Fuel cell module

Abstract

To suppress a malfunction of a fuel cell module, which is caused by that specifications of the fuel cell module become miscellaneous.SOLUTION: A control section discriminates specifications of the fuel cell module FCM on the basis of discrimination signals S1 and S2 which are generated in the fuel cell module FCM; and when the discriminated specifications and specifications stored in a storage section Stg coincide with each other, the control section continues power generation control of a fuel cell stack FCS, and if the discriminated specifications and the specifications stored in the storage section Stg do not coincide with each other, the control section finishes the power generation control of the fuel cell stack FCS.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell module. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a fuel cell module that determines the type of external load connected to a DCDC converter, which converts the output voltage of a fuel cell stack, based on the impedance on the output side of the DCDC converter.

[0003] However, as the specifications of fuel cell modules (such as information indicating the model to which the fuel cell module is applied) become more diverse, the combinations of accessories for generating electricity in the fuel cell stack and the software for controlling the operation of the accessories also become more diverse to match those specifications.

[0004] In addition, during manufacturing or maintenance of the fuel cell module, workers or the like attach auxiliary equipment corresponding to the specifications written in the memory to the fuel cell module FCM, and software corresponding to the specifications written in the memory is written into the memory.

[0005] Therefore, if specifications different from the actual specifications are written into the memory, there is a risk that auxiliary equipment that does not correspond to the actual specifications will be attached to the fuel cell module or software that does not correspond to the actual specifications will be written into the memory during manufacture or maintenance of the fuel cell module, which may cause the fuel cell module to malfunction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-050092 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object according to one aspect of the present invention is to suppress malfunctions of fuel cell modules caused by a wide variety of fuel cell module specifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A fuel cell module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a fuel cell stack, a storage unit in which specifications of the fuel cell module are stored in advance, and a control unit that controls power generation of the fuel cell stack.

[0009] The control unit determines the specifications based on a determination signal generated within the fuel cell module, and if the determined specifications match the specifications stored in the memory unit, continues power generation control of the fuel cell stack, and if the determined specifications do not match the specifications stored in the memory unit, terminates power generation control of the fuel cell stack.

[0010] As a result, for example, when the specifications determined by the determination signal and the specifications stored in the memory unit do not match and power generation control of the fuel cell stack is stopped, a notice can be sent to manufacturing or maintenance workers, etc., to the effect that specifications different from the actual specifications are stored in the memory unit, and the workers, etc. can be prompted to write in the correct specifications. This makes it possible to prevent the attachment of auxiliary equipment that does not correspond to the actual specifications or the writing of software that does not correspond to the actual specifications during the manufacture or maintenance of the fuel cell module, thereby preventing malfunction of the fuel cell module.

[0011] The control unit may also be configured to include an input circuit into which a voltage corresponding to the specification among multiple types of voltages generated within the fuel cell module is input as the discrimination signal, and to discriminate the specification based on the voltage input to the input circuit.

[0012] The fuel cell module may also include a plurality of auxiliary units for generating electricity using the fuel cell stack as a main unit, the input circuit may include a voltage dividing resistor across which the plurality of types of voltages are applied and a pull-down resistor connected to the voltage dividing resistor, and the voltage across the connection point between the voltage dividing resistor and the pull-down resistor is input as the discrimination signal, and the control unit may be configured to determine, when the voltage input to the input circuit is zero, that the voltage dividing resistor or the wiring connected between the voltage dividing resistor and the auxiliary units is broken, or that the voltage dividing resistor or the wiring has a ground fault.

[0013] In addition, the fuel cell module may be provided with a plurality of auxiliary devices for generating electricity using the fuel cell stack as a main unit, and the control unit may be configured to determine the specification based on signals input / output between an auxiliary device among the plurality of auxiliary devices that is specific to the specification.

[0014] The control unit may be configured to determine the specification at the start of power generation control of the fuel cell stack. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, malfunctions of fuel cell modules caused by a wide variety of fuel cell module specifications can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of a control unit. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of information stored in a storage unit and an example of an input circuit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of information stored in a storage unit and an example of connection terminals in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment.

