WO2010013709A1 - Système de pile à combustible, et dispositif électronique - Google Patents

Système de pile à combustible, et dispositif électronique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010013709A1
WO2010013709A1 PCT/JP2009/063422 JP2009063422W WO2010013709A1 WO 2010013709 A1 WO2010013709 A1 WO 2010013709A1 JP 2009063422 W JP2009063422 W JP 2009063422W WO 2010013709 A1 WO2010013709 A1 WO 2010013709A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel cell
fuel
temperature
output
supply
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PCT/JP2009/063422
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
大介 渡邉
佐藤　雄一
元太 大道
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株式会社 東芝
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Publication of WO2010013709A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010013709A1/fr

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04537—Electric variables
    • H01M8/04544—Voltage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04186—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of liquid-charged or electrolyte-charged reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/0432—Temperature; Ambient temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04537—Electric variables
    • H01M8/04574—Current
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04701—Temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fuel cell system and an electronic device using the fuel cell system as a power source.
  • the fuel cell has an advantage that it can generate electric power only by supplying fuel and air, and can generate electric power continuously by exchanging only the fuel. Therefore, if miniaturization of the fuel cell can be realized, usefulness as a power source for a small electronic device can be enhanced.
  • DMFC direct Methanol Fuel Cell
  • active types such as a gas supply type that supplies gaseous fuel or a liquid supply type that supplies liquid fuel
  • passive type such as an internal vaporization type which is vaporized by the gas and supplied to the fuel electrode.
  • the passive fuel cell is considered to be particularly advantageous for downsizing the DMFC.
  • a membrane electrode assembly (fuel cell) having a fuel electrode, an electrolyte membrane, and an air electrode is made of a resin-made box-like container.
  • positioned on a fuel accommodating part is proposed.
  • Patent Documents 2 to 4 disclose fuel cells having a configuration in which a DMFC fuel cell and a fuel storage portion are connected via a flow path.
  • the amount of liquid fuel supplied can be adjusted based on the shape or diameter of the flow path by supplying the liquid fuel supplied from the fuel storage portion to the fuel cell via the flow path.
  • a novel fuel cell is disclosed.
  • Patent Document 3 adjusts the fuel supplied by the pump by supplying the liquid fuel from the fuel storage part to the flow path with a pump.
  • Patent Document 3 also describes that an electric field forming means for forming an electroosmotic flow in the flow path is used instead of the pump.
  • Patent Document 4 describes that liquid fuel or the like is supplied using an electroosmotic flow pump.
  • the operation time of each of the on-timer and off-timer that determines whether the fuel supply pump is turned on or off is set, and the fuel supply amount to the fuel cell power generation unit is adjusted to adjust the fuel cell The output is started up.
  • the output voltage Vo of the fuel cell power generation unit rises rapidly in a short time from the start of fuel supply, for example, as shown by the symbol A1 in FIG. 4A, and the heat generation temperature To of the fuel cell power generation unit is As shown in the graph indicated by reference numeral B1 in FIG. 4B, the reference temperature TA may be exceeded and the upper limit temperature TB may be exceeded. This sudden rise in the heat generation temperature To may have an adverse effect on electronic parts incorporating the system.
  • the heat generation temperature at the fuel cell power generation unit reaches the reference temperature until the predetermined control voltage is output after the fuel supply starts.
  • the usability as a power source for electronic devices is lowered.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system and an electronic device that can realize a smooth start-up of output when the fuel cell is started.
  • a fuel cell main body having a power generation unit for generating electric power from fuel; A temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the fuel cell body; An output detector for detecting the output voltage and output current of the fuel cell body; A control unit for controlling fuel supply to the fuel cell body from start-up to steady operation of the fuel cell body;
  • the control unit repeats the fuel supply a predetermined number of times when the output voltage detected by the output detection unit does not reach a reference voltage even if a predetermined time elapses due to the initial supply of fuel at the time of starting the fuel cell body, When the output voltage reaches the reference voltage, the output current detected by the output detection unit reaches the reference current within a predetermined time, and the heating temperature of the fuel cell body detected by the temperature detection unit reaches the reference temperature.
