JP5305119B2 - Fuel cell power generation monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a fuel cell power generation monitoring system capable of significantly reducing man-hour required for maintenance, of precisely monitoring deterioration conditions and recording the deterioration conditions of the inside of the fuel cell power generation system, and of providing information related to the history of use conditions. <P>SOLUTION: In the fuel cell power generation monitoring system to monitor the fuel cell power generation, this includes a sensor to measure physical quantity of respective parts of the fuel cell power generation system, a data collecting device to be mutually connected to a network, to collect the physical quantity obtained from the sensor, and to convert it into data, and a calculation control device to receive the data via the network, to change parameters of a simulation model so as to follow the data, and to monitor values obtained by simulating action of the fuel cell power generation system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell power generation monitoring system, and in particular, greatly reduces the number of man-hours required for maintenance, accurately monitors the deterioration state inside the fuel cell, records the state of deterioration, and provides information on the usage history. It relates to a possible fuel cell power generation monitoring system.

  In Japan, a demonstration test of a household fuel cell power generation system started in FY2005. In fiscal 2005, 480 fuel cell power generation systems entered the verification test nationwide in order to identify problems and investigate durability of the fuel cell power generation system for actual long-term use. In the future, the number of test systems will be gradually increased by 2010. Sensors are arranged in the fuel cell power generation system to monitor safety and functional aspects such as hydrogen leakage and power generation abnormality.

  Prior art documents related to a conventional fuel cell power generation monitoring system include the following.

JP-A-9-045352 JP 2002-008702 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-223917 JP 2003-248774 A JP 2004-119055 A JP 2005-332360 A

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of such a conventional fuel cell power generation monitoring system. In FIG. 9, 1 is a measuring means for measuring voltage, temperature, pressure and the like, and 2 is an arithmetic control means. Reference numeral 100 denotes a fuel cell power generation system to be measured, and the measuring means 1 and the calculation control means 2 constitute a fuel cell power generation monitoring system 101.

  The fuel cell power generation monitoring system 100 is connected to the measuring means 1, and the measuring means 1 is connected to the calculation control means 2.

  Here, the operation of the conventional example shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a configuration block diagram of the fuel cell power generation system 100.

  In FIG. 10, 3 is a desulfurizer for removing sulfur contained in city gas, 4 is a reformer for taking out reformed gas mainly composed of hydrogen, 5 is a fuel cell body, 6 is air to the fuel cell body 5. An air supply device to be supplied, 7 is an inverter for converting a DC voltage into an AC voltage, 8 is a heat exchanger for extracting heat obtained from the fuel cell main body 6, 9 is a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, and 10 is for supplying hot water. Auxiliary heater.

  Further, the desulfurizer 3, the reformer 4, the fuel cell main body 5, the air supply device 6, the inverter 7 and the heat exchanger 8 constitute a fuel cell unit 50, and the hot water tank 9 and the auxiliary heater 10 constitute a hot water storage unit 51. It is composed. The fuel cell unit 50 and the hot water storage unit 51 constitute a fuel cell power generation system 100.

  A supply pipe for supplying city gas is connected to the gas inlet of the desulfurizer 3, and the gas passing through the desulfurizer 3 is supplied to the gas inlet of the reformer 4. The reformed gas generated by the reformer 4 is supplied to one gas inlet of the fuel cell main body 5. The output terminal of the fuel cell body 5 is connected to the input terminal of the inverter 7, and one output terminal of the inverter 7 is connected to the input terminal of the fuel cell body 5.

  A supply pipe for supplying air is connected to a gas introduction port of the air supply device 6, and air from the air supply device 6 is supplied to the other gas introduction port of the fuel cell main body 5. The other output of the inverter 7 is output as an AC voltage.

  The heat medium outlet of the fuel cell main body 5 is connected to the heat medium inlet of the heat exchanger 8, and the heat medium outlet of the heat exchanger 8 is connected to the heat medium inlet of the fuel cell body 5. Circulating water from the hot water tank 9 is supplied to the circulating water inlet of the heat exchanger 8, and circulating water from the heat exchanger 8 is supplied to the circulating water inlet of the hot water tank 9.

  The water pipe is connected to the inlet of the hot water tank 9, and hot water from the hot water tank 9 is supplied to the inlet of the auxiliary heater 10. Then, hot water is supplied to the outside via the auxiliary heater 10.

  When the city gas enters the desulfurizer 3, sulfur content that is harmful to the reforming catalyst is removed, and further, the reformer 4 takes out the reformed gas mainly composed of hydrogen. Then, the reformed gas is supplied to the fuel electrode (hereinafter simply referred to as the fuel electrode) of the cell mounted on the fuel cell main body 5. On the other hand, air is supplied to an air electrode (hereinafter simply referred to as an air electrode) of a cell mounted on the fuel cell body 5 by the air supply device 6.