[0019] The fuel cell module FCM shown in Fig. 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as a forklift, a towing tractor, or an automatic guided vehicle (AGV), and supplies power to a load Lo mounted on the vehicle. In this configuration, the load Lo is, for example, an inverter circuit that drives a loading device or a traveling motor. The fuel cell module FCM may be provided in a stationary generator such as an industrial stationary generator, a home stationary generator, or an emergency stationary generator. In this configuration, the load Lo is, for example, an industrial machine or a home appliance.

[0020] The fuel cell module FCM also includes a fuel cell stack FCS, which is the main unit, and a number of types of auxiliary units for causing the fuel cell stack FCS to generate power.

[0021] That is, the fuel cell module FCM includes, as fuel gas system accessories, a fuel tank HT, an injector INJ, and a pressure sensor Sp.

[0022] The fuel cell module FCM also includes, as oxidant gas system accessories, an air compressor ACP, a temperature sensor St, and an air pressure regulating valve ARV.

[0023] The fuel cell module FCM also includes, as cooling system accessories, an intercooler IC, a radiator R, a fan F, and a water pump WP.

[0024] The fuel cell module FCM also includes, as electric auxiliaries, DC-DC converters CNV1, CNV2, power storage devices B1, B2, a voltage sensor Sv, a current sensor Si, and relays Re1, Re2.

[0025] The fuel cell module FCM further includes a memory unit Stg and a control unit Cnt.

[0026] The fuel cell stack FCS is composed of multiple fuel cell units connected in series with each other, and generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen contained in the fuel gas (such as hydrogen gas) and the oxygen contained in the oxidant gas (such as air).

[0027] The fuel tank HT is a storage container for fuel gas. The fuel gas stored in the fuel tank HT is supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS via the injector INJ.

[0028] The injector INJ adjusts the flow rate of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0029] The pressure sensor Sp detects the pressure P of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS, and sends the detected pressure P to the control unit Cnt.

[0030] The air compressor ACP compresses the oxidant gas present around the fuel cell module FCM and supplies it to the fuel cell stack FCS via the intercooler IC.

[0031] The temperature sensor St is constituted by a thermistor or the like, detects the temperature T of the oxidant gas output from the air compressor ACP, and sends the detected temperature T to the control unit Cnt.

[0032] The air pressure regulating valve ARV adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0033] The intercooler IC exchanges heat between the oxidant gas, which has become hot through compression, and a refrigerant such as cooling water flowing through the intercooler IC.

[0034] The radiator R exchanges heat between the refrigerant, which has been heated by the heat generated by the fuel cell stack FCS, and the outside air.

[0035] The fan F increases the amount of heat dissipated by the radiator R.

[0036] The water pump WP supplies the coolant cooled by the radiator R to the fuel cell stack FCS via the intercooler IC.

[0037] The DCDC converter CNV1 is connected to the rear of the fuel cell stack FCS and converts the voltage output from the fuel cell stack FCS to a predetermined voltage (for example, 48 [V]). The power output from the DCDC converter CNV1 is supplied to auxiliary devices such as the air compressor ACP and the water pump WP, the load Lo, and the power storage device B1. The air compressor ACP and the water pump WP are sometimes referred to as 48V system auxiliary devices.

[0038] The power storage device B1 is composed of a lithium ion capacitor or the like, and is connected between the DCDC converter CNV1 and the load Lo. When the supply power corresponding to the difference between the power output from the DCDC converter CNV1 and the total value of the power supplied to the 48V auxiliary equipment and the DCDC converter CNV2 is greater than the required power required from the outside of the fuel cell module FCM (for example, a vehicle-side control unit or a stationary generator-side control unit that controls the operation of the load Lo), the required power of the supply power is supplied to the load Lo, and the remaining power is supplied to the power storage device B1. When power is supplied from the DCDC converter CNV1 to the power storage device B1, the power storage device B1 is charged and the charging rate of the power storage device B1 (the ratio [%] of the remaining capacity to the full charge capacity of the power storage device B1) increases. In addition, when the regenerative power supplied from the load Lo to the fuel cell module FCM is supplied to the power storage device B1, the power storage device B1 is charged and the charging rate of the power storage device B1 increases. In addition, when the supply power corresponding to the difference between the power output from the DCDC converter CNV1 and the total value of the power supplied to the 48V auxiliary equipment and the DCDC converter CNV2 is smaller than the required power required from the outside of the fuel cell module FCM, the supply power is supplied to the load Lo, and the shortage of power is supplied from the power storage device B1 to the load Lo. When power is supplied from the power storage device B1 to the load Lo, the power storage device B1 is discharged and the charging rate of the power storage device B1 decreases.

