JP4878759B2 - Combustion device and fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a combustion apparatus ensuring safety and at the same time obtaining stable operation by simple circuit constitution, and to provide a fuel cell system. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system is equipped with a fuel supply device, a fuel supply detecting device, a combustor burning fuel, a burning state detecting device detecting the burning state of fuel in the combustor, a timer outputting a timer passage signal from when the combustor varies from a combustion state to a non-combustion state till a first prescribed time is passed, a power source for fuel supply, an interlock device shutting off electric power supply from the power source for fuel supply to the fuel supply device when the timer passage signal and a signal detecting fuel supply from the fuel supply detecting device are detected at the same time, and the interlock device does not shut off power supply from the power source for fuel supply to the fuel supply device when a detecting signal indicating a combustion state of the fuel in the combustor is inputted from the combustion state detecting device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&amp;NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a combustion apparatus and a fuel cell system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combustion apparatus and a fuel cell system including a safety device that prevents malfunction.

  In general, a combustion apparatus is required to have high safety, and a function that operates so as to ensure safety even when a failure occurs. For example, there is a combustion safety device of Utility Model Reference 1 as a device for preventing malfunction due to a ground fault in a control circuit.

  The combustion safety device disclosed in Utility Model Document 1 has relay contacts connected in series to both ends of a protection target controller. In addition, a power supply state detector and a cathode side of the power supply state detector are arranged in parallel with a series circuit including one of these relay contacts and the protection target controller. Connect to the first rectifier. Further, the second rectifier is disposed between the relay contact on the series line and the controller to be protected, and between the first rectifier and the power supply state detector so that the cathode side opposes the power supply state detector. Is disposed. The detection result of the power supply state and the detection result of the combustion state are sent to the determination circuit. If both detection results contradict each other, it is determined that there is an abnormal state and an interlock signal is output to the combustion control circuit. In other words, if it is detected that the power is not being burned despite being powered, or if it is detected that the power is being burned despite not being powered, some abnormality has occurred in the device. Since there is a possibility, an interlock signal is sent to the combustion device to protect the fuel cell system.

According to such a configuration, since the power supply state detector and the hot line side of the protection target controller are connected by the first rectifier, an abnormality can be easily detected even when the relay contact is welded. it can.
No. 7-11319

  However, the conventional combustion safety device does not disclose any malfunctions caused by electrical noise riding on the detection result of the power supply state or the detection result of the combustion state. In addition, when the combustion state becomes unstable due to the configuration unique to the apparatus, the ignition operation may be repeated assuming that it is extinguished in advance. In such a case, if the interlock signal is always output assuming that an abnormal state occurs if the extinction occurs, the operation of the combustion apparatus becomes unstable. In addition, the ignition operation tends to generate electrical noise and easily causes a malfunction.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a combustion apparatus and a fuel cell system capable of realizing stable operation while ensuring safety with a simple circuit configuration. Yes.

  In view of the above-described problems, in particular, in the case of a combustion apparatus used for a hydrogen generator of a fuel cell system, the problem of malfunction due to noise or an unstable combustion state becomes serious. The reason is as follows.

  That is, the hydrogen generator generally burns the raw material and the fuel as heating fuel by a burner in order to generate hydrogen-rich fuel from the raw material and water. The composition of the heating fuel changes every moment depending on the temperature of the hydrogen generator and the time since startup. For this reason, the combustion state of the burner becomes unstable, and the ignition device is frequently operated. The ignition device generally generates a spark electrically, and generates a strong electrical noise during operation. Therefore, in the case of a combustion apparatus used for a hydrogen generator of a fuel cell system, it is easy for noise to be applied to the electric circuit and to cause malfunction. If the interlock signal is erroneously output due to a malfunction, the combustion is forcibly stopped even in a state where combustion should be continued, and the stability of the operation is impaired. In addition, if the interlock signal is output when the extinction occurs, that is, an abnormal state, the combustion device of the hydrogen generator is unstable in the first place, and forced combustion stop frequently occurs. Becomes unstable.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a combustion apparatus according to the present invention includes a fuel supply device that supplies fuel, a fuel supply detector that detects whether or not the fuel is supplied by the fuel supply device, and the fuel supply device. A combustor that combusts the supplied fuel, a combustion state detector that detects combustion and non-combustion of fuel in the combustor, and a detection signal from the combustion state detector changes from the combustion to the non-combustion; A timer that outputs a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed after elapse of a first predetermined time, a fuel supply power source that supplies power to the fuel supplier, and the first predetermined time Power supply from the fuel supply power source to the fuel supply device when a signal indicating that the fuel supply has been performed and a detection signal indicating that the fuel supply is being performed are simultaneously input from the fuel supply detector Intercept A locking device, and the interlock device does not cut off the power supply from the fuel supply power source to the fuel supply device while the combustion detection signal is input from the combustion state detector. (Claim 1).

  According to such a configuration, a simple circuit configuration realizes a stable operation by preventing a malfunction due to noise or an unstable combustion state while ensuring safety by preventing leakage of fuel gas after extinguishing. It becomes possible.

  In the combustion apparatus according to the present invention, the timer may not output a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed while the combustion detection signal is output from the combustion state detector. It may be configured (claim 2).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the timer from outputting a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed based on the combustion state detection signal with a simple circuit configuration. Therefore, the power supply to the fuel supply device is not interrupted even though the fuel is in the combustion state in the combustor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to noise and unstable combustion state, and to realize stable operation.

  The combustion apparatus according to the present invention further includes an interlock mask circuit connected to the combustion state detector and the interlock device, and the interlock mask circuit is provided in the combustor from the combustion state detector. While the detection signal indicating that the fuel is in a combustion state is being input, the shut-off operation by the interlock device may be prohibited (claim 3).

  According to this configuration, the operation of the interlock device can be prohibited based on the combustion state detection signal with a simple circuit configuration. Therefore, the power supply to the fuel supply device is not interrupted even though the fuel is in the combustion state in the combustor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to noise and unstable combustion state, and to realize stable operation.

  In the combustion apparatus according to the present invention, the timer may not output a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed while the combustion detection signal is output from the combustion state detector. And an interlock mask circuit connected to the combustion state detector and the interlock device, wherein the interlock mask circuit indicates that fuel is in a combustion state in the combustor from the combustion state detector. While the detection signal is input, the shut-off operation by the interlock device may be prohibited (claim 4).

  According to such a configuration, the simple circuit configuration prevents the timer from outputting a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed based on the combustion state detection signal, and prohibits the operation of the interlock device. It becomes possible. Therefore, the power supply to the fuel supply device is not interrupted even though the fuel is in the combustion state in the combustor. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent malfunction due to noise and unstable combustion state, and to realize more stable operation.

  Further, in the combustion apparatus according to the present invention, the first predetermined time has elapsed even while the timer is outputting a detection signal indicating that the fuel is not being supplied from the fuel supply detector. It may be configured not to output a signal to that effect.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the timer from outputting a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed based on the fuel supply detection signal with a simple circuit configuration. Therefore, the supply of electric power to the fuel supply unit is not interrupted even though the supply of fuel to the combustor is continued. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to noise and unstable combustion state, and to realize more stable operation.

