Humidification system

Abstract

To provide a humidification system capable of improving power generation efficiency of a fuel cell.SOLUTION: A humidification system includes a humidifier configured to humidify an inlet gas supplied to a fuel cell by using water vapor contained in an outlet gas of the fuel cell, and a controller configured to control drive of the humidifier. The controller acquires information on an operation status of the fuel cell to control an amount of the water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on the information on the acquired operation status of the fuel cell.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to humidification systems. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, fuel cells have been attracting attention as a new driving force source for supplying driving force to vehicles, as they have a relatively small environmental impact.

[0003] In a fuel cell, fuel gas (hydrogen) is supplied to one electrode (fuel electrode) and oxidant gas (oxygen) is supplied to the other electrode (air electrode), and electrical energy is generated by a chemical reaction between these. Here, fuel cells need to keep the electrolyte membrane moist, so they are humidified using a humidifier.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifier comprising a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a case that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle, wherein a first gas flows through the hollow fiber membranes and a second gas having a water content different from that of the first gas flows outside the hollow fiber membranes and flows out through a second gas outlet formed in the case, exchanging water through the hollow fiber membranes, and humidifying the gas with the lower water content of the first gas and the second gas, and wherein the humidifier is characterized in that it comprises an annular mesh that covers and constricts the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle near the second gas outlet and separates the portion near the second gas outlet from the second gas outlet.

[0005] Patent document 2 also discloses a gas humidifier that humidifies gas, which includes a shell container that forms a space inside, and a membrane placed inside the shell container that divides the space inside the shell container into a first space formed on one side through which low-humidity gas to be humidified flows, and a second space formed on the other side through which high-humidity gas with a higher humidity than the gas to be humidified flows, and a water vapor permeable membrane that allows water vapor to pass from the high-humidity gas side to the gas to be humidified, and the water vapor permeable membrane is formed to be thinner in areas where the water vapor partial pressure difference between the first space and the second space is smaller.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a humidifier for a fuel cell, which is configured by mounting a hollow fiber membrane element, which has tube plates with hollow fiber membranes fixed in an open state to both ends of a hollow fiber membrane bundle consisting of a large number of hollow fiber membranes, in a container having at least a first gas supply port, a first gas discharge port, a second gas supply port, and a second gas discharge port, so that a space leading to the hollow side of the hollow fiber membrane is separated from a space leading to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0007] Patent Document 4 discloses a humidifier comprising a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and a case that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle, wherein a first fluid that flows in from a first inlet flows through the hollow fiber membranes, a second fluid that has a different humidity from the first fluid and flows through a second inlet flows within the case and outside the hollow fiber membranes, and a load support member is provided within the hollow fiber membrane bundle, the load support member having a raised shape facing the flow direction of the second fluid, allowing the second fluid to pass through and supporting the load applied to the hollow fiber membranes when the second fluid that flows in from the second inlet flows outside the hollow fiber membranes.

[0008] Patent Document 5 discloses a humidifier for a fuel cell that uses a hollow fiber membrane module with a bundle of hollow fiber membranes arranged inside, characterized in that hollow fiber membranes with relatively high hydrophilicity are arranged in the center of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes, and hollow fiber membranes with relatively low hydrophilicity are arranged around the periphery of the bundle of hollow fiber membranes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-256225 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-255808 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-055534 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-107098 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-218197 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The higher the temperature and humidity of the oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell, the better the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell. According to the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5, the oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell can be humidified. However, there is room for improvement in improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidification system that can improve the power generation efficiency of a fuel cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A humidification system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a humidification device that humidifies inlet gas supplied to a fuel cell using water vapor contained in the outlet gas of the fuel cell, and a control device that controls the operation of the humidification device, wherein the control device acquires information regarding the operating status of the fuel cell and controls the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on the acquired information regarding the operating status of the fuel cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the power generation efficiency of a fuel cell can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a vehicle equipped with a humidification system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery system provided in the vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a humidification system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a humidifier included in a humidification system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control device included in the humidification system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control device included in the humidification system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a humidification system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a humidifier included in a humidification system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control device included in a humidification system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a humidification system according to a first modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control device included in a humidification system according to a first modified example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0016] <1. First embodiment> (1-1. Vehicles) 1, vehicle 1 is configured as a four-wheel drive fuel cell vehicle in which drive torque output from an electric motor serving as drive power source 2 that generates drive torque for vehicle 1 is transmitted to left front wheel 3LF, right front wheel 3RF, left rear wheel 3LR, and right rear wheel 3RR (hereinafter collectively referred to as "wheels 3" unless a distinction is required). However, the combination of drive wheels and the drive method are not limited.

[0017] The electric motor serving as the driving force source 2 may be arranged on the front wheel side or the rear wheel side, or one may be arranged on the front wheel side and one on the rear wheel side, or one electric motor may be arranged for each wheel 3. Furthermore, in addition to the electric motor described above, the driving force source 2 may also include an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine, a diesel engine, or a gas turbine engine.

[0018] In addition to the driving force source 2, the vehicle 1 is equipped with brake devices 4LF, 4RF, 4LR, and 4RR (hereinafter collectively referred to as "brake devices 4" unless a distinction is required) and an electric steering device 5 as equipment used for driving control. The driving force source 2 outputs driving torque that is transmitted to a front drive shaft 7F and a rear drive shaft 7R via a known transmission (not shown) and a front wheel differential mechanism 6F and a rear wheel differential mechanism 6R, respectively. The operation of the driving force source 2 and the transmission is controlled by a vehicle control device 8 that includes one or more electronic control units (ECUs: Electronic Control Units).

