas inlet (not shown) through which oxygen-containing gas flows into the upper end side from the upper portion of the storage container 22 and a flange portion 44, and the fuel cell 23 at the lower end portion. A reaction gas outlet 36 for introducing an oxygen-containing gas is provided at the lower end of the gas.

  In FIG. 4, a reaction gas introduction member 29 for introducing a reaction gas such as air into the storage container 22 is arranged so as to be positioned between two cell stacks 5 juxtaposed inside the storage container 22. However, it can be appropriately arranged depending on the number of cell stacks 5. For example, when only one cell stack 5 is stored in the storage container 22, two reaction gas introduction members 29 can be provided so as to sandwich the cell stack 5 from both sides.

  Further, in the power generation chamber 35, the temperature in the module 4 is maintained at a high temperature so that the heat in the module 4 is extremely dissipated and the temperature of the fuel cell 23 (cell stack 5) is lowered and the power generation amount is not reduced. A heat insulating member 37 is appropriately provided.

  The heat insulating member 37 is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the cell stack 5. In particular, the heat insulating member 37 is arranged on the side surface side of the cell stack 5 along the arrangement direction of the fuel cell 23, and the fuel cell unit on the side surface of the cell stack 5 It is preferable to dispose a heat insulating member 37 having a width equal to or greater than the width along the arrangement direction of 23.

  In addition, it is preferable to arrange the heat insulating members 37 on both sides of the cell stack 5. Thereby, it can suppress effectively that the temperature of the cell stack 5 falls. Furthermore, the oxygen-containing gas introduced from the reaction gas introduction member 29 can be suppressed from being discharged from the side surface side of the cell stack 5, and the flow of the oxygen-containing gas between the fuel cells 23 constituting the cell stack 5 can be reduced. Can be promoted.

  In the heat insulating members 37 arranged on both sides of the cell stack 5, the flow of the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell 23 is adjusted, and the temperature in the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 5 and in the stacking direction of the fuel cell 23 is adjusted. An opening 38 for reducing the distribution is provided. Note that the opening 38 may be formed by combining a plurality of heat insulating members 37.

  Further, an exhaust gas inner wall 39 is provided on the inner side of the inner wall 33 along the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 23, and the exhaust gas in the power generation chamber 35 is located between the inner wall 33 and the exhaust gas inner wall 39 from above. The exhaust gas flow path 41 flows downward. The exhaust gas passage 41 communicates with an exhaust hole 45 provided at the bottom of the storage container 22.

  Thereby, the exhaust gas generated by the operation of the module 4 flows through the exhaust gas passage 41 and is then exhausted from the exhaust hole 45. The exhaust hole 45 may be formed by cutting out a part of the bottom of the storage container 22 or may be formed by providing a tubular member.

  Here, in the module 4, electric ignition devices 30 and 31 for igniting a fuel gas that has passed through the fuel cell 23 described later are positioned between the fuel cell 23 and the reformer 3. And inserted from both side surfaces of the storage container 2.

  In a solid oxide fuel cell, the temperature at which the fuel cell 23 can generate power is high. Therefore, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the module 4 to a high temperature in the startup process of the fuel cell device. In the normal operation process of the apparatus, it is necessary to maintain the module 4 at a high temperature. Here, in the fuel cell device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the temperature of the module 4 can be improved by operating the ignition devices 30 and 31 and burning the fuel gas that has passed through the fuel cell 23. Thus, the start-up process of the fuel cell device can be performed. In addition, the temperature of the reformer 3 can be improved.

  A thermocouple 32 for measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the cell stack 5 is disposed inside the reaction gas introduction member 29, and the temperature measuring unit 43 of the thermocouple 32 is located in the center in the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell 23. It is arrange | positioned so that it may be located in the center part in the arrangement direction of the fuel cell 23.

  The fuel cell device 46 shown in FIG. 5 divides the inside of an exterior case composed of support columns 47 and an exterior plate 49 by a partition plate 48, and the upper side serves as a module storage chamber 50 for storing the above-described module 4. The lower side is configured as an auxiliary equipment storage chamber 51 for storing auxiliary equipment for operating the module 4. In FIG. 5, the auxiliary machines stored in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 51 are omitted, but in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a water pump that is a water supply device is provided in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 51. 12, a water tank 11, a power conditioner (supply power adjustment unit) 6, a control device 7, a circulation pump 17, a condensed water treatment device 9, and other devices (auxiliary devices) are housed.

