Compression device, method for operating compression device, and method for manufacturing compression device

Abstract

A compression device according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with: a compressor for generating compressed hydrogen at a cathode by means of oxidation reduction of hydrogen or electrolysis of water, which is generated by applying a voltage between an anode and the cathode having a lower flexural rigidity than the anode; and a controller that determines an abnormality on the basis of the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode by the inspection gas supplier at the time of starting or stopping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compression device, an operating method of a compression device, and a manufacturing method of a compression device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to environmental issues such as global warming and energy issues such as the depletion of oil resources, hydrogen has attracted attention as a clean alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels. Even if hydrogen is burned, it basically only produces water, does not emit carbon dioxide that causes global warming, and hardly emits nitrogen oxides, etc., so it is expected to be a clean energy source. In addition, as a device that efficiently uses hydrogen as a fuel, such as a fuel cell, the development and popularization of it for automobile power sources and household self-generation is being promoted.

[0003] For example, hydrogen used as fuel for fuel cell vehicles is generally stored in a hydrogen tank in the vehicle in a high-pressure state compressed to tens of MPa. Moreover, such high-pressure hydrogen is generally obtained by compressing low-pressure (normal pressure) hydrogen using a mechanical compressor.

[0004] However, in the upcoming hydrogen society, in addition to hydrogen production, it is also required to develop technologies that can store hydrogen at high density and transport or utilize hydrogen in small volumes and at low cost. In particular, in order to promote the popularization of fuel cells, it is necessary to improve the hydrogen supply infrastructure. In order to stably supply hydrogen, various solutions have been proposed to produce, refine, and store high-purity hydrogen at high density.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an electrochemical unit that generates compressed hydrogen by applying a desired voltage between an anode and a cathode that are arranged with an electrolyte membrane sandwiched therebetween, thereby causing hydrogen in a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to move toward the cathode. In the electrochemical unit, the stiffness of the flow channel structure (gas diffusion layer) of the cathode is lower than the stiffness of the flow channel structure (gas diffusion layer) of the anode.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6360061 Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide, as an example, a compression device, an operating method of a compression device, and a manufacturing method of a compression device, which are capable of determining an abnormality of a compressor more appropriately than before.

[0009] A compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a compressor which generates compressed hydrogen at a cathode by oxidation-reduction of hydrogen produced by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending stiffness than the anode, or by electrolysis of water; and a controller which determines an abnormality at startup or stop based on the gas flow at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after a check gas is supplied to the cathode from a check gas supplier.

[0010] The present invention discloses a method for operating a compression device, which generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode by oxidation-reduction of hydrogen or electrolysis of water caused by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending stiffness than the anode, supplies a test gas to the cathode at start-up or stop, and determines abnormalities based on the gas flow at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the supply of the test gas.

[0011] A method for manufacturing a compression device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises stacking electrochemical units to produce a stack, wherein the electrochemical units include an electrolyte membrane, an anode located on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode located on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane, supplying a test gas to the cathode, and determining an abnormality based on the gas flow at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the supply of the test gas.

[0012] The compression device, the method for operating the compression device, and the method for manufacturing the compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can produce an effect that an abnormality of the compressor can be determined more appropriately than before. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the compression device according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to a third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device according to the third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the compression device according to the third embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device according to the first modified example of the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device according to the second modified example of the third embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11 It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the compression device of 4th embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the electrochemical cell for generating compressed hydrogen of Patent Document 1, as described above, the cathode rigidity is made lower than the anode rigidity. However, sufficient research has not yet been conducted on an appropriate method for detecting abnormalities such as damage to the electrolyte membrane in the electrochemical cell of Patent Document 1.

[0025] The present inventors have conducted intensive studies and found that, in order to detect the above abnormality, when supplying a test gas to an electrochemical cell to perform a leak test between the anode and the cathode, supplying the test gas to the cathode can suppress damage to the electrolyte membrane during the test compared to supplying the test gas to the anode.

[0026] This is because the supply pressure of the test gas is relatively high in order to facilitate leakage detection. Therefore, if the test gas is supplied to the anode, the electrolyte membrane will sink into the cathode side having a lower bending rigidity than the anode, and the electrolyte membrane may be damaged.

[0027] Therefore, the compression device of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a compressor that generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode by oxidation-reduction of hydrogen produced by applying a voltage between the anode and a cathode having a lower bending stiffness than the anode, or electrolysis of water; and a controller that determines abnormalities at startup or stop based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure at the cathode after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode by the inspection gas supplier.

[0028] According to this configuration, the compression device of this aspect can determine the abnormality of the compressor more appropriately than before.

[0029] Specifically, it is believed that the amount of test gas that leaks from the cathode to the anode through the electrolyte membrane after the test gas is supplied from the test gas supplier to the cathode varies according to the damage state of the electrolyte membrane. Therefore, the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the test gas is supplied from the test gas supplier to the cathode can be used to appropriately determine the abnormality of the compressor.

[0030] Here, if a high-pressure inspection gas is supplied to the anode by the inspection gas supply device, the electrolyte membrane is more likely to be damaged due to deformation than when the same inspection gas is supplied to the cathode. This is because, as described above, the bending rigidity of the cathode is lower than that of the anode.

[0031] Therefore, the compression device of this method confirms whether the electrolyte membrane is damaged by using the gas flow rate at the anode outlet or the cathode pressure after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode by the inspection gas supplier, thereby reducing the possibility of inducing electrolyte membrane damage during compressor inspection compared to the case where the same inspection gas is supplied to the anode.

[0032] In the compression device of the first aspect, a compression device of the second aspect of the present disclosure may be configured such that the supply pressure of the inspection gas from the inspection gas supplier is higher than the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the generation operation of the compressed hydrogen.

[0033] According to such a configuration, the compression device of this mode can easily determine the abnormality of the compressor by controlling the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier to be higher than the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the compressed hydrogen generation operation, compared with the case where such control is not performed. The reason is that the higher the supply pressure of the test gas is compared with the supply pressure of the anode fluid, the more significant the change in the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the change in the pressure of the cathode in the case of an abnormality such as a broken electrolyte membrane.

