WO2007114425A1

WO2007114425A1 - Fuel battery system

Info

Publication number: WO2007114425A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/057393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masataka Ozeki; Akinari Nakamura; Hideo Ohara
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-03-31
Filing date: 2007-04-02
Publication date: 2007-10-11

Abstract

This invention provides a fuel battery system (100) comprising a fuel battery (6), to which a fuel and an oxidizing agent are supplied for power generation, a hydrogen generator (4), to which a raw fuel for the fuel supplied to the fuel battery is supplied to generate hydrogen, a raw fuel state detector (101a) for detecting the state of supply of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator, and a start approval/disapproval device (201). The start approval/disapproval device approves the start operation of the fuel battery system when the raw fuel state detector detects that the state of supply of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is normal and disapproves the start operation of the fuel battery system when the raw fuel state detector detects that the state of supply of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not normal. The above constitution can provide a fuel battery system which has the same construction as the prior art fuel battery system, has low initial cost and maintenance cost and can restart the operation in an easy and safe manner.

Description

Specification

Fuel cell system

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system including a fuel cell that generates power using a fuel containing hydrogen generated using raw fuel and an oxidant.

Background art

Conventionally, a fuel cell cogeneration system (hereinafter simply referred to as “fuel cell system” t) having high power generation efficiency and high overall efficiency has been used as a distributed power generation apparatus that can effectively use energy. Attracted attention.

[0003] The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell as a main body of the power generation unit. As this fuel cell, for example, a phosphoric acid fuel cell, a molten carbonate fuel cell, an alkaline aqueous fuel cell, a solid polymer fuel cell, or a solid electrolyte fuel cell is used. Among these fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells and polymer electrolyte fuel cells constitute fuel cell systems because their operating temperatures during power generation are relatively low compared to the operating temperatures of other fuel cells. Often used as a fuel cell. In particular, solid polymer fuel cells are suitable for applications such as portable electronic devices and electric vehicles because the degradation of the electrode catalyst is relatively small compared to phosphoric acid fuel cells and the electrolyte does not dissipate. I can.

[0004] These fuel cells typically generate power using hydrogen and oxygen. However, in this fuel cell, the means for supplying hydrogen necessary for power generation operation is not usually provided as a single infrastructure. Therefore, in order to obtain a predetermined power by the fuel cell system, it is necessary to generate hydrogen at the place where the fuel cell system is installed. For this reason, in conventional fuel cell systems, a hydrogen generator is often provided together with the fuel cell. In this hydrogen generator, natural gas, propane gas, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, or other hydrocarbon-based raw fuel, or alcohol-based raw fuel such as methanol and water are used, and fuel containing hydrogen is used. Generated. The fuel containing hydrogen and the oxidizing agent such as air containing oxygen are respectively supplied to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell system outputs predetermined power. To help.

[0005] By the way, in the configuration of the conventional fuel cell system, when the piping for supplying the raw fuel is disconnected due to an impact, or the piping for supplying the raw fuel is broken or pinholes are generated due to deterioration over time. In this case, it is detected that the supply pressure of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator has decreased, and the operation of the fuel cell system is forcibly stopped. In this case, in the conventional fuel cell system, an abnormality occurred in the raw fuel supply system in order to inform the users of the fuel cell system that inspection and repair by a service person is necessary. A message is displayed on the display. Here, the conventional fuel cell system has been inspected by a serviceman, and until the abnormality is reliably resolved by the service person, the display related to the occurrence of the abnormality continues and the operation is stopped. Is forcibly maintained. In other words, the conventional fuel cell system is designed so that only the service person can cancel the operation stop caused by the abnormality occurring in the raw fuel supply system. Why are the abnormalities occurring in the raw fuel supply system not being resolved! If the operation is resumed in a state, there is a possibility that the fuel cell system may cause harm to its users, etc. That's it.

More specifically, in a conventional fuel cell system, a raw fuel such as natural gas is usually pressurized by a pressurizer and then supplied to a hydrogen generator. In such a configuration, when the operation of the fuel cell system is restarted in a state where the abnormality that has occurred in the raw fuel supply system has not been resolved, a large amount of air is sucked in through the location where the abnormality has occurred, The sucked air is mixed with the fuel containing hydrogen. Such a state of the fuel cell system in which a mixture of fuel and air exists is a very dangerous state for users of the fuel cell system. Therefore, in order to reliably prevent the occurrence of such a dangerous state, the conventional fuel cell system is always inspected and repaired by a service person when an abnormality occurs in the raw fuel supply system. In this way, it is designed so that only service personnel can cancel the operation stop caused by the abnormality that occurred in the fuel supply system. As a result, the safety of the fuel cell system is reliably and sufficiently secured.

[0007] However, the suspension of the operation of the conventional fuel cell system is for supplying raw fuel. A circuit breaker (for example, a gas meter with a built-in microcomputer) connected to a supply means (for example, a natural gas infrastructure) that supplies the raw fuel not only when the pipe is disconnected or when the pipe is damaged. This is also done when an earthquake or power outage is detected and the supply of raw fuel is cut off (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-68133

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the conventional fuel cell system described above, that is, in the configuration of the conventional fuel cell system, the fuel cell system itself does not require any inspection and repair by a service person. However, even if the user can easily recover the operation of the fuel cell system, the operation of the fuel cell system is forcibly stopped. Even if the user of the fuel cell system does not need such inspection and repair by the service person, it is necessary to request the service person to check and repair each time. This was a heavy burden for both users of fuel cell systems and service personnel. Also, the operation of the fuel cell system could not be restored until the inspection and repairs by the service personnel were completed. This significantly hindered the convenience of the fuel cell system.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and does not require repairs or the like by a service person such that the supply system of raw fuel is shut off due to an earthquake, a power failure, etc. The purpose is to provide a fuel cell system that can be restarted automatically or when a fuel supply system malfunctions! Speak.

