JP6925224B2 - 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 remote monitoring system for a power generation facility that remotely monitors the operating state of a stationary power generation facility and performs preventive maintenance. The remote monitoring system of Patent Document 1 is provided with a monitoring terminal that collects the operating state from the fuel cell system. The monitoring terminal sets the collection interval of various data of the operating state at the start of the fuel cell system to be shorter than the collection interval of various data at the time of steady operation, and collects various data from the fuel cell system. Here, if the collection interval of various data is shortened, the amount of data to be collected increases, and the data capacity may be insufficient. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, when collecting various data indicating the operating state of the fuel cell system, the collection interval of various data is shortened only at the start of operation, and the collection interval of various data is lengthened during steady operation. There is.

As a result, the remote monitoring system of Patent Document 1 collects a large amount of data on the operating state when the fuel cell system is started, thereby promptly and appropriately detecting abnormalities in the operating state and signs thereof, and maintains normal operation. do. In addition, since the time for shortening the collection interval of various data is set to a short period of time, which is the start time, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data and suppress a shortage of data capacity.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-262468

However, in the remote monitoring system of Patent Document 1, various data indicating the operating state of each fuel cell system are collected from each fuel cell system. Then, based on the operating conditions collected from each fuel cell system, the operation of the fuel cell system is merely maintained normally. That is, the various data collected from one fuel cell system is only used to control the operation of the one fuel cell system that outputs the various data. No technology is disclosed that further utilizes various data collected from the fuel cell system.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new utilization technique of various data collected from a fuel cell system.

The characteristic configuration of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention is
A plurality of fuel cell systems including a first fuel cell system and a second fuel cell system in an environment similar to that of the first fuel cell system.
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
The first fuel cell system is
An abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormal state affecting the operation of the first fuel cell system and an abnormal state of a predetermined level or higher and outputs the abnormal state to the management device via the network.
It has an operation control unit that controls the first fuel cell system, and has an operation control unit.
The management device acquires an abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher from the abnormality detecting unit of the first fuel cell system via the network, and based on the abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher, the second fuel cell system. Control and
The management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system controls the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state.

In the above characteristic configuration, the first and second fuel cell systems are communicably connected to the management device via a network. When the abnormality detection unit of the first fuel cell system detects an abnormal state affecting the operation of the first fuel cell system, it outputs the abnormal state to the management device via the network. In this case, the management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system controls the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state, so that the adverse effect on the operation of the first fuel cell system can be reduced. Further, the management device controls the second fuel cell system based on the abnormal state, so that the adverse effect on the operation of the second fuel cell system can be reduced. That is, based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system, not only the adverse effect on the operation of the first fuel cell system can be reduced, but also the adverse effect on the operation of the second fuel cell system can be reduced. Therefore, a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment are collectively controlled so as to reduce adverse effects on their operation due to the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The first fuel cell system is
A desulfurizer containing a desulfurizing agent that removes sulfur in the fuel gas,
A fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting the fuel gas that has passed through the desulfurizer with air,
It also has a dew point detection unit that detects the dew point of the fuel gas supplied to the desulfurizer.
When the abnormality detection unit determines that the duration at which the dew point of the fuel gas is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormal state and the duration is longer than the predetermined period. If it is determined to be the above, it is detected as an abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher, and it is detected.
The management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system stops the operation of the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state.
The management device is at a point of stopping the operation of the second fuel cell system based on the abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher.

When the dew point of the fuel gas is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold, the fuel cell is supplied with the fuel gas having a large amount of water. As a result, fluttering (wetting) occurs on the electrode surface of the fuel cell, making it difficult for the fuel gas to come into contact with the electrode surface. Therefore, the hydrogen oxidation reaction, the oxygen reduction reaction, and the like in the fuel cell are hindered, the power generation in the fuel cell is hindered, and the fuel cell system fails.

Further, when the fuel gas having a large amount of water passes through the supply pipe connected to the fuel cell, water droplets are accumulated in the supply pipe and the supply pipe is blocked. As a result, the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell is reduced, power generation in the fuel cell is hindered, and the fuel cell system fails.
Further, when a fuel gas having a large amount of water is supplied to the desulfurizer, water accumulates in the desulfurizing agent in the desulfurizer, the sulfur adsorption performance of the desulfurizing agent deteriorates, and the sulfur is already adsorbed by the desulfurizing agent. The sulfur is desulfurized, which in turn causes the fuel cell system to malfunction.

In the above characteristic configuration, when the dew point of the fuel gas is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value and the period in which the dew point is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value continues for a predetermined period or longer, the abnormality detection unit is the first fuel cell system. Detects that it is in an abnormal state. Then, the management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system stops the operation of the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state, and further, the management device stops the operation of the second fuel cell system based on the abnormal state. do. Therefore, the operation of a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment is collectively stopped based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system. Therefore, a plurality of fuel cell systems may fail due to the above-mentioned inhibition of power generation in the fuel cell, deterioration of sulfur adsorption performance in the desulfurizer, desorption of sulfur adsorbed by the desulfurizing agent, and the like. Can be blocked at once.

In the first fuel cell system, when the duration at which the dew point of the fuel gas is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold is less than a predetermined period, only the dew point of the fuel gas supplied to the first fuel cell system is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold. there is a possibility. That is, the dew point of the fuel gas supplied to the second fuel cell system other than the first fuel cell system may be less than the dew point threshold.

On the other hand, in the first fuel cell system, when the duration at which the dew point of the fuel gas is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold continues for a predetermined period or longer, the region where the dew point of the fuel gas is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold expands. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the dew point is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold even in the second fuel cell system in a similar environment. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned feature configuration, the abnormality detection unit detects the dew point as an abnormal state when the duration of the dew point is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold value is equal to or longer than a predetermined period. As a result, as described above, the operation of a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment can be collectively stopped based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system, and it is possible to prevent a failure or the like.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The second fuel cell system
A desulfurizer containing a desulfurizing agent that removes sulfur in the fuel gas,
It has a fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting the fuel gas that has passed through the desulfurizer with air.
A second pipe branching from the first pipe, which is a flow path of the fuel gas, is connected to the desulfurizer of the first fuel cell system, and the desulfurizer of the second fuel cell system is described. By connecting the second pipe, the first fuel cell system and the second fuel cell system are installed in the similar environment.

Both the desulfurizer of the first fuel cell system and the desulfurizer of the second fuel cell system are connected to the second pipe branching from the first pipe. If the second pipe is damaged due to a disaster such as an earthquake, flood or landslide, or if the water pipe adjacent to the second pipe is damaged, surrounding water and earth and sand will flow into the second pipe. .. In this case, the dew point of the fuel gas flowing through the second pipe rises due to the inflow of water into the second pipe. The abnormality detection unit of the first fuel cell system detects an increase in the dew point of the fuel gas in the second pipe as an abnormal state. As described above, since the desulfurizers of the first and second fuel cell systems are both connected to the second pipe, both the first and second fuel cell systems may be affected by the rise in the dew point of the fuel gas. ..

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned feature configuration, the management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system stops the operation of the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state, and the management device further stops the operation of the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state. Stop the operation of the fuel cell system. Therefore, the operation of a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment is stopped at once based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system, so that it is possible to prevent failures at once. Is.

If the surrounding water, earth and sand, etc. flow into the first pipe due to damage to the first pipe, the dew point of the fuel gas in the first pipe rises. Since the second pipe is branched from the first pipe, the dew point of the fuel gas may rise not only in the first pipe but also in the second pipe. Therefore, not only when the second pipe is damaged, but also when the dew point of the fuel gas in the first pipe rises due to the damage of the first pipe, etc., a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment The operation may be stopped collectively based on the abnormal condition acquired by the first fuel cell system. A plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment are connected to the first pipe via the second pipe.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The first and second fuel cell systems are connected to a grid power source, and the generated power generated by the first fuel cell system and the generated power generated by the second fuel cell system are interconnected with the grid power source. It is possible,
When the system power of the system power supply fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range , the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormal state, and the number of times the system power of the system power supply fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range is determined. If it is determined that the number of times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times within the predetermined period, it is detected as an abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher.
The management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system disconnects the first fuel cell system from the system power supply based on the abnormal state.
The management device is at a point of disconnecting the second fuel cell system from the system power supply based on the abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher.

For example, due to heavy rain, lightning, storm, etc., the electric wire that supplies the grid power from the grid power supply is cut, and a large current is applied to the grid power. The supply of grid power may be stopped. As the system power becomes unstable in this way, the operation of the first and second fuel cell systems also becomes unstable, and there is a possibility that the first and second fuel cell systems may fail and the operation cannot be continued.

