Gas treatment system, method of operating the same, method of manufacturing the same, and fuel cell system

Abstract

To provide a gas treatment system of a hydrogen gas specification which can be rationally obtained by updating a gas treatment system including a reformer, and in which a treatment for adjusting the components of hydrogen gas can be carried out as necessary.SOLUTION: The gas processing system 210 includes a gas processing unit 211 and a controller 296. The gas processing unit 211 includes a reformer 150. The gas treatment unit 211 is supplied with hydrogen gas 201. The gas treatment unit 211 is capable of performing at least one treatment for adjusting the components of the hydrogen gas 201. The controller 296 sets whether or not to cause the gas processing unit 211 to execute at least one process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to gas processing systems, methods of operating and manufacturing the same, and fuel cell systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In the fuel cell system of Patent Document 1, a reformer in a fuel processor reforms a feed gas containing hydrocarbons. This generates a hydrogen-containing gas. Next, the fuel processor uses its function to adjust the components of the hydrogen-containing gas. The hydrogen-containing gas is then used to generate power in the fuel cell. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, the function is a selective oxidation function, and the component adjustment is a reduction of carbon monoxide.

[0003] On the other hand, in the pure hydrogen fuel cell system of Patent Document 2, hydrogen gas from a hydrogen storage tank is supplied to the fuel cell for power generation, and this system does not require a reformer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 118158 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-102266 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a hydrogen gas specification gas processing system that can be reasonably obtained by updating a gas processing system including a reformer, and that can perform processing to adjust the components of the hydrogen gas as needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides: a gas processing unit including a reformer, the gas processing unit being supplied with hydrogen gas and capable of performing at least one process to adjust the composition of the hydrogen gas; a controller that sets whether or not the gas processing unit is to perform the at least one process; A gas processing system is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a gas processing system with hydrogen gas specifications that can be reasonably obtained by updating a gas processing system including a reformer, and that can perform processing to adjust the components of the hydrogen gas as needed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a system before an update in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the system after the update in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the system after the update in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) There is a movement to switch from the first situation to the second situation. The first situation is a situation in which hydrocarbon-containing gas is supplied from infrastructure. The second situation is a situation in which hydrogen gas is supplied from infrastructure. The hydrocarbon-containing gas is, for example, city gas. The hydrogen gas is, for example, pure hydrogen gas.

[0010] In the first situation, when supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen-utilizing device such as a fuel cell, a gas processing system including a reformer may be installed. The reformer may produce a hydrogen-containing gas from a hydrocarbon-containing gas from the infrastructure. The hydrogen-containing gas may have its components adjusted by the function of the gas processing system and then be supplied to the hydrogen-utilizing device.

[0011] When switching from the first situation to the second situation, it is possible to remove the existing gas treatment system for the first situation and completely replace it with another gas treatment system for the second situation. However, such a replacement requires high costs, a lot of labor, and a long time. Such a replacement generates unnecessary waste. Furthermore, such a replacement requires expertise in the installation of gas treatment systems. Therefore, such a replacement is not reasonable.

[0012] Therefore, instead of performing the above complete replacement, the inventors have considered updating the existing gas treatment system for the first situation to a gas treatment system for the second situation by partially modifying it. By such an update, the gas treatment system for the second situation can be installed rationally.

[0013] The ability to adjust the composition of hydrogen gas as needed is advantageous because it allows the quality of hydrogen gas to be improved when the initial quality of the hydrogen gas does not meet the requirements of the hydrogen-utilizing equipment, and it also allows energy consumption to be avoided by omitting processing when the initial quality of the hydrogen gas meets the requirements, enabling efficient operation of the gas processing system.

[0014] The update can also be performed so that the function of adjusting the gas composition is taken over from the gas treatment system for the first situation to the gas treatment system for the second situation. In this respect, an update can also be reasonable.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a first gas processing system 110 in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a second gas processing system 210 in the first embodiment. The first gas processing system 110 is a system before an update. The second gas processing system 210 is a system after an update. The update from the first gas processing system 110 to the second gas processing system 210 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, before the update, a first fuel cell system 100 is configured including a first gas processing system 110 and a fuel cell 190. As shown in Fig. 2, after the update, a second fuel cell system 200 is configured including a second gas processing system 210 and a fuel cell 190.

[0017] [First fuel cell system 100 (before update)] 1, a first gas processing system 110 is supplied with a hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 from infrastructure 500. The first gas processing system 110 produces a hydrogen-containing gas 105 from the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. The hydrogen-containing gas 105 is supplied to a fuel cell 190. The fuel cell 190 generates electricity using the hydrogen-containing gas 105.

[0018] The hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is a gas containing hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 may contain impurities in addition to hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons may include saturated hydrocarbons or unsaturated hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons may include chain hydrocarbons or cyclic hydrocarbons. The chain hydrocarbons may include straight-chain hydrocarbons or branched-chain hydrocarbons. Specifically, the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 may include chain saturated hydrocarbons. The chain saturated hydrocarbons include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, and propane. In the first embodiment, the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is city gas.

[0019] The hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 may contain impurities such as sulfur components, carbon monoxide, and ammonia due to the raw materials and production method of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. Sulfur components may be introduced into the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 by odorization. As described below, these impurities can be reduced by the first gas treatment system 110.

[0020] The hydrogen-containing gas 105 is a gas that contains hydrogen. The hydrogen-containing gas 105 may also be referred to as a reformed gas.

[0021] The concentration of hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is, for example, 60% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less, in one specific example, 70% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less, and more specifically, 80% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less. In this numerical example, the concentration of hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is, specifically, the concentration at the inlet of the first gas treatment system 110.

[0022] The hydrogen concentration (dry basis) in the hydrogen-containing gas 105 is, for example, 30% by volume or more and 90% by volume or less, and in one specific example, 50% by volume or more and 80% by volume or less. In this numerical example, the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen-containing gas 105 is specifically the concentration at the outlet of the reformer 150.

[0023] The first gas processing system 110 includes a gas processing unit 111 and a controller 196. The gas processing unit 111 includes a desulfurizer 121, a gas processor 160, a switch 171, a pump 172, a blower 173, a valve 174, a pump 175, a fan 176, a valve 177, a flow path 180, a flow path 181, a flow path 182, a flow path 183, a flow path 184, a flow path 185, a flow path 186, a flow path 187, a flow path 188, and a flow path 189. The gas processor 160 includes a desulfurizer 122, a heater 130, a selective oxidizer 140, and a reformer 150. The heater 130 includes a combustor 131 and an electric heater 132.

[0024] Flow path 180 connects, in this order, infrastructure 500, switch 171, desulfurizer 121, point 115, point 116, pump 172, and gas processor 160. Flow path 181 is connected to flow path 180 at switch 171 and point 115 so as to bypass desulfurizer 121. Flow path 180 allows hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 from infrastructure 500 to flow.

[0025] The switch 171 switches whether the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 flows to the desulfurizer 121 or the flow path 181. In the first embodiment, the switch 171 is a three-way valve.

[0026] The desulfurizer 121 performs adsorptive desulfurization of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. The adsorptive desulfurization reduces the sulfur components contained in the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. The desulfurizer 121 is filled with an adsorptive desulfurization agent. In the first embodiment, the adsorptive desulfurization agent can reduce the sulfur components at room temperature. Examples of the adsorptive desulfurization agent include activated carbon, zeolite, and metal compounds.

[0027] The pump 172 delivers the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 to the gas processor 160 .

[0028] Flow path 182 connects blower 173, point 117, and fuel cell 190 in this order. Flow path 183 is connected to flow path 182 at point 117. Flow path 183 connects point 117, valve 174, and gas processor 160 in this order.

