Control method and control device for fuel cell device, and power generation system

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method of a fuel cell device. The method is provided with a step for reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen reservoir is reduced, and a step for reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of a heat medium for recovering the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device is increased. And at least two of the steps of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the case of the cell device increases. When at least two steps are executed together, the control method reduces the output of the fuel cell device so that the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the respective steps is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method, a control device, and a power generation system for a fuel cell device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that when the gas pressure in a hydrogen tank decreases, the output of a fuel cell is restricted.

[0003] Prior Art Document

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5446025 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] A problem of the present disclosure is to provide a control method, a control device, and a power generation system for a fuel cell device, which, for example, are different from the prior art and can appropriately control the output of the fuel cell device by considering not only the hydrogen amount in a hydrogen storage device but also the temperature of a heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, the heat storage amount of a heat storage device that accumulates the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, or the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0007] Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above problems, a control method for a fuel cell device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least two of the following steps: a step of reducing the output of a fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of a heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When the at least two steps are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each step is achieved.

[0009] In addition, a control method for a fuel cell device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least two of the following steps: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When the at least two steps are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a manner that the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each step is achieved.

[0010] In addition, a control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communicator and a controller. The communicator receives at least two pieces of information including information indicating the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, information indicating the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. The controller executes at least two of the controls including a control of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases, a control of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the heat medium rises, and a control of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When the at least two controls are executed together, the controller reduces the output of the fuel cell device in such a manner that the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each control is achieved.

[0011] In addition, a control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communicator and a controller. The communicator receives at least two pieces of information including information indicating the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. The controller executes at least two of the controls including a control of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases, a control of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator rises, and a control of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When the at least two controls are executed together, the controller reduces the output of the fuel cell device in such a manner that the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each control is achieved.

[0012] In addition, a power generation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a fuel cell device and the above control device.

[0013] Effect of the Invention

[0014] A control method, a control device, and a power generation system of a fuel cell device according to one aspect of the present disclosure are different from the prior art and can achieve the following effects: By considering not only the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device but also the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, the heat storage amount of the heat storage device that accumulates the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, or the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device can be appropriately controlled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. is an example of a power generation system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 FIG. is a diagram showing Figure 1 an example of the control device.

[0017] Figure 3 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4A FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the first embodiment of the first example.

[0019] Figure 4B FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the second example of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4C FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the third example of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4D FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the fourth example of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6A FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the first example of the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6BIt is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the second embodiment's second example.

[0025] Figure 6C It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the second embodiment's third example.

[0026] Figure 6D It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the second embodiment's fourth example.

[0027] Figure 7A It is a diagram showing an example of a sensor for deriving the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank.

[0028] Figure 7B It is a diagram showing an example of a sensor for deriving the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank.

[0029] Figure 7C It is a diagram showing an example of a sensor for deriving the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank.

[0030] Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 9A It is a diagram showing an example of a sensor for deriving the temperature of the heat medium.

[0032] Figure 9B It is a diagram showing an example of a sensor for deriving the temperature of the heat medium.

[0033] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing an example of a sensor for deriving the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator.

[0035] Figure 12 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the fifth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 13A It is a diagram showing an example of a sensor for deriving the air temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0037] Figure 13BThis is a diagram showing an example of a sensor for deriving the temperature of the air inside or outside the casing of a fuel cell device.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a control device (control method for a fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the sixth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of the power generation system of the seventh embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0040] In Patent Document 1, research has been conducted on controlling the output of a fuel cell device based on the amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen storage device, but there has been no research on controlling the output of a fuel cell device by also considering the temperature of a heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, the heat storage amount of a heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, or the temperature of the air inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device.

[0041] The control method for a fuel cell device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes at least two of the following steps: a step of reducing the output of a fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from a hydrogen storage device when the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device decreases; a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of a heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the air inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device rises. When at least two steps are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that it becomes the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each step.

[0042] According to the above, the control method for a fuel cell device of the present aspect is different from the prior art and can appropriately control the output of the fuel cell device by considering not only the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device but also the rise in the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device or the rise in the temperature of the air inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device.

[0043] Here, the lower the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility that the hydrogen required for power generation by the fuel cell device is lacking. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. The higher the temperature of the heat medium rises, the more difficult it is to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device through the heat medium. As a result, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. In addition, the higher the temperature of the air inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0044] Therefore, the control method of the fuel cell device according to the present technical solution reduces the output of the fuel cell device in such a way that the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above steps is achieved. Compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce the possibility of hydrogen deficiency required for power generation of the fuel cell device and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range at the same time.

[0045] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the second technical solution of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to the first technical solution as follows: The at least two steps are: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises. When the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium is achieved.

[0046] Here, the lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility of hydrogen deficiency required for power generation of the fuel cell device. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. The higher the temperature of the heat medium rises, the more difficult it is to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device through the heat medium. As a result, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes higher. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0047] Therefore, the control method of the fuel cell device according to the present technical solution reduces the output of the fuel cell device in such a way that the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above two steps is achieved. Compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce the possibility of hydrogen deficiency required for power generation of the fuel cell device and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range at the same time.

[0048] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to the first aspect as follows: The at least two steps are: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When jointly executing the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0049] Here, the lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device, and the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0050] Therefore, the control method of the fuel cell device according to this aspect can reduce the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range together, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above two steps.

[0051] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to the first aspect as follows: The at least two steps are: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When jointly executing the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium and the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0052] Here, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. The higher the temperature of the heat medium rises, the more difficult it is to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device through the heat medium. As a result, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes higher. In addition, the higher the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0053] Therefore, the control method of the fuel cell device according to the present technical solution reduces the output of the fuel cell device in such a way that the output reduction amount is the larger one among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above two steps. Compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0054] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the fifth technical solution of the present disclosure can be set on the basis of the control method of the fuel cell device according to the first technical solution as follows: The at least two steps are: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When reducing the output of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the increase in the temperature of the heat medium, and the increase in the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that the output reduction amount is the largest one among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the increase in the temperature of the heat medium, and the increase in the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0055] Here, the lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility that the hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device is lacking. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. The higher the temperature of the heat medium rises, the more difficult it is to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device through the heat medium. As a result, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes higher. In addition, the higher the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0056] Therefore, in the control method of the fuel cell device of the present technical solution, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device in such a way that it becomes the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above three steps, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range at the same time.

[0057] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the sixth technical solution of the present disclosure includes at least two of the following steps: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When at least two steps are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that it becomes the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each step.

[0058] According to the above, the control method of the fuel cell device of the present technical solution is different from the prior art. It can appropriately control the output of the fuel cell device by not only considering the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device but also considering the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device or the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0059] Here, the lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator increases to full storage, it is difficult to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device. Then, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. In addition, the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0060] Therefore, in the control method of the fuel cell device of the present technical solution, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device in such a way that it becomes the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above steps, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range at the same time.

[0061] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to the sixth aspect as follows: the at least two steps are: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases. When jointly executing the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator.

