JP6979626B2 - Hydrogen supply system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a hydrogen supply system.

In recent years, hydrogen has been attracting attention as a clean alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels due to environmental problems such as global warming and energy problems such as depletion of petroleum resources. Even if hydrogen burns, it basically releases only water, carbon dioxide that causes global warming is not emitted, and nitrogen oxides are hardly emitted, so it is expected as a clean energy. Further, as a device that uses hydrogen as a fuel with high efficiency, for example, there is a fuel cell, and the development and popularization of the fuel cell are progressing for a power source for an automobile and a private power generation for home use.

In the coming hydrogen society, in addition to producing hydrogen, there is a need for technological development that can store hydrogen at high density and transport or utilize hydrogen at low capacity and low cost. In particular, in order to promote the spread of fuel cells, which are distributed energy sources, it is necessary to develop fuel supply infrastructure. Therefore, various proposals have been made to purify and boost high-purity hydrogen in order to stably supply hydrogen in the fuel supply infrastructure.

For example, in a high-pressure hydrogen production apparatus, the electrolyte membrane and the anode feeder are deformed in response to the pressing by the high gas pressure on the cathode side, so that the contact resistance between the cathode feeder and the electrolyte membrane and the anode feeder is increased. May increase. Therefore, a pressing structure including a disc spring or a coil spring for bringing the cathode feeder into close contact with the electrolyte membrane has been proposed against deformation of the electrolyte membrane and the anode feeder (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, in order to avoid damage to the film-electrode joint and improve adhesion, a metal whose surface is smoothed by filling a conductive material powder such as titanium powder or carbon-based material powder between titanium fibers. A feeder for an electrochemical cell including a fiber laminate has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In addition, in order to purify and boost hydrogen from the reformed gas at low cost while ensuring durability against a high-pressure environment, a cell structure in which multiple sheets are laminated and a fastening structure that imparts fastening force in the stacking direction of this cell structure. A hydrogen purification booster comprising the above has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-70322 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-69681 International Publication No. 2015/020065

By the way, since it has been conventionally desired to utilize hydrogen energy with high efficiency, it is important to improve the efficiency of the hydrogen supply system during hydrogen compression operation.

Here, in the conventional example, it is considered to improve the efficiency during the hydrogen compression operation from the viewpoint of the electrical contact between the catalyst layer of the hydrogen supply system and the feeder, but the diffusion of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply system From the viewpoint of ensuring the properties, it has not been considered to improve the efficiency during hydrogen compression operation.

One aspect (aspect) of the present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and by appropriately ensuring the diffusivity of hydrogen, hydrogen supply that can improve the efficiency during hydrogen compression operation as compared with the conventional case. Provide the system.

In order to solve the above problems, the hydrogen supply system of one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolyte membrane, a cathode catalyst layer provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode gas provided in contact with the cathode catalyst layer. A cathode including a diffusion layer, an anode including an anode catalyst layer provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane and an anode gas diffusion layer provided in contact with the anode catalyst layer, the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst. A voltage applicator that applies a voltage between layers and a controller that interrupts the voltage application by the voltage applicator during the operation of applying a voltage by the voltage applicator to move a proton from the anode to the cathode. And.

The hydrogen supply system of one aspect of the present disclosure has an effect that the efficiency at the time of hydrogen compression operation can be improved as compared with the conventional case by appropriately ensuring the diffusibility of hydrogen.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cathode gas diffusion device of an electrochemical hydrogen pump. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an anode gas diffusion device of an electrochemical hydrogen pump. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a second embodiment of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hydrogen supply system of the second embodiment of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hydrogen supply system of the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hydrogen supply system of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a second embodiment of the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an alarm of the hydrogen supply system of the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an alarm of the hydrogen supply system of the third embodiment.

Efforts have been made to improve the efficiency of the hydrogen supply system during hydrogen compression operation, and it has gradually become clear that the pump performance depends on the distribution of water in the catalyst layer and gas diffusion layer of the hydrogen supply system.

During the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen supply system, water that moves (permeates) from the anode to the cathode along with protons flows back (back-permeates) from the cathode to the anode due to the differential pressure between the cathode and the anode. This may cause flooding (a phenomenon of water blockage in the gas flow path) in the anode catalyst layer and the anode gas diffusion layer.

For example, during the hydrogen compression operation of a hydrogen supply system, the protons in the anode gas move to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane in the process of the hydrogen gas (hereinafter referred to as the anode gas) passing through the anode gas flow path from upstream to downstream. In this case, the amount of hydrogen gas in the anode gas flowing on the downstream side of the anode gas flow path is smaller than the amount of hydrogen gas in the anode gas flowing on the upstream side.

On the other hand, in the anode gas, as described above, water flows back (reverse osmosis) from the cathode to the anode due to the differential pressure between the cathode and the anode. Therefore, when the above configuration is adopted, the dew point of the anode gas flowing on the downstream side of the anode gas flow path is higher than the dew point of the anode gas flowing on the upstream side. Then, the above-mentioned flooding is likely to occur in the anode catalyst layer and the anode gas diffusion layer on the downstream side of the anode gas flow path.

When such flooding occurs, the diffusivity of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply system is hindered, so that the voltage of the voltage adapter required for the pump operation to secure the desired proton transfer increases. That is, the inventors have found that the above flooding phenomenon can be a factor that lowers the efficiency of the hydrogen supply system during the hydrogen compression operation, and have completed the following aspect of the present disclosure.

That is, the hydrogen supply system of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolyte membrane, a cathode catalyst layer provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode gas diffusion layer provided in contact with the cathode catalyst layer. And a voltage that applies a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer including the anode gas diffusion layer provided in contact with the anode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane. It includes an adapter and a controller that interrupts voltage application by the voltage applyer during the operation of applying a voltage by the voltage applyer to move protons from the anode to the cathode.

Further, in the hydrogen supply system of the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the hydrogen supply system of the first aspect, the controller may interrupt the voltage application by the voltage adapter for a predetermined time set in advance.

According to such a configuration, the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment can improve the efficiency at the time of hydrogen compression operation as compared with the conventional case by appropriately ensuring the diffusivity of hydrogen.

Specifically, by applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer with a voltage applyer, this voltage application is interrupted during the operation of moving protons from the anode to the cathode. Then, the movement of protons and water from the anode to the cathode can be stopped for the above-mentioned predetermined time.

As a result, the dew point of the anode gas is less likely to change between the downstream side and the upstream side of the anode gas flow path for the above predetermined time. That is, in this case, the anode gas flowing in from the inlet of the anode gas flow path passes through the anode gas flow path while keeping the hydrogen gas amount and the water vapor amount constant, and then flows in from the outlet of the anode gas flow path. ..

In this way, the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment can perform a refresh operation for improving the state of causing flooding in the anode catalyst layer and the anode gas diffusion layer for the above-mentioned predetermined time. If flooding occurs, the diffusibility of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply system may be hindered, but the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment can reduce such possibility by the above configuration. ..

The hydrogen supply system of the third aspect of the present disclosure is provided in the cathode gas flow path through which the hydrogen gas output from the cathode flows and the cathode gas flow path in the hydrogen supply system of the first aspect or the second aspect. It may be provided with a check valve.

According to such a configuration, when the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer is interrupted, the flow of gas flowing into the cathode from the outside can be suppressed by the action of the check valve. Therefore, the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment can suppress the pressure fluctuation of the cathode as compared with the case where the check valve is not provided.

The hydrogen supply system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a cathode gas flow path through which hydrogen gas output from the cathode flows and a cathode gas flow path in the hydrogen supply system according to any one of the first aspect and the third aspect. The controller may close the valve when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted.

According to such a configuration, when the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer is interrupted, the flow of hydrogen gas in the cathode can be suppressed by the closing action of the valve. Therefore, the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment can maintain the gas pressure of the cathode at a high pressure as compared with the case where the valve is not closed.

As described above, if the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer is restarted and the gas pressure of the cathode is low, there is a time loss and an energy loss for increasing the gas pressure of the cathode from low pressure to high pressure. Although it may occur, the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment can alleviate such inconvenience by the above configuration.

Further, by maintaining the gas pressure of the cathode at a high pressure, a refresh operation can be performed to make the distribution of the wet state of the electrolyte membrane uniform in the film thickness direction and the in-plane direction of the electrolyte membrane. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the electrical resistance of the electrolyte membrane, and as a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption required for the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen supply system. The details of this refresh operation will be described with reference to the second modification of the first embodiment.

The hydrogen supply system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the hydrogen supply system according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. The application may be interrupted.

