Fuel cell module and method for manufacturing fuel cell module

Abstract

To improve working efficiency in manufacturing a fuel cell module.SOLUTION: A fuel cell module FCM includes a storage part Stg for storing model information indicating the kind of a system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied, and a control part Cnt for controlling the operation of an auxiliary machine by executing software corresponding to the model information stored in the storage part Stg to cause a fuel cell stack FCS as a main machine to generate power, and the control part Cnt stores model information corresponding to the combination of the auxiliary machines assembled to the fuel cell module FCM by referring to model determination information D indicating the correspondence relation between the model information and the combination of the auxiliary machines.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell module and a method for manufacturing a fuel cell module. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a type of fuel cell module in which, when the fuel cell module is manufactured, model information indicating the type of system (vehicle, generator, etc.) to which the fuel cell module is applied is written into a memory unit by an operator or the like, and when the fuel cell stack generates power, software corresponding to the model information written into the memory unit is executed by a control unit. Related technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] However, if the model information becomes more diverse, the task of writing the model information by workers and the like becomes more cumbersome, which may reduce the efficiency of the work during the manufacture of fuel cell modules. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-128615 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object according to one aspect of the present invention is to improve work efficiency during the manufacture of a fuel cell module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One form of the fuel cell module according to the present invention comprises a memory unit that stores model information indicating the type of system to which the fuel cell module is applied, and a control unit that controls the operation of the auxiliary equipment by executing software corresponding to the model information stored in the memory unit, thereby causing the fuel cell stack, which is the main equipment, to generate electricity.When auxiliary equipment is assembled to the fuel cell module, the control unit refers to model determination information that indicates the correspondence between the model information and the combination of auxiliary equipment, and stores model information corresponding to the combination of auxiliary equipment assembled to the fuel cell module in the memory unit.

[0007] This eliminates the need for workers to write model information during the manufacture of the fuel cell module, thereby improving work efficiency during the manufacture of the fuel cell module.

[0008] The control unit may also be configured to issue a warning that an abnormality has occurred if model information corresponding to the combination of auxiliary equipment assembled to the fuel cell module is not present in the model determination information.

[0009] This reduces the risk that model information will be written to the storage unit incorrectly or that auxiliary equipment will be assembled incorrectly to the fuel cell module during manufacturing of the fuel cell module.

[0010] In addition, the control unit may be configured to determine model information based on whether or not auxiliary equipment is installed in the fuel cell module when the fuel cell stack starts generating power, and to stop power generation by the fuel cell stack if the determined model information does not match the model information stored in the memory unit.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a fuel cell module, which includes a memory unit that stores model information indicating the type of system to which the fuel cell module is applied, and a control unit that controls the operation of auxiliary equipment by executing software corresponding to the model information stored in the memory unit, thereby causing the fuel cell stack, which is the main unit, to generate electricity.When auxiliary equipment is assembled to the fuel cell module, the control unit refers to model determination information that indicates the correspondence between the model information and the combination of auxiliary equipment, and stores model information corresponding to the combination of auxiliary equipment assembled to the fuel cell module in the memory unit.

[0012] This eliminates the need for workers to write model information, thereby improving work efficiency during the manufacture of fuel cell modules. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the work efficiency when manufacturing a fuel cell module. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram showing an example of model determination information indicating the correspondence between model information and combinations of auxiliary equipment. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit during manufacturing. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit when determining the model. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit at the start of power generation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment.

[0017] The fuel cell module FCM shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as a forklift, a towing tractor, or an automatic guided vehicle (AGV), and supplies power to a load Lo mounted on the vehicle. In this configuration, the load Lo is, for example, an inverter circuit that drives a loading device or a travel motor. The fuel cell module FCM may also be provided in a stationary generator such as an industrial stationary generator, a home stationary generator, or an emergency stationary generator. In this configuration, the load Lo is, for example, industrial machinery or a home appliance.

[0018] The fuel cell module FCM also includes a fuel cell stack FCS, which is the main unit, and a number of types of auxiliary units for causing the fuel cell stack FCS to generate electricity.