[0019] The front wheel drive shaft 7F is provided with an electric steering device 5. The electric steering device 5 includes an electric motor (not shown) and a gear mechanism (not shown), and is controlled by a vehicle control device 8 to adjust the steering angles of the left front wheel 3LF and the right front wheel 3RF.

[0020] The vehicle control device 8 includes one or more electronic control units (ECUs) that control the driving of the driving force source 2, the brake device 4, and the electric steering device 5, which output the driving torque of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control device 8 may also have a function of controlling the driving of a transmission that changes the speed of the output from the driving force source 2 and transmits it to the wheels 3. Note that some or all of the components of the vehicle control device 8 may be provided in a control device 220, which will be described later.

[0021] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle state sensor 9 and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor 10.

[0022] The vehicle condition sensor 9 includes at least one sensor that detects the operating state and behavior of the vehicle 1. The vehicle condition sensor 9 includes at least one of a steering angle sensor, an accelerator position sensor, a brake stroke sensor, a brake pressure sensor, or an engine rotation speed sensor, for example. The vehicle condition sensor 9 also includes at least one of a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, or an angular velocity sensor, for example. The vehicle condition sensor 9 transmits a sensor signal indicating the detected information to the vehicle control device 8.

[0023] The GNSS sensor 10 receives satellite signals from positioning satellites such as GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The GNSS sensor 10 transmits position information of the vehicle 1 contained in the received satellite signals to the vehicle control device 8. Note that the GNSS sensor 10 may be provided with an antenna, in addition to the GPS sensor, that receives satellite signals from other satellite systems that identify the position of the vehicle 1.

[0024] (1-2. Battery System) 1 and 2, a battery system 100 provided in a vehicle 1 supplies electric power to a driving force source 2. Specifically, the battery system 100 includes a fuel cell 110, a hydrogen gas supply unit 120, an air supply unit 130, a secondary battery 140, a converter 150, and a battery control device 160.

[0025] The fuel cell 110 supplies power to a load including the electric motor. The fuel cell 110 may have a stack configuration in which multiple unit cells are stacked. In this case, each unit cell includes a catalyst layer 111 and an electrolyte membrane 112. The fuel cell 110 may be, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Note that the unit cell constituting the fuel cell 110 may have an anode flow path through which hydrogen flows to the anode side via a known or arbitrary electrolyte membrane 112, and a cathode flow path through which oxygen flows to the cathode side. The fuel cell 110 is connected to a load including an electric motor as a driving force source 2 via a converter 150 or the like. The amount of power generated by the fuel cell 110 is detected by a power generation monitor 113 based on a generated current detected by a current sensor (not shown) provided in the fuel cell 110 and a generated voltage detected by a voltage sensor (not shown) provided in the fuel cell 110. The detection result of the power generation monitor 113 is transmitted to a battery control device 160.

[0026] 2, the hydrogen gas supply unit 120 supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell 110. The hydrogen gas supply unit 120 includes, for example, a hydrogen supply flow path FC1 formed by piping connecting a hydrogen tank 121 to the fuel cell 110, a hydrogen circulation flow path FC2 formed by piping for circulating anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 110 to the hydrogen supply flow path FC1, and a hydrogen release flow path FC3 formed by piping for discharging the anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 110 to the atmosphere. The hydrogen supply flow path FC1 includes, for example, a hydrogen intake valve 122a having a known or arbitrary structure, a pressure reducing valve (not shown), and an injector (not shown). The hydrogen circulation flow path FC2 includes, for example, a circulation pump 123 having a known or arbitrary structure. The hydrogen release flow path FC3 includes, for example, a hydrogen discharge valve 122b having a known or arbitrary structure. The operation of the hydrogen intake valve 122a, the hydrogen discharge valve 122b, and the circulation pump 123 is controlled by the battery control device 160.

[0027] In the hydrogen gas supply unit 120, hydrogen gas stored in a hydrogen tank 121 is supplied to the anode-side flow path of the fuel cell 110 via a hydrogen intake valve 122a, a pressure reducing valve (not shown), and an injector (not shown) of a hydrogen supply flow path FC1. A portion of the anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 110 is supplied again to the fuel cell 110 via a hydrogen circulation flow path FC2. The remainder of the anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 110 is released (discharged) into the atmosphere at a predetermined timing via a hydrogen discharge valve 122b of a hydrogen release flow path FC3. This makes it possible to discharge impurities in the hydrogen gas circulating within the hydrogen circulation flow path FC2 to the outside of the system. Examples of impurities include water vapor and nitrogen.

[0028] The air supply unit 130 supplies air to the fuel cell 110. The air supply unit 130 includes, for example, an air supply flow path FC4 configured by piping connected from an air inlet (not shown) to the fuel cell 110 via a humidifier 210 (described later), an air circulation flow path FC5 configured by piping that supplies a portion of the cathode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 110 to the humidifier 210, and an air discharge flow path FC6 configured by piping that discharges the remainder of the cathode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 110 to the atmosphere. The air supply flow path FC4 includes a compressor 131 having a known or arbitrary structure that compresses air, and an oxygen intake valve 132a having a known or arbitrary structure that adjusts the amount of oxygen (air) supplied to the fuel cell 110. The air discharge flow path FC6 includes an air exhaust valve (back pressure valve) 132b having a known or arbitrary structure, and a flow shunt valve 133 having a known or arbitrary structure that adjusts the shunt flow of the cathode off-gas to the air circulation flow path FC5. The operation of the compressor 131 , the oxygen intake valve 132 a , the air discharge valve 132 b , and the flow dividing valve 133 is controlled by a battery control device 160 .

