Fuel Cell Power Generation Equipment

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell power generation device applicable to various uses.SOLUTION: A fuel cell power generation device includes a fuel cell having a fuel electrode and an air electrode, a fuel pipe that supplies hydrogen to the fuel electrode, an air filter that removes impurities from the air, an air compressor that compresses the air supplied through the air filter and supplies it to the air electrode, an exhaust pipe that discharges exhaust gas generated in the fuel cell, and a first intermediate heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between a first cooling liquid that cools the fuel cell and a different type of cold source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fuel cell power plants. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a fuel cell module is known that includes a first heat exchanger that cools a first coolant discharged from a fuel cell stack, and a second heat exchanger that cools a second coolant discharged from some auxiliary devices such as a converter that boosts the output voltage of the fuel cell stack. A specific example of the heat exchanger is a vehicle radiator (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-86272 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the heat exchanger is limited to a vehicle radiator, it is difficult to apply the fuel cell power generation system to various applications.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a fuel cell power plant that can be used in a variety of applications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect, a fuel cell power generator includes: a fuel cell having an anode and an cathode; a fuel pipe for supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode; Supplement an air compressor that compresses the supplied air and supplies it to the air electrode; an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell; A first cooling liquid for cooling the fuel cell , air, liquid, or compressed hydrogen expanding.and a first intermediate heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with a cold source.

[0007] According to the first aspect, a first cooling liquid for cooling the fuel cell is , air, liquid, or compressed hydrogen expanding. Since the fuel cell power generation system is provided with the first intermediate heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with a cold source, the fuel cell power generation system can be used for a variety of purposes. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure can provide a fuel cell power generation device that can be used for a variety of purposes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fuel cell power generation system including a fuel cell power generation device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail an example of the configuration of a fuel cell power generating apparatus according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An embodiment will be described below.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fuel cell power generation system including a fuel cell power generation device of a first embodiment. The fuel cell power generation system 201 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that supplies power generated by multiple FC (fuel cell) platforms connected in parallel to an external device 12 that is a power supply target. Specific examples of uses of the fuel cell power generation system 201 include a stationary power generation system, a power generation system for cargo handling machines such as port cranes, and a power generation system for ships. Other examples include use in railways and construction machines. Uses of the fuel cell power generation system 201 are not limited to these examples, and the fuel cell power generation system 201 may be applied to other applications.

[0012] The fuel cell power generation system 201 includes a fuel cell power generation device 101 and an auxiliary system 301 .

[0013] The auxiliary system 301 is a peripheral system that includes multiple auxiliary devices connected to the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101, which is the main unit, and assists the operation of the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101. Fig. 1 illustrates, as the multiple auxiliary devices, a control power supply 32, a purge system 30, a fuel system 18, an air supply system 19, an output line 17, a power conversion device 11, a DC / DC converter 13, a secondary battery 14, an exhaust system 31, and a cooler 15. Some or all of the multiple auxiliary devices may be built into the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101, or may be unitized. The fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 may include some or all of the multiple auxiliary devices inside the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101, or may be outside the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101.

[0014] The fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 generates power by using multiple FC platforms to be supplied to an external device 12. The fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 may be unitized. The fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 includes multiple FC platforms (in this example, three FC platforms 1, 2, 3) connected in parallel to an output line 17, and a control device 10 that controls the multiple FC platforms. The number of multiple FC platforms connected in parallel is not limited to three, and may be two, four or more.

[0015] Each of the FC platforms 1, 2, and 3 includes an FC stack connected to a common output line 17 via an output point 16. The FC stack is an example of a fuel cell. The FC platform 1 includes an FC stack 21, the FC platform 2 includes an FC stack 22, and the FC platform 3 includes an FC stack 23.

[0016] The FC stacks 21, 22, 23 are devices that electrochemically convert the chemical energy of fuel such as hydrogen into electrical energy. The FC stacks 21, 22, 23 generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gas supplied via a fuel system 18 including a fuel pipe and oxygen contained in air supplied from the outside via an air supply system 19 including an air pipe. The power generation state of the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 (FC platforms 1, 2, 3) is controlled by a control device 10. Exhaust gas generated by the electrochemical reaction of the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 is discharged via an exhaust system 31 including an exhaust pipe. The FC stacks 21, 22, 23 are cooled by a coolant supplied from a cooler 15 such as a radiator.