  • a fuel cell system is provided that controls the fuel supply of the fuel cell main body to shift to a steady operation when the reference temperature is not reached even if the additional fuel supply is repeated even if the additional fuel supply is repeated Is done.
  • a fuel cell main body having a power generation unit for generating electric power from fuel; A temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the fuel cell body; An output detector for detecting the output voltage and output current of the fuel cell body; A control unit for controlling fuel supply to the fuel cell body from start-up to steady operation of the fuel cell body;
  • the control unit repeats the fuel supply a predetermined number of times when the output voltage detected by the output detection unit does not reach a reference voltage even after a predetermined time has elapsed due to the initial supply of fuel at the time of starting the fuel cell body, When the output voltage reaches the reference voltage, the fuel cell is controlled to shift the fuel supply of the fuel cell main body to the steady operation when the output current detected by the output detection unit reaches the reference current within a predetermined time.
  • a fuel cell main body having a power generation unit for generating electric power from fuel; A temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the fuel cell body; An output detector for detecting the output voltage and output current of the fuel cell body; A control unit for controlling fuel supply to the fuel cell body from start-up to steady operation of the fuel cell body;
  • the control unit outputs an output detected by the output detection unit when the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell main body detected by the temperature detection unit by the initial supply of fuel at the time of starting the fuel cell main body does not reach a reference temperature.
  • the increase in current ( ⁇ I) is ⁇ I ⁇ 0, additional fuel is supplied to the fuel cell main body. If the reference temperature is not reached even after repeating the additional fuel supply, the fuel cell main body is supplied with fuel.
  • a fuel cell system that is controlled to shift to steady operation.
  • a fuel cell system in which the control unit executes additional supply of fuel to the fuel cell main body on condition that the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell main body is lower than a predetermined temperature lower than the reference temperature.
  • An electronic device using the fuel cell system according to any one of the first to fourth inventions as a power source is provided.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows roughly the main body structure of the fuel cell shown by FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel distribution mechanism in the fuel cell main body shown in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 2 is a graph showing a time change of an output voltage from a fuel cell system and a graph showing a time change of an exothermic temperature in the fuel cell system for explaining the operation of the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1 in comparison with a conventional system.
  • . 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1.
  • 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • reference numeral 1 denotes a fuel cell main body (DMFC).
  • the fuel cell main body 1 includes a fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 constituting a power electromotive unit, a fuel storage unit 102 for storing liquid fuel, and a fuel storage unit. And a pump 104 as a fuel supply control unit for transferring liquid fuel from the fuel storage unit 102 to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101. ing.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the fuel cell main body 1 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail.
  • the fuel cell power generation unit 101 includes an anode (fuel electrode) 13 having an anode catalyst layer 11 and an anode gas diffusion layer 12, a cathode having a cathode catalyst layer 14 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 15.
  • a membrane electrode assembly (MEA: Membrane Electrode) composed of (air electrode / oxidizer electrode) 16 and a proton (hydrogen ion) conductive electrolyte membrane 17 sandwiched between the anode catalyst layer 11 and the cathode catalyst layer 14 Assembly).
  • examples of the catalyst contained in the anode catalyst layer 11 and the cathode catalyst layer 14 include a simple substance of a platinum group element such as Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, and Pd, an alloy containing the platinum group element, and the like. It is done.
  • a platinum group element such as Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, and Pd
  • Pt—Ru or Pt—Mo having strong resistance to methanol, carbon monoxide and the like.
  • Pt or Pt—Ni is preferably used for the cathode catalyst layer 14.
  • the catalyst is not limited to these, and various substances having catalytic activity can be used.
  • the catalyst may be either a supported catalyst using a conductive support such as a carbon material or an unsupported catalyst.
  • Examples of the proton conductive material constituting the electrolyte membrane 17 include a fluorine-based resin such as a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer having a sulfonic acid group (Nafion (trade name, manufactured by DuPont) or Flemion (trade name, Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.). Etc.), organic materials such as hydrocarbon resins having a sulfonic acid group, or inorganic materials such as tungstic acid and phosphotungstic acid.