[0039] The voltage sensor Sv detects the voltage V of the power storage device B1, and sends the detected voltage V to the control unit Cnt.

[0040] Current sensor Si detects current I flowing through power storage device B1, and sends the detected current I to control unit Cnt.

[0041] The relay Re1 is an electromagnetic relay or a semiconductor relay, and is connected between the DCDC converter CNV1 and the power storage device B1. When the relay Re1 is in a conductive state, it is possible to supply power from the DCDC converter CNV1 or the load Lo to the power storage device B1 and to supply power from the power storage device B1 to the load Lo, and when the relay Re1 is in a cut-off state, it is impossible to supply power from the DCDC converter CNV1 or the load Lo to the power storage device B1 and to supply power from the power storage device B1 to the load Lo.

[0042] The DCDC converter CNV2 is connected to the rear stage of the DCDC converter CNV1 and converts the voltage output from the DCDC converter CNV1 to a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 [V]). The power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 is supplied to accessories such as the injector INJ and the fan F. The injector INJ and the fan F are sometimes called 12V system accessories.

[0043] The power storage device B2 is composed of a lithium ion capacitor or the like. When the power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 is greater than the power to be supplied to the 12V auxiliary device, power equivalent to the difference between the power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 and the power to be supplied to the 12V auxiliary device is supplied from the DCDC converter CNV2 to the power storage device B2. When power is supplied from the DCDC converter CNV2 to the power storage device B2, the power storage device B2 is charged and the charge rate of the power storage device B2 (the ratio [%] of the remaining capacity to the full charge capacity of the power storage device B2) increases. In addition, when the power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 is less than the power to be supplied to the 12V auxiliary device, power equivalent to the difference between the power to be supplied to the 12V auxiliary device and the power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 is supplied from the DCDC converter CNV2 to the 12V auxiliary device, and the insufficient power is supplied from the power storage device B2 to the 12V auxiliary device. When power is supplied from the power storage device B2 to the 12V auxiliary devices, the power storage device B2 is discharged and the charging rate of the power storage device B2 decreases.

[0044] The relay Re2 is an electromagnetic relay or a semiconductor relay, and is connected between the DCDC converter CNV2 and the power storage device B2. When the relay Re2 is in a conductive state, the DCDC converter CNV2 can supply power to the power storage device B2, and when the relay Re2 is in a cut-off state, the DCDC converter CNV2 cannot supply power to the power storage device B2.

[0045] The storage unit Stg is configured with a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, etc. During manufacturing or maintenance of the fuel cell module FCM, an operator or the like stores information indicating the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM and information indicating the correspondence between the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM and the discrimination signal.

[0046] The control unit Cnt is configured with a microcomputer or the like, and controls the power generation of the fuel cell FC. For example, during power generation control, the control unit Cnt gradually changes the target power generation Pt in accordance with the result of comparing the charging rate of the power storage device B with a plurality of threshold values, and controls the operation of each auxiliary device by PI (Proportional-Integral) control or the like so that the power generation of the fuel cell FC follows the target power generation Pt.

[0047] In addition, the control unit Cnt determines the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM based on a determination signal generated within the fuel cell module FCM, and if the determined specifications match the specifications pre-stored in the memory unit Stg, it continues the power generation control of the fuel cell stack FCS, and if the determined specifications do not match the specifications pre-stored in the memory unit Stg, it terminates the power generation control of the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit Cnt.

[0049] First, when the control unit Cnt receives an instruction to start the fuel cell module FCM from outside, for example, when the user turns on the key of the vehicle or presses the power on button of a stationary generator (step St1: Yes), it executes a system startup process (step St2). For example, when executing the system startup process, the control unit Cnt determines whether each auxiliary device, such as the pressure sensor Sp and the temperature sensor St, is operating normally, and reads from the memory unit Stg the initial values ​​of the control signals to be given to each auxiliary device, such as the air compressor ACP and the injector INJ.

