JP4578890B2 - Starting method of fuel cell system - Google Patents

Starting method of fuel cell system Download PDF

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JP4578890B2
JP4578890B2 JP2004238003A JP2004238003A JP4578890B2 JP 4578890 B2 JP4578890 B2 JP 4578890B2 JP 2004238003 A JP2004238003 A JP 2004238003A JP 2004238003 A JP2004238003 A JP 2004238003A JP 4578890 B2 JP4578890 B2 JP 4578890B2
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fuel cell
heat exchange
exchange medium
temperature
cell stack
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JP2006059585A (en
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章二 安藤
靖司 金井
清志 笠原
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Honda Motor Co Ltd
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
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    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

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Description

本発明は、燃料電池システムの始動方法に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a method for starting a fuel cell system.

従来、例えば固体高分子膜型燃料電池は、固体高分子電解質膜をアノード（燃料極）とカソード（空気極）とで両側から挟み込んで形成されたセルに対し、複数のセルを積層して構成されたスタック（以下において燃料電池と呼ぶ）を備えている。アノードに燃料として水素が供給され、カソードに酸化剤として空気が供給されると、アノードで触媒反応により発生した水素イオンが、固体高分子電解質膜を通過してカソードまで移動して、カソードで酸素と電気化学反応を起こして発電するようになっている。   Conventionally, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is configured by stacking a plurality of cells on a cell formed by sandwiching a polymer electrolyte membrane between an anode (fuel electrode) and a cathode (air electrode) from both sides. Stack (hereinafter referred to as a fuel cell). When hydrogen is supplied to the anode as a fuel and air is supplied to the cathode as an oxidant, hydrogen ions generated by the catalytic reaction at the anode move through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane to the cathode and oxygen at the cathode. It is designed to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction.

一般に、この種の燃料電池の作動温度は７０℃〜８０℃程度とされているが、低温時においては発電効率が低下するため低温時における始動性が大きな課題となっている。したがって、燃料電池を車両用として用いた場合に、外気温が低い状態、例えば、氷点下で起動しようとすると始動までに時間がかかるという問題がある。   Generally, the operating temperature of this type of fuel cell is about 70 ° C. to 80 ° C. However, since the power generation efficiency decreases at low temperatures, startability at low temperatures is a major issue. Therefore, when the fuel cell is used for a vehicle, there is a problem that it takes a long time to start when the outside air temperature is low, for example, when the fuel cell is started below freezing point.

これに対して、例えば、特許文献１には、燃料電池スタックを循環する熱交換媒体の流路に暖機用ヒータ（この場合はバーナ９４）を備え、該暖機用ヒータにより熱交換媒体を加熱して燃料電池スタック内に流入させることで、燃料電池スタックを加熱する技術が提案されている。
特開平９−２９３５２６号公報 In contrast, for example, Patent Document 1 includes a warm-up heater (in this case, a burner 94) in a flow path of a heat exchange medium circulating in the fuel cell stack, and the heat-exchange medium is supplied by the warm-up heater. There has been proposed a technique for heating a fuel cell stack by heating and flowing it into the fuel cell stack.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-293526

しかしながら、従来の技術においては、熱交換媒体を一定温度に加熱して所定流量を燃料電池スタックに供給する構成となっているため、熱交換媒体の熱量が燃料電池スタックに十分に伝達されない場合がある。その結果、燃料電池スタックの温度上昇の障害となったり、無駄に熱エネルギーが拡散してしまう、という問題がある。   However, since the conventional technology is configured to heat the heat exchange medium to a constant temperature and supply a predetermined flow rate to the fuel cell stack, the heat quantity of the heat exchange medium may not be sufficiently transmitted to the fuel cell stack. is there. As a result, there is a problem that the temperature rise of the fuel cell stack becomes an obstacle, and heat energy is diffused wastefully.