Further, in the combustion apparatus according to the present invention, the interlock mask circuit may be configured such that the interlock device also performs the detection by the interlock device while the fuel supply detector outputs a detection signal indicating that the fuel is not being supplied. The blocking operation may be prohibited (claim 6).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prohibit the operation of the interlock device based on the fuel supply detection signal with a simple circuit configuration. Therefore, the supply of electric power to the fuel supply unit is not interrupted even though the supply of fuel to the combustor is continued. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to noise and unstable combustion state, and to realize more stable operation.

  Further, in the combustion apparatus according to the present invention, the first predetermined time has elapsed even while the timer is outputting a detection signal indicating that the fuel is not being supplied from the fuel supply detector. The interlock mask circuit is configured so as not to output a signal indicating that the fuel is not being supplied from the fuel supply detector. The apparatus may be configured to prohibit the blocking operation by the device (claim 7).

  According to such a configuration, the simple circuit configuration prevents the timer from outputting a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed based on the fuel supply detection signal, and prohibits the operation of the interlock device. It becomes possible. Therefore, the supply of electric power to the fuel supply unit is not interrupted even though the supply of fuel to the combustor is continued. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to noise and unstable combustion state, and to realize extremely stable operation.

A fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a fuel supplier that supplies fuel,
A fuel supply detector for detecting whether or not the fuel is supplied by the fuel supplier; a combustor for combusting the fuel supplied from the fuel supplier; and detecting combustion and non-combustion of the fuel in the combustor A combustion state detector and a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed after the first predetermined time has elapsed since the detection signal from the combustion state detector changed from the combustion to the non-combustion A timer for supplying power, a power supply for supplying fuel to the fuel supplier, a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed, and the fact that the fuel is being supplied from the fuel supply detector And an interlock device that cuts off power supply from the fuel supply power source to the fuel supply when the detection signals are simultaneously input, and the combustion detection signal is input from the combustion state detector. Have In the meantime, the interlock device is configured so as not to cut off the power supply from the fuel supply power source to the fuel supply device, and includes a hydrogen generation device including at least a combustion device, and generated by the hydrogen generation device And a fuel cell that generates electric power using the generated fuel (claim 8).

  According to such a configuration, the fuel cell system can be stabilized by preventing a malfunction due to noise or an unstable combustion state while ensuring safety by preventing leakage of fuel gas after extinguishing with a simple circuit configuration. It is possible to realize the operation.

  Further, in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the interlock device is further connected to the fuel supplier while the detection signal indicating that the fuel is not supplied is output from the fuel supply detector. The power supply from the fuel supply power source is configured not to be cut off, and includes a control device. The hydrogen generation device and the fuel cell include a flow path through which gas flows, and the control device starts operation. Sometimes, the fuel supply is controlled to repeat the supply of the fuel for a second predetermined time not exceeding the first predetermined time and the supply stop of the fuel, thereby causing the flow path to flow with the fuel. It may be configured to purge (claim 9).

  According to such a configuration, when the flow path is purged with fuel at the start of operation, the power supply to the fuel supplier can be prevented from being cut off even if the fuel is supplied without burning the fuel. Therefore, it is possible to stably perform the purge with the fuel at the start of the operation.

  Further, in the fuel cell system according to the present invention, the interlock device is further connected to the fuel supplier while the detection signal indicating that the fuel is not supplied is output from the fuel supply detector. The power supply from the fuel supply power source is configured not to be cut off, and includes a control device. The hydrogen generation device and the fuel cell each include a flow path through which a gas flows. Sometimes, the fuel supply is controlled to repeat the supply of the fuel for a second predetermined time not exceeding the first predetermined time and the supply stop of the fuel, thereby causing the flow path to flow with the fuel. It may be configured to purge (claim 10).

  According to such a configuration, when the flow path is purged with fuel at the end of the operation, the power supply to the fuel supplier can be prevented from being cut off even if the fuel is supplied without burning the fuel. Therefore, it is possible to stably perform the purge with the fuel at the end of the operation.

  The present invention has the above-described configuration and has the following effects. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a combustion device and a fuel cell system capable of realizing a stable operation while ensuring safety with a simple circuit configuration.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
[Schematic configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a combustion apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Hereinafter, the combustion apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, hardware in the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a combustion apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a fuel supply device 101 that supplies fuel, a combustion supply detector 102 that detects a fuel supply state by the fuel supply device 101, and combustion of the fuel A combustor 103 to be detected, a combustion state detector 104 for detecting the combustion state of the combustor 103 (whether it is on or off), and a signal output from the combustion state detector 104 (hereinafter referred to as a combustion state detection signal) An inverter 105 for inverting the signal, a timer 106 for outputting a HI signal (a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed) after the first predetermined time has elapsed based on a change in the signal from the inverter 105, and a fuel An AND circuit that outputs a signal based on a signal output from the supply detector 102 (hereinafter referred to as a fuel supply detection signal) and a signal output from a timer (hereinafter referred to as a timer elapsed signal). 07, a fuel supply power supply 108 that supplies power for operating the fuel supply device 101, a power supply path 125 that connects the fuel supply power supply 108 and the fuel supply device 101 so that power can be supplied, and a power supply path 125. And an interlock circuit 109 that opens and closes the power supply path 125 in response to a signal (hereinafter, interlock operation signal) input from the AND circuit 107. The AND circuit 107 and the interlock circuit 109 are collectively referred to as an interlock device 110 hereinafter. Further, the inverter 105, the timer 106, the AND circuit 107, the interlock circuit 109, and the wiring connecting them constitute a malfunction prevention circuit 200. The solid arrow in the figure indicates the direction in which fuel is supplied. In addition, double-line arrows in the figure indicate directions in which power is supplied.

In the present embodiment, any fuel may be used, for example, natural gas, propane gas, hydrogen-rich gas, or the like is used. The fuel supply device 101 may be any device as long as it can supply fuel to the combustor 103. For example, an electromagnetic valve such as a gas source valve is used. The fuel supply detector 102 may be anything as long as it can detect whether or not the fuel supply is being performed by the fuel supply device 101. For example, the fuel supply detector 102 is attached to the electromagnetic valve to detect the open / closed state of the valve. A sensor or the like is used. When a control device or the like for controlling the fuel supply device 101 is provided, a control signal from the control device to the fuel supply device 101 may be handled as a fuel supply detection signal. In this case, the control device corresponds to the fuel supply detector 102. The combustor 103 may be anything as long as it can burn fuel. For example, a gas burner is used. The combustion state detector 104 may be anything as long as it can detect the combustion state of the fuel in the combustor 103. For example, a flame rod, CdS, a flame light detector, or the like is used.
[Characteristic components]
Next, the characteristic components in the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. First, the timer 106 will be described. The timer 106 is connected to the inverter 105 and the combustion state detector 104, and is configured to receive a signal from each. Further, the timer 106 normally outputs a LOW signal (a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has not elapsed) as a timer elapsed signal. Then, the elapsed time from when the input from the inverter 105 changes from the LOW signal (combustion) to the HI signal (non-combustion) is counted. When the first predetermined time elapses, the HI signal (a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed) is output as a timer elapse signal thereafter. The timer 106 is configured to reset the count if the combustion state detection signal directly input from the combustion state detector 104 is an HI signal (combustion). Note that the first predetermined time is a time set to delay the operation of the interlock circuit from when the extinction occurs until the power supply to the fuel supplier is cut off.