[0019] That is, the fuel cell module FCM is equipped with a hydrogen tank HT, an injector INJ, a temperature sensor Sth, and a hydrogen detector Sh as fuel gas system accessories. Note that the hydrogen tank HT is provided outside the fuel cell module FCM depending on the system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied.

[0020] The fuel cell module FCM also includes an air compressor ACP and an air pressure regulating valve ARV as oxidant gas system accessories.

[0021] The fuel cell module FCM also includes an intercooler IC as a cooling system accessory. As other cooling system accessories shown in Fig. 1, a radiator R and a water pump WP are provided outside the fuel cell module FCM. Note that the radiator R and the water pump WP may be provided inside the fuel cell module FCM depending on the system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied.

[0022] The fuel cell module FCM also includes, as electrical auxiliaries, DC-DC converters CNV1 and CNV2, power storage devices B1 and B2, a temperature sensor Stb, a voltage sensor Sv, a current sensor Si, and relays Re1 and Re2. Note that the power storage device B1 is provided outside the fuel cell module FCM depending on the system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied.

[0023] The fuel cell module FCM further includes a memory unit Stg and a control unit Cnt.

[0024] A fuel cell stack (FCS) is composed of multiple fuel cell cells connected in series, and generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen contained in a fuel gas (such as hydrogen gas) and the oxygen contained in an oxidant gas (such as air).

[0025] The hydrogen tank HT is a storage container for fuel gas. The fuel gas stored in the hydrogen tank HT is supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS via the injector INJ.

[0026] The injector INJ adjusts the flow rate of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0027] The temperature sensor Sth is configured with a thermistor or the like, measures the temperature of the hydrogen tank HT, and sends the measured value, that is, the temperature Th, to the control unit Cnt.

[0028] The hydrogen detector Sh measures the hydrogen concentration around the hydrogen tank HT and sends the measured hydrogen concentration to the control unit Cnt.

[0029] The air compressor ACP compresses the oxidant gas present around the fuel cell module FCM and supplies it to the fuel cell stack FCS via the intercooler IC.

[0030] The air pressure regulating valve ARV adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0031] The intercooler IC exchanges heat between the oxidant gas, which has been heated by compression, and a refrigerant such as cooling water flowing through the intercooler IC.

[0032] The radiator R exchanges heat between the refrigerant, which has been heated by the heat generated by the fuel cell stack FCS, and the outside air.

[0033] The water pump WP supplies the refrigerant cooled by the radiator R to the fuel cell stack FCS via the intercooler IC.

[0034] The DC-DC converter CNV1 is connected downstream of the fuel cell stack FCS and converts the voltage output from the fuel cell stack FCS to a predetermined voltage (for example, 48 V). The power output from the DC-DC converter CNV1 is supplied to auxiliary equipment such as an air compressor ACP and a water pump WP, a load Lo, and a power storage device B1. The air compressor ACP and the water pump WP are sometimes referred to as 48 V auxiliary equipment.

[0035] The power storage device B1 is configured with a lithium ion capacitor or the like and is connected between the DC-DC converter CNV1 and the load Lo. When the supply power corresponding to the difference between the power output from the DC-DC converter CNV1 and the total value of the power supplied to the 48V auxiliary equipment and the DC-DC converter CNV2 is greater than the requested power required by the outside of the fuel cell module FCM (for example, a vehicle-side control unit or a stationary generator-side control unit that controls the operation of the load Lo), the requested power is supplied to the load Lo, and the remaining power is supplied to the power storage device B1. When power is supplied from the DC-DC converter CNV1 to the power storage device B1, the power storage device B1 is charged, and the charge rate of the power storage device B1 (the ratio [%] of the remaining capacity to the full charge capacity of the power storage device B1) increases. Furthermore, when regenerative power supplied from the load Lo to the fuel cell module FCM is supplied to the power storage device B1, the power storage device B1 is charged, and the charge rate of the power storage device B1 increases. Furthermore, if the supply power corresponding to the difference between the power output from the DC-DC converter CNV1 and the total value of the power supplied to the 48V auxiliaries and the DC-DC converter CNV2 is smaller than the required power required from outside the fuel cell module FCM, the supply power is supplied to the load Lo, and the shortfall in power is supplied from the power storage device B1 to the load Lo. When power is supplied from the power storage device B1 to the load Lo, the power storage device B1 is discharged and the charging rate of the power storage device B1 decreases.