Flooding at the anode impedes the diffusivity of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply system, thus increasing the voltage of the voltage adapter required for pump operation to ensure the desired proton transfer. That is, the voltage of the voltage applyer is a value that correlates with the flooding phenomenon.

Further, the voltage of the voltage applyer rises as the cell resistance increases. This cell resistance is directly linked to the electric resistance of the electrolyte membrane, and the cell resistance changes as a result of the change in the electric resistance of the electrolyte membrane due to the change in the wet state of the electrolyte membrane. For example, when the voltage of the voltage applyer increases, it can be predicted that a non-uniform distribution occurs in the wet state of the electrolyte membrane. That is, the voltage of the voltage applyer is a value that correlates with the wet state of the electrolyte membrane.

Therefore, in the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment, a predetermined threshold voltage is set for the voltage of the voltage applyer. Then, when the voltage applied by the voltage applyer exceeds the threshold voltage, the transfer of protons and water from the anode to the cathode can be stopped for the above-mentioned predetermined time by interrupting the voltage application by the voltage applyer.

This makes it possible to perform a refresh operation for improving the state of causing flooding in the anode catalyst layer and the anode gas diffusion layer based on the applied voltage of the voltage applyer that correlates with the flooding phenomenon. Further, based on the applied voltage of the voltage adapter that correlates with the wet state of the electrolyte membrane, for example, by maintaining the gas pressure of the cathode at a high pressure, the wet state of the electrolyte membrane in the film thickness direction and the in-plane direction of the electrolyte membrane is maintained. It is also possible to perform a refresh operation to make the distribution of the above uniform.

The hydrogen supply system of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure comprises a pressure measuring instrument for measuring the pressure on the cathode side in any one of the first aspect-fifth aspect, and the controller measures the pressure. When the pressure measured by the device increases, the voltage application by the voltage applyer may be interrupted.

As described above, flooding of the hydrogen supply system occurs when water that has moved (penetrated) from the anode to the cathode along with protons flows back (back-penetrated) from the cathode to the anode due to the differential pressure between the cathode and the anode. It is a phenomenon that occurs. Therefore, the larger the differential pressure between the cathode and the anode (that is, the higher the gas pressure of the cathode), the more likely it is that the hydrogen supply system will be flooded.

Therefore, in the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment, the pressure (for example, intermediate pressure) between the normal pressure (low pressure) and the rated operating pressure (high pressure) of the hydrogen supply system is set as the pressure threshold of the gas pressure of the cathode. is doing. When the measurement data of the pressure measuring instrument exceeds such a pressure threshold value, the voltage application by the voltage adapter is interrupted to move protons and water from the anode to the cathode for the above-mentioned predetermined time. , Can be stopped.

Thereby, the refresh operation for improving the state of causing flooding in the anode catalyst layer and the anode gas diffusion layer can be performed even when the gas pressure of the cathode exceeds the pressure threshold. That is, in the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment, even if the gas pressure of the cathode is lower than the pressure at the rated operation of the hydrogen supply system, flooding may occur in the anode catalyst layer and the anode gas diffusion layer. In view of this, such a pressure threshold is set.

The hydrogen supply system of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure comprises a gas supply device for supplying gas to the anode in any of the first aspect-sixth aspect of the hydrogen supply system, and the controller is a voltage applyer. Gas may be supplied to the anode from the gas supply device when the voltage application is interrupted.

According to this configuration, in the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment, gas is supplied from the gas supply device to the anode when the voltage application by the voltage adapter is interrupted, as compared with the case where such gas supply is not performed. Flooding generated at the anode can be reduced.

Specifically, even when flooding occurs at the anode, the flow of gas supplied from the gas supply device to the water that has blocked the gas flow path of the anode catalyst layer and the water that has blocked the gas flow path of the anode gas diffusion layer. Can be effectively drained by the action of.

In the hydrogen supply system of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the hydrogen supply system of the seventh aspect, when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted, the dew point of the gas supplied to the anode is the voltage application. It may be smaller than the dew point of the hydrogen gas supplied to the anode when the voltage is applied by the device.

In the hydrogen supply system of the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the hydrogen supply system of the seventh aspect, when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted, the dew point of the gas supplied to the anode is the voltage application. It may be below the dew point of the hydrogen gas supplied to the anode when a voltage is applied by the device.

According to such a configuration, the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment supplies a gas having a low dew point to the anode when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted, as compared with the case where such gas supply is not performed. Flooding generated at the anode can be reduced.

Specifically, even when flooding occurs at the anode, the flow of gas supplied from the gas supply device to the water that has blocked the gas flow path of the anode catalyst layer and the water that has blocked the gas flow path of the anode gas diffusion layer. Can be effectively drained by the action of. Further, since the dew point of the gas supplied to the anode is equal to or lower than the dew point of the hydrogen gas (anode gas) supplied to the anode when the voltage is applied by the voltage adapter, even if the temperature of the gas drops. , Water vapor in the gas is hard to condense. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of flooding at the anode due to a decrease in the temperature of the gas supplied to the anode.

The hydrogen supply system according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the hydrogen supply system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the humidifier that humidifies the gas output from the gas reservoir and the gas output from the gas reservoir are the humidifier. A gas supply device including a first flow rate supplied to the anode via the gas reservoir and a second flow rate in which the gas output from the gas reservoir bypasses the humidifier and is supplied to the anode. Includes a flow rate regulator that regulates a first flow rate of gas flowing through the first flow path and a second flow rate of gas flowing through the second flow path, the controller controlling the flow rate regulator to apply a voltage. When the voltage is applied by the device, the first flow rate may be larger than the second flow rate, and when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted, the first flow rate may be smaller than the second flow rate.

The hydrogen supply system of the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a switch in which the flow rate regulator switches between the first flow path and the second flow path in the hydrogen supply system of the tenth aspect, and the controller is a controller. When the voltage is applied by the voltage applyer, the switch may be switched to the first flow path side, and when the voltage application by the voltage applicator is interrupted, the switch may be switched to the second flow path side.

According to this configuration, in the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment, when a voltage is applied between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer, a high dew point gas having a large amount of humidification by the humidifier is supplied to the anode. Compared with the case where such a gas supply is not performed, the water in the gas can be used to maintain the electrolyte membrane in a desired wet state.

Further, when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted, the gas having a low dew point with a small amount of humidification by the humidifier is supplied to the anode, so that the anode is compared with the case where such gas supply is not performed. The generated flooding can be reduced.

The hydrogen supply system of the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is different from the first state and the first state in which the hydrogen supply system is stopped in the hydrogen supply system of any one of the first aspect-11th aspects. A notification device for notifying information indicating which of the two states is provided, the controller controls the notification device, and when the voltage application by the voltage adapter is interrupted, the hydrogen supply system is in the second state. The information indicating that the system may be notified.

According to such a configuration, in the hydrogen supply system of this embodiment, the information indicating that the hydrogen supply system is in the second state can be known in a timely manner by, for example, an operator or the like by the alarm.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the embodiments described below is an example of each of the above embodiments.

Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, and the arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown below are examples, and do not limit each of the above embodiments unless stated in the claims. .. Further, among the following components, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest level concept of this embodiment will be described as arbitrary components. Further, in the drawings, those having the same reference numerals may omit the description. The drawings schematically show each component for the sake of easy understanding, and may not be an accurate display of the shape, dimensional ratio, and the like. Further, in the operation, the order of each process can be changed as needed, and other known processes can be added.

(First Embodiment)
[Device configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 and a controller 50. The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes an electrolyte membrane 14, an anode AN, a cathode CA, and a voltage adapter 19.

The cathode CA includes a cathode catalyst layer (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 14 and a cathode gas diffusion layer (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in contact with the cathode catalyst layer. Is an electrode containing. The anode AN is an anode catalyst layer (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 14 and an anode gas diffusion layer (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in contact with the anode catalyst layer. It is an electrode containing. The voltage applyer 19 is a device that applies a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The details of the electrolyte film 14, the cathode catalyst layer, the cathode gas diffusion layer, the anode catalyst layer, the anode gas diffusion layer, and the voltage adapter 19 will be described later.

_{The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 boosts hydrogen (H 2} ) by passing a current between the anode AN and the cathode CA by the voltage of the voltage adapter 19, and hydrogen gas in a high pressure state (hereinafter referred to as cathode gas). Is a device that supplies a hydrogen demander (not shown). Examples of the hydrogen demander include fuel cells for home use or automobiles. Specifically, in the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, protons (H ⁺ ) are generated from hydrogen in the anode gas. Then, protons (H ⁺ ) permeate through the electrolyte membrane 14, and a cathode gas is generated by the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. At this time, the cathode gas is boosted by increasing the amount of hydrogen generated in the cathode CA. An example of the configuration of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 and the details of the stepping-up operation of the cathode gas by the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 will be described later.

