Outlet unit and power supply system

Abstract

To provide an outlet unit that makes it possible for consumers to easily grasp information on the power consumption of autonomous operation.SOLUTION: The outlet unit connected to a power supply device capable of supplying autonomous operation power generated by autonomous operation includes an autonomous outlet capable of connecting power-using equipment and supplying the autonomous operation power to the connected power-using equipment, and an information display unit that displays information in accordance with the power consumption of the power supply for autonomous operation in the power-using equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an outlet unit having a self - contained outlet and a power supply system provided with the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a power supply system that can perform self - generation using a fuel cell or the like and supply the self - generated power to consumers has been used. By using such a power supply system, part of the commercial power (for example, thermal power generated from coal or LNG as a primary energy source) purchased by consumers from power companies can be switched to self - generated power, and as a result, it is also possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

[0003] Furthermore, as a power supply system for performing the above - described self - generation, a system that enables self - operation during a power outage in a commercial power supply system has also been proposed. By realizing such a system that can maintain power supply independently during a power outage due to natural disasters or the like, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects on social life and economic activities.

[0004] In a power supply system that enables self - operation, a self - contained outlet is generally provided. The self - contained outlet can connect various power - using devices (such as electrical products used by consumers), and can supply the power generated by self - operation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as self - operation power) to the connected power - using devices. Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which a self - contained outlet (self - operation outlet) is provided in a power supply system that enables self - operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Generally, in a power supply system that enables autonomous operation, there is a limit to the amount of autonomous operation power that can be supplied. If this limit is exceeded, it becomes difficult to appropriately supply the autonomous operation power. Therefore, it is desirable for the consumer to grasp information regarding the power consumption of the autonomous operation power and take care not to excessively connect electrical devices to the autonomous outlet. Also, by grasping this information, it becomes easier to determine, for example, whether it is possible to additionally connect an electrical device to the autonomous outlet.

[0007] However, the power consumption of the autonomous operation power varies depending on the type of electrical device, etc., and it is not easy for the consumer to grasp information regarding the power consumption of the autonomous operation power. In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an outlet unit and a power supply system that enable the consumer to easily grasp information regarding the power consumption of the autonomous operation power.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The outlet unit according to the present invention is an outlet unit connected to a power supply device capable of supplying autonomous operation power generated by autonomous operation, and has an autonomous outlet to which an electrical device can be connected and which can supply the autonomous operation power to the connected electrical device, and an information display unit that displays information corresponding to the power consumption of the autonomous operation power in the electrical device. According to this configuration, it becomes possible for the consumer to easily grasp information regarding the power consumption of the autonomous operation power.

[0009] More specifically, as the above configuration, the information display unit may be configured to display the value of the power consumption as the information. Also, more specifically, as the above configuration, a plurality of the autonomous outlets are provided, and the information display unit may be configured to display, as the information, the total value of the power consumption in all the electrical devices connected to the autonomous outlets.

[0010] More specifically, as the above configuration, it may be configured to include a plurality of the self-standing outlets, and the information display unit may display, as the information, the upper limit value of the self-operating power that can be supplied to an electrical device newly connected to the currently available self-standing outlet. More specifically, as the above configuration, it may be configured to include a display disposed in proximity to the insertion port of the self-standing outlet, and the information display unit may display the information on the display.

[0011] In addition, the power supply system according to the present invention is configured to include the outlet unit having the above configuration and the power supply device that generates the self-operating power using a fuel cell.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the outlet unit of the present invention, it becomes possible for a consumer to easily grasp information regarding the power consumption of the self-operating power.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the respective drawings.

[0015] <Configuration Overview of Power Supply Device and Power Supply System> First, the configuration overview of the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device 100 is configured as a fuel cell power generation unit, and includes a plurality of cell stacks (fuel cell stacks) 1, a reformer 2, a burner 3, an evaporator 4, an air preheater 5, an anode off-gas cooler 6, an anode off-gas condenser 7, a condenser fan 7a, a CO oxidizer (carbon monoxide oxidizer) 8, a condensed water recovery tank 9, a first raw fuel blower 10, a first air blower 11, a water pump 12, a second raw fuel blower 13, a second air blower 14, a power conditioner 15, a unit controller 16, a third air blower 17, a heater 18, and a radiator fan 19.

[0016] In the example of this embodiment, a total of eight cell stacks 1 are provided, including those not shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, the power supply device 100 may be simply referred to as a "power generation unit".

[0017] The power supply device 100 also includes lines (pipelines) such as a raw fuel line La, a mixed gas line Lb, an anode fuel line Lc, an anode off-gas line Ld, a cathode air line Le, a cathode off-gas line Lf, a combustion gas line Lg, a burner cooling air line Lh, a reformed water line Li, a startup air line Lj, a cooling air line Lk, and a condensed water recovery line Lw.

[0018] The anode fuel line Lc includes a first distribution manifold Ma that serves as a main pipe for introducing anode fuel, and the cathode air line Le includes a second distribution manifold Mb that serves as a main pipe for introducing cathode air. These distribution manifolds Ma and Mb have an inlet and a plurality of outlets corresponding to each cell stack 1, and cause the fluid flowing into the inlet to flow out from each outlet.