[0017] The FC stacks 21, 22, and 23 are, for example, polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) and have a stack structure in which a large number of unit cells are stacked. The unit cell has a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) in which both sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane for selectively transporting hydrogen ions are sandwiched between a pair of electrodes formed of a porous material, and a pair of separators that sandwich the MEA from both sides. Each of the pair of electrodes has a catalyst layer mainly composed of carbon powder that supports, for example, a platinum-based metal catalyst (electrode catalyst), and a gas diffusion layer that is both breathable and electronically conductive.

[0018] The FC stacks 21, 22, 23 are fitted with voltage sensors for detecting the voltages of their output terminals and current sensors for detecting the output currents from their output terminals. The control device 10 obtains the detected values ​​of the voltages output from the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 using the voltage sensors, and obtains the detected values ​​of the currents output from the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 using the current sensors. The control device 10 detects the output powers p1, p2, p3 of the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 using the detected values ​​of the voltages and currents.

[0019] The generated electric power produced by power generation in the FC stacks 21 , 22 , 23 (FC platforms 1 , 2 , 3 ) in the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 is supplied to an external device 12 via a power conversion device 11 .

[0020] The power conversion device 11 is a device that converts input power Pa into power Pc to be supplied to the external device 12. The power conversion device 11 is, for example, an inverter that converts DC power obtained by power generation in the FC stacks 21, 22, and 23 into AC power and supplies it to the external device 12. Specific examples of inverters include a power conditioner (PCS: Power Conditioning System) and a grid-connected inverter. When the external device 12 is a motor, the power conversion device 11 may be an inverter that drives the motor. The power conversion device 11 may be a converter that converts the voltage of the DC power obtained by power generation in the FC stacks 21, 22, and 23 into DC power of a different voltage and supplies it to the external device 12.

[0021] The DC power obtained by power generation in the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 may be charged into a secondary battery 14 connected to an output line 17 via a DC / DC converter 13. Power Pb discharged from the secondary battery 14 is supplied to an external device 12 via a power conversion device 11. Power Pb input (regenerated) from the external device 12 via the power conversion device 11 may be charged into the secondary battery 14. Charging or discharging of the secondary battery 14 is controlled by a DC / DC converter 13 that operates in response to a drive control signal from the control device 10. The DC / DC converter 13 may not be required.

[0022] The secondary battery 14 is a rechargeable battery. The secondary battery 14 is made up of a plurality of storage batteries 141, . . . , 14 connected in series. n (n is an integer of 2 or more). n Specific examples of the above include lithium ion batteries, lithium ion capacitors, and electric double layer capacitors.

[0023] The fuel system 18 may include a reformer that reforms the hydrocarbon fuel supplied from the outside into hydrogen-rich gas. The reformer outputs hydrogen-rich gas generated by a reforming reaction of the hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen pipe. The reformer includes, for example, a desulfurizer that removes sulfur contained in the hydrocarbon fuel, a reformer that causes a reforming reaction of the desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel, and a CO remover that removes carbon monoxide (CO) generated during reforming.

[0024] The hydrocarbon fuel is not limited to city gas, but may include methane gas, propane gas, digester gas derived from sewage sludge, etc., and biogas generated from food waste, etc.

[0025] The control device 10 is a controller that controls the operations of the FC platforms 1, 2, and 3. The control device 10 operates, for example, with power (for example, DC 12 volts direct current power) supplied from a control power supply 32. The control power supply 32 is, for example, a control battery. The number of control devices 10 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, a control device may be provided for each of the FC platforms 1, 2, and 3.

[0026] 1 illustrates an example in which a fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 is equipped with a control power supply 32 common to FC platforms 1, 2, and 3. By commonizing the power supply for the FC platforms 1, 2, and 3 to the control power supply 32, the fuel cell power generation system 201 and the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 can be made smaller than in a configuration in which multiple control power supplies are provided.

[0027] The fuel cell power generation system 101 may include individual control power supplies 32 for the FC platforms 1, 2, and 3. By providing multiple power supplies for the multiple FC platforms individually, even if some of the multiple control power supplies are unusable due to failure or maintenance, etc., the remaining power supplies can be used to continue operation of some or all of the multiple FC platforms.