[0029] In the air supply unit 130, air taken in from the atmosphere passes through a humidifier 210, a compressor 131, and an oxygen intake valve 132a, and is then supplied to a cathode-side flow path in the fuel cell 110. Under the control of an oxygen exhaust valve (back pressure valve) 132b and a diverter valve 133, a portion of the cathode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 110 is supplied to the humidifier 210 via an air circulation flow path FC5 and then released into the atmosphere, and the remainder is supplied to a diluter 134 via an air release flow path FC6 and then released into the atmosphere. The structure of the diluter 134 is not particularly limited, and a diluter having a known or arbitrary structure that can be mounted on the vehicle 1 can be used.

[0030] The secondary battery 140 supplies power to the load including the electric motor described above. The secondary battery 140 may be a lithium ion battery, a lead acid battery, or the like, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0031] Converter 150 includes a known AC / DC converter that converts DC current to AC current. Converter 150 also includes a known DC / DC converter that adjusts the voltage of the DC current to a desired voltage. Converter 150 has functions such as setting the output voltage generated and output by fuel cell 110 based on a control signal from battery control device 160, and boosting the power generated by fuel cell 110 to a desired voltage when supplying it to a load.

[0032] The battery control device 160 includes one or more electronic control units (ECUs) that control the battery system 100. Note that a part or all of the configuration of the battery control device 160 may be provided in a control device 220, which will be described later.

[0033] (1-3. Humidification system) 2 and 3, the humidification system 200 provided in the vehicle 1 includes a humidifier 210 and a control device 220. The humidifier 210 humidifies the air supplied to the fuel cell 110 by using water vapor contained in the cathode off-gas of the fuel cell 110. The control device 220 controls the operation of the humidifier 210. The humidification system 200 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 4 as well.

[0034] Here, the air supplied to the cathode of the fuel cell 110 may be referred to as inlet gas, and the air discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell 110 may be referred to as outlet gas. The temperature of the inlet gas passing through the humidifier 210 is approximately the same as the outside air temperature of the vehicle 1, and the temperature of the outlet gas passing through the humidifier 210 is in the range from the outside air temperature to about 80°C.

[0035] (1-3-1. Humidifier) Referring to FIG. 4, the humidifier 210 includes a first pipe 211 corresponding to an outer pipe through which outlet gas passes, and a second pipe 212 provided inside the first pipe 211 and corresponding to an inner pipe through which inlet gas passes. The first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212 may be made of metal or resin, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Referring also to FIG. 3, the first pipe 211 communicates with the air circulation flow path FC5, and the second pipe 212 communicates with the air supply flow path FC4, with the flow in the first pipe 211 and the flow in the second pipe 212 being opposite to each other. In this manner, the first pipe 211 corresponding to the outer pipe and the second pipe 212 corresponding to the inner pipe may have a double-pipe structure separated by a water vapor permeable membrane 213. This allows water vapor from the outlet gas to be introduced into the inlet gas, and the inlet gas to be warmed using the heat of the outlet gas. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first pipe 211 through which the outlet gas passes may be the inner pipe, and the second pipe 212 through which the inlet gas passes may be the outer pipe. Also, the first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212 do not necessarily have to have a double pipe structure.

[0036] The air circulation flow path FC5 is provided with a known or arbitrary temperature sensor 211a capable of detecting the temperature of the outlet gas and a known or arbitrary humidity sensor 211b capable of detecting the humidity of the outlet gas. The air supply flow path FC4 is provided with a known or arbitrary temperature sensor 212a capable of detecting the temperature of the inlet gas and a known or arbitrary humidity sensor 212b capable of detecting the humidity of the inlet gas. The detection results of the temperature sensors 211a, 212a and the humidity sensors 211b, 212b are sent to the control device 220.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4 , the first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212 are configured to allow water vapor contained in the outlet gas to be introduced into the inlet gas via the water vapor permeable membrane 213. Specifically, one or more through-holes are formed in the peripheral wall of the second pipe 212, which corresponds to the inner pipe, and these through-holes are covered with the water vapor permeable membrane 213. The water vapor permeable membrane 213 has the property of allowing water vapor to permeate from the side with a higher water vapor partial pressure to the side with a lower water vapor partial pressure by utilizing the difference in water vapor partial pressure between the outside and inside of the membrane. Specifically, the water vapor permeable membrane 213 is a hollow fiber membrane or a bundle of hollow fiber membranes made of polyimide or the like, and has the property of retaining water molecules inside the membrane and allowing water molecules to permeate, while substantially preventing the permeation of other gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. As a result, the outlet gas is not mixed directly with the inlet gas, but rather substantially only water vapor is mixed from the outlet gas to the inlet gas, thereby preventing a decrease in the amount of oxygen reacting in the fuel cell 110. When the water vapor permeable membrane 213 is self-supporting, the peripheral wall of the second pipe 212 corresponding to the inner pipe may itself be formed of the water vapor permeable membrane 213 .

[0038] The flow path cross-sectional area Sin of the second pipe 212, which corresponds to the inner pipe, is preferably larger than the flow path cross-sectional area Sout of the first pipe 211, which corresponds to the outer pipe. This increases the contact area between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, allowing the water vapor and heat of the outlet gas to be efficiently transferred to the inlet gas. Note that the flow path cross-sectional area Sin of the second pipe 212 is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipe 212, and the flow path cross-sectional area Sout of the first pipe 211 is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first pipe 211 minus the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipe 212.

[0039] Here, the pressure of the inlet gas before passing through the compressor 131 is approximately atmospheric pressure, and the pressure of the inlet gas after passing through the compressor 131 is several tens of times atmospheric pressure, but it is preferable to make the pressure of the inlet gas lower than the pressure of the outlet gas. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the humidifier 210 on the upstream side of the compressor 131 (the opposite side to the fuel cell 110) in the air supply flow path FC4 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, the humidifier 210 does not necessarily have to be arranged on the upstream side of the compressor 131 by adjusting the flow path cross-sectional areas Sin and Sout described above.