[0019] The anode off-gas line Ld includes a first collection manifold Mc that serves as the main pipe for discharging anode off-gas, and the cathode off-gas line Lf includes a second collection manifold Md that serves as the main pipe for discharging cathode off-gas. These collection manifolds Mc and Md have a plurality of inlets and outlets corresponding to each cell stack 1, and allow the fluid flowing into each inlet to flow out from the outlet.

[0020] The combustion gas line Lg includes a heat radiation cylinder Za and a combustion gas pipe Zb. The cooling air line Lk includes a cooling pipe Zc and a collection pipe Lk1.

[0021] The raw fuel line La is a pipe connecting the fuel intake E1 and the burner 3, and a second raw fuel blower 13 is arranged in this pipe. The second raw fuel blower 13 is a device that boosts the pressure of the raw fuel gas Gf (for example, methane-containing gas such as city gas 13A) taken in from the fuel intake E1 and sends it to the downstream side of the raw fuel line La, and is typically driven during the startup operation of the power generation unit.

[0022] The mixed gas line Lb is a pipe connecting the fuel intake E2 and the reformer 2, and in this pipe, in order from the upstream side, a first raw fuel blower 10, an evaporator 4, and a first bellows type expansion joint B1 are arranged. The first raw fuel blower 10 is a device that boosts the pressure of the raw fuel gas Ga taken in from the fuel intake E2 and sends it to the downstream side of the mixed gas line Lb, and is typically driven during the power generation operation of the power generation unit.

[0023] The anode fuel line Lc is a pipe connecting the reformer 2 and the anode of each cell stack 1. More specifically, the anode fuel line Lc includes, in order from the upstream side, a pipe connecting the reformer 2 and the inlet of the first distribution manifold Ma, the first distribution manifold Ma, and eight pipes (branch pipes of the first distribution manifold Ma) connecting each outlet of the first distribution manifold Ma and the anode of each cell stack 1.

[0024] The anode off-gas line Ld is a pipeline connecting the anode of each cell stack 1 and the burner 3. More specifically, the anode off-gas line Ld includes, in order from the upstream side, eight pipelines (the branch pipes of the first collection manifold Mc) connecting the anode of each cell stack 1 and the inlets of the first collection manifold Mc, the first collection manifold Mc, and a pipeline (hereinafter referred to as "pipeline Ld1") connecting the outlet of the first collection manifold Mc and the burner 3. In the middle of the pipeline Ld1, in order from the upstream side, a second bellows expansion joint B2, an anode off-gas cooler 6, an anode off-gas condenser 7, and a gas-liquid separation section Sa are arranged.

[0025] The cathode air line Le is a pipeline connecting the air inlet E3 and the cathode of each cell stack 1. More specifically, the cathode air line Le includes, in order from the upstream side, a pipeline (hereinafter referred to as "pipeline Le1") connecting the air inlet E3 and the inlet of the second distribution manifold Mb, the second distribution manifold Mb, and eight pipelines (the branch pipes of the second distribution manifold Mb) connecting the outlets of the second distribution manifold Mb and the cathodes of each cell stack 1.

[0026] In the middle of the pipeline Le1, in order from the upstream side, a first air blower 11, an anode off-gas cooler 6, an air preheater 5, and a third bellows expansion joint B3 are arranged. The first air blower 11 is a device that pressurizes the air Aa taken in from the air inlet E3 and sends it to the downstream side of the cathode air line Le, and is typically driven during the power generation operation of the power generation unit. Further, in the pipeline Le1, a bypass path Le2 bypassing the anode off-gas cooler 6 and the air preheater 5 is provided so as to connect the midpoint between the air inlet E3 and the anode off-gas cooler 6 and the midpoint between the air preheater 5 and the third bellows expansion joint B3.

[0027] The cathode off-gas line Lf is a pipeline connecting the cathode of each cell stack 1 and the burner 3. More specifically, the cathode off-gas line Lf includes, in order from the upstream side, eight pipelines (the branch pipes of the second collection manifold Md) connecting the cathode of each cell stack 1 and the inlets of the second collection manifold Md, the second collection manifold Md, and a pipeline connecting the outlet of the second collection manifold Md and the burner 3 (hereinafter referred to as "pipeline Lf1").

[0028] The combustion gas line Lg is a pipeline connecting the burner 3 and the gas discharge port D1. More specifically, the combustion gas line Lg includes, in order from the upstream side, a heat radiation cylinder Za, a pipeline connecting the heat radiation cylinder Za and the combustion gas pipe Zb, the combustion gas pipe Zb, and a pipeline connecting the combustion gas pipe Zb and the gas discharge port D1 (hereinafter referred to as "pipeline Lg1"). In the middle of the pipeline Lg1, in order from the upstream side, a fourth bellows expansion joint B4, an air preheater 5, a CO oxidizer 8, and an evaporator 4 are arranged.

