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

The sequential activation of fuel cell modules in a working machine's fuel cell system addresses the need for large energy storage by reducing the power required for system activation, enabling a smaller power storage device, thus enhancing system compactness.

DE112024003333T5Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-28KOMATSU LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
KOMATSU LTD
Filing Date
2024-11-28
Publication Date
2026-05-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing fuel cell systems in ultra-large trucks require large-capacity energy storage devices due to the increased electrical power needed for activating multiple fuel cells, necessitating a reduction in the size of these power storage devices.

Method used

A control method for a fuel cell system in a working machine that activates fuel cell modules sequentially, starting with a first module and using power from a smaller power storage device to activate auxiliary equipment, followed by subsequent modules, reducing the overall electrical power required for system activation.

Benefits of technology

This approach minimizes the capacity of the power storage device needed, allowing for a reduction in its size and potentially using smaller capacitors or batteries, thereby optimizing the fuel cell system's compactness.

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Abstract

When a command signal to start a working machine is received, a main control device issues an activation command to a first fuel cell module among a plurality of fuel cell modules. If activation of the first fuel cell module is detected, the main control device issues an activation command to a second fuel cell module, which is different from the first fuel cell module among the plurality of fuel cell modules.
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Description

TECHNICAL AREA

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

[0002] The present application claims priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2023-203174, filed on November 30, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. STATE OF THE ART

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

[0004] Patent literature 1: US 2022 / 0173459 A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAL PROBLEM

[0005] The auxiliary equipment for operating the fuel cell is powered by electrical energy. Therefore, the fuel cell system must include a power storage device that stores electrical energy at the time of activation. If the fuel cell system includes a large number of fuel cells, the electrical power required for activation increases with the number of fuel cells. Thus, a large-capacity energy storage device is necessary. Conversely, there is a need to reduce the size of the power storage device provided in the fuel cell system.

[0006] An example of a task of the present disclosure is the provision of a working machine, a fuel cell system and a method for controlling a fuel cell system that can reduce the electrical power to be stored for activation in the working machine, including the plurality of fuel cells. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a working machine is a machine that includes a working device and includes a fuel cell system and a main control device. The fuel cell system is mounted on a vehicle body of the working machine and includes a plurality of fuel cell modules connected by a bus. When a command signal to start the working machine is received, the main control device issues an activation command to a first fuel cell module among the plurality of fuel cell modules. When activation of the first fuel cell module is detected, the main control device issues an activation command to a second fuel cell module, which is different from the first fuel cell module among the plurality of fuel cell modules. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the aspect described above, the working machine, as an example, can reduce the electrical power that needs to be stored for activation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a working machine according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cabin of the working machine according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a fuel cell system and a drive system of the working machine according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control at the time of activation of the working machine according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to the first embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS First Execution Configuration of the working machine 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for starting the working machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] When an operator activates the start switch 143, the start switch 143 sends a command signal to the main control device 145 to start the working machine 1. For example, the start switch 143 is a switch that sends a command signal to start the working machine 1 when an operator depresses the start switch 143. When the command signal to start the working machine 1 is sent from the start switch 143 to the main control device 145 by an operator, the main control device 145 activates the fuel cell system 20 by the following process. First, the main control device 145 sends the command signal to the electrical power converter 222 of the power storage device module 22, so that predetermined electrical power is supplied to bus B (step S1).The predetermined electrical power must only be an electrical power that can drive the auxiliary device 213 of at least one fuel cell module 21 among the plurality of fuel cell modules 21.

[0034] The main control device 145 then selects at least one fuel cell module 21 to be activated first from the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 (step S2). Hereinafter, the selected fuel cell module 21 is referred to as the first fuel cell module. The first fuel cell module can be predetermined, selected randomly by the main control device 145, or selected in the planned sequence so that the overall operating times are equal. It is noted that if the electrical power converter 222 of the power storage device module 22 supplies sufficient electrical power to drive the auxiliary equipment 213 of the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 to bus B, the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 can be selected as the first fuel cell modules.

[0035] The main control device 145 issues an activation command to the fuel cell control device 214 of the first fuel cell module, which is selected in step S2 (step S3). When the activation command is received, the fuel cell control device 214 of the first fuel cell module drives the auxiliary device 213 by electrical power from bus B. In other words, in this state, the auxiliary device 213 of the first fuel cell module is driven by electrical power supplied by the power storage device 221. When hydrogen and oxygen are supplied to the fuel cell 211 of the first fuel cell module by driving the auxiliary device 213, the fuel cell 211 converts hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power.

