JP2007048479A - Fuel cell system and its operation method - Google Patents

Fuel cell system and its operation method Download PDF

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JP2007048479A
JP2007048479A JP2005228731A JP2005228731A JP2007048479A JP 2007048479 A JP2007048479 A JP 2007048479A JP 2005228731 A JP2005228731 A JP 2005228731A JP 2005228731 A JP2005228731 A JP 2005228731A JP 2007048479 A JP2007048479 A JP 2007048479A
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fuel cell
gas
valve
pressure
supply source
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Kouta Manabe
晃太 真鍋
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Toyota Motor Corp
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    • 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
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    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system capable of effectively discharging the water generated inside a fuel cell as well as achieving reduction in the power consumption, and to provide an operation method of the fuel cell system. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell system 1 is provided with a fuel cell 10, a hydrogen supply source 21 for supplying the hydrogen gas, a hydrogen supply passage 20 for linking the fuel cell 10 with the hydrogen supply source 21, an electromagnetic control valve 22 which performs the open/close operation for flowing and shutting the hydrogen gas present inside the hydrogen supply passage 20, and a controller 60 for controlling the operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22. The controller 60 temporarily stops the hydrogen gas to be supplied from the hydrogen supply source 21 to the fuel cell 10 by closing the electromagnetic control valve 22, and opens the electromagnetic control valve 22 when a pressure measured by a reflux flow passage pressure nanometer 33 (pressure at the downstream side of the electromagnetic control valve 22) drops below the predetermined value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、燃料電池システム及びその運転方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a fuel cell system and an operation method thereof.

現在、水素ガス等のアノードガスと空気等のカソードガスとの電気化学反応によって発電する燃料電池を備えた燃料電池システムが提案され、実用化されている。燃料電池システムにおいては、電気化学反応により生成された水分（生成水）が燃料電池内に溜まる場合があり、かかる場合には、発電能力が低下して適切な稼動状態が維持できないことがある。   Currently, a fuel cell system including a fuel cell that generates electric power by an electrochemical reaction between an anode gas such as hydrogen gas and a cathode gas such as air has been proposed and put into practical use. In a fuel cell system, moisture (generated water) generated by an electrochemical reaction may accumulate in the fuel cell. In such a case, the power generation capacity may be reduced and an appropriate operating state may not be maintained.

このため、近年においては、燃料電池の水素排出用の流路に水素吸引ポンプを設けるとともに、燃料電池と水素吸引ポンプとの間に弁を設け、弁の開度を小さくして弁下流側の圧力を低下させた後に弁を開放することにより、燃料電池から排出される水素オフガスの瞬時流量を増大させて生成水を排出する技術が提案されている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。
特開２００１−３０７７５７号公報 For this reason, in recent years, a hydrogen suction pump is provided in the hydrogen discharge passage of the fuel cell, a valve is provided between the fuel cell and the hydrogen suction pump, and the valve opening is reduced to reduce the valve downstream side. A technique has been proposed in which the valve is opened after the pressure is reduced to increase the instantaneous flow rate of the hydrogen off-gas discharged from the fuel cell to discharge the generated water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-307757 A

しかし、特許文献１に記載の技術を採用すると、生成水排出のために水素吸引ポンプを採用する必要があるため消費電力が大きい。また、水素吸引ポンプが燃料電池の発電電力により駆動されるもの（補機）である場合には、発電電力の一部が水素吸引ポンプの駆動用エネルギとして消費されることとなり効率が悪い。   However, when the technique described in Patent Document 1 is employed, it is necessary to employ a hydrogen suction pump for discharging generated water, resulting in high power consumption. Further, when the hydrogen suction pump is driven by the power generated by the fuel cell (auxiliary machine), part of the generated power is consumed as driving energy for the hydrogen suction pump, resulting in poor efficiency.

本発明は、燃料電池内の生成水を効率良く排出することができ、なおかつ、消費電力の低減を実現させることができる燃料電池システム及びその運転方法を提供することを目的とする。   An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system capable of efficiently discharging generated water in a fuel cell and realizing reduction of power consumption and an operation method thereof.

前記目的を達成するため、本発明に係る燃料電池システムは、燃料電池と、反応ガスを燃料電池に対して供給するためのガス供給源と、燃料電池とガス供給源とを接続する供給流路と、供給流路内の反応ガスの流通及び遮断を実現させる開閉動作を行う開閉弁と、開閉弁の動作を制御する制御装置と、を備える燃料電池システムであって、制御装置は、開閉弁の閉動作を実現させてガス供給源から燃料電池への反応ガスの供給を一時的に停止させた状態で燃料電池に発電反応を行わせ、開閉弁の下流側の圧力を低下させた後に開閉弁の開動作を実現させるものである。   In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell, a gas supply source for supplying a reaction gas to the fuel cell, and a supply flow path connecting the fuel cell and the gas supply source. A fuel cell system comprising: an on-off valve that performs an on-off operation that realizes flow and shut-off of the reaction gas in the supply flow path; and a control device that controls the operation of the on-off valve. Is closed and the supply of reaction gas from the gas supply source to the fuel cell is temporarily stopped, causing the fuel cell to perform a power generation reaction, and then opening and closing after the pressure on the downstream side of the on-off valve is reduced. The valve opening operation is realized.