[0029] The burner cooling air line Lh is a pipeline connecting the pipeline Le1 and the starting air line Lj, and a flow rate adjusting means (such as an orifice) (not shown) is provided in this pipeline. More specifically, the burner cooling air line Lh branches at the midpoint of the pipeline Le1 connecting the first air blower 11 and the anode off-gas cooler 6 and merges into the starting air line Lj on the downstream side of the second air blower 14, and is configured such that a minute flow rate of air Ab flows toward the burner 3 when the first air blower 11 is driven. Note that the burner cooling air line Lh can be omitted depending on the combustion temperature of the burner 3.

[0030] The cooling air line Lk is a pipeline connecting the air intake port E5 and a predetermined location of the pipeline Lg1 (a location between the evaporator 4 and the gas discharge port D1), and in this pipeline, a third air blower 17 and a cooling pipe Zc are arranged in order from the upstream side. The third air blower 17 is a device that pressurizes the cooling air Ad taken in from the air intake port E5 and sends it to the downstream side of the cooling air line Lk.

[0031] The reformed water line Li is a pipeline connecting the condensate recovery tank 9 and the evaporator 4, and a water pump 12 is arranged in this pipeline. The water pump 12 is a device that sends the condensate Wb stored in the condensate recovery tank 9 as reformed water Wa to the downstream side of the reformed water line Li.

[0032] The starting air line Lj is a pipeline connecting the air inlet E4 and the pipeline Lf1, and a second air blower 14 is arranged in this pipeline. The second air blower 14 is a device that pressurizes the air Ac taken in from the air inlet E4 and sends it to the downstream side of the starting air line Lj, and is typically driven during the startup operation of the power generation unit.

[0033] The condensate recovery line Lw is a pipeline connecting the gas-liquid separation section Sa arranged in the middle of the pipeline Ld1 and the condensate recovery tank 9. The gas-liquid separation section Sa is a member that separates the condensate Wb generated in the anode off-gas condenser 7 from the anode off-gas Gd, and the separated condensate Wb flows down in the condensate recovery line Lw. The tip of the condensate recovery line Lw is opened to the gas phase part without being immersed in the water phase part of the condensate recovery tank 9 so that the condensation amount does not increase or decrease due to the influence of the water temperature of the stored condensate Wb. Note that the tip of the condensate recovery line Lw is not immersed in the water phase part in order not to change the flow rate of the anode off-gas Gd sent to the burner 3. In particular, when the anode off-gas Gd after separating the condensate Wb is recycled to the primary side of the cell stack or used for power generation in the subsequent cell stack, this configuration is effective. For the gas-liquid separation section Sa, for example, a T-shaped pipe with a straight pipe section arranged horizontally and a branch pipe section arranged downward is used. Also, a small-capacity cylindrical container erected vertically can be used for the gas-liquid separation section Sa.

[0034] The cell stack 1 is a power generator composed of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). A solid oxide fuel cell is a high-temperature operating fuel cell in which the solid electrolyte, anode, and cathode that make up the power generation cell are all ceramics. A power generation unit in which a predetermined number of power generation cells are integrated via a metal interconnect material (also referred to as a separator material) is called a cell stack. The battery output of the cell stack 1 is supplied after being adjusted by the power conditioner 15.

[0035] The reformer 2 reforms the raw fuel gas Ga using steam to generate a reformed gas Gc and sends it to the downstream side. The reformer 2 has a catalyst for steam reforming, reacts methane contained in the raw fuel gas Ga with steam, and generates a reformed gas Gc containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Although steam reforming is an endothermic reaction, the reformer 2 can stably generate the reformed gas Gc by heat supply from the burner 3.

[0036] The burner 3 burns the inflowing gas to generate heat and discharges the combustion gas Gg generated by combustion to the combustion gas line Lg. The evaporator 4 is a device that indirectly heat-exchanges the reforming water Wa and the combustion gas Gg (heat source fluid). By heat-exchanging with the combustion gas Gg, the evaporator 4 evaporates the reforming water Wa and at the same time heats the raw fuel gas Ga.

[0037] Both the air preheater 5 and the anode off-gas cooler 6 are heat exchangers that indirectly heat-exchange a low-temperature fluid and a high-temperature fluid. The air preheater 5 serves to preheat the air Aa in the cathode air line Le by heat-exchanging with the combustion gas Gg, and the anode off-gas cooler 6 serves to cool the anode off-gas Gd by heat-exchanging with the air Aa in the cathode air line Le.

[0038] The anode off-gas condenser 7 uses a condenser fan 7a to cool the anode off-gas Gd and condense the water vapor contained in the anode off-gas Gd. Note that the anode off-gas condenser 7 of this embodiment is an air-cooled heat exchanger, but instead, a water-cooled heat exchanger may be adopted, and thus it may be a cogeneration type power generation unit in which heat recovery is performed.

[0039] The CO oxidizer 8 is a device that brings the harmful carbon monoxide contained in the combustion gas Gg into contact with a catalyst and converts it into harmless carbon dioxide. The CO oxidizer 8 does not operate when the oxidation reaction in the burner 3 is complete, and operates only when the oxidation reaction in the burner 3 is incomplete.

