Power supply system, control and method

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of reducing capacity of a power storage device required for activating a fuel battery using power of the power storage device.SOLUTION: A power supply system 30 comprises: a fuel battery module 110; a power storage device 200 electrically connected with the fuel battery module 110; and a controller 500 that can receive power supply from the power storage device 200 and performs control with respect to the power supply system 30. The controller 500 has a period in a non-operation state during non-operation of the fuel battery module 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in a power supply system including a fuel cell and a power storage device (eg, a storage battery or a capacitor), the fuel cell may be started using power from the power storage device (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-127777 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-126441 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the fuel cell is stopped, the control device that controls the startup of the fuel cell may operate using power supplied from the power storage device. In this case, in addition to the power required to operate the fuel cell's auxiliary devices from the start to the completion of the next startup of the fuel cell, it is necessary to store power in the power storage device to operate the control device while the fuel cell is stopped. This requires the capacity of the power storage device to be relatively large, which may result in an increase in costs.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can reduce the capacity of a power storage device required to start a fuel cell using the power of the power storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, A fuel cell; a first power storage device electrically connected to the fuel cell; A control device capable of receiving power from the first power storage device and performing control related to the power supply system; During the stop of the fuel cell, the control device has a period of stop. A power supply system is provided.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, A control method performed by a power supply system including a fuel cell, a first power storage device electrically connected to the fuel cell, and a control device capable of receiving power from the first power storage device and performing control related to the power supply system, the method comprising: while the fuel cell is stopped, the control device is stopped and then started; A control method is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the power storage device required to start up the fuel cell using the power of the power storage device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first example of a power system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a second example of a power system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an example of a fuel cell system. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. [Diagram 5] 6 is a time chart illustrating a second example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of a process related to control of the power supply system while the fuel cell is stopped. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a method for controlling a power supply system while a fuel cell system is stopped. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a third example of a power system. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sixth example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fourth example of a power system. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a seventh example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fifth example of a power system. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of an eighth example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a ninth example of a method for controlling the power supply system while the fuel cell system is stopped. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [Examples 1 and 2 of power system configuration] A first example and a second example of the configuration of a power system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first example of the power system 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second example of the power system 1.

[0013] In FIG. 2, since the multiple fuel cell systems 100 all have the same configuration, the fuel cell module 110 and the auxiliary equipment 120 of only one of the multiple fuel cell systems 100 are depicted.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a power system 1 includes an AC power system 10, a load device 20, and a power supply system 30.

[0015] The power system 1 connects the power supply system 30 to the AC power system 10 through the power distribution system 40, and can supply power output from the power supply system 30 to a demand side connected to the AC power system 10. Furthermore, the power system 1 can distribute power from the AC power system 10 to the load device 20 and the power supply system 30 through the power distribution system 40. Furthermore, the power system 1 can supply power from the power supply system 30 to the load device 20 through the power distribution system 40.

[0016] The AC power system 10 transmits electric power output from the power supply system 30, other power generation facilities, etc., to a demand side in the form of AC power. The AC power system 10 transmits three-phase AC power by a three-phase three-wire system.

[0017] The load device 20 is electrically connected to the AC power system 10 and the power supply system 30 through a power distribution system 40, and operates on power supplied from at least one of the AC power system 10 and the power supply system 30. The load device 20 is, for example, a production facility installed in the same factory as the power supply system 30.

[0018] The power supply system 30 is connected to the AC power system 10 through the power distribution system 40 and can supply power to the AC power system 10. The power supply system 30 can also receive power from the AC power system 10 through the power distribution system 40. The power supply system 30 is also electrically connected to the load device 20 through the power distribution system 40 and can supply power to the load device 20.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply system 30 includes a fuel cell system 100, a power storage device 200, a power conversion device 300, a transformer 400, an auxiliary power storage device 450, and a control device 500.

[0020] The fuel cell system 100 supplies electric power to an AC power system 10 via a power conversion device 300 and a transformer 400. The fuel cell system 100 is electrically connected to an electricity storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300 via a DC link unit 250.

[0021] For example, as shown in Fig. 1, one fuel cell system 100 is provided. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of fuel cell systems 100 may be provided. In this case, the plurality of fuel cell systems 100 are connected to the DC link unit 250 in parallel.

[0022] The fuel cell system 100 includes a fuel cell module 110 that receives a fuel supply and generates power, and an auxiliary device 120 for operating the fuel cell module 110. The auxiliary device 120 is operated by AC supplied from a power distribution system 40.

[0023] The power storage device 200 can discharge power to the outside of the power supply system 30 through the power conversion device 300 and the transformer 400, and can charge (store) power distributed from the AC power system 10 and power of the fuel cell system 100 through the DC link unit 250. The power storage device 200 is, for example, a capacitor such as a lithium ion capacitor (LIC). The power storage device 200 may also be, for example, a storage battery (secondary battery) such as a lithium ion battery with a liquid electrolyte or an all-solid-state battery with a fixed electrolyte. The power storage device 200 is electrically connected to the fuel cell system 100 and the power conversion device 300 through the DC link unit 250.

[0024] 1 and 2, the number of the power storage device 200 may be one or more. In the latter case, the multiple power storage devices 200 may be connected in series or in parallel to the DC link unit 250. Alternatively, a series connection of two or more power storage devices 200 may be connected in parallel to the DC link unit 250.

[0025] The power conversion device 300 converts the DC of the DC link unit 250 into AC of a predetermined voltage and frequency, and outputs it to the transformer 400. For example, the power conversion device 300 is a power conditioner (PCS: Power Conditioning System) including an inverter circuit that converts the DC into three-phase AC of a predetermined voltage and frequency.

[0026] The transformer 400 transforms (specifically, boosts) the AC output from the power conversion device 300 and outputs the AC power to the AC power system 10 and the load device 20 via the power distribution system 40.

[0027] For example, as shown in Fig. 1, when the power supply system 30 includes only one fuel cell system 100, one combination of the power conversion device 300 and the transformer 400 is provided. Also, when the power supply system 30 includes only one fuel cell system 100, a plurality of combinations of the power conversion device 300 and the transformer 400 may be provided in parallel. Also, when the power supply system 30 includes a plurality of fuel cell systems 100, one combination of the power conversion device 300 and the transformer 400 may be provided, or a plurality of combinations of the power conversion device 300 and the transformer 400 may be provided in parallel as shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, when a plurality of combinations of the power conversion device 300 and the transformer 400 are provided, the power conversion device 300 and the transformer 400 are connected in parallel to the power distribution system 40 and the DC link unit 250.

[0028] The auxiliary power storage device 450 is provided on an AC power path that connects the power distribution system 40 and the control device 500. The auxiliary power storage device 450 can store power supplied through the power distribution system 40. Specifically, the auxiliary power storage device 450 can store power of the AC power system 10 that is supplied through the power distribution system 40. The auxiliary power storage device 450 can also store power output from the fuel cell system 100 and power discharged from the power storage device 200, which are supplied through the power distribution system 40.

[0029] The auxiliary power storage device 450 also supplies AC driving power to the control device 500. For example, the auxiliary power storage device 450 supplies AC driving power to the control device 500 by discharging power stored therein and converting it into AC of a predetermined voltage and frequency. As a result, the auxiliary power storage device 450 can operate the control device 500, for example, even when power supply from the power distribution system 40 is stopped. The auxiliary power storage device 450 may also supply AC driving power to the control device 500 by converting AC supplied from the power distribution system 40 into AC of a predetermined voltage and frequency. As a result, the auxiliary power storage device 450 can operate the control device 500 directly by the power supplied from the power distribution system 40. The auxiliary power storage device 450 is, for example, an uninterruptible power system (UPS). The auxiliary power storage device 450 as a UPS includes a rectifier unit that converts the AC of the power distribution system 40 into DC and outputs the DC to a DC link, a power storage unit connected to the DC link, and an inverter unit that converts the DC of the DC link into AC of a predetermined voltage and frequency and outputs the AC to the control device 500.

[0030] The control device 500 controls the operation of the power supply system 30 .

[0031] For example, the control device 500 controls the fuel cell system 100 and the power conversion device 300 in accordance with power requested by a demand side connected to the AC power system 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "demand side request"), and causes the power conversion device 300 to output power corresponding to the demand side request. Specifically, the control device 500 may control the load of the power conversion device 300 so as to output AC power corresponding to the demand side request from the DC of the DC link unit 250, and may also control the fuel cell system 100 to output power corresponding to the demand side request. In this way, the control device 500 can cause the fuel cell system 100 to output power corresponding to the demand side request to the AC power system 10 side via the power conversion device 300.

[0032] The control device 500 may also perform processing (start-up processing) for starting up the fuel cell system 100 in a stopped state, and processing (stop processing) for stopping the fuel cell system 100 in an operating state. Starting up the fuel cell system 100 means starting up the auxiliary equipment 120 of the fuel cell system 100 in a stopped state of the fuel cell system 100, and starting up the fuel cell module 110 while operating the auxiliary equipment 120. Stopping the fuel cell system 100 means stopping the operation of the fuel cell module 110 by stopping the auxiliary equipment 120.

[0033] The functions of the control device 500 are realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software. For example, the control device 500 is mainly configured with a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory device, an auxiliary storage device, an interface device, etc. In this case, the control device 500 can realize various functions by, for example, loading a program installed in the auxiliary storage device into the memory device and executing the program on the CPU. The control device 500 is, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0034] [Fuel cell system configuration] Next, the configuration of the fuel cell system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fuel cell system 100. As shown in FIG.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel cell system 100 includes a fuel cell module 110, a fuel supply section 130, an air intake section 140, a discharge section 150, and a cooling section 160.

