JP4040080B6 - Fuel cell power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell power generation device capable of preventing corruption of water collected from a fuel cell.
A fuel cell power generator according to the present invention comprises a hydrogen generator 1 for reforming a raw material to generate hydrogen gas, a fuel electrode and an air electrode, and hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel electrode; In a fuel cell power generation apparatus comprising a fuel cell 3 that generates electricity by electrochemically reacting with oxygen gas supplied to the air electrode, water from water vapor discharged from at least one of the fuel electrode and the air electrode A water recovery part 5 for recovering water, a water storage part 6 having a tank 6a for storing the recovered water, a water supply part 10 for supplying water stored in the tank 6a to the hydrogen generator 1, and a tank 6a. A discharge instruction information output unit for outputting discharge instruction information for instructing to discharge the stored water to the outside, and the tank 6a prevents the water stored in the tank 6a from decaying. The water outside In order to prevent water corruption, it is configured to determine whether or not water should be discharged to the outside. The discharge instruction information output unit discharges water to the outside. When it is determined that it should be, the discharge instruction information is output.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell power generation apparatus including a fuel cell that generates power using hydrogen gas, and more particularly to a fuel cell power generation apparatus that can prevent corruption of water collected from the fuel cell.

In recent years, the importance of protecting the global environment has been recognized more and more, and fuel cell power generators that can generate power with high efficiency even on a small scale have attracted attention. Further, since heat energy is generated when power is generated by the fuel cell power generator, it is expected that high energy use efficiency is realized by using this heat energy.

  Many of the fuel cell power generators described above generate power using hydrogen as fuel. However, there is currently no infrastructure for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell power generation device. Therefore, a method of generating hydrogen gas by using a fossil fuel such as natural gas and performing a reforming reaction in the fuel cell device is generally employed.

  By the way, since water is required to perform the reforming reaction as described above, it is essential to secure a water supply source for supplying water to the fuel cell power generation device. Here, when a water supply infrastructure is always used as a water supply source, it is necessary to remove calcium and chlorine components from the supplied water. Therefore, the fuel cell power generator must be equipped with a stronger water purification means than usual, such as providing an ion exchange resin. Moreover, the water purification means needs regular maintenance. As described above, there are many disadvantages when water is always supplied from the water supply infrastructure. Therefore, in the so-called distributed fuel cell power generator installed close to the place where electric power and thermal energy are demanded, the inside of the apparatus In many cases, a method is used in which the generated water is collected and used, that is, water is supplied independently.

  However, the recovered water collected in the fuel cell power generation apparatus does not contain sterilizing components such as chlorine components, but contains germs and nutrients required by the germs. Therefore, there is a high possibility that this recovered water will rot. When the recovered water is spoiled, the flow path is clogged in the configuration for recovering water or the configuration for supplying recovered water, which causes a problem in water supply.

  In order to solve such problems, for example, (1) a method of decomposing and sterilizing organic matter by blowing ozone generated in an ozone generator into recovered water, or (2) On the other hand, a method of sterilizing by irradiating with ultraviolet rays has been proposed. In addition, a method for preventing spoilage of recovered water by constructing (3) an apparatus for recovering water and an apparatus for supplying recovered water using a material having an antibacterial action has also been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-22833 discloses an example in which a device for collecting water and a device for supplying recovered water are configured using a metal having an antibacterial action.

  However, it is difficult to completely decompose and remove organic substances contained in the collected water by the method of blowing ozone and the method of irradiating ultraviolet rays as in (1) and (2). In addition, when there are parts or pipes that come in contact with ozone or ultraviolet rays that are made of resin material, the deterioration of those parts and pipes will progress significantly, which may cause water leakage. There was also. Furthermore, when ozone blowing or ultraviolet irradiation is not performed for a long period of time, there is a high possibility that water will decay due to residual components. For example, when the fuel cell power generation device has been stopped for a long period of time, ozone cannot be blown in or ultraviolet irradiation cannot be performed, so that there has been a problem that water often decays.

  On the other hand, when the device for collecting water and the device for supplying the collected water are made of materials having antibacterial action as in (3) above, the spoilage of the collected water is effectively prevented. can do. However, since the elution of the antibacterial component cannot be controlled, the expected antibacterial effect may not be obtained depending on the use conditions. In addition, the antibacterial effect may not be exhibited depending on the type of bacteria. Furthermore, there has been a problem that the load on the purification means for purifying the recovered water, particularly the load on the ion exchange resin, becomes large.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reliably prevent corruption of recovered water, thereby avoiding clogging of a flow path due to corruption of recovered water and stably An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell power generator capable of supplying the fuel cell.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a fuel cell power generator according to the present invention includes a hydrogen generation unit that generates a hydrogen gas by reforming a raw material, a fuel electrode, and an air electrode, and supplies the fuel electrode to the fuel electrode. In a fuel cell power generation device comprising a fuel cell that generates electricity by electrochemically reacting the hydrogen gas that has been supplied and the oxygen gas supplied to the air electrode, discharge from at least one of the fuel electrode and the air electrode A water recovery part for recovering water from the steam, a water storage part comprising a tank for storing the water recovered by the water recovery part, and a water supply for supplying water stored in the tank to the hydrogen generation part And a discharge instruction information output unit that outputs discharge instruction information for instructing to discharge the water stored in the tank to the outside, and the tank includes water stored in the tank. Rot In order to prevent water, the water can be discharged to the outside, and in order to prevent water corruption, it is configured to determine whether or not the stored water should be discharged to the outside. The discharge instruction information output unit is configured to output the discharge instruction information when it is determined that the stored water should be discharged to the outside.

  The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the case of the fuel cell power generator according to the present invention, the flow path blockage due to the decay of the recovered water can be avoided, so that water can be supplied stably.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell power generation apparatus according to Embodiment 1 uses a hydrocarbon component such as natural gas or LP gas, an alcohol such as methanol, or a raw material such as a naphtha component and steam, and a reforming reaction. The hydrogen generation part 1 which produces | generates hydrogen gas by mainly advancing is provided. The hydrogen generation unit 1 includes a reforming unit 1a for causing the above-described reforming reaction to proceed, and a CO conversion unit for reducing the carbon monoxide concentration in the hydrogen gas after the reforming reaction in the reforming unit 1a. 1b and a CO removing unit 1c. The reforming unit 1a includes a reforming heating unit (not shown) that supplies heat necessary for the reforming reaction. The reforming heating unit includes a flame burner for burning a part of the raw material or for burning a gas returned from a hydrogen gas supply destination, and a sirocco fan for supplying combustion air. .

  The hydrogen generation unit 1 described above is connected to a raw material supply unit 2 that supplies a raw material to the hydrogen generation unit 1 and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell 3. The raw material supply unit 2 is configured to receive natural gas from, for example, a gas infrastructure and supply the natural gas to the hydrogen generation unit 1.

  The fuel cell 3 generates power using hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen generator 1 to the anode (fuel electrode) side and air supplied from the blower 4 to the cathode (air electrode) side. In this embodiment, the fuel cell 3 is a solid polymer type, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this. The heat generated when the fuel cell 3 generates electricity is recovered and used in a hot water heater / heating device via an appropriate heat medium. Thus, the fuel cell 3 functions as a cogeneration device that generates electricity and heat.

