Fuel cell system and equipment management method

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell system and an equipment management method that makes it possible to suppress inappropriate user operations on a fuel cell system.SOLUTION: A fuel cell system includes an interface that accepts user operations for the fuel cell system, and a control unit that executes a predetermined process related to accepting and stopping the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stopping operation of the fuel cell system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system and a facility management method.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a facility management system for managing various information related to a plurality of facilities. Examples of the various information include basic information and maintenance information related to the facilities. The basic information includes, for example, the installation date, the predetermined service life, and the rated power consumption. The maintenance information includes the maintenance history of the facilities (for example, Patent Document 1). Examples of the various information include basic information and maintenance information related to the facilities. The basic information includes, for example, the installation date, the predetermined service life, and the rated power consumption. The maintenance information includes the maintenance history of the facilities (for example, Patent Document 1). Examples of the various information include basic information and maintenance information related to the facilities. The basic information includes, for example, the installation date, the predetermined service life, and the rated power consumption. The maintenance information includes the maintenance history of the facilities (for example, Patent Document 1). Examples of the various information include basic information and maintenance information related to the facilities. The basic information includes, for example, the installation date, the predetermined service life, and the rated power consumption. The maintenance information includes the maintenance history of the facilities (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The fuel cell system according to the first feature includes an interface that receives a user operation for the fuel cell system, and a control unit that executes a predetermined process related to the suspension of receiving the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system according to the first feature includes an interface that receives a user operation for the fuel cell system, and a control unit that executes a predetermined process related to the suspension of receiving the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system according to the first feature includes an interface that receives a user operation for the fuel cell system, and a control unit that executes a predetermined process related to the suspension of receiving the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system according to the first feature includes an interface that receives a user operation for the fuel cell system, and a control unit that executes a predetermined process related to the suspension of receiving the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system.

[0005] The facility management method according to the second feature includes a step A of receiving a user operation for the fuel cell system, and a step B of executing a predetermined process related to the suspension of receiving the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system. The facility management method according to the second feature includes a step A of receiving a user operation for the fuel cell system, and a step B of executing a predetermined process related to the suspension of receiving the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system. The facility management method according to the second feature includes a step A of receiving a user operation for the fuel cell system, and a step B of executing a predetermined process related to the suspension of receiving the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system. The facility management method according to the second feature includes a step A of receiving a user operation for the fuel cell system, and a step B of executing a predetermined process related to the suspension of receiving the user operation at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0007] There may be a case where the facility to be managed by the facility management system described in the background art is a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system is a system that can be operated by a user.

[0008] Therefore, in a case where a management device that manages a facility management system instructs the stop and restart of a fuel cell system by remote operation, etc., there is a possibility that a user may perform an operation that obstructs the stop operation while the stop operation of the fuel cell system is being performed.

[0009] Therefore, the embodiment provides a fuel cell system and a facility management method that can suppress inappropriate operations by a user on the fuel cell system.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. ​​​​​​

[0011] However, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of dimensions and the like may be different from the actual ones. It should be noted that this is the case. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. Also, it goes without saying that there may be parts where the relationships or ratios of the dimensions are different between the drawings.

[0012] [Embodiment] (Facility Management System) Hereinafter, the facility management system according to the embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the facility management system 100 includes a facility management device 200, a facility 300, and a predetermined terminal 400. In FIG. 1, as the facility 300, facilities 300A to 300C are illustrated. The facility management device 200 and the facility 300 are connected to the network 120. The network 120 provides a line (wide area network) between the facility management device 200 and the facility 300 (specifically, the router provided in the facility 300). The network 120 may provide a line between the facility management device 200 and the predetermined terminal 400. The network 120 may be, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network. The network 120 may provide a dedicated line such as a VPN. The network 120 can be considered as an outdoor network in the sense that it provides a line for communicating with a device provided outside the facility 300.

[0013] The facility management device 200 manages the facilities provided in the facility 300. Details of the facility management device 200 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