[0050] Next, the control unit Cnt acquires the discrimination signals S1, S2 generated within the fuel cell module FCM (step St3), and determines the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM based on the acquired discrimination signals S1, S2 (step St4).

[0051] Next, the control unit Cnt reads out the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM from the memory unit Stg (step St5), and determines whether the specifications determined in step St4 and the specifications read out in step St5 match each other (step St6).

[0052] Next, when the control unit Cnt determines that the specifications determined in step St4 and the specifications read in step St5 do not match each other, that is, when it determines that specifications different from the actual specifications are stored in the memory unit Stg (step St6: No), it issues an error (step St7) and executes a system stop process (step St8). For example, in step St7, the control unit Cnt displays a message indicating that specifications different from the actual specifications are stored in the memory unit Stg on a display (not shown) provided in the vehicle or the stationary generator. In addition, in step St8, the control unit Cnt stores in the memory unit Stg the control signals given to the auxiliary devices such as the air compressor ACP and the injector INJ and the detection values ​​obtained from the auxiliary devices such as the voltage sensor Sv and the temperature sensor St when the system stop process is executed.

[0053] On the other hand, if the control unit Cnt determines that the specifications determined in step St4 and the specifications read out in step St5 are consistent with each other, that is, if it determines that the same specifications as the actual specifications are stored in the memory unit Stg (step St6: Yes), it transitions relays Re1 and Re2 from a cut-off state to a conductive state (step St9) and starts the charging control process of the fuel cell module FCM (step St10).

[0054] Next, the control unit Cnt continues the charging control until it receives an instruction to stop the fuel cell module FCM (step St11: No).

[0055] Then, when the control unit Cnt receives an instruction to shut down the fuel cell module FCM from outside, for example, when the user turns off the key on the vehicle or presses the power off button on a stationary generator (step St11: Yes), it terminates the charging control of the fuel cell module FCM (step St12), transitions relays Re1 and Re2 from a conductive state to a cut-off state (step St13), and then executes system shutdown processing (step St8).

[0056] <First Example> Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing information stored in the memory unit Stg in the first embodiment. The information shown in Fig. 3(a) shows the correspondence between the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM and the discrimination signals S1, S2. Four specifications of the fuel cell module FCM are assumed: "fuel cell module for forklift F1", "fuel cell module for forklift F2", "fuel cell module for stationary generator G1", and "fuel cell module for stationary generator G2".

[0057] In the information shown in FIG. 3(a), the "fuel cell module for forklift F1" corresponds to "12[V]" as the discrimination signal S1, and corresponds to "12[V]" as the discrimination signal S2.

[0058] In the information shown in FIG. 3(a), the "fuel cell module for forklift F2" corresponds to "12[V]" as the discrimination signal S1 and to "48[V]" as the discrimination signal S2.

[0059] In the information shown in FIG. 3(a), the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G1" corresponds to "48[V]" as the discrimination signal S1 and to "12[V]" as the discrimination signal S2.

[0060] In the information shown in FIG. 3(a), the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G2" corresponds to "48[V]" as the discrimination signal S1, and corresponds to "48[V]" as the discrimination signal S2.

[0061] 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of an input circuit Cin1 provided in the control unit Cnt. Note that the input circuit Cin2 provided in the control unit Cnt is similar to the input circuit Cin1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the voltages input to the input circuits Cin1 and Cin2 are not limited to 12 [V] and 48 [V], as long as they are voltages that can determine the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM. In addition, the circuit configuration of the input circuits Cin1 and Cin2 is not particularly limited, as long as it is possible to input a voltage corresponding to the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM to the control unit Cnt.

[0062] The input circuit Cin1 shown in FIG. 3(b) includes an input terminal IN, a voltage dividing resistor R1, a pull-down resistor R2, and an AD conversion circuit 4.

