Method of operating dehumidifying device, control device for dehumidifying device, dehumidifying device and hydrogen production system

Abstract

To enable prompt start of suitable dew point measurement upon restarting a dehumidifier.SOLUTION: A method of operating a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device, the dehumidifying device including a dehumidifier, a discharge line for discharging hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier, a dew point measurement line connected to the discharge line, a dew point meter provided on the dew point measurement line, and an inlet valve and an outlet valve provided on respective sides of the dew point meter on the dew point measurement line, the method comprising: a stop step of stopping discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line; and a maintaining step of maintaining, when the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is stopped, a state in which a dew point meter installation section including at least an installation position of the dew point meter among the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation method of a dehumidifying device, a control device for a dehumidifying device, a dehumidifying device, and a hydrogen production facility.

Background Art

[0002] In a hydrogen production facility, a dehumidifier is used to remove moisture from hydrogen gas generated by a hydrogen production device such as a water electrolysis device. In order to confirm the performance of the dehumidifier, the dew point (dew point temperature) of the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier may be measured using a dew point meter provided on the outlet side of the dehumidifier.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a water electrolysis system (hydrogen production facility) including a water electrolysis device, a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen discharged from the water electrolysis device, and a dew point meter for measuring the dew point of the hydrogen dehumidified by the dehumidifier.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, there are dew point conditions (usage conditions) of dehumidified hydrogen for the dew point meter. Here, when hydrogen is not flowing at the installation location of the dew point meter, such as when the dehumidifier is stopped, the dew point at the installation location of the dew point meter may rise due to the intrusion of the atmosphere or the like and fall outside the range of the usage conditions of hydrogen. Therefore, usually, when the dehumidifier is restarted, hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier is supplied to the installation location of the dew point meter until the dew point at the installation location of the dew point meter falls within the range of the usage conditions of hydrogen, but it takes a long time until the hydrogen at the installation location of the dew point meter drops to the dew point range of the usage conditions and appropriate dew point measurement becomes possible.

[0006] In a hydrogen production facility, hydrogen may be produced while following the power fluctuations of renewable energy on the supply side or in response to demand fluctuations on the demand side. In such cases, the frequency of switching the operation and stop of the entire hydrogen production facility including the dehumidifier increases. Then, each time the hydrogen production facility restarts, it takes a long time as described above for the dew point of hydrogen at the dew point meter installation location to reach the range of the operating conditions. Therefore, the increase in this waiting time can be a problem.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an operation method of a dehumidifying device capable of quickly starting appropriate dew point measurement when restarting the dehumidifier, a control device for the dehumidifying device, the dehumidifying device, and a hydrogen production facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The operation method of the dehumidifying device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is an operation method of a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device, wherein the dehumidifying device includes a dehumidifier for dehumidifying moisture contained in the hydrogen gas, a discharge line for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier, a dew point measurement line connected to the discharge line, a dew point meter provided in the dew point measurement line, an inlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection portion with the discharge line than the dew point meter, an outlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line on the opposite side of the dew point meter across the dew point meter, and includes a stop step of stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line, and a maintenance step of maintaining a state in which at least the dew point meter installation portion including the installation location of the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas when the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is stopped. and includes

[0009] Further, a control device for a dehumidifying device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a control device for controlling the operation of a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device, wherein the dehumidifying device includes a dehumidifier for dehumidifying moisture contained in hydrogen gas, a discharge line for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier, a dew point measurement line connected to the discharge line, a dew point meter provided in the dew point measurement line, an inlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection portion with the discharge line than the dew point meter, an outlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line on the opposite side of the dew point meter with the dew point meter interposed therebetween, and is configured to operate the opening and closing of the inlet valve or the outlet valve so that a state in which at least a dew point meter installation portion including the installation location of the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas is maintained when the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is stopped. Further, a dehumidifying device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is

[0010] a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device, including a dehumidifier for dehumidifying moisture contained in hydrogen gas, a discharge line for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier, a dew point measurement line connected to the discharge line, a dew point meter provided in the dew point measurement line, a dew point meter provided in the dew point measurement line, an inlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection portion with the discharge line than the dew point meter, an outlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line on the opposite side of the dew point meter with the dew point meter interposed therebetween, and is provided with The hydrogen gas that has passed through the outlet valve in the dew point measurement line is configured to be released into the atmosphere.

[0011] Further, the hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a hydrogen production device, the above-described dehumidification device configured to dehumidify the hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device, and is provided with.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there are provided an operation method of a dehumidification device capable of promptly starting appropriate dew point measurement at the time of restart of the dehumidifier, a control device for the dehumidification device, the dehumidification device, and a hydrogen production facility.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0015] (Configuration of Hydrogen Production Equipment) Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing an example of hydrogen production equipment including a dehumidifying device to which an operation method according to an embodiment is applied. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hydrogen production equipment 1 includes a hydrogen production device 10 for producing hydrogen and a dehumidifying device 20 for dehumidifying the hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen production device 10.

[0016] The hydrogen production device 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a water electrolysis device 12 configured to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen and oxygen, and a gas-liquid separator 14 configured to guide the hydrogen gas generated by the water electrolysis device 12.

[0017] The water electrolysis device 12 may be, for example, an alkaline water electrolysis device, a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) type water electrolysis device, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) type water electrolysis device, or a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) water electrolysis device.

[0018] The water electrolysis device 12 includes an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water. Water is supplied to the electrolytic cell. A current is supplied to the electrolytic cell via a rectifier. Thereby, by applying a voltage between the electrodes provided in the electrolytic cell to pass a current, the water in the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed, hydrogen is generated on the cathode side, and oxygen is generated on the anode side. Water (electrolyte solution) in which an electrolyte is dissolved is supplied into the electrolytic cell, and the water (the water constituting the electrolyte solution) may be electrolyzed. The electrolyte may be an alkaline substance such as potassium hydroxide (KOH).