The controller 50 applies a voltage by the voltage applicator 19 to interrupt the voltage application by the voltage applicator 19 during the operation of moving the ^{proton (H +} ) from the anode AN to the cathode CA. The controller 50 may control the overall operation of the hydrogen supply system 200.

The controller 50 may have any configuration as long as it has a control function. The controller 50 includes, for example, an arithmetic circuit (not shown) and a storage circuit (not shown) for storing a control program. Examples of the arithmetic circuit include an MPU, a CPU, and the like. Examples of the storage circuit include a memory and the like. The controller 50 may be configured by a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be configured by a plurality of controllers that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, equipment required for the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen supply system 200 is appropriately provided. For example, a cooler for cooling the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 (for example, an air-cooled fan), a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, and a cathode gas discharged from the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. A hydrogen storage device for temporarily storing hydrogen, a pressure detector for detecting the gas pressure in the hydrogen storage device, and the like may be provided. It should be noted that these various devices (not shown) are examples and are not limited to this example.

[Composition of electrochemical hydrogen pump]
Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of an electrochemical hydrogen pump of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes an electrolyte membrane 14, a cathode catalyst layer 15, an anode catalyst layer 16, a cathode gas diffusion device 31, an anode gas diffusion device 9, and a voltage application. A vessel 19 and a fastener 27 are provided.

The cathode gas diffusion device 31 includes a cathode gas diffusion layer 31A and a cathode gas separator 31B. The anode gas diffusion device 9 includes an anode main body 1 including an anode gas diffusion layer 24, an anode gas flow path plate 5, and an anode end plate 10. The detailed configuration of the cathode gas diffusion device 31 and the anode gas diffusion device 9 will be described later.

The single cell 100A of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes an electrolyte membrane 14, a cathode catalyst layer 15, an anode catalyst layer 16, a cathode gas diffusion device 31, and an anode gas diffusion device 9. Therefore, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 of FIG. 2 constitutes a stack in which three stages of single cell 100A are stacked, but the number of stages of the single cell 100A is not limited to this. That is, the number of stages of the single cell 100A can be set to an appropriate number based on operating conditions such as the amount of hydrogen in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100.

The fastener 27 fastens the laminate 100B of the electrolyte membrane 14, the cathode catalyst layer 15, the anode catalyst layer 16, the cathode gas diffusion layer 31A, and the anode gas diffusion layer 24.

In this example, the cathode CA in FIG. 1 is composed of, for example, a cathode catalyst layer 15 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 31A. Further, the anode AN in FIG. 1 is composed of, for example, an anode catalyst layer 16 and an anode gas diffusion layer 24.

Here, in order to appropriately hold a plurality of single cells 100A including the laminated body 100B in a laminated state, the end face of the cathode gas diffusion device 31 in the uppermost layer of the single cell 100A and the end face of the anode gas diffusion device 9 in the lowermost layer. Is sandwiched between the end plate 26U and the end plate 26D via an insulating plate (not shown) or the like, and it is necessary to apply a desired fastening pressure to the single cell 100A. Therefore, a plurality of fasteners 27 provided with disc springs or the like for applying a fastening pressure to the single cell 100A are provided at appropriate positions on the end plate 26U and the end plate 26D.

The fastener 27 may have any configuration as long as the above laminated body 100B can be fastened. As the fastener 27, for example, a bolt penetrating between the end plate 26U and the end plate 26D, a nut with a disc spring, and the like can be exemplified.

The end plate 26U is provided with a cathode gas lead-out pipe 30 through which the cathode gas from the cathode gas diffusion device 31 flows. That is, the cathode gas lead-out pipe 30 communicates with a cylindrical cathode gas lead-out manifold (not shown) provided in the single cell 100A in the laminated state. A seal member such as an O-ring (not shown) is provided between the cathode gas diffusion device 31 and the anode gas diffusion device 9 so as to surround the cathode gas lead-out manifold in a plan view, and the cathode gas lead-out manifold is the seal. It is properly sealed with a member.

Further, the end plate 26U is also provided with an anode gas lead-out pipe 29 through which excess anode gas from the anode gas diffusion device 9 flows. That is, the anode gas lead-out pipe 29 communicates with the tubular anode gas lead-out manifold 29A provided in the single cell 100A in the laminated state. A seal member 40 such as an O-ring is provided between the cathode gas diffusion device 31 and the anode gas diffusion device 9 so as to surround the anode gas lead-out manifold 29A in a plan view, and the anode gas lead-out manifold 29A seals. It is properly sealed with the member 40.

The end plate 26D is provided with an anode gas introduction pipe 28 through which the anode gas supplied to the anodic gas diffusion device 9 flows. That is, the anode gas introduction pipe 28 communicates with the tubular anode gas introduction manifold 28A provided in the single cell 100A in the laminated state. A sealing member 40 such as an O-ring is provided between the cathode gas diffusion device 31 and the anode gas diffusion device 9 so as to surround the anode gas introduction manifold 28A in a plan view, and the anode gas introduction manifold 28A seals. It is properly sealed with the member 40.

The electrolyte membrane 14 is a proton conductive electrolyte membrane that can permeate ^{protons (H +).} The electrolyte membrane 14 may be any membrane as long as it is a proton conductive electrolyte membrane. For example, examples of the electrolyte membrane 14 include a fluorine-based polymer electrolyte membrane. Specifically, for example, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), Aciplex (trade name, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) and the like can be used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

As described above, the cathode catalyst layer 15 is provided on one main surface (for example, the front surface) of the electrolyte membrane 14. In a plan view, a sealing member 41 such as a gasket is provided so as to surround the periphery of the cathode catalyst layer 15, and the cathode catalyst layer 15 is appropriately sealed by the sealing member 41. The cathode catalyst layer 15 may contain, for example, platinum (Pt) or the like as the catalyst metal, but is not limited thereto.

As described above, the anode catalyst layer 16 is provided on the other main surface (for example, the back surface) of the electrolyte membrane 14. In a plan view, a sealing member 42 such as a gasket is provided so as to surround the periphery of the anode catalyst layer 16, and the anode catalyst layer 16 is appropriately sealed by the sealing member 42. The anode catalyst layer 16 may contain, for example, Pt or RuIrFeOx as the catalyst metal, but is not limited thereto.

The cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 are not particularly limited as various methods can be mentioned as methods for preparing the catalyst. For example, examples of the catalyst carrier include a conductive porous substance powder and a carbon-based powder. Examples of the carbon-based powder include powders such as graphite, carbon black, and activated carbon having electric conductivity. The method of supporting platinum or other catalytic metal on a carrier such as carbon is not particularly limited. For example, a method such as powder mixing or liquid phase mixing may be used. Examples of the latter liquid phase mixing include a method in which a carrier such as carbon is dispersed in a colloidal liquid as a catalyst component and adsorbed. Further, if necessary, platinum or another catalyst metal can be supported by the same method as described above, using the active oxygen removing material as a carrier. The supported state of the catalyst metal such as platinum on the carrier is not particularly limited. For example, the catalyst metal may be atomized and supported on a carrier with high dispersion.

The voltage applyer 19 may have any configuration as long as a voltage can be applied between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16. The voltage applyer 19 may be a device that adjusts the voltage applied between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16, and examples of the voltage applyer 19 include a DC / DC converter and an AC / DC converter. can. In this case, the DC / DC converter is used when the voltage adapter 19 is connected to a DC power source such as a battery, and the AC / DC converter is used when the voltage adapter 19 is connected to an AC power source such as a commercial power source. It is used when Further, the low potential side terminal of the voltage applyr 19 is connected to the conductive cathode gas diffusion device 31, and the high potential side terminal of the voltage applyr 19 is connected to the conductive anode gas diffusion device 9.

[Cathode gas diffusion device configuration]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cathode gas diffusion device of an electrochemical hydrogen pump.

As described above, the cathode gas diffusion device 31 includes a cathode gas diffusion layer 31A and a cathode gas separator 31B.

The cathode gas diffusion layer 31A is provided on the main surface of the cathode catalyst layer 15 that does not face the electrolyte membrane 14. Further, the cathode gas diffusion layer 31A may have any configuration as long as it has the desired elasticity, the desired electrical conductivity, and the desired gas permeability. For example, the cathode gas diffusion layer 31A may be made of highly elastic graphitized carbon fiber, a porous body obtained by plating the surface of a titanium powder sintered body with platinum, or the like, and may be in the form of paper. When the former graphitized carbon fiber is used, when the carbon fiber is heat-treated at, for example, 2000 ° C. or higher, graphite crystals develop and change into graphite fibers.