Means for solving the problem

[0010] In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell that generates power by supplying a fuel and an oxidizing agent, and the fuel supplied to the fuel cell. A fuel cell system comprising: a hydrogen generator that is supplied with fuel; a raw fuel state detector that detects a supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator; and an activation permit Z rejector. The start permission Z rejector performs a start-up operation of the fuel cell system, and the raw fuel state detector supplies the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator in a normal state. Permitted when it is detected that it is detected, and not permitted when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not normal. .

[ooii] In the case of a profitable configuration, the start-up permit Z-notifier permits the start-up operation of the fuel cell system according to the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator detected by the raw fuel state detector Or, since it is not permitted, it becomes possible to start the start-up operation of the fuel cell system safely.

[0012] In this case, the start permission Z rejector permits the start-up operation when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is normal. When the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not normal, it is not permitted.

[0013] In the case of a profitable configuration, the start-up permission Z-notifier always permits the start-up operation of the fuel cell system according to the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator detected by the raw fuel state detector. Alternatively, since it is always disallowed, the start-up operation of the fuel cell system can be started safely and automatically.

[0014] In this case, the apparatus further includes a return command input device for inputting a return command, and the start permission Z rejector performs the start operation by the raw fuel state detector to the raw fuel to the hydrogen generating device. When the return command is input from the return command input device when it is detected that the supply state is normal, the raw fuel status detector permits the raw fuel to be supplied to the hydrogen generator. If it is detected that the supply state is not normal, even if the return command is input from the return command input device, it is not permitted.

[0015] With a configuration in which the vehicle is allowed to operate, the start-up permission Z-notifier determines the start-up operation of the fuel cell system, the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator detected by the raw fuel state detector, and the return command. Accordingly, the start-up operation of the fuel cell system can be started more safely.

[0016] In the above case, the operation controller further includes an operation controller, and when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not a normal state, Control is performed to forcibly stop the operation of the fuel cell system. [0017] With this configuration, if the operation controller detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not normal by the raw fuel state detector, the operation of the fuel cell system is forcibly performed. Since the operation is stopped, the safety of the fuel cell system can be sufficiently ensured.

[0018] Further, in the above case, if the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is normal, an abnormality is not displayed and the hydrogen It further includes an indicator that displays an abnormality when it is detected that the supply state of the raw fuel to the generator is not normal.

[0019] With a powerful configuration, it is possible to easily confirm visually whether or not the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is normal, so that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system can be performed more safely. Can be started.

[0020] Further, in the above case, if the start-up operation is permitted by the start permission Z rejector, an abnormality is not displayed, and the raw fuel state detector supplies the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator. It is further equipped with an indicator that displays an abnormality when it is detected that the status is not normal.

[0021] With a powerful configuration, it is possible to easily check visually whether or not the start-up operation has been permitted by the start-up permit Z rejector, so that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system can be started more safely. It becomes possible.

[0022] In the above case, the raw fuel supply passage for supplying the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is further provided, and the raw fuel for detecting the pressure of the raw fuel in the raw fuel supply passage is provided. A pressure detector as a fuel state detector, and the start permission Z rejector permits the start operation when the pressure of the raw fuel detected by the pressure detector is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and The start-up operation is not permitted when the pressure of the raw fuel detected by the pressure detector is less than the predetermined threshold value.

[0023] In the case of a powerful configuration, a pressure detector is used as the raw fuel state detector. Therefore, it is possible to realize the approval or disapproval of the start-up operation of the fuel cell system by the start permission Z rejector with a simple configuration. Is possible.

[0024] In the above case, the raw fuel supply for supplying the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator A flow meter, and a flow meter as the raw fuel state detector for detecting the flow rate of the raw fuel in the raw fuel supply flow channel, wherein the activation permit Z rejector is detected by the flow meter. The starting operation is permitted when the flow rate of the raw fuel is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, and the starting operation is not permitted when the flow rate of the raw fuel detected by the flow meter is less than the predetermined threshold value. ,.

[0025] Even with a powerful configuration, since a flow meter is used as the raw fuel state detector, it is possible to realize permission or disapproval of the start-up operation of the fuel cell system by the start permission Z rejector with a simple configuration. Become 會.

[0026] In addition, in the above case, the activation permission Z rejector is activated when the raw fuel state detector detects the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generating device that is not in a normal state a plurality of times. Forced not to allow dynamic driving.

[0027] If the configuration is powerful, the user or the like can detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the fuel cell system itself, so that the safety of the fuel cell system can be ensured.

[0028] In this case, in the activation permission Z rejector, the supply state of the raw fuel that is not in a normal state to the hydrogen generator is detected by the raw fuel state detector more than a predetermined number of times in a predetermined period. Then, it is forcibly maintained that the start-up operation is not permitted.

[0029] If the configuration is powerful, the user or the like can reliably detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the fuel cell system itself, so that the safety of the fuel cell system can be reliably ensured.

The invention's effect

[0030] The present invention is implemented by the means as described above, has the same configuration as that of the conventional force, can be easily and safely returned to operation with low initial cost and low maintenance cost. It is possible to provide a fuel cell system that is possible.

[0031] Further, according to the fuel cell system of the present invention, even when an abnormality occurs in the raw fuel supply system and the operation is stopped, the cause is an earthquake, a power failure, or the like. Infrastructures such as electricity supply and gas supply that have no abnormality in the fuel cell system itself If the raw fuel supply system is abnormal, such as when the supply of raw fuel to the hydrogen generator returns to normal due to the normal restoration of the engine, it is automatically or used without requesting service personnel to check it. It becomes possible to return the operation of the fuel cell system easily and safely by the operation of the user. This significantly reduces the burden on users of fuel cell systems and service personnel, and greatly improves the convenience of fuel cell systems.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a specific configuration of a control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a specific configuration of a control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0033] 1 Water supply

2 Raw fuel supplier

3 Three-way valve

4 Hydrogen generator

4a heater

5 Blowers

6 Fuel cell

100 Fuel cell system 101 Control block 101a Raw fuel status detector 101b Status detector 101c Gate circuit 101d Operation controller 101e Return command input device 101f Display

102 Control block 102a Raw fuel status detector 102b Status detector 102d Operation controller 102f Display

103 Control block 103a Raw fuel status detector 103b Status detector 103c Gate circuit 103d Operation controller 103e Return command input device 103f Display

