Fuel cell management system and fuel cell management method

Abstract

To provide a technology suitable for allowing a user to select whether maintenance of a plurality of fuel cells should be performed simultaneously or separately, and for operating the plurality of fuel cells in accordance with the selection. [Solution] When an interface 120 receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance of multiple fuel cells 130 is to be performed, the multiple fuel cells 130 are controlled in a first mode. When an interface 120 receives a second intention indicating that separate maintenance of multiple fuel cells 130 is to be performed, the multiple fuel cells 130 are controlled in a second mode. In the first mode, the operation of the multiple fuel cells 130 is controlled so that the degree of deterioration of the multiple fuel cells 130 is averaged compared to the second mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell management system and a fuel cell management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that the fuel cell system that is deteriorating the slowest is given priority in generating power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7402122 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a technology suitable for allowing a user to select whether maintenance of multiple fuel cells should be performed simultaneously or separately, and for operating the multiple fuel cells in accordance with the selection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides: a control device for controlling a plurality of fuel cells; an interface; when the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells at the same time, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; when the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in a plurality of divided maintenance sessions, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a second mode; In the first mode, the operation of the plurality of fuel cells is controlled so that the degree of deterioration of the plurality of fuel cells is averaged compared to the second mode. A fuel cell management system is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The technology according to the present disclosure is suitable for allowing a user to select whether maintenance of multiple fuel cells will be performed simultaneously or separately, and for operating the multiple fuel cells in accordance with the selection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of a fuel cell management system according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the fuel cell management system [Figure 3] Timeline diagram when the interface accepts the first intention [Figure 4] Timeline diagram when the interface accepts the second intention [Figure 5] Configuration diagram of a fuel cell management system according to a second embodiment [Figure 6] Configuration diagram of a fuel cell management system according to a third embodiment [Figure 7] Configuration diagram of a fuel cell management system according to a fourth embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. 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 described in the claims.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Knowledge and other information that forms the basis of embodiment 1] The maintenance schedule for multiple fuel cells determined by the system based on the operating conditions of the multiple fuel cells may not necessarily be suited to the situation, such as the installation environment of the multiple fuel cells, the maintenance system, etc., as shown in the following examples.

[0010] One type of maintenance is simultaneous maintenance, in which multiple fuel cells are maintained simultaneously (i.e., all at once). Consider a case where a maintenance schedule for simultaneous maintenance is determined by the system. Simultaneous maintenance is not suitable for situations where multiple fuel cells are installed in a facility where it is desirable to avoid a complete power outage. Examples of such facilities include hospitals, 24-hour stores, and facilities where multiple fuel cells are installed as part of BCP (Business Continuity Planning) measures.

[0011] One type of maintenance is split maintenance, in which multiple fuel cells are split into multiple maintenance sessions. Consider a case where the system determines a maintenance schedule for split maintenance. In facilities that are closed during certain hours, such as at night, it may be desirable to perform simultaneous maintenance during a specific time period rather than split maintenance. An example of such a facility is a small store.

[0012] Consider a case where the system determines a maintenance schedule for multiple fuel cells at a specific time. Limiting the maintenance period to a specific time does not suit situations where there are periods when it is difficult for maintenance workers to visit the site where multiple fuel cells are installed. An example of such a site is an area with heavy snowfall.

[0013] For the above reasons, technology that allows users of multiple fuel cells to select the type and timing of maintenance is useful. However, simply performing the type of maintenance selected by the user at the time selected by the user may result in a situation where the system's control of the multiple fuel cells does not match the maintenance timing. For example, a situation may arise where some of the multiple fuel cells are maintained in a state where their lifespan is not being effectively utilized. Therefore, the inventors have investigated technology that allows users to select which type of maintenance to perform and when to perform maintenance on multiple fuel cells, and to operate the multiple fuel cells in a manner that matches the selection.

[0014] [1-2.Configuration] 1 is a configuration diagram of a fuel cell management system 100A in embodiment 1. The fuel cell management system 100A includes a control device 110 and an interface 120. The fuel cell management system 100A can be connected to a group 200 and an information terminal 800.

[0015] The group 200 includes a plurality of fuel cells 130. The number of fuel cells 130 in the group 200 is two or more, for example, between two and 1000. Each of the plurality of fuel cells 130 includes a fuel cell stack (hereinafter referred to as a stack), auxiliary equipment, and a filter. The auxiliary equipment includes, for example, an actuator, a sensor, etc. The actuator includes, for example, a pump. The filter is, for example, an air filter. The fuel cell 130 may also be referred to as a fuel cell unit. The plurality of fuel cells 130 may have the same configuration. The plurality of fuel cells 130 supply power to a load (not shown). The plurality of fuel cells 130 are connected to the load and supply power to the load. The load is installed, for example, in a factory, hospital, school, commercial facility, etc.

[0016] The information terminal 800 includes a communication device and an alarm. The information terminal 800 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. "Alert" can mean notifying information by display and / or sound. The alarm can include a display and / or a speaker.

[0017] The control device 110 controls the operation of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the group 200. This controls the output power of the group 200. The control device 110 is, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) including an arithmetic circuit, a memory circuit, etc. An example of the arithmetic circuit is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). An example of the memory circuit is a memory. The interface 120 includes a communication device. The information terminal 800 and the interface 120 communicate with each other.