[0040] The condensate recovery tank 9 recovers the condensate Wb discharged from the gas-liquid separation section Sa and makes it reusable as reformed water Wa. The condensate recovery tank 9 is provided with a water level detector Sb and a drain valve Sc to adjust the water level of the stored reformed water Wa within a predetermined range. When the water level detector Sb detects the upper limit water level, the drain valve Sc is opened, while when the water level detector Sb detects the lower limit water level, the drain valve Sc is closed. In this way, the condensate recovery tank 9 is ensured to have the required amount of reformed water Wa. Note that in order to prevent the anode off-gas Gd from leaking to the outside during the drainage operation of the reformed water Wa, the drainage position by the drain valve Sc is set near the bottom of the condensate recovery tank 9.

[0041] Also, as shown by the dashed-line frames in FIG. 1, each cell stack 1, reformer 2, burner 3, each manifold Ma to Md, heat radiation cylinder Za, combustion gas pipe Zb, and cooling pipe Zc are arranged in the first region R1. The first region R1 is maintained at a temperature exceeding 600° C. during the power generation operation of the power generation unit and independently maintains the heat balance of heat absorption and heat generation. On the other hand, the evaporator 4, air preheater 5, anode off-gas cooler 6, and CO oxidizer 8 are arranged in the second region R2. The second region R2 is maintained at a temperature lower than that of the first region R1 and higher than room temperature during the power generation operation of the power generation unit. The first region R1 and the second region R2 are each surrounded by a heat insulation box, and the power generation module is formed by integrating the two heat insulation boxes. The anode off-gas condenser 7, condenser fan 7a, condensate recovery tank 9, each blower 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, water pump 12, power conditioner 15, unit controller 16, heater 18, and heat radiation fan 19 are arranged outside the power generation module (in the region at room temperature). Note that each of the above-described bellows type expansion pipe joints B1 to B4 is used to absorb the expansion and contraction of the pipes caused by the temperature change between the cold state and the operating state.

[0042] The power conditioner 15 is a device for converting the electric power generated by the cell stack 1 into a state that can be used in business activities and social life. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the internal configuration of the power conditioner 15 and the connection state to peripheral devices.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the power conditioner 15 includes a first DC / DC converter 91, a second DC / DC converter 92, a first control circuit 93, a second control circuit 94, a grid-connected inverter 95, a grid-connected switch 96, and a household outlet switch 97. Connected to the power conditioner 15 are auxiliary devices AU for operating the power generation module and a load module LD including a heater 18 and a radiator fan 19. The auxiliary devices AU include the first primary fuel blower 10, the first air blower 11, the water pump 12, the second primary fuel blower 13, the second air blower 14, the third air blower 17, the condenser fan 7a, and the spark plug of the burner 3 described above. In the self-sustaining operation mode of the power generation unit, the load module LD causes the heater 18 to generate heat to consume the surplus generated power of the cell stack 1, and the radiator fan 19 dissipates the heat generated from the heater 18. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a household outlet 200 and a switchboard 300 are connected to the power conditioner 15.

[0044] The first DC / DC converter 91 (boost circuit) boosts the DC voltage output from the cell stack 1. The second DC / DC converter 92 adjusts the DC voltage boosted by the DC / DC converter 91 to a DC voltage suitable for driving the auxiliary devices AU. The first control circuit 93 supplies the DC voltage adjusted by the second DC / DC converter 92 to the auxiliary devices AU to appropriately drive the auxiliary devices AU. The second control circuit 94 supplies the DC voltage boosted by the DC / DC converter 91 to the load module LD to appropriately drive the load module LD. The grid-connected inverter 95 (voltage conversion circuit) converts the DC voltage boosted by the DC / DC converter 91 into an AC voltage synchronized with the commercial power grid.

[0045] The system connection inverter 95 is electrically connected to, for example, the switchboard 300 of the commercial power supply system 400 installed in a building. The system connection inverter 95 and the switchboard 300 can be switched between parallel / isolated operation via the system connection switch 96. The commercial power supply system 400 and the demand equipment 500 are electrically connected to the switchboard 300. The demand equipment 500 includes a plurality of sub-switchboards, and load devices such as lighting fixtures, power units, or outlets used in the building are electrically connected to each sub-switchboard.

[0046] Note that the auxiliary equipment AU is driven using commercial power during the startup operation and shutdown operation of the power generation unit, and is driven using the generated power during the power generation operation of the power generation unit. In addition, the power supply device 100 is also compatible with self-sustaining operation during a power outage, and the system connection inverter 95 is also electrically connected to the self-sustaining outlet 200 via the self-sustaining outlet switch 97. The self-sustaining outlet 200 can be connected to various power-consuming devices (such as electrical products used by consumers), and can supply self-sustaining operation power (output power generated by the power supply device 100 through self-sustaining operation) to the connected power-consuming devices. The self-sustaining operation power is preset within a range not exceeding the rated output power and not less than the minimum output power in the grid-connected operation mode based on the equipment information of the load module LD. Note that the minimum output power is set based on the minimum fuel supply amount that can maintain the thermal self-sustainability of the power generation module and the minimum fuel utilization rate that can maintain the water self-sustainability of the power generation module.