[0063] To the input terminal IN, a power supply voltage of 12 V supplied from the power storage device B2 to the injector INJ and the fan F, or a power supply voltage of 48 V supplied from the power storage device B1 to the air compressor ACP and the water pump WP is applied. Note that the source of the voltage applied to the input terminal IN is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it is as close as possible to the input terminal IN in order to suppress the effects of noise contained in the voltage.

[0064] The voltage dividing resistor R1 is connected between the input terminal IN and the pull-down resistor R2.

[0065] A pull-down resistor R2 is connected between the voltage divider resistor R1 and ground.

[0066] The AD conversion circuit 4 converts the voltage applied to the connection point between the voltage dividing resistor R1 and the pull-down resistor R2 from an analog value to a digital value.

[0067] That is, the voltage input to the input terminal IN is divided by a voltage dividing resistor R1 and a pull-down resistor R2, and the divided voltage is converted by an AD conversion circuit 4 from an analog value to a digital value that can be recognized by the control unit Cnt.

[0068] In this configuration, when the control unit Cnt judges that a voltage of 12 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin1 and that a voltage of 12 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin2, it refers to the information shown in FIG. 3(a) and selects the "fuel cell module for forklift F1" corresponding to "12 [V]" as the discrimination signal S1 and "12 [V]" as the discrimination signal S2 as the specification of the fuel cell module FCM. For example, when the digital value converted by the AD conversion circuit 4 of the input circuit Cin1 indicates "12 [V]", the control unit Cnt judges that a voltage of 12 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin1. Also, when the digital value converted by the AD conversion circuit 4 of the input circuit Cin2 indicates "12 [V]", the control unit Cnt judges that a voltage of 12 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin2.

[0069] Furthermore, when the control unit Cnt determines that a voltage of 12 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin1 and that a voltage of 48 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin2, it refers to the information shown in Fig. 3(a) and selects the "fuel cell module for forklift F2" corresponding to "12 [V]" as the discrimination signal S1 and "48 [V]" as the discrimination signal S2 as the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM. For example, when the digital value converted by the AD conversion circuit 4 of the input circuit Cin2 indicates "48 [V]", the control unit Cnt determines that a voltage of 48 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin2.

[0070] Furthermore, when the control unit Cnt determines that a voltage of 48 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin1 and that a voltage of 12 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin2, it refers to the information shown in Fig. 3(a) and selects the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G1" corresponding to "48 [V]" as the discrimination signal S1 and "12 [V]" as the discrimination signal S2 as the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM. For example, when the digital value converted by the AD conversion circuit 4 of the input circuit Cin1 indicates "48 [V]", the control unit Cnt determines that a voltage of 48 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin1.

[0071] Furthermore, when the control unit Cnt determines that a voltage of 48 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin1 and that a voltage of 48 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin2, it refers to the information shown in Figure 3(a) and selects the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G2" corresponding to "48 [V]" as the discrimination signal S1 and "48 [V]" as the discrimination signal S2 as the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0072] In addition, when the voltage input to the input circuit Cin1 is zero, the control unit Cnt determines that the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin1 or the wiring (harness) connected between the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin1 and the auxiliary equipment is broken, or that the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin1 or the wiring connected between the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin1 and the auxiliary equipment has a ground fault.

[0073] In addition, when the voltage input to the input circuit Cin2 is zero, the control unit Cnt determines that the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin2 or the wiring (harness) connected between the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin2 and the auxiliary equipment is broken, or that the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin2 or the wiring connected between the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin2 and the auxiliary equipment is faulted to ground.

[0074] In addition, when the voltage input to the input circuit Cin1 is a voltage other than 12 [V], 48 [V], or zero (voltages assumed in advance as voltages for determining specifications or open circuit ground faults), the control unit Cnt determines that a relatively small leakage current is flowing to other circuits or ground from the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin1 or the wiring connected between the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin1 and the auxiliary equipment.

[0075] In addition, when the voltage input to the input circuit Cin2 is a voltage other than 12 [V], 48 [V], or zero (voltages assumed in advance as voltages for determining specifications or open circuit ground faults), the control unit Cnt determines that a relatively small leakage current is flowing to other circuits or ground from the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin2 or the wiring connected between the voltage dividing resistor R1 of the input circuit Cin2 and the auxiliary equipment.