[0018] One or more parts of the fuel cell 130 deteriorate with use and reach the end of their lifespan. Therefore, maintenance of the fuel cell 130 is performed by a worker. During maintenance, one or more parts of the fuel cell 130 are replaced. The one or more parts include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a stack, an actuator, and a filter. Either simultaneous maintenance or divided maintenance of multiple fuel cells 130 can be selectively performed. In simultaneous maintenance, multiple fuel cells 130 are maintained simultaneously (i.e., all at once). In divided maintenance, multiple fuel cells 130 are maintained in multiple divided sessions. Hereinafter, the number of maintenance sessions in divided maintenance may be represented as m. m is a natural number equal to or greater than 2, for example, equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than 10.

[0019] [1-3. Operation] 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the fuel cell management system 100 A. In step S1, the control device 110 transmits a control signal 720 to the plurality of fuel cells 130 in the group 200 to control the operation of the plurality of fuel cells 130.

[0020] Next, in step S2, the control device 110 determines a maintenance schedule for the plurality of fuel cells 130 in accordance with the operating conditions of the plurality of fuel cells 130 in the group 200. The maintenance schedule includes one or more periods when maintenance will be performed for the plurality of fuel cells 130.

[0021] Next, in step S3, the control device 110 generates a notification signal 750 for notifying the maintenance schedule. Next, in step S4, the control device 110 provides the notification signal 750 to the interface 120, which then transmits the notification signal 750 to the information terminal 800. This allows the information terminal 800 to notify the maintenance schedule, enabling users of multiple fuel cells 130 to check the maintenance schedule. The user may be, for example, a business operator.

[0022] Next, in step S5, the user inputs input information 760 regarding the correction of the maintenance schedule into the information terminal 800. The information terminal 800 transmits the input information 760 to the interface 120, which then receives the input information 760. This enables the control device 110 to acquire the input information 760. The input information 760 includes one or more times desired by the user for the maintenance of the multiple fuel cells 130 to be performed. The input information 760 may include a first intention or a second intention, which will be described later.

[0023] Next, in step S6, the control device 110 transmits a control signal 720 according to the input information 760 to the plurality of fuel cells 130 in the group 200. As a result, the operation of the plurality of fuel cells 130 is controlled according to the input information 760.

[0024] Next, in step S7, the control device 110 corrects the maintenance schedule for the multiple fuel cells 130 in accordance with the input information 760. The corrected maintenance schedule includes one or more corrected times when maintenance will be performed for the multiple fuel cells 130. In the first embodiment, the one or more corrected times are one or more times desired by the user in the input information 760 in step S5.

[0025] Next, in step S8, the control device 110 generates a notification signal 750 for notifying the user of the corrected maintenance schedule. Next, in step S9, the control device 110 provides the notification signal 750 to the interface 120, which then transmits the notification signal 750 to the information terminal 800. This causes the information terminal 800 to notify the user of the corrected maintenance schedule, allowing the user to check the corrected maintenance schedule.

[0026] The operation of the fuel cell management system 100A will be further explained below.

[0027] <First mode, second mode and deterioration level> The control device 110 can set the control mode of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the group 200 to either a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the operation of the multiple fuel cells 130 is controlled so that the degree of deterioration of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the group 200 is averaged, compared to the second mode. In other words, in the second mode, the operation of the multiple fuel cells 130 is controlled so that the degree of deterioration of the multiple fuel cells 130 is distributed, compared to the first mode. The first mode may also be referred to as an averaging mode. The second mode may also be referred to as a distribution mode. In the first mode, it is easier to align the times at which the multiple fuel cells 130 reach the end of their lives. In contrast, in the second mode, it is easier to avoid the multiple fuel cells 130 reaching the end of their lives at the same time.

[0028] The control device 110 acquires deterioration information 710 from each of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the group 200. The deterioration information 710 includes at least one selected from the group consisting of the power generation time and the number of times power is generated by the fuel cell 130. The control device 110 determines the deterioration level of the fuel cell 130 based on at least one selected from the group consisting of the power generation time and the number of times power is generated by the fuel cell 130. In the first embodiment, when the control device 110 determines the deterioration level of the fuel cell 130 based on the power generation time of the fuel cell 130, the longer the power generation time, the larger the value of the deterioration level of the fuel cell 130. When the control device 110 determines the deterioration level of the fuel cell 130 based on the number of times power is generated by the fuel cell 130, the larger the value of the deterioration level of the fuel cell 130.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the power generation time of the fuel cell 130 is specifically the cumulative power generation time of the fuel cell 130 counted from when the fuel cell 130 was installed or when maintenance was performed. The number of times the fuel cell 130 has generated power is specifically the cumulative number of times the fuel cell 130 has been started up counted from when the fuel cell 130 was installed or when maintenance was performed. Starting up refers to switching from a stopped state to a power generation state.

[0030] In the first embodiment, in the first mode, the operation of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the group 200 is controlled so that the rate of fluctuation in the deterioration levels of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the group 200 is smaller than in the second mode. This averages the deterioration levels of the multiple fuel cells 130. The rate of fluctuation in the deterioration levels of the multiple fuel cells 130 is the standard deviation of the deterioration levels of the multiple fuel cells 130 divided by the average value of the deterioration levels of the multiple fuel cells 130.

[0031] <Adjustment of maintenance schedule according to user's request and corresponding fuel cell control> As can be understood from the description of step S5, in embodiment 1, the interface 120 can accept the first intention or the second intention from the user by receiving it via a communication device. As a result, in step S7, the maintenance schedule managed by the control device 110 can be corrected from the schedule determined by the control device 110 to a schedule desired by the user. Specifically, in step S2, the maintenance schedule is determined by the control device 110, and notification signals 750 for notifying the maintenance schedule are sent to the interface 120 and the information terminal 800 in this order in steps S3 and S4, and the maintenance schedule is notified from the alarm of the information terminal 800. Thereafter, in step S7, the control device 110 corrects the maintenance schedule so that the first intention is reflected if the interface 120 accepts the first intention, or so that the second intention is reflected if the interface 120 accepts the second intention.