[0014] The facility 300 includes a fuel cell system 310 and an EMS 320. The fuel cell system 310 includes a facility for generating electricity using fuel gas. Details of the fuel cell system 310 will be described later (see FIG. 2). The EMS 320 is a facility (Energy Management System) that controls the facilities provided in the facility 300. Here, the line between the fuel cell system 310 and the EMS 320 is provided by a local area network. For example, the local area network is a network configured by a router provided in the facility 300. The local area network may be a short-distance communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-SAN. The local area network may be considered as an in-house network in the sense of providing a line for communicating with the devices provided in the facility 300. However, the devices provided in the facility 300 may not be provided indoors in the facility 300, or may be provided on the premises of the facility 300. The facility 300 may have load facilities that consume electricity. For example, the load facilities are air conditioning facilities, lighting facilities, AV (Audio Visual) facilities, etc. The facility 300 may have distributed power sources other than the fuel cell system 310. For example, the distributed power sources may include facilities that generate electricity using natural energy such as sunlight, wind power, or geothermal heat, and may include energy storage battery facilities. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by an administrator who manages the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by a worker who performs maintenance on the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal belonging to an operator such as a power generation operator, a power transmission and distribution operator, or a retail operator. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal of the fuel cell system For example, the local area network is a network configured by a router provided in the facility 300. The local area network may be a short-distance communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-SAN. The local area network may be considered as an in-house network in the sense of providing a line for communicating with the devices provided in the facility 300. However, the devices provided in the facility 300 may not be provided indoors in the facility 300, or may be provided on the premises of the facility 300. For example, the local area network is a network configured by a router provided in the facility 300. The local area network may be a short-distance communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-SAN. The local area network may be considered as an in-house network in the sense of providing a line for communicating with the devices provided in the facility 300. However, the devices provided in the facility 300 may not be provided indoors in the facility 300, or may be provided on the premises of the facility 300. For example, the local area network is a network configured by a router provided in the facility 300. The local area network may be a short-distance communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-SAN. The local area network may be considered as an in-house network in the sense of providing a line for communicating with the devices provided in the facility 300. However, the devices provided in the facility 300 may not be provided indoors in the facility 300, or may be provided on the premises of the facility 300. For example, the local area network is a network configured by a router provided in the facility 300. The local area network may be a short-distance communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-SAN. The local area network may be considered as an in-house network in the sense of providing a line for communicating with the devices provided in the facility 300. However, the devices provided in the facility 300 may not be provided indoors in the facility 300, or may be provided on the premises of the facility 300. For example, the local area network is a network configured by a router provided in the facility 300. The local area network may be a short-distance communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-SAN. The local area network may be considered as an in-house network in the sense of providing a line for communicating with the devices provided in the facility 300. However, the devices provided in the facility 300 may not be provided indoors in the facility 300, or may be provided on the premises of the facility 300. For example, the local area network is a network configured by a router provided in the facility 300. The local area network may be a short-distance communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-SAN. The local area network may be considered as an in-house network in the sense of providing a line for communicating with the devices provided in the facility 300. However, the devices provided in the facility 300 may not be provided indoors in the facility 300, or may be provided on the premises of the facility 300.

[0015] The facility 300 may have load facilities that consume electricity. For example, the load facilities are air conditioning facilities, lighting facilities, AV (Audio Visual) facilities, etc. The facility 300 may have distributed power sources other than the fuel cell system 310. For example, the distributed power sources may include facilities that generate electricity using natural energy such as sunlight, wind power, or geothermal heat, and may include energy storage battery facilities. The facility 300 may have load facilities that consume electricity. For example, the load facilities are air conditioning facilities, lighting facilities, AV (Audio Visual) facilities, etc. The facility 300 may have distributed power sources other than the fuel cell system 310. For example, the distributed power sources may include facilities that generate electricity using natural energy such as sunlight, wind power, or geothermal heat, and may include energy storage battery facilities. The facility 300 may have load facilities that consume electricity. For example, the load facilities are air conditioning facilities, lighting facilities, AV (Audio Visual) facilities, etc. The facility 300 may have distributed power sources other than the fuel cell system 310. For example, the distributed power sources may include facilities that generate electricity using natural energy such as sunlight, wind power, or geothermal heat, and may include energy storage battery facilities. The facility 300 may have load facilities that consume electricity. For example, the load facilities are air conditioning facilities, lighting facilities, AV (Audio Visual) facilities, etc. The facility 300 may have distributed power sources other than the fuel cell system 310. For example, the distributed power sources may include facilities that generate electricity using natural energy such as sunlight, wind power, or geothermal heat, and may include energy storage battery facilities. The facility 300 may have load facilities that consume electricity. For example, the load facilities are air conditioning facilities, lighting facilities, AV (Audio Visual) facilities, etc. The facility 300 may have distributed power sources other than the fuel cell system 310. For example, the distributed power sources may include facilities that generate electricity using natural energy such as sunlight, wind power, or geothermal heat, and may include energy storage battery facilities.

[0016] The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by an administrator who manages the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by a worker who performs maintenance on the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal belonging to an operator such as a power generation operator, a power transmission and distribution operator, or a retail operator. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal of the fuel cell system The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by an administrator who manages the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by a worker who performs maintenance on the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal belonging to an operator such as a power generation operator, a power transmission and distribution operator, or a retail operator. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal of the fuel cell system The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by an administrator who manages the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by a worker who performs maintenance on the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal belonging to an operator such as a power generation operator, a power transmission and distribution operator, or a retail operator. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal of the fuel cell system The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by an administrator who manages the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal possessed by a worker who performs maintenance on the facilities provided in the facility 300. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal belonging to an operator such as a power generation operator, a power transmission and distribution operator, or a retail operator. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a terminal of the fuel cell system It may be a terminal belonging to a user who uses the item 310. The predetermined terminal 400 may be a smart phone, may be a tablet terminal, or may be a personal computer. The predetermined terminal 400 is considered to be an example of a management device connected via at least one of the fuel cell system 310, a local area network, and a wide area network. It is also acceptable.

[0017] Here, the facility management system 100 may have a power management server. For example, the power management server transmits a power flow control message requesting control of the tidal flow rate from the power grid 110 to the facility 300, a reverse power flow control message requesting control of the reverse tidal flow rate from the facility 300 to the power grid 110, a power source control message requesting control of the fuel cell system 310 (distributed power source) provided in the facility 300, etc. to the facility 300.

