Hydrogen control system for fuel cell

The hydrogen control system addresses temperature drops in fuel cell hydrogen supply units by using exhaust air and heat exchangers to maintain stable hydrogen supply and fuel cell operation, enhancing power generation efficiency.

JP2026027792APending Publication Date: 2026-02-19FUJITA CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024129978
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-06
Publication Date
2026-02-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Hydrogen supply units in fuel cells experience temperature and pressure drops due to heat absorption, leading to reduced hydrogen supply and unstable operation, especially in low-temperature environments.

Method used

A hydrogen control system that incorporates a hydrogen supply unit within an air duct, utilizing exhaust air from the fuel cell to heat the supply unit, and includes heat exchangers and switching mechanisms to regulate temperature and humidity, ensuring stable hydrogen supply.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively raises the temperature of the hydrogen supply unit, stabilizing hydrogen supply and fuel cell operation by utilizing exhaust heat and heat exchange, allowing for efficient and stable power generation.

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Abstract

To stably operate a fuel cell by raising the temperature of a hydrogen supply part.SOLUTION: A hydrogen control system for a fuel cell includes a fuel cell configured to generate power using hydrogen and oxygen contained in air, a hydrogen supply unit configured to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell, a first air passage 410 configured to supply air from outside to the fuel cell, and a second air passage 420 configured to discharge air discharged from the fuel cell to the outside, wherein the hydrogen supply unit is provided in the second air passage. In the hydrogen control system for the fuel cell, the air in the first air passage to be supplied to the fuel cell flows in the second air passage, and includes a heat exchange part 440 capable of raising the temperature by heat exchange with the air passing through the hydrogen supply part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been expanding. In response, energy control systems that utilize renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power have been attracting attention, replacing the conventional method of generating electricity using fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas.

[0003] In this type of power control system, the amount of power generated fluctuates greatly depending on factors such as weather, season, and location. Furthermore, the power consumption of the consumer (load) such as a home or a store also varies. Therefore, a surplus or shortage of power occurs depending on the balance between power generation and consumption. Therefore, efforts have recently been made to stabilize the power supply via hydrogen using fuel cells, hydrogen supply units, and water electrolysis devices. Patent Document 1 discloses the configuration of an energy system that uses hydrogen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7306623 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, when hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply unit to the fuel cell, the hydrogen storage alloy in the hydrogen supply unit absorbs heat. This causes the temperature and internal pressure of the hydrogen supply unit to drop, reducing the amount of hydrogen supplied. Furthermore, in low-temperature environments, the temperature of the hydrogen supply unit also drops, making it impossible to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell. These factors therefore hinder the operation of the fuel cell.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of its objects is to raise the temperature of the hydrogen supply unit and operate the fuel cell stably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell, comprising: a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen and oxygen contained in air; a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell; a first air duct that supplies air from the outside to the fuel cell; and a second air duct that discharges air exhausted from the fuel cell to the outside, wherein the hydrogen supply unit is provided within the second air duct.

[0008] According to this aspect, the heat generated by the power generation in the fuel cell warms the exhaust air. When this warmed air passes through the second air passage, it can raise the temperature of the hydrogen supply unit provided in the second air passage. As a result, hydrogen can be stably supplied from the hydrogen supply unit to the fuel cell, allowing for stable operation of the fuel cell.

[0009] The above-mentioned hydrogen control system for a fuel cell may also include a heat exchange section for exchanging heat between the air in the first air duct supplied to the fuel cell and the air that flows through the second air duct and has passed through the hydrogen supply section.

[0010] According to this aspect, heat can be recovered from the air discharged from the fuel cell to raise the temperature of the air supplied to the fuel cell, thereby sufficiently heating the fuel cell and the hydrogen supply unit and enabling stable operation of the fuel cell.

[0011] In the above hydrogen control system for a fuel cell, the heat exchange section may be a total heat exchange type.

[0012] According to this aspect, the heat exchanger is a total heat exchanger, which can utilize latent heat and more efficiently raise the temperature of the air taken in. In addition, moisture can be recovered, which increases the humidity of the air supplied to the fuel cell, ensuring stable operation.

[0013] The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell may further include a third air passage that allows air from outside to be supplied directly to the fuel cell without passing through the heat exchanger.