[0062] Here, the lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator increases to full storage, it is difficult to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device. Then, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0063] Therefore, the control method of the fuel cell device according to this aspect can reduce the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range together, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above two steps.

[0064] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to the sixth aspect as follows: the at least two steps are: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When jointly executing the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0065] Here, the lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. The higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0066] Therefore, the control method of the fuel cell device of the present technical solution reduces the output of the fuel cell device in such a way that it becomes the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above two steps. Compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range at the same time.

[0067] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to the sixth aspect as follows: The at least two steps are: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat storage device that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When jointly executing the reduction of the output of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat storage device and the reduction of the output of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that it becomes the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat storage device and the output reduction amount caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0068] Here, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. When the heat storage amount of the heat storage device increases to full storage, it is difficult to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device. Then, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. In addition, the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0069] Therefore, the control method of the fuel cell device of the present technical solution reduces the output of the fuel cell device in such a way that it becomes the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above two steps. Compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0070] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to the sixth aspect as follows: The at least two steps are: a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases; a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases; and a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When reducing the output of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator, and the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator, and the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

[0071] Here, the lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility that the hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device is lacking. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator increases to full storage, it is difficult to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device. Then, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. In addition, the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device.

[0072] Therefore, the control method of the fuel cell device according to this aspect can reduce the possibility that the hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device is lacking and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range together, compared with the case where the output of the fuel cell device is controlled without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device in such a way as to become the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in the above three steps.

[0073] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the 11th aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to any one of the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 10th aspects as follows: when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device becomes equal to or less than the first threshold, information indicating a prompt to replenish the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device is notified on the display; when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device becomes equal to or less than the second threshold, which is smaller than the first threshold, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

[0074] According to the above, in the control method of the fuel cell device of the present aspect, by notifying on the display information indicating a prompt to replenish the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device becomes equal to or less than the first threshold, compared with the case where this information is not notified on the display, it is possible to timely replenish the hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device. As a result, the possibility of restricting the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

[0075] In addition, in the control method of the fuel cell device of the present aspect, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device becomes equal to or less than the second threshold, which is smaller than the first threshold, compared with the case where this output reduction is not performed, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a shortage of hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device.

[0076] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the 12th aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to any one of the 2nd, 4th, and 5th aspects as follows: when the temperature of the heat medium becomes equal to or higher than the third threshold, information indicating a prompt to increase the flow rate of the heat medium is notified on the display; when the temperature of the heat medium becomes equal to or higher than the fourth threshold, which is greater than the third threshold, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

[0077] Here, the higher the flow rate of the heat medium for heat recovery of the fuel cell device, the greater the amount of heat recovered by the heat medium from the fuel cell device, so it is easy to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell device within an appropriate temperature range.

[0078] Therefore, in the control method of the fuel cell device of the present aspect, by notifying on the display information indicating a prompt to increase the flow rate of the heat medium when the temperature of the heat medium becomes equal to or higher than the third threshold, compared with the case where this information is not notified on the display, it is easy to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell device within an appropriate temperature range. As a result, the possibility of restricting the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

[0079] In addition, in the control method of the fuel cell device of the present aspect, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the heat medium becomes equal to or higher than the fourth threshold, which is greater than the third threshold, compared with the case where this output reduction is not performed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0080] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the 13th aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to any one of the 7th, 9th, and 10th aspects as follows: when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator becomes equal to or greater than the 5th threshold value, information indicating urging the use of the heat of the heat accumulator is notified on the display, and when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator becomes equal to or greater than the 6th threshold value which is greater than the 5th threshold value, the output of the fuel cell device is decreased.

[0081] Here, the more the use of the heat of the heat accumulator is urged, the more the margin (surplus space) for storing the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device in the heat accumulator increases, so it is easy to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell device within an appropriate temperature range.

[0082] Therefore, in the control method of the fuel cell device according to the present aspect, by notifying, when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator becomes equal to or greater than the 5th threshold value, information indicating urging the use of the heat of the heat accumulator on the display, compared with the case where this information is not notified on the display, the heat utilization of the heat accumulator for maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell device within an appropriate temperature range can be promoted in a timely manner. Thereby, the possibility of restricting the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

[0083] In addition, in the control method of the fuel cell device according to the present aspect, by decreasing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator becomes equal to or greater than the 6th threshold value which is greater than the 5th threshold value, compared with the case where this output decrease is not performed, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range can be reduced.

[0084] The control method of the fuel cell device according to the 14th aspect of the present disclosure can be set based on the control method of the fuel cell device according to any one of the 3rd to 5th aspects and the 8th to 10th aspects as follows: when the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device becomes equal to or greater than the 7th threshold value, information indicating that the fuel cell device is in a high-temperature abnormality is notified on the display, and when the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device becomes equal to or greater than the 8th threshold value which is greater than the 7th threshold value, the output of the fuel cell device is decreased.

[0085] According to the above, in the control method of the fuel cell device according to the present aspect, by notifying, when the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device becomes equal to or greater than the 7th threshold value, information indicating that the fuel cell device is in a high-temperature abnormality on the display, compared with the case where this information is not notified on the display, the cooling operation of the fuel cell device for maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell device within an appropriate temperature range can be performed in a timely manner. Thereby, the possibility of restricting the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

[0086] In addition, in the control method of the fuel cell device of the present technical solution, when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device becomes equal to or higher than the eighth threshold that is higher than the seventh threshold, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced, and compared with the case where such output reduction is not performed, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device exceeds the appropriate temperature range can be reduced.

[0087] The control device of the fifteenth technical solution of the present disclosure includes a communicator and a controller. The communicator receives at least two pieces of information among information indicating the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device, information indicating the temperature of the heat medium for recovering the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. The controller performs at least two of the controls of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device decreases, reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the heat medium rises, and reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When the controller performs the above at least two controls together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that it becomes the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each control.

[0088] According to this technical configuration, the control device of the present technical solution is different from the prior art in that it can appropriately reduce the output of the fuel cell device by considering not only the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device but also the rise in the temperature of the heat medium for recovering the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device or the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. In addition, the detailed effects exerted by the control device of the present technical solution can be easily understood according to the content of the above effects, so the description is omitted.

[0089] The control device of the sixteenth technical solution of the present disclosure includes a communicator and a controller. The communicator receives at least two pieces of information among information indicating the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device, information indicating the heat storage amount of the heat storage device that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. The controller performs at least two of the controls of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device decreases, reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat storage device rises, and reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises. When the controller performs the above at least two controls together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that it becomes the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each control.

[0090] According to this technical configuration, the control device of this technical solution is different from the prior art. It can appropriately reduce the output of the fuel cell device by not only considering the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, but also considering the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, or the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. In addition, the detailed effects exerted by the control device of this technical solution can be easily understood based on the content of the above effects, so the description is omitted.