In the above characteristic configuration, when the number of times the system power fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, the abnormality detection unit determines that the first fuel cell system is in an abnormal state. To detect. Then, the management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system disconnects the first fuel cell system from the system power supply based on the abnormal state, and the management device further disconnects the second fuel based on the abnormal state of the first fuel cell system. Disconnect the battery system from the grid power supply. Therefore, the operations of the plurality of fuel cell systems in the similar environment are collectively separated based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plurality of fuel cell systems from failing at once.

In the first fuel cell system, if the number of times the system power fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range is less than the predetermined number within a predetermined period, only the first fuel cell system is defective and the first fuel cell system There is a possibility that only the system power supplied to the first fuel cell system fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range due to a defect of only the electric wire from the system power supply connected to the first fuel cell system. That is, the fluctuation of the system power supplied to the second fuel cell system other than the first fuel cell system may be within the permissible fluctuation range.

On the other hand, if the number of times the system power supplied to the first fuel cell system fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range exceeds the predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, the region where the system power fluctuates expands. Therefore, it is highly possible that the system power supplied to the second fuel cell system in a similar environment also exceeds the permissible fluctuation range. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned feature configuration, in such a case, the first and second fuel cell systems in the similar environment are collectively disconnected from the system power supply based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system. Is done. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first and second fuel cell systems from failing at once.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The first fuel cell system is connected to a second line branching from the first line for supplying the system power, and the second fuel cell system is connected to the second line. The first fuel cell system and the second fuel cell system are installed in the similar environment.

Both the first fuel cell system and the second fuel cell system are connected to the second line branching from the first line. For example, due to heavy rain, lightning, storm, etc., the second line that supplies system power from the system power supply is cut off, and a large current is applied to the second line. The frequency fluctuation of the grid power and the supply stop of the grid power may occur. In this case, the system power in the second line fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range. The abnormality detection unit of the first fuel cell system detects the fluctuation of the system power in the second line as an abnormal state. As described above, since both the first and second fuel cell systems are connected to the second line, both the first and second fuel cell systems may be affected by fluctuations in system power.

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned feature configuration, the management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system disconnects the first fuel cell system from the system power supply based on the abnormal state, and further, the management device sets the second based on the abnormal state. Disconnect the fuel cell system from the grid power supply. Therefore, a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment are collectively disconnected from the system power supply based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system, so that it is possible to prevent a failure or the like at once. Is.

It should be noted that the first line may be cut off, and the commercial power may be disturbed such as voltage fluctuation of the system power, frequency fluctuation of the system power, and suspension of the supply of the system power in the first line. Since the second line is branched from the first line, the commercial power may be disturbed not only in the first line but also in the second line. Therefore, not only when the second line is cut off, but also when the first line is cut off and the commercial power is disturbed in the first line, the operation of a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment can be performed. , The first fuel cell system may be collectively disconnected from the system power source based on the abnormal state acquired. A plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment are connected to the first line via the second line.

Further characteristic configurations of the fuel cell control system according to the present invention are
The first and second fuel cell systems are installed in the same area, so that they are installed in the same environment.

Since the first and second fuel cell systems are installed in the same area, they are placed in a similar environment that is affected by similar factors, such as being connected to a common gas pipe or a common power line. There is a high possibility that it has been done.
For example, in the case of an abnormal state in which the dew point is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold in a common gas pipe for a predetermined period or longer, both the first and second fuel cell systems may be affected by the high dew point. There is. Therefore, it is possible to prevent multiple fuel cell systems installed in the same area from malfunctioning by stopping them all at once based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system. It is possible.

Further, in the case of an abnormal state in which the number of times the system power fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range in the common power line exceeds the predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, both the first and second fuel cell systems also have the system power. May be affected by fluctuations. Therefore, based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system, multiple fuel cell systems installed in the same area are collectively disconnected from the system power supply to cause a failure or the like. Can be stopped.

The characteristic configuration of the fuel cell control method according to the present invention is
A plurality of fuel cell systems including a first fuel cell system and a second fuel cell system in an environment similar to that of the first fuel cell system.
A management device that is communicably connected to the plurality of fuel cell systems via a network,
It is a fuel cell control method in a fuel cell control system including.
The first fuel cell system detects an abnormal state affecting the operation of the first fuel cell system and an abnormal state of a predetermined level or higher, and outputs the abnormal state to the management device via the network.
The management device acquires the abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher via the network, and controls the second fuel cell system based on the abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher.
The management device or the first fuel cell system controls the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state.

In the above characteristic configuration, when the first fuel cell system detects an abnormal state affecting the operation of the first fuel cell system, the first fuel cell system outputs the abnormal state to the management device via the network. In this case, the management device or the first fuel cell system controls the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state, and the management device controls the second fuel cell system based on the abnormal state. As a result, not only the adverse effect on the operation of the first fuel cell system can be reduced, but also the adverse effect on the operation of the second fuel cell system can be reduced based on the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system. .. Therefore, a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment are collectively controlled so as to reduce adverse effects on their operation due to the abnormal state acquired by the first fuel cell system.

It is a block diagram of a fuel cell control system. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the connection structure of a gas pipe and a plurality of fuel cell systems. This is an example of the gas pipe correspondence table. It is a block diagram of a fuel cell system. It is an electric circuit diagram of the power conversion device connected between a fuel cell and a power supply source of commercial power. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing flow in the fuel cell control system according to the dew point. It is a graph which showed the relationship between the dew point of a raw fuel detected by the dew point sensor of one fuel cell system, and the power generation output of the fuel cell system in chronological order. It is a graph which showed the relationship between the dew point of a raw fuel detected by the dew point sensor of one fuel cell system, and the power generation output of a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment in chronological order. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the connection configuration of a power line and a plurality of fuel cell systems. This is an example of the power line correspondence table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing flow in a fuel cell control system corresponding to the disturbance of commercial power. It is a block diagram of the fuel cell system which shows another arrangement of the dew point sensor.

[First Embodiment]
The fuel cell control system and the fuel cell control method according to the first 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 The fuel cell control system 100 is configured by connecting a management device 20 and a plurality of fuel cell systems 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) via a network 35. Has been done. The network 35 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 FIG. 1, a plurality of fuel cell systems 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Are included in the fuel cell control system 100. However, as shown in FIG. 2 described later, the fuel cell control system 100 includes a plurality of fuel cell systems 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bcc ...) Other than the plurality of fuel cell systems 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...). ...) may be included. Further, the fuel cell control system 100 may include a plurality of further fuel cell systems (not shown) other than the plurality of fuel cell systems 30A and 30B.

In the following, the term fuel cell system 30 refers to a general term for a plurality of fuel cell systems 30A, a plurality of fuel cell systems 30B, and so on. Further, the term "fuel cell system 30A" refers to a general term for a plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac .... Similarly, the term fuel cell system 30B refers to a general term for a plurality of fuel cell systems 30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ....

In FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Is installed in a similar environment. Here, the fact that the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Is in a similar environment means that the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Is installed in an environment that is similarly affected from the outside. It means that it has been done. For example, in a similar environment, when the influences of temperature, pressure, dew point, etc. applied to the supplied raw fuel in a plurality of fuel cell systems 30 are the same, the fuel cell systems 30 are connected to the same gas pipe. This means that the fuel cell system 30 is located within the same area such as within a radius of several kilometers.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2 described later, another fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Is installed in an environment different from that of the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...). ing.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of a connection configuration of a gas pipe and a plurality of fuel cell systems. As shown in FIG. 2, the main gas pipe 50α (first pipe) is connected to the fuel supply source 55 of the raw fuel (fuel gas, for example, city gas 13A). A plurality of branched gas pipes 50A, 50B ... (Second pipe) are branched from the main gas pipe 50α. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Is connected to the branch gas pipe 50A.

Since the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Is connected to the same branched gas pipe 50A, the influence of temperature, pressure, dew point, etc. applied to the supplied raw material fuel is similar. Yes, it can be said that it is installed in a similar environment.
Further, when the fuel cell systems 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Are located in the same area, it can be said that they are installed in a similar environment. That is, since the fuel cell systems 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Are installed in the same area, there is a high possibility that they will be connected to the same branch gas pipe 50A.

On the other hand, the fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Is connected to the branch gas pipe 50B. The branch gas pipe 50A and the branch gas pipe 50B are different branch gas pipes, and the fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Is different from the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...). It is installed in a different environment.

Since the fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Is connected to the same branched gas pipe 50B, the influence of the temperature, pressure, dew point, etc. applied to the supplied raw material fuel is about the same. Yes, it can be said that it is installed in a similar environment. Further, when the fuel cell systems 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Are located in the same area, it can be said that they are installed in a similar environment.