従って、本発明は、熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーを効率よく燃料電池スタックに伝達し、燃料電池スタックの温度を迅速に上昇することができる燃料電池システムの始動方法を提供することを目的とする。   Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a starting method of a fuel cell system that can efficiently transfer the heat energy of the heat exchange medium to the fuel cell stack and rapidly increase the temperature of the fuel cell stack.

請求項１に係る発明は、燃料電池スタックに熱交換媒体を流通させて燃料電池スタックを温度制御する燃料電池システムの始動方法であって、前記燃料電池スタックを起動した後、前記燃料電池スタックの熱交換媒体出口側の温度の変化率が所定変化率未満である第１モードでは、前記熱交換媒体の流量を所定の第１流量に設定し、前記熱交換媒体出口側の温度の変化率が前記所定変化率以上であり、前記燃料電池スタックの熱交換媒体入口側の温度と前記熱交換媒体出口側の温度との差が所定値以上である第２モードでは、前記熱交換媒体の流量を所定の第２流量に設定し、前記熱交換媒体入口側の温度と前記熱交換媒体出口側の温度との差が所定値未満である第３モードでは、前記熱交換媒体の流量を所定の第３流量に設定することを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 1 is a method of starting a fuel cell system in which a heat exchange medium is circulated through the fuel cell stack to control the temperature of the fuel cell stack, and after the fuel cell stack is started, In the first mode in which the temperature change rate on the heat exchange medium outlet side is less than a predetermined change rate, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set to a predetermined first flow rate, and the temperature change rate on the heat exchange medium outlet side is In the second mode in which the rate of change is not less than the predetermined change rate and the difference between the temperature on the heat exchange medium inlet side of the fuel cell stack and the temperature on the heat exchange medium outlet side is not less than a predetermined value, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is In the third mode in which the difference between the temperature on the heat exchange medium inlet side and the temperature on the heat exchange medium outlet side is less than a predetermined value, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set to a predetermined second flow rate. Specially set to 3 flow rates To.

この発明によれば、前記熱交換媒体の流量をそれぞれのモードに適した流量に設定することができる。すなわち、燃料電池スタックの加温の必要性の高い第１モードや第２モードでは前記熱交換媒体の流量を多めに設定することで、燃料電池スタックの温度をより迅速に上昇することができ、燃料電池スタックの加温の必要性の低下した第３モードでは前記熱交換媒体の流量を少なめに設定することで、前記熱交換媒体を前記燃料電池スタック内に流通させる手段の消費電力を減少させるとともに、前記熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーの拡散を抑制できるので、消費電力を減少させることができる。特にハイブリッド車両に燃料電池システムを搭載した場合には燃費向上にも寄与することができる。   According to this invention, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium can be set to a flow rate suitable for each mode. That is, the temperature of the fuel cell stack can be increased more quickly by setting a larger flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the first mode and the second mode where the heating of the fuel cell stack is highly necessary. In the third mode in which the necessity for heating of the fuel cell stack is reduced, the power consumption of the means for circulating the heat exchange medium in the fuel cell stack is reduced by setting the flow rate of the heat exchange medium to be small. At the same time, since the diffusion of the thermal energy of the heat exchange medium can be suppressed, the power consumption can be reduced. In particular, when a fuel cell system is mounted on a hybrid vehicle, it can contribute to an improvement in fuel consumption.