[0032] The first intention represents performing simultaneous maintenance on multiple fuel cells 130. The second intention represents performing separate maintenance on multiple fuel cells 130. When the interface 120 receives the first intention, the control device 110 controls the multiple fuel cells 130 in the first mode. When the interface 120 receives the second intention, the control device 110 controls the multiple fuel cells 130 in the second mode. With this configuration, the multiple fuel cells 130 can be operated according to the type of maintenance desired by the user.

[0033] Specifically, the first intention represents the timing A1 (see FIG. 3) of simultaneous maintenance of the plurality of fuel cells 130. That is, the first intention represents at which single timing A1 the plurality of fuel cells 130 will be maintained in simultaneous maintenance. The second intention represents the timings B1, B2, ..., and B3 of separate maintenance of the plurality of fuel cells 130. m (See FIG. 4). That is, the second intention is to determine whether the fuel cells 130 are to be maintained at any of the multiple times B1, B2, . . . and B m This indicates whether maintenance will be divided into periods B1, B2, and Bm The smaller the subscript, the earlier the time. For example, time B1 is earlier than time B2.

[0034] When the interface 120 receives the first intention, the control device 110 controls the fuel cells 130 in the first mode according to the time A1. When the interface 120 receives the second intention, the control device 110 controls the fuel cells 130 in the first mode according to the time B1, B2, . . . and B m The plurality of fuel cells 130 are controlled in a second mode according to the selected maintenance timing. This configuration allows the user to select the timing for maintenance of the plurality of fuel cells 130. Furthermore, the plurality of fuel cells 130 can be operated according to the selected maintenance timing.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the time t A 1 is a timeline diagram of a case where the interface 120 receives a first intention. In this case, this reception triggers the control device 110 to start control of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the first mode. Thereafter, time A1 arrives, and simultaneous maintenance of the multiple fuel cells 130 is carried out by an operator.

[0036] Figure 4 shows the time t B 1 is a timeline diagram showing a case where the interface 120 receives a second intention at time B1. In this case, this reception triggers the control device 110 to start control of the plurality of fuel cells 130 in the second mode. Thereafter, time B1 arrives, and an operator performs maintenance on at least one fuel cell 130 scheduled for time B1. Time B2 arrives, and an operator performs maintenance on at least one fuel cell 130 scheduled for time B2. Time B m The worker arrives at time B. m The maintenance of at least one fuel cell 130 scheduled for this time is carried out. In this way, divided maintenance of a plurality of fuel cells 130 is carried out.

[0037] <Specific examples of the first and second modes> In the first mode, the control device 110 preferentially switches the fuel cell 130 with the least degree of degradation from a stopped state to a power generating state among the plurality of fuel cells 130 in the group 200. In other words, when the control device 110 switches at least one fuel cell 130 among the plurality of fuel cells 130 from a stopped state to a power generating state, the at least one fuel cell 130 includes the fuel cell 130 with the least degree of degradation.

[0038] In the first mode, the control device 110 controls the fuel cells 130 in the group 200 based on an operation plan.

[0039] In the second mode, the plurality of fuel cells 130 are repeatedly switched from a stopped state to a power generating state and from a power generating state to a stopped state so that a distributed state is achieved and then maintained. The distributed state is a state in which the plurality of fuel cells 130 in the group 200 are divided into a plurality of groups, and there is a difference in the average deterioration level of each group. The average deterioration level of each group is the average value of the deterioration levels of the fuel cells 130 belonging to that group. Here, the fuel cell 130 belonging to a group refers to the fuel cell 130 if there is only one fuel cell 130 in the group, or refers to the fuel cells 130 if there are multiple fuel cells 130 in the group. The average deterioration level of the fuel cells 130 belonging to a group refers to the deterioration level of the fuel cell 130 if there is only one fuel cell 130 in the group, or refers to the average value of the deterioration levels of the fuel cells 130 if there are multiple fuel cells 130 in the group. The average may be, for example, the arithmetic mean, harmonic mean, geometric mean, trimmed mean, etc.

[0040] As can be understood from the above explanation, the number of fuel cells 130 belonging to one group may be one or more. In the first embodiment, the grouping is for each maintenance session in the divided maintenance. Specifically, each maintenance session refers to each maintenance period. The second intention indicates the number of fuel cells 130 belonging to each group or the fuel cells 130 belonging to each group and the maintenance period associated with that group. In the above context regarding the grouping and the second intention, the maintenance period refers to periods B1, B2, ..., and B m Either:

[0041] In the second mode, the control device 110 controls the fuel cells 130 in the group 200 based on a plurality of operation plans. Specifically, the control device 110 controls each set of fuel cells 130 based on the operation plan associated with that set.