[0029] The blower 173 sends the air 102 to the gas processor 160 and the fuel cell 190. The valve 174 controls the flow of the air 102 to the gas processor 160. In the first embodiment, the air 102 is sent to the selective oxidizer 140 in the gas processor 160. In the first embodiment, the valve 174 is a flow rate control valve. Here, the flow rate control valve is a valve that can have an opening not only of 0% (fully closed) and 100% (fully open) but also of more than 0% and less than 100%.

[0030] A flow path 184 connects the pump 175 and the gas processor 160. The pump 175 sends the water 103 to the gas processor 160. In the first embodiment, in the gas processor 160, the water 103 is sent to the reformer 150.

[0031] A flow path 185 connects the fan 176 and the gas processor 160. The fan 176 sends the air 104 to the gas processor 160. In the first embodiment, in the gas processor 160, the air 104 is sent to the combustor 131.

[0032] In the gas processor 160, a desulfurizer 122, a reformer 150, and a selective oxidizer 140 are connected in this order.

[0033] As will be described later, a hydrogenation reaction can occur in the desulfurizer 122 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, not only a hydrogenation reaction that occurs by adding hydrogen to gas, but also a hydrogenation reaction using hydrogen originally contained in the gas will be referred to as a hydrogenation reaction. Furthermore, not only desulfurization based on the former hydrogenation reaction, but also desulfurization based on the latter hydrogenation reaction will be referred to as hydrodesulfurization.

[0034] The desulfurizer 122 performs hydrodesulfurization of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 using hydrogen while being heated by the heater 130. The sulfur components contained in the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 are reduced by the hydrodesulfurization. The desulfurizer 122 is filled with a hydrodesulfurization agent. The hydrodesulfurization agent causes hydrodesulfurization. By being heated by the heater 130, the temperature of the desulfurizer 122 can be maintained in a temperature range of, for example, 200°C or higher and 300°C or lower.

[0035] Specifically, the hydrodesulfurization agent includes a hydrogen sulfide generating agent and a hydrogen sulfide adsorbent. The hydrogen sulfide generating agent converts the sulfur components of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 into hydrogen sulfide through a hydrogenation reaction (hydrogenation reaction) using hydrogen. The hydrogen sulfide adsorbent adsorbs hydrogen sulfide through a chemical adsorption reaction while the temperature is appropriately controlled by the heater 130. Examples of the hydrogen sulfide generating agent include an agent containing CuZn and an agent containing CoMo. Examples of the hydrogen sulfide adsorbent include an agent containing CuZn and an agent containing ZnO.

[0036] A specific example of the hydrogenation reaction is shown below in Equation 1: In this example, the sulfur component is CH3SCH3. Formula 1: 2CH3SCH3 + 4H2 → 4CH4 + 2H2S

[0037] A specific example of a chemical adsorption reaction is shown below in Equation 2: In this example, the hydrogen sulfide adsorbent is a ZnO-containing agent. Equation 2: ZnO + H2S → ZnS + H2O

[0038] In the first embodiment, the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the heater 130, and thereby hydrodesulfurization of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is performed in the desulfurizer 122. Specifically, in a startup period in which the gas processor 160 is started up, the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the electric heater 132 of the heater 130. In a period after the startup period, the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the combustor 131 of the heater 130. In the first embodiment, the temperature of the desulfurizer 122 increases in the startup period. In the latter period, the temperature of the desulfurizer 122 is controlled to follow a constant target value. The constant target value is, for example, 200°C or higher and 300°C or lower.

[0039] The water 103 supplied to the gas processor 160 is heated by the combustor 131 to become steam. The reformer 150, in a state heated by the combustor 131, causes a reforming reaction between the steam and the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. As a result, a hydrogen-containing gas 105 is produced.

[0040] The reformer 150 is filled with a reforming catalyst. The reforming catalyst causes a reforming reaction. Examples of the reforming catalyst include noble metals and transition metals. Examples of noble metals include platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), and rhodium (Rh). Examples of transition metals include nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and the like.

[0041] A specific example of the reforming reaction is shown in the following Equation 3. In this specific example, the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 are chain saturated hydrocarbons. In Equation 3, n and m are natural numbers. Formula 3:C n H m +nH2O→nCO+((m / 2)+n)H2

[0042] For example, when n = 1 and m = 4, Equation 3 represents a reaction using methane. For example, when n = 2 and m = 6, Equation 3 represents a reaction using ethane. For example, when n = 3 and m = 8, Equation 3 represents a reaction using propane.

[0043] The selective oxidizer 140 performs selective oxidation of the hydrogen-containing gas 105 using the air 102. That is, the selective oxidizer 140 causes a selective oxidation reaction of the hydrogen-containing gas 105 using the air 102. Carbon monoxide and / or ammonia contained in the hydrogen-containing gas 105 is reduced by the selective oxidation.

[0044] The selective oxidation unit 140 is filled with a selective oxidation catalyst. The selective oxidation catalyst causes a selective oxidation reaction. An example of the selective oxidation catalyst is a catalyst containing ruthenium (Ru).

[0045] A specific example of the selective oxidation reaction is shown by the following formula 4 and / or formula 5. Formula 4: 2CO + O2 → 2CO2 Equation 5: 4NH3 + 3O2 → 2N2 + 6H2O

[0046] The flow path 186 connects the gas processor 160, the point 118, and the fuel cell 190 in this order. The hydrogen-containing gas 105 that has undergone the selective oxidation reaction is supplied to the fuel cell 190 through the flow path 186.

[0047] The flow path 187 is connected to the flow path 186 at point 118 and to the flow path 180 at point 116. The flow path 187 connects the point 118, the valve 177, and the point 116 in this order. The hydrogen-containing gas 105 flows from the point 118 to the point 116 through the flow path 187. This allows the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 flowing through the flow path 180 at a position upstream of the gas processor 160 to contain hydrogen derived from the hydrogen-containing gas 105. This hydrogen is supplied to hydrodesulfurization, specifically, to a hydrogenation reaction. The flow path 187 may also be referred to as a recycle flow path. In the first embodiment, the valve 177 is a flow control valve.

[0048] In the first embodiment, during the startup period in which the gas processor 160 is started up, the switch 171 is set so that the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 flows into the desulfurizer 121. As a result, the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is desulfurized in the desulfurizer 121.

[0049] During a period after the startup period, the switch 171 is set so that the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 flows through the flow path 181. During the latter period, the flow path 187 guides the hydrogen-containing gas 105 flowing through the flow path 186 to the flow path 180. Therefore, the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 flowing through the flow path 180 at a position upstream of the gas processor 160 contains hydrogen derived from the hydrogen-containing gas 105. The desulfurizer 122 hydrodesulfurizes the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 using the hydrogen.

[0050] The fuel cell 190 generates power using the air 102 and the hydrogen-containing gas 105 output from the first gas treatment system 110. Typically, the fuel cell 190 includes a cell stack. In the first embodiment, the fuel cell 190 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC).

[0051] The flow path 188 connects the fuel cell 190 and the gas processor 160. The anode off-gas 106 from the fuel cell 190 is supplied to the gas processor 160 through the flow path 188. In the gas processor 160, the anode off-gas 106 is supplied to the combustor 131.

[0052] The combustor 131 combusts the air 104 and the anode off-gas 106. This generates heat. The generated heat can be used to heat the desulfurizer 122, generate steam, heat the reformer 150, etc. In the first embodiment, the combustor 131 is a burner.

[0053] The flow path 189 is connected to the gas processor 160. The exhaust gas 107 from the combustor 131 passes through the flow path 189 and is discharged to the outside of the first fuel cell system 100.

[0054] The first fuel cell system 100 includes a control device 195. The control device 195 includes a controller 196 and a controller 198.