  The fuel cell 3 is connected to a water recovery unit 5 constituted by an air cooling fan or the like. The water recovery unit 5 recovers water contained in hydrogen gas discharged from the anode of the fuel cell 3 and air discharged from the cathode. The water recovery unit 5 is connected to the hydrogen generation unit 1 and supplies the hydrogen gas discharged from the anode of the fuel cell 3 to the hydrogen generation unit 1. Furthermore, the water recovery unit 5 is also connected to a water storage unit 6 described later, and supplies the water recovered as described above to the water storage unit 6.

  The water storage unit 6 includes a tank 6 a for storing the water supplied from the water recovery unit 5. The water storage section 6 includes a drain port 8 that can be opened and closed, and is configured so that water can be discharged from the drain port 8 in order to prevent corruption as will be described later.

  By the way, in order to discharge the water in the tank 6a from the drain port 8, it is necessary to introduce gas into the tank 6a. Therefore, the water storage unit 6 includes a gas intake port 31 for taking gas into the tank 6a.

  When the gas taken into the tank 6a from the gas intake port 31 contains germs and nutrients required by the germs, there is a high possibility that the water in the tank 6a is spoiled. Therefore, the gas intake 31 is connected to a filter 32 provided on the upstream side in the gas flow direction in order to remove solid impurity components in the gas.

  Further, the water storage unit 6 is connected to a water supply valve 9 for supplying water output from the water supply infrastructure to the tank 6a, and water is supplied to the tank 6a via the water supply valve 9 as necessary. Is done.

  When the chlorine concentration of water supplied to the tank 6a via the water supply valve 9 is relatively low, the sterilizing effect on the water in the tank 6a is small. On the other hand, when the chlorine concentration of the supplied water is relatively high, the deterioration of the piping through which the water flows and the constituent members of the tank 6a becomes significant. Therefore, the chlorine concentration of water supplied to the tank 6a from the outside through the water supply valve 9 is desirably about 0.1 to 5 mg / l.

  The water storage unit 6 is connected to a water supply unit 10 including a water purification unit 11 including an ion exchange resin, activated carbon, and a filter 11a, and a pump 10a for transporting water. The water supply unit 10 supplies water supplied from the water storage unit 6 via the water purification unit 11 to the hydrogen generation unit 1. The water thus supplied is used for the reforming reaction in the hydrogen generator 1.

  In the present embodiment, the water in the water storage unit 6 is used for the reforming reaction, but may be used for humidification of fuel gas or oxidant gas, or other water utilization means.

  In addition, the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment is a discharge instruction for instructing the user or maintenance contractor of the fuel cell power generation device to discharge the water stored in the tank 6a from the drain port 8. A display unit 30 for displaying information is provided. Here, the display unit 30 includes a liquid crystal display or a light emitting diode. Note that the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment is configured so that the user can visually grasp the emission instruction information, but is not limited thereto. For example, the discharge instruction information may be voice information, and the voice information may be output to the outside so that the user or the like can grasp the discharge instruction information audibly.

  The hydrogen generation unit 1, the raw material supply unit 2, the fuel cell 3, the blower 4, the water recovery unit 5, the water storage unit 6, the water supply valve 9, the water supply unit 10, and the display unit 30 described above are connected to these. It operates on the basis of a control signal output from the control device 7.

  The control device 7 includes a memory 7a having a predetermined storage area. The memory 7a stores a program executed by the control device 7 and various data.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator of the present invention according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  The reforming unit 1a of the hydrogen generating unit 1 performs a reforming reaction that converts natural gas supplied from the raw material supply unit 2 and water supplied from the water supply unit 10 into hydrogen and carbon dioxide as described later. Do. In order to promote this reforming reaction, heating by the reforming heating unit is performed during the reforming reaction. And in order to reduce the density | concentration of the carbon monoxide in hydrogen gas, the shift reaction which makes CO react with water in the CO shift | alteration part 1b is performed. Further, in order to further reduce the concentration of the carbon monoxide, a selective oxidation reaction is performed by adding air in the CO removing unit 1c. Hydrogen gas is generated through the above reforming reaction, shift reaction, and selective oxidation reaction.

  The hydrogen generator 1 supplies the hydrogen gas thus generated to the anode side of the fuel cell 3. On the other hand, the blower 4 supplies air to the cathode side of the fuel cell 3. The blower 4 may be configured to supply the air humidified by the water recovery unit 5 to the fuel cell 3.

  The fuel cell 3 generates water and generates power by electrochemically reacting hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen generator 1 to the anode side with oxygen in the air supplied from the blower 4 to the cathode side. To do.

  In the fuel cell 3, hydrogen gas is discharged from the anode and air is discharged from the cathode. Here, these discharged hydrogen gas and air contain water generated during power generation as described above. The water recovery unit 5 recovers the hydrogen gas and water contained in the air discharged from the fuel cell 3, condenses them, and sends them to the water storage unit 6.

  The water recovery unit 5 supplies the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen generation unit 1 after recovering moisture from the hydrogen gas discharged from the anode. The hydrogen gas supplied in this way is used as a heat source in the reforming heating section of the reforming section 1a included in the hydrogen generating section 1.

  Instead of supplying the hydrogen gas discharged from the anode through the water recovery unit 5 to the hydrogen generation unit 1 in this way, the hydrogen gas is directly supplied from the fuel cell 3 to the hydrogen generation unit 1 for reforming. You may make it utilize as a heat source of a heating part. In this case, the hydrogen gas used by the reforming heating unit is supplied to the water recovery unit 5 and water is recovered.

  The water storage unit 6 stores the water sent from the water recovery unit 5 in the tank 6a. Thus, the water stored in the tank 6 a is supplied to the water supply unit 10 via the water purification unit 11. The water supply unit 10 transports water to the hydrogen generation unit 1 by the action of the pump 10a. In this way, the water fed from the water supply unit 10 is supplied to the reforming reaction in the reforming unit 1a of the hydrogen generating unit 1.

  As described above, the water discharged from the fuel cell 3 is recovered by the water recovery unit 5 and then stored in the tank 6 a of the water storage unit 6, and then passes through the water purification unit 11 and the water supply unit 10. Supplied to the hydrogen generator 1. Here, since the water collected inside the fuel cell power generation apparatus does not contain a sterilizing component such as a chlorine component, there is a high possibility that it will rot. For example, the air discharged from the cathode contains various germs and nutrients required by the germs, and these often remain in the recovered water, so that the water is spoiled, As a result, in the configuration for collecting the water or the configuration for supplying the collected water, a blockage of the flow path or the like may occur, causing a problem in the water supply. In order to prevent this, in the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment, the water stored in the tank 6a of the water storage section 6 is discharged from the drain port 8 to the user or a maintenance company as follows. Encourage you to.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control device 7 provided in the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The control device 7 obtains the cumulative operation time of the fuel cell power generation device, which is the cumulative time during which the fuel cell power generation device is operating from the time when the water stored in the tank 6a is discharged to the present time. . In the present embodiment, the cumulative time during which the reforming unit 1a of the hydrogen generating unit 1 is in operation from the time when the water stored in the tank 6a was discharged to the present time is calculated. Cumulative operation time.

  The control device 7 monitors the operating state of the hydrogen generator 1, and the time when the operation is started in the reforming unit 1a, the time when the operation is stopped, and the water stored in the previous tank 6a are stored. Data indicating the discharged time is stored in the memory 7a. Then, the control device 7 calculates the cumulative operation time of the fuel cell power generation device (hereinafter simply referred to as the cumulative operation time) using the data stored in the memory 7a at an appropriate timing (S101).