[0018] In the embodiment, the facility management device 200 is an example of a management device connected via a wide area network to the fuel cell system 310. The EMS 320 is an example of a management device connected via a local area network to the fuel cell system 310.

[0019] (Fuel Cell System) Hereinafter, the fuel cell system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the fuel cell system 310 according to the embodiment. The fuel cell system 310 includes at least fuel cell equipment 150. The fuel cell system 310 may include hot water storage equipment 160. Here, the description will continue assuming that the fuel cell system 310 is a cogeneration system including both the fuel cell equipment 150 and the hot water storage equipment 160. Also, the fuel cell system The tem 310 may be a monogeneration system that does not include the hot water storage facility 160. .

[0020] The fuel cell facility 150 is a facility that generates electricity using fuel gas. The hot water storage facility 160 is a facility that generates hot water or maintains the water temperature using fuel gas. Specifically, the hot water storage facility 16 0 has a hot water storage tank, and heats the water supplied from the hot water storage tank with the heat generated by the combustion of fuel or the waste heat generated by the power generation of the fuel cell facility 150, and returns the heated hot water to the hot water storage tank .

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell facility 150 includes a fuel cell 151, a PCS 152, a blower 153, a desulfurizer 154, an ignition heater 155, a radiator 156, and a control unit 157 .

[0022] The fuel cell 151 is a facility that generates electricity using fuel gas. Specifically, the fuel cell 1 51 has a reformer 151A and a cell stack 151B.

[0023] The reformer 151A generates reformed gas from fuel from which the odorant has been removed by the desulfurizer 154 described later. The reformed gas is a gas composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

[0024] The cell stack 151B generates electricity by a chemical reaction between air (oxygen) supplied from the blower 153 described later and the reformed gas . Specifically, the cell stack 151B has a structure in which a plurality of cells are stacked. Each cell has a structure in which an electrolyte is sandwiched between a fuel electrode and an air electrode. The reformed gas (hydrogen) is supplied to the fuel electrode, and air (oxygen) is supplied to the air electrode. A chemical reaction of the reformed gas (hydrogen) and air (oxygen) occurs in the electrolyte, and electricity is generated. Power (DC power) and heat are generated.

[0025] PCS152 is a facility that converts the DC power output from the fuel cell 151 into AC power ( Power Conditioning System).

[0026] The blower 153 supplies air to the fuel cell 151 (cell stack 151B). For example , the blower 153 is composed of a fan. The blower 153 cools the cell stack 151B so that the temperature of the cell stack 151B does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature.

[0027] The desulfurizer 154 removes the odorant contained in the fuel gas supplied from the outside. The fuel gas may be city gas or propane gas.

[0028] The ignition heater 155 is a heater that ignites the fuel gas that did not undergo a chemical reaction in the cell stack 151B (hereinafter, unreacted gas) and maintains the temperature of the cell stack 151B at a high temperature. That is , the ignition heater 155 ignites the unreacted gas leaking from the openings of each cell constituting the cell stack 151B. The ignition heater 155 should be noted to ignite the unreacted gas in a case where the unreacted gas is not burning (for example , at the start-up of the fuel cell facility 150). And after the combustion of the unreacted gas starts, the temperature of the cell stack 151B is maintained at a high temperature by the continuous combustion of the unreacted gas that slightly overflows from the cell stack 151B.

[0029] The radiator 156 cools the return water so that the temperature of the water (hereinafter, return water) flowing from the hot water storage facility 160 to the fuel cell facility 150 does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature. The radiator 156 The cell stack 151B may be cooled so that the temperature of the cell stack 151B does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature.

[0030] The control unit 157 is a circuit that controls the fuel cell 151, the PCS 152, the blower 153, the desulfurizer 154, the ignition heater 155, and the control unit 157, etc.

[0031] The reformer 151A, the blower 153, the desulfurizer 154, the ignition heater 155, and the control unit 157 are an example of auxiliary machines that assist the operation of the cell stack 151B. Also, a part of the PCS 152 may be treated as an auxiliary machine.

[0032] The operating states of the fuel cell system 310 include a power generation state (also referred to as during power generation), a stop state (also referred to as during stop), a startup state (also referred to as during startup), a stop operation state (also referred to as during stop operation), an idle state (also referred to as during idle), etc.

[0033] The power generation state is a state in which power generation by the fuel cell 151 is being performed. The startup state is a state from the stop state to the power generation state. The stop state is a state in which the operation of the fuel cell 151 has stopped The idle state is a state in which no power is output from the fuel cell system 310, but the temperature of the cell stack 151B is maintained at a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be approximately the same as the power generation temperature of the cell stack 151 B in the power generation state (for example, 650 °C to 1000 °C), or may be a lower temperature (for example, 450 °C to 600 °C) than the power generation temperature. In the idle state, the power of the auxiliary machines may be supplied by the power output from the fuel cell 151, or by other distributed power sources ​​​​​The electricity may be supplied by (for example, equipment that generates electricity using natural energy or battery energy storage equipment), or may be supplied by the electricity from the power grid 110. .

[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 157 is provided in the fuel cell equipment 150. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The fuel cell system 310 includes a remote controller, which is an example of an interface that receives user operations for the fuel cell system 310. The control unit 157 may be provided in the remote controller. Alternatively, the functions of the control unit 157 may be realized by both the control unit 157 provided in the fuel cell equipment 150 and the remote controller. Further, the control unit 157 may be considered to be a part of the PCS 152.

