JP6869160B2 - Fuel cell control system and fuel cell control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel cell control system and a fuel cell control method.

Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell system capable of detecting deterioration of a cell stack. In the fuel cell system of Patent Document 1, deterioration of the cell stack is determined based on the difference between the voltage at the first portion on one side of the cell stack and the voltage at the second portion on the other side of the cell stack. doing. As a result, deterioration of the cell stack can be determined without being affected by temperature fluctuations and raw material composition fluctuations.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-204125

However, although Patent Document 1 discloses how to acquire deterioration information of the cell stack, it does not disclose how to control the fuel cell system by using the deterioration information.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell control system and a fuel cell control method that provide a new method of using deterioration information.

The characteristic configuration of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention is
With multiple fuel cell systems
A management device that is communicably connected to the plurality of fuel cell systems via a network,
It is a fuel cell control system equipped with
Each fuel cell system
A reformer that steam reforms raw fuel with reformed water to convert it into fuel gas,
A cell stack that generates electricity by reacting fuel gas from the reformer with air,
Auxiliary equipment that assists power generation in the cell stack, including supply of the raw material fuel to the reformer, supply of the reformed water to the reformer, and supply of the air to the cell stack. Have and
At least one fuel cell system among the plurality of fuel cell systems
It has a deterioration acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information including at least one of the deterioration state of the cell stack and the deterioration state of the auxiliary machine.
The management device is
A storage unit that stores a battery member correspondence table in which the production lot numbers of the battery members including the cell stack and the auxiliary machine, which constitute the fuel cell system, and the fuel cell system including each battery member are associated with each other.
The deterioration information of the battery member constituting the fuel cell system is acquired from at least one fuel cell system among the plurality of fuel cell systems via the network, and the deterioration information is obtained from the battery members. A detection deterioration member determined to be deteriorated based on the detection is detected, and a plurality of battery members corresponding to the production lot number of the detection deterioration member are specified as a plurality of deterioration members in the battery member correspondence table, and the plurality of deterioration members are specified. The point is that it has a management control unit that stops the deteriorated fuel cell system group, which is a fuel cell system group including each of the deteriorated members, based on the deterioration information of the detected deterioration member.

According to the above feature configuration, the management device and the fuel cell system are connected via a network. Therefore, the management device can acquire deterioration information of the battery members constituting the fuel cell system from the fuel cell system via the network. Therefore, for example, a serviceman or the like can collect deterioration information of the battery members constituting the fuel cell system without visiting the place where each fuel cell system is installed.
Further, the management control unit can not only detect the detected deterioration member from the battery members constituting the fuel cell system based on the deterioration information acquired from the fuel cell system, but also deteriorate the same as the detected deterioration member. A plurality of battery members having the same production lot number as the detected deterioration member, which are likely to have a state, can be specified as the deterioration member.

Then, just as the use of the detected deterioration member deteriorates the fuel cell system provided with the detected deterioration member, the fuel provided with each of the plurality of deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected deterioration member. The battery system group is also likely to be in a similar deteriorated state due to the use of the deteriorated member. Therefore, the management control unit sets the fuel cell system group provided with each of the plurality of deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member as the deteriorated fuel cell system group, and operates the deteriorated fuel cell system group. It stops all at once based on the deterioration information of the detected deterioration member. As a result, it is possible to prevent a deteriorated fuel cell system group provided with a deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from being operated in a state where, for example, the power generation output is deteriorated, and eventually failing.
The operation of the fuel cell system provided with the detection deterioration member is stopped, for example, by the operation control unit of the fuel cell system. Alternatively, the management control unit may stop the operation of the fuel cell system provided with the detection deterioration member.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The management control unit estimates the deterioration tendency of at least the detected deterioration member of the battery member over time based on the deterioration information of the battery member, and based on the deterioration tendency, the detected deterioration member from the present time. The point is to estimate the usable period and stop the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group before the usable period elapses.

Even after the usable period of at least one of the detected deterioration member of the cell stack and the auxiliary machine has elapsed, if the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group including the deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member is continued, power generation is generated. Not only does the output deteriorate, but it also causes a failure. Therefore, the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group is collectively stopped before the usable period of the detected deterioration member elapses.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The battery member further includes a cooling means for cooling the housing of the fuel cell system and a power conversion device that converts a DC voltage generated by the cell stack into an AC voltage.
The deterioration acquisition means further acquires at least one of the deteriorated state of the cooling means and the deteriorated state of the power conversion device.
The deterioration information further includes at least one of the deterioration state of the cooling means and the deterioration state of the power conversion device.
The management control unit
When the usable period of the detected deterioration member is less than a predetermined period and the detected deterioration member is at least one of the cell stack and the auxiliary machine, the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group is immediately stopped. ,
When the usable period of the detected deteriorated member is less than a predetermined period and the detected deteriorated member is at least one of the cooling means and the power conversion device, the deterioration is achieved by the time the usable period elapses. The point is to gradually stop the operation of the fuel cell system group.

When the detection deterioration member is at least one of the cell stack and the auxiliary machine, they are the members directly related to power generation. If the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group provided with the deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member is continued even after the remaining usable period has elapsed, the power generation output of the deteriorated fuel cell system group deteriorates and Invite a breakdown. Therefore, when the detection deterioration member, which is at least one of the cell stack and the auxiliary machine, is deteriorated and its usable period is less than a predetermined period, the management control unit immediately operates the deteriorated fuel cell system group. To stop.

On the other hand, when the detection deterioration member is a cooling means and a power conversion device other than the cell stack and auxiliary equipment, they are not members that directly affect the deterioration and failure of the power generation output of the fuel cell system. Therefore, if the cooling means and the power conversion device, which are the detection deterioration members, can be used for the remaining usable period, a problem arises in the deterioration fuel cell system group including the deterioration members having the same production lot number as the detection deterioration members. Absent. Therefore, when the detection deterioration member, which is at least one of the cooling means and the power conversion device, is deteriorated and its usable period is less than a predetermined period, the management control unit operates the deteriorated fuel cell system group. Stop gradually. As a result, adverse effects such as failure of the deteriorated fuel cell system group can be suppressed as compared with the case where the deteriorated fuel cell system group is stopped immediately.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The auxiliary machine is provided to a raw material fuel pump that supplies the raw material fuel to the reformer, a reformed water pump that supplies the reformed water to the reformer, and the cell stack of the air. It is at least one of the air blowers that supply the fuel.

Raw fuel pumps, reformed water pumps and air blowers supply materials such as raw fuel, reformed water and air necessary for the cell stack to generate electricity. If the operation of the fuel cell system is continued in a state where the auxiliary equipment for supplying the materials directly related to the power generation is deteriorated, the power generation output of the fuel cell system deteriorates, which may lead to failure. When the detected and deteriorated members are these auxiliary machines, the deteriorated fuel cell system group including the deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected and deteriorated members also deteriorates the power generation output as described above, and eventually fails. there's a possibility that.

Therefore, when the detected deterioration member is these auxiliary machines, the management control unit obtains the deterioration information of the deteriorated fuel cell system group including the deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deterioration member. Stop based on. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deteriorated fuel cell system group from being operated in a state where the power generation output is deteriorated, for example, and eventually failing.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the battery member is further communicably connected via a network.
The control control unit prevents at least one of the at least one deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus from flowing out to the market and being newly manufactured. The point is to transmit the blocking information to the manufacturing apparatus.

The control control unit transmits the blocking information to the manufacturing apparatus to prevent at least one of the deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from flowing out to the market and being newly manufactured. Therefore, it is possible to prevent these deteriorated members from being carried out from the manufacturing apparatus, distributed on the market, and newly manufactured.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
A manufacturing device for manufacturing the battery member and
A storage device for storing the battery members manufactured by the manufacturing device, and
Is also connected communicably via the network,
The control control unit prevents at least one of the at least one deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus from flowing out to the market and being newly manufactured. The point is to transmit the blocking information to the storage device.

The control control unit transmits the blocking information to the storage device to prevent at least one of the deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from being released to the market and being newly manufactured. Therefore, it is possible to prevent these deteriorated members from being carried out from the storage device, distributed to the market, and newly manufactured.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The management control unit
Based on the deterioration information of the battery member constituting at least one fuel cell system among the plurality of fuel cell systems, the deterioration tendency of the battery member over time is estimated.
When the service life period of the battery member is specified based on the deterioration tendency and it is determined that the service life period is shorter than the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system, the deterioration estimation of the battery member is performed. The amount of the raw material and fuel supplied to the reformer and the supply of the reforming water to the reformer are controlled by the auxiliary equipment so as to identify the member and extend the service life of the deterioration estimation member. The point is to adjust at least one of the amount and the amount of the air supplied to the cell stack.

When the management control unit determines that the service life period of the battery member specified based on the deterioration tendency of the battery member is shorter than the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system, the management control unit determines the deterioration estimation member of the battery member. Identify as. Then, the management control unit controls the auxiliary machine so as to extend the service life period of the deterioration estimation member. As a result, it is possible to expect an extension of the service life of the deterioration estimation member.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The management control unit detects the deterioration estimation member as the detection deterioration member when the service life period of the deterioration estimation member is not extended even by the control of the auxiliary machine.

If the service life of the deterioration estimation member cannot be extended by controlling the auxiliary equipment, the fuel cell system will be operated with the power generation output deteriorated, for example, if the deterioration estimation member is continued to be used. May be done. Therefore, the management control unit detects the deterioration estimation member as a detection deterioration member, and operates a deteriorated fuel cell system group including each of a plurality of deterioration members having the same production lot number as the detection deterioration member. Is stopped all at once based on the deterioration information of the detection deterioration member. As a result, it is possible to prevent a deteriorated fuel cell system group provided with a deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from being operated in a state where, for example, the power generation output is deteriorated, and eventually failing.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
When the deterioration information of each of the battery members indicates the deterioration of the battery member with respect to the deterioration threshold set for each of the battery members, the management control unit detects and deteriorates the battery member. The point is that it is detected as a member.

By using the deterioration threshold as a reference, it can be easily determined whether or not the member is a detected deterioration member.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The cell stack is composed of a stack of fuel cell cells including an anode, a cathode, and an anode and an electrolyte sandwiched between the cathodes.
The cell stack includes a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell.
When the battery member is the cell stack, the deterioration acquisition means has the first voltage between the anode and the cathode at both ends of the first fuel cell and the anodes at both ends of the second fuel cell. The point is to acquire the deteriorated state of the cell stack based on the relationship between the second voltage and the cathode.