Next, the control device 7 determines whether or not the cumulative operation time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (S102). This threshold is set so that the amount of germs in the water stored in the tank 6a does not exceed a predetermined amount. Here, the predetermined amount is an amount of various bacteria that can easily generate algae in the tank 6a, and is, for example, about 10 ⁵ cells / ml.

  The cumulative operation time required for the amount of germs in the water in the tank 6a to exceed a predetermined amount varies depending on the operation conditions such as the output of the blower 4 and the device configuration when the fuel cell power generator is operating normally. Therefore, the threshold value in the present embodiment is set to an appropriate value (for example, about 72 hours to 96 hours) based on these operating conditions and the device configuration.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the accumulated operation time is smaller than the threshold (NO in S102), the control device 7 returns to step S101 and continues the process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S102 that the accumulated operation time is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in S102), the control device 7 instructs the display unit 30 to display the discharge instruction information (S103). As a result, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  In the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment, the amount of germs in the water in the tank 6a is increased as the cumulative operation time elapses. Therefore, as described above, in order to determine that the control device 7 should discharge water when the cumulative operation time has elapsed for a predetermined time, and to prompt the user or maintenance company to discharge water, the discharge instruction information Is displayed on the display unit 30.

  A user or a maintenance contractor opens the drainage port 8 in accordance with the discharge instruction information displayed on the display unit 30. As a result, the water in the tank 6a is discharged from the drain port 8. Thereby, it can prevent that the water stored in the tank 6a decays.

  In this embodiment, the drain port 8 is opened by a user or a maintenance company, and as a result, the water in the tank 6a is discharged. However, by configuring the control device 7 to be able to control the opening and closing of the drain port 8. In Step S102, when it is determined that the accumulated operation time is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control device 7 may automatically open the drain port 8 to discharge the water in the tank 6a. In this case, it is not necessary to display the discharge instruction information on the display unit 30.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the water collection | recovery part 5 collect | recovers the water | moisture content contained in the hydrogen gas discharged | emitted from the fuel cell 3, and the air supplied from the blower 4, only the water | moisture content of any one of these is collect | recovered You may make it collect | recover. Here, when the water recovery unit 5 recovers the moisture contained in the hydrogen gas and the air, or when only the moisture contained in the air supplied from the blower 4 to the cathode side is recovered, the previous tank 6a. The accumulated operation time may be the accumulated time during which air is supplied from the blower 4 to the cathode side from the time when the water stored in is discharged to the present. Because, as described above, the air supplied from the blower 4 to the cathode side contains germs and nutrients required by the germs, the timing of discharging water for the purpose of preventing water decay. This is because it is appropriate to use the time during which such air is supplied to the cathode side as the time used for the determination.

(Embodiment 2)
The fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 1 is configured to determine whether or not the water in the tank should be discharged based on the cumulative operation time of the fuel cell power generator. In contrast, in the fuel cell power generation device according to Embodiment 2, the cumulative time during which the fuel cell power generation device has stopped operating from the time when the water stored in the previous tank was discharged to the present time Based on the accumulated stop time of the fuel cell power generation apparatus, it is configured to determine whether or not the water in the tank should be discharged.

  In the present embodiment, the cumulative time during which the reforming unit of the hydrogen generating unit has stopped operating from the time when the water stored in the tank was discharged to the present time is the time of the fuel cell power generation device. Cumulative stop time.

  Since the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 2 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, description thereof is omitted.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and a flowchart.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control device 7 provided in the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  The control device 7 monitors the operating state of the hydrogen generator 1, and the time when the operation is started in the reforming unit 1a, the time when the operation is stopped, and the water stored in the previous tank 6a are stored. Data indicating the discharged time is stored in the memory 7a. Then, the control device 7 calculates an accumulated stop time of the fuel cell power generation device (hereinafter simply referred to as an accumulated stop time) using the data stored in the memory 7a at an appropriate timing (S201).

Next, the control device 7 determines whether or not the calculated accumulated stop time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (S202). This threshold is set so that the amount of germs in the water stored in the tank 6a does not exceed a predetermined amount. Here, the predetermined amount, a bacteria amount to the extent that algae are likely to occur during Similarly tank 6a as in the first embodiment, for example, 10 about ⁵ / ml.

  The accumulated stop time required for the amount of germs in the water in the tank 6a to exceed a predetermined amount varies depending on the temperature in the tank 6a. Therefore, the threshold value in the present embodiment is set to an appropriate value based on the temperature in the tank 6a during the stop period (usually about 24 ° C. to 40 ° C.).

For example, in the case of water with an amount of bacteria of 10 ³ / ml, the amount of bacteria is about 10 ⁵ / ml when left at a temperature of 25 ° C. for 48 hours. For this reason, the threshold value in the present embodiment is preferably set to about 24 hours to 72 hours.

  Here, comparing the threshold values in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it can be seen that the threshold value in the first embodiment is larger. This is because the temperature of the water in the tank 6a is about 70 ° C. during the operation period, and therefore, it is a temperature condition in which various germs are less likely to inhabit than in the stop period. This is because the water in the tank 6a is constantly consumed because it is necessary to supply water vapor to 1, so the rate of increase in the amount of germs is smaller than in the operation period.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the accumulated stop time is smaller than the threshold (NO in S202), the control device 7 returns to step S201 and continues the process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the accumulated stop time is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in S202), the control device 7 instructs the display unit 30 to display the discharge instruction information (S203). As a result, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  In the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment, the amount of germs in the water in the tank 6a is increased as the cumulative stop time elapses. Therefore, as described above, in order to determine that the control device 7 should discharge water when the accumulated stop time has elapsed for a predetermined time, and to prompt the user or maintenance contractor to discharge water, the discharge instruction information Is displayed on the display unit 30.

  A user or a maintenance contractor opens the drainage port 8 in accordance with the discharge instruction information displayed on the display unit 30. As a result, the water in the tank 6a is discharged from the drain port 8. Thereby, it can prevent that the water stored in the tank 6a decays.

  When the water in the tank 6a is discharged during the stop period and the fuel cell power generator is started next time, the control device 7 opens the water supply valve 9 to open the tank from the water infrastructure. Water is supplied to 6a. As a result, the fuel cell power generator can be activated quickly.

(Embodiment 3)
The fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 3 is configured to determine whether or not the water in the tank should be discharged based on the flow rate of the water output from the pump of the water supply unit.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment is provided with a flow rate detection unit 40 for detecting the flow rate of water per unit time on the downstream side of the water supply unit 10 in the water flow direction. It has been. The flow rate detection unit 40 is communicably connected to the control device 7, and a signal (hereinafter, referred to as a detection value of the flow rate of water output from the water supply unit 10 to the control device 7 from the flow rate detection unit 40. A flow rate detection signal) is output. Based on the flow rate detection signal, the control device 7 displays the discharge instruction information on the display unit 30 as described later.

  In addition, since it is the same as that of the case of Embodiment 1 about the other structure of the fuel cell power generator of this Embodiment, it attaches | subjects the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits description.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  During the operation period, the control device 7 operates the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 under predetermined conditions. In this case, since the operation of the pump 10a is constant, the flow rate of water output by the pump 10a is also increased or decreased according to the increase or decrease of the flow rate of water supplied to the water supply unit 10 via the water purification unit 11. Become.