[0047] In this embodiment, the self-sustaining outlet 200 is also provided as part of the power supply device 100, and the power supply system is configured by integrating the power supply device 100 and the self-sustaining outlet 200.

[0048] Note that the power supply system may be operated in parallel with the commercial power supply system and may be configured to include a plurality of power generation units having the same rated output power. In that case, the self-sustaining outlet 200 will be installed in each of the power generation units.

[0049] The unit controller 16 is a device that controls the operations of auxiliary equipment AU, the power conditioner 15, etc. (i.e., the power generation unit operation) according to a control program created and stored in advance. The unit controller 16 is provided with a communication unit that communicates with the outside of the power generation unit. Using this communication unit, remote monitoring of the power generation unit may be enabled.

[0050] <Overview of the operation of the power supply device> Next, the overview of the operation of the power supply device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The raw fuel gas Ga supplied into the mixed gas line Lb from the fuel inlet E2 is sent to the subsequent stage by the action of the first raw fuel blower 10. In parallel with the supply of the raw fuel gas Ga, the reformed water Wa supplied into the reformed water line Li from the condensate recovery tank 9 has its water volume adjusted by the water pump 12 and flows into the mixed gas line Lb.

[0051] The reformed water Wa flows into the evaporator 4 together with the raw fuel gas Ga in the mixed gas line Lb and is heated by heat exchange in the evaporator 4 to become water vapor (superheated steam). The water vapor is mixed with the heated raw fuel gas Ga and flows into the reformer 2 as the mixed gas Gb.

[0052] The reformer 2 reforms the raw fuel gas Ga using the water vapor in the mixed gas Gb, generates the reformed gas Gc, and sends it to the subsequent stage. The reformed gas Gc sent out from the reformer 2 is distributed to the anodes of the respective cell stacks 1 through the anode fuel line Lc.

[0053] On the other hand, in parallel with the supply of the above-described raw fuel gas Ga, air Aa is supplied into the cathode air line Le from the air inlet E3. The air Aa in the cathode air line Le is sent to the subsequent stage by the action of the first air blower 11. This air Aa is heated by heat exchange in the anode off-gas cooler 6 and further heated by heat exchange in the air preheater 5, and then distributed to the cathodes of the respective cell stacks 1. Note that, for temperature adjustment of the air Aa, etc., it is also possible to make a part of the air Aa, i.e., the air Aa1, flow into the cathodes of the respective cell stacks 1 through the bypass path Le2.

[0054] Furthermore, in synchronization with the supply of air Aa to the cathode, air Ab is supplied into the burner cooling air line Lh. The air Ab in the burner cooling air line Lh is sent to the burner 3 by the action of the first air blower 11. This air Ab acts as a coolant that reduces the combustion temperature of the burner 3.

[0055] Each cell stack 1 generates electricity using the reformed gas Gc flowing into the anode and the air Aa flowing into the cathode, discharges the anode off-gas Gd from the anode to the anode off-gas line Ld, and discharges the cathode off-gas Ge from the cathode to the cathode off-gas line Lf. The anode off-gas Gd contains fuel components that were unreacted at the anode, and the cathode off-gas Ge contains oxygen that was unreacted at the cathode.

[0056] The anode off-gas Gd discharged from each cell stack 1 to the anode off-gas line Ld is collected in the first collection manifold Mc, then cooled by heat exchange in the anode off-gas cooler 6, and flows into the anode off-gas condenser 7. In the anode off-gas condenser 7, the anode off-gas Gd is cooled to below the dew point temperature, and the water vapor contained in the anode off-gas Gd condenses.

[0057] The anode off-gas Gd that has passed through the anode off-gas condenser 7 is sent to the gas-liquid separation section Sa for gas-liquid separation, and the condensed water Wb is recovered in the condensed water recovery tank 9. The condensed water Wb recovered in the condensed water recovery tank 9 is reused as the reformed water Wa as described above. Note that the non-condensed portion of the anode off-gas Gd (the anode off-gas Gd after gas-liquid separation) is sent to the burner 3.

[0058] The cathode off-gas Ge discharged from each cell stack 1 to the cathode off-gas line Lf is collected in the second collection manifold Md, and then mixed with the air Ab flowing in through the burner cooling air line Lh in the pipeline Lf1, and sent to the burner 3. Also, to the burner 3, according to the operating state of the system, the raw fuel gas Gf supplied from the fuel inlet E1 is sent through the raw fuel line La, and the air Ac supplied from the air inlet E4 is sent through the starting air line Lj.