For example, the deterioration of the cell stack progresses as the voltage difference between the first voltage detected in the first fuel cell and the second voltage detected in the second fuel cell becomes larger. On the contrary, when there is almost no voltage difference, the deterioration of the cell stack has not progressed. By acquiring the deteriorated state of the cell stack in this way, the deterioration and failure of the cell stack can be grasped in advance.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The auxiliary device is provided with a detector that detects the actual driving amount of the auxiliary device.
When the battery member is the auxiliary machine, the deterioration acquisition means instructs the auxiliary device with an instruction drive amount for controlling the drive amount of the auxiliary device, and the indicated drive amount and the detector detect the instruction drive amount. The point is to acquire the deteriorated state of the auxiliary device based on the actual measurement difference from the actual drive amount of the auxiliary device.

The larger the measured difference between the indicated drive amount to the auxiliary machine and the actual drive amount of the auxiliary machine, the more the deterioration of the auxiliary machine progresses. For example, if a predetermined amount of raw fuel, air, or the like cannot be supplied to the cell stack due to deterioration of the auxiliary machine, the cell stack may deteriorate, the power generation output may decrease, and the cell stack may fail. By acquiring the deteriorated state of the auxiliary machine, the deterioration and failure of the cell stack can be grasped in advance.

The characteristic configuration of the fuel cell control method according to the present invention is
A reformer that steam reforms raw fuel with reformed water to change it into fuel gas, a cell stack that generates power by reacting fuel gas from the reformer with air, and the reforming of the raw fuel. A plurality of fuel cell systems having an auxiliary machine that assists power generation in the cell stack, including supply to the vessel, supply of the reformed water to the reformer, and supply of the air to the cell stack. ,
A fuel cell that is communicably connected to the plurality of fuel cell systems via a network and includes a production lot number of each battery member including the cell stack and the auxiliary machine and each battery member constituting the fuel cell system. A management device having a storage unit for storing a battery member correspondence table associated with each battery system and a management control unit for controlling the fuel cell system.
It is a fuel cell control method in a fuel cell control system including.
The deterioration acquisition means included in at least one of the plurality of fuel cell systems acquires deterioration information including at least one of the deterioration state of the cell stack and the deterioration state of the auxiliary machine.
The management control unit
From at least one fuel cell system among the plurality of fuel cell systems, the deterioration information of the battery member constituting the fuel cell system is acquired via the network.
From the battery members, the detected deterioration member determined to be deteriorated based on the deterioration information is detected.
A deteriorated fuel cell system which is a fuel cell system group in which a plurality of battery members corresponding to the production lot numbers of the detected deteriorated members are specified as a plurality of deteriorated members in the battery member correspondence table, and each of the plurality of deteriorated members is provided. The point is that the group is stopped based on the deterioration information of the detection deterioration member.

Similar to the above, the management control unit defines the fuel cell system group including each of the plurality of deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected and deteriorated member as the deteriorated fuel cell system group, and defines the deteriorated fuel cell system group. Operation is stopped all at once based on the deterioration information of the detected deterioration member. As a result, it is possible to prevent a deteriorated fuel cell system group provided with a deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from being operated in a state where, for example, the power generation output is deteriorated, and eventually failing.

It is a block diagram of a fuel cell control system. It is a block diagram of a fuel cell system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure for acquiring the deterioration state of a cell stack. It is a battery component correspondence table in which each fuel cell system is associated with the production lot number of various battery components. It is a graph which shows an example of the deterioration tendency of a cell stack over time. It is a graph which shows an example of the aged deterioration tendency of a raw material fuel pump. It is a graph which shows an example of the deterioration tendency of an air blower over time. It is a graph which shows an example of the deterioration tendency of a ventilation fan over time. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the whole control of the deteriorated fuel cell system group by a management control part. It is a graph which shows an example of the aged deterioration tendency of a cell stack when the deterioration tendency is improved by remote tuning. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the stop processing of the deteriorated fuel cell system group by a management control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the whole control including the process of specifying the deterioration estimation member based on the current deterioration state of a battery member. It is a graph which shows an example of the aged deterioration tendency of the cell stack which showed the deterioration threshold value. It is a graph which shows an example of the deterioration tendency with the aging of the raw material fuel pump which showed the deterioration threshold value. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the whole control which does not perform remote tuning.

[Embodiment]
The fuel cell control system and the fuel cell control method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a fuel cell control system.

(1) Overall configuration of fuel cell control system In the fuel cell control system 100, a management device 10, a manufacturing device 20, and a plurality of fuel cell systems 30 (30a, 30b ...) Are connected via a network 40. It is composed of. The network 40 is a communication network capable of communicating data between devices, and examples thereof include a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the form thereof may be wireless or wired.

In the fuel cell control system 100 according to the present invention, the management device 10 acquires deterioration information of the battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30 from the fuel cell system 30 via the network 40. The battery members are all members such as the power generation unit 300a, the hot water storage tank 300b, and the power conversion device 120, which will be described later, which constitute the fuel cell system 30, and are, for example, the cell stack 50a, the raw fuel pump 41, and the air blower 43, which will be described later. And the reformed water pump 83 and the like.

Further, the management device 10 estimates the deterioration tendency based on the deterioration information of the battery member of at least one fuel cell system 30. Further, when the service life period of the battery member estimated from the deterioration tendency is shorter than the design life period of the fuel cell system 30 or the like, the management device 10 specifies the battery member as the deterioration estimation member and performs remote tuning described later. Do. Then, if the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not improved even after remote tuning, the management device 10 determines whether or not the cell stack 50a is a detected deterioration member based on the current deterioration state of the deterioration estimation member.

When the management device 10 identifies the battery member as a detection deterioration member, the management device 10 specifies the production lot number of the detection deterioration member. Then, the management device 10 identifies at least one deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the production lot number of the detected deteriorated member. Further, the management device 10 specifies a fuel cell system group including at least one deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member as the deteriorated fuel cell system group. Further, the management device 10 stops the deteriorated fuel cell system group based on the deterioration information of the detected deterioration member.
As a result, it is possible to prevent a deteriorated fuel cell system group provided with a deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from being operated in a state where, for example, the power generation output is deteriorated, and eventually failing.
The operation of the fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member is stopped by, for example, an operation control unit (not shown) of the fuel cell system 30. Alternatively, the management device 10 may stop the operation of the fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member.

(2) Configuration of Each Part (2-1) Fuel Cell System The fuel cell system 30 (30a, 30b ...) Provided in a facility such as each home will be described below. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a fuel cell system.
The fuel cell system 30 is composed of a plurality of battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30, and largely includes a power generation unit 300a, a hot water storage tank 300b, and a power conversion device 120.

(2-2) Configuration of Each Part The configuration of each part of the fuel cell system 30 will be described below.
The electric power generation unit 300a basically generates heat by reacting fuel gas obtained by reforming raw fuel (for example, city gas 13A) with oxygen gas to generate heat, and heat of combustion exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 50. Heat exchanger 60 that recovers the heat exchanger 60, a water purifier 70 that recovers and purifies the condensed water from the combustion exhaust gas after heat recovery by the heat exchanger 60, and a modification that recovers the condensed water purified by the water purifier 70. The quality water tank 80, the water supply unit 90 capable of supplying water to the reformed water tank 80 independently of the condensed water, and the ventilation fan 66a (cooling means) for lowering the housing temperature of the fuel cell system 30. And a ventilation unit 66 including a detector 211 for measuring the actual rotation speed of the ventilation fan 66a.

The fuel cell 50 is generated by the reformer 52 that steam reforms the raw fuel supplied through the raw material and fuel flow path 51 to generate fuel gas, and the reformer 52 via the fuel gas flow path 53. It has an anode 55 to which fuel gas is supplied, a cathode 56 to which air (an example of oxygen gas) is supplied via an air flow path 54, and an electrolyte 57 interposed between the anode 55 and the cathode 56. The fuel gas and air supplied are reacted to generate electricity. The anode 55, the cathode 56, and the electrolyte 57 form one fuel cell 50a1, and the plurality of fuel cell cells 50a1 form a cell stack 50a, which will be described later.

The fuel cell 50 includes a combustion unit 58 to which the fuel gas and air discharged after being used for the power generation reaction from the anode 55 and the cathode 56, respectively, are supplied, and the combustion unit 58 remains in the fuel gas. The fuel component is burned to generate combustion exhaust gas.

As will be described later, water is supplied to the reformer 52 from the reformed water tank 80 via the water supply path 82, and the reformer 52 is supplied from the reformed water tank 80. Water is used for steam reforming of raw materials and fuels.

Further, in the raw material / fuel flow path 51, a raw material fuel pump 41 for supplying a predetermined amount of raw material fuel to the reformer 52 and a detector for measuring the actual supply amount of the raw material fuel supplied by the raw material fuel pump 41 are provided. 201 is provided.
Further, a microcomputer meter 46 is provided in the raw material / fuel flow path 51. The microcomputer meter 46 is a meter that measures the amount of fuel supplied to each household, and measures the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel cell 50 and the amount of fuel supplied to other gas appliances and the like. Therefore, although not shown in FIG. 2, the raw material / fuel flow path 51 provided with the microcomputer meter 46 is not only connected to the fuel cell 50 but also to other gas appliances.
Normally, the microcomputer meter 46 detects that there is a fuel leak when the measured value of the fuel flow rate does not fall below the predetermined value over a predetermined gas leak determination period (for example, 30 days). In this case, if the fuel cell 50 is continuously operated for a long period of time and the fuel supply is continued, the microcomputer meter 46 may erroneously detect the leakage even though the fuel has not leaked. Therefore, a fuel supply suspension period is provided in which the power generation in the fuel cell 50 is stopped and the supply of fuel to the fuel cell 50 via the raw material fuel flow path 51 is stopped. When the microcomputer meter 46 detects fuel during this fuel supply suspension period, gas leakage can be accurately detected. The fuel supply suspension period is set, for example, once a month for a period of one day.
Further, the air flow path 54 is provided with an air blower 43 for supplying a predetermined amount of air to the cathode 56, and a detector 203 for measuring the actual supply amount of air supplied by the air blower 43. ..

The combustion exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 50 is supplied to the heat exchanger 60 via the exhaust gas supply path 61, and the combustion exhaust gas after heat recovery is exhausted through the exhaust gas discharge path 62. Then, the heat exchanger 60 is supplied with hot water from the hot water storage tank 300b via a circulation path 63 for circulating hot water between the hot water storage tank 300b for storing hot water and the heat exchanger 60. The heat exchanger 60 is adapted to exchange heat between the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 50 and hot water. The circulation path 63 includes a circulation pump 64 that supplies hot water from the hot water storage tank 300b to the heat exchanger 60, a detector 205 that measures the actual amount of hot water supplied by the circulation pump 64, a heat dissipation fan 65a, and the like. A radiator 65 including a detector 207 for measuring the actual rotation speed of the heat radiating fan 65a and a temperature sensor (not shown) are provided. Further, the hot water storage tank 300b is provided with a hot water outlet 31 for discharging the hot water in the hot water storage tank 300b and a water supply channel 32 for supplying water to the hot water storage tank 300b according to the hot water discharge.