  The control device 7 stores data indicating a reference value of the flow rate of water output from the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 in the memory 7a in advance. This reference value is the flow rate of water output by the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 when the water flowing from the tank 6a is allowed to pass through before the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 is clogged with bacteria. It is set assuming

  When the filter 11a of the purification unit 11 is clogged with various germs, the flow rate of water passing through the filter 11a is reduced, so that the flow rate of water output from the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 is also reduced. Therefore, when the reference value is set as described above, when the filter 11a of the purification unit 11 is clogged with germs, the detected value of the flow rate of water output from the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 becomes the reference value. Will be lower. Therefore, if the detected value of the flow rate of the water output from the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 falls below the reference value, it can be estimated that the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 is clogged with various bacteria.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the control device 7 provided in the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  The control device 7 receives a flow rate detection signal from the flow rate detection unit 40 at an appropriate timing, and acquires a detection value of the flow rate of water output by the pump of the water supply unit 10 based on the received flow rate detection signal (S301). ).

  Next, the control device 7 determines whether or not the acquired detection value is smaller than the reference value stored in the memory 7a (S302). If it is determined that the detected value is greater than or equal to the reference value (NO in S302), the control device 7 returns to step S301 and continues the process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S302 that the detected value is smaller than the reference value (YES in S302), the control device 7 instructs the display unit 30 to display the discharge instruction information (S303). As a result, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  In the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment, the amount of germs that accumulates in the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 increases as the cumulative operation time elapses. Therefore, when the filter 11a is clogged with various germs, it can be determined that the cumulative operation time has elapsed, and as a result, the amount of germs in the water in the tank 6a has increased considerably. Therefore, as described above, when the detected value of the flow rate of the water is lower than the reference value, it is assumed that the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 is clogged with various germs. In order to prompt the discharge of water, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  A user or a maintenance contractor opens the drainage port 8 in accordance with the discharge instruction information displayed on the display unit 30. As a result, the water in the tank 6a is discharged from the drain port 8. Thereby, it can prevent that the water stored in the tank 6a decays.

  The controller 7 may control the operation of the pump 10a so as to reversely rotate the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 before or after the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30. Thereby, the miscellaneous bacteria which clogged the filter 11a of the water purification | cleaning part 11 can be returned to the tank 6a. The bacteria returned in this way are discarded outside when the water in the tank 6a is discharged.

(Embodiment 4)
The fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 4 is configured to determine whether or not the water in the tank should be discharged based on the operating state of the water supply unit.

  Note that the configuration of the fuel cell power generation device according to Embodiment 4 is the same as that of Embodiment 3, and therefore description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the operation of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the case of the present embodiment, during the operation period, the control device 7 operates the pump 10a so that the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 outputs water with a predetermined flow rate. In this case, the work amount of the pump 10 a of the water supply unit 10 increases or decreases according to the increase or decrease of the flow rate of the water supplied to the water supply unit 10 via the water purification unit 11.

  The control device 7 stores data indicating a reference value of the flow rate of water output from the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 in the memory 7a in advance. As in the case described above, this reference value is determined by the pump of the water supply unit 10 when the water flowing from the tank 6a is allowed to pass through before the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 is clogged with bacteria. It is set assuming the flow rate of water output by 10a.

  In addition, the control device 7 stores in advance in the memory 7a data indicating the work amount of the pump 10a (hereinafter referred to as the reference work amount) necessary for outputting the water having the flow rate of the reference value. And the control apparatus 7 acquires the detected value of the flow volume of the water which the pump 10a is outputting based on the flow volume detection signal output from the flow volume detection part 40, and compares the detected value with a reference value. Here, when the detected value falls below the reference value, the work amount of the pump 10a is increased. On the other hand, when the detected value exceeds the reference value, the work amount of the pump 10a is reduced.

  When the filter 11a of the purification unit 11 is clogged with various germs, the flow rate of water passing through the filter 11a is reduced. Therefore, the work of the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 is performed in order to output the reference amount of water. The amount is larger than the standard work amount. Therefore, if the work amount of the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 exceeds the reference work amount, it can be estimated that the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 is clogged with various bacteria.

  In the third embodiment, the operation of the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 is made constant, but the filter of the water purification unit 11 can be similarly performed by making the flow rate of the water output from the pump 10a constant in this way. It can be presumed that 11a has been clogged with various bacteria.

  The work amount of the pump 10a can be measured by energy input to the pump 10a or energy consumed by the pump 10a. Therefore, for example, by detecting the input voltage or input power to the pump 10a or the amount of power consumed by the pump 10a, the work amount of the pump 10a can be measured.

  The control device 7 may execute detection of energy input to the pump 10a or energy consumed by the pump 10a. However, a dedicated detection unit may be separately provided and executed by the detection unit. Good.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control device 7 provided in the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  The control device 7 measures the work amount of the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 at an appropriate timing (S401).

  Next, the control device 7 determines whether or not the measured work amount of the pump 10a (hereinafter referred to as measured work amount) is larger than the reference work amount stored in the memory 7a (S402). Here, when it is determined that the measured work amount is equal to or less than the reference work amount (NO in S402), the control device 7 returns to step S401 and continues the process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S402 that the measured work amount is larger than the reference work amount (YES in S402), the control device 7 instructs the display unit 30 to display the discharge instruction information (S403). As a result, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  In the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment, the amount of germs that accumulates in the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 increases as the cumulative operation time elapses. Therefore, when the filter 11a is clogged with various germs, it can be determined that the cumulative operation time has elapsed, and as a result, the amount of germs in the water in the tank 6a has increased considerably. Accordingly, as described above, when it is estimated that the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 is clogged with various bacteria because the measured work amount of the pump 10a exceeds the reference work amount, the user or a maintenance contractor is notified. In order to prompt the discharge of water, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the water in the tank 6a from being discharged from the drain port 8 by the user or a maintenance contractor and the water stored in the tank 6a from being corrupted.

  As in the case of the third embodiment, also in the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment, when the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30, or before and after that, the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 is installed. You may make it the control apparatus 7 control operation | movement of the pump 10a so that it may reversely rotate.

(Embodiment 5)
The fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 5 is configured to determine whether or not to discharge water from the tank based on the operating state of the water supply unit, as in the case of Embodiment 4. is there.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment is provided with a water pressure detection unit 50 for detecting the pressure of water flowing between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11. The water pressure detection unit 50 is communicably connected to the control device 7, and a signal indicating a detected value of the water pressure flowing between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 from the water pressure detection unit 50 to the control device 7. (Hereinafter referred to as a water pressure detection signal) is output. Based on the water pressure detection signal, the control device 7 causes the display unit 30 to display the discharge instruction information as described later.

  In addition, since it is the same as that of the case of Embodiment 1 about the other structure of the fuel cell power generator of this Embodiment, it attaches | subjects the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits description.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  In the case of the present embodiment, during the operation period, the control device 7 causes the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 so that the detected value of the water pressure between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 is the same as a predetermined reference value. To work. Data indicating this reference value is stored in advance in the memory 7a. Here, this reference value is set assuming the water pressure between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 in a state before the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 is clogged with various bacteria.

