WORK MACHINE, FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Abstract

A master control device establishes a control sequence in which a plurality of fuel cell modules are activated or deactivated. At a control point in time when the plurality of fuel cell modules is activated or deactivated, the master control device activates or deactivates the plurality of fuel cell modules in a sequence that differs from a control sequence at a previous control point in time.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a working machine, a fuel cell system and a method for controlling a fuel cell system.

[0002] The present application claims priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2023-203155, filed on November 30, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] In a technical field relating to a work machine, an ultra-large truck is known that is equipped with a fuel cell system comprising a plurality of fuel cell modules, as disclosed in patent literature 1. The fuel cell generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen, serving as fuel, is supplied from a tank filled with hydrogen gas. Oxygen is also supplied from the ambient air. Therefore, auxiliary equipment such as a fuel pump and an air compressor are provided in the fuel cell to operate it. LIST OF COUNTERPOINTS Patent Literature

[0004] Patent literature 1: US 2022 / 0173459 A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

[0005] The auxiliary equipment for operating the fuel cell is powered by electrical energy. Therefore, the fuel cell system must include an energy storage device that stores electrical energy at the time of activation. Meanwhile, the fuel cell can degrade depending on its operating time. If the fuel cell system includes a large number of fuel cell modules, variations in the degradation levels of these modules can occur, depending on their respective operating times. Thus, there is a need to standardize the degradation levels of the multiple fuel cells.

[0006] An example of a task of the present disclosure is to provide a working machine, a fuel cell system and a method for controlling a fuel cell system that suppress variations in the degradation levels of a plurality of fuel cell modules in the working machine that includes the plurality of fuel cell modules. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a working machine is a machine that includes a working device and includes a fuel cell system and a main control device. The fuel cell system is mounted on a vehicle body of the working machine and includes a plurality of fuel cell modules. At a control point when the plurality of fuel cell modules is activated or deactivated, the main control device activates or deactivates the plurality of fuel cell modules in a sequence that differs from a control sequence at a previous control point. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the aspect mentioned above, a working machine can, for example, suppress fluctuations in degradation levels of a large number of fuel cell modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a working machine according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cabin of the working machine according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a fuel cell system and a drive system of the working machine according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control at the time of activation of the working machine according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control at the time of activation of a working machine according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to the first embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS First Execution Configuration of the working machine 1

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a working machine 1 according to a first embodiment. The working machine 1 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a hydraulic excavator. The working machine 1 includes a chassis 110, a rotating body 120, a working attachment 130, a cab 140, and a main control device 145. The working machine 1, which is a hydraulic excavator, excavates earth and sand and levels the ground on a construction site or the like. The chassis 110 and the rotating body 120 form a vehicle body.

[0010] The chassis 110 supports the working machine 1, enabling the working machine 1 to move. The chassis 110 encloses a pair of right and left crawler tracks. The working machine 1 moves forward, turns, or reverses by rotating the pair of crawler tracks.

[0011] The rotating body 120 is mounted on the chassis 110, allowing it to rotate around a pivot point. The rotating body 120 supports the working tool 130, the cabin 140, an engine room 150, and a fuel cell system 20.

[0012] The cabin 140 is a space into which an operator of the machine 1 enters and from which he performs the operation and steering. For example, the cabin 140 is located on the left part of a front end section of the rotary body 120. The main control device 145 is mounted on the cabin 140 of the machine 1.

[0013] The fuel cell system 20 described below is located in the engine room 150. For example, the engine room 150 is located behind the cabin 140. The engine room 150 provides a space for arranging the fuel cell system 20.

[0014] The working device 130 is functionally mounted on the chassis of the work machine 1. The working device 130 includes a boom 131, an arm 132, and an attachment 133, which serves as a working tool. The attachment 133 is an example of a working tool. In the Fig. In the illustrated example 1, the attachment 133 is a bucket. A base end section of the boom 131 is rotatably attached to a front end section of the rotating body 120. A base end section of the arm 132 is rotatably attached to a tip end section of the boom 131. The attachment 133 is rotatably attached to a tip end section of the arm 132.

[0015] The working machine 1 includes a variety of actuators for driving the working device 130. For example, the variety of actuators includes a boom cylinder 131C, a arm cylinder 132C and an attachment cylinder 133C.

[0016] The boom cylinder 131C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the boom 131. A base end section of the boom cylinder 131C is attached to the rotating body 120. A tip end section of the boom cylinder 131C is attached to the boom 131.