かかる構成によれば、開閉弁を閉じてガス供給源から燃料電池への反応ガスの供給を一時的に停止させ、燃料電池内の発電反応（電気化学反応）で開閉弁の下流側の圧力を低下させることにより、供給流路内に圧力勾配を生じさせる。そして、開閉弁の下流側の圧力が（例えば所定値以下まで）低下した後に開閉弁を開くことにより、前記した圧力勾配に起因して付勢された反応ガスを燃料電池に供給することができる。従って、水素吸引ポンプ等を用いることなく燃料電池内の生成水を効率良く排出することができ、消費電力の低減を実現させることができる。   According to such a configuration, the on-off valve is closed to temporarily stop the supply of the reaction gas from the gas supply source to the fuel cell, and the pressure downstream of the on-off valve is reduced by the power generation reaction (electrochemical reaction) in the fuel cell. By lowering, a pressure gradient is generated in the supply channel. Then, by opening the on / off valve after the pressure on the downstream side of the on / off valve is reduced (for example, to a predetermined value or less), the reaction gas urged due to the pressure gradient can be supplied to the fuel cell. . Therefore, the generated water in the fuel cell can be efficiently discharged without using a hydrogen suction pump or the like, and power consumption can be reduced.

前記燃料電池システムにおいて、アノードガスを燃料電池に対して供給するためのアノードガス供給源をガス供給源として採用することができる。そして、燃料電池から排出されるアノードオフガスを供給流路に還流させるための還流流路と、還流流路内のアノードオフガスを供給流路に強制的に戻す強制循環手段と、還流流路内のアノードオフガスの圧力を計測する還流流路圧力計と、を備え、制御装置は、還流流路圧力計で計測された圧力が所定値以下となった場合に開閉弁の開動作を実現させるように構成することもできる。ここで、前記強制循環手段として、循環ポンプ又はエジェクタを採用することができる。   In the fuel cell system, an anode gas supply source for supplying anode gas to the fuel cell can be employed as the gas supply source. A recirculation flow path for recirculating the anode off gas discharged from the fuel cell to the supply flow path; a forced circulation means for forcibly returning the anode off gas in the recirculation flow path to the supply flow path; A reflux passage pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the anode off gas, and the control device realizes the opening operation of the on-off valve when the pressure measured by the reflux passage pressure gauge becomes a predetermined value or less. It can also be configured. Here, a circulating pump or an ejector can be employed as the forced circulation means.

また、前記燃料電池システムにおいて、燃料電池から排出される反応オフガスを外部に排出するための排出流路と、排出流路内の反応オフガスの圧力を計測する排出流路圧力計と、を備え、制御装置は、排出流路圧力計で計測された圧力が所定値以下となった場合に開閉弁の開動作を実現させるように構成することもできる。   The fuel cell system further includes a discharge channel for discharging the reaction off gas discharged from the fuel cell to the outside, and a discharge channel pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the reaction off gas in the discharge channel. The control device can also be configured to realize the opening operation of the on-off valve when the pressure measured by the discharge channel pressure gauge becomes a predetermined value or less.

また、本発明に係る燃料電池システムの運転方法は、燃料電池と、反応ガスを前記燃料電池に対して供給するためのガス供給源と、燃料電池とガス供給源とを接続する供給流路と、供給流路内の反応ガスの流通及び遮断を実現させる開閉動作を行う開閉弁と、開閉弁の動作を制御する制御装置と、を備える燃料電池システムの運転方法であって、開閉弁の閉動作を実現させてガス供給源から燃料電池への反応ガスの供給を一時的に停止させた状態で燃料電池に発電反応を行わせる第１の工程と、開閉弁の下流側の圧力を低下させた後に開閉弁の開動作を実現させる第２の工程と、を含むものである。   The fuel cell system operating method according to the present invention includes a fuel cell, a gas supply source for supplying a reaction gas to the fuel cell, and a supply channel for connecting the fuel cell and the gas supply source. An operation method of a fuel cell system comprising: an on-off valve that performs an on-off operation that realizes the flow and shut-off of a reaction gas in a supply flow path; and a control device that controls the operation of the on-off valve. A first step of causing the fuel cell to perform a power generation reaction in a state where the operation is performed and the supply of the reaction gas from the gas supply source to the fuel cell is temporarily stopped, and the pressure on the downstream side of the on-off valve is reduced. And a second step of realizing an opening operation of the on-off valve after the operation.

かかる方法によれば、開閉弁を閉じてガス供給源から燃料電池への反応ガスの供給を一時的に停止させた状態で燃料電池に発電を行わせ、燃料電池の発電時における電気化学反応で開閉弁の下流側の圧力を低下させることにより、供給流路内に圧力勾配を生じさせる。そして、開閉弁の下流側の圧力を（例えば所定値以下まで）低下させた後に開閉弁を開くことにより、前記した圧力勾配に起因して付勢されたアノードガスを燃料電池に供給することができる。従って、燃料電池内の生成水を効率良く排出することができる。   According to this method, the on / off valve is closed and the supply of the reaction gas from the gas supply source to the fuel cell is temporarily stopped. By reducing the pressure on the downstream side of the on-off valve, a pressure gradient is generated in the supply flow path. Then, the anode gas energized due to the pressure gradient described above can be supplied to the fuel cell by opening the on-off valve after reducing the pressure on the downstream side of the on-off valve (for example, to a predetermined value or less). it can. Therefore, the generated water in the fuel cell can be efficiently discharged.