[0040] 4, it is preferable that a known or arbitrary heat insulating material 214 is provided on the outside (preferably the outer periphery) of the first pipe 211. This can suppress the heat of the outlet gas from being dissipated to the outside of the humidifier 210.

[0041] 3, the humidification system 200 according to this embodiment includes back pressure valves 215a and 215b, which are provided on the inlet and outlet sides of the humidifier 210 in the first pipe 211 (air circulation flow path FC5), respectively, and correspond to a plurality of pressure valves 215 that adjust the pressure of the outlet gas supplied to the humidifier 210. The opening and closing of the back pressure valves 215a and 215b is controlled by a control device 220.

[0042] (1-3-2. Control device) The control device 220 included in the humidification system 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] (1-3-2-1. Example of control device configuration) The control device 220 functions as a device that controls the operation of the humidifier 210 by having one or more processors, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), execute a computer program. The computer program is a computer program that causes the processor to execute the operations, described below, that should be performed by the control device 220. The computer program executed by the processor may be recorded on a recording medium that functions as a storage unit (memory) 225, described below, or may be recorded on a recording medium built into the control device 220 or any recording medium that can be externally attached to the control device 220.

[0044] Recording media for recording computer programs may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu-ray (registered trademark), magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, memory elements such as RAMs and ROMs, flash memories such as USB memories and SSDs, and other media capable of storing programs.

[0045] The vehicle control device 8, the vehicle state sensor 9, the GNSS sensor 10, the battery control device 160, the temperature sensors 211a and 212a, and the humidity sensors 211b and 212b are connected to the control device 220 via a dedicated line or communication means such as a CAN (Controller Area Network) or a LIN (Local Inter Net). Note that the power generation monitor 113 may be connected directly to the control device 220 instead of being connected to the control device 220 via the battery control device 160.

[0046] The control device 220 includes a processing unit 221 and a storage unit 225 .

[0047] (Processing section) The processing unit 221 includes one or more processors such as a CPU and various peripheral components. Part or all of the processing unit 221 may be configured with updatable components such as firmware, or may be a program module or the like that is executed by instructions from the CPU or the like.

[0048] (Storage part) The storage unit 225 is configured with one or more storage elements such as RAM or ROM communicably connected to the processing unit 221. However, there is no particular limitation on the type and number of storage units 225. The storage unit 225 stores information such as computer programs executed by the processing unit 221, various parameters used in arithmetic processing, detection data, and arithmetic results.

[0049] The memory unit 225 stores in advance a table T1 that defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor in the inlet gas and the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 110. The memory unit 225 also stores in advance a table T2 that defines the relationship between the accelerator opening, the required torque determined according to the accelerator opening, and the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 110 required to achieve the required torque. The memory unit 225 also stores in advance a table T3 that defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor in the inlet gas and the temperature and humidity of the inlet gas. The memory unit 225 also stores in advance a table T4 that defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas, the pressure difference between the outlet gas and the inlet gas to achieve the introduced amount, and the openings of the back pressure valves 215a and 215b to achieve the pressure difference. These relationships can be determined in advance by experiment, simulation, or the like. The humidity (relative humidity) of a gas is expressed as the ratio of the amount of water vapor to the amount of saturated water vapor at the temperature of the gas, so the correspondence between the amount of water vapor in the gas and the temperature and humidity of the gas can be calculated in advance.

[0050] (1-3-2-2. Functional configuration of the processing unit) The functional configuration of the processing unit 221 of the control device 220 will be described. The processing unit 221 includes an acquisition unit 222, a calculation unit 223, and a control unit 224. These units each have a function realized by execution of a computer program by one or more processors such as a CPU. However, some or all of the acquisition unit 222, calculation unit 223, and control unit 224 may be configured using analog circuits.

[0051] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 222 acquires information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110. Specifically, the acquisition unit 222 acquires one or more of the following information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110: (i) information on the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 110, (ii) information on the temperature and humidity of the inlet gas, and (iii) information on the temperature and humidity of the outlet gas. The amount of power generated by the fuel cell 110 can be acquired from the power generation monitor 113. The temperature of the inlet gas can be acquired from a temperature sensor 212a provided in the air supply flow path FC4. The humidity of the inlet gas can be acquired from a humidity sensor 212b provided in the air supply flow path FC4. The temperature of the outlet gas can be acquired from a temperature sensor 211a provided in the air circulation flow path FC5. The humidity of the outlet gas can be acquired from a humidity sensor 211b provided in the air circulation flow path FC5. In addition to the above, the acquisition unit 222 acquires various types of information used in the calculation processing described below.

[0052] (Calculation section) The calculation unit 223 calculates a target introduction amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110. As will be described in detail later, the calculation unit 223 calculates the target introduction amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on an optimal amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas that can be calculated (estimated) based on information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110 and a current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas that can be calculated (estimated) based on information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110.

[0053] The calculation unit 223 may calculate a target power generation amount of the fuel cell 110. Here, the "target power generation amount" refers to the power generation amount of the fuel cell 110 required for the electric motor to output torque equivalent to the torque required by the driver of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the calculation unit 223 refers to a table T2 that defines the relationship between the accelerator opening amount stored in advance in the storage unit 225 and the required torque determined according to the accelerator opening amount. In this way, the calculation unit 223 may calculate, as the target power generation amount, the power generation amount that realizes the required torque according to the accelerator opening amount acquired from the accelerator position sensor.