1031 Forced start rejection circuit 111 Control block 111a Pressure sensor 111b Comparator

111c AND circuit

11 Id Operation controller ll le Return command input device 11 If Display ll lg Return button ll lh JK-FF

113 Control block

113a pressure sensor

113b comparator

113c AND circuit

113d Operation controller

113e Return command input device

113f display

113g Return button

113h JK-FF

113i counter

201 ~ 203 Activation permit Z denial

211, 213 Start permit Z denial

301 ~ 303 Control device

311, 313 Controller

a, b Water supply channel

c, d, e, f Raw fuel supply flow path

g Fuel supply flow path

h Oxidant supply flow path

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, the operation of the fuel cell system is classified into a start operation, a power generation operation, a stop operation, and a standby operation. Here, the start-up operation refers to the period from when the start command is issued from the control device until the fuel cell power is taken out. The power generation operation refers to the time from when power is taken out from the fuel cell until the fuel cell power is also taken out. The stop operation refers to the period from when the control device power stop command is issued until the operation of the entire fuel cell system stops. The standby operation means that power for driving is supplied to the fuel cell system. However, the operation of the entire fuel cell system is stopped and the operation is stopped.

[0036] (Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows only components necessary for explaining the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a water supplier 1. This water supply 1 introduces water through the water supply flow path a to supply water such as water during the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 100. Then, the purified water is supplied to the hydrogen generator 4 described later via the water supply channel b. The fuel cell system 100 includes a raw fuel supplier 2. The raw fuel supplier 2 introduces natural gas from the infrastructure capable of supplying natural gas through the raw fuel supply passage c and the raw fuel supply passage d during the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 100. After the unnecessary components such as the introduced natural gas are removed, the natural gas from which the unnecessary components are removed is supplied to the hydrogen generator 4 described later via the raw fuel supply flow path e. To do. As shown in FIG. 1, a three-way valve 3 is provided in the middle of the raw fuel supply channel e. The three-way valve 3 switches the supply destination of the natural gas supplied from the raw fuel supplier 2 via the raw fuel supply flow path e between a hydrogen generator 4 described later and a heater 4a described later. The natural gas whose supply destination is switched to the heater 4a by the three-way valve 3 is supplied to the heater 4a of the hydrogen generator 4 via the raw fuel supply flow path f.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a raw fuel state detector 101a described later between the raw fuel supply channel c and the raw fuel supply channel d. Provide control block 101! Regarding the configuration and operation of this control block 101! This will be described in detail later.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a hydrogen generator 4. This hydrogen generator 4 is configured to supply water supplied from the water supply device 1 through the water supply flow path b, and from the raw fuel supply device 2 to the raw fuel supply flow path e and during the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 100. Using each of the natural gas supplied through the three-way valve 3, a predetermined hydrogen production A hydrogen-containing fuel is produced by the synthesis reaction. When this predetermined hydrogen generation reaction proceeds, the portion of the hydrogen generator 4 where the predetermined hydrogen generation reaction proceeds is heated and kept at a predetermined temperature by the heater 4a. The heater 4a is a fuel for combustion, either natural gas supplied from the raw fuel supplier 2 through the three-way valve 3 and the raw fuel supply flow path f, or fuel discharged from the fuel cell 6 described later. The part where the predetermined hydrogen generation reaction proceeds in the hydrogen generator 4 is heated and kept warm after burning. The hydrogen generator 4 supplies the fuel generated by a predetermined hydrogen generation reaction during the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 100 toward the fuel cell 6 described later via the fuel supply channel g.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a blower 5. The blower 5 introduces air as an oxidant during the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 100, purifies the air as the introduced oxidant, and then performs the purification. The performed air as an oxidant is supplied to a fuel cell 6 to be described later via an oxidant supply flow path h.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a fuel cell 6 as a main body of the power generation unit. The fuel cell 6 is supplied with the fuel supplied from the hydrogen generator 4 through the fuel supply flow path g and the blower 5 through the oxidant supply flow path h during the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 100. Each of the oxidizers generates electricity. The surplus fuel that is used for power generation in the fuel cell 6 is discharged from the fuel cell 6 and then supplied to the heater 4a of the hydrogen generator 4 as necessary. Further, the surplus oxidant which is used for power generation in the fuel cell 6 is discharged from the fuel cell 6 and then released to the outside of the fuel cell system 100.

Here, the configuration and operation of control block 101 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 2, only the components necessary for explaining the present invention are shown.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a specific configuration of the control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 also illustrates the present invention. Only the necessary components are shown.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control block 101 of the fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a raw fuel state detector 101a, a state determiner 101b, a gate circuit 101c, and an operation controller lOld. , A return command input device lOle and a display device 101f. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the control block 111 of the fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment specifically includes a pressure sensor 11 la as a raw fuel state detector 101a and a state determiner 101. Comparator 11 lb as b, AND circuit 111c as gate circuit 101c, operation controller 11 Id as operation controller 1 Old, return button 11 lg as return command input device lOle and JK-FFl l lh and a display 11 If as a display 101f. Here, JK-FF means "JK-flip-flop"!

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, it is provided with a state determination device 101b (comparator 11 1 lb) and a gate circuit 101c (AND circuit 11 lc), so A Z rejector 201 (start-up permit Z rejector 211) is configured. Then, the control device 3 01 (control device 311) is configured to include the start permission Z reject device 201 (start permission Z reject device 211) and the operation controller lOld (operation controller 11 Id). The

[0047] The raw fuel state detector 101a is provided between the raw fuel supply flow path c and the raw fuel supply flow path d in the fuel cell system 100, and is supplied from the infrastructure capable of supplying natural gas as shown in FIG. The supply state of the natural gas supplied to the fuel supply device 2 (that is, the hydrogen generator 4) is detected. The raw fuel state detector 101a outputs a state signal corresponding to the supply state of the natural gas to the state determiner 10 lb of the start permission Z rejector 201. In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 11 la as the raw fuel state detector 101a detects the supply pressure of the natural gas supplied toward the raw fuel supply device 2 from the infrastructure that can supply natural gas. To do. The pressure sensor 11 la outputs a pressure signal corresponding to the supply pressure of the natural gas to the comparator 111b of the activation permit Z rejector 211.