  In addition, the control device 7 stores in advance data indicating the work amount of the pump 10a (hereinafter referred to as a reference work amount) necessary to make the water pressure between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 coincide with the reference value. It is stored in the memory 7a. And the control apparatus 7 acquires the detected value of the water pressure between the water storage part 6 and the water purification | cleaning part 11 based on the water pressure detection signal output from the water pressure detection part 50, and uses the detected value and reference value. Compare. Here, when the detected value exceeds the reference value, the work amount of the pump 10a is increased. On the other hand, when the detected value is lower than the reference value, the work amount of the pump 10a is decreased.

  When the filter 11a of the purification unit 11 is clogged with germs, the flow rate of water passing through the filter 11a is reduced. Therefore, the water flow rate between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 decreases, and the water pressure between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 increases. As a result, since the detected value of the water pressure exceeds the reference value, the control device 7 increases the work amount of the pump 10a in order to make the detected value coincide with the reference value. Thereby, since the flow rate of the water passing through the filter 11a increases, the water flow rate between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 is increased, and the water pressure between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 is increased. Becomes lower. In this case, the work amount of the pump 10a exceeds the reference work amount.

  From the above, if the work amount of the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 exceeds the reference work amount, it can be estimated that the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 has been clogged with bacteria.

  Here, similarly to the case of the fourth embodiment, the work amount of the pump 10a can be measured by energy input to the pump 10a or energy consumed by the pump 10a.

  As in the case of the fourth embodiment, the control device 7 may detect the energy input to the pump 10a or the energy consumed by the pump 10a, but a dedicated detection means is provided separately. Then, the detection means may execute it.

  The processing procedure of the control device provided in the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention is the same as that of Embodiment 4. That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the control device 7 measures the work amount of the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 at an appropriate timing (S401), and whether the measured work amount of the pump 10a is larger than the reference work amount. It is determined whether or not (S402). If it is determined that the measured work amount is equal to or less than the reference work amount (NO in S402), the control device 7 returns to step S401 and continues the process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S402 that the measured work amount is larger than the reference work amount (YES in S402), the control device 7 instructs the display unit 30 to display the discharge instruction information (S403). As a result, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  In the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment, the amount of germs that accumulates in the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 increases as the cumulative operation time elapses. Therefore, when the filter 11a is clogged with various germs, it can be determined that the cumulative operation time has elapsed, and as a result, the amount of germs in the water in the tank 6a has increased considerably. Accordingly, as described above, when it is estimated that the filter 11a of the water purification unit 11 is clogged with various bacteria because the measured work amount of the pump 10a exceeds the reference work amount, the user or a maintenance contractor is notified. In order to prompt the discharge of water, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the water in the tank 6a from being discharged from the drain port 8 by the user or a maintenance contractor and the water stored in the tank 6a from being corrupted.

  As in the case of the third embodiment, also in the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment, when the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30, or before and after that, the pump 10a of the water supply unit 10 is installed. You may make it the control apparatus 7 control operation | movement of the pump 10a so that it may reversely rotate.

(Embodiment 6)
The fuel cell power generator according to Embodiments 1 to 5 prompts the user or a maintenance company to discharge the tank water by outputting the discharge instruction information at a predetermined timing. As a result, the water in the tank is discharged from the drain and the water stored in the tank can be prevented from decaying.

  The fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 6 can clean the inside of the tank by supplying water from the outside into the tank after the water in the tank has been discharged in this way.

  Note that the configuration of the fuel cell power generation device according to Embodiment 6 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and a flowchart.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control device 7 provided in the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

  After the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30 as in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the control device 7 determines whether or not the water in the tank 6a has been discharged from the drain port 8 by the user or a maintenance contractor. Is determined (S501). Here, this determination may be performed based on the detection result of the water level detection means provided with, for example, a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the tank 6a. 7 may be input by inputting information indicating that the water in the tank 6a has been discharged.

  If it is determined in step S501 that the water in the tank 6a has not been discharged (NO in S501), the control device 7 repeatedly executes step S501 until it is determined that the water in the tank 6a has been discharged. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the water in the tank 6a has been discharged (YES in S501), the control device 7 opens the water supply valve 9 to keep the tank 6a constant from the water infrastructure. The amount of water is supplied (S502).

  Next, the control device 7 instructs the display unit 30 to display the discharge instruction information (S503). As a result, the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30.

  In the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment, when germs grow in the water in the tank 6a, slimming or the like may occur on the inner wall surface of the tank 6a. Although the progress of the slimming can be prevented by discharging water from the tank 6a as in the first to fifth embodiments, it is difficult to remove the slimming itself. Therefore, as described above, after the water in the tank 6a is discharged, the water is supplied into the tank 6a through the water supply valve 9. The inside of the tank 6a is washed with the water supplied in this way. As a result, it is possible to wash away the germs that are the spoilage factors present in the tank 6a and the nutrients required by the germs, and to reduce the absolute amount thereof. In addition, the slime itself can be removed. Thereby, compared with Embodiment 1 thru | or 5, in the case of this Embodiment, the decay of the water stored in the tank 6a can be prevented more reliably.

(Embodiment 7)
The fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 7 can effectively remove germs by drying the inside of the tank after the water in the tank is discharged as in Embodiments 1 to 5. is there.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, in the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment, the water storage unit 6 includes an electric heater for heating the tank 6a and a temperature sensor for measuring the heating temperature by the electric heater. 6b.

  The control device 7 controls the operation of the heating unit 6 b of the water storage unit 6 and receives a signal (hereinafter, a temperature measurement signal) indicating a measurement value of the temperature sensor of the heating unit 6 b from the water storage unit 6.

  In addition, since it is the same as that of the case of Embodiment 1 about the other structure of the fuel cell power generator of this Embodiment, it attaches | subjects the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits description.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control device 7 provided in the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

  After the discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30 as in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the control device 7 allows the user or a maintenance contractor to discharge the drain outlet in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment. It is determined whether the water in the tank 6a has been discharged from 8 (S601). If it is determined that the water in the tank 6a has not been discharged (NO in S601), the control device 7 repeatedly executes step S601 until it is determined that the water in the tank 6a has been discharged. On the other hand, when it determines with the water of the tank 6a having been discharged | emitted in step S601 (it is YES at S601), the control apparatus 7 heats the tank 6a by operating the electric heater of the heating part 6a (S602).

  Next, based on the temperature measurement signal received from the water storage unit 6, the control device 7 determines whether or not the heating temperature of the electric heater of the heating unit 6b is higher than a threshold value (S603). Here, the threshold value is set to a value within a range of about 100 ° C. to 130 ° C. This is because when the heating temperature of the electric heater is lower than 100 ° C., the inside of the tank 6a cannot be dried, and when the heating temperature is higher than 130 ° C., the tank 6a needs to be constituted by a member having considerable heat resistance. This is because there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the apparatus increases, and if it is within this range, germs existing in the tank 6a can be effectively killed.

  If it is determined in step S603 that the heating temperature of the electric heater is equal to or lower than the threshold value (NO in S603), the control device 7 repeatedly executes step S603 until it is determined that the heating temperature is higher than the threshold value. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S603 that the heating temperature of the electric heater is greater than the threshold (YES in S603), the control device 7 performs heating for a predetermined time by holding the operation of the electric heater of the heating unit 6a for a predetermined time. Continue (S604).