[0076] In the first embodiment, if the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM are increased, the combinations of voltages (discrimination signals) input to the input circuits Cin1 and Cin2 are increased according to the number of increased specifications, and the information shown in Fig. 3(a) is updated. For example, if a specification of a "fuel cell module for stationary generator G3" in which a power storage device B1, a voltage sensor Sv, a current sensor Si, and a fan F are provided externally is added, "5 [V]" is added as the discrimination signal S1 corresponding to the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G3", and "12 [V]" is added as the discrimination signal S2 corresponding to the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G3" to the information shown in Fig. 3(a). When the control unit Cnt determines that a voltage of 5 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin1 and that a voltage of 12 [V] is input to the input circuit Cin2, it refers to the updated information stored in the memory unit Stg and selects the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G3" corresponding to "5 [V]" as the discrimination signal S1 and "12 [V]" as the discrimination signal S2 as the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM. Note that "5 [V]" as the discrimination signal S1 may be obtained, for example, from the power supply voltage of the control unit Cnt.

[0077] According to the fuel cell module FCM of the first embodiment, when the specifications determined by the determination signals S1, S2 do not match the specifications stored in the memory unit Stg and power generation control of the fuel cell stack FCS is stopped, a notification can be sent to manufacturing or maintenance workers, etc., to the effect that specifications different from the actual specifications are stored in the memory unit Stg, and the workers, etc. can be prompted to write the correct specifications. This makes it possible to prevent accessories that do not correspond to the actual specifications from being attached or software that does not correspond to the actual specifications from being written during the manufacture or maintenance of the fuel cell module FCM, thereby preventing malfunction of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0078] According to the fuel cell module FCM of the first embodiment, some of the auxiliaries are shared among the various specifications of the fuel cell module FCM, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the fuel cell module FCM and the risk of the auxiliaries being assembled incorrectly.

[0079] According to the fuel cell module FCM of the first embodiment, breaks in the voltage dividing resistor R1 or wiring and ground faults can be detected by the input circuits Cin1, Cin2 which have a relatively simple configuration.

[0080] According to the fuel cell module FCM of the first embodiment, even if the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM are increased, the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM can be determined simply by increasing the number of voltage combinations input to the input circuits Cin1, Cin2 and updating the information shown in Fig. 4(a). In particular, since the voltages used in industrial vehicles and stationary generators are almost always fixed, it is preferable to determine the specifications of a fuel cell module FCM for industrial vehicles and stationary generators by using a voltage combination as in the first embodiment.

[0081] <Second Example> Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing information stored in the memory unit Stg in the first embodiment. The information shown in Fig. 4(a) shows the correspondence between the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM and the discrimination signals S1, S2. Four specifications of the fuel cell module FCM are assumed: "fuel cell module for forklift F1", "fuel cell module for forklift F2", "fuel cell module for stationary generator G1", and "fuel cell module for stationary generator G2".

[0082] The "fuel cell module for forklift F1" is equipped with a voltage sensor Sv and a temperature sensor St, which is different from the other three specifications. In other words, the "fuel cell module for forklift F1" is similar to the fuel cell module FCM shown in Fig. 1. In addition, in the information shown in Fig. 4(a), the "fuel cell module for forklift F1" corresponds to "voltage V: input present" as the discrimination signal S1, and corresponds to "temperature T: input present" as the discrimination signal S2.

[0083] The "fuel cell module for forklift F2" is different from the other three specifications in that it is equipped with a voltage sensor Sv and does not have a temperature sensor St. In other words, the "fuel cell module for forklift F2" is the same as the fuel cell module FCM shown in Figure 1, but does not have a temperature sensor St. Also, in the information shown in Figure 4(a), the "fuel cell module for forklift F2" corresponds to "voltage V: input present" as the discrimination signal S1, and corresponds to "temperature T: no input" as the discrimination signal S2.

[0084] The "fuel cell module for stationary generator G1" differs from the other three specifications in that it does not include a voltage sensor Sv, but does include a temperature sensor St. In other words, the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G1" is similar to the fuel cell module FCM shown in FIG. 1 in which an external power storage device B1, voltage sensor Sv, and current sensor Si are provided. In addition, in the information shown in FIG. 4(a), the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G1" corresponds to "voltage V: no input" as the discrimination signal S1, and corresponds to "temperature T: input" as the discrimination signal S2.