Further, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the cathode separator 31B includes a recess 35 through which the cathode gas derived from the cathode gas diffusion layer 31A flows. The cathode gas diffusion layer 31A is housed in the recess 35.

The cathode separator 31B includes a manifold hole 32C through which the cathode gas flows, and a cathode gas outlet flow path 33 that leads the cathode gas in the recess 35 to the manifold hole 32C.

In the cathode gas diffusion device 31 of this example, the cathode gas lead-out flow path 33 is composed of a communication hole that communicates the manifold hole 32C and the cathode gas diffusion layer 31A. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication hole may extend from the bottom surface of the recess 35 to the manifold hole 32C formed in the thickness direction of the cathode separator 31B. Further, when the single cells 100A are laminated, a cylindrical cathode gas lead-out manifold is formed by the manifold hole 32A (see FIG. 5) provided in the anode gas diffusion device 9 and the manifold hole 32C.

As described above, the cathode gas can be taken out from the cathode gas diffusion layer 31A in the high pressure state through the cathode gas lead-out flow path 33. The cathode gas that has passed through the cathode gas lead-out flow path 33 flows through the cathode gas lead-out manifold and the cathode gas lead-out pipe 30 in this order.

[Anode gas diffusion device configuration]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an anode gas diffusion device of an electrochemical hydrogen pump. FIG. 5A is a plan view of the anode main body 1 of the anode gas diffusion device 9. FIG. 5B is a plan view of the anode gas flow path plate 5 of the anode gas diffusion device 9. FIG. 5C is a plan view of the anode end plate 10 of the anode gas diffusion device 9.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the anode gas diffusion device 9. That is, in FIG. 5 (d), the anode gas diffusion corresponding to the DD portion when the members shown in plan view in FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b) and 5 (c) are laminated. A cross section of the device 9 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the anode gas diffusion device 9 includes an anode main body 1, an anode gas flow path plate 5, and an anode end plate 10.

The anode body 1 is a metallic member that diffuses the anode gas. The anode main body 1 may have any structure as long as it is a metallic member that diffuses the anode gas. The anode body 1 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel, titanium, a titanium alloy, or an aluminum alloy. The thickness of the anode body 1 may be about several hundred μm (for example, about 400 μm). These materials and numerical values are examples and are not limited to this example.

Further, the anode main body 1 includes an anode gas diffusion layer 24, a manifold hole 3 for introducing the anode gas, and a manifold hole 4 for deriving the anode gas. The anode gas diffusion layer 24 is configured to be able to diffuse the anode gas by using a laminate of metal plates having through holes, a sintered body of a metal powder having a porous structure, or the like.

The anode gas flow path plate 5 is provided on the main surface of the anode body 1. In the anode gas diffusion device 9 of the present embodiment, the anode gas flow path plate 5 is provided so as to be in surface contact with the main surface of the anode main body 1.

As the material of the anode gas flow path plate 5, for example, stainless steel, titanium, a titanium alloy, an aluminum alloy, or the like can be used. The thickness of the anode gas flow path plate 5 may be about several tens of μm (for example, about about 50 μm). These materials and numerical values are examples and are not limited to this example.

Further, the anode gas flow path plate 5 includes a manifold hole 7 for introducing the anode gas, a manifold hole 8 for leading out the anode gas, and an anode gas flow path 6.

The manifold hole 7 and the manifold hole 8 are arranged so as to face each of the manifold hole 3 and the manifold hole 4 of the anode body 1, respectively.

In the anode gas diffusion device 9 of the present embodiment, the anode gas flow path 6 of the anode gas flow path plate 5 communicates with the manifold hole 7, extends linearly toward the manifold hole 8, and communicates with the manifold hole 8. It is composed of a plurality of slit holes 36D that do not communicate with each other and a plurality of slit holes 36U that communicate with the anode hole 8 and extend linearly toward the anode hole 7 and do not communicate with the manifold hole 7. That is, the anode gas flow path plate 5 integrates the first metal layer 5D provided with the slit hole 36D and the second metal layer 5U provided with the slit hole 36U so that the slit hole 36D and the slit hole 36U overlap each other. It is formed by joining to. The overlapping portion of the slit hole 36D and the slit hole 36U constitutes the slit hole 36 of the anode gas flow path 6 penetrating the anode gas flow path plate 5. In this case, the manifold hole 7 is used for introducing the anode gas into the anode gas diffusion layer 24 by communicating with one end of the plurality of anode gas flow paths 6. That is, the anode gas that has passed through the contact portion between the slit hole 36 of the anode gas flow path 6 and the anode gas diffusion layer 24 is sent to the anode gas diffusion layer 24. Further, the manifold hole 8 is used for deriving the anode gas from the anode gas diffusion layer 24 by communicating with the other ends of the plurality of anode gas flow paths 6.

The anode end plate 10 is provided on the main surface (hereinafter, the opposite surface) of the main surface of the anode gas flow path plate 5 that does not face the anode main body 1. Specifically, the plurality of slit holes 36 of the anode gas flow path plate 5 are covered from the opposite surface by the anode end plate 10.

As the material of the anode end plate 10, for example, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy and the like can be used. The thickness of the anode end plate 10 may be about several tens of μm (for example, about about 50 μm). These materials and numerical values are examples and are not limited to this example.

Further, the anode end plate 10 includes a manifold hole 11 for introducing the anode gas and a manifold hole 12 for deriving the anode gas. The manifold hole 11 and the manifold hole 12 of the anode end plate 10 are arranged so as to face each of the manifold hole 7 and the manifold hole 8 of the anode gas flow path plate 5, respectively.

As described above, when the single cell 100A is laminated, the anode gas introduction manifold 28A is formed by the manifold hole 11, the manifold hole 7, the manifold hole 3, and the manifold hole of the cathode gas diffusion device 31. The anode gas lead-out manifold 29A is formed by a manifold hole 12, a manifold hole 8, a manifold hole 4, and a manifold hole of the cathode gas diffusion device 31.

In the anode gas diffusion device 9 of the present embodiment, the anode end plate 10, the anode gas flow path plate 5, and the anode main body 1 may be integrally bonded by metal bonding by welding, brazing, welding, or the like. .. For example, the main surface of the anode end plate 10, the main surface of the anode gas flow path plate, and the main surface of the anode main body 1 may be surface-bonded by diffusion bonding or the like. As a result, as compared with the case where the anode end plate 10, the anode gas flow path plate 5, and the anode main body 1 are fixed and laminated by a mechanical fastening member, the voids at the joints thereof disappear, so that the anode gas diffusion device 9 Contact resistance (electrical resistance) can be reduced. Then, when a voltage is applied to the anode gas diffusion device 9, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption required for the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100.

[motion]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the operation of the hydrogen supply system 200 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

The following operation may be performed by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 from the storage circuit by the control program. However, it is not always essential to perform the following operations on the controller 50. The operator may perform some or all of the operations. For example, the hydrogen supply system 200 may include a display such as a liquid crystal display having a display mechanism and a touch operation function. In this case, the operating state of the hydrogen supply system 200 is displayed on the display, and the control command of the operator is input to the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 via the display in a timely manner.

First, in step S1, the anode gas is supplied to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100.

For example, the anode gas is supplied to the anode gas diffusion device 9 through the anode gas introduction pipe 28. Specifically, the anode gas is supplied to the manifold hole 7 of FIG. 5 from the anode gas introduction pipe 28. Then, since the manifold hole 7 communicates with one end of the anode gas flow path 6 of the anode gas flow path plate 5, gas is sent from the manifold hole 7 to the anode gas flow path 6.

At this time, a part of the anode gas flowing through the anode gas flow path 6 is sent to the anode gas diffusion layer 24 of the anode main body 1. Since the anode gas diffusion layer 24 has a gas diffusion action, the anode gas heading from the anode gas flow path 6 to the main surface (hereinafter, the opposite surface) of the anode gas diffusion layer 24 not facing the anode gas flow path plate 5 , Can pass through this opposite surface while being uniformly diffused by the anode gas diffusion layer 24. As a result, the anode gas is uniformly supplied to the anode catalyst layer 16 arranged on the opposite surface of the anode gas diffusion layer 24. The excess anode gas that did not pass through the opposite surface is sent to the manifold hole 8 communicating with the other end of the anode gas flow path 6 of the anode gas flow path plate 5 and discharged to the anode gas outlet pipe 29. Ru. As the anode gas, for example, hydrogen gas and the like can be mentioned.

Next, in step S2, by applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 by the voltage applyer 19, the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA is boosted as follows.