本発明によれば、燃料電池内の生成水を効率良く排出することができるとともに、消費電力の低減を実現させることができる。   ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to discharge | emit the generated water in a fuel cell efficiently, reduction of power consumption can be implement | achieved.

以下、図面を参照して、本発明の実施形態に係る燃料電池システムについて説明する。以下の各実施形態に係る燃料電池システムは、車載に好適な固体高分子電解質型の燃料電池を備えており、燃料電池内の生成水を効率良く排出する機能を有するものである。   Hereinafter, a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fuel cell system according to each of the following embodiments includes a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell suitable for in-vehicle use, and has a function of efficiently discharging generated water in the fuel cell.

＜第１実施形態＞
まず、図１を用いて、本発明の第１実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１について説明する。 <First Embodiment>
First, the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

本実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１は、図１に示すように、複数の燃料電池セル（単電池）を複数積層してなる燃料電池１０、燃料電池１０の水素極に水素ガス（アノードガス）を供給するための水素供給流路２０、燃料電池１０の水素極から排出されるガス（アノードオフガス）を水素供給流路２０に還流させるための還流流路３０、燃料電池１０の酸素極に空気（カソードガス）を供給するための空気供給流路４０、燃料電池１０の酸素極内の空気（カソードオフガス）を排出するための空気排出流路５０、燃料電池１０を冷却する冷却水を循環させるための冷却路、還流流路圧力計３３等の各種センサ、各種センサからの情報を受けてシステム全体を統合制御する制御装置６０等を備えて構成されている。なお、冷却路については、図示を省略している。   As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 1 according to this embodiment includes a fuel cell 10 in which a plurality of fuel cells (unit cells) are stacked, and a hydrogen gas (anode gas) at the hydrogen electrode of the fuel cell 10. A hydrogen supply flow path 20 for supplying hydrogen, a recirculation flow path 30 for recirculating gas (anode off gas) discharged from the hydrogen electrode of the fuel cell 10 to the hydrogen supply flow path 20, and air to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell 10 An air supply passage 40 for supplying (cathode gas), an air discharge passage 50 for discharging air in the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell 10 (cathode offgas), and a cooling water for cooling the fuel cell 10 are circulated. For example, a cooling path, a reflux path pressure gauge 33, and other sensors, and a control device 60 that receives information from the various sensors and integrally controls the entire system. The cooling path is not shown in the figure.

燃料電池１０は、空気供給流路２０を介して空気供給口に供給される空気と、水素供給流路３０を介して水素供給口に供給される水素ガスと、を用いて、電気化学反応によって発電する装置である。燃料電池１０が発電された電力は、図示していないパワーコントロールユニットに供給される。パワーコントロールユニットは、車両の駆動モータを駆動するインバータと、コンプレッサモータや水素ポンプ用モータなどの各種の補機類を駆動するインバータと、二次電池への充電や二次電池からのモータ類への電力供給を行うＤＣ−ＤＣコンバータ等を備えている。また、本実施形態においては、燃料電池１０を構成する各単電池の電圧を監視する図示していないセル電圧モニタを設け、かかるセル電圧モニタにより各単電池の発電状態が常時監視されるようになっている。   The fuel cell 10 performs an electrochemical reaction using air supplied to the air supply port via the air supply channel 20 and hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen supply port via the hydrogen supply channel 30. It is a device that generates electricity. The electric power generated by the fuel cell 10 is supplied to a power control unit (not shown). The power control unit consists of an inverter that drives the drive motor of the vehicle, an inverter that drives various auxiliary devices such as a compressor motor and a motor for a hydrogen pump, and charging to the secondary battery and motors from the secondary battery. A DC-DC converter or the like that supplies the electric power is provided. In the present embodiment, a cell voltage monitor (not shown) for monitoring the voltage of each unit cell constituting the fuel cell 10 is provided so that the power generation state of each unit cell is constantly monitored by the cell voltage monitor. It has become.

水素供給流路２０は、燃料電池１０を構成する単電池の水素極の入口側に連通しており、図１に示すように、水素供給源２１から供給される水素ガスを、水素供給口を介して燃料電池１０に流すものである。水素供給源２１は、本発明におけるガス供給源及びアノードガス供給源として機能するものであり、燃料電池１０に対して水素ガスを供給する。水素供給源２１としては、高圧水素タンク、燃料改質器、水素吸蔵合金等を採用することができる。また、水素供給流路２０には、この流路内の水素ガスの流通及び遮断を実現させる開閉動作を行う開閉弁としての電磁制御弁２２が設けられている。電磁制御弁２２の開閉動作は、制御装置６０によって制御される。   The hydrogen supply channel 20 communicates with the inlet side of the hydrogen electrode of the unit cell constituting the fuel cell 10, and as shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen supply source 21 is supplied to the hydrogen supply port. Through the fuel cell 10. The hydrogen supply source 21 functions as a gas supply source and an anode gas supply source in the present invention, and supplies hydrogen gas to the fuel cell 10. As the hydrogen supply source 21, a high-pressure hydrogen tank, a fuel reformer, a hydrogen storage alloy, or the like can be used. Further, the hydrogen supply flow path 20 is provided with an electromagnetic control valve 22 as an open / close valve that performs an open / close operation for realizing the flow and shut-off of hydrogen gas in the flow path. The opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 is controlled by the control device 60.