[0037] The fuel cell module 110 includes a fuel cell 112 , a cooling section 114 , and a converter device 116 .

[0038] The fuel cell 112 generates electricity by chemically reacting hydrogen as fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit 130 with oxygen in the air taken in from the air intake unit 140. The fuel cell 112 is, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). For example, the fuel cell 112 as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell has a stack structure in which a large number of unit cells are stacked.

[0039] A single cell in the fuel cell 112 has a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including a polymer electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes provided on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The polymer electrolyte membrane selectively transports hydrogen ions. Each electrode is made of a porous material. Each of the pair of electrodes has a catalyst layer mainly composed of carbon powder carrying a platinum-based metal catalyst (electrode catalyst), for example, and a gas diffusion layer having both air permeability and electronic conductivity. Furthermore, the single cell has a pair of separators that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from both sides.

[0040] The fuel cell 112 may be, for example, a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) or a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The fuel cell 112 may be, for example, a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC).

[0041] Water remaining after the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the air and exhaust gas are discharged from the fuel cell 112 to the exhaust section 150 .

[0042] The cooling unit 114 cools the fuel cell 112. Specifically, a coolant flows inside the cooling unit 114. The cooling unit 114 can cool the fuel cell 112 by exchanging heat between the fuel cell 112 and the coolant.

[0043] The converter device 116 boosts the voltage output from the fuel cell 112 and outputs it to the outside of the fuel cell module 110. The output terminal of the converter device 116 is connected to the DC link section 250.

[0044] The fuel supply unit 130 supplies hydrogen as fuel to the fuel cell 112. The fuel supply unit 130 includes a hydrogen supply source 131, an on-off valve 132, a pump 133, and a gas-liquid separator 134.

[0045] The hydrogen supply source 131 stores high-pressure hydrogen and supplies high-pressure hydrogen gas through a supply path L1 to the fuel cell 112 of the fuel cell module 110. The hydrogen supply source 131 is, for example, a hydrogen cartridge.

[0046] The on-off valve 132 is a valve that opens and closes the supply path L1. When the on-off valve 132 is in a closed state, this indicates a state in which the supply path L1 is blocked and the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 131 to the fuel cell 112 is stopped, and when the on-off valve 132 is in an open state, this indicates a state in which hydrogen is pressure-fed from the hydrogen supply source 131 to the fuel cell 112. The on-off valve 132 operates using power supplied from the power distribution system 40 under the control of the control device 500. The on-off valve 132 is one of the accessories 120.

[0047] The pump 133 is provided in a circulation path L2 that returns excess hydrogen gas discharged from the fuel cell 112 to the supply path L1. The circulation path L2 merges with the supply path L1 downstream of the on-off valve 132. The pump 133 pumps the hydrogen gas in the circulation path L2 to the supply path L1. The pump 133 operates using power supplied from the power distribution system 40 under the control of the control device 500. The pump 133 is one of the accessories 120.

[0048] The gas-liquid separator 134 is provided in the circulation path L2. The gas-liquid separator 134 separates a liquid component (water) from the multiphase fluid containing hydrogen gas discharged from the fuel cell 112, and causes the hydrogen gas to flow downstream of the circulation path L2.

[0049] The air intake section 140 takes in air from the outside, and supplies the air through an air intake path L3 to the fuel cell 112. The air intake section 140 includes an air cleaner 142, a compressor 144, and an on-off valve 146.

[0050] The air cleaner 142 removes dust, impurities, and the like contained in the air taken in from one end of the air supply path L3.

[0051] The compressor 144 is provided downstream of the air cleaner 142 in the air supply path L3. The compressor 144 compresses the air that has passed through the air cleaner 142, and sends the compressed air to the fuel cell 112 through the downstream air supply path L3. The compressor 144 operates using power supplied from the power distribution system 40 under the control of the control device 500. The compressor 144 is one of the accessories 120.

[0052] The on-off valve 146 is a valve that opens and closes the air supply path L3. The on-off valve 146 is provided in the air supply path L3 between the compressor 144 and the fuel cell 112. When the on-off valve 146 is in a closed state, the air supply path L3 is blocked and the supply of air to the fuel cell 112 is stopped, and when the on-off valve 146 is in an open state, the on-off valve 146 is in an open state, where air can be supplied to the fuel cell 112 through the air supply path L3. The on-off valve 146 operates using power supplied from the power distribution system 40 under the control of the control device 500. The on-off valve 146 is one of the auxiliary machines 120.

[0053] The discharge unit 150 discharges water produced by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen contained in the air in the fuel cell 112 and the remaining air (exhaust gas) to the outside via a discharge path L4. The discharge unit 150 includes an on-off valve 152, a mixer 154, and a gas-liquid separator 156.

[0054] The on-off valve 152 is a valve that opens and closes the discharge path L4. The on-off valve 152 is provided at the most upstream portion of the discharge path L4. When the on-off valve 152 is in a closed state, this indicates a state in which the discharge of water and exhaust gas from the fuel cell 112 is stopped, and when the on-off valve 152 is in an open state, this indicates a state in which the water and exhaust gas can be discharged from the fuel cell 112 to the outside through the discharge path L4. The on-off valve 152 operates using power supplied from the power distribution system 40 under the control of the control device 500. The on-off valve 152 is one of the accessories 120.

[0055] The mixer 154 causes the water separated by the gas-liquid separator 134 to merge with the discharge path L4.

[0056] The water separated by the gas-liquid separator 134 may be discharged to the outside through a discharge path other than the discharge path L4.

[0057] The gas-liquid separator 156 is provided in the discharge path L4 downstream of the mixer 154. The gas-liquid separator 156 separates the gas-liquid two-phase fluid in the discharge path L4 into liquid (water) and gas (exhaust gas), and discharges the liquid and gas to the outside.

[0058] The cooling section 160 supplies a coolant for cooling the fuel cell 112 to the cooling section 114. The cooling section 160 includes a cooler 161, a fan 162, a pump 163, a heat exchanger 164, a pump 165, and an ion exchanger 166.

[0059] The cooler 161 cools the coolant in the cooling circuit CC1. Thus, the heat exchanger 164 exchanges heat between the coolant in the cooling circuit CC1 and the coolant in the cooling circuit CC2, and can cool the coolant in the cooling circuit CC2. The cooler 161 is, for example, a cooling tower. The cooler 161 may also be a radiator. The radiator is, for example, a fin-tube type or a fin-and-tube type radiator.

[0060] The fan 162 generates an airflow that passes through the cooler 161. This can promote cooling of the coolant in the cooling circuit CC1 that passes through the cooler 161. The fan 162 operates using power supplied from the power distribution system 40 under the control of the control device 500. The fan 162 is one of the accessories 120.

[0061] The pump 163 is provided in the cooling circuit CC1 and circulates the coolant in the cooling circuit CC1. The pump 163 operates using power supplied from the power distribution system 40 under the control of the control device 500. The pump 163 is one of the accessories 120.

[0062] The heat exchanger 164 exchanges heat between the coolant in the cooling circuit CC1 including the cooler 161 and the coolant in the cooling circuit CC2 including the cooling unit 114, thereby cooling the coolant in the cooling circuit CC2. This allows the cooling circuit CC2 to supply the coolant cooled by the heat exchanger 164 to the cooling unit 114, thereby cooling the fuel cell 112.

[0063] The pump 165 is provided in the cooling circuit CC2 and circulates the coolant in the cooling circuit CC2. The pump 165 operates using power supplied from the power distribution system 40 under the control of the control device 500. The pump 165 is one of the accessories 120.

[0064] The ion exchanger 166 is provided in the cooling circuit CC2 and serves to remove ionic impurities from the cooling liquid in the cooling circuit CC2, thereby ensuring the insulation of the cooling liquid.

[0065] Hereinafter, the auxiliary device 120 included in the cooling section 160 may be referred to as the "cooling auxiliary device 120."

[0066] [Control method for normal startup of fuel cell system] Next, continuing with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, a control method relating to normal startup of the fuel cell system 100 in the first and second examples of the power system 1 will be described.

[0067] Normal startup of the fuel cell system 100 refers to startup of the fuel cell system 100 in a state in which power supply from the AC power system 10 through the power distribution system 40 to the fuel cell system 100 is possible.

[0068] When the conditions (normal startup conditions) for performing normal startup of the fuel cell system 100 are met while the fuel cell system 100 is in a stopped state, the control device 500 operates the auxiliary equipment 120 using power supply from the AC power system 10 to start up the fuel cell system 100.

[0069] The normal start-up condition is, for example, that the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the AC power system 10 is normally capable of supplying power, and a start-up command for the fuel cell system 100 is input.

[0070] The start-up command for the fuel cell system 100 is input to the control device 500 in response to, for example, a user's operation input to an operation unit connected to the control device 500. The start-up command for the fuel cell system 100 may also be input to the control device 500 by communication from an external device in response to a user's operation input to an external device such as a higher-level device of the control device 500 or a user terminal carried by the user. The higher-level device of the control device 500 is, for example, a management terminal device or an edge server installed in a facility where the power supply system 30 is installed. The higher-level device of the control device 500 may also be, for example, an on-premise server or a cloud server installed in a management center located in a different location from the facility where the power supply system 30 is installed. The start-up command for the fuel cell system 100 may also be automatically generated according to a predetermined rule. For example, the start-up command is generated inside the control device 500 at a preset time and input to the control device 500 in a pseudo manner. The start-up command may also be generated in an external device at a preset time and input to the control device 500 from the external device by communication.