  In addition, the partition plate 48 is provided with an air circulation port 52 for allowing the air in the auxiliary machine storage chamber 51 to flow toward the module storage chamber 50, and a module is formed in a part of the exterior plate 49 constituting the module storage chamber 50. An exhaust port 53 for exhausting the air in the storage chamber 50 is provided. Although not shown, the exhaust port 53 is provided with a ventilation fan.

  The power failure of the system power supply means a state in which the power supply from the power company to the fuel cell system is stopped.For example, the power transmission line is destroyed due to a natural disaster or the like, and the power supply to the fuel cell system is stopped. When the power supply to the fuel cell system is stopped because the wiring to the fuel cell system in each home is cut off, etc., the breaker arranged in each home falls and the fuel cell system is connected to the fuel cell system. There are cases where the power supply is stopped.

  In addition, starting is a concept including a case where the fuel cell device that has once generated power is restarted after being stopped. That is, it includes a case where the supply of the fuel gas to the fuel cell device is stopped and the power supply to the load is stopped, and the fuel cell device is restarted from a stopped state.

  In the fuel cell system of this embodiment, the start is started by pressing the start switch, and the process until the start of power supply to the load (including auxiliary equipment) is called the start process, and the power supply to the load is The period from the start of the operation until the power supply to the load is stopped is referred to as a normal operation process, and the process until the temperature of the fuel cell is lowered after the power supply is stopped is referred to as a stop process.

  Since at least the raw fuel and the oxygen-containing gas are required in the start-up process, the minimum required auxiliary machines include, for example, the control device 7, the pump P of the raw fuel gas supply pipe 1, the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 2 There is a blower B.

  When starting up, first, the power supply source switch SW for switching the power supply source between the system power supply and the storage battery 20 is switched, and the power from the storage battery 20 is supplied to the control device 7. This power supply source switch SW is normally switched manually. The power supply source switching unit SW can switch the power supply source from the storage battery 20 to the fuel cell device, and the control device 7 can switch the power supply source switching unit when the startup process is changed to the normal operation process. SW is controlled, the power supply source is switched from the storage battery 20 to the fuel cell device, and control is performed so that the generated power from the fuel cell device is supplied to an auxiliary machine or the like.

  When starting the stopped fuel cell system, the control device 7 stores, for example, a storage battery for an auxiliary machine required for starting the fuel cell device 1b among the four fuel cell devices 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. The auxiliary power switch SW is controlled so as to supply power from 20, and the fuel cell device 1b among the four fuel cell devices 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d is activated. When the fuel cell device 1b generates a predetermined amount of power, the auxiliary power switching is performed so that the power generated by the fuel cell device 1b is supplied to the auxiliary devices required for starting the fuel cell devices 1a, 1c, and 1d. The fuel cell system is started by controlling the battery SW.

  Here, in order to start the fuel cell system, there are a case where a system power supply is used and a case where a storage battery is used. The normal start process and the normal operation process using the system power supply will be described for the fuel cell apparatus shown in FIG. . When there is power supply from the system power supply, power is supplied from the system power supply by the power supply source switch SW at the start-up. First, the electric pump P of the raw fuel gas supply pipe 1, oxygen The electric blower B of the contained gas supply pipe 2 is operated. At this time, since the temperature of the module 4 is low, the power generation in the fuel cell 23 and the reforming reaction in the reformer 3 are not performed. The auxiliary machine power switching unit 57 is controlled to supply power to all auxiliary machines.

  Next, the ignition devices 30 and 31 provided in the module 4 of the fuel cell device 1 are operated. As a result, the fuel gas supplied from the pump P of the raw fuel gas supply pipe 1 and passed through the fuel cell 23 burns, and the temperature of the module 4 and the reformer 3 rises due to the combustion heat. When the temperature of the reformer 3 reaches a temperature at which steam reforming is possible, the water pump 12 that is a water supply device is operated to supply water to the reformer 3. As a result, the reformer 3 generates a fuel gas that is a hydrogen-containing gas necessary for power generation of the fuel battery cell 23. When the fuel battery cell 23 reaches a temperature at which power generation can be started, the fuel battery cell 23 starts power generation using the fuel gas generated by the reformer 3 and the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 2.

  Here, the startup process of the fuel cell device is completed, and the process is switched to the normal operation process. The electric power generated in the cell stack 5 is converted into alternating current by the power conditioner 6 and then supplied and controlled to the external load by the control device 7 according to the demand of the external load. The power supply source switch SW is controlled so that the power from the cell stack 5 is supplied instead of the power supply from.

  The control device 7 controls the operation of the electric blower B of the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 2 so as to supply the oxygen-containing gas required corresponding to the power generation amount of the cell stack 5, The reformer 3 controls the operation of the electric pump P of the raw fuel gas supply pipe 1 so as to generate the necessary fuel gas corresponding to the power generation amount of the cell stack 5, and the water supply device The operation of the electric water pump 12 is controlled.