First, hydrogen in the anode gas liberates an electron on the anode catalyst layer 16 to become a proton (H ⁺ ) (formula (1)). The liberated electrons move to the cathode catalyst layer 15 via the voltage applyer 19.

On the other hand, the protons permeate the electrolyte membrane 14 with water molecules and move to the cathode catalyst layer 15. In the cathode catalyst layer 15, a reduction reaction is carried out between the protons that have passed through the electrolyte membrane 14 and the electrons, and a cathode gas is generated (formula (2)).

As a result, even if the anode gas is a _{hydrogen gas containing impurities such as CO 2} gas, the hydrogen gas is purified from the anode gas with high efficiency.

The anode gas may contain CO gas as an impurity, for example. In this case, since the CO gas reduces the catalytic activity of the anode catalyst layer 16 and the like, it is better to remove the CO gas with a CO remover (for example, a transformer, a CO selective oxidizer, etc.) (not shown).

Then, by increasing the pressure loss of the cathode gas lead-out pipe 30 and increasing the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19, the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA becomes high pressure. Specifically, the relationship between the gas pressure P1 of the anode AN, the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA, and the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 is formulated by the following equation (3).

Anode AN: _{H 2} (low ^{pressure) → 2H + + 2e - ···} (1)
Cathode ^{CA: 2H + + 2e - →} H 2 ( high pressure) (2)
E = (RT / 2F) ln (P2 / P1) + ir ... (3)

In the formula (3), R is the gas constant (8.3145 J / K · mol), T is the cell temperature (K) of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, F is the Faraday constant (96485 C / mol), and P2 is the cathode CA side. Gas pressure, P1 is the gas pressure on the anode AN side, i is the current density (A / cm ² ), and r is the cell resistance (Ω · cm ² ).

From the equation (3), it can be easily understood that the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA can be increased by increasing the voltage E of the voltage applyer 19. The pressure loss of the cathode gas lead-out pipe 30 can be increased or decreased by, for example, the opening degree of the on-off valve provided in the cathode gas lead-out pipe 30.

As described above, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, the pressure loss of the cathode gas lead-out pipe 30 is increased and the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 is increased to increase the gas pressure P2 on the cathode CA side. The cathode gas in which the gas pressure P2 on the cathode CA side has increased is discharged to the outside (for example, a hydrogen reservoir (not shown)) through, for example, the cathode gas outlet pipe 30.

By the way, during the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen supply system 200, the water that has moved (penetrated) from the anode AN to the cathode CA along with the proton flows back (reverse) from the cathode CA to the anode AN due to the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN. Penetrate). This may cause flooding (blocking phenomenon of the gas flow path by water) in the anode catalyst layer 16 and the anode gas diffusion layer 24.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, during the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen supply system 200, the protons in the anode gas pass through the electrolyte membrane 14 in the process of the anode gas passing through the anode gas flow path 6 from upstream to downstream. When the configuration is such that the anode gas moves to the cathode, the amount of hydrogen gas in the anode gas flowing on the downstream side of the anode gas flow path 6 is smaller than the amount of hydrogen gas in the anode gas flowing on the upstream side.

On the other hand, in the anode gas, as described above, water flows back (reverse osmosis) from the cathode CA to the anode AN due to the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN. Therefore, when the above configuration is adopted, the dew point of the anode gas flowing on the downstream side of the anode gas flow path 6 is higher than the dew point of the anode gas flowing on the upstream side. Then, the anode catalyst layer 16 and the anode gas diffusion layer 24 on the downstream side of the anode gas flow path 6 are likely to cause the above-mentioned flooding.

Therefore, in the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment, a voltage is applied between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 by the voltage applyer 19, and a step is performed during the operation of moving the proton from the anode AN to the cathode CA. In S3, the voltage application by the voltage applicator 19 is interrupted for a predetermined time set in advance.

When the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 is interrupted in step S3, the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA may be maintained at a high pressure. For example, by closing the on-off valve, the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA can be maintained at a high pressure. Details will be described with reference to the second modification.

Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 is restarted in step S4.

As described above, the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment can improve the efficiency during the hydrogen compression operation as compared with the conventional case by appropriately ensuring the diffusibility of hydrogen.

Specifically, by applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 by the voltage applicator 19, this voltage application is interrupted during the operation of moving the proton from the anode AN to the cathode CA. Then, the movement of protons and water from the anode AN to the cathode CA can be stopped for the above-mentioned predetermined time.

As a result, the dew point of the anode gas is less likely to change between the downstream side and the upstream side of the anode gas flow path 6 for the above predetermined time. That is, in this case, the anode gas flowing from the inlet of the anode gas flow path 6 passes through the anode gas flow path 6 while keeping the amount of hydrogen gas and the amount of water vapor constant, and then passes through the anode gas flow path 6. It flows in from the exit.

In this way, the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment can perform a refresh operation for improving the state of causing flooding in the anode catalyst layer 16 and the anode gas diffusion layer 24 for the above-mentioned predetermined time. If flooding occurs, the diffusibility of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply system 200 may be hindered, but the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment has such a possibility due to the above configuration. Can be reduced.

(First modification)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, a controller 50, a cathode gas flow path 60, and a check valve 61. Since the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 and the controller 50 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The cathode gas flow path 60 is a flow path through which hydrogen gas output from the cathode CA flows. The cathode gas flow path 60 may have any configuration as long as it is a flow path through which hydrogen gas output from the cathode CA flows. The cathode gas flow path 60 may be configured by, for example, a cathode gas lead-out pipe 30 (see FIG. 2).

The check valve 61 is provided in the cathode gas flow path 60. Specifically, the check valve 61 is provided in the cathode gas flow path 60 so that the direction in which hydrogen flows out from the cathode CA to the outside of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is in the positive direction.

As described above, when the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 is interrupted, the flow of gas flowing into the cathode CA from the outside can be suppressed by the action of the check valve 61. Therefore, the hydrogen supply system 200 of this modification can suppress the pressure fluctuation of the cathode CA as compared with the case where the check valve 61 is not provided.

The hydrogen supply system 200 of this modification may be the same as the hydrogen supply system 200 of the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

(Second modification)
The proton conductivity of the electrolyte membrane 14 in the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 was intensively studied, and the following findings were obtained.

In order to ensure the proton conductivity of the electrolyte membrane 14, it is necessary to maintain the electrolyte membrane 14 in a desired wet state. That is, the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14 is directly connected to the electric resistance of the electrolyte membrane 14, and is an important factor that influences the cell resistance of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. Since this increase in cell resistance causes an increase in the voltage E of the voltage applyer 19, the operating efficiency of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 and, by extension, the operating efficiency of the hydrogen supply system 200 are lowered.

Here, the inventors have found that the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14 in the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is closely related to the permeation of water present in the cathode CA into the electrolyte membrane 14.

During the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen supply system 200, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, protons permeate through the electrolyte membrane 14 with water molecules and move to the cathode catalyst layer 15. That is, water moves from the anode AN to the cathode CA. At this time, the electrolyte membrane 14 is humidified from the cathode CA by the contact between the water moved to the cathode CA and the electrolyte membrane 14. The larger the amount of water that moves from the anode AN to the cathode CA along with the protons, the smaller the amount of humidification of the electrolyte membrane 14 from the anode AN, and as a result, the film thickness direction and surface of the electrolyte membrane 14. Inwardly wet distribution (non-uniformity) may occur.

On the other hand, the amount of humidification of the electrolyte membrane 14 from the cathode CA depends on the level of the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA. That is, as for the water in contact with the electrolyte membrane 14, the higher the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA, the easier it is for the water to permeate into the electrolyte membrane 14, and as a result, the humidification of the electrolyte membrane 14 is promoted.

In the hydrogen supply system 200 of the second modification of the first embodiment, the uniform wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14 is maintained by utilizing the above principle.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a second modification of the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, a controller 50, a cathode gas flow path 60, and a valve 62. Since the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Since the cathode gas flow path 60 is the same as the first modification of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The valve 62 is provided in the cathode gas flow path 60. Specifically, the valve 62 is an on-off valve capable of opening and closing the cathode gas flow path 60. As the valve 62, for example, an electromagnetic on-off valve can be used, but the valve is not limited to this.

Then, the controller 50 closes the valve 62 when the voltage application by the voltage applyr 19 is interrupted. Then, when the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 is interrupted, the flow of the cathode gas in the cathode CA can be suppressed by the closing action of the valve 62. Therefore, the hydrogen supply system 200 of this modification can maintain the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA at a high pressure as compared with the case where the valve 62 is not closed.

As described above, when the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 is restarted, if the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA is low, the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA is increased from low pressure. Although there is a possibility that time loss and energy loss may occur, the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present modification can alleviate such inconvenience by the above configuration.