[0091] The power generation system of the 17th technical solution of the present disclosure includes a fuel cell device and the control device of the 15th or 16th technical solution.

[0092] According to this technical configuration, the power generation system of this technical solution is different from the prior art. It can appropriately reduce the output of the fuel cell device by not only considering the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, but also considering the increase in the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, or the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. In addition, the detailed effects exerted by the power generation system of this technical solution can be easily understood based on the content of the above effects, so the description is omitted.

[0093] In addition, the power generation system of this technical solution is different from the prior art. It can appropriately reduce the output of the fuel cell device by not only considering the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, but also considering the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, or the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. In addition, the detailed effects exerted by the power generation system of this technical solution can be easily understood based on the content of the above effects, so the description is omitted.

[0094] Hereinafter, specific examples of the above technical solutions of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The specific examples described below are all examples of the above technical solutions of the present disclosure. Therefore, the shapes, numerical values, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection methods of the constituent elements shown below do not limit the scope of the claims as long as they are not described in the claims.

[0095] In addition, among the constituent elements described below, the constituent elements not described in the independent claims representing the most general concept of the present disclosure are described as optional constituent elements. In addition, in the drawings, the description of parts with the same reference numerals is sometimes omitted. For ease of understanding, each constituent element is schematically shown in the drawings, and the shape and dimensional ratio, etc. are sometimes not accurately represented.

[0096] In addition, during the operation of the device, the order of the processes can be changed as needed, and known processes can also be added.

[0097] (First Embodiment)

[0098] [Device Configuration]

[0099] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the power generation system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing Figure 1 an example of the control device.

[0100] As Figure 1 shown, the power generation system 10 of the present embodiment includes a fuel cell device 15 and a control device 20.

[0101] The fuel cell device 15 includes a power generation unit that generates power using hydrogen from a hydrogen storage device 40. As the hydrogen storage device 40, for example, a hydrogen tank can be cited, but it is not limited thereto.

[0102] Here, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. Therefore, the heat medium from the heat accumulator 50 circulates in such a way as to pass through the fuel cell stack in the power generation unit included in the fuel cell device 15. Thereby, the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 is recovered by the heat medium, and the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 is maintained within an appropriate temperature.

[0103] In this example, the heat accumulator 50 is provided beside the power generation system 10. Thereby, the heat accumulator 50 can appropriately accumulate the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15. As the heat accumulator 50, a hot water storage tank that stores water, which is an example of the above heat medium, can be cited, but it is not limited thereto. The heat medium can be, for example, antifreeze. In addition, a heat medium sender (for example, a pump) (not shown) is provided in the flow path through which the heat medium flows.

[0104] In addition, the fuel cell device 15 may include a single power generation unit or may include a plurality of power generation units. Here, in the latter case, the power generation system 10 can be, for example, a system that supplies a large amount of power to the power grid. That is, in the latter case, the power generation system 10 includes a power generation unit group composed of a plurality of power generation units including fuel cell stacks, and the fuel cell device 15 corresponds to each group after the power generation unit group is divided. The detailed structure of such a power generation system 10 will be described in the seventh embodiment.

[0105] As Figure 2 shown, the control device 20 includes a communicator 21 and a controller 23.

[0106] The communicator 21 is a communicator that receives at least two pieces of information among information indicating the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40, information indicating the temperature of the heat medium for heat recovery of the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 that generates power using the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device 40, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15. For example, the communicator 21 can receive at least two pieces of information among information indicating the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40, information indicating the temperature of the heat medium, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 via a communication network at predetermined intervals. This information can be notified on an appropriate display of the power generation system 10. As the "display", for example, an information terminal of a demander who receives the power supply service generated by the power generation system 10, a display device of a maintenance company, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited thereto. The hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 can be measured by an appropriate sensor, for example. Details of this sensor will be described in the third embodiment. The temperature of the heat medium can be measured by an appropriate sensor. Details of this sensor will be described in the fourth embodiment. The temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 can be measured by an appropriate sensor. Details of this sensor will be described in the sixth embodiment.

[0107] The controller 23 executes at least two of the controls of reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature of the heat medium rises, and reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises. In addition, when the controller 23 executes the above at least two controls together, it reduces the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way that the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 executed in each control is achieved. In addition, "reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15" includes reducing the upper limit value of the output of the fuel cell device 15. In other words, "reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15" includes restricting the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0108] When the fuel cell device 15 includes a plurality of power generation units including a fuel cell stack, the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device 15 can be achieved by stopping the operation of a part of the plurality of power generation units, or by reducing the output of a part or all of the plurality of power generation units. However, in the former case, since the output of the power generation unit can be maintained constant at the rated output, it is more advantageous than the latter case in terms of the power generation efficiency and long life of the power generation unit.

[0109] When the fuel cell device 15 is composed of a single power generation unit, the reduction in the output of the fuel cell device 15 is achieved by reducing the output of the single power generation unit.

[0110] In addition, the "output reduction of the fuel cell device 15" described above includes the operation stop of the fuel cell device 15 in which the output of the fuel cell device 15 becomes zero.

[0111] The controller 23 only needs to have a control function, and includes an arithmetic processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit that stores a control program. The arithmetic processing unit performs predetermined control in the controller 23 by reading and executing the control program stored in the storage unit. As the arithmetic processing unit, for example, a microprocessor can be exemplified. As the storage unit, for example, a memory can be exemplified. In addition, the control device 20 including the controller 23 can directly control the operation including the output of the power generation unit in the fuel cell device 15. In addition, when there is a control device (not shown) that controls its own operation including the output in the power generation unit, the control device 20 can indirectly control the operation including the output of the power generation unit in the fuel cell device 15 via this control device.

[0112] The configuration of the power generation system 10 described above is only an example and is not limited to this example. For example, in Figure 1 the example shown, the hydrogen storage device 40 and the heat accumulator 50 are provided outside the power generation system 10, but these hydrogen storage device 40 and heat accumulator 50 can also be provided inside the power generation system 10. In addition, instead of providing the heat accumulator 50, the heat medium that has recovered the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 can be discarded to the outside (for example, a sewer), or it can be cooled by a radiator (not shown).

[0113] [Operation]

[0114] Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the first embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading the control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of these operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0115] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S1, at least two of the steps of reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 rises, and reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises are executed.

[0116] Here, in step S2, when the "at least two steps" of step S1 are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced in such a way that it becomes the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 executed in each step.

[0117] According to the present embodiment described above, different from the prior art, it is possible to appropriately reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15 by considering not only the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 but also the temperature rise of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15, or the temperature rise of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15.

[0118] Here, the lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40, the higher the possibility of hydrogen deficiency required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. The higher the temperature of the heat medium rises, the more difficult it is to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 through the heat medium. Thus, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes higher. In addition, the higher the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0119] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way that it becomes the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 executed in the above steps, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce both the possibility of hydrogen deficiency required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0120] (First Embodiment)

[0121] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0122] Figure 4A It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system of the first embodiment of the first embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading the control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of these operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0123] First, in the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S10A, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0124] In addition, in the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S10B, when the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0125] Here, in step S20, when simultaneously performing the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 (operation of step S10A) and the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium (operation of step S10B), the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased in such a way as to become the larger output decrease amount among the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 and the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium.

