JP2019186109A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell system that is able to notify that power generation has been stopped against the intention of a user even though power can be generated.SOLUTION: A control device 16 causes a notify unit 19 to notify that a state in which a fuel cell module 11 is not generated has been continuing, if one of the following power generation preparation conditions is not satisfied: an auxiliary machine H is not actuated and a modifying raw material flows in a modifying raw material supply pipe 11; a modifying water flows in a modifying-water supply pipe 11b; cathode gas, which is an oxidant gas, flows in a cathode air supply pipe 11c, which is an oxidant gas supply pipe; stored hot water, which is circulation water, flows in a stored hot water supply pipe 22c: a temperature of a fuel cell module 11 is higher than a predetermined temperature; a selection operation for selecting start of the fuel cell module 11 has been performed from a remote controller 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system.

  Conventionally, for example, a power generation system disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. In this conventional power generation system, when no failure has occurred in the system and the state in which no power generation continues for the first period or longer, the state in which no power is generated in the alarm device continues, or the power generation system is set to not generate power. Is displayed.

JP 2014-49218 A

  However, in the above-described conventional power generation system (fuel cell system), in a situation where power generation is not performed for a long period of time, only an operation check of auxiliary machines constituting the system is periodically performed, that is, the user intentionally generates power. Even in a stopped state, a notification is given so that the alarm device (notification unit) prompts the user to generate power. For this reason, the user may feel annoying.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system capable of informing when power generation is stopped against a user's intention despite being in a power generation enabled state.

  In order to solve the above problems, a fuel cell system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a fuel cell that generates power using fuel and an oxidant gas, and reforming supplied from a supply source through a reforming material supply pipe. A fuel cell module comprising a reforming unit that generates fuel from the raw material and water vapor obtained by evaporating reforming water and supplies the fuel to the fuel cell, and a reforming water supply pipe to the reforming unit A reforming water tank for storing the reforming water to be supplied, combustion exhaust gas generated by burning fuel off-gas and oxidant gas from the fuel cell, and circulating water supplied from the hot water storage tank through the hot water supply pipe A condenser that condenses water vapor contained in the combustion exhaust gas by exchanging heat between them to generate condensed water, a reforming material pump that pumps the reforming material, and a reforming water pump that pumps the reforming water An oxidant that is provided in the oxidant gas supply pipe and pumps the oxidant gas An auxiliary machine including a pump, a circulating water pump that pumps circulating water, and a radiator that is provided in a hot water supply pipe and cools the circulating water supplied from the hot water tank, and the operation of the fuel cell module and the auxiliary machine A control device that controls at least the operation, an operation unit that is connected to the control device and enables a selection operation to select activation or stop of the fuel cell module, and provided in the operation unit, at least the fuel cell module is stopped And a notifying unit that notifies a non-power generation state that is not generating power, and the control device is configured to generate power for generating power by the fuel cell module when the auxiliary machine is not operating. When the preparation condition is not satisfied, the notification unit is notified that the non-power generation state of the fuel cell module is continued.

  According to this, for example, when the fuel cell system is not in a situation where power generation by the fuel cell module that requires operation check of the auxiliary machine is stopped for a long period of time, the auxiliary machine is not operating, and When the power generation preparation condition is not satisfied, i.e., when the fuel cell module of the fuel cell system stops generating power against the user's intention, the control device keeps the non-power generation state of the fuel cell module in the notification unit. This can be notified. Therefore, the user can recognize that the fuel cell module continues in the non-power generation state against the intention in the above situation, for example, after the maintenance work, and switches the fuel cell module to the power generation state. Can do.

It is the schematic which shows the outline | summary of the fuel cell system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the remote control provided in the fuel cell system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting control program performed by the control apparatus of FIG.

  Hereinafter, a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each figure used for explanation is a conceptual diagram, and the shape of each part may not necessarily be exact.

  The fuel cell system 1 includes a power generation unit 10 and a hot water tank 21 as shown in FIG. The power generation unit 10 includes a housing 10a, a fuel cell module 11, a heat exchanger 12, an inverter device 13, a water purifier 14, a reformed water tank 15, and a control device 16.

  The hot water tank 21 is a sealed and pressure resistant container. The temperature distribution in the hot water storage tank 21 is basically divided into two layers having different temperatures. The upper layer is a layer having a relatively high temperature (for example, 50 ° C. or higher), and the lower layer is a layer having a relatively low temperature (for example, 20 ° C. to 40 ° C.). The upper and lower layers are at substantially the same temperature. The hot water storage tank 21 stores hot water, and is connected to a hot water circulation line 22 through which the hot water circulates (circulates in the direction of the arrow in the figure).

  The fuel cell module 11, the heat exchanger 12, the inverter device 13, the water purifier 14, the reforming water tank 15, the control device 16, and the hot water storage tank 21 are accommodated in the housing 10a. The hot water storage tank 21 may be provided separately from the power generation unit 10, that is, outside the housing 10a.