[0048] The state determiner 101b compares the state signal input from the raw fuel state detector 101a with predetermined threshold information stored in the storage unit that is not illustrated in FIG. 2 of the control device 301 in advance. . Then, the state determiner 101b sends a determination signal based on the comparison between the input state signal and predetermined threshold information to the gate circuit 101c of the activation permit Z rejector 201, the control device 30. Output to each of the operation controller 101d, return command input device 101e, and display lOlf. In the present embodiment, the comparator 11 lb serving as the state determination device 101b includes a pressure signal corresponding to the supply pressure of the natural gas input from the pressure sensor 11 la and a memory stored in the control device 311 in advance. Compare with predetermined threshold information. The comparator 11 lb outputs an H level or L level determination signal based on a comparison between the input pressure signal and predetermined threshold information, an AND circuit 11 lc of the activation permit Z rejector 211, and a control device. Output to each of 311 operation controller 111d, return command input device ll le JK FFl l lh, and display 11 If. Here, when the voltage of the pressure signal corresponding to the supply pressure of the natural gas input from the pressure sensor 11 la is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold voltage, the comparator 11 lb activates the determination signal of H level. Output to the AND circuit 111c etc. of the rejector 211. In addition, the comparator 11 lb outputs an L level determination signal when the voltage of the pressure signal corresponding to the supply pressure of the natural gas input from the pressure sensor 11 la is less than a predetermined threshold voltage. Output to the AND circuit 111c etc. Here, the H level determination signal means a relatively high voltage determination signal, and the L level determination signal means a relatively low voltage determination signal. The state determiner 101b can be realized by any of software, logic circuit, and analog circuit.

The gate circuit 101c sends a start permission Z rejection signal to the operation controller 101d of the control device 301 based on the determination signal to which the force of the state determiner 101b is also input and the return command input from the return command input device 101e. Output. In this embodiment, the AND circuit 11 lc as the gate circuit 101c is input from the H-level or L-level determination signal input from the comparator 11 lb and the return command input device 11 le (JK-FFl 1 lh). Based on the H level or L level return command, if an H level judgment signal is input from the comparator 11 lb and an H level return command is input from JK-FF1 1 lh, the controller 311 An H level start permission Z reject signal is output to the operation controller 11 Id, which is a signal that permits start operation of the fuel cell system 100. The comparator 11 When an H level judgment signal is input from lb and an L level return command is input from JK FF11 lh of the return command input device 11 le, or when an L level judgment signal is input from the comparator 11 lb H level return command is input from JK-FF11 lh of command input unit 11 le In this case, the AND circuit 1 lie outputs an L level start permission Z rejection signal to the operation controller 11 Id of the control device 311. This L level start permission Z rejection signal is a signal that prohibits the start operation of the fuel cell system 100. Note that the gate circuit 101c can be realized by any of software, logic circuits, and analog circuits.

The return command input device lOle outputs a return command for starting the startup operation of the fuel cell system 100 to the gate circuit 101c of the startup permitting Z rejector 201. In the present embodiment, the return command input device lOle includes a self-holding circuit (not shown in FIG. 2), and the determination signal of the state determiner 101b is input to this self-holding circuit. When a return command is input by the user of the fuel cell system 100 or the like, it is held and output to the gate circuit 101c. When an L level determination signal is input from the state determiner 101b, the self-holding circuit is reset and the return command held is deleted. Specifically, in FIG. 3, the return button ll lg as a return command input tool outputs a J input to JK-FFl l lh, which is a self-holding circuit. Outputs an H level signal and outputs an L level signal when not pressed. On the other hand, the judgment signal is inverted from the comparator 11 lb as the K input to JK-FFl l lh. Therefore, if the return button ll lg is pressed in the normal state where the comparator 11 lb outputs an H level determination signal (that is, the raw fuel supply state is normal), JK—FFl l lh Q becomes H level, and this H level signal is output to AND circuit 111c as a return command. This state is maintained even if the return button 11 lg is subsequently released and is input from the return button 11 lg to the L level signal power JK-FF111 h. That is, JK-FFl l lh is set. When the L level determination signal is output from the comparator 11 lb, the Q of JK-FFl l lh becomes the L level, and this L level signal is output toward the AND circuit 111c. This state is maintained even if the judgment signal from the comparator 11 lb subsequently changes to H level. That is, JK-FF11 lh is reset.

[0051] Display 101f has a normal supply state of raw fuel to hydrogen generator 4 based on a determination signal input from state determiner 101b and an activation permission Z reject signal input from gate circuit 101c. If it is not in the state, the effect (abnormality) or the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is permitted. Display that it is not (abnormality). In the present embodiment, the display 11 If as the display lOlf is an H level or L level determination signal input from the comparator 11 lb force, and an H level or L level activation permission input from the AND circuit 111c. When an L level judgment signal is input from the comparator 11 lb based on the Z rejection signal, the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator 4 is not affected regardless of the activation permission Z rejection signal input from the AND circuit 111c. Displays that the supply status is not normal. In addition, when the H level determination signal is input from the comparator 11 lb, the display 11 If indicates that the raw fuel supply state is normal regardless of the start permission Z rejection signal input from the AND circuit 111c. Do not display that there is no. On the other hand, the display 11 If displays that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is not permitted when the L-level start permission Z rejection signal is input from the AND circuit 11 lc. The display 11 If does not display that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is permitted !, NA! /, Etc. when the H level start permission Z rejection signal is input from the AND circuit 111c! ,.

