Fuel cell unit and operation data transmission method

Abstract

Even when the time information cannot be received from the server during a period from the activation of the control unit to the establishment of communication between the communication unit and the server, the operation data generated during the period from the activation of the control unit to the reception of the time information is transmitted to the server in association with the acquisition time.SOLUTION: The fuel cell unit FCU includes a control part Cnt for associating operation data generated in the fuel cell unit FCU with an acquisition time of the operation data, and a communication part Co for transmitting time information received from a server S to the control part Cnt and transmitting the acquisition time and the operation data received from the control part Cnt to the server S, and the control part Cnt corrects the acquisition time corresponding to the operation data acquired from the start of the control part Cnt to the time information based on the elapsed time from the start of the control part Cnt to the acquisition of the operation data and the time information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for transmitting operational data generated in a fuel cell unit. [Background technology]

[0002] In some fuel cell units, a control unit that controls the power generation of the fuel cell transmits operation data (such as sensor measurement values, control variables, and abnormality information) generated in the fuel cell unit to a server that compiles the operation data via a communication unit. Related technology is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In order to know when and in what operating state the fuel cell unit is, it is necessary to associate the operating data of the fuel cell unit with the acquisition time indicating the time when the operating data was acquired.

[0004] However, in the above fuel cell unit, it is not possible to receive time information from the server between the time the control unit is started and the time communication between the communication unit and the server is established, and it is therefore not possible to know the time at which the operating data was acquired. As a result, there is a concern that the operating data generated between the time the control unit is started and the time information is received cannot be transmitted to the server in association with the acquisition time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-113347 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell unit that can transmit operating data generated between the start-up of the control unit and the reception of time information to a server, correlating the data with the acquisition time, even if time information cannot be received from the server between the start-up of the control unit and the establishment of communication between the communication unit and the server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One form of the present invention is a fuel cell unit that includes a fuel cell, and includes a control unit that controls the power generation of the fuel cell and associates operating data generated within the fuel cell unit with the acquisition time of the operating data, and a communication unit that transmits time information received from a server to the control unit and transmits the acquisition time and operating data received from the control unit to the server, and the control unit corrects the acquisition time corresponding to the operating data acquired between the start-up of the control unit and the reception of the time information based on the elapsed time from the start-up of the control unit to the acquisition of the operating data and the time information.

[0008] This means that even if it is not possible to receive time information from the server between the start-up of the control unit and the establishment of communication between the communication unit and the server, the operational data generated between the start-up of the control unit and the reception of the time information can be associated with the acquisition time and transmitted to the server.

[0009] The control unit may also be configured to thin out multiple pieces of operating data acquired every certain time period when no abnormality has occurred in the fuel cell unit and transmit the thinned data to the communication unit, and to transmit multiple pieces of operating data acquired every certain time period without thinning them out when an abnormality has occurred in the fuel cell unit.

[0010] This reduces the overall amount of data sent from the control unit to the communication unit without reducing the amount of data collected by the server when an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit, compared to when all operational data acquired at regular intervals is sent to the communication unit. This reduces the amount of data sent from the fuel cell unit to the server, while improving the accuracy of the compiled results of operational data generated when an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit.

[0011] In addition, when the output power of the fuel cell unit is smaller than the power required by the load, the shortfall in power is output to the load, and when the output power is greater than the required power, a storage device into which the surplus power is input may be provided outside the fuel cell unit, and the control unit and the communication unit may be configured to be driven by the power supplied from the storage device.

[0012] This eliminates the need to provide a new power source for driving the control unit and communication unit in addition to the power storage device, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the fuel cell unit.

[0013] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is an operational data transmission method for a fuel cell unit, which includes a control unit that controls the power generation of the fuel cell and associates operational data generated within the fuel cell unit with the acquisition time of the operational data, and a communication unit that transmits time information received from a server to the control unit and transmits the acquisition time and operational data received from the control unit to the server, and the control unit corrects the acquisition time corresponding to the operational data acquired between the start-up of the control unit and the reception of the time information based on the elapsed time from the start-up of the control unit to the acquisition of the operational data and the time information.

