Method for operating power supply system and power supply system

Abstract

To provide a technology that stores heat generated by power generation in a fuel cell and supplies the stored heat to at least one selected from the group consisting of a storage battery and a fuel cell, and is advantageous in terms of large heat storage capacity and the time during which heat can be stored.SOLUTION: A method of operating a power supply system 1a includes the following (i) and (ii): (i) storing heat generated by power generation of a fuel cell 10 through a phase transition of a heat storage material 5a, (ii) supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell 10 and the storage battery 20 when the environmental temperature of the fuel cell 10 or the storage battery 20 is equal to or lower than a first temperature T1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for operating an electric power supply system and an electric power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power supply device that combines a fuel cell and a storage battery. This power supply device has a mechanism that uses the heat generated by the fuel cell to keep the storage battery at a certain temperature range, and then discharges it to the outside. Air that has passed through the air-cooled heat exchanger of the fuel cell and gas discharged from the fuel cell are used in the storage battery's heat retention mechanism.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a heat storage device for a fuel cell power generation system. The heat storage device includes a hot water tank, a heat exchanger, piping, multiple temperature sensors, a calculation means, and a control means. The hot water tank is a tank for storing exhaust heat from a fuel cell power generation device. The heat exchanger is provided in the hot water tank. The piping supplies a medium for recovering exhaust heat from the fuel cell power generation device to the heat exchanger. Multiple temperature sensors are provided in the hot water tank. The calculation means calculates the amount of heat stored in the hot water tank based on detection signals from the multiple temperature sensors. The control means controls the fuel cell power generation device to suppress the amount of power generation by the fuel cell when the amount of heat storage reaches the maximum amount of heat storage in the hot water tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-110200 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2002-75392 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technology that stores heat generated by power generation in a fuel cell and supplies the stored heat to at least one selected from the group consisting of a storage battery and a fuel cell, while being advantageous in terms of large heat storage capacity and the time that heat can be stored. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The method for operating a power supply system according to the present disclosure includes: Storing heat generated by power generation in the fuel cell through a phase transition of a heat storage material; When the environmental temperature of the fuel cell or the storage battery is equal to or lower than a first temperature, the heat stored in the heat storage material is supplied to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell and the storage battery.

[0007] The power supply system according to the present disclosure includes: A fuel cell; A storage battery, a heat storage device that stores heat generated by the power generation of the fuel cell through a phase transition of a heat storage material, When the environmental temperature of the fuel cell or the storage battery is equal to or lower than a first temperature, the heat stored in the heat storage material is supplied to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell and the storage battery. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The technology disclosed herein can store heat generated by power generation in a fuel cell and supply the stored heat to at least one selected from the group consisting of a storage battery and a fuel cell, and is advantageous in terms of large heat storage capacity and the time that heat can be stored. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] A configuration diagram of a power supply system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] A configuration diagram of a power supply system according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] A configuration diagram of a power supply system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4]A configuration diagram of a power supply system according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 5] A configuration diagram of a power supply system according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the present inventors came up with the present disclosure, a power supply system including a fuel cell and a storage battery was being studied. For example, if the environmental temperature of the storage battery is low, the performance of the storage battery, such as the discharge output and capacity, is likely to decrease. In addition, if the environmental temperature of the storage battery is low, the storage battery is likely to deteriorate due to charging and discharging. For example, the power supply device described in Patent Document 1 uses heat generated from the fuel cell in a mechanism for keeping the storage battery warm within a certain temperature range. As a result, even when used below freezing, the storage battery is kept warm and it is thought that deterioration due to charging and discharging is unlikely to progress. In addition, when starting up the fuel cell, if the environmental temperature of the fuel cell is low, it tends to take a long time to start up the fuel cell.

[0011] In the power supply device described in Patent Document 1, the air that has passed through the air-cooled heat exchanger of the fuel cell and the gas discharged from the fuel cell are used in the heat retention mechanism of the storage battery. Therefore, the heat retention of the storage battery is possible when the air that has passed through the air-cooled heat exchanger of the fuel cell and the gas discharged from the fuel cell are at a desired temperature, but it may be difficult to keep the storage battery warm depending on the temperature of the air and gas. In addition, it may be difficult to keep the storage battery warm when the fuel cell is stopped.