[0042] The plurality of sets includes a first set, a second set, ..., and an mth set. The plurality of operation plans includes a first operation plan, a second operation plan, ..., and an mth operation plan. The first set, the second set, ..., and the mth set correspond to the first operation plan, the second operation plan, ..., and the mth operation plan, respectively. The first set, the second set, ..., and the mth set correspond to the periods B1, B2, ..., and B m The first operation plan, the second operation plan, and the m operation plan correspond to the periods B1, B2, and B m is associated with

[0043] In the first mode according to the time A1 represented by the first intention, the fuel cells 130 are controlled so that the later the time A1 is, the slower the increase in the degree of deterioration of the fuel cells 130 becomes. m In the second mode according to the time periods B1, B2, and B mThe fuel cell 130 undergoing maintenance at that time is controlled so that the later the time of maintenance, the slower the increase in the degree of deterioration of the fuel cell 130 undergoing maintenance at that time. This configuration is advantageous from the viewpoint of performing maintenance after the life of the fuel cell 130 has been effectively utilized. "The fuel cell 130 undergoing maintenance at that time" refers to that fuel cell 130 if there is only one fuel cell 130 undergoing maintenance at that time, and refers to all of the fuel cells 130 if there are multiple fuel cells 130 undergoing maintenance at that time.

[0044] Specifically, the later the time B1, the slower the increase in the degradation level of the fuel cells 130 in the first group is controlled. The later the time B2, the slower the increase in the degradation level of the fuel cells 130 in the second group is controlled. m The fuel cells 130 belonging to the m-th group are controlled so that the slower the increase in the degree of deterioration of the fuel cells 130 belonging to the m-th group is, the slower the increase in the degree of deterioration of the fuel cells 130 belonging to the m-th group is.

[0045] The periods B1, B2, and B m In the second mode according to the above, the control device 110 controls the operation of the fuel cells 130 so that the deterioration level of the maintenance target is greater than the deterioration level of the waiting target. m The fuel cell 130 is in a state where one of the periods B1, B2, . . . and B m The fuel cell 130 is waiting for maintenance at a time later than the one time point mentioned above.

[0046] Specifically, the maintenance target that has reached the one time point is a fuel cell 130 that belongs to one group associated with the one time point. The waiting targets for maintenance at the later time point are fuel cells 130 that belong to one or more groups associated with the later time point. For example, when a fuel cell 130 that belongs to the xth group is the maintenance target, the fuel cells 130 that belong to the x+1th group to the mth group are the waiting targets. Here, x is a natural number between 1 and m-1. For example, when a fuel cell 130 that belongs to the 2nd group is the maintenance target, the fuel cells 130 that belong to the 3rd group to the mth group are the waiting targets.

[0047] Other embodiments will be described below. In the following, the same or similar elements in the already described embodiment and the embodiment to be described thereafter will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. The descriptions of the respective embodiments may be mutually applicable unless technically inconsistent. The respective embodiments may be combined with each other unless technically inconsistent.

[0048] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a fuel cell management system 100B in embodiment 2. In embodiment 2, a control device 410 controls multiple groups 300. Each group 300 includes multiple fuel cells 130. The interface 120 can accept a first intention or a second intention for each group 300. The control device 410 can set the control mode to a first mode or a second mode for each group 300. Unless otherwise specified, the description of the group 200 in embodiment 1 can be applied to each group 300 in embodiment 2.

[0049] Hereinafter, the number of groups 300 may be expressed as L. L is a natural number equal to or greater than 2, for example, equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than 10. The plurality of groups 300 are a first group 3001, a second group 3002, ..., and L groups 300. LThe second group 3002 is installed after the first group 3001. For example, the second group 3002 is installed after the first group 3001 is installed. The installation may be performed in accordance with the expansion of the store, the expansion of the business scale, etc. Furthermore, for example, the second group 3002 is installed after the first group 3001 is installed, by replacing the existing group 300.

[0050] According to the second embodiment, it is possible to avoid problems caused by collectively controlling the first group 3001, which was installed earlier, and the second group 3002, which was installed later, in the first mode or in the second mode. This point will be described in detail below.

[0051] The fuel cell 130 can be energized regardless of whether it is generating power. There is an upper limit to the energization time of the fuel cell 130. Here, the energization time of the fuel cell 130 specifically refers to the cumulative energization time of the fuel cell 130, counted from the time the fuel cell 130 was installed. The fuel cell 130 is energized, for example, to supply power to the fuel cell 130's auxiliary equipment. This power supply covers, for example, the startup power and standby power of the fuel cell 130. Assume that groups 3001 and 3002 are collectively controlled in the first mode. In this case, for a while after the installation of the second group 3002, the fuel cells 130 belonging to the second group 3002 will generate power preferentially due to the deterioration level averaging function of the first mode. This may cause a situation in which the fuel cells 130 belonging to the first group 3001 have reached the end of their life in terms of the energization time, even though they have not yet reached the end of their life in terms of the deterioration level, and therefore their life in terms of the deterioration level cannot be fully utilized. In contrast to this, according to the second embodiment, the fuel cells 130 belonging to the first group 3001 can be effectively utilized in terms of the degree of deterioration.

[0052] Furthermore, let us assume that groups 3001 and 3002 are controlled collectively in the second mode. Shortly after the second group 3002 is installed, there may be a large difference in the degree of deterioration of the fuel cells 130 between the second group 3002 and the first group 3001. The deterioration level distribution function of the second mode is not necessarily compatible with this situation. As a result, unintended problems may occur, such as a fuel cell 130 with an intermediate degree of deterioration never generating power. In contrast, according to the second embodiment, the compatibility problem described above can be avoided, and the occurrence of such unintended problems can be prevented.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the first group 3001 and the second group 3002 may be installed at the same time. In one example of this case, the groups 3001 and 3002 are controlled in the first mode. It is currently January 2024. The first intention for the first group 3001 received by the interface 120 indicates that simultaneous maintenance will be performed in August 2024. The first intention for the second group 3002 received by the interface 120 indicates that simultaneous maintenance will be performed in December 2024. August is included in the company's summer vacation. December is included in the company's winter vacation. The fuel cells 130 of the groups 3001 and 3002 are controlled so that the increase in the degree of deterioration of the multiple fuel cells 130 belonging to the first group 3001 is relatively fast and the increase in the degree of deterioration of the multiple fuel cells 130 belonging to the second group 3002 is relatively slow.