[0028] The functions of the control device 10 (processing performed by the control device 10) are realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) operating according to a program stored in a memory. The functions of the control device 10 may be realized by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0029] 2 is a diagram showing in detail an example of the configuration of the fuel cell power generation system 101 of the first embodiment. The fuel cell power generation system 101 includes, for example, a control device 10 and a plurality of FC platforms 1, 2, and 3. The FC platform 1 includes, for example, a fuel pipe 118, an air pipe 119, an air filter 33, an exhaust pipe 131, a first cooling system 36, a second cooling system 90, and an FC unit 51. The FC unit 51 includes an FC stack 21, a boost converter 42, a hydrogen pump 43, an air compressor 45, a water pump 44, an air inlet shutoff valve 77, an exhaust air outlet shutoff valve 78, and the like. The boost converter 42, the hydrogen pump 43, the air compressor 45, the water pump 44, the air inlet shutoff valve 77, the exhaust air outlet shutoff valve 78, and the like are controlled by the control device 10. The FC platforms 2 and 3 have the same configuration and function as the FC platform 1, and are controlled by the control device 10 in the same manner as the FC platform 1. Therefore, the description of the FC platforms 2 and 3 will be omitted since the description of the FC platform 1 will be used.

[0030] The FC stack 21 has an anode 71 and an cathode 72. The FC stack 21 generates power by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gas supplied to the anode 71 and oxygen contained in air supplied to the cathode 72. The FC stack 21 is connected to an output line 17 via a boost converter 42. The boost converter 42 is a DC / DC converter that boosts the voltage output from the FC stack 21 and outputs the boosted DC power to the output line 17 via an output point 16. The output power of the multiple FC stacks 21, 22, 23 in the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3 is output to a common output line 17 via the corresponding boost converters 42.

[0031] The fuel pipe 118 is supplied with hydrogen from a fuel system 18 commonly connected to the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, and 3. The fuel pipe 118 supplies hydrogen to the anode 71 via an inlet 75.

[0032] Air is supplied to the air pipe 119 from an air supply system 19 that is commonly connected to the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, and 3. The air pipe 119 supplies air to the air electrode 72 of the FC stack 21 via an inlet 73. The air pipe 119 is not essential, and the air filter 33 may directly draw in air from the open parts of the FC platforms 1, 2, and 3.

[0033] The air filter 33 removes dust and impurities that may adversely affect the fuel cell contained in the air supplied via the air intake system 19 and an air pipe 119, and supplies the air to the air compressor 45 via an air pipe 120. The air filter is also called an air cleaner.

[0034] The air compressor 45 compresses air supplied through the air filter 33 and supplies it to the air electrode 72 of the FC stack 21. The oxygen-containing air compressed by the air compressor 45 is supplied to the air electrode 72 of the FC stack 21 via an inlet 73. The air inlet shutoff valve 77 shuts off the flow of air supplied from the air compressor 45 to the inlet 73 of the air electrode 72.

[0035] The exhaust pipe 131 discharges exhaust gas generated in the FC stack 21 to an exhaust system 31 that is commonly connected to the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, and 3. The exhaust air outlet shutoff valve 78 shuts off the flow of off-gas discharged from the outlet 74 of the air electrode 72 of the FC stack 21 to the exhaust pipe 131.

[0036] The first cooling system 36 cools the FC stack 21 with a first coolant such as cooling water. The first cooling system 36 has a first intermediate heat exchanger 34 that cools the first coolant by exchanging heat with a cold heat source 39. A water pump 44 circulates the first coolant between the first intermediate heat exchanger 34 and the FC stack 21. The FC stack 21 is cooled by the first coolant circulated by the water pump 44.

[0037] The first intermediate heat exchanger 34 is a heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between the first cooling liquid that cools the FC stack 21 and a different type of cold heat source 39. The different types of cold heat sources 39 mean that the type of cold heat source 39 used does not matter. The first intermediate heat exchanger 34 can cool the first cooling liquid with any cold heat source 39 regardless of the type of cold heat source 39 used, thereby realizing a fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 that can be used for various applications as described above.

