WO2022030514A1

WO2022030514A1 - Fuel cell system and power supply system

Info

Publication number: WO2022030514A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/028853
Authority: WO
Inventors: 佑介佐々木; 俊介木村; 剛下道
Original assignee: 東芝エネルギーシステムズ株式会社
Priority date: 2020-08-04
Filing date: 2021-08-03
Publication date: 2022-02-10
Also published as: JP2022029358A; CN115428202A; JP7516154B2

Abstract

[Problem] To reduce the capacity and volume of a power storage device used in a fuel cell system. [Solution] The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment comprises a plurality of fuel cell power generation modules in which starting power is supplied from a commercial system. Each of the fuel cell power generation modules is provided with a fuel cell for generating power using supplied fuel. The plurality of fuel cell power generation modules are classified into a first module group and a second module group. The fuel cell power generation modules included in the first module group are provided with a power storage device that supplies stored electrical power as starting power if the commercial system stops, but the fuel cell power generation modules included in the second module group are not provided with the power storage device.

Description

Fuel cell system and power supply system

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a fuel cell system and a power supply system.

The fuel cell system is interconnected to the commercial system and the load of the consumer, and is equipped with a fuel cell and a power conditioner (hereinafter referred to as "PCS: Power Conditioning System"). The PCS converts the power generated by the fuel cell from direct current to alternating current used for commercial grid and consumer loads. In order for a fuel cell to generate electricity, it needs to supply fuel and cooling water to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell system needs to be further equipped with auxiliary equipment for that purpose.

The fuel cell system needs to be supplied with starting power, that is, auxiliary power, from outside the fuel cell system until power generation is started. Therefore, by providing the power storage device inside the fuel cell system, it is possible to secure the auxiliary machine power even when the commercial system fails and to start the fuel cell by starting the auxiliary machine. On the other hand, after the fuel cell starts power generation, it consumes a part of the power generated by itself, so that power supply from an external commercial system is no longer essential.

However, in the fuel cell system, the larger the power generation capacity, the larger the starting power for that purpose, and the larger the capacity of the power storage device that supplies the starting power. Therefore, the volume and weight of the power storage device increase, resulting in high cost.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-179184

Therefore, an object of the present embodiment is to provide a fuel cell system in which the capacity of the power storage device is reduced and the increase in volume and cost thereof is suppressed, and a power supply system including such a fuel cell system.

The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment is a fuel cell system including a plurality of fuel cell power generation modules in which starting power is supplied from a commercial system, and each of the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules uses the supplied fuel. A fuel cell for generating electricity by using the fuel cell is provided, and the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules are divided into a first module group and a second module group, and the fuel cell power generation included in the first module group is included. The module includes a power storage device that supplies the stored power as starting power when the commercial system fails, and the fuel cell power generation module included in the second module group includes the power storage device. Not prepared.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 1st Embodiment (power storage device unit AC system installation type). It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the processing content of the start processing of the fuel cell system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 1st Embodiment (power storage device unit DC system installation type). It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 1st Embodiment (power storage device unit DC system and AC system both installation type). It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (power storage device unit AC system installation type). It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the processing content of the start processing of the fuel cell system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (power storage device unit DC system installation type). It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (power storage device unit DC system and AC system both installation type). It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the power supply system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the processing content of the start processing of the power supply system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 4th Embodiment (power storage device unit AC system installation type). It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the processing content of the start processing of the fuel cell system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 4th Embodiment (power storage device unit DC system installation type). It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 4th Embodiment (power storage device unit DC system and AC form both installation type). It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the fuel cell system which concerns on 4th Embodiment (power storage device installation type). FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing details of the first fuel cell unit 120 and the second fuel cell unit 130 in the fuel cell system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system 1 according to the modified example of the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, the embodiment of the fuel cell system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be given only when necessary.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 1 in the present embodiment includes a control device 10, a fuel cell power generation module 12 included in the first module group, and a fuel cell power generation module included in the second module group. It is equipped with 14. That is, in the present embodiment, the fuel cell system 1 has a module configuration divided into a plurality of fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14, and the divided fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 each have one fuel cell. Functions as a system. For example, when the fuel cell system 1 has a rated capacity of 1 MW, one of the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 has a rated capacity of 100 kW, and the fuel cell system 1 is composed of 10 modules. Will be done.

The control device 10 performs necessary control for the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14. For example, the control device 10 is realized by a computer that transmits commands to the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14, a communication unit that can communicate with the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14, and the like. The computer of the control device 10 further includes, for example, a processing storage unit that manages the power generation status of each of the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 and stores the power generation status, and is appropriate based on the obtained power generation status. The command is transmitted to the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14. Further, the control device 10 connects the control device 10 and the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 via a communication unit by wire or wireless communication, and realizes a communication function between the two. The method of bonding is electrical, mechanical, or a means of combining them.

The fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 are connected to a commercial system, and the electric power generated by the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 is supplied to the load of the consumer via the commercial system. Further, when the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 are started from a stopped state, the starting power is supplied to the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 from the commercial system. Therefore, it is possible to supply starting power to the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 included in the fuel cell system 1 and start them all at once.