[0019] The hydrogen gas generated in the electrolytic cell of the water electrolysis device 12 is discharged from the electrolytic cell together with moisture and guided to the gas-liquid separator 14 via the hydrogen line 16. In the gas-liquid separator 14, the hydrogen gas containing moisture is separated into hydrogen gas and water (liquid). The hydrogen gas in the gas phase in the gas-liquid separator 14 contains moisture in the saturated vapor component. This hydrogen gas is discharged from the gas-liquid separator 14 and guided to the dehumidifying device 20. The water (electrolyte solution) separated in the gas-liquid separator 14 is returned to the electrolytic cell of the water electrolysis device 12 via a return line (not shown).

[0020] Note that the oxygen generated by the water electrolysis device 12 may be discharged from the electrolytic cell via an oxygen line (not shown) and then used by a device that uses oxygen or released to the outside.

[0021] The dehumidifying device 20 includes a dehumidifier 22, an introduction line 24 for introducing hydrogen gas into the dehumidifier 22, and a discharge line 28 for discharging hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22. An introduction valve 25 and a discharge valve 29 may be provided in the introduction line 24 and the discharge line 28, respectively.

[0022] The dehumidifier 22 may include at least one adsorption tower provided therein with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture. The introduction line 24 is provided between the hydrogen production device 10 and the dehumidifier 22 and is configured to guide the hydrogen gas (moist hydrogen gas) from the hydrogen production device 10 to the dehumidifier 22. The discharge line 28 is configured to discharge the hydrogen gas (dry hydrogen gas) dehumidified by the dehumidifier 22 from the dehumidifier 22. That is, the hydrogen gas introduced into the dehumidifier 22 via the introduction line 24 is dehumidified by the adsorbent and then discharged from the dehumidifier 22.

[0023] The introduction valve 25 may be configured to adjust the inflow amount of the hydrogen gas (moist hydrogen gas) from the gas-liquid separator 14 to the dehumidifier 22. The discharge valve 29 may be configured to adjust the discharge amount of the hydrogen gas (dry hydrogen gas) from the dehumidifier 22.

[0024] The dehumidifying device 20 may include a vent line 26 connected to the adsorption tower (dehumidifier 22) for discharging the hydrogen gas from the adsorption tower (dehumidifier 22) to the outside, and a vent valve 27 provided in the vent line 26. The vent line 26 functions as a line for discharging the regeneration gas supplied for regenerating the adsorbent from the adsorption tower when performing the regeneration process of the adsorbent provided inside the adsorption tower. During the normal operation (while dehumidifying) of the hydrogen production facility 1 and the dehumidifying device 20, basically the vent valve 27 is closed.

[0025] The hydrogen gas (dehumidified hydrogen gas) discharged from the dehumidifier 22 via the discharge line 28 may be stored in a storage unit (tank) or the like, or may be supplied to a hydrogen-consuming facility (user). The hydrogen-consuming facility may include, for example, a hydrogen combustion facility configured to burn hydrogen (such as a gas turbine facility or an iron-making facility), a hydrogen liquefaction facility configured to liquefy hydrogen, a facility configured to generate electricity by a chemical reaction using hydrogen as a fuel (such as a power generation facility including a fuel cell such as an SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell)), a facility configured to produce fuel using hydrogen as a raw material (such as a fuel synthesis facility), or a hydrogen gas station configured to supply hydrogen to equipment.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dehumidifying device 20 further includes a dew point measurement line 32 connected to the discharge line 28, a dew point meter 34 provided in the dew point measurement line 32, and an inlet valve 36 and an outlet valve 38 provided in the dew point measurement line 32. The upstream end of the dew point measurement line 32 is connected to the discharge line 28. The inlet valve 36 is provided at a position on the dew point measurement line 32 closer to the connection portion 30 with the discharge line 28 than the dew point meter 34 (i.e., at a position upstream of the dew point meter 34). The outlet valve 38 is provided at a position on the dew point measurement line 32 on the opposite side of the inlet valve 36 with the dew point meter 34 interposed therebetween (i.e., at a position downstream of the dew point meter 34).

[0027] The dew point meter 34 is configured to measure the dew point of the gas in the dew point measurement line 32. During the operation of the hydrogen production apparatus 10 (i.e., during hydrogen production), the hydrogen gas discharged from the dehumidifier 22 flows through the discharge line 28, and a part of it is guided to the dew point measurement line 32 and becomes the object of dew point measurement by the dew point meter 34. Therefore, the dew point measured by the dew point meter 34 during the operation of the hydrogen production apparatus 10 indicates the dew point of the hydrogen gas flowing through the discharge line 28 (the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen-consuming facility or the like).

[0028] The type of the dew point meter 34 is not particularly limited. As the dew point meter 34, for example, a capacitance-type dew point meter, a mirror cooling-type dew point meter, a crystal oscillation-type dew point meter, or the like can be used.

[0029] The hydrogen gas guided to the dew point measurement line 32 is discharged to the atmosphere through the outlet valve 38 and then through the dew point measurement line 32. For example, the downstream end of the dew point measurement line 32 may be open to the atmosphere, or the device (such as a pipe) to which the downstream end of the dew point measurement line 32 is connected may be open to the atmosphere.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the dehumidifying device 20 includes a dry gas supply unit 40 for supplying dry gas to the dew point measurement line 32. The dry gas supply unit 40 includes a dry gas storage unit 42 (such as a gas tank or a gas cylinder) for storing dry gas, a supply line 44 provided between the dry gas storage unit 42 and the dew point measurement line 32, and a supply valve 46 provided in the supply line 44.

[0031] The supply line 44 is configured to supply dry gas to a portion of the dew point measurement line 32 between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38. As shown in FIG. 2, the supply line 44 may be connected to a portion of the dew point measurement line 32 between the inlet valve 36 and the dew point meter 34.

