Humidity control system and operating method of humidity control system

Abstract

A humidity control system and a method for operating the humidity control system are provided that are suitable for effectively utilizing water generated by power generation in a fuel cell. [Solution] The humidity adjustment system 100 of the present disclosure comprises a fuel cell unit 10 including a fuel cell stack 11, a humidification unit 20 that humidifies a target space S using water W1 generated by power generation by the fuel cell stack 11, and a supply path 50 that guides the water W1 from the fuel cell unit 10 to the humidification unit 20. The operating method of the humidity adjustment system of the present disclosure includes controlling the water W1 to flow into the supply path 50 when operating the humidification unit 20.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a humidity adjustment system and a method for operating the humidity adjustment system, and more particularly to a humidity adjustment system in which a fuel cell unit and a humidification unit are linked together, and a method for operating the humidity adjustment system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for controlling the temperature of a heat exchanger of a fuel cell, in which heat from exhaust gas discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell is recovered by water circulating in the heat exchanger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-296296 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the prior art, it is desirable to effectively utilize the water generated by the power generation of fuel cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The humidity adjustment system in the present disclosure includes: a fuel cell unit including a fuel cell stack; a humidification unit that humidifies a target space using water generated by power generation in the fuel cell stack; a supply path that guides the water from the fuel cell unit to the humidification unit; Equipped with.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of operating a humidity control system according to the present disclosure includes: A method for operating a humidity control system including a fuel cell unit including a fuel cell stack and a humidification unit that humidifies a target space using water generated by power generation by the fuel cell stack, comprising: the humidity adjustment system further includes a supply path that guides the water from the fuel cell unit to the humidification unit; The operating method includes controlling the humidification unit so that the water flows into the supply path when the humidification unit is operated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, water generated by power generation in a fuel cell can be effectively utilized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of a humidity adjustment system according to the first embodiment [Figure 2A] 1 is a chart illustrating control of the humidity adjustment system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] 1 is a chart illustrating control of the humidity adjustment system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Configuration diagram of a humidity adjustment system according to a second embodiment [Figure 4A] 10 is a chart illustrating the control of the operation of the humidity adjustment system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4B] 10 is a chart illustrating the control of the operation of the humidity adjustment system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Functional configuration diagram of a power supply system according to a third embodiment [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a normal mode of the power supply system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a chart illustrating a normal mode of the power supply system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, studies were being conducted on the effective utilization of fluids discharged from fuel cells. Such fluids include high-temperature gases such as cathode off-gas discharged from fuel cells, and water generated by power generation in fuel cells. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for recovering heat from exhaust gas discharged from the cathode of a fuel cell by using water circulating in a heat exchanger.

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have focused on the fact that water generated by fuel cell power generation is pure water that contains little or no impurities, and have come to realize this as the subject of the present disclosure. Humidifiers that humidify spaces in facilities such as factories and hospitals are required to be highly hygienic. By using water generated by fuel cell power generation in such humidifiers, the frequency of maintenance of the humidifier can be reduced.

[0011] The present disclosure provides a humidity control system and a method for operating a humidity control system that are suitable for effectively utilizing water generated by power generation in a fuel cell.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0013] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2B.

[0015] [1-1.Configuration] 1 is a configuration diagram of a humidity adjustment system 100 according to a first embodiment. The humidity adjustment system 100 includes a fuel cell unit 10 including a fuel cell stack 11, a humidification unit 20 that humidifies a target space S using water W1 generated by power generation by the fuel cell stack 11, and a supply path 50 that guides the water W1 from the fuel cell unit 10 to the humidification unit 20. In this specification, the target space S refers to a space to be humidified in a facility such as a factory or hospital that is located outside the humidity adjustment system 100, and is, for example, a space that is separated from the outside by a ceiling wall, side walls, and a floor. The volume of the target space S is, for example, larger than the volume occupied by the fuel cell unit 10.

[0016] According to the humidity adjustment system 100, when the target space S is humidified by the humidification unit 20, i.e., when the humidification unit 20 is operated, the water W1 generated by the power generation of the fuel cell stack 11 can be used, and therefore the water W1 can be used effectively.

[0017] As described above, the humidifying unit 20 uses water W1 to humidify the target space S. The humidifying unit 20 performs humidification for a purpose other than power generation by the fuel cell stack 11. The humidifying unit 20 is clearly distinguished from, for example, a humidifier for humidifying the cathode gas supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0018] Examples of the humidifying unit 20 include a spray type that humidifies the target space S with mist water sprayed from a spray nozzle, and a steam type that humidifies the target space S with water vapor obtained by heating water stored in a storage tank. In the humidity adjustment system 100 of the first embodiment, the humidifying unit 20 is of a spray type. However, the type of the humidifying unit 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can humidify the target space S using water W1.

[0019] The fuel cell stack 11 generates power by receiving anode gas and cathode gas. The anode gas is hydrogen gas. The cathode gas is an oxygen-containing gas such as air. Examples of fuel cells include polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The fuel cell stack 11 may be a PEFC or a SOFC.

[0020] The fuel cell unit 10 further includes a power conversion device 12. The power conversion device 12 includes a DC-DC converter and a DC-AC inverter.

[0021] DC power is generated by an electrochemical reaction between the anode gas and the cathode gas in the fuel cell stack 11. The DC power generated in the fuel cell stack 11 is converted to AC power by the power converter 12 and supplied to a load (not shown) outside the system.

[0022] As described above, the water W1 is water generated by the power generation of the fuel cell stack 11. The water W1 may be excess water generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack 11, or condensed water obtained by cooling fuel exhaust gas, such as cathode off-gas, discharged from the fuel cell stack 11. The water W1 is pure water that contains no or almost no impurities, and therefore does not contain mineral components such as Na, Ca, Mg, K, and Si, as in tap water. Therefore, in the humidity adjustment system 100, the accumulation of scale derived from mineral components is suppressed. As a result, the frequency of maintenance of the humidification unit 20 can be significantly reduced.

[0023] In this specification, "pure water" means water having an electrical resistivity in the range of 1.0 μS / cm to 0.1 μS / cm. Generally, the electrical resistivity of tap water is in the range of 100 μS / cm to 200 μS / cm.

[0024] The temperature of water W1 is, for example, in the range of 40°C or higher and 80°C or lower. The lower limit of the temperature of water W1 may be 45°C or higher, or 50°C or higher. The upper limit of the temperature of water W1 may be 75°C or lower, or 70°C or lower. If the temperature of water W1 is in the above numerical range, for example, when humidification unit 20 is a steam type, the energy required to vaporize water W1 in humidification unit 20 can be reduced.