  As will be described later, the fuel cell module 11 includes at least a reforming unit 33 and a fuel cell 34. The fuel cell module 11 is supplied with reforming raw material, reforming water, and air (cathode air) as an oxidant gas (cathode gas). Examples of the reforming raw material include gas fuel for reforming such as natural gas and LP gas, and liquid fuel for reforming such as kerosene, gasoline and methanol. In the present embodiment, the case where natural gas is used as the reforming raw material is illustrated. Specifically, the fuel cell module 11 is connected to a supply source Gs (for example, a gas supply pipe for city gas (natural gas)) and one end of a reforming raw material supply pipe 11a to which a reforming raw material is supplied. The other end is connected to the evaporation part 32 mentioned later. The reforming material supply pipe 11 a is provided with a reforming material pump 11 a 1 that pumps the reforming material to the evaporation unit 32.

  The fuel cell module 11 has one end connected to the reforming water tank 15 and the other end of the reforming water supply pipe 11b to which the reforming water is supplied connected to the evaporation section 32 (reforming section 33). . The reforming water supply pipe 11b is provided with a reforming water pump 11b2. Further, the fuel cell module 11 is connected to a cathode air blower 11c1 (oxidant gas pump) at one end, and cathode air as an oxidant gas supply pipe to which cathode air (oxidant gas, for example, air) is supplied. The other end of the supply pipe 11c is connected.

  The heat exchanger 12 is supplied with combustion exhaust gas exhausted from the fuel cell module 11 (including exhaust heat from the reforming unit 33 and the fuel cell 34, which will be described later) and supplied with hot water from the hot water storage tank 21. In this heat exchanger, heat exchange is performed between the combustion exhaust gas and the stored hot water (circulated water). The heat exchanger 12 is also a condenser that performs heat exchange between the combustion exhaust gas and the stored hot water, and condenses water vapor contained in the combustion exhaust gas to generate condensed water. Here, the storage tank water is a heat medium (exhaust heat recovery water) that recovers the exhaust heat of the combustion exhaust gas through the heat exchanger 12.

  The heat exchanger 12 is connected (penetrated) with an exhaust pipe 11 d from the fuel cell module 11. A condensed water supply pipe 12 a connected to the reforming water tank 15 via a water purifier 14 is connected to the bottom of the heat exchanger 12.

  In the heat exchanger 12 configured as described above, the combustion exhaust gas from the fuel cell module 11 is introduced into the heat exchanger 12 through the exhaust pipe 11d, and heat exchange is performed with the circulating hot water. It is condensed and cooled. Thereafter, the combustion exhaust gas passes through the exhaust pipe 11d and is discharged from the combustion exhaust port 10d to the outside of the housing 10a. The condensed water condensed is dropped by its own weight and supplied from the water purifier 14 to the reformed water tank 15 through the condensed water supply pipe 12a. On the other hand, the hot water stored in the heat exchanger 12 is heated and flows out toward the hot water tank 21. The exhaust pipe 11 d is provided with a drain pipe 12 b that branches from the downstream side of the heat exchanger 12 and communicates with the water receiving member 15 b of the reforming water tank 15.

  Here, the heat exchanger 12, the hot water tank 21, and the hot water circulation line 22 described above constitute the exhaust heat recovery system 20. On the hot water circulation line 22, a hot water circulation pump 22a (circulation water pump), a radiator 22b, and the heat exchanger 12 are arranged in order from the lower end to the upper end of the hot water tank 21. The exhaust heat recovery system 20 recovers and stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell module 11 in hot water storage. The hot water circulation pump 22 a pumps hot water from the lower layer of the hot water tank 21 and supplies it to the heat exchanger 12 through the hot water supply pipe 22 c constituting the hot water circulation line 22.

  The radiator 22b is an air-cooled radiator having a cooling fan 22b1 and an electric motor 22b2 that rotationally drives the cooling fan 22b1, and is provided in the hot water supply pipe 22c. The radiator 22b cools the hot water supplied to the heat exchanger 12 from the hot water circulation pump 22a.

  The inverter device 13 receives DC power (voltage) output from the fuel cell 34 and converts it into predetermined AC power (voltage), and then converts to an AC system power supply 17a and an external power load 17c (for example, an appliance or a lighting fixture). Etc.) is output to the power supply line 17b. The inverter device 13 is a power conversion device that converts DC power supplied from the fuel cell 34 into AC power. The external power load 17c is a load device to which power from the system power source 17a and power from the inverter device 13 are supplied. The inverter device 13 receives AC power (voltage) from the system power supply 17a through the power supply line 17b and converts it into predetermined DC power (voltage). The reforming material pump 11a1 and the reforming water pump 11b2 The cathode air blower 11c1, the hot water circulating pump 22a, and the auxiliary device H including the radiator 22b and the control device 16 are output.

  The water purifier 14 purifies condensed water with ion exchange resin. The water purifier 14 communicates with the reformed water tank 15 so that purified water that has been purified is supplied to the reformed water tank 15.