[0034] In the compression device of the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the compression device of the first aspect or the second aspect, the supply pressure of the inspection gas from the inspection gas supplier may be higher than the upper limit value of the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the generation operation of compressed hydrogen.

[0035] According to such a configuration, the compression device of this mode controls the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier to be higher than the upper limit of the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the compressed hydrogen generation operation, thereby making it easier to determine the abnormality of the compressor than when such control is not performed. The reason is that the higher the supply pressure of the test gas is compared to the upper limit of the supply pressure of the anode fluid, the more significant the change in the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the change in the pressure of the cathode in the abnormality of the electrolyte membrane being damaged is.

[0036] A compression device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the bending rigidity of the cathode gas diffusion layer included in the cathode may be lower than the bending rigidity of the anode gas diffusion layer included in the anode.

[0037] In the compression device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the controller may determine that there is an abnormality when a gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0038] In the case of an abnormality where the electrolyte membrane is damaged, the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is likely to become greater than the above-mentioned gas flow rate in the normal state where the electrolyte membrane is not damaged. Therefore, the compression device of this embodiment can appropriately determine the abnormality of the compressor based on the comparison between the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode and the first threshold value by setting the first threshold value to an expected value.

[0039] In the compression device of a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the compression devices of the first to fifth aspects, the controller may determine that there is an abnormality when the pressure of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or less than a second threshold value.

[0040] In the case of an abnormality where the electrolyte membrane is damaged, the pressure of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is likely to become lower than the pressure of the cathode in the normal state where the electrolyte membrane is not damaged. Therefore, the compression device of this embodiment can appropriately determine the abnormality of the compressor based on the comparison between the pressure of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode and the second threshold value by setting the second threshold value to an expected value.

[0041] In the compression device of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the controller may determine that an abnormality is present when a pressure drop of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold value.

[0042] In the case of an abnormality where the electrolyte membrane is damaged, the pressure drop of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is likely to become greater than the pressure drop of the cathode in the normal state where the electrolyte membrane is not damaged. Therefore, the compression device of this embodiment can appropriately determine the abnormality of the compressor based on the comparison between the pressure drop of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode and the third threshold value by setting the third threshold value to the expected value.

[0043] In the compression device of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the controller may determine that there is an abnormality when a speed of a pressure drop in the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value.

[0044] In the case of an abnormality where the electrolyte membrane is damaged, the speed of pressure drop of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is likely to become greater than the speed of pressure drop of the cathode in the normal state where the electrolyte membrane is not damaged. Therefore, the compression device of this embodiment can appropriately determine the abnormality of the compressor based on the comparison between the speed of pressure drop of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode and the fourth threshold value by setting the fourth threshold value to the expected value.

[0045] The operating method of the compression device of the 9th mode of the present disclosure generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode by oxidation-reduction of hydrogen or electrolysis of water caused by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending stiffness than the anode, supplies a test gas to the cathode at the time of starting or stopping, and determines abnormalities based on the gas flow at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the supply of the test gas.

[0046] The operational effects achieved by the operating method of the compression device of this embodiment are the same as the operational effects achieved by the compression device of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] The manufacturing method of the compression device of the 10th embodiment of the present disclosure is to stack electrochemical units to produce a stacked body, wherein the electrochemical units include an electrolyte membrane, an anode located on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode located on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a test gas is supplied to the cathode. An abnormality is determined based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode after the supply of the test gas or the pressure of the cathode.

[0048] The effects exerted by the method for manufacturing the compression device of this embodiment are the same as those exerted by the compression device of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below all represent an example of each of the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, and the configuration positions and connection methods of the constituent elements shown below are only examples, and the above-mentioned embodiments are not limited unless they are recorded in the claims. In addition, for the constituent elements that are not recorded in the independent claims representing the highest concept of the present embodiment among the following constituent elements, they are described as optional constituent elements. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the description of the parts with the same mark is sometimes omitted. For ease of understanding, the various constituent elements are schematically shown in the drawings, and sometimes the shapes and size ratios are not accurately represented. In addition, during the operation, the order of each process can be changed as needed, and other known processes can be added.

[0050] (First embodiment)

[0051] [Device configuration]

[0052] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to the first embodiment.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the compression device 100 of the present embodiment includes a compressor 1 and a controller 50. The compressor 1 includes an ion-conductive electrolyte membrane 11, an anode AN, and a cathode CA.

[0054] The compressor 1 is a device that generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode CA by applying a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA having a lower bending rigidity than the anode AN to generate oxidation-reduction of hydrogen or electrolysis of water.

[0055] Here, as a compressor 1 that generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode CA through oxidation-reduction of hydrogen, an electrochemical hydrogen pump can be cited, for example. In this case, during the generation of compressed hydrogen, a hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode AN as an anode fluid. That is, the electrochemical hydrogen pump applies a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA that are sandwiched by the electrolyte membrane 11, so that the hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN is oxidized and converted into protons. The protons move to the cathode CA via the electrolyte membrane and are reduced, resulting in compressed hydrogen being generated at the cathode CA. Furthermore, the above-mentioned hydrogen-containing gas can be, for example, hydrogen generated by the electrolysis of water, or it can be a reformed gas generated by a reforming reaction of hydrocarbon gas.

[0056] In addition, as a compressor 1 that generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode CA by electrolysis of water, for example, a PEM type or AEM (anion exchange membrane) type water electrolysis device can be cited. In this case, during the generation of compressed hydrogen, water is supplied to the anode AN as an anode fluid. However, in an AEM type water electrolysis device, water can also be supplied to the cathode CA. That is, the water electrolysis device is a device that generates oxygen at the anode AN and hydrogen at the cathode CA by applying a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA that are arranged with the electrolyte membrane 11 sandwiched therebetween. At this time, in a PEM type water electrolysis device, a proton transfer (H + ) proton exchange membrane, in the AEM type water electrolysis device, uses the anion (OH －－ ) anion exchange membrane.