[0035] In the embodiment, the control unit 157 is composed of a memory, a CPU, etc., and executes a predetermined process related to stopping the reception of user operations at least from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310. Here, the predetermined process may be a masking process for stopping the reception of user operations. The predetermined process may be a notification process for notifying the user that the reception of user operations has been stopped. The predetermined process may be a notification process for notifying the user that the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is in progress. These notification processes may be processes performed in response to the reception of user operations, or may be processes performed regardless of the reception of user operations. Also, the predetermined process notifies the user of the time required from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310. It may also be a notification process. Further, the predetermined process may be a notification process for notifying the user of the remaining time required until the completion of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310. Also, the fact that the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is in progress may include the elapsed time from the start to the present of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 with respect to the time required from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310, or may include the remaining time required until the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 with respect to the time required from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310. Also, the fact that the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is in progress may be notified as an absolute value, or may be notified as a ratio occupied by the elapsed time from the start to the present of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 or / and the remaining time required until the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 with respect to the time required from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 when the time required from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is set to 100%. Further, the predetermined process may include at least one of a mask process and a notification process. In such a case, when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation, the control unit 157 may execute the above-described predetermined process. The remote stop operation is an operation executed according to an instruction from a management device (here, the facility management device 200) that manages the fuel cell system 310. In other words, when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a user operation, the control unit 157 may not execute the above-described predetermined process.

[0036] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0037] (Facility Management Device) Hereinafter, the facility management device according to the embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the facility management device 200 includes a management unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0038] The management unit 210 is constituted by a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory or / and an HDD, and manages information regarding a plurality of facilities 300.

[0039] The management unit 210 may store basic information of facilities provided in each of the plurality of facilities 300. For example, the management unit 210 stores by associating a facility name, a facility ID, an equipment name, an equipment ID, the introduction year, the elapsed years, and the service life. The facility name is the name of the facility 300 where the equipment is installed. The facility ID is an identifier for identifying the facility 300. The equipment name is the name of the equipment. The equipment ID is an identifier for identifying the equipment. The introduction year is the year when the equipment was introduced. The elapsed years is the number of years elapsed since the equipment was introduced. The service life is determined by the manufacturer of the equipment, etc., and is information indicating the period during which the equipment can be properly used after its introduction.

[0040] The management unit 210 may store maintenance information of facilities provided in each of the plurality of facilities 300 for each of the plurality of facilities 300. For example, the management unit 210 stores by associating a facility name, an equipment name, a maintenance date, a maintenance summary, and a maintenance detail. The management unit 210 may store by associating a facility ID and an equipment ID together with these pieces of information. The facility name and the equipment name are as described above. The maintenance date is the date on which the maintenance was performed. The maintenance summary is information indicating the summary of the maintenance, and the maintenance detail is information indicating the details of the maintenance. Maintenance details are information indicating the details of maintenance. The maintenance information according to the embodiment may include at least a maintenance period (scheduled ) for performing equipment maintenance in the future. The maintenance information may include a maintenance period during which equipment maintenance was performed in the past.

[0041] For example, maintenance includes inspections to investigate the deterioration state of equipment, maintenance for minor repairs during inspections, repairs to address equipment malfunctions, replacements to replace existing equipment with new equipment, etc.

[0042] The communication unit 220 is composed of a communication module and communicates with the facility 300 and the predetermined terminal 400 via the network 120. The communication unit 220 may transmit a message to the fuel cell system 31 0.

[0043] The control unit 230 is composed of a memory, a CPU, etc., and controls each component provided in the equipment management device 200. The control unit 230 may perform control to arrange for the maintenance of the fuel cell system 310 based on the state of the fuel cell system 310.

[0044] (Equipment Management Method) Hereinafter, the equipment management method according to the embodiment will be described. The flow shown in FIG. 4 is a flow related to the execution of a predetermined process and is a flow executed at a fixed cycle.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S10, the control unit 157 periodically checks the commands acquired by the remote controller. The commands acquired by the remote controller may be commands associated with user input or commands associated with instructions from the equipment management device 200. ​ It may be present.

[0046] In step S11, the control unit 157 determines whether a stop operation was requested in the process of step S10. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S12. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes. Here, the control unit 157 may determine whether the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation. In such a case, when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S12. When the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is not a remote stop operation, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes.

[0047]

[0048] In step S12, the control unit 157 executes a predetermined process including at least one of a masking process and a notification process.

[0049] (Function and Effect) In the embodiment, the fuel cell system 310 executes a predetermined process regarding the suspension of accepting user operations from the start to the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress inappropriate operations by the user on the fuel cell system 310, such as user operations that interfere with the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310.

[0050] [Modification Example 1] Hereinafter, modification example 1 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0051] Specifically, in the embodiment, as a condition for determining whether the fuel cell system 310 executes a predetermined process, an example is shown of whether the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation. In contrast, in Modification 1, variations of the condition for determining whether the fuel cell system 310 executes a predetermined process will be described.