[0014] According to this aspect, when the temperature of the air taken in from outside is high, it can be supplied directly to the fuel cell without being heated by the heat exchange section, so that the fuel cell can operate stably even when the outside temperature is too high, for example, in the summer.

[0015] The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell may further include a first switching unit that switches between the first air passage and the third air passage.

[0016] According to this aspect, the temperature of the air supplied to the fuel cell can be controlled by controlling the amount of heat exchange with the first switching unit in accordance with the temperature of the taken-in air.

[0017] In the above-mentioned hydrogen control system for a fuel cell, a portion of the second air duct may branch off at a branching section and connect to the first air duct so that a portion of the air passing through the second air duct merges with the air supplied to the fuel cell.

[0018] According to this aspect, the heated air is reused, and the temperature at which the fuel cell operates can be increased.

[0019] In the above-mentioned hydrogen control system for fuel cells, the branching section may have a second switching section that switches between connection and disconnection between the first air duct and the second air duct, and an oxygen concentration sensor that detects the oxygen concentration provided in the first air duct or the second air duct.

[0020] In a configuration in which air is circulated, oxygen is consumed in the fuel cell, and the oxygen concentration gradually decreases. According to this aspect, when the oxygen concentration falls below a predetermined condition, the second switching unit suppresses the use of heated air, thereby enabling stable operation of the fuel cell.

[0021] The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell may further include a heater provided on the second air passage upstream of the hydrogen supply unit, for raising the temperature of the air in the second air passage.

[0022] According to this aspect, when the temperature of the air discharged from the fuel cell is low, the air reaching the hydrogen supply unit can be further heated to a predetermined temperature, thereby enabling the hydrogen supply unit to be supplied stably to the fuel cell, thereby enabling the fuel cell to operate stably.

[0023] The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell may have a water flow path in which water flowing therethrough is heated by exhaust heat generated when hydrogen is produced to be supplied to the hydrogen supply unit, and the heater may use the heat from the water flow path to heat the air discharged from the fuel cell.

[0024] According to this aspect, the heater can be heated by the water flow path heated by the exhaust heat from the operation of the water electrolysis device. Furthermore, according to this aspect, the water electrolysis device operates to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen supply unit, and the fuel cell operates after the water electrolysis device operates, so that the hydrogen supply unit can be efficiently heated by the heat of the water used in the water electrolysis device before the fuel cell operates, and hydrogen can be stably supplied to the fuel cell.

[0025] The hydrogen control system for fuel cells may have a water flow path in which the water flowing therethrough is heated by the exhaust heat generated when producing hydrogen to be supplied to the hydrogen supply unit, and may also be provided with a heater that uses the heat from the water flow path to directly heat the hydrogen supply unit.

[0026] According to this aspect, the temperature of the hydrogen supply unit can be increased by the water flow path heated by the exhaust heat of the water electrolysis device, and thus the hydrogen supply unit can be heated by the exhaust heat of the fuel cell hydrogen control system when the exhaust temperature of the fuel cell is low.

[0027] In the above-described hydrogen control system for a fuel cell, the hydrogen supply section may use a hydrogen storage alloy or a hydrogen adsorbent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the hydrogen supply unit can be increased, and the fuel cell can be operated stably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange section according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0031] In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals (reference numerals with A, B, etc. added). Also, for convenience of explanation, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and some components may be omitted from the drawings.

[0032] In this specification, the term "connection" includes not only a case where two components are directly connected, but also a case where two components are indirectly connected via another component.

[0033] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] (1-1. Configuration of hydrogen control system for fuel cells) FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a hydrogen control system 10 for a fuel cell according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen control system 10 for a fuel cell includes a water electrolysis device 100, a hydrogen supply unit 200, a fuel cell 300, and an air duct 400. In this embodiment, hydrogen generated in the water electrolysis device 100 is stored in the hydrogen supply unit 200, and the stored hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply unit 200 to the fuel cell 300. At this time, the hydrogen supply unit 200 is placed within the air duct 400 (second air duct 420) to heat the hydrogen supply unit 200 and ensure stable hydrogen supply. Each component is described in detail below.