  The hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode is decomposed into hydrogen ions and electrons by the catalyst. Electrons are input to the inverter 7 as a direct current, and hydrogen ions move to the air electrode through the solid polymer film. Electrons input to the inverter 7 are returned to the air electrode, and hydrogen ions are combined with oxygen and electrons in the air supplied to the air electrode to become water.

  At this time, heat is generated at the same time, and this heat is sent to the heat exchanger 8. Water is supplied to the hot water tank 9, and this water is heated by circulating through the heat exchanger 8 and the hot water tank 9. Hot water stored in the hot water tank 9 is supplied via the auxiliary heater 10 when necessary. When the auxiliary heater 10 cannot supply the hot water stored in the hot water tank 9, the auxiliary heater 10 heats the water supplied to the hot water tank 9 to produce hot water.

  In the conventional example shown in FIG. 9, physical state quantities such as battery voltage, temperature, operating pressure, and water vapor pressure during operation of the fuel cell power generation monitoring system 100 are taken into the measuring means 1 and these data are arithmetically controlled. It sends to the means 2 and calculates | requires the corrosion progress rate, corrosion amount, and corrosion amount integrated value of an electrode base | substrate using a predetermined program.

  As a result, the physical state quantities such as the battery voltage, temperature, operating pressure, and water vapor pressure during operation of the fuel cell power generation system 100 are taken into the measuring means 1 and these data are sent to the arithmetic control means 2 to execute a predetermined program. By using the electrode substrate to determine the corrosion progress rate, corrosion amount, and integrated value of corrosion amount, it is not necessary to stop the fuel cell and perform visual inspection and palpation. become.

  However, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 9, since the arithmetic expression used in the program is determined, when the member constituting the fuel cell power generation system 100 is changed, the arithmetic expression must be changed in accordance with the member. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a lot of man-hours to maintain the program.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to greatly reduce the man-hours required for maintenance, accurately monitor the deterioration state inside the fuel cell power generation system, record the state of deterioration, and provide information on the history of the use state Is to realize a fuel cell power generation monitoring system capable of

The fuel cell power generation monitoring system of the present invention is a fuel cell power generation monitoring system for monitoring a fuel cell power generation system.
A simulator that simulates the state of the fuel cell power generation system by inputting measured values into a simulation model;
A calculation means for calculating a parameter value of the simulation model, matching a simulation result by the simulator with an actual measurement value;
Monitoring means for monitoring the fuel cell power generation system based on the parameter value calculated by the calculating means;
Equipped with a,
The parameter value is an effective electrode area of the fuel cell .

The parameter value may depend on the capacity of the fuel cell reformer.

The monitoring means may monitor the fuel cell power generation system based on a simulation result obtained by simulating the state of the fuel cell power generation system at a speed higher than real time by the simulator.

The actual measurement value input to the simulation model may be transferred from the fuel cell power generation system to the simulator via a public line.

You may provide the collection means which collects the said actual value transferred to the said simulator from the said fuel cell power generation system via the public line.

The present invention has the following effects.
According to the first, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the physical quantity of the fuel cell power generation system is measured via the sensor, the physical quantity is converted into data by the data collection device, and the calculation control is performed via the network. By changing the parameters of the simulation model so that the device follows this data, it is possible to calculate values that cannot be measured in real time inside the fuel cell power generation system. Since it can be detected, the number of man-hours required for maintenance can be greatly reduced, and the deterioration status inside the fuel cell power generation system can be accurately monitored.

According to the inventions of claims 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, the physical quantity of the fuel cell power generation system is measured via the sensor, and the physical quantity is converted into data by the data collection device and via the network. By storing this data in a database and changing the parameters of the simulation model so that it follows the data by the arithmetic and control unit, a value that cannot be measured in real time inside the fuel cell power generation system can be obtained by calculation. Can detect anomalies before they break down or equipment failure, greatly reducing the number of man-hours required for maintenance, accurately monitoring the deterioration status inside the fuel cell power generation system and recording the deterioration status, Information can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a fuel cell power generation monitoring system according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 9 and 10, 11 denotes a sensor that measures a physical quantity of each part of the fuel cell power generation system 100, 12 denotes a data collection device that collects data from the sensor 11, and 13. Is a database that stores data from the data collection device 12, 14 is an arithmetic control device on which the simulator operates, and 15 is an arithmetic control device on which the prediction simulator operates.

  Reference numeral 52 denotes a network such as the Internet, and the sensor 11, the data collection device 12, the database 13, the calculation control device 14, the calculation control device 15, and the network 52 constitute a fuel cell power generation monitoring system 102. The database 13, the calculation control device 14, and the calculation control device 15 are installed in a monitoring center that performs monitoring.

