Control device for water electrolysis device, hydrogen production device, and control method for water electrolysis device

Abstract

A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control device for a water electrolysis device, a hydrogen production device, and a control method for a water electrolysis device capable of controlling all the water electrolysis devices so as to be started in a short time.SOLUTION: In order to achieve the above object, a water electrolysis system includes a derivation unit capable of creating temperature rise curves of a plurality of water electrolysis devices, a determination unit capable of comparing the temperature rise curves and determining whether to correct the temperature rise curves, and an adjustment unit capable of adjusting at least one of an output of a heater capable of heating the water electrolysis device and an electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis device based on the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a control device for a water electrolysis device, a hydrogen production device, and a control method for a water electrolysis device. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydrogen production devices are becoming larger in scale, and it is common for multiple water electrolysis devices to be connected together and housed in a container, etc. Because multiple water electrolysis devices are housed in a container, it takes time for this hydrogen production device to go from a stopped state to a started state.

[0003] In response to this issue, a known temperature-raising method involves using a heater installed inside the water electrolysis device to raise the temperature to a certain level, then initiating the water electrolysis reaction (electrolysis reaction), and then using the heat of the reaction to raise the temperature to the rated temperature. However, when multiple water electrolysis devices are connected together, the way the temperature rises can vary from device to device due to factors such as the layout of each water electrolysis device, deterioration of the various components that make up the water electrolysis device, and deposits on the heater surface. Therefore, when attempting to control multiple hydrogen production devices under the same conditions, a problem arises in that the startup time of the entire hydrogen production device is lengthened if one of the water electrolysis devices rises in temperature relatively slowly.

[0004] Another known method is to prioritize the use of water electrolysis devices that are not degraded (have a high rate of temperature rise) when starting up a hydrogen production system. However, this method has the problem that it is not possible to start up all of the connected water electrolysis devices in a short period of time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7291915 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6888602 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a water electrolysis device control device, a hydrogen production device, and a water electrolysis device control method that are capable of controlling all water electrolysis devices so as to start up in a short time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the control device for a water electrolysis device according to this embodiment is characterized by including: a derivation unit capable of creating temperature rise curves for a plurality of water electrolysis devices; a determination unit capable of comparing the temperature rise curves and determining whether the temperature rise curves should be corrected; and an adjustment unit capable of adjusting at least one of the output of a heater capable of heating the water electrolysis devices and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis devices based on the determination.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the hydrogen production device according to this embodiment is characterized by including a plurality of water electrolysis devices capable of producing hydrogen and the above-described control device.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the method for controlling a water electrolysis device according to this embodiment includes the steps of creating temperature rise curves of a plurality of water electrolysis devices, comparing the temperature rise curves to determine whether the temperature rise curves should be corrected, and adjusting at least one of the output of a heater capable of heating the water electrolysis devices and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis devices based on the determination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hydrogen production device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]1A and 1B are graphs showing temperature rise over time of a water electrolysis device, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing temperature (hereinafter referred to as temperature rise curves), in which (a) illustrates temperature rise curves of different water electrolysis devices when controlled by a conventional control method, and (b) illustrates temperature rise curves of different water electrolysis devices when controlled by the control method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a control method and a control program for the water electrolysis apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing temperature rise curves of different water electrolysis devices when controlled by a control method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method and a control program for a water electrolysis apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing temperature rise curves of different water electrolysis devices when controlled by a control method according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method and a control program for a water electrolysis apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hydrogen production device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method and a control program for a water electrolysis apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hydrogen production device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hydrogen production device according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A water electrolysis device control device, a hydrogen production device, and a water electrolysis device control method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to in the embodiments, identical parts or parts having similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and some components may be omitted from the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) First, a hydrogen production device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen production device 1 according to the first embodiment. The hydrogen production device 1 is an apparatus configured to be able to generate hydrogen, and includes a water electrolysis device 2, a supply pipe 3, a discharge pipe 4, and a control device 5.

[0013] The water electrolysis device 2 is a device capable of generating hydrogen by electrolyzing a fluid such as water or water vapor. A plurality of water electrolysis devices 2 are provided in the hydrogen production device 1. One end of each water electrolysis device 2 is connected to a supply pipe 3, and the other end is connected to a discharge pipe 4. The water electrolysis device 2 includes a water electrolysis cell 6, a heating section pipe 7, a heater 8, and a temperature measuring device 9.

[0014] The water electrolyzer 6 is a reaction mechanism provided in the water electrolysis device 2. One end of the water electrolyzer 6 is connected to the supply pipe 3 via the heating section pipe 7, and the other end is connected to the discharge pipe 4. The water electrolyzer 6 is provided with a pair of electrodes (not shown), and by applying a voltage to these electrodes, a fluid such as water or water vapor supplied from the supply pipe 3 is electrolyzed. As a result, hydrogen is produced on the cathode side of the water electrolyzer 6, and oxygen is produced on the anode side. Examples of the type of the water electrolyzer 6 include a solid polymer membrane type, a solid oxide electrolysis type, and an alkaline type. Note that the hydrogen production device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is preferably configured to match the type of the water electrolyzer 6. For example, if the water electrolyzer 6 is a solid oxide electrolysis type, a heat insulating material (not shown) may be additionally provided in the hydrogen production device 1 to prevent heat from escaping to the surroundings.