[0032] The dry gas may be a gas having a dew point equal to or lower than the upper limit value within the measurable range of the dew point meter 34. The dry gas may be a gas having a dew point equal to or higher than the lower limit value and equal to or lower than the upper limit value within the measurable range of the dew point meter 34.

[0033] The dry gas may be, for example, a gas having a dew point of 0°C or lower under atmospheric pressure. The dry gas may be, for example, a gas having a dew point of -100°C or higher and 0°C or lower under atmospheric pressure.

[0034] The dry gas may contain hydrogen, or an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. The dry gas may be hydrogen with a purity of 99.0% or higher, or an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dehumidifying device 20 may further include a control device 50 for controlling the opening and closing of an inlet valve 36 and an outlet valve 38 provided in the dew point measurement line 32. The control device 50 may be configured to control the opening and closing of a discharge valve 29 in a discharge line 28 through which hydrogen discharged from the dehumidifier 22 flows. Further, the control device 50 may be configured to adjust the opening degree of a supply valve 46 (see FIG. 2) provided in the supply line 44. The inlet valve 36, the outlet valve 38, the discharge valve 29 and / or the supply valve 46 and the control device are electrically connected to each other, and an electric signal indicating an opening / closing command or an opening degree command from the control device may be given to each valve.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, an electric signal indicating the dew point (measurement value) measured by the dew point meter 34 may be sent to the control device 50. The control device 50 may be configured to control the opening and closing of the inlet valve 36, the outlet valve 38 and / or the supply valve 46 based on the measurement value by the dew point meter 34.

[0037] The control device 50 includes a computer including a processor (such as a CPU), a main storage device (memory device; such as a RAM), an auxiliary storage device, an interface, and the like. The control device 50 may be configured to receive a signal from the dew point meter 34 via the interface. The processor is configured to process the signal received in this way. Further, the processor is configured to process a program developed in the main storage device.

[0038] The processing content in the control device 50 is implemented as a program executed by a processor. The program may be stored in, for example, an auxiliary storage device. When the program is executed, these programs are expanded in the main storage device. The processor reads the program from the main storage device and executes the instructions included in the program.

[0039] (Operation Method of Dehumidifying Device) Next, the operation method of the dehumidifying device 20 according to some embodiments will be described. FIGS. 3 to 5 are time charts showing an example of the opening and closing states of the valves in the dehumidifying device 20 when the operation method according to one embodiment is applied. t10 to t36 in FIGS. 3 to 5 indicate the time respectively.

[0040] In the operation method of the dehumidifying device described below, the opening and closing or the opening degree adjustment of the inlet valve 36, the outlet valve 38, the supply valve 46 and / or the discharge valve 29 may be performed using the above-described control device 50, or may be performed manually.

[0041] The operation method of the dehumidifying device 20 according to some embodiments is applied when stopping the dehumidifying device 20 during operation. During the normal operation of the dehumidifying device 20 (t12 to t13 in FIG. 3, t22 to t23 in FIG. 4, t32 to t33 in FIG. 5), the hydrogen gas generated in the hydrogen production device 10 is guided to the dehumidifying device 20 through the gas-liquid separator 14 and dehumidified, and the dehumidified hydrogen gas is discharged from the dehumidifying device 20 through the discharge line 28. At this time, the discharge valve 29 provided in the discharge line 28 is open. Further, during the normal operation of the dehumidifying device 20, the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 of the dew point measurement line 32 are open, and a part of the hydrogen gas flowing through the discharge line 28 is guided to the dew point measurement line 32, and the dew point of the hydrogen gas is measured by the dew point meter 34. The hydrogen gas flowing through the dew point measurement line 32 and passing through the dew point meter 34 and the outlet valve 38 is discharged to the atmosphere.

[0042] In some embodiments, when stopping the operation of the dehumidifier 22 during the stop of the hydrogen production apparatus 10 or the like, the discharge of hydrogen gas (dehumidified hydrogen gas) from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 is stopped (stop step; t15 in FIG. 3, t23 in FIG. 4, t33 in FIG. 5). In the stop step, the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 is stopped by closing the discharge valve 29 provided in the discharge line 28.

[0043] And when the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 is stopped, a state where at least the dew point measurement section including the installation location of the dew point meter 34 in the dew point measurement line 32 is maintained filled with dry gas is maintained (maintenance step). The dry gas may be hydrogen gas (dehumidified hydrogen gas) led from the dehumidifier 22, or may be dry gas supplied from the dry gas supply section 40 (see FIG. 2).

[0044] Here, there are dew point conditions (usage conditions) of dehumidified hydrogen for the dew point meter 34. When the dehumidified hydrogen gas does not flow through the installation location of the dew point meter 34 during the stop of the dehumidifier 22 or the like, the dew point at the dew point meter installation location may rise due to the intrusion of the atmosphere or the like and fall outside the range of the usage conditions of hydrogen. For example, in the dehumidifying device 20 configured such that hydrogen gas is released to the atmosphere via the dew point measurement line 32 connected to the discharge line 28, when the dehumidifier 22 is stopped and the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 is stopped and the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 does not flow through the dew point measurement line 32, the atmosphere (humid air) may intrude into the dew point measurement line 32 and the dew point at the dew point meter installation section may rise. Or, during the stop of the dehumidifier 22, the dew point in the dew point measurement line 32 may rise due to moisture adhering to the piping constituting the dew point measurement line 32 or moisture contained in the piping.

[0045] In this regard, according to the above method, when the dehumidifier 22 is stopped, the dew point measurement section in the dew point measurement line 32 is maintained in a state filled with dry gas. Therefore, even during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22 when the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier 22 is not discharged, the dew point of the dew point measurement section can be kept low. Thus, when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, the dew point at the dew point measurement section can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions, and for this reason, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter 34 can be quickly started.