Next, the interlock circuit 109 will be described. The interlock circuit 109 maintains the power supply path 125 in a closed state while the interlock operation signal output from the AND circuit 107 is the LOW signal (non-operation). Therefore, power supply from the fuel supply power source 108 to the fuel supply device 101 is maintained. On the other hand, the interlock circuit 109 opens the power supply path 125 when the interlock operation signal becomes the HI signal (operation), and interrupts the power supply from the fuel supply power supply 108 to the fuel supply device 101. Here, in this embodiment, a latch circuit is used as an example of the interlock circuit 109. According to the latch circuit, once the power supply to the fuel supply device 101 is cut off by operating once, the power supply path 125 is not closed unless a special operation is performed such as temporarily shutting off the power supply of the entire combustion apparatus. Thus, when the interlock circuit 109 is activated, the fuel supply is completely stopped. Therefore, safety at the time of disappearance is ensured.
[Outline of operation]
Next, the operation in the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. During normal combustion, the interlock circuit 109 closes the power supply path 125, and power is supplied from the fuel supply power supply 108 to the fuel supply device 101. The fuel supplier 101 supplies fuel to the combustor 103 using the power supply from the fuel supply power source 108. The combustor 103 burns the fuel. If the fuel is in the combustion state in the combustor 103, the combustion state detector 104 outputs an HI signal (combustion) as a combustion state detection signal. This HI signal is inverted by the inverter 105 to become a LOW signal (non-combustion) and input to the timer 106. For this reason, the input of the LOW signal from the inverter 105 indicates combustion. The combustion state detection signal is also directly input to the timer 106. While the HI signal (combustion) is input from the combustion state detector 104, the count of the timer 106 is reset, so that the timer elapsed signal does not become the HI signal. Therefore, in a normal state, a LOW signal is output as the timer elapsed signal. The fuel supply detector 102 outputs an HI signal (fuel supply) as a fuel supply detection signal while fuel is being supplied from the fuel supply device 101 to the combustor 103. As a result, the LOW signal from the timer 106 and the HI signal from the fuel supply detector 102 are input to the AND circuit 107. Then, the AND circuit 107 inputs a LOW signal (non-operation) as an interlock operation signal to the interlock circuit 109. The interlock circuit 109 is configured to maintain the power supply path 125 in a closed state while the interlock operation signal is a LOW signal. Therefore, during normal combustion, power supply from the fuel supply power source 108, fuel supply from the fuel supply unit 101, and fuel combustion in the combustor 103 are continued.
[Characteristic behavior]
Next, an operation that characterizes the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. A feature of the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment is that the power supply to the fuel supply device 101 is cut off when the fuel supply continues even though the combustion is stopped. Moreover, even if noise is generated or the combustion state is unstable, there is little possibility that the power supply is erroneously cut off. In addition, after the combustion of the fuel in the combustor 103 is started, the combustion of the fuel in the combustor 103 is stopped after the fuel supply from the fuel supply device 101 is continued. .

  FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing a combustion state detection signal, a fuel supply detection signal, a timer lapse signal, and power supply to the fuel supply device. FIG. 2A is a timing chart in the combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. When the fuel supply is continued when the first predetermined time has elapsed, (b) shows that the fuel supply is performed before the first predetermined time has elapsed after the turn-off in the combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Is stopped, (c) is a comparison in the combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, when the combustion state detection signal changes from a HI signal to a LOW signal due to noise during combustion, and (d) is a comparison described later. In the combustion apparatus 150 of the example, the combustion state detection signal is changed from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise when the combustion is continued.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, when the extinction occurs in the combustion apparatus 100, the combustion state detector 104 outputs a LOW signal (non-combustion) as a combustion state detection signal. The LOW signal is inverted by the inverter 105 to become a HI signal (non-combustion) and is input to the timer 106. The LOW signal (non-combustion) from the combustion state detector 104 is also directly input to the timer 106. The timer 106 receives the HI signal (non-combustion) from the inverter 105 and starts counting. Here, since the input from the combustion state detector 104 is a LOW signal (non-combustion), the count is not reset. Then, after the timer 106 starts counting, a HI signal (first predetermined time elapses) as a timer elapsed signal after the elapse of a first predetermined time (for example, t seconds, for example, 10 seconds to give a specific example). Signal).

  Here, since the fuel supply from the fuel supply device 101 is continued, the HI signal (fuel supply) is output from the fuel supply detector 102. Therefore, the HI signal is input to the AND circuit 107 from both the timer 106 and the fuel supply detector 102. As a result, the AND circuit 107 outputs an HI signal (operation) as an interlock operation signal. As a result of the interlock operation signal becoming the HI signal, the interlock circuit 109 cuts off the power supply from the fuel supply power supply 108 to the fuel supply device 101. As a result, when the fuel supply continues for a certain period of time after the extinction, the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 is cut off, and safety is ensured.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (b), when the extinction occurs in the combustion apparatus 100, as in the case described above, the HI signal (the first predetermined time has passed) from the timer 106 as the timer elapsed signal after the elapse of t seconds. Signal) is output. On the other hand, since the fuel supply from the fuel supply device 101 is stopped at that time, a LOW signal (fuel non-supply) is output as a fuel supply signal from the fuel supply detector 102 after elapse of t seconds. Become. Therefore, the AND circuit 107 receives the HI signal as the timer elapsed signal and the LOW signal as the fuel supply detection signal after t seconds. Therefore, the AND circuit 107 outputs a LOW signal as an interlock operation signal. As a result, the interlock circuit 109 maintains the power supply path 125 in a closed state. Therefore, power supply from the fuel supply power supply 108, fuel supply from the fuel supply device 101, and combustion of fuel in the combustor 103 are continued. That is, malfunction is prevented in that the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 is not interrupted if the fuel supply is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 2C, in the combustion apparatus 100, the timer 106 resets the count when the combustion state detection signal directly input from the fuel state detector 104 returns to the HI signal (combustion). Therefore, even after the noise is generated, the timer elapsed signal does not become the HI signal (the signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed). Therefore, the interlock circuit 109 does not open the power supply path 125 due to the noise, and power supply from the fuel supply power supply 108, fuel supply from the fuel supply device 101, and fuel combustion in the combustor 103 are continued. . Therefore, according to the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, when the combustion state detection signal changes from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise during the continuation of combustion, it is possible to prevent power supply interruption due to malfunction.
[Comparative example]
As a comparative example for the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, a combustion apparatus 150 is considered. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the combustion apparatus 150 of the comparative example. The difference between the configurations of the combustion apparatus 100 and the combustion apparatus 150 is that the configuration of the timer is different in that the combustion detection signal from the combustion state detector 104 is not directly input (for this reason, the timer code is changed from 106 to 121). )). Other components are the same as those of the combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Therefore, the same name and code | symbol are attached | subjected about the component corresponding to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The operation characterizing the combustion apparatus 150 of this comparative example is that the timer 121 does not reset the count even if the combustion state detection signal output from the combustion state detector 104 becomes an HI signal (combustion).