[0071] The control device 500 starts up all of the auxiliaries 120 of the fuel cell system 100 using power supplied from the AC power system 10 via the power distribution system 40, thereby causing the fuel cell system 100 to perform a normal startup.

[0072] [Control method for autonomous startup of fuel cell system] Next, continuing with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, a control method relating to the independent startup of the fuel cell system 100 (first example, second example) in the first example and second example of the power system 1 will be described.

[0073] Independent startup of the fuel cell system 100 means a state in which it is not possible to supply power from the AC power system 10 to the fuel cell system 100 via the power distribution system 40, i.e., startup of the fuel cell system 100 without external power supply during a power outage in the AC power system 10.

[0074] When the AC power system 10 is in a power outage state, the control device 500 can be operated by the power discharged from the auxiliary power storage device 450 and the power discharged from the power storage device 200 through the power conversion device 300 and the transformer 400 .

[0075] When conditions (independent start-up conditions) for implementing independent start-up of the fuel cell system 100 are met while the fuel cell system 100 is in a stopped state, the control device 500 operates the auxiliary device 120 using power supplied from the power storage device 200 to start up the fuel cell system 100. Specifically, the control device 500 outputs a start-up command to the auxiliary device 120 of the fuel cell system 100, and controls the power conversion device 300 to discharge power for operating the auxiliary device 120 from the power storage device 200 via the power conversion device 300 to the power distribution system 40.

[0076] The independent startup condition is, for example, that the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the AC power system 10 is experiencing a power outage, and a startup command is input for the fuel cell system 100. For example, the control device 500 can determine whether or not there is a power outage in the AC power system 10 based on the measurement results of a measuring device installed in the power distribution system 40, a signal input by communication from a management device that manages the AC power system 10, or the like.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 2, in a situation where the power supply system 30 includes a plurality of fuel cell systems 100, two or more fuel cell systems 100 may be the target of independent startup. In this case, the control device 500 may start one fuel cell system 100 independently using the power of the power storage device 200, and then start the second and subsequent fuel cell systems 100 independently using the power of the fuel cell system 100 that has already been started. This allows the control device 500 to reduce the amount of power that needs to be discharged from the power storage device 200 when starting up the plurality of fuel cell systems 100 independently. This allows the capacity of the power storage device 200 to be reduced, and as a result, the cost of the power storage device 200 to be reduced.

[0078] [First example of a method for controlling the power supply system when the fuel cell system is stopped] Next, a first example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described with reference to FIG. 4 in addition to FIGS.

[0079] <Control method overview> In this example, when the control device 500 detects the occurrence of a power outage in the AC power system 10 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, it stops the auxiliary power storage device 450 and also stops itself.

[0080] This allows the control device 500 to stop discharging from the auxiliary power storage device 450 and the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 in a situation where there is no power supply from the outside to the power supply system 30.

[0081] After the control device 500 has been stopped, if the fuel cell system 100 needs to be started up independently while the AC power grid 10 is still in a power outage state, the auxiliary power storage device 450 and the control device 500 are started up in sequence, for example, by a direct operation or a remote operation by a user. Then, the control device 500 starts up the fuel cell system 100 independently using the power of the power storage device 200 when the independent start condition is met, triggered by input of a start command based on a user request (operation).

[0082] In this way, in this example, when a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the power supply system 30 stops the auxiliary power storage device 450, thereby stopping the control device 500. As a result, the power supply system 30 can provide a period during which the control device 500 is stopped while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped and there is no power supply from the outside. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can suppress a decrease in the state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device 200 in a situation in which the fuel cell system 100 needs to be started up independently as the next start-up of the fuel cell system 100. As a result, the power supply system 30 can suppress a situation in which the fuel cell system 100 cannot be started up independently due to a decrease in the SOC of the power storage device 200, or a situation in which the power storage device 200 falls into an over-discharge state due to the power supply for starting the fuel cell system 100 independently. In addition, the power supply system 30 does not need to adopt a power storage device 200 with a relatively large capacity in consideration of the power consumption of the control device 500 in order to avoid such a situation. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can reduce the capacity of the power storage device 200 and suppress costs while ensuring the independent startup of the fuel cell system 100.

[0083] <Control flow> FIG. 4 is a flowchart that generally illustrates a first example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0084] This flowchart is executed by the control device 500 at predetermined processing intervals, for example, while the control device 500 is in operation and the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0085] 4, in step S102, the control device 500 determines whether or not a power outage has occurred in the AC power system 10. If a power outage has occurred in the AC power system 10, the control device 500 proceeds to step S104, and otherwise ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0086] In step S104, control device 500 outputs a stop command to auxiliary power storage device 450.

[0087] When the process of step S104 is completed, the control device 500 proceeds to step S106.

[0088] In step S106, the control device 500 performs its own shutdown process.

[0089] When the process of step S106 is completed, the control device 500 stops.

[0090] [Second example of a method for controlling the power supply system when the fuel cell system is stopped] Next, a second example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0091] The following description will focus on the differences from the first example of the control method described above, and description of the same or corresponding content as the first example of the control method described above may be omitted.

[0092] <Overview of control method> Fig. 5 is a time chart illustrating a second example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a time chart showing the change over time in the ON (operating) / OFF (stopped) state of the auxiliary power storage device 450.

[0093] In this example, a control method for the auxiliary power storage device 450 is added to the control method for the control device 500 of the first example described above.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the auxiliary power storage device 450 stops in response to a stop command input from the control device 500 caused by the occurrence of a power outage in the AC power grid 10.

[0095] In this example, the auxiliary power storage device 450 has a built-in timer function. Then, when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the auxiliary power storage device 450 automatically starts up when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the auxiliary power storage device 450 itself was stopped.

[0096] When the auxiliary power storage device 450 is started up, power supply from the auxiliary power storage device 450 to the control device 500 is started, and the control device 500 is started up.

[0097] Furthermore, when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the auxiliary power storage device 450 is automatically stopped when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the auxiliary power storage device 450 was started up by a timer function.

[0098] When the auxiliary power storage device 450 stops, the power supply from the auxiliary power storage device 450 to the control device 500 stops, and the control device 500 stops.

[0099] This allows the auxiliary power storage device 450 to periodically start and stop, which in turn allows the control device 500 to periodically start and stop. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, during the period from start-up to stop of the control device 500, the control device 500 can control the independent start-up of the fuel cell system 100 using the satisfaction of the independent start-up condition as a trigger.

[0100] Incidentally, the predetermined time T1 and the predetermined time T2 may be the same or different.

[0101] Thus, in this example, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the auxiliary power storage device 450 is stopped by a stop command from the control device 500 due to a power outage in the AC power grid 10, and then periodically starts and stops using its own timer function. This allows the power supply system 30 to periodically and repeatedly start and stop the control device 500 in response to the repeated starting and stopping of the auxiliary power storage device 450. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can automatically and periodically provide a period during which the fuel cell system 100 can be started independently (i.e., the period from starting to stopping the control device 500).

[0102] <Control flow> Fig. 6 is a flowchart outlining a second example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. Specifically, Fig. 6 includes Fig. 6A showing a flowchart of an example of processing related to stopping the auxiliary power storage device 450 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, and Fig. 6B showing a flowchart of an example of processing related to starting up the auxiliary power storage device 450 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0103] In this example, the flowchart in FIG. 6 is executed by the auxiliary power storage device 450 on the assumption that the flowchart in FIG.

[0104] The flowchart in FIG. 6A is executed when a stop command is input from the control device 500 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, or when the set time of the stop timer in the flowchart in FIG. 6B has elapsed.

[0105] 6A, in step S202, auxiliary power storage device 450 uses a timer function to set a start-up timer for starting the device after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the device was stopped. The set time for the start-up timer is the predetermined time T1.

[0106] When the process of step S202 is completed, the auxiliary power storage device 450 proceeds to step S204.

[0107] In step S204, auxiliary power storage device 450 performs its own shutdown process.

[0108] When the process of step S204 is completed, the auxiliary power storage device 450 is stopped.

[0109] In this way, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the auxiliary power storage device 450 can be automatically stopped in response to input of a stop command from the control device 500 or triggered by the lapse of a set time period of the stop timer.

[0110] The flowchart in FIG. 6B is executed when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped and the set time of the start-up timer in the flowchart in FIG. 6A has elapsed.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 6B, in step S206, auxiliary power storage device 450 performs its own start-up process.

[0112] When the process of step S206 is completed and the auxiliary power storage device 450 has completed its own startup, the auxiliary power storage device 450 proceeds to step S208.

[0113] In step S208, auxiliary power storage device 450 sets, by a timer function, a stop timer for stopping the device after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the device was started. The set time of the stop timer is predetermined time T2.

[0114] When the process of step S208 is completed, the auxiliary power storage device 450 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0115] In this way, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the auxiliary power storage device 450 can be automatically started up, triggered by the lapse of the set time of the start-up timer.

[0116] [Third example of a method for controlling the power supply system when the fuel cell system is stopped] Next, a second example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described with reference to FIG. 7 in addition to FIGS.

[0117] The following description will focus on the differences from the first and second control methods described above, and descriptions of the same or corresponding content as the first and second control methods described above may be omitted.

[0118] <Overview of control method> In this example, similar to the first example described above, when the control device 500 detects the occurrence of a power outage in the AC power system 10 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the control device 500 stops the auxiliary power storage device 450 and also stops itself. At this time, in this example, unlike the first example described above, the control device 500 stops at least one of the power storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300. The stop of the power storage device 200 refers to a state in which charging / discharging between the power storage device 200 and the outside is not possible. In other words, the stop of the power storage device 200 refers to a state in which the power supply to the outside of the power storage device 200 is stopped.