[0046] Also, in some embodiments, when the operation of the dehumidifier 22 is restarted (at restart; t10 in FIG. 3, t20 in FIG. 4, t30 in FIG. 5), by performing the above-described maintenance step, the operation of the dehumidifier 22 is restarted with the dew point measurement section of the dew point measurement line 32 filled with dry gas. That is, when the operation of the dehumidifier 22 is restarted (at restart), the discharge of hydrogen gas (dehumidified hydrogen gas) from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line is restarted with the dew point measurement section of the dew point measurement line 32 filled with dry gas. In the embodiments described later, when the operation of the dehumidifier 22 is restarted (at restart), the discharge valve 29 provided in the discharge line 28 is opened (t10 in FIG. 3, t20 in FIG. 4, t30 in FIG. 5), and then the inlet valve 36 and / or the outlet valve 38 is opened (t11, t12 in FIG. 3, t21, t22 in FIG. 4, t32 in FIG. 5), but the order of valve opening and closing is not limited to this. For example, the inlet valve 36 and / or the outlet valve 38 may be opened simultaneously with the opening of the discharge valve 29.

[0047] According to the above method, after the dehumidifier 22 is stopped, the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 is restarted (i.e., the dehumidifier 22 is restarted) with the dew point measurement section of the dew point measurement line 32 filled with dry gas. That is, since the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 is restarted with the dew point of the dew point measurement section kept low, if the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 are opened in this state, hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 can be introduced into the dew point measurement line 32 with almost no increase in the dew point at the dew point measurement section. Thus, when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter 34 can be quickly started.

[0048] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the operation method of the dehumidifying device 20 according to several embodiments will be described more specifically.

[0049] In some embodiments, in the above-described maintaining step, by enclosing a dry gas in a portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in the dew point measurement line 32, the dew point measurement installation portion of the dew point measurement line 32 may be maintained in a state filled with the dry gas.

[0050] For example, in the case of the dehumidifying device 20 shown in FIG. 1, in the above-described maintaining step, hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 can be enclosed as a dry gas in a portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in the dew point measurement line 32.

[0051] The operation procedure when the dehumidifying device 20 is stopped in this case is as follows, for example. First, by closing the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 provided in the dew point measurement line 32 when stopping the discharge of hydrogen gas (dry hydrogen gas) from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28, the hydrogen gas present in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 is enclosed in this portion 32a. Then, during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, the state where the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 are closed is maintained. Here, "when stopping the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28" means a time range including before and after the time when the discharge valve 29 provided in the discharge line 28 is closed (t15 in FIG. 3, t23 in FIG. 4, t33 in FIG. 5).

[0052] More specifically, for example, it may be as follows. As shown in FIG. 3, first, hydrogen gas (dehumidified hydrogen gas) is discharged from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28, and with the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 flowing in the dew point measurement line 32, the outlet valve 38 is closed (t13 in FIG. 3), and then the inlet valve 36 is closed (t14 in FIG. 3; inlet valve closing step). As a result, the hydrogen gas (dry gas) from the dehumidifier 22 is enclosed in the above-mentioned portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32. Then, the discharge valve 29 is closed to stop the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 (t15; stop step). And during the stop of the dehumidifying device 20 (after t15 in FIG. 3, or during the period up to t10), the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 are kept closed to maintain the state where hydrogen gas is enclosed in the above-mentioned portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32 (maintenance step). Note that if hydrogen gas can be enclosed in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38, the order of opening and closing the discharge valve 29, the inlet valve 36, and the outlet valve 38 does not have to be as described above. For example, by closing the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 immediately after closing the discharge valve 29, hydrogen gas can also be enclosed in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38.

[0053] Also, for example, in the case of the dehumidifying device 20 shown in FIG. 2, in the above-mentioned maintenance step, dry gas (hydrogen gas, or inert gas such as nitrogen or argon, etc.) supplied via the supply line 44 can be enclosed in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in the dew point measurement line 32.

[0054] The operation procedure when the dehumidifying device 20 stops in this case is as follows, for example. As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet valve 36 of the dew point measurement line 32 is closed (t24 in FIG. 4; inlet valve closing step) to block the inflow of hydrogen gas from the discharge line 28 into the dew point measurement line 32. At this time, the outlet valve 38 is in an open state. In FIG. 4, the discharge valve 29 is closed at time t23 to stop the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 (stop step), and then the inlet valve 36 of the dew point measurement line 32 is closed. However, the discharge valve 29 may be closed after the inlet valve 36 is closed. Then, with the inlet valve 36 closed and the outlet valve 38 open, the supply valve 46 is opened (t25 in FIG. 4), and dry gas is supplied through the supply line 44 to the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in the dew point measurement line 32. Then, by closing the outlet valve 38 (t26 in FIG. 4), the dry gas from the dry gas supply unit 40 is sealed in the above-mentioned portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32. Note that after closing the outlet valve 38 at time t26, the supply valve 46 is closed to stop the supply of dry gas to the portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32 through the supply line 44 (t27 in FIG. 4). Then, thereafter, during the stop of the dehumidifying device 20 (after t27 in FIG. 4 or during the period up to t20), the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 are kept closed, and the state where the dry gas is sealed in the above-mentioned portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32 is maintained (maintenance step).

[0055] Note that if the dry gas can be sealed in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38, the order of opening and closing the discharge valve 29, the inlet valve 36, the outlet valve 38, and the supply valve 46 does not have to be as described above. For example, by closing the inlet valve 36 and opening the supply valve 46 immediately after closing the discharge valve 29, the dry gas can also be sealed in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38.

[0056] Note that, as described above, when the dry gas (hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 or dry gas from the dry gas supply unit 40) is enclosed in the portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32, when restarting the dehumidifier 22, the operation can be performed, for example, according to the following procedure. First, open the discharge valve 29 to resume the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 (t10 in FIG. 3, t20 in FIG. 4), and then open the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in this order (t11 - t12 in FIG. 3, t21 - t22 in FIG. 4). As a result, a part of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 flows through the dew point measurement line 32, and the measurement of the dew point of the hydrogen gas by the dew point meter 34 can be resumed. Note that in the procedure for restarting the dehumidifier, the order of opening and closing the discharge valve 29, the inlet valve 36, the outlet valve 38, and / or the supply valve 46 does not have to be as described above.