The fuel cell power generation module 12, which is the first module group, includes a module control device 20, an auxiliary device 22, a power storage device unit 24, a PCS 26, and a fuel cell 28. On the other hand, the fuel cell power generation module 14, which is the second module group, includes a module control device 20, an auxiliary device 22, a PCS 26, and a fuel cell 28. In other words, the fuel cell power generation module 12 of the first module group includes the power storage device unit 24, and the fuel cell power generation module 14 of the second module group does not include the power storage device unit 24. The parts constituting the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 are connected to each other in a form capable of supplying electric power from a commercial system.

In the fuel cell system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell power generation module 12 of the first module group is one, and the fuel cell power generation module 14 of the second module group is one or more.

In the fuel cell power generation module 12 of the first module group, the module control device 20 performs necessary control on the auxiliary device 22, the power storage device unit 24, the PCS 26, and the fuel cell 28. In the fuel cell power generation module 14 of the second module group, the module control device 20 performs necessary control on the auxiliary machine 22, the PCS 26, and the fuel cell 28 in its own fuel cell power generation module 14. For example, the module control device 20 is realized by an auxiliary device 22, a power storage device unit 24, a computer that transmits commands to the PCS 26 and the fuel cell 28, a communication unit that can communicate with the control device 10, and the like. The computer of the module control device 20 further manages, for example, the activation status of the auxiliary device 22, the storage or power supply status of the power storage device unit 24, the current conversion status of the PCS 26, and the power generation status of the fuel cell 28, and manages various statuses thereof. It is equipped with a processing storage unit or the like for storing, and transmits the obtained situation to the control device 10 in a timely manner, or receives a necessary command from the control device 10 via a communication unit or the like. The module control device 20 connects the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 and the control device 10 by wire or wireless communication via a communication unit, and the method of connecting the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 is electrically, mechanically, or these are combined. Such as the means used.

The auxiliary machine 22 supplies the fuel cell 28 with fuel necessary for the fuel cell 28 to generate electricity, such as hydrogen, air, and cooling water. The auxiliary machine 22 is realized by, for example, a blower, a pump, or the like. When the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 are performing power generation operation, the auxiliary machine 22 may be supplied with the operating power source from the commercial system, or the power generated by the fuel cell 28 may be supplied. May be done.

When the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 are started from a stopped state, starting power is supplied from the commercial system. Therefore, when the commercial system is out of power, the starting power cannot be supplied to the auxiliary machine 22 of the fuel cell power generation module 14. On the other hand, the auxiliary power 22 of the fuel cell power generation module 12 can be supplied with starting power from the power storage device unit 24 even when the commercial system is out of power.

The power storage device 24 unit provided in the fuel cell power generation module 12 is installed in the AC system of the fuel cell power generation module 12 and supplies starting power to the auxiliary machine 22 when the commercial system loses power. The power storage device unit 24 is realized by, for example, a storage battery. This storage battery can be composed of, for example, a lead storage battery, an alkaline storage battery, a lithium ion storage battery, or the like, and can be reused by storing the storage again after discharging. Further, the power storage device unit 24 supplies at least the starting power to the auxiliary device 22, but the module control device 20 and the PCS 26 may also be supplied with the starting power as needed.

For example, the power storage device unit 24 can receive power from a commercial system and store power. Further, the power storage device unit 24 can receive and store power by receiving the power generated by the fuel cell 28. In the present embodiment, the power storage device unit 24 has a capacity required to cover the starting power for starting the fuel cell power generation module 12 from the stopped state. Preferably, the capacity of the power storage device unit 24 is equal to or slightly larger than the capacity of the starting power required to start the fuel cell power generation module 12. This is because the storage device unit 24 having a capacity larger than necessary increases the weight and manufacturing cost of the power storage device unit 24 more than necessary.

The PCS 26 converts the electric power generated by the fuel cell 28 from a direct current to an alternating current. Consumer loads, such as household power supplies and mechanical equipment, are usually used with alternating current. On the other hand, the electric power generated from the fuel cell 28 is usually a direct current. Therefore, when the electric power generated by the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 is supplied to the load of the consumer via the commercial system, the electric power is supplied via the PCS 26. In the present specification, in the power system including the commercial system and the fuel cell system 1, the system on the commercial system side of the PCS26 is referred to as an "AC system", and the system on the fuel cell side of the PCS26 is referred to as a "DC system".

Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, since the power storage device unit 24 is installed on the commercial system side of the PCS, it can be said that the power storage device unit 24 exists in the AC system, and is related to the present embodiment. It can be said that the fuel cell system 1 is a "power storage device unit AC system installation type".

The fuel cell 28 receives fuel such as hydrogen and air, cooling water, and the like from the auxiliary machine 22 to generate electric power, and supplies electric power to the load of the consumer via the commercial system. In the present embodiment, for example, the fuel cell 28 may generate electric power constantly to supply electric power, or may use a supply line independent of the commercial system in the event of a power failure of the commercial system. Electric power may be supplied to a specific load of the consumer. The fuel cell 28 is a device for generating electric energy by electrochemically reacting, for example, hydrogen with an oxidizing agent, for example, oxygen, and can be realized by, for example, a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.