The reforming water tank 80 is for recovering the condensed water generated from the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 50, and in the present embodiment, the condensed water is recovered from the combustion exhaust gas after the heat recovery by the heat exchanger 60. It is designed to do. Further, in the present embodiment, the condensed water supplied to the reforming water tank 80 is purified by the water purifier 70. Specifically, the condensed water recovery path from the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas discharge path 62. The condensed water is collected in the water purifier 70 via the 71, and the condensed water purified by the water purifier 70 is collected in the reformed water tank 80 via the condensed water recovery path 81. The reforming water tank 80 and the reformer 52 are connected by a water supply path 82 and a water supply path 85, and a reforming water pump provided between the water supply path 82 and the water supply path 85. By the operation of 83, the condensed water (and the water supplied from the water supply unit 90) stored in the reforming water tank 80 can be supplied to the reformer 52. The water supply path 85 is provided with a detector 209 that measures the actual supply amount of reformed water supplied by the reformed water pump 83. Further, the reformed water tank 80 is provided with a water level detector 84 so that the water level in the reformed water tank 80 can be detected.

Further, water can be supplied to the reforming water tank 80 from the water supply unit 90 independently of the condensed water. Specifically, the water supply unit 90 supplies tap water, and as a water injection operation, the operation control unit opens the valve 92 in response to the water injection command to supply make-up water from the water supply unit 90. Water is supplied through the road 91. Then, the flow rate meter 93 measures the amount of water injection from the start of the water injection operation, and the water injection is performed until the water injection amount reaches a predetermined target water injection amount. Further, since tap water is likely to have more impurities than condensed water, the water supply unit 90 makes it possible to supply water to the reformed water tank 80 via the water purifier 70 in the water injection operation, and the impurities. The water after the water is removed is supplied to the reforming water tank 80.

Among the battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30 described above, the cell stack 50a of the fuel cell 50 generates electricity in the raw fuel pump 41, the air blower 43, the reformed water pump 83, the circulation pump 64, and the heat dissipation fan 65a. It is an auxiliary machine that assists. In particular, among these auxiliary machines, a raw fuel pump 41 that supplies raw fuel to the fuel cell 50, an air blower 43 that supplies air to the fuel cell 50, and reformed water that supplies reformed water to the fuel cell 50. The pump 83 is an important auxiliary machine that supplies raw fuel, air, and reformed water for the fuel cell 50 to generate power. The important auxiliary machine is not limited to the above-mentioned auxiliary machine as long as it is necessary for the fuel cell 50 to supply the raw material for generating power.
Further, the ventilation fan 66a is a battery member for cooling the housing of the fuel cell system 30, and the power conversion device 120 is a battery member for converting a DC voltage into an AC voltage. In the present embodiment, the ventilation fan 66a and the power conversion device 120 are battery members that are not directly involved in the power generation of the fuel cell 50, and are distinguished from the auxiliary equipment.

Further, the fuel cell system 30 includes a power conversion device 120 in addition to the power generation unit 300a and the hot water storage tank 300b described above. The power conversion device 120 uses the DC voltage of the DC power generated by the fuel cell system 30 as the AC voltage of the commercial power of the commercial power system so that the fuel cell system 30 and the commercial power system can be interconnected. Convert to (system power supply). Further, the power conversion device 120 is provided with a detector 121 that detects the actual conversion efficiency from the DC voltage to the AC voltage.

(2-3) Acquisition of deterioration information As described above, the detectors 201, 203, respectively, are used in the raw fuel pump 41, the air blower 43, the circulation pump 64, the heat dissipation fan 65a, and the reformed water pump 83, which are auxiliary machines. 205, 207, and 209 are provided correspondingly. Then, these auxiliary machines and the above-mentioned detectors 201, 203, 205, 207, and 209 are connected to the deterioration acquisition means 200.
Further, the ventilation fan 66a is provided with a detector 211 correspondingly, and the ventilation fan 66a and the detector 211 are connected to the deterioration acquisition means 200.
Further, the power conversion device 120 is provided with a detector 121 for detecting the actual power conversion efficiency of the power conversion device 120, and the power conversion device 120 and the detector 121 are connected to the deterioration acquisition means 200. ing.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3 described later, the cell stack 50a on which the fuel cell cells 50a1 are stacked is connected to the deterioration acquisition means 200 via the first voltage detecting means 131 and the second voltage detecting means 133 described later. There is.

The deterioration acquisition means 200 connected in this way acquires deterioration information of the battery member including at least one of the deterioration state of the cell stack 50a and the deterioration state of the auxiliary machine as follows. Further, the deterioration acquisition means 200 acquires deterioration information of the battery member at predetermined time intervals such as every few minutes. In the following, the deteriorated state of each battery member is referred to as a deteriorated state, and the deteriorated state of a plurality of battery members is collectively referred to as deterioration information.

The deterioration acquisition means 200 instructs the raw material fuel pump 41 to supply the raw material fuel of a predetermined indicated supply amount (instructed drive amount) to the reformer 52, and the raw material fuel supplied by the raw material fuel pump 41 to the detector 201. The actual supply amount (actual drive amount) of is measured. Then, the deterioration acquisition means 200 acquires the deteriorated state of the raw fuel pump 41 based on the actual measurement difference between the indicated supply amount of the raw fuel by the raw fuel pump 41 and the actual supply amount of the raw fuel detected by the detector 201. To do.

Further, the deterioration acquisition means 200 instructs the air blower 43 to supply the air blower 43 with a predetermined indicated supply amount (instructed drive amount) to the reformer 52, and actually supplies the detector 203 with the air supplied by the air blower 43. The supply amount (actual drive amount) of is measured. Then, the deterioration acquisition means 200 acquires the deteriorated state of the air blower 43 based on the actual measurement difference between the indicated supply amount of air by the air blower 43 and the actual supply amount of air detected by the detector 203.

Further, the deterioration acquisition means 200 instructs the reforming water pump 83 to supply the reforming water of a predetermined indicated supply amount (instructed driving amount) to the reformer 52, and instructs the detector 209 to supply the reforming water pump 83. The actual supply amount (actual drive amount) of the reformed water supplied by is measured. Then, the deterioration acquisition means 200 of the reforming water pump 83 is based on the actual measurement difference between the indicated supply amount of the reforming water by the reforming water pump 83 and the actual supply amount of the reforming water detected by the detector 209. Get the degraded state.

Further, the deterioration acquisition means 200 instructs the circulation pump 64 to circulate the hot water of a predetermined indicated supply amount (instructed drive amount), and the detector 205 is instructed to circulate the hot water actually supplied by the circulation pump 64 (actual). Drive amount) is measured. Then, the deterioration acquisition means 200 acquires the deteriorated state of the circulation pump 64 based on the actual measurement difference between the indicated supply amount of hot water by the circulation pump 64 and the actual supply amount of hot water detected by the detector 205.

Further, the deterioration acquisition means 200 instructs the heat radiating fan 65a to rotate at a predetermined indicated rotation speed (instructed driving amount), and measures the detector 207 the actual rotation speed (actual driving amount) of the heat radiating fan 65a. Let me. Then, the deterioration acquisition means 200 acquires the deteriorated state of the heat radiating fan 65a based on the measured difference between the indicated rotation speed of the heat radiating fan 65a and the actual rotation speed detected by the detector 207.

Further, the deterioration acquisition means 200 instructs the ventilation fan 66a to rotate at a predetermined indicated rotation speed (instructed driving amount), and measures the actual rotation speed (actual driving amount) of the ventilation fan 66a to the detector 211. Let me. Then, the deterioration acquisition means 200 acquires the deteriorated state of the ventilation fan 66a based on the measured difference between the indicated rotation speed of the ventilation fan 66a and the actual rotation speed detected by the detector 211.

Further, the deterioration acquisition means 200 instructs the power conversion device 120 to convert the DC voltage into an AC voltage with a predetermined indicated power conversion efficiency (instructed drive amount), and instructs the detector 121 to actually convert the DC voltage into the AC voltage. Have the power conversion efficiency (actual drive amount) measured. Then, the deterioration acquisition means 200 acquires the deterioration state of the power conversion device 120 based on the actual measurement difference between the predetermined indicated power conversion efficiency of the power conversion device 120 and the actual power conversion efficiency detected by the detector 121.
In the above, the deterioration acquisition means 200 determines that the deterioration of each battery member is progressing as the measured difference becomes larger, and acquires the deterioration state.

Next, acquisition of the deteriorated state of the cell stack 50a will be described. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration for acquiring the deteriorated state of the cell stack. As shown in FIG. 3, one fuel cell 50a1 is composed of an anode 55, a cathode 56, and an electrolyte 57 as a set, and a cell stack 50a is formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cell cells 50a1. ing.
The plurality of cell stacks 50a are divided into a plurality of cell stacks 50a on one side (left side) from the center and a plurality of cell stacks 50a on the other side (right side) from the center. In FIG. 3, the number of fuel cell cells 50a1 constituting the cell stack 50a on one side and the cell stack 50a on the other side is three, respectively. The first voltage detecting means 131 detects the voltage between the central portion (cathode 56) and the left other end (anode 55) of the cell stack 50a on one side. Similarly, the second voltage detecting means 133 detects the voltage between the central portion (anode 55) and the right other end (cathode 56) of the cell stack 50a on the other side.

The deterioration acquiring means 200 acquires the deteriorated state of the cell stack 50a based on the voltage difference between the voltage detected by the first voltage detecting means 131 and the voltage detected by the second voltage detecting means 133. Here, when the deterioration of the cell stack 50a has not progressed, there is almost no voltage difference. On the contrary, the larger the voltage difference is, the more the cell stack is deteriorated.

If the number of cell stacks 50a on one side and the number of cell stacks 50a on the other side are different, the voltage detected by the first and second voltage detecting means 131 and 133 is used as the number of cell stacks on each side. Divide by. Thereby, the voltage in one fuel cell 50a1 can be detected for each of one side and the other side. Then, the deteriorated state of the cell stack 50a can be acquired based on the difference between the voltage of one fuel cell 50a1 on one side and the voltage of one fuel cell 50a1 on the other side.