[0025] As described above, the supply path 50 is a path that guides water W1 from the fuel cell unit 10 to the humidifying unit 20. In the example of Figure 1, the supply path 50 connects the water outlet 10b of the fuel cell unit 10 and the water inlet 20a of the humidifying unit 20.

[0026] In the fuel cell unit 10, a pump 32 may be provided in the path between the fuel cell stack 11 and the water outlet 10b. The pump 32 sucks in and pumps out water W1 discharged from the fuel cell stack 11. The pump 32 can send the water W1 to the supply path 50.

[0027] The humidity adjustment system 100 may further include a discharge path 61 branching from the supply path 50 at the branch position 50a, and a control valve 31 provided at the branch position 50a. In this case, the supply path 50 includes a first supply path 51 connecting the fuel cell unit 10 and the branch position 50a, and a second supply path 52 connecting the branch position 50a and the humidification unit 20. With this configuration, when humidifying the target space S by the humidification unit 20 is stopped, that is, when the humidification unit 20 is stopped, the control valve 31 can be controlled to allow water W1 to flow into the discharge path 61. In other words, it is possible to easily switch between supplying and stopping the water W1 to the humidification unit 20.

[0028] The control valve 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can switch the flow direction of the water W1 at the branch position 50a. The control valve 31 is, for example, a three-way valve. However, instead of the control valve 31, for example, an on-off valve may be provided in each of the second supply path 52 and the discharge path 61.

[0029] The humidity adjustment system 100 may further include a drain tank 35 connected to the discharge path 61. The water W1 that has passed through the discharge path 61 may be stored in the drain tank 35. The drain tank 35 may be connected to a path (not shown) for discharging the stored water W1 to the outside.

[0030] The humidity adjustment system 100 may further include a control device 40. The control device 40 may control, for example, the control valve 31 and the pump 32.

[0031] The control device 40 may control the supply of water W1 to the humidification unit 20 in accordance with the power generation state of the fuel cell stack 11.

[0032] 1, the pump 32 is in a driven state while the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation. When operating the humidifying unit 20 while the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation, the control device 40 may control the control valve 31 so that the water W1 that has passed through the first supply path 51 flows into the second supply path 52. For example, when stopping the humidifying unit 20 while the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation, the control device 40 may control the control valve 31 so that the water W1 that has passed through the first supply path 51 flows into the discharge path 61. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid problems such as the water W1 clogging the humidifying unit 20 due to the water W1 being continuously supplied to the humidifying unit 20 while it is stopped.

[0033] In this specification, "operating" with respect to the fuel cell unit 10 means that the fuel cell stack 11 is generating electricity, and does not include the fuel cell stack 11 being in the startup process or shutdown process. "Stopped" with respect to the fuel cell unit 10 means that the fuel cell stack 11 is not generating electricity, and includes the fuel cell stack 11 being in the startup process or shutdown process. In this specification, "operating" with respect to the humidification unit 20 means that the humidification unit 20 is operating to humidify the target space S, and does not necessarily mean that the target space S is being humidified. "Stopped" with respect to the humidification unit 20 means that the humidification unit 20 is not operating to humidify the target space S.

[0034] The humidifying unit 20 may include a humidity sensor 21 that measures the humidity of the target space S. The control device 40 may operate the humidifying unit 20 when the humidity H of the target space S is equal to or lower than a set value H1, and may stop the humidifying unit 20 when the humidity H of the target space S is greater than the set value H1. With this configuration, the operation and stop of the humidifying unit 20 can be controlled according to the humidity H of the target space S, thereby enabling efficient operation.

[0035] The set value H1 can be set appropriately depending on the humidity required in the target space S.

[0036] The humidity sensor 21 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the humidity of the target space S. Examples of the humidity sensor 21 include electrolyte-type, polymer-type, and ceramic-type humidity sensors. A commercially available humidity sensor may be used as the humidity sensor 21.

[0037] As described above, in the humidity adjustment system 100 of the first embodiment, the humidification unit 20 is of a spray type. The humidification unit 20 includes a spray nozzle 22 that atomizes and sprays water W1. The spray nozzle 22, for example, atomizes the water W1 to spray mist water W2 into the target space S. As described above, the water W1 is pure water that contains no or almost no impurities. Therefore, the humidity adjustment system 100 can perform humidification with excellent hygiene.

[0038] The spray nozzle 22 is not particularly limited as long as it can atomize and spray the water W1. The spray pattern of the spray nozzle 22 may have any shape. Examples of spray patterns include a linear shape, a fan shape, an open cone shape, and a full cone shape. The spray from the spray nozzle 22 may be continuous or intermittent.

[0039] 1, the spray nozzle 22 is connected to the air outlet 20b of the humidifier unit 20. Although not shown, the humidifier unit 20 may be provided with a plurality of air outlets 20b. The spray nozzle 22 may be connected to each of the plurality of air outlets 20b.

[0040] In the humidifying unit 20, a pump 23 may be provided in the path between the water inlet 20a and the spray nozzle 22. The pump 23 sucks in and pressurizes the water W1 flowing through the supply path 50. The pump 23 can send the water W1 to the spray nozzle 22.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 1, water W1 introduced into the humidifying unit 20 by the supply path 50 is supplied to the pump 23 through the water inlet 20a.

[0042] The humidity adjustment system 100 of the first embodiment further includes a tap water supply path 62 that connects an external tap water supply unit (not shown) to the branch position 50a. The tap water supply path 62 is a path that guides tap water Wt from the tap water supply unit to the humidification unit 20. The tap water supply unit is, for example, a water purification plant.

[0043] When the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped, water W1 is not discharged from the fuel cell stack 11 and the pump 32 is stopped. When operating the humidification unit 20 while the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped, the control device 40 may control the control valve 31 so that tap water Wt that has passed through the tap water supply path 62 flows into the second supply path 52. With this configuration, the target space S can be humidified even when the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped.

[0044] While the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped, the spray nozzle 22 of the humidification unit 20 sprays mist water W2t obtained by atomizing tap water Wt. That is, in the humidity adjustment system 100, the spray nozzle 22 can be a nozzle that sprays mist water W1 or tap water Wt.

[0045] A pump (not shown) may be provided in the tap water supply path 62. The pump sucks in and pumps out tap water Wt. The pump can send the tap water Wt to ​​the second supply path 52.

[0046] When the tap water supply path 62 is further provided, instead of the control valve 31, for example, an on-off valve may be provided in each of the second supply path 52, the discharge path 61, and the tap water supply path 62.