[0038] The first intermediate heat exchanger 34 has a heat dissipation section 40 through which the first cooling liquid circulating in the first cooling system 36 passes, and a heat receiving section 41 through which a heat medium passes to transfer heat between the first intermediate heat exchanger 34 and the cold heat source 39. The heat medium supplied from the cold heat source 39 may be a liquid or a gas. The first cooling liquid is cooled by dissipating heat from the heat dissipation section 40 to the heat receiving section 41 in the first intermediate heat exchanger 34. A specific example of the first intermediate heat exchanger 34 is a plate heat exchanger, but the first intermediate heat exchanger 34 is not limited thereto.

[0039] The multiple first intermediate heat exchangers 34 in the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3 may each exchange heat with a cold heat source 39 that is commonly connected to the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3. This allows the cold heat source 39 to be common to the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the fuel cell power generation system 101. Note that the cold heat source 39 may be different between the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3.

[0040] The second cooling system 90 cools the air compressor 45 with a second cooling liquid such as cooling water. The second cooling system 90 has a second intermediate heat exchanger 92 that exchanges heat of the second cooling liquid with a cold heat source 94 to cool the second cooling liquid. The pump 91 circulates the second cooling liquid between the second intermediate heat exchanger 92 and the air compressor 45. The air compressor 45 is cooled by the second cooling liquid circulated by the pump 91.

[0041] The second intermediate heat exchanger 92 is a heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between the second cooling liquid, which cools the air compressor 45, and a different type of cold heat source 94. The different types of cold heat sources 94 mean that the type of cold heat source 94 to be used does not matter. The second intermediate heat exchanger 92 can cool the second cooling liquid with any cold heat source 94, regardless of the type of cold heat source 94 to be used, thereby realizing the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 that is applicable to various applications as described above.

[0042] The second intermediate heat exchanger 92 has a heat dissipation section 95 through which the second cooling liquid circulating in the second cooling system 90 passes, and a heat receiving section 96 through which a heat medium passes to transfer heat between the second intermediate heat exchanger 92 and the cold heat source 94. The heat medium supplied from the cold heat source 94 may be a liquid or a gas. The second cooling liquid is cooled by dissipating heat from the heat dissipation section 95 to the heat receiving section 96 in the second intermediate heat exchanger 92. A specific example of the second intermediate heat exchanger 92 is a plate heat exchanger, but the second intermediate heat exchanger 92 is not limited thereto.

[0043] The multiple second intermediate heat exchangers 92 in the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3 may each exchange heat with a cold heat source 94 that is commonly connected to the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3. This allows the cold heat source 94 to be common to the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the fuel cell power generation system 101. Note that the cold heat source 94 may be different between the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3.

[0044] The cooler 15 (FIG. 1) is an example of the cold heat source 39 or the cold heat source 94. The cold heat source 39 or the cold heat source 94 is, for example, an air-cooled cooler, an open-type cooling tower, a closed-type cooling tower, cooling water in a factory, tap water, river water, seawater, heat of vaporization of liquefied hydrogen, or cold heat generated when compressed hydrogen expands.

[0045] The material of the heat receiving portion 41 of the first intermediate heat exchanger 34 is, for example, a low-elution metal (such as highly corrosion-resistant austenitic stainless steel (SUS316L)) that has a relatively low elution rate of metal ions. If the heat medium in contact with the heat receiving portion 41 is seawater or the like, metal ions may be eluted from the heat receiving portion 41 depending on the material of the heat receiving portion 41. If the material of the heat receiving portion 41 is a low-elution metal as described above, restrictions on the heat medium supplied from the cold heat source 39 are alleviated, and the options for the cold heat source 39 increase. As a result, a fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 that can be applied to various applications as described above is realized. The same applies to the material of the heat receiving portion 96 of the second intermediate heat exchanger 92.

[0046] Furthermore, by employing the first intermediate heat exchanger 34, the first coolant can dissipate heat without having to extend the path through which the first coolant circulates to the cold heat source 39 outside the FC platform. In other words, the path through which the first coolant circulates can be shortened, and the amount of expensive first coolant used to cool the fuel cell can be reduced. As a result, costs can be reduced. Similarly, by employing the second intermediate heat exchanger 92, the amount of second coolant used can be reduced, and costs can be reduced.

[0047] The cold heat source 94 from which the second intermediate heat exchanger 92 dissipates heat of the second coolant may be the same as or different from the cold heat source 39 from which the first intermediate heat exchanger 34 dissipates heat of the first coolant. If the cold heat source 94 and the cold heat source 39 are the same, the cold heat source is shared between the first intermediate heat exchanger 34 and the second intermediate heat exchanger 92, and therefore the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 can be made smaller in size.