[0015] The heating section piping 7 is provided in the water electrolysis apparatus 2 and is a piping through which fluids such as water and water vapor supplied from the supply piping 3 can flow toward the water electrolysis cell 6. One end of the heating section piping 7 is connected to the supply piping 3, and the other end is connected to the water electrolysis cell 6. The heating section piping 7 may be configured to allow fluids such as water and water vapor to flow through it, as well as to store fluids such as water and water vapor. In other words, the heating section piping 7 may be a tank that can store fluids such as water and water vapor supplied from the supply piping 3 and that can allow the stored fluids such as water and water vapor to flow toward the water electrolysis cell 6.

[0016] The heater 8 is provided in the water electrolysis apparatus 2 and is capable of heating the water electrolysis apparatus 2. The heater 8 is also capable of heating a fluid such as water or steam flowing through the heating section piping 7 or a fluid such as water or steam stored in the heating section piping 7.

[0017] The temperature measuring device 9 is a device provided in the water electrolysis device 2 and capable of measuring the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Although the first embodiment has been described by way of example with a case in which a temperature measuring device 9 is provided in each water electrolysis device 2, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one temperature measuring device 9 may be provided in multiple water electrolysis devices 2, allowing it to measure the temperatures of multiple water electrolysis devices 2. Alternatively, for example, one or more temperature measuring devices 9 may be provided in only some of the water electrolysis devices 2, allowing it to measure the temperatures of some of the water electrolysis devices 2.

[0018] The supply pipe 3 is a pipe capable of supplying a fluid such as water or water vapor to the plurality of water electrolysis devices 2. One end of the supply pipe 3 is connected to a water supply device or the like (not shown), and the other end is connected to the plurality of water electrolysis devices 2. The other end of the supply pipe 3 is connected to the plurality of water electrolysis devices 2 so that they are arranged in parallel.

[0019] The release pipe 4 is a pipe that can release hydrogen generated in the water electrolysis devices 2 from the water electrolysis devices 2. One end of the release pipe 4 is connected to the water electrolysis devices 2, and the other end is connected to a hydrogen storage device (not shown) or the like. One end of the release pipe 4 is connected to the water electrolysis devices 2 so that the water electrolysis devices 2 are arranged in parallel.

[0020] According to the above configuration, fluid such as water or steam introduced from a water supply device or the like (not shown) through the supply piping 3 to the water electrolysis device 2 is heated by the heater 8 as it passes through the heating section piping 7. Fluid such as water or steam introduced through the heating section piping 7 to the water electrolysis cell 6 is electrolyzed into hydrogen and oxygen in the water electrolysis cell 6. Thereafter, the hydrogen produced in the water electrolysis cell 6 is introduced from the water electrolysis device 2 through the discharge piping 4 to a hydrogen storage device or the like (not shown).

[0021] The control device 5 is configured to be able to control multiple water electrolysis devices 2. The control device 5 includes one or more processors (not shown) and executes software programs and / or instruction sets stored in a memory (not shown). The control device 5 includes a control unit 10, a derivation unit 11, a determination unit 12, and an adjustment unit 13.

[0022] Here, the control device 5 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with further reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows graphs (hereinafter referred to as temperature rise curves) of the temperature rise over time of the water electrolysis device 2, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing temperature, in which (a) illustrates a different temperature rise curve of the water electrolysis device 2 when controlled using a conventional control method, and (b) illustrates a different temperature rise curve of the water electrolysis device 2 when controlled using the control method according to the first embodiment. The time referred to here refers to the time when the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 1 is set to 0.

[0023] When the water electrolysis device 2 is heated along the temperature rise curve A in Figure 2(a), the water electrolysis device 2 is heated by the heater 8 until the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 reaches the water electrolysis start temperature C1. When the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 reaches the water electrolysis start temperature C1, a voltage is applied to the water electrolysis device 2, and electrolysis of a fluid such as water or steam is initiated in the water electrolysis cell 6. The water electrolysis device 2 is then further heated by the heat supplied from the heater 8 and the reaction heat associated with the electrolysis of the fluid such as water or steam. As a result, the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 reaches the system rated temperature C2 in the system rated time T1.

[0024] On the other hand, when the water electrolysis device 2 is heated along temperature rise curve B, the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 rises to the system rated temperature C2 more slowly than in the case of temperature rise curve A. That is, in the case of temperature rise curve B, the water electrolysis device 2 reaches the system rated temperature C2 at a system rated time T2 that is later than the system rated time T1. As described above, when the hydrogen production device 1 is controlled using a conventional control method, the water electrolysis devices 2 constituting the hydrogen production device 1 may rise in temperature in different ways, and the time it takes for each water electrolysis device 2 to reach the system rated temperature C2 may differ. This occurs due to problems such as the arrangement of the water electrolysis devices 2, deterioration of the various devices constituting the water electrolysis device 2, or deposits on the surface of the heater 8.