[0036] Temperature sensor Stb measures the temperature of power storage device B1 and sends the measured value, that is, temperature Tb, to control unit Cnt.

[0037] Voltage sensor Sv measures the voltage of power storage device B1 and sends the measured value, voltage V, to control unit Cnt.

[0038] Current sensor Si measures the current flowing through power storage device B1 and sends the measured value of current I to control unit Cnt.

[0039] The relay Re1 is configured by an electromagnetic relay or a semiconductor relay, and is connected between the DCDC converter CNV1 and the power storage device B1. When the relay Re1 is in a conductive state, power can be supplied from the DCDC converter CNV1 or the load Lo to the power storage device B1, and power can be supplied from the power storage device B1 to the load Lo, and when the relay Re1 is in a cut-off state, power cannot be supplied from the DCDC converter CNV1 or the load Lo to the power storage device B1, and power cannot be supplied from the power storage device B1 to the load Lo.

[0040] The DC-DC converter CNV2 is connected after the DC-DC converter CNV1 and converts the voltage output from the DC-DC converter CNV1 to a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 V). The power output from the DC-DC converter CNV2 is supplied to accessories such as the injector INJ and the fan F. The injector INJ and the fan F are sometimes referred to as 12 V accessories.

[0041] The power storage device B2 is configured with a lithium ion capacitor or the like. When the power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 is greater than the power to be supplied to the 12V auxiliaries, power corresponding to the difference between the power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 and the power to be supplied to the 12V auxiliaries is supplied from the DCDC converter CNV2 to the power storage device B2. When power is supplied from the DCDC converter CNV2 to the power storage device B2, the power storage device B2 is charged, and the charge rate of the power storage device B2 (the ratio [%] of the remaining capacity to the full charge capacity of the power storage device B2) increases. Furthermore, when the power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 is less than the power to be supplied to the 12V auxiliaries, power corresponding to the difference between the power to be supplied to the 12V auxiliaries and the power output from the DCDC converter CNV2 is supplied from the DCDC converter CNV2 to the 12V auxiliaries, and the shortfall in power is supplied from the power storage device B2 to the 12V auxiliaries. When power is supplied from power storage device B2 to the 12V auxiliary equipment, power storage device B2 is discharged and the charge rate of power storage device B2 decreases.

[0042] The relay Re2 is configured by an electromagnetic relay or a semiconductor relay, and is connected between the DC-DC converter CNV2 and the power storage device B2. When the relay Re2 is in a conductive state, power can be supplied from the DC-DC converter CNV2 to the power storage device B2, and when the relay Re2 is in a cut-off state, power cannot be supplied from the DC-DC converter CNV2 to the power storage device B2.

[0043] The storage unit Stg is configured with a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and stores model information indicating the type of system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied (such as a vehicle or a stationary generator). The storage unit Stg may be provided within the control unit Cnt.

[0044] The control unit Cnt is configured by a microcomputer and the like.

[0045] Furthermore, when accessories are assembled to the fuel cell module FCM during manufacture of the fuel cell module FCM, the control unit Cnt references model determination information D, which indicates the correspondence between model information and combinations of accessories, and stores the model information corresponding to the combination of accessories assembled to the fuel cell module FCM in the memory unit Stg as model information corresponding to the fuel cell module FCM. Note that the model determination information D is assumed to be stored in, for example, the memory unit Stg.