  • a fluorine-based resin such as a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer having a sulfonic acid group (Nafion (trade name, manufactured by DuPont) or Flemion (trade name, Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.). Etc.)
  • organic materials such as hydrocarbon resins having a sulfonic acid group
  • inorganic materials such as tungstic acid and phosphotungstic acid.
  • the anode gas diffusion layer 12 laminated on the anode catalyst layer 11 serves to uniformly supply fuel to the anode catalyst layer 11 and also serves as a current collector for the anode catalyst layer 11.
  • the cathode gas diffusion layer 15 laminated on the cathode catalyst layer 14 serves to uniformly supply the oxidant to the cathode catalyst layer 14 and also serves as a current collector for the cathode catalyst layer 14.
  • the anode gas diffusion layer 12 and the cathode gas diffusion layer 15 are made of a porous substrate.
  • a conductive layer is laminated on the anode gas diffusion layer 12 and the cathode gas diffusion layer 15 as necessary.
  • these conductive layers for example, a porous layer (for example, a mesh) made of a conductive metal material such as Au or Ni, a porous film, a foil body, a conductive metal material such as stainless steel (SUS), gold, etc.
  • a composite material coated with a highly conductive metal is used.
  • a rubber O-ring 19 is interposed between the electrolyte membrane 17 and a fuel distribution mechanism 105 and a cover plate 18 to be described later, and the O-ring 19 prevents fuel leakage and oxidant leakage from the fuel cell power generation unit 101. It is preventing.
  • the cover plate 18 has an opening (not shown) for taking in air as an oxidant.
  • a moisture retaining layer or a surface layer is disposed between the cover plate 18 and the cathode 16 as necessary.
  • the moisturizing layer is impregnated with a part of the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 14 to suppress the transpiration of water and promote uniform diffusion of air to the cathode catalyst layer 14.
  • the surface layer adjusts the amount of air taken in, and has a plurality of air inlets whose number, size, etc. are adjusted according to the amount of air taken in.
  • a fuel distribution mechanism 105 is disposed on the anode (fuel electrode) 13 side of the fuel cell power generation unit 101.
  • a fuel storage unit 102 is connected to the fuel distribution mechanism 105 via a liquid fuel flow path 103 such as a pipe.
  • the fuel storage unit 102 stores liquid fuel corresponding to the fuel cell power generation unit 101.
  • the liquid fuel include methanol fuels such as methanol aqueous solutions having various concentrations or pure methanol.
  • Liquid fuel is not necessarily limited to methanol fuel.
  • the liquid fuel may be, for example, an ethanol fuel such as an ethanol aqueous solution or pure ethanol, a propanol fuel such as a propanol aqueous solution or pure propanol, a glycol fuel such as a glycol aqueous solution or pure glycol, dimethyl ether, formic acid, or other liquid fuel.
  • liquid fuel corresponding to the fuel cell power generation unit 101 is stored in the fuel storage unit 102.
  • Fuel is introduced into the fuel distribution mechanism 105 from the fuel storage unit 102 via the flow path 103.
  • the flow path 103 is not limited to piping independent of the fuel distribution mechanism 105 and the fuel storage unit 102.
  • a fuel flow path connecting them may be used.
  • the fuel distribution mechanism 105 only needs to be connected to the fuel storage unit 102 via the flow path 103.
  • the fuel distribution mechanism 105 includes at least one fuel inlet 21 through which fuel flows in via the flow path 103, and a plurality of fuel outlets for discharging the fuel and its vaporized components. And a fuel distribution plate 23 having 22. As shown in FIG. 2, a gap 24 serving as a fuel passage led from the fuel inlet 21 is provided inside the fuel distribution plate 23. The plurality of fuel discharge ports 22 are directly connected to gaps 24 that function as fuel passages.
  • the fuel introduced from the fuel injection port 21 into the fuel distribution mechanism 105 enters the gap 24 and is guided to the plurality of fuel discharge ports 22 through the gap 24 that functions as the fuel passage.