(2-4) Manufacturing Equipment Next, the manufacturing equipment 20 will be described. The manufacturing apparatus 20 includes a manufacturing control unit 21 and a storage unit 22.
The manufacturing control unit 21 controls the manufacturing of the various battery members described above. Examples of various battery members include a cell stack 50a, auxiliary equipment such as a raw fuel pump 41, an air blower 43, a reforming water pump 83, a circulation pump 64, and a heat dissipation fan 65a, a ventilation fan 66a, and a power conversion device. 120 and so on. The manufacturing control unit 21 drives, for example, a manufacturing line divided for each battery member and controls the manufacturing of each battery member. Then, the manufacturing control unit 21 assigns the same manufacturing lot number to a plurality of battery members that are manufactured on the same manufacturing line, for example, by the same material, the same mold, the same manufacturing method, etc., and can be regarded as substantially the same. Give. It can be said that a plurality of battery members that can be regarded as substantially the same exhibit the same performance and are considered to have the same defects, and are likely to show the same deterioration tendency.

The storage unit 22 stores a production lot number table in which each battery member is associated with the production lot number. Although not shown, the storage unit 22 stores, for example, a plurality of battery members manufactured by the same material, the same mold, the same manufacturing method, etc., which can be regarded as substantially the same, and the same manufacturing lot number in association with each other. doing. For example, when a plurality of battery members are manufactured by changing the composition of the materials, the battery members are associated with the same production lot number different from the above-mentioned production lot number. ..

(2-5) Management Device Next, the management device 10 will be described. The management device 10 includes a management control unit 11 and a storage unit 12.

(2-5-1) Storage unit First, the storage unit 12 will be described below.
The storage unit 12 stores a battery member correspondence table in which the fuel cell system 30 and the production lot numbers of various battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30 are associated with each other. FIG. 4 is a battery member correspondence table in which each fuel cell system is associated with the production lot number of various battery members. As shown in FIG. 4, the production lot numbers of the battery members such as the cell stack 50a, the raw fuel pump 41, and the air blower 43 are associated with each of the fuel cell systems A, B, C ... For example, in the fuel cell system A, the cell stack 50a has a production lot number “S0001”, the raw material fuel pump 41 has a production lot number “F0001”, and the air blower 43 has a production lot number “A0001”. The production lot number "R0001" is associated with 83, and the production lot number "V0001" is associated with the ventilation fan 66a.

Then, from this battery member correspondence table, it is possible to grasp in which fuel cell system 30 the battery members having the same production lot number are used. For example, the production lot number “S0002” of the cell stack 50a of the fuel cell system B and the production lot number “S0002” of the cell stack 50a of the fuel cell system C are the same, and are the same for the fuel cell systems B and C. It can be seen that the cell stack 50a having the production lot number is used.
In addition, the storage unit 12 stores the aged deterioration tendency of various battery members, which will be described later, estimated by the management control unit 11.

(2-5-2) Management Control Unit Next, the management control unit 11 will be described.
The management control unit 11 estimates the deterioration tendency of various battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30 over time for at least one fuel cell system 30. Further, when the management control unit 11 determines that the service life period of the battery member estimated based on the deterioration tendency of the battery member is shorter than the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system 30. The battery member is specified as a deterioration estimation member. Next, when the management control unit 11 specifies the deterioration estimation member, the remote tuning described later is performed. If the service life of the deterioration estimation member is not extended by this remote tuning and the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not improved, the management control unit 11 is a detection deterioration member based on the current deterioration state of the deterioration estimation member. Judge whether or not.
Here, if the operation of the fuel cell system 30 provided with such a detection deterioration member is continued, the power generation output of the fuel cell system 30 may become a predetermined value or less, and the fuel cell system 30 may break down. There is.

Therefore, when the deterioration estimation member is specified as the detection deterioration member, the management control unit 11 specifies the manufacturing lot number of the detection deterioration member. Further, the management control unit 11 specifies a plurality of battery members having the same production lot number as the detected deterioration member as a plurality of deteriorated members, and sets a fuel cell system group including each of the plurality of deteriorated members as a deteriorated fuel cell system group. Identify. Then, the management control unit 11 stops the deteriorated fuel cell system group based on the deteriorated state of the detected deterioration member. As a result, it is possible to prevent a deteriorated fuel cell system group provided with a deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from being operated in a state where, for example, the power generation output is deteriorated, and eventually failing.
First, the estimation of the deterioration tendency of various battery members will be specifically described below. After that, the control of the deteriorated fuel cell system group by the management control unit 11 will be described.

(A) Estimating Deterioration Tendency by Management Control Unit The management control unit 11 acquires the deterioration state of various battery members including the cell stack 50a and auxiliary equipment from the deterioration acquisition means 200 of the fuel cell system 30 via the network 40. .. Further, the management control unit 11 estimates the deterioration tendency of each battery member over time based on the acquired deterioration state.
For example, the management control unit 11 acquires the deterioration state from the deterioration acquisition means 200 every few minutes, and estimates the deterioration tendency over time based on the change in the deterioration state every few minutes. For example, the deterioration tendency over time can be obtained by extending the change in the deterioration state every few minutes to the change in the deterioration state for several years.
In addition, a plurality of tables showing the relationship between the change in the deterioration state every few minutes and the change in the deterioration state for several years are prepared in advance. Then, the change in the deterioration state every few minutes that is most suitable for the change in the deterioration state every few minutes actually acquired is searched from the table, the corresponding change in the deterioration state for several years is extracted, and this is aged. It may be acquired as a deterioration tendency.

Hereinafter, an example of the deterioration tendency over time will be described by taking the cell stack 50a, the raw fuel pump 41, the air blower 43, and the ventilation fan 66a as examples among the battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30.

(A1) Aged deterioration tendency of cell stack FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of aged deterioration tendency of cell stack.
The management control unit 11 acquires the voltage difference between the first voltage detecting means 131 and the second voltage detecting means 133 of FIG. 3 from the deterioration acquiring means 200, for example, every few minutes as the deteriorated state of the cell stack 50a. The management control unit 11 estimates, for example, the aged deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a shown in FIG. 5 from the acquired voltage difference every few minutes. The larger the voltage difference, the more the cell stack 50a deteriorates. Therefore, there is a correlation between the voltage difference and the power generation output, and as the voltage difference increases, the cell stack 50a deteriorates and the power generation output decreases, which in turn may cause the cell stack 50a to fail.

In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis is aged. Further, the vertical axis of FIG. 5 is the power generation output corresponding to the voltage difference, and for example, the ratio (%) of the power generation output to the rated output of 700 W is shown. According to FIG. 5, the power generation output of the cell stack 50a decreases as the years have passed since the start of use of the fuel cell system 30. For example, two years after the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, that is, the start of use of the cell stack 50a, the power generation output becomes 80% of the rated output, and six years after the start of use, the power generation output becomes the rated output. It is 70%.

When the current cell stack 50a is used, the power generation output is out of the permissible range, and a critical value is set as a reference when the fuel cell system 30 fails or the like. In other words, the critical value of the cell stack 50a is a reference value when the use of the cell stack 50a becomes a limit due to deterioration. The period from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, that is, the period from the start of use of the cell stack 50a to the time when the power generation output reaches the critical value is the service life period of the cell stack 50a. In the case of FIG. 5, since the critical value is when the power generation output is 70% of the rated output, the service life of the cell stack 50a is 6 years.

(A2) Aged deterioration tendency of the raw material / fuel pump FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of the aged deterioration tendency of the raw material / fuel pump.
The management control unit 11 determines the deteriorated state of the raw material and fuel pump 41 by measuring the difference between the indicated supply amount of the raw material and the fuel to the raw material and fuel pump 41 and the actual supply amount of the raw material and fuel detected by the detector 201, for example, several minutes. It is acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 every time. The management control unit 11 estimates, for example, the aged deterioration tendency of the raw material fuel pump 41 shown in FIG. 6 from the acquired actual measurement difference every few minutes. The larger the measured difference, the more the deterioration of the raw material / fuel pump 41 progresses. If the indicated supply amount of raw fuel cannot be supplied to the cell stack 50a due to deterioration of the raw fuel pump 41, the cell stack 50a may deteriorate, the power generation output may decrease, and the cell stack 50a may fail.

In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis is aged. The vertical axis of FIG. 6 is the measured difference. According to FIG. 6, as the years have passed since the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, that is, the start of use of the raw material fuel pump 41, the measured difference becomes large and the raw material fuel pump 41 is deteriorated.

When the current raw material fuel pump 41 is used, the deterioration state is out of the permissible range, and a critical value is set as a reference when the fuel cell system 30 fails or the like. In other words, the critical value of the raw material / fuel pump 41 is a reference value when the use of the raw material / fuel pump 41 becomes a limit due to deterioration. Then, the period from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, that is, from the start of use of the raw material fuel pump 41 to the time when the measured difference reaches the critical value is the service life period of the raw material fuel pump 41. In the case of FIG. 6, the service life of the raw material fuel pump 41 is 3 years.

(A3) Aged deterioration tendency of the air blower FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of the aged deterioration tendency of the air blower.
As a deterioration state of the air blower 43, the management control unit 11 acquires the actual measurement difference between the indicated supply amount of air to the air blower 43 and the actual supply amount of air detected by the detector 203, for example, every few minutes. Obtained from means 200. The management control unit 11 estimates, for example, the aged deterioration tendency of the air blower 43 shown in FIG. 7 from the acquired actual measurement difference every few minutes. The larger the measured difference, the more the deterioration of the air blower 43 progresses. If the indicated supply amount of air cannot be supplied to the cell stack 50a due to deterioration of the air blower 43, the cell stack 50a may deteriorate, the power generation output may decrease, and the cell stack 50a may fail.

In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis is aged. The vertical axis of FIG. 7 is the measured difference. According to FIG. 7, as the years have passed since the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, that is, the start of use of the air blower 43, the measured difference has increased and the deterioration of the air blower 43 has progressed.

When the current air blower 43 is used, the deteriorated state is out of the permissible range, and a critical value is set as a reference when the fuel cell system 30 fails or the like. In other words, the critical value of the air blower 43 is a reference value when the use of the air blower 43 becomes a limit due to deterioration. The period from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, that is, the period from the start of use of the air blower 43 to the time when the measured difference reaches the critical value is the service life period of the air blower 43. In the case of FIG. 7, the service life of the air blower 43 is 8 years.

(A4) Aged deterioration tendency of the ventilation fan FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of the aged deterioration tendency of the ventilation fan.
The management control unit 11 acquires, for example, every few minutes from the deterioration acquisition means 200 as the deterioration state of the ventilation fan 66a, the actual measurement difference between the indicated rotation speed to the ventilation fan 66a and the actual rotation speed detected by the detector 211. To do. The management control unit 11 estimates, for example, the aged deterioration tendency of the ventilation fan 66a shown in FIG. 8 from the acquired actual measurement difference every few minutes. The larger the measured difference is, the more the ventilation fan 66a is deteriorated. When the ventilation fan 66a deteriorates, the housing of the fuel cell system 30 cannot be sufficiently cooled.