[0126] In addition, the operation of the above control device 20 is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the timing of the operation of step S10A and the timing of the operation of step S10B may be simultaneous or in the reverse order.

[0127] According to the present embodiment described above, different from the prior art, it is possible to appropriately decrease the output of the fuel cell device 15 by taking into account not only the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 but also the rise in the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15.

[0128] The lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40, the higher the possibility that the hydrogen required for the power generation of the fuel cell device 15 is lacking. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to decrease the output of the fuel cell device 15. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15, and the higher the temperature of the heat medium rises, the more difficult it is to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 through the heat medium. Then, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to decrease the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0129] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by decreasing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way as to become the larger output decrease amount among the output decrease amounts of the fuel cell device 15 performed in the above two steps, compared with the case of controlling the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output decrease amounts, it is possible to simultaneously decrease the possibility that the hydrogen required for the power generation of the fuel cell device 15 is lacking and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0130] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 in this embodiment may be the same as those in the first embodiment except for the above features.

[0131] (Second Embodiment)

[0132] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0133] Figure 4B It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the second embodiment of the first embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of these operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0134] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S11A, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0135] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S11B, when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0136] Here, in step S21, when simultaneously performing the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 (operation of step S11A) and the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 (operation of step S11B), the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased in such a way that it becomes the larger output decrease amount among the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 and the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15.

[0137] In addition, the above operations of the control device 20 are merely illustrative and not limited to this example. For example, the timing of the operation in step S11A and the timing of the operation in step S11B can be simultaneous or in the reverse order.

[0138] The lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40, the higher the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. The higher the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0139] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way that the output reduction amount is the larger one among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 executed in the above two steps, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range at the same time.

[0140] The control method, control device 20 and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 of the present embodiment may be the same as those of the first embodiment or the first example of the first embodiment except for the above features.

[0141] (Third Embodiment)

[0142] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0143] Figure 4C It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system of the third example of the first embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of the following operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0144] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S12A, when the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0145] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S12B, when the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0146] Here, in step S22, when simultaneously performing the output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the temperature rise of the heat medium (the operation of step S12A) and the output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 (the operation of step S12B), the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced in such a manner that the output reduction amount is the larger of the output reduction amount caused by the temperature rise of the heat medium and the output reduction amount caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15.

[0147] In addition, the operation of the above control device 20 is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the timing of the operation of step S12A and the timing of the operation of step S12B may be simultaneous or in the reverse order.

[0148] There is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. The higher the temperature of the heat medium rises, the more difficult it is to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 through the heat medium. Thus, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes higher. In addition, the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0149] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a manner that the output reduction amount is the larger of the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 performed in the above two steps, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range can be reduced.

[0150] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 in the present embodiment, except for the above features, may be the same as any one of the first embodiment and the first to second embodiments of the first embodiment.

[0151] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0152] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 in the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0153] Figure 4DThis is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method for the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the fourth embodiment of the first embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of these operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case where the operations are controlled by the controller 23 is described.

[0154] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S13A, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0155] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S13B, when the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0156] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S13C, when the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0157] Here, in step S23, when simultaneously performing the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 (the operation of step S13A), the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium (the operation of step S13B), and the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the rise in the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 (the operation of step S13C), the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased in such a way as to be the largest output decrease amount among the output decrease amount caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40, the output decrease amount caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium, and the output decrease amount caused by the rise in the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15.

[0158] In addition, the operations of the above control device 20 are merely illustrative and are not limited to this example. For example, the timing of the operation of step S13A, the timing of the operation of step S13B, and the timing of the operation of step S13C can be simultaneous, and these operations can be in a different Figure 4D order.

[0159] The lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40, the higher the possibility of hydrogen deficiency required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. The higher the temperature of the heat medium rises, the more difficult it is to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 through the heat medium. Thus, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes higher. In addition, the higher the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0160] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way that the reduction amount of the output of the fuel cell device 15 executed in the above three steps is the largest, compared with the case where the output of the fuel cell device 15 is controlled without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce both the possibility of hydrogen deficiency required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0161] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 of the present embodiment, except for the above features, may be the same as any one of the first embodiment and the first to third embodiments of the first embodiment.

[0162] (Second Embodiment)

[0163] The power generation system 10 of the present embodiment is the same as the power generation system 10 of the first embodiment, except for the configuration and control content of the control device 20 described below.

[0164] The communicator 21 is a communicator that receives at least two pieces of information among information indicating the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device 40, information indicating the amount of heat stored in the heat accumulator 50 that accumulates the waste heat of the fuel cell device 15 that generates power using the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device 40, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15. For example, the communicator 21 can receive at least two pieces of information among information indicating the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device 40, information indicating the amount of heat stored in the heat accumulator 50, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 via a communication network at predetermined intervals. This information can be notified on an appropriate display of the power generation system 10. As the "display", for example, an information terminal of a demander who receives the power supply service generated by the power generation system 10, a display device of a maintenance company, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited thereto. The amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device 40 can be measured by an appropriate sensor, for example. Details of this sensor will be described in the third embodiment. The amount of heat stored in the heat accumulator 50 can be measured by an appropriate sensor. Details of this sensor will be described in the fourth embodiment. The temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 can be measured by an appropriate sensor. Details of this sensor will be described in the sixth embodiment.

[0165] The controller 23 executes at least two of the controls of reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the amount of heat stored in the heat accumulator 50 increases, and reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 increases. In addition, when the controller 23 executes the above at least two controls together, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced in such a way that it becomes the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 executed in each control. In addition, the so-called "reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15" is the same as that in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. In addition, the controller 23 only needs to have a control function, and includes an arithmetic processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit that stores a control program. The configuration of this controller 23 is the same as that in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0166] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the second embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading the control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of these operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0167] First, in the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S101, at least two of the steps of reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the heat storage amount in the heat accumulator 50 increases, and reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 increases are executed.

[0168] Here, in step S102, when the "at least two steps" of step S101 are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced in such a way that it becomes the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 executed in each step.

[0169] According to the present embodiment described above, different from the prior art, it is possible to appropriately reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15 by considering not only the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 but also the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 that accumulates the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 or the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15.

[0170] The lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility that the hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 is lacking. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 increases to full storage, it is difficult to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15. Then, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. In addition, the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0171] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way that it becomes the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 executed in the above steps, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to reduce both the possibility that the hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 is lacking and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0172] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 in the present embodiment may be the same as any one of the first embodiment and the first to fourth embodiments of the first embodiment except for the above features.

[0173] (First Embodiment)

[0174] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 in this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0175] Figure 6A It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the first embodiment of the second embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of these operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case where the operations are controlled by the controller 23 will be described.