[0046] Furthermore, when the fuel cell stack FCS starts generating power, the control unit Cnt refers to the model determination information D to determine model information corresponding to the combination of auxiliary equipment assembled to the fuel cell module FCM, and if the determined model information matches the model information stored in the memory unit Stg at the time of manufacture, it continues power generation control of the fuel cell stack FCS, but if the determined model information does not match the model information stored in the memory unit Stg at the time of manufacture, it stops power generation of the fuel cell stack FCS.

[0047] Furthermore, during power generation control of the fuel cell stack FCS, the control unit Cnt executes software corresponding to the model information stored in the memory unit Stg to control the operation of the auxiliary devices and cause the fuel cell stack to generate power. For example, during power generation control, the control unit Cnt executes software corresponding to the model information stored in the memory unit Stg to change the target power generation power Pt according to the comparison result between the charging rate of the power storage device B1 and a threshold value, and controls the operation of each auxiliary device using PI (Proportional-Integral) control or the like so that the power generation power of the fuel cell FC follows the target power generation power Pt.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the model determination information D.

[0049] The model determination information D shown in Figure 2 indicates the types of systems to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied: "forklift F1," "forklift F2," "stationary generator G1," and "stationary generator G2," and indicates the combinations of auxiliary equipment: "power storage device B1," "hydrogen tank HT," "refrigerant temperature sensor," and "hydrogen detector Sh."

[0050] For the "forklift F1" in the model determination information D shown in FIG. 2, "○" is indicated as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "power storage device B1" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, "○" is indicated as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "hydrogen tank HT" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, "×" is indicated as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "refrigerant temperature sensor" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, and "×" is indicated as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "hydrogen detector Sh" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM. Note that "○" indicates that the sensor is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, and "×" indicates that the sensor is not installed in the fuel cell module FCM. In other words, in the model determination information D shown in FIG. 2, the combination of accessories corresponding to the "forklift F1" is the "power storage device B1" and the "hydrogen tank HT."

[0051] Furthermore, for the "forklift F2" in the model determination information D shown in Figure 2, "○" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "power storage device B1" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, "○" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "hydrogen tank HT" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, "×" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "refrigerant temperature sensor" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, and "○" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "hydrogen detector Sh" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM. In other words, in the model determination information D shown in Figure 2, the combination of accessories corresponding to the "forklift F2" is the "power storage device B1," the "hydrogen tank HT," and the "hydrogen detector Sh."

[0052] 2, for the "stationary generator G1" in the model determination information D, an "x" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not an "electricity storage device B1" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, an "x" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "hydrogen tank HT" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, an "o" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "refrigerant temperature sensor" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, and an "o" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "hydrogen detector Sh" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM. That is, in the model determination information D shown in FIG. 2, the combination of accessories corresponding to the "stationary generator G1" is the "refrigerant temperature sensor" and the "hydrogen detector Sh."

[0053] 2, for the "stationary generator G2" in the model determination information D, an "x" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not an "electricity storage device B1" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, an "x" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "hydrogen tank HT" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, an "x" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "refrigerant temperature sensor" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, and an "o" is shown as presence / absence information indicating whether or not a "hydrogen detector Sh" is installed in the fuel cell module FCM. That is, in the model determination information D shown in FIG. 2, the accessory combination corresponding to the "stationary generator G2" is the "hydrogen detector Sh."

[0054] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit Cnt during the manufacture of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0055] First, when the control unit Cnt receives a model determination instruction sent from outside the fuel cell module FCM (such as the vehicle-side control unit or the stationary generator-side control unit) (step S11: Yes), it reads out model determination information D from the memory unit Stg or the like (step S12), and determines the model information by referring to the model determination information D (step S13).

[0056] Next, if the result of determining the model information in step S13 is that the corresponding model information does not exist in the model determination information D (step S14: Yes), the control unit Cnt issues a notice that an abnormality has occurred (step S15) and ends the model determination process. For example, in step S15, the control unit Cnt displays a message indicating that the corresponding model information does not exist in the model determination information D on a display (not shown) provided in the vehicle or the stationary generator.