[0014] This means that even if it is not possible to receive time information from the server between the start-up of the control unit and the establishment of communication between the communication unit and the server, the operational data generated between the start-up of the control unit and the reception of the time information can be associated with the acquisition time and transmitted to the server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, even if it is not possible to receive time information from the server between the start-up of the control unit and the establishment of communication between the communication unit and the server, the operational data generated between the start-up of the control unit and the reception of the time information can be transmitted to the server in association with the acquisition time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fuel cell unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining various states and timings within the fuel cell unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data frame. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fuel cell unit according to an embodiment.

[0019] The fuel cell unit FCU shown in Fig. 1 is provided in a host system STM and supplies power to a load Lo. The load Lo may be provided inside the host system STM as shown in Fig. 1, or may be provided outside the host system STM.

[0020] For example, if the host system STM is a vehicle such as a forklift, towing tractor, or automatic guided vehicle (AGV), the load Lo would be an inverter circuit that drives the cargo handling equipment or the travel motor, etc. Also, if the host system STM is a stationary generator such as an industrial stationary generator, a home stationary generator, or an emergency stationary generator, the load Lo would be industrial machinery, home appliances, etc.

[0021] In addition to the fuel cell unit FCU, the host system STM also includes a power storage device B, a voltage sensor Sv, a current sensor Si, and a control unit Cs.

[0022] The power storage device B is composed of a plurality of secondary batteries (such as lithium ion batteries and lithium ion capacitors). When the output power of the fuel cell unit FCU is smaller than the power required by the load Lo, the output power of the fuel cell unit FCU is supplied to the load Lo, and the shortage of power is output from the power storage device B to the load Lo. When power is output from the power storage device B to the load Lo, the power storage device B is discharged, and the charge rate of the power storage device B (the ratio [%] of the remaining capacity to the full charge capacity of the power storage device B) decreases. When the output power of the fuel cell unit FCU is larger than the power required by the load Lo, power equivalent to the required power out of the output power of the fuel cell unit FCU is output to the load Lo, and the surplus power is input to the power storage device B. When power is input to the power storage device B, the power storage device B is charged, and the charge rate of the power storage device B increases. When power regenerated from the load Lo is supplied to the power storage device B, the power storage device B is charged, and the charge rate of the power storage device B increases.

[0023] The control unit Cs is configured with a microcomputer or the like, and sends an output command value based on the power required by the load Lo and the charging rate of the power storage device B to the fuel cell unit FCU. For example, the control unit Cs may be configured to determine the charging rate of the power storage device B based on the voltage V of the power storage device B measured by a voltage sensor Sv and the current I flowing through the power storage device B measured by a current sensor Si.

[0024] The fuel cell unit FCU also includes a fuel cell stack FCS as a main fuel cell, and a plurality of types of auxiliary devices for causing the fuel cell stack FCS to generate electricity.

[0025] That is, the fuel cell unit FCU includes fuel gas system accessories such as a fuel tank HT, an injector INJ, and a pressure sensor Sp.

[0026] The fuel cell unit FCU also includes oxidant gas system accessories such as an air compressor ACP and an air pressure regulating valve ARV.

[0027] The fuel cell unit FCU also includes cooling system accessories such as a radiator R, a water pump WP, and a temperature sensor St.

[0028] The fuel cell unit FCU also includes electrical auxiliary devices such as a DC-DC converter CNV1 and a DC-DC converter CNV2.

[0029] The fuel cell unit FCU further includes a memory unit Str, a communication unit Co, and a control unit Cnt.

[0030] The fuel cell stack FCS is composed of multiple fuel cell cells connected in series to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen contained in a fuel gas (such as hydrogen gas) and oxygen contained in an oxidant gas (such as air). The fuel cell cells are, for example, polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs).

[0031] The fuel tank HT is a storage container for fuel gas. The fuel gas stored in the fuel tank HT is supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS via the injector INJ.