[0025] In order to address the above-mentioned circumstances, the control device 5 according to the first embodiment is a device for controlling all of the water electrolysis devices 2 so that they reach the system rated temperature C2 in a short period of time.

[0026] The temperature rise curve shown in FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 at the start of startup (time 0) is lower than the water electrolysis starting temperature C1. However, the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 at the start of startup (time 0) may be equal to or higher than the water electrolysis starting temperature C1.

[0027] The control unit 10 controls the hydrogen production device 1, and when the hydrogen production device 1 is in a stopped state, starts the activation of the hydrogen production device 1. The control unit 10 also controls each heater 8, and when each water electrolysis device 2 is in a low temperature state (when each water electrolysis device 2 is below the water electrolysis start temperature C1), starts heating of each water electrolysis device 2 by each heater 8. The control unit 10 also controls the water electrolysis cell 6, and when each water electrolysis device 2 is at or above the water electrolysis start temperature C1, starts the water electrolysis reaction (electrolysis reaction) in each water electrolysis cell 6.

[0028] The derivation unit 11 acquires the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 measured by each temperature measuring device 9. The derivation unit 11 creates a temperature rise curve for each water electrolysis device 2 based on the temperatures acquired from each temperature measuring device 9.

[0029] The determination unit 12 compares the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 generated by the derivation unit 11 and determines whether these temperature rise curves should be corrected. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below a first temperature threshold C3 at a first determination time T3. The determination unit 12 also determines whether the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below a second temperature threshold C4 at a second determination time T4. The first determination time T3 and first temperature threshold C3 refer to a time and temperature that are predetermined based on past experimental values, actual measurement values, etc., and serve as criteria for determining whether a temperature rise curve needs to be corrected when the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below the water electrolysis start temperature C1. The second determination time T4 and second temperature threshold C4 refer to a time and a temperature that are predetermined based on past experimental values, actual measurement values, etc., and serve as criteria for determining whether or not a correction of each temperature rise curve is necessary when the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is equal to or higher than the water electrolysis start temperature C1.

[0030] The adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 based on the determination by the determination unit 12. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2( b ), if the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature of any water electrolysis device 2 is below the first temperature threshold C3 at the first determination time T3, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 sets the average or median temperature of the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted as the first temperature threshold C3, and adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by increasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold C3. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by decreasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is higher than the first temperature threshold C3. The output adjustment of the heater 8 may be performed on all of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted, or on some of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted that have a particularly large temperature difference. In this example, the first temperature threshold C3 is the average or median of the temperatures of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted, but this is not limiting. For example, the first temperature threshold C3 may be a value that is set in advance based on past experimental values, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, if the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature of any of the water electrolysis devices 2 is below the second temperature threshold C4 at the second determination time T4, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 sets the average or median temperature of the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted as the second temperature threshold C4, and adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by increasing the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is lower than the second temperature threshold C4. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by decreasing the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold C4. The adjustment of the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 may be performed for all of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted, or may be performed for some of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted that have a particularly large temperature difference. In this example, the second temperature threshold C4 is the average or median of the temperatures of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted, but this is not limiting. For example, the second temperature threshold C4 may be a value that is set in advance based on past experimental values, etc.

[0032] In this way, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the plurality of water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted so that the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 for the system rated time T5.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the control device 5 controls the water electrolysis device 2 so as to increase the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 having a low temperature to be adjusted or a water electrolysis device 2 that remains at the system rated temperature C2 for a long time, thereby increasing the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, the control device 5 controls the water electrolysis device 2 so as to decrease the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 having a high temperature to be adjusted or a water electrolysis device 2 that remains at the system rated temperature C2 for a short time, thereby decreasing the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2, thereby enabling the hydrogen production device 1 to be started up with less power consumption.

[0034] The first embodiment has been described by way of example in which the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below the first temperature threshold C3 at the first determination time T3, and the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 to be adjusted, and in which the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below the second temperature threshold C4 at the second determination time T4, and the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 to be adjusted and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, when at least one water electrolysis device 2 exceeds the first temperature threshold C3, the determination unit 12 may determine which water electrolysis device 2 has a temperature below the first threshold C3, and the adjustment unit 13 may adjust the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 to be adjusted. Alternatively, for example, the determination unit 12 may determine which water electrolysis devices 2 are below the second temperature threshold C4 when the temperature of at least one water electrolysis device 2 exceeds the second temperature threshold C4, and the adjustment unit 13 may adjust the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 to be adjusted.

[0035] Next, a control method and control program 100 for the water electrolysis apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control method and control program 100 for the water electrolysis apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] The control method and control program 100 are implemented by one or more processors (not shown) included in the control device 5 executing a software program and an instruction set stored in a memory (not shown).

[0037] First, the control unit 10 of the control device 5 starts the start-up of the hydrogen production device 1 (step S101).

[0038] Next, the derivation unit 11 of the control device 5 starts creating a temperature rise curve for each water electrolysis device 2 based on the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 acquired from each temperature measuring device 9 (step S102).