[0119] This can prevent discharging from the power storage device 200 to the power distribution system 40 via the power conversion device 300.

[0120] For example, the power storage device 200 has a built-in relay that can switch between connection and disconnection of an external power path (see FIG. 17 described later). Thus, the control device 500 outputs a stop command to the power storage device 200 to open the relay, and can transition the power storage device 200 to a stopped state in which charging and discharging with the outside is not possible.

[0121] Thus, in this example, when a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the power supply system 30 stops the auxiliary power storage device 450, thereby stopping the control device 500. At this time, the power supply system 30 also stops at least one of the power storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300. This allows the power supply system 30 to more appropriately suppress a decrease in the SOC of the power storage device 200 in a situation where the fuel cell system 100 needs to be started up autonomously the next time.

[0122] When the independent start-up condition is met, the control device 500 starts up at least one of the power storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300, which were stopped as described above. Starting up the power storage device 200 means transitioning from a stopped state in which charging / discharging between the power storage device 200 and the outside is impossible to an operating state in which charging / discharging between the power storage device 200 and the outside is possible. In other words, starting up the power storage device 200 means transitioning from a state in which power supply to the outside of the power storage device 200 is stopped to a state in which this power supply can be executed. Thereby, when starting up the fuel cell system 100 independently, the control device 500 can discharge power from the power storage device 200 to the power distribution system 40 via the power conversion device 300.

[0123] <Control flow> Fig. 7 is a flowchart outlining a third example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. Specifically, Fig. 7 includes Fig. 7A showing a flowchart of an example of a process related to the stop of the control device 500 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, and Fig. 7B showing a flowchart of an example of a process related to the start of the fuel cell system 100 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0124] Similar to the flowchart in FIG. 4, the flowchart in FIG. 7A may be executed by the control device 500 at each predetermined processing cycle while the control device 500 is in operation and while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 7A, in step S302, the control device 500 performs the same determination as in step S102 in Fig. 4. If a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10, the control device 500 proceeds to step S304, and otherwise ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0126] In step S304, control device 500 outputs a stop command to power storage device 200.

[0127] This allows the control device 500 to transition the power storage device 200 to a stopped state in which charging / discharging with the outside is not possible.

[0128] When the process of step S304 is completed, the control device 500 proceeds to step S306.

[0129] In step S306, the control device 500 outputs a stop command to the power conversion device 300.

[0130] As a result, the control device 500 can stop the power conversion device 300 and cut off the supply of power from the DC link unit 250 to the power distribution system 40.

[0131] When the process of step S306 is completed, the process proceeds to step S308.

[0132] Steps S308 and S310 are the same as steps S104 and S106 in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] When the process of step S310 is completed, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0134] In this way, when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the control device 500 can stop the power storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300 in response to a power outage in the AC power system 10, thereby preventing discharge from the power storage device 200 to the power distribution system 40.

[0135] The flowchart in FIG. 7B is executed when the independent startup condition is met while the control device 500 is in operation.

[0136] In step S312, control device 500 outputs a start-up command to power storage device 200.

[0137] This allows the control device 500 to transition the power storage device 200 to an operating state in which charging and discharging with the outside is possible.

[0138] When the process of step S312 is completed, the control device 500 proceeds to step S314.

[0139] In step S314, control device 500 outputs a start command to power conversion device 300.

[0140] As a result, the control device 500 can start up the power conversion device 300 and restore a state in which power supply from the DC link unit 250 to the power distribution system 40 is possible.

[0141] When the process of step S314 is completed, the control device 500 proceeds to step S316.

[0142] In step S316, the control device 500 determines whether or not the start-up of the power storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300 is complete. For example, when the control device 500 receives a signal indicating the start-up completion from each of the power storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300, the control device 500 determines that the start-up of both is complete. If the start-up of the power storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300 is complete, the control device 500 proceeds to step S318, and if the start-up is not complete, the control device 500 repeats the process of this step until it is complete.

[0143] In step S318, the control device 500 performs processing to autonomously start up the fuel cell system 100 using the power of the power storage device 200. Specifically, the control device 500 controls the power conversion device 300 to discharge power from the power storage device 200 through the power conversion device 300 to the power distribution system 40, thereby operating the auxiliary equipment 120 and starting up the fuel cell module 110.

[0144] When the process of step S318 is completed, specifically, when the start-up of the fuel cell system 100 is completed, the control device 500 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0145] In this manner, in this example, the control device 500 can realize independent startup of the fuel cell system 100 by starting up the power storage device 200 and the power conversion device 300 in accordance with the establishment of the independent startup condition.

[0146] [Fourth example of a method for controlling a power supply system when a fuel cell system is stopped] Next, a fourth example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0147] The following description will focus on the differences from the first to third examples of the control method described above, and description of the same or corresponding content as the first to third examples of the control method described above may be omitted.

[0148] <Control method overview> 8 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0149] In this example, assuming any one of the first to third examples of the control method described above, the control device 500 limits the operation of hardware configurations corresponding to some of the functions of the control device 500 in response to the occurrence of a power outage in the AC power system 10. Specifically, when a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the control device 500 operates by operating only some of its own multiple hardware configurations (modules) having mutually different functions, and operates with the remaining modules stopped.

[0150] The part of modules to be operated includes at least essential modules corresponding to essential functions that the control device 500 should perform while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. The part of modules to be operated may be fixed in advance, or may be variable depending on the situation. For example, the part of modules to be operated is variable depending on the power storage state of the power storage device 200 and the auxiliary power storage device 450. Specifically, the lower the power storage state of the power storage device 200 and the auxiliary power storage device 450, the smaller the number of the part of modules to be operated may be set.

[0151] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a control device 500 includes modules 501 to 510 as a hardware configuration.

[0152] The module 501 is a power supply circuit module. The module 501 is a power supply for the modules 502 to 505.

[0153] The module 502 is a CPU module.

[0154] The module 503 is a LAN (Local Area Network) communication module.

[0155] Module 504 is a DI (Digital Input) / DO (Digital Output) communication module for transmitting digital signals to and from auxiliary power storage device 450 .

[0156] The module 505 is a module for communicating with the fuel cell system 100 .

[0157] The module 506 is a power supply circuit module. The module 506 is a power supply for the modules 507 to 510.

[0158] The module 507 is a module for digital input from the fuel cell system 100 .

[0159] The module 508 is a module for digital output to the fuel cell system 100 .

[0160] The module 509 is a module for analog input from the fuel cell system 100 .

[0161] The module 510 is a module for analog output to the fuel cell system 100 .

[0162] In this example, when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped and a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10, the control device 500 operates by operating only the white modules 501-504 out of the modules 501-510 and stopping the shaded modules 505-510. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption in the operating state of the control device 500 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0163] For example, the control device 500 can execute various processes by the CPU by operating the module 502. Also, for example, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the control device 500 can receive a start command for the fuel cell system 100 from a higher-level device or a user terminal by operating the module 503. Also, for example, the control device 500 can output a stop command to the auxiliary power storage device 450 by operating the module 504. The module 501 can supply driving power to the modules 502 to 504. That is, the modules 501 to 504 correspond to the above-mentioned essential modules. On the other hand, the control device 500 is not required to exchange data with the fuel cell system 100 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, and no problem occurs even if the modules 505, 507 to 510 are stopped. That is, the modules 505 to 510 do not correspond to the above-mentioned essential modules.

[0164] Thus, in this example, when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped and a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10, only some of the multiple modules having different functions are operated, and the remaining modules are stopped. This allows the power supply system 30 to suppress a decrease in the SOC of the power storage device 200 and the auxiliary power storage device 450 in a situation where the fuel cell system 100 needs to be started up autonomously the next time. This reduces the required capacity of the power storage device 200 and the auxiliary power storage device 450, and suppresses the costs of the power storage device 200 and the auxiliary power storage device 450.

[0165] <Control flow> Fig. 9 is a flowchart outlining a fourth example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. Specifically, Fig. 9 includes Fig. 9A showing a flowchart of an example of processing related to operation of the modules of the control device 500 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, and Fig. 9B showing a flowchart of an example of processing related to start-up of the fuel cell system 100 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0166] The flowchart of FIG. 9A is executed by the control device 500 at each predetermined processing cycle, for example, while the control device 500 is in operation and while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0167] 9A, in step S402, the control device 500 determines whether or not a power outage is occurring in the AC power system 10. If a power outage is occurring in the AC power system 10, the control device 500 proceeds to step S404, and if a power outage is not occurring, the control device 500 proceeds to step S406.

[0168] In step S404, the control device 500 operates only some of the modules. For example, when the control device 500 is in the process of starting up itself, it starts only some of the modules. Also, for example, when the control device 500 has all of the modules in operation, it stops the remaining modules that are not included in the some of the modules. Also, for example, when the control device 500 has already started some of the modules in operation and there is no change in the contents of the some of the modules, it continues the current state of only some of the modules in operation. Also, when there is a change in the contents of some of the modules, the control device 500 starts or stops the difference modules corresponding to the change.

[0169] On the other hand, in step S406, the control device 500 operates all modules. For example, when the control device 500 is in the process of starting up itself, the control device 500 starts up all modules. Also, for example, when the control device 500 is in a state where only some of the modules are operating, the control device 500 starts up the remaining modules. Also, for example, when the control device 500 is in a state where all of the modules are operating, the control device 500 continues that state.