[0032] The injector INJ adjusts the flow rate of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0033] The pressure sensor Sp measures the pressure of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS, and sends the measured value, that is, pressure P, to the control unit Cnt.

[0034] The air compressor ACP compresses the oxidant gas present around the fuel cell module FCM and supplies it to the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0035] The air pressure regulating valve ARV adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0036] The radiator R exchanges heat between the refrigerant (water, etc.) that has been heated by the heat generated by the fuel cell stack FCS and the outside air.

[0037] The water pump WP supplies the refrigerant cooled by the radiator R to the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0038] The temperature sensor St measures the temperature of the refrigerant and sends the measured value, that is, the temperature T, to the control unit Cnt.

[0039] The DC-DC converter CNV1 converts the power output from the fuel cell stack FCS into a predetermined power and supplies it to the load Lo and the power storage device B.

[0040] The DC-DC converter CNV2 converts the power output from the power storage device B into power for driving the communication unit Co and the control unit Cnt, and supplies the power to the communication unit Co and the control unit Cnt.

[0041] The storage unit Str is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and stores data frames, which will be described later.

[0042] The communication unit Co is, for example, configured by a data logger with a communication function, and temporarily stores data frames transmitted from the control unit Cnt and then sequentially transmits them to the server S. The communication protocol between the control unit Cnt and the communication unit Co may be, but is not limited to, a controller area network (CAN) or a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART). The communication protocol between the communication unit Co and the server S may be, but is not limited to, a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) or a message queueing telemetry transport (MQTT). The format of data transmitted from the communication unit Co to the server S may be, but is not limited to, a JavaScript (registered trademark) object notation (JSON) or a comma separated values ​​(CSV). The communication unit Co may be configured to transmit data to the server S via Wifi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. The communication unit Co may be configured to transmit data to the server S via wired communication. The server S aggregates the operational data stored in the data frames transmitted from the communication unit Co. For example, the server S determines the total value, average value, maximum value, minimum value, etc. of the operational data stored in the frame data.

[0043] The control unit Cnt is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a programmable device (FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or PLD (Programmable Logic Device)).

[0044] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit Cnt, where the host system STM is a vehicle.

[0045] First, when the vehicle's ignition key is switched from off to on, the control unit Cnt switches from a sleep state (a state in which at least the function for determining the state of the ignition key is always running) to an operating state (a state in which all functions are running) (step Stp1: Yes), and then starts power generation control processing, time measurement processing, and operating data storage processing (buffering processing) (step Stp2), and then switches the start-up signal of the communication unit Co from low level to high level (step Stp3).

[0046] As part of the power generation control process, the control unit Cnt reads control variables and measurement values ​​of various sensors from the previous power generation control process from the memory unit Str, and then controls the operation of each auxiliary device based on the control variables, the measurement values ​​of various sensors from the previous power generation control process, and the output command value transmitted from the control unit Cs, thereby controlling the power generation of the fuel cell stack FCS. For example, the control unit Cnt calculates the target value for the air compressor ACP motor rotation speed = proportional constant Kp as a control variable × difference ΔP + ∫ (integral constant Ki as a control variable × difference ΔP) so that the difference ΔP between the pressure P and the target pressure corresponding to the output command value becomes zero. The proportional constant Kp is a constant for the proportional term of PI (Proportional-Integral) control, and the integral constant Ki is a constant for the integral term of PI control.