Next, various processes executed in the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell system start-up process executed by the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment. This fuel cell system start-up process is a process executed when the fuel cell system 1 in which the control device 10 is stopped is started in a situation where electric power cannot be supplied from the commercial system. That is, it is a process executed in order to sequentially start the stopped fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 without receiving the supply of starting power from the commercial system so that the fuel cell system 1 can generate power.

As shown in FIG. 2, in this fuel cell system start-up process, the fuel cell system 1 uses the electric power stored in the power storage device unit 24 as the start-up power to generate fuel cells included in the first module group. Start the module 12 (step S10). In the present embodiment, for example, when it becomes necessary to start the fuel cell system in a situation where the start power cannot be supplied from the commercial system, the control device 10 should start the fuel cell power generation module 12. Is transmitted to activate the fuel cell power generation module 12.

In order for the fuel cell power generation module 12 to start, the power storage device unit 24 receives a command from the control device 10 that the module control device 20 of the fuel cell power generation module 12 should start the fuel cell power generation module 12. The auxiliary machine 22 is activated by utilizing the electric power stored in the battery. After the auxiliary machine 22 is started, the auxiliary machine 22 supplies fuel, cooling water, and the like to the fuel cell 28 to start the fuel cell 28. When the fuel cell 28 is started and the power can be supplied to the commercial system or the fuel cell power generation module 14 itself, the fuel cell power generation module 12 is started.

Next, the control device 10 determines the fuel cell power generation module 14 to be activated from the fuel cell power generation modules 14 included in the second module group (step S12). In the present embodiment, the control device 10 selects any one of the fuel cell power generation modules 14 from the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules 14 included in the second module group.

Since the fuel cell power generation module 14 included in the second module group does not have the power storage device unit 24, it is necessary to receive the start power from the outside in order to start the fuel cell. Therefore, where it is necessary to receive the start-up power from the commercial system, for example, in the event of a power failure, the start-up power cannot be supplied from the commercial system, so the first module is already in the power generation state. By receiving the starting power from the fuel cell power generation module 12 included in the group, the fuel cell power generation module 14 can be started without receiving the starting power from the commercial system.

Next, the control device 10 supplies starting power to start the fuel cell power generation module 14 determined in step S12 (step S14). The flow in which the fuel cell power generation module 14 is started after receiving the supply of starting power is the same as the flow in which the fuel cell power generation module 12 is started, and therefore is not described in detail here.

The number of fuel cell power generation modules 14 included in the second module group activated in steps S12 and S14 is not limited to one, and a plurality of fuel cell power generation modules 14 may be activated at one time. You may do it. That is, when the power generated by the fuel cell power generation module 12 included in the first module group can cover the starting power of the auxiliary equipment 22 in the two or more fuel cell power generation modules 14 included in the second module group. , A plurality of fuel cell power generation modules 14 may be activated according to the electric power that can be supplied.

Next, the control device 10 determines whether or not all the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 included in the first and second module groups have been started (step S16). That is, it is determined whether or not all the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 included in the fuel cell system 1 have been started.

When all the fuel cell power generation modules are activated (step S16: Yes), the fuel cell system activation process according to the present embodiment is completed. On the other hand, when all the fuel cell power generation modules have not been started (step S16: No), the control device 10 returns to step S12 and repeats the above-mentioned process until all the fuel cell power generation modules are started.

When the fuel cell power generation module 12 is activated and becomes a power generation state, it is possible to adjust the number of the fuel cell power generation modules 14 to be activated in step S14 according to the capacity of the generated electric power. For example, if the two fuel cell power generation modules 14 can be started with the electric power supplied by one started fuel cell power generation module 12, it is determined in step S12 that the two fuel cell power generation modules 14 are started, and step S14 The two fuel cell power generation modules 14 may be started by.

Further, for example, when one fuel cell power generation module 12 and one fuel cell power generation module 14 are in a power generation state, the supplied power is used as starting power to start two fuel cell power generation modules 14. It is also possible to do.

On the other hand, for example, when one fuel cell power generation module 12 and two fuel cell power generation modules 14 are in a power generation state, the supplied power is used as starting power to start three fuel cell power generation modules 14. It is also possible to activate the four fuel cell power generation modules 14. That is, the number of the fuel cell power generation modules 14 to be started in step S14 can be arbitrarily set based on the power capacity generated by the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 that have been started and are in the power generation state, and at least one. It can be regarded as starting the fuel cell power generation module 14.

Next, a modified example of the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment, and shows an example of a “power storage device unit DC system installation type”. That is, in the fuel cell power generation module 12, the power storage device unit 24 is installed on the fuel cell side of the PCS 26.

In the present embodiment, since the electric power supplied from the power storage device unit 24 to the auxiliary machine 22 is via the PCS 26, the power supplied by the power storage device unit 24 is a direct current, but is converted into an alternating current in the PCS 26. AC current is supplied to the auxiliary machine 22.

The fuel cell system start-up process executed by the fuel cell system 1 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as that of FIG. 2, and is not described in detail here.

Next, another modification of the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment, and shows an example of “a power storage device unit DC system and AC system both installed type”. That is, in the fuel cell power generation module 12, the power storage device unit 24 is installed on both the fuel cell side of the PCS 26 and the commercial system.