[0017] The arm cylinder 132C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the arm 132. A base end section of the arm cylinder 132C is attached to the boom 131. A tip end section of the arm cylinder 132C is attached to the arm 132.

[0018] The attachment cylinder 133C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the attachment 133. A base end section of the attachment cylinder 133C is attached to the arm 132. A tip end section of the attachment cylinder 133C is attached to the attachment 133. Cabin configuration

[0019] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of cabin 140 of the working machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the cabin 140 is equipped with a driver's seat 141, a left operating lever 142LO, a right operating lever 142RO, a left foot pedal 142LF, a right foot pedal 142RF, a left drive lever 142LT, a right drive lever 142RT and an operating start switch 143.

[0021] The left operating lever 142LO and the right operating lever 142RO are located on the left and right sides of the driver's seat 141 in the cabin 140. Furthermore, the left foot pedal 142LF and the right foot pedal 142RF are located on the floor in front of the driver's seat 141 in the cabin 140.

[0022] The left-hand operating lever 142LO, located on the left side towards the front of the cab, is an operating device for performing a rotation operation of the rotary body 120 and an extension / tilting operation of the arm 132. Furthermore, the right-hand operating lever 142RO, located on the right side towards the front of the cab, is an operating device for performing an extension / tilting operation of the attachment 133 and a lifting / lowering operation of the boom 131.

[0023] Furthermore, the left drive lever 142LT and the right drive lever 142RT are actuating devices for operating the chassis 110, in other words, for driving the working machine 1. The left drive lever 142LT, located on the left side towards the front of the cab, corresponds to a rotary drive for the left track of the chassis 110. The right drive lever 142RT, located on the right side towards the front of the cab, corresponds to a rotary drive for the right track of the chassis 110. It should be noted that the left foot pedal 142LF and the right foot pedal 142RF are each connected to the left drive lever 142LT and the right drive lever 142RT, respectively, and driving control can also be performed using the left foot pedal 142LF and the right foot pedal 142RF.

[0024] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a fuel cell system 20 and a drive system 30 of the working machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The working machine 1 includes the fuel cell system 20 and the drive system 30. The fuel cell system 20 generates electrical power to drive the working machine 1. The fuel cell system 20 also generates electrical power to drive the drive system 30. The electrical power generated by the fuel cell system 20 is output to the drive system 30 via a bus B. The drive system 30 drives the working tool 130 and the chassis 110 using the electrical power generated by the fuel cell system 20.

[0025] The fuel cell system 20 includes a plurality of fuel cell modules 21 and a power storage device module 22 connected in parallel to bus B.

[0026] Each of the fuel cell modules 21 includes a fuel cell 211, an electrical power converter 212, an auxiliary device 213 and a fuel cell control device 214.

[0027] The fuel cell 211 generates electrical power through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. For example, the electrical power converter 212 is a DC-DC converter and is configured to control the electrical power generated by the fuel cell 211. The electrical power converter 212 converts the electrical power generated by the fuel cell 211 and supplies the electrical power to bus B. The auxiliary device 213 is a device for operating the fuel cell 211. The fuel cell module 21 includes, as the auxiliary device 213, a hydrogen pump for supplying hydrogen gas to the fuel cell 211, an air compressor for generating compressed air to be supplied to the fuel cell 211, and a water pump for supplying cooling water to cool the fuel cell 211.The fuel cell control device 214 controls the fuel cell module 21 according to a command from the main control device 145. The fuel cell control device 214 monitors the state of the fuel cell 211 and outputs data indicating the state of the fuel cell 211 to the main control device 145. The fuel cell control device 214 is an example of a monitoring device.

[0028] The power storage device module 22 includes a power storage device 221 and an electrical power converter 222. The power storage device 221 is configured to store or release excess electrical power from bus B. For example, the electrical power converter 222 is a DC-DC converter and controls the input and output of electrical power to the power storage device 221. Upon a command from the main control device 145, the electrical power converter 222 outputs electrical power from the power storage device 221. For example, the power storage device 221 is a capacitor.

[0029] The drive system 30 includes a hydraulic drive module 31 and a rotary module 32.