請求項２に係る発明は、請求項１に記載のものであって、前記第２流量は前記第１流量以上であり、前記第１流量は前記第３流量よりも大きいことを特徴とする。
この発明によれば、前記第１モードで、低温下で高い粘度を有する前記熱交換媒体を前記燃料電池スタック内に流通させる手段に対する高い負荷から保護しつつ前記燃料電池スタックの温度上昇を図ることができる。また、前記第２モードでは前記熱交換媒体の粘度を低下した状態で前記燃料電池スタックの温度を迅速に上昇させることができる。さらに、前記第３モードでは前記燃料電池スタックの温度を上昇させつつ前記熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーの拡散を抑制することができ、消費電力を減少させることができる。 The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow rate is equal to or higher than the first flow rate, and the first flow rate is larger than the third flow rate.
According to the present invention, in the first mode, the temperature of the fuel cell stack is increased while protecting the heat exchange medium having a high viscosity at a low temperature from a high load on the means for circulating the heat exchange medium in the fuel cell stack. Can do. Further, in the second mode, the temperature of the fuel cell stack can be quickly raised with the viscosity of the heat exchange medium lowered. Further, in the third mode, the diffusion of the heat energy of the heat exchange medium can be suppressed while increasing the temperature of the fuel cell stack, and the power consumption can be reduced.

請求項３に係る発明は、請求項１または請求項２に記載のものであって、前記熱交換媒体の流量は、前記熱交換媒体の圧力に基づいてフィードバック制御を行って設定することを特徴とする。
この発明によれば、前記熱交換媒体の流量を迅速に適正化することができ、よりきめ細かな制御を行うことが可能となる。 The invention according to claim 3 is the one according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set by performing feedback control based on the pressure of the heat exchange medium. And
According to the present invention, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium can be quickly optimized, and finer control can be performed.

請求項１に係る発明によれば、前記熱交換媒体の流量をそれぞれのモードに適した流量に設定することができる。
請求項２に係る発明によれば、前記燃料電池スタックの温度を迅速に上昇させることができる。前記熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーの拡散を抑制することができ、消費電力を減少させることができる。
請求項３に係る発明によれば、前記熱交換媒体の流量を迅速に適正化することができ、よりきめ細かな制御を行うことが可能となる。 According to the invention which concerns on Claim 1 , the flow volume of the said heat exchange medium can be set to the flow volume suitable for each mode.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2 , the temperature of the said fuel cell stack can be raised rapidly. The diffusion of the heat energy of the heat exchange medium can be suppressed, and the power consumption can be reduced.
According to the third aspect of the invention, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium can be quickly optimized, and finer control can be performed.

以下、この発明の実施の形態における燃料電池システムの始動方法を図面と共に説明する。図１は本発明の実施の形態における燃料電池スタック２を備える燃料電池システム１の概略構成図である。燃料電池スタック２は、スルフォン酸系電解質材料からなる固体高分子電解質膜を燃料極（アノード）と空気極（カソード）とで両側から挟み込んでなる単位セル（図示せず）を、所定数積層配置した構成を備えている。   A method for starting a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell system 1 including a fuel cell stack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell stack 2 includes a predetermined number of unit cells (not shown) in which a solid polymer electrolyte membrane made of a sulfonic acid electrolyte material is sandwiched between a fuel electrode (anode) and an air electrode (cathode) from both sides. It has the structure which did.

このように構成された各セルの燃料極に燃料ガスとして水素ガスを供給し、空気極に酸化剤としての酸素を含む空気を供給すると、燃料極で触媒反応により発生した水素イオンが、固体高分子電解質膜を通過して空気極まで移動して、空気極で酸素と電気化学反応を起こして発電し、水が生成される。   When hydrogen gas is supplied as a fuel gas to the fuel electrode of each cell configured as described above, and air containing oxygen as an oxidant is supplied to the air electrode, the hydrogen ions generated by the catalytic reaction at the fuel electrode become solid high. It passes through the molecular electrolyte membrane and moves to the air electrode, where it generates an electric power by causing an electrochemical reaction with oxygen at the air electrode to generate water.

燃料電池システム１は、高圧燃料タンク等の燃料供給装置を備え、燃料供給流路を介して各セルの燃料極に燃料ガスを供給するとともに、空気供給装置であるコンプレッサ（圧縮機）を備え、コンプレッサにより圧縮された空気を、空気供給流路を介して各セルの空気極に供給する。これらの部材については図示を省略する。   The fuel cell system 1 includes a fuel supply device such as a high-pressure fuel tank, supplies fuel gas to the fuel electrode of each cell via a fuel supply flow path, and includes a compressor (compressor) that is an air supply device, The air compressed by the compressor is supplied to the air electrode of each cell via the air supply flow path. Illustration of these members is omitted.