[0057] Below, refer to Figure 1 hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a compression device 100 including an electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A as an example of the compressor 1 will be described in more detail.

[0058] The anode AN is provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. The anode AN is an electrode including an anode catalyst layer 22 and an anode gas diffusion layer 24. The cathode CA is provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. The cathode CA is an electrode including a cathode catalyst layer 23 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 25. Thus, the electrolyte membrane 11 is sandwiched by the anode AN and the cathode CA in a manner of contacting the anode catalyst layer 22 and the cathode catalyst layer 23, respectively.

[0059] The electrolyte membrane 11 may be of various structures as long as it is a membrane having proton conductivity. For example, as the electrolyte membrane 11, fluorine-based polymer electrolyte membranes, hydrocarbon-based electrolyte membranes, etc. may be cited. Specifically, as the electrolyte membrane 11, for example, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), Aciplex (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation), etc. may be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[0060] The anode catalyst layer 22 is provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. The anode catalyst layer 22 contains carbon capable of supporting a catalyst metal (for example, platinum) in a dispersed state, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The cathode catalyst layer 23 is provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. The cathode catalyst layer 23 contains carbon capable of supporting a catalyst metal (for example, platinum) in a dispersed state, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] As a method for preparing the catalyst, various methods can be cited for the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 22, without particular limitation. For example, as carbon-based powders, powders such as graphite, carbon black, and conductive activated carbon can be cited. The method for loading platinum or other catalyst metals on a carbon carrier is not particularly limited. For example, methods such as powder mixing or liquid phase mixing can also be used. As the latter liquid phase mixing, for example, a method in which a carrier such as carbon is dispersed in a colloidal liquid of a catalyst component and adsorbed can be cited. The loading state of catalyst metals such as platinum on a carbon carrier is not particularly limited. For example, the catalyst metal can also be micronized and loaded on a carrier in a highly dispersed manner.

[0063] The cathode gas diffusion layer 25 is provided on the cathode catalyst layer 23. The cathode gas diffusion layer 25 is made of a porous material and has electrical conductivity and gas diffusivity. The cathode gas diffusion layer 25 preferably has elasticity to appropriately follow the displacement and deformation of the constituent members caused by the pressure difference between the cathode CA and the anode AN during the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. As a base material of the cathode gas diffusion layer 25, for example, a carbon fiber sintered body can be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[0064] The anode gas diffusion layer 24 is provided on the anode catalyst layer 22. The anode gas diffusion layer 24 is made of a porous material and has electrical conductivity and gas diffusion properties. The anode gas diffusion layer 24 preferably has a rigidity to the extent that it can withstand the pressure of the electrolyte membrane 11 caused by the above-mentioned pressure difference when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is operated. As a base material of the anode gas diffusion layer 24, for example, a carbon particle sintered body or a titanium sintered body can be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[0065] As described above, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of the present embodiment, the bending rigidity of the cathode gas diffusion layer 25 included in the cathode CA is lower than the bending rigidity of the anode gas diffusion layer 24 included in the anode AN.

[0066] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, as described above, by applying a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA, hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN moves to the cathode CA, thereby generating compressed hydrogen in the cathode CA. The voltage may be applied by a voltage applicator (not shown).

[0067] The voltage applicator may be of various structures as long as it can apply voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA. For example, as the voltage applicator, a DC / DC converter, an AC / DC converter, etc. can be cited. The DC / DC converter is used when the voltage applicator is connected to a DC power source such as a solar cell, a fuel cell, or a battery. The AC / DC converter is used when the voltage applicator is connected to an AC power source such as a commercial power supply. In addition, the voltage applicator may be, for example, a power-type power source that adjusts the voltage applied between the anode AN and the cathode CA, and the current flowing between the anode AN and the cathode CA so that the power supplied to the electrochemical unit of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A becomes a predetermined set value.

[0068] The controller 50 determines abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA by the test gas supplier at startup or shutdown.

[0069] Here, "stop" means after the supply of cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen from the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A to the hydrogen demander (not shown) is stopped. Alternatively, "stop" may also mean after the compression operation for generating compressed hydrogen for supply to the hydrogen demander is stopped.

[0070] “At startup” refers to the time of preparatory actions (at startup actions) for starting the compression operation of the compression device 100. Furthermore, the “startup” of the compression device 100 may also start at the time when an appropriate startup signal is input to the controller 50. In addition, when the “startup” of the compression device 100 is completed, the compression operation of the compression device 100 starts.

[0071] In addition, the so-called "determining the abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA" includes various methods as long as the abnormality is determined using the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA. For example, it may be a method of determining based on the gas flow rate value itself at the outlet of the anode AN after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA, or it may be a method of determining based on the change in the gas flow rate value at the outlet of the anode AN after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA. In addition, it may be the change rate (differential value) of the gas flow rate value at the outlet of the anode AN after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA.

[0072] In addition, the so-called "determining an abnormality based on the pressure of the cathode CA after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA" includes various methods as long as the method uses the outlet of the anode AN after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA to determine the abnormality. For example, it can be a method based on the pressure value of the cathode CA after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA, or it can be a method based on the change in the pressure value of the cathode CA after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA. In addition, it can also be the speed of change (differential value) of the pressure value of the cathode CA after the inspection gas supplier supplies the inspection gas to the cathode CA.

[0073] Examples of the hydrogen demander include hydrogen storage devices, fuel cells, and hydrogen infrastructure piping. Examples of the hydrogen storage devices include dispensers installed at hydrogen stations and hydrogen gas cylinders.

[0074] The controller 50 includes, for example, a computing circuit (not shown) and a storage circuit (not shown) storing a control program. Examples of the computing circuit include an MPU, a CPU, etc. Examples of the storage circuit include a memory, etc. The controller 50 may be composed of a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be composed of a plurality of controllers that cooperate with each other to perform distributed control.

[0075] Here, although not shown in the drawings, components and equipment necessary for the hydrogen compression operation of the compression device 100 are appropriately provided.