[0054] (Control unit) The control unit 224 controls the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110. Specifically, the control unit 224 controls the opening and closing of the multiple pressure valves 215 so that the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas becomes the target amount of water vapor introduced calculated by the calculation unit 223.

[0055] (1-3-2-3. Example of control device operation) 6, an example of the operation of the control device 220 provided in the humidification system 200 according to this embodiment will be described along with a flowchart. In this example of operation, a case will be described where the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas is less than an optimal amount. Note that when the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas is equal to or greater than the optimal amount and therefore there is no need to humidify the inlet gas, the outlet gas from the fuel cell 110 may be released to the atmosphere via the air release flow path FC6 under the control of the flow diverter valve 133.

[0056] In step S10, the calculation unit 223 calculates (estimates) the optimal amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas. Specifically, the memory unit 225 pre-stores a table T1 that defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor in the inlet gas and the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 110. First, the acquisition unit 222 acquires information on the target power generation amount of the fuel cell 110. Then, by referring to the table T1 stored in the memory unit 225, the calculation unit 223 calculates (estimates) the amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas for achieving the target power generation amount acquired by the acquisition unit 222 as the optimal amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0057] The target power generation amount of the fuel cell 110 may be calculated as follows. For example, when traveling uphill, the fuel cell 110 needs to have a high output. Therefore, when an uphill slope exists ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle 1, the calculation unit 223 calculates the target power generation amount of the fuel cell 110 to be a predetermined amount greater than the power generation amount required for the vehicle 1 to travel on a flat road. The predetermined amount is calculated appropriately depending on the gradient of the uphill slope. Whether or not an uphill slope exists ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 can be determined based on map information stored in advance in the storage unit 225 and position information of the vehicle 1 acquired from the GNSS sensor 10.

[0058] Furthermore, when there is congestion, it is necessary to suppress the output of the fuel cell 110. Therefore, when there is congestion ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle 1, the calculation unit 223 calculates a power generation amount that is a predetermined amount less than the normal required amount as the target power generation amount for the fuel cell 110. The predetermined amount is calculated according to the congestion situation. Note that the congestion information can be acquired from a navigation system or the like installed in the vehicle 1 by a publicly known or any other method.

[0059] The target power generation amount of the fuel cell 110 may also be calculated (predicted) based on the required torque of the vehicle 1. That is, the storage unit 225 stores in advance a table T2 that defines the relationship between the accelerator opening, the required torque determined according to the accelerator opening, and the power generation amount of the fuel cell 110 required to achieve the required torque. First, the acquisition unit 222 acquires the accelerator opening from an accelerator position sensor that corresponds to the vehicle state sensor 9 provided in the vehicle 1. Then, the calculation unit 223 refers to the table T2 stored in the storage unit 225 to calculate, as the target power generation amount of the fuel cell 110, the power generation amount required to achieve the required torque corresponding to the accelerator opening acquired by the acquisition unit 222.

[0060] In step S11, the calculation unit 223 calculates (estimates) the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas. Specifically, the memory unit 225 pre-stores a table T3 that defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor in the inlet gas and the temperature and humidity of the inlet gas. First, the acquisition unit 222 acquires information on the temperature of the inlet gas from the temperature sensor 212a provided in the air supply flow path FC4. The acquisition unit 222 also acquires information on the humidity of the inlet gas from the humidity sensor 212b provided in the air supply flow path FC4. Then, the calculation unit 223 refers to the table T3 stored in the memory unit 225 to calculate (estimate) the amount of water vapor in the inlet gas that corresponds to the temperature and humidity of the inlet gas acquired by the acquisition unit 222 as the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0061] In step S12, the calculation unit 223 calculates a target amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas. Specifically, the calculation unit 223 calculates the target amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on the optimal amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas estimated in step S10 and the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas estimated in step S11. More specifically, the calculation unit 223 calculates the target amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas by subtracting the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas estimated in step S11 from the optimal amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas estimated in step S10. The process then proceeds to step S13.

[0062] In step S13, the control unit 224 controls the opening and closing of the multiple pressure valves 215 so that the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas is the target amount of water vapor introduced calculated in step S12. Specifically, the memory unit 225 has pre-stored therein a table T4 that defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas, the pressure difference between the outlet gas and the inlet gas required to achieve this amount of water vapor, and the apertures of the back pressure valves 215a and 215b required to achieve this pressure difference. Note that, in order to introduce water vapor contained in the outlet gas into the inlet gas, a pressure difference is required such that the pressure of the outlet gas is higher than the pressure of the inlet gas depending on the amount of water vapor introduced, and the relationship between the amount of water vapor introduced and the pressure difference is known in advance through experiments, simulations, etc. Then, by referring to table T4 stored in memory 225, calculation unit 223 identifies the pressure difference for realizing the target introduction amount of water vapor calculated in step S12, and calculates the aperture of back pressure valve 215a and back pressure valve 215b so as to generate the pressure difference. Then, control unit 224 controls the opening and closing of back pressure valve 215a and back pressure valve 215b so as to achieve the aperture calculated by calculation unit 223. The process then ends. Note that in step S13, the current amount of water vapor in the outlet gas must at least satisfy the target introduction amount calculated in step S12; if it does not satisfy this, water vapor will not be introduced. The current amount of water vapor in the outlet gas can be calculated in the same way as for the inlet gas, based on the temperature and humidity of the outlet gas.

[0063] (effect) As described above, the processing unit 221 of the control device 220 according to the first embodiment calculates the target amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on information relating to the operating status of the fuel cell 110. Then, the processing unit 221 controls the apertures of the multiple pressure valves 215 so that the amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas becomes the calculated target amount.