[0170] When the process of step S404 or step S406 is completed, the control device 500 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0171] In this way, when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped and a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10, the control device 500 operates with only a portion of all the modules in operation, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0172] The flowchart in FIG. 9B is executed when the independent startup condition is met while the control device 500 is in operation.

[0173] In step S408, the control device 500 starts up the stopped modules among all its modules.

[0174] When the process of step S408 is completed, the control device 500 proceeds to step S410.

[0175] Step S410 is the same as the process in step S318 in FIG. 7B, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0176] When the process of step S410 is completed, specifically, when the start-up of the fuel cell system 100 is completed, the control device 500 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0177] In this manner, in this example, the control device 500 can realize the independent startup of the fuel cell system 100 by restoring all of the modules to an operating state when the independent startup conditions are met.

[0178] [Fifth example of a method for controlling a power supply system when a fuel cell system is stopped] Next, a fifth example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described with reference to FIG. 10 in addition to FIGS.

[0179] The following description will focus on the differences from the first to fourth examples of the control method described above, and description of the same or corresponding content as the first to fourth examples of the control method described above may be omitted.

[0180] <Control method overview> In this example, when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, if a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10 and the SOC of the power storage device 200 is relatively low with respect to a predetermined reference, the control device 500 stops. For example, when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, if a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10 and the voltage V of the power storage device 200 is relatively low with respect to a predetermined threshold value Vth, the control device 500 stops. This is because the voltage V of the power storage device 200 is correlated with the SOC of the power storage device. The control device 500 can grasp the voltage V of the power storage device 200 by, for example, acquiring the output of a voltage sensor built into the power storage device 200 from the power storage device. The threshold value Vth may be a fixed value or may be variable as necessary.

[0181] Thus, in this example, the power supply system 30 can stop the control device 500 only when it is necessary to reduce the power consumption of the control device 500 in order to perform independent startup of the fuel cell system 100. Specifically, the power supply system 30 can stop the control device 500 only when there is a possibility that the power storage device 200 cannot supply power for independent startup of the fuel cell system 100 or when there is a possibility that the power storage device 200 will fall into an over-discharged state due to the power supply for independent startup of the fuel cell system 100. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can minimize the situations in which the control device 500 is stopped, and can secure a longer period during which independent startup of the fuel cell system 100 can be performed.

[0182] <Control flow> FIG. 10 is a flowchart that outlines a fifth example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0183] Similar to the flowchart in FIG. 4, this flowchart may be executed by the control device 500 at predetermined processing intervals while the control device 500 is in operation and while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0184] As shown in Fig. 10, in step S502, the control device 500 performs the same determination as in step S102 in Fig. 4. If a power outage occurs in the AC power system 10, the control device 500 proceeds to step S504, and otherwise ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0185] In step S504, the control device 500 determines whether the voltage V of the power storage device 200 is equal to or lower than the threshold value Vth. If the voltage V of the power storage device 200 is equal to or lower than the threshold value Vth, the control device 500 proceeds to step S506, otherwise the control device 500 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0186] Steps S506 and S508 are the same as steps S104 and S106 in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0187] When the process of step S508 is completed, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0188] [Third example of power system configuration] Next, a configuration of a third example of the power system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0189] In the following, configurations that are the same as or correspond to the first and second examples of the configuration of the power system 1 described above will be given the same symbols, and the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the first and second examples described above, and explanations of content that is the same as or corresponds to the first and second examples described above may be omitted.

[0190] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a third example of the power system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0191] 11, in this example, the power system 1 includes a load device 20 and a power supply system 30. That is, unlike the first example (FIG. 1) and the second example (FIG. 2) described above, the power system 1 according to this example does not include an AC power grid 10, and the power supply system 30 cannot receive external power supply.

[0192] In this example, the power system 1 is mounted on, for example, a work machine that performs a predetermined task. The work machine is, for example, a mobile transfer crane. The work machine may also be, for example, a stationary transfer crane or a gantry crane. The work machine may also be a work machine for loading and unloading other than a crane, or may be a work machine for other than loading and unloading. The following explanation will be centered on the case where the work machine is the claim.

[0193] The load device 20 is electrically connected to the power supply system 30 and is driven by AC supplied from the power supply system 30. The load device 20 is, for example, an actuator that drives a moving part of a work machine. The actuator is, for example, an electric motor for raising and lowering a load suspended by a crane or an electric motor for moving a trolley. The actuator may also be, for example, an electric motor that drives wheels or the like for movement in a mobile work machine.

[0194] The power supply system 30 supplies driving power to the load device 20. The power supply system 30 includes a fuel cell system 100, a power storage device 200, a control device 500, an inverter device 600, an inverter device 700, a converter device 800, and a switching device 850.

[0195] In this example, the power supply system 30 includes one fuel cell system 100, but similar to the second example described above, the power supply system 30 may include a plurality of fuel cell systems 100.

[0196] The inverter device 600 is electrically connected to the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200 through the DC link unit 250. The inverter device 600 converts the DC of the DC link unit 250 into three-phase AC of a predetermined voltage and frequency and outputs it to the load device 20, thereby enabling the load device 20 to be driven by the power of at least one of the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200.

[0197] The inverter device 700 is electrically connected to the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200 through the DC link unit 250. The inverter device 700 converts the direct current of the DC link unit 250 into three-phase alternating current of a predetermined voltage and frequency and outputs it to the auxiliary device 120, thereby enabling the auxiliary device 120 to be driven by the electric power of at least one of the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200.

[0198] The converter device 800 is electrically connected to the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200 through the DC link unit 250. The converter device 800 converts the DC of the DC link unit 250 into DC of a predetermined voltage and outputs it to the control device 500, thereby enabling the control device 500 to be driven by the power of at least one of the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200.

[0199] The switching device 850 opens and closes the power path between the DC link unit 250 and the control device 500. The switching device 850 is, for example, an electromagnetic contactor (MC).

[0200] 11 , the switching device 850 is disposed in the power path between the converter device 800 and the control device 500. The switching device 850 may also be disposed in the power path between the DC link unit 250 and the converter device 800.

[0201] The control device 500 controls, for example, the inverter device 600 to supply driving power from at least one of the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200 to the load device 20 .

[0202] Furthermore, the control device 500 may control the inverter device 700 to supply driving power to the auxiliary device 120 from at least one of the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200 .

[0203] Furthermore, the control device 500 may control the converter device 800 to supply driving power from at least one of the fuel cell system 100 and the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 .

[0204] [Control method for starting up a fuel cell system] Next, still with reference to FIG. 11, a control method relating to the start-up of the fuel cell system 100 in the third example of the power system 1 will be described.

[0205] In this example (FIG. 17), as described above, the power supply system 30 cannot receive power from an external source. Therefore, the control device 500 starts up the fuel cell system 100 using the power of the power storage device 200, similar to the cases of the independent start-up of the first and second examples of the power system 1 described above.

[0206] Specifically, when the control device 500 starts up the fuel cell system 100 from a stopped state, it controls the inverter device 700 and discharges power from the storage device 200 through the inverter device 700 to the auxiliary device 120, thereby operating the auxiliary device 120 and starting up the fuel cell module 110.

[0207] [Sixth example of a method for controlling a power supply system when a fuel cell system is stopped] Next, a sixth example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described with reference to FIG. 12 in addition to FIG.

[0208] The following description will focus on the differences from the first to fifth examples of the control method described above, and description of the same or corresponding content as the first to fifth examples of the control method described above may be omitted.

[0209] <Overview of control method> In this example, when the fuel cell system 100 is in an operating state and a stop condition for the fuel cell system 100 is met, the control device 500 outputs an open command to the opening / closing device 850, cuts off the power path from the storage device 200 to the control device 500, and also stops itself.

[0210] This allows the control device 500 to stop discharging from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0211] When it is necessary to start up the fuel cell system 100 after the control device 500 has been shut down, for example, the opening and closing device 850 is closed by a direct operation or a remote operation by a user, and the control device 500 is started up. Then, the control device 500 starts up the fuel cell system 100 using the power of the power storage device 200 when a start-up condition is met, triggered by input of a start-up command based on a user request (operation).

[0212] In this way, in this example, the power supply system 30 stops the control device 500 by shifting the opening and closing device 850 from a closed state to an open state while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. This allows the power supply system 30 to provide a period during which the control device 500 is in a stopped state while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can suppress a drop in the SOC of the power storage device 200 in a situation where the fuel cell system 100 needs to be started the next time using the power of the power storage device 200. As a result, the power supply system 30 can suppress a situation in which the fuel cell system 100 cannot be started due to a drop in the SOC of the power storage device 200, or a situation in which the power storage device 200 falls into an over-discharge state due to the power supply for starting the fuel cell system 100. In addition, the power supply system 30 does not need to adopt a power storage device 200 with a relatively large capacity in consideration of the power consumption of the control device 500 in order to avoid such a situation. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can reduce the capacity of the power storage device 200 and suppress costs while ensuring the start-up of the fuel cell system 100.

[0213] <Control flow> FIG. 12 is a flowchart that outlines a sixth example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0214] This flowchart is executed when a condition for stopping the fuel cell system 100 is met while the fuel cell system 100 is in operation.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 12, the control device 500 outputs an open command to the opening / closing device 850 in step S602.

[0216] This allows the control device 500 to cut off the power path from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500.

[0217] When the process of step S602 is completed, the control device 500 proceeds to step S604.

[0218] In step S604, the control device 500 performs its own shutdown process.

[0219] When the process of step S604 is completed, the control device 500 stops.