[0076] For example, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, each of a pair of diaphragms may sandwich each of the anode AN and the cathode CA from the outside. In this case, the diaphragm in contact with the anode AN is a conductive plate-shaped member for supplying hydrogen-containing gas to the anode AN. The plate-shaped member has a meandering gas flow path for the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN. The diaphragm in contact with the cathode CA is a conductive plate-shaped member for extracting hydrogen from the cathode CA. The plate-shaped member has a gas flow path for the hydrogen extracted from the cathode CA.

[0077] In addition, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, in order to prevent the high-pressure hydrogen from leaking to the outside, sealing materials such as gaskets are usually provided on both sides of the electrochemical cell, and are pre-assembled integrally with the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. In addition, the above-mentioned diaphragm is arranged on the outside of the electrochemical cell for mechanically fixing it and electrically connecting adjacent electrochemical cells in series.

[0078] The general stacking structure is to alternately overlap the electrochemical units and the diaphragms, stack about 10 to 200 electrochemical units, sandwich the stack (stack) with end plates through the current collector and the insulating plate, and fasten the two end plates with a tie rod. Furthermore, in this case, in order to supply an appropriate amount of hydrogen-containing gas to the gas flow path of each diaphragm, it is necessary to configure the diaphragm to branch the groove-shaped branch path from an appropriate pipeline, and their downstream ends are connected to the ends of one side of the gas flow path of each diaphragm. In addition, in order to discharge an appropriate amount of hydrogen-containing gas from the gas flow path of each diaphragm, it is necessary to configure the diaphragm to branch the groove-shaped branch path from an appropriate pipeline, and their upstream ends are connected to the ends of the other side of the gas flow path of each diaphragm. Moreover, in order to discharge high-pressure cathode gas from the cathode of each diaphragm, it is necessary to configure the diaphragm to branch the groove-shaped branch path from an appropriate pipeline, and their upstream ends are connected to the cathode of each diaphragm.

[0079] The above-described pipeline is referred to as a manifold, and the manifold is formed by connecting through holes provided at appropriate positions of the respective members constituting the stack, for example.

[0080] Furthermore, the compression device 100 may be provided with a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the electrochemical cell, a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of the electrochemical cell, a dew point regulator for regulating the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN, and the like.

[0081] It should be noted that the above-mentioned components and devices not shown in the figures are merely examples and are not limited to the present example.

[0082] [action]

[0083] Hereinafter, an example of hydrogen compression operation of the compression device 100 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following operation can also be performed by, for example, the operation circuit of the controller 50 reading the control program from the storage circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessary to perform the following operation by the controller 50. The operator can also perform part of the operation. In the following example, the case where the operation is controlled by the controller 50 is described.

[0084] First, a low-pressure and high-humidity hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, and a voltage from a voltage applicator is supplied to the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. Then, in the anode catalyst layer 22 of the anode AN, hydrogen molecules are separated into protons and electrons (Formula (1)). The protons are conducted in the electrolyte membrane 11 and move to the cathode catalyst layer 23. The electrons move to the cathode catalyst layer 23 through the voltage applicator.

[0085] Then, hydrogen molecules are generated again in the cathode catalyst layer 23 (Formula (2)). It is known that when protons move in the electrolyte membrane 11, a predetermined amount of water travels from the anode AN to the cathode CA as electroosmotic water along with the protons.

[0086] At this time, for example, when the high-pressure compressed hydrogen generated in the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is supplied to the unillustrated hydrogen storage device through the unillustrated cathode gas outlet flow path, the pressure loss of the cathode gas outlet flow path is increased by using a back pressure valve, a regulating valve (not shown), etc. provided in the cathode gas outlet flow path, thereby compressing the hydrogen (H2) generated in the cathode CA. Here, increasing the pressure loss of the cathode gas outlet flow path corresponds to reducing the opening of the back pressure valve and the regulating valve provided in the cathode gas outlet flow path.

[0087] Anode: H2 (low pressure) → 2H + +2e - …(1)

[0088] Cathode: 2H + +2e - →H2 (high pressure)…(2)

[0089] In this way, in the compression device 100, a voltage is applied between the anode AN and the cathode CA provided with the electrolyte membrane 11, so that hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN moves to the cathode CA, thereby generating compressed hydrogen. The cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen generated in the cathode CA is temporarily stored in the hydrogen storage device after, for example, water and impurities in the cathode gas are removed.

[0090] Next, the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped. Specifically, for example, by closing the back pressure valve and the regulating valve provided in the cathode gas outlet flow path, the supply of cathode gas from the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A to the hydrogen storage device is stopped. Furthermore, the cathode gas stored in the hydrogen storage device can also be supplied to a fuel cell or the like in a timely manner.

[0091] Here, in the compression device 100 of this embodiment, a test gas is supplied to the cathode CA at startup or stop, and an abnormality is determined based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied.

[0092] As described above, the compression device 100 and the method for operating the compression device 100 according to the present embodiment can more appropriately determine abnormality of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A than conventional methods.

[0093] Specifically, since the amount of inspection gas leaking from the cathode CA to the anode AN through the electrolyte membrane 11 after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA by the inspection gas supplier varies depending on the damage state of the electrolyte membrane 11, the abnormality of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A can be appropriately determined by utilizing the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA by the inspection gas supplier.

[0094] Here, if the high-pressure test gas is supplied to the anode AN by the test gas supplier, the electrolyte membrane 11 is more likely to be damaged due to deformation than when the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA. This is because, as described above, the bending rigidity of the cathode CA is lower than that of the anode AN.

[0095] Therefore, the compression device 100 and the operating method of the compression device 100 of the present embodiment confirm whether the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged by utilizing the gas flow at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA by the inspection gas supplier. Compared with the case where the inspection gas is supplied to the anode AN, the possibility of inducing damage to the electrolyte membrane 11 during the inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A can be reduced.

[0096] (First embodiment)

[0097] The compression device 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the compression device 100 of the first embodiment except for the supply pressure of the inspection gas described below.