[0012] It is also conceivable to use a hot water tank to store the exhaust heat of a fuel cell power generation system, as in the heat storage device described in Patent Document 2. However, when storing heat using hot water, there are significant limitations on the heat storage capacity and the time during which heat can be stored.

[0013] In view of these circumstances, the present inventors have conducted extensive research into technology that can increase the heat storage capacity and extend the time for which heat can be stored when storing heat generated by the fuel cell during power generation in a power supply system equipped with a fuel cell and a storage battery. As a result, the present inventors have newly discovered that by using a specific heat storage material, it is possible to increase the heat storage capacity and extend the time for which heat can be stored when storing heat generated by the fuel cell during power generation, and have thus come up with the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0015] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0017] [1-1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a power supply system according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the power supply system 1 includes a fuel cell 10, a storage battery 20, and a heat storage device 5. The heat storage device 5 stores heat generated in conjunction with power generation by the fuel cell 10 through a phase transition of a heat storage material 5a.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system 1 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source 2, and supplies power to a power load 3. In FIG. 1, solid arrows indicate the flow of power. The power supply system 1 includes an electric circuit 6 extending toward the power load 3, and the commercial power source 2, the fuel cell 10, and the storage battery 20 are connected to the electric circuit 6. DC power output from the fuel cell 10 is converted to AC power by a DCAC inverter (not shown), and the AC power is supplied to the electric circuit 6. DC power generated by discharging from the storage battery 20 is converted to AC power by a DCAC inverter (not shown), and the AC power is supplied to the electric circuit 6. In addition, the storage battery 20 can be charged by receiving power from the outside through the electric circuit 6. For example, AC power supplied from the outside through the electric circuit 6 is converted to DC power by a DCAC inverter (not shown), and the storage battery 20 is charged by this DC power.

[0019] The fuel cell 10 is not limited to a specific fuel cell as long as it generates heat in association with the power generation. Examples of the fuel cell 10 are a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell, a phosphoric acid fuel cell, and a molten carbonate fuel cell. The fuel cell 10 includes a fuel cell stack (not shown). The heat generated in association with the power generation of the fuel cell 10 may be reaction heat accompanying the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, or may be heat generated in association with the combustion of fuel gas for heating the fuel cell stack. The power supply system 1 may include a plurality of fuel cells 10.

[0020] The fuel supplied to the fuel cell 10 is, for example, pure hydrogen. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system 1 includes a tank 15. Pure hydrogen is stored in the tank 15. Hydrogen gas is supplied as a fuel gas from the tank 15 to the fuel cell 10. In FIG. 1, the dashed arrows indicate the flow of hydrogen. The fuel used in the fuel cell 10 may contain a hydrocarbon gas such as methane gas, propane gas, or butane gas. In this case, the fuel cell 10 includes a reformer. A hydrogen-containing gas is generated as a fuel gas from the hydrocarbon gas in the reformer, and the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the fuel cell stack. Examples of fuels containing a hydrocarbon gas are city gas and LP gas.

[0021] The storage battery 20 is not limited to a specific type of storage battery. Examples of the storage battery 20 include a lithium ion battery, a redox flow battery, and a sodium sulfur battery. The power supply system 1 may include a plurality of storage batteries 20.