[0057] According to the method according to the above-described embodiment, during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, the state in which the dry gas (hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 or dry gas from the dry gas supply unit 40) is enclosed in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 of the dew point measurement line 32 can be maintained. Therefore, since the dew point of the dew point meter installation part can be kept low during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Thus, when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter 34 can be quickly started.

[0058] In some embodiments, in the above-described maintenance step, by continuously flowing the dry gas (hydrogen gas or inert gas from the dry gas supply unit 40) through the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in the dew point measurement line 32, the dew point meter installation part of the dew point measurement line 32 may be maintained in a state filled with the dry gas.

[0059] For example, in the case of the dehumidifying device 20 shown in FIG. 2, in the above-described maintenance step, with the inlet valve 36 of the dew point measurement line 32 closed and the outlet valve 38 open, by continuously supplying the dry gas to the dew point measurement line 32 through the supply line 44, the dry gas can be continuously flowed through the portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32.

[0060] In the case of stopping the dehumidifying device 20, the operation procedure is as follows, for example. As shown in FIG. 5, the inlet valve 36 of the dew point measurement line 32 is closed (t34 in FIG. 5; inlet valve closing step) to block the inflow of hydrogen gas from the discharge line 28 into the dew point measurement line 32. At this time, the outlet valve 38 is in an open state. In FIG. 5, the discharge valve 29 is closed at time t33 to stop the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 (stopping step), and then the inlet valve 36 of the dew point measurement line 32 is closed. However, the discharge valve 29 may be closed after the inlet valve 36 is closed. Alternatively, the discharge valve 29 and the inlet valve 36 may be closed simultaneously. Then, with the inlet valve 36 closed and the outlet valve 38 open, the supply valve 46 is opened (t35 in FIG. 5), and dry gas is supplied through the supply line 44 to the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in the dew point measurement line 32. And then, during the stop of the dehumidifying device 20 (after t35 in FIG. 5, or during the period up to t30), dry gas is continuously supplied to the dew point measurement line 32 through the supply line 44 with the inlet valve 36 closed and the outlet valve 38 open (maintaining step).

[0061] As long as dry gas can be continuously supplied to the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38, the order of opening and closing the discharge valve 29, the inlet valve 36, the outlet valve 38, and the supply valve 46 does not have to be as described above. For example, by closing the inlet valve 36 and opening the supply valve 46 immediately after closing the discharge valve 29, dry gas can also be continuously supplied to the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38.

[0062] Incidentally, as described above, when continuously flowing the dry gas (the dry gas from the dry gas supply unit 40) through the dew point measurement line 32, when restarting the dehumidifier 22, the operation is performed, for example, according to the following procedure. First, open the discharge valve 29 to resume the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 to the discharge line 28 (t30 in FIG. 5), and then, close the supply valve 46 and open the inlet valve 36 (t31 - t32 in FIG. 5), so that a part of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier 22 flows through the dew point measurement line 32, and the measurement of the dew point of the hydrogen gas by the dew point meter 34 can be resumed. Incidentally, in the procedure for restarting the dehumidifier, the order of opening and closing the discharge valve 29, the inlet valve 36, the outlet valve 38, and / or the supply valve 46 does not have to be as described above.

[0063] According to the method according to the above-described embodiment, during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, with the inlet valve 36 closed, the dry gas (such as hydrogen gas or inert gas) is continuously supplied to the dew point measurement line 32 through the supply line 44. Therefore, during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, the dew point meter installation part of the dew point measurement line 32 can be filled with the dry gas (such as hydrogen gas or inert gas). As a result, during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, the dew point of the dew point meter installation part can be maintained low, so that when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Therefore, when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0064] In the above-described maintenance step, for example, as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, when enclosing the dry gas from the dry gas supply unit 40 in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in the dew point measurement line 32, based on the measured value of the dew point by the dew point meter 34, the supply valve 46 and / or the outlet valve 38 may be operated to maintain the state where the dew point meter installation part of the dew point measurement line 32 is filled with the dry gas.

[0065] Specifically, for example, after enclosing the dry gas from the dry gas supply unit 40 in the portion 32a between the inlet valve 36 and the outlet valve 38 in the dew point measurement line 32 by the above-described procedure, while maintaining the state in which the dry gas is enclosed in the portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32 during the stop of the dehumidifying device 20 (after t27 or during the period up to t20 in FIG. 4) (maintenance step), the supply valve 46 and / or the outlet valve 38 can be operated by, for example, the following procedure.

[0066] With the dry gas enclosed in the portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32, the dew point in the dew point installation part is measured by the dew point meter 34. If the dew point rises and becomes larger than the first threshold value, the outlet valve 38 and the supply valve 46 are opened in this order, and the dry gas is supplied to the dew point measurement line 32 via the supply line 44. Then, while supplying the dry gas to the dew point measurement line 32 in this way, the dew point in the dew point installation part is measured by the dew point meter 34. When the dew point drops to the second threshold value lower than the first threshold value, the outlet valve 38 and the supply valve 46 are closed in this order, and the dry gas is enclosed in the portion 32a of the dew point measurement line 32 again.

[0067] According to the above method, during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, based on the measured value of the dew point in the portion of the dew point measurement line 32 where the dry gas (hydrogen gas or inert gas) is enclosed, the supply valve 46 and / or the outlet valve 38 provided in the supply line 44 are operated. Therefore, by appropriately operating the supply valve 46 and / or the outlet valve 38, the dry gas can be appropriately supplied to the dew point measurement line 32, and the dew point in the dew point installation part can be maintained within a desired range (in the above example, the range of not less than the second threshold value and not more than the first threshold value). As a result, during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, the dew point of the dew point installation part can be maintained low, so that when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, the dew point in the dew point installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Therefore, when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter 34 can be quickly started.