Further, the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA exerts the effect of promoting the humidification of the electrolyte membrane 14 as described above. Therefore, in the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present modification, when the voltage application by the voltage adapter 19 is interrupted, the gas pressure P2 in the cathode CA is uniformly applied to the electrolyte membrane 14 by closing the valve 62. As a result, the water present in the cathode CA can be uniformly permeated in the plane of the electrolyte membrane 14. As a result, a refresh operation can be performed to make the distribution of the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14 uniform in the film thickness direction and the in-plane direction of the electrolyte membrane 14. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the electric resistance of the electrolyte film 14, and as a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption required for the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen supply system 200.

The period during which the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA is increased without applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 is the operating time of the hydrogen supply system 200 up to that point and the immediately preceding cathode CA. Considering the correlation between the gas pressure P2 and the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14 and the physical properties such as the electrical resistance of the electrolyte membrane 14, the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14 in the film thickness direction and the in-plane direction can be improved in advance. It is desirable to set.

The hydrogen supply system 200 of the present modification may be the same as the hydrogen supply system 200 of the first modification of the first embodiment or the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

(First Example)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment of the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 and a controller 50. The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes an electrolyte membrane 14, an anode AN, a cathode CA, a voltage applyer 19, and a voltage measuring instrument 70.

Since the electrolyte membrane 14, the anode AN, the cathode CA, and the voltage adapter 19 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The voltage measuring instrument 70 is a device that measures the voltage E applied between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 by the voltage applying device 19. The voltage measuring instrument 70 may have any configuration as long as it can measure the voltage E of the voltage applying device 19.

Although the hydrogen supply system 200 of this embodiment includes a voltage measuring instrument 70, it is not necessary to provide such a voltage measuring instrument. In the latter case, the voltage E of the voltage applicator 19 can be grasped as, for example, the control amount of the voltage applicator 19 when the voltage applicator 19 is controlled by the controller 50.

The controller 50 interrupts the voltage application by the voltage applyr 19 when the applied voltage of the voltage applyr 19 increases.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment of the first embodiment.

The following operation may be performed by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 from the storage circuit by the control program. However, it is not always essential to perform the following operations on the controller 50. The operator may perform some or all of the operations.

Since step S1, step S2, step S3 and step S4 in FIG. 10 are the same as step S1, step S2, step S3 and step S4 in FIG. 6, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S5, it is determined whether or not the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 (for example, the voltage measured by the voltage measuring instrument 70) exceeds the preset voltage threshold value.

When the voltage E of the voltage applyr 19 is equal to or less than the voltage threshold value (No in step S5), the cathode CA is formed by applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 in step S2. The operation of boosting the gas pressure P2 is continued.

When the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 exceeds the voltage threshold (in the case of Yes in step S5), in step S3, between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 by the voltage adapter 19 for a predetermined time set in advance. After the voltage application to the cathode catalyst layer 15 is interrupted and the predetermined time elapses, the voltage application between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 is restarted in step S4. Then, in step S2, the operation of boosting the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA is continued by applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16.

Here, when flooding occurs in the anode AN, the diffusibility of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply system 200 is hindered, so that the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 required for the pump operation to secure the desired proton transfer rises. do. That is, the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 is a value that correlates with the flooding phenomenon.

Further, the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 increases as the cell resistance increases. This cell resistance is directly connected to the electric resistance of the electrolyte membrane 14, and the cell resistance changes as a result of the change in the electric resistance of the electrolyte membrane 14 due to the change in the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14. For example, when the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 increases, it can be predicted that a non-uniform distribution occurs in the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14. That is, the voltage E of the voltage adapter 19 is a value that correlates with the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14.

Therefore, in the hydrogen supply system 200 of this embodiment, as shown in step S5, a predetermined threshold voltage is set for the voltage of the voltage applyr 19. Then, when the applied voltage of the voltage applyr 19 exceeds the threshold voltage, the voltage application by the voltage applyr 19 is interrupted, so that the movement of protons and water from the anode AN to the cathode CA is performed during the above-mentioned predetermined time. , Can be stopped.

As a result, it is possible to perform a refresh operation for improving the state of causing flooding in the anode catalyst layer 16 and the anode gas diffusion layer 24 based on the applied voltage of the voltage adapter 19 that correlates with the flooding phenomenon. Further, for example, by maintaining the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA at a high voltage based on the applied voltage of the voltage adapter 19 that correlates with the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14, in the film thickness direction and the in-plane direction of the electrolyte membrane 14, for example. It is also possible to perform a refresh operation to make the distribution of the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14 uniform.

The voltage threshold in step S5 is the stability of the hydrogen compression operation of the hydrogen supply system 200 and the hydrogen supply system 200 in consideration of the correlation between the wet state of the electrolyte membrane 14 and the physical properties such as the electric resistance of the electrolyte membrane 14. It is advisable to set the voltage that can achieve the target efficiency of. The threshold voltage may be, for example, a value smaller than the lower limit voltage at which the catalyst metal elutes. For example, when Pt is used as the catalyst metal, the threshold voltage may be set to a value smaller than the lower limit voltage (for example, 1.19V) at which the catalyst metal elutes.

The hydrogen supply system 200 of this embodiment may be the same as the hydrogen supply system 200 of any of the first modification and the second modification of the first embodiment and the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

(Second Example)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a second embodiment of the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 and a controller 50. The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes an electrolyte membrane 14, an anode AN, a cathode CA, a voltage applicator 19, a voltage measuring instrument 70, and a pressure measuring instrument 71.

Since the electrolyte membrane 14, the anode AN, the cathode CA, and the voltage adapter 19 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Since the voltage measuring instrument 70 is the same as that of the first embodiment of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The pressure measuring instrument 71 is a device for measuring the pressure on the cathode CA side. That is, the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA is measured by the pressure measuring instrument 71. The pressure measuring instrument 71 may have any configuration as long as it can measure the pressure on the cathode CA side.

When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring instrument 71 increases, the controller 50 interrupts the voltage application by the voltage applying device 19.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hydrogen supply system of the second embodiment of the first embodiment.

The following operation may be performed by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 from the storage circuit by the control program. However, it is not always essential to perform the following operations on the controller 50. The operator may perform some or all of the operations.

Since step S1, step S2, step S3 and step S4 in FIG. 12 are the same as step S1, step S2, step S3 and step S4 in FIG. 6, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Since step S5 in FIG. 12 is the same as step S5 in FIG. 10, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not the pressure measured by the pressure measuring instrument 71 exceeds a preset pressure threshold value.

When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring instrument 71 is equal to or less than the pressure threshold value (No in step S6), the cathode CA is obtained by applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 in step S2. The operation of boosting the gas pressure P2 of the above is continued.

When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring instrument 71 exceeds the pressure threshold value (in the case of Yes in step S6), the process proceeds to the next determination step S5. Then, in step S5, the same operation as the hydrogen supply system of the first embodiment of the first embodiment is performed.

Here, in the flooding of the hydrogen supply system 200, as described above, the water that has moved (penetrated) from the anode AN to the cathode CA along with the proton is transferred from the cathode CA to the anode AN due to the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN. It is a phenomenon that occurs due to backflow (back-penetration). Therefore, the larger the differential pressure between the cathode CA and the anode AN (that is, the higher the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA), the more likely it is that the hydrogen supply system 200 will be flooded.

Therefore, in the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment, the pressure (for example, intermediate pressure) between the normal pressure and the pressure (high pressure) at the rated operation of the hydrogen supply system 200 is set to the pressure threshold value of the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA. It is set as. A plurality of pressure threshold values may be set. When the measurement data of the pressure measuring instrument 71 exceeds such a pressure threshold value, the voltage application by the voltage applying device 19 is interrupted to move protons and water from the anode AN to the cathode CA. It can be stopped for a predetermined time.

Thereby, the refresh operation for improving the state of causing flooding in the anode catalyst layer 16 and the anode gas diffusion layer 24 can be performed even when the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA exceeds the pressure threshold. That is, in the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment, even if the gas pressure P2 of the cathode CA is lower than the pressure at the rated operation of the hydrogen supply system 200, flooding occurs in the anode catalyst layer 16 and the anode gas diffusion layer 24. In view of the possibility that the pressure threshold may occur, such a pressure threshold is set.

The hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment has the hydrogen supply of any one of the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment-the second modification, and the first embodiment of the first embodiment, except for the above-mentioned features. It may be the same as the system 200.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hydrogen supply system of the second embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, a controller 50, and a gas supply device 80. The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes an electrolyte membrane 14, an anode AN, a cathode CA, and a voltage adapter 19. Since the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The gas supply device 80 is a device that supplies gas to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. The gas supply device 80 may have any configuration as long as it can supply gas to the anode AN.