[0022] The heat storage material 5a is disposed inside the heat storage device 5. The heat storage material 5a is not limited to a specific type of heat storage material as long as it can store heat by phase transition. The heat storage material 5a is, for example, a heat storage material 5a in which a phase transition for heat storage occurs in a temperature range of 2°C to 200°C. The heat storage material 5a may be a heat storage material capable of storing heat by a phase transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, or may be a heat storage material capable of storing heat by a phase transition from a solid phase to another solid phase. Examples of heat storage materials capable of storing heat by a phase transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase include sodium acetate trihydrate, n-paraffin, saturated fatty acid, unsaturated fatty acid, a mixture of saturated fatty acid and unsaturated fatty acid, and clathrate hydrate. For example, sodium acetate trihydrate maintains a liquid phase by supercooling even when cooled after melting at about 58°C. On the other hand, for example, by releasing the supercooling by adding sodium acetate trihydrate powder, solidification occurs and heat is released. Examples of heat storage materials capable of storing heat by a phase transition from one solid phase to another are scandium-substituted lambda trititanium pentoxide, vanadium oxide, and vanadium-related compounds. For example, scandium-substituted lambda trititanium pentoxide is Sc x Ti 3-x O 5 For example, when the composition is x=0.09, β-Sc x Ti 3-x O 5 (β phase) to λ-Sc x Ti 3-x O 5 An endothermic peak is observed at 67°C due to the phase transition from β to λ phase. After the phase transition from β to λ phase, the λ phase is maintained even at extremely low temperatures, even if the temperature drops. On the other hand, applying a certain pressure to the λ phase causes a transition to the β phase, and heat is released.

[0023] The heat storage material 5a can maintain a state in which a phase transition for heat storage has occurred even at a temperature of, for example, 20°C or lower. Therefore, the heat storage material 5a can store heat for a long period of time. The heat storage material 5a can store heat for, for example, six months or more. Even if the power supply system 1 is not operated for a long period of time for some reason and then the operation of the power supply system 1 is started in a low-temperature environment, the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 can be used.

[0024] The heat storage device 5 may include, for example, a mechanism for causing a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation. The mechanism may be a mechanism for releasing supercooling of the heat storage material 5a, or a mechanism for pressurizing the heat storage material 5a.

[0025] 1, the power supply system 1 further includes, for example, a solar cell 30 and a power conditioner 35. Examples of the solar cell 30 include a monocrystalline silicon solar cell, a polycrystalline silicon solar cell, a thin-film silicon solar cell, a CIS solar cell, a CIGS solar cell, an organic semiconductor solar cell, and a perovskite solar cell. The power conditioner 35 is connected to the solar cell 30 and the electric circuit 6, and converts DC power output from the solar cell 30 into AC power and supplies it to the electric circuit 6.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, in the power supply system 1, for example, the fuel cell 10 and the heat storage device 5 are connected by heat medium flow paths 41a and 41b. For example, the storage battery 20 and the heat storage device 5 are connected by heat medium flow paths 42a and 42b. For example, the solar cell 30 and the heat storage device 5 are connected by heat medium flow paths 43a and 43b. In FIG. 1, dashed arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. The heat medium in the flow paths 41a and 41b, the flow paths 42a and 42b, and the flow paths 43a and 43b may be the same type of heat medium or different types of heat medium. An example of the heat medium is water.

[0027] The heat medium that has passed through the flow path 41a can be heated, for example, by exhaust heat from the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell 10. For example, the heat medium that has passed through the flow path 41a is heated by heat exchange with another heat medium that recovers exhaust heat from the fuel cell stack. The heat medium that has passed through the flow path 42a passes, for example, through the space around the cells and the space between the cells inside the storage battery 20. The refrigerant that has passed through the flow path 43a flows along the front or back surface of the panel of the solar cell 30.

[0028] 1, the power supply system 1 includes, for example, a temperature sensor 11, a temperature sensor 21, and a temperature sensor 31. The temperature sensor 11 measures the environmental temperature of the fuel cell 10. The temperature sensor 21 measures the environmental temperature of the storage battery 20. The temperature sensor 31 measures the environmental temperature of the solar cell 30.

[0029] 1, the power supply system 1 includes, for example, a controller 7. The controller 7 controls the operation of the power supply system 1. For example, data indicating the measurement results of the temperature sensors 11, 21, and 31 is input to the controller 7. The controller 7 generates, for example, control signals for the operation of the heat storage device 5, the operation of the fuel cell 10, and the operation of the storage battery 20, and transmits the control signals to the heat storage device 5, the fuel cell 10, and the storage battery 20. The controller 7 is, for example, a computer including a storage device in which a program for operating the power supply system 1 is stored, and a processor that reads the program from the storage device and performs a predetermined calculation.