[0176] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S110A, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0177] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S110B, when the heat storage amount of the heat storage device 50 that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 increases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0178] Here, in step S120, when simultaneously performing the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 (the operation in step S110A) and the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat storage device 50 (the operation in step S110B), the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased in such a way that it becomes the larger output decrease amount among the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 and the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat storage device 50.

[0179] In addition, the above operations of the control device 20 are only examples and are not limited to this example. For example, the timing of the operation in step S110A and the timing of the operation in step S110B can be simultaneous or in the reverse order.

[0180] According to this embodiment described above, different from the prior art, it is possible to appropriately decrease the output of the fuel cell device 15 by considering not only the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 but also the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat storage device 50 that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15.

[0181] The lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40, the higher the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 increases to full storage, it is difficult to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15. Then, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0182] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way that it becomes the larger output reduction amount between the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to simultaneously reduce the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0183] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 in the present embodiment, except for the above features, may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment.

[0184] (Second Embodiment)

[0185] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 in the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0186] Figure 6B It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system of the second embodiment of the second embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of the operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0187] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S111A, when the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0188] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S111B, when the temperature of the inside or outside of the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0189] Here, in step S121, when simultaneously performing the output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 (the operation of step S111A) and the output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 (the operation of step S111B), the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount between the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15.

[0190] In addition, the operations of the above control device 20 are merely illustrative and not limited to this example. For example, the timing of the operation of step S111A and the timing of the operation of step S111B may be simultaneous or in the reverse order.

[0191] The lower the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40, the higher the possibility that the hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 is lacking. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15, and the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0192] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount between the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 performed in the above two steps, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to simultaneously reduce the possibility that the hydrogen required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 is lacking and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0193] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 in the present embodiment, except for the above features, may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the first embodiment of the second embodiment.

[0194] (Third Embodiment)

[0195] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 in the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0196] Figure 6CThis is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the third embodiment of the second embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of these operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0197] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S112A, when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 increases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0198] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S112B, when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 increases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased.

[0199] Here, in step S122, when simultaneously performing the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 (the operation of step S112A) and the decrease in the output of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 (the operation of step S112B), the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased in such a way as to become the larger output decrease amount among the output decrease amount caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 and the output decrease amount caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15.

[0200] In addition, the operation of the above control device 20 is only an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the timing of the operation in step S112A and the timing of the operation in step S112B can be simultaneous or in the reverse order.

[0201] There is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 increases to full storage, it is difficult to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15. As a result, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. In addition, the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to decrease the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0202] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a manner that the reduction amount of the output of the fuel cell device 15 executed in the above two steps is the larger one, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range can be reduced.

[0203] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment, except for the above features, may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the first to second embodiments of the second embodiment.

[0204] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0205] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0206] Figure 6D It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the fourth embodiment of the second embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of the operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0207] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S113A, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 decreases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0208] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S113B, when the heat storage amount of the heat storage device 50 that accumulates the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 increases, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0209] In addition, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S113C, when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0210] Here, in step S123, when simultaneously performing the output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 (operation in step S113A), the output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 (operation in step S113B), and the output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 (operation in step S113C), the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced in such a way as to become the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40, the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50, and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15.

[0211] In addition, the operations of the above control device 20 are merely illustrative and are not limited to this example. For example, the timings of the operations in step S113A, the operation in step S113B, and the operation in step S113C may be simultaneous, and these operations may be in a different order from Figure 6D that.

[0212] The lower the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device, the higher the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15. In addition, there is an appropriate temperature range for the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 increases to full storage, it is difficult to appropriately recover the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15. Then, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range becomes high. In addition, the higher the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 rises, the higher the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, in these cases, it is necessary to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15.

[0213] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 in such a way as to become the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device 15 performed in the above three steps, compared with the case of controlling the output of the fuel cell device 15 without considering the magnitude relationship of these output reduction amounts, it is possible to simultaneously reduce the possibility of hydrogen shortage required for power generation of the fuel cell device 15 and the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0214] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 in the present embodiment may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the first to third embodiments of the second embodiment, in addition to the above features.

[0215] (Third Embodiment)

[0216] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 in this embodiment is the same as that of the fuel cell device 15 in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0217] In the control method of the fuel cell device 15 in this embodiment, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 becomes equal to or less than the threshold value A, information indicating a prompt to replenish the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device 40 is notified on the display. The threshold value A is an example of the "first threshold value" in the present disclosure.

[0218] Here, when the hydrogen storage device 40 is a high-pressure gas tank, the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 can be derived from the pressure of the hydrogen gas. Regarding the pressure of the hydrogen gas, as Figure 7A shown, it can be measured by a pressure sensor 41A provided on the hydrogen gas flow path extending from the hydrogen storage device 40 to the fuel cell device 15, or as Figure 7B shown, it can be measured by a pressure sensor 41B provided on the hydrogen storage device 40.

[0219] When the hydrogen storage device 40 is a liquid hydrogen tank, the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 can be measured by a liquid level sensor 41C provided on the hydrogen storage device 40 as Figure 7C shown.

[0220] In addition, in the control method of the fuel cell device 15 in this embodiment, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 becomes equal to or less than a threshold value B that is less than the threshold value A, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced. The threshold value B is an example of the "second threshold value" in the present disclosure.

[0221] Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system of the third embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of the operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 is described.

[0222] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S210, it is determined whether the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 is equal to or less than the threshold value A.

[0223] When the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 is equal to or less than the threshold value A (when it is "Yes" in step S210), in step S211, information indicating a prompt to replenish the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device 40 is alarm-notified on the display.

[0224] Next, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S212, it is determined whether the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 is equal to or less than a threshold value B that is less than the threshold value A.

[0225] When the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 is equal to or less than the threshold value B (when step S212 is "Yes"), in step S213, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced. In this step S213, based on the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40, the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected in such a way as to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15. For example, when the fuel cell device 15 includes a plurality of power generation units including a fuel cell stack, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the power generation plan can be corrected to reduce the number of operating power generation units by a predetermined number. In addition, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 becomes zero, the power generation plan can be corrected so that the number of operating power generation units is zero.

[0226] In addition, when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 is not equal to or less than the threshold value A in step S210 (when it is "No" in step S210), and when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 is not equal to or less than the threshold value B in step S212 (when it is "No" in step S212), the operations after step S210 are executed again in a timely manner.

[0227] According to the present embodiment described above, by notifying on the display information indicating a prompt to replenish the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device 40 when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 is equal to or less than the threshold value A, compared with the case where such information is not notified on the display, it is possible to timely replenish the hydrogen required for the power generation of the fuel cell device 15. As a result, the possibility of restricting the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0228] In addition, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device is equal to or less than the threshold value B that is less than the threshold value A, compared with the case where such output reduction is not performed, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a shortage of hydrogen required for the power generation of the fuel cell device 15.