The exhaust gas generated by the operation of the cell stack 5 is supplied to the heat exchanger 8 and is heat-exchanged with water flowing through the circulation pipe 15. Hot water generated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 8 flows through the circulation pipe 15 and is stored in the hot water storage tank 16. On the other hand, water contained in the exhaust gas discharged from the cell stack 5 by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 8 becomes condensed water and is supplied to the condensed water treatment device 9 through the condensed water supply pipe 10. The condensed water is converted to pure water by the condensed water treatment device 9 and supplied to the water tank 11. The water stored in the water tank 11 is supplied to the reformer 3 through a water supply pipe 13 by an electric water pump 12 that is a water supply device. Thus, water self-sustained operation can be performed by effectively using condensed water.

  FIG. 1 (b) shows a fuel cell system of another form. In this form, four stack devices 21 are accommodated in storage containers 22, respectively, and auxiliary devices corresponding to the respective stack devices are provided. The machine is shared.

  That is, for example, a raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are connected to the four fuel cell apparatuses 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), respectively. 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are connected to each other, and one electric pump P and an electric blower B are connected. The raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 connected to the four fuel cell apparatuses 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) are provided with electromagnetic valves 61, respectively. 61 is controlled to open and close by the control device 7.

  In such a fuel cell system, when starting up, for example, the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 of the fuel cell apparatus 1b and the electromagnetic valve 61 of the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are opened, and the fuel cell apparatuses 1a, 1c, 1d are opened. The raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 of the electromagnetic valve 61 are closed, the fuel cell device 1b is started to generate electric power, and then the raw fuel gas supply pipes of the fuel cell devices 1a, 1c, and 1d. 18. The electromagnetic valve 61 of the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 is opened, and the auxiliary machine is driven using the generated power of the fuel cell device 1b, so that the fuel cell devices 1a, 1c, and 1d can be activated.

  FIG. 6 shows a fuel cell system according to still another embodiment. In this embodiment, four stack devices 21 are accommodated in storage containers 22, and auxiliary devices corresponding to the respective stack devices 21. Are shared. In addition, a dedicated auxiliary machine is connected to the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 of the fuel cell device 1b.

  That is, for example, a raw fuel gas supply pipe 1 and an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 2 are connected to the four fuel cell apparatuses 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), respectively. 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are connected to each other, and one electric pump P and an electric blower B are connected. On the other hand, a dedicated auxiliary machine (electric type) for supplying raw fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas only to the fuel cell device 1b is supplied to the raw fuel gas supply tube 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply tube 19 of the fuel cell device 1b. The pump P1 and the electric blower B1) are connected.

  In such a fuel cell system, when starting up, for example, a dedicated auxiliary machine (electric pump P1, electric blower B1) is driven by the storage battery 20, and the raw fuel gas supply pipe of the fuel cell device 1b is used. 18. Gas is supplied through the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19, the fuel cell device 1b is activated to generate power, and then the driving of the dedicated auxiliary device is stopped, and the generated power of the fuel cell device 1b is used. The shared auxiliary machine can be driven to start and generate power in the fuel cell devices 1a, 1c, and 1d.

  FIG. 7 shows a fuel cell system according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, four stack devices 21 are accommodated in one storage container 22, and as shown in FIG. An auxiliary machine corresponding to each stack device 21 is provided.

In other words, for example, the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are disposed in the four stack devices 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d), respectively. The oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 is connected to an electric pump P and an electric blower B, respectively.

  In such a fuel cell system, when starting up, for example, an auxiliary machine (electric pump P, electric blower B) of the stack device 21b is driven by the storage battery 20 to supply raw fuel gas of the stack device 21b. The gas is supplied through the pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19, and the stack device 21b is activated to generate power. Thereafter, the other stack devices 21a, 21c, and 21d are activated using the generated power of the stack device 21b. It can generate electricity.

  FIG. 8B shows a fuel cell system of another form. In this form, four stack devices 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) are housed in one storage container 22. FIG. The auxiliary machines corresponding to the respective stack devices 21 are shared.

  In other words, for example, the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are disposed in the four stack devices 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d), respectively. The oxygen-containing gas supply pipes 19 are connected to each other, and one electric pump P and an electric blower B are connected. The raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 connected to the four stack devices 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) are provided with electromagnetic valves 61, respectively. Is controlled to open and close by the control device 7.