[0039] Next, if the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below the water electrolysis start temperature C1 (YES in step S103), the control unit 10 causes the heaters 8 to start heating each water electrolysis device 2 (step S104). On the other hand, if the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is equal to or higher than the water electrolysis start temperature C1 (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0040] Next, the determination unit 12 of the control device 5 determines whether the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the first determination time T3 by comparing the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 generated by the derivation unit 11. In the first embodiment, the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below the first temperature threshold C3 at the first determination time T3 (step S105).

[0041] If the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the first determination time T3 (YES in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature of any of the water electrolysis devices 2 is below the first temperature threshold C3 at the first determination time T3, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0042] On the other hand, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is no need to correct the temperature rise curve at the first determination time T3 (NO in step S105), the process proceeds to step S107. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that none of the temperatures of the water electrolysis devices 2 is below the first temperature threshold C3 at the first determination time T3, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0043] Next, the adjustment unit 13 of the control device 5 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 based on the determination by the determination unit 12 (step S106).

[0044] In the first embodiment, if the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature of any of the water electrolysis devices 2 is below the first temperature threshold C3 at the first determination time T3, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 sets the average or median value of the temperatures of the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted as the first temperature threshold C3, and adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by increasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is lower than this first temperature threshold C3. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by decreasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is higher than this first temperature threshold C3.

[0045] Next, when the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is equal to or higher than the water electrolysis starting temperature C1, the control unit 10 starts water electrolysis in each water electrolysis cell 6 (step S107).

[0046] Next, the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the second determination time T4 by comparing the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 generated by the derivation unit 11. In the first embodiment, the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below the second temperature threshold C4 at the second determination time T4 (step S108).

[0047] If the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the second determination time T4 (YES in step S108), the process proceeds to step S109. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature of any of the water electrolysis devices 2 is below the second temperature threshold C4 at the second determination time T4, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0048] On the other hand, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is no need to correct the temperature rise curve at the second determination time T4 (NO in step S108), the process proceeds to step S110. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that none of the temperatures of the water electrolysis devices 2 is below the second temperature threshold C4 at the second determination time T4, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0049] Next, the adjusting unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 based on the determination by the determining unit 12 (step S109).

[0050] In the first embodiment, if the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature of any of the water electrolysis devices 2 is below the second temperature threshold C4 at the second determination time T4, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis bath 6. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis bath 6 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 sets the average or median temperature of the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted as the second temperature threshold C4, and adjusts the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis bath 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is lower than this second temperature threshold C4, thereby increasing the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis bath 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is higher than this second temperature threshold C4, thereby decreasing the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2.

[0051] Finally, when all the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2, the start-up of the hydrogen production device 1 is completed (step S110).

[0052] According to the first embodiment described above, when the temperature distributions of the water electrolysis devices 2 and the times at which the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 differ among the water electrolysis devices 2, the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 are controlled. Specifically, to enable the hydrogen production device 1 to be started up in a short time, the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature to be adjusted or a water electrolysis device 2 with a long time to reach the system rated temperature C2 are controlled to increase the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, to enable the hydrogen production device 1 to be started up in an energy-efficient manner, the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 with a high temperature to be adjusted or a water electrolysis device 2 with a short time to reach the system rated temperature C2 are controlled to decrease the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. As a result, all of the water electrolysis devices 2 of the hydrogen production device 1 can be started up in a short time with low power consumption.

[0053] (Second embodiment) Next, details of the control device 5 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 shows a different temperature rise curve of the water electrolysis device 2 when controlled by the control method according to the second embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a flowchart relating to the control method and control program 200 for the water electrolysis device 2 according to the second embodiment. Differences from the first embodiment will be described below, and parts similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted with the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0054] The determination unit 12 compares the temperature rise curves of the water electrolysis devices 2 created by the derivation unit 11 and determines whether these temperature rise curves should be corrected. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds a first temperature difference reference value D1 at a first determination time T3. The determination unit 12 also determines whether the temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds a second temperature difference reference value D2 at a second determination time T4. The first temperature difference reference value D1 refers to a temperature difference that is determined in advance based on past experimental values, actual measurement values, etc., as a criterion for determining whether the temperature rise curve needs to be corrected when the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below the water electrolysis start temperature C1. The second temperature difference reference value D2 refers to a temperature difference that is determined in advance based on past experimental values, actual measurement values, etc., as a criterion for determining whether the temperature rise curve needs to be corrected when the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is equal to or higher than the water electrolysis start temperature C1.

[0055] The adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 based on the determination by the determination unit 12. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , if the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature difference between any of the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds the first temperature difference reference value D1 at the first determination time T3, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 uses the average or median temperature of the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted as a reference value, and adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by increasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is lower than this reference value. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by decreasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is higher than this reference value. The output adjustment of the heater 8 may be performed for all of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted, or may be performed for some of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted that have a particularly large temperature difference.

[0056] Furthermore, if the determination unit 12 determines that at the second determination time T4, there is a temperature difference between any of the water electrolysis devices 2 that exceeds the second temperature difference reference value D2, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 uses the average or median temperature of the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted as a reference value, and adjusts the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is lower than this reference value to increase the temperature of that water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is higher than this reference value to decrease the temperature of that water electrolysis device 2. The adjustment of the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 may be performed for all of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted, or may be performed for some of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted that have a particularly large temperature difference.