The gas supply device 80 may include a flow rate regulator that adjusts the gas flow rate to be supplied to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100. The flow rate regulator may be composed of a booster and / or a flow control valve. Examples of the booster include, but are not limited to, a booster pump.

Further, in the hydrogen supply system 200, gas is supplied to the gas supply device 80 from a gas supply source (not shown) having a predetermined supply pressure. Examples of the gas supply source include, but are not limited to, a gas reservoir (for example, a gas cylinder), a gas supply infrastructure, and the like.

The controller 50 supplies gas to the anode AN from the gas supply device 80 when the voltage application by the voltage applyr 19 is interrupted.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the hydrogen supply system of the second embodiment.

The following operation may be performed by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 from the storage circuit by the control program. However, it is not always essential to perform the following operations on the controller 50. The operator may perform some or all of the operations.

Since step S1, step S2 and step S4 in FIG. 14 are the same as step S1, step S2 and step S4 in FIG. 6, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

During the operation of applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16 by the voltage applyer 19 to move the proton from the anode AN to the cathode CA, in step S3A, in this way, for a predetermined time preset. The voltage application by the voltage applyer 19 is interrupted, and the gas is supplied to the anode AN by the gas supply device 80.

At this time, the gas supplied from the gas supply device 80 to the anode AN is, for example, hydrogen gas (anode gas), but is not limited to this, and may be another gas other than oxygen such as nitrogen. When the gas supplied from the gas supply device 80 to the anode AN is hydrogen gas (anode gas), the operation of step S1 for supplying the anode gas to the anode AN may be continued. That is, in this case, step S3A may be the same as step S3.

Further, when the gas supplied from the gas supply device 80 to the anode AN is another gas such as nitrogen, although not shown, the operation of step S1 may be stopped in step S3A. As a result, it is not necessary to use hydrogen gas in the above refreshing operation.

As described above, the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment supplies gas from the gas supply device 80 to the anode AN when the voltage application by the voltage adapter 19 is interrupted, so that such gas supply is not performed. It is possible to reduce the flooding generated in the anode AN as compared with the above.

Specifically, even when flooding occurs in the anode AN, water that blocks the gas flow path of the anode catalyst layer 16 and water that blocks the gas flow path of the anode gas diffusion layer 24 are supplied from the gas supply device 80. It can be effectively drained by the action of the gas flow.

Except for the above features, the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment has the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment-the second modification, and the first embodiment of the first embodiment-the second embodiment. It may be the same as any hydrogen supply system 200. For example, in FIG. 14, step S3 of FIG. 6 is replaced with the above step S3A, but step S3 of FIG. 10 may be replaced with the above step S3A, and step S3 of FIG. 12 may be replaced with the above step S3A. It may be replaced with the above step S3A.

(First Example)
The hydrogen supply system 200 of the first embodiment of the second embodiment is the same as the hydrogen supply system 200 of the second embodiment except for the following features.

When the voltage application by the voltage adapter 19 is interrupted, the dew point of the gas supplied from the gas supply device 80 to the anode AN is the hydrogen gas supplied to the anode AN when the voltage is applied by the voltage adapter 19. It may be below the dew point of (anode gas). For example, when the gas supplied from the gas supply device 80 to the anode AN is hydrogen gas (anode gas), the dew points of both may be equal.

Further, the dew point of the gas supplied from the gas supply device 80 to the anode AN may be smaller than the dew point of the hydrogen gas (anode gas) supplied to the anode AN when the voltage is applied by the voltage adapter 19. .. An example of such an apparatus configuration will be described in the second embodiment.

As described above, the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment supplies the gas having a low dew point to the anode AN when the voltage application by the voltage adapter 19 is interrupted, so that such gas supply is not performed. In comparison, the flooding generated in the anode AN can be reduced.

Specifically, even when flooding occurs in the anode AN, water that blocks the gas flow path of the anode catalyst layer 16 and water that blocks the gas flow path of the anode gas diffusion layer 24 are supplied from the gas supply device 80. It can be effectively drained by the action of the gas flow. Further, since the dew point of the gas supplied to the anode AN is equal to or lower than the dew point of the hydrogen gas (anode gas) supplied to the anode AN when the voltage is applied by the voltage adapter 19, the temperature of the gas drops. However, the water vapor in the gas is difficult to condense. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately suppress the cause of flooding in the anode AN due to the temperature decrease of the gas supplied to the anode AN.

(Second Example)
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a second embodiment of the second embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, a controller 50, a gas supply device 180, a humidifier 82, a first flow path 83, and a second flow path 84. And. The gas supply device 180 includes a flow rate regulator 85. The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes an electrolyte membrane 14, an anode AN, a cathode CA, and a voltage adapter 19. Since the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The gas supplied from the gas supply device 180 to the anode AN is, for example, hydrogen gas (anode gas).

The first flow path 83 is a flow path in which the gas output from a gas reservoir (not shown) is supplied to the anode AN via the humidifier 82. Further, the second flow path 84 is a flow path in which the gas output from the gas reservoir bypasses the humidifier 82 and is supplied to the anode AN.

The gas reservoir is a device for storing the gas supplied to the anode AN, and examples of the gas reservoir include gas cylinders and the like. Although not shown, the hydrogen supply system 200 may include such a gas reservoir.

Here, the humidifier 82 is a device that humidifies the gas output from the gas reservoir. The humidifier 82 may have any configuration as long as it can humidify the gas output from the gas reservoir.

For example, a bubbling method may be used to humidify the gas output from the gas reservoir. In this case, the humidifier 82 includes a bubbling tank (not shown) connected to the first flow path 83. The gas is humidified by bubbling the gas flowing through the first flow path 83 with the water in the bubbling tank. Then, the humidified gas that fills the upper space of the bubbling tank is supplied to the anode AN through the first flow path 83.

The flow rate adjuster 85 of the gas supply device 180 is a device that adjusts the first flow rate of the gas flowing through the first flow path 83 and the second flow rate of the gas flowing through the second flow path 84. The flow rate regulator 85 may have any configuration as long as the first flow rate and the second flow rate can be adjusted.

For example, the flow rate regulator 85 may be a switch for switching between the first flow path 83 and the second flow path 84. That is, the adjustment of the first flow rate and the second flow rate includes the case where either the first flow rate or the second flow rate becomes zero.

The switch may include a switching valve (not shown) provided in the branch region 86A between the first flow path 83 and the second flow path 84. Further, the switching device may include a switching valve (not shown) provided in the confluence region 86B between the first flow path 83 and the second flow path 84. The switching valve may be composed of, for example, a three-way valve or a combination of two-way valves.

When the controller 50 controls the flow rate regulator 85 and applies a voltage by the voltage applyr 19, the first flow rate is made larger than the second flow rate, and the voltage application by the voltage applyr 19 is interrupted. When present, the first flow rate is made smaller than the second flow rate.

When the flow rate regulator 85 is the above-mentioned switch, the controller 50 switches the switch to the first flow path 83 side when the voltage is applied by the voltage adapter 19, and the voltage adapter 19 switches the switch to the first flow path 83 side. When the voltage application is interrupted, the switch is switched to the second flow path 84 side.

As described above, in the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment, when a voltage is applied between the cathode catalyst layer 15 and the anode catalyst layer 16, a high dew point gas having a large amount of humidification by the humidifier 82 is sent to the anode AN. Since it is supplied, the electrolyte membrane 14 can be maintained in a desired wet state by using water in the gas as compared with the case where such gas supply is not performed.

Further, when the voltage application by the voltage adapter 19 is interrupted, the gas having a low dew point with a small amount of humidification by the humidifier 82 is supplied to the anode AN, so that it is compared with the case where such gas supply is not performed. , Flooding generated in the anode AN can be reduced. Specifically, even when flooding occurs in the anode AN, water that blocks the gas flow path of the anode catalyst layer 16 and water that blocks the gas flow path of the anode gas diffusion layer 24 are supplied from the gas supply device 180. It can be effectively drained by the action of the gas flow. Further, since the gas supplied to the anode AN has a low dew point, the water vapor in the gas is unlikely to condense even if the temperature of the gas drops. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately suppress the cause of flooding in the anode AN due to the temperature decrease of the gas supplied to the anode AN.