[0229] The control method of the fuel cell device 15, the control device 20, and the power generation system 10 of the present embodiment, except for the above-described features, may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the first to fourth examples of the second embodiment.

[0230] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0231] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 of the present embodiment is the same as the control method of the fuel cell device 15 of the first embodiment, except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0232] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment notifies information indicating a prompt to increase the flow rate of the heat medium on the display when the temperature of the heat medium (hereinafter referred to as the heat medium) that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold C. The threshold C is an example of the "third threshold" of the present disclosure.

[0233] Here, regarding the temperature of the heat medium, as shown in Figure 9A , it can be measured by the temperature sensor 51A provided in the heat medium flow path through which the heat medium that has recovered the exhaust heat from the fuel cell device 15 flows, or as shown in Figure 9B , it can be measured by the temperature sensor 51B provided in the heat accumulator 50. When the heat accumulator 50 is not provided in the power generation system 10, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 51A is used as the temperature of the heat medium. Examples of the temperature sensor 51A and the temperature sensor 51B include, but are not limited to, a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc.

[0234] In addition, the control method of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment reduces the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature of the heat medium becomes equal to or higher than the threshold D that is greater than the threshold C. The threshold D is an example of the "fourth threshold" of the present disclosure.

[0235] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (control method of the fuel cell device) of the control device in the power generation system according to the fourth embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading the control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of the following operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case where the operation is controlled by the controller 23 is described.

[0236] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S220, it is determined whether the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the threshold C.

[0237] When the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the threshold C (when it is "Yes" in step S220), in step S221, information indicating a prompt to increase the flow rate of the heat medium is alarm-notified on the display.

[0238] Next, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S222, it is determined whether the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the threshold D that is greater than the threshold C.

[0239] When the temperature of the heat medium is above the threshold D (when the answer in step S222 is "yes"), in step S223, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced. In this step S223, the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected in such a way as to reduce the output of the fuel cell device 15 based on the temperature of the heat medium. For example, when the fuel cell device 15 includes a plurality of power generation units including a fuel cell stack, when the temperature of the heat medium becomes above a predetermined temperature, the power generation plan can be corrected to reduce the number of operating power generation units by a predetermined amount. In addition, the amount of output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the reduction of the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40 (third embodiment) and the amount of output reduction of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium (this embodiment) can be compared, and the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected so as to be the larger of these output reduction amounts.

[0240] In addition, when the temperature of the heat medium is not above the threshold C in step S220 (when the answer in step S220 is "no") and when the temperature of the heat medium is not above the threshold D in step S222 (when the answer in step S222 is "no"), the operations after step S220 are executed again in a timely manner.

[0241] As the flow rate of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 increases, the amount of exhaust heat recovered by the heat medium from the fuel cell device 15 increases, so it is easy to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 within an appropriate temperature range.

[0242] Therefore, in the control method of the fuel cell device 15 of this embodiment, by notifying information indicating an urging to increase the flow rate of the heat medium on the display when the temperature of the heat medium becomes above the threshold C, compared with the case where this information is not notified on the display, it is easier to maintain the operating dimension of the fuel cell device 15 within an appropriate temperature range. As a result, the possibility of restricting the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0243] In addition, in the control method of the fuel cell device 15 of this embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature of the heat medium becomes above the threshold D that is greater than the threshold C, compared with the case where this output reduction is not performed, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range can be reduced.

[0244] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 of this embodiment can be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the first to fourth examples of the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, in addition to the above features.

[0245] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0246] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 of the present embodiment is the same as the control method of the fuel cell device 15 of the second embodiment except for the control contents of the controller 23 described below.

[0247] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 of this embodiment notifies the display of information urging the use of heat from the heat accumulator 50 when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 storing exhaust heat from the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the threshold value E. The threshold value E is an example of the "fifth threshold value" of the present disclosure.

[0248] Here, in the case where the heat accumulator 50 is a hot water storage tank storing water as an example of a heat medium, the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 may be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the temperature is derived from the temperature sensor 52 measuring the temperature of the water in the hot water tank. Specifically, the hot water tank usually takes out water of room temperature from the bottom. When the water is supplied to the fuel cell device 15 through the heat medium flow path, it is heated by recovering the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15. Then, the warm water returns to the upper part of the hot water tank through the heat medium flow path. Thus, by measuring the temperature of the water in the hot water tank using a plurality of temperature detectors arranged at predetermined intervals on the side of the hot water tank, the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 can be known. In addition, the so-called "urging the use of the heat of the heat accumulator 50" is equivalent to urging the supply of hot water from the hot water tank to the heat-consuming equipment used by the heat demander when the heat accumulator 50 is the above-mentioned hot water tank. As the temperature sensor 52, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited to this.

[0249] In addition, the control method of the fuel cell device 15 of the present embodiment reduces the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the heat storage amount of the heat storage device 50 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value F which is larger than the threshold value E. The threshold value F is an example of the "sixth threshold value" of the present disclosure.

[0250] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device in the power generation system of the fifth embodiment (the control method of the fuel cell device). The following operation can be performed, for example, by the operation processing unit of the controller 23 reading the control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, the following operation does not necessarily have to be performed by the controller 23. Some of the operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case where the operation is controlled by the controller 23 is described.

[0251] First, during power generation by the power generation system 10 , in step S230 , it is determined whether the amount of heat stored in the heat storage device 50 is equal to or greater than a threshold value E.

[0252] When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 is equal to or greater than the threshold value E (when the answer in step S230 is "Yes"), in step S231, information indicating a prompt to utilize the heat of the heat accumulator 50 is notified as an alarm on the display.

[0253] Next, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S232, it is determined whether the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 is equal to or greater than a threshold value F that is greater than the threshold value E.

[0254] When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 is equal to or greater than the threshold value F (when the answer in step S232 is "Yes"), in step S233, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased. In this step S233, based on the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50, the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected in such a way that the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased. For example, when the fuel cell device 15 includes a plurality of power generation units including a fuel cell stack, when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 reaches a predetermined amount or more, the power generation plan can be corrected so that the number of power generation units for storing exhaust heat in the heat accumulator 50 is reduced by a predetermined number. In addition, when the heat accumulator 50 is in a full storage state, the power generation plan can be corrected so that the number of power generation units for storing exhaust heat in the heat accumulator 50 is zero. Further, the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 (third embodiment) and the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 (this embodiment) can be compared, and the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected so as to be the larger output decrease amount among these output decrease amounts.

[0255] In addition, when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value E in step S230 (when the answer in step S230 is "No") and when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value F in step S232 (when the answer in step S232 is "No"), the operations after step S230 are executed again in a timely manner.

[0256] As the utilization of the heat of the heat accumulator 50 is promoted, the room for storing the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device 15 in the heat accumulator 50 increases, so it is easy to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 within an appropriate temperature range.