[0057] In this way, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the plurality of water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted so that the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 for the system rated time T5.

[0058] The second embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds the first temperature difference reference value D1 at the first determination time T3, and whether the temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds the second temperature difference reference value D2 at the second determination time T4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the determination unit 12 may determine whether the temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds the first temperature difference reference value D1 when at least one water electrolysis device 2 exceeds the first temperature threshold C3. Alternatively, for example, the determination unit 12 may determine whether the temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds the second temperature difference reference value D2 when at least one water electrolysis device 2 exceeds the second temperature threshold C4.

[0059] Next, the control method and control program 200 for the water electrolysis apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 5 will be described in detail, particularly in detail in steps S205, S206, S208, and S209.

[0060] The determination unit 12 of the control device 5 determines whether the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the first determination time T3 by comparing the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 generated by the derivation unit 11. In the second embodiment, the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature difference between each water electrolysis device 2 exceeds the first temperature difference reference value D1 at the first determination time T3 (step S205).

[0061] If the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the first determination time T3 (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that at the first determination time T3, any of the temperature differences between the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds the first temperature difference reference value D1, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0062] On the other hand, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is no need to correct the temperature rise curve at the first determination time T3 (NO in step S205), the process proceeds to step S107. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is no temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 that exceeds the first temperature difference reference value D1 at the first determination time T3, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0063] Next, the adjustment unit 13 of the control device 5 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 based on the determination by the determination unit 12 (step S206).

[0064] In the second embodiment, if the determination unit 12 determines that at the first determination time T3, there is a temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 that exceeds the first temperature difference reference value D1, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 uses the average or median value of the temperatures of the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted as a reference value, and adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by increasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is lower than this reference value. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 by decreasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is higher than this reference value.

[0065] Next, the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature rise curves should be corrected at the second determination time T4 by comparing the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 generated by the derivation unit 11. In the second embodiment, the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature difference between each water electrolysis device 2 exceeds the second temperature difference reference value D2 at the second determination time T4 (step S208).

[0066] If the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the second determination time T4 (YES in step S208), the process proceeds to step S209. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is a temperature difference between any of the water electrolysis devices 2 that exceeds the second temperature difference reference value D2 at the second determination time T4, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0067] On the other hand, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is no need to correct the temperature rise curve at the second determination time T4 (NO in step S208), the process proceeds to step S110. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is no temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices 2 that exceeds the second temperature difference reference value D2 at the second determination time T4, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0068] Next, the adjusting unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 based on the determination by the determining unit 12 (step S209).

[0069] In the second embodiment, if the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature difference between any of the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds the second temperature difference reference value D2 at the second determination time T4, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 uses the average or median temperature of the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted as a reference value, and increases the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is lower than this reference value, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 decreases the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is higher than this reference value, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2.

[0070] The hydrogen production device 1 of the second embodiment described above can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0071] (Third embodiment) Next, details of a control device 5 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 shows a different temperature rise curve of the water electrolysis device 2 when controlled by the control method according to the third embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a flowchart relating to the control method and control program 300 for the water electrolysis device 2 according to the third embodiment. Differences from the first embodiment will be described below, and parts similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted with the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0072] The determination unit 12 compares the temperature rise curves of the water electrolysis devices 2 created by the derivation unit 11 and determines whether these temperature rise curves should be corrected. In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6 , the determination unit 12 determines whether the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds a first time difference reference value D3, based on the time at which each water electrolysis device 2 reaches the system rated temperature C2, which is estimated from the slopes of the temperature rise curves of the water electrolysis devices 2 (the first coefficient G1 and the second coefficient G2). The determination unit 12 also determines whether the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds a second time difference reference value D4, based on the time at which each water electrolysis device 2 reaches the system rated temperature C2, which is estimated from the slopes of the temperature rise curves of the water electrolysis devices 2 (the third coefficient G3 and the fourth coefficient G4), at a second determination time T4. The first time difference reference value D3 refers to a time difference that is determined in advance based on past experimental values, actual measurement values, etc., as a criterion for determining whether or not it is necessary to correct each temperature rise curve when the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is below the water electrolysis initiation temperature C1. The second time difference reference value D4 refers to a time difference that is determined in advance based on past experimental values, actual measurement values, etc., as a criterion for determining whether or not it is necessary to correct each temperature rise curve when the temperature of each water electrolysis device 2 is equal to or higher than the water electrolysis initiation temperature C1.

[0073] The adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 based on the determination by the determination unit 12. In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6 , if the determination unit 12 determines that the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds a first time difference reference value D3 at the first determination time T3, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 so as to converge the temperature rise curves of the water electrolysis devices 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 uses a reference value, such as the average or median value of the time at which the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted reach the system rated temperature C2, to increase the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 that has a longer time at the system rated temperature C2 than this reference value, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 that has a shorter time period in which the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 than the reference value, thereby lowering the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Note that this adjustment of the output of the heater 8 may be performed for all of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted, or may be performed for some of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted that have a particularly large time difference.

