Hydrogen generation apparatus and method for generating hydrogen-containing gas
The hydrogen generation apparatus and method address the risk of irreversible catalyst degradation by implementing a controller to determine whether the water supply is abnormal during the fuel cell startup, using temperature and flame detection to prevent catalyst degradation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-01
AI Technical Summary
Conventional fuel cell systems face the risk of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst due to abnormal water supply during the startup period, which cannot be detected since the fuel cell does not generate electricity at this time.
A hydrogen generation apparatus and method that includes a controller to perform multiple determination processes to check for water supply abnormalities during the fuel cell startup, using temperature and flame detection to ensure normal operation and prevent catalyst degradation.
Reduces the possibility of irreversible catalyst degradation by accurately detecting and addressing water supply issues during startup, ensuring efficient and safe operation.
Smart Images
Figure 2026089336000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This disclosure relates to a hydrogen generation apparatus and a method for generating hydrogen-containing gas. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a fuel cell system comprising a fuel processor and a control unit. The fuel processor includes a reformer, an evaporator, a combustion unit, and a combustion state detection unit. The reformer reacts reforming fuel and steam to produce reformed gas, which is supplied to the fuel cell. A reforming catalyst layer is provided inside the reformer. The evaporator generates steam from the supplied reformed water and mixes the generated steam with the supplied reforming fuel before supplying it to the reformer. The combustion state detection unit detects the ignition or extinction state of the flame in the combustion unit. After the supply of reformed water to the evaporator is started, the supply of reforming fuel is stopped. The control unit determines that the supply of reformed water to the evaporator is abnormal if the time from the stop of the supply of reforming fuel until the combustion state detection unit detects the extinction of the flame is shorter than a predetermined time. This makes it possible to determine whether the supply of reformed water at the start of supply is normal or abnormal. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-156085 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0004] Conventional technologies deserve reconsideration from the perspective of reducing the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] The hydrogen generation apparatus in this disclosure is A hydrogen generation device that generates hydrogen-containing gas supplied to a fuel cell, A first feeder that supplies raw materials containing hydrocarbons, A second supply unit that supplies water for steam reforming of the aforementioned raw materials, A catalytic reaction vessel containing a reforming catalyst that promotes the steam reforming reaction of the aforementioned raw materials, The system includes a controller that performs a determination process to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the water supply, The controller performs the determination process multiple times during the period in which the fuel cell is started.
[0006] In another aspect, the method for generating hydrogen-containing gas in this disclosure is A method for producing hydrogen-containing gas supplied to a fuel cell, To supply raw materials containing hydrocarbons, To supply water for steam reforming of the aforementioned raw materials, To cause the steam reforming reaction of the raw material to occur in a catalytic reaction vessel containing a reforming catalyst for the steam reforming reaction of the raw material, This includes performing a determination process to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the water supply, During the period in which the fuel cell is started up, the aforementioned decision process is performed multiple times. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to this disclosure, the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of the hydrogen generation apparatus in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] A flowchart showing an example of control for starting the hydrogen generation device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing an example of control for starting the hydrogen generation device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Graph showing the relationship between temperature and quantity data of the reforming catalyst and elapsed time during the startup of the hydrogen generation device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of the decision-making process for the hydrogen generation device in Embodiment 1.
[0009] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the present inventors conceived this disclosure, it was known that in fuel cell systems, hydrogen-containing gas produced by steam reforming hydrocarbon-containing raw materials is supplied to the fuel cell. If sufficient reformed water is not supplied to the reformer, carbon may precipitate on the reforming catalyst, potentially degrading it. According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, if the supply of reformed water is abnormal at the start of the supply, the supply of reforming fuel is stopped, and heating of the reformer and evaporation section by combustion in the combustion section is stopped. Therefore, degradation of the reforming catalyst that occurs when the supply of reformed water is abnormal can be suppressed.