[0030] The hydraulic drive module 31 includes an inverter 311, an electric motor 312, a hydraulic pump 313, and a hydraulic actuator 314. The inverter 311 converts a direct current from bus B into a three-phase alternating current and supplies the three-phase alternating current to the electric motor 312. The electric motor 312 is set in rotation by the supplied three-phase alternating current to drive the hydraulic pump 313. The hydraulic pump 313 discharges hydraulic oil, which is to be supplied to the hydraulic actuator 314. The hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 313 is supplied to the hydraulic actuator 314 via a control valve (not shown in the illustration). The hydraulic actuator 314 is driven by the supplied hydraulic oil. The hydraulic actuator 314 includes the boom cylinder 131C, the arm cylinder 132C, the attachment cylinder 133C and a travel motor 134.A rotational force generated by the drive motor 134 is transferred to the drive body 110.

[0031] The rotary module 32 includes an inverter 321 and an electric rotary motor 322. The inverter 321 converts a direct current from bus B into a three-phase alternating current and supplies the three-phase alternating current to the electric rotary motor 322. The electric rotary motor 322 is set in motion by the supplied three-phase alternating current in order to rotate the rotating body 120 relative to the drive body 110. Control during activation of the working machine 1

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control procedure during the start-up of the working machine 1 according to the first embodiment. When an operator activates the start-up switch 143, the start-up switch 143 sends a command signal to the main control device 145 to start the working machine 1. For example, the start-up switch 143 is a switch that sends a command signal to start the working machine 1 when an operator depresses the start-up switch 143. When the command signal to start the working machine 1 is sent from the start-up switch 143 to the main control device 145 by an operator activation, the main control device 145 activates the fuel cell system 20 by the following process.First, the main control device 145 outputs the command signal to the electrical power converter 222 of the energy storage device module 22, so that predetermined electrical power is supplied to bus B (step S1). The predetermined electrical power must only be an electrical power that can drive the auxiliary device 213 of at least one fuel cell module 21 among the plurality of fuel cell modules 21.

[0033] The main control device 145 then reads control sequence data from an internal memory, indicating a previous control sequence of the fuel cell modules 21 (step S2). The control sequence data, which includes an initial control sequence, is stored in an initial state in the internal memory. The main control device 145 rotates the control sequence specified by the read control sequence data and updates the control sequence data (step S3).For example, in the working machine 1, which includes four fuel cell modules A to D, if a control sequence specified by the control sequence data read in step S2 (a control sequence at a first control time) is A, B, C and D, the main control module 145 changes a subsequent control sequence (a control sequence at a second control time) to B, C, D and A and updates the control sequence data.

[0034] Based on the updated control sequence data, the main control device 145 determines the fuel cell module 21 that will be selected as an activation target from among the multiple fuel cell modules 21 (step S4). The main control device 145 issues an activation command to the fuel cell control device 214 of the fuel cell module 21 selected in step S4 (step S5). Upon receiving the activation command, the fuel cell control device 214 of the fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target, drives the auxiliary device 213 with electrical power from bus B. When hydrogen and oxygen are supplied to the fuel cell 211 of the fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target, by the drive of the auxiliary device 213, the fuel cell 211 converts the hydrogen and oxygen to produce water and electrical energy.

[0035] The main control device 145 detects the activation of the fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target (step S6). Specifically, the fuel cell control device 214 of the fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target, monitors the state of the fuel cell 211 and outputs data indicating its state. The state of the fuel cell 211 includes states such as shutdown and activation completion. Data indicating an activation completion state is an example of a notification indicating that the fuel cell 211 is operational. The main control device 145 receives the data output by the fuel cell control device 214 of the fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target, and detects the state of the fuel cell 211.The main control device 145 detects an activation of the fuel cell 211 based on the data from the fuel cell control device 214 of the fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target.

[0036] When activation of fuel cell 211 of fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target, is detected, the main control device 145 issues the command signal to the fuel cell control device 214 of fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target, to deliver the predetermined electrical power to bus B (step S7). The fuel cell control device 214 of fuel cell module 21, which is an activation target, causes the electrical power converter 212 to deliver the electrical power generated by fuel cell 211 to bus B, based on the command signal from the main control device 145 (step S8).

[0037] Based on the control sequence data updated in step S3 (step S9), the main control device 145 determines whether the fuel cell module 21 to be activated next exists. If the fuel cell module 21 to be activated next exists (step S9: YES), the main control device 145 returns to processing step S5 and determines the fuel cell module 21 to be activated next as the activation target. If no fuel cell module 21 to be activated next exists (step S9: NO), in other words, if all fuel cell modules 21 are activated, the main control device 145 terminates the activation processing.