[0074] Furthermore, if the determination unit 12 determines that at the second determination time T4, the time difference between the times at which any of the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the second time difference reference value D4, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 uses a reference value, such as the average or median value of the time at which the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted reach the system rated temperature C2, to increase the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 that has a longer time at the system rated temperature C2 than this reference value, thereby adjusting the temperature of that water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to a water electrolysis device 2 that has a shorter time at the system rated temperature C2 than this reference value, thereby decreasing the temperature of that water electrolysis device 2. The adjustment of the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 may be performed for all of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted, or may be performed for some of the water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted that have a particularly large time difference.

[0075] In this way, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the plurality of water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted so that the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 for the system rated time T5.

[0076] The third embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the determination unit 12 determines whether the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the first time difference reference value D3 at the first determination time T3, and whether the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the second time difference reference value D4 at the second determination time T4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the determination unit 12 may determine whether the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the first time difference reference value D3 when at least one water electrolysis device 2 exceeds the first temperature threshold C3. Alternatively, for example, the determination unit 12 may determine whether the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the second time difference reference value D4 when at least one water electrolysis device 2 exceeds the second temperature threshold C4.

[0077] Next, the control method and control program 300 for the water electrolysis apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 7 will be described in detail, particularly in detail in steps S305, S306, S308, and S309.

[0078] The determination unit 12 of the control device 5 determines whether the temperature rise curves should be corrected at the first determination time T3 by comparing the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 generated by the derivation unit 11. In the third embodiment, the determination unit 12 determines whether the time difference between the times at which the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 among the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds a first time difference reference value D3 at the first determination time T3, based on the time at which the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 of each water electrolysis device 2 calculated from the slopes of the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 (the first coefficient G1 and the second coefficient G2) (step S305).

[0079] If the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the first determination time T3 (YES in step S305), the process proceeds to step S306. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that, at the first determination time T3, the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the first time difference reference value D3, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0080] On the other hand, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is no need to correct the temperature rise curve at the first determination time T3 (NO in step S305), the process proceeds to step S107. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that, at the first determination time T3, none of the time differences between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the first time difference reference value D3, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0081] Next, the adjustment unit 13 of the control device 5 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 based on the determination by the determination unit 12 (step S306).

[0082] In the third embodiment, if the determination unit 12 determines that at the first determination time T3, the time difference between the times at which any of the water electrolysis devices 2 reaches the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the first time difference reference value D3, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 uses a reference value, such as the average or median value of the times at which the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted reach the system rated temperature C2, to increase the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 that has a longer time at the system rated temperature C2 than this reference value, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 that has a shorter time at the system rated temperature C2 than this reference value by decreasing the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 that has a shorter time at the system rated temperature C2 than this reference value.

[0083] Next, the determination unit 12 determines whether the temperature rise curves should be corrected at the second determination time T4 by comparing the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 generated by the derivation unit 11. In the third embodiment, the determination unit 12 determines whether the time difference between the times at which the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 among the water electrolysis devices 2 exceeds the second time difference reference value D4, based on the time at which the temperature reaches the system rated temperature C2 of each water electrolysis device 2 calculated from the slopes of the temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 (the third coefficient G3 and the fourth coefficient G4) at the second determination time T4 (step S308).

[0084] If the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature rise curve should be corrected at the second determination time T4 (YES in step S308), the process proceeds to step S309. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that at the second determination time T4, the time difference between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the second time difference reference value D4, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0085] On the other hand, if the determination unit 12 determines that there is no need to correct the temperature rise curve at the second determination time T4 (NO in step S308), the process proceeds to step S110. That is, if the determination unit 12 determines that, at the second determination time T4, none of the time differences between the times at which the water electrolysis devices 2 reach the system rated temperature C2 exceed the second time difference reference value D4, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0086] Next, the adjusting unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 based on the determination by the determining unit 12 (step S309).

[0087] In the second embodiment, if the determination unit 12 determines that at the second determination time T4, the time difference between the times at which any of the water electrolysis devices 2 reaches the system rated temperature C2 exceeds the second time difference reference value D4, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6. For example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 so as to converge the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 13 uses a reference value, such as the average or median value of the time at which the multiple water electrolysis devices 2 to be adjusted reach the system rated temperature C2, to increase the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 that has a longer time at the system rated temperature C2 than this reference value, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 that has a shorter time at the system rated temperature C2 than this reference value, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2.

[0088] The hydrogen production device 1 of the third embodiment described above can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0089] (Fourth embodiment) A hydrogen production device 20 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen production device 20 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart relating to a control method and control program 400 for a water electrolysis device 2 according to the fourth embodiment. Differences from the first embodiment will be described below, and parts similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0090] The control device 21 according to the fourth embodiment includes a control unit 10, a derivation unit 11, a determination unit 12, an adjustment unit 13, a storage unit 22, and an identification unit 23. That is, the control device 21 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the control device 5 according to the first embodiment in that the control device 21 further includes the storage unit 22 and the identification unit 23.