[0048] The first cooling system 36 may include an ion exchanger 35 that removes ions from the first coolant. Removing ions from the first coolant suppresses an increase in the electrical conductivity of the first coolant that is input to and output from the FC stack 21, thereby suppressing electrical interference between the FC stack 21 and the first coolant.

[0049] In addition, by adopting the first intermediate heat exchanger 34, the dissolution of ions from the first cooling liquid on the first cooling system 36 side to the heat medium on the cold heat source 39 side is suppressed, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance of the ion exchanger 35.

[0050] The first cooling system 36 may include a sensor 37 that measures the electrical conductivity of the first cooling liquid. By including the sensor 37, the electrical conductivity of the first cooling liquid can be managed. For example, when the sensor 37 detects that the electrical conductivity has started to increase, the user can know when to perform maintenance on the ion exchanger 35. Furthermore, by managing the electrical conductivity, the insulation between the DC PNs (between the positive and negative) of the fuel cell can be maintained. When the electrical conductivity is measured to be equal to or higher than a first threshold value (e.g., 1 μS / cm), the sensor 37 or the control device 10 may issue an alarm so that the user can recognize it. When the electrical conductivity is measured to be equal to or higher than a second threshold value (e.g., 5 μS / cm) that is higher than the first threshold value, the control device 10 may stop the FC platform in which the electrical conductivity equal to or higher than the second threshold value is measured.

[0051] The first cooling system 36 may include a first tank 38 that absorbs the expansion or contraction of the first cooling liquid caused by a change in temperature. liquid The expansion or contraction caused by temperature changes is suppressed.

[0052] Similarly, the second cooling system 90 may include a second tank 93 that absorbs the expansion or contraction of the second cooling liquid caused by a change in temperature. liquid The expansion or contraction caused by temperature changes is suppressed.

[0053] The FC platform 1 may include a first gas-liquid separator 79 and a hydrogen pump 43. The first gas-liquid separator 79 separates hydrogen gas and wastewater from the first multiphase flow discharged from an outlet 76 of the anode 71. The hydrogen pump 43 circulates the hydrogen gas separated by the first gas-liquid separator 79 to an inlet 75 of the anode 71. This allows surplus hydrogen gas produced by power generation in the FC stack 21 to be reused for power generation in the FC stack 21.

[0054] The FC platform 1 may include a mixer 80. The exhaust pipe 131 discharges a second mixed-phase flow obtained by combining in the mixer 80 the wastewater separated by the first gas-liquid separator 79, hydrogen mixed in the wastewater, and exhaust air discharged from the outlet 74 of the air electrode 72. This allows the wastewater, hydrogen, and exhaust air to be discharged together.

[0055] The FC platform 1 may include a second gas-liquid separator 81 that separates water and gas from the second multiphase flow. This allows the wastewater and exhaust gas to be separated and discharged. The wastewater or exhaust gas may be collected by a collector 82. This prevents the surrounding area from being polluted by the wastewater or exhaust gas.

[0056] The fuel cell power generation device 101 supplies an inert gas such as nitrogen to a plurality of fuel pipes 118 in a plurality of FC platforms 1, 2, and 3 individually. supply The fuel cell stack 100 may also be provided with a purge system 30 for purging the fuel pipes 118 with an inert gas. The purge system 30 may switch flow paths with valves so that the fuel pipes 118 can be purged individually with an inert gas. This makes it possible to manage the deterioration of characteristics due to purging with an inert gas for each FC stack.

[0057] A part of the output power p1 of the FC stack 21 is used as operating power for accessories such as the air compressor 45 in the FC unit 51, and the surplus power is output as output power P1 of the FC unit 51. The same applies to the output power p2 of the FC stack 22 and the output power p3 of the FC stack 23.

[0058] The control device 10 performs control to maintain the power supplied from the output line 17 to the outside at a substantially constant predetermined value. For example, the control device 10 controls the power generation of the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 (FC platforms 1, 2, 3) and the conversion operation of the DC / DC converter 13 so that the supply power Pa (=Po-Pb) output from the output line 17 to the power conversion device 11 is maintained at a constant target value. Po is the power at the output point 16. Po is equal to the sum of the output powers P1, P2, P3 of the FC platforms 1, 2, 3 (Po=P1+P2+P3). Pb is the power exchanged between the secondary battery 14 and the output line 17.