As shown in FIG. 2D, in the combustion apparatus 150, the timer 121 does not reset the count even when the combustion state detection signal returns to the HI signal. Therefore, the timer elapsed signal becomes an HI signal (a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed) after a predetermined time has elapsed (eg, after t seconds) after the occurrence of noise. Thus, both the timer elapsed signal and the fuel supply detection signal become HI signals, and the AND circuit 107 outputs the HI signal (operation) as an interlock operation signal. Accordingly, the interlock circuit 109 opens the power supply path 125, the power supply from the fuel supply power source 108 is cut off, and the fuel supply from the fuel supply device 101 and the combustion of fuel in the combustor 103 are stopped. That is, in the combustion apparatus 150 of the comparative example, when the combustion state detection signal is changed from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise during combustion, the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 is cut off even though it is not necessary. Resulting in. That is, malfunction due to noise cannot be prevented.
[effect]
As is clear from the above description, according to the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to noise while preventing leakage of fuel at the time of extinction. Therefore, it is possible to realize a stable operation while ensuring safety with a simple circuit configuration.

  The difference between the combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment and the combustion apparatus 150 of the comparative example as described above is applicable even when combustion is unstable and ignition and ignition are repeated. That is, consider a case where after ignition, the light disappears once, and further, ignition is performed immediately and combustion continues. The timing chart in this case is the same as that in FIG. 2C for the combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, whereas it is the same as that in FIG. 2D for the combustion apparatus 150 of the comparative example. As can be seen from FIG. 2, in the combustion apparatus 150 of the comparative example, even if the combustion state is restored when a certain time has elapsed after extinction, the combustion is stopped. On the other hand, according to combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, combustion can be continued if the combustion state has recovered after a certain period of time has passed after extinction. That is, according to the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, even when combustion is unstable, it is possible to realize a stable operation while ensuring safety with a simple circuit configuration.

In the present embodiment, specific signal values and flows are not limited to those described above.
(Modification of Embodiment 1)
[Schematic configuration]
Next, a modification of the combustion apparatus of Embodiment 1 will be described. The combustion apparatus 160 of the present modification is configured to reset the timer count even when the fuel supply detection signal is a LOW signal. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the combustion apparatus 160 of the present modification. Differences in configuration between the combustion apparatus 100 and the combustion apparatus 160 include (1) an inverter 112 that inverts a combustion supply detection signal from the combustion supply detector 102, and (2) an input from the inverter 112 and a combustion state detector 104. OR circuit 113 that outputs a signal based on the input from (3) The timer output of the OR circuit 113 is input instead of the combustion detection signal from the combustion state detector 104. The configuration is different (for this reason, the code of the timer is changed from 106 to 122). Other components are the same as those of the combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Therefore, the same name and code | symbol are attached | subjected about the component corresponding to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, and description is abbreviate | omitted. Note that the inverter 105, the timer 122, the inverter 112, the OR circuit 113, the AND circuit 107, the interlock circuit 109, and the wiring connecting them constitute a malfunction prevention circuit 260.
[Characteristic behavior]
The operation that characterizes the combustion apparatus 160 of this modification is either when the fuel supply detection signal is a LOW signal (no fuel supply) or the output signal from the combustion state detector 104 is an HI signal (combustion). Also, the timer 122 is resetting the count. Specifically, in the above circuit configuration, the timer 122 resets the count when the HI signal is input from the OR circuit 113. However, in the present modification, specific signal values and flows are not limited to those described above.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a combustion state detection signal, a fuel supply detection signal, a timer lapse signal, and power supply to the fuel supplier. FIG. When the fuel supply detection signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise in a state where the fuel supply is stopped, (b) shows a state in which the fuel supply is stopped after the combustion apparatus 150 is turned off. This is a case where the fuel supply detection signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), in the combustion apparatus 160 of the present modification, the timer 122 is reset when the fuel supply detection signal returns to the LOW signal (no fuel supply). Therefore, even if a predetermined time (for example, t seconds) elapses after the noise is generated, the timer elapsed signal remains the LOW signal. Therefore, even if the fuel supply detection signal becomes an HI signal due to noise, the interlock circuit 109 does not open the power supply path 125. As a result, the interlock circuit 109 maintains the closed state of the power supply path 125, and power supply from the fuel supply power source 108 is continued.

Next, as a comparative example of the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, the above-described comparative combustion apparatus 150 is examined. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), in the combustion apparatus 150, even when the combustion state detection signal returns to the LOW signal (no fuel supply), the timer count is not reset. Therefore, after the combustion state detection signal changes from the HI signal (combustion) to the LOW signal (non-combustion), the timer elapsed signal becomes the HI signal (the first predetermined time has passed) after a predetermined time (for example, t seconds) has elapsed. Signal). Therefore, when the fuel supply detection signal becomes a HI signal due to noise at or after that time, the interlock circuit 109 opens the power supply path 125 and power supply to the fuel supplier 102 is stopped. Therefore, in the combustion device 150, when the fuel supply detection signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise in the state where the fuel supply is stopped after the extinction, the power supply is stopped even though it is not necessary. Resulting in. That is, malfunction due to noise cannot be prevented.
[effect]
As is clear from the above description, in the combustion apparatus 160 of the present modification example, the malfunction occurs when the fuel supply detection signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise in a state where the fuel supply is stopped after the extinction. This has an effect different from that of the combustion apparatus 100 in that it can be prevented. Therefore, it is more preferable that the timer count is reset when the fuel supply detection signal is a LOW signal (no fuel supply) in addition to the HI signal as the combustion state detection signal. As a result, it is possible to realize a more stable operation while ensuring safety with a simple circuit configuration.
(Embodiment 2)
[Schematic configuration]
In the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, when the combustion state detection signal is an HI signal (combustion), the timer is not reset, but the operation of the interlock circuit is prohibited. It is different from the combustion device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the combustion apparatus 170 of the present embodiment. The difference between the combustion apparatus 100 and the combustion apparatus 170 is that (1) the configuration of the timer is different in that the combustion detection signal from the combustion state detector 104 is not directly input to the timer (the timer code is 106 to 121). (2) provided with an interlock mask circuit 111 that outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as an interlock mask signal) based on a combustion state detection signal output from the combustion state detector 104, and (3) an interlock mask. The configuration of the interlock circuit is different in that a signal from the circuit 111 is input (therefore, the code of the interlock circuit is replaced by 109 to 123). Other components are the same as those of the combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Therefore, the same name and code | symbol are attached | subjected about the component corresponding to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, and description is abbreviate | omitted. Note that the inverter 105, the timer 121, the interlock mask circuit 111, the AND circuit 107, the interlock circuit 123, and the wiring connecting them constitute a malfunction prevention circuit 270.
[Characteristic behavior]
The operation characterizing the combustion device 170 of the present embodiment is that the interlock mask circuit 111 prohibits the operation of the interlock circuit 123 (the power supply path 125) when the combustion state detection signal is an HI signal (combustion). Is prohibited from opening). Specifically, when the combustion state detection signal input from the combustion state detector 104 is an HI signal (combustion), the interlock mask circuit 111 sends an HI signal (as an interlock mask signal) to the interlock circuit 123. Operation prohibited) is output. The interlock circuit 123 is configured such that, while the interlock mask signal input is the HI signal (operation prohibited), the interlock operation signal input from the AND circuit 107 is the HI signal (operation). The power supply from the fuel supply power supply 108 to the fuel supply device 101 is not cut off. However, in the present embodiment, specific signal values and flows are not limited to those described above.