[0035] (1-2.Water electrolysis device 100) As shown in FIG. 1, the water electrolysis apparatus 100 includes a water electrolysis cell 110, a gas-liquid separator 120, a dehumidifier 130, a gas-liquid separator 140, a heat exchanger 150, pumps 160a and 160b, and a water flow path 170.

[0036] The water electrolysis cell 110 includes an anode 111, a cathode 112, an electrolyte membrane (partition) 113, a water inlet 114, a water outlet 115, and a hydrogen outlet 116. The anode 111 and the cathode 112 can be made of a conductive material such as a metal or a carbon material. A catalyst is provided on the anode 111 and the cathode 112. The electrolyte membrane 113 separates the anode 111 and the cathode 112, allowing ions to move through the electrolyte membrane 113. In the water electrolysis cell 110, water flowing in through the water inlet 114 undergoes an electrolysis reaction, producing hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is discharged from the hydrogen outlet 116, dehumidified and purified by the gas-liquid separator 120 and the dehumidifier 130, and then sent to the hydrogen supply unit 200. The used water and oxygen flow from the water outlet 115 to the gas-liquid separator 140. Oxygen is separated in the gas-liquid separator 140 and released to the outside (external device). Water flows from the gas-liquid separator 140 to the heat exchanger 150 via the pump 160a and returns to the gas-liquid separator 140. Water is then supplied from the gas-liquid separator 140 to the water inlet 114 via the pump 160b into the water electrolysis cell 110. At this time, the water flowing through the water flow path 170 is heated by the heat of reaction of water electrolysis in the water electrolysis device 100 (water electrolysis cell 110). However, because the water in the water flow path 170 dissipates heat as it passes through the heat exchanger 150, it is possible to suppress a temperature increase in the water electrolysis device 100 (water electrolysis cell 110).

[0037] (1-3. Hydrogen supply unit 200) The hydrogen supply unit 200 stores hydrogen supplied from the water electrolysis apparatus 100 and supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell 300 via a hydrogen supply channel 210. A hydrogen storage alloy or a hydrogen adsorbent is used in the hydrogen supply unit 200. A hydrogen storage alloy is an alloy that can absorb and store hydrogen by hydrogenation and can release hydrogen by absorbing heat. Examples of hydrogen storage alloys that can be used include alloys of magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), vanadium (Mg), lanthanum (La), aluminum-iron alloys, and other known alloys. The shape of the hydrogen supply unit 200 is not particularly limited, and the hydrogen supply unit 200 may be, for example, a cylindrical tank. The hydrogen supply unit 200 is provided in a second air passage 420, which will be described later.

[0038] (1-4.Fuel cell 300) The fuel cell 300 includes a fuel cell 310, an air intake section 320, an air discharge section 330, and a hydrogen intake section 340. The fuel cell 300 generates electricity by reacting hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen intake section 340 with oxygen in the air taken in from the air intake section 320. The air discharge section 330 includes a fan (air blower) and can send (flow) air to the fuel cell 310 at a predetermined flow rate.

[0039] (1-5. Air duct 400) The air duct 400 (duct) includes a first air duct 410 and a second air duct 420. The first air duct 410 is provided so that air (Air1) entering through the intake port 405 flows toward the air intake section 320 of the fuel cell 310. This allows the first air duct 410 to supply external air to the fuel cell 300. The second air duct 420 is provided so that air (Air2) discharged from the air discharge section 330 flows toward the discharge port 430. This allows the second air duct 420 to discharge air exhausted from the fuel cell 300 to the outside.

[0040] In this embodiment, the exhaust air (used air Air2) is heated by the heat generated when the fuel cell 300 generates electricity. As this heated air passes through the second air passage 420, it comes into contact with the hydrogen supply unit 200 provided within the second air passage 420 as it flows. This causes heat transfer on the surface of the hydrogen supply unit 200, which can raise the temperature of the hydrogen supply unit 200. As a result, hydrogen can be stably supplied from the hydrogen supply unit 200 to the fuel cell 300, allowing the fuel cell 300 to operate stably.

[0041] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell that is different from that in Embodiment 1 will be described. Specifically, an example will be described in which the hydrogen control system for a fuel cell has a heat exchanger in the first air duct.