[0085] The "fuel cell module for stationary generator G2" differs from the other three specifications in that it is not equipped with a voltage sensor Sv and a temperature sensor St. In other words, the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G2" is similar to the fuel cell module FCM shown in Fig. 1, except that it is provided with an external power storage device B1, a voltage sensor Sv, and a current sensor Si, and does not have a temperature sensor St. In addition, in the information shown in Fig. 4(a), the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G2" corresponds to "voltage V: no input" as the discrimination signal S1, and corresponds to "temperature T: no input" as the discrimination signal S2.

[0086] 4(b) is a diagram showing a coupler provided in the control unit Cnt and a terminal block provided at an end of a wire extending from the auxiliary device. Note that the configuration of the coupler and the terminal block is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of inputting and outputting signals between the coupler and the auxiliary device specific to the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0087] The coupler 1 shown in FIG. 4(b) has six connection terminals arranged in two vertical rows and three horizontal rows.

[0088] The terminal block 2 shown in FIG. 4(b) is provided at the end of a wire extending from the voltage sensor Sv, and has three connection terminals.

[0089] The terminal block 3 shown in FIG. 4(b) is provided at the end of the wiring extending from the temperature sensor St, and has three connection terminals.

[0090] The three connection terminals of the terminal block 2 are connected to the upper three connection terminals of the coupler 1 , and the three connection terminals of the terminal block 3 are connected to the lower three connection terminals of the coupler 1 .

[0091] The control unit Cnt recognizes the signal input from the upper three connection terminals of the coupler 1 as a voltage V detected by the voltage sensor Sv, and recognizes the signal input from the lower three connection terminals of the coupler 1 as a temperature T detected by the temperature sensor St.

[0092] In this configuration, when the control unit Cnt determines that a voltage V has been input and that a temperature T has been input, it refers to the information shown in Fig. 4(a) and selects the "fuel cell module for forklift F1" corresponding to "voltage V: input present" and "temperature T: input present" as the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM. For example, when the control unit Cnt recognizes that a signal has been input to the three upper connection terminals of the coupler 1, it determines that a voltage V has been input. Also, when the control unit Cnt recognizes that a signal has been input to the three lower connection terminals of the coupler 1, it determines that a temperature T has been input.

[0093] Furthermore, when the control unit Cnt determines that the voltage V has been input and that the temperature T has not been input, it refers to the information shown in Fig. 4(a) and selects the "fuel cell module for forklift F2" corresponding to "voltage V: input" and "temperature T: no input" as the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM. For example, when the control unit Cnt recognizes that no signals are being input to the three lower connection terminals of the coupler 1, it determines that the temperature T has not been input.

[0094] Furthermore, when the control unit Cnt determines that there is no input of voltage V and that there is an input of temperature T, it refers to the information shown in Fig. 4(a) and selects the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G1" corresponding to "voltage V: no input" and "temperature T: input" as the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM. For example, when the control unit Cnt recognizes that no signal is being input to the upper three connection terminals of the coupler 1, it determines that there is no input of voltage V.