[0052] The operation controller 101d controls the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 based on the operation command input to the operation controller 101d and the start permission Z reject signal input from the gate circuit 101c. Operate. Also, the operation controller 101d makes an emergency stop of the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when an L level determination signal is input from the state determiner 101b. In the present embodiment, the operation controller 11 Id as the operation controller 101 d is input to the operation controller 11 1 d according to the request for the load connected to the fuel cell system 100, etc. Or, based on the L level operation command and the H level or L level activation permission Z rejection signal input from the AND circuit 11 lc, the H level operation command is input and the AND circuit 11 lc activates the H level activation signal. When a permit Z denial signal is input, control is performed so that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is started. In addition, this operation controller 11 Id receives an H level operation command and an AND circuit 11 lc receives an L level start permission Z reject signal, or receives an L level operation command and an AND circuit. 11 When the H level start permission Z rejection signal is input from lc, control is performed so that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is not started. Further, the operation controller 11 Id makes an emergency stop of the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when an L level determination signal is input from the comparator 11 lb.

In the fuel cell system 100 configured as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, Regardless of the type of operation (ie, start-up operation, power generation operation, stop operation, standby operation), in the situation where power for driving is supplied to the fuel cell system 100, the pressure sensor 111a The supply pressure of the natural gas supplied from the infrastructure capable of supplying gas toward the raw fuel supplier 2 is sequentially detected. The detection of the supply pressure of natural gas by the pressure sensor 111a is continuously performed at a rate of once every several seconds, for example.

[0054] In this fuel cell system 100, when a circuit breaker (for example, a gas meter with a built-in microcomputer) connected to the natural gas infrastructure detects an earthquake or power outage and shuts off the supply of natural gas, The pressure sensor 11 la detects that the supply pressure of natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 has dropped significantly. Then, the comparator 11 lb of the start permit Z rejector 211 in the controller 311 determines that the supply pressure of natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is not a normal supply pressure, and the operation controller 11 Id Output an L level judgment signal toward. Then, the operation controller 11 Id receives a V or H level operation command based on the demand of the load connected to the fuel cell system 100 based on the L level determination signal! Even in this case, control is performed so that the operation of the fuel cell system 100 is forcibly stopped. In this case, the display 11 If of the fuel cell system 100 indicates that the supply pressure of the natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is not a normal supply pressure, and that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is permitted. A message to that effect is displayed. Also, JK-FFl l lh is reset and an L level signal is output to the AND circuit 111c.

[0055] It should be noted that the forced stop of the operation of the fuel cell system 100 occurs when the circuit breaker detects an earthquake or a power failure as described above and interrupts the supply of natural gas, or when the natural gas is supplied to the hydrogen generator 4. In addition to when disconnection or damage occurs in the piping for supplying the battery, for example, when the standby operation force shifts to the start operation for some reason, the start operation cannot be performed normally. Is done.

[0056] After that, when the power to stop the earthquake or the cause of the power failure is eliminated, the user of the fuel cell system 100 eliminates the breaking operation of the circuit breaker described above by performing a predetermined operation. . The circuit breaker restored by this restoration operation is fueled by the natural gas infrastructure. The supply of natural gas to the fuel cell system 100 is resumed at a predetermined supply pressure as before.

[0057] When the supply of natural gas to the fuel cell system 100 is resumed, the pressure sensor 111a of the control block 111 outputs a pressure signal corresponding to the supply pressure of the natural gas to the start permitting Z / N device 211. Output to 11 lb. Then, the comparator 11 lb compares the pressure signal corresponding to the supply pressure of the natural gas input from the pressure sensor 11 la with a predetermined threshold signal stored in the storage device of the control device 311 in advance. Here, the comparator 11 lb has a pressure signal voltage corresponding to the supply pressure of the natural gas input from the pressure sensor 111a based on a comparison between the input pressure signal voltage and a predetermined threshold voltage. When the voltage is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold voltage, an H level determination signal is output to the AND circuit 111 c of the activation permit Z rejector 211. On the other hand, if the voltage of the pressure signal corresponding to the supply pressure of the natural gas input from the pressure sensor 11 la is less than the predetermined threshold voltage, the comparator 11 lb activates the L level determination signal. Output to AND circuit 111c.

[0058] When an H level determination signal is input from the comparator 11 lb, the display 11 If is driven by the comparator 111b, and the supply pressure of natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is not a normal supply pressure. Turns off the display to that effect. By visually confirming that this display is turned off, the user of the fuel cell system 100 recognizes that the natural gas infrastructure power and the natural gas supply state to the hydrogen generator 4 have become normal. . In addition, the users of the natural gas infrastructure power hydrogen generator 4 have no abnormalities (for example, abnormalities such as pipe disconnection or damage) occurring in the natural gas supply system. Recognize that. Then, the user of the fuel cell system 100 presses the return button 11 lg to start the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100. As a result, JK-FF11 lh is set, and an H level return command is input to the AND circuit 111c. Then, the AND circuit 11 lc of the activation permission Z rejector 211 outputs an H level activation permission Z rejection signal to the operation controller 11 Id of the control device 311. At this time, the display 11 If is driven by the AND circuit 11 lc and the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is permitted, and the display indicating that the display 11 If is turned off. By visually confirming that the display is turned off, the user of the fuel cell system 100 recognizes that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is permitted. In addition, the user or the like can control the operation of the control device 311 by the AND circuit 111c of the start permit Z rejector 211. Controller 11 Recognizes that H level start permission Z rejection signal is output toward Id. That is, the user of the fuel cell system 100 visually recognizes that pressing the return button 11 le functions effectively.

[0059] On the other hand, when an L level determination signal is input from the comparator 11 lb, the display 11 If is driven by the comparator 11 lb and the supply pressure of natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is normal. Continue to indicate that it is not pressure. Further, the fuel cell system 100 continues to be forcibly stopped. In this case, the user of the fuel cell system 100 has some abnormality (for example, an abnormality such as disconnection or damage of piping) in the natural gas supply system from the natural gas infrastructure to the hydrogen generator 4. Recognize that you are doing. Thus, if any abnormality occurs in the natural gas supply system to the hydrogen generator 4, the users of the fuel cell system 100 check the fuel cell system 100 with a service person without pressing the return button 11 lg. And request repairs. In addition, even if the user presses the return button 11 lg, the L level judgment signal is input to the AND circuit 11 lc! Therefore, the AND circuit 11 lc is not limited to the signal input from JK-FF11 lh. Regardless, since the L level start rejection Z rejection signal is output, the fuel cell system 100 is not started and remains stopped.