還流流路３０は、燃料電池１０を構成する単電池の水素極の出口側に連通しており、燃料電池１０で消費されなかった水素ガス（水素オフガス）を、水素排出口を介して排出させて水素供給流路２０に還流させるものである。還流流路３０には、水素オフガスを加圧して強制的に水素供給流路２０に戻す強制循環手段としての水素ポンプ３１、水素供給流路２０から還流流路３０への水素ガスの逆流を阻止する逆止弁３２、還流流路３０内の圧力を計測する還流流路圧力計３３等が設けられている。還流流路圧力計３３で計測された圧力は制御装置６０に伝送されて生成水排出制御に用いられる。また、還流流路３０は、排出流路７０を介して空気排出流路５０に接続される。排出流路７０にはパージ弁７１が設けられている。パージ弁７１は電磁式の遮断弁であり、制御装置６０からの指令によって作動して水素オフガスを外部に排出（パージ）する。   The reflux flow path 30 communicates with the outlet side of the hydrogen electrode of the unit cell constituting the fuel cell 10, and discharges hydrogen gas (hydrogen offgas) that has not been consumed by the fuel cell 10 through the hydrogen discharge port. Thus, the hydrogen supply flow path 20 is refluxed. The recirculation flow path 30 includes a hydrogen pump 31 as a forced circulation means that pressurizes the hydrogen off-gas and forcibly returns it to the hydrogen supply flow path 20, and prevents back flow of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply flow path 20 to the recirculation flow path 30. A check valve 32 that performs this operation, a reflux channel pressure gauge 33 that measures the pressure in the reflux channel 30, and the like are provided. The pressure measured by the reflux channel pressure gauge 33 is transmitted to the control device 60 and used for generated water discharge control. In addition, the reflux flow path 30 is connected to the air discharge flow path 50 via the discharge flow path 70. A purge valve 71 is provided in the discharge channel 70. The purge valve 71 is an electromagnetic shut-off valve, and operates according to a command from the control device 60 to discharge (purge) the hydrogen off gas to the outside.

空気供給流路４０には、空気を圧縮（加圧）するコンプレッサ４１、空気に所要の水分を加える加湿器４２、空気から微粒子を除去する図示していないエアフィルタ等が設けられている。また、空気排出流路５０には、加湿器４２の熱交換器や図示していない圧力調整弁等が設けられている。燃料電池１０から排出される空気は、この空気排出流路５０を経て外部に放出される。   The air supply flow path 40 is provided with a compressor 41 that compresses (pressurizes) air, a humidifier 42 that adds required moisture to the air, an air filter (not shown) that removes fine particles from the air, and the like. The air discharge channel 50 is provided with a heat exchanger for the humidifier 42, a pressure regulating valve (not shown), and the like. Air discharged from the fuel cell 10 is discharged to the outside through the air discharge channel 50.

制御装置６０は、図示していない車両のアクセル信号などの要求負荷や燃料電池システム１の各種センサ（還流流路圧力計３３、温度計、流量計、セル電圧モニタ等）から制御情報を受け取り、電磁制御弁２２やコンプレッサ４１等の各種電子機器の動作を制御する。具体的には、制御装置６０は、燃料電池１０内に生成水が溜まることにより発電性能が低下したと判定した場合に、電磁制御弁２２の閉動作を実現させて水素供給源２１から燃料電池１０への水素ガスの供給を一時的に停止させる。そして、燃料電池１０内の電気化学反応により電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力が低下して、還流流路圧力計３３で計測された圧力が所定値以下となった場合に、電磁制御弁２２の開動作を実現させる。   The control device 60 receives control information from a required load such as an accelerator signal of a vehicle (not shown) and various sensors (reflux flow path pressure gauge 33, thermometer, flow meter, cell voltage monitor, etc.) of the fuel cell system 1, The operation of various electronic devices such as the electromagnetic control valve 22 and the compressor 41 is controlled. Specifically, when the control device 60 determines that the power generation performance has deteriorated due to accumulation of generated water in the fuel cell 10, the control device 60 realizes the closing operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 to start the fuel cell from the hydrogen supply source 21. The supply of hydrogen gas to 10 is temporarily stopped. Then, when the pressure on the downstream side of the electromagnetic control valve 22 decreases due to an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 10 and the pressure measured by the reflux passage pressure gauge 33 becomes a predetermined value or less, the electromagnetic control valve 22 To realize the opening operation.

なお、制御装置６０は、図示していないコンピュータシステムによって構成されている。かかるコンピュータシステムは、ＣＰＵ、ＲＯＭ、ＲＡＭ、ＨＤＤ、入出力インタフェース及びディスプレイ等を備えるものであり、ＲＯＭに記録された各種制御プログラムをＣＰＵが読み込んで実行することにより、各種制御動作が実現されるようになっている。   The control device 60 is configured by a computer system (not shown). Such a computer system includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, input / output interface, display, and the like, and various control operations are realized by the CPU reading and executing various control programs recorded in the ROM. It is like that.