In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis is aged. The vertical axis of FIG. 8 is the measured difference. According to FIG. 8, as the years have passed since the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, that is, the start of use of the ventilation fan 66a, the measured difference has increased and the deterioration of the ventilation fan 66a has progressed.

When the current ventilation fan 66a is used, the deterioration state is out of the permissible range, and a critical value is set as a reference when the fuel cell system 30 fails or the like. In other words, the critical value of the ventilation fan 66a is a reference value when the use of the ventilation fan 66a becomes a limit due to deterioration. The period from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, that is, the period from the start of use of the ventilation fan 66a to the time when the measured difference reaches the critical value is the service life period of the ventilation fan 66a. In the case of FIG. 8, the service life of the ventilation fan 66a is 7 years.

(B) Control of deteriorated fuel cell system group by management control unit (b-1) Overall control of deteriorated fuel cell system group Next, overall control of deteriorated fuel cell system group by management control unit 11 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of overall control of the deteriorated fuel cell system group by the management control unit.
Step S10: The management control unit 11 pays attention to, for example, one fuel cell system 30. Then, as described above, the management control unit 11 transmits the deterioration information of various battery members including the deterioration state of the cell stack 50a constituting one fuel cell system 30 and the deterioration state of the auxiliary equipment of the fuel cell system 30. Obtained from the deterioration acquisition means 200. Then, the management control unit 11 estimates the deterioration tendency of each of the various battery members over time based on the deterioration state.

Step S11: The management control unit 11 estimates the service life period from the start of use of the battery member to the limit of its use due to deterioration based on the deterioration tendency of the battery member. Then, the management control unit 11 reads out the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system 30 from the storage unit 22. The design life period is the life of the product derived at the time of design in consideration of durability and the like.

Further, the management control unit 11 determines whether or not the service life period of the battery member is shorter than the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system 30. At this time, the management control unit 11 may determine whether or not the service life period of the battery member is shorter than the design life period of the battery member, and the service life period of the battery member is the fuel cell system. It may be determined whether or not it is shorter than the design life period of 30. Alternatively, the management control unit 11 may determine whether or not the service life of the battery member is shorter than the design life of the battery member or the design life of the fuel cell system 30, whichever is shorter. ..

When the management control unit 11 determines that the service life period of the battery member is shorter than the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system 30, the management control unit 11 detects the battery member as a deterioration estimation member. In this case, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S12.

On the other hand, if the management control unit 11 determines that the service life period of the battery member is equal to or longer than the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system 30, the battery member is not specified as a deterioration estimation member. In this case, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S10.

For example, when the cell stack 50a is examined, as shown in FIG. 5, the service life period in which the power generation output of the cell stack 50a is a critical value is 6 years. Here, for example, it is assumed that the design life period of the fuel cell system 30 is 10 years. In this case, the service life of the cell stack 50a (6 years) is shorter than the design life of the fuel cell system 30 (10 years). Therefore, the management control unit 11 detects the cell stack 50a as a deterioration estimation member, and proceeds to the process in step S12.
On the other hand, for example, when the service life of the cell stack 50a is 12 years, it is longer than the design life of the fuel cell system 30 (10 years). Therefore, the management control unit 11 does not specify the cell stack 50a as a deterioration estimation member, and proceeds to the process in step S10.

Next, for example, when the raw material fuel pump 41 is examined, as shown in FIG. 6, it can be seen from the critical value of the raw material fuel pump 41 that the service life period is 3 years. Here, for example, it is assumed that the design life period of the fuel cell system 30 is 10 years. In this case, the service life period (3 years) of the raw material fuel pump 41 is shorter than the design life period (10 years) of the fuel cell system 30. Therefore, the management control unit 11 detects the raw material / fuel pump 41a as a deterioration estimation member, and proceeds to the process in step S12.

Similarly, it is determined whether or not the other battery members are deterioration estimation members, and the process proceeds to step S10 or step S12.

Step S12: The management control unit 11 performs remote tuning to control the auxiliary equipment so as to extend the service life of the deterioration estimation member. By performing such remote tuning, for example, the power generation output of the fuel cell system 30 becomes larger than a predetermined value, the failure of the fuel cell system 30 is suppressed, and the fuel cell system 30 is normal or normal. It can be expected that it can be operated in a close state.

The remote tuning includes the following.
For example, when the cell stack 50a is detected as a deterioration estimation member, the management control unit 11 controls the raw material fuel pump 41 and determines the actual supply amount of raw material fuel from the raw material fuel pump 41 to the reformer 52. adjust. The actual supply amount of raw fuel from the raw material pump 41 is controlled, for example, by converting the indicated supply amount to the raw material pump 41 to an optimum value. In addition, the management control unit 11 controls, for example, the air blower 43 to adjust the actual supply amount of air to the cell stack 50a, and controls the reforming water pump 83 to modify the reformer 52. Adjust the actual supply of quality water. By such control, the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is improved, and the power generation output of the fuel cell 50 is controlled to be improved.

In addition, when battery members such as the circulation pump 64, the heat dissipation fan 65a, and the ventilation fan 66a are detected as deterioration estimation members, the indicated drive amount for driving each battery member is similarly set to the optimum value. The conversion is controlled, and the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is controlled to be improved.
Since the air blower 43 is provided with a filter, the management control unit 11 controls the rotation of the air blower 43 to reverse the rotation to improve the blockage of the filter, and also supplies water to the filter. It can also be controlled to improve filter blockage by spraying. Then, it is controlled so that the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is improved by this.

When the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is improved by the remote tuning as described above, the management control unit 11 returns the process to step S10. FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the aged deterioration tendency of the cell stack when the deterioration tendency is improved by remote tuning. In FIG. 5 before remote tuning, the service life of the cell stack 50a is 6 years. On the other hand, in FIG. 10 after remote tuning, the service life period at which the power generation output of the cell stack 50a becomes a critical value is 8 years. Therefore, the remote tuning extends the period until the critical value is reached, extends the service life of the cell stack 50a, and improves the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a.
On the other hand, if the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not improved, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S14.

Step S14: When the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not improved, the management control unit 11 determines whether or not the cell stack 50a is a detected deterioration member based on the current deterioration state (measured value) and the deterioration threshold value of the deterioration estimation member. judge.
For example, when the cell stack 50a is a deterioration estimation member, the current deterioration state of the cell stack 50a is examined. For example, in FIG. 5, 80% of the rated output, which is a reference for determining that the cell stack 50a is deteriorated, is set as the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a. The deterioration threshold value is, for example, a standard when the power generation output decreases when the current cell stack 50a is used, but it is within the permissible range and does not reach the point where the fuel cell system 30 fails or the like. Therefore, the deterioration threshold value is a value when deterioration is not advanced beyond the critical value. Here, the voltage difference of the above-mentioned cell stack 50a acquired by the deterioration acquisition means 200 has a correlation with the power generation output generated by the fuel cell system 30. Therefore, the voltage difference of the cell stack 50a corresponding to 80% of the rated output becomes the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a.

Therefore, the management control unit 11 compares the current voltage difference of the cell stack 50a acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 with the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a, and when the current voltage difference is worse than the deterioration threshold value. That is, when the current voltage difference is equal to or less than the deterioration threshold value, the cell stack 50a, which is a deterioration estimation member, is specified as a detection deterioration member.
On the other hand, when the current voltage difference acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 is less than the deterioration threshold value, the management control unit 11 does not consider the cell stack 50a, which is a deterioration estimation member, as a detection deterioration member, and returns to step S10.

Further, for example, when the raw material / fuel pump 41 is a deterioration estimation member, the current deterioration state of the raw material / fuel pump 41 will be examined. For example, a certain value is set as the deterioration threshold value of the raw material fuel pump 41. The deterioration threshold value is, for example, a standard when the power generation output decreases when the current raw material / fuel pump 41 is used, but it is within the permissible range and does not reach the point where the fuel cell system 30 fails or the like. Therefore, the deterioration threshold value is a value when deterioration is not advanced beyond the critical value.
The management control unit 11 compares the current actual measurement difference of the raw material fuel pump 41 acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 with the deterioration threshold value of the raw material fuel pump 41, and when the current actual measurement difference is worse than the deterioration threshold value. That is, when the current measured difference becomes equal to or greater than the deterioration threshold value, the raw material fuel pump 41, which is a deterioration estimation member, is specified as a detection deterioration member.
On the other hand, when the current actual measurement difference acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 is less than the deterioration threshold value, the management control unit 11 does not consider the raw material fuel pump 41, which is a deterioration estimation member, as a detection deterioration member, and returns to step S10.
Step S15: When the detection deterioration member is specified in step S14, the management control unit 11 specifies the production lot number assigned to the detection deterioration member.
For example, the management control unit 11 specifies the production lot number of the detected and deteriorated member of the fuel cell system 30 of interest from the battery member correspondence table shown in FIG. For example, when the fuel cell system A is focused on and the cell stack 50a is detected as a detection deterioration member, the management control unit 11 specifies "S0001" as the production lot number.

In addition, for example, the management control unit 11 may instruct the deterioration acquisition means 200 of the fuel cell system 30 of interest to transmit the production lot number of the detected deterioration member. Upon receiving the instruction, the deterioration acquisition means 200 acquires the production lot number from the detection deterioration member and transmits it to the management control unit 11. In this case, for example, the fuel cell system 30 has a storage unit for storing the production lot number of the battery member, and the deterioration acquisition means 200 reads the production lot number of the detected deterioration member from the storage unit and causes the management control unit 11 to read the production lot number. Send.

Step S16: The management control unit 11 identifies a plurality of battery members having the same production lot number as the detected deterioration member, and specifies the plurality of battery members as a plurality of deteriorated members. Further, the management control unit 11 specifies a fuel cell system group including each of the plurality of deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected and deteriorated member as the deteriorated fuel cell system group. Then, the management control unit 11 performs an operation stop process for the deteriorated fuel cell system group.
The details of the stop processing of the deteriorated fuel cell system group by the management control unit 11 will be described later. The operation of the fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member is stopped by, for example, an operation control unit (not shown) of the fuel cell system 30. Alternatively, the management control unit 11 may stop the operation of the fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member.