[0010] On the other hand, there is a possibility that an abnormality may occur in the supply of reformed water after it has been determined to be normal at the start of the supply. When the fuel cell system is operating normally, if there is an abnormality in the supply of reformed water, it is possible to detect the abnormality by a decrease in the generated voltage, etc. However, during the fuel cell startup period, the fuel cell does not generate electricity, so even if an abnormality occurs in the supply of reformed water during that period, it is not possible to detect the abnormality based on the power generated by the fuel cell. Even if there is an abnormality in the supply of reformed water, if the abnormality is resolved in a short time, irreversible deterioration of the reforming catalyst can be avoided. For this reason, it was thought that there was no need to determine whether the supply of reformed water was normal or abnormal at any time other than the start of the supply of reformed water during the fuel cell startup period.
[0011] However, our own investigations have revealed that, depending on the type of reforming catalyst, an abnormality in the supply of reformed water can cause irreversible deterioration of the reforming catalyst in a short period of time. Focusing on the possibility of irreversible deterioration of the reforming catalyst in a short period of time, we have come to form the subject of this disclosure.
[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, detailed descriptions that are not necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly redundant 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 described in the claims.
[0014] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described using FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0015] [1-1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hydrogen generation device 1a in Embodiment 1. The hydrogen generation device 1a generates a hydrogen-containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen generation device 1a includes a first supplier 10, a second supplier 20, a catalytic reaction vessel 13, and a controller 30.
[0016] The first supplier 10 supplies a raw material F1 containing hydrocarbons. The first supplier 10 includes, for example, a pump. By the operation of this pump, the raw material F1 is supplied toward the catalytic reaction vessel 13. Examples of the hydrocarbons contained in the raw material F1 are methane, propane, and butane. Examples of the raw material F1 are city gas and LP gas.
[0017] The second supplier 20 supplies water F2 for steam reforming of the raw material F1. The first supplier 10 includes, for example, a tank and a pump. By the operation of this pump, the water F2 stored in the tank is supplied toward the catalytic reaction vessel 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen generation device 1a includes an evaporation section 12. In the evaporation section 12, the water F2 evaporates into steam and the steam is supplied to the catalytic reaction vessel 13. The raw material F1 also passes through the evaporation section 12 and is supplied to the catalytic reaction vessel 13.
[0018] The catalytic reaction vessel 13 contains a reforming catalyst 13c. The reforming catalyst 13c is a catalyst that promotes the steam reforming reaction of the raw material F1. The steam generated by the evaporation of water F2 and the raw material F1 come into contact with the reforming catalyst 13c, causing the steam reforming reaction of the raw material F1 to occur. This generates hydrogen-containing gas F3. The hydrogen-containing gas F3 is supplied to the anode of the fuel cell 5.
[0019] The reforming catalyst 13c is not limited to a specific catalyst, as long as it is a catalyst that promotes the steam reforming reaction of the raw material F1. The reforming catalyst 13c includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of Pd, Pt, Rh, and Ni. Preferably, the reforming catalyst 13c includes Ni.
[0020] Carbon monoxide (CO) may be generated by steam reforming of the raw material F1. The hydrogen generator 1a may further include, for example, a catalyst for CO modification and selective oxidation. On the other hand, the hydrogen generator 1a does not need to include a catalyst for CO modification and selective oxidation, and the hydrogen-containing gas F3 may contain carbon monoxide (CO).
[0021] The fuel cell 5 supplied with hydrogen-containing gas F3 is not limited to any particular fuel cell. Examples of fuel cell 5 include polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs), and molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs).
[0022] The controller 30 is responsible for controlling the operation of the hydrogen generator 1a. For example, the controller 30 performs a judgment process to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the supply of water F2. The controller 30 is composed of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) which includes, for example, input / output circuits, a processor, and memory. The controller 30 stores in an executable format the program necessary for the operation of the hydrogen generator 1a.