  In the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment, even if the water in the tank 6a is discharged, if a small amount of water remains in the tank 6a, miscellaneous bacteria propagate using the water. In particular, when the operation is stopped for a long period of time, due to the propagated germs, slimming of the inner wall surface of the tank 6a occurs early when the fuel cell power generator is started next time. Therefore, by drying the inside of the tank 6a as in the present embodiment, residual moisture can be removed, and as a result, early slimming can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, since the tank 6a is heated to dry the inside of the tank 6a, various germs existing in the tank 6a can be effectively killed.

  As described above, in the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the decay of water stored in the tank 6a as compared with the first to fifth embodiments.

  In this embodiment, the tank 6a is dried by heating the tank 6a with the electric heater of the heating unit 6b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by blowing hot air into the tank 6a. You may make it dry.

  Also in the present embodiment, the tank 6a is heated by the heating unit 6b after the inside of the tank 6a is cleaned by supplying water from the water supply valve 9 to the tank 6a as in the case of the sixth embodiment. The inside of the tank 6a may be dried by

(Embodiment 8)
The fuel cell power generation device according to Embodiment 8 divides the tank provided in the water storage unit into two, so that even if the water in the tank is discharged to prevent corruption, water supply to the hydrogen generation unit is continuously performed. It is configured so that it can be performed.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the water storage unit 6 included in the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment is a first for storing the water supplied from the water recovery unit 5 and the water supplied via the water supply valve 9. and a tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2. The first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a ₂ are switched to switch the water supply destination from the water recovery unit 5 and the water supply valve 9 between the first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2. It is connected with the switching part 20 comprised with the valve.

  The switching unit 20 is connected to the control device 7, and the operation of the switching valve of the switching unit 20 is controlled by the control device 7.

The first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a ₂ includes a first discharge port 21 and the second water outlet 22 for discharging water stored in the these tanks are connected.

  Since the other configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 8 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 8 configured as described above will be described.

  The fuel cell power generation device according to Embodiment 4 generates hydrogen gas in the hydrogen generator 1 and generates power in the fuel cell 3 using the hydrogen gas and air, as in the case of Embodiment 1. I do. And the water produced | generated in the case of the electric power generation is collect | recovered in the water collection | recovery part 5. FIG. The water recovery unit 5 supplies recovered water to the switching unit 20 in order to supply the recovered water to the water storage unit 6.

Based on the control signal output from the control device 7, the switching unit 20 determines the supply destination of the water supplied from the water recovery unit 5 between the first tank 6 a ₁ and the second tank 6 a ₂ at a predetermined timing. Switch with. Thus, water will be supplied alternately to the first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2.

The controller 7, the user or maintenance agency, the water stored in the first tank 6a ₁ first ejection instruction information for instructing to discharge from the first discharge port 21, and the second tank 6a ₂ , the second discharge instruction information for instructing to discharge the water stored in 2 from the second drain port 22 is displayed on the display unit 30.

In this embodiment, the control device 7, in the same manner as any of the first to fifth embodiments, of the first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2, the tank towards the supply of water is not performed It is determined whether or not the stored water should be discharged, and when it is determined that the water should be discharged as a result, the first discharge instruction information or the second discharge instruction information is displayed on the display unit 30 in order to prompt the discharge.

As a result, by the user or maintenance agency or the like, when the first ejection instruction information is displayed is water stored in the first tank 6a ₁ is discharged from the first discharge port 21 on the display unit 30, also the When the 2 discharge instruction information is displayed, the water stored in the second tank 6 a ₂ is discharged from the second drain port 22.

Here, in the first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2, the water supply of the water is stored in tanks who have been made will not be discharged, the water is water purifier 11 and the water supply unit 10 and supplied to the hydrogen generator 1. Therefore, water can be continuously supplied to the hydrogen generator 1 while draining water from the tank to prevent corruption as described above.

In this embodiment, the timing of switching between the supply destination of water first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2, the size of the fuel cell power generation system, taking into account the operation record, etc., against corruption in water It is desirable to set so that it can be performed effectively.

In this embodiment, although water reservoir 6 and a first tank 6a ₁ and the two tanks of the second tank 6a _2, may be provided with three or more tanks. In the case where the water storage unit 6 has three or more tanks, water is sequentially supplied to each of the tanks, and the discharge of the water stored in the tank to which water has been supplied first is promoted. The discharge instruction information may be displayed on the display unit 30.

  Also in the present embodiment, water decay is more reliably prevented by cleaning the tank as in the sixth embodiment or drying the tank as in the seventh embodiment. It becomes possible.

(Embodiment 9)
In the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 9, the water in the tank is heated by the heating unit provided in the water storage unit, thereby preventing the water in the tank from being spoiled.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, in the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment, the water storage unit 6 includes an electric heater for heating the tank 6a and a temperature sensor for measuring the heating temperature by the electric heater. 6b.

  The control device 7 controls the operation of the heating unit 6 b of the water storage unit 6 and receives a temperature measurement signal indicating the measured value of the temperature sensor of the heating unit 6 b from the water storage unit 6.

  In addition, the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment is stored in the cooling water tank 61 that stores the cooling water that circulates the fuel cell 3 in order to adjust the temperature of the fuel cell 3, and the cooling water tank 61. There is provided a cooling water heating unit 62 for heating the cooling water. Here, the cooling water tank 61 and the fuel cell 3 are used for supplying water from the cooling water tank 61 to the fuel cell 3 and for supplying water from the fuel cell 3 to the cooling water tank 61. The two routes are connected.

  Furthermore, the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment includes a cooling water purification unit 63 for purifying the cooling water, and the cooling water tank 61 and the tank 6a of the water storage unit 6 include the cooling water purification unit 63. And a route through the cooling water purifier 63 are connected by two routes. When water is supplied from the cooling water tank 61 to the tank 6a, water is supplied without passing through the water purification unit 63, while water is supplied from the tank 6a to the cooling water tank 61. Is supplied with water through the water purification unit 63.

  In addition, since it is the same as that of the case of Embodiment 1 about the other structure of the fuel cell power generator of this Embodiment, it attaches | subjects the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits description.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  Similarly to the first to fifth embodiments, the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment also provides the discharge instruction information at a predetermined timing in order to prompt the user or the maintenance company to discharge the water in the tank 6a. It is displayed on the display unit 30. Separately from this operation, the water in the tank 6a is heated as follows to reliably prevent the water from decaying.

  The water storage unit 6 stores the water sent from the water recovery unit 5 and the cooling water tank 61 in the tank 6a. And the water storage part 6 performs the heat processing which heats the water stored in the tank 6a by operating the heating part 6b based on the control signal output from the control apparatus 7. FIG. In this case, it is desirable that the heating temperature is a temperature at which germs and fungi existing in the water stored in the tank 6a can be completely killed. Many germs are killed by heating at 80 ° C. to 90 ° C. for several minutes. Therefore, the control device 7 controls the operation of the heating unit 6b so that the heating temperature is about 90 ° C. and the temperature is maintained for about 10 minutes.

  The heating temperature of the heating unit 6b may be determined in consideration of the heat resistance or pressure resistance of the constituent members. However, it should be noted that when the heating temperature exceeds 100 ° C., it is necessary to use a member that can withstand that temperature, which increases the manufacturing cost of the device.

  In addition, since there is a correlation between the killing time of germs and the temperature, it is necessary to lengthen the heating time when the heating temperature is relatively low, while the heating time when the heating temperature is relatively high. Even short is enough.