[0220] [Configuration of the fourth example of power system] Next, a configuration of a fourth example of the power system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0221] In the following, configurations that are the same as or correspond to the first to third examples of the configuration of the power system 1 described above will be given the same symbols, and the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the first to third examples described above, and explanations of content that is the same as or corresponds to the first to third examples described above may be omitted.

[0222] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fourth example of the power system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 13, in this example, the power system 1 includes a load device 20 and a power supply system 30, similar to the third example described above.

[0224] Specifically, this example differs from the third example described above in that the power supply system 30 of the power system 1 includes a timer device 860, but may be the same as the third example described above in other respects.

[0225] The timer device 860 is a device that detects the open / closed state of the opening / closing device 850, sets a timer according to the open / closed state of the opening / closing device 850, and can output an open command or a close command to the opening / closing device 850 according to the elapse of the set time of the timer.

[0226] [Seventh example of a method for controlling the power supply system when the fuel cell system is stopped] Next, a seventh example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described with reference to FIG. 14 in addition to FIG.

[0227] The following description will focus on the differences from the first to sixth examples of the control method described above, and description of the same or corresponding content as the first to sixth examples of the control method described above may be omitted.

[0228] <Overview of control method> In this example, a control method of the opening and closing device 850 by a timer device 860 is added to the control method of the opening and closing device 850 by the control device 500 of the sixth example described above.

[0229] As in the control method of the sixth example described above, when a stop condition for the fuel cell system 100 is met, the control device 500 outputs an open command to the opening and closing device 850, transitions the opening and closing device 850 from a closed state to an open state, and stops itself.

[0230] When the timer device 860 detects that the opening / closing device 850 has transitioned from a closed state to an open state, it sets a start-up timer for starting up the control device 500. When the set time of the start-up timer (predetermined time T3) has elapsed, the timer device 860 outputs a close command to the opening / closing device 850. As a result, the opening / closing device 850 transitions from an open state to a closed state, and the power supply from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 is resumed, and the control device 500 is started up.

[0231] When the timer device 860 detects that the opening / closing device 850 has transitioned from an open state to a closed state, it sets a stop timer for stopping the control device 500. When the set time of the stop timer (predetermined time T4) has elapsed, the timer device 860 outputs an open command to the opening / closing device 850. As a result, the opening / closing device 850 transitions from a closed state to an open state, and thus the power supply from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 is stopped, and the control device 500 is shut down.

[0232] This allows the opening and closing device 850 to periodically repeat the closed state and the open state, thereby allowing the control device 500 to periodically and repeatedly start and stop. Therefore, during the period from start-up to stop of the control device 500, the control device 500 can control the start-up of the fuel cell system 100 using the satisfaction of the start-up condition as a trigger.

[0233] Incidentally, the predetermined time T3 and the predetermined time T4 may be the same or different.

[0234] Thus, in this example, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the opening and closing device 850 transitions to an open state in response to an opening command from the control device 500 triggered by the establishment of a stop condition for the fuel cell system 100, and then periodically repeats transitions to a closed state and an open state under the control of the timer device 860. This allows the power supply system 30 to periodically and repeatedly start and stop the control device 500 in response to the repeated transitions of the opening and closing device 850 to a closed state and an open state. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can automatically periodically provide a period during which the startup of the fuel cell system 100 can be performed (i.e., a period from the start to the stop of the control device 500).

[0235] <Control flow> Fig. 14 is a flowchart outlining a seventh example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. Specifically, Fig. 14 includes Fig. 14A showing a flowchart of an example of a process related to the transition of the opening and closing device 850 to a closed state while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, and Fig. 14B showing a flowchart of an example of a process related to the transition of the opening and closing device 850 to an open state while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0236] In this example, on the assumption that the flowchart in FIG. 12 is executed by the control device 500, the flowchart in FIG.

[0237] The flowchart in FIG. 14A is executed when it is detected that the opening and closing device 850 has transitioned from a closed state to an open state while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0238] In step S702, the timer device 860 sets a start-up timer.

[0239] When the process of step S702 is completed, the timer device 860 proceeds to step S704.

[0240] In step S704, the timer device 860 determines whether the set time of the start timer (predetermined time T3) has elapsed. The timer device 860 waits until the set time of the start timer has elapsed, and when the set time of the start timer has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0241] In step S706, the timer device 860 outputs a close command to the opening / closing device 850.

[0242] Thereby, the timer device 860 transitions the opening and closing device 850 from the open state to the closed state, and as a result, the power supply from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 is resumed, and the control device 500 can be started up.

[0243] When the process of step S706 is completed, the timer device 860 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0244] In this way, after the opening / closing device 850 has transitioned from the closed state to the open state, it can transition from the open state to the closed state under the control of the timer device 860 in response to the passage of the predetermined time T3.

[0245] The flowchart in FIG. 14B is executed when it is detected that the opening and closing device 850 has transitioned from an open state to a closed state while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0246] As shown in FIG. 14B, in step S708, the timer device 860 sets a stop timer.

[0247] When the process of step S708 is completed, the timer device 860 proceeds to step S710.

[0248] In step S710, the timer device 860 determines whether the set time of the stop timer (predetermined time T4) has elapsed. The timer device 860 waits until the set time of the stop timer has elapsed, and when the set time of the stop timer has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S712.

[0249] In step S712, the timer device 860 outputs an open command to the opening / closing device 850.

[0250] Thereby, the timer device 860 causes the opening and closing device 850 to transition from a closed state to an open state, and as a result, the power supply from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 is cut off, thereby making it possible to stop the control device 500.

[0251] When the process of step S712 is completed, the timer device 860 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0252] In this way, after the opening / closing device 850 has transitioned from the open state to the closed state, it can transition from the closed state to the open state under the control of the timer device 860 in response to the passage of the predetermined time T4.

[0253] [Configuration of the fifth example of a power system] Next, a configuration of a fifth example of the power system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0254] In the following, configurations that are the same as or correspond to the first to fourth examples of the configuration of the power system 1 described above will be given the same symbols, and the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the first to fourth examples described above, and explanations of content that is the same as or corresponds to the first to fourth examples described above may be omitted.

[0255] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fifth example of the power system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0256] As shown in FIG. 15, in this example, the power system 1 includes a load device 20 and a power supply system 30, similar to the third and fourth examples described above.

[0257] Specifically, this example differs from the third example described above in that the power supply system 30 of the power system 1 does not include a switching device 850 and the power storage device 200 has additional functions, but may be the same as the third example described above in other respects.

[0258] The power storage device 200 can switch between a state in which charging and discharging with the outside is possible and a state in which it is not possible. That is, the power storage device 200 can switch between executing and stopping power supply to the outside. For example, the power storage device 200 may include a built-in relay 210 that can switch between connecting and disconnecting a power path to the outside.

[0259] [Eighth example of a method for controlling a power supply system while a fuel cell system is stopped] Next, with reference to FIG. 16 in addition to FIG. 15, an eighth example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described.

[0260] The following description will focus on the differences from the first to seventh examples of the control method described above, and description of the same or corresponding content as the first to seventh examples of the control method described above may be omitted.

[0261] <Control method overview> In this example, when a stop condition for the fuel cell system 100 is met while the fuel cell system 100 is in an operating state, the control device 500 outputs a stop command to the power storage device 200, causing the power storage device 200 to stop supplying power to the outside.

[0262] Thereby, in response to the stop command, the power storage device 200 can shut off the relay 210 built therein and stop the power supply from the power storage device 200 to the DC link unit 250. Therefore, the control device 500 can stop discharging from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500.

[0263] When it is necessary to start up the fuel cell system 100 after the control device 500 has been shut down, for example, the opening and closing device 850 is closed by a direct operation or a remote operation by a user, and the control device 500 is started up. Then, the control device 500 starts up the fuel cell system 100 using the power of the power storage device 200 when a start-up condition is met, triggered by input of a start-up command based on a user request (operation).

[0264] In this way, in this example, the power supply system 30 stops the control device 500 by stopping the power supply to the outside of the power storage device 200 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. As a result, the power supply system 30 can provide a period during which the control device 500 is in a stopped state while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can suppress a decrease in the SOC of the power storage device 200 in a situation where the fuel cell system 100 needs to be started the next time using the power of the power storage device 200. As a result, the power supply system 30 can suppress a situation in which the fuel cell system 100 cannot be started due to a decrease in the SOC of the power storage device 200, or a situation in which the power storage device 200 falls into an over-discharge state due to the power supply for starting the fuel cell system 100. In addition, the power supply system 30 does not need to adopt a power storage device 200 with a relatively large capacity in consideration of the power consumption of the control device 500 in order to avoid such a situation. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can reduce the capacity of the power storage device 200 and suppress costs while ensuring the start-up of the fuel cell system 100.

[0265] <Control flow> FIG. 16 is a flowchart that outlines an eighth example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0266] This flowchart is executed when a condition for stopping the fuel cell system 100 is met while the fuel cell system 100 is in operation.

[0267] As shown in FIG. 16, in step S802, control device 500 outputs a stop command to power storage device 200.

[0268] This allows the control device 500 to cause the power storage device 200 to turn off the relay 210 , thereby cutting off the power path from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 .

[0269] When the process of step S802 is completed, the control device 500 proceeds to step S804.

[0270] In step S804, the control device 500 performs its own shutdown process.

[0271] When the process of step S804 is completed, the control device 500 stops.

[0272] [Ninth example of a method for controlling a power supply system while a fuel cell system is stopped] Next, with reference to FIG. 17 in addition to FIG. 15, a ninth example of the method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped will be described.

[0273] The following description will focus on the differences from the first to eighth examples of the control method described above, and description of the same or corresponding content as the first to eighth examples of the control method described above may be omitted.