次に、本実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１の燃料電池１０内に溜まった生成水を排出する方法について説明する。   Next, a method for discharging generated water accumulated in the fuel cell 10 of the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

燃料電池システム１の制御装置６０は、セル電圧モニタから送出される情報に基づいて、燃料電池１０の各単電池の電圧低下が生じているか否かを判定し、電圧低下が生じていると判定した場合には、以下の生成水排出制御を行う。   The control device 60 of the fuel cell system 1 determines whether or not a voltage drop has occurred in each unit cell of the fuel cell 10 based on information sent from the cell voltage monitor, and determines that a voltage drop has occurred. If this happens, the following generated water discharge control is performed.

まず、制御装置６０は、電磁制御弁２２の閉動作を実現させることにより、水素供給源２１から燃料電池１０への水素ガスの供給を一時的に停止させた状態で燃料電池１０に発電を行わせる（第１の工程）。かかる工程により、水素供給源２１による水素ガスの供給圧力を一時的に高めることができる。また、燃料電池１０の発電時における電気化学反応により電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力を低下させて水素供給流路２０内に圧力勾配を生じさせることができる。   First, the control device 60 generates power in the fuel cell 10 in a state where the supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 21 to the fuel cell 10 is temporarily stopped by realizing the closing operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22. (First step). With this process, the supply pressure of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 21 can be temporarily increased. In addition, a pressure gradient can be generated in the hydrogen supply flow path 20 by reducing the pressure downstream of the electromagnetic control valve 22 by an electrochemical reaction during power generation of the fuel cell 10.

次いで、制御装置６０は、還流流路圧力計３３で計測された圧力が所定値以下となった場合に、電磁制御弁２２の開動作を実現させる（第２の工程）。かかる工程により、第１の工程で生成された水素供給流路２０内の圧力勾配に起因して付勢された水素ガスを燃料電池１０に供給することができ、このように付勢された水素ガスにより燃料電池１０内の生成水を効率良く排出することができる。   Next, the control device 60 realizes the opening operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 when the pressure measured by the reflux flow path pressure gauge 33 becomes a predetermined value or less (second step). Through this process, the hydrogen gas energized due to the pressure gradient in the hydrogen supply flow path 20 generated in the first process can be supplied to the fuel cell 10, and the hydrogen thus energized. The generated water in the fuel cell 10 can be efficiently discharged by the gas.

以上説明した実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１においては、電磁制御弁２２を閉じて水素供給源２１から燃料電池１０への水素ガスの供給を一時的に停止させ、燃料電池１０内の電気化学反応で電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力を低下させることにより、水素供給流路２０内に圧力勾配を生じさせる。そして、電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力（還流流路圧力計３３で計測される圧力）が所定値以下となった場合に電磁制御弁２２を開くことにより、前記した圧力勾配に起因して付勢された水素ガスを燃料電池１０に供給することができる。従って、燃料電池１０内の生成水を効率良く排出することができる。また、生成水を排出するために水素ポンプ３１を作動させる必要がないので、消費電力の低減を実現させることができる。   In the fuel cell system 1 according to the embodiment described above, the electromagnetic control valve 22 is closed to temporarily stop the supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 21 to the fuel cell 10, and the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 10. By reducing the pressure on the downstream side of the electromagnetic control valve 22, a pressure gradient is generated in the hydrogen supply flow path 20. Then, when the pressure on the downstream side of the electromagnetic control valve 22 (pressure measured by the reflux passage pressure gauge 33) is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the electromagnetic control valve 22 is opened, resulting in the pressure gradient described above. The energized hydrogen gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 10. Therefore, the generated water in the fuel cell 10 can be discharged efficiently. Moreover, since it is not necessary to operate the hydrogen pump 31 in order to discharge generated water, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

＜第２実施形態＞
次に、図２を参照して、本発明の第２実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１Ａについて説明する。本実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１Ａは、第１実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１の還流流路３０を廃止して排出流路７０を燃料電池１０に直接接続するとともに排出流路７０に圧力計を設け、かつ、制御装置の制御動作を変更したものであり、その他の構成については第１実施形態と実質的に同一である。このため、変更した構成を中心に説明することとし、第１実施形態と共通する部分については同一符号を付してその説明を省略する。 Second Embodiment
Next, a fuel cell system 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 A of fuel cell systems which concern on this embodiment abolish the recirculation | reflux flow path 30 of the fuel cell system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, connect the discharge flow path 70 to the fuel cell 10 directly, and a pressure gauge in the discharge flow path 70 And the control operation of the control device is changed, and other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, it demonstrates centering around the changed structure, and attaches | subjects the code | symbol same about the part which is common in 1st Embodiment, and abbreviate | omits the description.

本実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１Ａは、図２に示すように、燃料電池１０の水素排出口に排出流路７０を接続したものであり、燃料電池１０で消費されなかった水素ガス（水素オフガス）は排出流路７０を経由して外部に流出するようになっている。排出流路７０には、この流路内の圧力を計測する排出流路圧力計７２が設けられており、この排出流路圧力計７２で計測された圧力は制御装置６０Ａに伝送されて、生成水排出制御に用いられるようになっている。   As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell system 1 </ b> A according to this embodiment has a discharge channel 70 connected to a hydrogen discharge port of the fuel cell 10, and hydrogen gas (hydrogen offgas) that has not been consumed by the fuel cell 10. ) Flows out through the discharge channel 70. The discharge channel 70 is provided with a discharge channel pressure gauge 72 for measuring the pressure in the channel, and the pressure measured by the discharge channel pressure gauge 72 is transmitted to the control device 60A for generation. It is used for water discharge control.