また、燃料電池システム１は、燃料電池スタック２に接続されてなる熱交換媒体循環流路３を備えている。この熱交換媒体循環流路３を介して熱交換媒体（例えば油）が燃料電池スタック２内を流通する。熱交換媒体は、燃料電池スタック２の低温時には加熱媒体として作用し、燃料電池スタック２の発電時には発電による温度上昇を抑制する冷却媒体として作用する。熱交換媒体循環流路３にはポンプ４が配設されており、該ポンプ４を作動させることで熱交換媒体を出口側熱交換媒体循環流路３ｂ（３）から入口側熱交換媒体循環流路３ａ（３）に圧送する。これにより、熱交換媒体は、入口側熱交換媒体循環流路３ａから燃料電池スタック２に流入し、燃料電池スタック２内を流通した後、出口側熱交換媒体循環流路３ｂに排出されることになる。また、本実施の形態においては、ポンプ４の作動状態を制御することで、燃料電池スタック２に流通する熱交換媒体の流量を制御している。   The fuel cell system 1 includes a heat exchange medium circulation channel 3 connected to the fuel cell stack 2. A heat exchange medium (for example, oil) flows through the fuel cell stack 2 through the heat exchange medium circulation passage 3. The heat exchange medium acts as a heating medium when the fuel cell stack 2 is at a low temperature, and acts as a cooling medium that suppresses a temperature rise due to power generation when the fuel cell stack 2 generates power. The heat exchange medium circulation flow path 3 is provided with a pump 4. By operating the pump 4, the heat exchange medium is transferred from the outlet side heat exchange medium circulation flow path 3 b (3) to the inlet side heat exchange medium circulation flow. It pumps to the path 3a (3). Thereby, the heat exchange medium flows into the fuel cell stack 2 from the inlet side heat exchange medium circulation channel 3a, flows through the fuel cell stack 2, and then is discharged to the outlet side heat exchange medium circulation channel 3b. become. In the present embodiment, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium flowing through the fuel cell stack 2 is controlled by controlling the operating state of the pump 4.

そして、熱交換媒体循環流路３には、ヒータ５が配設されている。このヒータ５を作動させることで、熱交換媒体を加熱する。これにより、燃料電池スタック２の低温時には熱交換媒体を熱媒として燃料電池スタック２内に流通させる。なお、熱交換媒体循環流路３には、冷却器を備えたバイパス路（図示せず）がヒータ５（加熱手段）を跨ぐように接続されている。そして、燃料電池スタック２の発電時には熱交換媒体を冷却器を介して冷却して、冷媒として燃料電池スタック２内に流通させる。   A heater 5 is disposed in the heat exchange medium circulation channel 3. By operating the heater 5, the heat exchange medium is heated. Thereby, when the temperature of the fuel cell stack 2 is low, the heat exchange medium is circulated in the fuel cell stack 2 as a heat medium. Note that a bypass passage (not shown) provided with a cooler is connected to the heat exchange medium circulation passage 3 so as to straddle the heater 5 (heating means). Then, at the time of power generation of the fuel cell stack 2, the heat exchange medium is cooled via a cooler and is circulated in the fuel cell stack 2 as a refrigerant.