[0064] With this configuration, the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas is controlled according to the operating status of the fuel cell 110, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 110. Furthermore, since this control is performed by pressure control, the power consumption required for this control can be reduced. Furthermore, during transient operation when the accelerator pedal provided on the vehicle 1 is opened to a predetermined value or more, the fuel cell 110 is required to have high output, and this configuration also provides excellent response during such transient operation.

[0065] <2. Second Embodiment> A humidification system 300 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The following describes the humidification system according to this embodiment, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0066] (2-1. Humidification system) The humidification system 300 provided in the vehicle 1 includes a humidifier 310 and a control device 220. The humidifier 310 humidifies the air supplied to the fuel cell 110 by using water vapor contained in the cathode off-gas of the fuel cell 110. The control device 220 controls the operation of the humidifier 310. The humidification system 300 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 8, the humidifier 310 includes a first pipe 311 corresponding to an outer pipe through which the outlet gas passes, and a second pipe 312 provided inside the first pipe 311 and corresponding to an inner pipe through which the inlet gas passes. The first pipe 311 and the second pipe 312 may be made of metal or resin, but are not limited thereto. Referring also to FIG. 7, the first pipe 311 communicates with the air circulation flow path FC5, and the second pipe 312 communicates with the air supply flow path FC4. Thus, the first pipe 311 corresponding to the outer pipe and the second pipe 312 corresponding to the inner pipe have a double-pipe structure separated by a water vapor permeable membrane 313. This allows water vapor from the outlet gas to be introduced into the inlet gas, and the inlet gas to be warmed using the heat of the outlet gas. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first pipe 311 through which the outlet gas passes may be the inner pipe, and the second pipe 312 through which the inlet gas passes may be the outer pipe. Also, the first pipe 311 and the second pipe 312 do not necessarily have to have a double pipe structure.

[0068] The air circulation flow path FC5 is provided with a known or optional temperature sensor 311a capable of detecting the temperature of the outlet gas and a known or optional humidity sensor 311b capable of detecting the humidity of the outlet gas. The air supply flow path FC4 is provided with a known or optional temperature sensor 312a capable of detecting the temperature of the inlet gas and a known or optional humidity sensor 312b capable of detecting the humidity of the inlet gas. The detection results of the temperature sensors 311a, 312a and the humidity sensors 311b, 312b are sent to the control device 220.

[0069] The first pipe 311 and the second pipe 312 are configured so that water vapor contained in the outlet gas can be introduced into the inlet gas via a water vapor permeable membrane 313. Specifically, one or more through holes are formed in the peripheral wall of the second pipe 212, which corresponds to the inner pipe, and these through holes are covered with the water vapor permeable membrane 313. The water vapor permeable membrane 313 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be used herein.

[0070] As in the first embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area Sin of the second pipe 312, which corresponds to the inner pipe, is preferably larger than the flow path cross-sectional area Sout of the first pipe 311, which corresponds to the outer pipe. This increases the contact area between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, allowing the water vapor and heat of the outlet gas to be efficiently transferred to the inlet gas. Note that the flow path cross-sectional area Sin of the second pipe 312 is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipe 312, and the flow path cross-sectional area Sout of the first pipe 311 is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first pipe 311 minus the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipe 312.

[0071] As in the first embodiment, it is preferable to make the pressure of the inlet gas lower than the pressure of the outlet gas, and therefore, as in the first embodiment, the humidifier 310 is preferably disposed on the upstream side of the compressor 131 (opposite the fuel cell 110) in the air supply flow path FC4. However, the humidifier 310 does not necessarily have to be disposed on the upstream side of the compressor 131 by adjusting the flow path cross-sectional areas Sin and Sout described above.

[0072] 8, it is preferable that a known or arbitrary heat insulating material 314 is provided on the outside (preferably the outer periphery) of the first pipe 311. This can suppress the heat of the outlet gas from being dissipated to the outside of the humidifier 310.

[0073] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8 , the humidification system 300 according to this embodiment includes a temperature regulator 315 capable of adjusting the temperature of the water vapor permeable membrane 313. The temperature regulator 315 may be a cooling mechanism capable of cooling the water vapor permeable membrane 313, or a heating mechanism capable of heating the water vapor permeable membrane 313. Water vapor (outside temperature to 80°C) contained in the outlet gas comes into contact with the water vapor permeable membrane 313 cooled by the cooling mechanism or heated by the heating mechanism, and then permeates the water vapor permeable membrane 313 and is introduced into the inlet gas. The temperature regulator 315 may be a pipe having a known or arbitrary structure wound around the water vapor permeable membrane 313 through which a heat exchange refrigerant such as water or air flows, or may be a thermoelectric conversion element such as a Peltier element arranged around the water vapor permeable membrane 313. The operation of the temperature regulator 315 is controlled by the control device 220.

[0074] (Control device) The control device 220 can be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the acquisition unit 222 of the control device 220 acquires information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the calculation unit 223 of the control device 220 calculates a target introduction amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on the information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110 acquired by the acquisition unit 222 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. However, the following points differ from the first embodiment.

[0075] The control unit 224 of the control device 220 controls the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on information related to the operating status of the fuel cell 110. Specifically, the control unit 224 controls the operation of the temperature regulator 315 so that the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas becomes the target amount of water vapor calculated by the calculation unit 223. Furthermore, the memory unit 225 of the control device 220 stores in advance a table T5 that defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas and the temperature of the water vapor permeable membrane 313 required to achieve that amount. This relationship can be determined in advance by experiment, simulation, or the like.