  • a gas-liquid separator (not shown) that transmits only the vaporized component of the fuel and does not transmit the liquid component may be disposed in the plurality of fuel discharge ports 22.
  • the fuel vaporization component is supplied to the anode (fuel electrode) 13 of the fuel cell power generation unit 101.
  • the gas / liquid separator may be installed as a gas / liquid separation membrane or the like between the fuel distribution mechanism 105 and the anode 13.
  • the vaporized component of the fuel is discharged from a plurality of fuel discharge ports 22 toward a plurality of locations of the anode 13.
  • a plurality of fuel discharge ports 22 are provided on the surface of the fuel distribution plate 23 in contact with the anode 13 so that fuel can be supplied to the entire fuel cell power generation unit 101.
  • the number of the fuel discharge ports 22 may be two or more, but in order to equalize the fuel supply amount in the plane of the fuel cell power generation unit 101, the fuel discharge ports 22 of 0.1 to 10 / cm 2 are used. It is preferable to form so that there exists.
  • a pump 104 as a fuel transfer control unit is inserted into a flow path 103 that connects between the fuel distribution mechanism 105 and the fuel storage unit 102.
  • the pump 104 is not a circulation pump that circulates fuel, but is a fuel supply pump that transfers fuel from the fuel storage unit 102 to the fuel distribution mechanism 105 to the last.
  • the pump 104 can feed a small amount of fuel with good controllability, and can be further reduced in size and weight, so that the rotary vane pump, electroosmotic flow pump, diaphragm pump, ironing It is preferable to use a pump or the like.
  • the rotary vane pump feeds liquid by rotating wings with a motor.
  • the electroosmotic flow pump uses a sintered porous body such as silica that causes an electroosmotic flow phenomenon.
  • a diaphragm pump drives a diaphragm with an electromagnet or piezoelectric ceramics to send liquid.
  • the squeezing pump presses a part of a flexible fuel flow path and squeezes the fuel.
  • a fuel supply control circuit 5 described later is connected to the pump 104, and the drive of the pump 104 is controlled. This point will be described later.
  • the fuel stored in the fuel storage unit 102 is transferred through the flow path 103 by the pump 104 and supplied to the fuel distribution mechanism 105.
  • the fuel released from the fuel distribution mechanism 105 is supplied to the anode (fuel electrode) 13 of the fuel cell power generation unit 101.
  • the fuel diffuses through the anode gas diffusion layer 12 and is supplied to the anode catalyst layer 11.
  • methanol fuel is used as the fuel, an internal reforming reaction of methanol shown in the following formula (1) occurs in the anode catalyst layer 11.
  • the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 14 or the water in the electrolyte membrane 17 is reacted with methanol to cause the internal reforming reaction of the formula (1).
  • the internal reforming reaction is caused by another reaction mechanism that does not require water.
  • Electrons (e ⁇ ) generated by this reaction are guided to the outside via a current collector, supplied to the load side as so-called output, and then guided to the cathode (air electrode) 16. Further, protons (H + ) generated by the internal reforming reaction of the formula (1) are guided to the cathode 16 through the electrolyte membrane 17. Air is supplied to the cathode 16 as an oxidant. Electrons (e ⁇ ) and protons (H + ) reaching the cathode 16 react with oxygen in the air in accordance with the following equation (2) in the cathode catalyst layer 14, and water is generated with this reaction.
  • the fuel cell main body 1 configured as described above includes a fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 provided with a temperature sensor 106 as a second temperature detection unit.
  • This temperature sensor 106 detects the temperature of the heat generating part of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101, and is composed of, for example, a thermistor or a thermocouple, and is the cathode (air) of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 shown in FIG. Pole) 16. Further, the temperature sensor 106 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the heat generation temperature to the control unit 7. Details of the control unit 7 will be described later.
  • the fuel cell main body 1 is connected to an output detection unit 6 and a DC-DC converter (voltage adjustment circuit) 2 as an output adjustment unit.
  • the output detection unit 6 detects the output voltage Vo and the output current Io as outputs of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101, and outputs detection signals respectively corresponding to the output voltage Vo and the output current Io to the control unit 7.