また、本実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１Ａの制御装置６０Ａは、燃料電池１０内に生成水が溜まることにより発電性能が低下したと判断した場合に、電磁制御弁２２の閉動作を実現させて水素供給源２１から燃料電池１０への水素ガスの供給を一時的に停止させる。そして、燃料電池１０内の電気化学反応により電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力を低下させ、排出流路圧力計７２で計測された圧力が所定値以下となった場合に、電磁制御弁２２の開動作を実現させる。   In addition, the control device 60A of the fuel cell system 1A according to the present embodiment realizes the closing operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 when it is determined that the power generation performance is deteriorated due to accumulation of generated water in the fuel cell 10. The supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 21 to the fuel cell 10 is temporarily stopped. Then, when the pressure on the downstream side of the electromagnetic control valve 22 is reduced by an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 10 and the pressure measured by the discharge channel pressure gauge 72 becomes a predetermined value or less, the electromagnetic control valve 22 Open operation is realized.

次に、本実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１Ａの燃料電池１０内に溜まった生成水を排出する方法について説明する。   Next, a method for discharging generated water accumulated in the fuel cell 10 of the fuel cell system 1A according to the present embodiment will be described.

燃料電池システム１Ａの制御装置６０Ａは、セル電圧モニタから送出される情報に基づいて、燃料電池１０の各単電池の電圧低下が生じているか否かを判定し、電圧低下が生じていると判定した場合には、以下の生成水排出制御を行う。   The control device 60A of the fuel cell system 1A determines whether or not a voltage drop has occurred in each unit cell of the fuel cell 10 based on information sent from the cell voltage monitor, and determines that a voltage drop has occurred. If this happens, the following generated water discharge control is performed.

まず、制御装置６０Ａは、電磁制御弁２２の閉動作を実現させることにより、水素供給源２１から燃料電池１０への水素ガスの供給を一時的に停止させた状態で燃料電池１０に発電を行わせる（第１の工程）。かかる工程により、水素供給源２１による水素ガスの供給圧力を一時的に高めることができる。また、燃料電池１０の発電時における電気化学反応により電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力を低下させて水素供給流路２０内に圧力勾配を生じさせることができる。   First, the control device 60 </ b> A generates power in the fuel cell 10 in a state where the supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 21 to the fuel cell 10 is temporarily stopped by realizing the closing operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22. (First step). With this process, the supply pressure of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 21 can be temporarily increased. In addition, a pressure gradient can be generated in the hydrogen supply flow path 20 by reducing the pressure downstream of the electromagnetic control valve 22 by an electrochemical reaction during power generation of the fuel cell 10.

次いで、制御装置６０Ａは、排出流路圧力計７２で計測された圧力が所定値以下となった場合に、電磁制御弁２２の開動作を実現させる（第２の工程）。かかる工程により、第１の工程で生成された水素供給流路２０内の圧力勾配に起因して付勢された水素ガスを燃料電池１０に供給することができ、このように付勢された水素ガスにより燃料電池１０内の生成水を効率良く排出することができる。   Next, the control device 60A realizes the opening operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 when the pressure measured by the discharge channel pressure gauge 72 becomes a predetermined value or less (second step). Through this process, the hydrogen gas energized due to the pressure gradient in the hydrogen supply flow path 20 generated in the first process can be supplied to the fuel cell 10, and the hydrogen thus energized. The generated water in the fuel cell 10 can be efficiently discharged by the gas.

以上説明した実施形態に係る燃料電池システム１Ａにおいては、電磁制御弁２２を閉じて水素供給源２１から燃料電池１０への水素ガスの供給を一時的に停止させ、燃料電池１０内の電気化学反応で電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力を低下させることにより、水素供給流路２０内に圧力勾配を生じさせる。そして、電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力（排出流路圧力計７２で計測される圧力）が所定値以下となった場合に電磁制御弁２２を開くことにより、前記した圧力勾配に起因して付勢された水素ガスを燃料電池１０に供給することができる。従って、燃料電池１０内の生成水を効率良く排出することができる。また、生成水を排出するために水素ポンプを設ける必要がないので、消費電力の低減を実現させることができる。   In the fuel cell system 1A according to the embodiment described above, the electromagnetic control valve 22 is closed to temporarily stop the supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 21 to the fuel cell 10, and the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 10 is performed. By reducing the pressure on the downstream side of the electromagnetic control valve 22, a pressure gradient is generated in the hydrogen supply flow path 20. Then, when the pressure on the downstream side of the electromagnetic control valve 22 (pressure measured by the discharge passage pressure gauge 72) is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the electromagnetic control valve 22 is opened to cause the pressure gradient described above. The energized hydrogen gas can be supplied to the fuel cell 10. Therefore, the generated water in the fuel cell 10 can be discharged efficiently. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a hydrogen pump for discharging the produced water, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

なお、第１実施形態においては、還流流路３０内の水素オフガスを水素供給流路２０に強制的に戻す強制循環手段として水素ポンプ３１を採用した例を示したが、水素ポンプ３１に代えてエジェクタやブロアを採用することもできる。   In the first embodiment, the hydrogen pump 31 is used as the forced circulation means for forcibly returning the hydrogen off-gas in the reflux flow path 30 to the hydrogen supply flow path 20. Ejectors and blowers can also be used.