[0068] In some embodiments, the dew point meter 34 may be a capacitance-type dew point meter.

[0069] The capacitance type dew point meter has the advantage that it can measure the dew point with good accuracy in a wide temperature range compared to other types of dew point meters (for example, the mirror cooling type dew point meter, etc.). On the other hand, it has the characteristic that it is difficult to perform appropriate dew point measurement in a high humidity state. In this regard, in the above-described embodiment, in the dehumidifying device 20 provided with the capacitance type dew point meter as the dew point meter 34, as already described, during the stop period of the dehumidifier 22, the dew point of the dew point meter installation part in the dew point measurement line 32 can be kept low. Therefore, when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Thus, when the dehumidifier 22 is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement with the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0070] The content described in each of the above embodiments is understood as follows, for example.

[0071] [1] The operation method of the dehumidifying device (20) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is an operation method of a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device (10), wherein the dehumidifying device includes a dehumidifier (22) for dehumidifying moisture contained in the hydrogen gas, an exhaust line (28) for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier, a dew point measurement line (32) connected to the exhaust line, a dew point meter (34) provided in the dew point measurement line, an inlet valve (36) provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection part (30) with the exhaust line than the dew point meter, an outlet valve (38) provided at a position on the dew point measurement line on the opposite side of the dew point meter with respect to the inlet valve, and a stop step of stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line, a maintenance step of maintaining a state in which at least the dew point meter installation part including the installation location of the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas when the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line is stopped. is provided.

[0072] According to the method of [1] above, when the dehumidifier is stopped (i.e., during the stop period of the dehumidifier), the dew point measurement line dew point meter installation part is maintained in a state filled with dry gas, so that even during the stop period of the dehumidifier when the hydrogen gas dehumidified from the dehumidifier is not discharged, the dew point of the dew point meter installation part can be kept low. Therefore, when the dehumidifier is restarted, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions, and thus appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0073] [2] In some embodiments, in the method of [1] above, the operation method of the dehumidifying device is including the step of restarting the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line with the dew point meter installation part of the dew point measurement line filled with the dry gas.

[0074] According to the method of [2] above, after the dehumidifier is stopped, the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is restarted (i.e., the dehumidifier is restarted) with the dew point meter installation part of the dew point measurement line filled with dry gas. That is, the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is restarted with the dew point of the dew point meter installation part kept low. Therefore, if the inlet valve and the outlet valve are opened in this state, the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier can be introduced into the dew point measurement line with almost no increase in the dew point at the dew point meter installation part. Therefore, when the dehumidifier is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0075] [3] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [1] or [2] above, including the step of enclosing the hydrogen gas in the portion between the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the dew point measurement line by closing the inlet valve and the outlet valve when the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is stopped, and in the maintaining step, maintaining the state where the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed.

[0076] According to the configuration of [3] above, when the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line stops when the dehumidifier stops, by closing the outlet valve and the inlet valve while the dew point measurement line's dew point meter installation part is filled with hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier, hydrogen gas (hydrogen gas dehumidified and dried by the dehumidifier) is sealed in the part between the inlet valve and the outlet valve on the dew point meter side line. And by maintaining the state where the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed after the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line has stopped, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, the state where the dried hydrogen gas (dry gas) is sealed in the part between the inlet valve and the outlet valve can be maintained. Therefore, since the dew point of the dew point meter installation part can be kept low during the stop period of the dehumidifier, when the dehumidifier restarts, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Thus, when the dehumidifier restarts, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0077] [4] In some embodiments, in the method of [3] above, it includes an inlet valve closing step of closing the inlet valve when stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line, In the inlet valve closing step, after closing the outlet valve while the hydrogen gas is being discharged from the dehumidifier to the discharge line, by closing the inlet valve, the hydrogen gas as the dry gas is sealed in the part (32a) between the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the dew point measurement line, In the stopping step, after the inlet valve closing step, the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is stopped.

[0078] According to the method of [4] above, immediately before the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line stops when the dehumidifier stops, with hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier flowing through the dew point meter installation part of the dew point measurement line, the outlet valve and the inlet valve are closed in this order, so that hydrogen gas (hydrogen gas dehumidified and dried by the dehumidifier) is enclosed in the part between the inlet valve and the outlet valve on the dew point meter side line. Then, by maintaining the state where the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed after the discharge of hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line stops, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, the state where the dried hydrogen gas (dry gas) is enclosed in the part between the inlet valve and the outlet valve can be maintained. Therefore, since the dew point of the dew point meter installation part can be kept low during the stop period of the dehumidifier, when the dehumidifier restarts, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Thus, when the dehumidifier restarts, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0079] [5] In some embodiments, in the method of [1] or [2] above, The operation method of the dehumidifying device is An inlet valve closing step of closing the inlet valve when stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line, and A supply step of supplying hydrogen gas or inert gas as the dry gas to the dew point measurement line through a supply line (44) connected to a part between the inlet valve and the dew point meter of the dew point measurement line with the inlet valve closed.

[0080] According to the method of [5] above, when the dehumidifier stops, with the outlet valve open and the inlet valve closed, hydrogen gas or an inert gas (dry gas) is supplied to the dew point measurement line through a supply line connected to the portion between the inlet valve and the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line. Therefore, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, the dew point meter installation part can be filled with hydrogen gas or an inert gas (dry gas). As a result, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, the dew point of the dew point meter installation part can be maintained low, so that when the dehumidifier restarts, the dew point at the installation part of the dew point meter can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Thus, when the dehumidifier restarts, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0081] [6] In some embodiments, in the method of [5] above, In the maintaining step, with the inlet valve closed and the outlet valve open, the dry gas is continuously supplied to the dew point measurement line through the supply line.