[0054] (Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4) FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a fuel cell management system 100C according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a fuel cell management system 100D according to a fourth embodiment. In the third and fourth embodiments, the interface 520 includes a man-machine interface. The man-machine interface includes, for example, operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, a microphone, etc. The man-machine interface also includes an alarm. The alarm may include a display and / or a speaker. The interface 520 is included in an information terminal (not shown). The information terminal is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, etc.

[0055] The control device 110 or 410 provides a notification signal 750 to the interface 520. An alarm in the man-machine interface of the interface 520 notifies the user of the scheduled maintenance based on the notification signal 750. The notification allows the user to confirm the scheduled maintenance. The interface 520 can then accept input information 760 from the user, which is input to the man-machine interface. Based on the first intention or second intention included in the input information 760, the control device 110 or 410 sets the control mode to the first mode or the second mode and corrects the scheduled maintenance.

[0056] (Technology applicable to embodiments 1 to 4) The fuel cell 130 may be a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) or a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The raw material supplied to the fuel cell 130 may be pure hydrogen gas or gas obtained by steam reforming. The fuel cell 130 may or may not be capable of partial load operation. Partial load operation is an operation in which power output is greater than zero and less than the rated power.

[0057] The information terminal 800 and the interface 120 may be connected via a public network or without a public network. The control device 110 or 410 and the fuel cell 130 may be connected via a public network or without a public network. The public network is, for example, the Internet. The control device 110 or 410 may be an on-premise device or a cloud device.

[0058] The interface 120 or 520 may be collocated with the fuel cell 130 , may be collocated with the controller 110 or 410 , or may not be collocated with either the fuel cell 130 or the controller 110 or 410 .

[0059] In the first mode, a plurality of fuel cells 130 may be operated in turn. In the second mode, when two or more fuel cells 130 belong to one group, the two or more fuel cells 130 may be operated in turn. In this way, deterioration of the fuel cells 130 can progress evenly.

[0060] The order of the steps in the flowchart of Figure 2 can be changed as needed. For example, steps S7 to S9 may be executed before step S6.

[0061] It is not essential that the deterioration information 710 include at least one selected from the group consisting of the power generation time and the number of times power is generated by the fuel cell 130. The deterioration information 710 may include information other than the power generation time and the number of times power is generated by the fuel cell 130. For example, the deterioration information 710 may include the ambient temperature of the fuel cell 130. The control device 110 may increase the degree of deterioration of the fuel cell 130 more quickly as the ambient temperature increases. Also, for example, the deterioration information 710 may include the voltage of the stack of the fuel cell 130, etc. The control device 110 may increase the degree of deterioration of the fuel cell 130 as the voltage decreases.

[0062] The "timing" for maintenance or the like may have a time range. The time range is, for example, greater than zero and less than or equal to the maximum power generation time per power generation cycle of the fuel cell 130. The maximum power generation time per power generation cycle of the fuel cell 130 is, for example, 168 hours.

[0063] In step S2, the maintenance schedule may include only one time period for performing maintenance on multiple fuel cells 130. A single time period can be considered to be information indicating that simultaneous maintenance will be performed on multiple fuel cells 130. A multiple time period can be considered to be information indicating that separate maintenance will be performed on multiple fuel cells 130. In other words, in step S2, the maintenance schedule determined by the control device 110 may include information indicating whether simultaneous maintenance or separate maintenance will be performed on multiple fuel cells 130, and one or more time periods for the maintenance to be performed. The maintenance schedule determined by the control device 110 may include information indicating whether simultaneous maintenance or separate maintenance will be performed on multiple fuel cells 130, in addition to the number of time periods. The same applies to the input information 760 corrected in step S5. The same applies to the maintenance schedule corrected in step S7.

[0064] In a modified example, the maintenance schedule determined by the control device 110 in step S2 indicates whether simultaneous maintenance or divided maintenance will be performed on the multiple fuel cells 130, but does not indicate the timing of the maintenance. For example, the input information 760 in step S5 includes information indicating that the user desires simultaneous maintenance on the multiple fuel cells 130, and one time point desired by the user for the simultaneous maintenance to be performed. Also, for example, the input information 760 in step S5 includes information indicating that the user desires divided maintenance on the multiple fuel cells 130, and the time interval desired by the user between each maintenance session in the divided maintenance. Also, for example, the input information 760 in step S5 includes information indicating that the user desires divided maintenance on the multiple fuel cells 130, and the time point desired by the user for each maintenance session in the divided maintenance. The corrected maintenance schedule in step S7 includes information indicating whether simultaneous maintenance or divided maintenance will be performed on the multiple fuel cells 130, and one or more times for the maintenance of the multiple fuel cells 130 to be performed.

[0065] Restrictions may be placed on the first intention that can be accepted by interface 120 or 520. For example, an allowable range may be set for the timing A1 of the simultaneous maintenance represented by the first intention. The allowable range may be set, for example, according to one or more timings of the maintenance in the maintenance schedule determined in step S2. Specifically, the allowable range is a certain range from one of the timings or from any of the timings. For example, suppose one of the timings of the maintenance in the maintenance schedule determined in step S2 is June 15, 2024, and the certain range is one month before and after the reference timing. In this example, the allowable range is from May 15, 2024 to July 15, 2024.