また、以上の各実施形態においては、セル電圧モニタにより燃料電池１０の発電能力のモニタリングを行い、発電能力が低下した場合に電磁制御弁２２の動作を制御して生成水排出制御を行った例を示したが、システムの運転中に一定時間毎に電磁制御弁２２の動作を制御して、燃料電池１０の発電能力に関係なく断続的に生成水排出制御を行うこともできる。   Further, in each of the above embodiments, the power generation capacity of the fuel cell 10 is monitored by the cell voltage monitor, and the generated water discharge control is performed by controlling the operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 when the power generation capacity decreases. However, the generated water discharge control can be performed intermittently regardless of the power generation capacity of the fuel cell 10 by controlling the operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 at regular intervals during the operation of the system.

また、以上の各実施形態においては、制御装置６０、６０Ａにより電磁制御弁２２の閉動作を実現させて水素ガスを一時的に遮断しているが、閉動作の態様（閉動作の速度や閉状態における弁開度等）は、水素供給源２１の加圧能力、水素供給流路２０の流路断面の面積、水素供給流路２０の流路容積、燃料電池１０の発電能力、等に応じて適宜決定することができる。   Further, in each of the above embodiments, the control device 60, 60A realizes the closing operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 to temporarily shut off the hydrogen gas, but the closing operation mode (the speed of the closing operation and the closing operation) The valve opening degree in the state depends on the pressurization capacity of the hydrogen supply source 21, the area of the cross section of the hydrogen supply flow path 20, the flow volume of the hydrogen supply flow path 20, the power generation capacity of the fuel cell 10, and the like. Can be determined as appropriate.

また、以上の各実施形態においては、還流流路３０又は排出流路７０に圧力計を設けた例を示したが、圧力計の位置はこれに限られるものではなく、電磁制御弁２２（開閉弁）の下流側であればよい。   Further, in each of the above embodiments, an example in which a pressure gauge is provided in the reflux flow path 30 or the discharge flow path 70 is shown, but the position of the pressure gauge is not limited to this, and the electromagnetic control valve 22 (open / close) It may be on the downstream side of the valve.

また、以上の各実施形態においては、アノードガス系の構成に本発明を適用した（水素供給源２１をガス供給源として機能させ、水素供給流路２０に設けた電磁制御弁２２の下流側の圧力に基づいて電磁制御弁２２の開閉動作を制御することにより生成水の排出を実現させた）例を示したが、カソードガス系の構成に本発明を適用することもできる。例えば、コンプレッサ４１をガス供給源として機能させるとともに、空気供給流路４０に開閉弁を設け、開閉弁を閉じてコンプレッサ４１から燃料電池１０への空気の供給を一時的に停止させた状態で燃料電池１０に発電反応を行わせ、開閉弁の下流側の圧力を低下させた後に開閉弁を開いて、生成水の排出を実現させることができる。   Further, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the configuration of the anode gas system (the hydrogen supply source 21 functions as a gas supply source, and the downstream side of the electromagnetic control valve 22 provided in the hydrogen supply flow path 20). Although an example in which the generated water is discharged by controlling the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic control valve 22 based on the pressure has been shown, the present invention can also be applied to the configuration of the cathode gas system. For example, while the compressor 41 functions as a gas supply source, an on-off valve is provided in the air supply flow path 40, and the fuel is supplied in a state where the on-off valve is closed and the supply of air from the compressor 41 to the fuel cell 10 is temporarily stopped. By causing the battery 10 to perform a power generation reaction and reducing the pressure on the downstream side of the on-off valve, the on-off valve can be opened to discharge generated water.

本発明の第１実施形態に係る燃料電池システムを概略的に説明するための説明図である。It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating schematically the fuel cell system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２実施形態に係る燃料電池システムを概略的に説明するための説明図である。It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating schematically the fuel cell system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１・１Ａ…燃料電池システム、１０…燃料電池、２０…水素供給流路、２１…水素供給源（ガス供給源）、３０…還流流路、３１…水素ポンプ（強制循環手段）、３３…還流流路圧力計、６０・６０Ａ…制御装置、７０…排出流路、７２…排出流路圧力計   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1.1A ... Fuel cell system, 10 ... Fuel cell, 20 ... Hydrogen supply flow path, 21 ... Hydrogen supply source (gas supply source), 30 ... Recirculation flow path, 31 ... Hydrogen pump (forced circulation means), 33 ... Recirculation | reflux Channel pressure gauge, 60 · 60A ... Control device, 70 ... Drain channel, 72 ... Drain channel pressure gauge

Claims (5)