[0257] Therefore, in the control method of the fuel cell device 15 of this embodiment, by notifying information indicating a prompt to utilize the heat of the heat accumulator 50 on the display when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value E, compared with the case where this information is not notified on the display, the heat utilization of the heat accumulator 50 for appropriately maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 can be promoted in a timely manner. As a result, the possibility of restricting the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0258] In addition, in the control method of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value F which is greater than the threshold value E, the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range can be reduced as compared with the case where such output reduction is not performed.

[0259] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment, except for the above-described features.

[0260] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0261] The control method of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment may be the same as the control method of the fuel cell device 15 according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, except for the control content of the controller 23 described below.

[0262] In the control method of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment, when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value G, information indicating that the fuel cell device 15 is in a high-temperature abnormality is notified and displayed on the display. The threshold value G is an example of the "seventh threshold value" of the present disclosure. As the threshold value G, for example, about 40°C can be cited, but it is not limited thereto.

[0263] Here, as Figure 13A shown, the temperature inside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 can be measured by a temperature sensor 16A provided at an appropriate position inside the housing. As Figure 13B shown, the temperature outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 can be measured by a temperature sensor 16B provided at an appropriate position outside the housing. The temperature sensor 16A can be, for example, a temperature sensor for preventing freezing provided near the bottom surface of the housing, but it is not limited thereto. The temperature sensor 16B can be, for example, a temperature sensor for monitoring the outside air, but it is not limited thereto. The temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 can be the average value of the data measured by a plurality of temperature sensors. As the temperature sensor 16A and the temperature sensor 16B, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited thereto.

[0264] In addition, in the control method of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment, when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value H which is greater than the threshold value G, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced. The threshold value H is an example of the "eighth threshold value" of the present disclosure. As the threshold value H, for example, about 43°C can be cited, but it is not limited thereto.

[0265] Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device (control method of the fuel cell device) in the power generation system of the sixth embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading a control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Part of the operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case of controlling the operation by the controller 23 will be described.

[0266] First, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S240, it is determined whether the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 is equal to or higher than the threshold value G.

[0267] When the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value G (the case of "Yes" in step S240), in step S241, information indicating that the fuel cell device 15 is in a high-temperature abnormality is alarm-notified on the display.

[0268] Next, during the power generation of the power generation system 10, in step S242, it is determined whether the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 is equal to or higher than a threshold value H that is greater than the threshold value G.

[0269] When the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value H (when the answer is "Yes" in step S242), in step S243, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased. In this step S243, the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected in such a way as to decrease the output of the fuel cell device 15 based on the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15. For example, when the fuel cell device 15 includes a plurality of power generation units including a fuel cell stack, when the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the power generation plan can be corrected to decrease the number of power generation units in operation by a predetermined number. Further, the amount of output decrease of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 (third embodiment) and the amount of output decrease of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15 (this embodiment) can be compared, and the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected so as to become the larger amount of output decrease among these amounts of output decrease. Further, the amount of output decrease of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 (third embodiment), the amount of output decrease of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the temperature of the heat medium (fourth embodiment), and the amount of output decrease of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15 (this embodiment) can be compared, and the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected so as to become the largest amount of output decrease among these amounts of output decrease. Further, the amount of output decrease of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40 (third embodiment), the amount of output decrease of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat storage device 50 (fifth embodiment), and the amount of output decrease of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15 (this embodiment) can be compared, and the power generation plan of the power generation system 10 can be corrected so as to become the largest amount of output decrease among these amounts of output decrease.

[0270] Further, when the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15 is not equal to or higher than the threshold value G in step S240 (when the answer is "No" in step S240) and when the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15 is not equal to or higher than the threshold value H in step S242 (when the answer is "No" in step S242), the operations after step S240 are executed again at appropriate times.

[0271] According to the embodiment described above, by notifying on the display information indicating that the fuel cell device 15 is in a high-temperature abnormality when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value G, compared with the case where this information is not notified on the display, it is possible to appropriately perform the cooling operation of the fuel cell device 15 for maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 within an appropriate temperature range. Thereby, the possibility of restricting the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced.

[0272] In addition, by reducing the output of the fuel cell device 15 when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15 becomes equal to or higher than a threshold value H greater than the threshold value G, compared with the case where this output reduction is not performed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the operating temperature of the fuel cell device 15 exceeds the appropriate temperature range.

[0273] The control method, control device 20, and power generation system 10 of the fuel cell device 15 according to the present embodiment, except for the above features, may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the first to fourth examples of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and the fifth embodiment.

[0274] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0275] Figure 15 FIG. is an example of a power generation system showing the seventh embodiment. In Figure 15 , for convenience, the illustration of the hydrogen storage device 40 and the heat storage device 50 in the first embodiment ( Figure 1 ) is omitted.

[0276] As Figure 15 shown, the power generation system 10 of the present embodiment includes a fuel cell device 15 (see Figure 1 ), a control device 20, and control devices 30A to 30E. Here, since the configuration inside the control device 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0277] In Figure 15 the example shown, the power generation system 10 includes a power generation unit group composed of a plurality of power generation units including fuel cell stacks. This power generation unit group is divided into a plurality of power generation unit groups. In addition, although not shown, each of these power generation units includes a fuel cell stack, a DC-AC conversion device for converting DC power generated by the fuel cell stack into AC power and outputting it to the power system, and a control device for controlling the operation of these devices.

[0278] In this example, the power generation unit groups are grouped into power generation units a1 to an belonging to group A, power generation units b1 to bn belonging to group B, power generation units c1 to cn belonging to group C, power generation units d1 to dn belonging to group D, and power generation units e1 to en belonging to group E. All power generation units belonging to one group are also simply referred to as "power generation units within the group".

[0279] However, the composition of the above power generation unit groups is only an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the power generation unit group can be grouped by power generation units in a single loop. In addition, the number of power generation units within the group can be one.

[0280] The control devices 30A to 30E are respectively provided with respect to the power generation units a1 to an of control group A, the power generation units b1 to bn of group B, the power generation units c1 to cn of group C, the power generation units d1 to dn of group D, and the power generation units e1 to en of group E, and control the respective operations of the power generation units within the group.

[0281] For example, the control device 30A controls the outputs of the power generation units a1 to an via a communication network so that the power generation units a1 to an belonging to group A can operate effectively (for example, optimization of life). In addition, a control device may not be provided in the power generation unit, and the operations of the power generation units belonging to each group may be directly controlled by the control devices 30A to 30E.

[0282] The control devices 30A to 30E only need to have a control function, and include an arithmetic processing unit (not shown), a storage unit for storing a control program, and a communicator. The arithmetic processing unit reads and executes the control program stored in the storage unit to perform predetermined control in the controllers 30A to 30E. As the arithmetic processing unit, for example, a microprocessor can be exemplified. As the storage unit, for example, a memory can be exemplified.

[0283] The controller 23 of the control device 20 (refer to Figure 2 ) As described above, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is reduced in such a way as to be the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the reduction of the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device 40, the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the temperature rise of the heat medium, and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device 15, but is not limited thereto. Such a reduction in the output of the fuel cell device 15 may also be performed by a control device other than the controller 23 of the control device 20 (for example, the control devices 30A to 30E).