[0055] As described above, the controller 196 is included in the first gas processing system 110. The controller 196 controls the gas processing unit 111. For example, the controller 196 controls the switch 171, the pump 172, the blower 173, the valve 174, the pump 175, the fan 176, and the heater 130. Specifically, the controller 196 controls the combustor 131 and the electric heater 132.

[0056] The controller 198 controls the fuel cell 190. Specifically, the controller 198 sets the fuel cell 190 to a power generating state or to a stopped state.

[0057] Controller 196 includes a processor and a memory. Controller 198 includes a processor and a memory. In the first embodiment, a first processor serves as both the processor of controller 196 and the processor of controller 198. A first memory serves as both the memory of controller 196 and the memory of controller 198. Controller 196 and controller 198 are not physically distinct and are realized by a first device using a first control board.

[0058] The controller 196 includes software S GAS1 Software S is installed. GAS1 The controller 198 implements the function of controlling the gas processing unit 111. FC1 Software S is installed. FC1 realizes the function of controlling the fuel cell 190.

[0059] The memory of the controller 196 stores the software S GAS1 The processor of the controller 196 records the software S GAS1 The memory of the controller 198 stores the software S FC1 The processor of the controller 198 executes the software S FC1 Execute.

[0060] The processor of controller 196 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. The same applies to the processor of controller 198, the processor of controller 296 (described later), and the processor of controller 298 (described later).

[0061] The memory of controller 196 is, for example, a semiconductor recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. Examples of semiconductor recording media include a Secure Digital (SD) card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, and a Solid State Drive (SSD). Examples of magnetic recording media include a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and a flexible disk. Examples of magneto-optical recording media include a Magneto Optical Disk (MO). Examples of optical recording media include a Compact Disc (CD) and a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). The same applies to the memory of controller 198, the memory of controller 296 (described later), and the memory of controller 298 (described later).

[0062] The following describes the second fuel cell system 200. In the following, elements that are the same or similar between the first fuel cell system 100 and the second fuel cell system 200 are given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0063] [Second fuel cell system 200 (updated)] 2, the second fuel cell system 200 is supplied with hydrogen gas 201 from the infrastructure 600. The hydrogen gas 201 passes through a second gas processing system 210 and is then supplied to the fuel cell 190. The fuel cell 190 uses the hydrogen gas 201 to generate electricity.

[0064] The hydrogen gas 201 is a gas containing hydrogen. The hydrogen gas 201 may contain impurities in addition to hydrogen.

[0065] The hydrogen gas 201 may contain impurities such as sulfur components, carbon monoxide, and ammonia due to the raw materials and production method of the hydrogen gas 201. Sulfur components may also be introduced into the hydrogen gas 201 by odorization. As will be described later, these impurities can be reduced by the second gas treatment system 210.

[0066] The hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen gas 201 is, for example, 70% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less, in one specific example, 80% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less, and more specifically, 90% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less. In this numerical example, the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen gas 201 is specifically the concentration at the inlet of the second gas processing system 210.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the hydrogen gas 201 is pure hydrogen gas. Here, the pure hydrogen gas is a gas having a hydrogen concentration of 90% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less. The pure hydrogen gas may contain impurities in addition to hydrogen. Specifically, the hydrogen gas 201 is pure hydrogen gas at the inlet of the second gas processing system 210.

[0068] 2, the second gas processing system 210 includes a gas processing unit 211 and a controller 296. The gas processing unit 211 includes a gas processor 260, a humidifier 255, a blower 173, a valve 174, a pump 175, a pump 276, a valve 277, a flow path 280, a flow path 182, a flow path 183, a flow path 184, a flow path 281, a flow path 282, a flow path 283, and a flow path 284. The gas processor 260 includes a desulfurizer 122, a heater 230, a selective oxidizer 140, and a reformer 150. The heater 230 includes an electric heater 132.

[0069] The flow path 280 connects the infrastructure 600 and the gas processor 260. The flow path 280 carries hydrogen gas 201 from the infrastructure 600.

[0070] A blower 173 delivers air 102 to the gas processor 260 and the fuel cell 190. A valve 174 controls the flow of air 102 to the gas processor 260. In the first embodiment, in the gas processor 260, the air 102 is delivered to the selective oxidizer 140.

[0071] The flow path 184 connects the pump 175 and the gas processor 260. The pump 175 sends the water 103 to the gas processor 260.

[0072] In the gas processor 260, a desulfurizer 122, a reformer 150, and a selective oxidizer 140 are connected in this order. These points are similar to those of the gas processing unit 111. When updating from the first gas processing system 110 to the second gas processing system 210, the reformer 150 is left without being removed. This is advantageous from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of the update work.

[0073] Unlike gas processing unit 111, gas processing unit 211 does not reform hydrocarbon-containing gas in reformer 150. However, carbon may be deposited on the reforming catalyst of reformer 150 of gas processing unit 211. This carbon may have been deposited when reformer 150 was used to reform hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 in gas processing unit 111 before the update. In other words, this carbon may be evidence that first gas processing system 110 was actually used to reform hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 and was then updated to second gas processing system 210.

[0074] The desulfurizer 122 performs hydrodesulfurization of the hydrogen gas 201 using hydrogen while being heated by the heater 230. The hydrodesulfurization reduces the sulfur components contained in the hydrogen gas 201. The desulfurizer 122 is filled with a hydrodesulfurization agent. By being heated by the heater 230, the temperature of the desulfurizer 122 can be maintained in a temperature range of, for example, 200°C or higher and 300°C or lower.

[0075] Specifically, the hydrodesulfurization agent includes a hydrogen sulfide generating agent and a hydrogen sulfide adsorbent. The hydrogen sulfide generating agent converts the sulfur component of the hydrogen gas 201 into hydrogen sulfide through a hydrogenation reaction using hydrogen. The hydrogen sulfide adsorbent adsorbs hydrogen sulfide through a chemical adsorption reaction while the temperature is appropriately controlled by the heater 230. The explanations of the hydrodesulfurization agent, hydrogen sulfide generating agent, hydrogenation reaction, hydrogen sulfide adsorbent, and chemical adsorption reaction in the first gas treatment system 110 can be applied to the second gas treatment system 210.

[0076] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the electric heater 132, and the desulfurizer 122 performs hydrodesulfurization of the hydrogen gas 201.

[0077] In the desulfurizer 122 in the gas processing unit 211, the hydrogen in the hydrogen gas 201 is subjected to hydrodesulfurization, specifically, a hydrogenation reaction. Therefore, in the gas processing unit 211, the flow path 187 of the gas processing unit 111 can be omitted.

[0078] The selective oxidizer 140 performs selective oxidation of the hydrogen gas 201 using the air 102. That is, the selective oxidizer 140 causes a selective oxidation reaction of the hydrogen gas 201 using the air 102. The selective oxidation reduces carbon monoxide and / or ammonia contained in the hydrogen gas 201. The selective oxidizer 140 is filled with a selective oxidation catalyst. The description of the selective oxidation catalyst and the selective oxidation reaction in the first gas treatment system 110 can be applied to the second gas treatment system 210.

[0079] The flow path 281 connects the gas processor 260, the point 215, the pump 276, the humidifier 255, and the fuel cell 190 in this order. Hydrogen gas 201 that has been subjected to hydrodesulfurization and selective oxidation in the gas processor 260 is output to the flow path 281. The pump 276 sends the hydrogen gas 201 to the humidifier 255 and the fuel cell 190.

[0080] The flow path 282 connects the gas processor 260 and the humidifier 255. The water 103 that has passed through the flow path 184 and the gas processor 260 is output to the flow path 282.

[0081] The humidifier 255 humidifies the hydrogen gas 201 using water 103. Specifically, the water 103 being pumped by the pump 175 is heated by the heater 230 to become water vapor, and then the water 103 is supplied to the humidifier 255. In the humidifier 255, the hydrogen gas 201 is humidified by the water vapor. Humidification can contribute to efficient and stable power generation by the fuel cell 190. In the first embodiment, heating by the heater 230 is specifically heating by the electric heater 132.