[0030] [1-2. Operation] An example of the operation of the power supply system 1 will be described. Heat is generated with the power generation of the fuel cell 10. This heat may be reaction heat with the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, or may be heat derived from combustion generated with the combustion of fuel gas for heating the fuel cell stack. For example, a heat medium is guided to the fuel cell 10 through the flow path 41a by a pump (not shown). This heat medium is heated by the heat generated with the power generation of the fuel cell 10. As a result, the temperature of the heat medium becomes higher than the temperature at which a phase transition occurs for the heat storage of the heat storage material 5a. Next, the heat medium is guided to the heat storage device 5 through the flow path 41b, and heat exchange occurs between the heat medium and the heat storage material 5a. As a result, a phase transition occurs in the heat storage material 5a, and the heat generated with the power generation of the fuel cell 10 is stored in the heat storage device 5.

[0031] When the start-up of the fuel cell 10 is instructed, the controller 7 acquires data indicating the measurement result of the temperature sensor 11. The controller 7 operates the power supply system 1 so that the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 is supplied to the fuel cell 10 when the environmental temperature of the fuel cell 10 is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1. For example, a pump (not shown) is operated, and the heat medium is guided to the heat storage device 5 through the flow path 41b. In addition, the controller 7 operates, for example, a mechanism that causes a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heat storage material 5a that has undergone the phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation and the heat medium, and the heat medium is heated. Next, the heat medium is guided to the fuel cell 10 through the flow path 41a, and the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell 10 is warmed. As a result, the start-up of the fuel cell 10 can be completed in a short time. The first temperature T1 is, for example, 20°C. The first temperature T1 may be a temperature equal to or higher than 0°C and lower than 20°C.

[0032] When the charge or discharge of the storage battery 20 is instructed, the controller 7 acquires data indicating the measurement result of the temperature sensor 21. When the environmental temperature of the storage battery 20 is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, the controller 7 operates the power supply system 1 so that the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 is supplied to the storage battery 20. For example, a pump (not shown) is operated, and the heat medium passes through the flow path 42b and is guided to the heat storage device 5. In addition, the controller 7 operates, for example, a mechanism that causes a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heat storage material 5a that has undergone a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation and the heat medium, and the heat medium is heated. Next, the heat medium is guided to the storage battery 20 through the flow path 42a, and the cells of the storage battery 20 are warmed. As a result, the performance of the storage battery 20, such as the discharge output and capacity, is unlikely to decrease. In addition, the storage battery 20 is unlikely to be charged or discharged at a low temperature, and the storage battery is unlikely to deteriorate. The first temperature T1 is, for example, 20° C. The first temperature T1 may be a temperature equal to or higher than 0° C. and lower than 20° C.

[0033] The controller 7 operates the power supply system 1 so that heat generated in the storage battery 20 is supplied to the heat storage material 5a when the environmental temperature of the storage battery 20 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2. The second temperature T2 is higher than the first temperature T1. For example, a pump (not shown) is operated to guide the heat medium through the flow path 42a to the storage battery 20. The heat medium guided to the storage battery 20 through the flow path 42a is heated by the heat generated in the storage battery 20. Next, the heat medium is guided to the heat storage device 5 through the flow path 42b, and heat exchange occurs between the heat medium and the heat storage material 5a. In this way, the heat generated in the storage battery 20 is supplied to the heat storage material 5a. The second temperature T2 is, for example, 25°C.

[0034] The controller 7 acquires data indicating the measurement result of the temperature sensor 31 at a predetermined timing during the day. When the environmental temperature of the solar cell 30 is equal to or lower than the third temperature T3, the controller 7 operates the power supply system 1 so that the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 is supplied to the solar cell 30. For example, a pump (not shown) is operated, and the heat medium is guided to the heat storage device 5 through the flow path 43b. In addition, the controller 7 operates, for example, a mechanism that causes a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heat storage material 5a that has undergone a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation and the heat medium, and the heat medium is heated. Next, the heat medium is guided to the solar cell 30 through the flow path 43a, and the panel of the solar cell 30 is heated. As a result, for example, when frost or snow is attached to the panel of the solar cell 30, the snow or frost melts, and the output of the solar cell 30 can be increased. The third temperature T3 is, for example, 5°C.