  The control device 7 causes the heating unit 6b to repeatedly perform the above-described heat treatment at regular time intervals. Thereby, it is possible to prevent germs from re-propagating in the water stored in the tank 6a due to mold spores that cannot be killed at a temperature of about 90 ° C. and germs entering from the outside. . In addition, it is necessary to determine what time interval should be performed in consideration of the operating condition and installation location of the fuel cell power generation device, the breeding state of germs, and the like.

  The water in the tank 6 a that has been heat-treated by the heating unit 6 b is supplied to the water purification unit 11 and the cooling water purification unit 63. The water purified by passing through the filter 11 a and the like in the water purification unit 11 is supplied to the water supply unit 10, and the water supply unit 10 supplies this water to the hydrogen generation unit 1. Thereby, the hydrogen production | generation part 1 becomes possible [receiving supply of the water required for a reforming reaction].

  Further, the water purified by passing through the cooling water purification unit 63 is supplied to the cooling water tank 61. Thereby, the cooling water tank 61 can receive the supply of the cooling water that circulates in the fuel cell 3.

  As described above, after being recovered by the water recovery unit 5 and stored in the cooling water tank 61, the water stored in the tank 6a of the water storage unit 6 is subjected to heat treatment by the heating unit 6b, thereby being recovered. Can kill germs in the water. In addition, since low boiling alcohols and aldehydes that serve as nutrients for the bacteria can be evaporated, the propagation of the bacteria can be suppressed as much as possible. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the decay of water and to prevent the occurrence of problems such as the occurrence of blockage in the pipe.

  In the above, while the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment is operating, that is, while the hydrogen generator 1 generates hydrogen gas and the fuel cell 3 generates power using the hydrogen gas. Although the heat treatment is performed at predetermined time intervals, the fuel cell power generator of the present invention is not limited to such an operation. For example, only the heating process by the heating unit 6b may be performed by operating only the heating unit 6b without operating any components other than the heating unit 6b of the water storage unit 6. If only the heating process by the heating unit 6b can be executed in this way, for example, when the fuel cell power generation device has been stopped for a long period of time, the water in the tank 6a of the water storage unit 6 is first executed by performing the heating process. It is possible to perform operations such as performing normal operations after killing the germs that have propagated in the plant.

  Also in the present embodiment, water decay is more reliably prevented by cleaning the tank as in the sixth embodiment or drying the tank as in the seventh embodiment. It becomes possible.

(Embodiment 10)
The fuel cell power generation device according to Embodiment 10 includes a cooling unit for cooling the recovered water between the water storage unit and the water purification unit, so that high-temperature water is supplied to the water purification unit. It is configured so that it can be prevented.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment is connected to a water storage unit 6 and a water purification unit 11, and cools water supplied from the water storage unit 6 to the water purification unit 11. A cooling unit 12 including an air cooling fan is provided. The cooling unit 12 is connected to the control device 7 and operates based on a control signal output from the control device 7.

  Since the other configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator of the present invention according to Embodiment 2 configured as described above will be described.

  Similarly to the first to fifth embodiments, the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment also provides the discharge instruction information at a predetermined timing in order to prompt the user or the maintenance company to discharge the water in the tank 6a. It is displayed on the display unit 30. Separately from this operation, the water in the tank 6a is heated as follows to reliably prevent the water from decaying.

  The fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment generates hydrogen gas in the hydrogen generator 1 and generates power in the fuel cell 3 using the hydrogen gas and air in the same manner as in the ninth embodiment. Do. And the water collection | recovery part 5 collect | recovers the water produced | generated in the case of the electric power generation, and the collect | recovered water is stored in the tank 6a of the water storage part 6. FIG. Similarly, water supplied from the cooling water tank 61 is also stored in the tank 6a. Thus, the water stored in the tank 6a is heated by the heating unit 6b at a heating temperature of about 90 ° C. for a predetermined time.

  The water heated by the heating unit 6b as described above is supplied from the water storage unit 6 to the cooling unit 12. The cooling unit 12 cools the water supplied from the water storage unit 6 by operating the air cooling fan based on the control signal output from the control device 7. Then, the cooling unit 12 supplies the water whose temperature has decreased to the water purification unit 11. Here, the cooling unit 12 may be operated in conjunction with the heating unit 6b of the water storage unit 6, and does not need to be operated constantly. That is, as described above, since the heating unit 6b repeatedly performs the heating process at predetermined time intervals, the cooling unit 12 operates only when water heated as a result of this heating process is supplied from the water storage unit 6. The water should be cooled.

  The water purification unit 11 purifies the water cooled by the cooling unit 12 with a filter 11 a and the like, and supplies the purified water to the water supply unit 10. Next, the water supply unit 10 supplies the water supplied from the water purification unit 11 in this way to the hydrogen generation unit 1. Thereby, the hydrogen production | generation part 1 receives supply of the water required for a reforming reaction.

  When the water heated by the heating unit 6b is supplied to the water purification unit 11 without being cooled, water purification functions such as activated carbon and ion exchange resin may be deteriorated. In the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment, the cooled water is supplied to the water purification unit 11 by operating the cooling unit 12 as described above. Thereby, the fall of the water purification function of the water purification part 11 can be prevented.

  In addition, when the water purification part 11 and the water supply part 10 are comprised with a heat resistant member, even if it does not provide the cooling part 12 as mentioned above, the problem that a water purification function falls does not arise.

  Also in the present embodiment, water decay is more reliably prevented by cleaning the tank as in the sixth embodiment or drying the tank as in the seventh embodiment. It becomes possible.

(Embodiment 11)
The fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 12 is configured to be able to prevent an increase in pressure in the water reservoir by providing a steam exhaust valve.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment is provided with a steam exhaust valve 13 in the water storage unit 6 for exhausting water vapor generated by the heating process of the heating unit 6 b. Since the other configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator of the present invention according to Embodiment 11 configured as described above will be described.

  Similarly to the first to fifth embodiments, the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment also provides the discharge instruction information at a predetermined timing in order to prompt the user or the maintenance company to discharge the water in the tank 6a. It is displayed on the display unit 30. Separately from this operation, the water in the tank 6a is heated as follows to reliably prevent the water from decaying.

  The fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment generates hydrogen gas in the hydrogen generator 1 and generates power in the fuel cell 3 using the hydrogen gas and air in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Do. And the water collection | recovery part 5 collect | recovers the water produced | generated in the case of the electric power generation, and the collect | recovered water is stored in the tank 6a of the water storage part 6. FIG. Similarly, water supplied from the cooling water tank 61 is also stored in the tank 6a. Thus, the water stored in the tank 6a is heated by the heating unit 6b at a heating temperature of about 90 ° C. for a predetermined time.

  Here, in the case where miscellaneous bacteria having heat resistance are proliferating, it is necessary to heat water at a high temperature necessary to kill the miscellaneous bacteria. However, when the heating unit 6b performs the heat treatment at such a high temperature, water vapor is generated along with this, and as a result, the pressure in the water storage unit 6 increases, so that the water storage unit 6 has a considerable pressure resistance. Must be. This can be a cause of increasing the manufacturing cost of the fuel cell power generator. Therefore, the water storage part 6 exhausts the water vapor | steam generated with the heat processing of the heating part 6b by operating the steam exhaust valve 13 based on the control signal output from the control apparatus 7. FIG. Thereby, the raise of the pressure in the water storage part 6 can be avoided.