[0047] Furthermore, as part of the power generation control process, the control unit Cnt determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the fuel cell unit FCU. For example, if the pressure P is equal to or greater than the lower limit Pmin and equal to or less than the upper limit Pmax, the control unit Cnt determines that the pressure of the fuel gas in the fuel cell stack FCS is normal, and sets "0" as the abnormality information Ep corresponding to the pressure P at that time. If the pressure P is less than the lower limit Pmin or greater than the upper limit Pmax, the control unit Cnt determines that the pressure of the fuel gas in the fuel cell stack FCS is abnormal, and sets "1" as the abnormality information Ep at that time. Alternatively, if the temperature T is equal to or greater than the lower limit Tmin and equal to or less than the upper limit Tmax, the control unit Cnt determines that the temperature of the refrigerant is normal, and sets "0" as the abnormality information Et corresponding to the temperature T at that time. If the temperature T is less than the lower limit Tmin or greater than the upper limit Tmax, the control unit Cnt determines that the temperature of the refrigerant is abnormal, and sets "1" as the abnormality information Et at that time. Alternatively, if the output value of the pressure sensor Sp is not zero or approximately zero, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the pressure sensor Sp and the control unit Cnt is not broken, and sets "0" as the abnormality information Ed at that time. Also, if the output value of the pressure sensor Sp is zero or approximately zero, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the pressure sensor Sp and the control unit Cnt is broken, and sets "1" as the abnormality information Ed at that time.

[0048] Furthermore, as a time measurement process, the control unit Cnt measures the elapsed time from the start of the control unit Cnt to the acquisition of the operational data for each operational data using a timer (not shown) or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, as part of the operation data storage process, the control unit Cnt acquires the pressure P as the measurement value of the pressure sensor Sp, the temperature T as the measurement value of the temperature sensor St, the proportional constant Kp as a control variable, the integral constant Ki as a control variable, abnormality information Ep indicating the state of the pressure P, abnormality information Et indicating the state of the temperature T, and abnormality information Ed indicating the state of the signal lines of various sensors every certain period of time T1, and stores each of the acquired operation data in a data frame in association with the acquisition time indicating the time every certain period of time T1 and identification information for identifying the model of the fuel cell unit FCU, etc., and stores the data in the memory unit Str.

[0050] In addition, when the wake-up signal switches from low level to high level, the communication unit Co switches from a sleep state (a state in which at least the function for determining the state of the wake-up signal is always running) to an operating state (a state in which all functions, including the data retention function and the communication function, are running), and starts processing to establish communication with the server S. Once communication with the server S is established, the communication unit Co acquires time information indicating the current time from the server S and transmits the acquired time information to the control unit Cnt.

[0051] Next, when the control unit Cnt receives time information from the communication unit Co (step Stp4: Yes), it corrects the acquisition time stored in the data frame stored in the memory unit Str between the start-up of the control unit Cnt and the acquisition of the time information based on the time information and the elapsed time from the start-up of the control unit Cnt, and after completing the time measurement process (step Stp5), it starts transmitting the data frame stored in the memory unit Str (step Stp6).

[0052] For example, the control unit Cnt calculates a correction time corresponding to the acquisition time of the correction target based on the elapsed time, and sets the time going back in time from the time indicated in the time information by the correction time as the corrected acquisition time of the correction target. After correcting the acquisition times of all correction targets, the control unit Cnt sequentially transmits to the communication unit Co multiple data frames stored in the memory unit Str between the startup of the control unit Cnt and the reception of the time information, and then sequentially transmits to the communication unit Co multiple data frames stored in the memory unit Str after the reception of the time information.

[0053] Then, when the ignition key is switched from on to off (step Stp7: Yes), the control unit Cnt terminates the power generation control process, the operation data storage process, and the data frame transmission process (step Stp8), and switches the activation signal of the communication unit Co from high level to low level (step Stp9).

[0054] For example, when the ignition key is switched from on to off, the control unit Cnt stops the supply of fuel gas and oxidant gas to the fuel cell stack FCS and controls the operation of each auxiliary device so as to suppress a voltage rise in the fuel cell stack FCS, and ends the power generation control process by storing the measurement values ​​of various sensors in the memory unit Str for use in the next power generation control process.