[0098] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of the present embodiment, the supply pressure of the inspection gas from the inspection gas supplier is higher than the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen generation operation. Specifically, the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen generation operation is mostly set to an appropriate value, for example, about 0.1 MPaG (gauge pressure) or less. Therefore, the supply pressure of the inspection gas is set to a value higher than about 0.1 MPaG, for example, preferably at least 0.2 MPaG or more, and more preferably 0.4 MPaG or more.

[0099] Furthermore, the upper limit of the supply pressure of the inspection gas is the design upper limit pressure of the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, in other words, the endurance pressure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. As the design upper limit pressure of the cathode CA, it is often set to, for example, several times the upper limit value of the cathode CA during the compressed hydrogen generation operation. As the upper limit value of the cathode CA during the compressed hydrogen generation operation, for example, about 40 MPaG can be exemplified.

[0100] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of this embodiment is easier to judge the abnormality of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A than the case where this control is not performed by controlling the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier to be higher than the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen generation operation. The reason is that the higher the supply pressure of the test gas is compared to the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas, the more significant the change in the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure change of the cathode CA in the abnormality of the electrolyte membrane 11 being damaged is.

[0101] The compression device 100 of this embodiment may be the same as the compression device 100 of the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

[0102] (Second embodiment)

[0103] The compression device 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the compression device 100 of the first embodiment except for the supply pressure of the inspection gas described below.

[0104] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of the present embodiment, the supply pressure of the inspection gas from the inspection gas supplier is higher than the upper limit of the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen generation operation. Specifically, the upper limit of the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen generation operation is mostly set to, for example, about 0.1 MPaG (gauge pressure). Therefore, the supply pressure of the inspection gas is set to a value higher than about 0.1 MPaG, preferably at least 0.2 MPaG or more, and more preferably 0.4 MPaG or more.

[0105] Furthermore, the upper limit of the supply pressure of the inspection gas is the design upper limit pressure of the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, in other words, the endurance pressure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. As the design upper limit pressure of the cathode CA, it is often set to, for example, several times the upper limit value of the cathode CA during the compressed hydrogen generation operation. As the upper limit value of the cathode CA during the compressed hydrogen generation operation, for example, about 40 MPaG can be exemplified.

[0106] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of this embodiment is easier to judge the abnormality of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A than the case where this control is not performed by controlling the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier to be higher than the upper limit of the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen generation operation. The reason is that the higher the supply pressure of the test gas is compared to the upper limit of the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas, the more significant the change in the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure change of the cathode CA in the abnormality of the electrolyte membrane 11 being damaged is.

[0107] The compression device 100 of this embodiment may be the same as the compression device 100 of the first embodiment or the first embodiment of the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

[0108] (Second embodiment)

[0109] [Device configuration]

[0110] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to the second embodiment.

[0111] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the compression device 100 of this embodiment includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, a test gas supply path 5, an anode supply path 8, an anode discharge path 6, and a controller 50. Since the configuration of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] The anode supply path 8 is a flow path for supplying the hydrogen-containing gas to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0113] The downstream end of the anode supply path 8 may be connected to any part as long as it is connected to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, the downstream end of the anode supply path 8 may be connected to the inlet of the anode AN. Specifically, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A has the above-mentioned stack, the downstream end of the anode supply path 8 may be connected to the manifold for introducing the hydrogen-containing gas. The upstream end of the anode supply path 8 may also be connected to an appropriate hydrogen supply source, for example. Examples of the hydrogen supply source include a water electrolysis device, a reformer, a hydrogen tank, and the like.

[0114] The anode discharge path 6 is a flow path for discharging excess hydrogen-containing gas from the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0115] The upstream end of the anode discharge path 6 may be connected to any part as long as it is connected to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, the upstream end of the anode discharge path 6 may be connected to the outlet of the anode AN. Specifically, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A has the above-mentioned stack, the upstream end of the anode discharge path 6 may be connected to the manifold for derivation of the hydrogen-containing gas.

[0116] Here, during the compression operation of the compression device 100, the anode discharge path 6 may be routed so that the downstream end of the anode discharge path 6 is connected to, for example, an appropriate position of the anode supply path 8. Thus, during the compression operation of the compression device 100, the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the anode AN can be appropriately reused.

[0117] On the other hand, when the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA by the inspection gas supplier, the downstream end of the anode discharge path 6 may be connected to, for example, a flow meter or a gas sensor. As the gas sensor, for example, a gas detector (model: GP-1000) manufactured by Riken Keiki Co., Ltd. may be used, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0118] The test gas supply path 5 is a flow path for supplying a test gas to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0119] The downstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5 may be connected to any part as long as it is connected to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, the downstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5 may be connected to the outlet of the cathode CA. Specifically, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A has the above-mentioned stack, the downstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5 may be connected to the manifold for cathode gas derivation. The upstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5 may also be connected to the inspection gas supplier, for example.

[0120] Examples of the inspection gas supplier include an inspection gas supply source having a predetermined supply pressure, a pump communicating with the inspection gas supply source, and the like.

[0121] As the former inspection gas supply source, for example, a hydrogen condenser bottle, a hydrogen cylinder, a helium cylinder, etc. can be cited. For example, a hydrogen condenser bottle or a hydrogen cylinder can be used when starting or stopping the compression device 100. A helium cylinder can be used before the compression device 100 is shipped.

[0122] Here, the pump may be an external device provided outside the compression device 100, but may be constituted by an internal device provided in the compression device 100. A specific example of this structure will be described in the modification example.

[0123] When the gas flow rate L at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is equal to or greater than the threshold value A, the controller 50 determines that an abnormality has occurred.

[0124] Furthermore, Figure 4 The threshold value A(Ls) is a reference value appropriately set to determine whether the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, and can be determined, for example, based on the measured value of the flow meter in a normal state when the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. The detailed structure of the controller 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0125] [action]

[0126] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device according to the second embodiment. Figure 3 The actions shown can also be performed by, for example, the operation circuit of the controller 50 reading the control program from the storage circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessary to perform this action by the controller 50. The operator can also perform part of the action. In the following example, the case where the action is controlled by the controller 50 is described.

[0127] In step S1, if the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped (if “YES” in step S1), the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected as described below when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped.