In the present embodiment, the branched gas pipes 50A, 50B, ... Are branched from the main gas pipe 50α connected to the fuel supply source 55. However, the form of branching of the gas pipe is not limited to this, and the gas pipe may be further branched in a plurality of stages. For example, the branched gas pipe 50A may be branched from the main gas pipe 50α, and the branched gas pipe may be further branched from the branched gas pipe 50A.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) is a power supply source of commercial power via a common branch power line (second line) 13A. It is connected to 80 (system power supply) and can be interconnected with the power supply source 80 (system power supply). However, the fuel cell system 30A may be connected to different branch power lines. Here, the branched power line is a power line branched from the main power line 13α connected to the power supply source 80 (system power supply) of commercial power.

In the fuel cell control system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the following control is performed. For example, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa described later of one fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system) detects an abnormal state affecting the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa. The management device 20 receives the abnormal state from one fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system) via the network 35. In this case, the management device 20 has acquired another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... (Second fuel cell system) from one fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system) via the network 35. Control based on abnormal conditions. Another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... (Second fuel cell system) is in a similar environment to one fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system).
Further, the operation control unit 33Aa described later of one fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system) controls the fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system) based on the abnormal state.
Therefore, a plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... (First and second fuel cell systems in a similar environment) may be affected by an abnormal state acquired by one fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system). , They are collectively controlled to reduce their adverse effects on operation.

(2) Configuration of Each Part (2-1) Management Device The management device 20 will be described below. The management device 20 includes a management control unit 21 and a storage unit 23.
The storage unit 23 stores, for example, a gas pipe correspondence table showing the connection relationship between the gas pipe 50 (50α, 50A, 50B ...) Shown in FIG. 2 and the fuel cell system 30. FIG. 3 is an example of a gas pipe correspondence table. In the gas pipe correspondence table of FIG. 3, the branched gas pipe 50A and the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) are associated with each other so as to correspond to the connection relationship of FIG. Further, in the gas pipe correspondence table of FIG. 3, the branched gas pipe 50B is associated with the fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc, 30Bd ...). From the gas pipe correspondence table of FIG. 3, the fuel cell system 30 in a similar environment can be grasped by being connected to the same branch gas pipes 50A, 50B, ....

The management control unit 21 acquires an abnormal state from an abnormality detecting unit 31 described later in one fuel cell system 30. The management control unit 21 extracts the fuel cell system 30 in an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30 from the gas pipe correspondence table of FIG. 3 stored in the storage unit 23. For example, when one fuel cell system 30 that has detected an abnormal state is the fuel cell system 30Aa, the management control unit 21 is connected to the same branch gas pipe 50A as the fuel cell system 30Aa with reference to FIG. The fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Then, the management control unit 21 controls the operation of the extracted fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Based on the abnormal state detected by one fuel cell system 30Aa.
(2-2) Fuel cell system The fuel cell system 30 provided in each facility such as each home will be described below. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the fuel cell system.

(A) Fuel cell The fuel cell system 30 includes a fuel cell 40 that generates power by reacting a fuel gas obtained by reforming a raw material fuel (for example, city gas 13A) and an oxygen gas.
Raw fuel is supplied to the fuel cell 40 via the raw material / fuel flow path 41, and air (an example of oxygen gas) is supplied through the air flow path 54. The fuel cell 40 includes a desulfurizer 42, a reformer 43, a fuel cell 47, and a combustion unit 48. The desulfurizer 42 is provided with a desulfurizing agent and desulfurizes sulfur contained in the raw material and fuel supplied through the raw material and fuel flow path 41. Examples of the desulfurizing agent include a room temperature desulfurizing agent that desulfurizes at room temperature.

The raw fuel desulfurized through the desulfurizer 42 is supplied to the reformer 43 via the flow path 44. The reformer 43 is supplied with reformed water and steam reforms the desulfurized raw fuel to generate fuel gas. The fuel cell 47 has an anode 47a to which fuel gas generated by steam reforming is supplied via a flow path 45, a cathode 47b to which air is supplied through an air flow path 54, and an anode 47a and a cathode 47b. It has an electrolyte 47c intervening between the two, and reacts the supplied fuel gas and air to generate electricity. The fuel cell 47 is composed of a cell stack in which a plurality of sets of an anode 47a, a cathode 47b, and an electrolyte 47c are laminated.

The combustion unit 48 is supplied with unburned fuel gas and air discharged from the anode 47a and the cathode 47b after being used for the power generation reaction, respectively. Then, the combustion unit 48 burns the fuel component remaining in the fuel gas and discharges the combustion exhaust gas.
A dew point sensor 49 (dew point detection unit) for measuring the dew point of the raw fuel is provided in the raw fuel flow path 41 for supplying the raw fuel to the fuel cell 40. More specifically, the dew point sensor 49 is provided on the upstream side of the desulfurization device 42, and measures the dew point of the raw material fuel before being supplied to the desulfurization device 42. The dew point sensor 49 is composed of, for example, a humidity sensor.
Further, the raw material / fuel flow path 41 is connected to the branch gas pipe 50A via the solenoid valve 70. As described above, the branch gas pipe 50A is connected to the raw material and fuel flow paths 41 of a plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... Installed in a similar environment as described above.

(B) Power conversion device The fuel cell system 30 further includes a power conversion device 60. The power conversion device 60 uses the DC voltage of the DC power generated by the fuel cell system 30 for commercial operation of the power supply source 80 so that the fuel cell system and the power supply source 80 of the commercial power can be connected to each other. Converts electricity to AC voltage.
FIG. 5 is an electric circuit diagram of a power conversion device connected between a fuel cell and a power supply source of commercial power. The power conversion device 60 is connected to the anode 47a and the cathode 47b of the fuel cell 40, and includes a booster circuit 61, an inverter circuit 62, and a smoothing circuit 63. The booster circuit 61 boosts the DC voltage of the DC power of the fuel cell 40. The inverter circuit 62 converts the DC voltage boosted by the booster circuit 61 into an AC voltage having a set frequency. The smoothing circuit 63 removes noise of the AC voltage converted by the inverter circuit 62.
A load 75 of each facility or the like is connected to the power conversion device 60, and the load 75 receives power supplied from at least one of the generated power generated by the fuel cell system 30 and the commercial power of the power supply source 80. ..

(C) Abnormality detection unit and operation control unit As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 30 further includes an abnormality detection unit 31 and an operation control unit 33. The fuel cell systems 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) In a similar environment have an abnormality detection unit 31A (31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac ...) and an operation control unit 33A (33Aa, 33Ab, 33Ac ...), respectively.・) Is provided. Although not shown, 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) In another similar environment has an abnormality detection unit 31B (31Ba, 31Bb, 31Bc ...) and an operation control unit 33B (33Ba, respectively). 33Bb, 33Bc ...). In the present embodiment, the term "abnormality detection unit 31" refers to a general term for the abnormality detection unit 31A (31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac ...), The abnormality detection unit 31B (31Ba, 31Bb, 31Bc ...), And the like. Similarly, the term "operation control unit 33" refers to a general term for the operation control unit 33A (33Aa, 33Ab, 33Ac ...), The operation control unit 33B (33Ba, 33Bb, 33Bc ...), And the like.

In the present embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 31 of one fuel cell system 30 detects the abnormal state of the dew point of the raw material and fuel supplied to the fuel cell system 30. Then, the operation control unit 33 of the fuel cell system 30 controls the operation of the fuel cell system 30 based on the abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection unit 31 of the fuel cell system 30. Further, the management device 20 controls the operation of another fuel cell system 30 in an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30 based on the abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection unit 31 of the fuel cell system 30.

As described above, the abnormality detection unit 31 detects the abnormal state of the dew point of the raw material and fuel, for the following reasons.
When the dew point of the raw material fuel is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value and is high, the raw material fuel having a large amount of water is supplied to the fuel cell 47. As a result, fluttering (wetting) of the electrode surface of the fuel cell 47 occurs, and it becomes difficult for the raw material fuel to come into contact with the electrode surface. Therefore, the hydrogen oxidation reaction, the oxygen reduction reaction, and the like in the fuel cell 47 are inhibited, the power generation in the fuel cell 47 is inhibited, and the fuel cell system 30 fails.

Further, when the raw material fuel having a large amount of water passes through the raw material fuel flow path 41 connected to the fuel cell 47, water droplets are also accumulated in the raw material fuel flow path 41, and the raw material fuel flow path 41 is blocked. As a result, the supply of raw fuel to the fuel cell 47 is reduced, power generation in the fuel cell 47 is hindered, and the fuel cell system 30 fails.
Further, when a raw material fuel having a large amount of water is supplied to the desulfurizer 42, water accumulates in the desulfurizing agent in the desulfurizing device 42, the sulfur adsorption performance of the desulfurizing agent deteriorates, and the desulfurizing agent already adsorbs it. The sulfur is desulfurized, and the fuel cell system 30 is damaged.