また、入口側熱交換媒体循環流路３ａ、出口側熱交換媒体循環流路３ｂには、温度センサｓ１、ｓ２、圧力センサｓ１’、ｓ２’がそれぞれ設けられている。これらのセンサｓ１、ｓ２、圧力センサｓ１’、ｓ２’により、燃料電池スタック２の入口側の温度Ｔ１や圧力Ｐ１、出口側の温度Ｔ２や圧力Ｐ２をそれぞれ検出する。また、熱交換媒体循環流路３におけるポンプ４とヒータ５の間の部位には、温度センサｓ３、圧力センサｓ３’がそれぞれ設けられ、この部位の温度Ｔ３や圧力Ｐ３をそれぞれ検出する。   In addition, temperature sensors s1 and s2 and pressure sensors s1 'and s2' are provided in the inlet side heat exchange medium circulation channel 3a and the outlet side heat exchange medium circulation channel 3b, respectively. These sensors s1, s2 and pressure sensors s1 ', s2' detect the temperature T1 and pressure P1 on the inlet side of the fuel cell stack 2, and the temperature T2 and pressure P2 on the outlet side, respectively. In addition, a temperature sensor s3 and a pressure sensor s3 'are provided in a portion between the pump 4 and the heater 5 in the heat exchange medium circulation channel 3, and the temperature T3 and pressure P3 of the portion are detected.

このように構成された燃料電池スタック２の制御方法について図２〜図５を用いて説明する。図２は本発明の実施の形態における熱交換媒体（熱媒）流量制御処理の内容を示すフローチャート図である。同図のステップＳ１０に示すように、熱交換媒体の流量制御が開始されると、ステップＳ１２で、温度センサｓ２で検出した燃料電池スタック２の出口側温度Ｔ２の単位時間あたりの上昇率が所定値ΔＴ０以上か否かを判定する。この判定結果がＮＯであればステップＳ１４に進み、この判定結果がＹＥＳであればステップＳ１６に進む。 A control method of the fuel cell stack 2 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of the heat exchange medium (heat medium) flow rate control process in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in step S10 of the figure, when the flow control of the heat exchange medium is started, the rate of increase per unit time of the outlet side temperature T2 of the fuel cell stack 2 detected by the temperature sensor s2 is predetermined in step S12. It is determined whether or not the value is ΔT0 or more. If this determination result is NO , the process proceeds to step S14, and if this determination result is YES , the process proceeds to step S16.

ステップＳ１４では、燃料電池スタックの熱交換媒体出口側の温度の変化率が所定変化率以下である第１モード（モード１）と判定する。このモードについて図３、図４を用いて説明する。図３は燃料電池システムの熱交換媒体流路の入口側温度、出口側温度、入口側と出口側の温度差のそれぞれの時間変化を示すグラフ図である。図４は図１に示す燃料電池スタックの温度状況を示す状態説明図である。これらの図に示すように、燃料電池スタック２の出口側の温度が所定値ΔＴ０より小さい場合には、燃料電池スタック２に熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーを迅速に伝達して上昇させることが望まれるが、始動直後は熱交換媒体の粘度が高いためポンプ４に過度な負担をかけることを防止するため、熱交換媒体の流量をやや高めである２００Ｌ／ｍｉｎにする。これにより、前記第１モードでは、前記熱交換媒体を前記燃料電池スタック２内に流通させるポンプ４を前記熱交換媒体の高い粘度から保護しつつ前記燃料電池スタック２の温度上昇を図ることができる。ステップＳ１４の処理が終了した後は、本フローチャートの最初の処理に戻る。   In step S14, it is determined that the first mode (mode 1) in which the rate of change in temperature on the heat exchange medium outlet side of the fuel cell stack is equal to or less than a predetermined rate of change. This mode will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a graph showing respective time changes of the inlet side temperature, the outlet side temperature, and the temperature difference between the inlet side and the outlet side of the heat exchange medium flow path of the fuel cell system. FIG. 4 is a state explanatory view showing the temperature state of the fuel cell stack shown in FIG. As shown in these figures, when the temperature on the outlet side of the fuel cell stack 2 is smaller than a predetermined value ΔT0, it is desired to quickly transfer the heat energy of the heat exchange medium to the fuel cell stack 2 to increase it. However, immediately after start-up, since the viscosity of the heat exchange medium is high, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set to 200 L / min, which is slightly higher, in order to prevent an excessive burden on the pump 4. Thus, in the first mode, the temperature of the fuel cell stack 2 can be increased while protecting the pump 4 for circulating the heat exchange medium into the fuel cell stack 2 from the high viscosity of the heat exchange medium. . After the process of step S14 is complete | finished, it returns to the first process of this flowchart.