[0042] (Configuration of fuel cell hydrogen control system 10A) 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system 10A for a fuel cell according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 440. In this embodiment, the first air duct 410 and the second air duct 420 are arranged to intersect with each other via the heat exchanger 440. In this example, the first air ducts 410 and the second air ducts 420 are alternately arranged, and the heat exchanger 440 is configured with a total of six layers, but the number of layers can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the air in the first air duct 410 and the second air duct 420 is respectively taken into the heat exchanger 440, and the heat possessed by the air Air2 in the second air duct 420 is transferred to the air Air1 supplied from the outside. As a result, the air Air1 supplied from the outside is warmed. In other words, the heat exchanger 440 can exchange heat between the air in the first air duct 410 supplied to the fuel cell 300 and the air flowing through the second air duct 420 and passing through the hydrogen supply unit 200. This allows heat to be recovered from the air that has passed through the hydrogen supply unit 200 and the air to be further heated in the fuel cell 300, so that the hydrogen supply unit 200 is sufficiently heated and the fuel cell 300 (fuel cell 310) can be operated stably.

[0044] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 440 is preferably a total heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger 440 is a total heat exchanger, latent heat can also be utilized, and the temperature of the taken-in air (air Air1 supplied from the outside) can be raised more efficiently. Furthermore, when the heat exchanger 440 is a total heat exchanger, moisture can be recovered. As a result, the humidity of the air Air1 supplied to the fuel cell 300 increases, and the fuel cell 300 can operate stably.

[0045] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell that is different from that in Embodiment 2 will be described. Specifically, an example in which the hydrogen control system for a fuel cell has a third air duct and a switching unit will be described.

[0046] (Configuration of fuel cell hydrogen control system 10B) 4 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system 10B for a fuel cell in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the hydrogen control system 10B for a fuel cell further includes a third air duct 415 and a switching unit 450 in addition to a heat exchange unit 440.

[0047] The third air passage 415 is provided adjacent to the first air passage 410 and is provided to intersect the heat exchanger 440 in a three-dimensional manner. In this case, the third air passage 415 supplies the air Air1 supplied from the outside directly to the fuel cell 300 without passing through the heat exchanger 440. As a result, when the temperature of the air Air1 supplied from the outside is high, the air Air1 supplied from the outside can be supplied directly to the fuel cell 300 without being heated by the heat exchanger 440. As a result, the fuel cell 300 can operate stably even when the temperature is high, for example, in summer.

[0048] Switching unit 450 (also referred to as "first switching unit") is provided between first air passage 410 and third air passage 415. Switching unit 450 switches between passing air Air1 supplied from the outside through first air passage 410 and third air passage 415 in an arbitrary ratio.

[0049] In this embodiment, the switching unit 450 may have a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the air Air1 supplied from the outside. For example, when the temperature of the air Air1 supplied from the outside is high, as shown in FIG. 3, the switching unit 450 may block the path to the first air duct 410 to guide the air Air1 supplied from the outside so that it does not pass through the heat exchange unit 440. On the other hand, when the temperature of the air Air1 supplied from the outside is low, the switching unit 450 blocks the path to the third air duct 415 to guide the air Air1 supplied from the outside to flow toward the first air duct 410 (heat exchange unit 440). By using this embodiment, the switching unit 450 controls the heat exchange amount according to the temperature of the air Air1 supplied from the outside, thereby controlling the temperature of the air Air1 supplied to the fuel cell 300. This controls the heating of the air in the fuel cell 300 in a high-temperature environment, such as in summer, and prevents the air sent to the hydrogen supply unit 200 from being overheated.

[0050] <Fourth embodiment> In this embodiment, a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell will be described which is different from that in Embodiment 1. Specifically, an example will be described in which the hydrogen control system for a fuel cell has a branching section, a switching section, and a temperature sensor.

[0051] (Configuration of fuel cell hydrogen control system 10C) 5 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen control system 10C for a fuel cell according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the hydrogen control system 10C for a fuel cell has a branching section 472, an oxygen concentration sensor 474, and a switching section 476.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first air passage 410 and a portion of the second air passage 420 are connected. The branching section 472 branches the second air passage 420 so that the air Air2 in the second air passage 420 flows toward the exhaust port 430 or the first air passage 410. In this case, a portion of the second air passage 420 branches at the branching section 472 and connects to the first air passage 410. This allows a portion of the used air Air2 passing through the second air passage 420 to merge with air Air1 supplied from the outside to the fuel cell 300 in the first air passage 410 (or the third air passage 415). As a result, the heated air is reused and can be further heated in the fuel cell 300, so that the hydrogen supply unit 200 is sufficiently heated and the fuel cell 300 (fuel cell 310) can be operated stably.