[0060] When an H level start permission Z rejection signal is input from the AND circuit 11 lc of the activation permission Z rejector 211, the operation controller 11 Id of the control device 311 causes the load connected to the fuel cell system 100 to If an H-level operation command is input based on the request, etc., control is performed so that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 is started. As a result, the start-up operation is started in the fuel cell system 100. Even if the operation controller 11 Id receives an H-level operation command !, and the L-level start permission Z rejection signal is input from the AND circuit 11 lc, the fuel cell system Control is not performed so that 100 start-up operations are started. Thereby, the stop of the operation of the fuel cell system 100 is continued.

As described above, in the fuel cell system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the start-up permission Z rejector 211 has a normal supply pressure of natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 by the pressure sensor 11 la. If the supply pressure is detected, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the supply system of the natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4, and the fuel cell system 100 is started up. Allow rollover. At this time, the activation permit Z rejector 211 permits the activation operation of the fuel cell system 100 when a user of the fuel cell system 100 or the like presses the return button 11 lg. On the other hand, if the pressure sensor 11 la detects that the supply pressure of the natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is not a normal supply pressure, the activation permit Z rejector 211 detects the natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4. The fuel cell system 100 is not permitted to start up because it is determined that some abnormality has occurred in the supply system. At this time, the activation permit Z rejector 211 does not permit the activation operation of the fuel cell system 100 even when the return button 11 lg is pushed by the user of the fuel cell system 100 or the like.

[0062] By adopting a powerful configuration, even when an abnormality occurs in the natural gas supply system to the hydrogen generator 4 and the operation of the fuel cell system 100 is forcibly stopped, When the supply of natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is normal because there is no abnormality in the fuel cell system 100 itself, the fuel cell system 100 is started when a serviceman is requested for inspection. The user can start operation easily and safely. As a result, the number of inspections and repair requests made to service personnel is greatly reduced, greatly reducing the burden on users of the fuel cell system 100 and service personnel. In addition, the convenience of the fuel cell system 100 is greatly improved because there is no need to wait until the inspection and repair by the service person is completed. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fuel cell system 100 that has the same configuration as the configuration conventionally provided, and that can be restarted easily and safely with low initial cost and low maintenance cost. It becomes possible.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the force illustrating the configuration using the pressure sensor 11la as the raw fuel state detector 101a is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a flow meter may be used as the raw fuel state detector 101a. In the configuration equipped with this flow meter, in order to detect the supply of natural gas to the hydrogen power generation device 4 in the infrastructure of natural gas, a predetermined amount of natural gas is supplied to the hydrogen generation device 4 via the flow meter. Supply. And the flow volume of natural gas is detected with the flowmeter. When the detected natural gas flow rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, it is determined that the supply state of the natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is normal, and the activation permit Z-notifier 211 indicates that the fuel cell system 100 Start Allow dynamic driving. In this case, the natural gas supplied to the hydrogen generator 4 is supplied to the heater 4a by controlling the three-way valve 3 shown in FIG. 1 and connecting the raw material supply flow path e and the raw material supply flow path f. It is desirable to burn it.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the mode of permitting or not permitting the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 based on the status signal output from the raw fuel status detector 101a has been described.

The present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the start-up operation of the fuel cell system 100 may be permitted or disallowed based on an output signal from a circuit breaker such as a gas meter with a built-in microcomputer connected to a raw fuel supply system. Specifically, when a breaker such as a gas meter with a built-in microcomputer shuts off the supply of raw fuel due to an earthquake or power failure, the breaker outputs an output signal containing that information to the activation permit Z rejector 201. To do. On the other hand, when an earthquake or power failure is resolved and the circuit breaker resumes supply of raw fuel, the circuit breaker outputs an output signal including the information to the activation permit Z rejector 201. The activation permit Z rejector 201 starts the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when it is detected that the interruption of the supply of raw fuel is the interruption of supply by the circuit breaker and the supply of the raw fuel is resumed by the circuit breaker. to approve. Even in such a form, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained by the present embodiment.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the supply pressure of natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is not a normal supply pressure. After the display of! / ヽ disappears from the display 11 If, the return button 11 lg is pressed. Is illustrated. As a result, the start-up operation is permitted after the human visually confirms that the cause of the abnormality has been eliminated, so that the fuel cell system 100 can be returned more safely.

[0066] Further, in the present embodiment, the state determiner 101b or the gate circuit 101c directly illustrates the display 101f. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the raw fuel state detector 101a can directly drive the indicator 101f. Even in such a form, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained by the present embodiment.

[Embodiment 2]

The configuration of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is the internal configuration of the control block. The configuration is the same as that of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 except that the configuration is slightly different. Therefore, detailed description of the configuration of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is omitted here. In the following description, differences in the internal configuration and operation of the control block will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows only the components necessary for explaining the present invention.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, the control block 102 of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention has a gate circuit 101c and a return instruction compared to the configuration of the control block 101 shown in FIG. Each of the components corresponding to the input device lOle is different from the configuration of the control block 101 according to the first embodiment. Further, the control block 102 is different from the configuration of the control block 101 in that the state determiner 102b drives the display 102f as compared with the configuration of the control block 101 shown in FIG. In other respects, the configuration of the control block 102 is the same as the configuration of the control block 101 shown in the first embodiment.