燃料電池と、反応ガスを前記燃料電池に対して供給するためのガス供給源と、前記燃料電池と前記ガス供給源とを接続する供給流路と、前記供給流路内の反応ガスの流通及び遮断を実現させる開閉動作を行う開閉弁と、前記開閉弁の動作を制御する制御装置と、を備える燃料電池システムであって、
前記制御装置は、
前記開閉弁の閉動作を実現させて前記ガス供給源から前記燃料電池への反応ガスの供給を一時的に停止させた状態で前記燃料電池に発電反応を行わせ、前記開閉弁の下流側の圧力を低下させた後に前記開閉弁の開動作を実現させる燃料電池システム。 A fuel cell, a gas supply source for supplying a reaction gas to the fuel cell, a supply channel connecting the fuel cell and the gas supply source, a flow of the reaction gas in the supply channel, and A fuel cell system comprising: an on-off valve that performs an on-off operation for realizing shutoff; and a control device that controls the operation of the on-off valve,
The controller is
The fuel cell is caused to perform a power generation reaction in a state where the closing operation of the on-off valve is realized and the supply of the reaction gas from the gas supply source to the fuel cell is temporarily stopped, and the downstream side of the on-off valve A fuel cell system that realizes an opening operation of the on-off valve after reducing the pressure. 前記ガス供給源は、アノードガスを前記燃料電池に対して供給するためのアノードガス供給源であり、
前記燃料電池から排出されるアノードオフガスを前記供給流路に還流させるための還流流路と、
前記還流流路内のアノードオフガスを前記供給流路に強制的に戻す強制循環手段と、
前記還流流路内のアノードオフガスの圧力を計測する還流流路圧力計と、を備え、
前記制御装置は、
前記還流流路圧力計で計測された圧力が所定値以下となった場合に前記開閉弁の開動作を実現させる請求項１に記載の燃料電池システム。 The gas supply source is an anode gas supply source for supplying anode gas to the fuel cell;
A reflux channel for refluxing the anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell to the supply channel;
Forced circulation means for forcibly returning the anode off-gas in the reflux channel to the supply channel;
A reflux channel pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the anode off-gas in the reflux channel,
The controller is
2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein an opening operation of the on-off valve is realized when a pressure measured by the reflux channel pressure gauge becomes a predetermined value or less. 前記強制循環手段は、
循環ポンプ又はエジェクタである請求項２に記載の燃料電池システム。 The forced circulation means is
The fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the fuel cell system is a circulation pump or an ejector. 前記燃料電池から排出される反応オフガスを外部に排出するための排出流路と、
前記排出流路内の反応オフガスの圧力を計測する排出流路圧力計と、を備え、
前記制御装置は、
前記排出流路圧力計で計測された圧力が所定値以下となった場合に前記開閉弁の開動作を実現させる請求項１に記載の燃料電池システム。 A discharge flow path for discharging reaction off gas discharged from the fuel cell to the outside;
A discharge passage pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the reaction off gas in the discharge passage,
The controller is
2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein an opening operation of the on-off valve is realized when a pressure measured by the discharge channel pressure gauge becomes a predetermined value or less. 燃料電池と、反応ガスを前記燃料電池に対して供給するためのガス供給源と、前記燃料電池と前記ガス供給源とを接続する供給流路と、前記供給流路内の反応ガスの流通及び遮断を実現させる開閉動作を行う開閉弁と、前記開閉弁の動作を制御する制御装置と、を備える燃料電池システムの運転方法であって、
前記開閉弁の閉動作を実現させて前記ガス供給源から前記燃料電池への反応ガスの供給を一時的に停止させた状態で前記燃料電池に発電反応を行わせる第１の工程と、
前記開閉弁の下流側の圧力を低下させた後に前記開閉弁の開動作を実現させる第２の工程と、
を含む燃料電池システムの運転方法。

A fuel cell, a gas supply source for supplying a reaction gas to the fuel cell, a supply channel connecting the fuel cell and the gas supply source, a flow of the reaction gas in the supply channel, and An operation method of a fuel cell system comprising: an on-off valve that performs an on-off operation that realizes shut-off; and a control device that controls the operation of the on-off valve,
A first step of causing the fuel cell to perform a power generation reaction in a state in which the closing operation of the on-off valve is realized and the supply of the reaction gas from the gas supply source to the fuel cell is temporarily stopped;
A second step of realizing the opening operation of the on-off valve after reducing the pressure on the downstream side of the on-off valve;
A method for operating a fuel cell system including:

JP2005228731A 2005-08-05 2005-08-05 Fuel cell system and its operation method Pending JP2007048479A (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011004780A1 (en) * 2009-07-07 2011-01-13 日産自動車株式会社 Operation control device and operation control method for fuel battery power plant
WO2013046519A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 パナソニック株式会社 Fuel cell system

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011004780A1 (en) * 2009-07-07 2011-01-13 日産自動車株式会社 Operation control device and operation control method for fuel battery power plant
CN102473945A (en) * 2009-07-07 2012-05-23 日产自动车株式会社 Operation control device and operation control method for fuel battery power plant
JP5267669B2 (en) * 2009-07-07 2013-08-21 日産自動車株式会社 Operation control device and operation control method for fuel cell power plant
US9214689B2 (en) 2009-07-07 2015-12-15 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Operation control device and operation control method for fuel cell power plant
WO2013046519A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 パナソニック株式会社 Fuel cell system
JPWO2013046519A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2015-03-26 パナソニック株式会社 Fuel cell system

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