[0059] The burner 3 has the first burner gas Gx which is the raw fuel gas Gf and / or the anode off-gas Gd, and the second burner gas Gy which is the air Ac and / or the cathode off-gas Ge flowing in, and burns these to generate heat. That is, the first burner gas Gx is a mixed gas of the raw fuel gas Gf and the anode off-gas Gd, or in the state of either the raw fuel gas Gf or the anode off-gas Gd, and which state it is in can change depending on the operating state of the power generation unit etc. Also, the second burner gas Gy is a mixed gas of the air Ac and the cathode off-gas Ge, or in the state of either the air Ac or the cathode off-gas Ge, and which state it is in can change depending on the operating state of the system etc. That is, according to the startup operation, power generation operation (full load operation or partial load operation), shutdown operation, etc. of the power generation unit, the supply gas to the burner 3 changes its state appropriately.

[0060] Note that the raw fuel gas Gf is a kind of hydrocarbon-containing gas. On the other hand, the air Ac is a kind of oxidant-containing gas. During the combustion operation of the burner 3, air Ab is continuously supplied from the burner cooling air line Lh, and the combustion temperature is adjusted.

[0061] The combustion gas Gg generated by combustion in the burner 3 is sent to the combustion gas line Lg and passes through the heat radiation cylinder Za, the combustion gas pipe Zb, the air preheater 5, the CO oxidizer 8, and the evaporator 4 in sequence, and is discharged to the outside of the power generation module. The heat radiation cylinder Za and the combustion gas pipe Zb are arranged so that the reformer 2 can be effectively heated using the combustion gas Gg. Also, the combustion gas Gg in the combustion gas line Lg is utilized for heat exchange when passing through the air preheater 5 and the evaporator 4, and when carbon monoxide is contained, the carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide when passing through the CO oxidizer 8.

[0062] Also, the cooling air Ad supplied from the air inlet E5 to the cooling air line Lk plays a role in cooling the inside of the power generation module when passing through the cooling pipe Zc. The cooling pipe Zc is installed in the vicinity of the cell stack 1, and the cell stack 1 can be effectively cooled by the cooling air Ad. Then, the cooling air Ad is finally discharged to the outside of the power generation module through the collection pipe Lk1 together with the combustion gas Gg.

[0063] Also, in the power supply device 100, the amount of heat (temperature) inside the power generation module is controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the cooling air Ad introduced into the cooling pipe Zc. As an example, when the temperature inside the power generation module (for example, the maximum value of the surface temperature of the end plate of each cell stack 1) exceeds the upper limit temperature, the power supply device 100 drives the third air blower 17 and controls the rotation speed of the third air blower 17 so that the temperature inside the power generation module becomes the target temperature (a temperature lower than the upper limit temperature by a predetermined temperature). Also, when the rotation speed below the lower limit value continues for a predetermined time, the power supply device 100 stops the third air blower 17. Note that the greater the rotation speed of the third air blower 17, the greater the flow rate of the cooling air Ad introduced into the cooling pipe Zc. Such control operations may be performed by the unit controller 16.

[0064] Note that the cooling pipe Zc installed near the cell stack 1 can also be used to heat up the cell stack 1 during the startup operation of the power generation unit. Specifically, in the startup operation of the power generation unit, first, the second fuel blower 13 and the second air blower 14 are driven to burn the burner 3. The combustion gas Gg generated by this combustion flows through the heat radiation cylinder Za and the combustion gas pipe Zb, while heating the cold reformer 2 from the outside by radiative heat transfer to raise its temperature. Further, the combustion gas Gg becomes the heat source of the evaporator 4 to generate water vapor from the reforming water Wa. This water vapor flows through the cold reformer 2 and the cell stack 1 in sequence, and heats these devices from the inside by heat conduction to raise their temperatures. When there is residual heat in the combustion gas Gg discharged from the evaporator 4, the combustion gas Gg is allowed to flow from the pipeline Lg1 to the collecting pipe Lk1. As a result, the combustion gas Gg flows through the cooling pipe Zc, so that the cold cell stack 1 can be heated from the outside by radiative heat transfer to raise its temperature.

[0065] In addition, the unit controller 16 constantly monitors the presence or absence of a power outage in the commercial power supply system. When a power outage is detected, the system connection switch 96 is turned off and the outlet socket switch 97 is turned on. As a result, the power supply device 100 shifts from the connection operation mode to the independent operation mode, and when an electrical equipment is connected to the outlet socket 200, the output power of the power conditioner 15 can be supplied to the electrical equipment as the independent operation power. When the commercial power supply system resumes power from a power outage, the unit controller 16 shifts the power supply device 100 from the independent operation mode to the connection operation mode.

[0066] When the supply amount of the independent operation power exceeds the consumption amount in the independent operation mode, the power supply device 100 causes the load module LD to consume the surplus of the independent operation power. The adjustment of the power consumption amount of the load module LD can be realized by adjusting the calorific value of the heater 18 (for example, adjusting the number of heaters to be energized or the duty ratio of on / off of the energization).

[0067] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the power supply device 100. The power supply device 100 has a configuration in which each element such as a power generation module is housed in a housing 100a. A load module LD is disposed above the housing 100a. Further, an outlet unit 600 is provided on the front wall of the housing 100a.