  Here, in the combustion apparatus 170 of the present embodiment, if the combustion state detection signal is a LOW signal (non-combustion), the operation is not different from that of the combustion apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Therefore, even in the combustion apparatus 170 of the present embodiment, when the fuel supply is continued at the time point when the timer counts after the extinction, the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 can be stopped. (FIG. 2 (a)). As a result, when the fuel supply continues for a certain period of time after the extinction, the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 is cut off, and safety is ensured. In addition, the combustion apparatus 170 according to the present embodiment continues to supply power to the fuel supplier 101 when the fuel supply is stopped before the first predetermined time elapses after it disappears (FIG. 2 (b)). Therefore, if the fuel supply is stopped, the malfunction is prevented in that the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 is not cut off.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a combustion state detection signal, a fuel supply detection signal, a timer elapsed signal, and power supply to the fuel supplier. FIG. 7A shows the combustion in the combustion device 170 of the present embodiment. When the combustion state detection signal is changed from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise at the time of continuation, in (b), in the combustion device 170 of the present embodiment, the timer elapsed signal is changed from the LOW signal to the HI signal at the time of combustion continuation (C) shows the case where the timer elapsed signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise when the combustion is continued in the combustion apparatus 150.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, in the combustion apparatus 170, when the combustion state detection signal is changed from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise when the combustion is continued, the timer 121 returns the combustion state detection signal to the HI signal. Does not reset the count. Therefore, when a first predetermined time (for example, t seconds) has elapsed after the occurrence of the noise, the timer elapsed signal becomes an HI signal (a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed).

  Here, if the fuel supply continues, the fuel supply detection signal also becomes an HI signal (fuel supply). Therefore, when the timer elapsed signal becomes the HI signal (the signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed), the interlock operation signal output from the AND circuit 107 also becomes the HI signal (operation). However, in the combustion apparatus 170 of the present embodiment, when the combustion state detection signal returns to the HI signal, the interlock mask circuit 111 outputs the HI signal (operation prohibited) as the interlock mask signal. This prohibits the interlock circuit 123 from operating (opening the power supply path 125). Therefore, the power supply path 125 is not opened, and power supply from the fuel supply power source 108, fuel supply from the fuel supply device 101, and combustion of fuel in the combustor 103 are continued. Therefore, malfunction due to noise can be prevented. That is, in combustion apparatus 170 of the present embodiment, malfunction due to noise is prevented by prohibiting the operation of interlock circuit 123 instead of resetting the timer.

As shown in FIG. 7B, in the combustion apparatus 170, when the timer elapsed signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise during combustion, both the timer elapsed signal and the fuel supply detection signal become the HI signal. The interlock operation signal output from the AND circuit 107 is also an HI signal (operation). However, in the combustion apparatus 170 of the present embodiment, if the combustion state detection signal is an HI signal (combustion), the interlock mask circuit 111 outputs an HI signal (operation prohibited) as an interlock mask signal. This prohibits the interlock circuit 123 from operating (opening the power supply path 125). Therefore, the interlock circuit 109 does not open the power supply path 125, and power supply from the fuel supply power source 108, fuel supply from the fuel supply device 101, and fuel combustion in the combustor 103 are continued. Therefore, according to the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, when the timer elapsed signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise during combustion, it is possible to prevent the power supply from being cut off due to a malfunction.
[Comparative example]
As a comparative example of the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, the combustion apparatus 150 of the comparative example of the first embodiment will be considered. As shown in FIG. 7C, in the combustion apparatus 150, when the timer elapsed signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise during combustion, when the timer elapsed signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal, The interlock operation signal output from the AND circuit 107 is also an HI signal (operation). Therefore, the interlock circuit 109 opens the power supply path 125, and power supply to the fuel supplier 102 is stopped. Therefore, in the combustion apparatus 150, when the timer elapsed signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise when the combustion is continued, the power supply to the fuel supply device 101 is cut off even though it is not originally necessary. That is, malfunction due to noise cannot be prevented.
[effect]
As is apparent from the above description, according to the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to noise and instability of the combustion state while preventing leakage of fuel at the time of extinction. it can. Therefore, it is possible to realize a stable operation while ensuring safety with a simple circuit configuration.

Combustion device 170 of the present embodiment is different from combustion device 100 of Embodiment 1 in that a malfunction can be prevented when the timer elapsed signal changes from a LOW signal to an HI signal due to noise during combustion. There is an effect.
(Modification of Embodiment 2)
[Schematic configuration]
Next, a modification of the combustion apparatus of the second embodiment will be described. The combustion apparatus 180 of this modification is configured such that the interlock circuit is prohibited from opening the power supply path 125 even when the fuel supply detection signal is a LOW signal (no fuel supply). It is different from 170. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the combustion apparatus 180 of the present modification. Differences in configuration between the combustion device 170 and the combustion device 180 include (1) an inverter 112 that inverts a combustion supply detection signal from the combustion supply detector 102, and (2) an input from the inverter 112 and a combustion state detector 104. OR circuit 114 that outputs a signal based on the input from (3) an interlock in that the signal output from OR circuit 114 is input instead of the combustion detection signal from combustion state detector 104 The configuration of the mask circuit is different (for this reason, the code of the interlock mask circuit is changed from 111 to 124). Other components are the same as those of the combustion apparatus 170 of the present embodiment. Therefore, the corresponding components in FIG. 6 and FIG. Note that the inverter 105, the timer 121, the inverter 112, the OR circuit 114, the interlock mask circuit 124, the AND circuit 107, the interlock circuit 123, and the wiring connecting them constitute a malfunction prevention circuit 280.
[Characteristic behavior]
The operation characterizing the combustion apparatus 180 of this modification is that the fuel supply detection signal is a LOW signal (no fuel supply) or the combustion state detection signal is an HI signal (combustion). The mask circuit 124 prohibits the interlock circuit 123 from opening the power supply path 125. Specifically, in the circuit configuration described above, when the HI signal is input from the OR circuit 114, the interlock mask circuit 124 outputs the HI signal (operation prohibited) as the interlock mask signal. When the interlock mask signal is a HI signal (operation prohibited), the interlock circuit 123 does not operate the interlock and maintains the closed state. However, in the present invention, specific signal values and flows are not limited to those described above.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a combustion state detection signal, a fuel supply detection signal, a timer lapse signal, an interlock operation signal, and power supply to the fuel supplier, and FIG. 9A is a combustion apparatus of this modification. In 180, when the fuel supply is stopped and the interlock operation signal is changed from the LOW signal to the HI signal when the fuel supply is stopped, (b) in FIG. This is when the signal becomes a HI signal.