[0076] (2-2. Example of control device operation) 9, an example of the operation of the control device 220 provided in the humidification system 300 according to this embodiment will be described along with a flowchart. In this example of operation, a case will be described where the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas is less than an optimal amount. Note that if the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas is equal to or greater than the optimal amount and there is no need to humidify the inlet gas, the outlet gas from the fuel cell 110 may be released to the atmosphere via the air release flow path FC6 under the control of the flow diverter valve 133.

[0077] In step S20, the calculation unit 223 calculates (estimates) the optimal amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas. Note that step S20 is similar to step S10 in the first embodiment, and therefore the same explanation is used. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0078] In step S21, the calculation unit 223 calculates (estimates) the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas. Note that step S21 is similar to step S11 in the first embodiment, and therefore the same explanation is used. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0079] In step S22, the calculation unit 223 calculates a target amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas. Note that step S22 is similar to step S12 in the first embodiment, and therefore the same explanation is used. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0080] In step S23, the control unit 224 controls the operation of the temperature regulator 315 so that the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas becomes the target amount of water vapor introduced calculated in step S22. Specifically, the memory unit 225 pre-stores a table T5 that defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas and the temperature of the water vapor permeable membrane 313 required to achieve that amount of water vapor introduced. The calculation unit 223 then refers to the table T5 stored in the memory unit 225 to calculate the temperature of the water vapor permeable membrane 313 required to achieve the target amount of water vapor introduced calculated in step S22. The control unit 224 then controls the operation of the temperature regulator 315 so that the temperature of the water vapor permeable membrane 313 becomes the temperature acquired by the calculation unit 223. The process then ends.

[0081] (effect) As described above, the processing unit 221 of the control device 220 according to the second embodiment calculates the target amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on information relating to the operating status of the fuel cell 110. Then, the processing unit 221 controls the operation of the temperature regulator 315 so that the amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas becomes the calculated target amount.

[0082] According to this configuration, the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas is controlled according to the operating status of the fuel cell 110, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 110. Furthermore, since this control is performed by temperature control, it is also possible to raise the temperature of the inlet gas, thereby enabling the fuel cell 110 to reach a highly efficient state in a short time when starting the vehicle 1. Furthermore, when the temperature regulator 315 is wrapped around the water vapor permeable membrane 313, the humidification system 300 itself can be made compact.

[0083] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0084] <1. First Modified Example> 10, a humidification system 400 according to a first modification further includes a tank 410 capable of storing water vapor contained in the outlet gas. The tank 410 may have any known or arbitrary structure. The processing unit 221 of the control device 220 calculates a target amount of water vapor to be introduced based on information relating to the operating status of the fuel cell 110. If the amount of water vapor contained in the outlet exceeds the calculated target amount, the processing unit 221 determines to store the excess amount of water vapor contained in the outlet gas in the tank 410. On the other hand, if the amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas is less than an optimal amount, the processing unit 221 determines to humidify the inlet gas using the water stored in the tank 410. The first modification will be described in detail below.

[0085] A portion of the water vapor contained in the outlet gas discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell 110 is stored in a tank 410 via a shunt valve 411 provided in the air circulation flow path FC5. The air circulation flow path FC5 is provided with a known or optional temperature sensor 412a capable of detecting the temperature of the outlet gas and a known or optional humidity sensor 412b capable of detecting the humidity of the outlet gas. The remaining water vapor contained in the outlet gas is discharged into the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the water vapor stored in the tank 410 is introduced into the inlet gas via a shunt valve 413 provided in the air supply flow path FC4 upstream of the compressor 131. The air supply flow path FC4 is provided with a known or optional temperature sensor 414a capable of detecting the temperature of the outlet gas and a known or optional humidity sensor 414b capable of detecting the humidity of the outlet gas. The tank 410 is also provided with a discharge valve 415 for discharging the water vapor stored therein to the outside and an intake valve 416 for drawing external water vapor into the tank 410. The operation of the flow dividing valves 411 and 413, the exhaust valve 415 and the intake valve 416 is controlled by the control device 220.

[0086] An example of the operation of the control device 220 included in the humidification system 400 according to the first modification will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG.

[0087] In step S30, processing unit 221 of control device 220 calculates (estimates) the current amount of water vapor contained in the outlet gas. Specifically, table T6, which defines the relationship between the amount of water vapor in the outlet gas and the temperature and humidity of the outlet gas, is stored in advance in memory unit 225 of control device 220. Processing unit 221 then acquires information on the temperature of the outlet gas from temperature sensor 412a provided in air circulation flow path FC5. Processing unit 221 also acquires information on the humidity of the outlet gas from humidity sensor 412b provided in air circulation flow path FC5. Processing unit 221 then refers to table T6 stored in memory unit 225 to calculate (estimate) the amount of water vapor in the outlet gas corresponding to the acquired temperature and humidity of the outlet gas as the current amount of water vapor contained in the outlet gas. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0088] In step S31, the processing unit 221 calculates a target introduction amount of water vapor to be introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas, in the same manner as in step S12 or S22 described above.

[0089] In step S32, processing unit 221 determines whether the current amount of water vapor contained in the outlet gas calculated (estimated) in step S30 exceeds the target introduction amount calculated in step S31. If the current amount of water vapor contained in the outlet gas exceeds the target introduction amount (step S32: YES), the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if the current amount of water vapor contained in the outlet gas does not exceed the target introduction amount (step S32: NO), the process ends. In other words, if a negative determination is made, storage in tank 410 is not performed.