[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen generator 1a further includes, for example, a burner 40 and a flame detector 42. Fuel F0 is supplied to the burner 40. The burner 40 burns the fuel F0, and the heat of combustion from the fuel F0 heats the raw material F1, water F2, and reforming catalyst 13c. The combustion exhaust gas F4 produced by the combustion of fuel F0 is discharged from the hydrogen generator 1a. Fuel F0 is not limited to a specific fuel. Fuel F0 may contain raw material F1 or exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 5.
[0024] The flame detector 42 detects the flame in the burner 40. The flame detector 42 is not limited to a specific flame detector as long as it can detect the flame in the burner 40. The flame detector 42 is, for example, a flame rod.
[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen generator 1a further includes, for example, a temperature measuring instrument 50. The temperature measuring instrument 50 measures the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c. The temperature measuring instrument 50 may directly measure the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c or indirectly measure the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c. For example, the temperature measuring element of the temperature measuring instrument 50 may be placed in the flow path of the gas that has passed through the reforming catalyst 13c. The temperature measuring instrument 50 is, for example, a contact-type temperature measuring instrument and includes a thermocouple, a platinum resistance thermometer, or a thermistor.
[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen generator 1a includes, for example, a first partition wall 14a, a second partition wall 14b, and a third partition wall 14c. Each of the first partition wall 14a, the second partition wall 14b, and the third partition wall 14c is cylindrical. A burner 40 is located inside the space enclosed by the first partition wall 14a, and a flow path 45 for combustion exhaust gas is formed in that space. The second partition wall 14b surrounds the first partition wall 14a such that a predetermined gap is formed between the first partition wall 14a and the second partition wall 14b. Part of this gap functions as a flow path for raw material F1 and water F2. An evaporation section 12 and a catalytic reaction vessel 13 are formed between the first partition wall 14a and the second partition wall 14b. The third partition wall 14c surrounds the second partition wall 14b such that a predetermined gap is formed between the second partition wall 14b and the third partition wall 14c. This gap functions as a flow path 15 for hydrogen-containing gas F3.
[0027] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the hydrogen generation device 1a, configured as described above, will be explained below.
[0028] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the control of starting up the hydrogen generator 1a. Starting up the hydrogen generator 1a is performed during the period when the fuel cell 5 is started. This period is, for example, from the time when the supply of raw material F1 to the hydrogen generator 1a begins until the time when power generation at a predetermined power or higher begins in the fuel cell 5. The length of this period is, for example, 10 minutes or more and 2 hours or less. As shown in Figure 2, in step S1, the supply of raw material F1 is started. For example, the pump and valves included in the first supply unit 10 are controlled, and raw material F1 is supplied from the first supply unit 10 toward the catalytic reaction vessel 13. For example, a valve (not shown) provided between the hydrogen generator 1a and the fuel cell 5 is controlled so that the raw material F1 that has passed through the inside of the hydrogen generator 1a bypasses the fuel cell 5 and is led to the burner 40. Next, the process proceeds to step S2, and combustion of the burner 40 is started. For example, the raw material F1 that has been led toward the burner 40 is burned in the burner 40. The combustion of raw material F1 in the burner 40 heats the evaporator 12 and the reforming catalyst 13c. When the temperature of the evaporation section 12 reaches a temperature suitable for the evaporation of water F2, the process proceeds to step S3, and the supply of water F2 is started. For example, the pump and valves in the second supply unit 20 are controlled, and water F2 is supplied from the second supply unit 20 toward the catalytic reaction vessel 13. In the evaporation section 12, water vapor is generated by the evaporation of water F2, and the raw material F1 and water vapor are supplied to the catalytic reaction vessel 13 in a mixed state. When the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c heated by combustion in the burner 40 reaches a temperature at which steam reforming is possible, the process proceeds to step S4, and the generation of hydrogen-containing gas F3 by steam reforming of the raw material F1 is started.