[0038] Once the activation of all fuel cell modules 21 is complete, the main control device 145 enables the operation of the working machine 1 in accordance with an operator's actuation of the actuating device. The main control device 145 receives an actuation of the actuating device from an operator and, corresponding to the actuation amount, issues a control command to the inverter 311 of the hydraulic drive module 31 and the inverter 321 of the rotary module 32.

[0039] When an operator activates the start switch 143 to stop operation of the working machine 1, the main control device 145 then performs a shutdown process for each of the fuel cell modules 21. The fuel cell control device 214 of each of the fuel cell modules 21 continues power generation in the fuel cell 211 until the residual fuel remaining in the fuel cell 211 is exhausted. The electrical power converter 222 of the power storage device module 22 causes the power storage device 221 to store the electrical power supplied by each of the fuel cell modules 21. In this state, the main control device 145 can, similar to the activation process, shut down the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 one after the other.When the multiple fuel cell modules 21 are switched off one after the other, the main control device 145 switches off the fuel cell modules 21 in the same sequence as the control sequence. This suppresses fluctuations in the operating times of the multiple fuel cell modules 21. Steps and effects

[0040] Thus, the main control device 145, according to the first embodiment, functions as described below. The main control device 145 determines the control sequence of the plurality of fuel cells 211. At an activation time when the plurality of fuel cells 211 is activated, the main control device 145 activates the plurality of fuel cells 211 in the specified control sequence. The main control device 145 sets the control sequence such that the control sequence at a first activation time and the control sequence at a second activation time differ from each other. If the fuel cell 211 is activated in the same control sequence each time, a difference arises in the cumulative loads between the fuel cell 211 that is activated first and the fuel cell 211 that is activated last.As a result, the degradation of fuel cell 211, which is activated first, progresses relatively quickly. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, the progression of fuel cell degradation can be balanced by different control sequences.

[0041] It should be noted that, according to the first embodiment, the main control device 145 changes the control sequence at each activation time of the fuel cell module 21. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, according to a further embodiment, the main control device 145 can change the control sequence after each predetermined number of activations. Second embodiment

[0042] The main control device 145 according to the first embodiment changes the control sequence each time by rotating the control sequence. Meanwhile, the load applied to the working machine 1 varies with each use. Thus, the degradation levels of the respective fuel cell modules 21 may not be uniform, even with a rotation of the control sequence.

[0043] The main control device 145 according to a second embodiment calculates the degradation levels of the fuel cell modules 21 and determines the control sequence of the fuel cell modules 21 according to the degradation levels. Control during activation of the working machine 1

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control at the time of activation of the working machine 1 according to a second embodiment. The main control device 145 according to the second embodiment performs steps S21 and S22 as described below, instead of steps S2 and S3 in the first embodiment.

[0045] When the voltage of bus B reaches or exceeds a predetermined voltage value by controlling the electrical power converter 222 of the power storage device module 22, the main control device 145 acquires data indicating the degradation level of each fuel cell 211 from the fuel cell control device 214 of each fuel cell module 21 (step S21). The fuel cell control device 214 includes a function for calculating the degradation level of the fuel cell 211 based on a time series of current and voltage values ​​output by the corresponding fuel cell 211, as well as other operating information.

[0046] The main control device 145 determines the control sequence of the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 based on the data indicating the degradation level of each of the fuel cell modules 21 (step S22). The main control device 145 determines the control sequence such that the fuel cell 211 with the highest degradation level among the plurality of fuel cells 211 is activated last. For example, in the case of the working machine 1, which includes four fuel cell modules A to D, if the degradation level of fuel cell A is 1.0%, the degradation level of fuel cell B is 0.5%, the degradation level of fuel cell C is 1.5%, and the degradation level of fuel cell D is 0.2%, the main control device 145 determines a sequential control sequence (activation sequence) of D, B, A, and C.The main control device 145 can determine the control sequence (activation sequence) in ascending order of the degradation levels.