ステップＳ１６では、燃料電池スタック２の入口側の温度Ｔ１と出口側の温度Ｔ２との温度差が所定値ΔＴ０’以上か否かを判定する。この判定結果がＹＥＳであればステップＳ１８に進み、判定結果がＮＯであればステップＳ２０に進む。ここで、温度Ｔ１、Ｔ２は温度センサｓ１、ｓ２で検出される。   In step S16, it is determined whether or not the temperature difference between the temperature T1 on the inlet side and the temperature T2 on the outlet side of the fuel cell stack 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value ΔT0 ′. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S18, and if the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S20. Here, the temperatures T1 and T2 are detected by the temperature sensors s1 and s2.

ステップＳ１８では、前記燃料電池スタック２の入口側の温度Ｔ１と前記出口側の温度Ｔ２との差が所定値ΔＴ０’以上である第２モード（モード２）と判定する。このモード２のときには、燃料電池スタック２の出口側にも熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーが伝達され始めてはいるものの、入口側の温度Ｔ１との差が大きいことから第１モードと同様に迅速に熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーを伝達して燃料電池スタック２の温度を上昇させることが望まれる。
一方、出口側の温度Ｔ２の上昇率が所定値ΔＴ０以上になっているので、熱交換媒体の粘性もこれに伴い低下しており、熱交換媒体を循環させるポンプ４の負担も低下する。従って、このモード２では、熱交換媒体の流量を第１モードよりもさらに大きい流量、例えば２３０Ｌ／ｍｉｎに設定する。これにより、前記第２モードでは前記熱交換媒体の粘度を低下した状態で前記燃料電池スタックの温度を迅速に上昇させることができる。ステップＳ１８の処理が終了した後は、本フローチャートの最初の処理に戻る。 In step S18, the second mode (mode 2) in which the difference between the temperature T1 on the inlet side of the fuel cell stack 2 and the temperature T2 on the outlet side is equal to or greater than a predetermined value ΔT0 ′ is determined. In this mode 2, although the heat energy of the heat exchange medium has begun to be transferred to the outlet side of the fuel cell stack 2, the difference from the temperature T1 on the inlet side is large. It is desired to increase the temperature of the fuel cell stack 2 by transferring the heat energy of the exchange medium.
On the other hand, since the rate of increase in the temperature T2 on the outlet side is equal to or greater than the predetermined value ΔT0, the viscosity of the heat exchange medium is reduced accordingly, and the burden on the pump 4 for circulating the heat exchange medium is also reduced. Therefore, in this mode 2, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set to a larger flow rate than that in the first mode, for example, 230 L / min. As a result, in the second mode, the temperature of the fuel cell stack can be quickly raised with the viscosity of the heat exchange medium lowered. After the process of step S18 is complete | finished, it returns to the first process of this flowchart.