[0029] Next, in step S5, it is determined whether a judgment process is necessary to determine whether there is an abnormality in the water F2 supply. For example, this judgment is repeated periodically until the result of this judgment becomes positive. An abnormality in the water F2 supply may occur due to a malfunction of the pump in the second supply unit 20, blockage of the piping, or water leakage. If the result of the judgment in step S5 is positive, the process proceeds to step S6, where the controller 30 performs a judgment process. Based on this judgment process, it is determined in step S7 whether there is an abnormality in the water F2 supply. If the result of the judgment in step S7 is positive, in other words, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the water F2 supply, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the controller 30 interrupts the startup of the hydrogen generator 1a and generates an alert indicating that there is an abnormality in the water F2 supply. This alert may be displayed, for example, on the control panel of the fuel cell system including the hydrogen generator 1a and the fuel cell 5, or on an information terminal connected to the fuel cell system via a network. For example, a business operator responsible for the maintenance of the fuel cell system may possess such an information terminal.
[0030] If the result of the judgment in step S7 is negative, in other words, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the supply of water F2, the process proceeds to step S9, where it is determined whether or not it is possible to transition to normal operation of the hydrogen generator 1a. For example, if the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c measured by the temperature measuring instrument 50 is suitable for normal operation of the hydrogen generator 1a, the judgment in step S9 is affirmed, and the series of processes ends. After that, the process transitions to normal operation of the hydrogen generator 1a. For example, a valve (not shown) provided between the hydrogen generator 1a and the fuel cell 5 is controlled so that the hydrogen-containing gas F3 produced in the hydrogen generator 1a is supplied to the anode of the fuel cell 5, and power generation by the fuel cell 5 begins.
[0031] If the result of the judgment in step S9 is negative, the process returns to step S5. Therefore, the above judgment process may be performed multiple times during the period in which the fuel cell 5 is started.
[0032] The controller 30, for example, receives measurement data D of the temperature of the reformed catalyst 13c. 13 The timing at which the above decision process is executed is adjusted based on this.
[0033] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control of starting the hydrogen generator 1a, and provides a more detailed example of step S5 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, step S5 includes, for example, steps S51, S52, and S53. In step S51, the controller 30 receives the measurement data D 13 Obtain measurement data D. 13 This includes, for example, time-series data of measured temperatures of the reforming catalyst 13c over a predetermined period from the start of operation of the hydrogen generator 1a to the present.
[0034] Next, in step S52, the controller 30 receives the measurement data D 13 The quantitative data Dd is calculated based on the following. The quantitative data Dd correlates with the deterioration state of the reforming catalyst 13c when there is an abnormality in the water F2 supply. When there is an abnormality in the water F2 supply, the higher the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c, the more easily carbon is deposited on the reforming catalyst 13c, and the more the reforming catalyst 13c deteriorates. The quantitative data Dd is calculated, for example, as the cumulative value of the value of y shown in the following equation (1) over a predetermined period including the present. In equation (1), t 13 The temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c is measured. α and β are experimentally determined positive real numbers, and y≧0. y=αt 13 -β Equation (1)
[0035] Next, in step S53, it is determined whether the quantity data Dd is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to, for example, 30% or less of the quantity data Dd corresponding to irreversible deterioration of the reforming catalyst 13c when there is an abnormality in the supply of water F2. If this determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S6, where the above determination process is performed. If this determination is negative, the process returns to step S51. In this case, due to the passage of time, the time-series data of the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c acquired in step S51 is greater than the time-series data of the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c acquired in the previous step S51. Therefore, in step S52, the quantity data Dd is greater than the quantity data Dd calculated in the previous step S52. In other words, the quantity data Dd increases with the passage of time.
[0036] If it is determined in step S7 that there is no abnormality in the supply of water F2, the process proceeds to step S10, where the quantity data Dd is reset to its initial value, and the process moves to step S9.