[0128] First, in step S2, the supply of the inspection gas to the cathode CA is started. For example, a valve provided in the inspection gas supply path 5 is opened, thereby supplying an appropriate amount of the inspection gas to the cathode CA only for a predetermined time.

[0129] Next, in step S3 , the supply of the inspection gas to the cathode CA is stopped by, for example, closing a valve provided in the inspection gas supply path 5 .

[0130] Next, in step S4 , after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA, the gas flow rate L passing through the outlet of the anode AN is derived using a flow meter provided at the outlet of the anode AN.

[0131] Next, in step S5, it is determined whether the gas flow rate L in step S4 is equal to or greater than a threshold value A (Ls).

[0132] In step S5, Figure 4 As shown by the dotted line, when the gas flow rate L in step S4 is equal to or greater than the threshold value A (Ls) (if “YES” in step S5), in step S6, it is determined that the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged.

[0133] In step S5, if the gas flow rate L in step S4 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value A (Ls) (in the case of No in step S5), it is determined in step S7 that the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged.

[0134] The above-mentioned inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is an example and is not limited to this example. For example, in the above, the inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped, but the inspection can also be performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is started. In addition, in the above, a flow meter is used to determine whether the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, but a gas sensor can also be used to determine whether the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged.

[0135] In the abnormal case where the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, the gas flow rate L at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is likely to be greater than the above-mentioned gas flow rate L in the normal case where the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. Therefore, the compression device 100 of the present embodiment sets the threshold value A (Ls) to an expected value, and based on the comparison between the gas flow rate L at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA and the threshold value A (Ls), it is possible to appropriately determine the abnormality of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0136] The compression device 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as the compression device 100 of the first embodiment and any one of the first and second examples of the first embodiment, except for the above-mentioned features.

[0137] (Variation Example)

[0138] The compression device 100 of this modification is the same as the compression device 100 of the second embodiment except for the gas flow path structure described below.

[0139] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0140] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the compression device 100 of the present embodiment includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, a test gas supply path 5A, a second valve 5B, an anode supply path 8A, a first valve 8B, an anode discharge path 6, a hydrogen-containing gas supplier 7, and a controller 50. Here, since the structure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. In addition, since the structure of the anode discharge path 6 is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0141] The hydrogen-containing gas supplier 7 is provided in the anode supply path 8A. Figure 5As shown by the dotted line, it is a device for supplying hydrogen-containing gas to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The hydrogen-containing gas supplier 7 can be of various structures as long as it can supply hydrogen-containing gas to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. As the hydrogen-containing gas supplier 7, a pump can be cited, for example, but it is not limited to this.

[0142] Here, if Figure 5 As shown, the inspection gas supply path 5A is a flow path for supplying inspection gas to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A by branching from the anode supply path 8A between the hydrogen-containing gas supplier 7 and the first valve 8B. Specifically, the upstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5A is connected to the anode supply path 8A at the branching portion BR. Moreover, the inspection gas supply path 5A extends in a manner connected to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The downstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5A may be connected to any portion as long as it is a portion connected to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, in the case where the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A has the above-mentioned stack, the downstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5A may also be connected to the manifold for hydrogen derivation.

[0143] Thus, in the compression device 100 of this modified example, the hydrogen-containing gas supplier 7 provided in the compression device 100 is used as the inspection gas supplier. In this case, the hydrogen-containing gas is used as the inspection gas. That is, the hydrogen-containing gas supplier 7 is provided in the anode supply path 8A, such as Figure 5 Indicated by the single-dot chain line is a device for supplying a hydrogen-containing gas as a test gas to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0144] As described above, the compression device 100 of the present modification can reduce the number of components compared to the case where an external device provided outside the compression device 100 is used as the inspection gas supplier.

[0145] Here, the first valve 8B is provided in the anode supply path 8A downstream of the branching portion BR, and is a valve for opening and closing the anode supply path 8A. The second valve 5B is provided in the inspection gas supply path 5A, and is a valve for opening and closing the inspection gas supply path 5A. That is, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected, the first valve 8B is closed, and the second valve 5B is opened.

[0146] The first valve 8B and the second valve 5B may have various structures as long as they can open and close the anode supply path 8A and the test gas supply path 5A.

[0147] For example, the first valve 8B and the second valve 5B may be an on-off valve, etc. As the on-off valve, for example, a drive valve driven by nitrogen or air or an electromagnetic valve may be used, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0148] The gas flow path structure of the compression device 100 described above is an example and is not limited to this example. For example, when the compression device 100 is a water electrolysis device, a water supply device provided in the water electrolysis device can be used as a test gas supply device. In this case, when the compressor 1 is inspected, a tank storing an appropriate test gas is connected to the water supply device. In addition, a three-way valve provided in the branching portion BR can be used instead of the first valve 8B and the second valve 5B.

[0149] The effects exerted by the compression device 100 of this modification are the same as those exerted by the compression device 100 of the second embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] The compression device 100 of this modification example may be the same as any one of the compression devices 100 of the first embodiment, the first example and the second example of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, except for the above-mentioned features.

[0151] (Third embodiment)

[0152] [Device configuration]

[0153] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to a third embodiment.

[0154] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the compression device 100 of the present embodiment includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, a pressure gauge 9, and a controller 50. Here, since the configuration of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] The pressure gauge 9 is a device for detecting the pressure of the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The pressure gauge 9 may have various structures as long as it can detect the pressure of the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, the pressure gauge 9 may be configured to detect the pressure in the gas flow path connected to the cathode CA.

[0156] When the pressure of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is equal to or lower than the threshold value B, the controller 50 determines that an abnormality has occurred.

[0157] Furthermore, Figure 8 The threshold value B(Ps) is a reference value appropriately set to determine whether the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, and can be determined, for example, based on the measured value of the pressure gauge 9 in a normal state when the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. The detailed structure of the controller 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0158] [action]

[0159] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device according to the third embodiment. Figure 7The actions shown can also be performed by, for example, the operation circuit of the controller 50 reading the control program from the storage circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessary to perform this action by the controller 50. The operator can also perform part of the action. In the following example, the case where the action is controlled by the controller 50 is described.