[0053] In this embodiment, the oxygen concentration sensor 474 is provided in the first air passage 410 near the fuel cell 300 (air intake section 320). The oxygen concentration sensor 474 detects the oxygen concentration in the first air passage 410. The switching section 476 (also referred to as the "second switching section") is provided at the connection (boundary) between the first air passage 410 and the second air passage 420. The switching section 476 switches between connection and disconnection between the first air passage 410 and the second air passage 420. Therefore, the switching section 476 functions as a shutter. In this embodiment, the switching section 476 is operated in accordance with the oxygen concentration detected by the oxygen concentration sensor 474. Specifically, when the oxygen concentration taken into the fuel cell 300 (air intake section 320) is high, the switching unit 476 allows the first air passage 410 and the second air passage 420 to be connected (opened) so that the air in the second air passage 420 can pass, as shown in FIG. 4 . On the other hand, when the oxygen concentration in the first air passage 410 is low, the switching unit 476 disables the connection between the first air passage 410 and the second air passage 420 (closed) so that the air from the second air passage 420 does not merge with the first air passage 410. In a configuration in which air is circulated, oxygen is consumed by the fuel cell 300, causing the oxygen concentration in the air to gradually decrease. However, by using this embodiment, when the oxygen concentration falls below a predetermined value, the switching unit 476 can suppress the use of heated air. Therefore, the fuel cell 300 can operate stably.

[0054] The fuel cell hydrogen control system 10C may be provided with a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be provided in the first air duct 410 near the fuel cell 300 (air intake section 320). The switching section 476 may switch between connection and disconnection between the first air duct 410 and the second air duct 420 depending on the temperature in the first air duct 410.

[0055] Fifth Embodiment In this embodiment, a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell different from that in Embodiment 1 will be described. Specifically, an example in which a heater is provided in second air passage 420 will be described.

[0056] (Configuration of the hydrogen control system 10D for fuel cells) FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of a hydrogen control system 10D for a fuel cell according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the hydrogen control system 10D for a fuel cell, a heater 480 is provided in the second air duct 420 upstream of the hydrogen supply unit 200. The heater 480 heats and raises the temperature of used air Air2. This allows the temperature of the air reaching the hydrogen supply unit 200 to be further raised when the temperature of the air discharged from the fuel cell 300 is low, enabling the hydrogen supply unit 200 to be quickly heated to a predetermined temperature. As a result, hydrogen can be stably supplied from the hydrogen supply unit 200 to the fuel cell 300, ensuring stable operation of the fuel cell 300.

[0057] Sixth Embodiment In this embodiment, a hydrogen control system for a fuel cell will be described that is different from that in Embodiment 5. Specifically, an example will be described in which a heat exchanger of a water electrolysis device is provided in the second air duct.

[0058] (Configuration of the hydrogen control system 10E for fuel cells) FIG. 7 is an overall configuration diagram of a fuel cell hydrogen control system 10E according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the fuel cell hydrogen control system 10E, the heat exchanger 150 of the water electrolysis device 100 is provided upstream of the hydrogen supply unit 200 in the second air passage 420. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 150 can be used as a heater. In this case, as shown in the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 150 heats the air Air2 discharged from the fuel cell 300 using the heat of the water flow path 170 (the water flowing through the water flow path 170). Furthermore, by using this embodiment, when the water electrolysis device 100 operates to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen supply unit 200, and the fuel cell 300 operates after the water electrolysis device 100 has operated, the hydrogen supply unit 200 can be efficiently heated before the fuel cell 300 operates using the heat (exhaust heat) of the water used in the water electrolysis device 100. As a result, hydrogen can be stably supplied to the fuel cell 300, and the fuel cell 300 can be stably operated.