  • the DC-DC converter 2 includes a switching element and an energy storage element (both not shown), and stores / discharges the electric energy generated by the fuel cell body 1 by the switching element and the energy storage element, thereby An output generated by boosting a relatively low output voltage from the main body 1 to a sufficient voltage is generated.
  • the output of the DC-DC converter 2 is supplied to the auxiliary power supply 4.
  • the auxiliary power supply 4 is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC converter 2.
  • the auxiliary power supply 4 can be charged by the output of the DC-DC converter 2 and supplies a current to an instantaneous load fluctuation of the electronic device main body 3, and the fuel cell is in a fuel depleted state.
  • the main body 1 is incapable of generating power, it is used as a driving power source for the electronic device main body 3.
  • a chargeable / dischargeable secondary battery for example, a lithium ion rechargeable battery (LIB) or an electric double layer capacitor
  • a fuel supply control circuit 5 is connected to the auxiliary power source 4.
  • the fuel supply control circuit 5 controls the operation of the pump 104 using the auxiliary power source 4 as a power source, and controls the pump 104 on / off based on an instruction from the control unit 7.
  • a controller 7 is connected to the fuel supply control circuit 5.
  • the control unit 7 controls the entire system and generates an output setting unit 701 for setting the output of the fuel cell, a reference temperature setting unit 702 for setting the reference temperature of the fuel cell, a timer 703, and a control signal for controlling the pump 104.
  • a pump control signal generator 704 is provided.
  • the output setting unit 701 stores a reference voltage and a reference current that are operation reference values when the fuel cell is activated.
  • the reference temperature setting unit 702 stores each reference temperature set in the period from the start of the fuel cell body 1 to the steady operation.
  • the timer 703 counts each preset time when the fuel cell is activated, and also operates as an on timer that determines the on time of the pump 104 and an off timer that determines the off time of the pump 104.
  • the pump control signal generator 704 outputs an on control signal for determining the operation time of the pump 104 and an off control signal for determining the stop time of the pump 104 according to the operation of the on timer and the on timer. Further, the pump control signal generation unit 704 sends an on / off control signal to the pump 104 in accordance with a comparison result between the detection signal of the output detection unit 6 and each set value of the output voltage and output current stored in the output setting unit 701. Is output. The pump control signal generation unit 704 outputs an on / off control signal to the pump 104 according to the comparison result between the output of the temperature sensor 106 and the reference temperature stored in the reference temperature setting unit 702, and the timer 703 counts. An on / off control signal is output to the pump 104 in accordance with the value.
  • control unit 7 configured as described above.
  • control unit 7 executes the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
  • step 501 shown in FIG. 5A an initial supply of fuel to the pump 104 is instructed.
  • the fuel supply in this case is executed only for a first predetermined time with the pump 104 ON signal output from the pump control signal generator 704 and the pump 104 at the maximum flow rate.
  • the generation time of the ON signal at this time is counted by the timer 703. Then, when the first predetermined time has elapsed, the routine proceeds to step 502.
  • step 502 it is determined whether the output voltage has reached the reference voltage within a second predetermined time (for example, three times the first predetermined time) from the start. This determination is made based on a comparison result between the detection signal (output voltage Vo) of the output detection unit 6 and the reference voltage stored in the output setting unit 701. If NO is determined here, the process proceeds to step 503. In step 503, it is determined whether the initial supply of fuel is the third time. In this case, if NO, the process returns to step 501 to perform the initial fuel supply for the second time, and thereafter, in step 502, until it is determined that the output voltage has reached the reference voltage within the second predetermined time, step The operations 501 to 503 are repeated.
  • a second predetermined time for example, three times the first predetermined time
  • step 503 when it is determined in step 503 that the initial supply of fuel is the third time by such repeated operations, the process proceeds to step 504, where it is processed as a fuel cell system start error. That is, the initial supply of fuel to the pump 104 is repeated up to three times, and if the output voltage still does not reach the reference voltage, it is determined that power supply to the electronic device body 3 is difficult and error processing is performed.