[0091] The memory unit 22 stores past temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2. The memory unit 22 may store the previous temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2, or may store temperature rise curves of each water electrolysis device 2 from multiple previous times.

[0092] The identifying unit 23 identifies a water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature rise curve should be corrected at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20, based on the past temperature rise curves stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the identifying unit 23 identifies a water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate, based on the past temperature rise curve. The water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate refers to a water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate, such as a water electrolysis device 2 that was subject to adjustment to increase the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 in the first to third embodiments. In this case, the identifying unit 23 may identify a water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate based on the previous temperature rise curve, or may identify a water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate based on average data of multiple previous temperature rise curves. The identifying unit 23 is not limited to identifying one water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate, and may also identify multiple water electrolysis devices 2 with low temperature rise rates. Although the example described above illustrates the case where the identifying unit 23 identifies a water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the identifying unit 23 may identify a water electrolysis apparatus 2 with a high temperature rise rate, in addition to identifying a water electrolysis apparatus 2 with a low temperature rise rate. The water electrolysis apparatus 2 with a high temperature rise rate here refers to a water electrolysis apparatus 2 with a high temperature rise rate, such as a water electrolysis apparatus 2 that was subject to adjustment to reduce the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to the water electrolysis apparatus 2 in the first to third embodiments.

[0093] The adjustment unit 13 pre-adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 identified by the identification unit 23 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6. For example, for a water electrolysis device 2 identified by the identification unit 23 as having a low rate of temperature rise, if the temperature at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20 is below the water electrolysis start temperature C1, the adjustment unit 13 pre-adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 to increase the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20. Furthermore, if the temperature at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20 is equal to or higher than the water electrolysis start temperature C1, the adjustment unit 13 pre-adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 to increase the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20. Note that, in this example, a case has been described in which the adjustment unit 13 pre-adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 identified by the identification unit 23 as having a low rate of temperature rise to increase the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, in addition to pre-adjusting the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 having a low temperature rise rate identified by the identification unit 23 to increase the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 having a high temperature rise rate identified by the identification unit 23, the adjustment unit 13 may also pre-adjust the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 having a high temperature rise rate identified by the identification unit 23 to decrease the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 having a high temperature rise rate identified by the identification unit 23.

[0094] Next, a control method and control program 400 for a hydrogen production apparatus 20 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Hereinafter, differences from the control method and control program 100 for a water electrolysis apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3 will be described, and similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment, the identifying unit 23 identifies the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature rise curve should be corrected at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20, based on the past temperature rise curves stored in the storage unit 22 (step S401). For example, the identifying unit 23 identifies the water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate, based on the past temperature rise curves. Furthermore, for example, in addition to identifying the water electrolysis device 2 with a low temperature rise rate, the identifying unit 23 may also identify the water electrolysis device 2 with a high temperature rise rate, based on the past temperature rise curves.

[0096] Next, the adjustment unit 23 pre-adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 identified by the identification unit 23 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 (step S402). For example, for a water electrolysis device 2 identified by the identification unit 23 with a low rate of temperature increase, if the temperature at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20 is below the water electrolysis start temperature C1, the adjustment unit 13 pre-adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 to increase the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20. Furthermore, if the temperature at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20 is equal to or higher than the water electrolysis start temperature C1, the adjustment unit 13 pre-adjusts the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 to increase the output of the heater 8 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 at the start of startup of the hydrogen production device 20. Furthermore, for example, in addition to making advance adjustments to increase the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 having a low temperature rise rate identified by the identification unit 23, the adjustment unit 13 may also make advance adjustments to decrease the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis cell 6 attached to the water electrolysis device 2 having a high temperature rise rate identified by the identification unit 23.

[0097] Finally, when the start-up of the hydrogen production device 20 is completed, the storage unit 22 stores the temperature rise curve of each water electrolysis device 2 (step S403).

[0098] The hydrogen production device 20 of the fourth embodiment described above achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment, and is also able to identify the water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature rise curve should be corrected in advance based on past temperature rise curves, and to adjust in advance the output of the heater 8 and the electrolysis voltage of the water electrolyzer 6 attached to the identified water electrolysis device 2. As a result, all of the water electrolysis devices 2 of the hydrogen production device 20 can be started up in a shorter time.

[0099] (Fifth embodiment) A hydrogen production device 30 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the hydrogen production device 30 according to the fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0100] The hydrogen production device 30 according to the fifth embodiment includes a water electrolysis device 2, a supply pipe 3, a discharge pipe 4, a control device 5, and a preheater 31. That is, the hydrogen production device 30 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the hydrogen production device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes the preheater 31.

[0101] The preheater 31 is provided outside the water electrolysis apparatus 2. The preheater 31 heats the water electrolysis apparatus 2 from the outside when the hydrogen production apparatus 30 is in a low temperature state due to freezing or the like. One preheater 31 may be provided for one water electrolysis apparatus 2, or one preheater 31 may be provided for a plurality of adjacent water electrolysis apparatuses 2. Alternatively, one preheater 31 may be provided between adjacent water electrolysis apparatuses 2.