  In such a fuel cell system, when starting, for example, the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 of the stack device 21b and the electromagnetic valve 61 of the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are opened, and the raw materials of the stack devices 21a, 21c, and 21d are opened. The electromagnetic valve 61 of the fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 is closed, and the stack device 21b is activated to generate electric power. Thereafter, the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 of the stack devices 21a, 21c, and 21d The electromagnetic valve 61 of the gas supply pipe 19 is opened, the auxiliary machine is driven using the generated power of the stack device 21b, and the stack devices 21a, 21c, and 21d can be activated to generate power.

  FIG. 9 shows a fuel cell system according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, four stack devices 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) are accommodated in one storage container 22, Auxiliary machines corresponding to the stack device 21 are shared. In addition, a dedicated auxiliary machine is connected to the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 of the stack device 21b.

  That is, for example, a raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are connected to the four stack devices 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d), respectively. The oxygen-containing gas supply pipes 19 are connected to each other, and one electric pump P and an electric blower B are connected. On the other hand, the auxiliary fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 of the stack device 21b are dedicated auxiliary machines (electric pumps) for supplying the raw fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas only to the stack device 21b. P1, an electric blower B1) is connected.

  In such a fuel cell system, when starting up, for example, a dedicated auxiliary machine (electric pump P1, electric blower B1) is driven by the storage battery 20, and the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 of the stack device 21b is used. Then, gas is supplied through the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19, the stack device 21b is activated to generate power, and then the driving of the dedicated auxiliary machine is stopped, and the shared auxiliary power is generated using the generated power of the stack device 21b. The stack device 21a, 21c, 21d can be driven to generate power by driving the machine.

1, 6, 8, and 9, only the electric pump P of the raw fuel gas supply pipe 18 and the electric blower B of the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 19 are described as auxiliary machines.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, the present embodiment is not limited to the example of the above-described embodiment, and various changes, improvements, and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present embodiment. Is possible.

  For example, although the control device 7 and the auxiliary power switch 57 are described as separate units in FIG. 1, in the present invention, the control device and the auxiliary power switch may be integrated. .

  The fuel cell system of the present invention can be suitably used particularly when the system is started at the time of power failure of the system power supply.

1: Fuel cell device 2: Hot water storage unit 3: Reformer 4: Fuel cell module 5: Stack 6: Power conditioner 7: Controller 8: Heat exchanger 17: Pump 18: Fuel gas supply pipe 19: Oxygen-containing gas Supply pipe 20: Storage battery 21: Stack device 22: Storage container 57: Auxiliary power switch P, P1: Pump B, B1: Blower SW: Power supply switch

Claims (7)

  A fuel cell stack connected to a system power source and generating power with fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas, an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe for supplying oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell stack, and a fuel for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell stack Auxiliary power switching for switching a power supply path so that power is supplied from the storage battery to the auxiliary equipment, a plurality of stack devices including gas supply pipes, an auxiliary machine used for power generation of the fuel cell stack, and a storage battery And a control device for controlling the auxiliary power switch, the control device, when starting the stopped fuel cell system, some of the stack devices among the plurality of stack devices The auxiliary machine power switch is controlled so that power is supplied from the storage battery to the auxiliary machine required for starting up, and a part of the stack devices is started up among the plurality of stack devices The fuel cell system according to claim Rukoto.   In the control device, after the partial stack device is activated, the partial stack device generates electric power for the auxiliary machine required for activation of the other stack device other than the partial stack device. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power switch is controlled so as to supply electric power, and the other stack device is activated. 3.   3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of stack devices is housed in a storage container, and each of the auxiliary devices corresponding to the plurality of stack devices is provided. 4.   3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of stack devices are accommodated in one storage container, and each of the auxiliary devices corresponding to the plurality of stack devices is provided. 4.   Each of the plurality of stack devices is housed in a storage container. The auxiliary device includes a shared auxiliary device that is shared for starting the plurality of stack devices and a dedicated auxiliary device that is necessary for starting the some stack devices. And the control device, when starting the stopped fuel cell system, with respect to the dedicated auxiliary machine required for starting the partial stack device among the plurality of stack devices. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power switch is controlled so as to supply electric power from the storage battery, and the part of the stack devices is activated among the plurality of stack devices.   The plurality of stack devices are housed in one storage container, and the auxiliary device is a shared auxiliary device shared for starting the plurality of stack devices, and a dedicated device necessary for starting the some stack devices. An auxiliary machine, and when the control device starts up the stopped fuel cell system, the control device is configured for the dedicated auxiliary machine required for starting up some of the stack devices. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power switching unit is controlled so as to supply power from the storage battery, and the part of the stack devices is activated among the plurality of stack devices.   The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a blower provided in the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe and a pump provided in the fuel gas supply pipe are the auxiliary equipment.

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