[0037] Figure 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature and quantity data Dd of the reforming catalyst 13c and the elapsed time during the startup of the hydrogen generator 1a. In this example, there is no abnormality in the water F2 supply. As shown in Figure 4, the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c increases with increasing elapsed time from the start of startup. During the startup of the hydrogen generator 1a, the quantity data Dd begins to increase, and at elapsed time t1, the quantity data Dd exceeds a predetermined value, the above judgment process is performed, and the quantity data Dd is returned to its initial value. Subsequently, at elapsed time t2, the quantity data Dd again exceeds a predetermined value, the above judgment process is performed, and the quantity data Dd is returned to its initial value. Furthermore, at elapsed time t3, the quantity data Dd again exceeds a predetermined value, the above judgment process is performed, and the quantity data Dd is returned to its initial value. EIn this case, the condition of step S9 is satisfied, and the startup of the hydrogen generation device 1a ends. As the elapsed time increases, the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c increases. Therefore, when the above-described determination process is performed multiple times during the period of starting the fuel cell 5, the time interval in the multiple determination processes is adjusted to be shorter over time. For example, the second time interval (t2 - t1) is shorter than the first time interval t1. The first time interval t1 is the time interval from the start point of the period of starting the fuel cell 5 to the point when the first determination process is made. The second time interval (t2 - t1) is the time interval from the point when the first determination process is made to the point when the second determination process is made. In FIG. 4, for example, the relationship of t1 > t2 - t1 > t3 - t2 holds.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process of the hydrogen generation device. As shown in FIG. 5, the above-described determination process includes, for example, steps S61, S62, S63, S64, and S65. In step S61, the supply of the raw material F1 is stopped. Next, in step S62, the disappearance of the flame is detected by the flame detector 42. At this time, the time T 40 from the point when the supply of the raw material F1 is stopped to the point when the disappearance of the flame is detected by the flame detector 42 is measured. Next, in step S63, it is determined whether the time T 40 is less than or equal to a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 15 seconds. If this determination is affirmative, it is determined in step S64 that there is an abnormality in the supply of the water F2, and the process proceeds from step S64 to step S8. If this determination is negative, it is determined in step S64 that there is no abnormality in the supply of the water F2, and the process proceeds from step S64 to step S8. When there is no abnormality in the supply of the water F2 and the water F2 is normally supplied to the evaporation unit 12, the pressure in the flow path 15 is high due to the evaporation of the water F2. Therefore, even if the supply of the raw material F1 is stopped, the combustible gas remaining in the hydrogen generation device 1a is supplied as the fuel F0 toward the burner 40 until the pressure inside the hydrogen generation device 1a decreases. For this reason, combustion continues in the burner 40, and the flame in the burner 40 does not disappear until it exceeds the predetermined time.
[0039] On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in the water F2 supply and water F2 is not properly supplied to the evaporation unit 12, there will be no pressure increase due to the evaporation of water F2, and the flame in the burner 40 will disappear in a short time when the supply of raw material F1 is stopped. Thus, the time T from the time the supply of raw material F1 is stopped until the flame disappearance is detected by the flame detector 42 is considered. 40 Based on this, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the supply of water F2.
[0040] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, omitted, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in the above embodiments.
[0041] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.
[0042] In the above-described determination process in the hydrogen generator 1a, it may be determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the supply of water F2 based on, for example, a measured value of the flow rate of water F2, a measured value of the pressure in the flow path 15, or a measured value of the temperature of the reforming catalyst 13c. The hydrogen generator 1a may further be equipped with a flow meter or a pressure sensor to obtain these measured values.
[0043] The controller 30 may adjust the timing at which the above-mentioned decision process is executed in the hydrogen generator 1a based on the elapsed time since the start of the hydrogen generator 1a.
[0044] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.