As shown in FIG. 9A, in the combustion apparatus 180, the interlock mask circuit 124 outputs a HI signal (operation prohibited) as an interlock mask signal while the fuel supply detection signal is a LOW signal. For this reason, even if the interlock operation signal is erroneously changed to the HI signal due to noise, the interlock circuit 123 does not operate. Thereby, the interlock circuit 123 maintains the closed state of the power supply path 125, and the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 is continued.
[Comparative example]
As a comparative example for this modification, a combustion apparatus 150 of a comparative example of the first embodiment will be considered. As shown in FIG. 9B, since the combustion is stopped in the combustion apparatus 150, the interlock mask circuit 111 outputs a LOW signal (operation permission). Therefore, when the interlock operation signal is erroneously changed to the HI signal due to noise at or after that time, the interlock circuit 109 opens the power supply path 125 and the power supply to the fuel supplier 102 is cut off. Therefore, in the combustion apparatus 150, when the interlock operation signal is erroneously changed to the HI signal due to noise, the power supply to the fuel supply device 101 is cut off although it is not necessary.
[effect]
As is apparent from the above description, according to the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to noise and instability of the combustion state while preventing leakage of fuel at the time of extinction. it can. Therefore, it is possible to realize a stable operation while ensuring safety with a simple circuit configuration.

In the combustion apparatus 180 of the present modification, malfunction can be prevented when the interlock operation signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise when the fuel supply is stopped. There exists an effect different from the combustion apparatus 170 of embodiment.
(Embodiment 3)
[Schematic configuration]
When the combustion state detection signal is an HI signal (combustion), the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment performs both the resetting of the timer and the prohibition of the operation of the interlock circuit. Even when the fuel supply detection signal is a LOW signal (no fuel supply), both the timer reset and the interlock circuit operation prohibition are performed. That is, the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment is a combustion apparatus that is extremely stable in operation by combining the combustion apparatus of the modification of the first embodiment and the combustion apparatus of the modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the combustion apparatus 190 of the present embodiment. The difference between the combustion device 160 (FIG. 4) and the combustion device 190 of the modification of the first embodiment is that (1) an OR circuit 114 that outputs a signal based on the input from the inverter 112 and the input from the combustion state detector 104. (2) including an interlock mask circuit 124 that outputs an interlock mask signal based on a signal output from the OR circuit 114; and (3) inputting an interlock mask signal output from the interlock mask circuit 124. In this respect, the configuration of the interlock circuit is different (for this reason, the code of the interlock circuit is replaced by 109 to 123). Other components are the same as those of the combustion device 160 of the modification of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same name and code | symbol are attached | subjected about the component corresponding to FIG. 10 and FIG. 6, and description is abbreviate | omitted. Note that the inverter 105, the timer 122, the OR circuit 113, the inverter 112, the OR circuit 114, the interlock mask circuit 124, the AND circuit 107, the interlock circuit 123, and the wiring connecting them constitute a malfunction prevention circuit 290.
[Characteristic behavior]
The operation that characterizes the combustion apparatus 190 of the present embodiment is that either the fuel supply detection signal is a LOW signal (no fuel supply) or the output signal from the combustion state detector 104 is an HI signal (combustion). Even in this case, the timer 122 resets the count, and the interlock mask circuit 124 prohibits the operation of the interlock circuit 123 (prohibits opening of the power supply path 125). Specifically, in the above circuit configuration, the timer 122 resets the count when the HI signal is input from the OR circuit 113, and the interlock mask circuit 124 receives the HI signal from the OR circuit 114. If it is, an HI signal (operation prohibited) is output as an interlock mask signal. The interlock circuit 123 does not cut off the power supply from the fuel supply power supply 108 to the fuel supply device 101 while the input interlock mask signal is the HI signal (operation prohibited). However, in the present invention, specific signal values and flows are not limited to those described above.

  Here, in the combustion apparatus 190 of the present embodiment, if the combustion state detection signal is a LOW signal (non-combustion), the operation is not different from that of the combustion apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the combustion apparatus 190 according to the present embodiment can stop the power supply to the fuel supply device 101 when the fuel supply is continued at the time when the count of the timer ends after the extinction. (FIG. 2 (a)). As a result, when the fuel supply continues for a certain period of time after the extinction, the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 is cut off, and safety is ensured. In addition, the combustion apparatus 190 according to the present embodiment continues to supply power to the fuel supply device 101 when the fuel supply is stopped before the first predetermined time elapses after it disappears (see FIG. 2 (b)). Therefore, if the fuel supply is stopped, the malfunction is prevented in that the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 is not cut off.

  Furthermore, since the combustion apparatus 190 of the present embodiment resets the timer count based on the combustion detection signal, when the combustion state detection signal changes from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise during the combustion continuation, Even when the ignition is unstable and the ignition and extinction are repeated, the power supply to the fuel supply device 101 can be continued (FIG. 2C). In addition, since the combustion apparatus 190 of the present embodiment resets the timer count based on the fuel supply detection signal, the fuel supply detection signal is changed from the LOW signal due to noise in a state where the fuel supply is stopped after the extinction. Even when the signal becomes the HI signal, the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 can be continued (FIG. 5A).

In addition, since the combustion apparatus 190 of the present embodiment operates the interlock mask circuit based on the combustion state detection signal, even when the combustion state detection signal changes from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise during combustion. (FIG. 7 (a)), even when the timer elapsed signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise during combustion (FIG. 7 (b)), the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 can be continued. Furthermore, since the combustion apparatus 190 according to the present embodiment operates the interlock mask circuit based on the fuel supply detection signal, when the interlock operation signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise when the fuel supply is stopped. In addition, the power supply by the fuel supply power source 108 can be continued (FIG. 9A).
[effect]
As can be seen from the above description, according to the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent malfunctions resulting from various noises and unstable combustion states. Therefore, a very stable operation can be realized with a simple circuit configuration while ensuring safety.

For the above reasons, the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment can be suitably used for a fuel cell system or a combustion apparatus of a hydrogen generator.
(Embodiment 4)
[Schematic configuration and operation]
The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment is a fuel cell system in which the combustion apparatus of the present invention is used as a combustion apparatus for a hydrogen generator. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment.