  The water vapor exhausted through the steam exhaust valve 13 is discharged to the outside of the fuel cell power generator and is supplied to the hydrogen generator 1 for use in a reforming reaction when generating hydrogen gas. Thereby, the heat energy consumed when water vapor is generated can be used effectively.

  Note that the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment may also include the cooling unit 12 between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 as in the case of the tenth embodiment. In addition, by performing cleaning in the tank as in the sixth embodiment or drying in the tank as in the seventh embodiment, it becomes possible to prevent water from decaying more reliably.

(Embodiment 12)
The fuel cell power generation device according to Embodiment 12 is configured so that the water purification unit can be operated efficiently by dividing the tank provided in the water storage unit into two as in the case of Embodiment 8. It has been done.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the water storage unit 6 provided in the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment includes an electric heater for heating the tank 6a and a temperature sensor for measuring a heating temperature by the electric heater. A portion 6b is provided.

  The control device 7 controls the operation of the heating unit 6 b of the water storage unit 6 and receives a temperature measurement signal indicating the measured value of the temperature sensor of the heating unit 6 b from the water storage unit 6.

  Since the other configuration of the fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 12 is the same as that of Embodiment 8, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator of the present invention according to Embodiment 12 configured as described above will be explained.

  Similarly to the first to fifth embodiments, the fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment also provides the discharge instruction information at a predetermined timing in order to prompt the user or the maintenance company to discharge the water in the tank 6a. It is displayed on the display unit 30. Separately from this operation, the water in the tank 6a is heated as follows to reliably prevent the water from decaying.

The fuel cell power generation device of the present embodiment generates hydrogen gas in the hydrogen generator 1 and generates power in the fuel cell 3 using the hydrogen gas and air in the same manner as in the ninth embodiment. Do. And the water produced | generated in the case of the electric power generation is collect | recovered in the water collection | recovery part 5. FIG. The water recovery unit 5 supplies recovered water to the switching unit 20 in order to supply the recovered water to the water storage unit 6. Based on the control signal output from the control device 7, the switching unit 20 determines a supply destination of the recovered water supplied from the water recovery unit 5 between the first tank 6 a ₁ and the second tank 6 a ₂ . Switch by timing. Thus, water will be supplied alternately to the first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2.

The heating unit 6b of the water storage unit 6 repeatedly performs the heating process at predetermined time intervals in the same manner as in the ninth embodiment. Here, the heating unit 6b, the heat treatment is performed alternately with respect to the first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2. That is, when subjected to heat treatment to water being stored for example in the first tank 6a _1, the subsequent heat treatment performed on water stored in the second tank 6a _2.

The water storage unit 6 supplies the water in the first tank 6 a ₁ and the second tank 6 a ₂ thus heat-treated to the water purification unit 11. Here, the water storage unit 6 supplies the water purification unit 11 with water in the tank having a longer elapsed time from when the heat treatment is completed to the present. By operating in this way, the water is supplied to the water purification unit 11 after the temperature of the water after the heat treatment has sufficiently decreased.

  In addition, when the elapsed time from the time when the heat treatment is completed is longer than a predetermined time, the probability that germs are generated increases. Therefore, in this case, it is desirable to supply water from the other tank.

Incidentally, as described above, collected water by switching unit 20 is supplied from the water recovery unit 5 is supplied alternately to the first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2. Therefore, the recovered water are supplied to the first tank 6a _1, when the first tank 6a ₁ is in the water storage operation is subjected to heat treatment against water stored in the second tank 6a _2, whereas the recovered water There is supplied to the second tank 6a _2, when the second tank 6a ₂ is in water operation if such heat treatment is performed with respect to water stored in the first tank 6a _1, as described above , the heating section 6b becomes possible to perform the heat treatment alternately to the first tank 6a ₁ and the second tank 6a _2.

  As described in the tenth embodiment, when the water heated by the heating unit 6b is supplied to the water purification unit 11 at a high temperature, the water purification function such as activated carbon and ion exchange resin may be deteriorated. In the fuel cell power generator of the present embodiment, the water whose temperature has been sufficiently lowered as described above is supplied to the water purification unit 11. Thereby, the fall of the water purification function of the water purification part 11 can be prevented.

In this embodiment, although water reservoir 6 and a first tank 6a ₁ and the two tanks of the second tank 6a _2, may be provided with three or more tanks. In the case where the water storage unit 6 includes three or more tanks, the heating process by the heating unit 6b is sequentially performed on each of the tanks, and the water stored in the tank that has been subjected to the heat process first is stored in water. What is necessary is just to supply to the purification | cleaning part 11.

  Further, the fuel cell power generation device according to the present embodiment may include a cooling unit 12 between the water storage unit 6 and the water purification unit 11 as in the case of the tenth embodiment. Needless to say, the steam exhaust valve 13 may be provided in the same manner as in the case of 11. Furthermore, by performing cleaning in the tank as in the sixth embodiment or drying in the tank as in the seventh embodiment, it becomes possible to prevent the water from decaying more reliably.

  It should be noted that a fuel cell power generator of a new form can be configured by appropriately combining the embodiments described in detail above.

  From the foregoing description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention are obvious to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of the structure and / or function may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The fuel cell power generator according to the present invention is useful as a power generator capable of generating power with high efficiency even on a small scale.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell power generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control apparatus with which the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control apparatus with which the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control apparatus with which the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control apparatus 7 with which the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell power generation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control apparatus with which the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell power generation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control apparatus 7 with which the fuel cell electric power generating apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell power generation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell power generation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 9 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell power generation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 10 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell power generation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 11 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the fuel cell power generation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 12 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hydrogen production | generation part 1a Reforming part 1b CO conversion part 1c CO removal part 2 Raw material supply part 3 Fuel cell 4 Blower 5 Water recovery part 6 Water storage part 6a Tank 6a ₁ 1st tank 6a ₂ 2nd tank 6b Heating part 7 Controller 7a Memory 8 Drain port 9 Water supply valve 10 Water supply unit 10a Pump 11 Water purification unit 11a Filter 12 Cooling unit 13 Steam exhaust valve 20 Switching unit 21 First drain port 22 Second drain port 30 Display unit 31 Gas intake port 32 Filter 50 Water Pressure Detection Unit 61 Cooling Water Tank 62 Cooling Water Heating Unit 63 Cooling Water Purification Unit

Claims (1)

A hydrogen generation part that generates a hydrogen gas by reforming a raw material, a fuel electrode and an air electrode, and electrochemically combines the hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel electrode and the oxygen gas supplied to the air electrode In a fuel cell power generation device comprising a fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting automatically,
A water recovery unit for recovering water from water vapor discharged from at least one of the fuel electrode and the air electrode;
A water storage unit comprising a tank for storing the water recovered by the water recovery unit;
A water supply unit for supplying water stored in the tank to the hydrogen generation unit;
A discharge instruction information output unit for outputting discharge instruction information for instructing to discharge the water stored in the tank to the outside;
The tank is configured to be able to discharge water to the outside in order to prevent corruption of the water stored in the tank,
In order to prevent water corruption, it is configured to determine whether the stored water should be discharged to the outside,
The discharge instruction information output unit is configured to output the discharge instruction information when it is determined that the stored water should be discharged to the outside. .

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