[0036] The main control device 145 detects the activation of fuel cell 211 of the first fuel cell module (step S4). Specifically, the fuel cell control device 214 of the first fuel cell module monitors the state of fuel cell 211 and outputs data indicating its state. The state of fuel cell 211 includes states such as shutdown and activation completion. Data indicating an activation completion state is an example of a notification that shows fuel cell 211 is operational. The main control device 145 receives the data output by the fuel cell control device 214 of the first fuel cell module and detects the state of fuel cell 211.The main control device 145 detects an activation of the fuel cell 211 of the first fuel cell module based on the data from the fuel cell control device 214 of the first fuel cell module.

[0037] When activation of fuel cell 211 of the first fuel cell module is detected, the main control device 145 issues a command signal to the fuel cell control device 214 of the first fuel cell module to supply the predetermined electrical power to bus B (step S5). The predetermined electrical power must be sufficient to drive the auxiliary device 213 of at least one fuel cell module 21 among the plurality of fuel cell modules 21. The fuel cell control device 214 of the first fuel cell module causes the electrical power converter 212 to supply the electrical power generated by fuel cell 211 to bus B based on the command signal from the main control device 145.

[0038] The main control device 145 then selects at least one fuel cell module 21 to be subsequently activated from the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 that are not activated (step S6). Hereinafter, the fuel cell module 21 selected after the first fuel cell module is referred to as the second fuel cell module. The second fuel cell module is the fuel cell module 21 that differs from the first fuel cell module. The second fuel cell module can be predetermined, selected randomly by the main control device 145, or selected in the planned sequence so that the overall operating times are equal. It is noted that the main control device 145 selects the second fuel cell module that can drive the auxiliary device 213 by supplying electrical power from the first fuel cell module, which is already in operation.It is noted that if the fuel cell 211 of the first fuel cell module supplies sufficient electrical power to drive the auxiliary equipment 213 of the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 to the bus B, the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 can be selected as the second fuel modules.

[0039] The main control device 145 issues an activation command to the fuel cell control device 214 of the second fuel cell module, which is selected in step S6 (step S7). When the activation command is received, the fuel cell control device 214 of the second fuel cell module drives the auxiliary device 213 by electrical power from bus B. Any residual electrical power stored in the power storage device 221 may be depleted. However, the auxiliary device 213 of the second fuel cell module can be driven by electrical power supplied by the first fuel cell module. When hydrogen and oxygen are supplied to the fuel cell 211 of the second fuel cell module by driving the auxiliary device 213, the fuel cell 211 responds to the hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power.

[0040] The main control device 145 detects the activation of fuel cell 211 of the second fuel cell module (step S8). Specifically, the fuel cell control device 214 of the second fuel cell module monitors the state of fuel cell 211 and outputs data indicating its state. The state of fuel cell 211 includes states such as shutdown and activation completion. Data indicating an activation completion state is an example of a notification that shows fuel cell 211 is operational. The main control device 145 receives the data output by the fuel cell control device 214 of the second fuel cell module and detects the state of fuel cell 211.The main control device 145 detects an activation of the fuel cell 211 of the second fuel cell module based on the data from the fuel cell control device 214 of the second fuel cell module.

[0041] When activation of fuel cell 211 of the second fuel cell module is detected, the main control device 145 issues the command signal to the fuel cell control device 214 of the second fuel cell module to supply the predetermined electrical power to bus B (step S9). The fuel cell control device 214 of the second fuel cell module causes the electrical power converter 212 to supply the electrical power generated by fuel cell 211 to bus B based on the command signal from the main control device 145.

[0042] Then, while the fuel cell module 21 is not activated, the main control device 145 drives the auxiliary device 213 of the fuel cell module 21, which is not activated, by electrical power output from the fuel module that is already in operation.