[0035] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the method of operating the power supply system 1 includes the following (i) and (ii). (i) The heat generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 10 is stored by the phase transition of the heat storage material 5a. (ii) When the environmental temperature of the fuel cell 10 or the storage battery 20 is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a is supplied to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell 10 and the storage battery 20.

[0036] This allows the heat generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 10 to be stored by the phase transition of the heat storage material 5a, and when the environmental temperature is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, the heat can be supplied to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell 10 and the storage battery 20. Therefore, the heat storage capacity stored in the heat storage material 5a tends to be large, and the time during which heat can be stored in the heat storage material 5a tends to be long. This operating method is advantageous from the viewpoints of the large heat storage capacity and the time during which heat can be stored.

[0037] As in this embodiment, the operating method of the power supply system 1 may further include supplying heat generated in the storage battery 20 to the heat storage material 5a when the temperature of the storage battery 20 is equal to or higher than a second temperature T2 higher than the first temperature T1.

[0038] As a result, heat generated in the storage battery 20 is supplied to the heat storage material 5a, and the energy efficiency of the power supply system 1 can be improved.

[0039] As in the present embodiment, the method of operating the power supply system 1 may further include supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to the solar cell 30 when the environmental temperature of the solar cell 30 is equal to or lower than a third temperature T3.

[0040] This makes it possible, for example, to melt frost or snow adhering to the solar cells 30, thereby increasing the output of the solar cells 30.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, the power supply system 1 includes the fuel cell 10, the storage battery 20, and the heat storage device 5. The heat storage device 5 stores heat generated as the fuel cell 10 generates electricity by a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a. When the environmental temperature of the fuel cell 10 or the storage battery 20 is equal to or lower than a first temperature T1, the power supply system 1 supplies the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell 10 and the storage battery 20.

[0042] This allows heat generated by power generation by the fuel cell 10 to be stored by the phase transition of the heat storage material 5a, and when the environmental temperature is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, the heat can be supplied to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell 10 and the storage battery 20. This makes it easier for the heat storage material 5a to have a large heat storage capacity, and easier for the heat storage material 5a to have a large available time for storing heat. The power supply system 1 is advantageous in terms of the large heat storage capacity and the available time for storing heat.

[0043] As in the present embodiment, the power supply system 1 may supply the heat generated in the storage battery 20 to the heat storage device 5 when the temperature of the storage battery 20 is equal to or higher than a second temperature T2 that is higher than a first temperature T1.

[0044] As a result, heat generated in the storage battery 20 is supplied to the heat storage material 5a, and the energy efficiency of the power supply system 1 can be improved.

[0045] As in the present embodiment, the power supply system 1 may further include the solar cell 30, and may supply the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to the solar cell 30 when the environmental temperature of the solar cell 30 is equal to or lower than the third temperature T3.

[0046] This makes it possible, for example, to melt frost or snow adhering to the solar cells 30, thereby increasing the output of the solar cells 30.

[0047] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The second embodiment is configured similarly to the first embodiment, except for the parts that will be particularly described. The components of the second embodiment that are the same as or correspond to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. The description of the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0048] [2-1. Configuration] As shown in Fig. 2, the heat storage device 5 is connected to a gas heat pump 51 outside the power supply system 1 by flow paths 44a and 44b. In Fig. 2, dashed arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. The heat medium in the flow paths 41a and 41b, the flow paths 42a and 42b, the flow paths 43a and 43b, and the flow paths 44a and 44b may be the same type of heat medium or different types of heat medium. An example of the heat medium is water.

[0049] The gas heat pump 51 uses a gas engine to drive the compressor in the heat pump. The fuel for the gas engine is a hydrocarbon gas such as methane gas, propane gas, or butane gas. The fuel may be city gas or LP gas.