  The reformed water tank 15 stores the condensed water supplied from the water purifier 14 as the reformed water supplied to the reforming unit 33 via the evaporation unit 32. When the supplied condensed water overflows, the reformed water tank 15 is received by the water receiving member 15b through the overflow line 15a and drained from the drain pipe 15c to the outside of the housing 10a.

  In the reforming water tank 15, a water level sensor 15d for detecting the amount of reforming water stored in the reforming water tank 15 (water level: hereinafter also referred to as “tank water level”) is disposed. . Here, the water level sensor 15d is, for example, a float type sensor, which converts the vertical amount of the float into a resistance value using a variable resistor (potentiometer) and detects the water level (residual water amount) by the vertical movement of the resistance value. It is a sensor.

  The controller 16 controls the operation of the fuel cell system 1 by operating the auxiliary machine H. The control device 16 has a microcomputer (not shown). The microcomputer includes an input / output interface, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a timer (all not shown) connected to each other via a bus. The CPU performs the overall operation of the fuel cell system 1. The RAM temporarily stores variables necessary for execution of various programs including a notification program described later, and the ROM stores various programs including a notification program described later.

  A remote controller 18 as an operation unit is connected to the control device 16 by wire or wirelessly. The remote controller 18 is operated by an operator (user or maintenance worker). As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 18 includes six switches 18 a to 18 f that output an on signal to the control device 16 while the operator is on and an off signal while the operator is off. .

  The switch 18a is a switch for automatically operating the fuel cell system 1 (power generation unit 10) according to the power consumption of the external power load 17c. The switch 18b is a switch for operating the fuel cell system 1 (power generation unit 10) without corresponding to the power consumption of the external power load 17c. The switch 18c is a switch for stopping the operation of the fuel cell system 1 (power generation unit 10) operated by the switch 18a or the switch 18b. The switches 18d to 18f are for selecting and executing the operation mode of the fuel cell system 1 (power generation unit 10). Specifically, setting of the operation state of the power generation unit 10, resetting of the operation time and the like, operation mode for maintenance, and the like can be executed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 18 is provided with a notification unit 19. The notification unit 19 includes eight display lamps 19a to 19h and an LED display 19i. The display lamps 19a to 19c are lit (displayed) corresponding to the operation states of the switches 18a to 18c. Further, the display lamps 19d to 19f are lit (displayed) to notify the operating state of the fuel cell system 1 (power generation unit 10).

  The display lamp 19g is lit (displayed) to notify when a maintenance worker sets a maintenance operation mode during maintenance work. The display lamp 19h is turned on when an error that has occurred in the fuel cell system 1, for example, when power generation by the power generation unit 10 (more specifically, the fuel cell module 11) is stopped or a failure occurs in the auxiliary machine H (display) ).

  The LED display 19i notifies the operator of various types of information including the power generation state of the fuel cell module 11 and the non-power generation state in which power generation is stopped. That is, the LED display 19i displays and notifies the operation state of the power generation unit 10 (fuel cell module 11) (that is, the power generation state or the non-power generation state), the setting contents set by the operator of the remote controller 18, the operation time, and the like. Or informing the operator that the power generation unit 10 in the non-power generation state is urged to start.

  The fuel cell module 11 includes a casing 31, an evaporation unit 32, a reforming unit 33, and a fuel cell 34. The casing 31 is formed in a box shape with a heat insulating material. The evaporating unit 32 is heated by a combustion gas to be described later, evaporates the supplied reforming water to generate water vapor, and preheats the supplied reforming raw material. The evaporation unit 32 mixes the steam generated in this way and the preheated reforming raw material and supplies the mixture to the reforming unit 33.

  The evaporating section 32 is connected to a reforming material supply pipe 11a having one end connected to the supply source Gs. Further, the other end of the reforming water supply pipe 11 b whose one end (lower end) is connected to the reforming water tank 15 is connected to the evaporation section 32.

  The reforming unit 33 is heated by a combustion gas to be described later and supplied with heat necessary for the steam reforming reaction, so that the reforming unit 33 contains steam from the mixed gas (reforming raw material, steam) supplied from the evaporation unit 32. A reformed gas (anode gas) is generated and led out from the reformed gas delivery pipe 38. The reforming section 33 is filled with a catalyst (for example, Ru or Ni-based catalyst), and the mixed gas reacts with the catalyst to be reformed to generate a gas containing hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. (Steam reforming reaction). The reformed gas contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, steam, unreformed natural gas (methane gas), and reformed water (steam) that has not been used for reforming. As described above, the reforming unit 33 generates reformed gas (fuel) from the reforming raw material (raw fuel) and the reformed water, and supplies the reformed gas to the fuel cell 34. The steam reforming reaction is an endothermic reaction.