The hydrogen supply system 200 of this embodiment may be the same as the hydrogen supply system 200 of the first embodiment of the second embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

(Modification example)
The anode gas discharged from the anode AN is a gas having a high dew point containing a desired amount of water vapor. Therefore, the hydrogen supply system 200 humidifies the anode gas output from the gas supply device 80 by mixing the anode gas (recycled gas) discharged from the anode AN with the anode gas output from the gas supply device 80. You may take the configuration to do.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to a modification of the second embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 100, a controller 50, a gas supply device 80, a flow rate regulator 87, and a recycled gas flow path 88. The electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 includes an electrolyte membrane 14, an anode AN, a cathode CA, and a voltage adapter 19. Since the electrochemical hydrogen pump 100 is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Since the gas supply device 80 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The flow rate regulator 87 is a device that adjusts the flow rate of the recycled gas mixed with the anode gas output from the gas supply device 80. The flow rate regulator 87 may have any configuration as long as the flow rate of such recycled gas can be adjusted. As the flow rate regulator 87, for example, a flow rate regulator valve and the like can be mentioned.

The recycled gas flow path 88 is a flow path for sending the recycled gas discharged from the anode AN to the anode gas in the gas flow path between the anode AN and the gas supply device 80.

The controller 50 controls the flow rate regulator 87 to increase the flow rate of the recycled gas mixed with the gas output from the gas supply device 80 when the voltage is applied by the voltage adapter 19. When the voltage application by the voltage applyer 19 is interrupted, the flow rate of such recycled gas is reduced.

As described above, the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present modification can humidify the anode gas output from the gas supply device 80 with the steam in the recycled gas. Further, the hydrogen gas discharged from the anode AN can be appropriately reused.

The hydrogen supply system 200 of the present modification may be the same as the hydrogen supply system 200 of the first embodiment of the second embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

(Third Embodiment)
The hydrogen supply system 200 of the third embodiment is the first modification of the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment, the second modification, and the first embodiment, except that the following alarms are provided. 1 It is the same as the hydrogen supply system 200 of any one of the second embodiment, the second embodiment, the first embodiment of the second embodiment-the second embodiment, and the modified example of the second embodiment.

The alarm is a device that notifies information indicating whether the hydrogen supply system 200 is in the first state in which the operation is stopped or in a second state different from the first state. Examples of the second state include a normal operating state of the hydrogen supply system 200, a state in which voltage application by the voltage adapter 19 is interrupted (the above-mentioned refreshing operation state), and the like.

17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of the alarm of the hydrogen supply system of the third embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a display screen 90A of the display 90 that displays a normal operating state of the hydrogen supply system 200. FIG. 18 shows a display screen 90B of the display 90 that displays the state of the refresh operation of the hydrogen supply system 200. As the display 90, for example, a liquid crystal display having a touch operation function can be mentioned. As a result, the operating state of the hydrogen supply system 200 is displayed on the display screen of the display 90, and the operator can input an appropriate control command to the controller 50.

When the voltage application by the voltage applyr 19 is interrupted, the controller 50 controls the alarm to notify the information indicating that the hydrogen supply system 200 is in such a second state.

In the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment, the alarm for notifying the first state and the second state of the hydrogen supply system 200 is configured by the display 90 provided in the controller 50, but is not limited thereto. The alarm may be, for example, a transmitter that transmits information indicating whether the state of the hydrogen supply system 200 is the first state or the second state to the information terminal. The transmitter may include, but is not limited to, a wireless communication device compatible with communication standards such as LTE, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

As described above, in the hydrogen supply system 200 of the present embodiment, for example, the operator can timely know the visual information indicating that the hydrogen supply system 200 is in the second state such as the refresh operation by the display 90. can. Further, the touch operation function of the display 90 allows the operator to, for example, cancel the refresh operation in a timely manner.

It should be noted that the first embodiment of the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment-the second modification, the first embodiment of the first embodiment-the second embodiment, the second embodiment, and the first embodiment of the second embodiment. Example-The second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, and the third embodiment may be combined with each other as long as the other party is not excluded from each other.

Also, from the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description should be construed as an example only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best aspects of carrying out the present disclosure. The details of its structure and / or function can be substantially modified without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

One aspect of the present disclosure can be used in a hydrogen supply system that can improve the efficiency during hydrogen compression operation as compared with the conventional case by appropriately ensuring the diffusibility of hydrogen.

1: Anodic body 3: Manifold hole 4: Manifold hole 5: Anodic gas flow path plate 5D: First metal layer 5U: Second metal layer 6: Anodic gas flow path 7: Manifold hole 8: Manifold hole 9: Anodic gas diffusion Device 10: Anodic end plate 11: Manifold hole 12: Manifold hole 14: Electrolyte film 15: Cathode catalyst layer 16: Anode catalyst layer 19: Voltage applyer 24: Anodic gas diffusion layer 26D: End plate 26U: End plate 27: Fastening Instrument 28: Anodic gas introduction pipe 28A: Anodic gas introduction manifold 29: Anodic gas lead-out pipe 29A: Anodic gas lead-out manifold 30: Cathode gas lead-out pipe 31: Cathode gas diffusion device 31A: Cathode gas diffusion layer 31B: Cathode separator 32A: Manifold Hole 32C: Manifold hole 33: Cathode gas lead-out flow path 35: Recessed part 36: Slit hole 36D: Slit hole 36U: Slit hole 40: Seal member 41: Seal member 42: Seal member 50: Controller 60: Cathode gas flow path 61 : Check valve 62: Valve 70: Voltage measuring instrument 71: Pressure measuring instrument 80: Gas supply device 82: Humidifier 83: First flow path 84: Second flow path 85: Flow rate regulator 86A: Branch region 86B : Confluence area 87: Flow regulator 88: Recycled gas flow path 90: Display 90A: Display screen 90B: Display screen 100: Electrochemical hydrogen pump 100A: Single cell 100B: Laminated body 180: Gas supply device 200: Hydrogen supply system AN: Anogas CA: Cathode

Claims (12)

Electrolyte membrane and
A cathode including a cathode catalyst layer provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane and a cathode gas diffusion layer provided in contact with the cathode catalyst layer,
An anode including an anode catalyst layer provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane and an anode gas diffusion layer provided in contact with the anode catalyst layer,
A voltage applyer that applies a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer,
Equipped with
A voltage is applied by the voltage applying unit, the hydrogen in the anode gas supplied to the anode is moved to the cathode, and the electrochemical hydrogen pump Ru boosts,
When the voltage applied by the voltage applyer exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold value during the hydrogen boosting operation, the controller interrupts the voltage application by the voltage applyer.
A hydrogen supply system equipped with. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1, wherein the controller interrupts voltage application by the voltage applyer for a predetermined time set in advance. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cathode gas flow path through which hydrogen gas output from the cathode flows, and a check valve provided in the cathode gas flow path. A cathode gas flow path through which hydrogen gas output from the cathode flows and a valve provided in the cathode gas flow path are provided.
The hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the controller closes the valve when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted. The hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the controller interrupts voltage application by the voltage applyer when the applied voltage of the voltage applyer increases. A pressure measuring instrument for measuring the pressure on the cathode side is provided.
The hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller interrupts voltage application by the voltage adapter when the pressure measured by the pressure measuring instrument increases. A gas supply device for supplying gas to the anode is provided.
The hydrogen supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller supplies a gas from the gas supply device to the anode when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted. The dew point of the gas supplied to the anode when the voltage application by the voltage applicator is interrupted is smaller than the dew point of the hydrogen gas supplied to the anode when the voltage is applied by the voltage applicator. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 7. The dew point of the gas supplied to the anode when the voltage application by the voltage applicator is interrupted is equal to or lower than the dew point of the hydrogen gas supplied to the anode when the voltage is applied by the voltage applicator. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 7. A humidifier that humidifies the gas output from the gas reservoir, a first flow path in which the gas output from the gas reservoir is supplied to the anode via the humidifier, and the gas reservoir. The gas output from the humidifier bypasses the humidifier and is provided with a second flow path to be supplied to the anode.
The gas supply device includes a flow rate regulator that adjusts a first flow rate of gas flowing through the first flow path and a second flow rate of gas flowing through the second flow path.
When the controller controls the flow rate regulator and applies a voltage by the voltage applyer, the first flow rate is made larger than the second flow rate and the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 8, wherein the first flow rate is made smaller than the second flow rate. The flow rate regulator is a switch for switching between the first flow path and the second flow path.
The controller switches the switch to the first flow path side when a voltage is applied by the voltage applyer, and switches the switch to the first flow path side when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 10, which switches to the second flow path side. A notification device for notifying information indicating whether the hydrogen supply system is in the first state in which the operation is stopped or in a second state different from the first state is provided.
Any of claims 1-11, wherein the controller controls the alarm to notify information indicating that the hydrogen supply system is in the second state when the voltage application by the voltage applyer is interrupted. The hydrogen supply system according to item 1.

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