[0102] The hydrogen production device 30 of the fifth embodiment described above has the same effects as the first embodiment, and can be heated from the outside using the preheater 31 even in winter, when the hydrogen production device 30 is likely to be in a low temperature state due to freezing or the like. As a result, all of the water electrolysis devices 2 of the hydrogen production device 30 can be started up in a short time.

[0103] (Sixth embodiment) A hydrogen production device 40 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the hydrogen production device 40 according to the sixth embodiment. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0104] The hydrogen production device 40 according to the sixth embodiment includes a water electrolysis device 2, a supply pipe 3, a discharge pipe 4, a control device 5, and an external temperature measuring device 41. That is, the hydrogen production device 40 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the hydrogen production device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes the external temperature measuring device 41.

[0105] The external temperature measuring device 41 is provided outside the water electrolysis device 2. The external temperature measuring device 41 measures the air temperature outside the water electrolysis device 2. When the air temperature measured by the external temperature measuring device 41 is below a certain level, the external temperature measuring device 41 outputs a signal to the control device 5 to instruct the control device 5 to preheat the hydrogen production device 40. For example, the external temperature measuring device 41 outputs a signal to the control device 5 to instruct the control device 5 to preheat the heaters 8 attached to each water electrolysis device 2 whose temperature is below a certain level.

[0106] The hydrogen production device 40 of the sixth embodiment described above achieves the same effects as the first embodiment, and can preheat the hydrogen production device 40 by receiving output from the external temperature measuring device 41, even when the air temperature near the ground surface is low, such as in winter, and the temperature of the water electrolysis device 2 varies depending on the position from the ground surface. As a result, all of the water electrolysis devices 2 of the hydrogen production device 40 can be started up in a short time.

[0107] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1...hydrogen production device, 2...water electrolysis device, 3...supply piping, 4...discharge piping, 5...control device, 6...water electrolysis cell, 7...heating section piping, 8...heater, 9...temperature measuring device, 10...control unit, 11...derivation unit, 12...determination unit, 13...adjustment unit, 20...hydrogen production device, 21...control device, 22...memory unit, 23...identification unit, 30...hydrogen production device, 31...preheater, 40...hydrogen production device, 41...external temperature measuring device, 100...control method and control program, 200...control method and control program, 300...control method and control program, 400...control method and control program.

Claims

1. a derivation unit capable of creating temperature rise curves of a plurality of water electrolysis devices; a determination unit that can compare the temperature rise curves and determine whether the temperature rise curves should be corrected; an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of an output of a heater that can heat the water electrolysis device and an electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis device based on the determination; A control device for a water electrolysis device, comprising:

2. 2. The control device for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is capable of determining whether the temperature is lower than at least one of a first temperature threshold value and a second temperature threshold value at at least one of a first determination time and a second determination time.

3. 2. The control device for a water electrolysis device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is capable of determining whether the temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices exceeds at least one of a first temperature difference reference value and a second temperature difference reference value at at least one of a first determination time and a second determination time.

4. 2. The control device for a water electrolysis device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is capable of determining, at at least one of a first determination time and a second determination time, whether the time difference between the water electrolysis devices exceeds at least one of a first time difference reference value and a second time difference reference value, based on the time it takes for the water electrolysis device to reach a system rated temperature, which is estimated from the temperature rise curve.

5. a storage unit capable of storing the past temperature rise curves; an identification unit that identifies the water electrolysis device that should be corrected based on the past temperature rise curve; and Furthermore, The control device for a water electrolysis device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment unit is capable of adjusting at least one of an output of the heater and an electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis device based on the determination.

6. a plurality of water electrolysis devices capable of generating hydrogen; The control device for a water electrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A hydrogen production device comprising:

7. 7. The hydrogen generating device according to claim 6, further comprising a preheater capable of heating the water electrolysis device from the outside.

8. 7. The hydrogen generating device according to claim 6, further comprising an external temperature measuring device capable of measuring the temperature outside the water electrolysis device.

9. generating temperature rise curves for a plurality of water electrolysis devices; comparing the temperature rise curves to determine whether a correction to the temperature rise curve is required; adjusting at least one of an output of a heater capable of heating the water electrolysis device and an electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis device based on the determination; A method for controlling a water electrolysis apparatus, comprising:

10. 10. The method for controlling a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the determination comprises determining whether the temperature is lower than at least one of a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold at at least one of a first determination time and a second determination time.

11. 10. The method for controlling a water electrolysis device according to claim 9, wherein the determination comprises determining whether the temperature difference between the water electrolysis devices exceeds at least one of a first temperature difference reference value and a second temperature difference reference value at at least one of a first determination time and a second determination time.

12. 10. The method for controlling a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the determination comprises determining, at at least one of a first determination time and a second determination time, whether the time difference between the water electrolysis devices exceeds at least one of a first time difference reference value and a second time difference reference value, based on the time for the water electrolysis device to reach a rated system temperature, which is estimated from the temperature rise curve.

13. storing the past temperature rise curves; identifying the water electrolysis device to be corrected based on the past temperature rise curve; adjusting at least one of an output of the heater and an electrolysis voltage of the water electrolysis device based on the determination; The method for controlling a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

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