[0057] On the other hand, if the corresponding model information exists in the model determination information D (step S14: No), the control unit Cnt stores the model information determined in step S13 in the memory unit Stg (step S16) and terminates the model determination process.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit Cnt when determining model information.

[0059] First, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Stb and the control unit Cnt and the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Sth and the control unit Cnt are each disconnected (step S21: Yes), and also determines that the signal line connecting the control unit Cnt to a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant is disconnected (step S22: Yes), then it determines that the ``power storage device B1,'' ``hydrogen tank HT,'' and ``refrigerant temperature sensor'' are not installed in the fuel cell module FCM, and refers to the model determination information D to determine that the type of system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied is ``stationary generator G2,'' since the ``power storage device B1'' presence / absence information corresponds to ``x,'' ``hydrogen tank HT'' presence / absence information corresponds to ``x,'' and ``refrigerant temperature sensor'' presence / absence information corresponds to ``x'' (step S23).

[0060] For example, if the voltage of the input terminal to which the signal line of the temperature sensor Stb is connected is equal to or lower than a threshold value Vth1, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Stb and the control unit Cnt is broken. Also, if the voltage of the input terminal to which the signal line of the temperature sensor Sth is connected is equal to or lower than a threshold value Vth2, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Sth and the control unit Cnt is broken. Also, if the voltage of the input terminal to which the signal line of the refrigerant temperature sensor is connected is equal to or lower than a threshold value Vth3, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the refrigerant temperature sensor and the control unit Cnt is broken.

[0061] Furthermore, when the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Stb and the control unit Cnt and the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Sth and the control unit Cnt are each broken (step S21: Yes), and also determines that the signal line connecting the control unit Cnt to a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant is not broken (step S22: No), it determines that the "power storage device B1" and the "hydrogen tank HT" are not installed in the fuel cell module FCM, but that a "refrigerant temperature sensor" is installed, and references the model determination information D to determine that the type of system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied is "stationary generator G1," for which the presence / absence information for the "power storage device B1" corresponds to "x," the presence / absence information for the "hydrogen tank HT" corresponds to "x," and the presence / absence information for the "refrigerant temperature sensor" corresponds to "○" (step S24).

[0062] For example, if the voltage of the input terminal to which the signal line of the refrigerant temperature sensor is connected is greater than a threshold Vth3, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the refrigerant temperature sensor and the control unit Cnt is not broken.

[0063] Furthermore, if the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Stb and the control unit Cnt and the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Sth and the control unit Cnt are not broken (step S21: No), and also determines that the signal line connecting the hydrogen detector Sh and the control unit Cnt is broken (step S25: Yes), it determines that the "power storage device B1" and the "hydrogen tank HT" are installed in the fuel cell module FCM, but that the "hydrogen detector Sh" is not installed, and refers to the model determination information D to determine that the type of system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied is "forklift F1", where the presence / absence information for the "power storage device B1" corresponds to "○", the presence / absence information for the "hydrogen tank HT" corresponds to "○", and the presence / absence information for the "hydrogen detector Sh" corresponds to "×" (step S26).

[0064] For example, if the voltage at the input terminal to which the signal line of the temperature sensor Stb is connected is greater than a threshold value Vth1, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Stb and the control unit Cnt is not broken. Furthermore, if the voltage at the input terminal to which the signal line of the temperature sensor Sth is connected is greater than a threshold value Vth2, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Sth and the control unit Cnt is not broken. Furthermore, if the voltage at the input terminal to which the signal line of the hydrogen detector Sh is connected is equal to or less than a threshold value Vth4, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the hydrogen detector Sh and the control unit Cnt is broken.

[0065] Furthermore, when the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Stb and the control unit Cnt and the signal line connecting the temperature sensor Sth and the control unit Cnt are not broken (step S21: No), and also determines that the signal line connecting the hydrogen detector Sh and the control unit Cnt is not broken (step S25: No), the control unit Cnt determines that the "power storage device B1", "hydrogen tank HT", and "hydrogen detector Sh" are installed in the fuel cell module FCM, and refers to the model determination information D to determine that the type of system to which the fuel cell module FCM is applied is "forklift F2", where the presence / absence information for the "power storage device B1" corresponds to "○", the presence / absence information for the "hydrogen tank HT" corresponds to "○", and the presence / absence information for the "hydrogen detector Sh" corresponds to "○" (step S27).