[0052] In Modification 1, the fuel cell system 310 (control unit 157) executes the above-described predetermined process if the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is not canceled within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). In other words, the fuel cell system 310 (control unit 157) does not have to execute the above-described predetermined process if the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is canceled within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress inappropriate operations by the user while allowing cancellation of an incorrect stop operation.

[0053] In Modification 1, the fuel cell system 310 (control unit 157) executes the above-described predetermined process when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a leakage detection avoidance operation. According to such a configuration, a situation in which the leakage detection avoidance operation of gas is hindered by an inappropriate operation by the user is suppressed.

[0054] Generally, a gas meter connected to the fuel cell system 310 detects gas leakage when the gas usage time exceeds a predetermined value. Further, the gas meter connected to the fuel cell system 310 may detect gas leakage when the gas usage amount exceeds a predetermined value.

[0055] Under such a premise, the leakage detection avoidance operation is the gas for the fuel cell system 310​​​​​​​​​​​​​ An operation to stop the fuel cell system 310 to avoid a situation where gas leakage is erroneously detected even though there is no gas leakage due to continuous supply of hydrogen. That is, the operation of the fuel cell system 310 is stopped to avoid erroneous gas leakage detection by a gas meter connected to the fuel cell system 310. Such leakage detection avoidance operation is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, once a month). This is an operation to stop the fuel cell system 310 in order to avoid a situation where gas leakage is erroneously detected even though there is no gas leakage due to continuous supply of hydrogen. That is, the operation of the fuel cell system 310 is stopped to avoid erroneous gas leakage detection by a gas meter connected to the fuel cell system 310. Such leakage detection avoidance operation is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, once a month). In order to avoid erroneous gas leakage detection by a gas meter connected to the fuel cell system 310, the operation of the fuel cell system 310 is stopped. Such leakage detection avoidance operation is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, once a month). In order to avoid erroneous gas leakage detection by a gas meter connected to the fuel cell system 310, the operation of the fuel cell system 310 is stopped. Such leakage detection avoidance operation is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, once a month). This leakage detection avoidance operation is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, once a month).

[0056] (Facility Management Method) Hereinafter, the facility management method according to Modification 1 will be described. The flow shown in FIG. 5 is a flow related to the execution of a predetermined process and is a flow executed at a constant cycle. The flow shown in FIG. 5 is a flow related to the execution of a predetermined process and is a flow executed at a constant cycle.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S20, the control unit 157 periodically checks the commands acquired by the remote controller. The commands acquired by the remote controller may be commands associated with user input or commands associated with instructions from the facility management device 200. The commands acquired by the remote controller may be commands associated with user input or commands associated with instructions from the facility management device 200. The commands acquired by the remote controller may be commands associated with user input or commands associated with instructions from the facility management device 200. The commands acquired by the remote controller may be commands associated with user input or commands associated with instructions from the facility management device 200.

[0058] In step S21, the control unit 157 determines whether a stop operation is requested in the process of step S20. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S22. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes. In step S21, the control unit 157 determines whether a stop operation is requested in the process of step S20. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S22. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes. In step S21, the control unit 157 determines whether a stop operation is requested in the process of step S20. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S22. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes. In step S21, the control unit 157 determines whether a stop operation is requested in the process of step S20. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S22. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes.

[0059] Here, the control unit 157 may determine whether the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation. In such a case, when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S22. In such a case, when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S22. In such a case, when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S22. When the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is not a remote stop operation, the control unit 157 ends a series of processes.

[0060] In step S22, the control unit 157 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the stop operation was requested. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S23. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes.

[0061] In step S23, the control unit 157 determines whether or not the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a leak detection avoidance operation. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S24. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes.

[0062] Here, whether or not the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a leak detection avoidance operation may be determined based on whether or not the difference between the time when gas leak detection is started and the current time is within a predetermined time. That is, when the above-described difference is within the predetermined time, the control unit 157 may determine that the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a leak detection avoidance operation. When the above-described difference is outside the predetermined time, the control unit 157 may determine that the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is not a leak detection

[0063] avoidance operation. In step S24, the control unit 157 executes a predetermined process including at least one of mask processing

[0064] and notification processing. One may be omitted. That is, even if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the stop operation was requested, the control unit 157 may execute a predetermined process when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a leakage detection avoidance operation. Similarly, the control unit 157 may execute a predetermined process when a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop operation was requested even if the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is not a leakage detection avoidance operation. When the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a leakage detection avoidance operation, the control unit 157 may execute a predetermined process even if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the stop operation was requested. Similarly, the control unit 157 may execute a predetermined process when a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop operation was requested even if the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is not a leakage detection avoidance operation. When the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is not a leakage detection avoidance operation, the control unit 157 may execute a predetermined process when a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop operation was requested.

[0065] [Modification Example 2] Hereinafter, Modification Example 2 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0066] Specifically, in Modification Example 2, the message transmitted from the facility management device 200 to the fuel cell system 310 includes an information element indicating the stop type of the fuel cell system 310. The fuel cell system 310 (control unit 157) determines whether the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is a remote stop operation based on such an information element. For example, the message transmitted from the facility management device 200 to the fuel cell system 310 includes a header, a stop type, a mask type, and an operation mode, as shown in FIG. 6. In the case shown in FIG. 6, the mask type may be omitted. The header includes information indicating the transmission source of the message and information indicating the destination of the message. The stop type is an information element indicating the type of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 when the instructed operation is a stop operation. For example, the type of the stop operation may be a remote stop operation or a leakage detection avoidance operation. The mask type indicates whether to execute the predetermined process described above.