Step S17: The management control unit 11 controls so as to prevent the deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from flowing out to the market. Specifically, for example, the management control unit 11 transmits prevention information for preventing a plurality of deterioration members having the same production lot number as the detection deterioration member from flowing out to the market to the manufacturing apparatus 20. The blocking information includes, for example, a production lot number of the detected deteriorated member and a command to prevent the deteriorated member to which the production lot number is assigned from being carried out. Upon receiving the blocking information, the manufacturing control unit 21 of the manufacturing apparatus 20 stops the delivery of the deteriorated member having the corresponding manufacturing lot number among the battery members stored after manufacturing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deteriorated member from being carried out from the manufacturing apparatus 20 and distributed on the market.
In addition, the management control unit 11 transmits prevention information to the manufacturing apparatus 20 so as to prevent a deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deterioration member from being newly manufactured. The blocking information includes, for example, a production lot number of the detected deteriorated member and a command to prevent new production of the deteriorated member to which the production lot number is assigned. Upon receiving the blocking information, the manufacturing control unit 21 of the manufacturing apparatus 20 stops new manufacturing of the deteriorated member having the corresponding manufacturing lot number.

In the above processing, the processing of steps S10 to S15 is performed focusing on one fuel cell system 30, but sequentially or in parallel with respect to a plurality of fuel cell systems 30 other than the fuel cell system 30. May be done.

(B-2) Stopping Process of Deteriorated Fuel Cell System Group Next, the stopping process of the deteriorated fuel cell system group in step S16 will be described. The deteriorated fuel cell system group is a fuel cell system group provided with each of a plurality of deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of stop processing of the deteriorated fuel cell system group by the management control unit.
Step S16a: The management control unit 11 compares the production lot number assigned to the detection deterioration member with the battery member correspondence table of FIG. As a result, the management control unit 11 identifies the fuel cell system 30 in which the deterioration member assigned the same production lot number as the detection deterioration member is used.

For example, in the fuel cell system A of interest, it is assumed that the raw material fuel pump 41 is detected as a detection deterioration member. In this case, referring to the battery member correspondence table of FIG. 4, the raw fuel pump 41, which is a detection deterioration member of the fuel cell system A, has a production lot number “F0001”. The raw material fuel pump 41 to which the same production lot number “F0001” is assigned is also used in the fuel cell systems C and D. Therefore, the management control unit 11 identifies the fuel cell systems C and D in which the raw fuel pump 41 to which the same production lot number “F0001” as the detection and deterioration member is assigned is used as the deteriorated fuel cell system group.

In addition, for example, in the fuel cell system B of interest, it is assumed that the ventilation fan 66a is detected as a detection deterioration member. In this case, referring to the battery member correspondence table of FIG. 4, the ventilation fan 66a, which is a detection deterioration member of the fuel cell system B, has a production lot number “V0002”. The ventilation fan 66a to which the same production lot number “V0002” is assigned is also used in the fuel cell systems C and D. Therefore, the management control unit 11 specifies the fuel cell systems C and D in which the ventilation fan 66a assigned the same production lot number “V0002” is used as the deteriorated fuel cell system group.

Step S16b: The management control unit 11 determines whether or not the detection deterioration member has a usable period of X years or more from the present time based on the deterioration tendency of the detection deterioration member over time. The X year is not particularly limited, but is set to, for example, 3 years according to the regular maintenance performed every few years. When the usable period is X years or more, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S16h. On the other hand, if the usable period is less than X years, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S16c.

For example, it is assumed that the detection deterioration member is the raw material fuel pump 41, and 2 years, 9 months, and 10 days have passed since the start of use of the fuel cell system 30 at the present time. The management control unit 11 refers to the deterioration tendency of the raw material fuel pump 41 in FIG. 6, and acquires 3 years as the service life period of the raw material fuel pump 41. Then, the management control unit 11 determines that it is less than X years (3 years) because the period from the present time until the expiration of the service life period (3 years) is less than 1 month. In this case, the management control unit 11 proceeds to the process in step S16c.

Step S16c: The management control unit 11 determines whether or not the detection deterioration member has a usable period of Y years or more from the present time based on the deterioration tendency of the detection deterioration member over time. The year Y is not particularly limited, but is a period shorter than the year X, for example, 1/12 year (1 month) according to the fuel supply suspension period set once a month (1 day). ) Is set. When the usable period is Y years or more, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S16g. On the other hand, if the usable period is less than Y years, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S16d.

For example, it is assumed that the detection deterioration member is the raw material fuel pump 41, and 2 years, 9 months, and 10 days have passed since the start of use of the fuel cell system 30 at present. Similar to the above, the service life of the raw material fuel pump 41 is 3 years. Then, since the period until the expiration of the service life period (3 years) is less than 1 month (Y years), the management control unit 11 proceeds to the process in step S16d.

Step S16d: The management control unit 11 determines whether or not the detection deterioration member is the cell stack 50a or the important auxiliary machine. The important auxiliary machine is an auxiliary machine that supplies raw fuel, air, and reformed water for the fuel cell 50 to generate electricity. For example, the raw material fuel pump 41, the air blower 43, and the reformed water pump 83 are used. Can be mentioned. Examples of the battery member other than the important auxiliary equipment include a circulation pump 64, a heat dissipation fan 65a, a ventilation fan 66a, a power conversion device 120, and the like.
When the detection deterioration member is the cell stack 50a or an important auxiliary machine, the management control unit 11 proceeds to the process in step S16e. On the other hand, when the detection deterioration member is a battery member other than the cell stack 50a or the important auxiliary machine, the management control unit 11 proceeds to the process in step S16f.

Step S16e: When the detection deterioration member is a cell stack 50a or an important auxiliary machine, the management control unit 11 immediately stops the deterioration fuel cell system group. The deteriorated fuel cell system group is provided with a deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member. The deterioration fuel cell system group is stopped, for example, by stopping the supply of raw materials necessary for power generation such as raw fuel, reformed water, and air to the deteriorated fuel cell system group.

The cell stack 50a and the important auxiliary equipment are members directly related to power generation, and if the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group is continued even after the usable period has passed, not only the power generation output is deteriorated but also the deteriorated fuel cell system group is deteriorated. Invite the failure of. Therefore, when at least one of the cell stack 50a and the important auxiliary machine is detected as a detection deterioration member and the usable period is less than a predetermined period (Y year), the deterioration of the same production lot number as the detection deterioration member is deteriorated. Immediately stop the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group including the members. As a result, the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group is collectively stopped before the usable period of the detected deterioration member elapses, and the deteriorated fuel cell system group is operated in a state where the power generation output is deteriorated, for example, and eventually fails. Can be prevented.

Step S16f: When the detection deterioration member is a battery member other than the cell stack 50a or the important auxiliary machine, the management control unit 11 gradually stops the deterioration fuel cell system group from the present time to the usable period. For example, the deteriorated fuel cell system group is gradually stopped by gradually reducing the supply of raw fuel, reformed water, air, etc. to the deteriorated fuel cell system group.

Even if the cell stack 50a, the ventilation fan 66a other than the important auxiliary equipment, and the power conversion device 120 continue to operate the deteriorated fuel cell system group even after the usable period has elapsed, the power generation output deteriorates and the deteriorated fuel cell system group It is not a member that directly affects the failure of. Therefore, if the ventilation fan 66a and the power conversion device 120, which are the detection and deterioration members, can be used until the usable period, there is no problem in the deteriorated fuel cell system group. Therefore, if the detection deterioration member, which is at least one of the ventilation fan 66a and the power conversion device 120, is deteriorated and the usable period is less than a predetermined period (Y year), the same production as the detection deterioration member is manufactured. The operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group including the deteriorated member of the lot number is gradually stopped. As a result, adverse effects such as failure of the deteriorated fuel cell system group can be suppressed as compared with the case where the deteriorated fuel cell system group is stopped immediately.

Step S16g: Since the usable period of the detection deterioration member is less than X years (3 years) and more than Y years (1 month) in the management control unit 11, for example, once a month (1 day). ), The deteriorated fuel cell system group is stopped according to the fuel supply stop period. During the fuel supply suspension period, the power generation in the fuel cell 50 is stopped and the fuel cell 50 is connected to the fuel cell 50 via the raw fuel flow path 51 in order to prevent the microcomputer meter 46 from falsely detecting that the raw fuel is leaking. It is a period to stop the supply of fuel.

Step S16h: Since the usable period of the detection and deterioration member is X years (3 years) or more, the management control unit 11 sets the deteriorated fuel cell system group in accordance with the periodic maintenance once every several years such as 3 years. Stop it.

The fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member is stopped by, for example, an operation control unit (not shown) of the fuel cell system 30. Alternatively, the management control unit 11 may stop the operation of the fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member. The stopping method is the same as in steps S16b to S16h described above.

According to the present embodiment, the management device 10 and the fuel cell system 30 are connected via the network 40. Therefore, the management device 10 can acquire deterioration information of the battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30 from the fuel cell system 30 via the network 40. Therefore, for example, a serviceman or the like can collect deterioration information of the battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30 without visiting the place where each fuel cell system 30 is installed.

Further, the management control unit 11 can not only detect the detection deterioration member from the battery members constituting the fuel cell system 30 based on the deterioration information acquired from the fuel cell system 30, but also the detection deterioration member. A plurality of battery members having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member, which are likely to have the same deteriorated state, can be specified as the deteriorated member.

Then, just as the fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member deteriorates due to the use of the detection deterioration member, each of the plurality of deterioration members having the same production lot number as the detection deterioration member is provided. The fuel cell system group is also likely to be in a similar deteriorated state due to the use of the deteriorated member. Therefore, the management control unit 11 sets the fuel cell system group provided with each of the plurality of deteriorated members having the same production lot number as the detected and deteriorated member as the deteriorated fuel cell system group, and operates the deteriorated fuel cell system group. Is stopped all at once based on the deterioration information of the detection deterioration member. As a result, it is possible to prevent a deteriorated fuel cell system group provided with a deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member from being operated in a state where, for example, the power generation output is deteriorated, and eventually failing.

In particular, in the above embodiment, by estimating the deterioration tendency of the battery member over time, it can be detected as a detection deterioration member before the battery member actually deteriorates and becomes difficult to use. Therefore, the management control unit 11 collectively collects the deteriorated fuel cell system group including the deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member according to the deterioration information of the detected deteriorated member, before a failure or the like occurs. Can be stopped.
Similarly, the fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member is also before the failure or the like occurs according to the deterioration information of the detection deterioration member by the operation control unit or the management control unit 11 of the fuel cell system 30. It will be stopped before it happens.
Further, by being able to identify the detected deterioration member in advance, the deteriorated fuel cell depends on the type of the detected deterioration member and the deteriorated state of the detected deterioration member, such as according to the remaining usable period of the detected deterioration member. The system group can be stopped. Similarly, the fuel cell system 30 provided with the detection deterioration member can also be stopped according to the type of the detection deterioration member and the like.