[0047] The fuel cell unit 10 may include a control unit 41 that receives a control signal from the control device 40. The humidification unit 20 may include a control unit 42 that receives a control signal from the control device 40. In this case, the control device 40 communicates with the control units 41 and 42. The control device 40 generates a control signal for controlling the control units 41 and 42. The control unit 41 that receives a control signal from the control device 40 may control, for example, the pump 32 of the fuel cell unit 10. The control unit 42 that receives a control signal from the control device 40 may control, for example, the pump 23 of the humidification unit 20.

[0048] The humidity adjustment system 100 may further include a hydrogen storage tank 15. In this case, the fuel cell unit 10 may be a pure hydrogen type that uses pure hydrogen gas as the anode gas. That is, the fuel cell stack 11 may generate power using pure hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen storage tank 15. This configuration allows the fuel cell unit 10 to have a relatively simple configuration. In this specification, "pure hydrogen gas" means a gas containing 99% or more hydrogen (H2) by volume. The pure hydrogen gas may contain unavoidable impurities.

[0049] The humidity adjustment system 100 may further include a gas supply path 65 that connects the hydrogen storage tank 15 and the fuel cell stack 11. The gas supply path 65 may be provided with a flow rate adjustment valve 66 that adjusts the supply of pure hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack 11. The flow rate adjustment valve 66 is typically a solenoid valve that performs electromagnetic switching. The gas supply path 65 may be provided with a flow meter (not shown) that measures the flow rate of the pure hydrogen gas flowing through it.

[0050] [1-2. Operation] An example of the operation and function of the humidity adjustment system 100 of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described below with further reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Figures 2A and 2B are charts for explaining the operation control of the humidity adjustment system 100. The operation of the humidity adjustment system 100 can be performed by the control device 40, the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10, and the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20.

[0051] First, the control device 40 causes the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 to determine whether the humidity H of the target space S is equal to or lower than a set value H1 (step ST1). The control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 determines whether the humidity H of the target space S measured by the humidity sensor 21 is equal to or lower than a set value H1.

[0052] (When the humidity H of the target space S is below the set value H1) When the humidity H of the target space S is equal to or lower than the set value H1 (YES), the control device 40 operates the humidification unit 20.

[0053] Specifically, the control device 40 transmits a water supply request signal from the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 to the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 (step ST2). In response to this, the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 receives the water supply request signal (step ST3) and determines whether the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation (step ST4).

[0054] (When the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation) During operation of the fuel cell unit 10, water W1 generated by power generation is discharged from the fuel cell stack 11. The water W1 is pure water that contains no or almost no impurities. During operation of the fuel cell unit 10, the pump 32 is in an operating state. Therefore, the water W1 is sent from the water outlet 10b of the fuel cell unit 10 to the first supply path 51.

[0055] During operation of the fuel cell unit 10, direct current power DC is generated by an electrochemical reaction between anode gas and cathode gas in the fuel cell stack 11. The direct current power DC generated in the fuel cell stack 11 is converted into alternating current power AC by the power converter 12 and supplied to a load (not shown) outside the system.

[0056] When the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation (YES), the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 controls the control valve 31 so that the water W1 that has passed through the first supply path 51 flows into the second supply path 52 (step ST5-1). As a result, the water W1 flows into the second supply path 52.

[0057] Next, the control device 40 transmits a water supply start signal from the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 to the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 (step ST6). In response to this, the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 receives the water supply request signal (step ST7) and drives the pump 23 of the humidification unit 20 (step ST8). The pump 23 sucks in the water W1 flowing through the second supply path 52 and pumps it to the spray nozzle 22. The spray nozzle 22 sprays the water W1 into atomized water W2 toward the target space S. As a result, the target space S is humidified.

[0058] (When the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped) While the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped, the water W1 is not discharged from the fuel cell stack 11, and the pump 32 is in a stopped state.

[0059] When the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped (NO), the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 controls the control valve 31 so that the tap water Wt that has passed through the tap water supply path 62 flows into the second supply path 52 (step ST5-2).

[0060] Next, the control device 40 transmits a water supply start signal from the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 to the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 (step ST6). In response to this, the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 receives the water supply start signal (step ST7) and drives the pump 23 (step ST8). The pump 23 sucks in the tap water Wt flowing through the second supply path 52 and pumps it to the spray nozzle 22. From the spray nozzle 22, the tap water Wt is atomized into mist water W2t, which is sprayed toward the target space S. As a result, the target space S is humidified.

[0061] (When the humidity H of the target space S is greater than the set value H1) When the humidity H of the target space S is greater than the set value H1 (NO), the control device 40 stops the humidifying unit 20.

[0062] Specifically, the control device 40 transmits a water stop request signal from the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 to the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 (step ST9). In response to this, the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 receives the water stop request signal (step ST10) and controls the control valve 31 so that the water W1 that has passed through the first supply path 51 flows into the discharge path 61 (step ST11). As a result, the water W1 flows into the discharge path 61 and is guided to the drain tank 35.

[0063] Next, the control device 40 transmits a water stop start signal from the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 to the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 (step ST12). In response to the water stop start signal, the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 (step ST13) stops the pump 23 (step ST14). As a result, the spray of the mist water W2 or the mist water W2t into the target space S is stopped.

[0064] By repeating the above steps, the humidity H of the target space S can be maintained within an appropriate range.

[0065] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4B.

[0066] [2-1.Configuration] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a humidity adjustment system 200 in the second embodiment. In the humidity adjustment system 200, the humidification unit 20 is of a steam type. The humidification unit 20 includes, instead of the spray nozzle 22, a storage tank 25 for storing water W1 and a heating section 26 for heating the water W1 in the storage tank 25 to vaporize it. Except for the fact that the humidification unit 20 is of a steam type, the humidity adjustment system 200 has the same configuration as the humidity adjustment system 100 in the first embodiment. In the following, elements common to the humidity adjustment system 100 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0067] In the humidity adjustment system 200, water W1 is vaporized to produce water vapor W3, which is then sent out from the air outlet 20c of the humidification unit 20 to the target space S. The humidity adjustment system 200 can perform humidification with excellent hygiene.

[0068] 3, one air outlet 20c is provided in the humidifying unit 20. Although not shown, a plurality of air outlets 20c may be provided in the humidifying unit 20. Water vapor W3 may be sent out from each of the plurality of air outlets 20c.

[0069] The humidity adjustment system 200 of the second embodiment may further include a drainage supply path 63 that guides the water W1 in the drainage tank 35 from the drainage tank 35 to the humidification unit 20. In the example of FIG. 3 , the drainage supply path 63 connects the drainage tank 35 and the water inlet 20d of the humidification unit 20.

[0070] As described in the first embodiment, when the humidification unit 20 is stopped during operation of the fuel cell unit 10, the water W1 that has passed through the first supply path 51 flows into the discharge path 61. Therefore, the water W1 can be stored in the drainage tank 35 connected to the discharge path 61.