In the control block 102 shown in FIG. 4, the state determination unit 102b starts the H level or the L level based on the state signal corresponding to the supply state of the raw fuel input from the raw fuel state detector 102a. A permission Z rejection signal is output to the operation controller 102d of the control device 302. Then, the operation controller 102d receives the H level or L level operation command input to the operation controller 102d, and the H level or L level start permission Z rejection signal input from the state determiner 102b. Based on the above, the start-up operation of the fuel cell system is controlled. Here, the indicator 102f displays that the raw fuel supply state to the hydrogen generator 4 is not normal when the state determiner 102b outputs an L level start permission Z rejection signal. When the state determiner 102b outputs an H level start permission Z rejection signal, it does not indicate that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator 4 is not normal. The indicator 102f displays that the start operation of the fuel cell system is not permitted when the state determiner 102b outputs an L level start permission Z reject signal, but the state determiner 102b is at the H level. When the start permission Z rejection signal is output, the start operation of the fuel cell system is permitted and no indication is given. In this embodiment, in the control of the start-up operation of the fuel cell system It is not necessary for the user of the fuel cell system to operate such as pressing the return button 11 lg shown in FIG. That is, in the present embodiment, based on the state signal output from the raw fuel state detector 102a, the control of the start-up operation of the fuel cell system is performed by the state determiner 102b of the start permission Z rejector 202 and the control device 302. A form automatically performed by the controller 102d is shown. In other respects, the operation of the control block 102 is the same as the operation of the control block 101 shown in the first embodiment. Thus, in a highly reliable fuel cell system, the start-up operation can be automatically started.

[0071] By adopting a powerful configuration, the number of requests for inspection and repair from service personnel is greatly reduced, and the burden on the user of the fuel cell system 100 is further reduced compared to the case of the first embodiment. Is done. The other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

[Embodiment 3]

The configuration of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 1 except that the internal configuration of the control block is slightly different. Accordingly, detailed description of the configuration of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is omitted here. In the following description, as in the case of the second embodiment, differences in the internal configuration of the control block and its operation will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows only components necessary for explaining the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a specific configuration of the control block in the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows only the components necessary for explaining the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control block 103 of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is different from the configuration of the control block 101 shown in FIG. The configuration is different from the configuration of the control block 101 according to the first embodiment in that the forced activation rejection circuit 103i is further provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the control block 113 of the fuel cell system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is compared with the configuration of the control block 111 shown in FIG. Thus, the configuration is different from the configuration of the control block 111 according to the first embodiment in that the activation permit Z rejector 213 further includes a counter 113i. Furthermore, the control block 103 shown in FIG. 5 is compared with the configuration of the control block 101 shown in FIG. 2, and the forced start rejection circuit 103i of the start permission Z rejector 203 is used as a determination signal input from the state determiner 103b. The configuration is different from the configuration of the control block 101 according to the first embodiment in that the compulsory signal can be output to the gate circuit 103c. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in this control block 113, compared with the configuration of the control block 111 shown in FIG. 3, the counter 113i of the activation permit Z rejector 213 is inputted from the comparator 113b. The configuration is different from the configuration of the control block 111 according to the first embodiment in that a forcible signal can be output to the AND circuit 113c based on the determination signal. In other respects, the configuration of the control block 103 is the same as the configuration of the control block 101 shown in the first embodiment. The configuration of the control block 113 is the same as the configuration of the control block 111 shown in the first embodiment.

In the control block 103 shown in FIG. 5, the state determiner 103b generates a determination signal based on the state signal corresponding to the raw fuel supply state input from the raw fuel state detector 103a. Output to the gate circuit 103c, etc. At this time, the state determiner 103b also outputs the determination signal toward the forced activation rejection circuit 103i. Then, the forced activation rejection circuit 103i outputs a forced signal to the gate circuit 103c based on the determination signal input to the forced activation rejection circuit 103i. On the other hand, the gate circuit 103c is based on each of the determination signal input from the state determination unit 103b, the forced signal input from the forced start rejection circuit 103, and the return command input from the return command input unit 103e. The start permission Z rejection signal is output to the operation controller 103d of the control device 303. Then, the operation controller 103d of the control device 303 controls the start-up operation of the fuel cell system based on the input start permission Z rejection signal and the operation command. Here, the display 103f is driven by the state determiner 103b or the gate circuit 103c. The indicator 103f is in response to a state signal input from the raw fuel state detector 103a toward the state determiner 103b, a forced signal input from the forced start rejection circuit 103i toward the gate circuit 103c, and the like. Display.

Specifically, in the control block 113 shown in FIG. 6, the comparator 113b includes the pressure sensor 11 Based on the pressure signal corresponding to the supply pressure of natural gas input from 3a, an H level or L level determination signal is output to the AND circuit 113c and the like. At this time, the comparator 113b outputs a determination signal of H level or L level to the counter 113i. Then, the counter 113i counts the number of input times of the L level determination signal input from the comparator 113b toward the counter 113i. When the number of inputs of the L level determination signal in a predetermined period is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the counter 113i sets the voltage level of the forcing signal output to the AND circuit 1 13c to the H level force in the normal state. Switch to L level.

Here, in the present embodiment, the “predetermined period” and the “predetermined number of times” can reliably detect that an abnormality that cannot be self-recovered is occurring in the fuel cell system. In addition, the fuel cell system is appropriately set in advance according to the configuration of the fuel cell system and its assumed use environment or use conditions.

[0079] For example, normally, a fuel cell system requires a process such as cooling the hydrogen generator from the stop of its power generation operation until the entire system is brought into a stopped state. Cost. In other words, once a fuel cell system stops its power generation operation, it takes at least one hour before the next system start-up. Therefore, in view of this, in the present embodiment, the counter 113i, when the L level determination signal is input three times or more as the predetermined number of times within 6 hours as the predetermined period, Switch the voltage level of the compulsory signal output to 113c to H level force L level during normal operation.

On the other hand, the AND circuit 113c has an H level or L level determination signal input from the comparator 113b, an H level or L level forcing signal also input to the counter 113, and a return instruction input unit 113e. Based on the H level or L level return command input from JK-FF113h, an H level or L level start permission Z denial signal is output to the operation controller 113d of the control device 313. Here, the AND circuit 113c receives the H level determination signal from the comparator 113b, the forcing signal from the counter 113i is switched to the L level force H level, and the recovery command input device 113e has JK—FF 113h to H. When a level return command is input, an H level start permission Z rejection signal is output to the operation controller 113d of the controller 313. To help. However, the AND circuit 113c receives the H level determination signal from the comparator 113b, and even if the H level return command is input from JK-FF113h of the return command input device 113e, When the forcible signal is switched from the H level to the L level, the L level start permission Z rejection signal is continuously output to the operation controller 113d of the control device 313.