[0055] Also, for example, when the wake-up signal switches from high level to low level and the communication unit Co transmits the last data frame transmitted from the control unit Cnt to the server S, it switches from the operating state to the sleep state.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating various states and timings within the fuel cell unit. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the ignition key. FIG. 3(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the control unit Cnt. FIG. 3(c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing at which the control unit Cnt acquires operational data. FIG. 3(d) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing at which an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit FCU. FIG. 3(e) is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the activation signal of the communication unit Co. FIG. 3(f) is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the communication unit Co. FIG. 3(g) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing at which the control unit Cnt receives time information. FIG. 3(h) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing at which the control unit Cnt transmits a data frame. FIG. 3(i) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing at which the communication unit Co transmits a data frame. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the relationship in magnitude between the fixed times T1 to T3 described later is set to fixed time T1<fixed time T2<fixed time T3, but the relationship in magnitude between the fixed times T1 to T3 and the lengths of each time are not particularly limited.

[0057] 3(a) and 3(b), when the ignition key is switched from OFF to ON at time t1, the control unit Cnt switches from the sleep state to the operating state at time t2. When the ignition key is switched from ON to OFF at time t19, the control unit Cnt switches from the operating state to the sleep state at time t20.

[0058] Also, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the control unit Cnt acquires operational data every time a certain time T1 elapses during the operation period of the control unit Cnt (times t2 to t20), stores the acquired operational data in a data frame in association with the acquisition time, etc., and stores the data frame in the memory unit Str. Note that the certain time T1 is set to be shorter than the operation period of the control unit Cnt. In the example shown in FIG. 3(c), the control unit Cnt acquires operational data at times t3 to t18, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 3(d), the control unit Cnt determines that "an abnormality has occurred in the fuel cell unit FCU" at times t3 to t5 and times t12 to t14, respectively.

[0059] Also, as shown in Figures 3(e) and 3(f), at time t3, the control unit Cnt switches the start-up signal of the communication unit Co from low level to high level, thereby switching the communication unit Co from a sleep state to an operating state at time t4, and at time t21, the control unit Cnt switches the start-up signal of the communication unit Co from high level to low level, thereby switching the state of the communication unit Co from an operating state to a sleep state at time t22.

[0060] 3(g), when the communication unit Co is started at time t4, it transmits information indicating that the communication unit Co has started normally to the control unit Cnt and starts processing to establish communication with the server S. After establishing communication with the server S, it receives current time information from the server S at time t7 and transmits the received time information to the control unit Cnt. Upon receiving the time information, the control unit Cnt corrects, based on the time information, the acquisition times corresponding to the operational data acquired between the start-up of the control unit Cnt and the reception of the time information, i.e., the acquisition times stored in each data frame stored in the memory unit Str at times t3, t4, t5, and t6.

[0061] 3(h), the control unit Cnt corrects the acquisition time in each data frame, and then sequentially transmits each data frame stored in the memory unit Str to the communication unit Co every time a certain period of time T2 has elapsed. Note that the certain period of time T2 is shorter than the period from times t7 to t21. For example, the control unit Cnt transmits each data frame stored in the memory unit Str from times t3 to t6 to the communication unit Co at time t9, transmits each data frame stored in the memory unit Str from times t7 to t10 to the communication unit Co at time t12, transmits each data frame stored in the memory unit Str from times t11 to t14 to the communication unit Co at time t15, and transmits each data frame stored in the memory unit Str from times t15 to t18 to the communication unit Co at time t18.

[0062] The control unit Cnt may be configured to thin out data frames before transmitting them to the communication unit Co when no abnormality has occurred in the fuel cell unit FCU, and to transmit data frames without thinning them out when an abnormality has occurred in the fuel cell unit FCU. For example, the control unit Cnt transmits to the communication unit Co at time t9 each data frame stored in the memory unit Str between times t3 and t5 among times t3 and t6, transmits to the communication unit Co at time t9 each data frame stored in the memory unit Str between times t7, t9, and t10 among times t7 to t10, transmits to the communication unit Co at time t12 each data frame stored in the memory unit Str between times t11 and t13 among times t11 to t14, transmits to the communication unit Co at time t15 each data frame stored in the memory unit Str between times t11 and t13 among times t11 to t14, and transmits to the communication unit Co at time t18 each data frame stored in the memory unit Str at times t15 and t17 among times t15 to t18. This allows the total amount of data to be reduced when data frames are sent from the fuel cell unit FCU to the server S without reducing the amount of data in the event of an abnormality, compared to when all data frames are sent from the control unit Cnt to the communication unit Co without being thinned out.