The present embodiment is a modified example in which the fuel cell system 1 of FIG. 1 and the fuel cell system 1 of FIG. 3 are combined, and starting power is supplied to the auxiliary machine 22 from the two power storage device units 24. .. Further, in addition to this, since the fuel cell power generation module 12 includes two power storage device units 24, for example, even when either power storage device unit 24 cannot supply power to the auxiliary device 22. Since the other power storage device unit 24 can supply power to the auxiliary device 22, it is possible to provide redundancy in starting the fuel cell power generation module 12.

In other words, as is clear from the configuration of the fuel cell system 1 of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 described above, the fuel cell power generation module 12 included in the first module group according to the present embodiment has a commercial system. It suffices to include at least one of the power storage device unit 24 connected to the connected line and the power storage device unit 24 connected to the output line of the fuel cell 28.

The fuel cell system start-up process executed by the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment according to the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 2, and is not described in detail here.

As described above, according to the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment, the power storage device unit 24 is provided in the fuel cell power generation module 12 included in the first module group, and power cannot be supplied from the commercial system. Then, when it is necessary to start the stopped fuel cell system 1, it is decided to first start the fuel cell power generation module 12 by using the electric power stored in the power storage device unit 24. Therefore, the fuel cell power generation module 12 can be started with a smaller storage capacity than that of starting the entire fuel cell system 1. Then, the power generated by the started fuel cell power generation module 12 is used as the starting power to sequentially start the fuel cell power generation module 14 included in the second module group, and finally all the fuel cell power generation. Module 14 can also be started. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a power storage device having a large storage capacity as in the conventional case, and the volume, weight, and cost of the power storage device to be installed can be suppressed.

[Second Embodiment]
The fuel cell system 1 according to the second embodiment adds one new number of fuel cell power generation modules 12 belonging to the first module group to the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and totals them. By providing the two fuel cell power generation modules 12, the time required to start the fuel cell system 1 is shortened, the redundancy and reliability of the fuel cell system 1 are further improved, and the fuel cell system 1 is started stably. I tried to do it. Hereinafter, the parts different from the above-described first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel cell system 1 in the present embodiment includes a control device 10, two fuel cell power generation modules 12 belonging to the first module group, and a fuel cell power generation module belonging to the second module group. It is equipped with 14.

The two fuel cell power generation modules 12 belonging to the first module group in the present embodiment can be independently started by themselves by using the electric power stored in each power storage device unit 24 as the starting electric power. .. In the present embodiment, the number of fuel cell power generation modules 12 belonging to the first module group is two, so that the total capacity of the starting power included in the first module group is about twice that of the first embodiment. Become.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, since the power storage device unit 24 is installed on the commercial system side of the PCS, it can be said that the power storage device unit 24 exists in the AC system. It can be said that the fuel cell system 1 of the "equipment unit AC system installation type".

Next, the fuel cell system start-up process executed by the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The fuel cell system start-up process shown in FIG. 6 is a process corresponding to the fuel cell system start-up process shown in FIG. 2 described above, but here, the difference is that the two fuel cell power generation modules 12 are started first. There is.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this fuel cell system start-up process, the electric power stored in the power storage device unit 24 is used as the start-up power to start the fuel cell power generation module 12 included in the first module group (). Step S20). In the present embodiment, as described above, since there are two fuel cell power generation modules 12, the control device 10 transmits a command regarding activation of the two fuel cell power generation modules 12.

Although it is a command transmitted by the control device 10 described above, for example, two fuel cell power generation modules 12 may be started at the same time, or may be started in order with a time lag, and one fuel cell power generation module 12 may be started. In the case of failure or the like, only one fuel cell power generation module 12 may be activated.

Next, the control device 10 determines the fuel cell power generation module 14 to be activated from the fuel cell power generation modules 14 included in the second module group (step S22). In the present embodiment, the control device 10 selects any two fuel cell power generation modules 14 from the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules 14 included in the second module group.

Next, the control device 10 supplies starting power to start the fuel cell power generation module 14 determined in step S22 (step S24). Then, the control device 10 determines whether or not all the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 included in the first and second module groups have been started (step S26). The processing of these steps S24 and S26 is the same as the processing of steps S14 and S16 in the first embodiment described above.

When the two fuel cell power generation modules 12 are activated and are in the power generation state, the number of the fuel cell power generation modules 14 to be activated in step S24 can be adjusted according to the capacity of the generated electric power. be. For example, if the three fuel cell power generation modules 14 can be started by the electric power supplied by the two started fuel cell power generation modules 12, it is determined in step S22 that the three fuel cell power generation modules 14 are started, and step S24 The three fuel cell power generation modules 14 may be activated by. On the other hand, if only one fuel cell power generation module 14 can be started with the power supplied by the two started fuel cell power generation modules 12, it is determined in step S22 that one fuel cell power generation module 14 is started, and the step is taken. One fuel cell power generation module 14 may be activated in S24.