  That is, the fuel cell system according to the present embodiment includes, in addition to the combustion device according to the third embodiment, a hydrogen generator 115 that generates a hydrogen-rich gas, and a fuel cell 116 that generates power using the hydrogen-rich gas. , A control device 117, a fuel supply drive circuit 118 for driving the fuel supply device 101, a power supply for the control device and the fuel supply device 119 for supplying power to the control device and the power supply for the fuel supply device, a control device and a fuel An AC power supply 120 is provided to supply power to the power supply 119 for the power supply for the supplier. Other components are common to the combustion apparatus of the third embodiment (FIG. 10). 10 and 11 are given the same reference numerals and names, and description thereof is omitted.

  The hydrogen generator 115 is connected to the fuel supply device 101 and the fuel cell 116 so that fuel is supplied from the fuel supply device 101 and hydrogen-rich gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 116. The hydrogen generator 115 generates hydrogen-rich gas by a steam reforming reaction using the fuel supplied from the fuel supplier 101 and the water supplied from a water supplier (not shown) as raw materials. Combustion heat generated by the combustor 103 is used as heat necessary for the steam reforming reaction.

  The fuel cell 116 is connected so as to be able to receive the hydrogen-rich gas supplied from the hydrogen generator 115. The fuel cell 116 is an apparatus that generates electric power and heat by an oxidation-reduction reaction using a hydrogen-rich gas generated by the hydrogen generator 115 and an oxidant (for example, air) supplied from an oxidant supplier (not shown). is there. For example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is used as the fuel cell 116.

  The control device 117 is communicably connected to at least the fuel supply detector 102 and the fuel supply drive circuit 118. The control device 117 receives the fuel supply detection signal from the fuel supply detector 102 and gives a control signal to the fuel supply drive circuit 118 to control the fuel supply device 101. For the control device 117, for example, a microcomputer is used. The control device 117 may be connected to other members, for example, the combustion state detector 104, the hydrogen generation device 115, the fuel cell 116, and the like, and may exchange signals and control operations.

  The fuel supplier drive circuit 118 is connected to the fuel supplier 101 so that the fuel supplier 101 can be driven. For example, if the fuel supply device 101 is a gas main plug, an electromagnetic valve disposed in the gas main plug can be used for the fuel supply drive circuit 118.

  The control device and fuel supply power source 119 is connected to the control device 117 and the fuel supply power source 108 to supply power to the control device 117 and the fuel supply power source 108. For example, an AC / DC converter (such as a switching power supply) that converts AC power into DC power is used as the power supply 119 for the control device and the fuel supply.

  The AC power source 120 is connected to the control device and fuel supply power source 119 to supply power to the control device and fuel supply power source 119. As the AC power source 120, for example, an AC power source of 100V50Hz is used.

  The fuel cell system 300 has the configuration as described above, and generates power using fuel and an oxidant. Further, exhaust gas containing hydrogen discharged from the fuel cell (so-called off gas) is burned in the combustor 103. Note that the raw material to be reformed by the hydrogen generator 115 is not necessarily the same type as the fuel combusted by the combustor 103. In this case, the hydrogen generator 115 includes a raw material supplier that supplies raw materials in addition to the fuel supplier 101.

When off-gas is also burned as fuel in the combustor 103, the fuel supply unit 101 may include a valve or a pipe that switches off-gas and unreacted fuel.
[Characteristic configuration and operation]
The structural feature of the fuel cell system 300 of the present embodiment is that the combustion apparatus of the third embodiment is used as the combustion apparatus for heating the hydrogen generator 115. That is, the detection signal of the fuel supply detector 102 that detects the fuel supply state to the hydrogen generator 115 and the combustion state detector 104 that detects the fuel combustion state in the combustor 103 that heats the hydrogen generator is a malfunction prevention circuit. 290 is input. As described in the third embodiment, the malfunction prevention circuit 290 shuts off the power supply to the fuel supplier 101 by operating the interlock circuit 123 as necessary when it goes out. In addition, the malfunction prevention circuit uses a timer reset and an interlock mask circuit to prevent malfunction even if noise occurs.
[effect]
In the fuel cell system, not only the fuel supplied by the fuel supplier but also off-gas may be burned in the combustor 103. For this reason, the composition of the substance combusted in the combustor 103 becomes inhomogeneous and the combustion state tends to become unstable. Therefore, there are many disappearances. Moreover, since the ignition device is operated frequently, there is a lot of noise.

According to the fuel cell system 300 of the present embodiment, the power supply to the fuel supply device 101 is cut off when the fuel supply continues for a certain time after the extinction. Therefore, operational safety of the fuel cell system 300 is ensured. Further, even when noise frequently occurs, such as when the ignition device is operated frequently, the malfunction prevention circuit 290 is provided, so that malfunctions are reduced. Therefore, stable operation of the fuel cell system 300 can be realized. That is, according to the fuel cell system 300 of the present embodiment, an extremely stable operation can be realized with a simple circuit configuration while ensuring safety.
[Deformation support]
The malfunction prevention circuit 290 of the third embodiment is used for the malfunction prevention circuit in the present embodiment. However, the malfunction prevention circuit includes the malfunction prevention circuit 200 of the first embodiment, the malfunction prevention circuit 260 of the modification of the first embodiment, the malfunction prevention circuit 270 of the second embodiment, and the malfunction of the modification of the second embodiment. Prevention circuit 280 may be used. In any circuit, when a detection signal indicating that the fuel is in the combustion state is input from the combustion state detector, the power supply from the fuel supply power source to the fuel supply unit is not cut off. As long as it is configured, malfunction may be prevented by any configuration and operation.
[Deformation for purging with fuel]
In addition, the hydrogen generator 115 and the fuel cell 116 include a flow path through which gas flows. The flow path is formed by the fuel at the start of the operation of the fuel cell system or at the end of the operation of the fuel cell system. The gas inside may be expelled (this operation is hereinafter referred to as purge). However, when purging the flow path with fuel, the fuel is supplied without burning the fuel. Therefore, if the fuel supply is continued for a certain period of time or longer, the interlock device is activated.

  Therefore, when purging with fuel in the fuel cell system, the interlock circuit is prevented from operating when the fuel supply detection signal is the LOW signal (for example, the malfunction prevention circuit is replaced with the malfunction prevention circuit 260, the malfunction prevention circuit). 280 or malfunction prevention circuit 290). Then, the control device 117 repeats the fuel supply and the supply stop such that the fuel is supplied for a second predetermined time not exceeding the first predetermined time and then the fuel supply is stopped. It is desirable to control the fuel supplier 101.

  As a result, when the flow path is purged with the fuel, the power supply to the fuel supplier can be prevented from being interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to realize a stable operation of the fuel cell system.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The combustion device and the fuel cell system according to the present invention are useful as a combustion device capable of realizing a stable operation while ensuring safety with a simple circuit configuration, and a fuel cell system including the combustion device. is there.