[0274] <Control method overview> In this example, a control method for the power storage device 200 is added to the control method for the control device 500 of the above-mentioned eighth example.

[0275] As in the control method of the eighth example described above, when a stop condition for the fuel cell system 100 is met, the control device 500 outputs a stop command to the power storage device 200, transitions the power storage device 200 to a state in which power supply to the outside is stopped, and shuts down itself.

[0276] In this example, the power storage device 200 has a timer function. With this, the power storage device 200 can periodically switch between a state in which power supply to the outside is executable and a state in which power supply is suspended, using the timer function.

[0277] Specifically, when the power storage device 200 receives the stop command, it switches the relay 210 to an open state, stops power supply to the outside, and sets a start-up timer for starting the control device 500. When the set time of the start-up timer (predetermined time T5) has elapsed, the power storage device 200 switches the relay 210 to a closed state. This restarts the power supply from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 via the DC link unit 250, and the control device 500 starts up.

[0278] In addition, the power storage device 200 sets a stop timer for shutting down the control device 500 in conjunction with the transition of the relay 210 to the closed state. When the set time of the stop timer (predetermined time T6) has elapsed, the power storage device 200 transitions the relay 210 to the open state. This stops the power supply from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500, and the control device 500 shuts down.

[0279] In addition, the power storage device 200 sets a stop timer for stopping the control device 500 in conjunction with the transition of the relay 210 to the open state. A start timer for starting the control device 500 is set. When the set time of the start timer (predetermined time T5) has elapsed, the power storage device 200 transitions the relay 210 to the closed state. This resumes the power supply from the power storage device 200 to the control device 500 via the DC link unit 250, and the control device 500 starts up.

[0280] This allows the power storage device 200 to periodically repeat a state in which power supply to the outside is performed and a state in which it is stopped, thereby periodically repeating the start-up and stop of the control device 500. Therefore, during the period from start-up to stop of the control device 500 itself, the satisfaction of the start-up condition is used as a trigger to perform control related to the start-up of the fuel cell system 100.

[0281] Incidentally, the predetermined time T5 and the predetermined time T6 may be the same or different.

[0282] In this way, in this example, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the power storage device 200 stops power supply to the outside in response to a stop command from the control device 500 triggered by the establishment of a stop condition for the fuel cell system 100, and then periodically repeats the start and stop of power supply to the outside. This allows the power supply system 30 to periodically and repeatedly start and stop the control device 500 in response to the repetition of the start and stop of power supply to the outside of the power storage device 200. Therefore, the power supply system 30 can automatically and periodically provide a period during which the start of the fuel cell system 100 can be performed (i.e., the period from start to stop of the control device 500).

[0283] <Control flow> Fig. 17 is a flowchart outlining a ninth example of a method for controlling the power supply system 30 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped. Specifically, Fig. 17 includes Fig. 17A showing a flowchart of an example of processing related to a transition to a state in which the power storage device 200 stops supplying power to the outside while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, and Fig. 17B showing a flowchart of an example of processing related to a transition to a state in which the power storage device 200 starts supplying power to the outside while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped.

[0284] In this example, on the assumption that the flowchart in FIG. 16 is executed by the control device 500, the flowchart in FIG.

[0285] The flowchart in FIG. 17A is executed when a stop command is input from the control device 500 while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, or when the set time of the stop timer in the flowchart in FIG. 17B has elapsed.

[0286] 17A, in step S902, power storage device 200 sets, by a timer function, a start-up timer for starting power storage device 200 after a predetermined time T5 has elapsed since power storage device 200 was stopped. The set time of the start-up timer is the predetermined time T5.

[0287] When the process of step S902 is completed, the power storage device 200 proceeds to step S904.

[0288] In step S904, the power storage device 200 performs a process of stopping its own operation. Specifically, the power storage device 200 switches the relay 210 from the closed state to the open state, and stops the power supply to the outside.

[0289] When the process of step S904 is completed, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0290] In this way, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the power storage device 200 can be automatically stopped in response to input of a stop command from the control device 500 or triggered by the lapse of a set time period of the stop timer.

[0291] The flowchart in FIG. 17B is executed when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped and the set time of the start-up timer in the flowchart in FIG. 17A has elapsed.

[0292] 17B, ​​in step S906, power storage device 200 performs its own start-up process. Specifically, relay 210 is shifted from the open state to the closed state, and power supply to the outside is started.

[0293] When the process of step S906 is completed and the power storage device 200 has completed its own startup, the power storage device 200 proceeds to step S908.

[0294] In step S908, power storage device 200 sets a stop timer by a timer function to stop power storage device 200 after a predetermined time T6 has elapsed since its startup. The set time of the stop timer is the predetermined time T6.

[0295] When the process of step S908 is completed, the power storage device 200 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0296] In this way, while the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, the power storage device 200 can be automatically started up, triggered by the lapse of the set time of the start-up timer.

[0297] [Other embodiments] Next, another embodiment will be described.

[0298] The above-described embodiments may be modified or altered as appropriate, including combinations.

[0299] For example, in the second example of the control method described above, the auxiliary power storage device 450 may be stopped not when a stop timer elapses, but each time by outputting a stop command from the control device 500 to the auxiliary power storage device 450. The same may be true for the transition of the opening / closing device 850 from a closed state to an open state in the seventh example of the control method described above, and for the transition of the power storage device 200 to a state in which power supply to the outside is stopped in the ninth example of the control method described above.

[0300] Moreover, the control method of the above-mentioned third example (FIG. 7) may be combined with the control method of the above-mentioned second example (FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0301] Furthermore, the control method of the fourth example (FIGS. 8 and 9) described above may be combined with the sixth to ninth examples of the control method that are based on the third to fifth examples of the power system 1 described above.

[0302] Furthermore, the control method of the fourth example described above may be implemented regardless of whether the control methods of the first to third examples and the fifth to ninth examples described above are adopted. For example, when the control methods of the first to third examples and the fifth to ninth examples described above are not adopted, the control method of the fourth example described above may be implemented alone.

[0303] Moreover, the control method of the fifth example (FIG. 10) described above may be combined with the control method of the sixth to ninth examples described above.

[0304] Furthermore, in the first and second examples of the power system 1 described above, the switching device 850 in the third example of the power system 1 described above or the switching device 850 and the timer device 860 in the power system 1 described above may be employed instead of the auxiliary power storage device 450. In this case, a control method similar to the sixth or seventh example of the control method described above may be employed.

[0305] Furthermore, in the first and second examples and their modified and altered examples of the power system 1 described above, the relay 210 of the power storage device 200 in the fifth example of the power system 1 described above may be employed instead of or in addition to the auxiliary power storage device 450, the switching device 850, or the switching device 850 and the timer device 860. In this case, a control method similar to the eighth or ninth example of the control method described above may be employed.

[0306] Moreover, in the third example of the power system 1 described above, the auxiliary power storage device 450 may be employed instead of the switching device 850. In this case, the same control method as the first to third examples of the control method described above may be employed. Similarly, in the fourth example described above, the auxiliary power storage device 450 may be employed instead of the switching device 850 and the timer device 860. In this case, the same control method as the first to third examples of the control method described above may be employed. Similarly, in the fifth example of the power system 1 described above, the auxiliary power storage device 450 may be employed instead of or in addition to the relay 210. In this case, the same control method as the first to third examples of the control method described above may be employed.

[0307] [Effect] Next, the operation of the power supply system and the control method according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0308] In a first aspect of this embodiment, the power supply system includes a fuel cell, a first power storage device electrically connected to the fuel cell, and a control device capable of receiving power from the first power storage device and performing control related to the power supply system. The power supply system is, for example, the power supply system 30 described above. The fuel cell is, for example, the fuel cell module 110 described above. The first power storage device is, for example, the power storage device 200 described above. The control device is, for example, the control device 500 described above. Specifically, while the fuel cell is stopped, there is a period during which the control device is in a stopped state.

[0309] A first aspect of this embodiment is a control method performed by a power supply system including a fuel cell, a first power storage device electrically connected to the fuel cell, and a control device capable of receiving power from the first power storage device and performing control related to the power supply system. Specifically, the power supply system stops the control device while the fuel cell is stopped, and then starts it up.

[0310] This allows the power supply system to reduce the power used by the control device while the fuel cell is stopped, while ensuring the timing for the control device to implement control related to the next startup of the fuel cell. Therefore, the power supply system reduces the power to be supplied from the first power storage device to the control device while the fuel cell is stopped, and as a result, the amount of power that the first power storage device should store in preparation for the next startup of the fuel cell. Therefore, the power supply system can reduce the capacity of the first power storage device required to start the fuel cell using the power of the first power storage device, and suppress the cost of the first power storage device.

[0311] In a second aspect of this embodiment, on the premise of the above-mentioned first aspect, the power supply system may start up the control device in a stopped state in accordance with the passage of time while the fuel cell is stopped.

[0312] This allows the power supply system to periodically ensure timing for carrying out control related to the start-up of the fuel cell while suppressing the amount of power used by the control device when the fuel cell is stopped.

[0313] In a third aspect of the present embodiment, on the premise of the first or second aspect described above, the power supply system may include a second power storage device electrically connected to the first power storage device and the fuel cell, and disposed in a power path between the first power storage device and the control device. The second power storage device is, for example, the auxiliary power storage device 450 described above. Specifically, the fuel cell, the first power storage device, and the control device may be electrically connected to an AC power system. Then, the power supply system may cut off the power supply from the first power storage device to the second power storage device when the AC power system is in a power outage state.