[0081] Further, when the display 113f is driven by the comparator 113b and the comparator 113b outputs an L-level determination signal, the supply pressure of the natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is normal. Display that there is no. In addition, the display 113f is driven by the AND circuit 113c, and when the counter 113i outputs an L level forcible signal, the display indicating that the supply pressure of the natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is not normal is continued. To do. On the other hand, in the display 113f, when both the comparator 113b and the counter 113i output an H level determination signal and a forcing signal, the supply pressure of the natural gas to the hydrogen generator 4 is not a normal supply pressure! / Do not display the effect!

[0082] The display 113f is driven by the AND circuit 113c, and an H level determination signal is input from the comparator 113b to the AND circuit 113c. The display 113f has an H level signal from the counter 113 113 to the AND circuit 113c. If the JK FF113h power L level return command is input from the return command input unit 113e while the forcible signal is input, it indicates that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system is not permitted. On the other hand, in the display 113f, an H level determination signal is input to the comparator 113b and the AND circuit 113c, and an H level forcing signal is input from the counter 113 to the AND circuit 113c. 13e JK—If the FF113h force is also input with an H level return command, the start-up operation of the fuel cell system is permitted and no indication is displayed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the raw fuel state detector 103a detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator 4 is not in a normal state, and the raw fuel state is not in the normal state. When the supply state is detected by the forced start rejection circuit 103i for a predetermined number of times or more during a predetermined period, the gate circuit 103c forcibly maintains that the start operation of the fuel cell system is not permitted. In this case, users of the fuel cell system request service personnel to check and repair the fuel cell system. And that service man After the inspection and repair are performed by the above, the start-up operation of the fuel cell system is performed. In other words, the user cannot move to a state where the start-up operation of the fuel cell system is permitted by any means until the restoration work is performed by the service person and the restoration work is completed. Furthermore, even if it is detected by the raw fuel state detector 103a that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator 4 has become normal, the user, etc. has completed the restoration work by the service person Until then, it is not possible to shift to a state in which the startup operation of the fuel cell system is permitted. In other respects, the operations of the control block 103 and the control block 113 are the same as the operations of the control block 101 and the control block 111 shown in the first embodiment.

[0084] With the configuration that works, it is determined that an abnormality that cannot be self-recovered occurs in the fuel cell system when the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator 4 frequently becomes abnormal. Thus, it becomes possible to forcibly continue the stopped state of the fuel cell system until its inspection and repair are completed. As a result, the start-up operation of the fuel cell system can be performed more safely.

In the present embodiment, it is detected by the raw fuel state detector 103a that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator 4 is not in a normal state. Although the configuration in which the gate circuit 103c forcibly maintains that the start-up operation of the fuel cell system is not permitted when the supply state is detected a predetermined number of times or more in a predetermined period is shown, it is limited to such a configuration There is no. For example, the raw fuel state detector 103a detects that the raw fuel supply state to the hydrogen generator 4 is not normal, and if the raw fuel supply state that is not normal is detected a plurality of times, the gate is detected. The circuit 103c may be configured to forcibly maintain that the fuel cell system is not allowed to start. Even with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained by the present embodiment. Other points are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Industrial applicability

[0086] The fuel cell system according to the present invention has a configuration similar to that of the conventional power plant, has a low initial cost and a low maintenance cost, and can be restarted easily and safely. As a battery system, it has industrial applicability.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a fuel cell that is supplied with fuel and an oxidant to generate electricity;

A hydrogen generating device for generating raw fuel supplied to the fuel supplied to the fuel cell;

A fuel cell system comprising: a raw fuel state detector that detects a supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator; and an activation permit Z rejector,

The start permitting Z rejector is configured to start the fuel cell system when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is normal. If the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not in a normal state, the fuel cell system does not permit it.

[2] The start permission Z rejector permits the start-up operation when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is normal. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell system is not permitted when the fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not normal! / ヽ.

[3] A return command input device for inputting a return command is further provided.

The activation permission Z rejector is configured to perform the activation operation when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is a normal state. Is permitted when the return command is input from the engine, and when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not normal, the return command input device 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein even if a return command is input, the fuel cell system is not permitted.

[4] An operation controller is further provided,

The operation controller forcibly stops the operation of the fuel cell system when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not normal! 4. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell system is controlled as follows.

[5] When the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is a normal state, an abnormality is not displayed and the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not displayed. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an indicator that displays an abnormality when it is detected that the fuel supply state is not normal.

[6] When the start-up operation is permitted by the start permit Z rejector, an abnormality is not displayed, and the raw fuel supply state to the hydrogen generator is not normal by the raw fuel state detector. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an indicator that displays an abnormality when detected.

[7] The raw fuel state detector for detecting the pressure of the raw fuel in the raw fuel supply passage, further comprising a raw fuel supply passage for supplying the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator Equipped with a pressure detector

The start permit Z rejector permits the start-up operation when the pressure of the raw fuel detected by the pressure detector is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and detects the raw fuel detected by the pressure detector. 4. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the start-up operation is not permitted if the pressure is less than the predetermined threshold value.

[8] The raw fuel state detector for detecting a flow rate of the raw fuel in the raw fuel supply passage, further comprising a raw fuel supply passage for supplying the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator. Equipped with a flow meter

The activation permit Z rejector permits the activation operation when the flow rate of the raw fuel detected by the flow meter is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the flow rate of the raw fuel detected by the flow meter is the predetermined flow rate. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the start-up operation is not permitted if it is less than a threshold value.

[9] The start permission Z rejector does not permit the start operation when the raw fuel state detector detects the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator that is not in a normal state a plurality of times. 4. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell system is forcibly maintained.

[10] The activation permit Z rejector is activated when the raw fuel state detector detects that the supply state of the raw fuel to the hydrogen generator is not normal in a predetermined period more than a predetermined number of times. 10. The fuel cell system according to claim 9, wherein the fuel cell system is compulsorily maintained.