[0066] For example, if the voltage at the input terminal to which the signal line of the hydrogen detector Sh is connected is greater than a threshold value Vth4, the control unit Cnt determines that the signal line connecting the hydrogen detector Sh and the control unit Cnt is not broken.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit Cnt at the start of power generation.

[0068] First, when the control unit Cnt receives an external instruction to start the fuel cell module FCM, for example, when the user turns on the vehicle key or presses the power-on button of a stationary generator (step S31: Yes), it executes a system startup process (step S32). For example, when executing the system startup process, the control unit Cnt determines whether each auxiliary device, such as the hydrogen detector Sh, is operating normally, and reads from the memory unit Stg the initial values ​​of the control signals to be given to each auxiliary device, such as the air compressor ACP and the injector INJ.

[0069] Next, the control unit Cnt reads out the model determination information D from the storage unit Stg (step S33), and refers to the read out model determination information D to determine the model information corresponding to the fuel cell module FCM (step S34).

[0070] Next, the control unit Cnt reads out the model information stored in the memory unit Stg at the time of manufacture (step S35), and determines whether the model information determined in step S34 and the model information read out in step S35 match each other (step S36).

[0071] Next, if the control unit Cnt determines that the model information determined in step S34 and the model information read in step S35 do not match, i.e., if it determines that model information different from the actual model information is stored in the memory unit Stg (step S36: No), it issues a warning that an abnormality has occurred (step S37) and executes a system shutdown process (step S38). For example, in step S37, the control unit Cnt displays a message indicating that model information different from the actual model information is stored in the memory unit Stg on a display (not shown) provided in the vehicle or the stationary generator. Furthermore, in step S38, the control unit Cnt stores in the memory unit Stg the control signals provided to each auxiliary device, such as the air compressor ACP and the injector INJ, and the measured values ​​obtained from each auxiliary device, such as the voltage sensor Sv, during the execution of the system shutdown process.

[0072] On the other hand, if the control unit Cnt determines that the model information determined in step S34 and the model information read out in step S35 match each other, that is, if it determines that the same model information as the actual model information is stored in the memory unit Stg (step S36: Yes), it brings relays Re1 and Re2 into a conductive state (step S39) and starts the charging control process for the fuel cell module FCM (step S40).

[0073] Next, the control unit Cnt continues the charge control until it receives an instruction to stop the fuel cell module FCM (step S41: No).

[0074] Then, when the control unit Cnt receives an instruction to shut down the fuel cell module FCM from outside, such as when the user turns off the vehicle key or presses the power off button on the stationary generator (step S41: Yes), it terminates the charging control of the fuel cell module FCM (step S42), turns off relays Re1 and Re2 (step S43), and then executes system shutdown processing (step S38).

[0075] In this way, in the fuel cell module FCM of the embodiment, when an auxiliary device is assembled to the fuel cell module FCM during manufacturing of the fuel cell module FCM, the model determination information D, which indicates the correspondence between model information and the combination of auxiliary devices, is referenced, and the model information corresponding to the combination of auxiliary devices assembled to the fuel cell module FCM is stored in the memory unit Stg as model information corresponding to the fuel cell module.

[0076] This eliminates the need for workers to write model information when manufacturing the fuel cell module FCM, thereby improving work efficiency when manufacturing the fuel cell module FCM.

[0077] Furthermore, the fuel cell module FCM of the embodiment is configured to determine model information based on the presence or absence of auxiliary equipment assembled to the fuel cell module FCM.

[0078] This eliminates the need to provide the fuel cell module FCM with new components to determine the model information, making it possible to prevent an increase in the manufacturing costs of the fuel cell module FCM.