[Another Embodiment]
(1) In the above embodiment, the management control unit 11 determines that the service life period of the battery member estimated based on the deterioration tendency of the battery member is the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system 30. Determine if it is shorter. As a result of the determination, when the service life period is shorter than the design life period, the management control unit 11 identifies the battery member as a deterioration estimation member. Then, the management control unit 11 performs remote tuning on the deterioration estimation member.
However, the management control unit 11 may perform remote tuning based on the current deterioration state of the battery member. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of overall control including a process of specifying a deterioration estimation member based on the current deterioration state of the battery member.

In the process of FIG. 12, instead of the process of step S11 of FIG. 9, the process of step S111 for specifying the deterioration estimation member based on the current deterioration state of the battery member is performed.
Further, in the process of FIG. 12, the process of step S114 is performed instead of the process of step S14 of FIG. In step S114, when the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not improved in step S13, the management control unit 11 specifies the deterioration estimation member specified in step S111 as the detection deterioration member.
The processing other than step S111 and step S114 in FIG. 12 is the same as that in FIG. 9, so the description thereof will be omitted.
Examples of the method for specifying the deterioration estimation member in step S111 of FIG. 12 include the following methods.

(1-1) In FIG. 12, in step S111, the management control unit 11 determines whether or not the battery member is a deterioration estimation member based on the current deterioration state (actual measurement value) of the battery member and the deterioration threshold value.
For example, consider the current deterioration state of the cell stack 50a. For example, in FIG. 5, 80% of the rated output, which is a criterion for determining that the cell stack 50a is deteriorated, is the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a, and the voltage difference corresponding to this deterioration threshold value is the cell stack 50a. It becomes the deterioration threshold value of. The voltage difference is the voltage difference of the above-mentioned cell stack 50a acquired by the deterioration acquisition means 200.
Therefore, the management control unit 11 compares the current voltage difference acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 with the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a, and when the current voltage difference is worse than the deterioration threshold value, that is, the present When the voltage difference between the two is equal to or less than the deterioration threshold value, the cell stack 50a is specified as a deterioration estimation member. In this case, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S12 and performs remote tuning on the deterioration estimation member.
On the other hand, when the current voltage difference acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 is less than the deterioration threshold value, the management control unit 11 does not consider the cell stack 50a as a deterioration estimation member, and returns to step S10.

Further, for example, the current deterioration state of the raw material fuel pump 41 will be examined. For example, a certain value is set as the deterioration threshold value of the raw material fuel pump 41. The management control unit 11 compares the current actual measurement difference of the raw material fuel pump 41 acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 with the deterioration threshold value of the raw material fuel pump 41, and when the current actual measurement difference is worse than the deterioration threshold value. That is, when the current actual measurement difference is equal to or greater than the deterioration threshold value, the raw material / fuel pump 41 is specified as a deterioration estimation member. In this case, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S12 and performs remote tuning on the deterioration estimation member.
On the other hand, when the current actual measurement difference acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 is less than the deterioration threshold value, the management control unit 11 does not consider the raw material fuel pump 41 as a deterioration estimation member, and returns to step S10.

It is also determined whether or not the battery member including other auxiliary devices is a deterioration estimation member based on the current deterioration state, and whether or not remote tuning is performed based on the determination result.

(1-2) Unlike the above, in FIG. 12, in step S111, the management control unit 11 determines whether or not the battery member is a deterioration estimation member based on the deterioration tendency of the battery member and the deterioration threshold value.
For example, consider the cell stack 50a. FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of the aged deterioration tendency of the cell stack in which the deterioration threshold is shown. Since the method of acquiring the deterioration tendency of various battery members is the same as that of the above embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.
In FIG. 13, similarly to the above, 80% of the rated output, which is a reference for determining that the cell stack 50a is deteriorated, is set as the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a.
When the current time is three years from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, referring to FIG. 13, the power generation output, which is an index of the deterioration state of the cell stack 50a, is about 75% of the rated output, which is the deterioration threshold value (80%). Is less than. In this case, the management control unit 11 identifies the cell stack 50a as a deterioration estimation member, proceeds to step S12, and performs remote tuning on the deterioration estimation member.
On the other hand, when the present time is one year from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, referring to FIG. 13, the power generation output, which is an index of the deterioration state of the cell stack 50a, is about 90% of the rated output, which is the deterioration threshold value (80). %) Or more. In this case, the management control unit 11 does not consider the cell stack 50a as a deterioration estimation member, and returns to step S10.

Further, for example, the raw material fuel pump 41 will be examined. FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of the aged deterioration tendency of the raw material / fuel pump whose deterioration threshold is shown.
In FIG. 14, three years from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30 is set as the deterioration threshold value of the raw material fuel pump 41.
If it has been two and a half years since the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, the deterioration state of the raw material fuel pump 41 is equal to or higher than the deterioration threshold value. In this case, the management control unit 11 identifies the cell stack 50a as a deterioration estimation member, proceeds to step S12, and performs remote tuning on the deterioration estimation member.
On the other hand, when the present time is one year from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, the deterioration state of the raw material fuel pump 41 is less than the deterioration threshold value. In this case, the management control unit 11 does not consider the raw material / fuel pump 41 as a deterioration estimation member, and returns to step S10.

It is also determined whether or not the battery member including other auxiliary devices is a deterioration estimation member based on the deterioration tendency and the deterioration threshold value, and whether or not remote tuning is performed based on the determination result.

(2) In the above embodiment, when the management control unit 11 detects the deterioration estimation member in FIG. 9, the management control unit 11 performs remote tuning on the deterioration estimation member (step S12 in FIG. 9). If the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not improved by remote tuning (step S13 in FIG. 9), the management control unit 11 is based on the current deterioration state (measured value) and the deterioration threshold value of the deterioration estimation member. It is determined whether or not the member is a detection deterioration member (step S14 in FIG. 9). When the deterioration estimation member is specified as the detection deterioration member, the management control unit 11 determines the deterioration state of the detection deterioration member in the deteriorated fuel cell system group provided with the deterioration member having the same production lot number as the detection deterioration member. (Steps S15 and S16 in FIG. 9).

However, the process of performing remote tuning so as to improve the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not always necessary. For example, when the management control unit 11 identifies the detection deterioration member, the deterioration fuel cell system group may be stopped based on the deterioration state of the detection deterioration member without performing remote tuning.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of overall control without performing remote tuning.
In the process of FIG. 15, instead of the process of step S11 of FIG. 9, a process of identifying the detected deterioration member is performed in step S112. Further, in FIG. 15, when the detected deterioration member is specified in step S112, the processes of steps S15, S16, and S17 are performed without performing steps S12 and S13 related to remote tuning in FIG. 9 and step S14 related to specifying the detected deterioration member. Will be done. In FIG. 15, since the processes of steps S10, S15, S16, and S17 are the same as those in FIG. 9, the description thereof will be omitted.
Examples of the method for specifying the detected deterioration member include the following methods.

(2-1) In FIG. 15, in step S112, the management control unit 11 determines whether or not the battery member is a detected deterioration member based on the current deterioration state (measured value) of the battery member and the deterioration threshold value.
For example, consider the current deterioration state of the cell stack 50a. For example, in FIG. 5, 80% of the rated output, which is a criterion for determining that the cell stack 50a is deteriorated, is the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a, and the voltage difference corresponding to this deterioration threshold value is the cell stack 50a. It becomes the deterioration threshold value of. The voltage difference is the voltage difference of the above-mentioned cell stack 50a acquired by the deterioration acquisition means 200.
Therefore, the management control unit 11 compares the current voltage difference acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 with the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a, and when the current voltage difference is worse than the deterioration threshold value, that is, the present When the voltage difference between the two is equal to or less than the deterioration threshold value, the cell stack 50a is specified as a detection deterioration member. In this case, the management control unit 11 proceeds to step S15.
On the other hand, when the current voltage difference acquired from the deterioration acquisition means 200 is less than the deterioration threshold value, the management control unit 11 does not consider the cell stack 50a as a detection deterioration member, and returns to step S10.
It is also determined whether or not the battery member including other auxiliary devices is a detected deterioration member based on the current deterioration state.

(2-2) In FIG. 15, in step S112, the management control unit 11 determines whether or not the battery member is a detected deterioration member based on the deterioration tendency of the battery member and the deterioration threshold value.
For example, consider the cell stack 50a. FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of the aged deterioration tendency of the cell stack in which the deterioration threshold is shown. Since the method of acquiring the deterioration tendency of various battery members is the same as that of the above embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 13, similarly to the above, 80% of the rated output, which is a reference for determining that the cell stack 50a is deteriorated, is set as the deterioration threshold value of the cell stack 50a.
When the current time is three years from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, referring to FIG. 13, the power generation output, which is an index of the deterioration state of the cell stack 50a, is about 75% of the rated output, which is the deterioration threshold value (80%). Is less than. In this case, the management control unit 11 identifies the cell stack 50a as a detection deterioration member, and proceeds to the process in step S15.
On the other hand, when the present time is one year from the start of use of the fuel cell system 30, referring to FIG. 13, the power generation output, which is an index of the deterioration state of the cell stack 50a, is about 90% of the rated output, which is the deterioration threshold value (80). %) Or more. In this case, the management control unit 11 does not consider the cell stack 50a as a detection deterioration member, and returns to step S10.
It is also determined whether or not the battery member including other auxiliary devices is a detected deterioration member based on the deterioration tendency and the deterioration threshold value, and whether or not remote tuning is performed based on the determination result.

(3) In the above embodiment, if the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not improved in step S13 of FIG. 9, in step S14, the management control unit 11 determines the current measured value and the deterioration threshold value of the battery member. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the member is a detection deterioration member. However, if the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is not improved in step S14 of FIG. 9, the management control unit 11 detects the deterioration estimation member specified in step S11 as a detection deterioration member, and steps S15. You may proceed with the process.

Further, the process of step S14 for determining whether or not the member is a detection deterioration member may be performed between steps S11 and S12 in FIG. 9. For example, it is assumed that the battery member is specified as a deterioration estimation member in step S11, and the battery member is detected as a detection deterioration member in step S14 performed after step S11. In this case, in step S12, which is performed after step S14, the management control unit 11 performs remote tuning to control the auxiliary equipment so as to extend the service life of the detected deterioration member. Then, when the management control unit 11 determines in step S13 that the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a has not improved, the management control unit 11 specifies the production lot number assigned to the detection deterioration member in step S15.