[0066] A restriction may be placed on the second intention that can be accepted by the interface 120 or 520. For example, the timings B1, B2, . . . and B mAn allowable range may be set for each of the above periods. The allowable range may be set, for example, according to one or more periods of maintenance in the maintenance schedule determined in step S2. Specifically, the allowable range is a certain range from one of the above periods or from any of the above periods.

[0067] The first intention may be information indicating that simultaneous maintenance will be performed on multiple fuel cells 130, but not indicating the timing A1 of the simultaneous maintenance. In this case, for example, when multiple fuel cells 130 are controlled in the first mode, the control device 110 determines the timing A1 based on the operating conditions of those fuel cells 130, determines a maintenance schedule including the timing A1, and generates a notification signal 750 indicating the maintenance schedule. The notification signal 750 is provided from the control device 110 to the interface 120, and transmitted from the interface 120 to the information terminal 800, or provided to the interface 520. The user can confirm the timing A1 from the notification from the information terminal 800 or the interface 520.

[0068] The second intention indicates that divided maintenance is to be performed on a plurality of fuel cells 130, and the divided maintenance times are B1, B2, . . . and B m In this case, for example, when the control device 110 is controlling a plurality of fuel cells 130 in the second mode, the control device 110 may determine the timings B1, B2, . . . and B m Determine the times B1, B2, and B m The control device 110 determines a maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule, and generates a notification signal 750 representing the maintenance schedule. The notification signal 750 is given from the control device 110 to the interface 120 and transmitted from the interface 120 to the information terminal 800, or is given to the interface 520. The user can determine the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule. The notification signal 750 is given from the control device 110 to the interface 120 and transmitted from the interface 120 to the information terminal 800, or is given to the interface 520. m can be confirmed.

[0069] The second intention is the timing of the divided maintenance B1, B2, and B mInstead of the information indicating the time interval between each maintenance in the divided maintenance, information indicating the time interval between each maintenance may be included. In this case, for example, the control device 110 controls the operation of the plurality of fuel cells 130 in accordance with the time interval. Then, when the control device 110 is controlling the plurality of fuel cells 130 in the second mode, it sets the times B1, B2, ..., B m Determine the times B1, B2, and B m The control device 110 determines a maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule, and generates a notification signal 750 representing the maintenance schedule. The notification signal 750 is given from the control device 110 to the interface 120 and transmitted from the interface 120 to the information terminal 800, or is given to the interface 520. The user can determine the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule representing the maintenance schedule. The notification signal 750 is given from the control device 110 to the interface 120 and transmitted from the interface 120 to the information terminal 800, or is given to the interface 520. m can be confirmed.

[0070] Consider a case where a user inputs a first or second intention (hereinafter referred to as a first input) to the information terminal 800 or the interface 520, and then the user inputs the first or second intention again (hereinafter referred to as a second input) to the information terminal 800 or the interface 520. In this case, the operating state of the multiple fuel cells 130 based on the first input may transition to an operating state of the multiple fuel cells 130 based on the second input.

[0071] In the first transition example, the first input is an input of a first intention, and the second input is an input of a second intention. In this case, a transition can occur from a state in which multiple fuel cells 130 are controlled in the first mode to a state in which multiple fuel cells 130 are controlled in the second mode.

[0072] In the second transition example, the first input is an input of the second intention. The second input is an input of the first intention. In this case, a transition can occur from a state in which multiple fuel cells 130 are controlled in the second mode to a state in which multiple fuel cells 130 are controlled in the first mode.

[0073] In the third transition example, the first input is a first intention input indicating that simultaneous maintenance will be performed at time a1. The second input is a first intention input indicating that simultaneous maintenance will be performed at time α1. Time a1 and time α1 are different from each other. In this case, control of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the first mode continues, but the increase in the degree of deterioration of the multiple fuel cells 130 before and after the state transition may be faster or slower. In the explanation of the third transition example, for convenience of explanation, the notations "a" and "α" are used instead of "A".

[0074] In the fourth transition example, the first input is the time b1, b2, b m The second input is a second intention to perform split maintenance at the times β1, β2, β m This is the second intention input, which indicates that divided maintenance will be performed at the times b1, b2, b m and periods β1, β2···β m are different from each other. In this case, control of the multiple fuel cells 130 in the second mode continues, but the increase in the degree of deterioration of the multiple fuel cells 130 before and after the state transition may be faster or slower. In the explanation of the fourth transition example, for convenience of explanation, the notations "b" and "β" are used instead of "B".

[0075] For example, if the business mode of a store where multiple fuel cells 130 are installed changes from being closed at night to being open 24 hours a day, the situation may change from one in which simultaneous maintenance at night is possible to one in which divided maintenance is desirable. In such a case, the first transition example may be observed. In addition, transition examples 1 to 4 may be observed as the installation environment of multiple fuel cells, the maintenance system, etc. change.

[0076] From the input of the first intention or the second intention to the information terminal 800 or the interface 520, the timing A1 of simultaneous maintenance or the timings B1, B2, . . . and B m The interval is not particularly limited, and may be on the order of months, years, or even decades.