ステップＳ２０では、前記燃料電池スタック２の入口側の温度Ｔ１と前記出口側の温度Ｔ２との差が所定値ΔＴ０’未満である第３モード（モード３）と判定する。このモード３のときには、燃料電池スタック２の出口側にも有る程度熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーが伝達されており、熱交換媒体の流量を多くすると、燃料電池スタック２に伝達される熱エネルギー以外に外部に無駄に放出される熱エネルギーが過大となってしまう。従って、燃料電池スタック２の加温の必要性の低下した第３モードでは前記熱交換媒体の流量を第１モードの流量よりも小さい流量、例えば１００Ｌ／ｍｉｎに設定する。これにより、前記第３モードでは、前記熱交換媒体の流量を少なめに設定することで、前記熱交換媒体の熱エネルギーの拡散を抑制できるので、消費電力を減少させることができる。特にハイブリッド車両に燃料電池システムを搭載した場合には燃費向上にも寄与することができる。ステップＳ１８の処理が終了した後は、本フローチャートの最初の処理に戻る。
なお、上述した流量の値は一例であり、燃料電池スタックのサイズや熱交換媒体の種類の種々の条件により適宜変更可能であることはもちろんである。 In step S20, it is determined as the third mode (mode 3) in which the difference between the temperature T1 on the inlet side of the fuel cell stack 2 and the temperature T2 on the outlet side is less than a predetermined value ΔT0 ′. In this mode 3, the heat energy of the heat exchange medium is transmitted to the extent that it is also on the outlet side of the fuel cell stack 2, and if the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is increased, in addition to the heat energy transmitted to the fuel cell stack 2 The heat energy that is wasted to the outside becomes excessive. Therefore, in the third mode in which the necessity of heating the fuel cell stack 2 is reduced, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set to a flow rate smaller than the flow rate of the first mode, for example, 100 L / min. Accordingly, in the third mode, by setting the flow rate of the heat exchange medium to be small, the diffusion of the heat energy of the heat exchange medium can be suppressed, so that the power consumption can be reduced. In particular, when a fuel cell system is mounted on a hybrid vehicle, it can contribute to an improvement in fuel consumption. After the process of step S18 is complete | finished, it returns to the first process of this flowchart.
It should be noted that the flow rate values described above are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to various conditions such as the size of the fuel cell stack and the type of heat exchange medium.

さらに、これらの処理と並行して図５に示す処理を行う。図５は本発明の実施の形態における流量制御処理のフィードバック制御の内容を示すフローチャート図である。同図に示すように、ステップＳ３２で、圧力センサｓ１’と圧力センサｓ２’とで検出した燃料電池スタック２の入口側圧力Ｐ１と出口側圧力Ｐ２との差分をとり、この差分から実流量を算出する。そして、ステップＳ３４で、実流量に基づいてマップ値より目標流量を算出する。さらに、ステップＳ３６で、実流量と目標流量との差からＰＩＤ（比例・積分・微分）動作によるフィードバック制御を実行する。その後、このフローチャートの最初の処理に戻る。このように制御することで、前記熱交換媒体の流量を迅速に適正化することができ、よりきめ細かな制御を行うことが可能となる。   Furthermore, the process shown in FIG. 5 is performed in parallel with these processes. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the content of the feedback control of the flow rate control process in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in step S32, the difference between the inlet side pressure P1 and the outlet side pressure P2 of the fuel cell stack 2 detected by the pressure sensor s1 ′ and the pressure sensor s2 ′ is taken, and the actual flow rate is calculated from this difference. calculate. In step S34, the target flow rate is calculated from the map value based on the actual flow rate. Further, in step S36, feedback control by PID (proportional / integral / derivative) operation is executed from the difference between the actual flow rate and the target flow rate. Thereafter, the process returns to the first process of this flowchart. By controlling in this way, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium can be quickly optimized, and finer control can be performed.

なお、本発明の内容は上述の実施の形態のみに限られるものでないことはもちろんである。例えば、実施の形態では、フィードバック制御として、ＰＩＤ制御を用いたが、これに限らず、ＰＩ制御を用いても良い。また、実施の形態では、温度差Ｔ１−Ｔ２としたが、熱量差Ｑ１−Ｑ２で判定しても良い。さらに、実施の形態では、３つのモードで区分してそれぞれのモードで熱交換媒体の流量を制御するようにしたが、燃料電池スタックの温度およびその変化率に基づいて熱交換媒体の流量を切り換える構成を備えていれば良い。   Of course, the contents of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the embodiment, PID control is used as feedback control, but not limited to this, PI control may be used. In the embodiment, the temperature difference T1-T2 is used. However, the heat difference Q1-Q2 may be used for the determination. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is controlled by dividing into three modes, but the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is switched based on the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the rate of change thereof. What is necessary is just to have a structure.