[0059] The control device 10 may control the power generation of the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 and the conversion operation of the power conversion device 11 so that the power Pc output from the power conversion device 11 to the external device 12 follows a target value. Pa or Pc is an example of power supplied from the output line 17 to the outside.

[0060] The control device 10 may perform control (power fluctuation control) to change (more specifically, increase or decrease) the output power p1, p2, and p3 of the FC stacks 21, 22, and 23 while maintaining the supply power Pa from the output line 17 to the outside at a substantially constant value. The supply power Pa can be detected by a voltage sensor and a current sensor.

[0061] The control device 10 increases or decreases the load on the FC stack 21 by, for example, increasing or decreasing the operating current (load current) of the boost converter 42 of the FC platform 1, and increases or decreases the output power p1. Similarly, the control device 10 increases or decreases the load on the FC stack 22 by increasing or decreasing the operating current (load current) of the boost converter 42 of the FC platform 2, and increases or decreases the output power p2. The control device 10 increases or decreases the load on the FC stack 23 by increasing or decreasing the operating current (load current) of the boost converter 42 of the FC platform 3, and increases or decreases the output power p3.

[0062] By the control device 10 performing the power fluctuation control as described above, the output powers p1, p2, and p3 of the multiple FC stacks 21, 22, and 23 are increased or decreased while the power supply Pa from the output line 17 to the outside is maintained at a substantially constant value. As a result, while a constant power supply from the output line 17 to the outside is ensured, the humidity distribution deviation in the cell surface of the multiple FC stacks 21, 22, and 23 is reduced compared to the case where the output powers p1, p2, and p3 are always controlled to be constant. By reducing the humidity distribution deviation in the cell surface, the increase in current density due to the decrease in effective reaction area is suppressed, and deterioration of the electrolyte membrane due to the increase in current density is suppressed. Therefore, by the control device 10 performing the power fluctuation control to increase or decrease the output powers p1, p2, and p3 while the supply power Pa is maintained at a substantially constant value, a substantially constant power supply is ensured and deterioration of the multiple FC stacks 21, 22, and 23 is suppressed. Suppressing the deterioration of the multiple FC stacks 21, 22, 23 contributes to improving the durability of the fuel cell power generation device 101 and the fuel cell power generation system 201.

[0063] The fuel cell power generation system 201 or the fuel cell power generation apparatus 101 may include a plurality of switches (switches 61, 62, and 63 in this example) provided for each of a plurality of FC platforms. The switch 61 is a circuit breaker that switches between disconnection and connection of the power path between the FC stack 21 and the boost converter 42, and the output point 16 connected to the output line 17. The switch 62 is a circuit breaker that switches between disconnection and connection of the power path between the FC stack 22 and the boost converter (not shown), and the output point 16 connected to the output line 17. The switch 63 is a circuit breaker that switches between disconnection and connection of the power path between the FC stack 23 and the boost converter (not shown), and the output point 16 connected to the output line 17.

[0064] The control device 10 may separate some of the FC stacks 21, 22, 23 from the other FC stacks by the switches 61, 62 or 63. With the some of the FC stacks separated, the control device 10 may control the output power of the other FC stacks so that the supply power Pa is maintained at a substantially constant value. This makes it easy to replace the some of the FC stacks while the supply power Pa is maintained at a substantially constant value. For example, with the FC stack 21 separated from the FC stacks 22, 23 by the switch 61, the control device 10 may control the output power of the other FC stacks 22, 23 so that the supply power Pa is maintained at a substantially constant value. The switches 61, 62, 63 are automatically switched on and off by the control device 10, but may also be switched manually.

[0065] The fuel cell power generation system 101 may include shutoff valves for shutting off piping and switches for shutting off wiring so that some of the multiple FC platforms can be shut down and removed while the remaining FC platforms are in operation. The piping transmits liquids (coolant, wastewater, etc.) or gases (air, hydrogen, exhaust gas, etc.), and the wiring transmits power and signals. Examples of shutoff valves for shutting off piping include an air inlet shutoff valve 77 and an exhaust air outlet shutoff valve 78. Examples of switches for shutting off wiring include switches 61, 62, and 63.