[0067] For example, the message transmitted from the facility management device 200 to the fuel cell system 310 includes a header, a stop type, a mask type, and an operation mode, as shown in FIG. 6. In the case shown in FIG. 6, the mask type may be omitted. In the case shown in FIG. 6, the mask type may be omitted.

[0068] The header includes information indicating the transmission source of the message and information indicating the destination of the message. The stop type is an information element indicating the type of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 when the instructed operation is a stop operation. For example, the type of the stop operation may be a remote stop operation or a leakage detection avoidance operation. The mask type indicates whether to execute the predetermined process described above. When the instructed operation is a stop operation, the stop type is an information element indicating the type of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310. For example, the type of the stop operation may be a remote stop operation or a leakage detection avoidance operation. The mask type indicates whether to execute the predetermined process described above. ​​​​​It is an information element. The instruction operation is an information element that specifies the operation of the fuel cell system 310. . For example, the specified operation may be a stop operation of the fuel cell system 310, or the fuel cell system 310's power generation operation, or the operation of changing the output power of the fuel cell system 310.

[0069] When the message does not include the mask type, the fuel cell system 310 may determine whether to execute a predetermined process based on the stop type included in the message. For example, the fuel cell system 310 may determine to execute a predetermined process when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is at least one of a remote stop operation and a leak detection avoidance operation.

[0070] When the message includes the mask type, the fuel cell system 310 may determine whether to execute a predetermined process based on the mask type. Even when the mask type is an information element indicating that a predetermined process is to be executed, the fuel cell system 310 may determine not to execute the predetermined process when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is not at least one of a remote stop operation and a leak detection avoidance operation. Conversely, even when the mask type is an information element indicating that a predetermined process is not to be executed, the fuel cell system 310 may determine to execute the predetermined process when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 is at least one of a remote stop operation and a leak detection avoidance operation.

[0071] [Modification Example 3] Hereinafter, Modification Example 3 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0072] ​​​​​​​​​​ Specifically, in Modification Example 3, the predetermined process is performed by a maintenance operator of the fuel cell system 310 or by an instruction from a management device (e.g., the facility management device 2 00) that manages the fuel cell system 310. According to such a configuration, since the predetermined process is released by an explicit operation or instruction, it is possible to suppress inappropriate operations by the user.

[0073] (Facility Management Method) Hereinafter, the facility management method according to Modification Example 3 will be described. The flow shown in FIG. 7 is a flow related to the release of a predetermined process and is a flow that is executed at a fixed cycle.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S30, the control unit 157 periodically checks the commands acquired by the remote controller. The commands acquired by the remote controller may be commands associated with user input or commands associated with an instruction from the facility management device 200.

[0075] In step S31, the control unit 157 determines whether or not the release of the predetermined process is requested in the process of step S30. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S32. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends a series of processes.

[0076] In step S32, the control unit 157 determines whether the release of the predetermined process is an operation of the maintenance operator. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S34. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S33.

[0077] ​​​​​​ In step S33, the control unit 157 determines whether the cancellation of the predetermined process is an instruction from the facility management device 200. When the determination result is YES, the control unit 157 executes the process of step S3 4. When the determination result is NO, the control unit 157 ends the series of processes.

[0078] In step S34, the control unit 157 cancels the predetermined process including at least one of the mask process and the notification process.

[0079] Although not particularly mentioned in the flow shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 157 may be configured not to cancel the predetermined process when the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 has not ended.

[0080] In Modification 3, the predetermined process is cancelled by the operation of the maintenance technician or the instruction of the facility management device 200, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The predetermined process may be cancelled by the end of the stop operation of the fuel cell system 3 10.

[0081] [Modification 4] Hereinafter, Modification 4 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0082] Specifically, in the embodiment and the like, as the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310, a remote stop operation and a leakage detection avoidance operation are exemplified. On the other hand, in Modification 4, the stop operation of the fuel cell system 3 10 includes a stop operation (abnormal stop operation) associated with an abnormality of the fuel cell system 310. When the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 (control unit 157) is an abnormal stop operation, the above-described predetermined process is executed. ​​​​​​​​​​

[0083] For example, the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 includes a normal stop operation and an abnormal stop operation. . The normal stop operation is to stop the power generation by the fuel cell 151, but without stopping the blower 153 or the radiator 156, and while lowering the temperature of the cell stack 15 1B using the blower 153 or the radiator 156, the operation of the fuel cell system 310 is stopped. On the other hand , the abnormal stop operation is to stop not only the power generation by the fuel cell 151 but also the overall operation of the fuel cell system 310. The normal stop operation is, for example, an operation executed in response to a relatively minor abnormality , or an operation executed during the regular maintenance of the fuel cell system 310. On the other hand, the abnormal stop operation is, for example, an operation executed in response to a relatively serious abnormality , or an operation executed in a state where normal stop cannot be performed.