  • step 505 power supply to the electronic device main body 3, that is, a load is started, and it is determined whether the output current has exceeded the reference current within a third predetermined time that is slightly more than three times the second predetermined time from the start. .
  • the determination in this case is made based on a comparison result between the detection signal (output current Io) of the output detection unit 6 and the reference current stored in the output setting unit 701. If it is determined NO, it is determined that power supply to the electronic device main body 3 is difficult, and error processing is performed (step 506). On the other hand, if YES is determined, the process proceeds to step 507.
  • step 507 it is determined whether the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is lower than the first reference temperature of the reference temperature.
  • the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is acquired from the detection signal of the temperature sensor 106. Further, the first reference temperature is stored in advance in the reference temperature setting unit 702.
  • step 508 it is determined whether the increase ( ⁇ I) in the output current is zero continuously for a fourth predetermined time or more. At this time, the timer 703 counts for the fourth predetermined time or longer.
  • the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is lower than the first predetermined temperature slightly lower than the first reference temperature at this timing (step 509). , Go to Step 510.
  • the first predetermined temperature in this case is also stored in the reference temperature setting unit 702 in advance.
  • Step 509 is for confirming that the temperature is at a first predetermined temperature slightly lower than the first reference temperature in order to prevent an excessive increase in temperature due to the additional fuel supply.
  • step 510 it is determined whether the additional fuel supply is the fourth time. If NO here, the process proceeds to step 511, the pump control signal generator 704 outputs an ON signal of the pump 104, and the pump 104 is operated for a time similar to the first predetermined time, for example, to add fuel. Supply.
  • step 512 after confirming that the second predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step 507 to determine whether the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is lower than the first reference temperature. At this time, the generation time of the ON signal of the pump 104 and the elapsed time of the second predetermined time after the additional supply of fuel are counted by the timer 703.
  • step 507 since the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is still lower than the first reference temperature, if it is determined as N0, the operation after step 508 described above is executed.
  • step 508 if it is determined in step 508 that the increase ( ⁇ I) in the output current is not zero continuously for the fourth predetermined time or longer and NO, the process returns to step 507 and again the fuel cell power generation unit (cell ) If the heat generation temperature of 101 is lower than the reference temperature, and if the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is higher than the first reference temperature and is determined to be N0, the steady state after step 513 is determined. Transition to operation mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 508 that the increase ( ⁇ I) in the output current continues to be zero for a fourth predetermined time or longer and YES is determined, additional fuel supply after step 509 is further executed.
  • step 510 when it is determined in step 510 that the additional fuel supply is the fourth time by such repeated operation, that is, when the first reference temperature during steady operation is not reached even in the four additional fuel supply times. Then, it is determined that the flow rate of the pump 104 is small and there is no possibility of overheating, and the routine proceeds to the steady operation mode of step 513.
  • step 514 it is determined whether the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 has dropped below the first reference temperature. Here, if NO, the steady operation is continued in this state.
  • step 514 the process proceeds to step 515.
  • step 515 the timer 703 is operated as an on-timer, and an on-operation for a fifth predetermined time is started.
  • the pump control signal generation unit 704 outputs an ON signal of the pump 104 to supply fuel to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101.
  • step 516 it is determined whether the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 has risen above the second reference temperature within the fifth predetermined time of the on-timer.
  • the second reference temperature here is stored in advance in the reference temperature setting unit 702.
  • step 516 If it is determined as YES in step 516, the process proceeds to step 517. In step 517, the on-timer is reset to stop the operation of the pump 104, and the process returns to step 514. On the other hand, if it is determined as NO in step 516 without the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 rising above the second reference temperature within the fifth predetermined time, the process proceeds to step 518.
  • step 518 the timer 703 is operated as an off timer, and the operation for the sixth predetermined time (for example, three times the fifth predetermined time) is started.
  • the pump control signal generating unit 704 outputs an off signal of the pump 104 to stop the fuel supply to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101.
  • step 519 it is determined whether the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 has risen to the second reference temperature or more within the sixth predetermined time. If the heat generation temperature rises above the second reference temperature and it is determined YES, the process proceeds to step 517, the off timer is reset, and the operation of the pump 104 is stopped and the process returns to step 514.