[0071] In the humidity adjustment system 200 of the second embodiment, when the humidification unit 20 is operated while the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped, the control device 40 may perform control so that the water W1 in the drainage tank 35 flows into the drainage supply path 63. With this configuration, the target space S can be humidified using the water W1 even when the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped.

[0072] The wastewater supply path 63 may be provided with a pump 33. The pump 33 sucks in and pumps out the water W1 in the wastewater tank 35. The pump 33 can send the water W1 in the wastewater tank 35 to the humidification unit 20.

[0073] When the control device 40 operates the humidification unit 20 while the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped, the control device 40 may control the pump 33 so that the water W1 in the drainage tank 35 passes through the drainage supply path 63 and is guided to the humidification unit 20.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 3, the humidity adjustment system 200 of the second embodiment does not include a tap water supply path 62. In the humidity adjustment system 200, the target space S is humidified with water vapor W3 obtained by heating water W1 to vaporize it, so even if bacteria grow in the water W1 in the drainage tank 35, the bacteria can be killed by heating. Therefore, there is no need to provide the tap water supply path 62. The humidity adjustment system 200 can perform humidification with excellent hygiene, regardless of whether the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation or not.

[0075] 3, water W1 introduced to the humidifying unit 20 by the supply path 50 is supplied to the storage tank 25 through the water inlet 20a. Water W1 introduced to the humidifying unit 20 by the wastewater supply path 63 is supplied to the storage tank 25 through the water inlet 20d. However, the water W1 introduced to the humidifying unit 20 by the supply path 50 and the water W1 introduced to the humidifying unit 20 by the wastewater supply path 63 may be supplied to the storage tank 25 through a single common water inlet. That is, the humidifying unit 20 may be provided with a single common water inlet. For example, a control valve may be provided in the single common water inlet.

[0076] The storage tank 25 may be provided with a water level meter (not shown) that measures the amount of water W1. When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control device 40 may cause the heating unit 26 to heat the water W1 in the storage tank 25. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to avoid the storage tank 25 from heating dry.

[0077] The control device 40 may cause the heating unit 26 to stop heating the water W1 in the storage tank 25 when the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is smaller than a predetermined value.

[0078] When the amount of water W1 in storage tank 25 is smaller than a predetermined value, control device 40 may control pump 33 so that water W1 in drain tank 35 passes through drain supply path 63 and is guided to humidification unit 20. With this configuration, the amount of water W1 in storage tank 25 can be maintained at or above a predetermined value.

[0079] [2-2. Operation] An example of the operation and function of the humidity adjustment system 200 of the second embodiment configured as described above will be described below with further reference to Figures 4A and 4B. Figures 4A and 4B are charts for explaining the operation control of the humidity adjustment system 200. The operation of the humidity adjustment system 200 can be performed by the control device 40, the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10, and the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20.

[0080] First, the control device 40 causes the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 to determine whether the humidity H of the target space S is equal to or lower than a set value H1 (step st1). The control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 determines whether the humidity H of the target space S measured by the humidity sensor 21 is equal to or lower than the set value H1.

[0081] (When the humidity H of the target space S is below the set value H1) When the humidity H of the target space S is equal to or lower than the set value H1 (YES), the control device 40 operates the humidification unit 20.

[0082] Specifically, the control device 40 transmits a water supply request signal from the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 to the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 (step st2). In response to this, the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 receives the water supply request signal (step st3) and determines whether the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation (step st4).

[0083] (When the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation) When the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation (YES), the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 controls the control valve 31 so that the water W1 that has passed through the first supply path 51 flows into the second supply path 52 (step st5-1). As a result, the water W1 flows into the second supply path 52.

[0084] Next, the control device 40 transmits a water supply start signal from the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 to the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 (step st6). In response to this, the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 receives the water supply request signal (step st7) and determines whether the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 measured by a water level meter (not shown) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step st8).

[0085] (When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value) When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES), the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 causes the heating unit 26 to heat the water W1 in the storage tank 25 (step st9). As a result, the water W1 is vaporized into water vapor W3, which is then sent toward the target space S. As a result, the target space S is humidified.

[0086] (When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is less than a predetermined value) When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is smaller than a predetermined value (NO), the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 repeatedly determines whether the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value until the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0087] (When the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped) When the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped (NO), the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 controls the pump 33 so that the water W1 in the drain tank 35 passes through the drain supply path 63 and is guided to the humidification unit 20 (step st5-2). As a result, the water W1 that has passed through the drain supply path 63 is guided to the humidification unit 20.

[0088] Next, the control device 40 transmits a water supply start signal from the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 to the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 (step st6). In response to this, the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 receives the water supply request signal (step st7) and determines whether the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 measured by a water level meter (not shown) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step st8).

[0089] (When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value) When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES), the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 causes the heating unit 26 to heat the water W1 in the storage tank 25 (step st9). As a result, the water W1 is vaporized into water vapor W3, which is then sent toward the target space S. As a result, the target space S is humidified.

[0090] (When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is less than a predetermined value) When the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is smaller than a predetermined value (NO), the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 repeatedly determines whether the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value until the amount of water W1 in the storage tank 25 becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0091] (When the humidity H of the target space S is greater than the set value H1) When the humidity H of the target space S is greater than the set value H1 (NO), the control device 40 stops the humidifying unit 20.

[0092] Specifically, the control device 40 transmits a water stop request signal from the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 to the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 (step st10). Upon receiving the water stop request signal (step st11), the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 determines whether the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation (step st12).

[0093] (When the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation) When the fuel cell unit 10 is in operation (YES), the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 controls the control valve 31 so that the water W1 that has passed through the first supply path 51 flows into the discharge path 61 (step st13-1). As a result, the water W1 flows into the discharge path 61 and is guided to the drainage tank 35.

[0094] Next, the control device 40 transmits a water stop start signal from the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 to the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 (step st14). In response to this, the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 receives the water stop start signal (step st15) and causes the heating unit 26 to stop heating the water W1 in the storage tank 25 (step st16). This stops the delivery of water vapor W3 to the target space S.

[0095] (When the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped) When the fuel cell unit 10 is stopped (NO), the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 stops the pump 33 (step st13-2). As a result, the supply of water W1 from the drain tank 35 to the humidification unit 20 is stopped.

[0096] Next, the control device 40 transmits a water stop start signal from the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 to the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 (step st14). In response to this, the control unit 42 of the humidification unit 20 receives the water stop start signal (step st15) and causes the heating unit 26 to stop heating the water W1 in the storage tank 25 (step st16). This stops the delivery of water vapor W3 to the target space S.