It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the combustion apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a combustion state detection signal, a fuel supply detection signal, a timer elapsed signal, and power supply to the fuel supply device, wherein (a) is a first predetermined after disappearance in the combustion apparatus of the first embodiment. When the fuel supply is continued at the time when the time has elapsed, (b) is a case where, in the combustion apparatus of the first embodiment, the fuel supply is stopped before the first predetermined time elapses after the extinction, (C) is the combustion apparatus of the first embodiment, and when the combustion state detection signal is changed from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise when the combustion is continued, (d) is the combustion apparatus of the comparative example of the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the combustion state detection signal changes from the HI signal to the LOW signal due to noise when the combustion is continued. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the combustion apparatus of the comparative example of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the combustion apparatus of the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a combustion state detection signal, a fuel supply detection signal, a timer elapsed signal, and power supply to the fuel supplier, and (a) shows a state after the extinction in the combustion device 160 of the modified example of the first embodiment. When the fuel supply detection signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise in a state where the fuel supply is stopped, (b) shows the fuel supply after the extinction in the combustion apparatus of the comparative example of the first embodiment. This is a case where the fuel supply detection signal is changed from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise in the state where is stopped. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the combustion apparatus of Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a combustion state detection signal, a fuel supply detection signal, a timer elapsed signal, and power supply to the fuel supply device. FIG. When the combustion state detection signal changes from the HI signal to the LOW signal, (b) shows that, in the combustion apparatus of the second embodiment, when the timer elapses from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise when the combustion continues, (b) c) is a case where, in the combustion apparatus of the comparative example of the first embodiment, the timer elapsed signal is changed from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise during combustion. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the combustion apparatus of the modification of Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a combustion state detection signal, a fuel supply detection signal, a timer elapsed signal, an interlock operation signal, and power supply to the fuel supplier, and (a) is a combustion apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment. In FIG. 2, when the interlock operation signal changes from the LOW signal to the HI signal due to noise when the fuel supply is stopped, (b) is an interlock due to noise when the fuel supply is stopped in the combustion apparatus of the comparative example of the first embodiment. This is a case where the operation signal is changed from the LOW signal to the HI signal. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the combustion apparatus of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the fuel cell system of Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Combustion device 101 Fuel supply device 102 Combustion supply detector 103 Combustion device 104 Combustion state detector 105 Inverter 106 Timer 107 AND circuit 108 Power supply for fuel supply 109 Interlock circuit 110 Interlock device 111 Interlock mask circuit 112 Inverter 113 OR circuit 114 OR circuit 115 Hydrogen generator 116 Fuel cell 117 Controller 118 Fuel supply drive circuit 119 Power supply for controller and fuel supply 120 AC power supply 121 Timer 122 Timer 123 Interlock circuit 124 Interlock mask circuit 125 Power supply path 150 Combustion device 160 Combustion device 170 Combustion device 180 Combustion device 190 Combustion device 200 Malfunction prevention circuit 260 Malfunction prevention circuit 270 Malfunction prevention circuit 2 0 malfunction prevention circuit 290 malfunction prevention circuit 300 fuel cell system

Claims (10)

A fuel supplier for supplying fuel;
A fuel supply detector for detecting whether or not the fuel is supplied by the fuel supply;
A combustor for combusting the fuel supplied from the fuel supplier;
A combustion state detector for detecting combustion and non-combustion of fuel in the combustor;
A timer that outputs a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the detection signal from the combustion state detector has changed from the combustion to the non-combustion;
A fuel supply power source for supplying power to the fuel supplier;
In the case where the effect of signal said first predetermined time has elapsed, a detection signal indicating that the supply of the fuel from the fuel supply detector has been performed are input simultaneously, the fuel to the fuel supplier An interlock device that cuts off the power supply from the power supply for supply and stops the supply of the fuel by the fuel supply device ,
The timer is reset when the detection signal from the combustion state detector changes to the combustion before the first predetermined time elapses after the detection signal changes from the combustion to the non-combustion, and the first predetermined time elapses. A combustion device configured not to output a signal to the effect . 2. The timer according to claim 1, wherein the timer is configured not to output a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed while the combustion detection signal is output from the combustion state detector. Combustion equipment. Furthermore, an interlock mask circuit connected to the combustion state detector and the interlock device,
The interlock mask circuit is configured to prohibit the shut-off operation by the interlock device while a detection signal indicating that the fuel is in a combustion state is input from the combustion state detector. The combustion apparatus according to claim 1. The timer is configured not to output a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed while the combustion detection signal is output from the combustion state detector.
And,
An interlock mask circuit connected to the combustion state detector and the interlock device is provided, and the interlock mask circuit receives a detection signal indicating that fuel is in a combustion state in the combustor from the combustion state detector. The combustion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combustion apparatus is configured to prohibit the shut-off operation by the interlock device while being performed. The timer is configured not to output a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed even while a detection signal indicating that the fuel supply is not being performed is output from the fuel supply detector. The combustion apparatus according to claim 2. The interlock mask circuit is configured to prohibit the shut-off operation by the interlock device even while a detection signal indicating that the fuel is not being supplied is output from the fuel supply detector. The combustion apparatus according to claim 3. The timer is configured not to output a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed even while a detection signal indicating that the fuel supply is not being performed is output from the fuel supply detector. ,
And,
The interlock mask circuit is configured to prohibit the shut-off operation by the interlock device even while a detection signal indicating that the fuel is not being supplied is output from the fuel supply detector. The combustion apparatus according to claim 4. A fuel supplier for supplying fuel;
A fuel supply detector for detecting whether or not the fuel is supplied by the fuel supply;
A combustor for combusting the fuel supplied from the fuel supplier;
A combustion state detector for detecting combustion and non-combustion of fuel in the combustor;
A timer that outputs a signal indicating that the first predetermined time has elapsed after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the detection signal from the combustion state detector has changed from the combustion to the non-combustion;
A fuel supply power source for supplying power to the fuel supplier;
In the case where the effect of signal said first predetermined time has elapsed, a detection signal indicating that the supply of the fuel from the fuel supply detector has been performed are input simultaneously, the fuel to the fuel supplier An interlock device that cuts off the power supply from the power supply for supply and stops the supply of the fuel by the fuel supply device ,
The timer is reset when the detection signal from the combustion state detector changes to the combustion before the first predetermined time elapses after the detection signal changes from the combustion to the non-combustion, and the first predetermined time elapses. A hydrogen generator comprising at least a combustion device configured not to output a signal to the effect ,
A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell that generates power using the fuel generated by the hydrogen generator. Further, while the detection signal indicating that the fuel is not being supplied is output from the fuel supply detector, the interlock device supplies power from the fuel supply power source to the fuel supply. Configured to not block,
Equipped with a control device,
The hydrogen generation device and the fuel cell each include a flow path through which a gas flows.
The controller is
At the start of operation
The flow path is purged with the fuel by controlling the fuel supply to repeat the supply of the fuel over a second predetermined time not exceeding the first predetermined time and the supply stop of the fuel. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, configured as described above. Further, while the detection signal indicating that the fuel is not being supplied is output from the fuel supply detector, the interlock device supplies power from the fuel supply power source to the fuel supply. Configured to not block,
Equipped with a control device,
The hydrogen generation device and the fuel cell each include a flow path through which a gas flows.
The controller is
At the end of operation
The flow path is purged with the fuel by controlling the fuel supply to repeat the supply of the fuel over a second predetermined time not exceeding the first predetermined time and the supply stop of the fuel. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, configured as described above.

Images