Therefore, the abnormality detection unit 31 acquires the dew point of the raw fuel from the dew point sensor 49 provided in the raw material / fuel flow path 41 on the upstream side of the desulfurizer 42. The operation of the fuel cell system 30 is controlled in the fuel cell control system 100 based on the dew point of the raw material and fuel.

The processing of the abnormality detection unit 31 and the operation control unit 33 according to the dew point will be further described below. The processing of the abnormality detection unit 31 and the operation control unit 33 is a part of the processing of the entire fuel cell control system 100 including the processing by the management device 20. Therefore, the flow of processing in the fuel cell control system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the fuel cell control system according to the dew point. In the following, it is assumed that one fuel cell system 30 is referred to as a fuel cell system 30Aa, and an abnormality detection unit 31 of the fuel cell system 30Aa monitors the dew point of raw fuel. Then, another fuel cell system 30 in an environment similar to the fuel cell system 30Aa is referred to as a fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac, and so on.

Step S10: The abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa acquires the dew point of the raw material and fuel from the dew point sensor 49 of the fuel cell system 30Aa, and monitors the dew point of the raw material and fuel.
Step S11: The abnormality detection unit 31Aa determines whether or not the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold value. The dew point threshold is, but is not limited to, higher than the normal dew point, for example, 10 ° C. The normal dew point of raw materials and fuel is −10 ° C. or lower. When the dew point is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value (Yes in step S11), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa proceeds to step S12.
On the other hand, when the dew point is less than the dew point threshold value (No in step S11), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa returns the process to step S10. As a result, the operation control unit 33Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa continues the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa.

Step S12: The abnormality detection unit 31Aa determines whether or not the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold is equal to or greater than the period threshold Aa. The period threshold Aa is, but is not limited to, 4 hours, for example.
When the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold and the duration A is equal to or greater than the period threshold Aa (Yes in step S12), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa detects it as an abnormal state and proceeds to step S13.
On the other hand, when the duration A is less than the period threshold value Aa (No in step S12), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa returns the process to step S10. As a result, the operation control unit 33Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa continues the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa.

Step S13: When the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold becomes equal to or greater than the period threshold Aa and an abnormal state occurs, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa outputs the abnormal state to the operation control unit 33Aa. The operation control unit 33Aa stops the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the abnormal state. For example, the operation control unit 33Aa closes the solenoid valve 70 of the fuel cell system 30Aa provided between the branch gas pipe 50A and the raw fuel flow path 41 shown in FIG. As a result, the supply of raw fuel to the fuel cell 40 of the fuel cell system 30Aa is stopped, and the power generation in the fuel cell system 30Aa is stopped.

Step S14: In the abnormality detection unit 31Aa, when the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value continues to be equal to or higher than the period threshold value Aa (Yes in step S12), the duration A is further set to the period threshold value Ab. It is determined whether or not it is the above.
At this time, when the duration A reaches the period threshold value Aa, the solenoid valve 70 of the fuel cell system 30Aa is closed in step S13. Therefore, for example, the operation control unit 33Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa opens the currently closed solenoid valve 70 at predetermined intervals such as 30 minutes. The dew point sensor 49 of the fuel cell system 30Aa acquires the dew point of the raw fuel flowing through the raw material fuel flow path 41 when the solenoid valve 70 is opened. The operation control unit 33Aa closes the solenoid valve 70 again when the period during which the dew point sensor 49 can detect the dew point of the raw material and fuel elapses, or when the dew point sensor 49 detects the dew point of the raw material and fuel. The abnormality detection unit 31Aa acquires the dew point of the raw material and fuel from the dew point sensor 49, and determines whether or not the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold is equal to or greater than the period threshold Ab. The period threshold Ab is, but is not limited to, longer than the period threshold Aa, for example, 24 hours.

When the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold and the duration A is equal to or greater than the period threshold Ab (Yes in step S14), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa detects it as an abnormal state and proceeds to step S15.
On the other hand, when the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold value is less than the period threshold value Ab (No in step S14), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa proceeds to step S18.

Here, in the fuel cell system 30Aa, when the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold is less than the period threshold Ab, only the dew point of the raw fuel supplied to the fuel cell system 30Aa is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold. There may be. That is, there is a possibility that the dew point of the raw fuel supplied to another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... In a similar environment other than the fuel cell system 30Aa is less than the dew point threshold value. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to steps S18 and S19 described later. Therefore, the operation of the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is not stopped. On the other hand, in the fuel cell system 30Aa whose operation was stopped in step S13, the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa is restarted when the dew point of the raw material fuel becomes equal to or lower than the normal threshold value.

Step S15: The abnormality detection unit 31Aa contacts the management control unit 21 via the network 35 when the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value continues to be equal to or higher than the period threshold value Ab. Outputs an abnormal status. The management control unit 21 stops the operation of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Based on the abnormal state. Another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is in a similar environment to the fuel cell system 30Aa.
Here, in the fuel cell system 30Aa, when the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold continues for the period threshold Ab or more, the region where the dew point of the raw material is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold is It is likely to be widespread. Further, there is a high possibility that the dew point is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value in another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... In a similar environment. Therefore, in such a case, the management control unit 21 acquires the abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31Aa, and stops the operation of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Based on the abnormal state. Another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is in a similar environment to the fuel cell system 30Aa.

Specifically, the management control unit 21 stops the operation of the operation control units 33Ab, 33Ac ... Of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Based on the abnormal state via the network 35. Instruct. Based on this instruction, the operation control units 33Ab, 33Ac ... Stop, for example, closing the solenoid valve 70 to stop the supply of raw fuel to the fuel cell 40 of another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... As a result, the supply of raw fuel to the fuel cell 40 of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is stopped, and the power generation of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is stopped.

At this time, the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa is stopped by the process in step S13. Therefore, the operations of the fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... In a similar environment are collectively stopped based on the abnormal state acquired by the fuel cell system 30Aa. As a result, it is possible to collectively prevent the fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... In a similar environment from failing or the like.

Here, the management control unit 21 extracts another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the gas pipe correspondence table shown in FIG. Specifically, the management control unit 21 refers to the gas pipe correspondence table of the storage unit 23 and extracts the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Connected to the same branch gas pipe 50A as the fuel cell system 30Aa. do.

Here, if the branch gas pipe 50A is damaged due to a disaster such as an earthquake, flood, landslide, or piping work, or if the water pipe adjacent to the branch gas pipe 50A is damaged, the branch gas pipe 50A is surrounded by the branch gas pipe 50A. Water and earth and sand flow in. In this case, the dew point of the raw material and fuel flowing through the branched gas pipe 50A rises due to the inflow of water into the branched gas pipe 50A. The increase in the dew point of the raw material and fuel in the branched gas pipe 50A is detected by the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa as an abnormal state. As described above, since the fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... Are connected to the branch gas pipe 50A, they may be similarly affected by the increase in the dew point of the raw material fuel. For example, as described above, fluttering (wetting) of the electrode surface of the fuel cell 47 occurs. In addition, water droplets also accumulate in the supply pipe, causing blockage of the supply pipe. Further, water is accumulated in the desulfurizing agent in the desulfurizing device 42, and the sulfur adsorption performance of the desulfurizing agent is lowered, and the sulfur already adsorbed by the desulfurizing agent is desorbed. Therefore, the power generation in the fuel cell 47 is hindered, and eventually the fuel cell system 30 fails or the like.

Therefore, the management control unit 21 extracts the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Connected to the same branch gas pipe 50A as the fuel cell system 30Aa, and stops the operation thereof. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to the fuel cell system 30Aa from failing.

Step S16: As described above, even after the operation of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... In a similar environment is stopped, the dew point sensor 49 of the fuel cell system 30Aa acquires the dew point of the raw material and fuel at predetermined time intervals. do. For example, the operation control unit 33Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa opens the currently closed solenoid valve 70 at predetermined intervals such as 30 minutes. The dew point sensor 49 of the fuel cell system 30Aa acquires the dew point of the raw fuel flowing through the raw material fuel flow path 41 when the solenoid valve 70 is opened. The operation control unit 33Aa closes the solenoid valve 70 again when the period during which the dew point sensor 49 can detect the dew point of the raw material and fuel elapses, or when the dew point sensor 49 detects the dew point of the raw material and fuel.