[0043] Once the activation of all fuel cell modules 21 is complete, the main control device 145 enables the operation of the working machine 1 in accordance with an operator's actuation of the actuating device. The main control device 145 receives an actuation of the actuating device from an operator and, corresponding to the actuation amount, issues a control command to the inverter 311 of the hydraulic drive module 31 and the inverter 321 of the rotary module 32. Steps and effects

[0044] Thus, the main control device 145, according to the first embodiment, functions as described below. At the time of activation of the working machine 1, in a case where all of the plurality of fuel cells 211 are stopped, when the command signal to activate the fuel cell system 20 is received, the main control device 145 outputs the command signal to drive the auxiliary device 213 of the first fuel cell module among the plurality of fuel cell modules 21. When the first fuel cell module is operating, the main control device 145 outputs the command signal to drive the auxiliary device 213 of the second fuel cell module among the plurality of fuel cell modules 21.

[0045] Therefore, it is only necessary for the power storage device 221 to store electrical power to be supplied to the auxiliary device 213 until the activation of at least the first fuel cell module among the plurality of fuel cell modules 21 is complete. Thus, it is not necessary for the power storage device 221 to have a capacity sufficient to power the auxiliary devices 213 of all fuel cell modules 21 at the time of activation. In other words, the fuel cell system 20 according to the first embodiment can achieve a size reduction of the power storage device 221.Furthermore, if the power storage device 221 is a capacitor, since its capacitance is relatively smaller compared to a battery, the power storage device 221 provided in the working machine 1 can be reduced in size by implementing a control system according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the fuel cell system 20 according to the first embodiment can reduce the electrical power to be stored before activation.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to the first embodiment.

[0047] A computer 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory 92, a storage 93 and an interface 94.

[0048] The main control device 145 and the fuel cell control device 214, described above, are implemented in the computer 90. Furthermore, the operation of each of the processing units described above is stored in memory 93 in the form of a program. The processor 91 reads the program from memory 93, loads the program into main memory 92, and executes the aforementioned processing according to the program. The processor 91 also stores a memory area in main memory 92, corresponding to each of the memory units described above, according to the program. Examples of the processor 91 include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, and the like.

[0049] The program can be used to implement some of the functions to be performed by the computer 90. For example, the program can be used to perform a function in combination with other programs already stored in the data memory or in combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer 90 can include, in addition to or instead of the configuration described above, a user-defined highly integrated circuit (LSI) such as a programmable logic device (PLD). Examples of PLDs include a programmable array logic (PAL), a generic array logic (GAL), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, some or all of the functions to be performed by the processor 91 can be implemented by the integrated circuit.Such an integrated circuit is included as an example of the processor. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the computer 90 can be virtualized on one or a multitude of computers.

[0050] Examples of storage 93 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The memory 93 can be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 90, or an external medium connected to the computer 90 via the interface 94 or a communication line. When the program is distributed to the computer 90 via the communication line, the computer 90 to which the program is distributed can further load the program into main memory 92 and perform the processing mentioned above. In at least one embodiment, the memory 93 is a non-volatile physical storage medium.

[0051] Furthermore, the program can be used to implement some of the functions described above. Additionally, the program can be a so-called difference file (difference program) that implements the aforementioned functions in combination with another program already stored in memory 93. Other embodiments

[0052] Although embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, specific configurations are not limited to those described above, and various design changes and the like may be made.

[0053] The main control device 145 according to the embodiments described above can, for example, be configured by a single computer. Alternatively, the configuration of the main control device 145 can be arranged such that it is distributed among a plurality of computers, and the plurality of computers can interact with one another to serve as the main control device 145. In this case, some of the computers forming the main control device 145 can be mounted inside the machine 1, and the other computers can be located outside the machine 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the main control device 145, according to the embodiments described above, can include a function of the fuel cell control device 214. In such a case, each of the fuel cell modules 21 may not include the fuel cell control device 214, and the electrical power converter 212 and the auxiliary device 213 of each of the fuel cell modules 21 can be operated based on the command signal from the main control device 145. Furthermore, the main control device 145 can include a function as a monitoring device that monitors the state of the fuel cell 211.

[0055] Furthermore, the working machine 1, according to the embodiments described above, is a hydraulic excavator. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, according to another embodiment, the working machine 1 can be other working machines such as a wheel loader or a dump truck.

[0056] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the capacitor is given as an example of the power storage device 221. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, according to another embodiment, the power storage device 221 of the working machine 1 can be a battery.

[0057] It is noted that the embodiments described above describe a case in which the working machine 1 is equipped with two fuel cell modules, as in Fig.Figure 3 illustrates and describes the embodiments. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The working machine 1 according to another embodiment can include three or more fuel cell modules.