[0097] By repeating the above steps, the humidity H of the target space S can be maintained within an appropriate range.

[0098] (Embodiment 3) The humidity adjustment system 100 of the first embodiment and the humidity adjustment system 200 of the second embodiment described above can be applied to a power supply system that supplies power by linking a fuel cell, a solar power generation system, and a storage battery. Hereinafter, a power supply system in a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7.

[0099] [3-1.Configuration] 5 is a functional configuration diagram of a power supply system 1a. Below, functions of the power supply system 1a when it includes a solar power generation facility 70a, a fuel cell facility 10a, and a storage battery facility 80a will be described.

[0100] The power supply system 1a is connected to a commercial power source 2. The power supply system 1a supplies power to a power load 5. The power supply system 1a is connected to an EMS (Energy Management System) server 92 via a network 90.

[0101] The power supply system 1a is a distributed power supply system and includes a solar power generation system 70a, a fuel cell system 10a, a storage battery system 80a, a control device 40a, an electric circuit 95, a distribution board 4, a current sensor 3a, and a current sensor 3b.

[0102] The solar power generation facility 70a includes a solar power generation module 71a, a solar power generation module 71b, a solar power generation module 71c, a DC-DC converter 72a1, a DC-DC converter 72b1, a DC-DC converter 72c1, a DC-AC inverter 72a2, a DC-AC inverter 72b2, and a DC-AC inverter 72c2. In this embodiment, the solar power generation module may be read as a solar power generation device.

[0103] The DC power generated by the solar power generation module 71a is converted into DC power with a different voltage by the DC-DC converter 72a1. The converted DC power is then converted into AC power by the DC-AC inverter 72a2. The AC power is supplied to the electric circuit 95.

[0104] The DC power generated by the solar power generation module 71b is converted into DC power with a different voltage by the DC-DC converter 72b1. The converted DC power is then converted into AC power by the DC-AC inverter 72b2. The AC power is supplied to the electric circuit 95.

[0105] The DC power generated by the solar power generation module 71c is converted into DC power with a different voltage by the DC-DC converter 72c1. The converted DC power is then converted into AC power by the DC-AC inverter 72c2. The AC power is supplied to the electric circuit 95.

[0106] The fuel cell equipment 10a includes a fuel cell unit 101 and a fuel cell unit 102. Each of the fuel cell unit 101 and the fuel cell unit 102 is, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) system, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system, etc. In the third embodiment, the fuel cell unit may be read as a fuel cell device.

[0107] Each of the fuel cell unit 101 and the fuel cell unit 102 may be the fuel cell unit 10 in embodiment 1 or embodiment 2. The water generated by the power generation of each of the fuel cell unit 101 and the fuel cell unit 102 may be supplied to one humidification unit 20 as water W1.

[0108] The fuel cell unit 101 includes a fuel cell stack 11a and a power conversion device 12a. The power conversion device 12a includes a DC-DC converter 12a1 and a DC-AC inverter 12a2. The DC power generated by the fuel cell stack 11a is converted into DC power of a different voltage by the DC-DC converter 12a1. The converted DC power is then converted into AC power by the DC-AC inverter 12a2. The AC power is supplied to an electric circuit 95.

[0109] The fuel cell unit 102 includes a fuel cell stack 11b and a power conversion device 12b. The power conversion device 12b includes a DC-DC converter 12b1 and a DC-AC inverter 12b2. The DC power generated by the fuel cell stack 11b is converted into DC power of a different voltage by the DC-DC converter 12b1. The converted DC power is then converted into AC power by the DC-AC inverter 12b2. The AC power is supplied to an electric circuit 95.

[0110] The storage battery equipment 80a includes a storage battery module 81a, a storage battery module 81b, a bidirectional DCDC converter 83a, a bidirectional DCDC converter 83b, and a DC / AC inverter 84. The storage battery module 81a and the storage battery module 81b are, for example, a lithium-ion storage battery module, a nickel-metal hydride storage battery module, a lead-acid storage battery module, or the like. In this embodiment, the storage battery module may be read as a storage battery device.

[0111] The power discharged from the storage battery module 81a is converted into DC power with a different voltage by the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83a. The converted DC power is then converted into AC power by the DC-AC inverter 84. The AC power is supplied to an electric circuit 95.

[0112] The AC power supplied from the electric circuit 95 to the DCAC inverter 84 is converted into DC power. This DC power is then converted into DC power of a different voltage by the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83a. The converted DC power is charged into the storage battery module 81a.

[0113] The power discharged from the storage battery module 81b is converted into DC power with a different voltage by the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83b. The converted DC power is then converted into AC power by the DC-AC inverter 84. The AC power is supplied to an electric circuit 95.

[0114] The AC power supplied from the electric circuit 95 to the DCAC inverter 84 is converted into DC power. This DC power is then converted into DC power of a different voltage by the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83b. The converted DC power is charged into the storage battery module 81b.

[0115] Power can flow from the electric circuit 95 to the commercial power supply 2. Power can flow from the commercial power supply 2 to the electric circuit 95. The current sensor 3a detects the current flowing between the electric circuit 95 and the commercial power supply 2. By monitoring the current detection value of the current sensor 3a, the control device 40a can make the power flowing from the commercial power supply 2 to the power supply system 1a or the power flowing from the power supply system 1a to the commercial power supply 2 follow a target power (e.g., 0 W).

[0116] Electric power can flow from the electric circuit 95 to the electric load 5 via the distribution board 4. The current sensor 3b detects the current flowing through the electric load 5.

[0117] The solar power generation facility 70a includes a control unit 47a. The fuel cell unit 101 and the fuel cell unit 102 each include a control unit 41a. The battery storage facility 80a includes a control unit 48a. Hereinafter, the control unit 41a of the fuel cell unit 101 may be referred to as a first control unit 41a. The control unit 41a of the fuel cell unit 102 may be referred to as a second control unit 41a.

[0118] The control unit 41a can be the control unit 41 of the fuel cell unit 10 in the first or second embodiment.

[0119] The control device 40a is connected to, for example, a network 90. ​​The network 90 is a network including, for example, a telecommunications line such as the Internet. The network 90 may include a public line or a dedicated line. For example, in addition to the control device 40a, an EMS server 92 and various servers 93 are connected to each other via the network 90 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0120] The control device 40a can be the control device 40 in the first or second embodiment.