[0314] This allows the power supply system to stop the power supply from the first power storage device to the control device via the second power storage device when the AC power grid is in a power outage state and the next startup of the fuel cell needs to be performed using only the power from the first power storage device, thereby allowing the power supply system to further reduce the capacity of the first power storage device required to start up the fuel cell using the power of the first power storage device.

[0315] In a fourth aspect of the present embodiment, on the premise of the above-mentioned third aspect, the first power storage device may have a function of switching between on and off of power supply to the outside. Then, when the AC power grid is in a power outage state, the power supply system may cut off the power supply from the first power storage device to the second power storage device by causing the first power storage device to stop power supply to the outside.

[0316] This allows the power supply system to stop the supply of power from the first storage device to the control device via the second storage device when there is a power outage in the AC power grid and the next fuel cell startup needs to be performed using only the power from the first storage device.

[0317] In a fifth aspect of the present embodiment, based on the third or fourth aspect described above, the power supply system may include a power conversion device having one end electrically connected to the fuel cell and the first power storage device and the other end connected to an AC power grid and a control device. When the AC power grid is in a power outage state, the power supply system may cut off the power supply from the first power storage device to the second power storage device by stopping the power conversion device.

[0318] This allows the power supply system to stop the supply of power from the first storage device to the control device via the second storage device when there is a power outage in the AC power grid and the next fuel cell startup needs to be performed using only the power from the first storage device.

[0319] In a sixth aspect of the present embodiment, on the premise of any one of the first to fifth aspects described above, the fuel cell, the first power storage device, and the control device may be electrically connected to an AC power system. The control device may include a plurality of components having different functions, and may operate only some of the plurality of components when the AC power system is in a power outage state. The plurality of components may be, for example, the above-mentioned modules 501 to 510.

[0320] This allows the power supply system to suppress power consumption by the control device in a situation where the AC power grid is in a power outage and the next startup of the fuel cell needs to be performed using only the power from the first power storage device. Therefore, the power supply system reduces the power to be supplied from the first power storage device to the control device while the fuel cell is stopped, and as a result, the amount of power that should be stored in the first power storage device in preparation for the next startup of the fuel cell can be further reduced.

[0321] In addition, in a seventh aspect of the present embodiment, based on any one of the first to sixth aspects described above, when the fuel cell is stopped and the charge state of the first power storage device is relatively low with respect to a predetermined reference, the control device may be in a stopped state for a period of time. The predetermined reference is, for example, the SOC of the power storage device 200 corresponding to the above-mentioned threshold value Vth.

[0322] This allows the power supply system to provide a period of time during which the control device is in a stopped state only when the charge state of the first power storage device has decreased to a certain degree while the fuel cell is stopped.

[0323] In addition, in an eighth aspect of this embodiment, on the premise of any one of the first to seventh aspects described above, the power supply system may include a second power storage device electrically connected to the first power storage device and the fuel cell, and disposed in a power path between the first power storage device and the control device. The second power storage device may be capable of switching between on and off of power supply to the control device. And, in the power supply system, while the fuel cell is stopped, the second power storage device may stop power supply to the control device in response to a command from outside the power supply system, or automatically, thereby stopping the control device.

[0324] This allows the power supply system to provide a period during which the control device is stopped while the fuel cell is stopped.

[0325] In addition, in a ninth aspect of this embodiment, based on the eighth aspect described above, the power supply system may start up the control device by having the second power storage device automatically resume power supply to the control device in response to the elapsed time from when the power supply to the control device is stopped while the fuel cell is stopped.

[0326] This allows the power supply system to start up the control device from a stopped state while the fuel cell is stopped, and ensures the timing for the control device to carry out control regarding the next start-up of the fuel cell.

[0327] In a tenth aspect of the present embodiment, on the premise of the first to seventh aspects described above, the power supply system may include an opening and closing device that opens and closes the power path between the first power storage device and the control device. The opening and closing device is, for example, the opening and closing device 850 described above. Then, in the power supply system, while the fuel cell is stopped, the opening and closing device may transition from a closed state to an open state in response to an external command or automatically, thereby stopping the control device.

[0328] This allows the power supply system to provide a period during which the control device is stopped while the fuel cell is stopped.

[0329] In an eleventh aspect of the present embodiment, on the premise of the above-mentioned tenth aspect, the power supply system may include an operation device that returns the opening and closing device to a closed state according to the elapsed time from the transition of the opening and closing device from the closed state to the open state. The operation device is, for example, a timer device 860. And, in the power supply system, while the fuel cell is stopped, the control device may be started by the operation device returning the opening and closing device from the open state to the closed state.

[0330] This allows the power supply system to start up the control device from a stopped state while the fuel cell is stopped, and ensures the timing for the control device to carry out control regarding the next startup of the fuel cell.

[0331] In a twelfth aspect of the present embodiment, on the premise of any one of the first to seventh aspects described above, the first power storage device may have a function of switching between on and off of power supply to the outside. And, in the power supply system, when the fuel cell is stopped, the power supply from the first power storage device to the outside is stopped, so that the control device may be stopped.

[0332] This allows the power supply system to provide a period during which the control device is stopped while the fuel cell is stopped.

[0333] In addition, in a thirteenth aspect of this embodiment, based on the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, the control device may be started by the first storage device automatically resuming power supply to the outside in response to the elapsed time from the transition to the halt of power supply to the outside.

[0334] This allows the power supply system to start up the control device from a stopped state while the fuel cell is stopped, and ensures the timing for the control device to carry out control regarding the next start-up of the fuel cell.

[0335] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0336] 1. Power System 10 AC power system 20 Load device 30 Power Supply System 40 Power distribution system 100 Fuel Cell System 110 Fuel Cell Module 112 Fuel Cell 114 Cooling section 116 Converter device 120 Auxiliary Equipment 130 Fuel supply section 131 Hydrogen Source 132 On-off valve 133 Pump 134 Gas-liquid separator 140 Air supply section 142 Air cleaner 144 Compressor 146 On-off valve 150 Discharge section 152 On-off valve 154 Mixer 156 Gas-liquid separator 160 Cooling section 161 Cooler 162 Fans 163 Pump 164 Heat exchanger 165 Pump 166 Ion Exchanger 200 Electricity storage device 210 Relay 250 DC link section 300 Power Converter 400 Transformer 450 Auxiliary Power Storage Device 500 Control device Modules 501~510 600,700 Inverter device 800 Converter Device 850 Switchgear 860 Timer Device CC1,CC2 Cooling circuit L1 Supply Channel L2 Circulation Route L3 Air supply route L4 Expulsion Pathway

Claims

1. A fuel cell; a first power storage device electrically connected to the fuel cell; a control device capable of receiving power from the first power storage device and performing control related to a power supply system; During the stop of the fuel cell, the control device has a period of stop. Power supply system.

2. while the fuel cell is stopped, activating the control device in a stopped state in accordance with the passage of time; The power supply system according to claim 1 .

3. a second power storage device electrically connected to the first power storage device and the fuel cell and disposed in a power path between the first power storage device and the control device; the fuel cell, the first power storage device, and the control device are electrically connected to an AC power system; When the AC power grid is in a power outage state, the power supply from the first power storage device to the second power storage device is cut off. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first power storage device has a function of switching between execution and stop of power supply to an outside, When the AC power grid is in a power outage state, the first power storage device stops supplying power to an external device, thereby cutting off power supply from the first power storage device to the second power storage device. The power supply system according to claim 3 .

5. a power conversion device having one end electrically connected to the fuel cell and the first power storage device and the other end connected to the AC power system and the control device, When the AC power grid is in a power outage state, the power conversion device is stopped, thereby cutting off the power supply from the first power storage device to the second power storage device. The power supply system according to claim 3 .

6. the fuel cell, the first power storage device, and the control device are electrically connected to an AC power system; The control device includes a plurality of components having different functions from each other, and when the AC power system is in a power outage state, operates only some of the plurality of components. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. When the state of charge of the first power storage device is relatively low with respect to a predetermined standard while the fuel cell is stopped, the control device detects a period of the stopped state. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a second power storage device electrically connected to the first power storage device and the fuel cell and disposed in a power path between the first power storage device and the control device; the second power storage device is capable of switching between supplying power to the control device and stopping the supplying power; While the fuel cell is stopped, the second power storage device stops supplying power to the control device in response to an external command or automatically, thereby causing the control device to stop. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. During the stop of the fuel cell, the second power storage device automatically resumes power supply to the control device in response to the elapse of time from the transition to the stop of power supply to the control device, thereby activating the control device. The power supply system according to claim 8.

10. a switching device that opens and closes a power path between the first power storage device and the control device, When the fuel cell is stopped, the control device is stopped by the opening and closing device transitioning from a closed state to an open state in response to an external command or automatically. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. an operating device that returns the opening / closing device to a closed state in response to a time lapse from a transition of the opening / closing device from a closed state to an open state, When the fuel cell is stopped, the operation device returns the opening / closing device from an open state to a closed state, thereby starting up the control device. The power supply system according to claim 10.

12. The first power storage device has a function of switching between execution and stop of power supply to an outside, When the fuel cell is stopped, power supply from the first power storage device to an external device is stopped, thereby causing the control device to stop. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The first power storage device automatically resumes power supply to the outside in response to the elapse of time from the transition to the stop of power supply to the outside, thereby starting up the control device. The power supply system according to claim 12.

14. A control method performed by a power supply system including a fuel cell, a first power storage device electrically connected to the fuel cell, and a control device capable of receiving power from the first power storage device and performing control related to the power supply system, the method comprising: while the fuel cell is stopped, the control device is stopped and then started; Control methods.

Images