  The fuel cell 34 is configured by stacking a fuel electrode, an air electrode (oxidant electrode), and a plurality of cells 34a made of an electrolyte interposed between the two electrodes. The fuel cell 34 of the present embodiment is a solid oxide fuel cell, and uses zirconium oxide, which is a kind of solid oxide, as an electrolyte. A reformed gas as a fuel, that is, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane gas, or the like is supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell 34. The operating temperature is about 400-1000 ° C. It should be noted that the power generation amount below the rating is possible even at 400 ° C. or lower. The start of power generation is allowed at 600 ° C. Not only hydrogen but also natural gas and coal gas can be used directly as fuel. In this case, the reforming unit 33 can be omitted.

  On the fuel electrode side of the cell 34a, a fuel flow path 34b through which a reformed gas (anode gas) that is a fuel flows is formed. An air flow path 34c through which air (cathode air) that is an oxidant gas (cathode gas) flows is formed on the air electrode side of the cell 34a.

  The fuel cell 34 is provided on the manifold 35. A reformed gas (anode gas) from the reforming unit 33 is supplied to the manifold 35 through a reformed gas delivery pipe 38. The lower end (one end) of the fuel flow path 34b is connected to the fuel outlet of the manifold 35, and the reformed gas led out from the fuel outlet is introduced from the lower end and led out from the upper end. . The cathode air sent out by the cathode air blower 11c1 is supplied via the cathode air supply pipe 11c, introduced from the lower end of the air flow path 34c, and led out from the upper end.

  The cathode air blower 11c1 is driven by the electric motor 11c2, and the drive duty of the electric motor 11c2 is calculated by the control device 16. The flow rate sensor 11c3 provided on the downstream side of the cathode air blower 11c1 of the cathode air supply pipe 11c detects the cathode air flow rate discharged from the cathode air blower 11c1. The flow sensor 11c3 transmits the detection result to the control device 16.

In the fuel cell 34, power generation is performed by a reformed gas (anode gas) that is fuel supplied to the fuel electrode and an oxidant gas (cathode gas) supplied to the air electrode. That is, the reaction shown in Chemical Formula 1 and Chemical Formula 2 below occurs at the fuel electrode, and the reaction shown in Chemical Formula 3 below occurs at the air electrode. Specifically, oxide ions (O ²⁻ ) generated at the air electrode permeate the electrolyte and react with hydrogen at the fuel electrode to generate electrical energy. The reformed gas and oxidant gas that have not been used for power generation are derived from the fuel flow path 34b and the air flow path 34c. The water (H ₂ O) generated in the fuel cell 34 by the reaction is sent to the reformed water tank 15 via the water purifier 14.
(Chemical formula 1)
H ₂ + O ²⁻ → H ₂ O + 2e ⁻
(Chemical formula 2)
CO + O ²⁻ → CO ₂ + 2e ⁻
(Chemical formula 3)
1 / 2O ₂ + 2e ⁻ → O ²⁻

  The reformed gas (anode offgas as fuel offgas) that has not been used for power generation is led out from the fuel flow path 34b to the combustion section 36 (a space formed between the fuel cell 34 and the reforming section 33). Similarly, oxidant gas (cathode off-gas as cathode air) that has not been used for power generation is led out to the combustion section 36 from the air flow path 34c. In the combustion unit 36, the anode off gas is combusted by the cathode off gas, and the evaporation unit 32 and the reforming unit 33 are heated by the combustion gas (flame 37). Furthermore, the inside of the fuel cell module 11 is heated to the operating temperature.

  The combustion unit 36 is provided with a pair of ignition heaters 36a1 and 36a2 for igniting the anode off gas. Combustion exhaust gas generated in the combustion unit 36 reaches the heat exchanger 12 from the fuel cell module 11 through the exhaust pipe 11d together with water generated in the fuel cell 34 by an electrochemical reaction.

  After installing the fuel cell system 1 or when performing maintenance, the control device 16 executes a maintenance operation mode (hereinafter referred to as maintenance mode) based on the operation of the remote controller 18 by the maintenance operator. . In the maintenance mode, the fuel cell module 11 is operated according to preset operation conditions, that is, the fuel cell 34 and the auxiliary machine H are operated. Thus, the operating state of the fuel cell system 1 after installation is confirmed, and the operating state of the replaced auxiliary machine H is confirmed. In the maintenance mode, after the fuel cell module 11 is operated under a preset operating condition, the operation of the power generation unit 10 is temporarily stopped. That is, after the maintenance mode is executed, the fuel cell module 11, that is, the fuel cell 34 and the auxiliary machine H, maintains the non-power generation state until the switch 18a or the switch 18b of the remote controller 18 is operated.

  When the maintenance mode is selected, the display lamp 19g in the remote controller 18 is turned on to notify that the power generation unit 10 is operating according to the maintenance mode. Then, after executing the maintenance mode, as will be described later, when a non-power generation state not intended by the user has not occurred and a failure has not occurred, a normal operation mode, that is, a power generation mode is set on the LED display 19i. Notify that it is set.