[0084] Furthermore, the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 includes a manual stop operation and an automatic stop operation. . The manual stop operation is a stop operation caused by user operation. The automatic stop operation is a stop operation caused by the stop function possessed by the fuel cell system 310. The automatic stop operation is an automatic stop operation by the fuel cell system 310 without requiring user operation. The manual stop operation includes the above-described normal stop operation and abnormal stop operation. Similarly, the automatic stop operation includes the above-described normal stop operation and abnormal stop operation. Furthermore, the stop operation of the fuel cell system 310 may include an operation to stop the fuel cell system 310 by remote operation from the facility management device 200 (that is, the above-described remote stop operation). Such an operation may be counted as a manual stop or may be counted as an automatic stop. . This operation may be counted as a manual stop or may be counted as an automatic stop.

[0085] The abnormal stop operation may be a stop operation executed in response to an event such as the gas concentration in the fuel cell system 310 being outside a predetermined range, or may be a stop operation executed in response to an event where the concentration of CO in the fuel cell system 310 exceeds an upper threshold value, or may be a stop operation executed in response to an event (high temperature abnormality) where the temperature of a component (such as a cell stack, fuel catalyst, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310 exceeds an upper threshold value. The gas concentration, the concentration of CO, and the temperature of the component may be detected by sensors provided in the fuel cell system 310. The abnormal stop operation may be an automatic stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 automatically stops according to the detection result of the sensor, or may be a manual stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 stops by user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the sensor. Further, the abnormal stop operation is, for example, a stop operation executed in response to an abnormality of a component (such as a sensor, blower 153, radiator 156, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310. The abnormal stop operation may be an automatic stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 automatically stops according to the detection result of the component abnormality, or may be a manual stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 stops by user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the component abnormality. For example, a normal stop operation may be a stop operation executed in response to an event (low temperature abnormality) where the temperature of a component (such as a cell stack, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310 falls below a lower threshold value. The temperature of the component may be detected by a sensor provided in the fuel cell system 310. The normal stop operation is a stop operation other than the abnormal stop operation. The normal stop operation may be a stop operation executed in response to an abnormality of a component (such as a sensor, blower 153, radiator 156, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310. The abnormal stop operation may be an automatic stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 automatically stops according to the detection result of the component abnormality, or may be a manual stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 stops by user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the component abnormality. The normal stop operation is a stop operation other than the abnormal stop operation. The normal stop operation may be, for example, a stop operation executed in response to an event (low temperature abnormality) where the temperature of a component (such as a cell stack, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310 falls below a lower threshold value. The temperature of the component may be detected by a sensor provided in the fuel cell system 310. The normal stop operation is a stop operation other than the abnormal stop operation. The normal stop operation

[0086] is a stop operation other than the abnormal stop operation. The normal stop operation may be, for example, a stop operation executed in response to an event (low temperature abnormality) where the temperature of a component (such as a cell stack, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310 falls below a lower threshold value. The temperature of the component may be detected by a sensor provided in the fuel cell system 310. The normal stop operation is a stop operation other than the abnormal stop operation. The normal stop operation may be a stop operation executed in response to an event (low temperature abnormality) where the temperature of a component (such as a cell stack, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310 falls below a lower threshold value. The temperature of the component may be detected by a sensor provided in the fuel cell system 310. The normal stop operation is a stop operation other than the abnormal stop operation. The normal stop operation may be a stop operation executed in response to an event (low temperature abnormality) where the temperature of a component (such as a cell stack, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310 falls below a lower threshold value. The temperature of the component may be detected by a sensor provided in the fuel cell system 310. The normal stop operation is a stop operation other than the abnormal stop operation. The normal stop operation may be a stop operation executed in response to an event (low temperature abnormality) where the temperature of a component (such as a cell stack, etc.) provided in the fuel cell system 310 falls below a lower threshold value. The temperature of the component may be detected by a sensor provided in the fuel cell system 310. The normal stop operation is a stop operation other than the abnormal stop operation. The normal stop operation The fuel cell system 310 may also perform an automatic stop operation in which it automatically stops according to the output result, or a manual stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 stops by user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the sensor. Furthermore, the normal stop operation may be a stop operation executed in response to a communication abnormality. The communication abnormality may be a communication abnormality between components provided in the fuel cell system 310, such as the PCS 152, the control unit 157, and the remote controller, or a communication abnormality between the fuel cell system 310 and the EMS 320. The communication abnormality may be an abnormality in which a state where communication is impossible continues for a predetermined time or longer. The normal stop operation may be an automatic stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 automatically stops according to the detection result of the communication abnormality, or a manual stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 stops by user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the communication abnormality. The normal stop operation may be a stop executed in response to an abnormality in the power grid 110. The abnormality in the power grid 110 may be a power outage, or an abnormality in the grid voltage and grid frequency. The normal stop operation may be an automatic stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 automatically stops according to the detection result of the abnormality in the power grid 110, or a manual stop operation in which the fuel cell system 310 stops by user operation by notifying the user of the detection result of the abnormality in the power grid 110.

[0087] [Other Embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-described embodiments, the discussions and drawings that form a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting this invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0088] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In the embodiment, the interface that accepts user operations is a remote controller. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The interface receives commands sent from a device that controls the fuel cell system 310. The receiving module may be a receiving module provided in a remote controller. may be provided in the control unit 157, or may be provided in the PCS 152. The device that controls the fuel cell system 310 may be the equipment management device 200, and the EM It may be S320 or the predetermined terminal 400.