As described above, since the first module group of the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a total of two fuel cell power generation modules 12, about twice as much electric power can be supplied to the second module group. It is expected that the time for starting all the fuel cell power generation modules 14 belonging to the second module group will be shorter than that in the first embodiment, and the fuel cell system 1 can be started earlier.

Next, a modified example of the fuel cell system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system according to the second embodiment, and shows an example of the “power storage device unit DC system installation type”. That is, it is an embodiment in which the power storage device unit 24 is installed on the fuel cell side of the PCS 26, and corresponds to FIG. 3 in the above-mentioned first embodiment.

Similar to the first embodiment, the electric power supplied from the power storage device unit 24 to the auxiliary device 22 is via the PCS 26, so that the power supplied by the power storage device unit 24 is a direct current, but is converted into an alternating current in the PCS 26. Therefore, an alternating current is supplied to the auxiliary machine 22.

The fuel cell system start-up process executed by the fuel cell system 1 shown in FIG. 7 is the same as that in FIG. 6, and is not described in detail here.

Next, another modification of the fuel cell system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system according to the second embodiment, and shows an example of “a power storage device unit DC system and AC system both installed type”. That is, in each fuel cell power generation module 12, the power storage device unit 24 is installed on both the fuel cell side of the PCS 26 and the commercial system, and corresponds to FIG. 4 in the above-mentioned first embodiment. ..

Similar to the first embodiment described above, for example, even when one of the power storage device units 24 cannot supply power to the auxiliary device 22 in the same fuel cell power generation module 12, the other power storage device Since power can be supplied from the unit 24 to the auxiliary machine 22, it is possible to provide redundancy in starting the fuel cell power generation module 12.

The fuel cell system start-up process executed by the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 6, and is not described in detail here.

In the second embodiment, three types have been described. That is, there are three types: "power storage device unit AC system installation type", "power storage device unit DC system installation type", and "power storage device unit DC system and AC system both installation type". In addition, for example, in one fuel cell power generation module 12, the power storage device unit 24 is arranged in the DC system, but in the other fuel cell power generation module 12, it may be arranged in the AC system, or The reverse arrangement may be used. Further, while one fuel cell power generation module 12 includes only one power storage device unit 24, the other fuel cell power generation module 12 may include two power storage device units 24. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is no particular limitation on the place where the power storage device unit 24 is arranged, and it can be deformed in any manner.

Further, in the second embodiment, the first module group is composed of two fuel cell power generation modules 12, but the first module group is composed of a plurality of fuel cell power generation modules 12 such as three or four. You may. By doing so, it is possible to further increase the redundancy when starting the fuel cell system 1 in a situation where the starting power cannot be supplied from the commercial system.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the power supply system 2 is configured by additionally providing the emergency power storage device 16 as shown in FIG. 9 to the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above. Therefore, even when the fuel cell system 1 is inoperable, electric power can be supplied to the load of the consumer via the commercial system. In the following, the power supply system 2 according to the third embodiment will be described as a modification of the first embodiment, but the power supply system 2 according to the third embodiment may be realized by modifying the second embodiment. It is possible.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the power supply system 2 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the power supply system 2 according to the third embodiment includes an emergency power storage device 16 outside the fuel cell system 1. In the present embodiment, the emergency power storage device 16 is connected to a commercial system that supplies power to the load of the consumer and supplies starting power to the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14.

The emergency power storage device 16 supplies emergency power to the load of the consumer from the commercial system side when, for example, the power storage device unit 24 cannot supply power to the auxiliary device 22 due to a failure or the like. Like the power storage device unit 24, the emergency power storage device 16 is realized by, for example, a storage battery, may be a lead storage battery, an alkaline storage battery, a lithium ion storage battery, or the like, and may be reused by storing electricity again after discharging. .. The storage capacity of the emergency power storage device 16 may be larger than the storage capacity of the power storage device unit 24, assuming that emergency power is supplied to the loads of a plurality of consumers.

Next, various processes executed by the power supply system 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating a power supply system activation process executed by the power supply system 2 according to the present embodiment. This power supply system activation process is a process executed when the control device 10 activates the power supply system 2. In the present embodiment, for example, when the power supply system 2 is started, the control device 10 is a process executed by starting the fuel cell power generation module 12.

As shown in FIG. 10, in this fuel cell system start-up process, the control device 10 determines whether or not the fuel cell system 1 can be operated (step S30). When the fuel cell system 1 can be operated (step S30: Yes), the above-mentioned fuel cell system start-up process is started (step S32). The fuel cell system start-up process is as in steps S10 to S16 of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, or steps S20 to S26 of FIG. 6 in the second embodiment.

On the other hand, when the fuel cell system 1 cannot be operated due to a failure of the fuel cell system 1 (step 30: No), power is supplied from the emergency power storage device 16 to the commercial system (step S34), and the consumer Secure the power of the load.

As described above, according to the power supply system 2 according to the present embodiment, even if the fuel cell system 1 cannot be operated for some reason, the power stored in the emergency power storage device 16 can be transferred from the commercial system side. , Can supply the load of consumers. Therefore, even if the fuel cell system 1 is inoperable, it can serve as a power supply system 2 for supplying power to the consumer, and the fuel according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be used. The redundancy can be improved as compared with the battery system 1.