[0284] In addition, the controller 23 of the control device 20 (refer to Figure 2)As described above, the output of the fuel cell device 15 is decreased in such a manner that it becomes the largest output decrease amount among the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device 40, the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator 50, and the output decrease amount of the fuel cell device 15 caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device 15, but it is not limited thereto. The output decrease of such a fuel cell device 15 may also be executed by a control device other than the controller 23 of the control device 20 (for example, the control devices 30A to 30E).

[0285] The functions and effects exhibited by the power generation system 10 of the present embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0286] The configuration of the power generation system 10 described above is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the control device 20 may be integrated with the control devices 30A to 30E. In other words, the control functions of the control devices 30A to 30E may be incorporated, and the operations of the respective power generation units in the group may be directly controlled.

[0287] The control method of the fuel cell device 15, the control device 20, and the power generation system 10 of the present embodiment may be the same as any one of the first embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment, and the sixth embodiment, except for the above-described features.

[0288] The first embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment, the sixth embodiment, and the seventh embodiment may be combined with each other as long as they are not mutually exclusive. From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as merely illustrative and provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure. Substantial changes may be made to the details of its structure and / or function without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0289] Industrial Applicability

[0290] One technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to: a control method, a control device, and a power generation system of a fuel cell device that, different from the prior art, can appropriately control the output of the fuel cell device by taking into account not only the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device but also the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device, or the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device.

[0291] Description of Reference Numerals

[0292] 10: Power generation system

[0293] 15: Fuel cell device

[0294] 16A: Temperature sensor

[0295] 16B: Temperature sensor

[0296] 20: Control device

[0297] 21: Communicator

[0298] 23: Controller

[0299] 30A: Control device

[0300] 30B: Control device

[0301] 30C: Controls

[0302] 30D: Controls

[0303] 30E: Control Device

[0304] 40: Hydrogen storage

[0305] 41A: Pressure sensor

[0306] 41B: Pressure sensor

[0307] 41C: Liquid level sensor

[0308] 50: Heat storage device

[0309] 51A: Temperature sensor

[0310] 51B: Temperature sensor

[0311] 52: Temperature sensor

[0312] a1~an:Power generation unit

[0313] b1~bn: power generation unit

[0314] c1~cn: power generation unit

[0315] d1~dn: power generation unit

[0316] e1~en:Power generation unit

Claims

1. A control method for a fuel cell device, comprising at least two of the following steps: When the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device; When the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device; and When the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device, When the at least two steps are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the maximum output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each step.

2. The control method for a fuel cell device according to claim 1, The at least two steps are: When the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device; and When the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device, When the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature of the heat medium.

3. The control method for a fuel cell device according to claim 1, The at least two steps are: When the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device decreases, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device; and When the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device, When the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the hydrogen amount in the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

4. The control method for a fuel cell device according to claim 1, The at least two steps are: When the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device; and When the temperature of the air inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, a step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device, When executing together the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the temperature rise of the heat medium and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the temperature rise of the heat medium and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

5. The control method of the fuel cell device according to claim 1, The at least two steps are: A step of reducing the output of a fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device decreases; A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of a heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device rises; and A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, When executing together the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device, the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the temperature rise of the heat medium, and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the decrease in the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device, the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the temperature rise of the heat medium, and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the temperature rise inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

6. A control method of a fuel cell device, comprising at least two of the following steps: A step of reducing the output of a fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device decreases; A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of a heat accumulator that accumulates the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases; and A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, When the at least two steps are executed together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amounts of the fuel cell device executed in each step.

7. The control method of the fuel cell device according to claim 6, The at least two steps are: A step of reducing the output of a fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device decreases; and A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of a heat accumulator that accumulates the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases, When concurrently performing the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount between the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator.

8. The control method of the fuel cell device according to claim 6, The at least two steps are: A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device is reduced; and A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, When concurrently performing the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount between the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

9. The control method of the fuel cell device according to claim 6, The at least two steps are: A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases; and A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, When concurrently performing the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way as to become the larger output reduction amount between the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the rise in the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device.

10. The control method of the fuel cell device according to claim 6, The at least two steps are: A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device that generates power using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device when the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device is reduced; A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator that stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device increases; and A step of reducing the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device rises, When simultaneously performing the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device, the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator, and the output reduction of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that it becomes the largest output reduction amount among the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the reduction in the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device, the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator, and the output reduction amount of the fuel cell device caused by the increase in the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device.

11. The control method of the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10. When the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device becomes equal to or less than the first threshold, information indicating a prompt to replenish the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device is notified on the display. When the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device becomes equal to or less than the second threshold, which is less than the first threshold, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

12. The control method of the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 2, 4, and 5. When the temperature of the heat medium becomes equal to or higher than the third threshold, information indicating a prompt to increase the flow rate of the heat medium is notified on the display. When the temperature of the heat medium becomes equal to or higher than the fourth threshold, which is greater than the third threshold, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

13. The control method of the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 7, 9, and 10. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator becomes equal to or higher than the fifth threshold, information indicating a prompt to utilize the heat of the heat accumulator is notified on the display. When the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator becomes equal to or higher than the sixth threshold, which is greater than the fifth threshold, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

14. The control method of the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, 8 to 10. When the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device becomes equal to or higher than the seventh threshold, information indicating that the fuel cell device is in a high-temperature abnormality is notified on the display. When the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device becomes equal to or higher than the eighth threshold, which is greater than the seventh threshold, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced.

15. A control device includes a communicator and a controller. The communicator receives at least two pieces of information among information indicating the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device, information indicating the temperature of the heat medium that recovers the exhaust heat of the fuel cell device that generates electricity using the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device. The controller executes at least two controls among the control to reduce the output of the fuel cell device when the hydrogen amount of the hydrogen storage device decreases, the control to reduce the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature of the heat medium rises, and the control to reduce the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the casing of the fuel cell device rises. When the controller executes the at least two controls together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that the reduction amount of the output of the fuel cell device executed in each control becomes the maximum reduction amount.

16. A control device includes a communicator and a controller. The communicator receives at least two pieces of information including information indicating the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device, information indicating the heat storage amount of a heat accumulator that accumulates the exhaust heat of a fuel cell device that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device, and information indicating the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device. The controller executes at least two of the controls including a control to reduce the output of the fuel cell device when the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device decreases, a control to reduce the output of the fuel cell device when the heat storage amount of the heat accumulator increases, and a control to reduce the output of the fuel cell device when the temperature inside or outside the housing of the fuel cell device increases. When the controller executes the at least two controls together, the output of the fuel cell device is reduced in such a way that the reduction amount of the output of the fuel cell device executed in each control becomes the maximum reduction amount.

17. A power generation system includes a fuel cell device and the control device according to claim 15 or 16.

Images