  After executing the maintenance mode, when the remote controller 18 is operated by an operator (for example, a maintenance worker) to start the fuel cell system 1 (power generation unit 10), the control device 16 sets the warm-up mode prior to the power generation mode. Execute. In the warm air mode, the control device 16 drives the reforming material pump 11a1 to supply the reforming material to the evaporation unit 32, the reforming unit 33, and the fuel cell of the fuel cell module 11 through the reforming material supply pipe 11a. 34 is supplied to the combustion unit 36. The control device 16 also operates the cathode air blower 11c1, and supplies air (cathode gas), which is an oxidant gas, to the combustion unit 36 via the air electrode of the cell 34a of the fuel cell module 11 via the air flow path 34c. . When the ignition heaters 36a1 and 36a2 are ignited, the reforming raw material is combusted by air in the combustion section 36. The evaporation unit 32, the reforming unit 33, and the fuel cell 34 are heated by the combustion heat in the combustion unit 36. When the evaporation unit 32, the reforming unit 33, and the fuel cell 34 are heated to a predetermined temperature range, the control device 16 starts the reforming reaction in the reforming unit 33 by operating the reforming water pump 11b2. End the warm-up mode and shift to the power generation mode.

  When the control device 16 operates the reforming water pump 11b2, the reforming water in the reforming water tank 15 is supplied to the evaporation unit 32 via the reforming water supply pipe 11b. The reformed water is heated by the evaporating unit 32 to become water vapor. The steam moves to the reforming unit 33 together with the reforming material supplied from the reforming material supply pipe 11a. In the reforming section 33, the reforming raw material is reformed with steam to become an anode gas (hydrogen-containing gas) that is a reformed gas containing steam (endothermic reaction). The anode gas is supplied to the fuel electrode of the cell 34a of the fuel cell 34 through the fuel flow path 34b. Further, the cathode air blower 11c1 is activated, and cathode gas (air) is supplied to the air electrode of the cell 34a through the air flow path 34c. Thereby, the fuel cell 34 (fuel cell module 11) generates electric power.

  In the warm-air mode and the power generation mode, the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas generated in the fuel cell module 11 is combined with water generated in the fuel cell 34 by an electrochemical reaction and the heat exchanger 12 (condenser) having a condensing function via the exhaust pipe 11d. ). Since the water vapor contained in the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas is cooled by the heat exchanger 12 (condenser), it is condensed and becomes condensed water, and the condensed water supply pipe together with the water generated in the fuel cell 34 by the electrochemical reaction. The reformed water tank 15 is supplied via 12a.

  The housing 10a has an intake port 10b for sucking outside air, a ventilation exhaust port 10c for discharging air inside the housing 10a to the outside, and a combustion exhaust gas from the heat exchanger 12 to the outside. An exhaust port 10d for combustion exhaust gas is formed. A check valve 54 is provided at the intake port 10b. The check valve 54 allows the flow of air from the outside into the housing 10a, but restricts the flow in the reverse direction.

  A ventilation fan 55 as an auxiliary machine H driven by an electric motor is provided at the ventilation exhaust port 10c. The ventilation fan 55 sends out the air (ventilation exhaust) in the housing 10a to the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 1, tap water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 21 from a water supply pipe 42 connected to a high-pressure water supply source Sw (for example, a water pipe) via a pressure reducing valve 41. The temperature of the tap water is measured by a water temperature measuring device 67 provided in the water supply pipe 42, such as a thermistor, and is output to the control device 16. The hot water storage tank 21 stores, for example, hot water adjusted to 70 ° C. that has been heated and generated by exhaust heat recovery by the hot water storage water circulation line 22 described above.

  Hot water in the hot water tank 21 flows from the hot water supply pipe 61 into the mixing valve 62. The mixing valve 62 is connected via the water supply pipe 42 and the water supply pipe 42a. The mixing valve 62 adjusts the hot water / water mixing ratio between hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank 21 through the hot water supply pipe 61 and water flowing from the high pressure water supply source Sw through the water supply pipe 42 and the water supply pipe 42a. The mixed hot water adjusted to a set temperature lower than the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21, for example, 30 ° C. is generated. The mixed hot water is connected to the water supply side of the water heater Wh via the mixed hot water supply pipe 63. The hot water heater Wh supplies hot water supplied from the hot water tap 69 by directly or heating the hot water supplied from the mixed hot water supply pipe 63.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the bypass passage 64 that connects the water supply pipe 42 to the mixed hot water supply pipe 63 is provided with a normally open electromagnetic on-off valve 65 that is open when not energized. For example, the electromagnetic on / off valve 65 cannot be mixed (controlled) with hot water due to a failure of the mixing valve 62 or the control system of the mixing valve 62, and the temperature of the mixed hot water in the mixed hot water supply pipe 63 rises and is preset. When the mixed hot water upper limit temperature (for example, 50 ° C.) is exceeded, the controller 16 switches to the open state. The electromagnetic on-off valve 65 is opened, and water is introduced from the water supply pipe 42 to the mixed hot water supply pipe 63, thereby lowering the temperature of the mixed hot water in the mixed hot water supply pipe 63 and preventing abnormally high temperature hot water. The temperature of the mixed hot water is measured by a hot water temperature measuring device 66 provided, for example, a thermistor or the like, provided downstream of the junction with the bypass passage 64 of the mixed hot water supply pipe 63 and is output to the control device 16.