[0068] <Outlet unit> Next, the outlet unit 600 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a schematic external view of the outlet unit seen from the front.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, the outlet unit 600 includes a panel 601, a power lamp 602, an information display section 603, and three self - standing outlets 200a to 200c (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as the self - standing outlet 200). The surface of the panel 601 that is exposed forward is formed in a planar shape, and the surface is provided so as to be parallel to the outer surface on the front side of the housing 100a. On the surface of the panel 601, three self - standing outlets 200 are arranged closer to the right side, and the power lamp 602 and the information display section 603 are arranged in the vicinity of the left side thereof.

[0070] The self - standing outlet 200 has an insertion port exposed forward, and a power plug of various power - using devices can be inserted from the front. When the power plug is inserted into the insertion port, the power - using device is connected to the self - standing outlet 200. In the example shown in FIG. 4, three self - standing outlets 200 are provided, but the number of self - standing outlets 200 is not limited to this.

[0071] The power lamp 602 lights up when power supply for self - operation is possible when a power - using device is connected to the self - standing outlet 200 (when the self - standing outlet switch 97 is on), and it is possible to visually recognize whether it is in a lit state or an extinguished state from the front. Thereby, the consumer can instantaneously determine whether the self - standing outlet 200 is available at the present time.

[0072] The information display unit 603 displays information corresponding to the power consumption of the self-operating power in the electrical equipment connected to the self-powered outlet 200. The information display unit 603 in the example shown in FIG. 4 is configured as a 7-segment display capable of displaying multiple digits, and the displayed digits are visible from the front.

[0073] Furthermore, a controller (hereinafter referred to as controller CON) (not shown) for controlling the operation is provided in the outlet unit 600. The controller CON may be integrated with the unit controller 16, or may be provided as a device separate from the unit controller 16 (for example, the built-in controller of the power conditioner 15).

[0074] The controller CON acquires information corresponding to the power consumption of the self-operating power in the electrical equipment connected to the self-powered outlet 200, and causes the information display unit 603 to display the information. Note that, as for the method itself of acquiring the information, for example, a method equivalent to or similar to a commercially available power meter for outlets (also called a watt checker) can be adopted.

[0075] In the example of this embodiment, the controller CON recognizes the value of the power consumption of the self-operating power in the electrical equipment connected to the self-powered outlet 200, and causes the information display unit 603 to display the value. Thereby, the consumer can confirm the value of the power consumption of the current self-operating power, and can more appropriately determine whether it is possible to further connect an electrical device to the self-powered outlet 200 or not.

[0076] Note that, since the display of the information display unit 603 is arranged close to the insertion port of the self-powered outlet 200, a consumer in front of the insertion port (especially a consumer who intends to use the self-powered outlet 200) can easily view the display of the display. The position of the display of the information display unit 603 is preferably at a distance of 30 cm or less from the insertion port of the self-powered outlet 200, and more preferably at a distance of 10 cm or less from the insertion port.

[0077] When an electrical device is connected to one independent socket 200, the controller CON causes the information display unit 603 to display the value of the power consumption of the independent operation power in the electrical device. Also, when electrical devices are connected to each of a plurality of independent sockets 200, the controller CON causes the information display unit 603 to display the total value of the power consumption of the independent operation power in all the electrical devices connected to the independent sockets 200.

[0078] For example, when electrical devices are connected to each of two independent sockets 200a and 200b, the controller CON causes the information display unit 603 to display the total value of the power consumption of the independent operation power in these two electrical devices. Thereby, the consumer can grasp how much more independent operation power is available and appropriately determine whether it is possible to connect another electrical device to the empty independent socket 200c. As shown in FIG. 4, if the panel 601 is provided with the notation of the allowable upper limit value of the total power consumption (in the example of FIG. 4, "1500 W"), the consumer can make this determination more easily and accurately.

[0079] Also, as an example of the notation provided on the panel 601, the controller CON may cause the information display unit 603 to display the upper limit value X of the independent operation power that can be supplied to an electrical device newly connected to the currently empty independent socket 200. In this case, the controller CON calculates, as the upper limit value X, a value obtained by subtracting the total value of the power consumption of the independent operation power in all the electrical devices connected to the independent socket 200 from the value of the maximum output power of the independent operation in the power supply device 100 (a value preset in the range of not less than the minimum output power and not more than the rated output power in the linked operation mode based on the equipment information of the load module LD), and causes the information display unit 603 to display this upper limit value X.

[0080] For example, the value of the maximum output power of the self-operation in the cell stack 1 is set to 1500 W (that is, the load module LD with a capacity of 1500 W of the heater 18 is equipped). In a situation where electrical equipment is connected to each of the two independent power outlets 200a and 200b, if the total value of the power consumption of the self-operation power in these two electrical equipment is 800 W, the controller CON calculates the upper limit value X to be 700 W (= 1500 W - 800 W) and causes this value to be displayed on the information display unit 603. As a result, the consumer can easily recognize that it is possible to connect electrical equipment up to 700 W to the vacant independent power outlet 200c. Note that the power corresponding to the upper limit value X will be consumed by the load module LD until a new electrical equipment is connected.