[0050] The gas heat pump 51 provides, for example, air conditioning for the environment in which the power load 3 is located.

[0051] [2-2. Operation] For example, in the operation of the gas heat pump 51, the controller 7 operates the power supply system 1 so that the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 is supplied to the gas engine of the gas heat pump 51. For example, a pump (not shown) is operated to guide the heat medium to the heat storage device 5 through the flow path 44b. In addition, the controller 7 operates, for example, a mechanism that causes a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heat storage material 5a that has undergone a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation and the heat medium, and the heat medium is heated. Next, the heat medium is guided to the gas engine of the gas heat pump 51 through the flow path 44a, and vaporizes the fuel to be supplied to the gas engine. Note that this fuel does not have to be vaporized only by the heat stored in the heat storage device 5, and may be vaporized by another heat source.

[0052] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the operating method of the power supply system 1 may further include supplying heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to the gas heat pump 51 to vaporize the fuel supplied to the gas engine of the gas heat pump 51.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, the power supply system 1 may supply heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to a gas heat pump 51 arranged outside the power supply system 1, thereby vaporizing the fuel supplied to the gas engine of the gas heat pump 51.

[0054] This makes it possible to use the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a for vaporizing the fuel supplied to the gas engine of the gas heat pump 51, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0055] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The third embodiment is configured similarly to the first embodiment, except for the parts that will be particularly described. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding components of the first embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted. The description of the first embodiment also applies to the third embodiment, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0056] [3-1. Configuration] As shown in Fig. 3, the heat storage device 5 is connected to an absorption chiller 52 outside the power supply system 1 by flow paths 45a and 45b. In Fig. 3, dashed arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. The heat medium in the flow paths 41a and 41b, the flow paths 42a and 42b, the flow paths 43a and 43b, and the flow paths 45a and 45b may be the same type of heat medium or different types of heat medium. An example of the heat medium is water.

[0057] The absorption chiller 52 includes an evaporator, an absorber, a regenerator, and a condenser. The absorbing liquid, which has absorbed the water vapor supplied from the evaporator and has a reduced concentration, is guided from the absorber to the regenerator, where it is heated and returned to a high-concentration absorbing liquid. The steam supplied from the regenerator to the condenser is cooled in the condenser and becomes liquid water. The liquid water is supplied to the evaporator, where it evaporates and becomes water vapor. The water vapor is guided to the absorber and absorbed by the absorbing liquid. The absorbing liquid contains, for example, lithium bromide. The absorption chiller 52 is, for example, a single-effect, double-effect, or triple-effect absorption chiller.

[0058] The absorption chiller 52 provides, for example, air conditioning for the environment in which the power load 3 is located.

[0059] [3-2. Operation] For example, in the operation of the absorption chiller 52, the controller 7 operates the power supply system 1 so that the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 is supplied to the absorption chiller 52. For example, a pump (not shown) is operated, and the heat medium is guided to the heat storage device 5 through the flow path 45b. In addition, the controller 7 operates, for example, a mechanism that causes a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heat storage material 5a that has undergone a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation and the heat medium, and the heat medium is heated. Next, the heat medium is guided to the regenerator of the absorption chiller 52 through the flow path 45a, and heats the low-concentration absorbing liquid. This absorbing liquid does not have to be heated only by the heat stored in the heat storage device 5, and may be heated by another heat source such as a burner.

[0060] [3-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, the method of operating the power supply system 1 may further include supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to the absorption chiller 52 arranged outside the power supply system 1.

[0061] Additionally, in this embodiment, the power supply system 1 may supply the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to an absorption chiller 52 disposed outside the power supply system 1.