[0058] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the start switch 143, which starts the machine 1, is a switch that outputs a start signal when an operator depresses the start switch 143. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the start switch 143 can be a key switch having a key cylinder into which a key is inserted and actuated such that the key is inserted into the key cylinder and turned from an off position through a key-on position to an activation position. Alternatively, the start switch 143 can, for example, be a portable actuating device carried by the operator.When the operator activates the portable operating device, wireless communication is established between the portable operating device and the main control device 145, and the machine 1 can be started, provided communication is established. The portable operating device can be, for example, a remote control key with an integrated electronic chip or a portable computing device such as a smartphone or a portable information terminal. Furthermore, the operating start switch 143 can, for example, be located at a remote location and configured to start the machine 1 remotely. Industrial applicability

[0059] According to the present disclosure, the working machine can, for example, reduce the electrical power to be stored for activation. Reference symbol list 1 working machine, 110 vehicles, 120 rotating bodies, 130 work equipment, 131 outriggers, 131C Foot pedal, cantilever cylinder, 132 Arm, 132C Arm cylinder, 133 Attachment, 133C attachment cylinder, 134 Drive motor, 140 cabins, 141 Driver's seat, 142LF Left 142LO Left operating lever, 142LT Left drive lever, 142RF Right Foot Pedal, 142RO Right operating lever, 142RT Right drive lever, 145 Main control device, 20 fuel cell systems, 21 Fuel cell module, 211 Fuel cell, 212 Electrical power converter, 213 Aid facility, 214 Fuel cell control device, 22 Power storage device module, 221 Power storage device, 222 Electrical power converter, 30 drive system, 31 Hydraulic drive module, 311 inverters, 312 Electric motor, 313 Hydraulic pump, 314 Hydraulic actuator, 32 Rotary module, 321 inverters, 322 Electric rotary motor, B Bus QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] JP 2023-203174

[0002] US 2022 / 0173459 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Working machine including a working tool, wherein the working machine comprises: a fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle body of the work machine and comprising a multitude of fuel cell modules connected to a bus; and a main control device, wherein, When a command signal to start the working machine is received, the main control device issues an activation command to a first fuel cell module among the multitude of fuel cell modules, and When activation of the first fuel cell module is detected, the main control device issues an activation command to a second fuel cell module, which differs from the first fuel cell module among the multitude of fuel cell modules. [2] Working machine according to claim 1, further comprising: an auxiliary device that is provided according to each of the multiple fuel cell modules and operates the corresponding fuel cell, wherein, When the command signal to start the working machine is received, the main control device issues a command signal to drive the auxiliary device according to the first fuel cell module, and When activation of the first fuel cell module is detected, the main control device issues a command signal to drive the auxiliary device corresponding to the second fuel cell module. [3] Working machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a power storage device connected to the bus; and an electrical power converter provided between the power storage device and the bus, wherein, When the command signal to start the working machine is received, the main control device sends a command signal to the electrical power converter to supply the bus with electrical power from the power storage device. [4] Working machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a monitoring device that outputs data indicating the state of the first fuel cell module, wherein the main control device detects an activation of the first fuel cell module based on the data output by the monitoring device, and When activation of the first fuel cell module is detected, the main control device issues the activation command to the second fuel cell module. [5] Working machine according to claim 3, wherein the power storage device is a capacitor. [6] Working machine according to claim 3, wherein the power storage device is a battery. [7] Working machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the activation of all of the plurality of fuel cell modules is completed, the main control device enables the operation of the working machine. [8] Fuel cell system for generating electrical power to drive a working machine including a working tool, wherein the fuel cell system comprises: a multitude of fuel cell modules mounted on a vehicle body of the working machine and connected to a bus; and a main control device, wherein, When a command signal to start the working machine is received, the main control device issues an activation command to a first fuel cell module among the multitude of fuel cell modules, and When activation of the first fuel cell module is detected, the main control device issues an activation command to a second fuel cell module, which differs from the first fuel cell module among the multitude of fuel cell modules. [9] Method for controlling a fuel cell system for generating electrical power to drive a working machine which includes a working device, wherein the fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell modules mounted on a vehicle body and connected to a bus, the method comprising: Issuing an activation command to a first fuel cell module among the multitude of fuel cell modules when a command signal to start the working machine is received; and Issuing an activation command to a second fuel cell module, which differs from the first fuel cell module among the multitude of fuel cell modules, when activation of the first fuel cell module is detected.