[0095] Furthermore, when the control unit Cnt determines that there is no input of voltage V and that there is no input of temperature T, it refers to the information shown in FIG. 4(a) and selects the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G2" corresponding to "voltage V: no input" and "temperature T: no input" as the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0096] In the second embodiment, when the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM are increased, the control unit Cnt further inputs a signal output from an auxiliary device specific to the increased specifications as a discrimination signal, and updates the information shown in FIG. 4(a). For example, when adding a specification of a "fuel cell module for stationary generator G4" in which a power storage device B1, a voltage sensor Sv, a current sensor Si, and a relay Re1 are externally provided, "voltage V: no input" is added to the information shown in FIG. 4(a) as a discrimination signal S1 corresponding to the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G4", and "relay Re1: no output" is added as a discrimination signal S2 corresponding to the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G4". When the control unit Cnt determines that there is no input of voltage V and that there is no control signal to be output to relay Re1, it refers to the updated information stored in the memory unit Stg and selects the "fuel cell module for stationary generator G4" corresponding to "voltage V: no input" and "relay Re1: no output" as the specification of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0097] According to the fuel cell module FCM of the second embodiment, as with the fuel cell module FCM of the first embodiment, when the specifications determined by the determination signals S1, S2 do not match the specifications stored in the memory unit Stg and power generation control of the fuel cell stack FCS is stopped, a notice can be sent to a manufacturing or maintenance worker, etc., to the effect that specifications different from the actual specifications are stored in the memory unit Stg, and the worker, etc. can be prompted to write the correct specifications. This makes it possible to prevent the attachment of auxiliary equipment that does not correspond to the actual specifications or the writing of software that does not correspond to the actual specifications during the manufacture or maintenance of the fuel cell module FCM, thereby preventing malfunction of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0098] According to the fuel cell module FCM of the second embodiment, as with the fuel cell module FCM of the first embodiment, some of the auxiliaries are shared among the various specifications of the fuel cell module FCM, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the fuel cell module FCM and the risk of the auxiliaries being assembled incorrectly.

[0099] According to the fuel cell module FCM of the second embodiment, there is no need to provide new components or circuits such as input circuits Cin1, Cin2 to determine the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM, which further reduces the manufacturing costs of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0100] According to the fuel cell module FCM of the second embodiment, even if the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM increase, the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM can be determined simply by inputting a signal output from an auxiliary device specific to the specification into the control unit Cnt as a discrimination signal and updating the information shown in Figure 4(a).

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0102] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM are determined based on the combination of voltages input to the control unit Cnt and the presence or absence of signals input / output between the auxiliary equipment and the control unit Cnt, but the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM may be determined based on the magnitude of signals input / output between the auxiliary equipment and the control unit Cnt. For example, when the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor Sp is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control unit Cnt determines the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM as a "high pressure fuel cell module," and when the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor Sp is less than the threshold value, determines the specifications of the fuel cell module FCM as a "low pressure fuel cell module." [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] FCM Fuel Cell Module Lo load FCS Fuel Cell Stack HT fuel tank INJ Injector ACP Air Compressor ARV Air Pressure Regulating Valve R Radiator F Fan WP Water Pump IC Intercooler CNV1, CNV2 DC-DC Converter B1, B2 Power storage device Re1, Re2 relays St Temperature Sensor Sv Voltage Sensor Silicon current sensor SP Pressure Sensor Stg storage Cnt Control section

Claims

1. 1. A fuel cell module comprising: A fuel cell stack; A storage unit in which the specifications of the fuel cell module are stored in advance; A control unit that controls power generation of the fuel cell stack; Equipped with The control unit determines the specifications based on a determination signal generated in the fuel cell module, and if the determined specifications match the specifications stored in the memory unit, continues power generation control of the fuel cell stack, and if the determined specifications do not match the specifications stored in the memory unit, ends power generation control of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

2. 2. The fuel cell module of claim 1, The control unit includes an input circuit to which a voltage corresponding to the specification is input as the discrimination signal from among a plurality of types of voltages generated in the fuel cell module, and discriminates the specification based on the voltage input to the input circuit. Fuel cell module.

3. 3. The fuel cell module according to claim 2, a plurality of auxiliary machines for causing the fuel cell stack as a main engine to generate electricity; the input circuit includes a voltage dividing resistor to which the plurality of types of voltages are applied and a pull-down resistor connected to the voltage dividing resistor, and inputs a voltage applied to a connection point between the voltage dividing resistor and the pull-down resistor as the discrimination signal; When the voltage input to the input circuit is zero, the control unit determines that the voltage dividing resistor or a wiring connected between the voltage dividing resistor and the auxiliary device is disconnected, or that the voltage dividing resistor or the wiring is grounded. Fuel cell module.

4. 2. The fuel cell module of claim 1, a plurality of auxiliary machines for causing the fuel cell stack as a main engine to generate electricity; The control unit determines the specification based on a signal input / output between an auxiliary device specific to the specification and one of the plurality of auxiliary devices. Fuel cell module.

5. The fuel cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit determines the specification at the start of power generation control of the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell module.

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