[0082] Thus, in embodiment 1, pump 175, which was used for the reforming reaction of hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 in gas processing unit 111, is used in gas processing unit 211 for humidifying hydrogen gas 201 rather than for the reforming reaction of hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. Electric heater 132, which was used for heating desulfurizer 122 in gas processing unit 111, is used in gas processing unit 211 for humidifying hydrogen gas 201 in addition to heating desulfurizer 122.

[0083] The fuel cell 190 generates electricity using the air 102 and the hydrogen gas 201. In this manner, the fuel cell 190 generates electricity using the hydrogen gas 201 output from the second gas processing system 210.

[0084] Flow path 283 connects fuel cell 190, point 216, and valve 277 in this order. In the first embodiment, valve 277 is an on-off valve. Here, the on-off valve is a valve whose opening degree can be set to one of two values, 0% and 100%.

[0085] By opening the valve 277, the anode off-gas 106 from the fuel cell 190 can be discharged to the outside of the second fuel cell system 200. This discharge may be referred to as purging. The valve 277 may be referred to as a purge valve.

[0086] Flow path 284 is connected to flow path 283 at point 216 and to flow path 281 at point 215. Anode off-gas 106 flows from point 216 through flow path 284 to point 215. This allows the hydrogen in anode off-gas 106 to be used for power generation in the fuel cell 190.

[0087] The second fuel cell system 200 includes a control device 295. The control device 295 includes a controller 296 and a controller 298.

[0088] As described above, controller 296 is included in second gas processing system 210. Controller 296 controls gas processing unit 211. For example, controller 296 controls blower 173, valve 174, pump 175, pump 276, valve 277, and heater 230. Specifically, controller 296 controls electric heater 132.

[0089] The controller 298 controls the fuel cell 190. Specifically, the controller 298 sets the fuel cell 190 to a power generating state or a stopped state.

[0090] In control device 295, controller 296 and controller 298 may operate in cooperation. For example, controller 296 monitors the feed gas supplied to gas processing unit 211. In appropriate circumstances, the feed gas is hydrogen gas 201. In cases such as when second gas processing system 210 is misconnected to an inappropriate gas source, the feed gas may be a gas other than hydrogen gas 201. For example, if second gas processing system 210 is connected to infrastructure 500 instead of infrastructure 600, the feed gas would be hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. Controller 298 enables or disables fuel cell 190 from generating electricity depending on the results of the monitoring.

[0091] Furthermore, the control device 295 issues an alert in accordance with the monitoring result. Specifically, the control device 295 executes the alert in cooperation with an alert device (not shown). The alert may be the output of sound and / or visual information. The alert device may include a speaker and / or a display. Specifically, the alert may be issued by the controller 296 and / or the controller 298. These descriptions regarding alerts may also be applied to the following configuration examples.

[0092] The second fuel cell system 200 is a system designed for hydrogen gas, not hydrocarbon-containing gas. In one configuration example of the first embodiment, the second fuel cell system 200 is configured to permit power generation by the fuel cell 190 in a first case. The second fuel cell system 200 is also configured to prohibit power generation by the fuel cell 190 and / or to notify an abnormality in a second case. In the first case, the hydrogen concentration in the supply gas supplied to the gas processing unit 211 is higher and the hydrocarbon concentration in the supply gas is lower than in the second case. The above permission, prohibition, and notification are performed by the control device 295. Here, the hydrogen concentration and hydrocarbon concentration are expressed in units of volume percent. In the above context, the hydrogen and hydrocarbon concentrations in the supply gas are specifically the concentrations at the inlet of the second gas processing system 210.

[0093] The expression "permitting fuel cell 190 to generate power in the first case" will be explained below. This expression encompasses not only a mode in which fuel cell 190 is permitted to generate power for the entire period of the first case, but also a mode in which fuel cell 190 is permitted to generate power for only a part of the period of the first case. For example, this expression encompasses a mode in which control device 295 or the like detects that the first case is occurring partway through the period of the first case, and this detection triggers permission to generate power for fuel cell 190, thereby switching fuel cell 190 from a stopped state to a power generating state.

[0094] The expression "prohibiting power generation by fuel cell 190 in the second case" will be explained below. This expression encompasses not only a form in which power generation by fuel cell 190 is prohibited throughout the entire period of the second case, but also a form in which power generation by fuel cell 190 is prohibited only for a portion of the period of the second case. For example, this expression encompasses a form in which the control device 295 or the like detects that the second case is occurring midway through the period of the second case, and this detection triggers the prohibition of power generation by fuel cell 190, thereby switching fuel cell 190 from a power generating state to a stopped state.

[0095] For example, in the first case, the hydrogen concentration in the feed gas is 70% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less, and the hydrocarbon concentration in the feed gas is 0% by volume or more and less than 30% by volume. Specifically, in the first case, the hydrogen concentration in the feed gas is 80% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less, and the hydrocarbon concentration in the feed gas is 0% by volume or more and less than 20% by volume. More specifically, in the first case, the hydrogen concentration in the feed gas is 90% by volume or more and 100% by volume or less, and the hydrocarbon concentration in the feed gas is 0% by volume or more and less than 10% by volume.

[0096] For example, in the second case, the hydrogen concentration in the feed gas is 0% to less than 40% by volume, and the hydrocarbon concentration in the feed gas is 60% to 100% by volume. Specifically, in the second case, the hydrogen concentration in the feed gas is 0% to less than 30% by volume, and the hydrocarbon concentration in the feed gas is 70% to 100% by volume. More specifically, in the second case, the hydrogen concentration in the feed gas is 0% to less than 20% by volume, and the hydrocarbon concentration in the feed gas is 80% to 100% by volume.

[0097] The control device 295 can be configured to determine whether the first or second case exists, an example of which is described below.

[0098] The controller 296 includes a processor and a memory. The controller 298 includes a processor and a memory. In the first embodiment, a second processor serves as both the processor of the controller 296 and the processor of the controller 298. A second memory serves as both the memory of the controller 296 and the memory of the controller 298. The controllers 296 and 298 are not physically distinct, and are realized by a second device using a second control board.

[0099] The controller 296 includes software S GAS2 Software S is installed. GAS2 The controller 298 implements the function of controlling the gas processing unit 211.FC2 Software S is installed. FC2 realizes the function of controlling the fuel cell 190.

[0100] The memory of the controller 296 stores the software S GAS2 The processor of the controller 296 executes the software S GAS2 The memory of the controller 298 stores the software S FC2 The processor of the controller 298 executes the software S FC2 Execute.

[0101] The update from the first gas processing system 110 to the second gas processing system 210 includes a hardware update and a software update.

[0102] In embodiment 1, the hardware updates include removing the desulfurizer 121, removing the switch 171, removing the pump 172, removing the fan 176, removing the combustor 131, adding a pump 276, and adding a humidifier 255.

[0103] In the first embodiment, the software update is performed by the software S GAS1 From Software S GAS2 Also, software updates include updates to Software S FC1 From Software S FC2 Includes updates to.

[0104] Software S GAS1 From Software S GAS2 The update to the controller 296 is performed by installing software S GAS2 This can be done by transmitting the software S FC1 From Software S FC2 The update to the controller 298 is performed by installing software S FC2 In the first embodiment, these transmissions are made on-site at the location where the second gas processing system 120 is to be installed.

[0105] In the first embodiment, physically, the device constituting the controller 196 in the first gas processing system 110 is used as the device constituting the controller 296 in the second gas processing system 210. GAS2 By transmitting the software S GAS1 From Software S GAS2 In the first embodiment, this transmission occurs on-site where the second gas processing system 120 is to be installed.