[0063] 3(i), the communication unit Co sequentially transmits data frames to the server S every time a certain time T3 has elapsed. Note that the certain time T3 is shorter than the period from time t9 to time t22. For example, the communication unit Co temporarily holds each data frame received at time t9 and t12, and then transmits them to the server S at time t13. It also temporarily holds each data frame received at time t15 and t18, and then transmits them to the server S at time t19.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data frame stored in the memory unit Str from the start of the control unit Cnt until the reception of time information.

[0065] Data frames DF1 to DF4 shown in FIG. 4 are, for example, data frames acquired at times t3 to t6 shown in FIG.

[0066] The data frames DF1 to DF4 each store "identification information" for identifying the model of the fuel cell unit FCU, an "acquisition time" indicating the time when the control unit Cnt acquired the operation data, and "operation data." For example, data frame DF1 stores "Fork1" as "identification information," "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00" as the "acquisition time," "Pres1" as "operation data (measured value of pressure sensor Sp)," "Temp1" as "operation data (measured value of temperature sensor St)," "Kp" as "operation data (control variable: proportional constant)," "Ki" as "operation data (control variable: integral constant)," "0" as "operation data (abnormal information indicating the state of the fuel gas pressure)," "0" as "operation data (abnormal information indicating the state of the refrigerant)," and "1" as "operation data (abnormal information indicating the state of the signal lines of various sensors)." When the "abnormality information" is "0", it indicates a normal state, and when the "abnormality information" is "1", it indicates an abnormal state.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data frame stored in the storage unit Str from the start of the control unit Cnt until the end of operation.

[0068] Data frames DF1 to DF16 shown in Fig. 5 indicate, for example, data frames acquired at times t3 to t18 shown in Fig. 3. Note that, like the data frames DF1 to DF4 shown in Fig. 4, the data frames DF1 to DF16 shown in Fig. 5 store "identification information," "acquisition time," and "operational data." Furthermore, the "acquisition time" stored in each of the data frames DF1 to DF4 shown in Fig. 5 is the corrected "acquisition time."

[0069] Here, it is assumed that the timer measurement time from time t2 when the control unit Cnt is started to time t7 when the time information is acquired is 5 seconds, and the time information acquired by the control unit Cnt at time t7 is "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:30:00." It is assumed that the time interval between times t2 to t18 shown in FIG. 3 is 1 second. Furthermore, it is assumed that, of the data frames storing operational data acquired when no abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit FCU, data frames storing operational data acquired every second (every 2 seconds) are transmitted from the control unit Cnt to the communication unit Co. Furthermore, it is assumed that, of the data frames storing operational data acquired when an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit FCU, data frames storing operational data acquired every second are transmitted from the control unit Cnt to the communication unit Co.

[0070] First, after startup at time t2, the control unit Cnt acquires operation data at times t3 to t6, respectively, and stores the data in data frames DF1 to DF4 shown in Fig. 4. The control unit Cnt determines that a signal line breakage abnormality has occurred at times t3 to t5, respectively, and determines that no abnormality has occurred at time t6. The control unit Cnt also sets the abnormality information Ed in the data frames DF1 to DF3 shown in Fig. 4 to "1," and sets the abnormality information Ep, Et, Ed in the data frames DF1 to DF3 and the abnormality information Ed in the data frame DF4 to "0."

[0071] Next, when the control unit Cnt acquires time information at time t7, it sets the acquisition time of the data frame DF1 storing the operational data acquired at time t3, which is one second after the startup time t2, as the correction target, subtracts one second from the measurement time of 5 seconds, to obtain a correction time of 4 seconds, and sets the correction time to "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:56," which is calculated by going back 4 seconds from the time information "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:30:00."The control unit Cnt then rewrites the acquisition time to be corrected, "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00," to the correction time "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:56," thereby correcting the acquisition time "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00" of the data frame DF1 shown in FIG. 4 to the acquisition time "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:56" of the data frame DF1 shown in FIG. 5.