Next, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa acquires the dew point of the raw material and fuel from the dew point sensor 49, and determines whether or not the dew point is equal to or less than the normal threshold value. When the dew point exceeds the normal threshold value (No in step S16), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa does not give a new instruction to the operation control units 33Aa, 33Ab, 33Ac ... As a result, the operation control units 33Ab, 33Ac ... Of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... In a similar environment control the operation of the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... While being stopped. Similarly, the operation control unit 33Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa controls the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa while it is stopped.
The normal threshold value is not limited to this, but is, for example, the dew point of the raw material and fuel that the fuel cell system 30 can normally generate, and is, for example, −10 ° C.
On the other hand, when the dew point is equal to or lower than the normal threshold value (Yes in step S16), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa proceeds to step S17.

Step S17: The abnormality detection unit 31Aa determines whether or not the duration B in which the dew point is equal to or less than the normal threshold value is equal to or greater than the period threshold value Ba. When the duration B in which the dew point is equal to or less than the normal threshold value is equal to or greater than the period threshold value Ba (Yes in step S17), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa proceeds to step S19. The period threshold value Ba is, but is not limited to, 1 hour, for example.
On the other hand, when the duration B in which the dew point is equal to or less than the normal threshold value is less than the period threshold value Ba (No in step S17), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa returns the process to step S16. In this case, the operation control units 33Ab, 33Ac ... Control the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... While the operation is stopped. Similarly, the operation control unit 33Aa controls the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa while it is stopped.

Step S18: In the abnormality detection unit 31Aa, when the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value is less than the period threshold value Ab (No in step S14), the dew point of the raw material and fuel at the present time is equal to or lower than the normal threshold value. Judge whether or not. Then, when the dew point of the raw material and fuel at the present time exceeds the normal threshold value (No in step S18), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa repeats the process of step S18. On the other hand, when the dew point of the raw material and fuel at the present time is equal to or lower than the normal threshold value (Yes in step S18), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa proceeds to the process in step S19.

Step S19: When the duration B in which the dew point is equal to or less than the normal threshold value is equal to or greater than the period threshold value Ba (Yes in step S17), the dew point is not in an abnormal state. Therefore, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa instructs the management control unit 21 of the management device 20 to restart the operation of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30Aa. Alternatively, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa outputs to the management control unit 21 that the dew point is no longer in the abnormal state. As a result, the management control unit 21 restarts the operation of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Specifically, the management control unit 21 instructs the operation control units 33Ab, 33Ac ... Of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... To restart the operation. Based on this instruction, the operation control units 33Ab, 33Ac ... Open, for example, the solenoid valve 70 to supply raw fuel to the fuel cell 40 of another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... As a result, the supply of raw fuel to the fuel cell 40 of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is restarted, and the power generation is restarted by the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ...

Further, when the dew point is equal to or less than the normal threshold value and the duration B is equal to or greater than the period threshold value Ba (Yes in step S17), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa operates the operation control unit 33Aa because the dew point is no longer in an abnormal state. Instruct to resume. Alternatively, the operation control unit 33Aa acquires from the abnormality detection unit 31Aa that the dew point is no longer in the abnormal state. As a result, the operation control unit 33Aa opens the solenoid valve 70 and supplies the raw fuel to the fuel cell 40 of the fuel cell system 30Aa. Therefore, the supply of raw fuel to the fuel cell 40 of the fuel cell system 30Aa is restarted, and the fuel cell system 30Aa restarts power generation.

As described above, when the dew point of the raw material and fuel at the present time is equal to or lower than the normal threshold value (Yes in step S18), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa controls the restart of the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa stopped in step S13. Instruct unit 33Aa. Alternatively, the operation control unit 33Aa acquires from the abnormality detection unit 31Aa that the dew point of the raw material and fuel at the present time is equal to or lower than the normal threshold value. As a result, the operation control unit 33Aa restarts the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa.

As described above, in the entire fuel cell control system 100, the operations of a plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... In similar environments are collectively based on the abnormal state detected from one fuel cell system 30Aa. And stop. Therefore, a plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... Suppress the power generation in the fuel cell 47 described above, reduce the sulfur adsorption performance in the desulfurizer 42, and the sulfur adsorbed by the desulfurizing agent. It is possible to prevent a failure due to detachment or the like at once.

(3) An example of the relationship between the dew point of raw materials and fuel and the power generation output Next, an example of the relationship between the dew point of raw materials and fuel and the power generation output will be described.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the dew point of raw fuel detected by the dew point sensor of one fuel cell system and the power generation output of the fuel cell system in chronological order.
In the following, one fuel cell system 30 that detects an abnormal state of the dew point of the raw material and fuel will be referred to as a fuel cell system 30Aa as described above. Then, another fuel cell system 30 in an environment similar to the fuel cell system 30Aa is referred to as a fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 7, the dew point sensor 49 of the fuel cell system 30Aa detects about −40 ° C. as the dew point of the raw material fuel from 0:00 to 6:00 (6 hours). The dew point of the raw material and fuel rises from 6 o'clock, and the dew point sensor 49 detects about 13 ° C. as the dew point of the raw material and fuel from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock (6 hours). After that, the dew point of the raw material and fuel drops toward -40 ° C from 12:00, and the dew point sensor 49 detects about -40 ° C as the dew point of the raw fuel from 15:00 to 24:00 (9 hours). ..

The abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa acquires from the dew point sensor 49 that the dew point of the raw material and fuel from 6:00 to 12:00 (6 hours) is about 13 ° C. according to steps S10 to S13 of FIG. do. Therefore, when the duration A at which the dew point (about 13 ° C.) of the raw material and fuel is at least the dew point threshold (10 ° C.) becomes at least the period threshold Aa (4 hours), the abnormal state of the dew point continues. The operation control unit 33Aa stops the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the abnormal state.

In step S14, the duration A (6 hours) at which the dew point (about 13 ° C.) of the raw material and fuel is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value (10 ° C.) is less than the period threshold value Ab (24 hours) (No in step S14). Therefore, the process of step S15 is not performed, and the operation of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30Aa is not stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step S18, and the abnormality detection unit 31Aa detects a state in which the dew point of the raw material and fuel is decreasing toward −40 ° C. from 12:00. When the dew point becomes equal to or lower than the normal threshold value (-10 ° C.), the operation control unit 33Aa restarts the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa.
Due to such control of the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa is stopped from 6:00 to 15:00.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the dew point of the raw fuel detected by the dew point sensor of one fuel cell system and the power generation output of a plurality of fuel cell systems in a similar environment in chronological order.
As shown in FIG. 8, the dew point sensor 49 of the fuel cell system 30Aa detects about −40 ° C. as the dew point of the raw material fuel from 0:00 to 6:00 (6 hours). The dew point of the raw material and fuel rises from 6 o'clock, and the dew point sensor 49 detects about 13 ° C. as the dew point of the raw material and fuel from 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock the next day (27 hours). After that, the dew point of the raw material and fuel drops toward -40 ° C from 9:00 on the next day, and the dew point sensor 49 serves as the dew point of the raw material and fuel from about 10:00 to 24:00 (14 hours) on the next day. Approximately -40 ° C is detected.

The abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa indicates that the dew point of the raw material and fuel from 6:00 to 9:00 the next day (27 hours) is about 13 ° C. according to steps S10 to S13 of FIG. Obtained from sensor 49. Therefore, when the duration A at which the dew point (about 13 ° C.) of the raw material and fuel is at least the dew point threshold (10 ° C.) becomes at least the period threshold Aa (4 hours), the abnormal state of the dew point continues. The operation control unit 33Aa stops the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the abnormal state.

Further, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa acquires from the dew point sensor 49 that the dew point of the raw material and fuel from 6:00 to 9:00 the next day (27 hours) is about 13 ° C. The abnormality detection unit 31Aa detects the time when the dew point (about 13 ° C.) of the raw material and fuel is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value (10 ° C.) and the duration A becomes the period threshold value Ab (24 hours) or more (Yes in step S14). .. The management control unit 21 acquires this abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31Aa, and stops the operation of the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Based on the abnormal state. Another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is in a similar environment to the fuel cell system 30Aa.

In the abnormality detection unit 31Aa, the dew point of the raw material and fuel drops toward -40 ° C from 9 o'clock the next day, and the dew point of the raw material and fuel from about 10 o'clock to 24 o'clock the next day (14 hours) is about. Obtain from the dew point sensor 49 that the temperature is −40 ° C. In steps S16 to S19, when the duration B in which the dew point of the raw material is equal to or less than the normal threshold (-10 ° C) threshold becomes equal to or greater than the period threshold Ba (1 hour), the management control unit 21 determines the fuel cell system. The operation of 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is restarted. The operation control unit 33Aa restarts the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa.
[Second Embodiment]
The fuel cell control system and the fuel cell control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, the fuel cell control system 100 is controlled based on the dew point of the raw material and fuel, but in the second embodiment, the fuel is based on the disturbance of the commercial power (system power) of the power supply source 80 (system power supply). The battery control system 100 is controlled. Hereinafter, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration will be omitted.
(1) Overall Configuration of Fuel Cell Control System The overall configuration of the fuel cell control system 100 of the second embodiment is the same as that of FIG.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) With the power supply source 80 of commercial power via a common branch power line (second line) 13A. It is connected and can be operated in interconnection with the power supply source 80 of commercial power.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection configuration of a power line and a plurality of fuel cell systems. As shown in FIG. 9, the main power line 13α (first line) is connected to the power supply source 80. The power supply source 80 is a supply source for supplying commercial power. A plurality of branched power lines 13A, 13B ... (Second line) are branched from the main power line 13α. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, a fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Is connected to the branch power line 13A.