[0082] According to the method of [6] above, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, with the inlet valve closed and the outlet valve open, hydrogen gas or an inert gas (dry gas) is continuously supplied to the dew point measurement line through the supply line. Therefore, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, the dew point meter installation part can be filled with hydrogen gas or an inert gas (dry gas). As a result, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, the dew point of the dew point meter installation part can be maintained low, so that when the dehumidifier restarts, the dew point at the installation part of the dew point meter can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Thus, when the dehumidifier restarts, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0083] [7] In some embodiments, in the method of [5] above, The operation method of the dehumidifying device is comprising a step of enclosing the dry gas in the portion between the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the dew point measurement line by closing the outlet valve in a state where the dew point measurement line is filled with the dry gas from the supply line. In the maintaining step, the inlet valve and the outlet valve are maintained in a closed state.

[0084] According to the method of [7] above, with the inlet valve closed and the outlet valve closed in a state where the dew point measurement line is filled with hydrogen gas or inert gas (dry gas) from the supply line, hydrogen gas or inert gas is enclosed in the portion between the inlet valve and the outlet valve, and the state where the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed is maintained. Therefore, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, it is possible to maintain a state where hydrogen gas or inert gas (dry gas) is enclosed in the portion between the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the dew point measurement line. Also, in order to maintain a state where the portion between the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas, it is not necessary to continuously supply hydrogen gas or inert gas through the supply line, so hydrogen gas or inert gas can be saved. As a result, since the dew point of the dew point meter installation portion can be kept low during the stop period of the dehumidifier, when the dehumidifier is restarted, the dew point at the installation portion of the dew point meter can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Therefore, when the dehumidifier is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0085] [8] In some embodiments, in the method of [7] above, The operation method of the dehumidifying device is comprising a step of measuring the dew point of the dry gas present in the portion of the dew point measurement line using the dew point meter, In the maintaining step, while maintaining the inlet valve and the outlet valve in a closed state, based on the measured value of the dew point, the supply valve (46) provided in the supply line is operated.

[0086] According to the method of [8] above, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, based on the measured dew point value in the portion of the dew point measurement line filled with hydrogen gas or an inert gas (dry gas), the supply valve provided in the supply line is operated. Therefore, by appropriately operating the supply valve, the dry gas can be appropriately supplied to the dew point measurement line, and the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be maintained within a desired range. As a result, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be kept low, so that when the dehumidifier is restarted, the dew point at the installation part of the dew point meter can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Therefore, when the dehumidifier is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement with the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0087] [9] In some embodiments, in the methods of [1] to [8] above, The dew point meter is a capacitance-type dew point meter.

[0088] The capacitance-type dew point meter has the advantage that it can measure the dew point with good accuracy in a wide temperature range compared to other types of dew point meters (for example, a mirror-cooling type dew point meter, etc.). On the other hand, it has the characteristic that it is difficult to perform appropriate dew point measurement in a high humidity state. In this regard, according to the method of [9] above, in a dehumidifying device equipped with a capacitance-type dew point meter, as described in [1] above, during the stop period of the dehumidifier, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part in the dew point measurement line can be kept low. Therefore, when the dehumidifier is restarted, the dew point at the dew point meter installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions. Therefore, when the dehumidifier is restarted, appropriate dew point measurement with the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0089]

[10] The control device (50) for a dehumidifying device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a control device for controlling the operation of a dehumidifying device (20) for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device (10), The dehumidifying device is a dehumidifier (22) for dehumidifying moisture contained in hydrogen gas, and a discharge line (28) for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier, A dew point measurement line (32) connected to the discharge line; A dew point meter (34) provided in the dew point measurement line; An inlet valve (36) provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection portion (30) with the discharge line than the dew point meter; An outlet valve (38) provided at a position on the dew point measurement line on the side opposite to the inlet valve with the dew point meter interposed therebetween; and when the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is stopped, the control device is configured to operate the opening and closing of the inlet valve or the outlet valve so that at least the dew point meter installation portion including the installation location of the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line is maintained in a state filled with dry gas.

[0090] According to the configuration of

[10] above, when the dehumidifier is stopped, the dew point meter installation portion in the dew point measurement line is maintained in a state filled with dry gas. Therefore, even during the stop period of the dehumidifier when the hydrogen dehumidified by the dehumidifier is not discharged, the dew point of the dew point meter installation portion can be kept low. Thus, when the dehumidifier is restarted, the dew point in the dew point meter installation portion can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions, and for this reason, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0091]

[11] The dehumidifying device (20) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device (10), a dehumidifier (22) for dehumidifying the moisture contained in the hydrogen gas, a discharge line (28) for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier, a dew point measurement line (32) connected to the discharge line, a dew point meter (34) provided in the dew point measurement line, an inlet valve (36) provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection portion (30) with the discharge line than the dew point meter, An outlet valve (38) provided at a position on the opposite side of the inlet valve with the dew point meter sandwiched therebetween in the dew point measurement line; comprising; the hydrogen gas that has passed through the outlet valve in the dew point measurement line is configured to be released into the atmosphere.

[0092] As described in

[11] above, in a dehumidifying device configured such that hydrogen gas is released into the atmosphere via a dew point measurement line connected to a discharge line, when the dehumidifier stops, if the hydrogen from the dehumidifier stops flowing through the dew point measurement line, the atmosphere (humid air) may invade the dew point measurement line and the dew point at the dew point meter installation portion may rise. In this regard, according to the configuration of

[11] above, since the inlet valve and the outlet valve are provided on both sides of the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line, when the dehumidifier is stopped, by appropriately opening and closing the inlet valve and the outlet valve, the state where the dew point meter installation portion in the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas can be maintained. Therefore, even during the stop period of the dehumidifier when the dehumidified hydrogen from the dehumidifier is not discharged, the dew point of the dew point meter installation portion can be kept low. Thus, when the dehumidifier is restarted, the dew point at the dew point meter installation portion can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions, and for this reason, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0093]

[12] The hydrogen production facility (1) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a hydrogen production device (10); the dehumidifying device (20) described in

[11] above configured to dehumidify the hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device; comprising.