[0089] The remote shutdown operation described in the embodiment may be performed according to a predetermined schedule. The schedule may be programmed into the equipment control device 200, 200 may be input by an operator.

[0090] The leak detection and avoidance operations described in the embodiments may be performed according to a predetermined schedule. The schedule may be programmed into the fuel cell system 310 and The fuel consumption may be input by an operator of the battery system 310, and may be input from the equipment management device 200. The battery system 310 may be configured to:

[0091] In the embodiment, the management unit 210 is provided in the equipment management device 200. For example, the management unit 210 may be a facility management system. Alternatively, the information processing unit 202 may be provided in a server connected to the management device 200 .

[0092] In the embodiment, the fuel cell system 310 is connected to the equipment management device 200 via the EMS 320. communicates therewith. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. EMS320 is not provided, and the fuel cell system 310 may communicate directly with the facility management device 200 .

[0093] Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiments, the EMS320 provided in the facility 300 does not necessarily have to be provided within the facility 300. For example, part of the functions of the EMS320 may be provided by a cloud server provided on the Internet. That is, the local control device 360 may be considered to include a cloud server. The EMS320 may be considered to be the power management server described above.

[0094] The fuel cell facility 150 is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell). However, the fuel cell facility 150 may be a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (P EFC: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell), or a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC: Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cel l), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC: Molten Carbona te Fuel Cell).

[0095] Note that the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-228325 (filed on November 28, 2017) are incorporated herein by reference. ​​

Claims

1. 1. A fuel cell system comprising: an interface that accepts user operations for the fuel cell system; At least during the period from the start to the end of the shut-down operation of the fuel cell system, a control unit that executes a predetermined process related to stopping the acceptance of a user operation, The control unit controls the fuel cell system so that the stop operation of the fuel cell system is If the process is not cancelled within a predetermined time by the instruction of the fuel management device, the predetermined process is executed. Battery system.

2. 1. A fuel cell system comprising: an interface that accepts user operations for the fuel cell system; At least during the period from the start to the end of the shut-down operation of the fuel cell system, a control unit that executes a predetermined process related to stopping the acceptance of a user operation, The operation of stopping the fuel cell system is performed by detecting leakage of gas supplied to the fuel cell system. Including leak detection avoidance actions associated with knowledge, When the stop operation of the fuel cell system is the leakage detection avoidance operation, the control unit , execute the predetermined process; The leakage detection avoidance operation is to prevent a false gas leakage detection even when the gas is not leaking. A fuel cell system, 。

3. The predetermined process includes a mask process for stopping the acceptance of the user operation.

3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2.

4. The predetermined process includes a notification to notify a user that acceptance of the user operation has been stopped. The fuel cell system of claim 3 which is a process.

5. The predetermined process notifies the user that the fuel cell system is in the process of being shut down.

5. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the notification process is a notification process for notifying a user of the notification. Hmm.

6. The operation of stopping the fuel cell system is instructed by a management device that manages the fuel cell system.

6. The fuel according to claim 1, wherein the remote shutdown operation is performed by Battery system.

7. When the shut-down operation of the fuel cell system is the remote shut-down operation, the control unit 7. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined process is executed.

8. 8. The remote shutdown operation according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the remote shutdown operation is performed according to a predetermined schedule. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 .

9. The instruction from the management device indicates that the shutdown operation of the fuel cell system is the remote shutdown operation.

9. The fuel cell system according to claim 6, further comprising an information element indicating:

10. The leak detection and avoidance operation according to claim 2 , wherein the leak detection and avoidance operation is performed according to a predetermined schedule. Fuel cell system.

11. The predetermined process is performed by an operation of a maintenance company of the fuel cell system or The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the battery system is released in response to an instruction from a management device that manages the battery system. The fuel cell system according to any one of the above.

12. The shut-down operation of the fuel cell system includes a shut-down operation due to an abnormality in the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The interface is a remote controller operated by a user.

13. The fuel cell system according to claim 1.

14. The interface receives commands sent from a device that controls the fuel cell system.

13. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell is a receiving module for receiving the signal. system.

15. A step A of accepting a user operation for the fuel cell system; At least during the period from the start to the end of the shut-down operation of the fuel cell system, and step B of executing a predetermined process related to stopping the acceptance of a user operation, The step B is a step of controlling the fuel cell system so that a stop operation of the fuel cell system is performed. If the process is not canceled within a predetermined time by an instruction from a management device, the process is executed. A facility management method comprising the steps of:

16. A step A of accepting a user operation for the fuel cell system; At least during the period from the start to the end of the shut-down operation of the fuel cell system, and step B of executing a predetermined process related to stopping the acceptance of a user operation, The operation of stopping the fuel cell system is performed by detecting leakage of gas supplied to the fuel cell system. Including leak detection avoidance actions associated with knowledge, When the stop operation of the fuel cell system is the leakage detection avoidance operation, In this case, the method includes a step of executing the predetermined process, The leakage detection avoidance operation is to prevent a false gas leakage detection even when the gas is not leaking. The facility management method further comprises shutting down the fuel cell system to avoid a malfunction.

Images