[0106] In the first embodiment, physically, the device constituting the controller 198 in the first gas processing system 110 is used as the device constituting the controller 298 in the second gas processing system 210. FC2 By transmitting the software S FC1 From Software S FC2 In the first embodiment, this transmission occurs on-site where the second gas processing system 120 is to be installed.

[0107] Specifically, in the first embodiment, physically, the first device is used as the second device, the first control board is used as the second control board, the first processor is used as the second processor, and the first memory is used as the second memory.

[0108] In one specific example, a device constituting controller 196 in first gas processing system 110 is physically reused as a device constituting controller 296 in second gas processing system 210. Specifically, the processor and memory of controller 196 in first gas processing system 110 are physically reused as the processor and memory of controller 296 in second gas processing system 210. When the processor belongs to controller 196 of first gas processing system 110, it counts the accumulated time that reformer 150 has been used to reform hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. When the memory belongs to controller 196 of first gas processing system 110, it records this accumulated time. The accumulated time recorded in the memory is greater than zero. After this recording, an update is performed. The accumulated time information in the memory is retained after the update. As a result, even though the memory resides in controller 296 of second gas processing system 210, it will contain information indicating that the cumulative time reformer 150 has been used to reform hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is greater than zero, which may be evidence that first gas processing system 110 was actually used to reform hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 and was subsequently updated to second gas processing system 210.

[0109] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a second gas processing system 210 for hydrogen gas that can be rationally obtained by updating a first gas processing system 110 for hydrocarbon-containing gas, which includes a reformer 150. In particular, in the first embodiment, the reformer 150 is present in both the gas processing unit 111 and the gas processing unit 211. This can contribute to streamlining the update. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0110] Other embodiments will be described below. In the following, the same or similar elements in the already described embodiment and the embodiment to be described thereafter will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. The descriptions of the respective embodiments may be mutually applicable unless technically inconsistent. The respective embodiments may be combined with each other unless technically inconsistent.

[0111] (Embodiment 2) 3 is a circuit diagram of the second gas processing system 210 in the second embodiment. The second gas processing system 210 is a system after an update. The update from the first gas processing system 110 to the second gas processing system 210 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0112] [Second fuel cell system 200 (updated)] As shown in FIG. 3, in the gas processing unit 211 of the second gas processing system 210, the heater 230 includes a combustor 131 and an electric heater 132.

[0113] The flow path 185 connects the fan 176 and the gas processor 260. The fan 176 sends the air 104 to the gas processor 260. In the second embodiment, in the gas processor 260, the air 104 is sent to the combustor 131.

[0114] In the second embodiment, the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the heater 230, and thereby hydrodesulfurization of the hydrogen gas 201 is performed in the desulfurizer 122. Specifically, in a startup period in which the gas processor 260 is started up, the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the electric heater 132 of the heater 230. In a period after the startup period, the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the combustor 131 of the heater 230. In the second embodiment, the temperature of the desulfurizer 122 increases in the startup period. In the latter period, the temperature of the desulfurizer 122 is controlled to follow a constant target value. The constant target value is, for example, 200°C or higher and 300°C or lower.

[0115] The flow path 188 connects the fuel cell 190 and the gas processor 260. The anode off-gas 106 from the fuel cell 190 passes through the flow path 188 and is supplied to the gas processor 260. In the gas processor 260, the anode off-gas 106 is supplied to the combustor 131.

[0116] The combustor 131 combusts the air 104 and the anode off-gas 106. This generates heat. The generated heat can be used to heat the desulfurizer 122, heat the water 103 for humidifying the hydrogen gas 201, and the like.

[0117] The flow path 189 is connected to the gas processor 260. The exhaust gas 107 from the combustor 131 passes through the flow path 189 and is discharged to the outside of the second fuel cell system 200.

[0118] The humidifier 255 humidifies the hydrogen gas 201 using water 103. Specifically, the water 103 being pumped by the pump 175 is heated by the heater 230 to become water vapor, and then the water is supplied to the humidifier 255. In the humidifier 255, the hydrogen gas 201 is humidified by the water vapor.

[0119] In the second embodiment, specifically, during the startup period in which the gas processor 260 is started up, the desulfurizer 122 may be heated by the electric heater 132 of the heater 230. During the period after the startup period, the water 103 may be heated by the combustor 131 of the heater 230 and / or the electric heater 132.

[0120] Thus, in the second embodiment, the pump 175 that was used for the reforming reaction of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 in the gas processing unit 111 is used for humidifying the hydrogen gas 201 in the gas processing unit 211, rather than for the reforming reaction of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. The electric heater 132 that was used for heating the desulfurizer 122 in the gas processing unit 111 is used for heating the desulfurizer 122 and humidifying the hydrogen gas 201 in the gas processing unit 211. The combustor 131 that was used for the reforming reaction of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 and heating the desulfurizer 122 in the gas processing unit 111 is used for heating the desulfurizer 122 and humidifying the hydrogen gas 201 in the gas processing unit 211, rather than for the reforming reaction of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101.

[0121] The controller 296 controls the gas processing unit 211. For example, the controller 296 controls the blower 173, the valve 174, the pump 175, the fan 176, the pump 276, and the heater 230. Specifically, the controller 296 controls the combustor 131 and the electric heater 132.

[0122] In the second embodiment, the hardware update includes removing the desulfurizer 121, removing the switch 171, removing the pump 172, adding a pump 276, and adding a humidifier 255.

[0123] (Processing of Embodiments 1 and 2, setting operation of controller 296, updates, etc.) As can be understood from the above description, in the first and second embodiments, the hydrogen gas 201 is supplied to the gas processing unit 211. The gas processing unit 211 can perform at least one process for adjusting the components of the hydrogen gas 201. Specifically, the at least one process can be (a) a process for desulfurizing hydrogen gas 201; (b) a process of selectively oxidizing hydrogen gas 201; and (c) Humidifying the hydrogen gas 201 In this context, "adjusting the components of the hydrogen gas 201" is a concept that includes reducing the sulfur components, reducing carbon monoxide, reducing ammonia, and increasing moisture in the hydrogen gas 201. The treatment (a) may specifically be a treatment for desulfurizing impurities in the hydrogen gas 201. The desulfurization in (a) may specifically be hydrodesulfurization. The treatment (b) may specifically be a treatment for selectively oxidizing impurities in the hydrogen gas 201.

[0124] Some hydrogen-utilizing devices, such as fuel cells, can be adversely affected by impurities supplied thereto. In this regard, according to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to reduce the impurities in the hydrogen gas 201 by adjusting the components of the hydrogen gas 201. This makes it less likely that the hydrogen-utilizing device that receives the hydrogen gas 201 from the gas processing unit 211 will be adversely affected by the impurities. For example, when the hydrogen-utilizing device is a fuel cell 190, this benefit can be enjoyed.

[0125] Specifically, hydrogen gas 201 having low sulfur content, low carbon monoxide content, and low ammonia content can be beneficial for the hydrogen gas 201 supplied to the fuel cell 190, because it makes it easier to avoid irreversible deterioration and temporary performance degradation of the fuel cell 190.

[0126] Furthermore, it may be beneficial for the hydrogen gas 201 to be supplied to the fuel cell 190 if the hydrogen gas 201 contains an appropriate amount of moisture, since this allows the fuel cell 190 to generate electricity efficiently and stably.