[0094] According to the configuration of

[12] above, since the inlet valve and the outlet valve are provided on both sides of the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line, when the dehumidifier is stopped, by appropriately opening and closing the inlet valve and the outlet valve, it is possible to maintain the state where the dew point meter installation part in the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas. Therefore, even during the stop period of the dehumidifier when the hydrogen dehumidified by the dehumidifier is not discharged, the dew point of the dew point meter installation part can be kept low. Thus, when the dehumidifier is restarted, the dew point in the dew point meter installation part can be quickly brought within the range of the operating conditions, and for this reason, appropriate dew point measurement by the dew point meter can be quickly started.

[0095] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes forms obtained by modifying the above-described embodiments and forms obtained by appropriately combining these forms.

[0096] In this specification, expressions representing relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric", or "coaxial" not only strictly represent such arrangements, but also represent a state of being relatively displaced with tolerances or at an angle or distance that provides the same function. For example, expressions representing that things such as "identical", "equal", and "homogeneous" are in an equal state not only strictly represent an equal state, but also represent a state where there are tolerances or differences that provide the same function. Also, in this specification, expressions representing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represent shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape in a geometrically strict sense, but also represent shapes including concave and convex portions, chamfered portions, etc. within a range where the same effect can be obtained. Also, in this specification, the expressions "comprises", "includes", or "has" for one component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other components.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0097] 1 Hydrogen production facility 10 Hydrogen production device 12 Water electrolysis device 14 Gas-liquid separator 16 Hydrogen line 20 Dehumidifying device 22 Dehumidifier 24 Introduction line 25 Introduction valve 26 Vent line 27 Vent valve 28 Discharge line 29 Discharge valve 30 Connection part 32 Dew point measurement line 32a Part 34 Dew point meter 36 Inlet valve 38 Outlet valve 40 Dry gas supply unit 42 Dry gas storage unit 44 Supply line 46 Supply valve 50 Control device

Claims

1. A method for operating a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device, comprising: The dehumidifying device includes: A dehumidifier for dehumidifying moisture contained in hydrogen gas; An exhaust line for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier; A dew point measurement line connected to the exhaust line; A dew point meter provided in the dew point measurement line; An inlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection portion with the exhaust line than the dew point meter; An outlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line on the side opposite to the inlet valve with the dew point meter interposed therebetween; And is provided with: A stop step of stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line; A maintenance step of maintaining a state in which at least the dew point meter installation portion including the installation location of the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas when the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line is stopped; And is provided with: A method for operating a dehumidifying device.

2. The method for operating a dehumidifying device according to claim 1, further comprising a step of restarting the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line in a state where the dew point meter installation portion of the dew point measurement line is filled with the dry gas. The method for operating a dehumidifying device according to claim 1.

3. Comprising a step of closing the inlet valve and the outlet valve when stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line to enclose the hydrogen gas in the portion between the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the dew point measurement line, In the maintenance step, maintaining the state where the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed. The method for operating a dehumidifying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Comprising an inlet valve closing step of closing the inlet valve when stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line, In the inlet valve closing step, after closing the outlet valve in a state where hydrogen gas is being discharged from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line, closing the inlet valve to enclose the hydrogen gas as the dry gas in the portion between the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the dew point measurement line, In the stop step, after the inlet valve closing step, stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line. The method for operating a dehumidifying device according to claim 3.

5. An inlet valve closing step of closing the inlet valve when stopping the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the exhaust line, A supply step of supplying hydrogen gas or inert gas as the dry gas to the dew point measurement line via a supply line connected to a portion between the inlet valve and the dew point meter of the dew point measurement line in a state where the inlet valve is closed. The operation method of the dehumidifying device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. In the maintaining step, with the inlet valve closed and the outlet valve open, the dry gas is continuously supplied to the dew point measurement line through the supply line. The operation method of the dehumidifying device according to claim 5.

7. A step of enclosing the dry gas in a portion between the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the dew point measurement line by closing the outlet valve in a state where the dew point measurement line is filled with the dry gas from the supply line. In the maintaining step, the inlet valve and the outlet valve are maintained in a closed state. The operation method of the dehumidifying device according to claim 5.

8. A step of measuring the dew point of the dry gas present in the portion of the dew point measurement line using the dew point meter. In the maintaining step, while maintaining the inlet valve and the outlet valve in a closed state, the supply valve provided in the supply line is operated based on the measured value of the dew point. The operation method of the dehumidifying device according to claim 7.

9. The dew point meter is a capacitance type dew point meter. The operation method of the dehumidifying device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A control device for controlling the operation of a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device, The dehumidifying device includes A dehumidifier for dehumidifying moisture contained in hydrogen gas, A discharge line for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier, A dew point measurement line connected to the discharge line, A dew point meter provided in the dew point measurement line, An inlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection portion with the discharge line than the dew point meter, An outlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line on the opposite side of the inlet valve with the dew point meter interposed therebetween, And includes When the discharge of the hydrogen gas from the dehumidifier to the discharge line is stopped, the opening and closing of the inlet valve or the outlet valve is configured to maintain a state where at least the dew point meter installation portion including the installation location of the dew point meter in the dew point measurement line is filled with dry gas. A control device for a dehumidifying device.

11. A dehumidifying device for dehumidifying hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production device, A dehumidifier for dehumidifying moisture contained in hydrogen gas, an exhaust line for discharging the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier from the dehumidifier, a dew point measurement line connected to the exhaust line, a dew point meter provided in the dew point measurement line, an inlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line closer to the connection portion with the exhaust line than the dew point meter, an outlet valve provided at a position on the dew point measurement line on the side opposite to the inlet valve with the dew point meter interposed therebetween, comprising: a dehumidifying device configured such that the hydrogen gas passing through the outlet valve in the dew point measurement line is released into the atmosphere.

12. A hydrogen production apparatus, the dehumidifying device according to claim 11 configured to dehumidify the hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production apparatus, and a hydrogen production facility comprising the same. ​

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