The emergency power storage device 16 may be capable of supplying starting power to the auxiliary machine 22 of the fuel cell power generation module 12 to start the auxiliary machine 22 via a commercial system. As a result, it is possible to have higher redundancy in starting the fuel cell power generation module 12 and starting the fuel cell system 1, and it is possible to ensure the stability of starting the fuel cell system 1.

Further, for example, when only the fuel cell power generation module 12 in the fuel cell system 1 cannot be started, and the fuel cell power generation module 14 can be started if the start power is supplied from the outside to the auxiliary machine. May start the fuel cell system 1 by supplying starting power from the emergency power storage device 16 to the fuel cell power generation module 14 through a commercial system and starting the fuel cell system 1. It is not limited to being used only for loads.

In FIG. 9, the fuel cell system 1 is illustrated as a "power storage device unit AC system installation type". However, the fuel cell system 1 of the power supply system 2 including the emergency power storage device 16 is a fuel cell system 1 of "power storage device unit DC system installation type" or "power storage device unit DC system and AC system both installation type". You may be prepared. That is, the power supply system 2 according to the third embodiment can be applied to all the modified examples of the first embodiment and the modified examples of the second embodiment described above.

Further, in FIG. 9, the emergency power storage device 16 is shown outside the fuel cell system 1, but in reality, the emergency power storage device 16 may be physically separated from the fuel cell system 1. , It does not have to be physically separated, and the position of its installation is not limited.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The fuel cell system 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes the fuel cell power generation module 12 belonging to the first module group in the fuel cell system 1 according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment described above. The fuel cell power generation module 14 belonging to the second module group is connected via a switch, and it is possible to supply starting power to the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 without going through a commercial system. Hereinafter, the fuel cell system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described as a modified example of the first embodiment, but the fuel cell system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is modified from the second embodiment or the third embodiment. It is also possible to realize.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the fuel cell system 1 in the present embodiment includes a control device 10, a fuel cell power generation module 12 belonging to the first module group, and a fuel cell power generation module 14 belonging to the second module group. All fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 are connected to each other via a switch 30. In other words, the switch 30 selectively connects the power storage device unit 24 to any of the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, since all the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 are connected to each other, the power of the power storage device unit 24 in the fuel cell power generation module 12 is any of the fuel cell power generation modules. It is possible to supply 14 by selecting the connection of the switch 30. Therefore, in the present embodiment, not only the fuel cell power generation module 12 included in the first module group including the power storage device unit 24 but also the fuel cell power generation included in the second module group not including the power storage device unit 24. The module 14 can also be a fuel cell power generation module that is first started by supplying starting power.

Therefore, if the fuel cell power generation module 12 has a failure in a component other than the power storage device unit 24 (for example, an auxiliary device 22), but the power storage device unit 24 is not defective and power can be supplied. By supplying starting power to the fuel cell power generation module 14 other than the fuel cell power generation module 12 in which the power storage device unit 24 is present, the fuel cell power generation module 14 to which the start power is supplied is started, and further other By activating the fuel cell power generation module 14, the activation of the fuel cell system 1 can be guaranteed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 10 acquires operability information indicating whether or not there is a failure or whether or not operation is possible from each of the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14, and starts the control device 10. The fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 to be supplied with power can be determined. That is, the control device 10 determines the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 to be started, including whether or not the fuel cell can actually be started, based on the operation availability information.

Next, various processes executed in the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell system start-up process executed by the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment. This fuel cell system activation process is a process executed when the control device 10 activates the fuel cell system 1.

As shown in FIG. 12, in this fuel cell system start-up process, the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 to be supplied with the electric power stored in the power storage device unit 24 as the start-up power are determined (step S40). In the present embodiment, the fuel cell power generation module 12 included in the first module group can be determined as the fuel cell power generation module to be started first, or the fuel cell power generation module 14 included in the second module group can be determined. It can also be determined as the first fuel cell power generation module to start.

Next, the control device 10 controls the switch 30 to connect the power storage device unit 24 to the determined fuel cell power generation module 12 or 14 (step S42). Then, the electric power stored in the power storage device unit 24 via the switch 30 is supplied as starting power to the connected fuel cell power generation module 12 or 14, and the fuel cell power generation module 12 or 14 is started (step S44). ..

Next, the control device 10 determines the fuel cell power generation module to be started from the fuel cell power generation module 12 or the fuel cell power generation module 14 included in the first or second module group (step S46). Then, the electric power generated by the fuel cell power generation module 12 or 14 in the power generation state is supplied to the determined fuel cell power generation module 14 as starting power (step S48). When the starting power is supplied, it may be supplied from the commercial system side or may be supplied via the switch 30, and the method is not limited.

Next, the control device 10 determines whether or not all the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 included in the first and second module groups have been started (step S50). Here, the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 that cannot be started due to a failure or the like are all excluded from the judgment as to whether or not they have started.

Also in the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 13, the fuel cell of the “power storage device unit DC system installation type” in which the power storage device unit 24 exists on the DC system side. The battery system 1 can also be realized as a fuel cell system 1 of a "power storage device unit DC system and AC system both installed type" in which the power storage device unit 24 exists in both the AC system and the DC system as shown in FIG. Is. The fuel cell system activation process is the same as in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the power storage device unit 24 does not necessarily have to be installed in the device of the fuel cell power generation module 12. That is, the power storage device unit 24 can be installed outside the fuel cell power generation module 12.