(4) In the above embodiment, each fuel cell system 30 includes a deterioration acquisition means 200, detectors 201, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211 and the like. Therefore, each fuel cell system 30 can acquire the deteriorated state of various battery members by the deterioration acquiring means 200. However, the deterioration acquisition means 200, the detectors 201, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, etc. do not have to be provided in all the fuel cell systems 30, and at least one fuel among the plurality of fuel cell systems 30 needs to be provided. It suffices if it is provided in the battery system 30. If the detected and deteriorated member can be specified based on the deteriorated state of the battery member acquired by the deterioration acquiring means 200 of one fuel cell system 30, the management control unit 11 has the same production lot number as the detected and deteriorated member. Can shut down a group of degraded fuel cell systems.

(5) In the above embodiment, when the production lot number of the detected deterioration member is specified in FIG. 9 (step S15), the stop processing of the deteriorated fuel cell system group (step S16) and the same production as the detected deterioration member are performed. The outflow of the deteriorated member having the lot number to the market and the prevention of new production are performed (step S17). However, either the stop treatment of the deteriorated fuel cell system group or the treatment of preventing the outflow of the deteriorated member to the market and the prevention of new production may be performed.

(6) In the control of the deteriorated fuel cell system group shown in FIG. 9 of the above embodiment, attention is paid to one fuel cell system 30 (step S10 in FIG. 9), and deterioration is estimated from the battery members of the fuel cell system 30. The member is detected (step S11 in FIG. 9). Then, the deterioration estimation member of the fuel cell system 30 is remotely tuned so as to improve the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a (step S12 in FIG. 9). However, when a deterioration estimation member is specified in one fuel cell system 30, remote tuning is performed for all of the deterioration fuel cell system groups provided with each battery member having the same production lot number as the deterioration estimation member. May be done. Thereby, it can be expected that the deterioration tendency of the cell stack 50a is improved for all of the deteriorated fuel cell system group.

(7) In the above embodiment, the management control unit 11 of the management device 10 acquires the deterioration state of various battery members from the deterioration acquisition means 200 of the fuel cell system 30. Then, the management control unit 11 estimates the deterioration tendency of each of the battery members over time based on the deterioration state of the various battery members. However, the fuel cell system 30 may estimate the deterioration tendency of the battery member. In this case, for example, the deterioration acquisition means 200 of the fuel cell system 30 may estimate the deterioration tendency of the battery member. The method for estimating the deterioration tendency is the same as described above.

(8) In the above embodiment, the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group is stopped according to the usable period from the present time point. However, the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group may be stopped immediately regardless of the usable period from the present time.

(9) In the above embodiment, the management control unit 11 of the management device 10 manufactures prevention information for preventing distribution of the deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deterioration member to the market and new production. It is transmitting to the device 20. However, when the deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member is stored in a storage device different from the manufacturing device 20, the management control unit 11 may transmit the blocking information to the storage device. .. In this case, the management device 10 and the storage device are communicably connected via the network 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deteriorated member from being distributed to the market from the storage device, and it is possible to prevent the new production of the deteriorated member.

(10) In the above embodiment, the auxiliary machines are a raw fuel pump 41, an air blower 43, a reformed water pump 83, a circulation pump 64, and a heat dissipation fan 65a. However, the auxiliary machine is not limited to this as long as it is a device for assisting the cell stack 50a of the fuel cell 50 to generate electric power. For example, solenoid valves for adjusting the supply amounts of raw fuel and air in the supply path are also included in the auxiliary equipment.

The configuration disclosed in the above embodiment (including another embodiment, the same shall apply hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the configuration disclosed in other embodiments as long as there is no contradiction. The embodiments disclosed in the present specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the object of the present invention.

10: Management device 11: Management control unit 12: Storage unit 20: Manufacturing device 21: Manufacturing control unit 22: Storage unit 30: Fuel cell system 40: Network 41: Raw fuel pump 43: Air blower 50: Fuel cell 50a: Cell Stack 50a1: Fuel cell cell 52: Reformer 64: Circulation pump 65a: Heat dissipation fan 66a: Ventilation fan 83: Reform water pump 100: Fuel cell control system 120: Power converter 200: Deterioration acquisition means

Claims (12)

With multiple fuel cell systems
A management device that is communicably connected to the plurality of fuel cell systems via a network,
It is a fuel cell control system equipped with
Each fuel cell system
A reformer that steam reforms raw fuel with reformed water to convert it into fuel gas,
A cell stack that generates electricity by reacting fuel gas from the reformer with air,
Auxiliary equipment that assists power generation in the cell stack, including supply of the raw material fuel to the reformer, supply of the reformed water to the reformer, and supply of the air to the cell stack. Have and
At least one fuel cell system among the plurality of fuel cell systems
It has a deterioration acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information including at least one of the deterioration state of the cell stack and the deterioration state of the auxiliary machine.
The management device is
A storage unit that stores a battery member correspondence table in which the production lot numbers of the battery members including the cell stack and the auxiliary machine, which constitute the fuel cell system, and the fuel cell system including each battery member are associated with each other.
The deterioration information of the battery member constituting the fuel cell system is acquired from at least one fuel cell system among the plurality of fuel cell systems via the network, and the deterioration information is obtained from the battery members. A detection deterioration member determined to be deteriorated based on the detection is detected, and a plurality of battery members corresponding to the production lot number of the detection deterioration member are specified as a plurality of deterioration members in the battery member correspondence table, and the plurality of deterioration members are specified. A fuel cell control system having a management control unit that stops a deteriorated fuel cell system group, which is a fuel cell system group including each of the deteriorated members, based on the deterioration information of the detected deterioration member. The management control unit estimates the deterioration tendency of at least the detected deterioration member of the battery member over time based on the deterioration information of the battery member, and based on the deterioration tendency, the detected deterioration member from the present time. The fuel cell control system according to claim 1, wherein the usable period is estimated and the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group is stopped before the usable period elapses. The battery member further includes a cooling means for cooling the housing of the fuel cell system and a power conversion device that converts a DC voltage generated by the cell stack into an AC voltage.
The deterioration acquisition means further acquires at least one of the deteriorated state of the cooling means and the deteriorated state of the power conversion device.
The deterioration information further includes at least one of the deterioration state of the cooling means and the deterioration state of the power conversion device.
The management control unit
When the usable period of the detected deterioration member is less than a predetermined period and the detected deterioration member is at least one of the cell stack and the auxiliary machine, the operation of the deteriorated fuel cell system group is immediately stopped. ,
When the usable period of the detected deteriorated member is less than a predetermined period and the detected deteriorated member is at least one of the cooling means and the power conversion device, the deterioration is achieved by the time the usable period elapses. The fuel cell control system according to claim 2, wherein the operation of the fuel cell system group is gradually stopped. The auxiliary machine is provided to a raw fuel pump that supplies the raw material fuel to the reformer, a reformed water pump that supplies the reformed water to the reformer, and the cell stack of the air. The fuel cell control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is at least one of the air blowers for supplying the fuel cell. The manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the battery member is further communicably connected via a network.
The control control unit prevents at least one of the at least one deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus from flowing out to the market and being newly manufactured. The fuel cell control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blocking information is transmitted to the manufacturing apparatus. A manufacturing device for manufacturing the battery member and
A storage device for storing the battery members manufactured by the manufacturing device, and
Is also connected communicably via the network,
The control control unit prevents at least one of the at least one deteriorated member having the same production lot number as the detected deteriorated member manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus from flowing out to the market and being newly manufactured. The fuel cell control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blocking information is transmitted to the storage device. The management control unit
Based on the deterioration information of the battery member constituting at least one fuel cell system among the plurality of fuel cell systems, the deterioration tendency of the battery member over time is estimated.
When the service life period of the battery member is specified based on the deterioration tendency and it is determined that the service life period is shorter than the design life period of the battery member or the design life period of the fuel cell system, the deterioration estimation of the battery member is performed. The amount of the raw material and fuel supplied to the reformer and the supply of the reformed water to the reformer are controlled by the auxiliary equipment so as to identify the member and extend the service life of the deterioration estimation member. The fuel cell control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the amount and the amount of the air supplied to the cell stack is adjusted. The fuel cell control system according to claim 7, wherein the management control unit detects the deterioration estimation member as the detection deterioration member when the service life period of the deterioration estimation member is not extended even by the control of the auxiliary machine. .. When the deterioration information of each of the battery members indicates the deterioration of the battery member with respect to the deterioration threshold set for each of the battery members, the management control unit detects and deteriorates the battery member. The fuel cell control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is detected as a member. The cell stack is composed of a stack of fuel cell cells including an anode, a cathode, and an anode and an electrolyte sandwiched between the cathodes.
The cell stack includes a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell.
When the battery member is the cell stack, the deterioration acquisition means has the first voltage between the anode and the cathode at both ends of the first fuel cell and the anodes at both ends of the second fuel cell. The fuel cell control system according to claim 9, wherein the deteriorated state of the cell stack is acquired based on the relationship between the second voltage and the cathode. The auxiliary machine is provided with a detector that detects the actual driving amount of the auxiliary machine.
When the battery member is the auxiliary machine, the deterioration acquisition means instructs the auxiliary machine with an instruction drive amount for controlling the drive amount of the auxiliary machine, and the indicated drive amount and the detector detect the instruction drive amount. The fuel cell control system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the deteriorated state of the auxiliary machine is acquired based on the actual measurement difference from the actual drive amount of the auxiliary machine. A reformer that steam reforms raw fuel with reformed water to change it into fuel gas, a cell stack that generates power by reacting fuel gas from the reformer with air, and the reforming of the raw fuel. A plurality of fuel cell systems having an auxiliary machine that assists power generation in the cell stack, including supply to the vessel, supply of the reformed water to the reformer, and supply of the air to the cell stack. ,
A fuel cell that is communicably connected to the plurality of fuel cell systems via a network and includes a production lot number of each battery member including the cell stack and the auxiliary machine and each battery member constituting the fuel cell system. A management device having a storage unit for storing a battery member correspondence table associated with each battery system and a management control unit for controlling the fuel cell system.
It is a fuel cell control method in a fuel cell control system including.
The deterioration acquisition means included in at least one of the plurality of fuel cell systems acquires deterioration information including at least one of the deterioration state of the cell stack and the deterioration state of the auxiliary machine.
The management control unit
From at least one fuel cell system among the plurality of fuel cell systems, the deterioration information of the battery member constituting the fuel cell system is acquired via the network.
From the battery members, the detected deterioration member determined to be deteriorated based on the deterioration information is detected.
A deteriorated fuel cell system which is a fuel cell system group in which a plurality of battery members corresponding to the production lot numbers of the detected deteriorated members are specified as a plurality of deteriorated members in the battery member correspondence table, and each of the plurality of deteriorated members is provided. A fuel cell control method for stopping a group based on the deterioration information of the detection deterioration member.

Images