[0079] Furthermore, in the fuel cell module FCM of the embodiment, if, during manufacturing of the fuel cell module FCM, model information corresponding to the combination of auxiliary equipment assembled to the fuel cell module FCM is not present in the model determination information D, an alert is issued to indicate that an abnormality has occurred.

[0080] This reduces the risk that model information will be written to the memory unit Stg incorrectly or that an auxiliary device will be assembled incorrectly to the fuel cell module FCM when the fuel cell module FCM is manufactured.

[0081] 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.

[0082] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the output signal of the auxiliary device is used as a parameter for determining the model information, but the parameter for determining the model information is not particularly limited.

[0083] For example, the control unit Cnt may be configured to determine which of a plurality of input terminals provided in the control unit Cnt is connected to a signal line of an auxiliary device, and to determine the model information based on the determination result. Specifically, when the control unit Cnt recognizes that a signal is input to an upper connection pin in a coupler provided in the control unit Cnt, it determines that a power storage device B1 is installed in the fuel cell module FCM, and when it recognizes that a signal is input to a lower connection pin in the coupler, it determines that a hydrogen detector Sh is installed in the fuel cell module FCM. In this way, when model information is determined using a plurality of input terminals, even if the number of model information items increases, the model information can be determined simply by increasing the number of input terminals.

[0084] In addition, the control unit Cnt may be configured to determine the model information based on a signal output from a sensor for detecting a break in the relay Re1 or a fan (an accessory for increasing the amount of heat dissipated by the radiator R) not shown.

[0085] The control unit Cnt may be configured to determine the model information based on the magnitude of a signal input to the control unit Cnt. For example, if the pressure P, which is a measurement value of a pressure sensor (an accessory that measures the pressure of fuel gas, not shown), is equal to or greater than a threshold value Pth, the control unit Cnt determines the model information to be a "high-pressure fuel cell module," and if the pressure P is smaller than the threshold value Pth, the control unit Cnt determines the model information to be a "low-pressure fuel cell module." [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] FCM Fuel Cell Module Lo load FCS fuel cell stack HT Hydrogen Tank INJ injector ACP Air Compressor ARV Air Pressure Regulating Valve R radiator F Fan WP water pump IC intercooler CNV1, CNV2 DC / DC converters B1, B2 Power storage device Re1, Re2 relays Stb, Sth temperature sensors Sv voltage sensor Si current sensor Stg storage Cnt control unit

Claims

1. A fuel cell module, comprising: a storage unit that stores model information indicating the type of system to which the fuel cell module is applied; a control unit that controls the operation of the auxiliary equipment by executing software corresponding to the model information stored in the storage unit, thereby causing the fuel cell stack, which is the main equipment, to generate electricity; Equipped with When an auxiliary device is assembled to the fuel cell module, the control unit refers to model determination information indicating a correspondence relationship between the model information and the combination of the auxiliary devices, and stores model information corresponding to the combination of the auxiliary devices assembled to the fuel cell module in the storage unit. Fuel cell module.

2. 10. The fuel cell module of claim 1, The control unit issues a warning that an abnormality has occurred if the information does not include model information corresponding to the combination of auxiliary devices assembled to the fuel cell module. Fuel cell module.

3. 10. The fuel cell module of claim 1, The control unit determines model information based on the presence or absence of auxiliary equipment installed in the fuel cell module when power generation by the fuel cell stack starts, and stops power generation by the fuel cell stack if the determined model information does not match the model information stored in the storage unit. Fuel cell module.

4. A method for manufacturing a fuel cell module comprising: a storage unit that stores model information indicating the type of system to which the fuel cell module is applied; and a control unit that controls operation of an auxiliary device by executing software corresponding to the model information stored in the storage unit, thereby causing a fuel cell stack, which is a main device, to generate electricity, When an auxiliary device is assembled to the fuel cell module, the control unit refers to model determination information indicating a correspondence relationship between the model information and the combination of the auxiliary devices, and stores model information corresponding to the combination of the auxiliary devices assembled to the fuel cell module in the storage unit. A method for manufacturing a fuel cell module.

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