  By the way, as described above, after the maintenance mode is executed, for example, when the maintenance worker forgets to switch the setting from the maintenance mode to the power generation mode, the user confirms the display lamp 19g of the remote controller 18. Unless this is done, the fuel cell system 1 (power generation unit 10) maintains a power generation stop state, that is, a non-power generation state. In this case, since maintenance work is being performed and no failure or the like has occurred in the fuel cell 34 and the auxiliary machine H, it is not a situation where power generation is stopped for a long period of time that requires an operation check of the auxiliary machine. Therefore, although the power generation unit 10 (fuel cell module 11) is in a state where power generation is possible, the non-power generation state continues against the user's intention. In this case, although the user has installed the fuel cell system 1, the user unintentionally purchases power from the power company.

  Therefore, the control device 16 executes the notification program shown in FIG. 3 and prompts the user to set the power generation mode. If the user who is prompted to set the power generation mode by executing this notification program wants to maintain the non-power generation state, the user operates the switch 18c of the remote controller 18 to intentionally generate power by the power generation unit 10. It is possible to maintain the non-power generation state by stopping automatically.

  The control device 16 starts executing the notification program in step S10, and determines in step S11 whether the auxiliary machine H is not operating. That is, the control device 16 operates the auxiliary machine H, specifically, the reforming material pump 11a1, the reforming water pump 11b2, the cathode air blower 11c1, the hot water circulating pump 22a, the radiator 22b, etc. If the operation has not been performed for a certain period of time after execution of “No”, it is determined as “Yes” and the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the auxiliary machine H is operating in, for example, the warm-up mode or the like until a certain period of time has elapsed since the maintenance mode was executed, the control device 16 determines “No” and proceeds to step S14 to notify the notification program The execution of is temporarily terminated. And control apparatus 16 starts execution of an information program again in Step S10, after predetermined time passes.

  In step S12, the control device 16 determines whether or not a power generation preparation condition is satisfied. That is, if the power generation preparation condition is not satisfied even though the power generation unit 10 (fuel cell module 11) has not failed, that is, if the power generation unit 10 (fuel cell module 11) has not failed, Determine and proceed to step S13. On the other hand, if the power generation preparation condition is satisfied, that is, if it is in the power generation state, the control device 16 determines “No”, proceeds to step S14, and temporarily ends the execution of the notification program.

  Here, the power generation preparation condition is at least one of the following six conditions. That is, the power generation preparation conditions are as follows: (1) the reforming raw material flows through the reforming raw material supply pipe 11a, (2) the reforming water flows through the reforming water supply pipe 11b, (3) The cathode gas that is an oxidant gas flows through the cathode air supply pipe 11c that is the oxidant gas supply pipe, and (4) the hot water that is the circulating water flows through the hot water supply pipe 22c (the hot water circulation line 22). (5) the temperature of the fuel cell module 11 is higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 600 ° C.), and (6) the switch 18a or the switch 18b of the remote controller 18 is operated to start the fuel cell module 11. A selection operation for selecting is performed.

  Therefore, in step S12, if the reforming material does not flow through the reforming material supply pipe 11a as the power generation preparation condition (1), the control device 16 does not satisfy the power generation preparation condition (1). Therefore, it determines with "Yes" and progresses to step S13. In addition, in step S12, if the reforming water does not flow through the reforming water supply pipe 11b as the power generation preparation condition (2), the control device 16 does not satisfy the power generation preparation condition (2). Therefore, it determines with "Yes" and progresses to step S13. Further, if the cathode gas does not flow through the cathode air supply pipe 11c as the power generation preparation condition (3) in step S12, the control device 16 does not satisfy the power generation preparation condition (3). It determines with "Yes" and progresses to step S13.

  In step S12, the control device 16 satisfies the power generation preparation condition (4) as the power generation preparation condition (4) unless the hot water is flowing through the hot water supply pipe 22c (the hot water circulation line 22). Therefore, it is determined as “Yes” and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12, if the temperature (operating temperature) of the fuel cell module 11 is lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 600 ° C.), the control device 16 sets the power generation preparation condition (5). ) Is not established, therefore, “Yes” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S13. Further, in step S12, the control device 16 does not operate the switch 18a or the switch 18b of the remote controller 18 as the power generation preparation condition (6). As a result, the selection operation for selecting activation of the fuel cell module 11 is performed. If not, the power generation preparation condition (6) is not satisfied, and therefore, “Yes” is determined and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the control device 16 causes the LED display 19i of the remote controller 18 to display a message indicating that the power generation unit 10, that is, the fuel cell module 11, has been in the non-power generation state since the maintenance mode has been executed. To the user who is a person. In this case, in addition to displaying a message on the LED display 19i, the control device 16 can also output a sound from a speaker (not shown) to notify the user. Thereby, the user should normally switch from the maintenance mode to the power generation mode and the power generation unit 10 (fuel cell module 11) should be in the power generation state, but continues the non-power generation state against the user's intention. I can recognize that. After receiving the notification, for example, the user turns on the switch 18a or the switch 18b of the remote controller 18 to set the fuel cell system 1 (power generation unit 10) in a power generation state.