[0047] Furthermore, the main control device 145 can switch off the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 one after the other. When the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 are switched off one after the other, the main control device 145 also determines the control sequence in which the fuel cell modules 21 are switched off based on the degradation levels of the fuel cells 211. The main control device 145 sets the activation sequence such that the fuel cell 211 with the highest degradation level among the plurality of fuel cells 211 is switched off first.For example, in the case of the working machine 1, which includes four fuel cell modules A to D, the main control device 145 establishes a sequential control sequence (shutdown sequence) of C, A, B, and D when the degradation level of fuel cell A is 1.0%, the degradation level of fuel cell B is 0.5%, the degradation level of fuel cell C is 1.5%, and the degradation level of fuel cell D is 0.2%. The main control device 145 can establish the control sequence (shutdown sequence) in descending order of degradation levels.

[0048] In this way, the main control device 145, according to the second embodiment, specifies the degradation level of each of the plurality of fuel cells 211 and determines the control sequence such that, among the plurality of fuel cells 211, the fuel cell 211 with the highest degradation level is activated last or switched off first. This allows the operating time of the fuel cell 211 with a high degradation level to be shortened, and further degradation progression can be suppressed.

[0049] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to the first embodiment.

[0050] A computer 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory 92, a storage 93 and an interface 94.

[0051] The main control device 145 and the fuel cell control device 214, described above, are implemented in the computer 90. Furthermore, the operation of each of the processing units described above is stored in memory 93 in the form of a program. The processor 91 reads the program from memory 93, loads the program into main memory 92, and executes the aforementioned processing according to the program. The processor 91 also stores a memory area in main memory 92, corresponding to each of the memory units described above, according to the program. Examples of the processor 91 include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, and the like.

[0052] The program can be used to implement some of the functions to be performed by the computer 90. For example, the program can be used to perform a function in combination with other programs already stored in the data memory or in combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer 90 can include, in addition to or instead of the configuration described above, a user-defined highly integrated circuit (LSI) such as a programmable logic device (PLD). Examples of PLDs include a programmable array logic (PAL), a generic array logic (GAL), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, some or all of the functions to be performed by the processor 91 can be implemented by the integrated circuit.Such an integrated circuit is included as an example of the processor. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the computer 90 can be virtualized on one or a multitude of computers.

[0053] Examples of the memory 93 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an image disk, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The memory 93 can be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 90, or an external medium connected to the computer 90 via the interface 94 or a communication line. When the program is distributed to the computer 90 via the communication line, the computer 90 to which the program is distributed can further load the program into main memory 92 and perform the processing mentioned above. In at least one embodiment, the memory 93 is a non-volatile physical storage medium.

[0054] Furthermore, the program can be used to implement some of the functions described above. Additionally, the program can be a so-called difference file (difference program) that implements the aforementioned functions in combination with another program already stored in memory 93. Other embodiments

[0055] Although embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, specific configurations are not limited to those described above, and various design changes and the like may be made.

[0056] The main control device 145 according to the embodiments described above can, for example, be configured by a single computer. Alternatively, the configuration of the main control device 145 can be arranged such that it is distributed among a plurality of computers, and the plurality of computers can interact with one another to serve as the main control device 145. In this case, some of the computers forming the main control device 145 can be mounted inside the machine 1, and the other computers can be located outside the machine 1.

[0057] Furthermore, the main control device 145, according to the embodiments described above, can include a function of the fuel cell control device 214. In such a case, each of the fuel cell modules 21 may not include the fuel cell control device 214, and the electrical power converter 212 and the auxiliary device 213 of each of the fuel cell modules 21 can be operated based on the command signal from the main control device 145. Furthermore, the main control device 145 can include a function as a monitoring device that monitors the state of the fuel cell 211.

[0058] Furthermore, the working machine 1, according to the embodiments described above, is a hydraulic excavator. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, according to another embodiment, the working machine 1 can be other working machines such as a wheel loader or a dump truck.

[0059] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the capacitor is given as an example of the power storage device 221. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, according to another embodiment, the power storage device 221 of the working machine 1 can be a battery.

[0060] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the main control device 145 can randomly determine the control sequence of the plurality of fuel cell modules 21. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the main control device 145 can determine the control sequence such that the fuel cell module 21 to be activated first and the fuel cell module 21 to be activated last are rotated. For example, in the working machine 1, which includes four fuel cell modules A to D, if the previous control sequence was A, B, C, and D, the control sequence can be set to D, B, C, and A. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the main control device 145 can randomly determine the control sequence if the activation or deactivation of the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 exceeds a predetermined number of times.For example, in the working machine 1, which includes four fuel cell modules A to D, if the fuel cell modules are activated a predetermined number of times in the control sequence A, B, C, and D, a subsequent control sequence can be set to B, C, D, and A. In each case, the control sequences (activation sequences or shutdown sequences) will differ from each other at two consecutive different control times (activation times or shutdown times).