[0160] In step S11, if the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped (if "yes" in step S11), the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is checked as described below when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped. Figure 3 Step S2 and step S3 are the same, so the description is omitted.

[0161] In step S14 , after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA, the pressure P of the cathode CA is derived using the pressure gauge 9 .

[0162] Next, in step S15, it is determined whether the pressure P in step S14 is equal to or lower than a threshold value B (Ps).

[0163] In step S15, Figure 8 As shown by the dotted line, when the pressure P in step S14 is less than the threshold value B (Ps) (if “YES” in step S15), in step S16, it is determined that the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged.

[0164] In step S15, when the pressure P in step S14 is not less than the threshold value B (Ps) (in the case of No in step S15), it is determined in step S17 that the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged.

[0165] For example, in the above description, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected when the compression device 100 is stopped during compression operation, but the inspection may be performed when the compression device 100 is started during compression operation.

[0166] In the case of an abnormality in which the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, the pressure P of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is likely to become smaller than the pressure P of the cathode CA in the normal state in which the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. Therefore, the compression device 100 of the present embodiment sets the threshold value B (Ps) to an expected value, and based on the comparison between the pressure P of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA and the threshold value B (Ps), it is possible to appropriately determine the abnormality of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0167] The compression device 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as any one of the compression devices 100 of the first embodiment, the first and second examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified example of the second embodiment, except for the above-mentioned features.

[0168] (First Modification)

[0169] The compression device 100 of this modified example is the same as the compression device 100 of the third embodiment except for the control contents of the controller 50 described below.

[0170] The controller 50 determines that it is abnormal when the speed of pressure drop of the cathode CA after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA is greater than the threshold value C. That is, the "threshold value C" corresponds to an example of the "fourth threshold value" of the present disclosure. Here, the "speed of pressure drop of the cathode CA" can be represented by the speed (ΔP / Δt) of decrease of the pressure (P) of the cathode CA per unit time (Δt) after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA. Therefore, in this modified example, the case where the "speed of pressure drop of the cathode CA" is represented by the above-mentioned change (ΔP / Δt) is described.

[0171] Furthermore, Figure 8 The threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt) is a reference value appropriately set to determine whether the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, and can be determined, for example, based on the measurement value of the pressure gauge 9 in a normal state when the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. The detailed structure of the controller 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0172] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device according to the first modified example of the third embodiment. Fig. 9 The actions shown can also be performed by, for example, the operation circuit of the controller 50 reading the control program from the storage circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessary to perform this action by the controller 50. The operator can also perform part of the action. In the following example, the case where the action is controlled by the controller 50 is described.

[0173] In step S21, if the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped (if "yes" in step S21), the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is checked as described below when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped. Figure 3 Step S2 and step S3 are the same, so the description is omitted.

[0174] In step S24 , after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA, the pressure drop rate (ΔP / Δt) of the cathode CA is derived using the pressure gauge 9 .

[0175] Next, in step S25 , it is determined whether the speed of pressure drop (ΔP / Δt) in step S24 is equal to or greater than a threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt).

[0176] In step S25, Figure 8 As shown by the dotted line, when the pressure drop rate (ΔP / Δt) in step S24 is greater than the threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt) (“Yes” in step S25), in step S26, it is determined that the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged.

[0177] In step S25, if the pressure drop rate (ΔP / Δt) in step S24 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt) (No in step S25), in step S27, it is determined that the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged.

[0178] For example, in the above description, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected when the compression device 100 is stopped during compression operation, but the inspection may be performed when the compression device 100 is started during compression operation.

[0179] The pressure drop rate (ΔP / Δt) of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA in the abnormal case where the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged is likely to be larger than the pressure drop rate (ΔP / Δt) of the cathode CA in the normal case where the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. Therefore, the compression device 100 of the present embodiment sets the threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt) to an expected value, and based on the comparison between the pressure drop rate (ΔP / Δt) of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA and the threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt), it is possible to appropriately determine the abnormality of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0180] The compression device 100 of this embodiment, except for the above-mentioned features, may be the same as any one of the compression devices 100 in the first embodiment, the first and second examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, and the third embodiment.

[0181] (Second Modification)

[0182] The compression device 100 of this modified example is the same as the compression device 100 of the third embodiment except for the control contents of the controller 50 described below.

[0183] The controller 50 determines that it is abnormal when the pressure drop of the cathode CA after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA is greater than the threshold value D. That is, the "threshold value D" corresponds to an example of the "third threshold value" of the present disclosure. Here, the "pressure drop of the cathode CA" can be represented by the difference (ΔP) of the pressure (P) of the cathode CA at a predetermined time (Δt) after the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA. Therefore, in this modified example, the case where the "pressure drop of the cathode CA" is represented by the above-mentioned change (ΔP) is described.

[0184] Furthermore, Figure 8 The threshold value D(ΔPs) is a reference value appropriately set to determine whether the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, and can be determined, for example, based on the measurement value of the pressure gauge 9 in a normal state when the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. The detailed structure of the controller 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0185] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device according to the second modified example of the third embodiment. Fig.10 The actions shown can also be performed by, for example, the operation circuit of the controller 50 reading the control program from the storage circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessary to perform this action by the controller 50. The operator can also perform part of the action. In the following example, the case where the action is controlled by the controller 50 is described.

[0186] In step S31, if the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped (if "yes" in step S31), the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is checked as described below when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped. Figure 3 Step S2 is the same as step S3, so the description is omitted.

[0187] In step S40, it is determined whether a predetermined time (Δt) has elapsed.

[0188] In step S40, if the predetermined time (Δt) has not elapsed (in the case of “No” in step S40), the operation of step S40 is performed again.

[0189] In step S40, when the predetermined time (Δt) has passed (if "Yes" in step S40), the process proceeds to the next step, and in step S34, the pressure drop (ΔP) of the cathode CA at the predetermined time (Δt) after the supply of the inspection gas to the cathode CA is completed is derived using the pressure gauge 9. Specifically, the difference between the pressure immediately after the supply of the inspection gas to the cathode (CA) is stopped in step S33 and the pressure after the predetermined time (Δt) has passed from step S33 in step S40 is the pressure drop value (ΔP).