[0066] The fuel cell power generation system 101 may have a function of individually detecting ground faults in multiple FC platforms. For example, the control device 10 may use the switch 61, 62 or 63 to isolate an FC platform from among the multiple FC platforms 1, 2, 3 in which a drop in resistance to ground or a ground fault has been detected.

[0067] A plurality of storage batteries 141, . . . , 14 are connected in series so that the output voltage of the secondary battery 14 and the output voltage at the output point 16 are approximately equal to each other. n In this way, the DC / DC converter 13 can be eliminated, and the fuel cell power generator 101 can be made smaller in size.

[0068] In order to increase the capacity of the secondary battery 14 in accordance with the relationship between the power demand of the external device 12 and the fuel cell power generation device 101, multiple storage batteries 141, . . . , 14 n A plurality of storage batteries 141, ..., 14 may be connected in parallel. n The number of parallel connections is preferably smaller than the number of multiple FC platforms commonly connected to output line 17. In this case, the fuel cell power generation system 101 can be made smaller than when storage batteries are individually connected to each output power line of the multiple FC platforms.

[0069] In this way, according to this embodiment, the problem of decarbonizing power sources by hydrogen power generation can be solved in fields such as stationary generators, power sources for port loading and unloading machines (such as cranes), ship power sources, railway power sources, heavy construction machinery, and heavy civil engineering machinery. There are hydrogen combustion and fuel cell types of hydrogen power generation, but the fuel cell type is generally more efficient. When applying fuel cells to multiple applications, it takes time and effort to develop each system. According to this embodiment, the problem of developing an inexpensive and highly efficient platform that can be used in common for various applications can be solved. More specifically, in order to apply it to various applications (stationary, crane, ship, railway, construction machinery, etc.), the common parts are constructed as an FC platform, thereby reducing the system development resources (design, engineering, etc.) for each application. By using a platform common to each application, the mass production effect of the FC platform can be obtained, and the price can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for the two cooling systems (first cooling system 36 and second cooling system 90), individual engineering of the cooling systems is not required depending on the system to which they are applied, the installation location, etc. More specifically, by installing an intermediate heat exchanger for one or both of the two cooling systems within the FC platform, individual engineering of the cooling systems is not required.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the parallelization of FC platforms can improve scalability and support high output. By constructing an FC platform incorporating auxiliary equipment, multiple FC platforms can be easily parallelized, making it easier to improve scalability and support high output.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, multiple FC platforms can be separated independently, making handling such as transportation easier, which, for example, facilitates maintenance. For example, in the event of a system failure, the system downtime is shortened by replacing each FC platform, improving the system's operating rate. In the event of a system failure, instead of repairing the system on-site, the FC platform is returned to the factory and repaired there, reducing the cost of on-site repair. During the factory return period, a substitute FC platform is replaced, improving the system's operating rate.

[0073] As described above, the embodiment has been described, but the above embodiment is presented as an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0074] For example, in FIG. 1, the point where the purge system 30 that supplies nitrogen merges with the fuel system 18 that supplies hydrogen is after the fuel system 18 branches off toward the FC stacks 21, 22, and 23, but it may be before the branching. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1,2,3 FC Platform 10 Control device 11 Power conversion device 12 External device 13 DC / DC converter 14 Secondary battery 141,14 n Storage battery 15 Cooler 16 output points 17 Output line 18 Fuel system 19 Air supply system 21, 22, 23 FC Stack 30 Purge system 31 Exhaust system 32 Control power supply 33 Air Filter 34 1st intermediate heat exchanger 35 Ion exchanger 36 1st cooling system 37 Sensors 38 First Tank 39 Cold source 40 Heat dissipation part 41 Heat receiving part 42 Boost Converter 43 Hydrogen Pump 44 Water Pump 45 Air Compressor 51 FC unit 61, 62, 63 Switches 71 Fuel electrode 72 Air electrode 73,75 entrance 74,76 Exit 77 Air inlet shutoff valve 78 Exhaust air outlet shutoff valve 79 1st gas-liquid separator 80 mixer 81 Second gas-liquid separator 82 Retriever 90 Second cooling system 91 Pump 92 Second intermediate heat exchanger 93 Second Tank 94 Cold source 95 Heat radiation part 96 Heat receiving part 101 Fuel cell power generation equipment 118 Fuel pipe 119,120 Air pipe 131 Exhaust pipe 201 Fuel Cell Power Generation System 301 Auxiliary Systems

Claims

1. a fuel cell having an anode and an cathode; a fuel pipe for supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode; an air compressor that compresses the supplied air and supplies it to the air electrode; an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell; a first intermediate heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between a first cooling liquid for cooling the fuel cell and a liquid supplied from a first cold heat source; a second intermediate heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between a second cooling liquid that cools the air compressor and a liquid supplied from a second cold source different from the first cold source.