[0127] In the first and second embodiments, the controller 296 sets whether or not to cause the gas processing unit 211 to perform at least one of the above processes. In the first and second embodiments, the above setting determines whether or not to perform at least one process for adjusting the composition of the hydrogen gas 201 in the gas processing unit 211. With this configuration, the process for adjusting the composition of the hydrogen gas 201 can be performed as needed. Therefore, when the initial quality of the hydrogen gas 201 does not reach the required level for the fuel cell 190, it is possible to improve the quality of the hydrogen gas 201. Furthermore, when the initial quality of the hydrogen gas 201 reaches the required level, omitting the process can avoid energy consumption, enabling efficient operation of the second gas processing system 210. As can be understood from these descriptions, the controller 296 also functions as a setter.

[0128] In the first and second embodiments, the gas processing unit 211 includes a desulfurizer 122 and a heater 230. The desulfurizer 122 performs hydrodesulfurization of the hydrogen gas 201. The heater 230 heats the desulfurizer 122. At least one process includes a process of heating the desulfurizer 122 by the heater 230 so that hydrodesulfurization is performed. The controller 296 sets whether or not to cause the heater 230 to perform a heat generation operation so that the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the heater 230 and hydrodesulfurization is performed.

[0129] In the first embodiment, the heater 230 includes an electric heater 132. The electric heater 132 heats the desulfurizer 122. At least one process includes a process of heating the desulfurizer 122 by the electric heater 132 so that hydrodesulfurization is performed. The controller 296 sets whether or not to cause the electric heater 132 to perform a heat generation operation so that the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the electric heater 132 and hydrodesulfurization is performed.

[0130] In the second embodiment, the heater 230 includes a combustor 131. The combustor 131 heats the desulfurizer 122. The gas processing unit 211 includes a first air supplier. The first air supplier supplies air 104 to the combustor 131. The at least one process includes a process of supplying air 104 to the combustor 131 by the first air supplier so that the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the combustor 131 and hydrodesulfurization is performed. The controller 296 sets whether or not to cause the first air supplier to perform an operation of sending air 104 to the combustor 131 so that the desulfurizer 122 is heated by the combustor 131 and hydrodesulfurization is performed. Specifically, the first air supplier is a fan 176.

[0131] In embodiments 1 and 2, the gas processing unit 211 includes a selective oxidizer 140 and a second air supplier. The selective oxidizer 140 performs selective oxidation of hydrogen gas 201. The second air supplier supplies air 102 to the selective oxidizer 140. At least one process includes a process of supplying air 102 to the selective oxidizer 140 by the second air supplier so that selective oxidation is performed by the selective oxidizer 140. The controller 296 sets whether to cause the second air supplier to perform an operation of sending air 102 to the selective oxidizer 140 so that selective oxidation is performed by the selective oxidizer 140. The second air supplier specifically includes a blower 173, and more specifically includes the blower 173 and a valve 174.

[0132] In the first and second embodiments, the gas processing unit 211 includes a water supplier and a humidifier 255. The water supplier supplies the humidifier 255 with water 103 to be used for humidifying the hydrogen gas 201. At least one process includes a process of supplying the water 103 to the humidifier 255 by the water supplier so that humidification is performed in the humidifier 255. The controller 296 sets whether or not to cause the water supplier to perform an operation of supplying the water 103 to the humidifier 255 so that humidification is performed in the humidifier 255. Specifically, the water supplier is a pump 175. Specifically, the supply of the water 103 is the pumping of the water 103.

[0133] In the first and second embodiments, the gas processing unit 211 includes a heater 230. The heater 230 heats the water 103 being supplied to the humidifier 255 by the water supplier. At least one process includes a process of heating the water 103 being supplied to the humidifier 255 by the water supplier with the heater 230, so that humidification is performed in the humidifier 255. The controller 296 sets whether or not to cause the heater 230 to perform a heat generating operation, so that the water 103 being supplied to the humidifier 255 by the water supplier is heated by the heater 230, so that humidification is performed in the humidifier 255. The heater 230 may include a combustor 131 and / or an electric heater 132.

[0134] In the manufacturing method of the second gas processing system 210 according to the first and second embodiments, the second gas processing system 210 is manufactured by modifying the first gas processing system 110 into the second gas processing system 210. The first gas processing system 110 includes a gas processing unit 111. A hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is supplied to the gas processing unit 111. The gas processing unit 111 includes a reformer 150. The reformer 150 produces a hydrogen-containing gas 105 from the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. The second gas processing system 210 includes a gas processing unit 211 and a controller 296. The hydrogen gas 201 is supplied to the gas processing unit 211. The gas processing unit 211 includes the reformer 150. The gas processing unit 211 is capable of performing at least one process for adjusting the components of the hydrogen gas 201 using at least one device inherited from the gas processing unit 111. The controller 296 configures whether or not the gas processing unit 211 performs at least one process. GAS2 In particular, this step includes a step of installing the software S GAS2 According to this configuration, by having gas processing unit 211 perform at least one function taken over from gas processing unit 111, it is possible to set whether or not to perform at least one process for adjusting the components of hydrogen gas 201.

[0135] As described above, in one aspect of the update, the device constituting the controller 196 in the first gas processing system 110 is physically reused as the device constituting the controller 296 in the second gas processing system 210. GAS1 From Software S GAS2 Update to the device software S GAS2 The construction of the second gas processing system 210 through such an update may be considered as a "method of manufacturing the second gas processing system 210."

[0136] As will be described later, in one aspect of the update, the device constituting the controller 196 and the device constituting the controller 296 are physically different. The device constituting the controller 196 is physically replaced with the device constituting the controller 296. Building the second gas processing system 210 through such an update may be considered a "method of manufacturing the second gas processing system 210."

[0137] At least one device transferred from gas processing unit 111 to gas processing unit 211 may include desulfurizer 122. In this case, the at least one process may include a process of desulfurizing hydrogen gas 201. Specifically, the at least one device may include desulfurizer 122 and heater 230. Heater 230 may include combustor 131 and / or electric heater 132. When at least one device includes combustor 131, the at least one device may include a first air supplier. Specifically, the desulfurization may be hydrodesulfurization. Specifically, the first air supplier may be fan 176.

[0138] At least one device transferred from gas processing unit 111 to gas processing unit 211 may include selective oxidizer 140. In this case, the at least one process may include a process of selectively oxidizing hydrogen gas 201. Specifically, the at least one device may include selective oxidizer 140 and a second air supplier. The second air supplier may include blower 173. Specifically, the second air supplier may include blower 173 and valve 174.

[0139] At least one device passed from gas processing unit 111 to gas processing unit 211 may include a water supplier. In this case, the at least one process may include a process of humidifying hydrogen gas 201. Specifically, the at least one device may include a water supplier and a heater 230. The water supplier may specifically be pump 175. The heater 230 may include combustor 131 and / or electric heater 132. When the at least one device includes combustor 131, the at least one device may include a first air supplier. The first air supplier may specifically be fan 176.

[0140] (Technologies applicable to the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3 and embodiments 1 and 2) The switch 171 may be configured using a plurality of on-off valves or a plurality of flow rate adjustment valves. The valves 174, 177, and 277 may be flow rate adjustment valves or on-off valves.

[0141] The combustor 131 may combust a hydrocarbon-containing gas that is supplied separately from the anode off-gas 106. This hydrocarbon-containing gas may be the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101.

[0142] The heater 230 may include the combustor 131 but not the electric heater 132 .

[0143] It is also possible to configure the second fuel cell system 200 so that the hydrogen gas 201 can be humidified without using the water 103 and the pump 175. In one example, moisture is exchanged between the hydrogen gas 201 and the cooling water of the fuel cell via a humidifying membrane (not shown). This humidifies the hydrogen gas 201.

[0144] One air supplier may serve as both the first air supplier and the second air supplier.

[0145] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the second fuel cell system 200 is a system designed for hydrogen gas, not hydrocarbon-containing gas. In one configuration example of the first and second embodiments, the second fuel cell system 200 is configured to permit power generation by the fuel cell 190 in a first case. The second fuel cell system 200 is also configured to prohibit power generation by the fuel cell 190 and / or to notify of an abnormality in a second case. As described above, the control device 295 can be configured to determine whether the first case or the second case exists. Examples of this configuration (first and second configuration examples) will be described below.