  • step 519 if it is determined in step 519 that the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 does not rise above the second reference temperature within the sixth predetermined time, the process proceeds to step 520.
  • step 520 when the sixth predetermined time is counted by the off timer, the process proceeds to step 517, the off timer is reset, and the operation of the pump 104 is stopped, and the process returns to step 514.
  • the initial supply of fuel to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 at the time of starting the fuel cell system is performed in multiple times until a predetermined reference voltage is output within a predetermined time.
  • the fuel supply at startup is always the optimum amount.
  • the amount of fuel per supply to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 by the pump 104 is Q1 (where Q1 is a variable value: the minimum Q1min to the maximum Q1max including various conditions and variations), the fuel
  • Q1 is a variable value: the minimum Q1min to the maximum Q1max including various conditions and variations
  • Q2 is a fixed value: minimum Q2min to maximum Q2max including various conditions and variations
  • fuel at the initial startup The supply is set to Q1max ⁇ Q2min so that Q1 ⁇ Q2 is always satisfied. If the output voltage does not reach the reference voltage even after the second predetermined time has elapsed due to the fuel supply, the above-described fuel supply is performed again.
  • the reference voltage is not reached even when Q1min ⁇ the number of times of supply (for example, 3 times), it is processed as an error, and if the reference voltage is reached, the power supply to the electronic device body 3, that is, the load is applied. Start. Further, even after the load is started, if the output current does not reach the reference current within the third predetermined time, it is treated as an error, and when the reference current is reached, the transition to the steady operation mode is enabled. I made it. In this case, the output voltage Vo of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 increases over a relatively long time from the start of fuel supply as shown by A2 in FIG.
  • the heat generation temperature To of the battery power generation unit (cell) 101 also increases over time from the start of fuel supply and is controlled based on the reference temperature TA, as indicated by B2 in FIG. There is no longer a rise beyond TB. As a result, the initial supply of fuel is adjusted to the optimum amount even if there are various causes such as variations in the amount of fuel supplied by the pump 104, individual differences in the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101, and the surrounding environment (outside temperature). It is possible to realize a smooth start-up of the output at the time of start-up, so that the heat generation temperature in the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 rises abnormally beyond the upper limit temperature TB, and an electronic component incorporating the system, etc. It is possible to reliably prevent situations that adversely affect the system.
  • the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is monitored in the course of the initial fuel supply, and control is performed so that the heat generation temperature in the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 at the time of startup is always optimal. I made it.
  • the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is monitored, and if the heat generation temperature reaches the first reference temperature, the operation mode is quickly shifted to the steady operation mode, while the first reference temperature is not reached. In this case, if the increase ( ⁇ I) in the output current is ⁇ I ⁇ 0, additional fuel is supplied.
  • the additional supply of fuel in this case is executed on condition that the heat generation temperature is further lower than the first predetermined temperature lower than the first reference temperature, and prevents an excessive increase in temperature due to the additional fuel supply. . If the first reference temperature is not reached even if the additional fuel supply is repeated a plurality of times (for example, four times), it is determined that there is no possibility of overheating, and the mode is shifted to the steady operation mode. . As a result, for example, the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 becomes insufficient during the initial fuel supply, and the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 does not rise to the first reference temperature and is output.
  • the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 can be raised to the reference temperature required for the steady operation mode by performing additional supply of fuel. Smooth and quick transition to the steady operation mode can be achieved, and usability can be improved as a power source for electronic equipment. Further, since the additional fuel supply is executed on condition that the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is lower than the first reference temperature, the temperature rises excessively due to the additional fuel supply. Can also be reliably prevented.
  • the initial supply of fuel to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 at the start of the fuel cell system is performed in multiple times until a predetermined reference voltage is output within a predetermined time. Then, when the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 does not rise to the reference temperature and an increase in the output current cannot be obtained, additional fuel supply is performed.