[0072] The control unit Cnt also sets the acquisition time of the data frame DF2 storing the operational data acquired at time t4, two seconds after the startup time t2, as the correction target, subtracts two seconds from the measurement time of five seconds, resulting in three seconds as the correction time, and sets "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:57", which is the correction time of three seconds back from the time information "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:30:00". The control unit Cnt then rewrites the acquisition time of the correction target, "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00", to the correction time "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:57", thereby correcting the acquisition time "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00" of the data frame DF2 shown in FIG. 4 to the acquisition time "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:57" of the data frame DF2 shown in FIG. 5.

[0073] The control unit Cnt also sets the acquisition time of the data frame DF3 storing the operational data acquired at time t5, three seconds after the startup time t2, as the correction target, subtracts three seconds from the measurement time of five seconds, to obtain a correction time of two seconds, resulting in "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:58," which is calculated by going back two seconds from the time information "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:30:00." The control unit Cnt then rewrites the acquisition time of the correction target, "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00," to the correction time "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:58," thereby correcting the acquisition time "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00" of the data frame DF3 shown in FIG. 4 to the acquisition time "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:58" of the data frame DF3 shown in FIG. 5.

[0074] The control unit Cnt also sets the acquisition time of the data frame DF4 storing the operational data acquired at time t6, four seconds after the startup time t2, as the correction target, subtracts four seconds from the measurement time of five seconds, and sets the correction time to "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:59," which is calculated by going back one second from the time information "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:30:00" as the correction time.The control unit Cnt then rewrites the acquisition time of the correction target, "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00," to the correction time "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:59," thereby correcting the acquisition time "0000 / 0 / 0 / 00:00:00" of the data frame DF4 shown in FIG. 4 to the acquisition time "2024 / 1 / 1 / 13:29:59" of the data frame DF4 shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] Next, the control unit Cnt acquires operational data at times t7 and t8, and stores the acquired operational data in data frames DF5 and DF6 shown in FIG.

[0076] Next, at time t9, the control unit Cnt acquires operational data, stores the acquired operational data in the data frame DF7 shown in Figure 5, and transmits to the communication unit Co the data frames DF1 to DF3, among the data frames DF1 to DF4 shown in Figure 5, whose abnormality information Ed is "1".

[0077] Next, the control unit Cnt acquires operational data at times t10 and t11, respectively, stores the acquired operational data in data frames DF8 and DF9 shown in FIG. 5, determines that a pressure abnormality has occurred, and sets the abnormality information Ep in the data frames DF8 and DF9 shown in FIG. 5 to "1" and the abnormality information Et and Ed in the data frames DF8 and DF9 to "0".

[0078] Next, at time t12, the control unit Cnt acquires operational data, stores the acquired operational data in the data frame DF10 shown in Fig. 5, and transmits data frames DF5, DF7, and DF8 out of the data frames DF5 to DF8 shown in Fig. 5 to the communication unit Co. Furthermore, the control unit Cnt determines at time t12 that a pressure abnormality has occurred, and sets the abnormality information Ep in the data frame DF10 shown in Fig. 5 to "1," and sets the abnormality information Et and Ed in the data frame DF10 to "0," respectively.

[0079] Next, the control unit Cnt acquires operational data at times t13 and t14, and stores the acquired operational data in data frames DF11 and DF12 shown in FIG.

[0080] Next, at time t15, the control unit Cnt acquires operational data, stores the acquired operational data in the data frame DF13 shown in Figure 5, and transmits data frames DF9 to DF11 of the data frames DF9 to DF12 shown in Figure 5 to the communication unit Co.

[0081] Next, the control unit Cnt acquires operational data at times t16 and t17, and stores the acquired operational data in data frames DF14 and DF15 shown in FIG.