[0059] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 150 (heater) is provided upstream of the hydrogen supply unit 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of a hydrogen control system 10F for a fuel cell. As shown in FIG. 8, in a hydrogen control system 10D for a fuel cell, the heat exchanger 150 (heater) may be provided in contact with (or near) the hydrogen supply unit 200. In this case, the heat exchanger 150 (heater) directly heats the hydrogen supply unit 200 using heat from the water flow path 170. This allows the hydrogen supply unit 200 to be heated by the water flow path 170 (water in the water flow path 170), which has been heated by the exhaust heat of the water electrolysis device 100. As a result, when the temperature of the air discharged from the fuel cell 300 is low, the hydrogen supply unit 200 can be heated by utilizing the exhaust heat of the water electrolysis device 100.

[0060] (Variation) Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, to the above-described embodiments, a person skilled in the art may appropriately add, delete, or modify components, or add, omit, or change conditions of processing, and these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen control system 10 for a fuel cell includes the water electrolysis device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. The hydrogen control system 10 for a fuel cell does not have to include the water electrolysis device 100. In this case, the hydrogen supply unit 200 may have the form of a cylinder or the like and be provided in a replaceable manner.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the entire fuel cell 300 is disposed in the air duct 400, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also, a part or the entire air discharge part 330 of the fuel cell 300 may be disposed in the air duct 400.

[0063] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, an example has been shown in which oxygen concentration sensor 474 is provided in first air duct 410, but the present invention is not limited to this. Oxygen concentration sensor 474 may also be provided in second air duct 420. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10···Hydrogen control system for fuel cells, 10A···Hydrogen control system for fuel cells, 10B···Hydrogen control system for fuel cells, 10C···Hydrogen control system for fuel cells, 10D···Hydrogen control system for fuel cells, 10E···Hydrogen control system for fuel cells, 10F···Hydrogen control system for fuel cells, 100···Water electrolysis device, 110···Water electrolysis cell, 111···Anode, 112···Cathode, 113···Electrolyte membrane (partition), 114···Water inlet, 115···Water outlet, 116···Hydrogen outlet, 120···Gas-liquid separator, 130···Dehumidifier, 140···Gas-liquid separator 150···heat exchange section, 160a···pump, 160b···pump, 170···water flow path, 200···hydrogen supply section, 210···hydrogen supply path, 300···fuel cell, 310···fuel cell, 320···air intake section, 330···air exhaust section, 340···hydrogen intake section, 400···air duct, 405···intake port, 410···first air duct, 415···third air duct, 420···second air duct, 430···exhaust port, 440···heat exchange section, 450···switching section, 460···connection section, 472···branching section, 474···oxygen concentration sensor, 476···switching section, 480···heater

Claims

1. A fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen and oxygen contained in the air; a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell; a first air passage for supplying air from the outside to the fuel cell; a second air passage for discharging the air exhausted from the fuel cell to the outside, The hydrogen supply unit is provided in the second air duct. Hydrogen control system for fuel cells.

2. a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between the air in the first air passage that is supplied to the fuel cell and the air that flows in the second air passage and has passed through the hydrogen supply unit, The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 1 .

3. The heat exchange unit is a total heat exchange type. The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 2 .

4. a third air passage that can supply air from the outside directly to the fuel cell without passing through the heat exchanger; The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 2 .

5. a first switching unit that switches between the first air passage and the third air passage; The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 4.

6. a portion of the second air duct branches at a branching portion and is connected to the first air duct so that a portion of the air passing through the second air duct joins with the air supplied to the fuel cell; The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 1 .

7. a second switching unit configured to switch between connection and disconnection between the first air duct and the second air duct at the branching unit; an oxygen concentration sensor for detecting the oxygen concentration of the air taken into the fuel cell; The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 6.

8. a heater provided in the second air passage upstream of the hydrogen supply unit to heat the air in the second air passage; The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 1 .

9. a water flow path in which water flowing therein is heated by exhaust heat generated when hydrogen to be supplied to the hydrogen supply unit is generated; the heater heats the air discharged from the fuel cell using heat from the water flow path; The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 8.

10. a water flow path in which water flowing therein is heated by exhaust heat generated when hydrogen to be supplied to the hydrogen supply unit is produced, and a heater is provided which directly heats the hydrogen supply unit using the heat of the water flow path; The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to claim 1 .

11. The hydrogen supply unit uses a hydrogen storage alloy or a hydrogen adsorbent. The hydrogen control system for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Citation Information

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