[0077] A configuration can be adopted in which an alarm of the information terminal 800 or an alarm of the interface 520 issues a reminder after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first intention or second intention was input to the information terminal 800 or the interface 520. The reminder is for confirming whether or not a change to the maintenance schedule managed by the control device 110 is necessary. The maintenance schedule includes the type of maintenance and / or one or more timings of the maintenance. The type of maintenance can be simultaneous maintenance or divided maintenance. The one or more timings of the maintenance can be simultaneous maintenance timing A1 or divided maintenance timings B1, B2, ... and B m The first intention representing the time A1 or the times B1, B2, and B m From the input of the second intention representing time A1 or time B1, B2, and B m When the time until the time is long, the user may m In addition, the first intention or second intention may be at time A1 or time B1, B2, etc., and B m If the period A1 or periods B1, B2, etc. are not displayed, the period A1 or periods B1, B2, etc., and B are displayed during periods that the user does not want, such as during summer vacation. m can be determined. Therefore, a reminder can be useful. The reminder is, for example, a pop-up.

[0078] (Addendum) The present disclosure provides the following techniques.

[0079] (Technology 1) a control device for controlling a plurality of fuel cells; an interface; when the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells at the same time, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; when the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in a plurality of divided maintenance sessions, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a second mode; In the first mode, the operation of the plurality of fuel cells is controlled so that the degree of deterioration of the plurality of fuel cells is averaged compared to the second mode. Fuel cell management system.

[0080] (Technology 2) In the first mode, the fuel cell with the least degree of degradation among the plurality of fuel cells is preferentially switched from a stopped state to a power generating state. 1. A fuel cell management system according to claim 1.

[0081] (Technology 3) In the second mode, the plurality of fuel cells are divided into a plurality of groups, and switching between a stopped state and a power generating state of each fuel cell is repeated so as to maintain a distributed state in which the average deterioration levels of the groups are different from each other; The average deterioration level of each group is an average value of the deterioration levels of the fuel cells belonging to that group. The fuel cell management system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.

[0082] (Technology 4) the first intention represents a single time period at which the plurality of fuel cells are to be maintained in the simultaneous maintenance; When the interface receives the first intention, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in the first mode corresponding to the single period; the second intention indicates a plurality of periods at which the plurality of fuel cells are to be divided for maintenance during the divided maintenance; When the interface receives the second intention, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in the second mode corresponding to the plurality of time periods. The fuel cell management system according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0083] (Technology 5) In the first mode according to the single time period, the plurality of fuel cells are controlled so that the later the single time period is, the slower the increase in the degree of deterioration of the plurality of fuel cells becomes; In the second mode according to the plurality of periods, the fuel cell undergoing maintenance at that period is controlled so that the later each period is, the slower the increase in the degree of deterioration of the fuel cell undergoing maintenance at that period. 4. The fuel cell management system according to claim 4.

[0084] (Technology 6) In the second mode according to the plurality of periods, the operation of the plurality of fuel cells is controlled so that the deterioration level of the maintenance target is greater than the deterioration level of the standby target; the maintenance target is the fuel cell that has reached one of the multiple periods, the waiting target is the fuel cell awaiting maintenance at a time later than the one time among the plurality of time periods; 6. The fuel cell management system according to claim 4 or 5.

[0085] (Technology 7) The control device determining a maintenance schedule for the plurality of fuel cells in accordance with the operating conditions of the plurality of fuel cells; providing a notification signal to the interface for notifying the determined maintenance schedule; when the interface receives the first intention after the notification signal is sent to the interface, correcting the determined maintenance schedule so that the first intention is reflected; When the interface receives the second intention after the notification signal is sent to the interface, the determined maintenance schedule is corrected so that the second intention is reflected. 10. The fuel cell management system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell management system is a system for managing a fuel cell.

[0086] (Technology 8) The control device controls a plurality of groups, Each group includes the plurality of fuel cells, the interface is capable of accepting the first intention or the second intention for each of the groups; The control device is capable of setting the first mode or the second mode for each of the groups. 8. A fuel cell management system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0087] (Technology 9) The plurality of groups includes a first group and a second group established after the first group. 9. The fuel cell management system according to claim 8.

[0088] (Technology 10) The interface includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a communicator and a man-machine interface. 10. A fuel cell management system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0089] (Technology 11) the control device determines the degree of deterioration of the fuel cell based on at least one selected from the group consisting of a power generation time and a number of power generation times of the fuel cell; 11. A fuel cell management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0090] (Technology 12) a control device for controlling a plurality of fuel cells; an interface; when the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells at the same time, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; when the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in a plurality of divided maintenance sessions, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a second mode; In the first mode, the fuel cell with the least degree of degradation among the plurality of fuel cells is preferentially switched from a stopped state to a power generating state, In the second mode, the plurality of fuel cells are divided into a plurality of groups, and switching between a stopped state and a power generating state of each fuel cell is repeated so as to maintain a distributed state in which the average deterioration levels of the groups are different from each other; The average deterioration level of each group is an average value of the deterioration levels of the fuel cells belonging to that group. Fuel cell management system.

[0091] (Technology 13) When the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on a plurality of fuel cells at the same time, controlling the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; When the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in multiple sessions, controlling the plurality of fuel cells in a second mode; In the first mode, the operation of the plurality of fuel cells is controlled so that the degree of deterioration of the plurality of fuel cells is averaged compared to the second mode. Fuel cell management method.