  The fuel cell power generation system 100 is connected to a sensor 11, and the sensor 11 is connected to a data collection device 12. The data collection device 12 and the database 13 are connected to the network 52, respectively. The database 13 is connected to the arithmetic control device 14, and the arithmetic control device 14 is connected to the arithmetic control device 15.

  Here, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing the fuel cell stack voltage, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the simulation result of the effective area of the fuel cell, FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing the reformer temperature, and FIG. 5 is the reforming in the reformer. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the simulation result of the reaction rate constant of the reaction, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the simulation result of the hydrogen composition ratio of the reformed gas at the outlet of the reformer, FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing the fuel cell stack voltage, and FIG. It is a figure showing the prediction simulation result of a fuel cell effective area.

  The arithmetic control device 14 controls the data collection device 12 to measure a physical quantity such as the fuel cell stack voltage of the fuel cell power generation system 100 via the sensor 11. The measured physical quantity is converted into data by the data collection device 12, stored in the database 13 via the network 52, and transmitted to the arithmetic control device 14.

  The arithmetic and control unit 14 performs a simulation by moving parameters so that the stack voltage of the simulation model follows the received fuel cell stack voltage data. The arithmetic and control unit 14 changes the fuel cell effective electrode area of the simulation model so that the simulation value indicated by “TR01” in FIG. 2 matches the measured value of the fuel cell stack voltage indicated by “CH01” in FIG.

  For example, the fuel cell is excessively humidified for some reason, or the CO (carbon monoxide) concentration in the gas is increased and the catalyst applied to the electrolyte membrane in the cell is poisoned by CO, or the electrolyte membrane When the cell effective electrode area contributing to power generation is reduced due to water adhesion, the fuel cell power generation system 100 operates to take in a large amount of city gas in order to keep the output current constant.

  The flow rate of the city gas flowing into the fuel cell power generation system 100 is measured via the sensor 11 and transmitted to the arithmetic and control unit 14 via the network 52, similarly to the fuel cell stack voltage.

  And the calculation control apparatus 14 will reflect the flow volume of the city gas which flows in into a simulation model, if measurement data is received. As a result, the output current of the simulation model increases, but since the arithmetic and control unit 14 tries to keep the output current of the simulation model constant, the cell effective electrode area is reduced and balanced as shown by “CH02” in FIG. I take the.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the cell effective electrode area of the simulation model deviates from the cell effective electrode area normal range, the arithmetic and control unit 14 detects an abnormality. By detecting this abnormality, the monitoring worker of the monitoring center instructs the maintenance worker to take a measure to remove the water adhering to the electrolyte membrane before the fuel cell power generation system 100 automatically stops, and takes measures before the major damage. It becomes possible to do.

  Next, simulation regarding the reformer of the fuel cell power generation system 100 will be described. The arithmetic and control unit 14 uses the simulation model shown in “CH04” in FIG. 5 so that the simulation value shown in “TR02” in FIG. 4 matches the measured value of the reformer temperature shown in “CH03” in FIG. The reaction rate constant of the reforming reaction is changed.

  Furthermore, the arithmetic and control unit 14 calculates and monitors the hydrogen composition ratio of the reformed gas at the reformer outlet. For example, when the hydrogen composition ratio deviates from the normal range as indicated by “CH05” in FIG. 6, the catalytic activity in the reformer may be reduced, so the monitoring worker at the monitoring center must reduce the reformer. Instruct maintenance workers to perform work.

  In this way, the arithmetic and control unit 14 can calculate a value that cannot be measured in real time and monitor the calculation result, thereby accurately monitoring the internal deterioration state of the fuel cell power generation system 100. Abnormalities can be detected before an accident or equipment failure occurs.

  Further, by storing the data sent from the data collection device 12 via the network 52 in the database 13, it becomes possible to record the state of deterioration inside the fuel cell power generation system 100. Further, by referring to the data stored in the database 13, it is possible to view information on the usage history at any time.

  Next, a prediction simulation related to the fuel cell power generation system 100 will be described. The arithmetic and control unit 14 makes the simulation model fuel cell as shown by “CH07” in FIG. 8 so that the measured value of the stack voltage shown by “CH06” in FIG. 7 matches the simulation value shown by “TR03” in FIG. The cell effective electrode area is changed.

  When the future prediction is started at the time indicated by “PO01” in FIG. 8, the arithmetic control device 14 transmits the simulation parameters at that time to the arithmetic control device 15. The arithmetic and control unit 15 receives the simulation parameters and starts the simulation faster than the real time.

  Then, as indicated by “SI01” in FIG. 8, it is possible to obtain a predicted future value when the operation is continued under the operation condition of the fuel cell power generation system 100 at “PO01” in FIG. It is possible to predict an abnormality using this predicted future value and prevent an accident.