[0121] The EMS server 92 may be a cloud server or an on-premise server. The EMS server 92 transmits instructions regarding the operation mode of the power supply system 1a to the control device 40a. The control device 40a receives the instructions regarding the operation mode from the EMS server 92 via the network 90. ​​In this case, the control device 40a determines the control content for the operation of the photovoltaic power generation equipment 70a, the operation of the fuel cell equipment 10a, the operation of the storage battery equipment 80a, and the reception of power from the commercial power source 2, depending on the instructed operation mode. Based on the control content, the control device 40a transmits control signals required for the operation of the photovoltaic power generation equipment 70a, the operation of the fuel cell equipment 10a, and the operation of the storage battery equipment 80a to the control unit 47a, the control unit 41a, and the control unit 48a, respectively.

[0122] The various servers 93 provide, for example, power outage information and / or disaster information to the EMS server 92 via the network 90. ​​The various servers 93 may be operated, for example, by a power company and / or a weather company.

[0123] [3-2. Operation] The control device 40a communicates with the current sensor 3a, the current sensor 3b, the control unit 47a, the first control unit 41a, the second control unit 41a, and the control unit 48a. The control device 40a also communicates with the EMS server 92 via the network 90. ​​Through these communications, the control device 40a generates control signals for controlling the control unit 47a, the first control unit 41a, the second control unit 41a, and the control unit 48a.

[0124] The control unit 48a receives a control signal from the control device 40a. The control unit 48a controls the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83a, the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83b, and the DC-AC inverter 84 based on the control signal. By controlling the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83a, it is controlled whether the storage battery module 81a is charging, in standby mode, or discharging. By controlling the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83b, it is controlled whether the storage battery module 81b is charging, in standby mode, or discharging. By controlling the DC-AC inverter 84, power conversion between direct current and alternating current is performed. Through these controls, the power flowing between the storage battery equipment 80a and the electric circuit 95 is controlled.

[0125] Specifically, the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83a is controlled to control the charge and discharge power of the storage battery module 81a, and the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83b is controlled to control the charge and discharge power of the storage battery module 81b.

[0126] 5, charging and discharging of the storage battery module 81a is controlled by controlling the terminal voltage V1 of the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83a relative to the terminal voltage V2 of the DC-AC inverter 84. Charging and discharging of the storage battery module 81b is controlled by controlling the terminal voltage V1 of the bidirectional DC-DC converter 83b relative to the terminal voltage V2 of the DC-AC inverter 84.

[0127] The control unit 47a receives control signals from the control device 40a. Based on the control signals, the control unit 47a controls the DC-DC converter 72a1, the DC-DC converter 72b1, the DC-DC converter 72c1, the DC-AC inverter 72a2, the DC-AC inverter 72b2, and the DC-AC inverter 72c2. By controlling the DC-DC converters 72a1, 72b1, and 72c1, the output voltages of the photovoltaic power generation modules 71a, 71b, and 71c are adjusted. By controlling the DC-AC inverters 72a2, 72b2, and 72c2, power conversion between direct current and alternating current is performed. Through these controls, power is extracted from the photovoltaic power generation facility 70a to the electric circuit 95.

[0128] The first control unit 41a receives a control signal from the control device 40a. The first control unit 41a controls the DC-DC converter 12a1 and the DC-AC inverter 12a2 based on the control signal. By controlling the DC-DC converter 12a1, the output voltage of the fuel cell stack 11a is adjusted. By controlling the DC-AC inverter 12a2, power conversion between direct current and alternating current is performed. Through these controls, power is extracted from the fuel cell unit 101 to the electric circuit 95.

[0129] The second control unit 41a receives a control signal from the control device 40a. The second control unit 41a controls the DC-DC converter 12b1 and the DC-AC inverter 12b2 based on the control signal. By controlling the DC-DC converter 12b1, the output voltage of the fuel cell stack 11b is adjusted. By controlling the DC-AC inverter 12b2, power conversion between DC and AC is performed. Through these controls, power is extracted from the fuel cell unit 102 to the electric circuit 95.

[0130] The operation modes of the power supply system 1a include a normal mode. The operation modes of the power supply system 1a may include modes other than the normal mode, for example, a power outage preparation mode.

[0131] 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the normal mode of the power supply system 1a. As shown in FIG. 6, when the control device 40a receives an operation instruction in the normal mode from the EMS server 92 (step S1), it acquires the load current detection result from the current sensor 3b (step S2). In addition, the control device 40a acquires data indicating the current amount of stored power in the storage battery equipment 80a (step S3), and also acquires the generated power P PVThe control device 40a acquires data showing the results of the normal mode (step S4). Based on the acquired data, the control device 40a determines the control details for the normal mode (step S5). The amount of stored power may be expressed as a physical quantity having a dimension such as ampere-hours or watt-hours, or may be expressed as a quantitative indication of the state of stored power relative to a fully charged state and a fully discharged state, such as State of Charge (SoC).

[0132] FIG. 7 is a chart for explaining the normal mode of the power supply system 1a. As shown in FIG. 7, in the normal mode, the commercial power source 2 is in a conducting state. The control device 40a calculates the power consumption PL of the power load 5 connected to the power supply system 1a based on the detection result of the load current. When the power consumption PL is multiplied by the power generation power P in the solar power generation facility 70a, PV If the power consumption PL is smaller than the power generation power P, the control device 40a stops the operation of the fuel cell equipment 10a. In addition, the control device 40a charges the battery equipment 80a if possible, and puts the battery equipment 80a on hold if the current amount of stored power has reached the maximum value. PV is larger, and the power consumption PL is greater than the power generation P PV and the maximum power generation P of the fuel cell equipment 10a FCMAX If the power consumption PL is less than the sum of the power consumption PL and the power consumption PL, the control device 40a discharges the battery equipment 80a. This discharge is adjusted to absorb short-cycle fluctuations in the power consumption PL. PV The fuel cell equipment 10a is operated to generate power to make up for the shortage of power consumption PL. PV and the maximum power generation P of the fuel cell equipment 10a FCMAX If the power generation capacity is greater than the sum of the power generation capacity and the power consumption, the control device 40a controls the fuel cell equipment 10a to generate the maximum power P FCMAX In addition, the control device 40a calculates the generated power P PV and the maximum power generation P of the fuel cell equipment 10a FCMAXIn these cases, the power supply system 1a can supply the necessary power to the power load 5 without power supply from the commercial power source 2. PV and the maximum power generation P of the fuel cell equipment 10a FCMAX and the amount of stored power is zero, the control device 40a permits reception of power from the commercial power source 2, and power from the commercial power source 2 is supplied to the power load 5 in proportion to the power shortage.