FIG. 15 shows the internal configuration of the fuel cell system 1 in which the power storage device 18 is installed outside the fuel cell power generation module 12 instead of installing the power storage device unit 24 inside the fuel cell power generation module 12. In the modified example shown in FIG. 15, the power storage device unit 24 installed in the fuel cell power generation module 12 is taken out to the outside of the fuel cell power generation module 12 and installed as the power storage device 18. In this case, the control device 10 acquires operability information indicating whether or not the fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 can be operated, and selects the operable fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14 based on the operability information. do. Then, the switch 30 is controlled so that the starting power is supplied from the power storage device 18 to the selected fuel cell power generation modules 12 and 14.

As described above, according to the fuel cell system 1 according to the present embodiment, the fuel cell power generation module 12 can be started by the power storage device unit 24 suitable for the scale of the fuel cell power generation module 12, and the fuel cell system 1 as a whole can be started. The volume and weight of the power storage device unit 24 can be reduced as compared with the scale of the fuel cell system 1, and the cost can be reduced.

[Fifth Embodiment]
[A] Configuration FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment has a backup power supply 110, a first fuel cell unit 120 (small fuel cell unit), and a second fuel having a higher output than the first fuel cell unit 120. It is provided with a battery unit 130 (large fuel cell unit).

The backup power supply 110 is, for example, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) including a storage battery. In addition, the backup power source 110 may be an internal combustion engine generator or a small fuel cell. The first fuel cell unit 120 is a small fuel cell unit. The second fuel cell unit 130 is a large fuel cell unit and has a higher output than the first fuel cell unit 120. Here, the backup power supply 110 and the first fuel cell unit 120 are provided outside the second fuel cell unit 130.

In addition to this, the fuel cell system 1 includes a control unit 100. The control unit 100 controls the operation of each unit constituting the fuel cell system 1 in order to control the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 1. Although not shown, the control unit 100 includes an arithmetic unit (not shown) and a memory device (not shown), and the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing using a program stored in the memory device. , Control each part constituting the fuel cell system 1.

In the present embodiment, when the fuel cell system 1 is started when the system power supply is lost (when the start is executed at the time of power failure), the control unit 100 first uses the power supplied from the backup power supply 110 to generate the first fuel. Start the battery unit 120. Next, the control unit 100 activates the second fuel cell unit 130 by the electric power supplied from the activated first fuel cell unit 120.

[B] Detailed Configuration A specific example of the above fuel cell system 1 will be described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing details of the first fuel cell unit 120 and the second fuel cell unit 130 in the fuel cell system 1 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, the first fuel cell unit 120 and the second fuel cell unit 130 include fuel cell stacks 180a to 180c. In the fuel cell stacks 180a to 180c, the number of the second fuel cell unit 130 is larger than that of the first fuel cell unit 120. Here, the first fuel cell unit 120 includes, for example, one fuel cell stack 180a. On the other hand, the second fuel cell unit 130 includes, for example, two fuel cell stacks 180b and 180c.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the fuel cell system 1, a fuel flow path L140, an oxidant flow path L150, and a cooling water flow path L160 are provided.

The fuel flow path L140 is provided to supply fuel from the fuel supply source 140 to the first fuel cell unit 120 and the second fuel cell unit 130. Here, the fuel flow path L140 is configured to supply fuel from the fuel supply source 140 to the second fuel cell unit 130 via the fuel sluice valve V140. Further, the fuel flow path L140 is configured so that fuel is supplied from the fuel supply source 140 to the first fuel cell unit 120 without interposing the fuel sluice valve V140.

The oxidant flow path L150 is provided to supply the oxidant from the oxidant supply source 150 to the first fuel cell unit 120 and the second fuel cell unit 130. Further, the oxidant flow path L150 is configured so that the oxidant is supplied from the oxidant supply source 150 to the first fuel cell unit 120 without interposing the oxidant sluice valve V150. The oxidant supply source 150 is composed of, for example, an air blower.

The cooling water flow path L160 supplies cooling water from the cooling water pump 160 to the first fuel cell unit 120 and the second fuel cell unit 130, and the cooling water that has passed through the first fuel cell unit 120 and the second fuel cell unit 130 flows. It is configured to return to the cooling water pump 160. Here, in the cooling water flow path L160, cooling water is supplied from the cooling water pump 160 to the second fuel cell unit 130 via the first cooling water sluice valve V160a, and the cooling water that has passed through the second fuel cell unit 130 is the first. 2 It is configured to return to the cooling water pump 160 via the cooling water sluice valve V160b.

In the specific example shown in FIG. 17, when activating one fuel cell stack 180a constituting the first fuel cell unit 120, the fuel sluice valve V140, the oxidant sluice valve V150, and the first cooling water sluice valve V160a are used. With the second cooling water sluice valve V160b closed, the power of the backup power source 110 is used to drive the oxidant supply source 150 and the cooling water pump 160.