Since the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Is connected to the same branch power line 13A, the effect on the supplied commercial power is similar, and the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Is installed in a similar environment. It can be said that it is.
Further, when the fuel cell systems 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Are located in the same area, it can be said that they are installed in a similar environment. That is, since the fuel cell systems 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) Are installed in the same area, there is a high possibility that they will be connected to the same branch power line 13A.

On the other hand, the fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Is connected to the branch power line 13B. The branch power line 13A and the branch power line 13B are different branch power lines, and the fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Is different from the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...). It is installed in a different environment.

Since the fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Is connected to the same branch power line 13B, the influence on the supplied commercial power is about the same, and the environment is similar. It can be said that it is installed. Further, when the fuel cell systems 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc ...) Are located in the same area, it can be said that they are installed in a similar environment.

In this embodiment, the branch power lines 13A, 13B, ... Are branched from the main power line 13α connected to the power supply source 80. However, the form of branching of the power line is not limited to this, and may be further branched in a plurality of stages. For example, the branch power line 13A may be branched from the main power line 13α, and the branch gas pipe may be further branched from the branch power line 13A.

The outline of the control performed in the fuel cell control system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 is the same as that of the first embodiment. One fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system) detects an abnormal state of commercial power. Then, the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... (the first and second fuel cell systems in a similar environment) depend on the abnormal state acquired by one fuel cell system 30Aa (first fuel cell system). , They are collectively controlled to reduce their adverse effects on operation.
(2) Configuration of Each Part (2-1) Management Device The management device 20 will be described below. The management device 20 includes a management control unit 21 and a storage unit 23.
The storage unit 23 stores, for example, a power line correspondence table showing the connection relationship between the power lines 13 (13α, 13A, 13B ...) Shown in FIG. 9 and the fuel cell system 30. FIG. 10 is an example of a power line correspondence table. In the power line correspondence table of FIG. 10, the branch power line 13A and the fuel cell system 30A (30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ...) are associated with each other so as to correspond to the connection relationship of FIG. Further, in the power line correspondence table of FIG. 9, the branch power line 13B is associated with the fuel cell system 30B (30Ba, 30Bb, 30Bc, 30Bd ...). From the power line correspondence table of FIG. 10, the fuel cell system 30 in a similar environment can be grasped by being connected to the same branch power lines 13A, 13B, and so on.

The management control unit 21 acquires an abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31 of one fuel cell system 30 via the network 35. The management control unit 21 extracts the fuel cell system 30 in an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30 from the power line correspondence table of FIG. 10 stored in the storage unit 23. For example, when one fuel cell system 30 that has detected an abnormal state is the fuel cell system 30Aa, the management control unit 21 is connected to the same branch power line 13A as the fuel cell system 30Aa with reference to FIG. The fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Then, the management control unit 21 controls the operation of the extracted fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Through the network 35.
(2-2) Fuel Cell System The configuration of the fuel cell system 30 of the second embodiment is as shown in FIG. 4, and the power conversion device is as shown in FIG. 5, so the description thereof will be omitted.
Hereinafter, the abnormality detection unit 31 and the operation control unit 33 will be described including the relationship with the management device 20.

In the present embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 31 of one fuel cell system 30 detects an abnormal state of commercial power (system power) supplied from the power supply source 80 to the fuel cell system 30. Then, the operation control unit 33 of the fuel cell system 30 controls the operation of the fuel cell system 30 based on the abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection unit 31 of the fuel cell system 30. Further, the management device 20 controls the operation of another fuel cell system 30 in an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30 based on the abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection unit 31 of the fuel cell system 30.

As described above, the abnormality detection unit 31 detects the abnormal state of the commercial power, for the following reasons.
For example, due to heavy rain, lightning, storm, etc., the electric wire that supplies commercial power from the power supply source 80 is cut, and a large current is added to commercial power, resulting in voltage fluctuations of commercial power and frequency fluctuations of commercial power. , And the supply of commercial power may be stopped. As the commercial power becomes unstable in this way, the operation of the plurality of fuel cell systems 30 in a similar environment becomes unstable, and there is a possibility that the operation cannot be continued due to a failure or the like.

Therefore, the abnormality detection unit 31 detects the power output from the smoothing circuit 63 of the power conversion device 60 connected to the commercial power, and determines whether or not the commercial power is unstable. Then, based on the determination result, the operation of the fuel cell system 30 is controlled in the fuel cell control system 100.

The processing of the abnormality detection unit 31 and the operation control unit 33 according to the detected commercial power will be further described below. The processing of the abnormality detection unit 31 and the operation control unit 33 is a part of the processing of the entire fuel cell control system 100 including the processing by the management device 20. Therefore, the flow of processing in the fuel cell control system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in the fuel cell control system according to the disturbance of commercial power. In the following, it is assumed that one fuel cell system 30 is a fuel cell system 30Aa, and the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa monitors the state of the detected power. Then, another fuel cell system 30 in an environment similar to the fuel cell system 30Aa is referred to as a fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac, and so on.

Step S30: The abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa acquires commercial power from the power conversion device 60 of the fuel cell system 30Aa, and monitors the commercial power of the branch power line 13A to which the fuel cell system 30Aa is connected.
Step S31: When the branch power line 13A is cut off and a large current is applied to the branch power line 13A, the commercial power of the branch power line 13A goes up and down beyond the permissible fluctuation range, and the commercial power is disturbed. The abnormality detection unit 31Aa determines whether or not there is such a disturbance in the commercial power. When the abnormality detection unit 31Aa determines that the commercial power is disturbed (Yes in step S31), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa proceeds to the process in step S32.
On the other hand, when the abnormality detection unit 31Aa determines that the commercial power is within the permissible fluctuation range and the commercial power is not disturbed (No in step S31), the process returns to step S30. As a result, the operation control unit 33Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa does not disconnect the fuel cell system 30Aa from the power supply source 80 of the commercial power, and continues the operation.

Step S32: When the commercial power is disturbed, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa outputs this state to the operation control unit 33Aa. The operation control unit 33Aa disconnects the fuel cell system 30Aa from the power supply source 80 based on the state. The fuel cell system 30Aa continuously generates electricity.

Step S33: The abnormality detection unit 31Aa determines whether or not the number of times the commercial power is disturbed is Y or more in X time, such as the commercial power fluctuating above the permissible fluctuation range. The X time is, for example, 5 minutes, but is not limited to this. The Y times are not limited to this, but are, for example, three times.
When the number of times of disturbance of the commercial power is Y times or more in X hours (Yes in step S33), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa detects it as an abnormal state and proceeds to the process in step S34.
On the other hand, when the number of times of disturbance of the commercial power is less than Y times in X time (No in step S33), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa proceeds to the process in step S36. As a result, the fuel cell system 30Aa returns to the state of interconnection with the power supply source 80 of the commercial power.

Here, in the fuel cell system 30Aa, when the number of times of disturbance of commercial power is less than Y times in X hours, it is supplied to the fuel cell system 30Aa due to a defect of only the fuel cell system 30Aa or a defect of only the branch power line 13A. It is possible that only the commercial power produced is fluctuating beyond the permissible fluctuation range. That is, the fluctuation of the commercial power supplied to the fuel cell systems 30Ab and 30Ac other than the fuel cell system 30Aa may be within the permissible fluctuation range. Therefore, when the number of times the commercial power fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range is less than Y times in X hours, the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Are not separated from the power supply source 80. On the other hand, as described above, the fuel cell system 30Aa and the power supply source 80 for commercial power are returned to the interconnected state.

Step S34: When the number of times of disturbance of the commercial power is Y times or more in X hours, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa outputs the abnormal state to the management control unit 21 via the network 35. The management control unit 21 disconnects the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... From the power supply source 80 based on the abnormal state. Another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is in a similar environment to the fuel cell system 30Aa.
Here, in the fuel cell system 30Aa, when the number of disturbances of the commercial power is Y times or more in X hours, the region where the commercial power fluctuates is widened, and the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... It is highly possible that the supplied commercial power also exceeds the permissible fluctuation range. Therefore, in such a case, the management control unit 21 acquires the abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31Aa, and based on the abnormal state, another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... Is obtained from the power supply source 80. Separate.