[0090] In step S33, processing unit 221 determines that the surplus amount of water vapor in the current outlet gas is to be stored in tank 410. The surplus amount is the current amount of water vapor contained in the outlet gas minus the target introduction amount. Then, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0091] In step S34, processing unit 221 controls flow dividing valve 411 and exhaust valve 415 to be open and flow dividing valve 413 and intake valve 416 to be closed, thereby storing an excess amount of water vapor currently contained in the outlet gas in tank 410. At this time, the opening degrees of flow dividing valve 411 and exhaust valve 415 can be adjusted appropriately depending on the excess amount. Then, the process ends.

[0092] In this way, by storing the excess amount of water vapor contained in the outlet gas in the tank 410, the water stored in the tank 410 can be effectively used to humidify the inlet gas. That is, when the current amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas is less than the optimal amount, the processing unit 221 of the control device 220 determines to humidify the inlet gas using the water stored in the tank 410. Here, the current amount and optimal amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas can be calculated (estimated) in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment described above. Then, the processing unit 221 controls the flow diverter valve 411 and the discharge valve 415 to close and the flow diverter valve 413 and the intake valve 416 to open, thereby releasing the water stored in the tank 410 into the air supply flow path FC4. At this time, the opening degrees of the flow diverter valve 413 and the intake valve 416 can be appropriately adjusted according to the target introduction amount. The water released from the tank 410 may be heated to a predetermined temperature by a known or arbitrary heater or the like.

[0093] The first modified example can also be implemented in combination with the first or second embodiment. In this case, a flow dividing valve 413 is arranged between the outlet of the humidifier 210, 310 on the air supply flow path FC4 side and the compressor 131, and a flow dividing valve 411 is arranged between the inlet of the humidifier 210, 310 on the air circulation flow path FC5 side and the flow dividing valve 133.

[0094] <2. Second Modification> The humidification system according to the second modification may include both the configuration of the first embodiment and the configuration of the second embodiment. That is, the humidification system according to the second modification may include both the multiple pressure valves 215 according to the first embodiment and the temperature regulator 315 according to the second embodiment. In this case, the processing unit 221 of the control device 220 acquires the state of the vehicle 1 from the vehicle state sensor 9 or the like, and switches between the operation example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 (steps S10 to S13) and the operation example of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 (steps S20 to S23) based on the acquired state of the vehicle 1. For example, when the vehicle 1 is started, the fuel cell 110 is colder than when it is in operation, so temperature control is preferable to pressure control. On the other hand, during transient operation, pressure control is preferable to temperature control because the fuel cell 110 needs to be able to follow the load. Therefore, when the processing unit 221 determines that the state of the vehicle 1 is a start-up state, it controls the driving of the temperature regulator 315 in the same manner as in step S23 of the second embodiment so that the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas becomes the target amount of introduction described above. On the other hand, when the processing unit 221 determines that the state of the vehicle 1 is a transient operation state, it controls the apertures of the multiple pressure valves 215 in the same manner as in step S13 of the first embodiment so that the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas becomes the target amount of introduction described above. Here, "during transient operation" refers to a state in which the opening degree of the accelerator pedal provided on the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Note that, although either pressure control or temperature control can be applied in states other than start-up and transient operation, pressure control is preferable because it can achieve more precise control.

[0095] The technology disclosed herein can also be realized as a vehicle equipped with the above-mentioned humidification system, a humidification method performed by a control device equipped with the above-mentioned humidification system, a computer program that causes a computer to function as the control device equipped with the above-mentioned humidification system, and a non-temporary tangible recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1: vehicle, 100: battery system, 200, 300, 400: humidification system, 210, 310: humidifier, 220: control device, 221: processing unit, 222: acquisition unit, 223: calculation unit, 224: control unit, 225: storage unit, 410: tank

Claims

1. A humidification system comprising: a humidifier that humidifies an inlet gas supplied to a fuel cell using water vapor contained in an outlet gas of the fuel cell; and a control device that controls operation of the humidifier, The control device acquiring information about the operating status of the fuel cell; controlling the amount of water vapor introduced from the outlet gas to the inlet gas based on the acquired information on the operating status of the fuel cell; Humidification system.

2. The humidification system comprises: a first pipe through which the outlet gas passes; a second pipe through which the inlet gas passes and into which the water vapor contained in the outlet gas is introduced from the first pipe through a water vapor permeable membrane in the humidifier; a plurality of pressure valves provided on the first pipe at an inlet side and an outlet side of the humidifier, respectively, and configured to adjust the pressure of the outlet gas supplied to the humidifier; Furthermore, The control device calculating a target amount of water vapor to be introduced based on information about the operating status of the fuel cell; controlling opening degrees of the plurality of pressure valves so that the introduced amount becomes the calculated target introduced amount; The humidification system of claim 1 .

3. The humidifying device is a water vapor permeable membrane that allows the water vapor contained in the outlet gas to permeate into the inlet gas; a temperature regulator capable of adjusting the temperature of the water vapor permeable membrane; Furthermore, The control device calculating a target amount of water vapor to be introduced based on information about the operating status of the fuel cell; controlling the operation of the temperature regulator so that the introduction amount becomes the calculated target introduction amount; The humidification system of claim 1 .

4. The humidifying device is a tank capable of storing the water vapor contained in the outlet gas; Furthermore, The control device calculating a target amount of water vapor to be introduced based on information about the operating status of the fuel cell; determining that an excess amount of the water vapor contained in the outlet gas is to be stored in the tank when the amount of the water vapor contained in the outlet gas exceeds the calculated target introduction amount; determining to humidify the inlet gas using water stored in the tank if the amount of water vapor contained in the inlet gas is less than an optimal amount; The humidification system of claim 1 .

5. The control device Predict the vehicle's required torque, calculating a target power generation amount of the fuel cell based on the predicted required torque; Calculating the target introduction amount based on the calculated target power generation amount. A humidification system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

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