[0045] (Technology 1) A hydrogen generation device that generates hydrogen-containing gas supplied to a fuel cell, A first feeder that supplies raw materials containing hydrocarbons, A second supply unit that supplies water for steam reforming of the aforementioned raw materials, A catalytic reaction vessel containing a reforming catalyst that promotes the steam reforming reaction of the aforementioned raw materials, The system includes a controller that performs a determination process to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the water supply, The controller performs the determination process multiple times during the period for starting the fuel cell. Hydrogen generator.
[0046] According to the hydrogen generation device of Technology 1, during the fuel cell startup period, even if an abnormality occurs in the water supply after the initial judgment process has determined that there is no abnormality in the water supply, the device will still recognize that there is an abnormality in the water supply, allowing for necessary countermeasures. Therefore, the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst occurring during the fuel cell startup period can be reduced.
[0047] (Technology 2) The second time interval is shorter than the first time interval. The first time interval is the time interval from the start of the period to the time when the first decision process is performed in the multiple decision processes. The second time interval is the time interval from the time when the first decision process is performed to the time when the second decision process is performed in the multiple decision processes. A hydrogen generation device as described in Technology 1.
[0048] According to the hydrogen generation device described in Technology 2, during the fuel cell startup period, as the elapsed time increases, the temperature of the reforming catalyst rises, making the reforming catalyst more susceptible to degradation. As a result, multiple decision-making processes are more easily performed at appropriate timings. This reduces the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst and also reduces the energy and time losses caused by performing multiple decision-making processes.
[0049] (Technology 3) The controller adjusts the timing at which the decision process is executed based on the temperature measurement data of the reforming catalyst. A hydrogen generation apparatus as described in Technology 1 or 2.
[0050] According to the hydrogen generation device described in Technology 3, during the fuel cell startup period, multiple decision-making processes are easily performed at appropriate timings based on measurement data of the reforming catalyst temperature. This reduces the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst and also reduces energy and time losses caused by performing multiple decision-making processes.
[0051] (Technology 4) The controller performs the judgment process on the condition that the quantitative data calculated based on the measurement data and which correlates with the deterioration state of the reforming catalyst when there is an abnormality in the water supply is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. A hydrogen generation device as described in Technology 3.
[0052] According to the hydrogen generation device described in Technology 4, during the fuel cell startup period, multiple decision processes are more likely to be performed at appropriate timings, provided that the quantitative data correlated with the degradation state of the reforming catalyst is above a predetermined value. This reduces the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst and also reduces the energy and time loss caused by performing multiple decision processes.
[0053] (Technology 5) The aforementioned quantitative data increases over time. A hydrogen generation device as described in Technology 4.
[0054] According to the hydrogen generation apparatus described in Technology 5, the likelihood of decision-making processes occurring increases over time, and multiple decision-making processes are more likely to be performed at appropriate timings. This reduces the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst and also reduces the energy and time losses caused by performing multiple decision-making processes.
[0055] (Technology 6) The controller, when it is determined in the judgment process that there is no abnormality in the water supply, resets the quantity data to its initial value. A hydrogen generation apparatus as described in Technology 4 or 5.
[0056] According to the hydrogen generation apparatus described in Technology 6, when it is determined that there is no abnormality in the water supply, the quantity data is reset to its initial value. This avoids the need for multiple decision-making processes to be performed at high frequency, and makes it easier for multiple decision-making processes to be performed at appropriate timings. This reduces the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst and also reduces the energy and time loss caused by performing multiple decision-making processes.
[0057] (Technology 7) A burner for heating the catalyst reaction vessel, The burner is further equipped with a flame detector for detecting the flame, The controller determines, in the determination process, that there is an abnormality in the water supply, provided that the time from the point at which the supply of the raw material is stopped until the point at which the flame is detected to have disappeared by the flame detector is less than or equal to a predetermined time. A hydrogen generation apparatus as described in any one of the technical items 1 to 6.
[0058] According to the hydrogen generation device described in Technology 7, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not there is an abnormality in the water supply.