[0081] <Effects of the Present Invention, etc.> As described above, the power outlet unit 600 is connected to the power supply device 100 capable of supplying the self-operation power generated by the self-operation, and includes an independent power outlet 200 and an information display unit 603 that displays information corresponding to the power consumption of the self-operation power in the electrical equipment connected to the independent power outlet 200. Therefore, according to the power outlet unit 600, it is possible for the consumer to easily grasp the information regarding the power consumption of the self-operation power. Note that the power supply system has a configuration including such a power outlet unit 600 and a power supply device 100 that generates the self-operation power using a fuel cell.

[0082] Note that the information to be displayed on the information display unit 603 is not limited to the value of the power consumption of the self-operation power, and other information corresponding to the power consumption may be adopted. As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the ratio of the current power consumption of the self-operation power when the maximum output power of the self-operation in the power supply device 100 is set to 100% may be displayed in the form of a bar.

[0083] In addition, the outlet unit 600 in the power supply system is not limited to the form of being installed in the main body of the power supply device 100 (see FIG. 3), and may be installed at a location separated from the main body of the power supply device 100 by being connected to the main body of the power supply device 100 via a power supply cable or the like. Thereby, it becomes possible to install the outlet unit 600 on the wall of various buildings such as houses and commercial facilities.

[0084] In addition, the power supply device 100 in the power supply system is not limited to the type using a fuel cell, and may be a type using a solar cell, or may be a type that rotates a generator using an organic Rankine cycle, a steam turbine, a gas turbine, or a gas engine.

[0085] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. That is, the above embodiments should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above embodiments but by the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that all modifications belonging to the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims are included.

[0086] <Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations> The power supply device and the power supply system according to the present disclosure can contribute to the achievement of Goal 13 "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts" and Goal 11 "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable" of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Industrial Applicability

[0087] The present invention can be applied to an outlet unit having a self-supporting outlet.

Explanation of Signs

[0088] 1 Cell stack 2 Reformer 2a Reaction vessel 3 Burner 4 Evaporator 5 Air preheater 6 Anode off-gas cooler 7 Anode off-gas condenser 8 CO oxidizer 9 Condensate recovery tank 10 First primary fuel blower 11 First air blower 12 Water pump 13 Second primary fuel blower 14 Second air blower 15 Power conditioner 16 Unit controller 17 Third air blower 18 Heater 19 Radiator fan 91 First DC / DC converter 92 Second DC / DC converter 93 First control circuit 94 Second control circuit 95 System connection inverter 96 System connection switch 97 Socket outlet switch 100 Power supply device (power supply system) 100a Housing 200 Socket outlet 300 Switchboard 400 Commercial power system 500 Load equipment 600 Socket unit (power supply system) 601 Panel 602 Power lamp 603 Information display section Aa~Ac Air Ad Cooling air AU Auxiliary equipment B1 First bellows type expansion joint B2 Second bellows type expansion joint B3 Third bellows type expansion joint B4 Fourth bellows type expansion joint CON Controller E1, E2 Fuel Inlet E3, E4, E5 Air Inlet Ga Raw Fuel Gas Gb Mixed Gas Gc Reformed Gas Gd Anode Off-Gas Ge Cathode Off-Gas Gf Raw Fuel Gas Gg Combustion Gas La Raw Fuel Line Lb Mixed Gas Line Lc Anode Fuel Line Ld Anode Off-Gas Line Le Cathode Air Line Lf Cathode Off-Gas Line Lg Combustion Gas Line Lh Air Line for Burner Cooling Li Air Line for Stack Cooling Lj Reformed Water Line Lk Air Line for Cooling Lka First Air Line for Cooling Lkb Second Air Line for Cooling LD Load Module Ma First Distribution Manifold Mb Second Distribution Manifold Mc First Collection Manifold Md Second Collection Manifold Wa Reformed Water Za Heat Radiation Cylinder Zb Combustion Gas Pipe Zc Cooling Pipe

Claims

1. A socket unit connected to a power supply device capable of supplying self-operating power generated by self-operation, comprising: A self-socket to which an electrical appliance can be connected and which can supply the self-operating power to the connected electrical appliance; An information display unit that displays information corresponding to the power consumption of the self-operating power in the electrical appliance; A socket unit comprising the above.

2. The information display unit: The socket unit according to Claim 1, which displays the value of the power consumption as the information.

3. Comprising a plurality of the self-sockets, The information display unit: The socket unit according to Claim 1, which displays the total value of the power consumption in all the electrical appliances connected to the self-sockets as the information.

4. Comprising a plurality of the self-sockets, The information display unit: The socket unit according to Claim 1, which displays the upper limit value of the self-operating power that can be supplied to an electrical appliance newly connected to the currently available self-socket as the information.

5. Comprising a display disposed in proximity to the insertion port of the self-socket, The information display unit causes the display to display the information. The socket unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. A power supply system comprising the socket unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, And the power supply device that generates the self-operating power using a fuel cell.

Images