[0092] (Technology 14) When the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on a plurality of fuel cells at the same time, controlling the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; When the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in multiple sessions, controlling the plurality of fuel cells in a second mode; In the first mode, the fuel cell with the least degree of degradation among the plurality of fuel cells is preferentially switched from a stopped state to a power generating state, In the second mode, the plurality of fuel cells are divided into a plurality of groups, and switching between a stopped state and a power generating state of each fuel cell is repeated so as to maintain a distributed state in which the average deterioration levels of the groups are different from each other; The average deterioration level of each group is an average value of the deterioration levels of the fuel cells belonging to that group. Fuel cell management method. [Industrial Applicability]

[0093] According to the technology disclosed herein, the user can select whether to perform simultaneous maintenance or divided maintenance on multiple fuel cells and when to perform the maintenance, depending on the installation environment of the multiple fuel cells, the maintenance system, etc., and the multiple fuel cells can be operated in a manner that suits the selection. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D Fuel Cell Management System 110, 410 control device 120, 520 interface 130 Fuel Cell 200, 300 groups 710 Deterioration Information 720 Control Signal 750 Announcement Signal 760 Input Information 800 Information terminal

Claims

1. a control device for controlling a plurality of fuel cells; an interface; when the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells at the same time, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; when the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in a plurality of divided maintenance sessions, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a second mode; In the first mode, the operation of the plurality of fuel cells is controlled so that the degree of deterioration of the plurality of fuel cells is averaged compared to the second mode. Fuel cell management system.

2. In the first mode, the fuel cell having the least degree of degradation among the plurality of fuel cells is preferentially switched from a stopped state to a power generating state. The fuel cell management system according to claim 1 .

3. In the second mode, the plurality of fuel cells are divided into a plurality of groups, and switching between a stopped state and a power generating state of each fuel cell is repeated so as to maintain a distributed state in which the average deterioration levels of the groups are different from each other; The average deterioration level of each group is an average value of the deterioration levels of the fuel cells belonging to that group. The fuel cell management system according to claim 1 .

4. the first intention indicates a single time period at which the maintenance of the plurality of fuel cells is to be performed in the simultaneous maintenance; When the interface receives the first intention, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in the first mode corresponding to the single period; the second intention indicates a plurality of periods at which the plurality of fuel cells are to be divided for maintenance during the divided maintenance; When the interface receives the second intention, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in the second mode corresponding to the plurality of time periods. The fuel cell management system according to claim 1 .

5. In the first mode according to the single time period, the plurality of fuel cells are controlled so that the later the single time period is, the slower the increase in the degree of deterioration of the plurality of fuel cells becomes; In the second mode according to the plurality of periods, the fuel cell undergoing maintenance at that period is controlled so that the later the period, the slower the increase in the degree of deterioration of the fuel cell undergoing maintenance at that period. The fuel cell management system according to claim 4 .

6. In the second mode according to the plurality of periods, the operation of the plurality of fuel cells is controlled so that the deterioration level of the maintenance target is greater than the deterioration level of the standby target; the maintenance target is the fuel cell that has reached one of the plurality of periods, the waiting target is the fuel cell awaiting maintenance at a time later than the one time among the plurality of time periods; The fuel cell management system according to claim 4 .

7. The control device determining a maintenance schedule for the plurality of fuel cells in accordance with the operating conditions of the plurality of fuel cells; providing a notification signal to the interface for notifying the determined maintenance schedule; when the interface receives the first intention after the notification signal is sent to the interface, correcting the determined maintenance schedule so that the first intention is reflected; when the interface receives the second intention after the notification signal is sent to the interface, correcting the determined maintenance schedule so that the second intention is reflected. The fuel cell management system according to claim 1 .

8. The control device controls a plurality of groups, Each group includes the plurality of fuel cells, the interface is capable of accepting the first intention or the second intention for each of the groups; the control device is capable of setting the first mode or the second mode for each of the groups, The fuel cell management system according to claim 1 .

9. The plurality of groups includes a first group and a second group that was established after the first group. The fuel cell management system according to claim 8 .

10. The interface includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a communicator and a man-machine interface. The fuel cell management system according to claim 1 .

11. the control device determines a deterioration level of the fuel cell based on at least one selected from the group consisting of a power generation time and a power generation count of the fuel cell; The fuel cell management system according to claim 1 .

12. a control device for controlling a plurality of fuel cells; an interface; when the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells at the same time, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; when the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in a plurality of divided maintenance sessions, the control device controls the plurality of fuel cells in a second mode; In the first mode, the fuel cell with the least degree of deterioration among the plurality of fuel cells is preferentially switched from a stopped state to a power generating state, In the second mode, the plurality of fuel cells are divided into a plurality of groups, and switching between a stopped state and a power generating state of each fuel cell is repeated so as to maintain a distributed state in which the average deterioration levels of the groups are different from each other; The average deterioration level of each group is an average value of the deterioration levels of the fuel cells belonging to that group. Fuel cell management system.

13. When the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on a plurality of fuel cells at the same time, controlling the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; When the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in multiple sessions, the plurality of fuel cells are controlled in a second mode; In the first mode, the operation of the plurality of fuel cells is controlled so that the degree of deterioration of the plurality of fuel cells is averaged compared to the second mode. Fuel cell management method.

14. When the interface receives a first intention indicating that simultaneous maintenance is to be performed on a plurality of fuel cells at the same time, controlling the plurality of fuel cells in a first mode; When the interface receives a second intention indicating that divided maintenance is to be performed on the plurality of fuel cells in multiple sessions, the plurality of fuel cells are controlled in a second mode; In the first mode, the fuel cell with the least degree of deterioration among the plurality of fuel cells is preferentially switched from a stopped state to a power generating state, In the second mode, the plurality of fuel cells are divided into a plurality of groups, and switching between a stopped state and a power generating state of each fuel cell is repeated so as to maintain a distributed state in which the average deterioration levels of the groups are different from each other; The average deterioration level of each group is an average value of the deterioration levels of the fuel cells belonging to that group. Fuel cell management method.

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