[0059] (Technology 8) The controller, on the condition that it determines in the judgment process that there is an abnormality in the water supply, interrupts the startup of the fuel cell and generates an alert indicating that there is an abnormality in the water supply. A hydrogen generation apparatus as described in any one of the technologies described in items 1 to 7.
[0060] According to the hydrogen generation apparatus described in Technology 8, when there is an abnormality in the water supply, the possibility of irreversible deterioration of the reforming catalyst can be reduced, and measures to resolve the abnormality can be facilitated.
[0061] (Technology 9) A method for producing hydrogen-containing gas supplied to a fuel cell, To supply raw materials containing hydrocarbons, To supply water for steam reforming of the aforementioned raw materials, To cause the steam reforming reaction of the raw material to occur in a catalytic reaction vessel containing a reforming catalyst for the steam reforming reaction of the raw material, This includes performing a determination process to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the water supply, During the period in which the fuel cell is started, the judgment process is performed multiple times. A method for producing hydrogen-containing gas.
[0062] According to the hydrogen-containing gas production method described in Technology 9, similar to Technology 1, the possibility of irreversible degradation of the reforming catalyst during the fuel cell startup period can be reduced. [Industrial applicability]
[0063] The technology described herein is applicable, for example, to a fuel cell system in which a hydrogen-containing gas produced by steam reforming a hydrocarbon-containing raw material is supplied to the fuel cell. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0064] 1a Hydrogen generator 5 fuel cell 13 Catalytic reaction vessel 13c Reforming catalyst 10 First supply device 20 Second feeder 30 Controllers 40 burners 42 Flame detectors F1 raw material F2 water F3 Hydrogen-containing gas
Claims
1. A hydrogen generation device that generates hydrogen-containing gas supplied to a fuel cell, A first feeder that supplies raw materials containing hydrocarbons, A second supply unit that supplies water for steam reforming of the aforementioned raw materials, A catalytic reaction vessel containing a reforming catalyst that promotes the steam reforming reaction of the aforementioned raw materials, The system includes a controller that performs a determination process to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the water supply, The controller performs the determination process multiple times during the period for starting the fuel cell. Hydrogen generator.
2. The second time interval is shorter than the first time interval. The first time interval is the time interval from the start of the period to the time when the first decision process is performed in the multiple decision processes. The second time interval is the time interval from the time when the first decision process is performed to the time when the second decision process is performed in the multiple decision processes. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.
3. The controller adjusts the timing at which the decision process is executed based on the temperature measurement data of the reforming catalyst. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.
4. The controller performs the judgment process on the condition that the quantitative data calculated based on the measurement data and which correlates with the deterioration state of the reforming catalyst when there is an abnormality in the water supply is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 3.
5. The aforementioned quantitative data increases over time. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 4.
6. The controller, when it is determined in the judgment process that there is no abnormality in the water supply, resets the quantity data to its initial value. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 5.
7. A burner for heating the catalyst reaction vessel, The burner is further equipped with a flame detector for detecting the flame, The controller determines, in the determination process, that there is an abnormality in the water supply, provided that the time from the point at which the supply of the raw material is stopped until the point at which the flame is detected to have disappeared by the flame detector is less than or equal to a predetermined time. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.
8. The controller, on the condition that it is determined in the determination process that there is an abnormality in the water supply, interrupts the startup of the fuel cell and generates an alert indicating that there is an abnormality in the water supply. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1.
9. A method for producing hydrogen-containing gas supplied to a fuel cell, To supply raw materials containing hydrocarbons, To supply water for steam reforming of the aforementioned raw materials, To cause the steam reforming reaction of the raw material to occur in a catalytic reaction vessel containing a reforming catalyst for the steam reforming reaction of the raw material, This includes performing a determination process to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the water supply, During the period in which the fuel cell is started, the judgment process is performed multiple times. A method for producing hydrogen-containing gas.