本発明の実施の形態における燃料電池スタックを有する燃料電池システムの概略構成図である。1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell system having a fuel cell stack in an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態における熱交換媒体（熱媒）流量制御処理の内容を示すフローチャート図である。It is a flowchart figure which shows the content of the heat exchange medium (heat medium) flow control process in embodiment of this invention. 燃料電池システムの熱交換媒体流路の入口側温度、出口側温度、入口側と出口側の温度差のそれぞれの時間変化を示すグラフ図である。It is a graph which shows each time change of the inlet side temperature of a heat exchange medium flow path of a fuel cell system, outlet side temperature, and the temperature difference of an inlet side and an outlet side. 図１に示す燃料電池スタックの温度状況を示す状態説明図である。It is a state explanatory view showing the temperature situation of the fuel cell stack shown in FIG. 本発明の実施の形態における流量制御処理のフィードバック制御の内容を示すフローチャート図である。It is a flowchart figure which shows the content of the feedback control of the flow control process in embodiment of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１…燃料電池システム
２…燃料電池スタック
３…熱交換媒体（冷媒）循環流路
４…ポンプ
５…ヒータ（加熱手段）
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel cell system 2 ... Fuel cell stack 3 ... Heat exchange medium (refrigerant) circulation flow path 4 ... Pump 5 ... Heater (heating means)

Claims (3)

燃料電池スタックに熱交換媒体を流通させて燃料電池スタックを温度制御する燃料電池システムの始動方法であって、
前記燃料電池スタックを起動した後、
前記燃料電池スタックの熱交換媒体出口側の温度の変化率が所定変化率未満である第１モードでは、前記熱交換媒体の流量を所定の第１流量に設定し、
前記熱交換媒体出口側の温度の変化率が前記所定変化率以上であり、前記燃料電池スタックの熱交換媒体入口側の温度と前記熱交換媒体出口側の温度との差が所定値以上である第２モードでは、前記熱交換媒体の流量を所定の第２流量に設定し、
前記熱交換媒体入口側の温度と前記熱交換媒体出口側の温度との差が所定値未満である第３モードでは、前記熱交換媒体の流量を所定の第３流量に設定する
ことを特徴とする燃料電池システムの始動方法。 A method of starting a fuel cell system in which a heat exchange medium is circulated through the fuel cell stack to control the temperature of the fuel cell stack,
After starting the fuel cell stack,
In the first mode in which the rate of change in temperature on the heat exchange medium outlet side of the fuel cell stack is less than a predetermined rate of change, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set to a predetermined first flow rate,
The rate of change in temperature on the heat exchange medium outlet side is equal to or greater than the predetermined rate of change, and the difference between the temperature on the heat exchange medium inlet side of the fuel cell stack and the temperature on the heat exchange medium outlet side is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In the second mode, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set to a predetermined second flow rate,
In the third mode in which the difference between the temperature on the heat exchange medium inlet side and the temperature on the heat exchange medium outlet side is less than a predetermined value, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set to a predetermined third flow rate. To start the fuel cell system. 前記第２流量は前記第１流量以上であり、前記第１流量は前記第３流量よりも大きいことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の燃料電池システムの始動方法。 2. The fuel cell system start method according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow rate is equal to or higher than the first flow rate, and the first flow rate is larger than the third flow rate. 前記熱交換媒体の流量は、前記熱交換媒体の圧力に基づいてフィードバック制御を行って設定することを特徴とする請求項１または請求項２に記載の燃料電池システムの始動方法。 3. The fuel cell system start method according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate of the heat exchange medium is set by performing feedback control based on the pressure of the heat exchange medium.
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