[0061] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the start switch 143, which starts the machine 1, is a switch that outputs a start signal when an operator depresses the start switch 143. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the start switch 143 can be a key switch having a key cylinder into which a key is inserted and actuated such that the key is inserted into the key cylinder and turned from an off position through a key-on position to an activation position. Alternatively, the start switch 143 can, for example, be a portable actuating device carried by the operator.When the operator activates the portable operating device, wireless communication is established between the portable operating device and the main control device 145, and the machine 1 can be started, provided communication is established. The portable operating device can be, for example, a remote control key with an integrated electronic chip or a portable computing device such as a smartphone or a portable information terminal. Furthermore, the operating start switch 143 can, for example, be located at a remote location and configured to start the machine 1 remotely.

[0062] The main control device 145 according to another embodiment can activate the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 in accordance with the control sequence at an activation time and can simultaneously deactivate the plurality of fuel cell modules at a deactivation time. Furthermore, the main control device 145 according to another embodiment can simultaneously activate the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 at an activation time and can deactivate the plurality of fuel cell modules according to the control sequence at a deactivation time. Industrial applicability

[0063] According to the present disclosure, the working machine can, for example, suppress fluctuations in the degradation levels of a large number of fuel cell modules. Reference symbol list 1 working machine, 110 vehicles, 120 rotating bodies, 130 work equipment, 131 outriggers, 131C boom cylinder, 132 Arm, 132C Arm cylinder, 133 Attachment, 133C attachment cylinder, 134 Drive motor, 140 cabins, 141 Driver's seat, 142LF Left Foot Pedal, 142LO Left operating lever, 142LT Left drive lever, 142RF Right Foot Pedal, 142RO Right operating lever, 142RT Right drive lever, 145 Main control device, 20 fuel cell systems, 21 Fuel cell module, 311 Fuel cell, 212 Electrical power converter, 213 Aid facility, 214 Fuel cell control device, 22 Power storage device module, 221 Power storage device, 222 Electrical power converter, 30 drive system, 31 Hydraulic drive module, 311 inverters, 312 Electric motor, 313 Hydraulic pump, 314 Hydraulic actuator, 32 Rotary module, 321 inverters, 322 Electric rotary motor, B Bus QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023-203155

[0002] US 2022 / 0173459 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Working machine including a working tool, wherein the working machine comprises: a fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle body of the working machine and comprising a multitude of fuel cell modules; and a main control device, wherein At a control point when the plurality of fuel cell modules is activated or deactivated, the main control device activates or deactivates the plurality of fuel cell modules in a sequence that differs from a control sequence at a previous control point. [2] Working machine according to claim 1, wherein The main control device activates or deactivates the plurality of fuel cell modules in a sequence that differs from the control sequence at the previous control time, based on the state of each of the plurality of fuel cell modules. [3] Working machine according to claim 1, wherein the main control device: specifies a degradation level for each of the multitude of fuel cell modules and The system activates or deactivates the multitude of fuel cell modules in a sequence that differs from the control sequence at the previous control time, so that among the multitude of fuel cell modules, a fuel cell module with the highest degree of degradation is activated last or deactivated first. [4] Working machine including a working tool, wherein the working machine comprises: a fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle body of the working machine and comprising a multitude of fuel cell modules; and a main control device, wherein, When the operation of the working machine is to be started or stopped, the main control device activates or switches off a fuel cell module first in a subsequent activation or shutdown operation, wherein the fuel cell module differs from a fuel cell module that is activated or switched off first among the plurality of fuel cell modules previously. [5] Fuel cell system for generating electrical power to drive a working machine including a working tool, wherein the fuel cell system comprises: a multitude of fuel cell modules mounted on a vehicle body of the working machine; and a main control device, wherein At a control point when the plurality of fuel cell modules is activated or deactivated, the main control device activates or deactivates the plurality of fuel cell modules in a sequence that differs from a control sequence at a previous control point. [6] Method for controlling a fuel cell system comprising a plurality of fuel cell modules generating electrical power for driving a working machine including a working device, the method comprising: Activating or switching off the multitude of fuel cell modules in a sequence that differs from a control sequence at a previous control time, at a control time at which the multitude of fuel cell modules is activated or switched off.

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