[0082] Then, at time t18, the control unit Cnt acquires operational data, stores the acquired operational data in the data frame DF16 shown in Figure 5, and transmits data frames DF13 and DF15 out of the data frames DF13 to DF16 shown in Figure 5 to the communication unit Co.

[0083] In this way, in the fuel cell unit FCU of the embodiment, the acquisition time corresponding to the operational data acquired between the start-up of the control unit Cnt and the reception of the time information is corrected based on the elapsed time between the start-up of the control unit Cnt and the acquisition of the operational data and the time information.

[0084] As a result, even if time information cannot be received from the server S between the start-up of the control unit Cnt and the establishment of communication between the communication unit Co and the server S, the operational data generated between the start-up of the control unit Cnt and the reception of the time information can be sent to the server S in association with the acquisition time without being discarded.

[0085] In addition, in the fuel cell unit FCU of the embodiment, when no abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit FCU, multiple pieces of operating data acquired every certain time T1 are thinned out and transmitted from the control unit Cnt to the communication unit Co, and when an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit FCU, multiple pieces of operating data acquired every certain time T1 are transmitted from the control unit Cnt to the communication unit Co without being thinned out.

[0086] This makes it possible to reduce the overall amount of data sent from the control unit Cnt to the communication unit Co without reducing the amount of data collected at the server S when an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit FCU, compared to when all of the operational data acquired every fixed time T1 is sent from the control unit Cnt to the communication unit Co. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the aggregation results of operational data that occurs when an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit FCU, while reducing the amount of data sent from the fuel cell unit FCU to the server S.

[0087] Furthermore, in the fuel cell unit FCU of the embodiment, the control unit Cnt and the communication unit Co are driven by power supplied from a power storage device B provided outside the fuel cell unit FCU.

[0088] This eliminates the need to provide a new power source for driving the control unit Cnt and the communication unit Co in addition to the power storage device B, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the fuel cell unit FCU.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] STM upper system Lo load B Energy storage device Cs control section Sv voltage sensor Si current sensor FCU Fuel Cell Unit FCS fuel cell stack HT fuel tank INJ injector ACP Air Compressor ARV Air Pressure Regulating Valve R radiator WP water pump CNV1, CNV2 DC / DC converters Cnt control unit Co. Communications Department Str storage Sp pressure sensor St temperature sensor

Claims

1. A fuel cell unit comprising a fuel cell, a control unit that controls power generation by the fuel cell and associates operational data generated within the fuel cell unit with the time at which the operational data was acquired; a communication unit that transmits time information received from a server to the control unit, and transmits the acquired time and operation data received from the control unit to the server; Equipped with The control unit corrects an acquisition time corresponding to the operational data acquired during the period from startup of the control unit to reception of the time information, based on the time elapsed from startup of the control unit to acquisition of the operational data and the time information. Fuel cell unit.

2. 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, The control unit thins out the plurality of pieces of operational data acquired every certain time when no abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit and transmits the thinned data to the communication unit, and when an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell unit, transmits the plurality of pieces of operational data acquired every certain time to the communication unit without thinning out the plurality of pieces of operational data. Fuel cell unit.

3. 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, a power storage device is provided outside the fuel cell unit, and outputs the shortage of power to the load when the output power of the fuel cell unit is smaller than the required power of a load, and receives the surplus power when the output power is larger than the required power; The control unit and the communication unit are driven by power supplied from the power storage device. Fuel cell unit.

4. An operational data transmission method for a fuel cell unit, comprising: a control unit that controls power generation of a fuel cell and associates operational data generated in the fuel cell unit with an acquisition time of the operational data; and a communication unit that transmits time information received from a server to the control unit and transmits the acquisition time and operational data received from the control unit to the server, The control unit corrects an acquisition time corresponding to the operational data acquired during the period from startup of the control unit to reception of the time information, based on the time elapsed from startup of the control unit to acquisition of the operational data and the time information. Operational data transmission method.

Images