  • the initial supply of fuel to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 is executed in a plurality of times until a predetermined reference voltage is output within a predetermined time. In this process, the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 When the reference voltage is reached, the load is started, and further, the output current reaches the reference current within a certain time after the start of the load, so that the mode immediately shifts to the steady operation mode.
  • Modification 2 In the first embodiment, the initial supply of fuel to the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 at the start of the fuel cell system is performed in multiple times until a predetermined reference voltage is output within a predetermined time. Then, when the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 does not rise to the reference temperature and an increase in output current cannot be obtained, additional fuel supply is performed.
  • the heat generation temperature of the fuel cell power generation unit (cell) 101 does not reach the reference temperature in the initial supply of fuel at startup, additional fuel supply is performed when the increase in output current ( ⁇ I) becomes ⁇ I ⁇ 0, If the reference temperature is not reached even when such additional fuel supply is repeated a plurality of times, it is determined that there is no possibility of overheating, and the operation mode is shifted to the steady operation mode.
  • the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.
  • the reference voltage and reference current set in the output setting unit 701, the reference temperature and predetermined temperature set in the reference temperature setting unit 702, and various times set in the timer 703 are determined by the fuel cell system actually used. It is set arbitrarily depending on the situation.
  • the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent requirements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and is described in the column of the effect of the invention. If the above effect is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
  • the vaporized component of the liquid fuel supplied to the fuel cell power generation unit may be all supplied as the vaporized component of the liquid fuel, but the present invention is applied even when a part is supplied in the liquid state. be able to.
  • the present invention it is possible to provide a fuel cell system and an electronic device that can realize a smooth start-up of the output when the fuel cell is started, and the convenience of the fuel cell system and the electronic device is enhanced.
  • SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell main body, 101 ... Fuel cell electric power generation part 102 ... Fuel accommodating part, 103 ... Flow path 104 ... Pump, 105 ... Fuel distribution mechanism 106 ... Temperature sensor, 2 ... DC / DC converter, 3 ... Electronic equipment main body 4 ... Auxiliary power supply, 5 ... Fuel supply control circuit 6 ... Output detection unit, 7 ... Control unit, 701: Output setting unit, 702: Reference temperature setting unit, 703 ... Timer, 704 ... Pump control signal generator, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Anode catalyst layer, 12 ... Anode gas diffusion layer 13 ... Anode, 14 ... Cathode catalyst layer 15 ... Cathode gas diffusion layer, 16 ... Cathode 17 ... Electrolyte membrane, 18 ... Cover plate 19 ... O-ring, 21 ... Fuel inlet 22 ... Fuel discharge port, 23 ... Fuel distribution plate 24 ... Gap

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de pile à combustible, dans lequel une alimentation de combustible est répétée, lorsqu’une tension de sortie à détecter par une unité de détection de sortie (6) n’atteint pas une tension de référence même à l’expiration d’un intervalle de temps prédéterminé après l’alimentation initiale d’un combustible à l’instant de démarrage de l’unité de génération de pile à combustible (101). Lorsqu’une tension de sortie détectée au niveau de l’unité de détection de sortie (6) atteint la tension de référence, lorsqu’un courant de sortie détecté au niveau de l’unité de détection de sortie (6) pour un temps prédéterminé atteint le courant de référence et lorsque la température de la chaleur générée, qui est détectée par un capteur de température (106), de l’unité de génération de pile à combustible (101) atteint une première température de référence, l’alimentation de combustible au niveau de l’unité de génération de pile à combustible (101) est commutée vers l’alimentation en une course constante. Si la température de la chaleur générée de l’unité de génération de pile à combustible (101) n’atteint pas la première température de référence, le combustible est alimenté davantage en un incrément de courant de sortie (ΔI) où ΔI < 0 à l’unité génération de pile à combustible (101). Lorsque la première température de référence n’est pas atteinte même si l’alimentation supplémentaire de combustible est répétée, l’alimentation de combustible de l’unité de génération de pile à combustible (101) est commutée vers l’alimentation en une course constante.
PCT/JP2009/063422 2008-07-29 2009-07-28 Système de pile à combustible, et dispositif électronique WO2010013709A1 (fr)

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