  When notifying the user of the non-power generation state in step S13, the control device 16 proceeds to step S14 and temporarily ends the execution of the notification program. And control apparatus 16 starts execution of an information program again in Step S10, after predetermined time passes.

  As can be understood from the above description, the fuel cell system 1 of the above embodiment includes a fuel cell 34 that generates power using fuel (anode gas) and oxidant gas (cathode gas), and a reforming material from a supply source Gs. A reforming unit 33 that generates fuel (anode gas) from the reforming raw material supplied through the supply pipe 11a and the water vapor obtained by evaporating the reformed water and supplies the fuel to the fuel cell 34. The fuel cell module 11, the reforming water tank 15 for storing the reforming water supplied to the reforming unit 33 via the reforming water supply pipe 11 b, and the fuel off-gas and oxidant gas from the fuel cell 34 are burned. Heat exchange is performed between the generated combustion exhaust gas and the hot water as circulating water supplied from the hot water storage tank 21 through the hot water supply pipe 22c to condense the water vapor contained in the combustion exhaust gas to generate condensed water. As a condenser An oxidizer provided in a heat exchanger 12, a reforming material pump 11a1 that pumps reforming material, a reforming water pump 11b2 that pumps reforming water, and a cathode air supply pipe 11c that is an oxidizing gas supply pipe Cathode air blower 11c1 serving as an oxidant gas pump for pumping gas (cathode gas) Hot water storage pump 22a serving as a circulating water pump for pumping hot water as circulating water, and hot water storage tank provided in a hot water supply pipe 22c An auxiliary machine H including a radiator 22b for cooling the hot water supplied from 21; a controller 16 for controlling at least the operation of the fuel cell module 11 and the operation of the auxiliary machine H; A remote controller 18 as an operation unit that enables a selection operation to select starting or stopping of the fuel cell module 11 and a small number of remote controllers 18 are provided. In addition, the fuel cell system is provided with a notification unit 19 that notifies the non-power generation state in which the fuel cell module 11 is stopped and is not generating power, and the control device 16 does not operate the auxiliary machine H, And when the power generation preparation conditions for the fuel cell module 11 to generate electric power are not satisfied, the notification unit 19 is informed that the non-power generation state of the fuel cell module 11 is continued.

  In this case, the power generation preparation condition is that the reforming raw material flows through the reforming raw material supply pipe 11a, the reforming water flows through the reforming water supply pipe 11b, and the cathode gas that is an oxidant gas That the oxidant gas supply pipe is flowing through the cathode air supply pipe 11c, the hot water that is circulating water is flowing through the hot water supply pipe 22c (the hot water circulating line 22), and the temperature of the fuel cell module 11 is predetermined. The temperature is higher than the temperature, or the switch 18a or the switch 18b of the remote controller 18 is operated and a selection operation for selecting activation of the fuel cell module 11 is performed.

  According to these, when the fuel cell system 1 is not in a situation in which power generation by the power generation unit 10 (fuel cell module 11) that requires an operation check of the auxiliary machine H is not stopped for a long period of time, specifically, When the maintenance work is performed, the auxiliary machine H is not operating and the power generation preparation condition is not satisfied, that is, the power generation unit 10 (the fuel cell module 11) of the fuel cell system 1 contrary to the user's intention. ) Stops the power generation, the control device 16 can notify the notification unit 19 that the non-power generation state of the fuel cell module 11 is continued. Therefore, the user can recognize that the fuel cell module 11 continues the non-power generation state against the user's intention after the maintenance work, and can switch the fuel cell module 11 to the power generation state.

  In carrying out the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the object of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, when the switching from the maintenance mode to the power generation mode is not performed, the control device 16 executes the notification program to notify the user that the power generation state is not being generated. In this case, in the case where maintenance of at least one of the fuel cell module 11 and the auxiliary machine H is performed, the control device 16 notifies from the start of the maintenance until the fuel cell module 11 is started after the maintenance is completed. It is also possible to notify the unit 19 that maintenance is being performed intermittently. In this case, the control device 16 displays a message indicating that the maintenance mode is being executed on the LED display 19i provided in the remote controller 18, or generates sound intermittently via a speaker (not shown). Can be notified.

  In this way, by notifying that the maintenance mode is being executed, the maintenance operator is switched from the maintenance mode to the power generation mode (automatic mode) by turning on the switch 18a or the switch 18b when the maintenance is completed. To switch to driving). Thereby, it can suppress that a maintenance worker forgets switching from a maintenance mode to a power generation mode, As a result, it can suppress effectively that a non-power generation state continues against a user's intention.