[0062] As a result, for example, the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a can be used as a heat source for regenerating the absorbing liquid in the absorption chiller 52, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0063] (Embodiment 4) Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The fourth embodiment is configured similarly to the first embodiment, except for the parts that will be particularly described. The components of the fourth embodiment that are the same as or correspond to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. The description of the first embodiment also applies to the fourth embodiment, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0064] [4-1. Configuration] As shown in Fig. 4, the heat storage device 5 is connected to a water electrolysis device 53 outside the power supply system 1 by flow paths 46a and 46b. In Fig. 4, dashed arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. The heat medium in the flow paths 41a and 41b, the flow paths 42a and 42b, the flow paths 43a and 43b, and the flow paths 46a and 46b may be the same type of heat medium or different types of heat medium. An example of the heat medium is water.

[0065] Examples of the water electrolysis device 53 include an alkaline water electrolysis device, a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis device, and an anion exchange membrane water electrolysis device. The water electrolysis device 53 is connected to, for example, an electric circuit 6, and is supplied with power for water electrolysis. Hydrogen generated in the water electrolysis device 53 is supplied to, for example, the tank 15 and stored therein.

[0066] [4-2. Operation] For example, in the operation of the water electrolysis device 53, the controller 7 operates the power supply system 1 so that the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 is supplied to the water electrolysis device 53. For example, a pump (not shown) is operated, and the heat medium is guided to the heat storage device 5 through the flow path 46b. In addition, the controller 7 operates, for example, a mechanism that causes a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heat storage material 5a that has undergone a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation and the heat medium, and the heat medium is heated. Next, the heat medium is guided to the water electrolysis device 53 through the flow path 46a, and heats the aqueous solution or water to be subjected to water electrolysis. This tends to increase the efficiency of water electrolysis. The aqueous solution or water to be subjected to water electrolysis does not have to be heated only by the heat stored in the heat storage device 5, and may be heated by another heat source.

[0067] [4-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, the method of operating the power supply system 1 may further include supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to the water electrolysis device 53 arranged outside the power supply system 1.

[0068] Additionally, in this embodiment, the power supply system 1 may supply the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to a water electrolysis device 53 disposed outside the power supply system 1.

[0069] As a result, for example, the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a can be utilized to increase the efficiency of water electrolysis in the water electrolysis device 53, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0070] (Embodiment 5) Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The fifth embodiment is configured similarly to the first embodiment, except for the parts that will be particularly described. The components of the fifth embodiment that are the same as or correspond to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. The description of the first embodiment also applies to the fifth embodiment, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0071] [5-1. Configuration] 5, the power supply system 1 includes a plurality of power supply systems 1. The power supply system 1 includes, for example, a first power supply system 1a and a second power supply system 1b. Each of the first power supply system 1a and the second power supply system 1b is configured similarly to the power supply system 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 5, the heat storage device 5 of the first power supply system 1a and the heat storage device 5 of the second power supply system 1b are connected to each other by, for example, a flow path 47a. In Fig. 5, dashed arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. The heat medium in the flow paths 41a and 41b, the flow paths 42a and 42b, the flow paths 43a and 43b, and the flow path 47a may be the same type of heat medium or different types of heat medium. An example of the heat medium is water.

[0073] [5-2. Operation] For example, consider a case where the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 of the first power supply system 1a is insufficient and the second power supply system 1b is stopped during operation of the first power supply system 1a. In this case, heat is stored in the heat storage device 5 of the second power supply system 1b. The controller 7 operates the second power supply system 1b so that the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 of the second power supply system 1b is supplied to the first power supply system 1a. For example, a pump (not shown) is operated, and the heat medium is guided to the heat storage device 5 of the second power supply system 1b through the flow path 47a. In addition, the controller 7 operates, for example, a mechanism that causes a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heat storage material 5a that has undergone a phase transition of the heat storage material 5a for heat dissipation and the heat medium, and the heat medium is heated. Next, the heat medium is guided to the heat storage device 5 of the first power supply system 1a through the flow path 47a. This makes it possible to make up for the heat shortage in the heat storage device 5 of the first power supply system 1a.

[0074] During operation of the second power supply system 1b, even if there is a shortage of heat stored in the heat storage device 5 of the second power supply system 1b, the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 of the first power supply system 1a may be supplied to the heat storage device 5 of the second power supply system 1b.

[0075] [5-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, the power supply system 1 includes a plurality of power supply systems, and may further include the plurality of power supply systems transferring heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to each other.