2. a fuel cell having an anode and an cathode; a fuel pipe for supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode; an air compressor that compresses the supplied air and supplies it to the air electrode; an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gas generated by the fuel cell; a first intermediate heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between a first cooling liquid for cooling the fuel cell and a liquid supplied from a first cold heat source; a second intermediate heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between a second cooling liquid for cooling the air compressor and a liquid supplied from the first cold heat source.

3. 3 . The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 1 , further comprising a cooling tower connected to the first intermediate heat exchanger and serving as the first cold source.

4. 10. The fuel cell power plant of claim 1 further comprising an ion exchanger for removing ions from the first cooling fluid.

5. 5. The fuel cell power plant according to claim 4, further comprising a sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of the first coolant.

6. 2. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a first tank for absorbing expansion or contraction of the first coolant caused by a change in temperature.

7. a first gas-liquid separator for separating hydrogen gas from a first mixed-phase flow discharged from an outlet of the anode; 2. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydrogen pump that circulates the hydrogen gas separated by the first gas-liquid separator to an inlet of the fuel electrode.

8. 8. The fuel cell power generation device according to claim 7, wherein the exhaust pipe discharges a second multiphase flow obtained by combining wastewater separated by the first gas-liquid separator, hydrogen mixed in the wastewater, and exhaust air discharged from an outlet of the air electrode.

9. 9. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 8, further comprising a second gas-liquid separator that separates water and gas from the second multiphase flow.

10. Equipped with multiple fuel cell platforms, each of the plurality of fuel cell platforms includes the fuel cell, the fuel pipe, the air compressor, the exhaust pipe, the first intermediate heat exchanger, and the second intermediate heat exchanger; The output power of the fuel cells in the fuel cell platforms is output to a common output line.

3. A fuel cell power generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The plurality of first intermediate heat exchangers are connected to a common cold source in the plurality of fuel cell platforms; The fuel cell power plant of claim 10 , wherein a plurality of said second intermediate heat exchangers are connected to a common cold source for said plurality of fuel cell platforms.

12. The first intermediate heat exchanger has a first heat dissipation section through which the first cooling liquid passes and a first heat receiving section through which liquid supplied from the first cold heat source passes, and the first cooling liquid is cooled by heat dissipation from the first heat dissipation section to the first heat receiving section, 3. The fuel cell power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the second intermediate heat exchanger has a second heat dissipation section through which the second cooling liquid passes, and a second heat receiving section through which liquid supplied from the first cold heat source or a second cold heat source different from the first cold heat source passes, and the second cooling liquid is cooled by heat dissipation from the second heat dissipation section to the second heat receiving section.

13. 11. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 10, further comprising a control device that controls the output of each of the plurality of fuel cells so that the power supplied from the output line to the outside is maintained at a predetermined value.

14. 14. The fuel cell power generation device according to claim 13, wherein the control device isolates some of the plurality of fuel cells from the other fuel cells and controls the output power of the other fuel cells so that the supply power is maintained at the predetermined value.

15. 14. The fuel cell power plant according to claim 13, further comprising individual control power supplies for said plurality of fuel cell platforms.

16. The fuel cell power plant according to claim 13 , further comprising a control power supply common to the plurality of fuel cell platforms.

17. a secondary battery connected to the output line; 11. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 10, wherein the secondary battery includes a plurality of storage batteries connected in series.

18. a plurality of storage batteries connected in parallel to the output line; The fuel cell power plant of claim 10 , wherein the number of said plurality of storage batteries is less than the number of said plurality of fuel cell platforms.

19. The fuel cell power plant according to claim 10 , further comprising a purge system that individually supplies an inert gas to a plurality of the fuel pipes in the plurality of fuel cell platforms.

20. 2. The fuel cell power generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling tower connected to the second intermediate heat exchanger and serving as the second cold source.

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