  Even if the maintenance worker forgets to switch from the maintenance mode to the power generation mode in spite of the notification, the control device 16 executes the notification program in the same manner as in the above embodiment. It is possible to inform directly that it is in a non-power generation state. Therefore, the user can recognize that the non-power generation state continues against his intention, and switches the maintenance mode to the power generation mode (automatic operation) by turning on the switch 18a or the switch 18b of the remote controller 18. Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel cell system, 10 ... Power generation unit, 10a ... Housing, 10b ... Intake port, 10c ... Exhaust port for ventilation, 10d ... Exhaust port for combustion exhaust gas, 11 ... Fuel cell module, 11a ... Reformation material supply pipe 11a1 ... reforming raw material pump, 11b ... reformed water supply pipe, 11b2 ... reformed water pump, 11c ... cathode air supply pipe, 11c1 ... cathode air blower (oxidant pump), 11c2 ... electric motor, 11c3 ... flow rate Sensor 11d Exhaust pipe 12 Heat exchanger (condenser) 12a Condensate supply pipe 12b Drain pipe 13 Inverter device 14 Water purifier 15 Reformed water tank 15a Overflow line, 15b ... Water receiving member, 15c ... Drain pipe, 15d ... Water level sensor, 16 ... Control device, 17a ... System power supply, 17b ... Power supply line, 17c ... Negative external power , 18 ... remote control (operation part), 18a to 18f ... switch, 19 ... notification part, 19a to 19h ... indicator lamp, 19i ... LED display, 20 ... waste heat recovery system, 21 ... hot water tank, 22 ... hot water circulation line, 22a ... Hot water circulating pump (circulating water pump), 22b ... Radiator, 22b1 ... Cooling fan, 22b2 ... Electric motor, 22c ... Hot water supply pipe, 31 ... Casing, 32 ... Evaporating part, 33 ... Reforming part, 34 ... Fuel Battery, 34a ... cell, 34b ... fuel flow path, 34c ... air flow path, 35 ... manifold, 36 ... combustion section, 36a1, 36a2 ... ignition heater, 37 ... flame, 38 ... reformed gas delivery pipe, 41 ... pressure reducing valve 42 ... Water supply pipe, 42a ... Water supply pipe, 54 ... Check valve, 55 ... Ventilation fan, 61 ... Hot water supply pipe, 62 ... Mixing valve, 63 ... Mixed hot water supply pipe, 64 ... Bye Scan path, 65 ... electromagnetic valve, 66 ... water temperature measuring device, 67 ... water temperature measuring device, 69 ... hot-water tap, Gs ... source, H ... accessory, Sw ... high pressure water supply, Wh ... water heater

Claims (3)

Generating the fuel from a fuel cell that generates electric power using fuel and an oxidant gas, a reforming material supplied from a supply source via a reforming material supply pipe, and water vapor obtained by evaporating the reforming water, A fuel cell module comprising: a reforming unit that supplies the fuel to the fuel cell;
A reforming water tank for storing the reforming water supplied to the reforming section via a reforming water supply pipe;
Heat is exchanged between the combustion exhaust gas generated by burning the fuel off-gas and the oxidant gas from the fuel cell and the circulating water supplied from the hot water storage tank through the hot water supply pipe, and is contained in the combustion exhaust gas. A condenser that condenses water vapor to produce condensed water;
A reforming material pump that pumps the reforming material, a reforming water pump that pumps the reforming water, an oxidant gas pump that is provided in an oxidant gas supply pipe and pumps the oxidant gas, and the circulating water An auxiliary machine that includes a circulating water pump that pumps and a radiator that is provided in the hot water supply pipe and that cools the circulating water supplied from the hot water tank;
A control device for controlling at least the operation of the fuel cell module and the operation of the auxiliary machine;
An operation unit connected to the control device and enabling a selection operation to select activation or stop of the fuel cell module;
A fuel cell system provided with the operation unit, and at least a notification unit that notifies a non-power generation state in which the fuel cell module is stopped and is not generating power,
The controller is
When the auxiliary machine is not operating and the power generation preparation condition for generating power by the fuel cell module is not satisfied, the notification unit notifies that the non-power generation state of the fuel cell module continues. Let the fuel cell system. The power generation preparation condition is as follows:
The reforming material is flowing through the reforming material supply pipe;
The reforming water is flowing through the reforming water supply pipe;
The oxidant gas flows through the oxidant gas supply pipe;
The circulating water flows through the hot water supply pipe,
The temperature of the fuel cell module is higher than a predetermined temperature; and
2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the selection operation for selecting the activation of the fuel cell module is performed from the operation unit. The controller is
In the case where maintenance of at least one of the fuel cell module and the auxiliary machine is performed, the maintenance is performed in the notification unit from the start of the maintenance until the maintenance is finished and the fuel cell module is started. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell system is informed intermittently of being performed.

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