[0076] Additionally, in the present embodiment, the power supply system 1 may include a plurality of power supply systems, and the plurality of power supply systems may be capable of transferring heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to each other.

[0077] As a result, for example, when the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 of a particular power supply system 1 is insufficient, the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 of another power supply system 1 can be used.

[0078] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first to fifth embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made.

[0079] In the first to fifth embodiments, the supply of heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to the storage battery 20 has been described as an example of the method of operating the power supply system 1. The method of operating the power supply system 1 may include supplying heat stored in the heat storage material 5a to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell 10 and the storage battery 20. Therefore, the power supply system 1 may be configured such that heat generated in conjunction with power generation by the fuel cell 10 in the power supply system 1 is directly supplied to the storage battery 20. However, if heat stored in the heat storage material 5a is supplied to the storage battery 20, heat can be supplied to the storage battery 20 even when power generation by the fuel cell 10 is stopped.

[0080] In the fifth embodiment, the heat stored in the heat storage material 5a is exchanged between a plurality of power supply systems as an example of the method for operating the power supply system 1. The method for operating the power supply system 1 may include the heat generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 10 being exchanged between the plurality of power supply systems 1. In this case, for example, when the maximum amount of heat is stored in the heat storage device 5 of a particular power supply system 1, the heat generated by the power generation of the fuel cell 10 can be stored in the heat storage device 5 of another power supply system 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The technology disclosed herein is applicable to a power supply system equipped with a fuel cell and a storage battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Power supply system 1a, 1b Power supply system 5 Heat storage device 5a Heat storage material 10 fuel cell 20. Storage Battery 30 Solar Cells 51 Gas Heat Pump 52 Absorption chiller 53 Water electrolysis equipment

Claims

1. Storing heat generated by power generation in the fuel cell through a phase transition of a heat storage material; supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell and the storage battery when an environmental temperature of the fuel cell or the storage battery is equal to or lower than a first temperature; How to operate the power supply system.

2. The method further includes supplying heat generated in the storage battery to the heat storage material when the temperature of the storage battery is equal to or higher than a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The operating method according to claim 1.

3. The method further includes supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material to the solar cell when an environmental temperature of the solar cell is equal to or lower than a third temperature. The operating method according to claim 1.

4. The method further includes supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material to a gas heat pump arranged outside the power supply system to vaporize fuel supplied to a gas engine of the gas heat pump. The operating method according to claim 1.

5. The power supply system further includes supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material to an absorption chiller disposed outside the power supply system. The operating method according to claim 1.

6. supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material to a water electrolysis device disposed outside the power supply system. The operating method according to claim 1.

7. The power supply system includes a plurality of power supply systems; The power supply system further includes exchanging heat stored in the heat storage material with each other. The operating method according to claim 1.

8. A fuel cell; A storage battery, a heat storage device that stores heat generated by the power generation of the fuel cell through a phase transition of a heat storage material; When an environmental temperature of the fuel cell or the storage battery is equal to or lower than a first temperature, the heat stored in the heat storage material is supplied to at least one selected from the group consisting of the fuel cell and the storage battery. Power supply system.

9. When the temperature of the storage battery is equal to or higher than a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature, heat generated in the storage battery is supplied to the heat storage device. The power supply system according to claim 8.

10. Further comprising a solar cell; When an environmental temperature of the solar cell is equal to or lower than a third temperature, the heat stored in the heat storage material is supplied to the solar cell. The power supply system according to claim 8.

11. supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material to a gas heat pump arranged outside the power supply system to vaporize fuel to be supplied to a gas engine of the gas heat pump; The power supply system according to claim 8.

12. supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material to an absorption chiller disposed outside the power supply system; The power supply system according to claim 8.

13. supplying the heat stored in the heat storage material to a water electrolysis device disposed outside the power supply system; The power supply system according to claim 8.

14. The power supply system includes a plurality of power supply systems; The heat stored in the heat storage material can be exchanged between the plurality of power supply systems. The power supply system according to claim 8.

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