The disconnection at this time may be performed by the management control unit 21, or may be performed by the operation control units 33Ab, 33Ac, etc., which have been instructed to disconnect from the management control unit 21 via the network 35. The other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Are in a similar environment to the fuel cell system 30Aa.

At this time, the fuel cell system 30Aa is separated from the power supply source 80 of the commercial power by the process in step S32. Therefore, in the fuel cell control system 100, the fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... In a similar environment are collectively separated from the power supply source 80 of commercial power based on the abnormal state acquired by the fuel cell system 30Aa. It has been. As a result, it is possible to collectively prevent the fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... In a similar environment from failing or the like.

Here, the management control unit 21 extracts another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the power line correspondence table shown in FIG. Specifically, the management control unit 21 refers to the power line correspondence table of the storage unit 23 and extracts the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Connected to the same branch power line 13A as the fuel cell system 30Aa. do.

Here, due to heavy rain, lightning, storm, etc., the branch power line 13A that supplies commercial power from the power supply source 80 of commercial power is cut off, and a large current is added to the commercial power. The voltage fluctuation of the commercial power of 13A, the frequency fluctuation of the commercial power, the supply stop of the commercial power, and the like may occur. In this case, the commercial power on the branch power line 13A fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range. The abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa detects the fluctuation of the commercial power in the branch power line 13A as an abnormal state. As described above, since the fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... Are connected to the branch power line 13A, they may be similarly affected by fluctuations in commercial power.

Therefore, the management control unit 21 extracts the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Connected to the same branch power line 13A as the fuel cell system 30Aa, and disconnects them from the power supply source 80 of the commercial power. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to the fuel cell system 30Aa from failing.

Step S35: The abnormality detection unit 31Aa determines whether or not Z time has elapsed since the disconnection from the power supply source 80 of the commercial power. The Z time is not limited to this, but is, for example, one hour. The abnormality detection unit 31Aa proceeds to step S36 when the Z time has elapsed, and repeats the process of step S35 when the Z time has not elapsed.
Step S36: When Z time has elapsed since the abnormality detection unit 31Aa was disconnected from the power supply source 80 of the commercial power, the operation control unit 33Aa and the management control unit 21 were notified of each fuel cell system 30 and the power supply source 80. Instruct to restore the interconnection state with. Alternatively, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa outputs to the operation control unit 33Aa and the management control unit 21 that Z time has elapsed since the power supply source 80 was disconnected. As a result, the operation control unit 33Aa restores the interconnection state between the fuel cell system 30Aa and the power supply source 80. Further, the management control unit 21 restores the interconnection state between the other fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... And the power supply source 80.

As described above, when the number of disturbances of the commercial power is less than Y times in X hours (No in step S33), the abnormality detection unit 31Aa is a fuel cell separated from the power supply source 80 of the commercial power in step S32. The operation control unit 33Aa is instructed to restore the interconnection state of the system 30Aa. Alternatively, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa outputs to the operation control unit 33A that the number of times of disturbance of the commercial power is less than Y times in X hours. As a result, the operation control unit 33Aa restores the interconnection state between the fuel cell system 30Aa and the power supply source 80 for commercial power.

[Another Embodiment]
(1) In the above embodiment, the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... Are the abnormality detection unit 31A (31Aa, 31Ab, 31Ac ...) and the operation control unit 33A (33Aa, 33Ab, 33Ac ...), respectively.・ ・) Is provided. However, at least one of the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... May be provided with the abnormality detection unit 31. For example, the fuel cell system 30Aa may be provided with the abnormality detection unit 31Aa, and the other plurality of fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... May be configured not to include the abnormality detection unit 31. In this case, when the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa detects an abnormal state, the management control unit 21 may use the other plurality of fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ...・ Control the operation of.

(2) In the above embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of one fuel cell system 30Aa detects an abnormality state of a predetermined level or higher, and the management control unit 21 acquires the abnormality state from the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa. do. Then, the management control unit 21 controls the operation of another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the abnormal state. The predetermined level or higher is, for example, a case where the duration A at which the dew point is the dew point threshold value is equal to or higher than the period threshold value Ab, or a case where disturbance of commercial power is detected Y times or more in X time.

However, the abnormal state acquired by the management control unit 21 is not limited to the abnormal state obtained only from the fuel cell system 30Aa. For example, even if the management control unit 21 acquires each abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31 of each of a part of the fuel cell systems 30 among the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Other than the fuel cell system 30Aa. good. The plurality of fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Are in a similar environment to the fuel cell system 30Aa.
Here, some fuel cell systems 30 include at least two or more fuel cell systems 30. In this case, the management control unit 21 is based on the abnormal state acquired by the abnormality detecting unit 31 of each of the fuel cell systems 30, that is, not one abnormal state from one fuel cell system 30, but a plurality of abnormal states. Based on the plurality of abnormal states from the fuel cell system 30, it may be considered that the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, Ab, Ac ... Are in the abnormal state.

Then, the operation control unit 33 of each of the fuel cell systems 30 controls the operation by stopping and disconnecting the operation based on each abnormality state detected by the abnormality detection unit 31 of each of the fuel cell systems 30. In addition, the management control unit 21 has detected a plurality of fuel cell systems 30 other than some fuel cell systems 30 among the plurality of fuel cell systems 30 in a similar environment by some fuel cell systems 30. Control operation based on abnormal conditions.
At this time, the management control unit 21 stops or disconnects the operation of the other fuel cell system 30 based on any one of the plurality of abnormal states detected by some fuel cell systems 30. You may control the operation. Further, the management control unit 21 controls the operation of the other fuel cell system 30 based on one abnormal state having the worst degree of the abnormal state among the plurality of abnormal states detected by some fuel cell systems 30. You may. Further, the management control unit 21 may control the operation of the other fuel cell system 30 based on the abnormal state obtained by averaging a plurality of abnormal states detected by some fuel cell systems 30.

In the above, each abnormality state is acquired from the abnormality detection unit 31 of each of some of the fuel cell systems 30 among the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ... Other than the fuel cell system 30Aa. Then, based on this abnormal state, the operation of the fuel cell system 30 is controlled by stopping or disconnecting the operation. However, even when the operation of the fuel cell system 30 is restarted or when the operation of the fuel cell system 30 is restored to the state of interconnection with the power supply source 80, the abnormality detection unit 31 of each of some fuel cell systems 30 other than the fuel cell system 30Aa has detected it. The state may be utilized. The above-mentioned state is a state of the temperature of the dew point, a state of commercial power, and the like.

(3) In the above embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of one fuel cell system 30Aa detects the abnormal state, and the operation control unit 33Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa controls the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa. Further, the management control unit 21 acquires an abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa, and based on the abnormal state, another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ...・ Control the operation of.
However, the operation of one fuel cell system 30Aa may also be controlled by the management control unit 21 based on the abnormality state acquired from the abnormality detection unit 31Aa. For example, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of one fuel cell system 30Aa detects the abnormality state. The management control unit 21 acquires an abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa via the network 35. Then, the management control unit 21 controls not only the operation of the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Ab, 30Ac ..., But also the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa via the network 35 based on the abnormal state.
Further, in the above embodiment, the operation control unit 33Aa restarts the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa from the stopped state, and also returns the fuel cell system 30Aa from the state of being disconnected from the power supply source 80. However, the management control unit 21 may restart the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa from the stopped state, or may restore the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa from the state disconnected from the power supply source 80.

(4) In the first embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa has a case where the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value and the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value is equal to or higher than the period threshold value Ab. Detect as an abnormal condition. However, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa may detect as an abnormal state when the dew point of the raw material and fuel is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value regardless of the duration A.
In the second embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa detects as an abnormal state when the number of disturbances of the commercial power is Y times or more in X hours. However, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa may detect as an abnormal state when there is a disturbance in commercial power regardless of the number of times.

(5) In the first embodiment, in the abnormality detection unit 31Aa, the dew point of the raw material flowing through the branch gas pipe 50A is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold value due to damage of the branch gas pipe 50A or the like, and the dew point of the raw material fuel is the dew point threshold value. When the above-mentioned duration A is equal to or greater than the period threshold Ab, it is detected as an abnormal state. However, the duration A in which the dew point of the raw material flowing through the branched gas pipe 50A is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold and the dew point of the raw material is equal to or higher than the dew point threshold is due to damage to the main gas pipe 50α upstream of the branched gas pipe 50A. When the period threshold is Ab or more, it may be detected as an abnormal state. Then, the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... Connected to the branch gas pipe 50A may be stopped at once. In addition, a branch gas pipe 50B ... Is also connected to the main gas pipe 50α. Therefore, not only the fuel cell system 30 connected to the branch gas pipe 50A but also a plurality of fuel cell systems 30 connected to the branch gas pipe 50B ... may be stopped at once.