Next, when activating the two fuel cell stacks 180b and 180c constituting the second fuel cell unit 130, the fuel sluice valve V140, the oxidant sluice valve V150, the first cooling water sluice valve V160a, and the second cooling With the water sluice valve V160b open, the second fuel cell unit 130 is started using the power supplied from the first fuel cell unit 120. Here, the outputs of the oxidant supply source 150 and the cooling water pump 160 are increased by the electric power supplied from the first fuel cell unit 120.

[C] Action / Effect As described above, in the fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment, the first fuel cell unit 120 is configured to be started by the electric power supplied from the backup power source 110. The second fuel cell unit 130, which has a higher output than the first fuel cell unit 120, is configured to be activated by the electric power supplied from the activated first fuel cell unit 120. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the backup power supply 110 is sufficient as long as it can start the first fuel cell unit 120, so that it can be started when the power supply is lost with an inexpensive configuration.

Further, in the above-mentioned fifth embodiment, the backup power supply 110 and the first fuel cell unit 120 are provided outside the second fuel cell unit 130. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the function for starting in the event of a power failure can be easily added after the fuel cell system 1 is already installed.

[D] Modification Example In the fifth embodiment described above, the case where the backup power supply 110 and the first fuel cell unit 120 are provided outside the second fuel cell unit 130 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the fuel cell system 1 according to the modified example of the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, the backup power supply 110 and the first fuel cell unit 120 may be provided inside the second fuel cell unit 130. In this case, the outer wall, ceiling, control device, and the like of the package members that are separately held can be shared, and there is an advantage that the number of parts is reduced.

Although some embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel devices and methods described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the forms of the apparatus and method described in the present specification without departing from the gist of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalent scope are intended to include such forms and variations contained in the scope and gist of the invention.

1 ... Fuel cell system, 2 ... Power supply system, 10 ... Control device, 12 ... Fuel cell power generation module included in the first module group, 14 ... Fuel cell power generation module included in the second module group, 16 ... Emergency Power storage device, 18 ... power storage device, 20 ... module control device, 22 ... auxiliary equipment, 24 ... power storage device unit, 26 ... PCS (power conditioner), 28 ... fuel cell, 30 ... switch, 110 ... backup power supply, 120 ... 1st fuel cell unit, 130 ... 2nd fuel cell unit, 140 ... fuel cell unit, 150 ... oxidant supply source, 160 ... cooling water pump, 180a ... fuel cell cell stack, 180b ... fuel cell cell stack, 180c ... Fuel cell stack, 100 ... control unit, L140 ... fuel flow path, L150 ... oxidant flow path, L160 ... cooling water flow path, V140 ... fuel sluice valve, V150 ... oxidant sluice valve, V160a ... first cooling water sluice valve , V160b ... Second cooling water sluice valve

Claims

A fuel cell system equipped with multiple fuel cell power generation modules in which starting power is supplied from a commercial system.
Each of the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules includes a fuel cell that generates power using the supplied fuel.
The plurality of fuel cell power generation modules are divided into a first module group and a second module group, and the fuel cell power generation module included in the first module group is used when the commercial system fails. The fuel cell power generation module included in the second module group is provided with a power storage device that supplies the stored power as starting power, but the fuel cell power generation module is not provided with the power storage device.
Fuel cell system.
The power storage device in the fuel cell power generation module included in the first module group includes a first power storage device unit connected to a line to which a commercial system of the fuel cell power generation module is connected, and the fuel cell power generation module. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a second power storage device unit connected to the output line of the fuel cell.
It is further equipped with a control device for controlling the activation of the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules.
When the fuel cell power generation module included in the first module group is activated and becomes a power generation state, the control device uses the power generated by the fuel cell power generation module as the start power, and the second. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one fuel cell power generation module included in the module group is activated.
The fuel cell power generation module included in the first module group is one.
The control device uses the power generated by the fuel cell power generation module included in the first module group as starting power, and is one of the fuel cell power generation modules included in the second module group or. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of fuel cells are activated.
There are a plurality of fuel cell power generation modules included in the first module group, and there are a plurality of fuel cell power generation modules.
The control device is used when a plurality of fuel cell power generation modules included in the first module group are activated to enter a power generation state.
One or more fuel cells of the fuel cell power generation modules included in the second module group, using the power generated by the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules included in the first module group as starting power. Start the power generation module,
The fuel cell system according to claim 3.
Each of the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules further includes an auxiliary machine for supplying fuel to the fuel cell.
The power storage device in the fuel cell power generation module included in the first module group supplies at least starting power to the auxiliary machine to start the auxiliary machine, and supplies fuel from the auxiliary machine to the fuel cell. , The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power storage device includes a storage battery having a capacity required to cover the starting power of one fuel cell power generation module.
The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
An emergency power storage device that is connected to the commercial system that supplies the starting power to the fuel cell system and supplies the stored power as emergency power to the consumer when the fuel cell system is inoperable. ,
Power supply system with.
Further, a switch for selectively connecting the power storage device to any one of the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules is provided.
The control device controls the switch based on the operability information of the plurality of fuel cell power generation modules to select the fuel cell power generation module to which the power storage device is connected.
The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.