[0133] The power supply system 1a can reduce the amount of power supplied from the commercial power supply 2 even when the commercial power supply 2 is energized, which is advantageous from the perspective of reducing environmental impact, for example.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 6, in the normal mode, the control device 40a transmits control signals to the control units 48a, 47a, and 41a according to the control content determined as described above (steps S6, S8, and S10). For example, when charging or discharging the storage battery equipment 80a, the control unit 48a controls the operation of the bidirectional DC-DC converters 83a and 83b according to the control signal received from the control device 40a (step S7). The control unit 47a also controls the energization of the DC-DC converters 72a1, 72b1, and 72c1 according to the control signal received from the control device 40a (step S9). The control unit 41a adjusts the operating states of the fuel cell units 101 and 102 according to the control signal received from the control device 40a (step S11). As a result, for example, the outputs from the fuel cell units 101 and 102 are adjusted so that the desired power generation is obtained in the fuel cell equipment 10a.

[0135] The control device 40a monitors the load current, the current amount of stored power in the storage battery equipment 80a, the generated power P PV and the power generation P in the fuel cell equipment 10a. FCThe control device 40a acquires data indicating the actual results of the above (steps S12, S13, S14, and S15). Based on this data, the control device 40a again determines the control content in accordance with the relationship shown in FIG. 7 (step S16), and transmits control signals to the control units 48a, 47a, and 41a in accordance with the control content. The control units 48a, 47a, and 41a each perform control for the operation of the storage battery equipment 80a, the solar power generation equipment 70a, and the fuel cell equipment 10a in accordance with the control signals received from the control device 40a. Thereafter, the control device 40a repeatedly acquires data, determines the control content, and controls the operation of the storage battery equipment 80a, the solar power generation equipment 70a, and the fuel cell equipment 10a in accordance with the control content. The control device 40a repeatedly determines the control content for the operation of the fuel cell equipment 10a, for example, at 30-minute intervals.

[0136] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 to 3 have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0137] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0138] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0139] (Technology 1) a fuel cell unit including a fuel cell stack; a humidification unit that humidifies a target space using water generated by power generation in the fuel cell stack; a supply path that guides the water from the fuel cell unit to the humidification unit; Humidity control system.

[0140] The humidity control system of Technology 1 makes it possible to effectively utilize the water generated by the power generation of the fuel cell stack, and also significantly reduces the frequency of maintenance of the humidification unit.

[0141] (Technology 2) The humidity control system according to Technology 1 further includes a discharge path branching off from the supply path at a branching position, and a control valve provided at the branching position. With this configuration, it is possible to easily switch on and off the supply of water to the humidification unit.

[0142] (Technology 3) The humidity control system according to Technology 2 further comprises a control device that controls the control valve so that the water that has passed through the first supply path flows into the second supply path when the humidification unit is operated during operation of the fuel cell unit, and controls the control valve so that the water that has passed through the first supply path flows into the discharge path when the humidification unit is stopped during operation of the fuel cell unit. This configuration makes it possible to avoid problems such as water clogging the humidification unit due to water being continuously supplied to the humidification unit while it is stopped.

[0143] (Technology 4) The humidity control system according to technology 3, wherein the humidifying unit includes a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the target space, and the control device operates the humidifying unit when the humidity of the target space is equal to or lower than a set value, and stops the humidifying unit when the humidity of the target space is higher than the set value. With this configuration, the operation and stop of the humidifying unit can be controlled according to the humidity of the target space, thereby enabling efficient operation.

[0144] (Technology 5) The humidity adjustment system according to Technology 3 or 4 further includes a tap water supply path connecting an external tap water supply unit and the branch position, the humidification unit includes a spray nozzle that atomizes the water, and the control device controls the control valve when operating the humidification unit while the fuel cell unit is stopped so that tap water that has passed through the tap water supply path flows into the second supply path. With this configuration, the target space can be humidified even when the fuel cell unit is stopped.

[0145] (Technology 6) The humidity control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the humidifying unit includes a spray nozzle that atomizes and sprays the water. With this configuration, humidification can be performed with excellent hygiene.

[0146] (Technology 7) The humidity control system according to Technology 3 or 4 further includes a drainage tank connected to the discharge path, and a drainage supply path that guides the water in the drainage tank from the drainage tank to the humidification unit, the humidification unit including a storage tank that stores the water and a heating unit that heats and vaporizes the water in the storage tank, and the control device controls the water in the drainage tank to flow into the drainage supply path when the humidification unit is operated while the fuel cell unit is stopped. With this configuration, the target space can be humidified using the water even when the fuel cell unit is stopped.

[0147] (Technology 8) The humidity control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the humidification unit includes a storage tank that stores the water and a heating unit that heats the water in the storage tank to vaporize it. With this configuration, humidification can be performed with excellent hygiene.

[0148] (Technology 9) The humidity adjustment system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 8, wherein the fuel cell stack generates electricity using pure hydrogen gas. According to such a configuration, the configuration of the fuel cell unit can be made relatively simple.

[0149] (Technology 10) A method for operating a humidity control system including a fuel cell unit including a fuel cell stack and a humidification unit that humidifies a target space using water generated by power generation by the fuel cell stack, comprising: the humidity adjustment system further includes a supply path that guides the water from the fuel cell unit to the humidification unit; The operating method includes controlling the humidification unit so that the water flows into the supply path when the humidification unit is operated. How to operate a humidity control system.

[0150] According to the operating method of the humidity control system of Technology 10, it is possible to effectively utilize the water generated by the power generation of the fuel cell stack, and it is also possible to significantly reduce the maintenance frequency of the humidification unit.

[0151] (Technology 11) The humidity adjustment system further includes a discharge path branching off from the supply path at a branch position, and a control valve provided at the branch position, and the operation method includes controlling the water to flow into the discharge path when the humidification unit is stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to easily switch between supplying and stopping the water to the humidification unit.

[0152] (Technology 12) The supply path includes a first supply path connecting the fuel cell unit and the branch position and a second supply path connecting the branch position and the humidification unit, and the operation method includes controlling the control valve so that the water that has passed through the first supply path flows into the second supply path when the humidification unit is operated during operation of the fuel cell unit, and controlling the control valve so that the water that has passed through the first supply path flows into the discharge path when the humidification unit is stopped during operation of the fuel cell unit. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid problems such as water clogging inside the humidification unit due to water being continuously supplied to the humidification unit while it is stopped.

[0153] (Technology 13) The humidity control system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the humidifying unit includes a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the target space, and the operation method includes operating the humidifying unit when the humidity of the target space is equal to or lower than a set value, and stopping the humidifying unit when the humidity of the target space is higher than the set value. With this configuration, the operation and stop of the humidifying unit can be controlled according to the humidity of the target space, thereby enabling efficient operation.