Further, in the second embodiment, the branch power line 13A is cut off, a large current is applied to the branch power line 13A to the commercial power, and the commercial power of the branch power line 13A fluctuates and the supply of the commercial power is stopped. The case where it occurs is detected as an abnormal state. However, if the main power line 13α upstream of the branch power line 13A is cut off, the commercial power of the branch power line 13A connected to the main power line 13α may fluctuate. Therefore, even in such a case, it may be detected as an abnormal state. Then, the plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... Connected to the branch power line 13A may be stopped at once. In addition, a branch power line 13B ... Is also connected to the main power line 13α. Therefore, not only the fuel cell system 30 connected to the branch power line 13A but also a plurality of fuel cell systems 30 connected to the branch power line 13B ... may be stopped at once.

(6) In the above embodiment, the dew point sensor 49 is provided in the raw material / fuel flow path 41 as shown in FIG. However, the dew point sensor 49 only needs to be able to detect the dew point of the raw material and fuel, and the place where the dew point sensor 49 is provided is not limited to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a fuel cell system showing another arrangement of dew point sensors. As shown in FIG. 12, the dew point sensor 49 is provided in the branch gas pipe 50A in the vicinity of the solenoid valve 70.
By providing the dew point sensor 49 on the branch gas pipe 50A in this way, it is not necessary to temporarily open the solenoid valve 70 in steps S14 and S16 of FIG. 6 described above.

(7) In the above embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of one fuel cell system 30Aa detects the abnormality state. Then, the management control unit 21 acquires an abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31Aa of the fuel cell system 30Aa. The management control unit 21 controls the operation of another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the abnormal state. Further, the operation control unit 33Aa of one fuel cell system 30Aa acquires an abnormal state from the abnormality detecting unit 31Aa. Then, the operation control unit 33Aa controls the operation of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the abnormal state.
However, when the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of one fuel cell system 30Aa detects an abnormal state, the fuel cell system 30 is not output to the management control unit 21 but is output to the management control unit 21 based on the abnormal state. You may send an instruction such as stopping the operation of the power supply source 80 and disconnecting the power supply source 80 from the power supply source 80. Upon receiving an instruction, the management control unit 21 controls the operation of another fuel cell system 30Ab, 30Ac ... In an environment similar to that of the fuel cell system 30Aa based on the instruction.
Further, when the abnormality detection unit 31Aa of one fuel cell system 30Aa detects an abnormal state, the fuel cell system 30 is not output to the operation control unit 33Aa but is output to the operation control unit 33Aa based on the abnormal state. You may send an instruction such as stopping the operation of the power supply source 80 and disconnecting the power supply source 80 from the power supply source 80.

(8) In the above embodiment, it is detected whether or not the state of the dew point and the state of commercial power are abnormal states. However, the target for determining whether or not it is in an abnormal state is not limited to the dew point and commercial power.
For example, when one fuel cell system 30 detects that the amount of foreign matter contained in the atmosphere is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it may be determined as an abnormal state. Further, when it is determined that the duration in which the amount of foreign matter is equal to or greater than the threshold value is equal to or longer than the predetermined period, it may be determined as an abnormal state. A relatively large amount of foreign matter is taken into the fuel cell system 30 together with air, the fuel cell system 30 cannot continue to operate, and the fuel cell system may fail. Therefore, when the above-mentioned state is detected, it is detected as an abnormal state, and the operation of a plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... In similar environments is collectively performed by the fuel cell system 30 and the management device 20. And stop.

Further, for example, when one fuel cell system 30 detects that the air temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, or determines that the duration of the temperature being equal to or higher than the threshold value is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, it is determined as an abnormal state. May be good. For example, when the temperature is 35 ° C. or higher for 10 hours or longer. In this case, since the temperature is high, the combustion exhaust gas emitted from the fuel cell 40 of the fuel cell system 30 cannot be sufficiently cooled in the heat exchanger, and the water content in the combustion exhaust gas is sufficiently condensed and recovered as reformed water. Can not. Therefore, the reformed water supplied to the reformer 43 is insufficient, and the water self-sustaining operation is hindered. For example, if water cannot be supplied from the outside of the fuel cell system 30, the operation of the fuel cell system 30 cannot be continued, and the fuel cell system 30 may break down. Therefore, when the above-mentioned state is detected, it is detected as an abnormal state, and the operation of a plurality of fuel cell systems 30Aa, 30Ab, 30Ac ... In similar environments is collectively performed by the fuel cell system 30 and the management device 20. And stop.

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.

13α: Main power line (1st line)
13A: Branch power line (second line)
13B: Branch power line (second line)
20: Management device 30Aa: Fuel cell system (first fuel cell system)
30Ab: Fuel cell system (second fuel cell system)
30Ac: Fuel cell system (second fuel cell system)
31: Abnormality detection unit 33: Operation control unit 35: Network 40: Fuel cell 42: Desulfurizer 47: Fuel cell cell 49: Dew point sensor (dew point detection unit)
50α: Main gas pipe (first pipe)
50A: Branch gas pipe (second pipe)
50B: Branch gas pipe (second pipe)
80: Power supply source of commercial power (system power supply)
100: Fuel cell control system

Claims (7)

A plurality of fuel cell systems including a first fuel cell system and a second fuel cell system in an environment similar to that of the first fuel cell system.
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
The first fuel cell system is
An abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormal state affecting the operation of the first fuel cell system and an abnormal state of a predetermined level or higher and outputs the abnormal state to the management device via the network.
It has an operation control unit that controls the first fuel cell system, and has an operation control unit.
The management device acquires an abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher from the abnormality detecting unit of the first fuel cell system via the network, and based on the abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher, the second fuel cell system. Control and
A fuel cell control system in which the management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system controls the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state. The first fuel cell system is
A desulfurizer containing a desulfurizing agent that removes sulfur in the fuel gas,
A fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting the fuel gas that has passed through the desulfurizer with air,
It also has a dew point detection unit that detects the dew point of the fuel gas supplied to the desulfurizer.
When the abnormality detection unit determines that the duration at which the dew point of the fuel gas is equal to or greater than the dew point threshold is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormal state and the duration is longer than the predetermined period. If it is determined to be the above, it is detected as an abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher, and it is detected.
The management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system stops the operation of the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state.
The fuel cell control system according to claim 1, wherein the management device stops the operation of the second fuel cell system based on an abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher. The second fuel cell system
A desulfurizer containing a desulfurizing agent that removes sulfur in the fuel gas,
It has a fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting the fuel gas that has passed through the desulfurizer with air.
A second pipe branching from the first pipe, which is a flow path for the fuel gas, is connected to the desulfurizer of the first fuel cell system, and the desulfurizer of the second fuel cell system is connected to the second pipe. The fuel cell control system according to claim 2, wherein the first fuel cell system and the second fuel cell system are installed in the similar environment by connecting the second pipe. The first and second fuel cell systems are connected to a grid power source, and the generated power generated by the first fuel cell system and the generated power generated by the second fuel cell system are interconnected with the grid power source. It is possible,
When the system power of the system power supply fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range , the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormal state, and the number of times the system power of the system power supply fluctuates beyond the permissible fluctuation range is determined. If it is determined that the number of times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times within the predetermined period, it is detected as an abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher.
The management device or the operation control unit of the first fuel cell system disconnects the first fuel cell system from the system power supply based on the abnormal state.
The fuel cell control system according to claim 1, wherein the management device disconnects the second fuel cell system from the system power supply based on an abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher. The first fuel cell system is connected to a second line branching from the first line for supplying the system power, and the second fuel cell system is connected to the second line. The fuel cell control system according to claim 4, wherein the first fuel cell system and the second fuel cell system are installed in the similar environment. The fuel cell control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second fuel cell systems are installed in the same area and thus in a similar environment. A plurality of fuel cell systems including a first fuel cell system and a second fuel cell system in an environment similar to that of the first fuel cell system.
A management device that is communicably connected to the plurality of fuel cell systems via a network,
It is a fuel cell control method in a fuel cell control system including.
The first fuel cell system detects an abnormal state affecting the operation of the first fuel cell system and an abnormal state of a predetermined level or higher, and outputs the abnormal state to the management device via the network.
The management device acquires the abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher via the network, and controls the second fuel cell system based on the abnormal state of the predetermined level or higher.
A fuel cell control method in which the management device or the first fuel cell system controls the first fuel cell system based on the abnormal state.

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