[0190] Next, in step S35 , it is determined whether the pressure drop (ΔP) in step S34 is equal to or greater than a threshold value D (ΔPs).

[0191] In step S35, Figure 8 As shown by the dotted line, when the pressure drop (ΔP) in step S34 is equal to or greater than the threshold value D (ΔPs) (“YES” in step S35), it is determined in step S36 that the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged.

[0192] In step S35, when the pressure drop (ΔP) in step S34 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value D (ΔPs) (NO in step S35), it is determined in step S37 that the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged.

[0193] For example, in the above description, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected when the compression device 100 is stopped during compression operation, but the inspection may be performed when the compression device 100 is started during compression operation.

[0194] In the abnormal case where the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, the pressure drop (ΔP) of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is likely to be larger than the pressure drop (ΔP) of the cathode CA in the normal case where the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. Therefore, the compression device 100 of the present embodiment sets the threshold value D (ΔPs) to an expected value, and based on the comparison between the pressure drop (ΔP) of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA and the threshold value D (ΔPs), it is possible to appropriately determine the abnormality of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0195] In addition to the above-mentioned features, the compression device 100 of this embodiment can also be the same as any one of the compression devices 100 in the first embodiment, the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the first modified example of the third embodiment.

[0196] (Fourth embodiment)

[0197] The compression device 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the compression device 100 of the first embodiment except for the method of manufacturing the electrochemical cell 1B described below.

[0198] Fig.11 It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the compression device of 4th embodiment.

[0199] In the compression device 100 of the present embodiment, during the manufacturing process before the compression device 100 is shipped, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected as follows.

[0200] First, an electrochemical unit 1B including an electrolyte membrane 11, an anode AN located on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11, and a cathode CA located on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11 is stacked to produce a stack. Fig.10 Although only a single electrochemical unit 1B is shown, the above-mentioned stacked body often includes about 10 to 200 electrochemical units 1B.

[0201] Next, the inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA, and the abnormality is determined based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the inspection gas is supplied. At this time, the controller for determining the abnormality in the stack is an external device provided outside the compression device 100. However, the controller may also be built into the compression device 100. The detailed structure of the controller and the inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump performed by the controller are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0202] The effects exerted by the method for manufacturing the compression device 100 of the present embodiment are the same as those exerted by the compression device 100 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0203] In addition to the above-mentioned features, the manufacturing method of the compression device 100 of the present embodiment may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first and second embodiments of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the first and second modified examples of the third embodiment.

[0204] Furthermore, the first embodiment, the first embodiment-the second embodiment of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the first modified example-the second modified example of the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment may also be combined with each other as long as they do not exclude each other. In addition, based on the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure are obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should only be interpreted as illustrative and is provided to teach those skilled in the art the best way to implement the present disclosure. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, the details of its structure and / or function may be substantially changed.

[0205] Industrial Applicability

[0206] An aspect of the present disclosure can be applied to a compression device, a method for operating a compression device, and a method for manufacturing a compression device that can more appropriately determine abnormality of a compressor than before.

[0207] Description of Reference Numerals

[0208] 1: Compressor

[0209] 1A: Electrochemical hydrogen pump

[0210] 1B: Electrochemical unit

[0211] 5: Check the gas supply path

[0212] 5A: Check the gas supply path

[0213] 5B: Valve No. 2

[0214] 6: Anode discharge path

[0215] 7: Hydrogen-containing gas supplier

[0216] 8: Anode supply path

[0217] 8A: Anode supply path

[0218] 8B: Valve 1

[0219] 9: Pressure gauge

[0220] 11: Electrolyte membrane

[0221] 22: Anode catalyst layer

[0222] 23: Cathode catalyst layer

[0223] 24: Anode gas diffusion layer

[0224] 25: Cathode gas diffusion layer

[0225] 50: Controller

[0226] 100: Compression device

[0227] A: Threshold

[0228] AN: Anode

[0229] B: Threshold

[0230] BR: branching part

[0231] C: Threshold

[0232] CA: cathode

[0233] D: Threshold

[0234] L: Gas flow

[0235] P: Pressure

Claims

1. A compression device comprising: a compressor that generates compressed hydrogen at a cathode by oxidation-reduction of hydrogen produced by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending stiffness than the anode, or by electrolysis of water; and A controller determines an abnormality based on a gas flow rate at an outlet of the anode or a pressure of the cathode after a test gas is supplied to the cathode from a test gas supplier at the time of startup or shutdown.

2. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the supply pressure of the inspection gas from the inspection gas supplier is higher than the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the generation operation of the compressed hydrogen. 3 . The compression device according to claim 1 , wherein the supply pressure of the inspection gas from the inspection gas supplier is higher than an upper limit value of the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the generation operation of compressed hydrogen. 4 . The compression device according to claim 1 , wherein the bending rigidity of the cathode gas diffusion layer included in the cathode is lower than the bending rigidity of the anode gas diffusion layer included in the anode. 5 . The compression device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller determines that there is an abnormality when a gas flow rate at an outlet of the anode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. 6 . The compression device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller determines that there is an abnormality when the pressure of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or lower than a second threshold value. 7 . The compression device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller determines that an abnormality is present when a pressure drop of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold value. 8 . The compression device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller determines that there is an abnormality when a speed of a pressure drop at the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value.

9. A method for operating a compression device, The oxidation-reduction of hydrogen by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending stiffness than the anode, or the electrolysis of water, generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode, At the time of startup or shutdown, a test gas is supplied to the cathode, and abnormality is determined based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the test gas is supplied.

10. A method for manufacturing a compression device, The electrochemical unit is stacked to produce a stacked body, wherein the electrochemical unit includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode located on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode located on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane. A test gas is supplied to the cathode, and abnormality is determined based on a gas flow rate at an outlet of the anode or a pressure of the cathode after the test gas is supplied.

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