[0154] (Technology 14) The humidity adjustment system further includes a tap water supply path connecting an external tap water supply unit and the branch position, the humidification unit includes a spray nozzle that atomizes the water, and the operating method includes controlling the control valve so that tap water that has passed through the tap water supply path flows into the second supply path when operating the humidification unit while the fuel cell unit is stopped. With this configuration, the target space can be humidified even when the fuel cell unit is stopped.

[0155] (Technology 15) The humidity control system further includes a drainage tank connected to the discharge path and a drainage supply path that guides the water in the drainage tank from the drainage tank to the humidification unit, the humidification unit including a storage tank that stores the water and a heating unit that heats and vaporizes the water in the storage tank, and the operating method includes controlling the water in the drainage tank to flow into the drainage supply path when operating the humidification unit while the fuel cell unit is stopped. With this configuration, the target space can be humidified using the water even when the fuel cell unit is stopped.

[0156] (Technology 16) The method for operating a humidity control system according to any one of techniques 10 to 15, wherein the fuel cell stack generates electricity using pure hydrogen gas. With this configuration, the configuration of the fuel cell unit can be made relatively simple, and the operating method can be simplified. [Industrial Applicability]

[0157] The technology disclosed herein is applicable to humidifiers that humidify target spaces in facilities such as factories, hospitals, etc. The technology disclosed herein is also applicable to systems that supply power by linking solar power generation equipment, fuel cell equipment, storage battery equipment, and commercial power sources, and is applicable to environmental protection initiatives such as RE100 (Renewable Energy 100%). [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 100,200 Humidity control system 10 Fuel Cell Unit 10b water outlet 11 Fuel cell stack 12 Power conversion device 15 Hydrogen storage tank 20 Humidification unit 20a,20d water inlet 20b Air outlet 20c outlet 21 Humidity sensor 23 Pump 22 spray nozzle 25 Storage Tank 26 Heating section 31 Control valve 32 Pump 33 Pump 35 Drainage tank 40 Control device 41 Control Unit 42 Control Unit 50 Supply Channel 50a Junction 51 First Supply Route 52 Second Supply Route 61 Excretion Route 62 Tap water supply route 63 Drainage supply route 65 Gas supply route 66 Flow control valve W1 Water W2, W2t mist water W3 Water vapor Wt tap water

Claims

1. a fuel cell unit including a fuel cell stack; a humidification unit that humidifies a target space using water generated by power generation in the fuel cell stack; a supply path that guides the water from the fuel cell unit to the humidification unit; Humidity control system.

2. a discharge path branching from the supply path at a branching position; a control valve provided at the branching position; The humidity control system of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. the supply path includes a first supply path connecting the fuel cell unit and the branch position and a second supply path connecting the branch position and the humidification unit; The humidity adjustment system of claim 2, further comprising a control device that controls the control valve so that the water that has passed through the first supply path flows into the second supply path when the humidification unit is operated during operation of the fuel cell unit, and controls the control valve so that the water that has passed through the first supply path flows into the discharge path when the humidification unit is stopped during operation of the fuel cell unit.

4. The humidification unit includes a humidity sensor that measures humidity in the target space; The humidity adjustment system according to claim 3, wherein the control device operates the humidifying unit when the humidity of the target space is equal to or lower than a set value, and stops the humidifying unit when the humidity of the target space is higher than the set value.

5. Further, a tap water supply path is provided which connects an external tap water supply unit with the branching position, The humidification unit includes a spray nozzle that atomizes the water, The humidity adjustment system described in claim 3, wherein the control device controls the control valve so that tap water that has passed through the tap water supply path flows into the second supply path when the humidification unit is operated while the fuel cell unit is stopped.

6. The humidity adjustment system according to claim 1 , wherein the humidification unit includes a spray nozzle that sprays the water in atomized form.

7. a drainage tank connected to the discharge path; a drainage supply path that guides the water in the drainage tank from the drainage tank to the humidification unit; Furthermore, the humidification unit includes a storage tank that stores the water and a heating unit that heats the water in the storage tank to vaporize it; 4. The humidity adjustment system according to claim 3, wherein the control device controls the water in the drain tank to flow into the drain supply path when the humidification unit is operated while the fuel cell unit is stopped.

8. The humidity adjusting system according to claim 1 , wherein the humidifying unit includes a storage tank that stores the water and a heating section that heats the water in the storage tank to vaporize it.

9. The humidity control system according to claim 1 , wherein the fuel cell stack generates electricity using pure hydrogen gas.

10. A method for operating a humidity control system including a fuel cell unit including a fuel cell stack and a humidification unit that humidifies a target space using water generated by power generation by the fuel cell stack, comprising: the humidity adjustment system further includes a supply path that guides the water from the fuel cell unit to the humidification unit; The operating method includes controlling the humidification unit so that the water flows into the supply path when the humidification unit is operated. How to operate a humidity control system.

11. the humidity adjustment system further includes a discharge path branching from the supply path at a branching position, and a control valve provided at the branching position; The method for operating a humidity adjustment system according to claim 10, further comprising the step of controlling the water to flow into the discharge path when the humidifying unit is stopped.

12. the supply path includes a first supply path connecting the fuel cell unit and the branch position and a second supply path connecting the branch position and the humidification unit; 12. The operating method of a humidity adjustment system as described in claim 11, wherein the operating method includes: when operating the humidification unit while the fuel cell unit is operating, controlling the control valve so that the water that has passed through the first supply path flows into the second supply path; and when stopping the humidification unit while the fuel cell unit is operating, controlling the control valve so that the water that has passed through the first supply path flows into the discharge path.

13. The humidification unit includes a humidity sensor that measures humidity in the target space; 11. The operating method of a humidity adjustment system according to claim 10, wherein the operating method includes operating the humidification unit when the humidity in the target space is equal to or lower than a set value, and stopping the humidification unit when the humidity in the target space is higher than the set value.

14. The humidity control system further includes a tap water supply path connecting an external tap water supply unit and the branch position; The humidification unit includes a spray nozzle that atomizes the water, The operating method of a humidity adjustment system as described in claim 12 includes controlling the control valve so that tap water that has passed through the tap water supply path flows into the second supply path when the humidification unit is operated while the fuel cell unit is stopped.

15. the humidity adjustment system further includes a drain tank connected to the discharge path; and a drain supply path that guides the water in the drain tank from the drain tank to the humidification unit, the humidification unit includes a storage tank that stores the water and a heating unit that heats the water in the storage tank to vaporize it; The operating method of a humidity adjustment system according to claim 11, wherein the operating method includes controlling the water in the drainage tank to flow into the drainage supply path when the humidification unit is operated while the fuel cell unit is stopped.

16. The method for operating a humidity control system according to claim 10, wherein the fuel cell stack generates electricity using pure hydrogen gas.

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