[0146] (First configuration example) In the first configuration example, the gas processing unit 211 maintains the reforming function that the gas processing unit 111 had. In normal operation, the control device 295 causes the fuel cell 190 to generate electricity using operating parameters that assume the first case. The amount of electricity generated by the fuel cell 190 depends on the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell 190.

[0147] For example, consider a case where the feed gas supplied to the gas processing unit 211 is pure linear saturated hydrocarbons and the reforming reaction proceeds according to Equation 3. In this case, the reforming reaction produces hydrogen in an amount approximately ((m / 2)+n) times the amount of linear saturated hydrocarbons in the feed gas, and this hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 190. For example, if the feed gas is methane, approximately three times the amount of hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 190. On the other hand, consider a case where the feed gas supplied to the gas processing unit 211 is pure hydrogen. In this case, substantially the same amount of hydrogen as the feed gas is supplied to the fuel cell 190. For this reason, under conditions where the amount of hydrogen supplied and the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 190 are the same, a larger amount of feed gas is required when the feed gas is pure hydrogen than when the feed gas is pure linear saturated hydrocarbons.

[0148] Generalizing the above discussion, under the condition that the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell 190 and the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 190 are the same, a larger amount of supply gas is required when the supply gas is hydrogen gas 201 than when the supply gas is hydrocarbon-containing gas 101. More generally, under this condition, a larger amount of supply gas is required when the supply gas is assumed to be the first case than when the supply gas is assumed to be the second case.

[0149] Based on this, in the first configuration example, the control device 295 can execute the following test operation: That is, during the test operation, the control device 295 monitors the power generation state of the fuel cell 190 while issuing commands to the fuel cell 190 to generate power with operating parameters that assume the second case rather than the first case.

[0150] Consider a case where, even though operating parameters assuming the second case are adopted, supply gas assuming the first case is supplied to gas processing unit 211. In this case, the fuel cell 190 may not receive enough hydrogen, and phenomena resulting from the lack of hydrogen, such as poor power generation or inability to generate power, may occur. When this phenomenon occurs, control device 295 determines that the correct supply gas, i.e., the supply gas assuming the first case (e.g., hydrogen gas 201), is being supplied.

[0151] On the other hand, consider a case where operating parameters assuming the second case are adopted and a supply gas assuming the second case is supplied to the gas processing unit 211. In this case, the fuel cell 190 is supplied with just the right amount of hydrogen, and normal power generation can be performed. If this phenomenon occurs, the control device 295 determines that an incorrect supply gas, i.e., a supply gas assuming the second case (e.g., hydrocarbon-containing gas 101), is being supplied.

[0152] (Second configuration example) Furthermore, (e1) the relationship between the command value and the actual value of the gas flow rate in the pump 276 may change due to differences in the type of supply gas, differences in the amount of gas supplied to the pump 276, etc., between the case where the supply gas is assumed to be in the first case and the case where the supply gas is assumed to be in the second case. Furthermore, (e2) the detected value of a temperature sensor (not shown), (e3) the detected value of a pressure sensor (not shown), (e4) the detected value of a flow rate sensor (not shown), etc. may change between the former case and the latter case. The sensors (e2) to (e4) are provided, for example, in the flow path 281. The control device 295 may be configured to determine whether the current state is the first case or the second case based on at least one selected from the group consisting of (e1) to (e4).

[0153] The determination according to the first configuration example and the determination according to the second configuration example may be combined. For example, the control device 295 may be configured to determine whether the first case or the second case exists based on the degree of power generation failure of the fuel cell 190 and at least one selected from the group consisting of (e1) to (e4).

[0154] The processor of controller 196 and the processor of controller 198 may be separate from each other. The memory of controller 196 and the memory of controller 198 may be separate from each other. The control board of controller 196 and the control board of controller 198 may be separate from each other. The devices constituting controller 196 and the devices constituting controller 198 may be separate from each other.

[0155] The processor of controller 296 and the processor of controller 298 may be separate from each other. The memory of controller 296 and the memory of controller 298 may be separate from each other. The control board of controller 296 and the control board of controller 298 may be separate from each other. The devices constituting controller 296 and the devices constituting controller 298 may be separate from each other.

[0156] The device that constitutes the controller 196 and the device that constitutes the controller 296 may be physically different. In this case, the device that constitutes the controller 296 may also be provided with the software S GAS2 By transmitting GAS2 After that, the device constituting the controller 196 is physically replaced with the device constituting the controller 296. Such an update is also possible. In this case, the software S GAS2 The transmission may be performed on-site at the site where the second gas processing system 120 is to be installed, or may be performed at a factory or the like instead of on-site.

[0157] The device that constitutes the controller 198 and the device that constitutes the controller 298 may be physically different. In this case, the device that constitutes the controller 298 may also include the software S FC2 By transmitting FC2After that, the device constituting the controller 198 is physically replaced with the device constituting the controller 298. Such an update is also possible. In this case, the software S FC2 The transmission may be performed on-site at the site where the second gas processing system 120 is to be installed, or may be performed at a factory or the like instead of on-site.

[0158] It is possible that no updates are made from controller 198 to controller 298. That is, the second gas processing system 210 may include controller 198 instead of controller 298.

[0159] The fuel cell 190 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC).

[0160] The supply source of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 101 is not limited to the infrastructure 500. The supply source may be a tank. An example of a tank is an LP gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) tank. In this specification, no distinction is made between a tank and a cylinder. Unless otherwise contradictory, the "infrastructure 500" in the description of the example in FIG. 1 can be read as a "supply source" or a "tank."

[0161] The supply source of the hydrogen gas 201 is not limited to the infrastructure 600. The supply source may be a tank. Unless otherwise contradictory, the "infrastructure 600" in the explanations of the examples in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be read as a "supply source" or a "tank."

[0162] In the examples of Figures 1 to 3, a fuel cell 190 is used as the hydrogen-utilizing equipment. However, the hydrogen-utilizing equipment is not limited to the fuel cell 190. Another example of the hydrogen-utilizing equipment is a hydrogen engine. Unless otherwise specified, the "fuel cell 190" in the explanations of the examples of Figures 1 to 3 can be read as "hydrogen-utilizing equipment" or "hydrogen engine."

[0163] (Addendum) The present disclosure provides the following techniques.

[0164] (Technology 1) a gas processing unit including a reformer, the gas processing unit being supplied with hydrogen gas and capable of performing at least one process to adjust the composition of the hydrogen gas; a controller that sets whether or not the gas processing unit is to perform the at least one process; Gas treatment system.

[0165] (Technology 2) The at least one process comprises: (a) desulfurizing the hydrogen gas; (b) selectively oxidizing the hydrogen gas; and (c) humidifying the hydrogen gas At least one selected from the group consisting of: 10. The gas treatment system according to claim 1.

[0166] (Technology 3) The gas processing unit comprises: a desulfurizer that performs hydrodesulfurization of the hydrogen gas; a heater that heats the desulfurizer, The at least one treatment includes a treatment of heating the desulfurizer by the heater so that the hydrodesulfurization is performed. 3. The gas processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

[0167] (Technology 4) the heater includes a combustor that heats the desulfurizer, the gas processing unit includes an air supplier that supplies air to the combustor; 3. The gas treatment system according to claim 2.

[0168] (Technology 5) The heater includes an electric heater that heats the desulfurizer. 5. The gas processing system according to claim 3 or 4.