  As a result, a physical quantity such as the fuel cell stack voltage of the fuel cell power generation system 100 is measured via the sensor 11, and the physical quantity is converted into data by the data collection device 12 and this data is transferred to the database 13 via the network 52. By storing and changing the parameters of the simulation model so that the arithmetic and control unit 14 follows this data, a value that cannot be measured in real time inside the fuel cell power generation system 100 can be obtained by calculation. Since abnormalities can be detected before failure occurs, the number of man-hours required for maintenance is greatly reduced, the deterioration status inside the fuel cell power generation system is accurately monitored, the deterioration status is recorded, and information on the usage history is provided. Is possible.

  Although the database 13 is one of the components in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it is not always necessary to do this, and there is no database 13 if the state of deterioration inside the fuel cell power generation system 100 is not recorded. May be.

  Further, although the fuel cell power generation system 100 to be monitored in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a stationary household fuel cell as shown in FIG. 10, it is not necessarily limited to this, and a stationary commercial fuel. Batteries and automobile fuel cells may be monitored.

  Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the normal simulation is performed by the arithmetic and control unit 14 and the prediction simulation is performed by the arithmetic and control unit 15. One arithmetic control device may be used.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the number of fuel cell power generation systems 100 to be monitored is one. However, this is not always necessary, and a plurality of fuel cell power generation systems 100 may be monitored simultaneously. In this case, if the simulation model of the fuel cell power generation system to be monitored is common, only one prediction simulator may be used.

  Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the route from the sensor 11 to the data collection device 12, the route from the data collection device 12 to the network 52, or the route from the network 52 to the database 13 is wired communication or wireless communication. either will do.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the effective electrode area of the cell is changed so that the value of the simulation model follows the fuel cell stack voltage of the fuel cell power generation system 100, but this is not necessarily limited thereto. The simulation may be performed by changing the catalyst activity or the like instead of the above.

  Similarly, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reaction rate constant in the reforming reaction is changed so that the value of the simulation model follows the reformer temperature of the fuel cell power generation system 100. However, the simulation may be performed by changing the heat transfer coefficient of the reactor that determines the composition of hydrogen.

  Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, monitoring is performed via the network 52, but it is not always necessary to do so, and monitoring is performed in the immediate vicinity of the fuel cell power generation system 100 without using the network 52. Also good.

  Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the arithmetic and control unit 14 replaces a deteriorated part, regenerates the part (regenerates the part to a level that can be practically used by the process) based on the data stored in the database 13 and the like. The optimal regenerative treatment may be determined.

1 is a configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of a fuel cell power generation monitoring system according to the present invention. FIG. It is a characteristic view which shows a fuel cell stack voltage. It is a figure showing the simulation result of a fuel cell effective electrode area. It is a characteristic view which shows reformer temperature. It is a figure showing the simulation result of the reaction rate constant of the reforming reaction in a reformer. It is a figure showing the simulation result of the hydrogen composition ratio of gas in a reformer exit. It is a characteristic view which shows a fuel cell stack voltage. It is a figure showing the prediction simulation result of a fuel cell effective area. It is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional fuel cell power generation monitoring system. It is a block diagram of the configuration of the fuel cell power generation system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Measurement means 2 Calculation control means 3 Desulfurizer 4 Reformer 5 Fuel cell main body 6 Air supply apparatus 7 Inverter 8 Heat exchanger 9 Hot water storage tank 10 Auxiliary heater 11 Sensor 12 Data collection apparatus 13 Database 14, 15 Calculation control apparatus 50 Fuel cell unit 51 Hot water storage unit 52 Network 100 Fuel cell power generation system 101, 102 Fuel cell power generation monitoring system

Claims (5)

In a fuel cell power generation monitoring system for monitoring a fuel cell power generation system,
A simulator that simulates the state of the fuel cell power generation system by inputting measured values into a simulation model;
A calculation means for calculating a parameter value of the simulation model, matching a simulation result by the simulator with an actual measurement value;
Monitoring means for monitoring the fuel cell power generation system based on the parameter value calculated by the calculating means;
Equipped with a,
The parameter value is the effective electrode area of the fuel cell,
The calculating means, fuel cell monitoring system that is characterized in that the measured value of the fuel cell stack voltage in the fuel cell power generation system to calculate the effective electrode area to conform to the simulation result by the simulator. The fuel cell monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the parameter value depends on a capacity of a reformer of the fuel cell. 3. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit monitors the fuel cell power generation system based on a simulation result obtained by simulating the state of the fuel cell power generation system at a speed higher than real time by the simulator. Fuel cell monitoring system. The said actual value input into the said simulation model is transferred to the said simulator from the said fuel cell power generation system via a public line, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Fuel cell monitoring system. The fuel cell monitoring system according to claim 4 , further comprising a collecting unit that collects the actual measurement value transferred from the fuel cell power generation system to the simulator via a public line.

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