[0169] (Technology 6) The gas processing unit comprises: a selective oxidizer for selectively oxidizing the hydrogen gas; an air supplier that supplies air to the selective oxidizer; the at least one treatment includes a treatment of supplying the air to the selective oxidizer by the air supplier so that the selective oxidation is performed by the selective oxidizer; 6. A gas processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0170] (Technology 7) the gas processing unit includes a water supplier that supplies water to be used for humidifying the hydrogen gas; the at least one process includes a process of supplying the water by the water supplier so that the humidification is performed; 7. A gas processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0171] (Technology 8) The gas processing unit comprises: a water supplier that supplies water for humidifying the hydrogen gas; a heater that heats the water being supplied by the water supplier; The at least one treatment includes a treatment of heating the water being supplied by the water supplier with the heater so that the humidification is performed. 8. A gas processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0172] (Technology 9) The hydrogen gas is pure hydrogen gas. 9. A gas processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0173] (Technology 10) Carbon is attached to the reforming catalyst of the reformer. 10. A gas processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0174] (Technology 11) the controller includes a memory; The memory stores information indicating that the cumulative time that the reformer has been used to reform a hydrocarbon-containing gas is greater than zero. 11. A gas processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0175] (Technology 12) A gas processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a fuel cell that generates electricity using the hydrogen gas output from the gas processing system. Fuel cell system.

[0176] (Technology 13) The fuel cell system includes: In a first case, permitting the fuel cell to generate power; In the second case, the device is configured to prohibit power generation by the fuel cell and / or notify an abnormality, In the first case, the concentration of hydrogen in the feed gas supplied to the gas processing unit is higher and the concentration of hydrocarbons in the feed gas is lower than in the second case. 13. The fuel cell system according to claim 12.

[0177] (Technology 14) 1. A method of operating a gas processing system having a gas processing unit including a reformer, comprising: supplying hydrogen gas to the gas processing unit; and determining whether to perform at least one process for adjusting the composition of the hydrogen gas in the gas processing unit. How to drive.

[0178] (Technology 15) 1. A method of manufacturing a second gas processing system by modifying a first gas processing system into the second gas processing system, comprising: the first gas processing system comprises a first gas processing unit; the first gas processing unit is supplied with a hydrocarbon-containing gas; the first gas processing unit includes a reformer that produces a hydrogen-containing gas from the hydrocarbon-containing gas; the second gas processing system comprises a second gas processing unit and a controller; The second gas processing unit is supplied with hydrogen gas; the second gas processing unit is capable of performing at least one process for adjusting the composition of the hydrogen gas using at least one device transferred from the first gas processing unit to the second gas processing unit; the controller determines whether the second gas processing unit is to perform the at least one process; the manufacturing method includes installing software that enables the setting; Manufacturing method.

[0179] (Technology 16) and loading the software includes receiving the software into a device that constitutes the controller. The manufacturing method described in Technology 15. [Industrial Applicability]

[0180] The technology disclosed herein makes it possible to rationally update previously widespread gas treatment systems designed for hydrocarbon-containing gases to gas treatment systems designed for hydrogen gas. For example, in Germany, the Building Energy Act (GEG) will, in principle, prohibit the installation of oil-fired and coal-fired heating systems in new and existing buildings from 2026 onward. However, hydrogen-ready equipment can continue to be installed even after 2026. The technology disclosed herein can realize hydrogen-ready equipment. Here, "hydrogen-ready equipment" refers to equipment that can continue to be used even if the situation changes to one in which hydrogen gas is supplied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 100, 200 fuel cell system 101 Hydrocarbon-containing gases 102, 104 Air 103 Water 105 Hydrogen-containing gas 201 Hydrogen gas 106 Anode off-gas 107 Exhaust Gas 110, 210 Gas treatment system 111, 211 Gas Processing Unit 115, 116, 117, 118, 215, 216 points 121, 122 Desulfurizer 130, 230 heater 131 Combustor 132 Electric heater 140 Selective Oxidizer 150 Reformer 160, 260 Gas processor 171 Switch 172, 175, 276 Pumps 173 Blois 174, 177, 277 valves 176 fans 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284 Flow path 190 Fuel Cell 195, 295 control device 196, 198, 296, 298 Controller 255 Humidifier 500, 600 Infrastructure

Claims

1. a gas processing unit including a reformer, the gas processing unit being supplied with hydrogen gas and capable of performing at least one process for adjusting a composition of the hydrogen gas; a controller that sets whether or not the gas processing unit is to perform the at least one process; Gas treatment system.

2. The at least one process (a) desulfurizing the hydrogen gas; (b) selectively oxidizing the hydrogen gas; and (c) humidifying the hydrogen gas At least one selected from the group consisting of: The gas processing system of claim 1 .

3. The gas processing unit comprises: a desulfurizer that performs hydrodesulfurization of the hydrogen gas; a heater that heats the desulfurizer, the at least one treatment includes a treatment of heating the desulfurizer with the heater so that the hydrodesulfurization is performed; The gas processing system of claim 1 .

4. the heater includes a combustor that heats the desulfurizer, the gas processing unit includes an air supplier that supplies air to the combustor; The gas processing system of claim 3 .

5. The heater includes an electric heater that heats the desulfurizer. The gas processing system of claim 3 .

6. The gas processing unit comprises: a selective oxidizer for selectively oxidizing the hydrogen gas; an air supplier that supplies air to the selective oxidizer; the at least one treatment includes a treatment of supplying the air to the selective oxidizer by the air supplier so that the selective oxidation is performed by the selective oxidizer; The gas processing system of claim 1 .

7. the gas processing unit includes a water supplier that supplies water to be used for humidifying the hydrogen gas; the at least one process includes a process of supplying the water by the water supplier so that the humidification is performed; The gas processing system of claim 1 .

8. The gas processing unit comprises: a water supplier that supplies water for humidifying the hydrogen gas; a heater that heats the water being supplied by the water supplier; the at least one process includes a process of heating the water being supplied by the water supplier with the heater so that the humidification is performed; The gas processing system of claim 1 .

9. The hydrogen gas is pure hydrogen gas. The gas processing system of claim 1 .

10. Carbon is attached to the reforming catalyst of the reformer. The gas processing system of claim 1 .

11. the controller includes a memory; The memory stores information indicating that the cumulative time that the reformer has been used to reform a hydrocarbon-containing gas is greater than zero. The gas processing system of claim 1 .

12. A gas processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a fuel cell that generates electricity using the hydrogen gas output from the gas processing system. Fuel cell system.

13. The fuel cell system includes: In a first case, permitting the fuel cell to generate power; In the second case, the power generation of the fuel cell is prohibited and / or an abnormality is notified, In the first case, the concentration of hydrogen in the feed gas supplied to the gas processing unit is higher and the concentration of hydrocarbons in the feed gas is lower than in the second case. The fuel cell system of claim 12.

14. 1. A method of operating a gas processing system having a gas processing unit including a reformer, comprising: supplying hydrogen gas to the gas processing unit; and determining whether or not to perform at least one process for adjusting the composition of the hydrogen gas in the gas processing unit. How to drive.

15. 1. A method of manufacturing a second gas processing system by modifying a first gas processing system into the second gas processing system, comprising: the first gas processing system comprises a first gas processing unit; the first gas processing unit is supplied with a hydrocarbon-containing gas; the first gas processing unit includes a reformer that produces a hydrogen-containing gas from the hydrocarbon-containing gas; the second gas processing system comprises a second gas processing unit and a controller; The second gas processing unit is supplied with hydrogen gas; the second gas processing unit is capable of performing at least one process for adjusting a component of the hydrogen gas using at least one device transferred from the first gas processing unit to the second gas processing unit; the controller determines whether the second gas processing unit is to perform the at least one process; the manufacturing method includes installing software that enables the setting; Manufacturing method.

16. and loading the software includes receiving the software into a device that constitutes the controller. The method of claim 15.

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